article
stringlengths 310
11.4k
| highlights
stringlengths 45
2.68k
| id
stringlengths 40
40
|
|---|---|---|
(CNN) -- From the men on "Guys with Kids" to "The New Normal's" dads-to-be, prime time is full of fathers. And it's not just NBC. ABC's "Last Man Standing," which stars veteran TV dad Tim Allen, will premiere its second season in November, while ABC Family's "Baby Daddy" will be back with season 2 in 2013. Yep. It's a good time to be a TV dad. Just ask Scott Baio. The former "Happy Days" and "Charles in Charge" stars' "See Dad Run" is making its time slot debut on Nick at Nite Sunday. Baio plays David Hobbs on the network's first scripted series. Hobbs is an actor, famous for playing "America's favorite dad" on TV, who decides to stay at home with his three kids after his sitcom comes to an end and his wife (Alanna Ubach) goes back to work as an actress. The show-within-a-show premise prompts most of the laughs. Like when Hobbs recycles lines from his sitcom to try and communicate with his lovelorn teenage daughter (Ryan Newman). "I promise you," he recites, "there's one guy that will always be there for you no matter what." It's been awhile since Baio's fans have seen him in this capacity. After an arc on the third season of "Arrested Development" and two VH1 reality shows, the actor said he wanted to focus on his family and the Bailey Baio Angel Foundation, named after his daughter, which supports families affected by metabolic disorders. As a dad, Baio told CNN it was the premise of "See Dad Run" that lured him back to the soundstage, the same one "Happy Days" was filmed on, no less. "I related to it easily and that was it," he said. Of course, this isn't the first time Baio has cared for kids on TV. On the CBS sitcom "Charles in Charge," which ran from 1984 to 1990, Baio played a 19-year-old student who babysat three children in exchange for room and board. "There's nothing new under the sun. No new ideas," Baio said. "This is an idea that's not particularly original, but it's fun and it's funny." What makes "See Dad Run" different, Baio said, is the fact that "it's a story about a guy who is not an idiot like a lot of TV dads are. He's just ... playing catch up (after playing a dad on TV for 10 years), and he'll never really get there because nobody every really gets there." Being a dad in real life is "helpful" when it comes to playing a dad on "See Dad Run," Baio said, adding, it has shaped the way he approaches his character. "You don't really know what the hell you're doing most of the time anyway," Baio said. "I just sort of get through the day hoping I didn't screw it up totally. So that's what I try to do on the show, not screw up my kids emotionally." | Scott Baio's "See Dad Run" makes its time slot debut Sunday on Nick at Nite . Baio plays David Hobbs on the network's first scripted series . Baio, who is a dad, said the premise of "See Dad Run" lured him back . | d13b690122f13ec21e1325c063f7f48da1ea229e |
By . Becky Evans . PUBLISHED: . 08:16 EST, 19 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:57 EST, 20 May 2013 . Jessie Flower, left, never forgot the support the Gosden House gave her and sister Elsie, right, when their father died . A former secretary has left £2.1million to her old boarding school after it supported her through the death of her father when she was a child. Jessie Flower's bequest will be used to fund the education of 50 pupils who have lost at least one of their parents at her old boarding school. Mrs Flower, who died in 2011 aged 89, always remembered the help she and sister Elsie received from Gosden House in the 1930s when their father died. The charity foundation even paid for Mrs Flower to train as a secretary when she left the school in Bramley, near Guildford, in Surrey, aged 16. The young sisters were sent to Gosden House, the girls' school of Lord Wandsworth College (LWC) by their widowed mother who was struggling to support them. Mrs Flower never forgot the support she received and stayed in touch with the school until she died. LWC headmaster Fergus Livingstone said the bequest is the biggest they have ever received. He said: 'Mrs Flower's bequest is a very significant gift for our foundation. 'Mrs Flower was not only grateful for her own education, but could see the value of a boarding school education for children in a similar situation in today's environment. 'Her decision to support our charity in this way is a huge endorsement of the work that we continue to do here and will bring significant progress to our programme to refinance the foundation as it enters its second century. 'We . have a lot of records from the girls' time here - their mother . obviously needed a lot of help bringing them up alone and expressed her . gratitude very frequently. 'Times were very different then and there was not a lot of support for bereaved families left without a source of income. 'Mr and Mrs Flower's gift from their assets and savings is a massive one and we have never had a donation of this size before. 'The pupils who will benefit from it are absolutely amazed and so grateful.' Gosden House, girls' school of Lord Wandsworth College, said it the bequest is the biggest in their history . Headmaster Fergus Livingstone said the money will educate children for 20 years . A year after she left the school Jessie married William Flower, who worked in insurance, and they settled in Minehead, Somerset. The childless couple lived modestly and Mr Flower died before his wife, who stayed in touch with the school all her life. Shortly before her death, she was in contact and identifying herself and school friends in old photographs. The trustees of the foundation charity of LWC will invest the sum into the William and Jessie Fund. It will pay school fees for the 50 foundation pupils who currently attend the college and is expected to last around 20 years. The school site was originally bought using a £1.2million bequest by Lord Wandsworth, who wanted to help children who had lost parents through agricultural accidents. Since it opened in 1922, more than 2,500 pupils have received support from the foundation including England rugby player Ugo Monye, who left in 2001. The bequest brings the total given to the foundation in the past five years to more than £3.3million. | Jessie Flower kept in touch with Gosden House after she left in the 1930s . She was grateful for the care it provided to her and her sister Elsie . The £2.1million bequest is the biggest in the boarding school's history . Money to fund education of 50 children who have lost at least one parent . | e46c5a224cdf180406bf2db1dfc881bfaaa4a536 |
(Mashable) -- Social media management company Vitrue released a free tool Thursday, the Social Page Evaluator, designed to help marketers get a better understanding of a Facebook page's value. Just submit a Facebook page URL and the app will come up with a valuation based on factors like number of fans, number of posts per day, number of interactions and so forth.ssss . It's a cool -- if not completely scientific -- way to gauge the potential value of your Facebook page to advertisers. The formula used by the Social Page Evaluator is related to the formula that Vitrue released last month to estimate the relative value of Facebook Fans to big brands. The tool, which was built over 63 hours in a Startup Weekend-style project, is adjustable and interactive. For instance, the base rate of Earned Media Value (or CPM in more traditional terms) is $5, but this can be adjusted to a higher or lower value depending on the brand in question. Likewise, there is a "Fan-tasize" section that lets you manipulate other features like number of posts per day, engagement level and Fan count to see how that affects the valuation. You can also compare a Facebook Page with up to three other brands at a time and view a Page's value history. In addition to the valuation data, there is also a list of best practices for getting the most out of your Facebook Page. So how accurate is this tool? It's difficult to determine, as it is based on a formula that, while derived from a study of large brands, is obviously not going to be applicable to all companies. Still, it's a fun, easy way to get an idea of the factors that impact a Facebook Page valuation. It's also a good stepping stone for marketers to start thinking about the potential advertising power of a Facebook Page. What do you think of the tool? Let us know! © 2010 MASHABLE.com. All rights reserved. | A new app helps marketers get a better understanding of a Facebook page's value . Submit a Facebook page URL to see a valuation based on factors like number of fans . The tool, built in a Startup Weekend-style project, is adjustable and interactive . | ef6ff77c8b1f29838c60ee180acdd00f7456b47f |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . UPDATED: . 11:11 EST, 14 December 2011 . The final, ultra-expensive F-22 Raptor fighter jet rolled off the assembly line at an aircraft plant on Tuesday. The jet got a send-off at the Lockheed Martin factory at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Georgia. The U.S. military will now turn its attention to the less costly F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, Fox News reports. The big goodbye: The final F-22 Raptor fighter jet rolls out of the assembly plant in Marietta, Georgia, on Tuesday . The twin-engine F-22 Raptor is one of the fastest, most manoeuvrable jets in operation. It has a confidential top speed and the ability to cruise at more than 1.5 times the speed of sound without using its afterburner. However, plans to add seven more F-22s to the U.S. Air Force's fleet of 187 were in 2009 cancelled by Congress, saving $1.75billion from the defence department's budget. There have been concerns in Washington that the F-22 is too hi-tech. Congress has banned its sale overseas because it was deemed that the technology involved is too sensitive to share with other countries. Various foreign governments want to buy an F-22. Critics of the jet also argue that it is not needed any more and is a costly waste of time. Despite its undoubted power, it has not seen any action in Iraq or Afghanistan. The official price tag is $153million, but factor in research, development and maintenance costs and gthat figure could double. A $153million price tag: Critics have argued the hi-tech Raptor is not needed in the post-Cold War world . Congress has banned sale of the fighter jet overseas because the technology involved is deemed too sensitive to share with other countries . The F-22 supports 900 jobs but Lockheed Martin says shutting down the F-22 program will not impact on jobs because workers will be deployed on other projects, including increased production of the F-35. The U.S. military fleet currently has an operational fleet of 187 Raptors. | Fighter jet received send-off at Lockheed Martin factory in Marietta, Georgia . | 3b8eea6175ccc530433cff5865813a4065cb9d55 |
Tarbuck spent 11 months on police bail, during which time he was unable to work . Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck has said accusers in sexual assault cases should be named, after his harrowing ordeal when he spent nearly a year on police bail. The entertainer said he had suffered the 'worst year imaginable' since his arrest in April 2013 as part of the £2.7million Operation Yewtree triggered by Jimmy Savile's abuses. Tarbuck spent 11 months on police bail, during which time he was unable to work. But in March he was told there would be no charges over an allegation of child sex abuse in the 1970s made by six individuals. Tarbuck, said he was relieved that his name has been cleared, but disturbed that those who pointed the finger at him remain anonymous while he was held in a blaze of publicity. In an interview with the Sunday People, he said: 'What can you do? The only thing that annoyed me, other than the lies, the total lies, is that they remain anonymous and no one knows who they are. 'It upset me. It upset my family. It was a lot of stress, but you do find out who your friends are at a time like that. 'You wake up at seven o'clock in the morning with a knock on the door and there are 14 policemen up your drive and you've gotta go, "What?" 'One day when I write it out people won't believe it and will say, "It wasn't like that, was it?" I'll say, "Yes it was." It was blatant, total lies.' Tarbuck said a group of women 'jumped on the bandwagon' after his arrest became public last year. 'They claimed I had made inappropriate sexual advances during Top of the Pops in 1963, he said. 'Not only have I never met these women, I have never appeared on Top of the Pops – which in any event didn't start until 1964. 'I would think on certain areas it's a witch-hunt. Maybe there has been a bit of a witch-hunt. And why? Is it envy? Is it greed? Is it illness? Is it mistaken identity? I don't know.' Scroll down for video . Jimmy Tarbuck pictured outside the London Palladium in 1969 - he will return to the venue tonight . Now, with his name untarnished, Tarbuck will mark a triumphant comeback on tonight's London Palladium show. And it has a special place in his heart, as it was the stage from where he hosted Saturday Night at the London Palladium for two years from 1965. He said: 'It's just a thrill walking on that stage. You're playing in the Premier League and the Palladium is that - it doesn't get any better than that. 'The Palladium is the most famous theatre in the world.' The Liverpudlian comedian said he had suffered the 'worst year imaginable' but will make a comeback at the London Palladium tonight . Known for his gap-toothed grin, broad Liverpudlian accent and love of golf, 'Tarby' began his showbusiness career aged 18 as a member of a touring rock and roll show and then as a Redcoat for a Butlins holiday camp in Brighton. After leaving school at 15 his first jobs were as a mechanic and sweeping the floor of a ladies' hairdresser. He recalled: 'It was a brilliant way to meet girls.' Tarbuck was classmates with John Lennon at Dovedale Junior School in Liverpool. He claimed the former Beatle once spiked his drink with speed. The entertainer's first taste of mainstream success came in 1964, when he presented It's Tarbuck 65! on ITV. He went on to host numerous quiz shows, including Winner Takes All and Full Swing. In the 1980s, he hosted Sunday night variety shows Live From Her Majesty's, Live from the Piccadilly and Live from the Palladium. He was awarded an OBE for services to showbusiness and charity in 1994. Operation Yewtree was launched in October 2012 after Jimmy Savile, who died aged 84 in 2011, was exposed as a predatory paedophile who abused hundreds of victims. David Lee Travis - The former Radio 1 star was given a suspended sentence of three months for indecently assaulting a woman in 1995 last month. At an earlier trial, he was cleared of 12 counts of indecent assault, alleged to have taken place between 1976 and 2008. William Roache - The Coronation Street actor was cleared of sex charges dating back to the 1960s. He always maintained his innocence and blamed hysteria after the Jimmy Savile scandal for 'money-grabbing' women who falsely accused him of sex offences. Gary Glitter - The former pop star was arrested on October 28, 2012, on sex abuse allegations. The convicted paedophile was charged with six counts of indecent assault, one of unlawful sex with a girl under 13, and one count of administering a drug to obtain sex. He is awaiting trail. Freddie Starr - The comedian was initially arrested on November 1, 2012 and has since been rearrested three times after fresh allegations emerged from further alleged sex assault victims. On May 6, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that Starr would not be prosecuted . Wilfred De’ath - The former BBC producer was arrested on November 11, 2012 on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, but was released without charge after a woman withdrew a complaint against him. The 76-year-old has blasted police for being ‘overzealous’, pursuing ‘spurious’ claims, and failing ‘lamentably’ to stop Jimmy Savile’s reign of terror while he was still alive. Jim Davidson - The comedian was arrested on January 2 last year on suspicion of sexual offences, but the Big Brother winner was later told he would not face further action. Mike Osman - The radio DJ was arrested on January 2 last year on suspicion of sex offences but was told he will not face any charges last August. Max Clifford - The public relations expert was arrested on December 6, 2012. In April the 70-year-old was charged with 11 counts of indecent assault on teenage girls. He was jailed for eight years. David Smith: The former driver who worked for the BBC was found dead at his home on the first day of his trial in October last year. The 67-year-old was arrested in December 2012 and charged in April last year with abusing a 12-year-old boy in 1984. Ted Beston: The former BBC radio producer was arrested on December 19, 2012. In May last year it was announced that the 77-year-old would not face any further action. Rolf Harris: The 84-year-old Australian entertainer was convicted of 12 indecent assaults on June 30 at Southwark Crown Court, one on an eight-year-old autograph hunter, two on girls in their early teens and a catalogue of abuse of his daughter's friend over 16 years. He was jailed for five years and nine months for the sex abuse . Paul Gambaccini: The radio presenter was arrested on October 29 last year on suspicion of sexual offences. No further action has been taken. Chris Denning: The Radio 1 DJ was first arrested on Monday, June 3. He has since been re-arrested twice over alleged sexual offences. He was charged with 41 sex offences. He has pleaded guilty to 29 counts and the trial on remaining counts will begin in November. | Jimmy Tarbuck said accusers in sexual assault cases should be named . The comedian was arrested in April 2013 as part of Operation Yewtree . In March he was told there would be no charges over allegations . He said it had been the 'worst year imaginable' and that it was 'total lies' Tarbuck makes a triumphant comeback on tonight's London Palladium show . | 6eeffc430838e2943822e58da8099d9b79f5630a |
The family of brain-dead teen Jahi McMath have released videos which they say prove she's still alive. In the two clips released on Friday, the 13-year-old is seen lying in her bed at a New Jersey hospital, moving on command. In one clip, her mother, Nailah Winkfield, asks her to move her leg and the girl's foot jerks in reaction. In the other clip, her mother asks her to move her arm, and the girl's hand grips an object before relaxing. McMath's family have been fighting with the state of California ever since December, when the girl was declared brain-dead following a routine tonsil surgery at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital in Oakland, California. Scroll down for video . Sign of life? The family of brain-dead teen Jahi McMath claim she's still alive, and have released video showing her moving on command. In the above screen grabs, the 13-year-old's foot is seen moving, after her mother, Nailah Winkfield, asks her to move her leg . Tragic: Jahi McMath, 13, was declared brain dead last December following a routine tonsil surgery at a San Francisco, California hospital . Hold tight: In another video clip released by Jahi's family, the 13-year-old is seen gripping an object after being asked by her mother . At the time, three doctors agreed she was legally dead and applied to turn off her life support machine. But McMath's family refused to accept the prognosis and eventually won an injunction preventing the hospital from switching off the ventilator, and transferred the teen to a undisclosed facility in New Jersey willing to keep her alive. Now they're petitioning the court to reverse the death certificate, using the videos as evidence of Jahi's life. 'I always knew cause I'm her mother, and I talk to Jahi, she responds so I said, "she can't be brain-dead if she's responding,"' her mother, Winkfield, said at a Friday press conference. Keeping her alive: The family won an injunction preventing the hospital switching off life support and agreed a 'protocol' with them in which the teenager could be transferred to another facility while on a ventilator. Jahi's mother Nailah Winkfield (right) pictured with her husband Marvin outside Children's Hospital in Oakland in January . Jahi McMath's relatives wants want the teen to be declared alive again so she can be moved back to her home state of California to receive treatment . The family's attorney, Christopher Dolan, says experts are wiling to testify that Jahi's MRI shows sign of some brain activity. 'There's a difference between being brain-damaged and between being brain-dead,' Dolan said. The family will present their case in front of a California judge on October 9. If they win the case, and the death certificate is reversed, Jahi's family will be able to move her back to California where her care would be provided at state taxpayer's expense. However, Dolan insisted that the latest legal maneuver is not about money. Although he did acknowledge that 'she would be eligible for the same state benefits as every other person not brain dead on a ventilator, and who gets full medical care'. Still, many experts are dubious of the new video evidence that Jahi is alive. David Magnus, director of the Stanford Center for Biomedical Ethics and co-Chair of the Ethics Committee for the Stanford Health Center of Stanford University, says he hasn't seen the video but that it's common for brain-dead people to have random body movements. 'There's no evidence that patients who are brain dead can ever recover,' Magnus told ABC 7. 'There is no recovery from death.' Jahi McMath (right) with her family at the wedding of her mother to stepfather Martin Winkfield (center right). also in this photograph are Mariana Winkfield (left) and her grandmother Sandra Chatman (center left) | Jahi McMath, 13, was left with brain damage following a routine tonsil surgery last year and declared dead . Her family fought with the state of California, and eventually won an injunction to keep the teen on life support with their own funds . This week, the family released video showing the 13-year-old girl moving on command which they say is proof she's still alive . The family is now hoping to have the girl's death certificate reversed so they can return her to California for treatment . She has spent the last several months on a ventilator at a facility in New Jersey . | 47119ffb998cf1313fe27bd07d527d1fe08ba557 |
By . Daily Mail Reporters . PUBLISHED: . 09:31 EST, 9 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:06 EST, 9 July 2013 . Arrest: Laura Elizabeth Whitehurst, 28, allegedly had sex with three high school students . The high school teacher whose baby was allegedly fathered by one of her students has been charged with 41 counts of sex and oral copulation with a minor. Laura Elizabeth Whitehurst, 28, from Redlands, California, was arrested last week after the mother of the boy - now 17 - reported their alleged year-long relationship and subsequent birth of their child to police. The Citrus Valley High student is believed to have been present at the birth. She met him while acting as his adviser at the school. Since then, two more former students have come forward to claim they had a sexual relationship with Whitehurst. The charges filed yesterday by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office reflect the alleged relationships with the three teen students. Whitehurst is charged with 30 counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, and 11 counts of oral copulation of a person under 18. If convicted, she faces up to 29 years in prison. Her bail was increased from $25,000 to $750,000 in light of the recent allegations. She told investigators she and the father of her child began having sex at her apartment after a Disneyland trip in 2012. Another victim was a 14-year-old freshman during the time of their alleged relationship. 'The victim, now 20, told police that he and Whitehurst had sex in her classroom before school, as well as at her apartment and in her car,' a police news release stated. The latest victim to come forward said . he was 16 when he had sex with Whitehurst when she was his English . teacher at Redlands High School. With child: Whitehurst, 28, gave birth to a baby last month who was allegedly fathered by a student, aged 16 . The victim, who identified himself to NBC4 as . 22-year-old Michael Cooper, said the class had been told to write about . their dreams and afterwards, Whitehurst told him she had dreamed of . kissing him during a school field trip. 'I didn't have anything to say . really,' he said. 'I was like, "Oh really, that's crazy," and a couple . of days later, we ended up actually kissing.' He . said that they kissed in her classroom and two weeks later, she invited him to her apartment and . he spent the night. They . continued to have sex a few times a month but he said he never felt as . if they were in a relationship, but when they contacted each other, they . both knew what was going to happen, he said. 'When . it happens, you're kind of like, . all right, this is pretty badass,' he said. 'You know, my teacher is . into me. I was 17 and I was having a good time is what it was. 'I didn't feel like a victim; I'm not . scarred for life or anything. To be honest, I had a . good time when it was going on.' 'Former flame': Michael Cooper, now 22, said he had sex with the teacher when he was just 16. He said that she told him she had dreamed about kissing him and they later had sex at her home . 'Lovers': Images show Cooper, then 16, and Whitehurst, then 23, at the time of their 'relationship' in 2007 . But . in spring 2008, he said he stopped returning the teacher's messages and . calls as he had a girlfriend and had started to feel guilty. They . eventually broke the relationship off amicably, he said. He added that he did not get preferential treatment in class because of their relationship. Cooper . has filed a police report but told authorities he does not wish to . press charges. He told NBC4 that he wanted to share his story to . encourage other victims to come forward. Whitehurst said that they had a . relationship 'but not to that extent', Redlands police Detective Natasha . Crawford said during a phone interview. According to the Redlands Police . Department, Whitehurst's underage lover - with whom she had a child - was 16-years-old during their . year-long relationship, which allegedly started last summer. 'Bad teacher': Whitehurst, left in a yearbook picture, allegedly had sex with three teenage students . The . mother of the alleged victim, who is now 17, became . aware of the affair between her son and his teacher and notified the . Redlands United School District, which in turn contacted police. Whitehurst gave birth to a child June 18, and police say her former student is the father. Since her arrest last week, Whitehurst had been placed on administrative leave. ‘Nothing is as important to us as the safety of our students and the District takes this arrest very seriously. 'We are fully cooperating with police in their investigation of this matter,’ Assistant School Superintendent Sabine Robertson-Phillips said. Safe space: Whitehurst taught English to sophomores at Citrus Valley high School, where she was also a Link Crew adviser and a Compact Careers Club adviser . The educator graduated from Redlands East Valley High School and taught English to sophomores at Citrus Valley, where she was also a Link Crew adviser and a Compact Careers Club adviser. In 2010, Whitehurst was also an assistant soccer coach. She previously was a volunteer soccer coach for American Youth Soccer Organization in Redlands. The news blog PE.com reported that Whitehurst's father, Dale Whitehurst, has served as principal of Brywn Mawr Elementary and Moore Middle schools in Redlands. He also worked as assistant principal at Redlands Easy Valley high School. | Laura Elizabeth Whitehurst arrested last and released on $25,000 bail . Her baby 'was fathered by 16-year-old student she advised' He was said to be at the hospital when the baby was born . Second 'victim was 16 when they had sexual relationship in 2007 after she told him she had dreamed about kissing him' Third 'victim was just 14 when they had sex in her classroom and car' Faces up to 29 years in prison . | 29cd153171ffb6f54d2047824799a3d6996906bd |
Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) -- Thai police have arrested and detained another Iranian suspect in connection with a series of bombs that went off in Bangkok this month, a law enforcement official said. Madani Seyed Mehrded, 33, was taken at a rental house, where authorities also confiscated a computer and a mobile phone, said the official, who was not authorized to talk to the media. The Bangkok blasts did not kill anyone. Their intended targets are not clear, although authorities have said they were intended for Israeli diplomats. They went off a day after a device attached to an Israeli Embassy van in New Delhi, India, exploded, wounding several people. Another device, found on an embassy car in Tbilisi, Georgia's capital, was safety detonated. The Thai National Security Council has drawn a tentative link between the bombs in Bangkok and those in India and Georgia, saying the materials used in the explosive devices were similar. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has blamed Tehran for the attacks. Iran has denied the accusation, saying that "Israeli agents are often the perpetrators of such terrorist acts." Iran has also suggested that it would be willing to provide some assistance in investigating the Bangkok bombings. Arrest warrants have been issued for five suspects, all identified as Iranians. Three of the five were already in custody. | An official identifies the suspect as Madani Seyed Mehrded, 33 . The attacks did not kill anyone . The Israeli prime minister blames Tehran; Iran denies the accusation . | b0d80c1bf86e71d18112ac63f33eb9ec5d48e367 |
Julian Dicks has returned to West Ham after agreeing a deal to take over the management of the club's women's side. The 45-year-old enjoyed two lengthy spells at Upton Park during his playing career but also hit out at current boss Sam Allardyce when the Hammers were going through a difficult spell at the turn of the year. Dicks has previous managerial experience with Wivenhoe Town and Grays Athletic, and revealed on Twitter he had accepted the job to take charge of the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division outfit. 'Looking forward to my new challenge in football, just been appointed the new manager of West Ham ladies, can't wait to get started,' he wrote. Back in town: Julian Dicks has returned to West Ham after he was appointed manager of the Ladies' team . The former Birmingham and Liverpool . man reiterated his passion for the east London side and is looking to . make progress with the team. 'It's . absolutely fantastic to be back at West Ham. I love the club and for me . it's an absolute honour for me to be associated with them once again,' he told Sky Sports News. 'I've . managed before at Grays and at Wivenhoe and I've played at the highest . level, and this is my opportunity to give something back. I'm an . ambitious person. I was ambitious when I played. I am ambitious as a . manager and I want to take West Ham Ladies as far as I can.' Dicks was vocal in criticising Allardyce as West Ham fell to successive . heavy cup defeats in January, with a 5-0 FA Cup third-round loss to . Nottingham Forest followed up three days later with a 6-0 Capital One . Cup semi-final thrashing at the hands of Manchester City. Those . disappointing cup exits came with the Hammers winless in over a month . in the Barclays Premier League, and Dicks was one of many to call for . Allardyce to lose his job as supporter pressure continued to grow. 'I can't (see how Allardyce can keep his job),' he told BBC Sport at the time. 'The football isn't good, the lack of passion and pride is awful. I can understand where fans are coming from.' Despite that bad spell, Allardyce kept his position and steered West . Ham to a 13th-placed finish and has been busy in the transfer market . this summer - with Wednesday's signing of Cheikhou Kouyate joining the . earlier acquisition of striker Mauro Zarate. Testimonial: Dicks is applauded by players from West Ham and Atletico Bilbao during his testimonial in 2000 . VIDEO Allardyce condemns Premier League 'sacking culture' | Dicks spent 10 years at West Ham during two different spells . The defender also played for Birmingham City, Liverpool and Canvey Island . Dicks, 45, said he 'can't wait to get started' in his new job . | aa3d43142405c636f377b964aeb2484c8696c21b |
(CNN) -- The double veto cast by Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council on Saturday represents a clarifying moment in the Syrian uprisings. At the 2012 Munich Security Conference, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton noted, "We don't know what the endgame will be until we start the game." Well, fasten your seatbelt -- the game over Syria has started. The Syrian conflict is no longer just about a brutal dictator repressing peaceful protesters who are demanding what every Arab desires: dignity, freedom, and an opportunity at a decent life. The Syrian revolution is now the fault line in Middle Eastern politics, through which U.S.-Russian competition, the U.S.-Iran conflict, the Iran-Saudi regional rivalry, and the Shiite-Sunni ages-old conflict will play out. The double veto has dealt a heavy blow to the political endgame outlined by the Arab League proposal: an orderly transfer of power from the president to his deputy, formation of a unity transition cabinet to oversee the writing of a new constitution, and the holding of parliamentary and presidential elections. To start with, this endgame had a minimal chance of success. Giving up power peacefully is not an Assad family tradition. Both father, the late Hafez Assad, and son, Bashar al-Assad, have shown their willingness to use any violent means at their disposal to quell internal dissent. This was the case in Hama in 1982 when Hafez Assad sent his military, including warplanes, to crush an Islamist uprising, killing an estimated 10,000 people and razing one-third of the city buildings. In Homs, Hama, Idlib, Daraa, and numerous other Syrian cities, the son is now living up to his father's murderous legacy. What the protesters and activists on the ground will take from the double veto is one lesson: Down with politics -- this is a military fight, and it is ours to win. While the international community will be there in words, it lacks the will to intervene militarily in Syria. As Clinton said, "Military intervention has been absolutely ruled out and we have made that clear from the very beginning." The double veto at the United Nations marks the beginning of the proxy regional game: armed opposition under the leadership of the Free Syrian Army -- funded by Arab Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, trained by Turkey -- waging a protracted fight against the pro-regime military and paramilitary groups funded and trained by Iran and Russia. Despite recent limited success in defending restive cities and taking control of territory in places like Zabadani and Homs, the Free Syrian Army remains more a collection of disparate groups of defectors than it is an organized army. Its headquarters are in a refugee camp inside Turkey close to the Syrian border. The number of fighters is estimated to be in the range of 10,000 to 30,000. To wage an effective military campaign against an army that numbers in the hundreds of thousands, they need weapons, training and operational support. Only when the regime's military superiority is threatened will we start to see defections in its senior ranks. Iran, the Syrian regime's main sponsor and ally, will not stand idle. There are reports by Syrian opposition groups of Iranian assistance to the Syrian regime, especially in the area of building electronic and telecommunications capacity. Iran, Russia and China are the main suppliers of weapons to the al-Assad regime. While Iran's support in weapons and training will continue, and in fact increase, in the coming weeks, it would be hard to say whether Iran and/or its proxy Hezbollah will send troops to assist in the Syrian regime's military campaign. It is fair to say that Iran and Hezbollah will come to al-Assad's rescue in case of a Libya-like scenario. Iran's supreme leader warned of a regional war in case of a military intervention in Syria. Absent that, Iran and Hezbollah will assess whether military action to prop up a regime whose political fortunes are rapidly declining will make a difference in preventing al-Assad's ouster, an outcome U.S. President Barack Obama describes as "inevitable." Despite all the rhetoric about a U.S.-Zionist conspiracy targeting the Syrian regime, the Iranian regime itself has been reaching out to Syrian opposition groups. Tehran's interest now lies in delaying the inevitable as long as possible while laying the groundwork for a working relationship with a post-al-Assad regime. Given the makeup of the opposition groups and Iran's pro-al-Assad stance, it is unlikely that Iran will be able to preserve the close alliance it has built and nurtured with the Syrian regime since the days of Hafez Assad. The best Iran could achieve is that whoever replaces al-Assad will not be hostile to Iran or to Hezbollah, Iran's main regional proxy. While it is hard to predict the final endgame in Syria, it is safe to argue that the failure at the United Nations Security Council to approve the Arab League proposal for an orderly transfer of power in Syria sets the stage for a protracted bloody stalemate between a brutal regime and a militarized opposition. Follow CNNOpinion on Twitter . Join the conversation on Facebook . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Randa Slim. | Randa Slim: The vetoes of a U.N. resolution by Russia, China bring clarity to Syria situation . She says the Syrian opposition will conclude that it must achieve its goals militarily . The outlook is for a protracted battle with outside nations exerting influence . Slim: Iran will support the Syrian regime but explore possibilities for post-al-Assad era . | 46bc85a9a80304dffb40c2f260f2b75735808ee2 |
The owner of the yacht where Natalie Wood spent her final moments has put it on the market after claiming the actress still haunts the decks. Ron Nelson bought The Splendour in 1986, five years after the West Side Story actress mysteriously drowned off the coast of Catalina Island. But now, 28 years later, he has revealed the force of Wood's spirit is too strong, forcing him to get rid of it altogether. Scroll down for video . Haunted? The new owner of The Splendour claims Natalie Wood still haunts the yacht 33 years after she died . Mystery: Wood drowned in November 1981 after being on the yacht with her husband Robert Wagner . The numerous 'supernatural' incidents include a number of 'weird falls', he told the National Enquirer. 'It’s just like my feet came out from under me and I fell,' he explained. Another time a being sat on his bed: 'Something sat down on the bed and then left.' And during the recent Hurricane Ana, The Splendour became suspiciously waterlogged, he said. In 2011, Nelson, a former United Airlines flight attendant, admitted to Hawaii's KITV.com that 'there's been a lot of strange things that have happened on the boat.' He even had the yacht blessed by two Hawaiian kahunas - a kind of shaman - to clean teh boat's spirit. Incidents? Ron Nelson, who bought the boat in 1986, claims he has had a number of 'weird falls' on board . 'Ghost': Nelson said he was lying in bed one night and a spirit came and sat on the bed then left . But despite his efforts, he says, it is unbearable. He hopes a museum will buy The Splendour to preserve it. The stateroom contains many of the same tiles, the same blue bed remains in exactly the same spot and the initials WW are still etched into the captain's seat. Nelson bought the boat from Robert Wagner, Wood's husband. He carried out small renovations, before taking two friends on a trip to Catalina Island, where the actress died. He said it was a 'last goodbye to Natalie'. Afterwards, they made the two week trip to Hawaii where he has spent 10 years restoring the boat. He said he was now almost ready to begin chartering voyages. Hurricane: The boat became waterlogged after the recent Hurricane Ana - the last straw for spooked Nelson . Blessed but still haunted: Nelson got two Hawaiian shaman to cleanse the boat but it is 'still haunted', he says . He said he tried to keep his makeover as close to the original as possible, and has kept the stateroom with the blue bed, dubbed 'Natalie's Room', and most of the tiles. The initials WW are still etched onto the captain's seat, just as they were when Wagner and Natalie owned the boat. Nelson said the 60ft boat's history was one of the reasons why he bought it, and told Hawaii's KITV.com said: 'I have read pretty much every article ever written about her death.' | Natalie Wood 'haunts The Splendour yacht' where she was last seen alive . Ron Nelson bought it in 1986 but claims spirit is increasingly present . He said he has experienced 'weird falls' and 'ghost sat on my bed' West Side Story actress Wood drowned in 1981 after being aboard . | c3dbf5870f84e9bee38cf6010b29a974a377996a |
By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 15:10 EST, 3 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:16 EST, 4 November 2012 . A contractor has died after being electrocuted at a Marks & Spencer store today. Philip Dodd suffered an electric shock in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. The family of the 62-year-old widower from Horley, Surrey, have been told of his death, said police. Tragic: A contractor has died after being electrocuted in a Marks & Spencer (M&S) store in the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells. This is a file picture . An M&S spokeswoman confirmed that a 'tragic incident' had taken place. She said: 'There has been a tragic incident at the store today and our thoughts are with the family concerned. 'We are now concentrating on doing all we can to assist the emergency services with their investigation and as such are unable to comment any further at this stage.' Kent Police said the death was being treated as suspicious while officers worked out the full circumstances of what happened. A spokeswoman said: 'We were called just before 3.30pm to the store in Calverley Road. 'It is believed a man suffered an electric shock. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Busy: This picture shows the inside of the Royal Victoria Place shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells . 'The air ambulance also attended and the Health and Safety Executive are investigating the incident. 'It is being treated as a suspicious death until the full circumstances are known.' The spokeswoman said police were called by paramedics from the South East Coast ambulance service who arrived at the scene first. The store was not evacuated as the scene was not in a public area of the shop, a spokeswoman said. | The man suffered an electric . shock at the Royal Victoria . Place shopping centre in Tunbridge Wells . An M&S spokeswoman confirmed that a 'tragic incident' had taken place . | 4aeaea6a31c59b6f7519cd1a72377fd6b45faff1 |
Congressional Republicans, led by House Oversight Committee chair Darrell Issa,are planning another IRS coal-raking exercise for Wednesday, hauling the tax agency's commissioner in for a hearing about the nearly year-old tea party targeting scandal. Committee staff say the U.S. Department of Justice and the rest of the Obama administration haven't shown them any sign that they're investigating corruption in the awarding of income tax exemptions to nonprofit groups. An aide to one Republican committee member said Monday that the White House and the Treasury Department were already dangerously close to causing a constitutional crisis. 'They've blown off the subpoenas,' the aide said, referring to legal demands the committee issued to the IRS on August 2 and February 14. 'If the DOJ keeps dragging its heels too, and can just get away with it, why do we have an oversight committee in the first place? It's like the White House has never heard of the separation of powers.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . John Koskinen, a former CEO of Freddie Mac, is now in charge of the IRS and will face aggressive questions on Wednesday about a scheme to target right-wing groups for extra scrutiny when they applied for special tax benefits . Hundreds of small and politically conservative tea party groups were 'screwed' by the IRS, according to House Oversight Committee chair Darrell Issa, a California Republican . 'Not even a smidgen of corruption': President Barack Obama told Fox News Channel host Bill O'Reilly on Super Bowl Sunday that the IRS's hands were clean, despite an ongoing investigation of the kind that the White House routinely refuses to comment on . The House of Representatives, controlled by the GOP, has already found Attorney General Eric Holder in criminal contempt for refusing to hand over documents in the botched 'Operation Fast and Furious' gun trafficking scheme. But Holder himself is the official responsible for enforcing the contempt finding, rendering him essentially outside the reach of Congress. And despite the White House's assurance that the Justice Department is investigating the most politically fraught IRS scandal since the Nixon administration, President Barack Obama said during a Super Bowl Sunday interview that he was already sure there was 'not even a smidgen of corruption' to be found – suggesting that he isn't reserving judgment until an investigation has concluded. In June 2013, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters that the president thought political targeting by IRS officials was 'a problem.' Issa, a California Republican, is calling IRS top dog John Koskinen to testify Wednesday about what his agency has done to clean house. Beginning in early 2010, IRS officials routinely held up tax-exempt applications from conservative organizations, including 'tea party'-named groups, whose positions differed from the president's. Some groups waited more than three years for their approvals, while politically liberal groups were fast-tracked. Foot-dragging? Attorney General Eric Holder has promised to investigate the IRS's actions, but Oversight Committee Republicans say the Justice Department won't show any evidence it's actually happening . Obama sacked the then-acting commissioner, Steven Miller, promising in the White House East Room that 'we will work with Congress as it performs its oversight role. And our administration has to make sure that we are working hand in hand with Congress to get this thing fixed.' 'Congress, Democrats and Republicans, owe . it to the American people to treat that authority with the . responsibility it deserves,' he insisted, 'and in a way that doesn’t . smack of politics or partisan agendas. ... The good news is it’s . fixable, and it’s in everyone’s best interest to work together to fix . it.' The scandal has galvanized disparate parts of the Republican Party, with libertarian-leaning Sen. Rand Paul and others firing up more traditionally conservative constituencies with red-meat, anti-IRS messages . Obama nominated Koskinen to take the place of Daniel Werfel, another interim commissioner, in August. He was confirmed during the week before Christmas. 'We all hoped the new commissioner would be independent and at least make a move to toss out some of the bad apples,' MailOnline's source said. 'But this is looking like more of the same. The committee is doing all it can, but if these guys refuse to obey the law there's not much anyone can do.' The IRS's complicity in the scandal that hamstrung hundreds of small tea party-affiliated groups exploded in May 2013 when Lois Lerner, then in charge of the agency's 'Exempt Organizations' division, answered a self-planted question about it during a professional conference. Since then, she has refused twice to answer questions before the Oversight Committee, citing her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. The IRS promised nearly three weeks ago that it will turn over all of Lerner's emails during the Obama administration to the House Ways and Means Committee – the Oversight Committee expects to share in the bounty of disclosures – but no documents have shown up on Capitol Hill. Issa and other Republican committee . leaders released a report this month alleging that Lerner 'believed the . political participation of tax-exempt organizations harmed Democratic . candidates, she believed something needed to be done, and she directed . action from her unit at the IRS.' She . was also involved, they wrote, 'in an "off-plan" effort to write new . regulations in a manner that intentionally sought to undermine an . existing framework for transparency,' and then 'engaged in efforts to . cover it up' by publicly denying that the IRS was trying to change its . evaluation criteria. Still a target: Lois Lerner, who helmed the IRS's tax-exempt application office while right-wing groups were singled out for special scrutiny and held back for years at a time, has refused twice to answer questions before Congress . The net effect of the proposed new regulations – an effort described in IRS emails as being developed 'off-plan' and away from public view – would be to codify the procedures that Lerner put into place, in a way that Republican congressional insiders say will permanently make it harder for conservatives to participate in the political process. 'Instead of fixing a clear form of discrimination, they're trying to write it into stone,' a second Republican aide said Monday. 'That's why so many people have complained about it.' More than 143,000 comments were logged in response to the IRS's regulatory proposal, a historic number that's second only to the Obama administration's requirement under the Affordable Care Act that all qualifying insurance plans must include coverage for contraceptives. Committee staff said Monday on background that the IRS has failed to turn over any requested documents about the proposed regulation. 'You watch on Wednesday,' the second staffer . predicted: 'Koskinen is going to bob and weave, and committee . Dem[ocrat]s are going to try and change the subject over and over . again.' 'This is probably going nowhere, again. Unless the chairman has some new ammunition. I don't know that he does.' | The IRS commissioner will be called on the carpet this week for a Wednesday hearing about the tea-party targeting scandal . The tax agency played political favorites for more than three years, slow-walking tax-exempt applications from conservative nonprofits . The right-wingers got dozens of intrusive questions from the IRS that liberal groups didn't have to answer . Lois Lerner, the official thought to be at the top of the scheme, has refused to testify before Congress . The House Oversight Committee says the Obama administration has ignored document subpoenas, and committee Republicans want answers . | 2b56925146ca6964f9051f89e2e4676b0df06538 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Spending the morning with George Clooney is an attractive prospect to millions, but GMA host Lara Spencer found the Hollywood star's presence too much on Thursday. With Clooney say by her side, the Good Morning America presenter found herself in a fluster as she tried to deliver a piece about a new sex aid. The 44-year-old was left giggling like a schoolgirl after talking about an injection said to improve sexual satisfaction for women. Tongue tied: GMA presenter Lara Spencer was joined by George Clooney on Thursday morning's show . Embarrassed: Spencer collapses on her desk after trying to talk about a new sex aid with George Clooney by her side . Spencer ended up covering her face with her hands after struggling to keep her composure as a bemused Clooney sat just inches from her side. The Oscar-winning star had been invited on the show to talk about his new movie, The Monuments Men, which is set in the Second World War. Clooney wrote and directed the film, which is about a platoon tasked with recovering precious art stolen by the Nazis. The actor stars in it alongside Matt Damon, Bill Murray and Cate Blanchett. As Spencer tried to introduce a segment on the show about the O-shot - a new injection said to increase a woman's libido - she stumbled with her words and looked embarrassed. Red faced: Spencer covers her face with her hands as Clooney looks down at her notes . Star struck: Lara Spencer tweeted about the awkward moment after the show . The GMA host later posed on Twitter: 'O--MG! Thanks for making me do a tease about the "O-shot" while trying to maintain composure next to #GeorgeClooney'. She clearly enjoyed having the actor in the studio, and later posted a picture of her standing with Clooney, and tweeted: 'It is wrong to want this in poster size?' | Presenter collapsed in giggles as she tried to talk about 'O-shot' for women . Clooney looked on bemused as TV host struggled to deliver her lines . | b3eea9b2b6254d4aad216ddfce8d9da8b8e6d74a |
