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Clemson University has stopped all fraternity activities one day after a student died falling 20ft off a bridge into a lake following a run with his frat brothers. Tucker Hipps, 19, was found dead on Monday night under a highway bridge hours after the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity reported him missing. However, the South Carolina university and police have so far not tied the death to fraternity hazing despite mounting social media speculation that he died during an initiation ritual. Hipps, 19, was running with fellow Sigma Phi Epsilon members before dawn on Monday when he started falling behind, authorities said. Fraternity members noticed Hipps wasn't at breakfast and reported him missing to university police at 1:45 p.m. Authorities are currently investigating claims that 19-year-old student Tucker Hipps' recent death was hazing-related . His body was found under the bridge just west of campus a few hours later, according to deputies and university officials. They say he fell more than 20 feet from a state highway bridge over the Seneca River to the shallow water below. Oconee . County deputies said Wednesday that there is no evidence Tucker Hipps' death was a result of hazing, but they are still trying to piece . together what happened. However, The Tiger News . reports that a representative from the national office of Hipps' fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon, came to campus to investigate the hazing . claims. Officials haven't found anyone who saw him fall Monday, sheriff's office spokesman Jimmy Watt said. On Tuesday, the university enacted a ban on social activities for all 24 fraternities on campus. In a statement, Vice President for Student Affairs Gail DiSabatino cited reports of possible criminal activities and violations of the university's code of conduct - ranging from alcohol-related medical emergencies to sexual misconduct - for the move. DiSabatino called Hipps' death tragic but did not say it was responsible for or related to the ban. The suspension is intended to give fraternities time to work with other student and campus organizations to make sure members stay safe, university spokesman John Gouch said. "They didn't want to put a deadline on it because they wanted to give everyone plenty of time to think," Gouch said. Clemson placed similar restrictions on Greek organizations four years ago, also after allegations of criminal activities . Students organized an impromptu vigil for Hipps on Tuesday, raising cellphones above their heads instead of candles. University President Jim Clements joined the remembrance and said everyone who knew Hipps called him a leader and a good man. Detectives have interviewed about 50 people so far, including the fraternity members running with Hipps who have been cooperative, Watt said. "We haven't talked to anyone who saw him fall," Watt said. "We don't know why he ended up in the water." The national Sigma Phi Epsilon organization said in a statement that if foul play was involved in Hipps' death, it would make sure those responsible are brought to justice. Clemson University has suspended all fraternity activities after reports of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct . Hipps died after reportedly going on a run with fellow fraternity members and being unable to keep up . A statement from the college added that the sheriff's office is investigating Hipps' death. 'We are cooperating and also conducting our own investigation,' DiSabatino said. 'We're terribly saddened by Tucker's death. It's always tragic when someone so young and promising is lost. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.' Students have been provided with grief counseling services. After Hipps did not appear at breakfast friends went searching for him, and his body was finally discovered that afternoon in a lake . A roundup of recent Clemson student legal troubles at Jezebel notes that six undergrads were arrested on felony drug charges in April in a sting operation authorities called 'Spring Tiger.' According to The Tiger News those students were charged with a variety of crimes related to the sale or possession of marijuana and psilocybin mushrooms. The reports did not specify whether those charged had fraternity connections. The university placed similar restrictions on Greek organizations four years ago. | Tucker Hipps' body was found in Hartwell Lake Monday and investigation into the cause of death continues . Six students were arrested earlier this year on drug charges in a police sting operation . All 24 of the campus fraternities are affected by the ban . | 9663752d43c8231ec01e91c935c3be0d7cbc9455 |
By . Mike Dawes . Greg Eden turned in an inspirational display as Hull KR re-ignited their First Utility Super League play-off push with a comfortable 62-10 win over London Broncos. Full-back Eden, who returned to the Rovers line-up after being dropped recently for disciplinary reasons, grabbed three tries, created another and proved a constant threat. The 11-try win moves the Robins within a point of eighth-placed Widnes, while London's winless streak reached 22 games. Three and easy: Greg Eden scored a hat-trick of tries as Hull KR swept aside London Broncos 62-10 . The hosts made two changes from last weekend's defeat to St Helens, with Atelea Vea returning from suspension and Jordan Atkins from injury to replace Alex Foster and Joe Keyes. Rovers made three changes of their own, with Eden, Ade Gardner and Connor Robinson coming in for former London star Omari Caro, Graeme Horne and Kris Keating. The visitors, with just two wins to their name on the road prior to the clash, really should have taken an early lead when Travis Burns opened up the London defence, only for Liam Salter to refuse what would have been a try-scoring pass to David Hodgson. But the Robins were on the board on nine minutes, Adam Walker's clever offload allowing Josh Hodgson to ease over at the posts. The Broncos were mightily close to hauling themselves level with their first real assault three minutes later, only for skipper Matt Cook to be held inches short. And that proved crucial when Rovers moved two scores ahead on 18 minutes, Eden shrugging off a poor tackle from Denny Solomona to gallop over. Hull KR certainly had the edge in terms of skill and luck, grabbing a third try on 25 minutes when Craig Hall's apparently aimless kick bounced away from the London defence and allowed Kevin Larroyer to touch down. By now the visitors were easing through the gears, Eden grabbing his second try eight minutes before the break when he showed a clean pair of heels to the Broncos defence to race home from distance. There was still time in the half for one final Rovers score, Burns booting a penalty to give the visitors a 26-0 interval advantage. It was more of the same after the break, Salter adding a fifth try moments after the restart when he raced the length of the field to score after intercepting a loose London pass. The Broncos finally gave their long-suffering fans something to cheer on 47 minutes, Atkins squeezing in at the corner after Josh Drinkwater looped a pass outside the Rovers defence. That proved brief respite though, the Robins moving 36-4 ahead when Mick Weyman pounced to score after the London defence stood and watched Eden's grubber through. Next to score was Gardner, profiting with an easy finish after Kris Welham had broken the Broncos defensive line. An eighth try duly arrived on 63 minutes, Adam Walker bursting home from close range. The men from the capital were able to conjure a second score, Atkins again after good work from Ben Farrar. But Rovers were soon to pass the 50-point barrier as firstly Weyman added his second after a flat pass from Burns, with Salter adding a second of his own on 75 minutes after a David Hodgson break. The final word fittingly went to Eden, completing his hat-trick of tries after strong play from Burns, who failed to add the extras but still scored 18 points with his boot. | Greg Eden scored three tries in comfortable win for Hull KR . Rovers move to within a point of eighth place in First Utility Super League . The Broncos winless streak stretched to 22 consecutive games . | a8c9afd7bd81ac270b6d455e99c2a07ddd090c10 |
Iraqi Kurdish President Massoud Barzani is willing to participate in the formation of a new government in Baghdad, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Tuesday. On Monday, Barzani told CNN's Christiane Amanpour that he would press the issue of Kurdish independence with Kerry when the U.S. official visited Irbil, saying, "The Kurdish people should seize the opportunity now." Kurds have complained that Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's Shiite-dominated government has marginalized them, a feeling shared by Iraq's Sunni Arab minority. In his interview with CNN, Kerry said Iraqi leaders he has spoken with have "realized they cannot continue with this sectarian division" -- a realization that would presumably include a greater role for Kurds in governance. "Words are cheap. I'm not taking anything I hear to the bank and saying, 'Wow, it's going to be solved,' " he said. "But I'm hearing things that indicate to me that if they follow through on the things they're saying, there's a capacity to have a new government that could be a unity government, that could reflect a greater capacity for success." Iraq government claims gains in anti-militant fight . The United States has sent military advisers to counsel Iraqi commanders on how best to take the fight to militants trying to create an Islamic state in Syria and Iraq. U.S. officials also have promised what Kerry said Monday would be "sustained" and "intense" aid. President Barack Obama is also weighing military intervention short of combat troops. But forming a new Iraqi government is a crucial precursor to further U.S. intervention to stop the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, Kerry said. "The key is, if you don't have a viable government, that is a unity government that is not going to repeat the mistakes of the last few years, whatever we might choose to do would be extraordinarily hampered," he said. Kerry said failing to come up with a new political structure would make it "very difficult to be successful" with a military intervention. Still, he noted, the President maintains the right to engage in such activity, with or without a political solution, if he decides that doing so is in the United States' interest. "He reserves the right to use force if he has to," said Kerry, "if it's going to accomplish a goal." He denied that Obama's decision not to launch airstrikes against Syria -- where ISIS has gained much of its strength -- or delays in making a decision about what to do in Iraq have made the crisis worse. "... You've got to have a holistic, comprehensive approach, and the President is trying to figure out, as we are, I am, whether or not Iraq is prepared to be part of that," he said. In the interview, Kerry defended Obama's decision not to go forward with military strikes in Syria. "The reason that the decision to strike Syria didn't happen was because we ultimately came up with a better solution after the President made his decision to strike," Kerry said, referring to an agreement that required Bashar al-Assad's regime to give up its chemical weapons stockpile. On Monday, the organization tasked with monitoring the weapons removal said the Syrian government had turned over all of its declared chemical weapons. "That's a very significant accomplishment," said Kerry. Political Chatter: The new Iraq debate . Kerry assures Iraqis of U.S. support if they unite against militants . | Iraqi Kurdish leader is willing to help form a new government, U.S. secretary of state says . Massoud Barzani has said he wants to push for Kurdish independence . A new government is crucial to success in Iraq, Kerry says in a CNN interview . "I'm not taking anything I hear to the bank," Kerry says . | 6d488fafe76d350c47b428e2ce5d230fcc1a81f1 |
A soldier has told a court how he pulled an unconscious woman from a freezing river after seeing her lover and his friend allegedly beat her before rolling her body into the water 'like a log'. Army Captain Mark Gold, 43, was enjoying a Sunday stroll along the River Taff in Cardiff with his family when he saw Leanne Ware, 31, allegedly being drowned in the river. Ms Ware's boyfriend Martin Edwards, 43, and his friend Gary Pincott, 55, both deny attempted murder. Rescue mission: Capt Gold (right) performed CPR on Leanne Ware (left) after pulling her from the water . Accused: Miss Ware's boyfriend Martin Edwards, 43, (pictured) denies charges of attempted murder and assault at Cardiff Crown Court . Capt Gold told Cardiff Crown Court . that he had sprung into action after seeing Edwards and Pincott beat . Miss Ware, before rolling her body into the river. The . soldier from the Army Medical Corps then ran into the water to fight . off the alleged attackers, and performed life-saving CPR on Miss Ware . after hauling her from the river. Giving . evidence in the trial of Edwards and Pincott, Capt Gold said he had . been walking along the river bank with his family when he saw two men . attack Ms Ware. 'My wife and children looked over the railings of the bridge and started hysterically screaming,' he told the court yesterday. 'I looked over and saw two men viciously attacking a lady who was on the floor in the foetal position. 'She was unconscious, she wasn’t trying to defend herself from the kicks and punches, and she wasn't making any noise.' Action: Capt Gold had been walking along the River Taff in Cardiff when he rushed to rescue unconscious Miss Ware from the freezing water . The jury was told that Capt Gold then dragged his children away from the scene and rang 999 on his mobile phone. He said he saw two men pushing Miss Ware into the river - Edwards rolling her with his feet and Pincott pushing with his hands. 'She rolled into the river like a log,' he said. 'She didn’t even try to fight - she just disappeared under the water.' The . father-of-three, who has served as an Army medic for 21 years then ran . down to the river bank to try and save Miss Ware from drowning. 'A man I now know is Pincott ran past me away from the river,' he told the court. 'He wasn’t screaming for help - he was trying to get away.' Capt Gold said Miss Ware suddenly 'bobbed' to surface of the freezing river last February but was face down and wasn’t moving. He watched as Edwards swam toward her seemingly lifeless body. 'I thought he was going to rescue her but he didn’t,' he said. 'He pushed her beneath the water and she disappeared again. 'Not once did he try to bring her head out of the water.' Drowning: Capt Gold said Miss Ware suddenly 'bobbed' to surface of the freezing river last February but was face down and wasn't moving . When Miss Ware returned to the surface and became caught on the riverbank, Capt Gold said he fought off her attacker and pulled her to the bank. 'She was blue, not moving and had no pulse. She was dead,' he said. 'She had been under the water for close to three minutes and there were no signs of life.' He said he then began to perform CPR and with the help of a passing doctor who performed mouth-to-mouth they managed to revive her. When paramedics arrived, Miss Ware rushed to hospital and fortunately went on to make a full recovery. Captain Gold identified Edwards and Pincott to police officers at the scene and they were arrested following the incident in February. Earlier in the trial the court heard that Edwards had told police that Miss Ware had ended up in the water after the couple had argued, and that he had gone in to help her. Pincott said he had witnessed the argument and denied assaulting Miss Ware in any way. Edwards, of Butetown, Cardiff, denies attempting to murder Miss Ware and a charge of assaulting Mark Gold. Pincott, of Barry, near Cardiff, also denies attempted murder. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Mark Gold was out walking when he saw alleged attack on Leanne Ware . Captain Gold, 43, told court he saw her being beaten and rolled into river . Father-of-three ran to the riverbank to try to save 31-year-old Miss Ware . Army medic then pulled her from the water and gave her life-saving CPR . Martin Edwards, 43, and Gary Pincott, 55, both deny attempted murder . | 7a790e1ab20b3b1ea10600b2f4700533c0e99860 |