When a British rock star ‘married’ her Texan heiress girlfriend, the two women wanted their big day to be unforgettable – and spent more than £100,000 to make sure. Deborah Dyer, better known as Skunk Anansie lead singer Skin, and billionaire’s daughter Christiana Wyly held a lavish civil partnership ceremony near Verona in Italy. Guests quaffed cocktails at the historic Villa Di Campo hotel, danced to an orchestra and feasted on £25,000-worth of fine cuisine. Up to £10,000 was splashed out on flowers and cocktails alone. Unhappy: Rock icon Skin's civil partnership to billionaire's daughter Christiana Wyly was wrecked after they claimed their wedding planners failed to pay bills . However, the couple now claim their day was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons, after being left with a string of unexpected bills. In the weeks after the wedding, they received demands totalling £62,000 from the caterers, musicians, florists and a children’s entertainer. The singer and the heiress say they had paid a wedding planning firm a one-off fee which was supposed to cover all the costs for the day. They are now suing the women-only ‘lifestyle management’ firm Besos Concierge, of Hampton, Middlesex, for £100,000, saying they paid an all-inclusive fee for it to plan the event and cover the costs of the ceremony and party. Venue: The ceremony was during three days of celebrations at the exclusive Hotel Villa di Campo (pictured), in the Italian Dolomites . Claiming their memories of the happiest day of their lives have been tainted, the couple have issued a High Court writ against Besos and its boss Michelle Candice David, 28, demanding their money back. It is understood the firm and Miss David, of Hounslow, west London, will contest the claim. Skunk Anansie formed in 1994, broke up in 2001 and reformed in 2009. Their hits include You’re Too Expensive for Me, We Love Your Apathy and Good Things Don’t Always Come To You. On her website, 45-year-old Miss Dyer writes about herself saying: ‘A bit of anger can be very useful in the right place and time, it gives you sparks, gets you moving, feeds your passion, separates the girls from the toys!’ Couple: Skin is a DJ and model, but best known as the lead singer of Skunk Anansie while her partner Christina Wyly is an environmental advocate . Miss Wyly – described by her partner . as ‘my gorgeous wifey’ – is the daughter of Sam Wyly, one of the 1,000 . wealthiest people on the planet. An environmental campaigner, she boasts . on her website how she successfully badgered her father to divert some . of his fortune to green causes. The 78-year-old Texan billionaire, a . close friend of George W Bush, made his millions through a string of . capital ventures in computing, the financial sector and a steakhouse . empire. According to the High Court writ, Miss Dyer and Miss Wyly, who . live in a £1.6million farmhouse near Petersfield, Hampshire, enjoyed a . three-day celebration last August at the Verona home of a family friend. But about a month later ‘several of the wedding suppliers began to . contact the couple requesting payment’, said the couple’s barrister, . Abra Bompas. Star: British singer Skin found fame as the lead singer of indie favourites Skunk Anansie . By February, nine suppliers including . the orchestra had been in touch demanding their fees, she added. She . alleged that the wedding planning company had initially admitted in an . email that it was ‘liable for these outstanding payments’ and ‘would . arrange for all the suppliers to be paid in full’. Apart from the £62,000, the couple are . also claiming £30,000 they say they were required to pay Besos – which . means ‘kisses’ in Spanish – as a ‘membership fee’, plus £8,687 they . allege they paid the company, and a further £15,423 of their cash they . say it still holds. Besos and Miss David’s defence to the . action was not available from the court, and the claims in the writ have . yet to be tested in evidence before a judge. But the company is believed to be . accusing the celebrity couple of failing ‘to provide sufficient sums’ to . cover the costs of their wedding, a claim they deny. Through its solicitors, the company denied any obligation to make any outstanding payments to suppliers. | Skunk Anansie icon entered civil partnership with Christina Wyly last year . Three-day event was held in luxury surroundings in the Italian Dolomites . A month later the couple received demands for cash from nine contractors . Suing their wedding planners claiming they gave them money for bills . | 17b79ea505354342bde7bc12d64845d07625609c |
A man has gone on trial accused of molesting a 13-year-old girl before going on to rape her daughter two decades later. Lee Crutchley, 45, denies a string of 16 sex offences against five girls including indecent assault, sex with a girl under 13 and two charges of rape. Crutchley is accused of indecently assaulting one of his victims in the mid 1990s when she was about 13, the court heard. He is also accused of sexually assaulting and raping her daughter at a later date. Crutchley denies eight counts of indecent assault, two of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, three of assault by penetration, one of buggery and two of rape at Sheffield Crown Court (pictured) David Gordon, prosecuting at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday, said Crutchley, of Dinnington, South Yorkshire, took advantage of his victims' innocence and naivety. He said Crutchley targeted his first victim when she was 13 and he was in his mid twenties. Another of his victims was 12 or 13 when the alleged offences took place and she later fell pregnant but suffered a miscarriage, the court heard. Mr Gordon told the court: 'He told her not to tell anyone what was going on. He had sex with her over a four-year period several times a week.' Mr Gordon claimed Crutchley did not force himself on the girl but she was unable to consent because of her young age. Crutchley denies eight counts of indecent assault, two of sexual intercourse with a girl under 13, three of assault by penetration, one of buggery and two of rape. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | South Yorkshire's Lee Crutchley accused of molesting young girl in 1990s . Prosecutors claim he then abused her daughter more than 20 years later . Crutchley, 45, denies 16 sexual offences against five alleged victims . His trial, at Sheffield Crown Court, continues . | e52a588e0f2eed8cb7bd9e1844727c5ddff4a17e |
(CNN) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Sunday that the United States must establish a clear "red line" that Iran cannot cross with its nuclear program if it wants to avoid war. "I think the issue is how to prevent Iran from completing its nuclear weapons program. They're moving very rapidly to completing the enrichment of the uranium that they need to produce a nuclear bomb. In six months or so, they will be 90% of the way there," Netanyahu said on CNN's "State of the Union." "I think it's important to place a red line before Iran, and I think that actually reduces the chance of a military conflict because, if they know there's a point, a stage in the enrichment or other nuclear activities that they cannot cross because they'll face consequences, I think they'll actually not cross it," Netanyahu told CNN's Candy Crowley. U.N. nuclear agency expresses 'serious concern' about Iran nuke activity . Concerns in Washington that Israel could launch a pre-emptive strike on Iran's nuclear facilities prompted a wave of visits this summer to Israel by several top Obama administration officials. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari, commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, warned Sunday, "Our answer to the Zionist regime is quite clear. In the event of an attack on Iran by the Zionist regime there will be nothing left of Israel." He added, "Considering the size of Israel and its vulnerabilities and also because of the high number of our rockets, I don't think anywhere in Israel will be safe." Iran denies that it aims to build a nuclear bomb, saying that its nuclear program is for energy and medical use. U.S. President Barack Obama last week reportedly rejected Netanyahu's call to lay down a line that Iran could not cross. According to The New York Times, during an hour-long telephone call between the two leaders, Obama did not embrace Netanyahu's proposal to set a limit on the size of Iran's stockpile of close-to-bomb-grade uranium and launch a military strike if Tehran exceeded it. Netanyahu has shown growing impatience with what he says is a lack of clarity by the Obama administration on articulating red lines over Iran's nuclear ambitions. The administration has resisted pressure to take that step. "We share a grave concern about Iran pursuing a nuclear weapon," U.S. ambassador to the United Nations Susan Rice told "State of the Union" Sunday. "We are determined to prevent that from happening. President Obama has been absolutely clear, and on this there's absolutely no daylight between the United States and Israel that we will do what it takes to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon." Steps the United States and other countries are taking to pressure Iran are working, Rice said. "We have just seen the imposition of another layer of the toughest sanctions that have ever been imposed on a country," she said, adding that Iran's oil production and currency have both plummeted 40%. "And this is only going to intensify, so we think that there's still considerable time for this pressure to work, but this is not an infinite window." U.S. intelligence officials have said they do not believe Iran has decided to develop a nuclear weapon, even as evidence continues to mount that the country is improving its ability to do so. Far from establishing a threshold for military action, the closest White House spokesman Jay Carney would go last week was to repeat the commonly-used phrase "the president is committed to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon." Atomic enrichment in and of itself is not a red line, a U.S. official told CNN following the telephone call between Obama and Netanyahu. But Israel feels a sense of urgency, as negotiations aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions have failed to produce an agreement and sanctions have fallen short of their intended effect. The issue has taken on a decidedly political tone with Netanyahu's call coming at the height of the presidential election season. The prime minister told CNN that he knew people "are trying to draw me into the American election, and I'm not going to do that." "But I will say that we value, we cherish the bipartisan support for Israel in the United States, and we're supported by Democrats and Republicans alike," he said. "This is not an electoral issue. It is not based on any electoral consideration. I think that there's a common interest of all Americans, of all political persuasions, to stop Iran. This is a regime that is giving vent to the worst impulses that you see right now in the Middle East." | NEW: If Israel attacks Iran, "there will be nothing left of Israel," an Iranian commander says . NEW: There's still time for pressure to work on Iran, the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. says . Israel's leader says in six months, Iran will have 90% of what it needs to produce a bomb . He says people are trying to draw him into the American election and he won't allow it . | b99ddcbe6c53bac5f53681d9fb713b60b8f604f7 |
(CNN) -- The attorney for Ohio State University's fired marching band director contends the university report that led to Jonathan Waters' firing was "deeply flawed." Waters, a former assistant band director and former sousaphone player in the marching band in the 1990s, was fired last week after a university investigation concluded he "knew or reasonably should have known about sexual harassment that created a hostile environment." "The report is deeply flawed. Out of 225 band members, over an eight-week period, Ohio State University managed to interview exactly four, including the person who made the complaint, and three people to whom she referred the university," Waters attorney David F. Axelrod said on Monday. Axeldrod added that of the thousands of local OSU alumni, the university interviewed just five during its two-month investigation. "With that sort of a skewed sample, the report does not accurately portray anything and cannot be relied on for the facts." The report, released last Wednesday, described longtime traditions in the band like sexually explicit nicknames and something called the "midnight ramp," in which band members entered the stadium through a ramp wearing only their underwear. The report alleged staff members, including Waters, were present for the annual event. Axelrod denied this allegation during an interview with CNN on Monday. "They did not march on the field in their underwear. That's something, even in that area, the report couldn't get it right," he said. Axelrod says the so-called "midnight ramp" was not a mandatory event but a "welcoming practice." He described an e-mail he received from a former band member. "No one who didn't want to participate had to participate. If you didn't want to march in your underwear, you didn't have to," the attorney said in detailing the e-mail. He went on to say the woman who sent him the e-mail "wore a tank top and gym shorts when she marched in it." "I've gotten e-mail after e-mail from former band members saying exactly the same thing," Axelrod said.. An audio recording, purportedly of Waters yelling and cursing at a band member, surfaced on Sunday. On the tape released by Ohio State University, the fired band director is heard shouting at a member who contradicted him during practice. "You ever do that again after we've given you a direct g*****n order, and you're done. Do you understand?" Axelrod conceded Monday that Waters knew about some of the band's bad behavior, but he said Waters did "everything he possibly could to end it." "You know he experienced inappropriate behavior as a rookie band member himself. He was deeply affected by it and that's why as band director he did everything he could to stop anything inappropriate," the attorney said. But the university didn't think Waters did enough in the 21 months he led the marching band, first as interim director, then as band director. "Nothing is more important than the safety of our students," OSU President Michael Drake said. "We expect every member of our community to live up to a common standard of decency and mutual respect and to adhere to university policies." The university has appointed former Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery to lead an independent task force to further investigate the situation and ensure steps are taken to change the band culture, Drake said. The Ohio State University marching band is considered one of the best college marching bands in the country. The band calls itself "the best damn band in the land." It shot to fame with an amazing halftime show tribute to Michael Jackson in 2013 that has garnered millions of YouTube views. CNN's John Berman and Lorenzo Ferrigno contributed to this report. | Attorney: OSU report on marching band "sexualized" culture is "deeply flawed" OSU releases audio recording purportedly of Jonathan Waters yelling at a band member . Attorney David Axelrod says Waters tried to address "inappropriate behavior" | d91029113148e818358c50d80041810a978d3180 |
Old school gamers rejoice - the humble Spectrum computer is back. Sir Clive Sinclair has announced he is launching a modernised version of his hugely successful Spectrum products from the early 1980s. Called the Sinclair Spectrum Vega, the computer has fewer buttons than the original, but will run thousands of the retro computer’s games. Sir Clive Sinclair has announced he is launching a modernised version of his hugely successful Spectrum products from the early 1980s. Called the Sinclair Spectrum Vega, the computer (pictured) has fewer buttons than the original, but will run thousands of the retro computer’s games . The Sinclair Spectrum Vega is being sold by Luton-based Retro Computers. ‘The Sinclair Spectrum Vega takes advantage of major advances in technology to achieve big cost savings by replacing most of the electronics in the earlier products,’ said the firm. The ZX Spectrum was released in April 1982. It was the successor to Sir Clive Sinclair's ZX81 model and added high-resolution colour graphics and sound. The computer was thinner than anything else available at the time and cost £125 ($195) for a basic model, with 16KB, or £175 ($274) for a 48k model. The Sinclair Spectrum Vega takes advantage of advances in technology to big cost savings by replacing most of the electronics in the earlier products, explained Retro Computers. It uses a low cost micro-controller and software that combine to enable the Vega to run all of the games, 14,000 or more of them, which were developed for the original model. ‘The Vega uses a low cost micro-controller and a clever piece of software that combine to enable the Vega to run all of the games, 14,000 or more of them, which were developed during the years when some 5 million of the original Sinclair Spectrum were being sold.’ This includes an early version of Sim City, Manic Miner, Boulder Dash, Treasure Island Dizzy and Elite, among others. Development of the product is complete, and the firm has launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund production of the device. It has currently raised £20,854 of its £100,000 goal, and the campaign will run until 30 January. If successful, devices will ship internationally in April. Limited edition versions of the computer are available from Indiegogo for £100 ($156), and shipping outside of the UK costs an extra £20 ($31). The Vega has been developed by Chris Smith, a former ZX Spectrum games developer. ‘The Sinclair Spectrum Vega is as simple to use as any of the popular games consoles, but far less expensive,’ the firm added. These games include an early version of Sim City, Manic Miner, Boulder Dash, Treasure Island Dizzy (pictured left) and Elite (pictured right), among others. The Vega additionally has ‘sufficient memory’ to allow the user to download other games that will be available from launch, for free . It plugs into a TV and will be sold with around 1,000 games built-in. The Vega additionally has ‘sufficient memory’ to allow the user to download other games that will be available from launch, for free. And, anyone who still has Spectrum games from the original series can load them onto the Vega using an SD card. The ZX Spectrum was released in April 1982. It was the successor to Sir Clive Sinclair's ZX81 model and added high-resolution colour graphics and sound. The computer was thinner than anything else available at the time and cost £125 ($195) for a basic model, with 16KB, or £175 ($274) for a 48k model. The ZX Spectrum (pictured) was released in April 1982. It was the successor to Sir Clive Sinclair's ZX81 model and added high-resolution colour graphics and sound. The computer was thinner than anything else available at the time and cost £125 ($195) for a basic model, with 16KB, or £175 ($274) for a 48k model . | Sir Clive Sinclair is launching a modern version of his successful Spectrum . Called Spectrum Vega, the computer has fewer buttons than the originaI . It's designed to run more than 14,000 of the retro computer’s games . The device can be pre-ordered from Indiegogo for £100 ($156) If fundraising is successful, devices will ship internationally in April . | 49554ca06a8af688a3053fa7e5e19fa30e48e215 |
By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 02:45 EST, 23 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:19 EST, 23 July 2013 . As the bride twirls around on the dancefloor with her father the scene looks like an emotional, but conventional wedding moment. But this traditional father/daughter dance has a poignant difference... the father is dying from pancreatic cancer and granted his daughter's wish to pre-record their first dance, so that she can watch it at her wedding when he has passed away. Dr James Wolf, from Auburn, California, was recently told that he has just four to six months to live, so Rachel, 25, quickly set about making the arrangements, even though she is not engaged to be married. Scroll down for video . One last dance: As the bride Rachel Wolf twirled around on the dance floor with her father it looked like an emotional moment from a wedding . 'I just was flabbergasted,' Dr. Wolf told TODAY. 'There are a lot of things that I would've liked the girls to experience with me being there,' Dr. Wolf admitted. 'And I'm not going to be there.' Members of the Auburn community who . heard about Miss Wolf's idea donated a wedding dress, a DJ, a . tuxedo for Dr Wolf, a limousine, a hairstylist, a professional . photographer, and a gazebo for the event. Strength: Dr Wolf had only been in his hospital bed a few hours earlier . Preparations: Dr Wolf puts his tuxedo on before the 'wedding' Watch the full video here . Although Dr. Wolf is currently going . through chemotherapy he was determined to take part and was filmed . getting his tuxedo on, although he looked weak and needed help. The white limo drew up at 7pm and Miss Wolf stepped out wearing a white strapless wedding dress, helped by two bridesmaids. Seeing his daughter, Dr Wolf called out 'Hi honey!' 'You look gorgeous!' She replied happily 'Thanks Daddy!' The . crowd, which included Jeanine, Miss Wolf's sister Lauren, and a group of . Dr. Wolf's patients, clapped as the pair walked across the grass for . their dance at the gazebo. The smiling pair stepped on to the dancefloor as 'Cinderella' by Steven Curtis Chapman began to play. Poignant: The white limo drew up at 7pm and Rachel stepped out wearing a white strapless wedding dress, helped by two bridesmaids . Big moment: Dr Wolf and his daughter walk across the grass to take their place for the traditional father/daughter dance . First dance: Members of the Auburn community who heard about Miss Wolf's idea have donated a wedding dress, a DJ, a tuxedo for Dr Wolf, a limousine, a hairstylist, a professional photographer, and a gazebo . Determined: Although Dr. Wolf is currently going through chemotherapy he was determined to dance the night away . Emotional: Dr. Wolf twirled his daughter as they swayed in time to the music, although at one point she began to break down and put her face into his chest . Entrance: The crowd, which included his wife Jeanine, Rachel's sister Lauren, and a group of Dr. Wolf's patients, clapped as the pair walked across the grass . Dr. Wolf twirled his daughter as they swayed in time to the music, although at one point she began to break down and put her face into his chest. Although Dr Wolf had only been lying in a hospital a few hours earlier the dance continued after the music ended and he danced with his other daughter and his wife. 'I'm saddened over the fact that I won't be there for the events of her life,' he told News 10, choking back tears. 'That's been difficult on me.' 'I . just thought, if I get the dress and record it, I can have it for . whoever,' she explained, adding: 'I don't want to regret one . day that I could have done it.' A News10 video shows Miss Wolf asking her father to grant her final wish. Rachel made a special invitation to her hypothetical wedding, and . presented it to Dr Wolf when he met her in the doorway. Heartwarming: Dr James Wolf (right), who was told that he has just four to six months to live, will film a first dance with his daughter Rachel (right) so she can watch it at her future wedding when he has passed away . Guest of honor: The 25-year-old made a special invitation to her hypothetical wedding, and presented it to Dr Wolf when he met her in the doorway . Special bond: 'He's always been my hero,' she says. 'He's pretty much everyone's hero because he's a doctor. But he's mine, he's the best' 'My greatest sadness of you not being here is that you won't get to walk me down the aisle, or have a special father daughter dance,' she tells him. 'So I'm inviting you to my 'wedding,'' she says, handing him the card. Visibly moved, Dr Wolf nods and agrees to make the video. 'My whole life has been dedicated to trying to make a difference,' Dr Wolf explains in the interview. 'And I would like to leave that to them,' he says of his children. His legacy is not lost on Miss Wolf, who embraces him several times during the video. 'He's always been my hero,' she says. 'He's pretty much everyone's hero because he's a doctor. But he's mine, he's the best.' | Dr James Wolf was told that he has just four to six months to live . He was recently diagnosed with pancreatic cancer . Daughter Rachel, 25, is not engaged, but wanted to record special moment . | d8d92906c9ab3ed73fc1abf94fa2766c7bcaa56b |
By . Ted Thornhill . PUBLISHED: . 03:39 EST, 6 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 12:38 EST, 6 January 2014 . A stampede broke out during an event at a mosque in northern China, killing 14 people and injuring 10 others, a state news agency said Monday. Worshippers at the Beida Mosque in Guyuan, a city in the Ningxia region, were handing out traditional cakes during an event to commemorate a religious figure Sunday afternoon when a rush for food triggered the stampede, the Xinhua News Agency said. It quoted a witness as saying people trampled over each other. Scroll down for video . An injured woman receives medical treatment at a hospital in Xiji Town of Guyuan, following the deadly stampede . This year's event had a record number . of participants as it fell over the weekend, Tan Zongzhi, the head of . Xiji county's religious affairs bureau, was quoted as saying. A . meeting of the Ningxia Communist Party committee on Monday blamed poor . organization and insufficient management for the stampede, according to . Xinhua. Four of the 10 people hospitalized were in critical condition, Xinhua said. In 2012, two people reportedly died in the Ningxia region after fighting broke out between crowds of Muslims and police, after a mosque was ordered to be demolished for being an ‘illegal religious place’. Violence erupted in the town of Hexi after 1,000 officers arrived to help police the knocking down of the building. More than 50 protesters were injured and 100 arrested after several hundred members of China's Muslim Hui minority tried to stop the demolition. A monitor in a hospital in Xiji county shows the vital signs of a victim who was injured during the stampede . The incident occurred Sunday afternoon at the mosque in Guyuan . Sources from the Hong Kong-based Information Center for Human Rights and Democracy said two people died in the clashes. An employee who answered the phone at the town police station confirmed officers had fought with protesters and said 80 people were detained, but denied any deaths. The Communist government closely monitors religious activity and is said to be worried that mosques and other houses of worship might become centres for anti-government agitation. The Hui, who mainly live in Ningxia, are one of several Muslim minority groups in China. They include descendants of Muslim immigrants from Central Asia, members of China's majority Han ethnicity who converted to Islam and several other groups. | The incident occurred Sunday at a mosque in Guyuan in the Ningxia region . Four of those hospitalised are said to be in a critical condition . | 06afa323c0464ee9644b9a0f4767dfa5cbe4f423 |
(CNN) -- Musician Peter Gabriel wants people to recreate scenes from "Sledgehammer," his popular 1986 stop-motion music video that MTV tells Mashable is one of the most-played clips ever on the TV network. An interactive tab on the former Genesis rocker's Facebook page allows his fans to pick a scene from the music video, record a re-creation or upload an existing YouTube clip and vote for the best submissions. SEE ALSO: Conor Maynard Crowdsources Concert Spots With 'MayniacMap' The "Grab Your Sledgehammer" contest is tied to the 25th anniversary of Gabriel's "So" album, which will be re-released Oct. 22 in three different versions (see video below). One winner will receive a TDKperformance Wireless Boombox and autographed artwork, while 30 runners-up will earn "Sledgehammer" posters. The "Sledgehammer" video won nine MTV Video Music Awards in 1987. © 2011 MASHABLE.com. All rights reserved. | "Grab Your Sledgehammer" lets fans recreate scenes from Peter Gabriel's iconic music video . Facebook contest is tied to the 25th anniversary of Gabriel's album, "So" | 209dd19f011f757340fc2031ea71a51b80d43381 |
(CNN) -- It's a recent Thanksgiving custom as traditional as turkey, stuffing or collapsing on the couch while watching NFL football: the Apple Store's annual announcement of Black Friday discounts. Except that this year, there aren't any, exactly. Instead of marking down prices on Macs or iPads, Apple is giving out Apple Store gift cards to purchasers of various products. The cards are worth an estimated 10-15% of the price for certain Apple devices, and more for accessories. Online and in its North American retail stores, Apple was offering gift cards of up to $150 for the purchase of a Mac, up to $75 for an iPad and up to $50 for an iPod. No gift cards were being offered for iPhones or the new iPad Mini, which went on sale earlier this month. In its European stores, Apple was offering modest discounts on products instead of gift cards. Online sales in the United States began after midnight Pacific time on Friday. Many brick-and-mortar Apple Stores opened at 6 a.m. Some of Apple's competitors are sticking with more traditional Black Friday discounts. A number of items at the Microsoft Store are on sale, and the Sony Store also has a number of Black Friday deals. Last year the Apple Store offered discounts of about 10% for expensive items and up to 40% for cheaper products. CNN's Brandon Griggs contributed to this story. | Apple is giving away gift cards with Black Friday purchases . This is different from past years, when Apple offered modest discounts on some items . Some electronics competitors are sticking with cutting prices . | ee2bf41beda64028ba14055e3d8b2ea16b2223b5 |
Moves that could decriminalise non-payment of the BBC licence fee will begin within days, the Culture Secretary will announce today. A review of the £145.50-a-year levy is being brought forward by several months to ensure it is completed before the BBC Charter is renewed in 2016. If agreed, it would mean non-payment of the licence fee – which accounts for more than one in ten cases brought before magistrates – would no longer be a criminal offence. In a high-profile speech, Sajid Javid will announce the initial work into a review of TV licensing will be published ‘very shortly’, and question whether the current system ‘is really working’. Scroll down for video . A review of the £145.50-a-year levy is being brought forward by several months to ensure it is completed before the BBC Charter is renewed in 2016. File picture . Tory MP Andrew Bridgen, who has pushed for laws to decriminalise licence fee evasion and replace it with civil penalties, said: ‘This shows the Government is taking it very seriously’. Ministers had committed to launching a review and were planning for it to begin early in 2015, when a law to allow the changes receives Royal Assent. But Mr Javid, who was appointed Culture Secretary this year, will tell the Royal Television Society conference of industry executives he no longer believes it can wait until the Deregulation Bill becomes law. Doubts: Culture Secretary Sajid Javid has questioned whether the current system ‘is really working’ ‘This needs to begin now,’ he will say. ‘Very shortly I will be publishing the terms of reference for a review of TV licence enforcement. I expect it to begin taking evidence in the autumn, and to conclude early in the next Parliament.’ He will add that calling for evidence straight away, ahead of the Charter Review ‘will allow it to shape the future of the BBC in a way that works for both the Corporation and those who pay for it’. The move is likely to be popular with the public, although the BBC fears it could cost them up to £200million a year. The results of the review will not be published until after the general election. Mr Bridgen proposed the amendment to the Bill in March this year, and forced it to a vote – managing to win the backing of MPs from all three main parties. He said the existing laws penalised those on low incomes and called it a ‘shameful blot on our justice system’. The proposal has also won the backing of Crown Prosecution Service director Alison Saunders and former BBC chairman Michael Grade. In 2012, 193,049 people were prosecuted for not paying their TV licence, accounting for one in nine of all cases in the magistrates’ courts. Most of those found guilty were landed with penalties of up to £1,000 and a criminal record, and between 50 and 70 viewers are sent to jail each year after they fail to pay the court fines. Mr Javid has already opened the door to slashing the licence fee itself, saying earlier this year that it represents a ‘large amount’ of money for many families. In his first major interview he said ‘nothing should be ruled out’ when the levy, which raises £3.6billion a year for the BBC, is renewed for another decade in 2016. A Tory source said last night: ‘Sajid was sympathetic to Andrew Bridgen’s amendment earlier this year, before he became Culture Secretary. He is persuaded the review should start sooner rather than later.’ | A review of the £145.50-a-year levy is being brought forward . Tory MP is pushing for laws to decriminalise licence fee evasion . | 7a4eed9540121fa6ab45a779aaf275cde1fbe8cb |
By . Hugo Gye . A mother from Essex has been told that she is not entitled to a British passport because her father is not named on her birth certificate. Christine North has lived in Britain since she was seven years old, and is the daughter of a British Army soldier who met her mother while stationed in Germany. She is married to an Englishman, has done jury service twice and has voted at every election since she turned 18. But the 32-year-old is officially not a citizen of the UK because she is unable to prove that her father was in fact British. Denied: Christine North has been told she is not eligible for a British passport despite having an English father . Her mother Beate Toepke met her father, Mancunian soldier Alan Griffiths, at a British Army base in Dortmund, Germany. However, because they had a turbulent relationship, Ms Toepke did not name Mr Griffiths as Christine's father on her birth certificate. She later married another British soldier, Kevin Johnson, and moved to the UK when her daughter was seven. Mrs North, who lives in Clacton, Essex, says she regards herself as entirely British - but when she first applied for a passport, she discovered she was not entitled to one. Baffled: Mrs North, pictured left with her two daughters and right as a schoolgirl, had no idea she wasn't British . Father: But Alan Griffiths, pictured, was never named on his daughter's birth certificate . 'I was told I might not be a British citizen,' she said. 'I was dumbfounded. I was passed from passport information to border control and on to immigration. 'At one point they told me I might be deported. I was scared they would just take me away from my family one day. 'For some time I was claiming disability benefits due to a long-term health issue and they said I might have been ineligible and have to pay it all back. 'In the space of a few hours on the phone, my world was turned upside down.' Mrs North later realised that the problem was that her father was not listed on her birth certificate - even though he had paid child support while she was growing up. 'He was not put on the birth certificate because of difficulties between him and my mum,' the mother of two said. 'As far as I'm concerned I'm English. I was brought up and educated that way and have lived here from a young age.' Family: She lives in Clacton, Essex with her two children Summer-Luise, left, and Tilly-May, right . She has met with German officials in an attempt to secure a German passport so she can travel abroad, but is adamant that the law should be changed to allow her to take British citizenship. As it currently stands, Mrs North would have to take a test on 'life in the UK' in order to qualify for a British passport through residency and her marriage to Stephen, her husband of five years. She added: 'It is absolutely ridiculous that I am being told that I should take a citizenship test with questions about Shakespearean plays and naming kings and queens of old. 'I am being made to pay because my biological father was not interested in hanging around. I spoke to officials at the German Embassy and they just laughed and said, "Why would you belong to us?" - and they are right because I am British. 'I just want my passport and will not stop till I get one. At the moment I am stateless. I don't have a home.' Her local MP, Conservative backbencher Douglas Carswell, described her plight as 'bizarre', and has vowed to lobby the Government over the issue. 'Christine appears to have fallen through a ludicrous loophole in the law,' he said. 'She is as British as anyone here, a Clacton woman through and through, and the situation is bizarre. 'I have done everything I can, including writing in the strongest terms possible to the Home Secretary Theresa May.' 'If these rules don't allow for some human wiggle room then there is something profoundly wrong with the system. 'Anyone who knows the facts of this case knows how silly it is - but when you point this out to the officials they just shrug. It is quite insane.' | Christine North, 32, is the daughter of a British soldier and German mother . She has lived in Britain since she was seven but has been told she is not a citizen because her father was not named on birth certificate . Officials say there is no way to bend the rules to accommodate Mrs North . | c28bf58620d07d687decead52a1b0a73678d9287 |
Prime Minister David Cameron has left political talks in Northern Ireland claiming that no deal between the opposing sides is possible, with Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams branding the attempt as 'amateurish and ham fisted'. Mr Cameron and his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny held late-night talks with the major Northern Ireland political leaders in Stormont which ended at 1.30am. The pair returned to the talks at 8am but left within an hour. The two prime ministers had been expected to remain at the talks for the rest of the day before returning to London and Dublin respectively. David Cameron, right, and his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny, left, leaving Belfast today after the failed talks . Mr Cameron, right, and Mr Kenny, left, held late night talks with all the main Northern Ireland political parties . Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams attacked the handling of the talks by the British and Irish governments . The two governments tried to convince local political leaders to compromise over the issue of welfare reform. Mr Cameron offered a £1 billion financial package to the devolved government if they could agree on a deal. Sinn Fein's president Gerry Adams attacked the talks on Twitter: '2 Govts exiting after the most amateurish ham fisted episode I have ever been involved in.' Many of the region’s politicians are unhappy at the scale of the financial offer made, with some describing it as “derisory”. Leaving Stormont House this morning, Mr Cameron said: 'We have made good progress overnight and today but a deal is not going to be possible today.' He said: ‘I was putting on the table, potentially, if a number of things could be agreed, what amounted to almost £1 billion spending power for the Executive over the coming years. Spending power they want to adjust the situation in Northern Ireland, where the state and the public sector is so big and the private sector needs to grow.’ As well as long-standing disputes over flags, parades and the toxic legacy of the past, the five parties in the power-sharing coalition are trying to achieve consensus on budgetary problems facing the devolved institutions, particularly the impasse over the non-implementation of the UK Government’s welfare reforms in Northern Ireland. Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, pictured today, described the talks as 'amateurish and ham fisted' The structures and governance arrangements at Stormont are also on the agenda. But the most pressing issue is the budgetary situation. The Northern Ireland executive is stalled over an impasse over the implementation of welfare reforms. Sinn Fein and the SDLP claim that the changes will disproportionally hit the poorest members of their community. The Democratic Unionist Party said it was willing to implement the planned changes. Chancellor George Osborne offered the Northern Ireland Assembly the chance to set their own corporation tax rates - pending an agreement on welfare reform. Prime Minister David Cameron pledged a £1bn package if the main parties could come to an agreement. Unionist and Nationalist politicians also face difficulties over long-running issues concerning the flying of flags and parades. Stormont has already had to seek a £100 million loan from Westminster to plug a major budgetary gap. Unless the parties can agree a budget, the Northern Ireland executive faces bankruptcy. Ministers in Belfast have already had to ask for an emergency £100 million loan from the Treasury to balance their books this financial year, and if a deal on welfare reform is not agreed they will face about £200 million of Government penalties for non-implementation. As it is unlikely the administration would be able to absorb such a financial burden, the future of the Executive effectively depends on a resolution to the welfare reform issue. Mr Cameron said the situation was better than yesterday but 'intensive work' needed to be done to ensure the Northern Ireland Executive's budget was sustainable. 'I think things are better today than they were yesterday I think a deal is possible. It's possible because I think the parties have done a lot of good work on the issues that need to be settled - the issue of how to manage parades, how to handle the past, the issues of flying flags. 'The real work that still needs to be done is to make sure that the budget of the Northern Ireland Executive is sustainable and works, so intensive work needs to be done between the parties on that issue.' With £1 billion of spending power on the table, Mr Cameron said a 'comprehensive agreement' was needed rather than 'simply some words about these issues'. Mr Kenny said he also believed a deal was possible and the politicians 'will be able to conclude the outstanding areas of disagreement on the matters that we have discussed'. The talks will continue today, discussing Northern Ireland's history, the issue of flags, parades as well as welfare reform. Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness criticised the offer: ‘Whatever you have been told by the British Prime Minister David Cameron, there was no credible financial package offered to Executive ministers, to allow us to combat the austerity agenda that this British government has been inflicting on us over the course of the last four-and-a-half years.' Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson said that the talks would continue despite Mr Cameron's departure. Northern Ireland's First Minister Peter Robinson, centre, told reporters today that his party was ready to continue with the talks despite the departure of British prime minister David Cameron earlier today . Speaking to reporters outside Stormont, the DUP leader said: ‘Anybody who thought we could have reasonably concluded negotiations on a series of issues seriously underestimated the task that we had at hand. As far as we are concerned, the process continues. We have a job of work to do. The absence of the prime minister does not bring that work to an end. There is a responsibility placed on the parties in Northern Ireland by the electorate to get the job done and it is the view of this party that there is still work to be completed. ‘As far as the core issue of the financial issues around Stormont are concerned, I don’t believe that we sufficiently challenged the prime minister in relation to what his bottom line was on financial issues, and we didn’t do that because we had not ourselves been able to complete agreement on other aspects of the financial issues, namely the matter of welfare reform. ‘I think the prime minister would have had more give in him if he had seen that that issue was going to be resolved. I am still unaware what the final position is in relation to Sinn Fein as far as welfare reform is concerned.' Mr Robinson said his party welcomed some of the proposals concerning parades and dealing with Northern Ireland's past. He said he was prepared to continue with the talks: ‘I want to go back down again. I want to ensure that we have done everything possible to reach agreement on those issues. But it is essential in the climate that we are presently in, that we do not squander money, and that means we have a very tight fiscal position to develop, that means we have to resolve the internal financial issues as far as the executive is concerned.' He added: 'We want to continue to see if we can close a deal with the other parties, and I don’t in anyway view this as being the end of the process simply because the prime minister has left to carry out other duties that he has to perform.' A spokeswoman for the prime minister said Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers, pictured, had spent more than 85 hours with the political parties in advance of the current failed negotiations . A Downing Street spokeswoman dismissed Mr Adams' criticism claiming that Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers had been extensively involved in the talks process. She said: 'I think altogether, before they met yesterday, that was 85 hours sat round the table trying to resolve these issues. 'The PM went yesterday and himself spent 10 hours yesterday and a couple of hours this morning trying to resolve the issues. 'The Government is absolutely committed, as the PM said yesterday morning, to taking this opportunity to move forward and make progress, but it is down to the political parties in Northern Ireland to find resolution on issues like welfare reform and so-called legacy issues. 'The offer on the table is £1 billion of financial spending power. That would enable the Northern Ireland Executive and authorities to address some of the difficult reforms that they need to make. That is there for the taking by the political parties in Northern Ireland if they work to resolve the issues. 'There is a heads of agreement document on the table for discussion. What we need to see is progress on those issues which need to be resolved by the political parties.' The spokeswoman said despite Mr Cameron's departure from the talks, the financial offer remained. She added: 'The point about the £1 billion that is on the table is that it will help to address the situation in Northern Ireland, where they need to reform the state and public sector and invest in the private sector and help drive the economy and create jobs. Those are all things that matter to people in Northern Ireland.' | David Cameron left Northern Ireland after offering £1 billion financial deal . Local parties did not accept the offer because they could not agree terms . Mr Cameron met his Irish counterpart Enda Kenny during the crunch talks . Sinn Fein and Democratic Unionist Party could not agree welfare reform . Gerry Adams branded the failed talks as 'amateurish and ham fisted' | 88bf5043263e54f8dc80fa6384b46b71bca427ca |