Remarkable CCTV footage shows a woman in China running off a bus while holding a flaming mobile phone after it appears to explode in her hands. The woman, sitting near the front of a bus in south west China’s Sichuan province, is seen attempting to change the battery in her handset when there is a bright flash of light. Immediately, the undated footage show the woman standing and running toward the door of the bus carrying the burning phone. Scroll down for video . CCTV footage on a Chinese bus shows a woman (bottom right) attempt to change her phone battery . A bright light flashes as the phone explodes and the woman quickly jumps to her feet carrying the phone . As soon as the fire broke out the woman’s fellow passengers behind and in front of her also fled the lower level of the bus, soon followed by the driver. There was no report of any injury in the incident despite the woman carrying the flaming phone off the bus to safety. Sichuan authorities has used the incidence as a chance to remind consumers not to buy cheap replacement batteries for mobile phones which haven’t been properly tested and approved. The woman is illuminated by the flaming phone as she and other passengers flee the bus . This is not the first incident of a phone on fire in China, and this woman was more fortunate than some. A 2007 Lanzhou Morning Port report claimed a man was killed when a phone exploded in his shirt pocket while in 2009 another man, in Guangzhou province, died when a blast from a faulty battery while he was talking on the phone ruptured an artery in his neck. | A woman attempted to change her mobile phone battery on a bus . The handset exploded and shot up in flames in China’s Sichuan province . CCTV footage shows the woman carry the flaming phone off the bus . Officials warn Chinese consumers not to buy cheap phone batteries . | 21e495fac288b004111a03b52f2ec782906f7007 |
By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 02:55 EST, 14 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:57 EST, 14 February 2013 . A shopkeeper who fought off two armed robbers said the streets around his inner city Birmingham store were 'more violent' than his native Iraq. Kochar Rasul, 30, made a new life for himself and his family in Britain after fleeing from Kurdistan to escape Saddam Hussein's evil regime. But he was forced to defend himself using a shop sign when two gunmen pounced as he locked up his shop in Handsworth, Birmingham, just before midnight on Monday. Shopkeeper Kochar Rasul fended off armed robbers with a sign. He said the streets around his inner city Birmingham store were 'more violent' than his native Iraq . He told how he grabbed the sign and used it as a shield to fend off the robbers who pistol-whipped him and held a gun to his head. The father-of-two said he was bending down to lock the front door of Nine Wines and Food Store when he was attacked. 'I looked up and two men were standing over me and one had a gun to my head,' said Mr Rasul. 'They started to hit me around the head with the gun but I managed to grab it off them and it fell to the floor.' Mr Rasul said one of the robbers ran over and picked up the gun and walked back to him. 'He was coming towards me and I thought, oh no, he's going to shoot me this time,' he said. 'So I grabbed the nearest thing to hand which was the shop sign from next door. Mr Rasul, 30, made a new life for himself and his family in Britain after fleeing from Kurdistan to escape Saddam Hussein's evil regime . Mr Kochar fended off armed robbers with this sign . 'What else could I do? I had nothing else to use. I've got two kids and a wife and thought, how would they cope without me? 'So I picked up the sign and used it to shield myself and fight them off.' Luckily for the shopkeeper, an armed response police car was passing at the time and officers came to his aid. The robbers escaped with just Mr Rasul's carrier bag containing orange juice, a pizza and a packet of cigarettes. Police arrested a 26-year-old man at gunpoint in a nearby alleyway on suspicion of robbery. A suspected firearm was also seized. The man remained in custody last night, helping police with their inquiries. Mr Rasul came to Britain in 2003 when the Kurds were being persecuted in their native Iraq. 'I thought it would be safe here, but it isn't, it's very dangerous with crime always going on and lots of bad people around,' he said. 'It's more dangerous here than Iraq because at least there, you knew who your enemies are.' Detective Constanble Phil Langstone, from Force CID in Harborne, praised Mr Rasul's courage. 'The victim was very brave in his attempt to fight off the attackers and the fact that armed officers just happened to be passing at that particular moment was a case of being in the right place at the right time,' he said. | Kochar Rasul, 30, was forced to defend himself using a shop sign . Two men pounced as he locked up his shop in Handsworth, Birmingham . | 1666b420ae430f668ab660d22501b96d7f366e68 |
By . Associated Press . and Alex Greig . Police and the FBI are searching for two young Detroit siblings after their 27-year-old mother was found shot to death in a vacant house about six miles from her home. The Wayne County medical examiner's office says an autopsy Tuesday determined Alicia Fox had been shot twice in the head. Her body was badly decomposed. Detroit police spokesman Officer Adam Madera says Fox had been missing for several weeks. A family member found her body Monday night in the basement of the abandoned house after getting a tip from an 'unknown person.' Body found: Alicia Fox's decomposing body was found in an abandoned house in Detroit . The Detroit Free Press reports that Michael Fields, Fox's uncle, found her body covered in blankets in a boarded up home on the 6800 block of Penrod St. Neighbors said they last saw Fox and her children around Memorial Day at their home in northwest Detroit. Missing are six-year-old Kaylah Hunter and eight-month-old brother, Kristian Justice. Police are also trying to locate the father of the baby boy, 28-year-old Erin Justice. Write caption here . Horrific discovery: Alicia Fox was reported missing on June 6 and last seen late May, before her body was found in the basement of this house . Justice and Fox were married and police say they lived together until recently. Neighbors on Ardmore St where Fox had lived with her family told the Detroit Free Press that they saw Justice using a U-Haul truck to move out of the home about a week-and-a-half ago on May 27 or May 28. An employee at U-Haul Moving and Storage at Livernois confirmed to the Detroit Free Press that Erin Justice had rented the U-Haul truck. The father of Kaylah Hunter told police he last spoke with Fox on June 3. He reported Fox, his daughter and baby Kristian missing on June 6. 'If her husband is spotted pulling up from an abandoned in a U-Haul truck going in with hammers and tools, and then a couple of days later, whatever, her body's down there. We're not rocket scientists standing here but we're not idiots,' said Alicia Fox's uncle Michael Fields to My Fox Detroit. 'To sit there and to run away when people are looking for your family lets me know that you are one thing - you're a coward. And you're going to be a coward for the rest of your life. And you don't have to answer to anyone but God, and he's going to get you brother, believe that.' No suspects have been identified. | Family members found the body of Alicia Fox, 27, in an abandoned Detroit house after an anonymous tip . She was last seen in late May; she and her two children were reported missing June 6 . The children, Kaylah Hunter, six, and six-month-old Christian Justice, have not been found . The father of the baby boy, Erin Justice, was married to Fox . He was seen by neighbors loading possessions into a U-Haul on May 27 or 28 outside the family home a few miles from where Fox's body was found . Police are now searching for Erin Justice . No suspects have been named in Fox's death . | 6d618b225eb69b8f686007b9d0197a06cec7ce37 |
For a man who had never used a computer until last year, Dan McIntosh has blazed an extraordinary path to becoming a Facebook sensation- all for his stunning photography showing off life in rural Australia. The outback cook has now launched a book titled 'Outback Stations' detailing what 'real' life is like in Australia, featuring photographs from the people who work and live in some of the toughest conditions in the country. Dan, known affectionately as 'Cookie', has been feeding hungry workers in woolsheds and mustering camps for the past 30 years, and has spent much of his life as a wanderer in the Northern Territory. The rural cook has now launched a book titled 'Outback Stations' detailing what 'real' life is like in Australia . Dan, known affectionately as 'Cookie', has been feeding hungry workers in woolsheds and mustering camps for the past 30 years . His colourful and earthy life was something he was keen to share with his family and friends, and so the well-loved foodie started a Facebook page to post photographs of his life to. 'Never in a million years would you think that it would become a book. Just incredible. It's hard to believe,' said Dan. 'I’ve been a cook for nearly 36 years,' said Dan. 'It all started when I was 15. I was working in Queensland at a property called Kiagara. The old cook went out for a big night, got locked up in the jailhouse and never came back,' 'So the job was in. I was only 15.' His colourful and earthy life was something he was keen to share with his family and friends, and so the well-loved foodie started a Facebook page to post photographs of his life to. 'I started taking photos 10 years ago. I’d send photos back home to my mum and dad, who wanted to know where I was and how I was going,' Dan told Daily Mail Australia. The page quickly took off, surprising and delighting Dan as more and more people were keen to share their own photos and experiences of living in the outback. 'I had 1000 followers after a week, 40,000 after three months. I have 114,863 followers at the moment from all over the world,' he said. 'City people also wouldn’t have any idea what it’s like living in the country. We live under a tin roof and sleep on the ground.' The beautiful and raw photographs quickly drew the eye of Sydney-based publisher Brigitta Doyle, who was instantly riveted by the images on the Facebook page. 'It's incredible, so many Australians don’t know what it looks like. City people often don’t recognise that the photos are of Australia if you don’t tell them what it’s like,' said Dan . 'I go out to rodeos and race meets and photograph the real people from the country.' More than 32 million people have now viewed the site. Dan believes that part of the attraction is the fact that the page shows 'the true outback'. 'It's incredible, so many Australians don’t know what it looks like. City people often don’t recognise that the photos are of Australia if you don’t tell them what it’s like,' 'City people also wouldn’t have any idea what it’s like living in the country. We live under a tin roof and sleep on the ground.' Thousands of others began adding their own photographs to the Facebook page, detailing what everyday life was like for them. The beautiful and raw photographs quickly drew the eye of Sydney-based publisher Brigitta Doyle, who was instantly riveted by the images on the Facebook page. 'They're just people sharing the parts of their day that make them happy or make them sad. And I think that's really powerful. I just thought Dan's really special, and what he is creating is really special,' she told ABC Landline. 'They're just people sharing the parts of their day that make them happy or make them sad. And I think that's really powerful,' said Brigitta Doyle, the book's publisher . Outback Stations was released in September, and has taken off, with many Australians responding to the reality of outback Australian life as shown through the lens of those who live there. As a pictorial celebration of the real outback, Dan said that he was determined not to edit the pictures digitally. 'I don’t like doing all that photoshop stuff, I want to see the true photo. I don’t think photoshop can be better than the real thing,' he said. 'I’ve had no photography training. Even the big camera I have now, I wouldn’t know what half the buttons do,' 'I press a button and if the photo has taken properly then I’m lucky!' 'I go out to rodeos and race meets and photograph the real people from the country.' Dan said that one of the hardest part of putting the book together was choosing the right photographs to be included. 'We made a competition for people to send photos in of their properties, so we could show off stations all around Australia’s outback,' said Dan. For the hardworking cook, it has been a long road but an astoundingly quick success. 'Never in a million years would you think that it would become a book. Just incredible. It's hard to believe,' said Dan. | Outback cook Dan McIntosh has been working around the Northern Territory for over 30 years . Started a Facebook page to post photos of his life for his parents to see . The page took off and now has 115,000 followers . The photos drew the attention of a Sydney-based publisher . The photography compilation 'Outback Stations' is out now . | c27d4b1f4d2b034dd35c9b8ed4081542dbceaf47 |