By . James Tozer and Nazia Parveen . PUBLISHED: . 07:40 EST, 10 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:58 EST, 11 October 2012 . PC Stephen Hudson was given a nine month suspended sentence after he was found guilty of misconduct in a public office . This is the moment a police officer lost both his unblemished career and his reputation by losing his temper with a disruptive teenage tearaway. PC Stephen Hudson bent the 15-year-old boy’s arm behind his back and lifted him off the ground after he refused to empty his pockets. CCTV captured the 6ft 1in officer – who in a 12-year career suffered injuries including a suspected fractured skull, cracked rib and broken finger while tackling criminals – slam the 4ft 8in boy on to the counter, causing him to scream in pain. The 43-year-old then pushed his face against the teenager’s ear and shouted: ‘You are not the big man. You might think you are but you’re not.’ However the divorced father-of-three was himself arrested after the boy – described in court as a ‘local nuisance’ who had repeatedly tried officers’ patience – complained of bruising and a nosebleed. Hudson claimed to have been using an authorised police restraint technique called ‘pain compliance’ and said he himself had been assaulted by the youth. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been arrested for a breach of bail. He had been in the custody suite at Swinton police station in Greater Manchester ‘numerous times’ before and had previously kicked cell doors and refused to obey the rules, a court heard. Scroll down for video . CCTV footage from the custody suite at Swinton Police station of PC Stephen Hudson gripping the teenager . The jury heard he went 'over the top' when the boy refused to empty his pockets . He pulled the 15-year-old boy's arms behind his back three times and held him against the counter . However a jury at Bolton Crown Court found the former officer, who worked at the suite, guilty of misconduct in a public office. Hudson, who has quit his job, was given a nine-month jail term suspended for 18 months. The court heard he had been left ‘a . broken man’ facing bankruptcy, while his children had to be taken out of . school as a result of bullying over the incident. During the incident the teenager was lifted off his feet when Hudson took hold of him . Hudson has now quit his role as police constable after 12 years service after he grabbed the boy . The 15-year-old boy was so distressed he was left with a bleeding nose and bruised chest . In addition, he faces being sued by the boy’s family. But Judge Peter Davies accused . Hudson, of Westhoughton, near Bolton, of ‘besmirching’ the reputation of . a force which last month lost two female officers in a shooting by . inflicting ‘deliberate degradation and humiliation’ on the teenager. And he branded the laughter of three . other watching officers, including a sergeant, ‘bullying of the worst . form’ and said they ought to have been in the dock alongside Hudson. The two PCs and a custody sergeant are now facing disciplinary action. Judge Davies declared: ‘The . overwhelming majority of police officers discharge the faith and trust . invested in them by the public with diligence, courage and fortitude. ‘A tiny few, however, betray that trust, and I am afraid you have been found to be one of those few.’ Hudson said no one questioned his actions at the time and he had not made a complaint of assault himself despite being kicked by the youth . PC Hudson, who has been attacked while on duty, is 'likely to be left bankrupt' and is a 'broken man' Iain Simkin, prosecuting, said Hudson . had used ‘far more force than proportional or reasonable’ against a boy . who was simply being ‘cheeky’. Hudson said he had acted in accordance . with his police training, saying: ‘I was frustrated and a bit angry . that he wouldn’t comply. ‘I was trying to do a legitimate search and he just wasn’t doing what he was told. ‘I didn’t lose my temper. I was just being assertive.’ The boy’s mother said: ‘That man should never have been called a police officer. He abused my son at the end of the day.’ Detective Chief Superintendent Paul . Rumney, from Greater Manchester Police, said: ‘PC Hudson overstepped the . boundaries of reasonable force and acted instead with excessive force.’ ‘His actions were totally unacceptable,’ he added. Now watch the video . | PC Stephen Hudson quit his job after 12 years of service . Officer 'likely to be declared bankrupt and is a broken man' Teenager suffered nose bleed and bruised chest . | c604e6a8c67e1b408322c3497a10737dd90bc019 |
NEW YORK (CNN) -- An explosion outside a Starbucks on the Upper East Side of Manhattan sent frightened people running into the street early Monday. Police investigate an explosion in a Manhattan Upper East Side neighborhood. The explosion blew out the windows of a Starbucks coffeehouse at East 92nd Street and Third Avenue at 3:25 a.m., according to New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly. A "low-order improvised explosive device" exploded after being left on a wooden bench in front of the coffeehouse, Kelly said. The blast could be heard many blocks away, according to CNN affiliate WABC-TV of New York. Seven people were briefly evacuated from the building above the Starbucks, Kelly said, but no one was injured. The interior of the Starbucks sustained no damage. It's too early to tell whether Monday's incident is connected to other minor explosions in New York City in recent years, including ones at the British and Mexican consulates and another in Times Square, Kelly said. He did note one immediate similarity between the detonations: All occurred at roughly the same time of night. He said the police would continue to analyze other similarities. However, Kelly also noted that Starbucks has been the target of low-grade explosions in other cities. Police plan to examine surveillance cameras for information that could lead investigators to the perpetrator, he said. | Minor explosion outside of a Manhattan Starbucks sends people fleeing . No injuries reported from the blast; Starbucks damage limited to broken windows . Police investigating whether explosion is connected to other pre-dawn blasts . | 6c09e5d7c6f27776697ed46615b10cc70cc8dfd2 |
A pair of South African men have tied the knot in what is believed to be the country's first traditional gay wedding. Tshepo Cameron Modisane and Thoba Calvin Sithol wore traditional tribal costumes for the ceremony, in the town of KwaDukuza in KwaZulu-Natal, . The newly-married couple, who are both 27 and have been together for three years, made their vows in front of 200 guests. Scroll down for video . With this ring: Tshepo Cameron Modisane and Thoba Calvin Sithol made history in what was apparently the first-ever traditional African gay wedding . Love: In this still from South African broadcaster ENCA, the couple enjoy their first married kiss . The ceremony united traditions from both Mr Modisane's Tswana and Mr Sithole's Zulu ancestry, including traditional dancing and the ritual sacrifice of a cow to honour the two men's ancestors, as well as an an exchange of gifts between the two grooms' families. Tshepo Modisane, now Sithol, said: 'I love Thoba so much, I'm very excited we're both Mr Sithol. 'There is an idea that being gay is against being African, but being gay is as African as being black, so it's part of our culture and we are rooted in our culture.' The couple have been together for three years and will have a smaller, intimate ceremony in Johannesburg later this year . Vows: The couple now hope to have a child through a surrogate mother . Guests enjoying the wedding. Gay marriage has been legal in South Africa for more than six years . VIDEO FIRST of its kind. See Tshepo and Thoba's groundbreaking wedding . The two also plan to have children through a surrogate. In February Tshepo told Mamba Online: 'We are so blessed to have supportive families who care about us. Even though we are gay they still love us. 'Family is important to us and that is the number one reason why we want to have children. 'We also want our children to grow up in an environment where they are loved greatly by both parents who appreciate them.' History: The ceremony included traditional costume, dancing and the ritual sacrifice of a cow . Pride: Lindiwe Dladla, Thoba's mother, says she is very happy that the two have tied the knot . Thoba's mother Lindiwe Dladla is delighted her son has married. She said: 'I am so happy and I have no worries and I'm so grateful for the gifts from the Modisanes. 'I wish them well for the future and where they will be living together.' The Sithols plan to have a smaller ceremony in Johannesburg later this year. Same-sex marriages have been legal in South Africa since 2006. It is the fifth country, the first in Africa, and the second outside Europe, to legalise it. | The ceremony is South Africa's first traditional gay wedding . It included Zulu and Tswana rituals and costume . Tshepo Modisane and Thoba Sithol now hope to have a child . | e71dcb6924a654fefe97062165a654b61a3e488e |
Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft, 25, was shot dead in Afghanistan as he patrolled a meeting between peacekeepers and Afghan elders . The family of a soldier killed in Afghanistan have been ordered to repay hundreds of pounds – because he died after receiving his wages. Military bosses said that since Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft was paid a month in advance, his relatives must return £433 to cover the ten days after the 25-year-old was shot. Last night his shocked father Tony described the decision as ‘disgusting’, adding: ‘Jordan gave his life for this country and this is how they treat him. ‘When I read the letter you could have knocked me down with a feather. When it sunk in what it said, it felt like I’d been poked in the eye with a stick. I want to make it clear that this is in no way a question of money, but one of respect.’ The controversy comes after it was revealed MoD civil servants collected annual bonuses of almost £6,000 each in August despite cuts to frontline troops and services. The letter to Lance Corporal Bancroft’s parents was sent by the MoD’s Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre on October 14, not long after the family raised £10,000 for his Duke of Lancaster Regiment. It explained that a refund was being given for annual leave the soldier had been entitled to take, amounting to more than £1,000, but with a sum deducted to cover the ten days after he died in August 2010. Bereft: Jordan's father, Tony, with the letter from the MoD. He said he felt like he had been 'poked in the eye with a sharp stick' when he received it . It said: ‘Following your son’s untimely death, a salary payment for the full month of August was paid into his account. This included £433.13 in respect of pay for the days after the date of his death. ‘Not wishing to cause any further distress or potential hardship to yourself at that time, the MoD took no action to recover the overpayment. However, now a further sum is due in respect of his pay and the “overpayment” has been offset.’ Lance Corporal Bancroft, from Earby, Lancashire, was killed on August 21 last year. The soldier was due to marry girlfriend Lauren O’Hara, 21, after his tour of Afghanistan. He joined the Duke of Lancaster Regiment in September 2001. Lance Corporal Jordan Bancroft joined the Duke of Lancaster Regiment during 2001. He had been due to marry his girlfriend upon his return from Afghanistan . Mr Bancroft, 47, a taxi driver, blamed pen-pushers in Whitehall for the letter rather than the Regiment. A spokesman for the MoD said: ‘Service personnel are paid up to the date of their death. ‘Occasionally, deceased service personnel may be paid for the whole month of their death where the notification of death comes after the pay run has already taken place. ‘Whilst this results in a notional overpayment, no attempt is made to recover such sums after they have been paid. ‘However, where a further salary payment or credit is made at a later date, the final payment is adjusted to reflect the correct amount.’ | Father said he felt like he had been 'poked in the eye with a sharp stick' when he read letter . 'This is in no way a question of the money but one of respect for my son' Lance Corporal Bancroft - who had also served in Iraq - had the 'overpayment' taken from his holiday pay . | 6522db65dbebb6e9632a74d21ee410ac08ae2b2e |
By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . They might be future rivals for the Tory leadership, but today David Cameron and Boris Johnson were at pains to show they are great mates. Hitting the campaign trail for the the Newark by-election, the Prime Minister laughed, joked and even bought a rocky road cake for the London Mayor. Unfortunately the unusual joint appearance outside London drew parallels with the bizarre Labour photo opportunity in 2005, when Tony Blair bought Gordon Brown an ice-cream months before being forced to say when he would hand over the keys to Number 10. Scroll down for video . David Cameron and Boris Johnson swapped banter about baking as they toured stalls in Newark . The sight of Mr Cameron paying for cakes for his leadership rival drew parallels with the infamous moment Tony Blair bought ice-creams for Gordon Brown before the 2005 general election . Mr Blair's moment of generosity was supposed to end speculation about tensions between the two Labour figures, but he came under intense pressure to name a date for handing over power to Mr Brown . Mr Johnson and Mr Cameron spent several hours together, sharing a joke over a coffee at Newark train station . Travelling back into London on the tube, the Prime Minister caught up on the news while Mr Johnson chatted with aides . The Tory duo toured a market, pressing the flesh and posing for photographs with babies. As they traded jokes at a bakery stall, Mr Cameron bought the London Mayor a slice of cake, telling him 'that's a gift. Rocky Road... you know you want it'. The pair spent about 30 minutes chatting with the public in the sunshine, posing for selfies and, in the case of Mr Johnson, handing out leaflets. They were trying to drum up support for Tory candidate Robert Jenrick in the by-election triggered by the resignation of disgraced MP Patrick Mercer. Ukip leader Nigel Farage ruled out standing in the seat himself, but MEP Roger Helmer was selected instead. Mr Cameron bought Mr Johnson a £1 piece of Rocky Road from Les Flowerdew's bakery stall, which the mayor munched on as he teased the Prime Minister about his cooking skills. 'The Prime Minister bakes his own bread,' Mr Johnson said. Mr Cameron insisted on buying the crunchy treat, saying: 'Boris, that's a gift. Rocky Road. You know you want it.' Mr Johnson said: 'Why don't you share some of your baking secrets.' Apparently both men agreed the Rocky Road was excellent. During the 2005 general election campaign, with tensions between Mr Blair and Mr Brown mounting, spin doctors contrived for them to go on a walkabout in Gillingham, Kent to prove that they were actually getting on famously. But days after securing Labour's historic third election victory, Mr Blair faced calls to quit early into his third term and was forced from office in 2007. Mr Cameron indulged in the political tradition of posing with babies while on the campaign trail . Securing victory in Newark will be key to the Tory plan to prove it can see off the threat from Ukip . During a walkabout, Mr Cameron was confronted about government policy on the NHS, crime and schools . Mr Cameron insisted that the government was putting more money into key public services . But as Mr Cameron munched on his own piece of chocolate and marshmallow he was forced to defend the 20 per cent VAT rate by a more serious-minded member of the public who pressed him on whether it would be scrapped if he won the General Election. 'I cannot make that promise,' the Prime Minister said. Earlier the duo were confronted about the state of local NHS services when he campaigned with London mayor Boris Johnson in a market ahead of the Newark by-election. Mr Cameron and Mr Johnson mingled with shoppers and market traders in the centre of the Nottinghamshire town where the by-election is due on June 5. Mr Cameron and Mr Johnson are expected to be seen together a lot more in the run-up to the 2015 general election . The PM has described the London Mayor as one of his 'star players' who he wants to see on the national pitch . Local resident Brian Boby asked the Prime Minister: 'What have you done towards helping the hospital and everything closing in Newark?' Mr Cameron said: 'What we're doing is that we're keeping the hospital in Newark. There's a lot more we can do, particularly with the ambulance service, because I know the ambulance service hasn't been good enough in recent years.' But Mr Boby said: 'You're running the hospital down, you're running the ambulance service down, we've got a police station with no policemen - this is only time we've seen any policemen, today. You've done nothing for Newark.' The Prime Minister said: 'We are making sure that the hospital continues in Newark. We're putting money into the health service. 'We've got more doctors and more nurses here in the East Midlands than when I became Prime Minister. 'But I know we want to do more on the ambulance service particularly, and that's one of the things Robert (Jenrick, the Tory candidate) and I have been talking about today.' | PM persuades his 'star player' to join him in campaigning outside London . The Tory duo were drumming up support ahead of the Newark by-election . At a bakery stall, Cameron handed London Mayor a slice of rocky road . Pair were confronted in the street about the way the NHS is run . | 8ae4c2452773f1931e3219c758ac9cb7f3c2e1ab |
Less than 24 hours after Harry Kane scored a match-winning brace for Tottenham in the north London derby, a photo has emerged of him celebrating Arsenal's Invincibles Premier League title win in 2004. It is the second picture to have arisen of Kane in an Arsenal shirt, the other showed him in a team photo as a eight-year-old playing for the Gunners' youth team. Kane, who has scored 22 goals for Spurs in all competitions this season, explained the incident last time by saying he only did it because he had to and had always been a Tottenham fan in reality. Harry Kane (left) celebrating the Arsenal Invincibles' Premier league title win in 2004 . Kane, bottom left, in an Arsenal kit during his days in their youth team, before he moved to Tottenham . Kane celebrates scoring his first goal against Arsenal during Saturday's north London derby . Kane fires the ball past David Ospina and the Arsenal defence to draw Tottenham level at White Hart Lane . 'I wanted to wear a Tottenham kit but I don't think that would've gone down to well,' said Kane. 'I was eight-years-old. I was at Arsenal for a year and obviously I was a kid, I just wanted to play football. 'I've been at Spurs since I was 11-years-old, always loved the club. I've been here 10 years and hopefully many more years to come.' Kane, who would have been two months shy of his 11th birthday at the time, can be seen at the parade celebrating the Invincibles' remarkable success in 2004. And his dyed red hair, in the style of former Arsenal star Freddie Ljungberg, is sure to annoy Tottenham fans who chant that Kane is 'one of their own'. The 21-year-old stole the show in Saturday's clash at White Hart Lane, scoring twice after Mesut Ozil's opener to secure all three points for Mauricio Pochettino's side. But for some Tottenham fans this latest revelation may just take the edge off their glee. Kane rises highest to head the ball expertly into the corner to give Tottenham all three points against Arsenal . The England Under 21 striker is mobbed by his team-mates as Tottenham recorded a famous victory . The 21-year-old celebrates wildly after scoring a late winner to seal north London derby victory . Two-goal hero Kane shouts into the camera as he walks off the pitch at the end of a pulsating derby . | Harry Kane scored twice as Tottenham beat Arsenal 2-1 at White Hart Lane . But a picture has emerged of him celebrating Arsenal's 2004 title win . It is the second time Kane has been spotted in a Gunners shirt . Previously said he only wore the kit as he was playing for the youth team . Kane can also be seen with dyed red hair similar to Freddie Ljungberg . | 27314a0c790e8f63ef6ce9621be66eef2b1b9f9d |
MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Along with his band The Stooges, Iggy Pop invented punk rock and his outrageous onstage antics have inspired countless wannabes. After years of excess, the 'Godfather of Punk' moved to Miami in search of peace. CNN's travel show My City, My Life caught up with him to talk about music, inspiration and life in his favorite city Miami. Iggy Pop: "Don't look now but that guy is going to try and carjack your rental car!" CNN: What made you move to Miami? Iggy Pop: I was fed up after 25 years in huge, dark, media-centric cities. I decided to find a house and move here. I was looking for something in a kind of elegant coma with a lot of peace and convenience. CNN: Is Miami similar to you as a person? IP: Miami is nothing like me and that's why I need to be here -- it's the opposite. I'm practical, where this place is moody, I'm stolid in my interior where this place has a certain flair and I'm materialistic in a sense that this place is fundamentally spiritual -- there's a quicksilver quality about this place. CNN: How would you describe Miami's personality? IP: Miami's a hell of a good town to eat a banana! CNN: What do you do when you need writing inspiration for your music? IP: I need to feel good. When I was 20, 21 years old, it meant three or four joints and then went from there. Now, I usually get it after exercise or from nature, sometimes from a woman or a city. I get it from a good song or a great book. Something I like to do a lot is just sit by water when there's a current and just stare into the water. I don't fish, I don't hunt, I don't scuba, I don't spear, don't boat, don't play basketball or football -- I excel at staring into space. I'm really good at that. It helps the writing a little bit, the kind of writing that works for music, which is tiny writing. It's not like writing a novel -- it's all about making your point small. CNN: What do you most love about Miami? IP: I love what was here before any of the people - the puffy clouds, the forgiving quality of the light, the breeze that renews life and hints at freedom, and the sea. It's somewhere you can look out and just see things stop. Second only to the sea the Miami sky has been the greatest comfort in my life past 50. On a good day, when the wind blows from the south, the light here is diffuse and forgiving. See photos of Iggy in Miami. » . CNN: If you were an estate agent, how would you sell Miami? IP: I'd say: "you've done your time up north, you've got your medal; now come down to Miami and heal yourself." CNN: If you were trying to put people off Miami, what would you tell them? IP: I'd say: "Don't look now but that guy is going to try and carjack your rental car!" CNN: Is Miami a poor cousin to New York or LA? IP: Miami's not anybody's poor cousin. It's an aspiration to live in this town, not something you have to do to promote yourself like some of the larger cities. CNN: What's the stereotype of Miami and is it correct? IP: It's changing rapidly but, more than anything else, it has always been associated with retirement and indolence in equal proportions. Miami's reputation is probably a little low brow, which is changing. CNN: How have the changes in Miami affected you? IP: Miami is growing and that's always a tricky proposition. Basically, I'm one of those characters who like to lurk where not too many people are, so the effect on me has been to push me bit by bit like an Indian tribe, closer and closer to the edges of town, which is fine. CNN: How has Miami influenced you as an artist? IP: Miami has given me 11 very good years now and has prolonged my abilities and energies, and provoked my good humor enough that I could continue in my field. But it's not a place to come to get an idea. Come here to catch a fish! CNN: What is the music like in Miami? IP: It's a very musical town and it's full of some of the best musicians you'll find anywhere in any genre -- soul, Latin, pop, salsa. There are some damn good rock players down here. There are a lot of good little punk bands here -- little punkers with good little attitudes. It's a very musical place and I kind of like that it puts rock and roll in perspective. It's not the biggest or only thing here and I don't think it ever should have been. CNN: If Miami was a person, who would it be? IP: It would be Rudolf Valentino, because it's dark and moody, with a brilliant and sensual side, and it captures and inflames the imagination of a great deal of the western world. CNN: How would you describe Miami in one sentence? IP: Miami's a sunny place for shady people! | Iggy Pop says he moved to Miami in search of peace and convenience . He is "one of those characters who like to lurk where not too many people are" He says he gets inspiration from "exercise, nature, a woman or a city" Miami is "dark and moody, with a brilliant and sensual side," he says . | 404e02bd0e2b10a67e8462d09026f2fac1f629c1 |
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Los Angeles is known as the nation's capital of many things. Entertainment. Gangs. Even the creative capital of the world. Add this: The City of Angels is now the nation's "epicenter" for money laundering by international drug cartels. Federal officials made such an announcement this week after they raided downtown businesses and seized an estimated $100 million in cash and from bank accounts around the world that were part of forfeiture actions in the ongoing probe. Some of the laundered money included ransom payments to the Sinaloa drug cartel that allegedly kidnapped and tortured a U.S. citizen at a ranch in Mexico. "Los Angeles has become the epicenter of narco-dollar money laundering with couriers regularly bringing duffel bags and suitcases full of cash to many businesses," Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert E. Dugdale said. California Attorney General Kamala Harris also was blunt. "California is the gateway to the rest of the United States," Harris said. "California is and always will be an attractive target for these kinds of activities because we have the largest population of any state in the United States. The seventh-largest economy in the world." Use of peso brokers . The cartels used a scheme known as "trade-based money laundering" or "black market peso exchange," federal officials said. On Wednesday, 1,000 law officers swept through a section of downtown Los Angeles known as the "fashion district," which is known more for its dense bazaar-like maze of shops than for any catwalks or haute couture. Authorities initially seized $65 million, but the figure grew Thursday to more than $100 million, said Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for federal prosecutors. In the "Operation Fashion Police" raids, nine people were arrested in the investigation into laundering drug proceeds for cartels, authorities said. Three of the arrests were among seven individuals facing federal indictments for alleged conspiracy to launder money and other charges; the other three defendants are from a business in the Mexican state of Sinaloa and are being sought, authorities said. The defendants' attorneys couldn't be reached for comment. "We have targeted money-laundering activities in the fashion district based on a wealth of information that numerous businesses there are engaged in black market peso exchange schemes," Dugdale said. Kent Smith, executive director of the LA Fashion District, told the Los Angeles Times that 4,000 businesses generate billions in economic activity each year. "It's unfair to paint the rest of the legitimate businesses ... with what a small number of businesses may be doing in terms of illegal activity," Smith told the Times. An $18 billion sector of downtown . Authorities also say the "vast majority" of L.A.'s $18 billion garment district is legitimate and operates lawfully. But the federal crackdown clearly "portend(s) a profoundly troubling trend," said Claude Arnold, special agent in charge of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations unit in Los Angeles. "The scope of this current case and its potential long-term impact are truly unprecedented," Arnold said. A major tipoff to the illegal activity came when the Sinaloa drug cartel used a fashion district firm as a conduit to launder and accept ransom for the release of a U.S. drug dealer who was kidnapped and tortured by narco thugs. "The victim was held captive at a ranch in Sinaloa, where he was beaten, shot, electrocuted and water-boarded. The hostage was released after relatives paid $140,000 in ransom" through the fashion district business, authorities said in a statement. The raids capped a two-year investigation, and Attorney General Harris called "transnational gangs" like those behind money laundering "the number one threat to California's public safety." How it worked . Under the scheme, a peso broker would work with a U.S.-based drug dealer or another conspirator who needs to send dollars to Mexico or another country, authorities said. To do so, the broker would find businesses in Mexico that buy goods from U.S.-based firms such as those in the Los Angeles' fashion district. The Mexican merchants would send dollars to the Los Angeles fashion district stores, authorities said. In return, the fashion shops sent goods to the Mexico businesses, which then sold the products and gave the proceeds in pesos to the broker and eventually the cartels, authorities said. Cartels allegedly use the scheme to avoid "the risk of smuggling bulk amounts of U.S. currency across the Mexican border and without having to convert and wire the U.S. currency through established financial institutions, which not only carries transaction fees, but also a threat their illegal activity will be detected," prosecutors said in a statement. "It also gives them a presence in the United States they otherwise wouldn't have, indeed a presence in our business industry," Dugdale said. Also, in June 2010, Mexico announced anti-money laundering regulations "that restrict the amount of physical cash denominated in U.S. dollars that Mexican banks may receive," a grand jury indictment said. U.S. declares victory over Cali cartel . Notorious Mexican cartel leader Nazario Moreno dead -- again . | Authorities seize more than $100 million in raids of downtown Los Angeles shops . The business are located in the city's bazaar-like fashion district . International drug cartels allegedly use a "trade-based money laundering" scheme . Couriers brought "duffel bags and suitcases full of cash to many businesses," feds say . | aa78fdc736b621a97c45cfcd87f87948f2fa4c75 |
(CNN) -- Across the seas and oceans of Asia, islands and the waters around them are frequently a source of dispute and even military confrontation. Japan and Russia squabble over Hokkaido; Japan and China claim sovereignty over islands in the South China Sea (Senkaku to the Japanese; Diaoyu to China). Several nations lay claim to the Spratley Islands. But the coastline of the Yellow Sea -- where North and South Korea meet -- is the most explosive of all. The Demilitarized Zone between the two Koreas has long been settled in the permafrost of a diplomatic cold war. Down to the last inch, the two sides know their limits. That's not so at sea, where the North and South have long disagreed on whose waters end where -- especially in the Yellow (or West) Sea, which is dotted with islands. The South Korean warship Cheonan was torpedoed in March in this disputed area, leaving 46 sailors dead. The island of Yeonpyeong, the target of a North Korean artillery barrage this week that killed four people, is in the same area. And upcoming exercises involving the U.S. and South Korean navies will take place in this part of the Yellow Sea. At the heart of the dispute is what's called the Northern Limit Line. In 1953, after the Korean War, the United Nations unilaterally drew this line three nautical miles from the North Korean coastline. That put five islands close to the coast under South Korean control. It also hemmed in the port of Haeju, the only deepwater harbor in the North that doesn't freeze in winter. What was supposed to be a temporary arrangement has become permanent in the absence of a full peace agreement. The Northern Limit Line is still in place today -- running close to the North Korean shoreline for about 100 miles. Pyongyang has never been happy about the arrangement, but only in the 1970s did it begin to challenge it. North Korea has subsequently proposed a different line -- one that would roughly extend the DMZ southwest out into the Yellow Sea, rather than hug the North Korean shoreline. A few years ago, in typically colorful language, the North labeled the NLL "an illegal and brigandish line drawn by the U.S. on our sacred territorial waters." But the South has always resisted Pyongyang's alternative line -- as it would have brought North Korea's maritime boundary closer to its main port of Incheon. Now add the fact that these waters are important fishing and crab grounds. For North Korean fishermen especially, the blue crab season between June and September is an important source of income. Ironically, those crabs have a habit of migrating south during these months. So these waters are frequently crowded with boats from both countries -- as well as vessels from China, just to complicate the picture. Disputes over fishing rights have resulted in dozens of boat seizures. According to the South Korean Maritime Police, the North seized 36 boats in the Yellow Sea in the 1990s. More recently, the coastal waters have seen armed clashes. The most serious of them were in 1999 and 2002, which led to loss of life. The North Koreans may not wish to risk a full-scale naval engagement -- its warships came off much worse in the 1999 skirmishes and the technological gap between the two fleets has only widened since. Last year, a South Korean warship fired on and reportedly damaged a North Korean vessel that was alleged to have crossed the Northern Limit Line, leading Pyongyang to condemn what it called "a grave armed provocation." So the coastal waters of the Yellow Sea have long been the "theater" in which Pyongyang could most easily provoke a crisis, and most easily legitimize it. Added to which, such confrontations -- using artillery and patrol boats -- can be contained and managed. Nuclear threats tend to leave less room for maneuver. In the wake of the latest incidents, both sides appear to be hardening their positions. South Korea has strengthened its rules of engagement in the Yellow Sea. Far from reducing the marines stationed on the five islands off North Korea's coast, as was planned, they will be reinforced. And there's plenty of pressure in the South Korean media for a hard line, with the conservative Chosun Ilbo claiming Thursday that "the military has been implementing reforms that weaken defense capabilities" on the islands. Few analysts expect any compromise on the Northern Limit Line in the near future, given the overall deterioration in relations and the complex negotiations that would be necessary to find an alternative to what was meant to be a temporary solution nearly 60 years ago. | Asian islands are a common source of friction between countries in the region . The Northern Limit Line was drawn in 1953 . North Korea wants to push the line further out to sea . The dispute also involves fishing zones . | e8bee3a592e215ffd2310abeb2fd55df8f31202b |
A primary school teacher kissed a 15-year-old girl in a classroom cupboard and engaged in sex acts with her and another teenager in his car, a court heard. Jonathan Norbury, 33, is accused of sexually touching two teenage girls as well 'inciting' the pair to perform sex acts on him. Swansea Crown Court was told he would sneak the 15-year-old, who can not be named for legal reasons, into his classroom after school and take her into the stationery cupboard where he asked to see her underwear. Jonathan Norbury, pictured arriving at court with his wife, is accused of sexually touching two teenage girls as well 'inciting' the pair to perform sex acts on him . As well as letting the secondary school student into the classroom through the fire exit, the girl claims she would creep out of her house in the middle of the night, where they would perform sex acts on one another. The girl, who is now an adult, said: 'We would go into the cupboard, he would normally ask me to show him my underwear which I would. 'Then he would say something sexual, and then we would start kissing.' The girl claims her sexual relationship with Norbury started not long after she turned 15 when he allegedly texted her to say she looked 'hot'. Recalling the message, she said: 'I was quite shocked to start with but also quite pleased....pleased because I thought he was good-looking and an older man.' The woman said she had bought a second phone to keep in contact with Norbury, and would send Norbury photographs of herself in her underwear. During their secret meetings in his car, she said they would kiss and touch each other's genitals. Swansea Crown Court (pictured) was told Norbury would sneak the 15-year-old into his classroom after school and take her into the stationery cupboard where he asked to see her underwear . 'After I turned 16, it seemed that he sort of lost interest,' she said. The pair later kept in touch via phone, with a jury hearing that Norbury told his future wife about his relationship with her. The witness said: 'I told him "I bet you didn't tell her how old I was". I then heard what sounded like crying. I never heard from him again.' During cross-examination, defence QC Elwen Evans questioned the witness's account of the text message Norbury allegedly sent. The court heard the woman had written about the alleged text on her personal organiser - and the note was dated. But Miss Evans asked whether you could put any date in the organiser and 'backdate it'. The witness agreed that this was possible to do. Norbury admits having mutual sexual relations with both girls, but denies the charges against him, insisting that the relationships took place only when the girls were aged 16 or over . After telling the jury she had used the organiser off and on for around a year, Miss Evans asked why there were only two entries on it. 'There were all sorts of things that you said Jonathan said and did after that ... none of which you have noted on your organiser,' Miss Evans said. The QC also asked the witness: 'Did you want some form of revenge (on Norbury)?' She replied: 'No. I have got no reason to.' Another alleged victim claims she was also in a relationship with Norbury when she was 15 - with the teacher taking her to beauty spots in his car, where they would have 'sexual contact'. She alleges that she and Norbury, a devout Christian, continued their relationship until she was around 19, but she agreed to keep their trysts a secret as it might affect Norbury's respected position at a local church. She says she lost her virginity to Norbury a few weeks after her 16th birthday, having met him in early 2005, but said they had engaged in sexual contact before then. However, she told the court she could not remember exactly when the relationship had started, or when the sexual activity began. She also said Norbury contacted her in 2012 to apologise 'for everything that happened' ahead of him getting married. Earlier in the trial, she told the jury that her decision to break her silence was not motivated by jealousy. During cross-examination, the woman was asked how she felt when their relationship ended. She said: 'Did I accept the relationship was over? No. I would phone him and text him. 'Do I accept that I would text him 30 or 40 times a day? I could have done. 'Two years after the break-up was I still trying to get back with Jonathan? Yes.' But the woman insisted it was the police who contacted her about Norbury after detectives began investigating allegations involving him and the other 15-year-old. She said: 'My job is working with vulnerable children under the age of 16. The reason why I brought this up (to police) was if I thought one of my children were being sexually abused or groomed by an older man, then I would want something done about it. That's the reason why I brought this (up to police). 'I would have never have brought the case against him... it was the police who approached me.' Norbury admits having mutual sexual relations with both girls, but denies the charges against him, insisting that the relationships took place only when the girls were aged 16 or over. Neither of the women were his pupils. Neither the church Norbury was a member of and the primary school he was working at the time of the alleged offences can be revealed for legal reasons. A judge has also issued an order preventing the media from naming the address where Norbury currently resides. The case continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Jonathan Norbury, 33, accused of sexually touching two teenage girls . He is also accused of 'inciting' the teenagers to perform sex acts on him . Swansea Crown Court told he would sneak girl, 15, into his school . He 'kissed her in cupboard and asked to see her underwear' Norbury and girl would 'touch each other in his car' He is also accused of touching another teenage girl in his car . She says Norbury apologised to her in 2012 before he was due to marry . Norbury admits sexual relationships with girls, but after they were 16 . | 3dd5aabdcdb5fa2c1c8e3e7bcacf7070335f2aaa |
By . Victoria Woollaston . Among a tomb of gold pins, pearls and a rare bronze mirror dating back to the early Dark Ages, researchers have discovered a heavily deformed human skull. It is thought the tomb and skull found in the Alsace region of France have lain undiscovered for almost 1,650 years and may belong to an aristocrat. The forehead of the woman’s skull has been flattened, forcing the rear of the skull to narrow and become cone-shaped, and this artificial cranial deformation was a common practice in certain parts of the world at that time. The cone-shaped skull was found in one of 18 tombs buried in Alsace. The tomb and skull is thought to be 1,650 years old when artificial cranial deformation was a common practice. Flattening the skull deliberately and forcing the rear of the head into almost a point was seen as a sign of wealth and status . Artificial cranial deformation, also . known as 'head flattening' or 'head binding', is a deliberate method of . deforming a person's skull. The skull could be flattened, elongated, rounded or moulded into a cone-like shape. The process usually began around a month after birth and continued for six . months, although it can also be practiced for years until the desired . shape was achieved. Practitioners used boards or thin strips of bandage to achieve the desired effect. Skull deformation was . a practice made popular by the Huns and spread to Europe during . the time of the Roman Empire. It was particularly popular in Germany. Early . examples of cranial deformation were found to date back to 45,000 B.C . and were even found in the skulls of neanderthals in southwest Asia. It still occurs today in a few places, like Vanuatu - an island in the south Pacific Ocean. Lead archaeologist Phillip Lefranc believes the graves were reserved for soldiers and their families from Asia who fought for the Roman Army. Other treasures found in the aristocrat’s tomb were chatelaines - decorative belt hooks and chains worn at the waist - and a stag antler comb. The mirror, as well as the chains, are thought to have originated in the Caucasis region of Asia and the tomb was one of 18 found buried in the Obernai region of Alsace. ‘The deformation of the skull with the help of bandages and small boards is a practice coming from central Asia,’ Lefranc told LiveScience. Artificial cranial deformation, also known as head flattening or head binding, is a deliberate method of deforming a person's skull. The skull could be flattened, elongated, rounded or moulded into a cone-like shape. It usually began around a month after birth and continued for six months, although it could also be practiced for years until the desired shape was achieved. The French archaeologists made the discovery of the deformed skull in tombs found buried in the Obernai region of Alsace, pictured. Cranial deformation was a practice made popular by the Huns in Asia and spread to Europe during the time of the Roman Empire. It was particularly popular in Germany . In a second burial site found in the same region, Lefranc and his team additionally found a necropolis containing 38 tombs. The skeletons were all positioned with their heads turned to the west, pictured, and among the skeletons were a collection of stone vases and jewellery . It was a practice made popular by the Huns and spread to Europe during the time of the Roman Empire. It was particularly popular in Germany. Early examples of cranial deformation were found to date back to 45,000 B.C and were even found in the skulls of neanderthals in southwest Asia. It still occurs today in a few places, like Vanuatu - an island in the south Pacific Ocean. Having deformed skulls meant that people could be instantly recognised as being from a certain social class. In a second burial site found in the same region, Lefranc and his team additionally found a necropolis containing 38 tombs. Each of these tombs were said to be well preserved because they were buried within limestone rock. The skeletons were all positioned with their heads turned to the west and among the skeletons were a collection of stone vases and jewellery. Each of the tombs were said to be well preserved because they were buried within limestone rock. Among the skeletons were a collection of stone vases and jewellery, pictured . | Skull was found in one of 18 French tombs dating back 1,650 years . Thought to belong to an aristocrat whose head was deliberately deformed . Artificial cranial deformation was caused by flattening a child’s head . It was seen as a sign of wealth and social status and originated in Asia . The skeleton was found in the Obernai region in western France . | 2922fd1ce30b9003f9ca7f7cc5ee9b48c689c7d3 |