One of Mark Wahlberg's childhood friends who appeared alongside him in The Fighter and Ted has been shot and killed by police outside of a house where his mother was found stabbed to death. Paul Campbell, 49, was described as being agitated when the veteran officers arrived at his Weymouth, Massachusetts, home at 1am on Monday. They allegedly gunned him down when he lunged at them with the knife. Police and paramedics then found the body of Patricia Campbell, 72, on the front steps of the home she shared with her son, authorities have said. Campbell is believed to have been friends with Wahlberg before he was famous, starring alongside him in The Fighter, where he played played crack-addict Gary 'Boo Boo' Giuffrida, and had a small role in Ted. Scroll down for video . Killed: Paul Campbell, 49, was shot dead at his home in Weymouth, Massachusetts, where his mother Patricia, 72, was found stabbed to death. He is pictured starring as a crack-addict in The Fighter alongside Christian Bale (head turned) Paul Campbell, 49, was described as being agitated when the veteran officers arrived at his Weymouth, Massachusetts, home at 1am on Monday . The steps of the home are seen with blood on them. The body of Patricia Campbell, 72, was found on the front steps of the home she shared with her son, authorities have said . Police allegedly gunned him down when he lunged at them with the knife . He also appeared in American Hustle as a customer in a restaurant. According to the Boston Globe, during high school, he impregnated Lorrie Higgins, now 41, the long-time girlfriend of Boston mayor Martin J. Walsh. She gave birth to Lauren, now 21, but Campbell did not remain a part of her life. In the piece he is described as a 'a dark-haired rowdy who gradually built up a rap sheet of low-level crimes.' Jessica Broderick, a high school classmate of Higgins, told the Globe during an interview in March last year: 'He was kind of the bad boy and she was the good girl. He was the boy she shouldn’t be hanging out with.' In a statement to the paper, Mayor Walsh said the deaths were personal and asked that Higgins’ and her daughter’s privacy be respected. Career: Campbell, who allegedly tried to lunge at police with a knife before he was shot, has also made appearances in Ted and American Hustle . He has previously served nine months behind bars and moved back in with his mother when her husband died 12 years ago. At the scene both officers decided simultaneously that deadly force was necessary and opened fire on Campbell, who was brought to South Shore Hospital and pronounced dead, the prosecutor's office said in a statement. Mrs Campbell was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials said there was evidence that Patricia Campbell was stabbed. The medical examiner's office was to perform an autopsy. Police and the prosecutor's office said the investigation was continuing. Probe: Both of the officers involved in the shooting, who are said to have been on the force for around 10 years, have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation . At the scene both officers decided simultaneously that deadly force was necessary and opened fire on Campbell, who was brought to South Shore Hospital and pronounced dead, the prosecutor's office said in a statement . 'There is no such thing as a routine call,' Weymouth Police Chief Richard Grimes said Monday. 'Situations like this illustrate that.' The names of the two officers haven't been released. Officials said both were evaluated at a hospital and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, under normal post-shooting protocols. Officials said both officers have been on the force for about 10 years. The district attorney's office said Weymouth police reported that they had responded to the Campbells' home three times in recent years, all for medical calls. Family ties: When he was in high school, Campbell got Lorrie Higgins - the long-time girlfriend of Boston Mayor Martin Walsh - pregnant. Their daughter Lauren is now 21 . | Paul Campbell, 49, was killed at his home in Weymouth, Massachusetts . Police then found his mother Patricia, 72, with stab wounds on the steps . Officers said he was agitated when they arrived at the scene on Monday . He was gunned down when he lunged at the pair with a knife . Campbell has had small roles in The Fighter, Ted and American Hustle . Is the father of the daughter of the Boston Mayor's long-time girlfriend . | 18d639335d827a446517152cfe7c847adfc49ffd |
By . Chris Pleasance . PUBLISHED: . 10:31 EST, 15 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:42 EST, 15 October 2013 . Major League Baseball umpire Wally Bell has died of a suspected heart attack aged just 48. Bell, who worked the Nl playoff series between the Pittsburg Pirates and the St. Louis Cardinals just a week ago, had been feeling ill over the weekend and was scheduled to see doctors on the same day he died. The father-of-two had quintuple bypass surgery in February 1998 and his father also survived two heart attacks before dying. Scroll down for video . Wally Bell (left) has died aged just 48 following a reported heart attack at his home in Ohio. He leaves behind a girlfriend, Renee, and two teenage children . He is reported to have suffered a massive heart attack at his home in Youngstown, Ohio. In a statement commissioner Bud Selig said: 'All of us at Major League Baseball are in mourning tonight regarding the sudden passing of Wally Bell. 'I always enjoyed seeing Wally, who was a terrific umpire and such an impressive young man. On behalf of our 30 clubs, I extend my deepest condolences to Wally's family, fellow umpires and his many friends throughout the game.' According to Bell's biography on MLB.com, his proudest moment as a big league umpire was returning to the field after having open heart surgery. Two of his arteries had been 100% blocked, two more had been 80% blocked and another 70%. Bell came back for a game in San Diego and plate umpire Mark Hirschbeck took the first ball out of play and kept it as a souvenir for Bell. Bell worked the 2006 World Series and three All-Star Games, including this year's event at Citi Field, where he was stationed at first base. A veteran of 21 big league seasons, he also had worked four league championship series and seven division series since joining the major league staff in 1993. The umpires for Game Three of the NL Championship Series at Dodger Stadium heard about Bell's death an hour before they took the field. Gerry Davis, crew chief for the series, commented that the game was tough but they had to focus and remind themselves that Wally would have wanted the game to go on. The Los Angeles Angels went on to beat the St Louis Cardinals 3-0. In action: Wally (centre) watches home plate during a game between the New York Mets and the San Diego Padres in San Diego in 1998 . After the game Davis added: 'It was a devastating loss for us. Wally was a true umpire's umpire. I think if you'll check with the players and teams they felt the same way because Wally always gave 110 percent on the field.' Several players from around the majors expressed their condolences on Twitter including Dodgers catcher A.J. Ellis, who wrote: 'Wally kept game fun and loose and I always looked forward to catching with him behind plate. I will miss his personality and professionalism.' Meanwhile Toronto slugger Jose Bautista remembered Bell for his banter, saying: 'He always had great spirits on the field, i will always remember how he teased me about my beard.' Finally, Red Sox outfielder Shane Victorino commented: 'My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Wally Bell. So sad to hear (and) will remember him tomorrow as I take the field.' Bell is the first active MLB umpire to die since John McSherry passed away of a heart attack on the field in Cincinnati on opening day in 1996. Joe Torre, MLB executive vice president for baseball operations, also offered his condolences, saying: 'I am deeply saddened and shocked at the loss of umpire Wally Bell. 'Umpiring was his life, and he touched so many people within the game of baseball. Aside from being an accomplished, All-Star-calibre umpire, Wally was a loving dad to his two teenage children. 'I extend my deepest condolences to them, his girlfriend Renee, the rest of his family and his admirers across Major League Baseball.' | Wally Bell had been a Major League Baseball umpire since 1993 . Had quintuple bypass surgery in 1998 and his father had two heart attacks . He leaves behind girlfriend Renee and two teenage children . Players and officials from across Baseball world share their tributes . | 5720a087173fbf9f82a2bf6ae933179212bc330e |
Children and teens who have a parent with bipolar disorder are 14 times more likely than their peers to have bipolar-like symptoms themselves, and are two to three times more likely to be found to have an anxiety or mood disorder, such as depression, according to a report in the March issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry. More than 10 percent of the kids with a bipolar parent had signs of a bipolar-spectrum, mood or anxiety disorder. When both parents are bipolar, children are 3.6 times more likely to have bipolar disorder than children with only one parent with the psychiatric condition. Bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive illness, affects 5.7 million people over age 18 in the United States. The condition is characterized by extreme fluctuations in energy, mood, and the ability to function. For example, someone experiencing an "episode" may have a manic state of euphoria for a period of time, followed by a bout of severe depression. Although bipolar disorder may run in families, it's not guaranteed that children of bipolar parents will develop the condition too. "I don't want parents to think 'I have bipolar, so my kids have bipolar,'" says Boris Birmaher, M.D., of the Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and author of the new study, called the Pittsburgh Bipolar Offspring Study. "Yes, these kids are at a higher risk, but that doesn't necessarily mean your child will have it." Health.com: Bipolar disorder is different for women . In the study, Birmaher and colleagues looked at 233 parents with bipolar disorder and their 388 children, ages 6 to 18. They were compared with a control group of 143 parents and 251 children with no family history of the condition. Overall, 10.6 percent of the children with a bipolar parent had signs of a bipolar spectrum disorder (which includes a range of symptoms from severe to less so) or a mood or anxiety disorder. In comparison, only two children, or 0.8 percent, in the control group had such symptoms. It's not clear whether genes, environment or a combination of both are responsible for the link, or possibly greater awareness and diagnosis of psychiatric conditions in bipolar families. Health.com: How a bipolar patient learned to manage mania . However, Birmaher says identifying the condition at an earlier age may ultimately help young people. "The longer you wait, the more complicated the condition could become," Birmaher says. Previous studies have suggested that it can take 10 years of symptoms before people get a correct diagnosis and proper treatment. "Ten years is a long time -- especially in the life of a child," he says. The condition is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can be mistaken for depression, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or one of the disruptive behavior disorders. Signs of a manic episode include increased energy, extreme irritability, racing thoughts, spending sprees, abuse of drugs (particularly cocaine), and increased sexual drive. A depressive episode may range from disruptive sleeping patterns to thoughts of death or suicide. "The chronic highs and lows are only two manifestations of the condition," says Gary Sachs, M.D., director of the bipolar clinic and research program at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. "But there are plenty of people who live a full, functional life and still have bipolar disorder." Health.com: How to care for and cope with a bipolar spouse . Bipolar disorder cannot be cured, and is treated with mood-stabilizing medications like lithium, as well as psychotherapy, and psychosocial intervention. The ongoing study will follow this group of parents and children to explore further bipolar triggers including stress, family interactions, and genetics. Health.com: My story: I'm bipolar and struggle with addiction . "This study in no way should be a reason for someone with bipolar not to have children," says Sachs. "But there is a risk and that might make someone's child who has difficulty seek help sooner." In adults with bipolar disorder, up to 60 percent say they had their first symptoms before the age of 21. "Bipolar disorder is a multidimensional condition, and it can affect a lot of things including your physical health," says Sachs. "That is what we are learning from studies like this where you begin to see other psychiatric conditions." The National Institute of Mental Health funded the study. Birmaher has participated in pharmaceutical company-sponsored forums and a study co-author has served on the advisory boards of several pharmaceutical companies. Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com . Copyright Health Magazine 2009 . | Kids with a bipolar parent are 14 times more likely to have bipolar-like symptoms . They're also more likely to have a diagnosis of an anxiety or mood disorder . Bipolar disorder affects 5.7 million people over age 18 in the United States . Findings might help families recognize problem, get help for a child earlier . | bd03b29cddbee1cd9855f3712367303de0490bb0 |
(CNN) -- It's hard for today's generation to imagine watching TV in the 1960s -- there was no TiVo or DVR (or even VCR). You watched what the networks put on and that was it. And oh yeah, there were only three channels. Yet television made some groundbreaking advancements in this decade as we learned from this week's episode of "The Sixties," and here are a few of them: . 1. Television becomes a political force . By 1960, most American households had a television, and that year's Nixon/Kennedy debate was the first televised presidential debate. For many Americans, it was their first introduction to John F. Kennedy. When Kennedy was approached about the idea of debating his political opponent on television, he agreed immediately. Kennedy was comfortable on-camera and sure he'd win. Nixon, however, began to sweat during the televised debate, and the American people began to doubt him. No one realized just how much TV mattered until after those 1960 debates. Later that election season, Kennedy appeared as a guest on NBC's "The Jack Parr Tonight Show"; and when Nixon ran for president again in 1968, he made a brief appearance on the sketch comedy show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In" and uttered the show's famous catchphrase, "Sock it to me." It was the first time a presidential candidate had appeared on a comedy show. For the rest of his life, Nixon maintained that his appearance on "Laugh-In" won him the 1968 election. So while TV arguably cost Nixon the election once, it may very well have snagged him the election the second time around. If you enjoyed President Barack Obama's appearances on "The Tonight Show" and Letterman, you can thank Richard Nixon. From "The Sixties: Television Comes of Age" episode: Watch infamous "Tonight Show" tomahawk demo . 2. The rise of TV journalism . Before the Kennedy presidency, television was far behind print journalism in terms of sources audiences relied upon for news. But soon, people relied on TV news for the day's headlines as well as information on American troops in Vietnam, particularly the numbers of those killed or wounded. When something major happened on TV, it affected the whole country at the same exact time. TV news was the polar opposite of entertainment TV. The civil rights era, the JFK assassination and the space race all unfolded on TV. As David Brinkley stated, "Television showed the American people TO the American people." During the 1968 Democratic National Convention, 83 million Americans were glued to their television sets as 10,000 antiwar protesters outside the Chicago Hilton chanted, "The whole world is watching! The whole world is watching!" over and over as police pushed the crowd off Chicago's Balbo Drive. 3. TV reaches a broader audience . "The TV was the center of the house," recalled Tom Hanks, one of the executive producers of CNN's "The Sixties" series. "I don't remember a time without TV." Remember, there were only three channels (CBS, NBC and ABC) during the decade, and usually only one TV set per household. There were no "for mature audiences only" warnings. The syrupy sitcoms of the 1950s made way for shows such as "The Dick van Dyke Show" and "The Andy Griffith Show." These showcased more realistic situations, although there were still the same idealized versions of humanity as the previous decade. Griffith has stated that he put the best parts of himself and the people in his life into the inhabitants of the fictional town of Mayberry to achieve a blend of emotional honesty and laughs. That blueprint served as the benchmark for sitcoms for decades to come. "Leave It to Beaver," which aired from 1957 to 1963, was the first show shot from the perspective of a child, bringing to life those universal embarrassing moments from childhood that kids were certain they'd never overcome, such as bringing home a bad grade or approaching the object of one's affection. Related: Archive of CNN's May 29th Facebook Q&A with Jerry Mathers . That kid-centric model was later replicated in TV shows such as "The Wonder Years" and, more recently, "The Goldbergs." Eventually, shows began blending that "reality" with fantasy, which led to copycats: "The Addams Family" and "The Munsters," "Bewitched" and "I Dream of Jeannie," and "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Green Acres." 4. The advent of the variety show . During the '60s, there were 18 variety shows going on three networks! It's safe to say that television went "variety show crazy" for a while. Sunday night at 8 meant Ed Sullivan; but Dean Martin, Danny Kaye, Danny Thomas and Carol Burnett, to name a few, had eponymous variety-hour programs, too. Beatles + Sullivan = Revolution: Why Beatlemania could never happen today . Variety was considered a man's game at the time, but Burnett broke down a lot of walls with her three-wall sketch show. She and her cast mates sang, danced and did pratfalls -- often breaking character and cracking one another up in the process. Kind of a precursor to SNL's Debbie Downer sketch or most of Jimmy Fallon's SNL sketches. Burnett felt that if she was having fun, her audience would, too. From "The Sixties: Television Comes of Age" episode: Carol Burnett's pratfalls . 5. Television begins to tackle serious issues . Through a fantasy/sci-fi lens, "The Twilight Zone" creator Rod Serling often told stories of racism and fascism. Similarly, "Star Trek" addressed the notion of a time where social evolution has eradicated prejudice and mankind possesses no bias whatsoever. The space age series even featured TV's first interracial kiss, in which Capt. James Kirk tells Lt. Uhura, a black woman, "Where I come from, size, shape, or color makes no difference." What you might not know about the 1964 Civil Rights Act . When Bill Cosby won the Emmy Award for male lead in "I Spy" in 1968, he stated in his acceptance speech, "We need more people in this industry to ... let it be known to the bigots and the racists that they don't count." Incidentally, race was a nonissue in "I Spy." Cosby and actor Robert Culp, who was white, were equals in the series in which they played intelligence officers. BONUS: There actually IS a legit reason why The Flying Nun can "fly" The explanation: She weighs 90 pounds and the combination of her cornet and the wind lifts her. Totally makes sense. Now if only someone could explain how The Professor made all those nifty contraptions -- usually out of coconuts -- but couldn't cobble together a (coconut) raft to get the gang off "Gilligan's Island." Related: How Sally Field's 'Gidget' broke the rules . Related: Television today is much better, right? Related: 20 groundbreaking moments from '60s TV . | In the '60s, Americans came to rely on TV for information and entertainment . With the Kennedy-Nixon debate, TV changed political campaigns . Shows, like "The Twilight Zone," tackled hot-button issues like racism . | a6fd1becab8befec91e0cea35b73b3bc60fd2ef8 |
(CNN) -- Mark Wilson claimed his second PGA Tour win of the season as he beat fellow American Jason Dufner at the second extra hole of a playoff to win the Phoenix Open Monday. Wilson drained an 10-foot birdie putt to edge out Dufner after both had finished tied on 18-under 266 in regulation play, the tournament held over after frost delayed proceedings Sunday. Wilson, who took the season-opening Sony Open is riding the crest of the wave with his fourth career PGA Tour win. "This is the best golf I've every played in my life, I don't get down on myself and I've a good attitude right now," he told the Golf Channel. Wilson closed with a two-under 69 while Dufner went into the playoff after a fine 66 with birdies at the 16th and 18th as he chased his first Tour win. His victory completed a dream weekend for Wilson, who is a big fan of Super Bowl winners, the Green Bay Packers. "I was a little more nervous today than I was expecting," he told the official PGA Tour website. "I didn't sleep great last night. It was probably the excitement with the Super Bowl and the uncertainty of today." His victory secured his spot in the Masters as he jumps from 91st to 51st in the world rankings. Scotland's Martin Laird (65) and veteran Vijay Singh of Fiji (66) tied for third at 16-under 268. Home hope Tommy Gainey, who led by one shot after 54 holes, was in the mix down the stretch, but found the water twice at the par-four 17th on his way to a triple bogey. | Mark Wilson wins Phoenix Open after playoff victory over fellow American Jason Dufner . Wilson holes birdie putt at second extra hole for fourth career PGA Tour win . Wilson took season-opening Sony Open and leads money list . Martin Larid of Scotland and Fiji's Vijay Singh share third . | ad0741b94afd42a394a0c1b84b2d648364573849 |
By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 20:46 EST, 22 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 05:08 EST, 23 January 2014 . Attorneys representing the husband of a pregnant, brain-dead Texas woman being kept on life support despite his protests is carrying a fetus that is 'distinctly abnormal' after being deprived of oxygen for an unknown period of time. Marlise Munoz remains hooked up to machines in a Fort Worth hospital, while her husband and the hospital are locked in a court battle about whether to retain life support. The case has raised questions about end-of-life care and whether a pregnant woman who is considered legally and medically dead should be kept on life support for the sake of a fetus. The case has gotten the attention of groups on either side of the abortion debate, as anti-abortion groups argue Munoz's fetus deserves a chance to be born. Tragedy: Erick found Marlise unconscious on the kitchen floor in late November. She'd likely suffered an embolism that cut off oxygen to her brain. She was 14 weeks pregnant and has never regained consciousness . Questions: In Texas, state law stipulates that, . in cases of pregnant women, DNRs do not apply and all measures must be . taken to save the life of the fetus . Erick Munoz said his wife, a fellow paramedic, was clear with him before he found her unconscious on November 26: If she ever fell into this kind of condition, pull life support. But John Peter Smith Hospital says it's bound by state law that prohibits the withdrawal of treatment from a pregnant patient, although several experts interviewed by The Associated Press have said the hospital is misapplying the law. Munoz's attorneys, Heather King and Jessica Hall Janicek, issued a statement Wednesday describing the condition of the fetus, now believed to be at about 22 weeks' gestation. King and Janicek based their statement on medical records they received from the hospital. 'According to the medical records we have been provided, the fetus is distinctly abnormal,' the attorneys said. 'Even at this early stage, the lower extremities are deformed to the extent that the gender cannot be determined.' The attorneys said the fetus also has fluid building up inside the skull and possibly has a heart problem. Normal heartbeat: Doctors previously said that the baby has a normal heartbeat and had the potential to be carried to full term . Happier times: Above, Erick Munoz holds their 1-year-old son Mateo. HIs attorneys are now saying that the fetus is deformed . 'Quite sadly, this information is not surprising due to the fact that the fetus, after being deprived of oxygen for an indeterminate length of time, is gestating within a dead and deteriorating body, as a horrified family looks on in absolute anguish, distress and sadness,' the attorneys said. Spokeswomen for the hospital and the Tarrant County District Attorney's office, which is representing the hospital in the lawsuit, declined to comment Wednesday. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Friday. Munoz's lawsuit asks a judge to order the hospital to pull life support and return Marlise Munoz's body to her family. Several experts have said the Texas Advance Directives Act doesn't apply in this case because Marlise Munoz, having suffered brain death, is legally and medically dead — a key argument in Erick Munoz's lawsuit. Munoz previously told the AP he wasn't confident about the health of the fetus. His wife was 14 weeks pregnant when he found her unconscious in November, possibly from a blood clot. A 2010 article in the journal BMC Medicine found 30 cases of brain-dead pregnant women over about 30 years. Of 19 reported results, the journal found 12 in which a viable child was born and had post-birth data for two years on only six of them — all of whom developed normally, according to the journal. I don't agree with this law': Erick says he can't fulfill his promise to his wife because of the Texas law, which applies to all pregnant women, even those with do not resuscitate orders . 'We knew what her wishes were': Both Erick and Marlise were both paramedics. He found her collapsed on November 26 and initiated CPR, but it was no use. Erick says the couple had seen enough in the line of duty to know they wouldn't want to be kept alive by machines . Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames. | Erick Munoz of Fort Wort, Texas, found his wife Marlise unconscious on the kitchen floor on November 26 . She had suffered a pulmonary embolism and has been brain dead since . Munoz and Marlise's mother are now suing the hospital who say that Texas law prevents them from turning off her ventilator, against their wishes . Her husband's attorneys say the fetus is so deformed it's impossible to know the baby's gender . | 522801f98a84e4cb8abf7e4b79389523592cbd3a |
(CNN) -- This is a moment of terrible tragedy for Israelis and people of goodwill everywhere following the discovery of the bodies of three teenagers who were abducted and killed while hitchhiking in the West Bank. It is also a moment of high danger. When an entire nation -- and the entirety of the Jewish people -- is stunned and in deep mourning, it might be understandable that some among us would call for retribution. Understandable -- but not necessarily wise. What we need is justice and to avoid a downward spiral of violence, not retribution. In the Jewish world, we are all hurting right now, all angry. It is as if we have all suffered a death in our own family. Those of us who are parents are imagining how we would feel if the victims had been our children. The funerals of the three teens were unbearably sad. As Finance Minister Yair Lapid said at the funeral procession of Gilad Shaar, "Let us remember that today we are burying a child. We are burying a child, who could have also been ours, and therefore he is also ours. We are not burying a settler or a soldier in the inevitable battle for this land." Opinion: Teens' killing hurts Israelis, bad for Palestinians . At a time like this, it is more important than ever to remember our heritage and our values. "Justice, justice, shall you pursue," declares the Book of Deuteronomy 16:20. Justice means finding those responsible and punishing them to the full extent of the law. It also means tracking down anyone who enabled them by planning this operation or by hiding the perpetrators or helping them escape. If they acted on orders from the highest levels of Hamas, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said, they too should be held accountable. But justice also means not punishing those who were not responsible. Measures that simply make more miserable the lives of the 1.7 million people who live in Gaza and whose lives are already very tenuous should be avoided. The same applies for the 2.2 million people who live in the West Bank. Israel's government doubtless feels a need to provide a tough response, partly to re-establish a deterrence against such heinous acts, partly to satisfy the demands of its own grieving people. It should resist the temptation to act just for the sake of acting or from entering into a violent escalation with Hamas. Israel is justified in responding to rocket attacks from Gaza but should avoid any offensive that would put millions of civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian, in the firing line. The Israeli army's demolition of the family homes of two named suspects without any due process is an unwelcome return to a policy that Israel abandoned in 2005. As a deterrence, it has never succeeded in the past. It is simply a way of punishing people who happen to be related to suspected terrorists. Worst of all would be to react as Israel has responded so many times in the past by announcing a massive new expansion of settlements. Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon has already suggested building a new settlement in memory of the teenagers. Not only would this lose Israel the world's sympathy, it would also weaken the Palestinian Authority and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who has been a welcome voice for reason and moderation and whose security forces have maintained cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces throughout the crisis. Additionally, it would drive another stake into the heart of the two-state solution -- which remains the only sane and just way of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Until that conflict is ended through negotiations, tragically we will see more horrific acts of violence and more martyrs on both sides. We are seeing some of the consequences of the collapse of Secretary of State John Kerry's peace initiative in April. The absence of any movement toward peace has created a vacuum in which extremism can flourish. That's why it is so important for the United States not to walk away, but to remain engaged with both parties. This could be a decisive turning point for both Israelis and Palestinians. If Israel undertakes targeted measures designed to punish those responsible for this terrible crime, the world will be with it, and the crisis will be surmounted. If it turns its understandable anger into a general offensive, we could be in for a sustained period of violence claiming the lives of more innocent people on both sides. Lapid, the finance minister, expressed the right policy: "We will find those responsible and we will punish them. The real revenge is our ability to bridge the gaps within us." Israeli PM at teens' funeral: 'Broad moral gulf' between us, enemy . The Israeli teens killed: Promising lives, grieving families . | Deaths of three teens a terrible tragedy for Israelis and people everywhere . Alan Elsner: Punish the killers but not families, others in a general offensive . Expanding settlements, harming families has never worked as a deterrence, he says . Elsner: How Israel reacts will be decisive turning point for both Israelis and Palestinians . | ab04a4c23a1dbcd824c1f2cd880512231ea5100b |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 01:19 EST, 25 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:20 EST, 29 September 2012 . A Michigan teen who was elected to her high school’s homecoming court in a cruel prank by some classmates has drawn an incredible show of support from her small community. Whitney Kropp, 16, a student at Ogemaw Heights High School, was initially thrilled to learn that she had been elected to the homecoming court of her sophomore class. But her triumph turned to humiliation when she found out from other students that her nomination was nothing but a prank by the popular kids at the school - and she was told that the male student who was elected with her had withdrawn. Scroll down for video . Bullied: Whitney Kropp had been voted to her school's homecoming court but found it was a prank . Speaking out: Whitney appeared on the Today show to lambast her bullies and reveal how hurt she had been . Her mother Bernice Kropp told NBC that the joke prompted students to pick on her daughter both at school and on Facebook. Whitney Kropp admits that she's not among the popular students at Ogemaw, but didn't think her classmates could stoop so low. Yet the bullying became so relentless that she thought about taking her own life. She told WNEM-TV: 'I had actually . reached a point where I had thought about suicide for how bad this case . was in. I thought I wasn't worthy at Ogemaw Heights at all.' 