A pair of twins born just one minute apart share everything in their life - a job, a car, a Facebook account and even their boyfriend. But even this bizarre level of closeness was not enough for Australians Anna and Lucy DeCinque, 28, who have spent a fortune on cosmetic surgery to erase any tiny differences between them that may remain. They have had identical procedures including lip fillers, breast implants and fake eyebrows and eyelashed - at a cost of an astonishing $240,800 (Australian dollars), or £130,000. Scroll down for video . Lucy, left, and Anna, right, have spent thousands on relentlessly ensuring they stay exactly the same . Double or nothing: Doppelgangers Lucy (left) and Anna (right), both 28, say they do everything together . Smile! The sisters now share the same boyfriend as although they have had separate love interests before, they were always brothers, or at the very least, best friends . Anna, left, and Lucy, right, are pictured aged 17 at their school's graduation ball. They even share the same bed . The . women, from Perth, Western Australia, spend every waking moment . together - and every sleeping moment too, as they share a bed. Anna and Lucy, who live at home with their mother, also share a boyfriend, which they believe is a perfect situation for a relationship. Though the two have had separate love interests before, they have always been brothers, or at least best friends. Their current boyfriend is electircal mechanic Ben Byrne, also from Perth, according to news site PerthNow. Anna said: 'We’re dating one boy at the moment. There are three people in our relationship. We’re sharing.' Lucy added: 'It’s not really weird to us. We have one boyfriend and all three of us share the same bed. For guys, in their hearts and dreams, they want two girlfriends. 'We have the same taste in everything, so obviously we’re going to like the same boy too. We’re all together when we have sex, and if we like the same guy, so be it. Every date had to be a double date. It’s always double or nothing.' From an early age Anna and Lucy were inseparable. The sisters went to the same nursery, primary and secondary schools, before enrolling on a beauty course at college together. The sisters revealed that they were so close even their parents have struggled to tell them apart, especially their father Luigi, who died in 2010. Video courtesy of Seven Network today tonight . Anna and Lucy even share a boyfriend. They went to the same nursery, primary and secondary schools, before enrolling on a beauty course at college together . Lucy, right, and Anna, left, pictured applying their make-up so they look exactly the same . Snap! Although the twins purchase every outfit in duplicate, they say they would never wear the same thing twice on a night out . Gladrags: It's not uncommon for sisters to share clothes, but sharing a lover is a little more rare . Mirror image: Lucy said: 'We're all together when we have sex, and if we like the same guy, so be it' Anna, left, and Lucy, right, pictured aged five, say their mother has always been able to tell them apart but their father can't. Only a small mole on Lucy's cheek and a scar on Anna's forehead tells them apart . Lucy said: 'Our mum has always been able to tell us apart. But, our dad, not so much. He would say, "Which one are you?"' Only a small mole on Lucy’s cheek and a scar on Anna’s forehead separate the two. But, those slight differences go unseen by most – including ex-boyfriends. Lucy says: 'We’ve had fun, especially when we were younger. We would swap boyfriends, if we were bored. 'Like, even on the telephone, if I didn’t want to talk to my boyfriend, Anna would take the phone and pretend to be me. We would play games like that, and the other person never realised. 'We’ve settled down a bit now.' The childhood accident – a bump in the bathroom - that caused Anna’s scar is one of the few things the sisters didn’t do together. Anna, left and Lucy, right, pictured aged 19. They live together, do the same job and are never more than a few metres away from each other at all times . Spot the difference: The sisters at 19. They have the same exercise regime, phone, car and Facebook account . Lucky guy: Ben Byrne, an electrician, is Anna and Lucy's current boyfriend . Since then, everything Anna and Lucy have done has been in sync. From living together, to the job they share - working with the elderly - the twins are never more than a few metres away from each other at all times. 'We never get tired of each other, even though we’re always together,' said Lucy. 'Of course, we argue. When you’re with someone 24/7 you’re going to have arguments and get on each other's nerves. We always make up, though.' Anna and Lucy’s unique bond has only grown as they got older. Aged 12, the sisters opted for different hair styles, with Anna going for a longer cut, but the streak of individuality was short-lived. When their father Luigi was diagnosed with cancer and remained housebound, the girls became even closer. They quit their beauty course and stayed at home to look after their dad, until his death four years ago. That same year, when the girls turned . 24, they both decided to have breast enlargements after, they say, . being inspired by Kim Kardashian's. The two from a BB cup size to DD. They now undertake an extensive joint beauty regime to maintain their appearances. Once a week, Anna and Lucy take advantage of infrared saunas, . microdermabrasion and skin peels to maintain the mirror image. They also . follow the same exercise routine and keep an identical diet. Babies: Lucy and Anna were born just one minute apart. They are pictured here with their father, Luigi DeCinque, who died in 2010 . Early years: The twins have shared a bed since their early childhood, and still do today . Anna said: 'We like looking after ourselves, what girl doesn't?' The sisters, who don't drink or smoke, take great pride in their appearances, and wear a new outfit every Saturday night. Their wardrobe is full of body-hugging size 8 mini-dresses and hefty heels. Lucy said: 'We never wear the same outfit twice when we go out. Everything has to be new. When we go clothes shopping, Anna will already know that I like a certain top.' Toddlers: The girls when they were two years old . 'We always know what the other is thinking,' Anna added. 'We stopped buying gifts for each other, because we ended up buying each other same thing. After . caring for their father while he was ill, Lucy and Anna applied for a job . in aged care, serving meals to the elderly. Their joint application was . successful and they job share the position and take home one salary. The money, which ends up in the same handbag – carried by Lucy, goes towards the twins’ beauty regime. And, when the twins step out of the sauna and walk down the street, attention is never far away. Anna says, 'When we go out, we get so many guys saying they want to marry the both of us or date the both of us. 'And we always have girls coming up and saying "where do you get your clothes from?" They love our style. 'And we feel each others’ pain too. If Lucy’s at the dentist, I will feel her pain.' While . the girls have been warned that their extreme closeness could lead to . serious problems in the future, especially if one of them decides to get . married and move away or if one of them dies, the twins remain unfazed. Lucy says, 'We can’t imagine a day when we’re not in each others' company. And, to be honest, I don’t think that would ever happen.' Visit: Lucy and Anna, pictured aged 4, say they cannot imagine a situation where they wouldn't see each other every day . Growing up together: The girls on their fifth birthday, left, and on their 18th birthday, right, before their implants . Inseparable: Anna and Lucy at their parents' wedding. Jeanna DeCinque, the girl's mother, is pictured right . Childhood: The girls aged 12, left, and Lucy in a school photo taken in the same year. The two are rarely apart . Family: Anna (left) and Lucy (right) aged four with their father Luigi and mother Jeanna DeCinque . Teenagers: The girls continued to dress similarly in their teen years. They are pictured here aged 16 . Shoppers: The twins have an extensive collection of identical outfits . | Lucy and Anna DeCinque, 28, share almost every aspect of their lives . Sisters, from Perth, Australia, have dated the same man for a year . They have always looked alike and have been inseparable, but went further with surgery . | 6dc90127216b0a0ab1745eaa1ba6208d05cede86 |
(CNN) -- The United States is expelling three Venezuelan diplomats, including the South American country's top envoy in Washington, the State Department said Tuesday night. Calixto Ortega, Venezuela's charge d'affaires in Washington, and two other diplomats have been declared personae non gratae in response to Venezuela's decision Monday to expel three U.S. diplomats, a State Department spokesperson said in a written statement provided to CNN. They have 48 hours to leave the United States. On Monday, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced he was expelling three U.S. diplomats and accused them of conspiring to destabilize his government. The Venezuelan leader accused the group of diplomats of meeting with right-wing political opponents of his government, financing their activities and encouraging them to sabotage the country's electrical system and its economy -- accusations that the State Department has repeatedly denied. "It is regrettable that the Venezuelan government has again decided to expel U.S. diplomatic officials based on groundless allegations, which require reciprocal action. It is counterproductive to the interests of both our countries and not a serious way for a country to conduct its foreign policy," the State Department spokesperson said Tuesday. "We completely reject the accounts of the Venezuelan government about any participation of the U.S. government in any type of conspiracy to destabilize the Venezuelan government." In addition to Ortega, Monica Alejandra Sanchez Morales, second secretary at the Venezuelan Embassy in Washington, and Marisol Gutierrez de Almeida, Venezuelan consul in Houston, were also expelled. The U.S. announcement came hours after Maduro repeated his accusations in a nationally televised broadcast, showing what he said was security camera footage that showed the U.S. diplomats meeting with members of the opposition. As she prepared to leave Caracas on Tuesday, the top U.S. envoy told reporters the meeting was part of the U.S. Embassy's typical approach of talking with officials and members of civil society throughout the country. "If we are not talking with these people, then we are not doing our jobs," said Kelly Keiderling, the U.S. charge d'affaires in Venezuela. "If the accusation is that we met with Venezuelans, then we are guilty." In March: U.S. expels 2 Venezuelan diplomats . | The U.S. declares three Venezuelan diplomats personae non gratae . The expulsion comes a day after Venezuela kicked out three U.S. diplomats . Venezuela's president accused them of plotting to destabilize his government . The State Department denies the accusations, calls them counterproductive . | 41dd6aaeb50c2a2a974ebb8af479c52b3c2bb6e7 |
A five-foot alligator has been evicted from a Florida home after police found the reptile living in a children's paddling pool - in a 600 square feet apartment. The alligator, named Snappy by its owner April Rognlin, was kept as a pet along with her three dogs. Mrs Rognlin, who had cared for Snappy in her apartment in Ocean Shores, Grays Harbor County, Washington for almost seven years, was stopped by police following objections from her landlord. Scroll down for video . Time for a walk? Snappy the alligator was seized from an Ocean Shores apartment in Washington after a tip off from its owner's landlord . Police in Ocean Shores, some 130 miles from Seattle, said that they seized the reptile following a tip off from the property's owner. They found Snappy in the back seat of Mrs Rognlin's vehicle. The reptile also had its own rockery alongside the paddling pool and lived happily alongside the three dogs. But the terms of Mrs Rognlin's lease did not allow her to keep the 'pet' and ownership of an American Black alligator is also against Washington law, police said. Snappy was kept in a paddling pool with a rockery alongside Mrs Rognlin's three dogs . The alligator was being held in an apartment in Ocean Shores, WA pictured on this map . Mrs Roglin said Snappy 'is just like a dog or a cat'. She told King 5 News: 'He is part of the family, I've had him forever.' She said that, despite the fact that alligators are known for their powerful jaws, Snappy 'wouldn't hurt anyone' and said that handing the reptile over 'broke my heart'. Snappy is now being cared for at Thurston County Animal Shelter and the shelter are looking for a permanent home in a reptile refuge. Owner April Rognlin said Snappy was 'just like a dog or a cat' The alligator is now being held at Thurston County Animal Shelter and the shelter are looking for a permanent home in a reptile refuge . | Alligator seized after tip off from landlord in Ocean Shores, WA . Reptile living in paddling pool in 600 square feet apartment . Owner April Rognlin said handing over the animal 'broke my heart' | 32d5722fa9ee70e1cfc8ee835b8b99f15b7415e2 |
Tottenham will make a final bid for Morgan Schneiderlin before giving up on signing the wantaway Southampton midfielder. New Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is determined to take his former player with him from the south coast but after a summer of big name departures Saints are reluctant to let another of their major assets go. Schneiderlin has claimed that he has a gentleman's agreement with the club to let him go but until now Southampton have held firm - although their resolve could be tested by Spurs' final bid. VIDEO Scroll for Mauricio Pochettino refuses to discuss reported target Schneiderlin . Mover and shaker: Morgan Schneiderlin will be the subject of one last bid from Tottenham this summer . Back in action: Schneiderlin gets challenged by Gaston Ramirez as he prepares for the new season . Adam Lallana - Liverpool - £23m . Rickie Lambert - Liverpool - £4m . Dejan Lovren - Liverpool - £20m . Luke Shaw - Manchester United - £31.5m . Dani Osvaldo - Inter Milan - loan . The French international informed his new boss Ronaldo Koeman that he was 'not mentally or physically able' to play for Southampton due to the speculation surrounding his future. However he has trained all this week and starts for Southampton for the trip to face Liverpool - and two former team-mates in the form of Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert - at Anfield. The £27million-rated central midfielder will hope he can seal a move to North London before the close of the summer transfer window but that will depend on Southampton's response to what will be Spurs' final attempt to secure his signature. Get me that man: Mauricio Pochettino still wants to add his former midfielder to his Spurs squad . Big departures: Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw, Dejan Lovren and Adam Lallana have all left Liverpool this summer . | Spurs will only make one more offer for the Saints midfield man . Mauicio Pochettino wants his former player to join him in North London . Schneiderlin wants to move after playing in the World Cup with France . He has trained this week and starts against Liverpool at Anfield . | 5b1880adc1bb891967d93ef0af865b60b9e72efb |
Police are offering a $5,000 reward for any information on a pipe bomb that was discovered in Marshfield, Massachusetts. The bomb squad was alerted when a resident called 911 after spotting the device in the middle of the street around the Brant Rock area on Sunday afternoon. Although no one was injured, the homemade pipe bomb was so sensitive that it exploded while the bomb squad was attempting to disarm it. Scroll down for video . Suspicious package: A pipe bomb was found in a busy area of the Brant Rock section of Marshfield after a resident reported it . Officials believe that the device may have been attached to a vehicle, which was a possible target, but fell off in Marshfield, a town of about 25,000 around 30 miles southeast of Boston. Phillip Tavares, police chief of Marshfield, told CBS Boston: 'It ended up here, but we don't believe that it was placed here, and that part is still under investigation at this time.' Terry Molloy, who noticed the device outside her home, told Wicked Local Orleans that the bomb looked like a small black box with a battery attached to it. 'It looked like a broken gadget or something'. Jennifer Mieth, public information officer for the state Department of Fire Services, said: 'State Police take this opportunity to remind people if they see a suspicious looking object that might be a bomb, to not touch it and call authorities for this very reason. 'Simply moving a bomb can set it off.' Target? Police believe that the bomb may have been attached to a vehicle before falling off in Marshfield, about 30 miles from Boston . | Bomb squad in Marshfield, Mass., alerted when small black box spotted . Device was so sensitive it exploded while bomb squad tried to stabilize it . | 9b420ff984f9ffa157ca9860152ca782f9de63af |
Not many people have narrowly escaped death by as thin a margin as this Taiwanese motorist who was almost crushed to death by a massive boulder crashing down onto the road just a few yards away from him. This extraordinary video, recorded by chance on a camera mounted on the dashboard of a second car following behind, shows just how lucky the first driver was. The boulder, weighing hundreds of tonnes and as almost as big as a house, rolled down the hillside near Keelung city in a landslide triggered by heavy rain. Scroll down for video . Yards from oblivion: This driver was nearly crushed by a boulder than fell onto the coastal road in Keelung, northern Taiwan . The car was heavily damaged by the falling debris that came before the rock landed in the road . Tropical Storm Kong-Rey pounded Taiwan earlier this week, leading to widespread flooding in the south that left three people dead, the government said. Floodwaters rose to a depth of 10 feet and the storm also disrupted air and rail traffic, as well as forcing offices and schools to shut. Several landslides have been recorded during the spate of wild weather, but this is the most dramatic to have been captured on camera. Rocks began moving at the top of the hillside as the wet earth made them unstable. The drivers below were apparently unaware of the danger - until the huge boulder smashed down onto the road causing a bomb-like explosion of mud and rock. Unaware: The white car moments before the death-defying accident . Explosion: A wave of dirt is thrown over the road after the earth-shattering impact . The front of the car is battered by soil and rocks and the driver slams on his brakes . The debris smashes into the car, pushing it to the side in the video, posted on YouTube. It shows the lucky motorist slamming on his brakes and having the presence of mind to switch on his hazard warning lights as the boulder rocked to a standstill beside his car. It even teeters alarmingly over the vehicle before finally coming to a standstill. He remains in the vehicle for a few moments, then steps out to stare at the boulder which had come so close to claiming his life. Amazingly, no one was injured. On the edge: Although the boulder had stopped moving, it still teetered alarmingly over the vehicle before finally coming to standstill . Taiwan has been lashed by heavy rainstorms this week . In another incident, 19 people were injured when a train was derailed in the bad weather. The six-carriage train, carrying around 250 passengers, hit the mudslides as it was approaching a tunnel in Pingtung county, the Taiwan Railway Administration said. In 2009 at least 63 Taiwanese villagers were buried alive by mudslides triggered by typhoon Morakot which ravaged the country. | The boulder plunged downhill following torrential rain in Taiwan . The force of the impact sent explosion of dirt flying into the air . The lucky driver only just escaped with his life . | e4f6fff0325313aaa2bcc904f95b5becb25c2dbf |
A man accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend and her male friend in a shotgun rampage has urged a jury to find him guilty so he could be back in prison in time to watch a football match. 'Remorseless': Nathan Burris ia accused of shooting Deborah Ross, and her friend Ersie Everette III, at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll plaza, in San Francisco Bay, California . Nathan Burris, 49, who is representing himself in his trial in Martinez, California, snapped . his fingers as he asked the jury to speed up so he could get back for the Monday night game. He said: 'I . did it. So what?' before adding 'No remorse, no regrets, no mercy. ... You want me to draw it out in crayon?' Burris, a truck and shuttle driver stands accused of shooting Deborah Ross, and her friend Ersie Everette III, at the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge toll plaza, in San Francisco Bay, California, in August 2009. Giggling and smiling, Burris, who has a speech impediment, cursed the people he allegedly killed as members of the victims' family looked on, the SFgate reports. Prosecutor Harold Jewett asked Burris if his father would have been proud of him during cross examination at Contra Costa County Superior Court. But after 30 minutes, Burris refused to answer any more questions, gesturing towards the jury as he said: 'This isn't Sesame Street... They get it bro' But Burris did not get his verdict on Monday as he wanted, instead closing arguments are planned for today. After a 13-year relationship Burris' former partner Ms Ross, 51, had planned to move out of the house she shared with him and according to her family had already started packing her things. It has been claimed she had started to date Mr Everette, 58, a Golden Gate Transit driver and aspiring church deacon from San Leandro. According to the Contra Costa Times, Burris said he first fatally shot Everette in the toll plaza car park and then ran to Ross' toll booth and gunned her down while she was on duty. Burris was arrested the day after the shooting. He tried to plead guilty during his first court appearance, saying he was ready to die. But under state law, capital murder suspects cannot plead guilty without a defence lawyer's consent. Burris has claimed that Mr Everette threatened him, leading him to an act of 'self-preservation.' On Monday Burris again said he wanted to plead guilty saying that all that mattered was that he was alive, and they were not. But after talking to an attorney who was appointed to advise him, Burris changed his mind and decided to preserve his right to appeal. He told Superior Court Judge John W. Kennedy 'Why not?' Contra Costa County Superior Court in Martinez, California, where Burris is standing trial accused of killing his girlfriend and male friend . In a second trip to the witness stand, he denied Ms Ross had been moving out and said he was ready to spend the rest of his life in prison. Grinning as he refused to answer questions he said he was just happy to be alive. Asked why he was smiling, he said he would not be 'crying about what happened three years ago.' before adding to the jury: 'It is what it is.' Speaking outside court to Sfgate.com, Ms Ross' 25-year-old niece, Elesha Nelson of Oakland, said she had to suppress an urge to slap the defendant. If the jury finds him guilty of murder, along with the special . circumstances of lying in wait and killing multiple victims, the trial . will move to a death penalty phase. Burris will face either . execution or life in prison without parole. But . if California voters support a ballot measure today to repeal the death . penalty, the final phase will not be held and the trial will end. Burris would be sentenced to life in prison without parole if the jury upheld the special circumstances. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Remorseless Nathan Burris, 49, smiled and giggled as he admits killing his former girlfriend and her male friend . He tells jury 'No remorse, no regrets, no mercy... You want me to draw it out in crayon?' | e1ae4cdc831db296d44fcf8f5365d87b07e9ccf6 |
Washington (CNN) -- Keenly conscious of his image, a graying Osama bin Laden no doubt never expected this video -- showing him hunched over, draped in a blanket and using a television clicker -- to hit the world's airwaves as it did Saturday. Filmed by a confidant, the al Qaeda leader contrasts with the younger version of himself on a TV screen a few feet away. That man has a more youthful beard, a hand held up in resolve and a photo of the burning World Trade Center. U.S. officials, who Saturday released five videos, emphasized the recordings and other materials seized at bin Laden's Pakistan compound show the terrorist still had a firm hand at the tiller, managing strategic and tactical control of his organization, even as he stayed out of sight in Abbottabad. The undated videos make clear bin Laden "remained active in al Qaeda terrorist propaganda operations, especially in shaping his own image," said a senior intelligence official granted anonymity under the ground rules of a briefing at the Pentagon. Four of the clips show bin Laden, who was killed along with four others Monday by U.S. commandos, in more formal attire. No audio of the terrorist leader speaking accompanied the images. What bin Laden 'home videos' reveal . The intelligence official said the audio was removed because it would be "inappropriate to spread the words of terrorists and propaganda messages, especially Osama bin Laden." Besides the missing audio, the videos, according to the intelligence official, were not altered in any other way. Still, the release of the home movies sends a message to those who doubted bin Laden was killed: Navy SEALs got footage that likely could have been held only by bin Laden at his hideout. It may also have accomplished something else: diminishing the bin Laden mythology of invincibility. Video shows new side of bin Laden . CNN national security contributor Frances Townsend said U.S. officials "picked these videos pretty deliberately." Portions are unflattering of bin Laden and reflect his vanity, Townsend said. Some of the videos indicate problems with production value. Bin Laden misses a cue in one and another shows him with a wrinkled backdrop. Phone call tipped off U.S. officials to bin Laden . The candid recording of an aging bin Laden, stroking his beard, reviewing news footage and calling up a DVD menu, portrays him as an ordinary man, not a terror mastermind. Bin Laden wears a dark wool cap, slightly rocking in his seat in the spartan surroundings. Images on the TV screen include U.S. President Barack Obama, bin Laden handling an AK-47 rifle, troops and other scenes. The videos lifted a corner of the tent on materials seized by U.S. commandos, including reams of documents, disks, thumb drives, computers and more. Analysts have pored over them for evidence of further plots or operations. Bin Ladenism withered after 9/11 . "The materials reviewed over the past several days clearly show that bin Laden remained an active leader in al Qaeda, providing strategic, operational and tactical instructions to the group," the intelligence official said. "Though separated from many al Qaeda members who are located in more remote areas of the region, he was far from a figurehead. He was an active player making the recent operation even more essential for our nation's security." But U.S. officials would not describe any of that material in detail Saturday. They did say that the intelligence reveals bin Laden and al Qaeda had a driving interest in taking on the United States and that the leader was involved in the details of plotting attacks. Bin Laden's bride, 18, was confident, conservative . One of the videos is a message to the United States officials believe was recorded in October or November and is entitled "A Message to the American People." In that video, which had not been broadcast by al Qaeda, bin Laden's beard has been dyed black and he was well-composed as he delivered his message. The three other videos are practice sessions for videos he was planning to release to the world. In one, bin Laden stands in front of an armoire. Preliminary analysis suggests that the armoire matches one at the compound, the senior intelligence official told reporters. The videos were shown amid the Obama administration's decision not to release photos of the slain bin Laden and bury the al Qaeda leader at sea. Watch full videos of bin Laden . The senior intelligence official briefing reporters said Monday's raid by U.S. forces yielded a significant amount of intelligence, and that a special federal task force -- including members of the CIA and FBI -- is combing through the material. The official also said the DNA evidence unquestionably shows that the person shot and killed in the Pakistan compound was bin Laden. The intelligence officials said they are trying to determine what bin Laden's death means to the future of al Qaeda and are trying to get clues to the locations of the other top al Qaeda leaders. The No. 2 man in al Qaeda is Ayman al-Zawahiri; another top militant is Anwar al-Awlaki, the U.S. born militant who is a leader in the group's Yemen branch. This week, al-Awlaki eluded a drone attack in southern Yemen as security personnel continue their hunt for him, Yemeni and American officials said. CNN's Reza Sayah contributed to this report. | One video appears to be a home video of bin Laden . Another is a message to the United States . Officials say the DNA evidence is unquestionable -- it's bin Laden . | cb569f36e2bf802550316fb9d47f343694ce813a |
(CNN) -- He was born into poverty, became wealthy via the stock exchange, suffered the suicides of both his parents, and would ultimately end his own life on the golf course that bears his legacy. The life of Clifford Roberts was remarkable tale, a man who -- in a rags-to-riches ode to the American Dream -- rose from farm boy to the position of advisor for the American president via his role as creator of one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. As chairman of The Masters, Roberts would become legend, but the story of his life was one filled with twists and turns and which, ultimately, ended in tragedy on the banks of Augusta National's par-three course in September 1977. A triumph over adversity . "Cliff managed to rise above the tragedy of his parents. He was a land man and he traveled across the country, approaching farmers and buying their land for drilling rights," said Curt Sampson, author of "The Masters: Golf, Money and Power." "He made a real success and moved to New York, where he got into stock brokerage and proved himself highly skilled in the art of ingratiating himself to people with money. He was as skilled with stocks and he was with 'the schmooze'." It was in New York that Roberts befriended legendary amateur golfer Bobby Jones, who in 1930 completed the unique feat of a calendar Grand Slam, by winning the U.S. Open, British Open, U.S. Amateur and British Amateur. Jones had retired from golf aged just 28, with his celebrity at an all-time high. He sought money and sanctuary, and together with Roberts conceived the idea of building an ultra-exclusive club in the more temperate south where monied New Yorkers could head for retreat and rounds of golf in the sun. Building a national treasure . Augusta, Georgia, was familiar to both men. Roberts had completed his First World War training at the town's Camp Hancock facility, while Jones had a house nearby. Roberts raised $70,000 to buy a pre-Civil War, 365-acre Indigo plantation, and the pair invited British designer Dr. Alister Mackenzie to set out a golf course . "They built it for a dime, and got all their labor and materials for practically nothing," said Sampson. "When they finished they declared bankruptcy, reorganized and gave themselves a new name." The big sell . Augusta was ready in just 124 days, but it took a lot longer to sell the prospect to an America in the grips of recession. "Thanks to the Depression, the duo (Roberts and Jones) failed to attract many early takers, and the club teetered on the brink of bankruptcy for years," wrote Cameron Morfit, in Golf Magazine. In 1933, Roberts invited a group of wealthy business types to travel down from New York by train. He paid for everything, and the carts were stocked generously with prohibition-flaunting whisky. But his greatest trick was launching the event that would put Augusta on the map. A new kind of tournament . It started life as the Augusta National Invitational in 1934, before Roberts finally convinced Jones on a name befitting of the tournament's elitist home -- The Masters. Jones came out of retirement to play, and Roberts was made chairman. He immediately set about putting his stamp on the event. "He changed the locations of perimeter mounds to improve gallery viewing. He was the first to use a series of leader boards placed throughout the course. He also devised a system for showing the cumulative score of each player," the history of the Masters on the official web site reads. Friends in high places . The Masters gave Roberts new influence. In 1948 he invited a five-star general named Dwight Eisenhower to visit Augusta. Roberts would ultimately serve as Eisenhower's political and financial advisor, and -- according to Sampson's research -- help illegally distribute funds to the Republican party en route to his election as president in 1953. "Their relationship is told through Eisenhower's oral history. Roberts is open about being a bag man, and carrying satchels of cash around to avoid paperwork and detection," Sampson said. Iron fist in a velvet glove . The Jones-Roberts relationship was widely seen as "good cop, bad cop" partnership. Sampson called Roberts an "iron fist in a velvet glove", and the many stories of Roberts ruthless pursuit of perfection at the course attests to this. "He (Roberts) hated to see a dead tree limb or anything out of place," said Carl Jackson, who'll caddy in his 50th Masters at the 2011 edition, in an interview with Golf.com. "Almost every time I would see him he would wave for me. He would say, 'You go and you tell that goddamn greens superintendent that I'm out here on number 14 and to come out here this very minute.'" There was the incident in 1948 that Roberts ejected Frank Stranahan from The Masters for hitting additional balls in a practice round. Stranahan claimed a conspiracy against him. And the fierce control he kept over television broadcasters, from the moment The Masters went went live for the first time in 1956 with CBS persists in ethos to this day. Barriers to entry . But the controversy that defined Roberts' reign at Augusta, was unquestionably the club's apparent reticence to embrace black players -- and black members. The PGA of America dropped their Caucasian-only clause in 1961, but it was 14 years before Lee Elder became the first African American to compete at The Masters. In the intervening years Charlie Sifford won twice on the PGA Tour, and applied time and again to be part of The Masters field. But to no avail. Product of the different era . Augusta National under Roberts occasionally was frequently compared to the Plantation it was built on. The workers were black, the caddies were black, and they politely served the white folk who played and relaxed there. But was it really any more than a reflection of the society at the time? "I don't think Cliff was motivated by racial issues at all," Sampson said. He was simply a product of the time and his environment." The legacy of Jones and Roberts . When Jones succumbed to a debilitating illness in 1971, Roberts assumed total control of Augusta, and of The Masters. His would preside over their legacy for another five years, before terminal illness led him to end his life on the golf course that defined it. Typical of his ordered world, he had his haircut and attached the doctor's note to a letter for his wife before shooting himself. A plaque was erected at the entrance to Augusta, and his legacy continues to be fiercely protected at every turn by the club that made him chairman in memoriam. "Although he was a tough man, he was a person who was truly dedicated to golf and the quality and standards of the game," Arnold Palmer reflected. "All of us in golf appreciate what he has done for the game," said Jack Nicklaus. "From the time I met Clifford Roberts until his death, I never knew him to do anything that was not in the best interest of Augusta National. As a youngster [he] would ask me what I thought of something, and I would try to give him an answer. He would then research it, come back to me and say, 'Jack, we agree and we are going to fix that on the golf course.' Or, he would tell me why they didn't agree with me. "He was just a fun-loving guy; a good guy. I love the story about the spoof he put on at one of the jamborees. They always said he could walk on water, and he rigged it so he could walk across the water at No. 16.. There was an age difference but we were good friends," Nicklaus told Golf.com . | Clifford Roberts was born in Morning Sun, Iowa, and suffered the suicides of both his parents . Having served in the First World War, he became a successful banker on Wall Street . Roberts and amateur golfer Bobby Jones conceived Augusta National Country Club . The pair founded what would become The Masters in 1934, one of golf four majors . | 571ab96b5b6b1847f8e4e2fa8252ec5b9a324439 |
The French magazine at the centre of the topless pictures scandal has ‘more intimate’ photographs of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, its editor boasted last night. Laurence Pieau remained defiantly unapologetic over her decision to publish the first set of photos in the French version of Closer magazine. She said the widespread outrage over the pictures was ‘disproportionate’ and tried to insist the shots were ‘not degrading’. Scroll down for video . Women pulling the strings: Editor Laurence Pieau (left) remains unapologetic for publishing the naked photos of the Duchess of Cambridge and claims there may be more. Meanwhile, the role of owner Marina Berlusconi (right) remains unclear . Grotesque: The magazine put three naked photos of the Duchess of Cambridge on the front cover . With a smile on her face she even said Prince Harry would feel ‘less alone’ as she compared the photos of a topless Kate to those taken of him cavorting naked in his Las Vegas hotel room last month. And in comments which will further distress the Duchess, she said: ‘I won’t hide the fact that there are more intimate pictures that exist.’ The French edition of Closer is owned by Italian media group Mondadori, the chairman of which is Marina Berlusconi, daughter of Italy’s former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. Last night it remained unclear what influence, if any, Miss Berlusconi had on the decision to publish the graphic photographs. What is certain is that both women will face an avalanche of criticism for what William and Kate called a ‘grotesque and totally unjustifiable’ invasion of privacy. Strained: The Royal couple looked strained as they left the British High Commission while on a visit shortly after the photos were published. Both Kate and William are said to be furious about the publication of the pictures . Instead of showing remorse at the pain . felt by the royal couple, Ms Pieau gave numerous interviews to TV . networks in a shameless attempt to justify her decision and sell more . copies of her magazine. She . also posted a series of titillating messages on Twitter saying readers . could expect the ‘hot Provence version of the crown jewels’. She added that readers would get the chance to ‘discover very sensual shots of Kate and her husband Prince William’. ‘What we saw in the pictures was a young couple who are just married, who are in love, who are beautiful,’ the editor said. ‘She is the princess of the 21st century. ‘They are a young couple in love. She is a young woman who’s topless, just like the ones who can be seen on all of the beaches of France and the world. These are pictures that are full of joy. The pictures are not degrading.’ Preview: The topless pictures were muzzed out on the French version of Closer magazine's website billed as a 'World Exclusive . In an attempt to justify the intrusion of privacy Ms Pieau said the Duke and Duchess were ‘on a terrace of a chateau in the south of France which is not far from a road on which cars pass without any problems’. ‘They are visible from the street,’ she added. ‘It’s a nice series which we have a worldwide exclusive on at the moment. These are pictures that will go around the world. ‘And honestly I don’t know of a single celebrity magazine in the world that would not have published these if they had them. They wouldn’t have hesitated two seconds before running. One shouldn’t be hypocritical.’ The editor tried to downplay the furore by claiming that topless pictures of a princess were ‘not really new’. Chateau D'Autet near Veins, Provence, Southern France, where the young royal couple were relaxing . Invasion of privacy: The Lay by (bottom left) on the opposing valley slope is where is where it is believed the pictures were shot with a long zoom camera . In reality, the couple’s balcony was about 1,000 yards from the road and the couple would not have been visible without the most sophisticated telescopic lenses. The French version of Closer magazine was launched in June 2005 as a sister title to the British edition, which is published by Bauer Media. It was sold in August 2006 to Mondadori France, a subsidiary of the Italian company, and now sells around 400,000 copies a week. French Closer insisted there had been no breach of safety or security in obtaining the photos. One source at the magazine said: ‘If two public figures chose to strip off in full view of a public road then they can expect to be pictured, and they were.’ Soldiering on: The young Royals had been told about the magazine's plans to publish the pictures just before their first ever visit to a mosque earlier in the day . Last night a spokesman for Mondadori declined to comment. Bauer Media said it had ‘complained in the strongest terms’ to Mondadori about the pictures. Chief executive Paul Keenan said his company deplored the publication of the ‘intrusive and offensive pictures’. He said: ‘Bauer Media and Closer UK regards publication of these photographs as a gross intrusion of their Royal Highnesses’ privacy. ‘We have absolutely no control over the editorial decisions of Closer France.’ VIDEO: Watch the interview here... | Remains unclear if Marina Berlusconi influenced decision to publish photos . Editor has defended the photos in numerous interviews with TV networks . | 2ab9d7dc3096ec0a76ae742ce33a1cab5f2ebe75 |
London (CNN) -- A Swiss whistle-blower Monday handed over what he said were secret Swiss banking records to WikiLeaks, the website dedicated to revealing secrets. Swiss banker Rudolf Elmer handed two discs to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at a news conference in London. WikiLeaks could release the secret Swiss banking records in "a matter of weeks" if it can process them quickly enough, Assange said. Elmer said he would not reveal the names in the records and said he was unable to say how many people were involved. Who is Rudolf Elmer? He said about 2,000 clients' records were included, but that because of the way trusts and corporations are set up, he could not determine how many individuals were involved. Elmer describes himself as an activist/reformer/banker. "I think, as a banker, I do have the right to stand up if something is wrong," he said Monday, explaining why he was giving the documents to the website. Elmer is due to go on trial Wednesday in Switzerland for violating the country's banking secrecy regulations. He said he wanted "to let society know what I do know and how this system works because it is damaging our society in the way that money is moved" and hidden in offshore jurisdictions. He began looking into the issue when he was a banker in the Cayman Islands, he said. When he first looked into the problems of offshore banking he said it looked like "a mouse tail," but as he investigated in the Cayman Islands and Switzerland, it became a "dragon's tail," and finally a many-headed dragon. Speaking at the same news conference, lawyer Jack Blum said it was not always possible to determine who, if anyone, had engaged in "criminal tax evasion." Elmer aims to "challenge Swiss Bank Secrecy at the European Court of Human Rights and the Swiss courts," he says on his website. He has worked at six offshore banking centers, he says. He has been engaged in a long-running battle with Swiss banks over secrecy, he said. He said he had approached tax authorities and universities with his data, but that no one was interested. He was about to give up, he said, when he learned about WikiLeaks from a friend. He said he was "grateful" to WikiLeaks for helping him "send the message which I wanted to send," but that he was not trying to use it for "protection" as he faced prosecution. | NEW: About 2,000 client records are handed over . WikiLeaks could publish the documents within weeks, Julian Assange says . Rudolf Elmer says he has a right to stand up if he sees something wrong . Elmer and Assange are fighting Swiss banking secrecy . | 622616c480b06a279055b477ede3735038de2546 |