'I felt like I wasn’t worthy,' she added on the Today show. 'Why even be a part of this community, this world if I’m just going to be tossed around like basically a piece of trash?' But the savage bullying was soon overpowered by a tremendous outpouring of support for the teen. A Facebook page was set up in support of Miss Kropp; the 'Support Whitney Kropp' page already has more than 33,000 likes - and counting. Kindess: Donations have helped Kropp pay for her dress, hair and make-up for the dance on Saturday night . Hurt: The 16-year-old was . humiliated to learn that she had been elected in a prank by fellow students . For the homecoming dance on Saturday night, businesses will buy her dinner, take her photo, fix her hair and nails, and dress her in a gown, shoes and a tiara, the Detroit News reported. Shannon Champagne and another beauty salon worker have offered their services to help. 'It really touched me,' Champagne, a nail tech, said. 'I can't believe that kids can be so mean and ruthless. In high school, everything means everything to you. You don't realize that none of it will matter after you leave.' And at the homecoming game on Friday, residents will flood to the football stadium so they can cheer when she is introduced at halftime. They will wear orange - her favourite colour - and t-shirts emblazoned with messages of support. 'I am in awe, overwhelmed at the amount of support,' Jamie Kline, 35, who began the Facebook support page, told the News. 'I never expected it to spread as far as it has.' For Miss Kropp, the messages and kind . words from the town and complete strangers thousands of miles away is . enough to drown out the bullies - and she's now looking forward to the . big dance. Bernice Kropp . told WNEM: 'This was something that was really awful, could have ended . awful, and because so many people came together, it just turned right . around.' Support: Whitney, second from right, is seen with her sister Olivia, mother Bernice and brother Justin . Kropp recounted to the News how she had been sitting in her geometry class on September 13 when the results of the homecoming vote were announced over the school PA system - to the laughter of some of her fellow classmates. Despite her surprise, she had been happy that she had been called, her mother said. 'The first thing is softhearted,' Bernice Kropp said when asked to describe her daughter. 'She's just sweet. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body.' Even when Josh Awrey, a popular football player, quickly withdrew as the other sophomore rep, she was still excited about the news. 'In the Homecoming Court! :)' she wrote on her Facebook page after the announcement. 'Little nervous but this is going to be fun :D' After the backlash, Awrey has now decided to remain a class rep, even though he said on his Facebook page that he had never wanted to be part of homecoming. 'Im sick of everyone blaming me,' he wrote. 'I had nothing to do with this. I think what they (students) did is rlly rude and immature.' See below for video . Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy . | Whitney Kropp, 16, elected to homecoming court earlier this month - only to find out it had been a prank by popular students . Facebook page set up in support of sophomore, and donations pour in for her hair, make-up and a dress for the homecoming dance . | 20d3157889fef89fb9cbe620ca6fbe3c62b86ad2 |
By . Julian Robinson for MailOnline . A murder investigation team has taken over the hunt for a missing 14-year-old girl who was last seen walking in the direction of home along a canal tow path. Detectives from Scotland Yard's homicide and major crime squad are now leading the search for Alice Gross, who went missing last week. The teenager, who has health problems, left her home in Hanwell, west London at 1pm on Thursday, telling her parents she would be back that evening, and was seen on CCTV on the Grand Union Canal tow path just over an hour later. Scroll down for video . Detectives from Scotland Yard's homicide and major crime squad are now involved in the search for missing Alice Gross, pictured . Alice Gross was seen on CCTV on the Grand Union Canal tow path in the Brentford Lock area, pictured, an hour after leaving her home in West London . She was filmed alone, walking near the Holiday Inn at Brentford Lock, heading towards the Thames at 2.23pm. And investigators now say she was seen at the same point on the tow path at 3.45pm going back towards Hanwell. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers said it was 'a matter of course' that the investigation had been taken over by the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC). He said: 'It is not unusual in circumstances such as this for the HMCC to provide additional expertise and a fresh perspective to support and progress the investigation. 'I would like to stress that there is no change to the status of this investigation. This is and continues to be treated as a missing person's inquiry and our involvement is due to the fact that we have a vulnerable missing young girl who needs to be located as a matter of priority. 'I would like to thank the local community and those who have kept the appeal in the public domain by using social media to highlight Alice's disappearance. This has generated a number of leads and I would urge anyone who has any information that has yet to get in contact with us to please do. Alice Gross (pictured), who has health problems, left her home at 1pm on Thursday, telling her parents she would be back that evening . 'In particular I would like to speak with anyone who may have seen Alice on the Grand Union Canal or River Brent tow paths during the afternoon of Thursday August 28.' Scotland Yard said there was nothing to suggest the teenager had come to harm but that the possibility had to be considered as one line of inquiry. The force said in a statement: 'There is no information at this stage to suggest that anything untoward may have happened to Alice but detectives retain an open mind and consideration has been given to the fact that she may have become a victim of crime. 'This is only one line of inquiry but detectives stress that with the HMCC now providing additional resources and expertise to locate Alice they hope to return her home safe and well.' On Monday, Alice's family appealed for information about where she is. Alice's mother Rosalind Hodgkiss, 50, said: 'What I would want to say is whatever she feels, or might have happened, we are not angry with her. We love her, we desperately miss her, we want to support her whatever is going on in her thoughts. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Chalmers said it was 'a matter of course' that the investigation into the disappearance of Alice Gross had been taken over by the Homicide and Major Crime Command . Police and family members launched a major appeal for information following the disappearance of Alice Gross, pictured . 'We don't want to speculate about what might have caused her to go, if that indeed is what has happened. We want her to know how much we love her and miss her. There is a huge hole in everybody's life and we can't believe that she is not here.' The Brentside High School pupil had taken part in a song-writing workshop at the Camden Roundhouse earlier in August and police are trying to trace anyone who befriended her during the course. Alice is white, 5ft 2in and slim, with shoulder length, light brown hair. When she was last seen she was wearing dark blue jeans, a dark green lacy cardigan and denim blue Vans shoes. She may have had tartan-framed glasses with her. Her sister Nina, 19, has set up a Facebook page, Find Alice Gross, to help with the search, and celebrities including Jonathan Ross and Graham Norton have helped publicise the hunt via Twitter. Anyone with information can call police on 020 8358 0100; Ealing Missing Persons Unit on 020 8246 1018 or the charity Missing People on 116000. | Alice Gross left her home in Hanwell, west London on Thursday last week . 14-year-old last seen walking home along canal tow path at Brentford Lock . Scotland Yard's homicide and major crime squad has taken up investigation . But detectives say they are still confident that they can get her home safely . | b186c59640c3af1a304fa3ab5ccd90b3ca389c29 |
Washington (CNN) -- Vice President Joe Biden has a colorful take on ranking second. The latest Bidenism came Thursday night at Harvard University's Institute of Politics, when a questioner introduced himself as the vice president of the student body. "Isn't that a b----?" a smiling Biden said. "I mean ... excuse me. The vice president thing." Realizing what he'd just said, Biden quickly added: "I'm joking, I'm joking, I'm joking. Best decision I ever made. I'm joking -- that was a joke." The student told Biden that he hopes he loves being vice president. "I do, actually. I love the guy I work with," Biden said. The comment came during a substantive event where Biden discussed free trade deals, foreign policy, the Ebola outbreak, race relations and more. It's far from the first time Biden's off-the-cuff remarks have drawn attention -- sometimes unwanted. The most famous example came in 2010, when he whispered to President Barack Obama -- close enough for microphones to pick up the comment -- that passage of the health care law was "a big f---ing deal." At women's forum, Biden lauds ex-senator known for sex harassment case . Steve Brusk contributed to this report. | Joe Biden quipped that being a vice president is "a b----" His comment came at a Harvard University event . Biden quickly told the crowd he was joking and called taking the job the "best decision I ever made" | b5ec4f9bc110478fe756964911adafba1d787126 |
Editor's note: Clark Howard, the Atlanta, Georgia-based host of a nationally syndicated radio show, is host of a television show designed to help viewers save more, spend less and avoid getting ripped off during these tough economic times. The show airs at noon and 4 p.m. ET Saturdays and Sundays on HLN. Clark Howard says use the Internet to hook up with powerful networking groups. ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Many years ago, I had the opportunity to start an Atlanta-based civic program called Career Action. The program's goal was to provide free resources to help the jobless and underemployed find steady work. That was 1979. Today, it's 2009 and the need for job assistance is greater than ever as unemployment continues to rise. The conventional wisdom about education and employment -- that as your level of education rises, the less likely you are to be impacted by layoffs -- has been completely flipped on its head. This recession knows no boundaries in terms of education, skill level, training or years on the job. So, what do you do if you're laid off or have your hours cut at work? First, don't panic! You're going to need to apply for unemployment insurance. I'm hearing a lot of people badmouthing unemployment compensation. There's nothing shameful about it. Employers pay premiums over time during the good years to provide for those who get laid off in lean times. It's not beneath you to accept this insurance money. Next, you need to triage your finances so you know which debts to prioritize and which to neglect if your money runs out. Paying your car note is central to finding employment for most people. It's practically higher than paying your mortgage or rent. In fact, you may need to live with friends or relatives until you can get back on your feet. What shouldn't you prioritize paying? Your credit cards. People say, "But that will hurt my credit..." Look, if you're in a situation where there's no money coming in and you have to decide between paying the mortgage and putting food on the table, chances are your credit is already damaged. Once you get organized financially, it's time to job hunt. Looking for work is a full-time job and you need an action plan. Start by reviewing your list of contacts, but understand that people don't like to be called and asked if there's a job. But they do love to give advice that may lead to a job opportunity. Visit in person with your contacts if possible. I'm also a big believer in networking groups and unemployment support groups. Networking for jobs has become something of a lost art in our country because people think the Internet replaces everything else. It doesn't. However, there are ways to use the Internet to hook up with powerful networking groups. There's even a new organization called LaidOffCamp that is like a free day camp for the underemployed. According to the movement's Web site, it's "an ad-hoc gathering of unemployed and nontraditionally employed people (including freelancers, entrepreneurs and startups) who want to share ideas and learn from each other." You never know whom you might meet. When you are job hunting on the Internet, be sure to check out screen-scraper sites like SimplyHired and Indeed.com. They're both "one-stop shops" that collect content from all the traditional job sites such as Monster and Yahoo! HotJobs, plus the career pages of individual company sites. In addition, The Boston Globe recently recommended several specialty sites when you're looking for work in a specific field. BioSpace.com is geared toward the science and biotechnology fields; Idealist.org focuses on the nonprofit charity world; and for those who are 50 years or older, there's a site called WorkForce50.com. In the course of your job search, you may find that you need money immediately and can't sit around waiting for a job offer to materialize. In that case, certain skill sets -- Web design, programming, marketing and videography, to name a few -- lend themselves to consulting work or freelancing on a project. The Internet also offers a variety of sites that match freelancers up with employers. A recent article in The San Francisco Chronicle suggested ELance.com, oDesk.com, Guru.com and crowdSPRING.com as starting points. And if you can afford it after all of your necessities, it's always a great idea to keep your mind sharp by taking classes to improve your skills or learn new ones. You can never be too smart. | Clark says you're going to need to apply for unemployment insurance . You need to know which debts to prioritize, which to neglect if your money runs out . Clark suggests you join networking and unemployment support groups . With certain skills, try consulting work or freelancing on a project . | c561323d63d4cbeeb64e57cdf3d27e2b9982a31f |