By . Rebecca Evans . Updated: . 03:07 EST, 6 March 2012 . Convert: Detectives believe fugitive terror suspect wanted for her role in a bomb plot is 7/7 widow Samantha Lewthwaite, pictured as a teenager . Kenyan police say British colleagues have confirmed that a fugitive terror suspect wanted for her role in a bomb plot is 7/7 widow Samantha Lewthwaite. Senior anti-terror police sources in Mombasa yesterday said fingerprints of the woman being sought over an Al Qaeda-linked plan to attack Western tourist resorts had been sent to London. They said Scotland Yard found them to be a match for the wife of suicide bomber Jermaine Lindsay. Interviewed on condition of anonymity, a Kenyan police chief said: ‘Samantha Lewthwaite’s fingerprints have been confirmed by detectives we have been working with from the UK. 'This woman is still in the country. She will not escape if she passes through exit points at the border because of her fingerprints. ‘We are confident we are looking for the white widow.' Senior Assistant Commissioner Ambrose Munyasya, head of Mombasa's criminal investigations department, added: 'We are looking for her and if we get to know where she is we will go there. 'I have a strong team of officers in anti-terrorism and they are determined to find her.' However, the Metropolitan force is still refusing to comment on the foiled Christmas bomb plot against luxury hotels and shopping centres in Mombasa. It insists that ‘this is a matter for the Kenyan authorities’, even though a large team of British anti-terror officers is in Nairobi, working with the CIA to assist in the investigation. On the radar: A woman believed to be Lewthwaite was photographed by undercover police in August at the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, accompanied by a man believed to be Habib Ghani, whom police describe as 'dangerous' Married to a bomber: Lethwaite with Jermaine Lindsay who blew himself up in the 2005 terror attack near Russell Square which claimed 26 lives . Muslim convert Lewthwaite, 28, a soldier’s daughter from Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, is wanted by Kenyan police who believe she was the ‘main financier and bomb-making expert’ for the Somalian Al Qaeda affiliate Al Shabaab. She fled with her three children following a raid in December on several safe houses in Mombasa used by the terror cell. Kenyan police say they found her diary - where she detailed what it took to be a mujihadeen's wife. The woman police claim is Lewthwaite arrived in Kenya using a forged South African passport with the name of Essex nurse Natalie Faye Webb and a picture bearing a striking resemblance to Lewthwaite. Explosive: Chemicals for bomb making were found during a raid in the Bakarani region of Mombasa in Kenya . Evidence: . The woman rented several houses and apartments in Mombasa, including a . villa in Shanzu where police found AK47 shells, pictured, hidden in the . sewers . Miss Webb, who has never been to Kenya, had been the victim of identity theft. Police . issued a warrant for the arrest of Lewthwaite in January after . discovering a bomb-making factory and AK47 ammunition following a raid . on several houses linked to the terror cell. The Mail has revealed how a woman . believed to be Lewthwaite was photographed by undercover police in . August at the Kenyan-Tanzanian border, which shows she was on the . anti-terror radar even then. Police revealed Lewthwaite . kept a tatty A5 exercise book diary in which she wrote that wives of . Muslim suicide bombers must be devoted, unquestioning and believe that . life will be 'sweeter in the hereafter'. Officers in Kenya found notes they . believe she wrote that the 'devoted' wife of a 'mujihadeen' must realise her 'life . in the hereafter promised to be sweeter' because of her husband's . 'sacrifice'. She added that such a wife must be . 'discrete' (sic), 'obedient' and understand her husband's 'calling' meant that both he and his wife would be cut off from their families. She was accompanied by a man believed to be Habib Ghani, from Hounslow, Middlesex, whom police describe as ‘dangerous’. Months later, she managed to escape following a raid on an Al Shabaab safe house in Bakarani – a crime-ridden Mombasa ghetto synonymous with Islamic fundamentalists – in mysterious circumstances following suspicions of police corruption. An inquiry has been launched into how this happened. The woman is believed to be on the run in East Africa with her children and Ghani. Two co-conspirators, Jermaine Grant, 29, a Briton, and Kenyan Foaud Abubakar are under arrest. Grant, from Newham, east London, is due in court tomorrow. His Kenyan wife, who he married just 24 hours before his arrest, has also been charged. The woman arrived in Mombasa in November and rented several houses and apartments, including a villa in Shanzu where police found AK47 shells hidden in the sewers, the forged passport and a smashed laptop computer. Lewthwaite was seven months’ pregnant when her husband blew himself up on July 7, 2005, claiming 26 of the 52 lives lost in the London bombings. Her family in Aylesbury say they have not seen her for years. Search: Sheik Ali Hussein head of the mosque in the Bakrani area of Mombasa said that Lewthwaite had attended his mosque on a number of occasions . Urgent hunt: The false passport of 'Natalie Faye Webb' - thought to be terror widow Samantha Lewthwaite - who has allegedly escaped from Mombasa with bomb fuses . | Fugitive terror suspect wanted for role in bomb plot named as 7/7 widow . Samantha Lewthwaite was wife of suicide bomber Jermaine Lindsay . Diary with tips on how to be a mujihadeen's wife unearthed . | dedfa49d54fb8b6baf996afde98581bd83de95e7 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Rebecca Berry, who suffered from a curved spine for more than ten years has claimed that her condition was cured in just four weeks... by yoga . A woman who suffered from a curved spine so bad that she hid under baggy clothes for more than a decade, has claimed that her condition was cured in just four weeks - by yoga. Rebecca Berry, 29, planned to travel the world after finishing education indulging her love of scuba diving. But she was struck down by a crippling back condition in her late teens. By the time she went to university she had been diagnosed with scoliosis - curvature of the spine. For nearly a decade she wore clothes more than four sizes too big as she became embarrassed and ashamed about her deformity. She refused surgery that would leave her unable to walk for nearly six months and instead researched her condition online. Ms Berry, from Downham Market, Norfolk, got in touch with experts at the Scoliosis SOS clinic and was stunned to find an exercise programme that seemed to cure her condition. After a consultation she began their four-week treatment course of yoga-like exercises and massages and said her spine was corrected within a month. She said is now planning to finally pull on her backpack and spend 2014 fulfilling her travel dream. 'My condition didn't just stop me from doing things from a physical point of view. 'It was also the psychological aspect that went with being diagnosed with what I felt could end up being a horrible deformity. 'I went from feeling normal and perfectly happy with my body, to being paranoid that people were staring at me. 'I felt like I couldn't get in the water, not just because of the pain, but because I couldn't bear people seeing me in a bikini. 'I feel like a new person now, my back is straighter and I feel like I look normal again. I have my confidence back and I am ready to travel the world. X-Ray of Rebecca's spine before her treatment. For nearly a decade she wore clothes more than four sizes too big as she became embarrassed and ashamed about her deformity . 'I am also looking forward to buying a whole new wardrobe full of clothes that actually fit me and don't look like a tent.' Current treatment for Ms Berry's condition is to wait until the curve becomes so severe that surgery is the only option. It means sufferers are faced with having metal rods inserted either side of the spine until it is fused solid in a straight line. But leaving it untreated increases the risk of potentially fatal heart and lung conditions. After a consultation she began their four-week treatment course of yoga-like exercises and massages and her spine was corrected within a month. Now she is finally able to spend time on her favourite sport - scuba diving . Ms Berry, who has held a number of part-time jobs since graduating, said she is delighted she avoided going under the knife. She said: 'I was so desperate to avoid the surgery, I would have tried anything. I am just so lucky that I found the clinic when I did. 'Osteopathy and other treatments just didn't work. 'They would help for about an hour and then the pain would return, I just felt like it was getting worse and my life was spiralling out of control.' | Rebecca Berry, 29, planned to travel world indulging her love of scuba diving . But she was struck with a curvature of the spine in her late teens . The condition was so bad that she hid it under clothes four sizes too big . Now she claims the condition has been fixed by simple yoga exercises . | 3fcabab75038a120d4a8c08a3260910d534abeb0 |
By . Ted Thornhill . PUBLISHED: . 08:32 EST, 2 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:50 EST, 2 December 2013 . With distinctive white rings encircling its eyes, the silvereye looks just like one of the feathered stars of hit video game Angry Birds. There’s no computer wizardry at work here, though. The silvereye is a real-life eye-opener. Also known as wax-eye, or white-eye, . the diminutive birds can be found in New Zealand, as well as Australia . and some of the southwest Pacific Islands, including Fiji. Eye eye: The bird that looks distinctly cartoon-like . Distinctive: The silvereye has a conspicuous white ring around the eye . They feed on a variety of foods, invertebrates, fruit, and nectar and will feed in flocks over winter in gardens and parks from bird tables, eating fats, cooked meats, and bread and sugar water. Here they are pictured tucking into a tasty apple. They feed on nectar courtesy of a specially adapted tongue, with bristles, which allows them to lap it up. Causing a flap: The silvereye was first spotted in New Zealand in 1832 . Diet: The species is partial to an apple or two . Silvereyes . stay in pairs all year but in the winter they form big flocks, often . flying at night in search of food. As the breeding season approaches the . pairs break away to form individual territories and the first year . birds pair up. Prolific breeders, they raise two to three broods per . season, with between two to five eggs per brood. Both adults incubate for about 11 days . and the chicks fledge at about 10 days. The young are independent at . three weeks and will breed at about nine months old. Here's looking at you: The silvereye's eyes are so bright they almost look painted on . Staying power: These little birds can live to 12 years old . They have recorded that these little birds can live up to 12 years. The Silvereye was first recorded in New Zealand in 1832, but arrived in greater numbers in 1856. | The silvereye - or white-eye - is found in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji . Its favourite food is cooked meat, bread and fruit . | a3acb014f0b9a4d9c1671680c7768e37cce465dd |
1) Vincent Kompany (Manchester City) £22.3m - (figure represents value increase) 2) Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) £17.5m . 3) Morgan Schneiderlin (Southampton) £16.4m . 4) Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal) £16m . 5) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) £14.4m . 6) Thibaut Courtois (Chelsea) £14m . 7) Joe Hart (Manchester City) £13.9m . 8) Theo Walcott (Arsenal) £13m . 9) Asmir Begovic (Stoke City) £11.75m . 10) Leighton Baines (Everton) £11.7m . Manchester City skipper Vincent Kompany and Liverpool’s flying winger Raheem Sterling are the two best value signings in the Premier League. Kompany, 28, joined City from Hamburg for £6.7million in 2008, but after firmly establishing himself as one of the best central defenders in the world, the Belgian’s transfer value has substantially increased to £29m. Liverpool’s teenage star Sterling, at the centre of an England controversy after manager Roy Hodgson revealed he was too tired to start against Estonia this week, has seen his transfer value rocket following a series of scintillating performances for the Anfield club since signing from QPR for just £500,000 in 2010 - the 19-year-old is now valued at £18m by German website transfermarkt. Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin is the next best value signing in the Premier League. The Frenchman was snapped up by the Saints for a bargain £1.2m but is now worth £17.6m. Tottenham were willing to pay big money to entice him to White Hart Lane over the summer, but the Saints refused to let him go. Manchester City's Vincent Kompany (left) and Liverpool Raheem Sterling (right) are the two best value signings in the Premier League according to German website transfermarkt . Arsneal's Aaron Ramsey (left) and Southampton's Morgan Schneiderlin (right) complete transfermarkt's top four value-for-money signings in the Premier League after impressing in England's top flight . Arsenal beat several Premier League rivals to lure Welsh dynamo Aaron Ramsey from Cardiff for £5m in 2008 after flying him to Switzerland for face-to-face talks with Arsene Wenger. The move worked and the midfielder is now worth £21m. Here, Sportsmail runs you through the top three best value players at your club courtesy of Alex Miller. The top three players for each club are based on the fee paid and their current values, according to transfermarkt. Stars that have come through a team's youth systems haven't been included in the figures. Chelsea star Eden Hazard's valuation has risen by £10m since he joined the club from French outfit Lille . Everton defender Leighton Baines (left) was bought for £5m from Wigan in 2007 . Leicester goalkeepr Kasper Schmeichel's (right) valuation has risen by £2m since he joined the club . Manchester United paid £24m to buy Robin van Persie from Arsenal in the summer of 2012 . Adel Taarabt is still QPR's best value signing despite not featuring regularly in the first team this season . Swansea's Nathan Dyer (right) is Swansea's third best value signing at an increase of £3.6m . Mauro Zarate's (right) transfer valuation has risen by £3.5m since joining West Ham on a free this summer . | Vincent Kompany joined Manchester City for £6.7million in 2008 . Belgian is now valued at £29m according to German website transfermarkt . Raheem Sterling value has risen by £17.5m since joining Liverpool in 2010 . Morgan Schneiderlin and Aaron Ramsey complete the top four list . | 31355a472635322bf5e2ba43a658688a07a41385 |
This is the moment a mother arrived at her son’s school to find the distressed five-year-old with his hands tied behind his back - after 'acting up'. Alicia Cabrel used a mobile phone to take a video of her upset son Derick Marte restrained with Velcro straps and screaming at the PS 107 school in New York. She was told her child, who has ADHD, had become agitated when his gym session had come to an end and did not want to return to class. Scroll down for video . Video shows how five-year-old Derick Marte (pictured), who has ADHD, was restrained with Velcro straps by school safety agents after an outburst at his Bronx School . The video shows the child sitting on a chair with his hands behind his back and calling out. Ms Cabrel said she received a call during the day to say that there had been an outburst and that school officials had said they would call again if they needed her to come in. About 25 minutes later she got another call, she told abc7 News. But in the meantime her son was restrained with Velcro straps, something school safety agents are permitted to do in certain circumstances. He had been restrained for around 15 minutes when his mother arrived, abc7 News reports. The New York Police Department, which oversees the agents, said its officers reported that the youngster tried to bite one of the workers, had been lashing out and throwing objects and that he had become a danger to himself and others. Alicia Cabrel (pictured) used a mobile phone to take a video of her son Derick Marte restrained with Velcro straps and screaming at the PS 107 school in New York. But Ms Cabrel claims the Bronx school mishandled the situation and has hired an attorney in the hope the case will bring about changes in protocol. She questioned why she was not called earlier to come and calm her son. A psychologist has reportedly recommended Derick should now be home-schooled. She told abc7 News: ‘Nobody was injured. Usually when he gets his tantrums, I live across the street from the school. I can get there in less then five minutes. Why didn't you call me 30 minutes before he got to that point? ‘He wakes up in the middle of the night, scared, “Mommy, I don't want to go to school".' Her attorney John O’Halloran told the broadcaster: ‘There's got to be a better way. If that's the system, we need to change that system to make it more friendly to the family and the parents.’ Abc7 News said the school principal has yet to respond to requests for a comment. | Alicia Cabrel took video of her son, 5, restrained and screaming at his school . Derick Marte, who has ADHD, had an outburst at PS 107 school in New York . Mother was called but school safety agents restrained him using Velcro straps . The video appears to show youngster with his hands tied behind his back . Police say its agents determined the child had been lashing out and was danger to himself and others . Ms Cabrel has hired an attorney claiming the school mishandled the situation . | 91dbcec689b81a9d6122fd63dfe21d6ccf74065d |
(CNN) -- Venus Williams rolled back the clock at the Rogers Cup in Montreal Saturday to claim victory over her younger sister and World No 1. Serena Williams for the first time in five years. The unseeded Venus lost the first set of the semifinal matchup on a tie break but battled back to win 6-7 (7/2) 6-2 6-3 in just over two hours. Venus secured what was effectively the match-wining break in the sixth game of the final set before holding her nerve to serve out. Despite firing down 19 aces, Serena will be left to rue making considerably more unforced errors than her sister, including nine double faults. "The level of game we played was pretty high," Venus was quoted as saying by the WTA website after the match. Venus has struggled for form in recent years and has suffered from injury and illness. But she has bounced back in 2014 and already has one WTA title for the year under her belt. On finding her way back in to the game, she said: "I've been working hard, and more importantly I've been feeling better. "I hope I can keep some of this control in my life. If I have that control, I can enjoy being on the court, and I can win as well." Although she came up short on Saturday, Serena still leads the family head to head in competitive matches by 15-11. The pair have won 26 major singles titles between them (17 for Serena and nine for Venus) and first faced off in the Australian Open in 1998. Speaking on court after the match, Serena described being disappointed with some of her own play but was happy to see her sister perform so convincingly. "She was really opening the court well," Serena said. "She (Venus) is such a good mover. "I think her serve was way more consistent than mine. I had more aces, but she was just serving better. "Ultimately I think she returned better as well." Venus will now play either Agnieszka Radwanska or Ekaterina Makarova, who meet in the day's other semi-final. | Venus Williams defeats her sister Serena in Rogers Cup semifinal . Venus hadn't beaten Serena in a competitive match since 2009 . Serena took first set but Venus battled back to win 6-7 (7/2) 6-2 6-3 . | 7e2c49756f3997f5048aa7961ab6818c58b3229e |
London (CNN) -- On a brownfield site in east London, not far from the site of the 2012 Olympic Park, a new green vision is emerging from the ashes of the UK capital's dirty industrial past. Once the home of a coal-fired power station, the London Sustainable Industries Park (SIP) at Dagenham Dock is creating the largest concentration of environmental businesses in the UK. The concept to transform the area into a clean-tech hub was originally devised by the local government authority (Barking and Dagenham) who were keen to promote jobs and prosperity in the wake of cutbacks at automaker Ford's Dagenham car plant. Since 2007, the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation (LTGDC) -- a UK government agency tasked with overseeing regeneration of areas all over east London -- has been securing planning consent for the site's infrastructure. But that's not all they're doing says Mark Bradbury, LTGDC's deputy director of development. "We're also putting in a lot more landscape infrastructure ... creating an environment which is much more business park than industrial estate," he said. So along with industrial units which meet BREEAM standards, there are swales and trees to help with water and air pollution, he says. A heat network is also being installed allowing some of the energy produced to be shared by businesses on site. The goal, says Bradbury, is industrial symbiosis. This sharing of material by-products, water and energy by local industries rather than importing resources from outside is an idea which has gained momentum over the past two decades, says Marian Chertow, associate professor of industrial environmental management at Yale University. "Many urban areas with industrial concentrations find that symbiotic activities arise spontaneously as they are economically efficient for firms even before counting environmental benefits," Chertow said. "Over time, and with some coordination, these can become extensive networks for resource sharing and community building," she added. A leading early adopter of this philosophy was the city of Kalundborg, Denmark. Established in 1972, their eco-industrial park has evolved "from a single power station into a cluster of companies that rely on each other for material inputs," according to the International Institute for Sustainable Development. So although the London SIP isn't the first it is unique, Bradbury says. "We believe we are the first park to actively set out to achieve this from the start -- to almost vet our occupiers from the outset to really look at how they will add to the mix and that they buy into the symbiosis ethos of shared inputs and outputs," he said. So far only one tenant -- plastics recycler Closed Loop Recycling -- is on site but others are set to move in next year. Waste-management company Cyclamax is scheduled to install a renewable-energy power plant creating 16 megawatts of electricity early in the new year, while TEG (an organic waste recycler) has been given the green light to develop an anaerobic digestion plant. Closed Loop Recycling, which handles 35,000 tons of plastic bottles every year, is looking forward to the eco-freindly synergies that its neighboring tenants will provide when they arrive. "There is good potential that we will be able to take some of the heat from the anaerobic digester and composting facility to heat our wash water," said Nick Cliffe, marketing manager for Closed Loop Recycling. In return, bits of bottle that can't be recycled, including labels, could be sent over to Cyclamax's gasification plant, says Cliffe. He's also optimistic about future symbiotic relationships being formed with plastic upcyclers who are expected to join the park. "It's a great site," Cliffe said. "There's a real chance if the right kind of businesses come together that we can work stronger together rather than being more distributed." The vision is that over the next 15-20 years the park can provide the area with a supply of green energy, Bradbury says, kick-starting renewed interest and investment in the area. "The ultimate aim is to have a range of businesses which gradually get more and more high-tech as the cluster grows," he said. | Sustainable industries park in UK capital encourages green investment . Businesses on site to share material by-products, water and energy . "Industrial symbiosis" improves the environment while also maximizing profits . | 9456a03394653cb99315ae907c4a425a674d7d5f |
Dressing up for Halloween is all about standing out. Sure, you can transform yourself into a witch, a ghost or vampire, but you will simply be 'fitting in' with the others. Did you ever think to go as a Transformer? In these two incredible videos, two people show off their super effort in dressing up for the occasion, one as Bumblebee, and the other as a variation of Road Rocket from the hit comic book-turned-megafilm franchise. Standing outside the Court of The Two Sisters restaurant in New Orleans, US, this Brazilian entertainer waits for passers-by to drop some change into his collection bucket, before he transforms in Bumblebee. Bumblebee springs into action after the donations of passers-by . The Brazilian designer is transformed to ground vehicle in a matter of seconds, and circles the bucket . It really is magical to see as in a matter of seconds man in costume is now an 'Autobot', setting off on four wheels, circling the bucket, before coming to a halt, and standing up. But the onlookers are spoilt, and the designer battens down the bonnet and goes to ground once again, giving another circle before returning to base. The design of the child's outfit is perfect as he looks all set to speed off . It's time for action as the Transformer comes into shot, and shows off his tools . Not to be outdone, this child may not be old enough to drive, but he can turn himself into a motorcycle with an ingenious design. Akin to Transformer Road Rocket, the young boy scoots along on one wheel to the sound of an engine running, before going to ground and transforming into a motorbike. A few pumps of the gas pedal and this speedster is ready for the off - sadly we don't get to see him shoot off on a mission. | Child makes effortless transition into Road Rocket, complete with revving . Brazilian entertainer impresses crowd with Bumblebee design . | ec5599b7ac341a621a0efdfba2590b70ce7b3de4 |
Los Angeles (CNN) -- Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and four city councilmen were fined for ethics violations for receiving gifts worth more than $100 and tickets to Hollywood's hottest awards shows, the city ethics commission voted Tuesday. Villaraigosa was fined $20,849 by the city commission. He had earlier been fined $21,000 by the state's Fair Political Practice Commission. In a statement, Villaraigosa said his failure to report admission to 34 of the 3,000 civic events he attended between 2005 and 2010 was "unintentional." He believed the tickets weren't gifts, he said. He noted the penalties were below the maximum and that he cooperated with the investigations. "While appreciating that the Fair Political Practices Commission and city Ethics Commission concluded this was 'unintentional' and that I acted in 'good faith,' I am fully accountable. It is my responsibility to make sure I act in strict compliance with the applicable rules," the mayor said in a statement. "I will continue to attend these events and have taken the necessary steps to ensure full compliance in the future," he added. Councilman Eric Garcetti was fined $4,800 for accepting tickets to the 2007 Emmy Awards and the 2007 and 2008 Oscars. "While I paid the full cost of the awards show tickets," Garcetti said, "I messed up when it came to the dinners afterward. That's my mistake, and I'm personally paying for the cost of these three dinners now to clear it up." The city ethics commission fined Councilman Herb Wesson $3,900 for accepting tickets to the BET Awards in 2007, 2008 and 2009. He didn't return messages from CNN. Councilman Tony Cardenas was fined $2,500 for accepting tickets to the 2008 Emmy Awards. Cardenas told CNN that he was a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Science, and he accepted the tickets to 2008 Emmy Awards because he thought his membership in the academy justified his attendance. "The Ethics Commission has concluded that the specific facts of this case, including lack of prior enforcement history, my full cooperation throughout this investigation and my willingness to abide by the commission's decision have resulted in a penalty below the maximum allowable fines," Cardenas said. Councilman Jose Huizar was fined $2,100 for accepting tickets to the 2007 Academy Awards. "This infraction occurred in 2007 and was completely unintentional and resulted from a misunderstanding of the city's gift rules," said Huizar. "I take full responsibility and agree with the commission's recommendation." The city ethics commission's vote to fine the five elected officials was unanimous. The fines totaled $13,300. The Oscars were also fined $13,250 for giving two tickets worth $700 to the mayor for the 2007 Academy Awards and Governors Ball; two tickets worth $2,200 to the mayor for the 2008 Academy Awards and Governors Ball; a $1,100 ticket to the mayor to the 2009 Academy Awards and Governors Ball; four tickets worth $4,400 to the mayor to this year's Academy Awards and Governors Ball; and two tickets worth $2,200 to Huizar to attend the 2007 Academy Awards and Governors Ball. The city ethics commission also fined the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. -- the Grammys -- $8,300 for giving the mayor two Grammy tickets worth $2,400 in 2008, one ticket worth $1,400 in 2009 and four tickets worth $4,800 this year. The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences was fined $7,900 for giving two tickets worth $2,500 to Garcetti for the 2007 Emmy Awards and Governors Ball at Shrine Auditorium. The fine was also for giving the mayor two tickets worth $1,200 for the 2007 Emmy Awards, a $600 ticket for the 2008 Emmy Awards and two tickets worth $2,600 to the 2009 Emmys and Governors Ball. The Black Entertainment Television Networks was fined $3,900 for giving four tickets worth $1,400 to Wesson for the 2007 BET Awards, four tickets worth $1,400 to Wesson for the 2008 BET Awards and four tickets worth $1,400 to Wesson for the 2009 BET Awards. The commission fined Anschutz Entertainment Group $799 for giving the mayor two tickets worth $239 for a Spice Girls concert at the Staples Center in 2007, two tickets worth $160 for a Los Angeles Lakers game against the Utah Jazz at the Staples Center in 2008 and six tickets worth $600 for the ESPY Awards at the Nokia Theater in 2008. | The five Los Angeles elected officials received tickets to Hollywood's hottest shows . Those shows included the Oscars, the Emmys, the Grammys . The show organizations were also fined by the city's ethics commission . | 441637511d9d7350abdf13a050a8b801ea8527b5 |
(CNN) -- Since its inception in 1992, the English Premier League has grown into one of football's most compelling and commercially successful domestic competitions. To celebrate two decades of top-level soccer, the finest players and managers to have graced the competition have been honored at this week's "20 Seasons Awards." The big winners were Manchester United, the team which dominated the era by collecting 12 championships. United's veteran Welsh midfielder Ryan Giggs was named top player, having featured in every Premier League season and scoring 107 goals. Did Manchester City win the league - or did United lose it? United's legendary Scottish manager Alex Ferguson was also honored, having like Giggs been part of all 12 title triumphs. "Being named as the best player in the 20 seasons of the Premier League is a tremendous honor for me," Giggs, 38, told the league's official website, "and very humbling when you consider some of the brilliant players who were nominated alongside me." There was also an award for the Old Trafford team's star striker Wayne Rooney, who received the "Goal of 20 Seasons" gong for his stunning overhead kick against archrivals Manchester City in February 2011. United's 4-3 defeat of neighbors City in September 2009, which included a winning goal from striker Michael Owen in stoppage time, was voted the finest Premier League match. But despite United's dominance, Arsenal's championship-winning side of the 2003-04 season took home the Best Team prize. Known as "The Invincibles," the London club is the only team to remain unbeaten throughout an entire Premier League campaign. The full list of award winners feature in the gallery above. Do you agree with the judges' choices? Have your say in the comments section at the bottom of this page. Player of 20 Seasons: Ryan Giggs . Manager of 20 Seasons: Alex Ferguson . Team of 20 Seasons: Arsenal 2003-04 . Goal of 20 Seasons: Wayne Rooney (Manchester United) v Manchester City, February 2011 . Match of 20 Seasons: Manchester United 4-3 Manchester City, September 2009 . Public vote Fantasy Team of 20 Seasons: Peter Schmeichel (Man Utd), Gary Neville (Man Utd), Nemanja Vidic (Man Utd), Tony Adams (Arsenal), Ashley Cole (Arsenal/Chelsea), Ryan Giggs (Man Utd), Paul Scholes (Man Utd), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Cristiano Ronaldo (Man Utd), Thierry Henry (Arsenal) , Alan Shearer (Newcastle). | Manchester United's Ryan Giggs is named the best player in the EPL's 20-year history . United's legendary boss Alex Ferguson receives the best manager award . Wayne Rooney's overhead kick for United against City in February 2011 is named best goal . Arsenal's "Invincibles" of the 2003-04 season named the league's best ever team . | 798b131da84e717ac0b66366138d24fcc8091e04 |
Tragic: Quinn Lucas Schansman, a dual U.S.-Dutch citizen, is the only American confirmed killed aboard Flight MH17 . A 19-year-old American citizen who has been confirmed killed aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was remembered by his grieving relatives and friends today as a kind young man with a great sense of humor. Quinn Lucas Schansman, 19, a dual U.S. and Dutch citizen, was on his way to meet family members who were vacationing in Malaysia when his plane was hit by a Russian-made surface-to-air missile. Quinn was born in Fort Lee, New Jersey, but spent most of his short life in the Netherlands. He also had family in Georgia. His father, Thomas, worked in San Mateo, . California, and New York City as an account executive for the Netherlands Foreign . Investment Agency, a Dutch government bureau that helps foreign . companies get established in Holland. On Friday, . Quinn's grandfather Ronald, who was visiting his sister's home in . Woodbury, New Jersey, this week, made a statement about the tragedy . that claimed his grandson’s life. ‘You go through all the phases of mourning,’ Ronald Schansman told NBC Philadelphia. ‘At the moment, it's just mourning. And of course anger. ‘It didn’t need to happen. [It was] A senseless thing to do.’ Scroll down for videos . Quinn's Facebook page shows he was dating Floor van Dranen, who posted loving pictures of her with her boyfriend on Thursday after learning he had been killed . Quinn's family is from Hilversum in the north of the country. It was not immediately clear where his family was from in the United States . Rage: Quinn's grandfather Ronald Schansman, speaking from his sister's house in New Jersey, said their family demand justice for the 19-year-old and the rest of the passengers and crew of the doomed flight . According . to Mr Schansman, Quinn was on his way to join his father, stepmother . and siblings in Indonesia. From there the family were supposed to travel . to Bali for a week-long vacation before returning home to Amsterdam. Now, Thomas Schansman is heading back to Holland, where he will await the return of his 19-year-old's son's remains. 'We want to know why,' Ronald Schansman said. 'Who shot?' Quinn . Schansman's friend from high school described the 19-year-old as caring . and sensitive - the kind of boy who was willing to stick up for his friends and diffuse a tense situation with humor. ‘If . there was a fight in class he could cool everyone down again, made a . joke and it was like it never happened,’ Fabienne Schriek told NBC. The U.S. State Department is still . checking to see whether there are more American victims among the 298 . passengers and crew members on the flight from Amsterdam to Kuala . Lumpur, Malaysia. 'At . this point, the individual that I mentioned is the sole person that we . can definitively say is a U.S. or dual citizen,' the President said in a . White House press conference today. 'At this point, having worked through the list, this is our best assessment of the number of Americans that were killed.' He cautioned that more American victims could be identified. 'So cute!' According to Quinn's Facebook page he and Floor had been dating since last September. He commented on this picture #she #is #so #cute . Quinn also posted several pictures of him and his little brother. Quinn was supposed to meet his family in Malaysia for a vacation . Quinn posted this picture of himself on vacation in Malta with the hashtags #just #chilling . Quinn Schansman's Facebook page shows that he studied at international business at . Hogeschool van Amsterdam (the University of Amsterdam) and also lived in . the Dutch capital. After . news of his death broke, in girlfriend, Floor van Dranen posted a . touching picture of the couple lovingly kissing. Condolences poured in . for the young business school graduate. His Facebook page reveals that they had been together since last September. Quinn is also a former player for the Olympia'25 soccer club. The . club is based in Hilversum, the city in northern Holland where Quinn's . family lives. His brother is currently plays with the club, the . organization said in a statement posted on its website. 'We . wish the relatives, friends and acquaintances much strength to cope . with this unimaginable loss, huge blow,' Olympia'25 said in a statement. According . to the latest information from Malaysia Airlines, only four passengers . remain unidentified. The new totals show that 189 of the victims were . Dutch citizens and 44 were Malaysia - including the 15 crew members. There were 27 Australians killed, along with nine British citizens, one . Canadian and one New Zealander. President Barack Obama has confirmed that 'at least' one American was killed aboard Flight MH17. The State Department is reviewing whether there were more U.S. citizens involved . Internal White House emails obtained by BuzzFeed appear to show that the White House knew shortly after the crash Thursday that there were not 23 Americans aboard the plane, as had been widely reported on Thursday. President Barack Obama made very brief remarks about the crash on Thursday afternoon before a pre-planned speech in Delaware. 'Obviously . the world is watching reports of a downed passenger jet near the . Russia-Ukraine border. And it looks like it may be a terrible tragedy. Right now we’re working to determine whether there were American . citizens on board. That is our first priority,' he said. He then quickly returned to his prepared remarks, joking, 'It is great to be in the state that gave us Joe Biden. We’ve got actually some better-looking Bidens with us here today. We've got Beau and his wife, Hallie, are here. Give them a big round of applause. We love them.' As the search continues, pro-Russian separatists who control the area . where the Malaysia Airlines flight was brought have announced they will . allow FBI and NTSB officials access to the area in an 'advisory role'. Initial assessments from U.S. intelligence officials say that the Flight MH17 was blasted out of the sky by Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine using a Russian . It is believed that a sophisticated surface-to-air missile blasted Flight MH17 out of the sky. U.S. officials say they believe it was fired by Russian separatists who thought the plane was a Ukrainian military transport . Netherlands: 189 victims . Malaysia: 44 victims (including 15 crew & 2 infants) Australia: 27 victims . Indonesia: 12 victims (including 1 infant) United Kingdom: 9 victims . Germany: 4 victims . Belgium: 4 victims . Philippines: 3 victims . Canada: 1 victim . New Zealand: 1 victim . Unverified: 4 victims . | President Barack Obama has confirmed Quinn Lucas Schansman an American and Dutch dual citizen, died on board the plane . The 19-year-old was born in Fort Lee, New Jersey, but spent most of his life in Holland . Quinn was flying to Malaysia to join his family on a vacation in Bali . His father, Thomas Schansman, worked for the Dutch government in San Francisco and New York before returning to Holland . President Obama said 'at least' one American killed . U.S. State Department still searching for others . | 2fd4028ec1fb4e139bb0f9ca42abd4295cd73eda |
(CNN) -- As more states pass measures tightening abortion laws, California is making abortions more accessible. Nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives and physicians' assistants who complete specified training are now able to perform abortions in California. Gov. Jerry Brown signed the measure into law Wednesday. "Governor Brown is making a commitment to Californians to continue working to make abortion services a human right and not a privilege in our state, and is also sending a strong message to the rest of the country that attacks on women's health and rights stop in California," Laura Jimenez, executive director of California Latinas for Reproductive Justice, said in a statement. "We are proud that California is the only state in the nation right now that is passing proactive legislation to improve access to abortion, and we hope that this law can further efforts to expand access to women throughout the country." California Assembly member Toni Atkins, who authored the bill, said the new law reduces obstacles for California women seeking abortions. "Increasing the number of trained healthcare providers who can perform abortions on a timely basis without requiring significant travel will improve the lives of women and their families in many ways," Atkins said in a statement. But critics say they're concerned the new law could undermine women's health. "This bill is not about helping women, it is specifically designed to trivialize what an abortion is, and its risks,'' said Anissa Smith, spokeswoman for the California ProLife Council. "Reducing the medical standards for abortion ... defies logic for those who say they care about women." The Most Rev. Gerald Wilkerson, president of the California Catholic Conference, said even though California makes up 12% of the nation's population, it's also where 29% of abortions take place. "The often repeated mantra of those supporting abortions rights is that abortions ought to be safe, legal and rare," Wilkerson said. "With this change in California's law, abortions are merely legal -- no longer safe and rare." Brown also signed six other health-related bills Wednesday, including one that repeals parts of the California Building Standards Code that treat primary clinics differently depending on whether the clinics provide abortion services. Against the grain . California's decision bucks a trend of stiffer abortion laws across the country. Texas passed a new law this year that bans abortions after 20 weeks of gestation; requires abortion clinics to upgrade facilities to become ambulatory surgical centers; tightens usage guidelines for the RU486, the so-called "abortion pill"; and requires doctors who perform abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles of their clinics. Planned Parenthood filed a federal lawsuit last month seeking to overturn parts of the new Texas law -- specifically, the parts about doctors needing hospital admitting privileges, usage controls on RU486 and the upgrades to clinics. In July, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed a law requiring all abortion clinics be held to the same standards as outpatient surgical centers. Also in July, a North Dakota judge delayed the implementation of a new state law that threatened to shut down the state's only abortion clinic by requiring doctors performing abortions to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles. The North Dakota law also requires those physicians to have "staff privileges to replace hospital on-staff physicians at that hospital." CNN's Joe Sutton, Greg Morrison and Nadia Kounang contributed to this report. | In California, some nurses and physicians' assistants can perform abortions . They must complete specified training . California's move bucks a national trend of tightening abortion laws . | d92fff1596acfbcb9113b0aaf62022ab200af77f |
Roma striker Gervinho had a Christmas to forget when he discovered his Italian home in Axa, near Rome, had been burgled as he spent time with family in the Ivory Coast. According to La Gazetta Dello Sport, the former Arsenal man was robbed after he posted photos on social media informing fans he was going to be out of the country. It is reported that the unknown culprits took tens of thousands of pounds worth of goods including jewellery and watches. Former Arsenal star Gervinho was targeted by thieves as he spent time with his family in the Ivory Coast . The tweet posted by the striker on Christmas Eve told his 243,000 followers he would be out of the country . Gazetta say it was Gervinho's brother who discovered the burglary and reported it to the police. It is possible that the thieves entered through a door window although it remains unclear if the alarm was turned off before they entered. Gervinho is expected to return to Rome on Tuesday, when the extent of the robbery will be confirmed. The Ivorian is not the only Roma player to have been targeted by thieves this Christmas, with Radja Nainggolan returning to Italy from London on Christmas Day to find that his car had been broken into whilst it was parked at Fiumicino Airport. Tweeting angrily after he found the windows of his vehicle smashed and some parcels missing, the Belgian star wrote: 'Thanks Fiumicino airport for the nice Christmas gift!' Radja Nainggolan was also robbed this Christmas when he found his car broken into at Fiumicino airport . | Gervinho's Italian villa in Axa was burgled as he spent time with family . The striker announced that he'd be out of the country on social media . Thieves apparently stole tens of thousands of pounds worth of goods . | f32674004e9da5a05724673fceb7234aaf1c0aef |
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's run-in with a flock of Canada geese may be the most famous man-versus-nature story in recent months. But a federal database opened to the public Friday reveals just how commonplace airplanes' encounters with wildlife are. A feather found inside one of the engines of the plane that ditched in the Hudson River. At New York's LaGuardia Airport, where Sullenberger's US Airways flight originated, planes hit birds nearly once a week on average, according to the records. But the number has grown from 16 hits in 1990 to 86 in 2008, according to the database. Nationwide, there were 98,328 reports of aircraft striking birds or other wildlife since January of 1990, although the actual numbers probably are far higher. The Federal Aviation Administration said only 20 percent of incidents are reported under the voluntary system of data collection. The database shows strikes resulted in "substantial damage" to aircraft on about 3,000 occasions. Eleven people died in incidents relating to bird strikes. The FAA initially fought to keep its database closed, saying publication of the details might discourage the industry from reporting information. After it was made public, an airline industry organization was quick to say the data could wrongly lead some people to believe flying is unsafe. "While bird strikes have attracted a lot of attention, they are, of course, rare events. The vast majority of cases result in little or no aircraft damage," said the Air Transport Association of America. A top pilots union -- the Air Line Pilots Association -- also had argued to keep the database closed. But the National Transportation Safety Board recommended opening up the data to the public. It also says reporting wildlife strikes should be mandatory. "If you strike a bird you really don't have to report this to the FAA, which means we're really not getting the full picture," said Mark Rosenker, acting chairman of the safety board. The database includes information on more than 2,000 airports and 500 airlines and aircraft companies. When possible, it identifies the types of wildlife involved, chronicling the misadventures of 460 species. While bird strikes account for the majority of the mishaps, the database contains numerous aircraft encounters with deer, moose, caribou and even fish. According to the records, a fish hit a US Airways aircraft landing in Warwick, Rhode Island, in May of 2000. The fish had been dropped by an osprey. The FAA opted to make the database public after being pelted with criticism from passengers, media organizations and the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates crashes. Interest in aviation bird strikes has been heightened by several recent incidents in addition to Sullenberger's flight -- the January 15 ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 in New York's Hudson River. All on board survived. The transportation safety board says a bird strike may have preceded the crash of a Sikorsky helicopter near Morgan City, Louisiana, just 11 days earlier. The crash killed eight of the nine people aboard. | Planes hit birds nearly once a week on average at LaGuardia Airport . Number has grown from 16 hits in 1990 to 86 in 2008, the database shows . Strikes resulted in "substantial damage" to aircraft on about 3,000 occasions . Officials say database likely only includes 20 percent of actual strikes . | 39199699ea043fadcc50b2aee7b7542ee2a5beac |
A father collapsed in a toy shop after he was bitten ten times by the UK’s most dangerous spider. Chris Galton had been shopping at children’s store Toys R Us with wife, Zoe, and one-year-old daughter, Imogen, when he suddenly became unwell and dropped to the floor. Bitten: Chris Galton, pictured with his daughter Imogen, received several nasty bites from a fake widow spider . The 31-year-old was rushed to hospital where doctors discovered as many as ten 50 pence-sized red . welts on his neck and back. Watch out: The false widow spider came over from the Canary Islands a hundred years ago . Mr Galton, from Southampton, Hampshire, had been aware of several stings during the day and had assumed they had come from a bee. He was horrified to discover the bites had come from the false widow spider, which is closely related to the black widow spider. Thankfully he suffered no further reaction and was given painkillers before being released the same day. The spider, whose body is bigger than a . five pence coin, is thought to have dropped into Mr Galton’s hooded top . from foliage growing close to Mr Galton’s home. He said: 'I had been stung earlier in the day but had assumed it was a bee and took some anti-histamine pills. 'I didn’t think any more of it until I was shopping in Toys R Us for my daughter’s first birthday later and felt more stings. 'The next thing I knew I was feeling hot, queasy and light headed and collapsed on the floor.' Mrs Galton, a nurse, kept her husband comfortable with the help of shop staff while the spider was caught and an ambulance was called. Paramedics gave him oxygen and he was taken to Southampton General . Hospital where doctors identified the spider as a false widow. It has now been sent for formal identification. The false widow is one of only around . a dozen UK spiders that can deliver a nasty bite, and is thought to be . the country’s most venomous arachnid. The species came from the Canary and Madeiran Islands more than 100 years ago. It has been established for a long time in Devon but in recent years has spread south and east. The spiders can be found on walls and fences and in trees. They are brown with a rotund body and pale markings. Only the female bites as a method of self-defence. Bite victims describe a burning pain, which travels along the body from the bite, and swelling. Some suffer fever and a general sick feeling. Mr Galton said: 'I’ve been stung by wasps before. This was a like really a sharp pin prick and very painful. I’m just thankful it never jumped out and got on to my daughter.' Only a handful of cases of bites from the false widow are confirmed each year. It delivers enough poison to cause severe pain and inflammation. Insect experts at the Natural History Museum said one particular variety, called the Steatoda Nobilis, arrived in Britain with a cargo of bananas from the Canary Islands more than a century ago. A spokesman for Toys R Us confirmed the incident, which happened onSaturday afternoon. One store worker said: 'It was a very scary big spider. I’ve never see one like it before.' Insect exterminators at Wessex Pest Control Southampton said increasingly mild climates were helping exotic species like the fake widow to spread and establish colonies. | False widow spider is thought to have dropped into Mr Galton's hooded top from foliage near his home . Arachnid arrived in Devon from Canary Islands a century ago and has spread south and east . | f0df41de1a8d26ef946f924c742ecd9a5905dffc |