By . Sophie Jane Evans . With strong walls and heavy artillery, it was New York's last line of defence against the Germans during two world wars. But nearly 100 years after it was built, Fort Tilden has been transformed into a graffiti-plastered wildlife sanctuary. The fort, situated in Gateway National Park on the Rockaway Peninsula, now features an array of brightly-coloured phrases and drawings on its walls, ceilings and floors. Scroll down for video . Colourful: Nearly 100 years after it was built, Fort Tilden in New York has been transformed into a graffiti-plastered wildlife sanctuary. Above, one of the fort's bunkers . Striking: The fort, which is situated in Gateway National Park on the Rockaway Peninsula, features an array of brightly-coloured graffiti on its walls, ceilings and floors . Abandoned base: Established in 1917, Fort Tilden was New York's last line of defence against the Germans during two world wars. Above, the fort's infrastructure . Military history: Built as a U.S. Army Coast Artillery Post, the fort protected the American military against the German Navy during the wars. It later became a Nike Hercules and Nike Ajax missile site (as pictured in 1969) and remained under military control until 1974, when it was taken over by the National Park Service . Once home to armour, artillery and American soldiers, its abandoned military buildings have become havens for local graffiti artists and art groups. Meanwhile, its surrounding beaches, sand dunes and maritime forest have become immensely popular with New York bird-watchers and fishermen. Established in 1917 as a U.S. Army Coast Artillery Post, Fort Tilden protected the American military against the German Navy during the First and Second World Wars. The fort, which later became a Nike Hercules and Nike Ajax missile site, remained under military control until 1974 when it was decommissioned and taken over by the National Park Service. Covered in drawings: Once home to armour, artillery and U.S. soldiers, the fort's abandoned military buildings have become havens for local graffiti artists and art groups . Transformation: Meanwhile, its surrounding beaches, sand dunes and maritime forest have become immensely popular with New York bird-watchers and fishermen . Creative: Fort Tilden now features a range of brightly-coloured phrases and drawings on its walls, including these illegible scribbles (left) and this image of a clown (right) Karen Johnson, 56, who spent the weekend photographing the abandoned military base, deemed its transformation a striking tribute to U.S. servicemen. 'I can't speak for all New Yorkers, but this New Yorker loves Fort Tilden,' she said. 'I’m fascinated with the graffiti within the buildings . and the contrast of bright graphic colours with decaying architecture. 'Fort Tilden stood guard, protecting New York harbour and the people of New York City during World War I and World War II. 'The fort, as well as the men and women that served there, have a special place in my heart because of this.' 390398 . 115241 . 119723 . 181395 . 53987 . 54126 . 43520 . 54033 . 63321 . 151808 . 55403 . 61998 . 90326 . 70592 . 72563 . 188500 . 119769 . Base: Karen Johnson, 56, who spent the weekend photographing the abandoned fort (pictured from the east-front), deemed it a striking monument to U.S. servicemen . Derelict tunnel: 'I can't speak for all New Yorkers, but this New Yorker loves Fort Tilden,' said Ms Johnson, who spends her weekdays working as an attorney . Bursts of colour: 'I’m fascinated with the graffiti within the buildings and the contrast of bright graphic colours with decaying architecture,' added the photographer . Ms Johnson, who works as an attorney during the week and photographs derelict buildings at weekends, described Fort Tilden's coastal location in the New York borough of Queens as 'beautiful'. 'People don't realise how vulnerable . our harbour and coastline was during both wars, until you see the size . of the housing they kept these huge guns in,' she said. 'Fort Tilden sits on one of the most pristine beaches in New York and is home now to a wildlife sanctuary. I see beauty in it and I'm never scared.' Incredible: Ms Johnson described Fort Tilden's coastal location in the New York borough of Queens as 'beautiful'. Above, graffiti is plastered over the interior of the fort . Barracks: 'People don't realise how vulnerable our harbour and coastline was, until you see the size of the housing they kept huge guns in,' she said. Above, the barracks . Heavily fortified: Fort Tilden is pictured during its time as a U.S. military base, when it protected American servicemen against the German Navy . | Established in 1917, Fort Tilden in New York borough of Queens protected U.S. military against the German Navy . But nearly 100 years on, abandoned military base has been transformed into a graffiti-plastered wildlife sanctuary . While its buildings have become havens for local art groups, it surrounding beaches are popular with bird-watchers . Karen . Johnson, 56, who spent weekend photographing fort, deemed it a striking tribute to America's servicemen . | fd58729d8be027b1192764cf57eb02211ce605ed |
By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 10:10 EST, 5 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:43 EST, 5 November 2012 . The mother of an 18-month-old girl found dead inside a car with her sister was previously accused of neglecting her children by drinking while they were left in a playpen, it was claimed yesterday. Christina Carlson, 36, was arrested last month after her daughter Chantel Craig, was found dead inside a car with her two-year-old sister on the Tulalip Indian Reservation in Washington state. Carlson pleaded not guilty to criminal endangerment and failure to care for children, after the toddler was pronounced dead. The girl’s sister was treated for dehydration but is expected to recover. Scroll down for video . Covered: Christina Carlson made her first court appearance over the case at Tulalip Tribal Court last month . But a Child Protective Services file apparently revealed a maternal grandmother had previously claimed Carlson gave the girls only a bottle without any solid food, reported KOMO News in Seattle. She also claimed in December 2011 that Chantel’s sister had lice and couldn’t walk because she was always left in a walker. A CPS file allegedly said Carlson would leave her girls in a playpen and drink. CPS case workers could not find Carlson in that month - but by January she agreed to treatment, along with the children’s father. A CPS visit in February then found the children and the home clean. However a case worker found nobody home when making an unplanned visit in May. The home was boarded up by July and the case was closed in September for an unknown reason, reported KOMO. Investigation: Carlson was arrested last month after her daughter Chantel Craig, was found dead inside a car with her two-year-old sister on the Tulalip Indian Reservation in Washington state . Then last month the sisters were found alone in a car. Chantel was unconscious and unresponsive and was later pronounced dead at hospital. The CPS review board is now set to look at the case file. The children were found on October 8. Chantel was taken to Providence Medical Center in Everett and her sister went to Seattle Children's Hospital, where she was treated for dehydration. Carlson is in jail awaiting a trial which is expected to begin early next month, reported HeraldNet. She made her first court appearance, covered by a red sheet, at Tulalip Tribal Court on October 11. Tulalip Tribe chairman Mel Sheldon told KOMO the girls’ family were part of the tribe - a close-knit Native American community living on the Tulalip Indian Reservation, 45 miles north of Seattle. See video here . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Christina Carlson arrested last . month after Chantel Craig was found dead . In car with . two-year-old sister on Tulalip Indian Reservation in Washington . Past allegations 'from girl's grandmother in Child Protective Services file' | bc88382cb37af893e833194531cb8daf97dd941a |
The German special prosecutors' office that investigates Nazi war crimes is recommending charges against dozens of alleged former Auschwitz guards, opening the possibility of a new wave of trials almost 70 years after the end of World War II. Federal prosecutor Kurt Schrimm, the head of the office in Ludwigsburg, said an investigation of 49 suspects turned up enough evidence to recommend that state prosecutors pursue charges of accessory to murder against 30 people in Germany who were stationed at the death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland. Another seven suspects who live outside the country are still being investigated, two could not be found, and one further case has already gone to prosecutors, he said. Those living abroad are in Austria, Brazil, Croatia, the U.S., Poland and even one in Israel, Schrimm said without giving further details. German Kurt Schrimm (left), head of Central Office of the Judicial Authorities of the Federal States for The Investigation of National Socialist Crimes and Rainer Stickelberger (right), Minister of Justice in German state Baden-Wuerttemberg, Ludwigsburg, Germany, today . The notorious Arbeit Macht Frei sign at the gate to the Auschwitz Nazi concentration camp in Oswiecim, Poland . The names and hometowns of the suspects were not released. Schrimm said the oldest suspect was born in 1916 and the youngest in 1926, meaning they could range in age from 86 to 97. The cases are being sent to the responsible state prosecutors' offices in 11 of Germany's 16 states. It will be up to them to determine whether the elderly suspects - primarily men but also some women - are fit to stand trial and whether to bring official charges. "The biggest enemy is time," Schrimm told reporters. Accessory to murder charges can be filed under the same legal theory that Munich prosecutors used to try former Ohio autoworker John Demjanjuk, who died in a Bavarian nursing home last year while appealing his 2011 conviction on charges he served as a Sobibor death camp guard, Schrimm said. Up to his neck: Director of the Central Office of the State Justice Administrations for the Investigation of National Socialist Crimes, Kurt Schrimm, stands between filing shelves in Ludwigsburg, Germany . Ukrainian-born Demjanjuk was the first person convicted in Germany solely on the basis of serving as a camp guard, with no evidence of involvement in a specific killing. Under the new legal argument, anyone who was involved in the operation of a death camp was an accessory to murder. Demjanjuk steadfastly maintained that he had been mistaken for someone else and never served as a camp guard. Efraim Zuroff, the top Nazi hunter at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem, said the decision could mean even more cases will be opened against guards at the other five main death camps established by the Nazis. Ukrainian-born John Demjanjuk, above, was the first person convicted in Germany solely on the basis of serving as a camp guard, with no evidence of involvement in a specific killing . "We commend the (prosecutors) for seeking to apply the precedent as widely as possible and hope that they will be able to find as many perpetrators as possible," he said in a telephone interview. "It's only a shame that this kind of legal reasoning was not applied previously, because it would have led to many, many more cases of people who definitely deserved to be brought to justice." Schrimm said that even guards who worked in a death camp's kitchens played a role in the facility's function as a site that existed for the purpose of mass murder. Schrimm cautioned that the health of the suspects - and of possible witnesses - would make bringing them to trial difficult. "I don't want to raise excessive expectations," he said. The Nazis built six main death camps, all in occupied Poland: Auschwitz, Belzec, Chelmno, Majdanek, Sobibor and Treblinka. The Auschwitz and Majdanek complexes also had labor camps associated with them, but Schrimm said the suspects in the current investigation all worked in the main death camp, known as Auschwitz-Birkenau. As part of the investigation prosecutors surveyed anew the Auschwitz-Birkenau camp and concluded no one could have been there for more than a day or two without learning that people were being gassed to death and their bodies incinerated at the site, he said. About 1.5 million people, primarily Jews, were killed at the Auschwitz camp complex alone between 1940 and 1945. Overall, about 6 million Jews died in the Nazi Holocaust. Schrimm's office is now focusing on the other death camps, starting with investigating all former personnel at Majdanek. He said expects to announce results of the Majdanek probe within six months. Rainer Stickelberger (R), Minister of Justice in German state Baden-Wuerttemberg speaks during a press conference in Ludwigsburg, southwestern Germany, today. Rainer Stickelberger (left), Minister of Justice in German state Baden-Wuerttemberg speaks next to German Kurt Schrimm (right) Investigators are also looking into former members of the so-called "einsatzgruppen" - death squads that were responsible for mass killings, particularly early in the war before the death camps were established, Schrimm said. He said he did not see extending the Demjanjuk precedent, however, to the Nazis' network of hundreds of concentration camps - places like Dachau, Bergen-Belsen and Buchenwald - where many tens of thousands died but whose purpose was not solely extermination. In cases of guards from those camps, prosecutors still need evidence of a specific crime in order to bring charges, he said. | Enough evidence to pursue charges of accessory to murder against 30 people in Germany who were stationed at the death camp in Nazi-occupied Poland . Another seven suspects live outside . the country and are still being investigated - they are in Austria, Brazil, Croatia, the U.S., Poland and even in Israel . The oldest suspect was born in 1916 and the youngest in 1926 - they could range in age from 86 to 97 . Federal prosecutor says guards in a death camp's kitchens played role in the facility's function as a . site that existed for the purpose of mass murder . | 0931d519ad57ee2bd029ce5e5630e20790759f75 |
By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 09:24 EST, 6 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:32 EST, 6 October 2012 . A jury in the trial of television presenter Justin Lee Collins - who is accused of harassing his ex-girlfriend - has today retired to consider its verdict. After a 10-day trial at St Albans Crown Court the panel of nine women and three men began its deliberations regarding allegations that Collins subjected Anna Larke to domestic and emotional abuse. The court heard claims during the case that the ex-comic, who made a name for himself with Channel 4's The Friday Night Project, made Ms Larke, a recovering alcoholic, write down in a Pukka pad all her previous sexual encounters regardless of how graphic. Deliberations: A jury in the trial of television presenter Justin Lee Collins, left, who is accused of harassing ex-girlfriend Anna Larke, right, has today retired to consider its verdict . Decision time: After a 10-day trial at St Albans Crown Court, pictured, the panel of nine women and three men began its deliberations . The court heard that the 38-year-old did not want to write the details down but Ms Larke, a video games public relations worker, dictated them to him. Collins, of Kew, south-west London, denies the charge of harassment and said Ms Larke, who moved in with him in January 2011, was obsessive, jealous and possessive and would send him a 'barrage' of text messages wanting to know where he was and who he was with. Support: Karen Collins, pictured, the ex-wife of Justin Lee Collins previously told the court he was a 'gentle, kind and generous' man who had never laid a finger on her throughout their nine-year marriage . He also denies attacking her in any way. Collins and Ms Larke met at a corporate event in 2006 and began an affair in 2007 to 2008 before splitting up. The relationship resumed at the end of 2010 after the defendant's marriage to his wife Karen, the mother of his sons Archie, seven, and Harvey, four, broke down. The former comedian and Ms Larke, . also 38, lived together from January to July last year in a deeply . troubled relationship as she tried to overcome alcoholism, the court has . heard. Collins is accused . of making her come off social networking websites, sleep facing him and . throw away DVDs because they featured actors she found attractive. He has denied all those claims and also denied making death threats against her. Collins said the seven-month relationship with Ms Larke was 'absolute hell'. 'I thought she loved me and was crazy about me,' he said. 'But it turned out only the second part was true.' The court also heard from Karen Collins, the ex-wife of Justin Lee . Collins, who said he was a 'gentle, kind and generous' man who had never . laid a finger on her throughout their nine-year marriage. | After a 10-day trial at St Albans Crown Court the panel of nine women and three men began its deliberations . Collins, of Kew, south-west London, denies the charge of harassment . | cb3fe304a0687c9431645d5c27df28201f7ab339 |
A family is in shock after a SWAT team threw a stun grenade into their 19-month-old son's crib during a midnight drugs raid, leaving the baby in a medically induced coma with severe burns. Wisconsin mother Alecia Phonesavanh, her husband, Bounkham, and their children including toddler, Bou Jr., were visiting her sister-in-law in Atlanta, Georgia, when police raided the home early Wednesday. Phonesavanh said officers threw a stun grenade, which landed in the sleeping child's crib. Scroll down for video . Horror: Little Bou Phonesavanh, pictured right before and left after, was severely injured by a grenade during a police raid early Thursday . 'It landed in his playpen and exploded on his pillow right in his face,' the distraught mother told WSBTV. 'It's my baby. He's only a baby. He didn't deserve any of this.' The child was seriously injured and was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital's burn unit where doctors placed him in a medically induced coma. 'He's in the burn unit. We go up to see him and his whole face is ripped open. He has a big cut on his chest,' Phonesavanh said. 'He's only 19 months old. He didn't do anything.' A picture shows the charred portable crib. Most photographs of the baby's injuries are too graphic to share though one shows burns all over his face. Cornelia Police Chief Rick Darby confirmed the raid took place at the home just before 3 a.m. He . said a multijurisdictional drug unit issued a warrant and organized the . SWAT operation. It's not clear if any drugs were found in the home . during the raid. Sleeping baby: This picture shows the badly charred portable crib where Bou Bou was sleeping the night a SWAT team broke in and seriously injured him with a stun grenade . Scene: Police raided this Cornela, Georgia, home in the early hours of the morning as four children slept . Shocked: The child's mother, Alecia Phonesavanh, pictured, is in shock after what happened to her baby who is still recovering and may have suffered permanent brain damage . Deputies said they bought drugs from the house and came back with a no-knock warrant to arrest a man known to have drugs and weapons, WSB reported. They arrested Wanis Thometheva, 30, during the raid. Darby told WSBTV that the entire police unit is upset over the incident, which was an accident. Bou Sr., a musician, wrote of his grief on his Facebook page Thursday morning. 'My friends my heart my mind my soul is fill with sadness right now my son is not doing too good l will need few days to get myself together l will get back and share music with you when we are all feels better keep rocking friends.' Friends of the Phonesavanh family have set up a fund to help pay for medical expenses for the little boy. To donate, click here. | Wisconsin mother Alecia Phonesavanh and her 19-month-old son, Bou, were visiting her sister-in-law in Atlanta, Georgia . They were all asleep when police raided the home early Wednesday . Phonesavanh said officers threw a grenade, which landed in her baby's crib and exploded in his face . The child was seriously injured and was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital's burn unit where doctors placed him in a medically induced coma . Most photographs of the baby's burns are too graphic to show . Police said a multijurisdictional drug unit issued a warrant and organized the SWAT operation . It's not clear if any drugs were found in the home during the raid . | 93f33cb19207eb793a45c9b7fe7346dc4b144fa6 |
Prescriptions for ‘chemical cosh’ drugs to treat hyperactivity have risen almost nine-fold, with claims that children as young as three are taking them. The number of drugs prescriptions to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has leapt from 92,100 in 1997 to 786,400 last year, say NHS figures. It is feared that youngsters are being given them instead of more expensive counselling and other treatments. Some parents are also believed to be pressurising GPs for drugs to help boost performance at school. Epidemic: Ritalin is now being prescribed to young children as parents worry about their behaviour in school . Psychologists yesterday demanded tougher regulations and a significant reduction in the prescription of psychotropic drugs, including Ritalin. Health guidelines say they should not be given to children under six. Symptoms of ADHD include an inability to concentrate and restless or impulsive behaviour. Experts claim that cuts in funding for recommended treatment, including counselling, are leading to increased prescriptions. The British Psychological Society’s division of educational and child psychology yesterday held a one-day summit in Manchester to discuss rising concerns about the ‘medicalisation of childhood’. Ritalin – or methylphenidate hydrochloride – is among a number of so-called ‘chemical coshes’ used to treat ADHD. It can cause nausea, fatigue and mood swings and has been linked to suicides. Medication: There are fears that doctors are prescribing drugs because they are easier than other treatments . National guidelines in England and Wales say children with ADHD should receive ‘comprehensive’ treatment, including psychological, behavioural and educational help. But Vivian Hill, chairman of the BPS’s medicalisation of childhood working group, said that this did not always happen. ‘Budgets have been cut and psychiatrists feel they can’t follow the official guidelines, which recommend therapy before drugs. ‘Often, the first response now is to issue drugs, not offer therapeutic help.’ Sbe estimates ‘hundreds’ of children under six, some as young as three, are being given drugs, which might have little impact without other therapy. A study last year by the Association of Educational Psychologists found more than 100 children under six on Ritalin in the West Midlands – a trend ‘reaffirmed’ nationwide. A spokesman for the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, which advises the NHS on treatment, said drugs have a role to play, but psychotherapy is central to managing ADHD. He added: ‘These drugs are not recommended as first-line treatments for young people with mild or moderate ADHD. They are recommended as first-line therapy for school-age children and young people with severe ADHD.’ Barbara Sahakian, a professor of clinical neuropsychology at Cambridge University, said last night: ‘I have had psychiatrists tell me that sometimes they don’t feel that the child is sufficiently severe [enough] for requiring a drug treatment and they think psychological treatment might be sufficient. ‘But the parents are quite keen they should have a drug. Parents know these drugs are cognitive enhancing, so I guess they’re trying to get an advantage for the child.’ | Nearly 800,000 children were given ADHD medication last year, says the NHS . Doctors are prescribing drugs instead of more expensive treatments . | efbfef5311c32821589f0d1f89c3013420ace0ab |
Normally it is defenders who like to put in the first tackle on a striker to make their point. With Diego Costa it is the other way around. He is bristling for a fight and almost wants defenders to make him angry because when he is fired up he is an even better player. To deal with Costa you have to show you have more than him in every department. You have to be stronger, quicker and must anticipate better than him. Diego Costa could now face a three-game ban after being charged by the FA for his stamp on Can . Costa and Liverpool's Martin Skrtel square up after the other stamp incident during Tuesday night's clash . You have to do your work early and try to get in ahead of him. That can be a gamble because if he gets away, there is no catching Costa. There is no question you have to match his physicality, even if it means risking being booked or sent off. He wants to rumble and you have to stand up to that. But he is more than just a brute. He links intelligently, has great skill and has all the potential to be as good as, if not better than, Didier Drogba. Costa showed his dark side with this stamp on Skrtel, for which he was somehow not sent off . | Diego Costa faces a three-match ban for violent conduct on Tuesday night . The Chelsea striker stamped on Liverpool's Emre Can during their win . Costa is always up for a fight on the pitch and provides sheer physicality . You have to be stronger, quicker and anticipate better to beat Costa . | ffe6bf8097a6ac4ed133d3cf8c0b13ea2e08d50e |
By . Bianca London . His fans read like a roll call of Hollywood royalty so Giorgio Armani was bound to pull something magical out of the bag at his SS14 couture show. The Armani Privé couture collection, as part of the Paris installment of his One Night Only celebrations, showcased his exquisite craftsmanship in a range of dazzling blue and purple evening dresses that certainly wouldn't look out of place on the red carpet. 'This is a woman who moves around the world and picks ideas from the beautiful things she sees, what moves her emotionally: the colour of a skirt, jewellery that can be ethnic or not,' said Armani of the collection called Nomade. Man of the night: Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani celebrations at the end of the Giorgio Armani Prive Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2014 collection show, which saw an array of dazzling gowns sashay down the catwalk . All that glitters: Armani's collection was described as 'not typically Indian or African or European' and consisted of voluminous skirts and gowns with crystal embellishment; perfect for the red carpet . The famed designer, who counts Cate Blanchett as his muse, described the collection as a 'mélange of things - not typically Indian or African or European. She moves with an Armani spirit in her head.' As well as A-list worthy gowns, Armani introduced some androgyny in the form of perfectly tailored jackets over voluminous trousers. Other statement pieces included a mesh shawl worn over a sheer blouse and billowing skirts in mesmerizing shades of midnight blue and deep purple. The front row was occupied by Kristin Scott Thomas and songstress Paloma Faith, who both exuded glamour as they posed for photographs with the designer backstage. The Twittersphere seemed to approve of Armani's offering. Vogue wrote: 'If you're taking on the world's limelight, you can't go wrong in an Armani.' Another user added: 'This is what professional glamour looks like, courtesy of @Armani Privé.' Exotic: Called Nomade, Armani's couture collection of dazzling eveningwear encompassed strains of the exotica he loves . If I were a boy: Armani also introduced some androgyny with perfectly tailored jackets over voluminous trousers, which received rave reviews . Frow: (L-R) Zhang Ziyi, Kristin Scott Thomas and Chiara Mastroianni sit on the front row of the Giorgio Armani Prive show and, right, Kristin Scott Thomas poses backstage with the man of the night . Glamorous: Paloma Faith, known for her kooky style, opted for a more glamorous and sophisticated look at the show in the French capital . | The Armani Privé spring 2014 couture collection was part of Paris installment of his One Night Only celebrations . Range of dazzling evening gowns in midnight blue . Watched by Kristin Scott Thomas and Paloma Faith . | 8ff4304d45617a08e640c4dc36ccdcd673343a40 |
(CNN) -- What's in the coffee in Canada? Apparently something that's making a few folks pretty generous. At least six times this week, customers at Tim Hortons restaurants have paid for their own cups of coffee and cups of brew for the next 500 or more people in line, according to media reports. The first 500 free javas were gifts of an anonymous donor at a Tim Hortons in downtown Edmonton, Alberta, on Monday, CTV reported. A man in his 20s bought a double-double and a doughnut and told the clerk to put the next 500 large coffees on his debit card, according to the report. "(The staff was) thinking maybe he was so blessed that he wanted to share his blessing, or maybe he won the lotto or something," store manager Joanne Averion told CTV. The act has been repeated five times since, in Calgary, Alberta, on Tuesday, and in Red Deer, Alberta, and Ottawa on Thursday, and two more times again in Edmonton on Thursday, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. The last case is the only one where the coffee donor has taken credit. Monica Kavanaugh bought 800 cups at the Tim Hortons in Edmonton's Royal Alexandra Hospital on Thursday. "It's a way to give back," Kavanaugh told the CBC. "They've (hospital staff) helped my father a lot, and I just feel, why not give a little back to the hospital?" Earlier Thursday, someone paid for the next 500 cups at the hospital Hortons. It's all great business for Tim Hortons, but the company says it's serendipity, not a marketing stunt. "As brilliant as this is, I can assure that Tim Hortons has nothing to do with the Good Samaritans that have been purchasing coffees across the country," Tim Hortons representative Michelle Robichaud told CTV. "We're just as surprised and thrilled as our guests have been by these incredible random acts of kindness," the CBC quoted Robichaud as saying. "Our only role is really in pouring the cups of coffee." | Six times this week, donors buy coffee for more than 500 . Gifts were at Tim Hortons restaurants across Canada . Chain says this generosity is not a marketing gimmick . | 72eb5a35a7fce863828b9fe8addcf08b431bf35a |