(CNN) -- They're young, fabulously wealthy and have blue blood coursing through their veins. Meet the "20 Hottest Young Royals" in the world, compiled by influential fortune tracker, Forbes magazine. Britain's Prince William has been named "Hottest Young Royal" in the world by Forbes magazine. The magazine used the "winning combinations of looks, money, and popularity on the Web" to come up with the list, it says. Only unmarried royals under the age of 35 were considered. The Forbes list proved to be a Royal knockout for British royalty. They came in the top four of hottest young royals in the world. With his piercing blue eyes and lantern jaw, reminiscent of a movie star, Britain's Prince William, perhaps unsurprisingly, came in at Number 1. The magazine describes him as having: "international intrigue and unparalleled media attention," combined with a "graceful public persona." Although his crown slipped somewhat recently when he was accused of abusing his newly-acquired flying skills by "joyriding." Watch who people on the street think is the hottest » . His relationship with girlfriend Kate Middleton is the subject of feverish speculation and an engagement announcement is eagerly anticipated by the British media. Seemingly always languishing in William's shadow, his brother, Prince Harry, placed second on the list. Harry has always been known as the "bad boy prince" because of some rather unroyal behavior, such as brawling with paparazzi outside nightclubs and going to a fancy dress party dressed in Nazi regalia. However, he has latterly re-invented himself as the "Hero prince" after a tour of duty in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban in March. Sound off: Is Prince William the world's hottest young royal? William and Harry's cousins Zara Phillips and Princess Beatrice also came in at No. 3 and 4 respectively. The inclusion in the list should be good news for Princess Beatrice, who recently attracted unkind comments from Britain's newspaper columnists about her curvy figure and her dress sense. The sight of Beatrice, 19, pictured on holiday in a bikini proved too much for Daily Mail newspaper columnist Allison Pearson, who wrote: "Can't someone buy that girl a sarong? For her sake, as well as ours." This led to an angry counterattack from Beatrice's mum, Sarah Ferguson, who thundered at a news conference to promote a reality show: "Touch me, fine, but don't touch my children." The 20 featured on the list represent almost $60 billion in wealth and 15 royal lineages from around the world-- including some rather obscure names that even the most ardent royalist might be hard pushed to recognize. Princess Sikhanyiso of Swaziland anyone? Coming in at Number 20, the eldest daughter of King Mswati III of Swaziland, Africa's last absolute monarch, is currently a speech and drama major at Biola University in California. A controversial princess who raises eyebrows in her homeland with her Western-style clothes and a decision to hold a drinking party to celebrate the end of a chastity decree in 2005 resulted in a beating with a stick. Fourth in line to the Monaco throne, Charlotte Casiraghi, is the only non-Brit to make it into the top 5. A style icon, who is known for her impeccable taste in fashion and her good looks--much like her grandmother, Hollywood icon, Grace Kelly and mother Princess Caroline. Her brother, party prince Andrea Casiraghi, also makes an appearance on the list at Number 10. But it seems even his Hollywood lineage -- as well as his sun-kissed surfer looks were not enough to give William and Harry a run for their money in the pin-up stakes. | Prince William tops list of 'Hottest Royal' list compiled by Forbes magazine . British young royals came in top four spot of the list . Forbes: List based on combinations of looks, money, popularity on the Web . | 8d2721c401976406850331efaf584d7c1a231bc7 |
Chicago (CNN) -- Doctors and patients have a new tool to prevent breast cancer: A drug that is already approved for the treatment of the disease. Women who are at high risk for breast cancer that is fueled by the hormone estrogen could reduce their risk of getting cancer by taking the hormone-blocking drug Aromasin, according to a study presented at a conference in Chicago on Saturday. "We proved that exemestane (Aromasin) reduced the risk of invasive breast cancer by 65%," said lead author Dr. Paul Goss, who is a breast cancer specialist at Boston's Massachusetts General Hospital. Goss presented his research at the annual conference of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. The study has also been published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Aromasin is one of three drugs in the class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, which block the production of estrogen in postmenopausal women. Two other estrogen-blocking drugs exist, but few women use them to prevent breast cancer because there are rare but serious possible side effects, such as an increased risk of uterine cancer and blood clots. Previous studies showed that cancer drug tamoxifen reduced the risk of getting breast cancer in older women by 50% and osteoporosis drug raloxifene reduced the risk by 38% after five years of taking the drugs. Exemestane, better known under the brand name Aromasin. was found to have fewer side effects than tamoxifen, according to Goss. His study enrolled 4,560 healthy postmenopausal women at high risk for breast cancer in a placebo-controlled, double-blinded clinical trial. The 65% risk reduction was found after women had been taking the drugs for only three years. The study continues. "This is the first study to show that a new class of drugs, aromatase inhibitors, have the ability to prevent breast cancer in high-risk women," said Dr. Jennifer Litton, who is a breast cancer specialist at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston and is not connected to this research. Litton says she prescribes tamoxifen a lot in her practice and believes it's a very good and very affordable drug. But when she tells women about the possible side effects like uterine cancer, "it definitely scares women away, even though the incidence of these side effects is really rare." She hopes more women in the high-risk category will now be open to taking a cancer-preventing drug like Aromasin. Dr. Jose Baselga is the associate director of Massachusetts General's Cancer Center, but did not participate in the research. He says the study is very good but cautions that the side effects of Aromasin should not be ignored. "Aromatase inhibitors do have side effects and they are significant," Baselga said. Women can have hot flashes, get arthritis and suffer bone loss from taking the drugs, which can have a big impact on a woman's quality of life, especially for someone who doesn't actually have cancer, he said. He also pointed out that 94 women were treated with this drug and did not benefit before one woman was prevented from getting breast cancer. So when it comes to prescribing Aromasin, "I would limit it to patients who have very high risks" for getting breast cancer, Baselga said. According to the study, women taking Aromasin had no serious toxic effects and only "minimal changes in health-related quality of life." Women are considered to be at high risk for breast cancer if they are older than 60, postmenopausal and/or have had abnormal breast biopsies in which there are some lesions. All the experts agree that women need to talk to their doctor to fully understand the risks and benefits of taking these drugs to prevent getting breast cancer. Pfizer, the maker of Aromasin, announced in May that the U.S. patent for this drug had expired, making it eligible for generic drug manufacturers to produce and sell it. Goss expects the price of this drug to decline quickly because of this. However, he says Pfizer would not reveal to him if they plan to ask for an extension of their patent based on this research. A spokesperson for the company, which funded some of this research, would not comment on this topic either. | Study shows Aromasin has fewer side effects than rivals . Women at high risk for breast cancer could take drug before they get it . Risk reduced by 65%, study shows . | 807dbbc6490bae1f678f5b0d401ab51ad4112bd8 |
By . Mark Duell . Last updated at 5:42 PM on 2nd December 2011 . A 15-year-old junior high school student suffered horrific burns to his face when a classroom when a classroom science experiment exploded. Dane Neuberger, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, was the most seriously injured of four students who were hurt by the accident on Thursday. Ninth-grade pupils at Maple Grove Junior High School screamed as the classroom erupted in chaos after the flash fire during science class. Scroll down for video . Horrific: Dane Neuberger, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, was the most seriously injured of four students who were hurt by the accident. His mother Lisa is at right . Dane said he suffered second-degree burns to his face, neck and hand, while the fire ignited the hair of other students and burned papers. ‘I was on fire,’ Dane told the Star Tribune. ‘People were screaming, and everyone just ran out. The whole thing was confusion. ‘I felt the heat of the fire on my face. It must have been a pretty big explosion. It was terrible. It was chaos. It was scary.’ At first he was in shock, but as he waited for the ambulance unbearable pain took over and it felt like he didn't have lips, he told the Star Tribune. Fire: The explosion occurred when a flame did not stay in a bottle and consume the flammable methanol substance as was supposed to happen . The explosion occurred when a flame did not stay in a bottle and consume the flammable methanol substance as was supposed to happen. 'I was on fire. People were screaming, and everyone just ran out. The whole thing was confusion. It was terrible. It was chaos. It was scary' Dane Neuberger . The teacher, 61-year-old Matthew Achor, apologised to Dane and his father said he wants to see safety issues addressed by the school. ‘I'm sure he feels bad, he's obviously a teacher - he likes kids,’ Gus Neuberger told the Star Tribune. ‘We're not looking for blood from him.’ A school district spokesman said the burns were not life-threatening and the students went to Hennepin County Medical Center for treatment. Sorry: The teacher, 61-year-old Matthew Achor, apologised to Dane and his father said the family want to see safety issues addressed by the school . Three of the four were released from hospital after the incident which happened around 9:45am on Thursday in a class of 30 students. ‘I'm sure he feels bad, he's obviously a teacher - he likes kids. We're not looking for blood from him' Gus Neuberger . The spokesman said a ‘fire coat’ was used to extinguish the flames on the students and the classroom was evacuated as a precaution. Hospital surgeons are hopeful Dane's burns will heal normally over the next two weeks and this should then ensure minimal scarring. The school district has not yet stated its position on Mr Achor, but . students and parents have been generally supportive of their teacher. Before the accident: At first Dane was in shock, but as he waited for the ambulance unbearable pain took over and it felt like he didn't have lips, he said . This was the second science experiment to go wrong in a school classroom in 24 hours: . 'Mr Achor was my ninth grade science teacher 20 years ago, and was one . of the most influential teachers I had,' one user posted on CBS . Minnesota. 'There aren’t a lot of teachers who can make make science interesting to a bunch of 13-year-olds, but Mr Achor is one of them.' A current student also posted: 'He is my favorite teacher in the building. I am always looking forward to go to his class every day.' Others said Mr Achor was a 'really good teacher', 'very influential' and 'one of the best'. He has not yet responded to a comment request from MailOnline on Friday. See video here . Science Class Explosion Victim: 'I Was on Fire': MyFoxTWINCITIES.com . | Dane Neuberger, 15, suffered second-degree burns . Students screamed during chaos at Minnesota school . It happened when flame did not stay in methanol bottle . | d8413ef33f40be1553326a16389ce2fbcd1f9b52 |
Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- The Moammar Gadhafi loyalists who had been holding journalists in Tripoli's Rixos Hotel for five days "essentially just capitulated" upon realizing that most of the rest of the city had fallen to rebels, CNN's Matthew Chance said after his release Wednesday. Their release ended what some were beginning to fear was a hostage situation for the three dozen journalists who had been kept inside the blacked-out hotel as fighters loyal to the National Transitional Council fought their way into the Libyan capital. Chance, a senior international correspondent for CNN, said "the reality slowly dawned" on their guards that Gadhafi's government was collapsing. "They really believed that Gadhafi was coming back, that he was beating the rebels," Chance said after his release. "That's what the government line has been on this all along." But as the rebels advanced through the city and overran Gadhafi's Bab al-Aziziya compound on Tuesday, "It became more and more obvious that there was nothing really outside of the hotel that was in Gadhafi's control." Wednesday, the guards handed over their weapons and told the journalists, "We're going to let you go," Chance said. The release was coordinated through the International Committee of the Red Cross, which, along with the BBC, provided cars to drive them out. CNN producer Jomana Karadsheh said the men who held them "really did not know what the scenes on the streets of Tripoli were like." Shortly before the guards gave up, she said, one guard asked a companion, "You were out there -- tell me, what's really going on? Is it what they are telling us?" Chance called the experience a "nightmare," saying the journalists wept with relief after their release. The "die-hard Gadhafi loyalists" who held them thought they were NATO spies, he said. On Tuesday, one shouted "I suppose you're happy now that they're killing Libyans," he said. The reporters had been bandying about "all kinds of paranoid scenarios" about what would be done to them, like being used as human shields or executed "by some lunatic hard-liner," Chance said. But in the end, all were released unharmed. "Everybody's been hugging each other," Chance said. "People who have been living cheek-to-jowl for the past five days, sleeping in the corridors, wondering whether we were going to make it -- it's all very emotional," he said. iReport: Are you in Libya? Share photos . Chance had described on Twitter the process of going free, piling into a car with other journalists, and driving away from the hotel that had become a virtual prison. "I can see the NTC rebels. We are nearly there!" he wrote, followed a moment later by: "Rixos crisis ends. All journalists are out!" | NEW: Guards "really believed Moammar Gadhafi was coming back," Chance says . The Rixos Hotel was one of the last pockets of Gadhafi control in Tripoli . The experience was a "nightmare" for about 35 journalists trapped there . The International Committee of the Red Cross sent cars to take the reporters out . | e36323ba70293a87f6d3a89630310d364793f688 |
Washington (CNN) -- Nearly all healthy pregnant women who receive a single dose of the H1N1 flu vaccine will be protected from that flu, according to just-released clinical trial data. In a news conference Monday at the headquarters of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, said out of about 100 pregnant women who participated in trial studies, over 90 percent showed a robust immune response to a single 15-microgram dose of the H1N1 vaccine. And at this point, there have been no reported side effects, Fauci said. Fauci stressed that these results should be reassuring for already-vaccinated pregnant women and this is "vital information for those who have not yet been vaccinated." He added that "pregnant women have tolerated the vaccine well, and no safety concerns have arisen." Pregnant women are considered to be among the highest at risk for serious complications of this new flu strain. Since H1N1, also known as swine flu, first emerged in April, 28 pregnant women reportedly have died from complications of this flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite health officials repeatedly saying the H1N1 vaccine is safe, questions about it persist. To reassure those who question the safety of the vaccine, Dr. Bruce Gellin, director of the National Vaccine Program Office, noted that a new independent panel has been formed to review data from all sources on the safety of the vaccine. The group will monitor all sources reporting problems with the vaccine. "The vast amount of adverse events have been minor," said Gellin. He said there has been one reported death linked to the vaccine, but further investigation showed that the person died from the actual H1N1 flu, not the vaccine. Gellin said the panel was designed to keep an eye on any possible negative consequences and report them immediately. According to Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases at the CDC, who also attended the news conference, 30 million doses of the vaccine are available for states to order. She explained that that does not mean 30 million shots are available to the public at this point. The vaccines need to be ordered by each state and distributed before they make it to doctor's offices and clinics. Schuchat reassured the public that more vaccines would be made available within the next few weeks, as demand for shots continues to rise. Fauci also noted further studies on children -- youngsters between the ages of 6 months to 35 months, and children from the age of 3 years to 9 years -- found they responded much better to two 15-microgram doses of the vaccine, than one single dose. For children 9 and older, a single 15-microgram dose gave young people a robust immune reaction that should protect them against the virus. When asked how this H1N1 virus differed from the seasonal flu, Schuchat said they were at opposite ends of the spectrum when it came to high-risk patients. "With seasonal flu," said Schuchat, "Ninety percent of the deaths every year are in people over the age of 65." She noted, "But with H1N1, 90 percent of the deaths, thus far, have been in people under the age of 65." And she added, "half of those are under the age of 25 years, in young people. So those are the people we want to get our message to. Children, pregnant women, young people should be getting vaccinated." Fauci agreed saying, "You need to look at the risk ... Right now, the risk of becoming seriously ill, even dying from this virus, outweighs the risk of something happening to you if you take the vaccine. It's really that simple." CNN's Miriam Falco contributed to this report. | Over 90% of women in study showed robust response to one 15-microgram dose . Dr. Anthony Fauci: Vaccine is safe and effective in pregnant women . Young people and pregnant women have shown to be vulnerable to H1N1 flu . Children 9 and younger have responded better to two doses of the vaccine . | 8c5e9830f1239f7479955821b4069e81ad90866e |
Ki Sung-Yueng scored the goal that gave Swansea a first away win since the opening day of the season. But the South Korean had actually tried to get out of the way of Jonjo Shelvey’s shot, which cannoned off him into the net. Hull can consider themselves unfortunate to have lost. They produced a spirited response to the goal with several misses and goalkeeper Lucasz Fabianski kept out the rest. Steve Bruce’s side are without a win in their last 10 League matches and their last victory was back in October against Crystal Palace. They are far from adrift in 19th place but certainly drifting, and in danger. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Sportsmail Big Match Stats: Hull 0-1 Swansea . Ki Sung-Yueng (left) celebrates his fortunate goal with team mates after putting Swansea ahead at the KC Stadium on Saturday . Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey takes fire on the edge of Hull's area, with his shot deflected for Swansea's opener at the KC Stadium . Ki Sung-Yueng (left) celebrates after the away side took the lead on 15 minutes through his deflected goal after a Jonjo Shelvey (centre) shot . HULL CITY (5-3-2): McGregor 6; Chester 6, Bruce 6 (Aluko, 59), Davies 6.5 (Maguire, 77); Elmohamady 6.5 Meyler 6.5, Livermore 6, Ramirez 6, Robertson 6; Hernandez 6.5, Jelavic 6 (Sagbo 81) Subs not used: Rosenior, Brady, Jakupovic, Quinn . Booked: Livermore, Aluko . SWANSEA CITY (4-4-2): Fabianski 7; Richards 6.5 (Rangel, 81), Fernandez 6.5, Williams 7, Taylor 7; Ki 7.5, Carroll 6.5 (Emnes, 57, 6); Dyer 6, Shelvey 7, Routledge 6; Gomis 6 (Bony, 76) Subs not used: Tremmel, Bartley, Fulton, Barrow . Scorer: Ki Sung-Yueng 15 . Booked: Richards, Taylor . Referee: Mark Clattenburg 6.5 . Attendance: 21,913 . Swansea's opening goal from Ki Sung-Yueng came after fine sweeping team move as seen in this heat map (above) - CLICK HERE for more stats, heat maps and graphics from the game with our brilliant Match Zone . Hull City fans embrace the festive spirit and dress as Father Christmas to watch the match against Swansea on Saturday afternoon . Andy Robertson of Hull City competes with Nathan Dyer of Swansea as the home side struggled to impose themselves in the first-half . ‘There’s still a long way to go and we have games coming up against some of the teams around us,’ said Bruce. ‘You can’t feel sorry for yourself in this League. It’s unforgiving and you have to get on with it. ‘We’ve had an awful run and when you have a bad run, confidence plays a part. You need your big players to perform and what’s disappointing is too many players are not performing anywhere near the level they need to be.’ Bruce also bemoaned the fact that key players have been missing. On Saturday they included the injured Michael Dawson and Mohamed Diame, while Tom Huddlestone was suspended. Swansea manager Garry Monk praised his team’s ‘committment and effort’ and said: ‘We deserved to win.’ He made seven changes to the team which lost at home to Tottenham last week and knew he risked criticism if such wholesale alterations backfired, especially as he dropped Ivory Coast striker Wilfried Bony to the bench. ‘I trust the squad and that’s what it’s there for,’ he said, adding that the crowded fixture list and Bony’s upcoming absence at the Africa Cup of Nations was on his mind. Hence an opportunity for Bafi Gomis. Monk will also be missing Ki in January as he captains South Korea at the Asian Cup. Monk lauded his ‘fantastic’ contribution and said ‘He is a big player for us.’ He also added, with a smile, that Ki and Shelvey were both claiming the goal. Swansea boss Garry Monk left talisman striker Wilfried Bony (left) on the bench for the visit to Hull in the Premier League . Ahmed Elmohamady connects with a header in mid-flight as the Swansea defence watches on at the KC Stadium . Hull City manager Steve Bruce looked agitated on the sidelines as his side fell behind early on to Swansea on Saturday afternoon . Neil Taylor (left) vies with Hull striker Abel Hernandez during their Premier league clash on Saturday afternoon at the KC Stadium . Swansea winger Wayne Routledge skips past the challenge of James Chester as the away side looked to start another attack . The teams traded early misses in a franctic start, Nikica Jelavic’s fluffed shot from the left the first and worst of the bunch in the fourth minute. Wayne Routledge shot wide at the other end, followed by Gaston Ramirez. who was set up by Abel Hernandez. Swansea went ahead in the 15th minute when Ki and Shelvey were given too much space to exchange passes and Ki was allowed to run into the penalty area unmarked. Shelvey’s shot from 25 yards did not look dangerous until it hit Ki’s arm as he tried to move out of the way and the ball took a sharp change of direction away from Allan McGregor and into the net. Hull chased the game, with Andy Robertson hitting the woodwork. Swansea had the best chance to score again when Tom Carroll set up Shelvey but Fabianski saved. Gomis also hit a post. Bafetibis Gomis of Swansea closes down on Allan McGregor of Hull City as he tries to clear his lines during their Premier League match . Goal scorer Ki Sung-Yueng of Swansea tackles Gaston Ramirez of Hull as Steve Bruce's side struggled to dominate the game . Shelvey's shot is saved by Hull keeper Alan McGregor after being played through one-on-one in the second-half at the KC Stadium . Swansea manager Garry Monk instructs his side away at Hull on Saturday, hoping to pick up another three points . Routledge tries to lob the ball over Hull captain and defender Curtis Davies during the Premier League match on Saturday afternoon . Ashley Richards of Swansea City goes up for a header with Nikica Jelavic of Hull as both sides vie for possession . | Ki Sung-Yueng put Swansea ahead after he deflected in Jonjo Shelvey's long range shot in the fifteenth minute . Bafetibis Gomis struck the post for Swansea in the second-half as the away side searched for a second goal . Defeat leaves Steve Bruce's Hull side in the relegation zone in 19th and without a win in ten Premier League games . Garry Monk's Swansea side climb up to eighth in the Premier League after dominating the match . | f078452ce8f4a85377b51c7443c762aebbad3884 |
By . Pa Reporter . Nacer Bouhanni won stage two of the Vuelta a Espana in San Fernando in a sprint finish. The Frenchman was a comfortable winner ahead of Giant-Shimano's John Degenkolb after an excellent lead-out from his FDJ team, while several riders lost position in the tight corners leading to the finish line. Degenkolb was catching Bouhanni in the final metres but had left himself too much to do, settling for second with Roberto Ferrari of Lampre-Merida in third place. Sprint king: Bouhanni celebrates as he crosses the line to win stage two of the Vuelta a Espana . Movistar's Alejandro Valverde, the 2009 Vuelta winner inherited the leader's red jersey from his team-mate Jonathan Castroviejo, with race favourite Nairo Quintana tucked in second place. All the time gaps among the contenders remained the same, cementing Movistar's advantage from Saturday's opening team time trial with Team Sky's Chris Froome still 27 seconds back. Saturday's stage had left plenty of surprising time gaps between the general classification contenders, but Sunday's 174.4km stage was simply about staying safe for the main field while the sprinters eyed glory up ahead. The usual early break was a six-man group but featured a couple of notable names. Proud: The Frenchman took the stage comfortably after a great lead-out, and made sure everyone knew it . Garmin-Sharp, who had a dismal time trial, sent Nathan Haas up the road and he would lead them over the only categorised climb of the day to take the early King of the Mountains jersey, while there was the unusual sight of the No. 1 number in a break as Lampre-Merida's Valerio Conti - a late replacement for last year's winner Chris Horner - also went off the front. Haas and MTN-Qhubeka's Kristian Sbaragli dropped back after contesting the first climb, leaving Conti, Francisco Javier Aramendia (Caja Rural) Jacques Janse Van Rensburg (MTN-Qhubeka), and Romain Hardy (Cofidis) out in front, where they built a lead which approached five minutes. The pack slowly hauled them back in as the main GC teams made their presence felt at the front of the peloton - Movistar and Sky taking turns as they sought to keep their men safe on a some tight corners negotiated in strong winds that threatened to split the pack. They all stayed together, catching the break with a little under 17km to go and the battle began among the sprint teams to get to the front. It was FDJ who were on the nose heading into the final two turns, and that was all the advantage Bouhanni needed. Solid: It was a day to ensure a safe ride for the leading contenders, with none of the favourites gaining ground . | FDJ team give Frenchman the perfect lead out . Team Sky's Chris Froome remains 27 seconds back . Alejandro Valverde of Movistar takes leader's red jersey . | 6abb485aca01c07605192fa56ba5e31f9b91a952 |
(CNN) -- The art of portraiture, once reserved for the rich, the royal and the holy, has found a new mass appeal online. Matt Held is painting 200 Facebook photos and giving them to the subjects. Some avid social-network users are commissioning artists to create small digital images to represent themselves in the online world. Other Internet-savvy people use automated computer programs and Web sites to generate posterized likenesses of themselves. Matt Held, a 38-year-old painter in Brooklyn, New York, has gained Internet celebrity for painting peoples' Facebook photos and then giving them to his subjects. And some identity researchers are trying to take the online portrait beyond images of people's faces entirely. All of these efforts underscore the fact that tiny images, often no bigger than a postage stamp, have become stand-ins for peoples' identities online. On the Web, people can recreate themselves in any way they choose. Unlike in the real world, where portraits are largely reserved for museums and the mantels of self-centered celebrities, online portraits are either free or relatively inexpensive. They're also essential for effective Internet communication, said Judith Donath, a fellow at Harvard's Berkman Center for Internet & Society. "In the physical world, there's a lot of effort people make in terms of how they look when they go out to walk down the street. Some people spend two hours to get ready going to the grocery store," she said. "In the physical world, there's the actual self, so you're not entirely dependent on a portrait." On the Internet, though, people can create their appearance through images they choose to represent themselves, she said. Donath is working with a group of students from the MIT Media Lab to take online portraiture beyond realistic-looking faces. In the future, she says, people will create pictures of themselves with the data trails they leave online. Visit the "Personas" project and type in your name to see how this might work. Donath said many people online are drawn to the fact that they don't have to look like the person they are in the real world. But this is also a sticking point in the world of online portraiture, said Dan Schawbel, a personal branding expert and author of a book called "Me 2.0." People should brand themselves online with a single professional photo that they display on all of their social networks so that strangers will be able to identify them, he said. "Seeing the same thing again and again and again is going to make you remember it," he said, adding that photographs of human faces are more emotional and memorable than drawings or other obscured representations. Erika Peterman would disagree. The 39-year-old in Tallahassee, Florida, paid $100 for local artist Lee Bretschneider to draw a caricature of Peterman as a comic book hero. She uses that image on her blog and on Facebook. "I do think an illustration is a way to unleash some fantasy aspect of yourself or maybe the way you'd like other people to see you," she said. Peterman, who blogs about comics and has read them since she was young, said her stylized comic-book image says something about her and is more compelling than a standard photo. She said she's not trying to hide anything behind the drawing. "I look how I look and I'm not fooling anybody," she said. "If the artist had me looking like Halle Berry, that'd be ridiculous." Joel Watson, who illustrates an online comic book series from Dallas, Texas, said he's gotten so many requests from fans asking him to draw avatars for their online social networks that he can't keep up with the demand. He said some clients came back to him several times wanting new drawings because they had shaved off their hair or somehow changed their look. Each of these efforts cost $50 to $100, he said. Several free Web sites offer to posterize a person's Facebook or Twitter icons, or let users assemble cartoon versions of themselves. The latest to catch on in a big way is a spin-off of the AMC show "Mad Men." On a site called MadMenYourself.com, people create stylized images of themselves as sleek advertising executives from the 1960s, in keeping with the show's theme. Dyna Moe, the 31-year-old New York artist who created the character components for the site, said at first she was "creeped out" to see so many computerized versions of her drawings floating around social networks. On Twitter, where tiny square icons stand in for a person's identity, it also became difficult to tell who some people were because the Mad Men icons all started to look similar, she said. It had a "hall of mirrors feeling," she said. The Web site had 8 million viewers the first week it launched, she said. MG Siegler, a blogger at TechCrunch, said his fans and friends found it jarring when he took down a photo from his social networks and replaced it with a "Mad Men" avatar. "They're like, 'Oh, what's going on here? Is there some sort of life change that you switched up your icon for?' " he said. "It's kind of funny that people do very much pay attention to them. I think people start to associate your identity with your [Twitter] icon," he said. Held, the painter in Brooklyn, is completing a series of 200 Facebook portraits. He chooses his subjects from a Facebook fan page called "I'll have my Facebook portrait painted by Matt Held," where more than 6,400 people have signed up. The project struck a surprising chord with people and helped pull him out of a lull in his career, Held said. While people in his paintings can use the images online free, he sells the canvas works in galleries for $1,800, he said. "Portraiture in itself has always been there, but I want to bring it out to the masses," he said. "There are so many people out there with awesome photos and awesome stories who I feel need to be painted." | The portrait, a centuries-old art form, is finding new life with the masses online . Some people pay artists to paint their Facebook profile pictures and Twitter icons . Free Web sites generate cartoon pictures of people for use in social media . Researcher says portraits are necessary stand-ins for people online . | feba0af65a832acbe96402dd4f15994683ab57b8 |
(CNN) -- CNN anchor Anderson Cooper played the groom in a surreal wedding scene send-off for Bill Hader's Stefon character on the season finale of "Saturday Night Live." Hader announced last week that he was leaving SNL after eight seasons to move to California and get more sleep, which meant his memorable characters were also saying goodbye. Stefon -- Weekend Update's New York City correspondent -- gave one last report Saturday night, rushing off the set after telling anchor Seth Meyers, "You never respect me." "I didn't want to do this here, but I've met someone else, and he's a lot like you, except he likes me for me, and we are getting married," Stefon said. "Bye, Seth Meyers." Stefon has always appeared to have a unrequited gay crush on the straight Meyers, but now Meyers seemed hurt by the rejection. "Hey, go to him," Meyers' "platonic work friend" Amy Poehler said. "It's never too late. Follow your heart." Thus began a bizarre pre-produced segment that parodied the "Wayne's World" parody of Dustin Hoffman's frantic run to interrupt his true love's wedding in "The Graduate." Meyers ran from NBC's Rockefeller Center headquarters down 5th Avenue to Marble Collegiate Church, where he found Stefon at the altar. Fetish characters described in Stefon's many SNL reports made up the bridal party, including "human traffic cones" as bridesmaids. The camera panned to reveal his groom -- Anderson Cooper. A brawl ensued when Cooper stopped Meyers in the aisle. "Get ready for Anderson Cooper -- 360!" he said as he went into a slow motion round-about spin. But one punch from Meyers knocked Cooper out. Meyers grabbed Stefon, and the couple dashed away, while DJ Baby Bok Choy -- another character from Stefon's reports -- blocked Cooper from following. Wedding guests -- including smurfs, a gremlin and Alf -- converged to celebrate. Ben Affleck, host of the last episode of SNL's 38th season, made a cameo appearance, yelling to Meyers: "Follow your heart, bro. Follow it!" Meyers and Stefon then reappeared live on the "Weekend Update" set as SNL cast members tossed rice on them. Meyers is taking over NBC's "Late Night" show next year, although he is expected to return to SNL for season 39. | Bill Hader makes his final appearance after 8 seasons on "Saturday Night Live" Hader's character Stefon is the NYC correspondent for "Weekend Update" Seth Meyers interrupts the Stefon-Cooper wedding in "Graduate" parody . "Get ready for Anderson Cooper -- 360!" Cooper says before Meyers knocks him out . | 4cee35667ad10fbbdf152cb1b8e6f10540306ea6 |
By . Allan Hall . PUBLISHED: . 11:14 EST, 6 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:17 EST, 6 December 2013 . Europe’s biggest brothel spanning nearly 20,000 square feet, costing £3.8million and employing nearly 100 working girls is poised to open in Germany. Building work is already underway on the ‘mega bordello’ as it has been dubbed in the German media as prostitution continues to flourish in the country where the world's oldest profession has been recognised since 2001 as a legal one too. But for many residents of the city on the border with France, the house of ill repute is one too many in a community already overflowing with sex parlours. Red light alert: Building work on the brothel in Saarbruecken is under way . The centre-left SPD mayoress, Charlotte Britz, is apprehensive of the social strains on the city, stating: ‘Prostitution has assumed unbearable proportions here.’ And bemoaning the labyrinthine planning regulations in her homeland, she said: ‘Businesses like this find it is easy to get permission. In fact, it is easier to open a brothel in Saarbruecken than it is a chip shop.’ She is calling for the state government to introduce a higher sex tax that would at least pay dividends back into city coffers. Employer: It's thought that around 100 prostitutes will work at the hangar-style brothel . Tentatively named Paradise Island, the aircraft-hangar style building is expected to employ at least half its staff from the Polish, Hungarian, Romanian and Bulgarian prostitutes already operating in other sex establishments in the city. Saarbruecken became a magnet for eastern European working girls when the EU expanded its borders in 2007. There are over 1,000 registered sex workers in Saarbruecken, which has a population of 170,000 (stock image) There are over 1,000 registered sex workers in the city of 170,000 and probably three times that many working under the radar. Much of the custom comes from France where official attitudes to prostitution are not as relaxed as in Germany and the laws governing it more complex. Huge number of new customers from the nearby cities of Nancy, Metz and the many small towns in-between are expected to break for the border when Paradise Island opens its doors in January 2014. Thomas Blug, media officer of the state of Saarland in which Saarbruecken sits, is deluged with media enquiries from newspapers around the world - both about the size of the brothel and the social tensions it is creating. ’It is not only about Saarbruecken,’ he says, flustered. ’This is also a European problem.’ Juergen Rudolf, who owns a chain of mega-brothels in Germany, and who is politely referred to in newspapers as 'King of the Knocking Shops', is behind the latest project. He took full advantage of Chancellor Schroeder's government decision back in 2001 giving legal rights to prostitutes to access health, insurance and pension benefits so long as they paid into the tax system. ‘This will be a great place for men to relax,’ he said, preferring to paint a picture of an establishment more in line with a gentlemen's club than an industrial-scale sex factory. But prostitute activist groups representing many of the 400,000 registered hookers in the country, say that pimps and enforced prostitution, particularly among migrants, continues to thrive and that efforts to register prostitution have largely failed. Saarbruecken residents are fearful of a rise in street crime and violence when the new bordello opens. They are also mourning the loss of their city's once enviable reputation for fine dining and a laid-back way of living. | The brothel, being built in Saarbruecken, will employ nearly 100 working girls . The controversial business spans 20,000 feet and will cost £3.8million . | a0a078421740e6dda392ff65455c8f158fe05a31 |
Residents of a small Florida town say they're shocked and disgusted by the recent disclosure that two members of its police force are accused of being members of the Ku Klux Klan. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement this week released a report saying Fruitland Park Deputy Chief David Borst and Officer George Hunnewell were Klan members. Borst denies being a member. Borst resigned and Hunnewell was fired last week. A third Fruitland Park officer resigned in 2010 after his Klan ties became public. Scroll down for video . Florida's Fruitland Park Deputy Chief David Borst (right) and Officer George Hunnewell (left) were linked to the Ku Klux Klan, according to a new report . A researcher with the Southern Poverty Law Center says it's extremely rare nowadays to find police officers who are Klan members. Cases the officers worked on also are under scrutiny. On Friday, prosecutors dismissed three cases - two traffic offenses and a misdemeanor battery. Local residents in town of less than 5,000 residents, reacted with disgust to the news. Chery Mion told The Miami Herald: 'I'm shocked, very shocked. I didn't think that organization was still around. Yes, in the 1950s. But this 2014, and it's rather disconcerting to know.' Borst, a veteran officer with more than 20 years of law enforcement service, resigned and Hunnewell was fired last week. A phone number listed for Borst was disconnected. Hunnewell's number was not listed. Ann Hunnewell claimed she and her ex-husband, George Hunnewell, joined the KKK in 2008 at the request of then-Police Chief Mark Isom, it was revealed last week. She said they were trying to find out if another officer was a KKK member. After investigating, she and her ex-husband later left the group. Ann Hunnewell was a secretary for the police department before leaving in 2010. Her statements were contained in the report tying Hunnewell and Borst to the KKK. The information about the former officers was given to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement by the FBI. Parts of the Florida report were redacted and it's not clear what the FBI was investigating when it discovered the officers link to the KKK. Police Chief Terry Isaacs stands in the hallway at the Police Department in Fruitland Park, Florida. Two of his police officers are no longer with the city after a law enforcement report tied them to the Ku Klux Klan . Ann Hunnewell told investigators that she and her former husband never paid dues, attended meetings or witnessed any criminal activity. She also said there was no documentation of their undercover operation. Fruitland Park has 13 full-time and five part-time cops, and many were trained by Borst. In 2009, Fruitland Park Police Officer James Elkins resigned after pictures surfaced of him in uniform with a pointy Klan hood and robe. The police department has 13 officers for the city has about 5,000 residents. It is located about 40 miles north-west of Orlando. Fruitland Park was once known for its citrus groves and is in Lake County, where KKK violence in the 1940s and 1950s was rampant. Residents of the small town of Fruitland Park in Florida have reacted with disgust that several members of the local police force have been revealed as KKK members (stock image) | Fruitland Park Deputy Chief David Borst and Officer George Hunnewell were Klan members, according to a report this week . Borst resigned and Hunnewell was fired . last week . A third Fruitland Park officer resigned in 2010 after Klan ties became public . | b45734e57d4a62877270ec7e5fd0f2b63900a21b |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:06 EST, 10 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:06 EST, 10 December 2012 . The long-running Dominique Strauss-Kahn saga could come to an end today as his lawyers are set to appear in court alongside the hotel maid who claims he sexually assaulted her. The two sides are expected to announce that they have reached a financial settlement which could run into millions of dollars in return for Nafissatou Diallo dropping her civil lawsuit against the former head of the International Monetary Fund. The court date comes less than two weeks after it was widely reported that the pair had negotiated a settlement after months of haggling. Conclusion? Dominique Strauss-Kahn has allegedly reached a settlement with hotel maid Nafissatou Diallo . Troubles: The scandal ended Strauss-Kahn's presidential ambitions and wrecked his public reputation . However, a source said details of the settlement are not likely to be made public at the hearing, which is scheduled to begin at 2pm EST (7pm GMT) on Monday in New York State Supreme Court in the Bronx. The agreement would end a legal saga that began when Diallo, 33, told police that Strauss-Kahn attacked her in his suite at the Sofitel Hotel in Manhattan on May 14, 2011. The scandal forced Strauss-Kahn to resign his post as head of one of the world's most influential finance organisations and wrecked his hopes of running for president in his native France. New love: Strauss-Kahn was spotted visiting Venice with his new girlfriend Myriam Aouffir over the weekend . Relief: Strauss-Kahn will doubtless be pleased to bring an end to his long-running legal battle . Prosecutors initially expressed confidence in the evidence, including DNA that showed a sexual encounter. But they dropped the case in August 2011 after developing concerns about Diallo's credibility, including what they said were inconsistencies in her account of what happened immediately following the incident. She filed the lawsuit just weeks before the charges were dismissed, claiming he forced her to perform oral sex and caused her physical and emotional damage. Strauss-Kahn, 63, filed a countersuit earlier this year against Diallo for defamation. He has said the sexual encounter was consensual but has admitted it was a 'moral error.' Accusation: Diallo claims she was sexually assaulted by the former IMF boss in New York last May . The resolution of the civil case brings Strauss-Kahn closer to ending his legal troubles, which have persisted since his return to France. The former politician is awaiting a decision by a French court on his request to halt an inquiry to determine whether he should stand trial on pimping charges related to sex parties attended by him and by prostitutes. Strauss-Kahn has quietly begun to resume his career in recent months, delivering speeches at private conferences and setting up a consulting firm in Paris. | French politican's lawyers set to appear in court at 2pm EST (7pm GMT) Could announce settlement with Nafissatou Diallo in exchange for her dropping her civil lawsuit against Strauss-Kahn . | 23fc6eff1bbf238513e2f9c76e40762f01b1737d |
A South African nursery school teacher has been caught transporting 19 children in her Renault Clio. Melanie Minnie was stopped as she carried a class of children aged between four and six on a school trip to a shopping mall burger bar. Police officers were shocked to discover she had six children in the small car's boot; at least three on the front seat and the remaining ten on the car's back seat. Tight squeeze: Nursery teacher Melanie Minnie was fined R1,500 (about £100) for putting 19 children in her car (pictured) Crammed: Children are seen pressed up against the window of the car's boot as they are loaded into the hatchback . Compact: Ms Minnie was stopped while in the process of ferrying the second of two car-loads of children back to her nursery from the mall . It is unclear whether any were wearing seat belts. A local newspaper photographer was on the scene to capture striking images of the children squashed into the tiny car. Nico . van Heerden said police had been tipped off about the safety breach by a . concerned shopper at Pretoria's Jacaranda shopping mall who saw the . teacher loading the children into her car. Police . stopped her a block away from the shopping centre, the photographer . said, as she made the mile-long journey to the Rietfontein nursery . school. Far from being . uncomfortable, however, the children seemed relatively comfortable and . excited by the action, Mr van Heerden claimed. He said: 'They were excited at first, but after a while they started to get a more worried and cried.' Road trip: An eyewitness claimed the children were at first excited about their car journey . Safety breach: Police were tipped off by a concerned shopper at Pretoria's Jacaranda shopping mall who saw the teacher loading the children into her car . 'This is the first time we went on an outing - and the last': Ms Minnie told police she had already transported a first group of 12 children in her car . Ms Minnie was quoted in South Africa's Afrikaans language Beeld newspaper 'this is the first time we went on an outing - and the last time'. According to the paper, Ms Minnie was stopped while in the process of ferrying the second of two car-loads of children back to her nursery from the mall. She told police she had already transported a first group of 12 children in her car. Police spokeswoman Charmaine Louwrens said the teacher was fined R1,500 (just over £100) for having more people in a car that it was designed to carry. | Nursery nurse was stopped as she transported a class of children aged between four and six on a trip to a burger bar . Police in Pretoria found three youngsters on the front seat, ten in the back and six in the boot . | 81574b0ebf834c4879a4ac147d785d500087bacc |
(CNN) -- Randy Jackson, the last original "American Idol" judge, announced Thursday that he's voting himself off the hit singing competition program after the current season ends. "Yo! Yo! Yo! To put all of the speculation to the rest, after 12 years of judging on 'American Idol,' I have decided to leave after this season," Jackson said in a statement, released through his representative. Along with Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, the musician and producer was one of three judges when the Fox show debuted in 2002. It soon became a national sensation, topping the Nielsen charts as the nation's most watched program for eight years running. In 2011 -- more than a year after CNN and others reported on the program's ratings "slide" -- the "American Idol" Wednesday night show still topped the Nielsen yearly chart. No. 2? "American Idol's" Thursday program. The streak ended last year, when NBC's "Sunday Night Football" took Nielsen's top spot. Still, "American Idol" could take solace having already left other renowned TV shows -- "Seinfeld," "All in the Family" and "M*A*S*H" among them -- in its wake having been America's most popular program for the most consecutive seasons. Jackson is the last original judge with Abdul's departure and then Cowell's several seasons ago. Ratings have decreased in recent years, as the show's producers have tried several new judges -- this season's include Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj -- to join Jackson. Fox representative Jill Hudson says the network has no comment on Jackson's announcement. In his statement Thursday, Jackson said he was "very proud of how we forever changed television and the music industry." "It's been a life-changing opportunity, but I am looking forward to focusing on my company, Dream Merchant 21, and other business ventures," he added. Drake surprises 'Idol' contestant . Was 'Idol' looking at J. Lo to replace Mariah? CNN's Douglas Hyde contributed to this report. | Randy Jackson was one of three judges when the show debuted in 2002 . With Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul out, he is the only one that remains . Jackson said that it was his decision to leave "American Idol" | 969457c2c5c5c456af5b4c003c6cc7ee23bbc130 |
By . James Salmon . PUBLISHED: . 19:42 EST, 4 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:40 EST, 5 August 2013 . Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, said that low interest rates are here to stay . The Bank of England’s new governor Mark Carney is expected to confirm that interest rates will remain at historic lows, in a radical break from tradition. The Canadian is expected to make the unprecedented commitment - a bonus for borrowers but condemned as a disaster for savers - on Wednesday when he presents his first monthly inflation report since taking over from Lord King last month. The new policy, dubbed ‘forward guidance’, was used by Carney in his previous job as governor of the Bank of Canada. But it has never been used before for interest rates in the British central bank’s 300 year history.The aim will be to reassure investors, businesses and households across Britain that interest rates will be frozen for some time to come. It comes amid growing fears that a sudden rise in interest rates could tip many households and businesses around the country over the edge. The Bank estimates that if rates were to rise from 0.5pc to just 2.5pc and incomes remained “subdued”, households with about £240 billion of mortgage debt would “experience financial difficulties”. Interest rates were slashed to a record low of 0.5pc in March 2009 in a bid to provide breathing space for borrowers grappling with the most severe financial crisis in living memory. Last month the Bank signalled its intention, stating that expectations that interest rates would rise from their current level in the next two years were ‘not warranted’. This marked an attempt to put some distance between developments in the US and Britain. Last month the Bank signalled its intention, stating that expectations that interest rates would rise from their current level in the next two years were 'not warranted' The Federal Reserve has indicated that its support for the US economy through quantitative easing may be coming to an end – pushing up interest rates on the financial markets on both sides of the Atlantic. Chancellor George Osborne ordered the Bank to report back on introducing forward guidance as a new weapon in its armoury to steer the economy back to full health. Experts last night described the new policy as great for borrowers but an ‘unmitigated disaster’ for savers. Chancellor George Osborne ordered the Bank to report back on introducing forward guidance as a new weapon in its armoury to steer the economy back to full health . David Buik, a veteran City commentator from broker Panmure Gordon said: ‘The Bank wants to make sure that any rates movement are not a surprise to businesses and customers. It wants them to be put on notice– so they can take care of their financial affairs.’ But he added: ‘It’s a very good thing for borrowers , but for savers it’s an unmitigated disaster.’ A combination of rate cuts on savings accounts and high inflation has cost savers more than £220 billion, according to campaign group Save Our Savers. Its spokesman Simon Rose said: ‘Low interest rates have not boosted the economy in the last four years. Extending this further takes money away from savers and the economy - but does not promote growth.’ It is not known how the Bank will apply this new policy. It could opt to commit to freeze interest rates unless unemployment falls below a certain level. Other options include tying the commitment to average wages or growth. The Bank is expected to slighty increase its GDP growth forecast and its say that inflation will be lower than previously anticipated. This follows a slew of data which indicates the economy is picking up speed, with manufacturers boasting a strong rebound in July - with the strongest growth since March 2011. Growth - as measured by GDP - doubled to 0.6pc in the three months to the end of June, from the first quarter. But the economy is still 3.3pc smaller than it was before the recession struck. It is also lagging behind all the other members of the G7, except Italy. | The Canadian is expected to make the commitment on Wednesday . He will present his first monthly . inflation report since taking over . The new policy, dubbed ‘forward guidance’, was used by Carney in his previous job as governor of the Bank of Canada . | 745e0d7735d5c115cf7a3ad9bafd766126e463bb |
A businesswoman dubbed the City Supermum for balancing a highly successful career with having nine children still gets home at 6pm every day to do the ironing, it has been revealed. Helena Morrissey, chief executive of the Newton Investment Management company, said women 'overthink' when the right time to have children is and its potential impact on their careers. The mother-of-nine, who lives in Notting Hill, London, and earned the nickname of 'billion-dollar babe' in reference to the £51bn of assets under her management, is also the founder of the 30 Per Cent Club, campaigning to make UK boardrooms 30 per cent female by 2015. Scroll down for video . Helena Morrissey, chief executive of the Newton Investment Management company, said women also 'overthink' when the right time to have children is and its potential impact on their careers . The mother-of-nine, (pictured with four of her daughters) who lives in Notting Hill, London, and earned the nickname of 'billion-dollar babe' in reference to the £51bn of assets under her management, is also the founder of the 30 Per Cent Club, a pressure group campaigning to make UK boardrooms 30 per cent female by 2015 . But the 48-year-old insists that having children shouldn't impact on a woman's career. In an interview with Evening Standard City Editor Chris Blackhurst, she said: 'My advice would be not to overthink it. I believe having a few months or a year out in what might be a 40 year career is neither here nor there.' Her children - six girls and three boys all ranging in age from 6 and 23 - were cared for both by her husband, who gave up his journalism career to help raise the children, and by the family nanny. But in an interview with The Times, Mrs Morrissey's 19-year-old daughter Flo revealed that despite her impressive career and influence, she is still a hands-on mother - even extending to keeping on top of the mountains of housework after her working day is done. The singer-songwriter said: 'She's very much as she's portrayed, but I don't actually know how she does it. She's really hands-on with us. Mrs Morrissey's 19-year-old daughter Flo (pictured) revealed that despite her impressive career and influence, she is still a hands-on mother - even extending to keeping on top of the mountains of housework after her working day is done . The one-woman powerhouse has in the past revealed that on each of her short maternity leaves she keeps track of the markets and works from home . Spouse: The school run and caring for the children during the day is done by the nanny or by her husband Richard (pictured), 43, a Buddhist monk who used to work in financial publishing . 'We've had a nanny who's been there since I was zero, so she is part of the family, but my mum gets home at six every day and we have dinner together, as a family, every night. 'My dad cooks but i'll do the washing up and my mum does the ironing.' The one-woman powerhouse has in the past revealed that on each of her short maternity leaves she keeps track of the markets and works from home. She has said: 'Although my maternity leaves are short, they are intense. Then it's a gradual handover to my husband and the nanny.' She said her daily routine includes pitches to clients, transatlantic phone calls, trips to school plays, overnight dashes to Boston, sorting gym kit and laundry and picking up children. However, the school run and caring for the children during the day is done by the nanny or by her husband Richard, 43, a Buddhist monk who used to work in financial publishing. | Helena Morrissey is CEO of the Newton Investment Management company . Earned the nickname of 'billion-dollar babe' in reference to the assets under her management and her huge influence . Her children - six girls and three boys - all range in age from 6 and 23 . They are cared for both by her husband and by the family nanny . | c6bf43c150f6c4129987b61d99ff50fb4cab833c |
(CNN)An electrical failure ignited a dry,15-foot-tall Christmas tree in a fire that destroyed an Annapolis, Maryland, mansion, killing four children and their grandparents, Anne Arundel County fire officials said Wednesday. Technology executive Don Pyle; his wife, Sandra; and four grandchildren died in what Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent Bill McMullan called "a tragic accident that occurred at the worst possible time while the Pyles and their grandchildren were sleeping." "The involvement of the Christmas tree explains the heavy fire conditions," Fire Chief Allan Graves said at a news conference. The grandchildren have been identified as Alexis (Lexi) Boone, 8; Kaitlyn (Katie) Boone, 7; Charlotte Boone, 8; and Wesley (Wes) Boone, 6. They were the children of Sandra Pyle's sons, Randy and Clint Boone. "While the explanation that has been shared with us today does not bring solace, it does start us down the long road to acceptance," a statement Wednesday from the Boone and Pyle families said. "Our tragedy has touched many lives in many families, and, in different degrees, is shared by each of us. Our hope is that our loss will raise awareness that this tragic event could happen to any family. " The blaze started in the waterfront mansion's great room, with 19-foot ceilings and connections to living and sleeping areas. It was fed by a towering Christmas tree that was cut about two months earlier, fire officials said. The tree was lit most of the time, officials said. "The fuel load from the Christmas tree itself is what created the significant amount of fire and heat to cause the fire to spread as quickly as it did," Deputy Chief Scott Hoglander said. Authorities were alerted within minutes by a fire-alarm system monitored outside the home and a neighbor's 911 call. The home, which was constructed before 2005 legislation requiring a sprinkler system, did not have the devices. "We're very comfortable that this was an accidental fire," Graves said. The medical examiner's office positively identified the victims, officials said. Five bodies were recovered in the days after the fire; the final one on Monday. The children were visiting their grandparents for a sleepover because January 19 was a school holiday, a family spokeswoman said. "We believe that life is about making memories. As we work through our pain and loss, the memories we made with our family will sustain us," the families' statement said. Officials said they were still conducting tests to determine the exact sequence of events, but believe the fire was sparked by a faulty electrical outlet. Smoke detectors in homes are common but fire sprinklers are not, says the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Fire sprinklers reduce the death rate by 83%, property damage by 69% and firefighter injuries by 65%. Fires in homes are responsible for more than 80% of fire deaths in the United States, according to the agency. Christmas tree fires are three times more deadly than home fire in general, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Local and federal officials last week secured the structure and accessed the foundation of the 16,000-square-foot house. Cadaver dogs led them to the bodies, officials said. Authorities were initially treating the house as a crime scene. Officials said it is standard procedure for a case such as this and no evidence has been found to indicate suspicious activity. The house belonged to Pyle, chief operating officer for ScienceLogic, and his wife, Sandra, company spokesman Antonio Piraino said. The sheer size of the structure and the fact that three-fourths of the building had collapsed into the basement, with deep piles of debris still smoldering days after the blaze, compounded the search, Anne Arundel County Fire Capt. Robert Howarth said. He led the investigation along with a team from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. "You're looking at five standard houses put together," he said last week. "This is more of a commercial fire than it is a residential fire. There are a lot of businesses that aren't 16,000 square feet. That adds to it." Fire officials said they were alerted to the fire about 3:30 a.m. January 19. About 80 firefighters responded. The ATF national response team responded because the fire was deemed suspicious, Howarth said. The fire department said crews had difficulty putting out the fire because the house is secluded, apparently with no fire hydrants on the scene. Photos the fire department posted on Twitter showed hoses stretched for long distances. Davies said it took hours for fire department tanker trucks and a fire boat on an adjacent creek to bring the fire under control. Pyle's company biography described him as an industry veteran who has held multiple CEO positions, with more than 25 years' experience in information technology infrastructure software and hardware management. CNN's Shimon Prokupecz and Steve Almasy contributed to this report. | Family statement says relatives are trying to accept what happened . Four children and their grandparents died in fire at Annapolis mansion . Technology executive Don Pyle owned the house . | b17590f060a0e90ac2aaa030a1049210180b0253 |
By . Rob Cooper . PUBLISHED: . 11:33 EST, 16 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:33 EST, 16 October 2013 . Detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann have received another 150 calls after a fresh appeal for information was aired on Dutch television. The Metropolitan Police team is trying to identify fair-haired men - who may be Dutch or German - who were seen lurking near the apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, where the girl was snatched from. The new calls will raise hopes that police can make a breakthrough in the hunt for Madeleine who vanished on May 3, 2007. Scroll down for video . Wanted: E-fits of fair-haired men who may be Dutch or Scandinavian who were seen lurking near the apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal, which Madeleine McCann was snatched from. Police launched an appeal on Dutch television last night. Detectives believe they could be the same person . Dutch appeal: Chief Inspector Andy Redwood calls on Dutch viewers to report themselves if they were in the area at the time of the girl's disappearance in 2007, during a broadcast of Opsporing Verzocht on Dutch television . Breakthrough? Police investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann received 150 calls from Holland after a TV broadcast there last night . Her parents Kate and Gerry said they are . 'genuinely hopefully' that police can make progress in the . investigation after a special BBC Crimewatch broadcast. During . the show, two new e-fits of a man were broadcast, while police said . they had effectively ruled out a previous key sighting of a different . man carrying a little girl - suggesting Madeleine may have been taken . later than previously thought. Detectives want to trace two unidentified men – with blonde or fair hair and possibly German or Scandinavian – who were seen in the vicinity of Ocean Club. Based on several sightings, they issued two e-fits which ‘may or may not be the same person’. One is of a thin white man, aged 30-35, with spots on his face possibly caused by shaving. On both occasions he had black sunglasses with a thick frame and was wearing a black leather jacket. The second e-fit, based on a description by a different witness, was again near the McCanns’ holiday apartment. An appeal was shown last night in Holland on a programme called Opsporing Verzocht, and will feature on the German programme Aktenzeichen XY...ungelost tonight. Fresh calls from the Netherlands come after Scotland Yard received 730 calls and 212 emails in the biggest ever response to a Crimewatch appeal. Detectives . believe a sighting of a man carrying a blonde girl 500 yards from the . McCanns’ holiday apartment is of ‘vital importance’. But . the account of Irish holidaymakers who saw the suspect has been called . into question because they originally said they were ‘60 to 80 per cent . sure’ it was Madeleine’s father Gerry. Police have however said they are certain Mr McCann is not involved. Martin and Mary Smith gave police a signed statement when they returned home to Drogheda, County Louth. Prime suspect: These e-fits are of the man seen carrying a child 500 . yards from the McCanns' holiday apartment in Praia da Luz, Portugal . Response: After the couple's appeal on BBC Crimewatch(pictured), a number of callers gave names for the man police believe snatched Madeleine . Search: Madeleine's mother said she was 'genuinely hopeful' of a breakthrough . New timeline: The Crimewatch special revealed that police were now looking at Madeleine's abduction as being at 10pm and not 9.15pm . They said they had seen a man carrying a child toward Praia da Luz’s beach at 10pm on the night Madeleine, then aged three, disappeared. Metodo 3, a detective agency hired by the McCanns, produced two e-fits of the man in 2008 based on the Smiths’ account. Crimewatch's Madeline McCann . special was the most watched edition of the BBC show in its 29 year . history, attracting more than seven million viewers. The . hour long programme, which saw Scotland Yard reveal new findings, . peaked with 7.3 million, 30 per cent of the total audience share in the . five minutes from 9.25pm. The . show had an average of 6.7 million viewers, 27.4 per cent of the share, . adding almost three million viewers to the channel's slot average of . 3.9 million, nearly half the audience share enjoyed on Monday. A BBC spokeswoman said: 'It is the highest audience for a Crimewatch programme on record, going back to 2002.' The BBC does not have audience figures for Crimewatch, pre-dating that. It was first broadcast in 1984. Monday . night's Crimewatch was up against the popular ITV series Doc Marten . which drew an average audience of seven million. The previous series . high on March 31st, 2008, recorded 5.5 million (24 per cent). The ten . minute update at 10:35pm also attracted 3.3 million (22.5 per cent). BBC . head of communications Sam Hodges, responding to a criticism on Twitter . it was a 'ghastly ratings chaser', suggested the big audience was 'a . reflection of the public interest'. The images were made public this week when Scotland Yard revealed the mystery man is now the prime suspect. The detective leading the Metropolitan Police investigation is expected to travel to Ireland in the coming weeks. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood said he was extremely pleased with the response to Monday night’s Crimewatch appeal. ‘We have now had over 730 calls and 212 emails as a direct result of the specific lines of inquiry we issued concerning events in the lead up to, and on the night of Thursday 3rd May 2007 when Madeleine was abducted,’ he said. ‘Detectives are now trawling through and prioritising that material. This will take time.’ Mr Redwood, who insists Mr McCann had nothing to do with his daughter’s disappearance, said two independent callers had put forward the same name for the suspect. Another caller gave the name of a man who was known to be in Portugal at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance. Mr Redwood said officers were waiting to ‘action the information’ and 40 people were ready to take further calls. With 6.7million viewers, the appeal attracted the biggest Crimewatch audience on record – almost double the average of 3.9 million. A BBC spokesman said it also had the highest number of calls ever received, more than double the usual number. The programme’s editor Joe Mather said: ‘Significantly, there were lots of calls from British people who were in Praia da Luz around the time of Madeleine’s disappearance who had never previously spoken to the Met, so there’s lots of information coming through there. ‘They received several names for the key 10pm sighting, the sighting of a man carrying a child toward the beach. ‘Several different names but also several callers mentioned the same name for that man.’ Chilling: A scene from the Crimewatch reconstruction showing the moment Kate McCann discovers her daughter's empty bed . Reconstruction: Scenes from Crimewatch's reconstruction of the events that night in May . 2007, including the three-year-old actress who played Maddie, left . | Fresh appeal went out on Dutch programme Opsporing Verzocht . Police are trying to identify men seen lurking near the apartment who may be Dutch or German . Detectives received more than 900 calls and emails after BBC Crimewatch . Kate and Gerry McCann said they are 'genuinely hopeful' police will make a breakthrough in the hunt for their missing daughter . Madeleine, three, disappeared from her apartment in Praia da Luz in 2007 . | c70d1e46a4942cb3b888d52586ce72b39ceaf67d |
(CNN) -- Demonstrators protested in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province on Friday to demand the release of Shiite prisoners they feel are being held unjustly. An outspoken Shiite prayer leader who demonstrators say was arrested last Friday was a focal point of the "day of rage" protest, said Ibrahim al-Mugaiteeb, president of the Human Rights First Society. Sheikh Tawfeeq Al-Amer was arrested Friday after a sermon stating that Saudi Arabia should become a constitutional monarchy, al-Mugaiteeb said. Saudi Arabian authorities could not be immediately reached for comment. The protest comes on the heels of two similar demonstrations held in the province Thursday, al-Mugaiteeb said, when about 200 protesters in the city of Qatif and 100 protesters in the city of Awamiyya called for the release of Shiite prisoners. Al-Mugaiteeb said authorities arrested 22 people who participated in Thursday's protest in Qatif. "We deplore this action by the Saudi security forces," he said. Another protest took place in Riyadh after Friday prayer, according to two Saudi activists. The sources asked not to be identified because of concerns for their safety. According to the activists, as many as 40 anti-government demonstrators gathered outside Al-Rajhi Mosque for a short protest. At least one man involved in organizing the protest was arrested by Saudi police, the activists said. The activists said the protesters attracted a crowd of worshipers leaving the mosque. Some of the protesters carried signs showing a map of Saudi Arabia that did not contain the words "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," a clear affront to the Saudi royal family. Saudi Arabia has cracked down on protests in the past. Shiites are a minority in Saudi Arabia. They live primarily in the Eastern Province -- where many major oil companies operate. The protests come as sectarian violence between Shiites and Sunnis flares in neighboring Bahrain. Analysts believe protests in Bahrain could spill over into Saudi Arabia's oil fields, located mostly in Shiite provinces. After three months abroad for medical treatment, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah returned home late last month to a Middle East shaken by unrest, and announced a series of sweeping measures aimed at relieving economic hardship and meeting with Bahrain's beleaguered monarch. The Saudi government released three Shiite political prisoners ahead of the king's return. | The focus of Friday's protest is a Shiite prayer leader arrested last week . Hundreds of protesters Thursday also called for the release of Shiite prisoners . Shiites are a minority in Saudi Arabia . Analysts believe protests in Bahrain could spill over into Saudi Arabia . | 6fecadc30007b921d6b835452ee290da19bd587d |
By . Chris Pleasance . Hugging a giant block of ice may seem a bizarre way to bring good fortune to your new year, but at least these men from Japan can console themselves with the thought that it can't get much worse. In in Tokyo yesterday around 100 people took part in the ancient Shinto festival of Kanchu Misogi, a winter purification ritual that is supposed to cleanse the body and soul and bring them closer to mystical spirits which they believe can bring them success. In temperatures of just 40F (6C) these men stripped down to loincloths and headbands before taking a dip in the freezing water of the pool at Teppozu Inari Shinto shrine while crouching down in order to pray. Scroll down for video . Ice to meet to: Despite holding a giant block of ice in a freeing cold pool, this Shinto worshipper manages to crack a smile for the cameras . In temperatures of just 40F (6C) these men climbed into a pool of freezing water at the Teppozu Inari Shinto shrine in central Tokyo in order to pray . The ritual is supposed to purify the followers in order to bring them closer to kame - spirits or powers - which they believe will bring them good fortune . Happy New Year: Kanchu Misogi is a traditional new year festival in Japan for followers of Shinto which is supposed to purify body and soul and bring good fortune . The ritual is celebrated across Japan and usually involved participants washing themselves with cold water, but can also involve being covered in snow. Shinto is less of a religion and more of a way of life, and followers perform many rituals designed to please kame - meaning spirits or powers. This particular shrine is dedicated to Inari, one of the most important kame who brings success, prosperity and fertility. Despite their obvious suffering in these pictures, followers of Shinto believe that the spirits want humans to be happy and are willing to help them if they are treated correctly. Around 100 followers took part in the ceremony which is celebrated all over Japan, but usually just involves washing in cold water . The temple seen here is dedicated to Inari, one of the main kame of Shinto, who can bring people prosperity, success and fertility . Shinto is more of a way of life, rather than a religion, as it has no commandments, no God, no founder and allows people to follow other beliefs . Desite this man's suffering, Shiinto teaches that humans are essentially good and that the spirits that watch over them love them and want them to succeed . Shinto has no God or Gods, no founder, no central commandments and allows people to follow other religions. Instead it teaches ethical principles and a love of oneself. Shinto, which translates as 'way of the spirits', is intricately linked with the geography of Japan, and so is rarely practiced outside of the country. Purity is at the heart of Shinto's understanding of good and evil. Pollution - tsumi - can be physical, moral or spiritual. Being pure is incredibly important to believers of Shinto, though their equivalent of sin - tsumi - is usually caused by things outside of people's control, rather than people themselves . Shinto means 'way of the spirits' and is seldom worshipped outside of Japan because of its very strong link with the Japanese landscape . Other purity rituals in Shinto can involve going long periods without sleep, breathing exercises, standing under waterfalls and other balance training . The ritual also helps to keep the participants physically fit and tests their endurance . Tsumi means much the same as the English word 'sin', but it differs from sin in that it includes things which are beyond the control of individual human beings and are thought of as being caused by evil spirits. In ancient Shinto, tsumi also included disease, disaster and error. Anything connected with death or the dead is considered particularly polluting. | Around 100 followers of Shinto gathered at this shrine in central Tokyo in order to take part in this ceremony . The festival of Kanchu Misogi is a winter purification ritual they believe will cleanse them and bring good fortune . Despite their obvious suffering, followers of Shinto believe that the spirits they worship want humans to be happy . | def858f3b85ccd6abbaea0e1ec8ddb0c32f601e4 |
By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 06:09 EST, 30 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:39 EST, 30 October 2012 . The taxpayer has spent thousands of pounds on media training for gaffe-prone ministers to learn how not to looked daft on the television. Eight government departments have been forced to admit at least 19 ministers have been dispatched to courses on how to smile for the camera, deliver soundbites and dodge tricky questions from journalists. Companies hired by the government tell politicians how media interviews are ‘a mixture of opportunity and danger’ as ministers claimed that without the training, the public would not ‘understand’ what they were doing to the country. Liberal Democrat Ed Davey has been sent on media training twice - once when a junior business minister and then again when he became Energy Secretary and joined the Cabinet . Several departments refused to say how much the courses cost, claiming it breached commercial confidentiality. But the total bill is estimated to run into thousands of pounds. Labour . MP Luciana Berger, who unearthed the figures, said ministers should . stop worrying about how they look on TV and get on with running the . country. One . Cabinet minister - Energy Secretary Ed Davey - has been sent on media . training twice, though Miss Berger questioned whether he got ‘value for . money’. In . June 2010 when a minister at the Department for Business, Innovation . and Climate Change Mr Davey had £700 worth of media training. Then . in July this year, the Department for Energy and Climate Change spent . another £2,160 on extra training for Mr Davey with private firm Electric . Airwaves, which has previously worked with the Disney empire. Earlier . this month Mr Davey was caught off guard by questions about David . Cameron's shock announcement about forcing energy firms to give . customers the lowest tariff. Mr Davey tore off his microphone and called . a halt to an interview. According . to a series of parliamentary questions, 19 ministers have received . media training since in coalition was formed in May 2012. TV training: Among the ministers given tips on how to deal with the media were (top row l-r) Peter Luff, Crispin Blunt, Lord McNally and Lord Freud. (bottom row l-r) Maria Miller, John Hayes,Henry Bellingham and Lynne Featherstone . Miss Berger told MailOnline: ’It’s . astounding that 19 out of touch ministers have spent at least £12,000 – the . equivalent of one classroom assistant - on media training. ’Government departments are stocked full of press officers, why weren’t these minsters able to get training from them? ’Instead of worrying about how they look on TV minsters should focus on delivering for the public.’ Five ministers at the Ministry of Justice have been trained in how to deal with journalists. Crispin . Blunt and Jonathan Djanogly, who were both fired in last month’s . reshuffle, attended a £3,000 session with Lib Dem minister Lord McNally, . provided by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations on 19 July . 2010. In-house training was also given to Mr Blunt and new ministers Jeremy Wright and Helen Grant. Ms . Grant defended the spending, saying there is ‘a high level of interest . in the work of the Ministry of Justice and it is right that the public . know and understand the work of the Department’. She . added: ‘The training was designed to aid ministers so they are able to . clearly communicate to the public the work of the Ministry of Justice . and the reforms that are being undertaken across our policy areas.’ Lord Henley, a former environment and crime minister, made the news last year - for winning first prize at the World Marmalade Awards . The Department for Work and Pensions said training had been given to welfare minister Lord Freud and Maria Miller, who was promoted to the Cabinet as Culture Secretary in last month’s reshuffle. The training was given by Sara Jones Associates Ltd, but the ministry refused to say how much it cost. Recycling minister Lord Taylor was given media training at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs twice, in October 2011 and again in February this year. He has since been promoted to the Home Office. At the Foreign Office media training has been given to Henry Bellingham, who was sacked in the reshuffle, and Alistair Burt. Together with French lessons for Europe Minister David Lidington, the training bill came to £4,620. The Department of Health paid £500 for one unnamed minister to be trained by private firm Millbank Media which warns clients that interviews ‘present a mixture of opportunity and danger’. The company promises: ‘We’ll help you to work out what your story is, define your key messages and then show you how to articulate them in lively, accessible and persuasive language.’ In addition to Mr Davey’s £700 of training, the Business department spent another £1,400 to train John Hayes and Baroness Wilcox. The Home Office said it had sent Lib Dem Lynne Featherstone on ‘a half-day media and presentation training session’. She is now at the Department for International Development. Lord Henley, a former environment and crime prevention minister who last year won the top prize at the World Marmalade Awards, was also given a ‘two-hour media training session’. The Ministry of Defence’s ’internal media and communications training organisation’ trained Lord Astor and Peter Luff, who was ousted in the reshuffle. The departments for Education, Communities and Local Government, Transport, International Development, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Cabinet Office said no ministers had been given media training. | At least 19 government ministers have had lessons in dealing with journalists, costing thousands of pounds . Energy Secretary Ed Davey was sent on two courses, including one with a company which works with Disney . The Ministry of Justice said the courses were needed so the public could 'understand' what the government is doing . Labour MP Luciana Berger says ministers should concentrate on running the country not their TV image . | 94f6e6cec665127020ead324ebd17278a29d8849 |
By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 14:20 EST, 16 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:13 EST, 16 February 2013 . A bomb targeting Shi'ites in a busy Pakistani market has killed at least 60 people today. Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which intelligence officials say has become a major security threat, has claimed responsibility for the sectarian attack on Shi'ites in the city of Quetta. 'The explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device fitted to a motorcycle,' said Wazir Khan Nasir, deputy inspector general of police in Quetta. Scroll down for video . Horror: The scene at a market in Quetta after it was devastated by a bomb on Saturday . Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which intelligence officials say has become a major security threat, has claimed responsibility for a sectarian attack on Shi'ites which killed 47 people in the city of Quetta . Officials said most of the dead were from Pakistan's Shi'ite minority, which has come under siege from Sunni extremist groups who seem to carry out sectarian attacks at will . Pakistani security forces take positions in a street leading to the site of the bomb, which ripped through a crowded vegetable market . 'This is a continuation of terrorism against Shi'ites.' Pakistan's Shi'ite minority has come under siege from Sunni extremist groups. More than 400 Shi'ite were killed in Pakistan last year, many by hitmen or bombs, and the perpetrators are almost never caught. A spokesman for the LeJ claimed responsibility for Saturday's bloodshed near the main bazaar, school and computer centre. Burned school bags and books were strewn around. Ambulances arrive at the scene of a bomb blast in Kirani road area of Quetta, the provincial capital of restive Balochistan province, Pakistan . Relatives and medical staff shift an injured bomb blast victim into the hospital in Quetta . A Pakistani man comforts another mourning for a family member who died in the bomb blast. Senior police officer Wazir Khan Nasir said the bomb went off in a Shiite Muslim-dominated residential suburb of the city . Local residents gather at a road as smoke rise from the site of a bomb blast in the market in Quetta . 'I saw many bodies of women and children,' said an eyewitness at a hospital. 'At least a dozen people were burned to death by the blast.' Last month, LeJ said it carried out a bombing in Quetta that killed nearly 100 people, one of Pakistan's worst sectarian attacks. Thousands of Shi'ites protested in several cities after that attack. Most Western intelligence agencies have regarded the Pakistani Taliban and al Qaeda as the gravest threat to nuclear-armed Pakistan, a strategic U.S. ally. A relative mourns the death of a loved one who was killed in bomb blast at a hospital. A remote-controlled bomb targeting Shiite Muslims killed 47 people including women and children and wounded more than 200 . Injured Pakistani Shiite Muslims are transported to a hospital on the back of a pickup truck following the bomb . Last month, LeJ said it carried out a bombing in Quetta that killed nearly 100 people, one of Pakistan's worst sectarian attacks . But Pakistani law enforcement officials say LeJ has become a formidable force, staging attacks in several parts of the country in a bid to spark sectarian warfare, create chaos and install a Sunni theocracy. The growing sectarian violence has hurt the credibility of the government, which has already faced criticism ahead of elections due in May for its inability to tackle poverty, corruption and economic stagnation. | Pakistan's Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, which intelligence officials say has become a major security threat, has claimed responsibility . Blast was caused by an improvised explosive device fitted to a motorcycle . Last month, LeJ said it carried out a bombing in Quetta that killed nearly 100 . | 30de2bc302423c4fcd91c4991e203d239ec58ef4 |
German archaeologists and filmmakers have begun a massive expedition to explore the hauntingly beautiful sunken caves of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, once considered by the Mayans as the gateways to their underworld. The description seems only appropriate given the hundreds of human remains that line the floors of these underwater labyrinths. In the Stone Age, these caves, which were dry at the time, were used as burial sites. Later, the Mayans worshiped them and believed that they would lead them to the ‘Place of Fear.’ Today, these caves are the subject of a new 3-D film titled ‘The Cages of the Dead,’ which is set to hit theaters in the summer of 2013. But already, photos from the one-of-kind voyage give us a preview of the unsettling wonders held in these subterranean caverns. Spectacular: German archaeologists and filmmakers are exploring the hauntingly beautiful underwater caves along Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula with the hope of finding historical artifacts. One of Kind: Already, the crew has found some a treasure trove of items, including 10,000-year-old human remains. Never Before Seen: These remains date back to the Stone Age when these caves were used as burial grounds and have never been filmed before. The Mayans lived in this region of Mexico from around 3,000 B.C. to 900 A.D, and they believed that these caverns led to their mystical underworld known as Xibalba, or the 'Place of Fear.' Written about in their ancient scrolls, Xibalba was a complicated place. It was to be both feared, filled with monstrous beings, but also revered, as it was home to the beloved dead. To honor those who had fallen, the Mayans constructed temples throughout tunnels like these. In the end, it was believed that those who could make it through the dreaded Xibalba would rise 'triumphantly like the sun.' But getting these shots is no simple task for director Norbert Vander and his team. They require transporting incredibly expensive 3-D cameras, along with hundreds of pounds of equipment, through the sweltering jungles before then lowering them deep into the jagged rocks of the caves below. The crew must then dive as deep as 300 feet to access the hundreds of miles of meandering tunnels with little less than a lantern to cut through the absolute darkness. ‘If, under these circumstances, you calculate your air supply incorrectly, get lost or panic, you're as good as dead,’ Uli Kunuz, a team member, told ABC News. But all of this is worth in the end, as their ultimate goal is to document for the first time ever some of the historical treasures kept deep underground. Already, they have discovered some of the oldest human remains to be found in the Americas - the 10,000-year-old bones of a boy. They also found a fire pit from roughly 8,500 years ago kept in astoundingly good condition. The water helps to preserve much of these items that otherwise would have disintegrated years ago. Team leader Florian Huber said, ‘It looked as if there had been a fire there just the day before yesterday.’ The crew has also discovered ancient ceramics . and jewelry left by the Mayans, as well as the remains from long-extinct . animals, including the giant ground sloth and the mastodon. In the end, they hope . to discover more artifacts that can perhaps shed light on the origins of species on the continent.‘Perhaps . the cenotes contain the answer to the questions of when the first . humans reached the Americas and how the continent was settled,’ Huber . said. To make this incredibly journey possible, the crew have relied on a combination of will and the best modern technology has to offer. Because the crews are diving so deep underwater, compressed . air alone would not work. Instead, divers must rely on Trimix, a combination of . oxygen, nitrogen and helium to survive. Rocky Straights: Crew members dive as deep as 300 feet to access the hundreds of miles of meandering tunnels with little less than a lantern to cut through the absolute darkness. As far as capturing their astonishing . discoveries, the crew uses high-tech camera cases that are light and small enough to capture these incredible moments on film. In the past, to transport 3-D cameras underwater, filmmakers used to have to keep their machinery in underwater cases that were almost as tall as a man and weighed hundreds of pounds. Carrying it was difficult enough, let alone having to move it through narrow passageways of underwater caves. The film's producers say the costs are more than enough to be able to . Ultimately, Huber believes that the documentary will allow viewers to catch a glimpse of this magic place and that the 3-D will let them feel as if they were actually there. And while he understands that exposing these treasures may mean jeopardizing their safety, he hopes that it it will in turn lead to their preservation. 'Of course, this sort of film can increase the temptation,' Huber says. 'But it can also promote respect for this world and the . willingness to protect it.' | German filmmakers are exploring caves in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula to document the one-of-kind wonders held there . Already, they have found 10,000-year-old human remains and bones from a number of extinct animals . Crews dive below 300 feet and navigate hundreds of miles of meandering tunnels . The ancient Mayans referred to the caves as the gateways to their underworld . | 5e18c9530c935fb12b7a43f92a83ba02c57f197f |
(CNN) -- It will take NATO-led military forces "another 25 to 30 days to secure that which needs to be secured" in Afghanistan's Helmand province, and a further three months after that to be sure insurgents are being kept out of the area, British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter said Thursday. But Operation Moshtarak has reached "the end of the beginning," he said in a briefing from Afghanistan broadcast by the Pentagon Channel. "The insurgent was entirely dislocated within 24 hours" of the insertion of troops by helicopter, he said. The Nad Ali district is "broadly secure," he said, but there is still Taliban resistance in Marjah. "It will be some days before we can be completely confident that Marjah is secure," he said. Ten civilians were killed on the second day of the operation, he said. Reports at the time said 12 were killed. More coverage on Afghanistan Crossroads blog . | NATO troops need 25-30 days to secure areas in Helmand province, UK general says . Three more months needed to be sure insurgents stay out, says Maj. Gen. Nick Carter . But Afghan offensive has reached "end of the beginning," he says . | acf681baa12bc964330935394a67f0782ade89f3 |
Olive oil is the key to a new 'fertility diet' being tested in a study involving more than 100 couples undergoing IVF. The test diet is based on using olive oil for cooking, an olive oil-based spread and a daily supplement drink enriched with Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids for six weeks as an addition to their normal diet. The effects on fertility will be compared to couples on a control diet of sunflower seed oil for cooking, a sunflower oil-based spread and a sham supplement drink. Previous research suggests omega-3 polyunsaturated fats in olive oil may help faster embryo development . The team carrying out the trial at the University of Southampton say the diet could increase pregnancy rates by up to 40 per cent, based on previous research that found increased intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fats contained in olive oil led to faster embryo development after IVF. Nicotine watch calls time on smoking . A trial found it did reduce cravings . A watch that releases nicotine when smokers' cravings are worst could help them quit. Existing aids, such as patches, release nicotine at a constant rate. However, smoker's cravings can be more powerful in the morning because of the long gap of abstinence imposed by sleep, and after meals - possibly because eating prompts, in the brain, the desire to be rewarded. The SmartStop is worn either as a watch, armband or patch, and contains a small cartridge of nicotine. It can be programmed to your schedule and releases more nicotine for when it calculates cravings will be strongest. A trial with 36 people at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, found it did reduce cravings and more research is planned. Mistletoe to stop epilepsy seizures . Mistletoe should be tested as a treatment for epilepsy, say Swiss doctors. Researchers at Fribourg Hospital, Switzerland, have reported the case of a four‑year-old girl who became seizure-free after being given mistletoe extract. She had previously been treated with different anti-epileptic drugs, diet changes and herbal and homeopathic supplements, but still suffered seizures. These stopped when her dose of a mistletoe supplement was increased, and she remained free of them 12 months later. The researchers, in the Journal of Child Neurology, suggested this may be due to mistletoe's stimulating effect on the immune system - one theory is that epilepsy seizures are caused by a malfunctioning immune response - and called for further studies. | More than 100 couples undergoing IVF will try an olive oil diet . Will use olive oil for cooking, olive oil-based spread and daily supplement . Researchers say this could increase pregnancy rates by up to 40 per cent . | f3573a36c7bfe95f173926816a721f9b8ffcfc0f |
By . Sean O'hare . PUBLISHED: . 11:25 EST, 16 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:08 EST, 16 January 2013 . Jonathan James, 10, died after his parent stopped him drinking for five days as bedwetting punishment . A child died of thirst after his parents refused to give him water for five days while making him stand in the sun as a punishment for wetting his bed, a court heard Tuesday. Jonathan James, 10, was forced to stand on an X drawn on the kitchen floor while sun beat down on him through a window in 100 degree heat, a court in Texas, Dallas heard. His step-mother Tina Marie Alberson, 44, is on trial accused of a first-degree felony charge of injury to a child. If convicted, she faces up to life in prison. She alleged to have taken part in what prosecutors said was 'torture' of the boy at their home in Duncanville. The victim's father Michael Ray James,43, goes on trial next month on the same charge. An emergency room doctor testified that the boy went into cardiac arrest, had multiple organs failure, blood poisoning and muscle breakdown as a result of being deprived of water. Doctors tried desperately to resuscitate him for about two hours, but were unable to save him. 'He was dead when he arrived. We were able to get his heart restarted, but even in the time period that we were able to get his heart restarted it would have been considered a comatose state. 'He was completely unresponsive and unable to communicate with us,' said Dr. David Bryce from Charlton Methodist Hospital. He said not a drop of urine was found in the Jonathan's bladder, which doctors said was significant because it meant he was markedly dehydrated. Throughout his ordeal there was no air conditioning in their Duncanville house, prosecutors said. Jonathan's twin brother, Joseph, is expected to testify in the trial. He said in an interview after the arrests of his father and stepmother that Jonathan was put in a room without air conditioning and was told to stand by the window as the sun beat down on him. Scroll down for video . Jonathan James' step-mother Tina Marie Alberson, 44, (right) is on trial accused of a first-degree felony charge of injury to a child. His father Michael Ray James, 43, (left) goes on trial next month on the same charge . Joseph said that on the day his brother died, Jonathan had peanut butter stuck in his throat. But he said Alberson and James wouldn't give Jonathan any water to wash it down. Joseph said he wanted to help his dying brother, but he was afraid that he, too, would get in trouble and face similar punishment. In an interview shortly after the arrests, Jonathan's grandmother Sue Shotwell said Jonathan had called her in late June 2011 and said he was afraid to live with his father and stepmother for a month long court-ordered custody visit. 'This was an intentional act of torture of a child by the people who he trusts and confides in the most, his parents,' former Dallas police Deputy Chief Craig Miller, who supervised the investigation, said in an interview with the Dallas Morning News. VIDEO: Trial starts for step-mother accused of torturing Jonathan James . | Jonathan James was so dehydrated that no urine was found in his bladder . Made to stand on an 'X' drawn on floor as sun beat down in 100 degrees . He suffered multiple organ failure, blood poisoning and muscle breakdown . Parents face death penalty if convicted of first-degree felony charge . | b4f06530d5385ab08e15a2202dac39f493b9ce10 |
By . Alasdair Glennie . The BBC is ‘grotesquely over managed’ and has always had a ‘broadly liberal’ bias, one of its leading journalists has admitted. John Humphrys said the corporation’s reporting on issues such as immigration and the European Union has not been sufficiently sceptical. But while the Today presenter’s comments merely confirm what many of the BBC’s critics have known for years, his analysis of the reasons for its Left-wing bias is more contentious. The 70-year-old said that BBC staff are more likely to be liberal rather than conservative because they are the ‘best and the brightest’ and tend to be university educated. Critic: John Humphrys saif the BBC was not sceptical enough on some issues . ‘The BBC has tended over the years to be broadly liberal as opposed to broadly conservative for all sorts of perfectly understandable reasons,’ he told the Radio Times. ‘The sort of people we’ve recruited – the best and the brightest – tended to come from universities and backgrounds where they’re more likely to hold broadly liberal views than conservative.’ On the BBC’s reporting, he said: ‘We weren’t sufficiently sceptical – that’s the most accurate phrase – of the pro-European case. We bought into the European ideal. ‘We weren’t sufficiently sceptical about the pro-immigration argument. We didn’t look at the potential negatives with sufficient rigour.’ Humphry's Radio 4 colleague Eddie Mair also criticised the broadcaster in the Radio Times . Humphrys claimed the BBC is no longer so biased towards the EU, saying: ‘I think we’re out of that now. I think we have changed.’ But he broadened his criticisms of his employer by saying it has too many managers and needs to be slimmed down. He said: ‘There are too many of them. I think they think that. I think [director general] Tony Hall thinks that – I don’t know, I haven’t asked him, but I think he thinks that. ‘Over the years we’ve been grotesquely over-managed, there’s no question. They’re now getting a grip on it. A lot have gone. I think more need to go.’ This is not the first time Humphrys has publicly attacked the BBC. In January, he said the corporation is too big and is obsessed by ‘box-ticking’. In the Radio Times interview Humphrys also dismissed reports that he and his fellow Today programme presenter Mishal Husain do not get on. In 2009, it was reported that she felt humiliated by him on an episode of Celebrity Mastermind, which he hosts, when he asked her whether she had her job only because she is good looking. But Humphrys said there is no ill-feeling and the remarks were taken out of context. He said: ‘I was making the point that it helps in the newsreading business – and this isn’t controversial, you only have to switch on the telly – to be young and beautiful and highly trained. She’s a proper journalist.’ Writing in the same edition of Radio Times, Humphrys’ Radio 4 colleague Eddie Mair, who presents PM, also criticised the BBC’s management culture. He wrote: ‘At PM, we tried to start a new project, and to get approval we had to spend three weeks in meetings with different bits of the BBC. We dutifully dealt with all their queries and eventually got the go-ahead. Hooray! ‘Two days after starting the project, another part of the corporation showed up and told us to stop. We were bewildered.’ He added: ‘There is always time for dissing other parts of the corporation and whining about how things used to be better. ‘But I’ve been told to stop all that, it’s unprofessional.’ Last year Lord Hall said the BBC could have responded to accusations of Left-wing bias sooner and needed to include a greater range of opinions on Europe. | Broadcaster says BBC is not 'sceptical' enough about some issues . But he says bias is down to broadcaster attracting 'best and brightest' He also says the BBC needs to be trimmed down in size . | a8ad042860019a4b0b589311d8bd2630c0a27ef7 |
(CNN) -- Taiwanese golfer Yani Tseng became the youngest woman to win three major trophies after claiming a tense one-shot victory at the British Open in England on Sunday. The 21-year-old broke down in tears as she overcame a jittery approach to the final green at Royal Birkdale to make history as the first player from her island to win the event. Her ambitious long drive into the first fairway bunker at the par-five 18th gave Katherine Hull -- Tseng's fellow first-round leader -- the chance to take the tournament to a playoff. But the Australian -- who matched Tseng with an eagle at 18 on Thursday -- was well short of the pin with her chip from off the back of the green, and then her birdie putt slid just past the hole. Tseng clinched her second major title this season with a solid six-foot putt for par, which Hull could only match, for a winning total of 11-under-par of 277. "I was so tired, there was so much pressure out there and it's been an unbelievable day. Even when I holed the putt at the last I had to ask my caddie 'Did I win?," a relieved Tseng told reporters. "The last four holes were very hard and Katherine pushed me all the way. She's an awesome player." The 2010 Kraft Nabisco championship winner closed with a one-over 73 after faltering with three bogeys and two birdies, while Hull cut her four-shot overnight lead with a four-birdie 70. Neither player could beat par in the last five holes, with Tseng's last birdie of the day coming on the par-five sixth. "I'm disappointed but there are also a lot of positives to take from this week," the 28-year-old Hull said after only her second top-10 finish in 24 majors. "I never gave up but it's just a pity I couldn't make a birdie at one of the three long holes at the end." Na Yeon Choi eagled 18 to finish in a tie for third with In-Kyung Kim on 281, carding 68 to her fellow South Korean's 71 -- which ended with a birdie. American veteran Cristie Kerr finished equal fifth after South Korean duo Amy Yang and Hee-Kyung Seo closed with birdies to join her on 282. | Yani Tseng survives a tense final round to win Women's British Open by one shot . Taiwanese golfer's four-stroke lead was eroded by Katherine Hull with five holes to play . Neither player broke par after that as Tseng recovers following bunkered tee shot at 18 . The 21-year-old became the youngest woman to win three major trophies . | 57c13872841b1dddd7b15c20c172775039906356 |
By . Alex Greig . PUBLISHED: . 21:39 EST, 18 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:39 EST, 18 June 2013 . The Pentagon has unveiled plans to fully integrate women into all combat units by 2016, and women will be permitted to serve in all . the most hazardous and elite units in the military, including Navy SEALS and the Marine Infantry. This announcement comes after the January decision by former Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta to allow women in combat. The groundbreaking decision overturned a 1994 rule that restricted women from artillery, armor, infantry and other combat roles. Tough: Marine Recruit Haley Evans at boot camp in February at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina where female enlisted Marines have gone through recruit training since 1949 . The restrictions haven't worked in practice: women have taken part in combat frequently in both Afghanistan and Iraq, and hundreds of thousands of women have been deployed to the conflicts in those areas. Battle lines were blurred and women serving as medics, military police and intelligence officers attached to battalions found themselves in combat situations. As of last year, more than 800 women had been wounded in the two wars and more than 130 had died. Groundbreaking: Former U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta (right) overturned a 1994 ban on women serving in combat units in January . At the time of the announcement in January, the Defense Secretary tasked the respective commanders the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and special operations to create a timeline for the full integration women into all combat units. But not all leaders are sure about the plan. Major General Bennet Sacolick says he's worried not about how women will perform but how men will react to having them in their units. Expert panel: Representatives from the Department of Defense including Major General Bennet Sacolick, director of force management for U.S. Special Operations Command, centre, discuss plans to integrate women into combat roles . 'We send a 12 men, or 18 or even smaller into very austere, remote environments, by themselves,' Sacolick, Special Operations Commander, told reporters. 'So I think we have to, you know, that complicates integration,' he said. CNN reports that Sacolick wants to gauge current rangers, SEALS, green berets and their reactions to the idea of females in their ranks. 'The days of Rambo are over,' he announced, saying that the military today needs as much intellectual power as it does muscle, and that the concern is for women's health and welfare in male-dominated units. You know the drill: Drill Instructor Sergeant Linda Vansickle speaks to her Marine recruits during boot camp at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina . By 2015, the army has planned to develop . gender-neutral physical standards for their Rangers that all soldiers . will need to comply with. Service branches have until January 2016 to decide which combat positions should be open to women, and any branches not opening certain positions to women will need to explain why and gain approval from the Defense Secretary. The special forces units are the most grueling in the military, involving physically demanding and dangerous and emotionally taxing work. Any woman applying for a position in them would undergo rigorous testing and training - and most male applicants fail to gain positions. Caracal: The Israeli Caracal battalion, two-thirds of whose members are women, was established in 2004 with the purpose of incorporating female soldiers in combat units, during a 23-kilometre march in Israel's Negev desert . Original fly girls: Nancy Harkness Love, director of the Women's Auxiliary Ferry Squadron (WAFS), and Colonel Robert H. Baker inspect the first contingent of women pilots in the WAFS at the New Castle Army Air Base, Delaware in 1942 . In WWI and WWII women were utilized as test pilots for fighter planes as WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots). In 1979 enlistment qualifications became the same for men and women, but enlisted women were still prohibited from combat roles. In the Gulf War, some 40,000 women were deployed in operations, but in 1994, the ban on women serving in combat units was enacted. 'The department remains committed to removing all gender barriers wherever possible and meeting our missions with the best qualified and most capable personnel,' said the new Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel in a May 21 memo to service leaders that was released today. 'I remain confident that we will retain the trust and confidence of the American people by opening positions to women, while ensuring that all members entering these newly opened positions can meet the standards required to maintain our war-fighting capability,' he said. | Military heads have been tasked with devising a plan to integrate women into front-line combat positions by 2016 . A 1994 ban on women serving in combat was overturned in January by former Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta . Positions not being opened to women will have to be rationalized to the Defense Secretary by military heads . | 5ebead68e98345d18018ac759c3c051600e0db46 |
By . James Rush . Suspended thousands of feet above the city below, this bridge would probably not be the most popular of places for those with a fear of heights. Yet something is not quite right about the city which lies underneath the feet of those walking across the structure - as none of the boats in the harbour move and the skyscrapers show no activity of life, you could almost be forgiven for thinking you were looking at a picture. But that's because this vertigo-inducing scene was in fact created by French artist Francois Abelanet. Vertigo: Passers-by walk across a bridge high above the city below in this impressive 3D street artwork . Factory floor: Visitors are given a peek into the Renault truck factory in this 3D image created by French artist Francois Abelanet . Flying high: The artist has created a number of surreal worlds, including this scene complete with flying parcels . Looking down: The pictures offer some amazing views across cityscapes and beyond . Daunting: Two boys pretend to teeter on the edge of a ledge high above an impressive cityscape . The artist created the amazing 3D street art for an event showcasing the new range of Renault Trucks in Lyon. The work, measuring more than 4,000 square metres, was also an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of Records for the largest street artwork. The spectacular images show a range of surreal worlds featuring parcels with wings and bridges high above huge cityscapes, which viewers seem to almost be able to step into. The people of Lyon were invited to preview the Renault Trucks's new products at the special event. Visitors were also able to get on board some of the new trucks. Renault Trucks has been situated in the city of Lyon since 1894, according to france3.fr. Originally part of Renault, the manufacturer has been owned by the Volvo Group since 2001. The manufacturer, which unveiled its . new range of vehicles last month, has been developing the vehicles for . the past seven years. The company says it 'has deployed . significant resources in order to offer its customers vehicles with a . high level of reliability'. What a view: Visitors attempt to capture the full effect of the vertigo-inducing images on their cameras . Showcase: The huge artworks were created for an event showcasing the new range of Renault trucks in Lyon, France . Record: The scenes were created in an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of Records for the largest street artwork . Trick of the eye: Artist Francois Abelanet created the amazing 3D images on material which was then laid down on the floor at the event . | Stunning images offer a 3D glimpse into surreal worlds, giving the impression viewer is thousands of feet above scene . Works created by French artist Francois Abelanet for an event showcasing the latest range of Renault trucks . The work was also an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of Records . for the largest street art work . | a398154b25c141ae6f7ddc661e14b93d21c3f5dd |
TLC's My 600-lb Life facilitated another victory with its latest star Amber Rachdi, who lost 267lbs from her former 660lb frame over the course of a year, as last night's episode chronicled. When she joined the show, Amber, 24, was all but housebound and living at home in Troutdale, Oregon, with her parents and boyfriend - all textbook 'enablers' - unable to stand for more than half an hour at a time and describing herself as a 'nasty monster'. It took gastric bypass surgery to reduce Amber's enlarged stomach from the size of a 'football' to the size of a 'baseball', as well as a concerted effort on her part to stop emotional eating, for her to shed the stubborn weight. Scroll down for video . Success: TLC's My 600-lb Life facilitated another victory with its latest star Amber Rachdi, who lost 267lbs from her former 660lb frame over the course of a year. Pictured, Amber before (left) and after (right) Amber is at her wits end when she joins the show, having dropped out of college some years ago and been unemployed ever since. Her parents cook her meals and she eats massive quantities of it four to five times a day. 'I have a lot of anxiety and I am at peace when I eat,' she admits. Her mother Patty concurs and says it 'calms her down'. Amber insists she is 'always hungry' and 'never full', a sensation she's felt her entire life. She was already obese when she was five years old. 'I could be stuffed sick but I would still want to eat something if it was put in front of me,' she says. Slimmed down: It took gastric bypass surgery to reduce Amber's enlarged stomach from the size of a 'football' to the size of a 'baseball', as well as a concerted effort on her part to stop emotional eating . Dangerously obese: When she joined the show, Amber, 24, was all but housebound (pictured) and living at home in Troutdale, Oregon, with her parents and boyfriend - all textbook 'enablers' Lover: Rowdy (pictured) is Amber's live-in boyfriend of two years, and 'prefers bigger women' but is 'very sexually frustrated' because the couple can't be intimate due to her size . The only time Amber leaves the house is to go with her boyfriend Rowdy, who she's been dating for two years, to buy more food; and to do that she has to cruise the supermarket aisles using a mobility scooter. 'I do feel guilty,' Rowdy says about feeding his girlfriend's habit. 'But what else do you do when you love someone?' '[Rowdy] is the kind of guy that prefers bigger women,' Amber explains. Still, her size makes it impossible for them to 'be intimate' and leaves Rowdy 'very sexually frustrated'. Amber estimates she has gained more than 200lbs since she started dating Rowdy. Shopping: The only time Amber (left) leaves the house is to go with Rowdy (right) to buy more food, and to do that she has to cruise the supermarket aisles using a mobility scooter . Lifelong struggle: Amber, pictured as a child (left) and a teen (right), insists she is 'always hungry' and 'never full', a sensation she's felt her entire life . Smooches: Amber (right) estimates she has gained more than 200lbs since she started dating Rowdy (left) 'I've tried so hard, so many times, to change the way I eat. But I can't,' she says reproachfully. 'I'm already such a failure. Why not just keep failing?' Amber is aware, however, that if she doesn't take drastic action, she will likely be dead before her 30th birthday. With that in mind, she makes the arduous trip to Houston, Texas, with Rowdy and her parents to plead with the show's resident weight-loss surgeon Dr Nowzaradan for a gastric bypass. Uh-oh: On their way to Houston to meet with a gastric bypass surgeon, Amber's weight crushes her own wheelchair just outside the airport, rendering it broken (pictured) Resourceful: Her father Abe (left) manages to find an oversized luggage cart, and wheels her through the airport on that instead . Stuck: Amber has to purchase two seats on the airplane, and still has a tough time squeezing into the row . Concerned: Once she's finally in front of Dr Nowzaradan (left) with her mom and dad (pictured) his prognosis is bleak. 'This is a bad situation,' he says. 'Amber is surrounded by enablers' Before even walking through the airport doors, there's a problem. Amber is so heavy that she breaks her wheelchair as soon as she sits on it. Her father Abe manages to find an oversized luggage cart, and wheels her through the airport on that instead. Several passers-by stop to take photos of the spectacle. 'I am so humiliated,' Amber laments. 'I hate being in public. I feel like a sideshow.' Amber has to purchase two seats on the airplane, and still has a tough time squeezing into the row. The rest of her journey leaves her so 'overwhelmed' with anxiety that she vomits several times. Ready: Amber loses 17lbs over the course of three months, a slower pace than Dr Nowzaradan had challenged her with, but upon reviewing her progress, he agrees to schedule the surgery (pictured) Recovery: The surgery is a success and Amber goes home, but three days later, she is rushed back to hospital with severe chest pains (pictured) - the result of an anxiety attack . Once she's finally in front of Dr Nowzaradan, his prognosis is bleak. 'This is a bad situation,' he says. 'Amber is surrounded by enablers.' Dr Nowzaradan tells his patient and her family that she must lose 20lbs before he will 'even consider' performing surgery on her. Finally taking the situation seriously, Amber's family pack up and move from Oregon to Houston so she can be close to Dr Nowzaradan. Determined to qualify for the surgery, Amber takes matters into her own hands. She cooks her own healthy meal - chicken and vegetables - the first night, and manages to resist temptation as Rowdy tucks into a fast food feast across the table from her. She also takes up some gentle exercise. 'Starting to walk again has been difficult,' she says. 'It hurts and it's hard.' Improved: Seven months into her journey, Amber has lost 92lbs and dropped a lot of fluid from her legs (pictured) Retail therapy: By month nine, she has lost a total of 145lbs, and is able to go clothes shopping for the first time in years (pictured) Amber loses 17lbs over the course of three months, a slower pace than Dr Nowzaradan had challenged her with, but upon reviewing her progress, he agrees to schedule the surgery. The surgery is a success and Amber goes home, but three days later, she is rushed back to hospital with severe chest pains. Dr Nowzaradan speculates that she could be suffering a heart attack, but it turns out instead to be an anxiety attack. Over the next few months, Amber sees a councillor to help her manage her chronic anxiety in healthier ways, now that comfort eating is off the table. Determined: Amber keeps up with her new healthy lifestyle, regularly working out (left) and leaving the house more often (right) Triumph: Amber and Rowdy go to see Dr Nowzaradan at the 12 month mark (pictured) and find she has lost 267lbs overall, now weighing in at 390lbs . By month seven of her journey, Amber has lost 92lbs and dropped a lot of fluid from her legs. She can finally fit behind the wheel of a car, and being able to drive again affords Amber some much-needed independence. By month nine, she has lost a total of 145lbs, and is able to go clothes shopping for the first time in years. 'I'm now a 2X not a 6X,' she says as she tries on outfits at a plus-size store. Happy ending: 'I surprised myself,' concludes Amber, pictured before (left) and (after) her weight loss . Amber goes to see Dr Nowzaradan at the 12 month mark, and nervously steps onto the scales. Overall, she has lost 267lbs and weighs in at 390lbs. Amber's family move back to Oregon leaving her alone with Rowdy. With Amber mobile again, the pair are finally able to go on their second ever date together, and take a trip to the zoo. 'I surprised myself,' Amber concludes. 'I'm shopping for myself, I'm eating healthy and I'm working out. I've taken control of my life.' Dr Nowzaradan is willing to perform surgery to remove her excess skin once she reaches 250lbs. After that, Amber hopes to finish college, return to work, get married and start a family. My 600-lb Life airs Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT . | Amber Rachdi, 24, had been all but housebound for several years, enabled by her parents and live-in boyfriend, who cook her food . At 660lbs, she underwent gastric bypass surgery to restrict the volume of food her stomach can hold . Amber lost 267lbs over the course of a year and now weighs 390lbs . She will undergo excess skin removal surgery once she reaches 250lbs . | ab01431b3f2461b3c7b61c1b86fe82c8eea562c5 |
A three-year-old girl whose home was broken into while she slept upstairs has drawn a picture of a burglar to help police hunt him down. Detectives told little Evelyn Bardgett, from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, her sketch 'would make a good e-fit' as they took statements from parents Stephen, 36 and Lucy, 31. Cruel burglars used a spade from the garden shed to force open a kitchen window and get inside the home. They stole an iPad and Mr Bardgett's wallet. Evelyn drew the picture to help police catch burglars who broke into her house as she and her parents slept . Detectives told little Evelyn Bardgett, from Ilkeston, Derbyshire, her sketch 'would make a good e-fit' And police confirmed the raid was one of five homes in. targeted by the same gang overnight between Monday and Tuesday in the past week. Mr Bardgett, a self-employed floor layer, said: 'The worst thing is knowing that someone has been in your house and searching around while you were asleep upstairs. 'That feeling of intrusion is horrible. 'It is not so much what has gone but more knowing that people have been creeping around your house. 'We have just finished decorating the kitchen and I know I had left the stepladder up against the wall and when I got downstairs, it was on the floor. 'I saw that the window was open, which is when I knew we had been burgled. 'Lucy and Evelyn came downstairs and we phoned the police. 'They were here for at least two hours and scenes-of-crime officers and CID came too. 'Evelyn drew them a picture of a burglar and one of the detectives said to her, 'that's a good e-fit, hopefully we can catch them from that'.' Derbyshire Police said cash, jewellery, laptops and mountain bikes were stolen from other properties in the same area in the spate of burglaries between Monday night and Tuesday morning. A force spokesman said: 'We believe all five burglaries are linked and we would like to hear from anyone who might have been offered the items for sale or know who is responsible.' Father Stephen Bardgett surveys the damage caused by burglars using a spade to lever open the window . | Evelyn Bardgett, aged three, wanted to help police catch the criminals . Burglars broke into her house at night as she and her parents slept . Police told her the picture she drew would 'make a good e-fit' Gang used a spade to open a window and then stole an iPad and a wallet . | 90ea8c57ca67817c2a2a352ccd83ead467bec4b3 |
Michael Gove's exams watchdog has been accused of wasting public money by assessing whether the new tests to replace GCSEs will discriminate against Muslims, pregnant schoolgirls or teenagers having sex changes. The ‘equality analysis’, commissioned by Ofqual at a cost of £2,400, has warned that a number of pupils in these categories could be affected by the Education Secretary’s controversial overhaul of the exams. Mr Gove announced plans earlier this year to replace most of the course work and modular tests that pupils currently undertake as part of their GCSEs with more rigorous end-of-course exams, to be known as ‘I-levels’. Mr Gove announced plans earlier this year to replace most of the course work and modular tests that pupils currently undertake as part of their GCSEs with more rigorous end-of-course exams . Last year Prime Minister David Cameron declared that equality assessments were ‘bureaucratic nonsense’ and civil servants should employ common sense. But exam regulator Ofqual said it carried out the exercise to comply with the Equality Act 2010. It has spent over £5,000 on such assessments in the past year. Last night critics condemned the new report as a waste of time and money, only highlighting hypothetical effects on a tiny minority of the 600,000 pupils who will sit the new papers. Chris McGovern, of the Campaign For Real Education, said: ‘This is misplaced political correctness. We need common sense. We have been coping with exams from time immemorial. There are always going to be exceptions, and you can’t avoid them.’ Mr Gove said he was introducing his exam reforms to push up standards . Mr Gove said he was introducing his exam reforms to push up standards because the current ‘dumbed-down’ GCSEs had become discredited. But the Ofqual equality analysis, drawn up by a company called Equality Research and Consulting Ltd and published this month, warns that introducing a single, final exam worth 100 per cent of the marks could have an impact on teenagers who get pregnant while studying for GCSEs. It said schoolgirls who are expecting babies could struggle if the examination season ‘coincides with any problems in pregnancy or is near the due date’. Concern was also raised in the 25-page report that pupils undergoing ‘gender reassignment’ may be disproportionately affected. The youngest person to have a sex-change operation in Britain is reported to have been 17, and fewer than 90 children and adolescents nationally are thought to be referred annually to the specialised gender identity services. However, the report says that reassigning a person’s sex by ‘changing physiological or other attributes of sex can be a prolonged process, rendering the pupil unavailable at crucial times not only for lessons but for exams unless alternative arrangements are made’. The third group, Muslim pupils, who make up less than ten per cent of those taking GCSEs, could also be disadvantaged if they happen to be fasting for religious reasons during the exams. Ofqual admitted in its main consultation document that the numbers involved were often small, but said it wanted to take all potential discrimination into account to see if alternative arrangements could be made. Ofqual said it was important to understand ‘the potential implications of any significant proposals we make for different groups. ‘Doing an equality analysis like this allows us to make decisions in a fully informed way, and also to meet our legal duties under the Equality Act.’ | Course work and modular tests that pupils currently undertaken as part of GCSEs will be replaced with more rigorous end-of-course exams . Some students - such as pregnant girls or fasting Muslims - may be affected by timing of exams . | e851bccf2d647511d9ecd085e8629bb57cc8ae44 |
By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 06:41 EST, 9 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:49 EST, 9 August 2013 . Ad vans warning illegal immigrants to ‘go home’ are to be investigated by the advertising watchdog. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has launched a probe after 60 complaints were lodged over the concerns that the ads were ‘reminiscent of slogans used by racist groups to attack immigrants in the past’. The Home Office is also being investigated after claims that posters boasting of ‘106 arrests last week in your area’ were misleading. Investigation: The Home Office's 'Go Home' vans are to be probed by the Advertising Standards Agency after receiving 60 complaints . Vans displaying billboards warning overstaying migrants ‘Go home, or you'll be picked up and deported’ toured six London boroughs last month. The move caused a major coalition row, with Lib Dems Nick Clegg and Vince Cable accusing the Tories of trying to stoke up a ‘sense of fear’. But the Home Office and Downing Street insisted the scheme was ‘working’ and the hotline had received calls. Migrant groups, Labour politicians and unions also reacted angrily to the campaign and dozens of complaints were made to the advertising watchdog. The ASA has launched now a formal investigation. A spokesman said: ‘Complainants have expressed concerns that the ad, in particular the phrase 'Go Home', is offensive and irresponsible because it is reminiscent of slogans used by racist groups to attack immigrants in the past and could incite or exacerbate racial hatred and tensions in multicultural communities. Row: Labour's Chris Bryant accused the government of 'offensive stunts' ‘Separately, some complainants have challenged whether the claim “106 arrests last week in your area” is misleading. ‘They've also challenged whether it is misleading because it implies arrest is the automatic consequence of remaining in the UK without permission. We will publish our findings in due course.’ However Tory treasury minister Sajid Javid staunchly defended the campaign, which could be rolled out nationwide. He said: ‘It is a trial and the purpose of the trial is to see what is the result. ‘It is quite right that we are looking at ways to tackle illegal immigration.’ The ASA's probe is in addition to another investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) into a wave of immigration checks across the country. The EHRC launched the probe after it was claimed that the spot checks - conducted at transport hubs up and down the country - were being carried out by border officials purely on the basis of ethnicity. Labour’s shadow immigration minister Chris Bryant said: ‘This is another embarrassing blow to a Government which continues to fail to deal with immigration. ‘With more people absconding at the border and fewer illegal immigrants being returned, David Cameron and Theresa May can't even get the basics right, stumbling from one shambles to another. ‘You've got to question the Government's competence. We need effective action on immigration not offensive stunts.’ Lord Ouseley, former chief executive of the Commission for Racial Equality, said it was possible to find and remove illegal immigants and appear tough on immigration without being 'nasty'. But backbench Tory MP Peter Bone said if the pilot is effective it should be rolled out across the country. 'If this works and people voluntarily go home because of it who have been afraid to go forward before because they have been worried about getting arrested and if it does anything to tackle the evil criminal gangs that bring people here unlawfully then it's a good thing,' he told the BBC. | Billboards caused a storm after touring six London boroughs . Tory ministers insist the campaign worked and want it rolled out nationally . Lib Dems including Nick Clegg dismissed it as a pointless stunt . 60 complaints made to Advertising Standards Agency including claims it used the slogan of racist groups . | 5feaf100c5af4580420aab816ea2aa23066ed91d |
By . Anna Hodgekiss . PUBLISHED: . 11:12 EST, 18 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 14:47 EST, 18 March 2014 . Battle: Dee appeared on ITV's This Morning to try and raise awareness of depression . Benefits Street star White Dee has spoken out about her battle with crippling depression. Dee - whose real name is Deirdre Kelly - appeared on ITV's This Morning to try and raise awareness of the condition. At the height of her depression - triggered by the death of her mother in 2011- she says she felt permanently numb and cried for 24 hours a day. 'There was just a big gaping hole in my life and I was too scared to leave the house,' she told presenters Holly Willoughby and Christine Bleakley and Dr Chris Steele, the resident GP. Dee, the undisputed star of Channel 4’s controversial . documentary series, is seen as the famous matriarch . of James Turner Street in Birmingham. But she says her depression left her a prisoner in her own home and it was only because a friend took her to the GP that she is now on medication. She explained: 'When my mum passed away it left a real hole in the family. I used to speak to her 10-15 times a day and see her nearly every day.' She said she initially coped with her grief by trying to care for her father. 'I went into overdrive. I am the elder sibling so I started obsessing over Dad. We have a real old-school Irish family - Dad worked, Mum did all the cooking. 'I sort of jumped in, thinking he was useless - but he wasn't. I was trying to protect him, but in the end, he had to say "back off, stop ringing me 10 times a day". 'Once I realised Dad was OK, there was nothing to do. There was just a big gaping hole. 'I was locked away in the house, too scared to leave and Mum wasn't coming back.' Dee said she then began lying to friends about where she was, to prevent her reclusiveness from being discovered. Scroll down for video . Sadness: Dee told resident GP Dr Chris Steele that at the height of her depression - triggered by the death of her mother in 2011- she cried for 24 hours a day . Housebound: Dee - the star of Benefits Street - said her depression left her a prisoner in her own home . 'Then one day after four or five months, a friend clocked it and took me off to the doctor to get me the help I needed,' she recalled. She admitted that because of the taboo surrounding depression, she probably wouldn't have sought help had a friend not taken her to the GP. PSYCHOLOGICAL symptoms of depression include: . Continuous . low mood or sadness, feeling hopeless and tearful, being irritable and . intolerant of others, not getting any enjoyment out of life and having . suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm. PHYSICAL symptoms include: . A . change in appetite or weight, disturbed sleep - especially finding it . hard to fall asleep at night or waking early in the morning - loss of . libido and a lack of energy. Today, Dee takes the antidepressant Sertraline and is under the care of her local mental health team. 'The only thing I don't do any more is cry 24 hours a day,' she added.'You start taking antidepressants and you stop crying, but just feel numb, permanently numb.' She admitted that she sometimes also feels suicidal. When quizzed about her matriarchal role and the fact that on the show she always seems to be helping others, she replied: 'We were filmed every day for 18 months - there might have been a week when someone else was looking after the kids because I couldn't do anything and couldn't move. 'Some people have said to me: "you don't look depressed". 'People throw the word around and say after a bad day "oh I'm so depressed" - but it kind of feels personal [and strange to have it used like that]. 'I let it go over my head - I have to concentrate on myself.' And despite depression . being the most common mental health issue - affecting nearly a fifth of . adults and 80,00 children and young people - depression is still . one of society's taboos, resident GP Dr Chris Steele explained. Unknown: Dee admitted to presenters Holly Willoughby and Christine Bleakley that people have said: 'You don't look depressed' 'Telling someone they don't look depressed is a ridiculous way to assess someone,' he said. 'I have had severe depression three times - I remember once sitting crying in the toilets before going on air to do a live phone-in - on depression. It was a nightmare. 'You can't just "pull yourself together" - you need help, so see a doctor. You will get better if you take treatment and medical advice.' For more information on depression visit: Depression Alliance, MIND or Sane. | Dee appeared on This Morning to try and raise awareness of depression . Has battled the condition since 2011 when her mother died . Says she felt 'permanently numb' and locked herself away at home . Is still taking antidepressants and supervised by local mental health team . | 1322eec7e01263bee86146495309f09cef7a9350 |
Every year the world's most powerful men battle it out in extraordinary tests of strength for the ultimate title - World's Strongest Man. And as these pictures show, this year's competitors had their war faces on, ready for anything the competition had to throw at them. From pulling an airplane to carrying a car across a 25metre course, men come from across the globe to compete in the impressive feats of strength. Scroll down for video . Game of Thrones star Hafthor Bjornsson, from Iceland, shows he is ready for anything at the World's Strongest Man competition . Every year the world's most powerful men battle it out in extraordinary tests of strength for the ultimate title - World's Strongest Man, including Graham Hicks (left) and Laurence Shahlaei (right) both from the UK . Fellow UK competitor Eddie Hall shows his game face for the battle for title of World's Strongest Man . This year, there was one very recognisable face amongst the other strongmen. Game Of Thrones star Hafthor Bjornsson, who plays The Mountain in the popular series on Sky, takes part in the adrenalin-pumped competition. The first heat of the 2014 'World's Strongest Man' competition airs 18.45 Saturday 27th December on Channel 5. The athletes include the UK's Terry Hollands, who is aiming for a record-breaking ninth finals appearance, America's Mike Burke and Australia's Warrick Brant. The Worlds Strongest Men were photographed with the worlds highest definition camera - a $48,000 Phase One IQ280, which is an 80 megapixel camera. They were taken by Los Angeles-based photographer John Chapple. World's Strongest Man 2014 competitors (left to right) Nick Best from the USA, Mikhail Shivlyakov from Russia and David Ostlund from the USA share their 'war' faces - from a steely glare to a terrifying grimace . Mike Burke, from the USA, strongman portrait shows he is ready for anything the competition had to throw at him . Mark Felix (left) from the UK and Warrick Brant (right) from Australia both competed for the prestigious title . World's Strongest Man competitor Zydrunas Savickas from Lithuania competed in the challenges which range from pulling an airplane to carrying a car . Men come from across the globe to compete in the impressive feats of strength including Frankie Scheun from South Africa (left) and Robert Oberst from the USA (right) Not everyone showed off their scariest face as Tomas Rodriguez, from Cuba, shows a more relaxed approach . Rob Frampton from the UK, Jerry Pritchett from the USA, and Bill Kazmaier - who holds three World's Strongest Man titles . A portrait of 2014 World's Strongest Man competitor Lauri Nami from Estonia . Competitor Terry Holland's steely-eyed and determined glare shows he is ready for anything . Oyvind Rein from Norway grimaces at the camera for his strongman portrait . World's Strongest Man competitor Eben Le Roux from Australia and Terry Hollands from the UK . A portrait of 2014 World's Strongest Man competitor Mike Caruso from the USA . World's Strongest Man competitor Dimitar Savatinov from Bulgaria and Brian Shaw from the USA . | Competitors battled it out in extraordinary tests of strength for the title . They can include an airplane pull and carrying a car across a 25m course . Thor Bjornsson who plays The Mountain in Game Of Thrones competed . | 8edd8b03c4d6e81af58f91616d0a0d870b4eabee |
A daughter who reportedly abandoned her mother in deplorable living conditions has been arrested and charged with abuse. Melissa Self, of Louisville, Kentucky, was taken into custody after her 63-year-old mother was found covered in 'bedbugs, fleas, feces and urine.' The woman claims she had been left alone for days, and was discovered by a neighbor as she was crying out for help from inside her home. Scroll down for video . Arrested: Melissa Self (above) was taken into custody and charged with elder abuse after he mother was discovered alone in her filthy household . Unlivable: The home (above) had trash covering almost all of the floors . Unsanitary: What's more, authorities found dirty diapers and waste everywhere . Teams were forced to then enter the home in HazMat suits to remove the woman, and noted that the 'living areas were covered in trash, bugs, dirty diapers and feces.' 'It was just real deplorable conditions in which she was living,' Louisville Metro Police Department spokesman Dwight Mitchell told WAVE. Self, 42, has now been charged her with neglect of an adult. Self's daughter however, Ashley Wagner, is disputing these claims, and demanding that her mother be released from jail. Wagner says her mother was always present and that the home was not as 'filthy' as authorities are claiming, this even though photos from the scene seem to back up their claims. Trash is everywhere, there is no room to walk, and the conditions to not look at all livable for anyone, let alone an elderly person. Hard to get by: The 63-year-old woman, who has not been named, was covered in fleas, feces, bedbugs and urine . Unimaginable: She was found after calling for help and said she had been alone for days . Can't breathe: Authorities had to wear HazMat suits in order to remove the woman . None of that seems to make a difference to Wagner though, who continues to play the role of dutiful daughter. 'My mom is not responsible for what a grown woman does. Ya'll need to let her out. She didn't do anything,' pleaded Wagner. 'She's got a bond for $5,000. Look where we live at. We can't afford that.' Denying claims: Ashley Wagner (above) the victim's granddaughter, claims that they are the victims of her grandmother's mistreatment . What's more, Griffin claims she and her mother were the victims of mistreatment from her grandmother. The two woman will no longer have to worry about that however, as the elderly victim has been placed in a nursing home. Self, meanwhile, remains behind bars. | Melissa Self of Louisville, Kentucky, was arrested and charged with elder abuse after her 63-year-old mother was found abandoned . The elderly woman said she had been alone for days and was covered in 'bedbugs, fleas, feces and urine' She was discovered after crying for help, and authorities had to remove her from the home wearing HazMat suits because of the horrible conditions . | 1a3b6a90ab408672871816f86af27740b2ea31ca |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.