This is the shocking moment a pedestrian has his mobile phone snatched out of his hand - by a man racing past on a bike. The 41-year-old victim was walking along the pavement and using his mobile when it was grabbed from his hands in a split-second by a passing cyclist, who then sped off down the street. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, happened at around 5pm on January 26, in central London. The 41-year-old victim was walking along the pavement at around 5pm on January 26 and using his mobile . His phone was suddenly grabbed from his hands by a passing cyclist, who then sped off down the street . The suspect is described as a white male, who was wearing a grey hoodie and white tracksuit bottoms. City of London Police Inspector Doug Blackwood warned people not to 'walk and text' and remain vigilant when using their phones outside. He said: 'We advise the public to be vigilant when using their phone out and about on the street in London. 'Try not to walk and text at the same time, not only does it put you at risk of injury, the distraction of texting also leaves you vulnerable. 'If you really need to make a phone call in a public place, try and keep the conversation as brief as possible.' The suspect is described as a white male, who was wearing a grey hoodie and white tracksuit bottoms . Police Inspector Doug Blackwood warned people to remain vigilant when using mobile phones outdoors . He said: 'We advise the public to be vigilant when using their phone out and about on the street in London' | The 41-year-old victim was walking along the pavement in central London . His phone was grabbed from his hands in a split-second by passing cyclist . The incident at around 5pm on January 26 was captured on CCTV . | f8e9b5d5a97e9a6eb85072b8f61e558ffffe08f6 |
Mike Penning, the Justice Minister, will close a legal loophole to ensure driving bans for those jailed for causing deaths start when they are released . Dangerous drivers who have killed on the roads in the UK will banned from getting behind the wheel for longer under new plans being considered by the Government. At the moment driving bans begin as soon as sentences begin, which means most people jailed for causing death by dangerous driving serve out their bans while in prison. But under a new scheme announced by Mike Penning, the Justice Minister, the bans will only come into force once offenders have left prison - keeping dangerous drivers off the roads for longer. He called the current system - allowing offenders to get behind the wheel soon after being released - was 'abhorrent.' 'If you have lost a loved one to a motorist who was drunk, driving recklessly or using a mobile phone, it is nothing short of an insult to see the killer leave prison and get straight behind the wheel of a car again,' he told the Sunday Telegraph. The new measures will build on a pledge by ministers to allow judges to extend the period that dangerous drivers who cause deaths are kept off the roads. Campaign group RoadPeace said that fewer than one in 10 drivers who caused deaths are banned from getting back behind the wheel for more than three years. Mr Penning said he plans to use powers in the 2009 Coroners and Justice Act to ensure driving bans for dangerous drivers who cause deaths begin only on the day they leave prison. He said the rules could be in force in weeks. Campaigners have also called for reckless drivers to be given longer sentences, with around just two thirds of drivers convicted of causing death by dangerous or careless driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol being jailed for five years or less. The maximum sentence is 14 years in prison. Government plans to give judges more powers to impose longer driving bans have stalled recently and have been stuck during debate stages at the House of Lords and House of Commons. The new regulations could affect the sentences of dangerous drivers like Craig Eccleston-Todd, 27 (left) who was using his mobile phone when he crashed head-on into the car being driven by Rachel Titley, 28 (right) The new rules could affect drivers like Craig Eccleston-Todd, 27 who killed a young solicitors clerk when he got behind the wheel drunk, and was texting as he drove along. Eccleston-Todd, of Newport in the Isle of Wight, was driving home from a night at a pub when he received a text message. As he was reading or replying to it, he veered across the road while driving round a bend and smashed into 28-year-old Rachel Titley’s car coming the other way. She later died of her injuries. He was jailed for six years and banned from driving for eight, after which he will have to complete an extended driving test. | Drivers who cause death on the roads to be banned from driving for longer . Under current rules driving bans begin the moment offender is sentenced . This means dangerous drivers often serve out bans while they are in prison . Mike Penning, the Justice Minister, said the current system is 'abhorrent' He wants driving bans to start when offenders are released from prison . The rules, to be launched in weeks, will ban dangerous drivers for longer . | 748bfcefd5c870989489953bb0552be662a4c6d8 |
(CNN) -- Atlanta's airport and airlines there continue to bear the brunt of this week's snowfall that paralyzed parts of the South as their employees struggle to get to work Thursday at the world's busiest airport. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport had nearly 500 flight cancellations by noon ET, according to FlightAware.com. Flight operations are usually back to nearly normal volume one or two days after such a weather event, said FlightAware.com's Mark Duell, barring any exceptional circumstances. "The disruption to passengers is typically longer, but depends on the mix of passengers canceling their plans versus rebooking at a later date," he said via e-mail. Cold temperatures and icy roads are preventing some airport and airline personnel from getting to the Atlanta airport. "Some Delta employees and other people (responsible for aircraft security sweeps and cleaning aircraft) are having trouble getting to work on time," said Delta Air Lines spokesman Morgan Durrant. Delta canceled some 440 flights before noon Thursday, on top of about 1,500 canceled flights Wednesday. As temperatures warm up Thursday afternoon in Atlanta and the snow and ice melt, Durrant said he expects cancellations to drop. Southwest Airlines, whose Southwest and AirTran airline brands have a large presence in Atlanta, pre-emptively canceled nearly 120 flights systemwide by midday Thursday. "We are focused on resuming operations in Atlanta right now," said Southwest spokesman Dan Landson via e-mail. "Our operational planners are working with all (t)eams to ensure our operations can safely get underway." Southwest and AirTran's travel waivers for certain cities expire Thursday. Travelers facing delays and cancellations receive waivers so they can change tickets without extra fees or higher prices. Delta's travel waiver will remain in effect through Friday, Durrant said. That's because the airline still anticipates a small number of cancellations, mostly on Delta Connection regional flights, on Friday. | Airline, airport employees struggle to return to work in Atlanta . Hundreds of Atlanta flights have been canceled Thursday . Cancellations expected to drop as Atlanta temperatures rise . | 2cd299f7b6ac650f6781b60e32a2d13c3db3d6f9 |
(CNN) -- Nearly two-and-a-half years after losing the title, Tiger Woods reclaimed the world No. 1 golf ranking when winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational tournament on Monday. The defending champion knew that only victory at Bay Hill would enable him to topple Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy. With thunder storms having pushed the final round of play in Florida into Monday, the 37-year-old defended the three-shot lead he held at the start of the day to finish 13 under par -- two ahead of second-placed Justin Rose. Can winning really take care of everything in Tiger Woods' life? "It has been a by-product of hard work, patience and getting back to winning golf tournaments," Woods said of regaining the coveted top spot. As he tapped into the eighteenth, Woods became only the second golfer in history to win eight PGA titles at the same event -- joining the legendary Sam Snead, who achieved his tally at the Greater Greensboro Open (now called the Wyndham Championship). "I play well here -- and that's as simple as it gets," Woods replied when asked the secret of his success at Bay Hill. While Snead needed 27 years to mark up those victories, Woods took just 13 -- nearly half the time -- to achieve the feat, having also managed to win three other tournaments on seven different occasions. The American's form suggests he will be the man to beat at next month's Masters at Augusta, the first major of the year -- with many pundits awaiting his first major since 2008 to consider his comeback complete. "That's up to them -- that's their opinion," said a relaxed Woods after his success. "I am very pleased with the way I am playing -- and that's enough for me." Opinion: For Tiger, winning does take care of everything . The title, on one of his favorite courses, formally caps his return to the summit of golf -- which he spectacularly fell off when reports of numerous marital infidelities emerged in late 2009, whereupon he took an indefinite break from the sport. The following August, his divorce from his Swedish wife of six years, former model Elin Nordegren, who is the mother of his two children, was finalized. In October 2010, six months after returning to golf with such poor form that he failed to win a single event in a season for the first time since turning professional, Woods lost his world best crown to Englishman Lee Westwood -- ending a record run of 281 consecutive weeks at the top (which started in June 2005). A combination of further poor form, added to injury, meant that a man who had once seemed invincible on the golf course dropped to a barely credible 58th place in November 2011. But 29 months after losing his crown, Woods is back on top for the eleventh time in his career -- capping a fine month for both his game and private life, with the golfer having announced his relationship to skier Lindsey Vonn last week. He will now start to add to the record 623 weeks he has spent on top of the golfing world, a tally which is nearly double that of his nearest rival, with Australian Greg Norman racking up 331 weeks, while no other player has broken the 100-week barrier. The 2013 season may be in its infancy but the 14-time major winner has started in irrepressible form, winning three of his five tournaments -- after triumphing at Doral earlier this month and at Torrey Pines in January. His 77th PGA Tour victory also marked his 99th professional tournament win as Woods, who has won the Masters on four occasions, prepares his bid to wear the famous green jacket for the first time since 2005. | Woods returns to No. 1 spot after two-and-a-half-year absence . Victory over Justin Rose takes Woods to joint record eighth win at same PGA event . Woods now starts 624th week at the top of world rankings . | f0d9282e96812a04d5aa101d015fea40d7785809 |
(CNN) -- On the night where one of the club's greats may have played his final game, a new star shone brightly. Ryan Giggs may have appeared in the famous red shirt for the last time in his illustrious career although the 40-year-old has yet to confirm his retirement. Giggs, who has presided over the team as interim manager since the sacking of David Moyes, looked emotional as he spoke to supporters following the 3-1 victory against Hull City. It was a night when Giggs gave youth its chance and was repaid handsomely as 18-year-old James Wilson gave a glimpse of the future. Wilson, who has progressed through the ranks at Old Trafford, scored twice on his debut -- not bad for a player who wasn't even born when Giggs won his first title with United. Giggs' future is unclear with just one match of the season remaining -- and he looked to be feeling the emotion during his short speech. "I'd just like to say a big thank you from all the players and all the staff for your support this year," Giggs said as he addressed the crowd at the end of the game. "We know it's been tough this season and over the years we've been spoiled with the success we've had, but you've always supported the team and the staff, and I'm sure in the coming years we'll bring you more success. "I'd just like to say keep supporting us, you've seen a little glimpse of the future, we always play attractive football -- keep supporting us and the good times will come back soon." Giggs, the most decorated player in the history of British football, has won 13 league titles with United, two Champions League crowns and a host of cups since making his debut as a teenager against Everton in March 1991. A one-club man, the Welshman has become synonymous with the Alex Ferguson era where United dominated English football. He will now await to see who the club bring in to replace Moyes on a permanent basis -- but whoever takes over appears to have found a gem in young Wilson. The striker, who has scored goals for United's younger teams throughout his time at the club, is one of the most highly-rated young English players in the country. A regular for the England under-19 side, Wilson showed his class to net twice before Robin van Persie secured victory. It was also an emotional night for defender Nemanja Vidic. The Serbia defender was given a great send-off by the home crowd following his final appearance in an United shirt at Old Trafford. The 32-year-old, who will join Inter Milan at the end of the season, established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League after arriving from Spartak Moscow in 2005. Vidic won five league titles and the 2008 Champions League during his time with the club but will test himself in Italy's Serie A. "I had so many great times here," Vidic told the crowd. "It is hard to speak because of the emotions. Most importantly I would like to thank the players, the manager and all the coaches. Thank you for everything and especially to the fans, you have been fantastic to me all these years." Sassuolo shock . Meanwhile, in Italy, minnow Sassuolo produced an astonishing 4-3 victory away at Fiorentina to secure three vital points in its battle against relegation. Domenico Berardi scored a hat-trick for the visiting team and while Giuseppe Rossi managed his first goal since returning from injury, Fiorentina was unable to stave off defeat. That result ends Fiorentina's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League -- which was confirmed by third-place Napoli's win over Cagliari. Dries Mertens, Goran Pandev and Blerim Džemaili scored the goals to wrap up a comfortable 3-0 win for the home side. | Manchester United defeats Hull City in Premier League . James Wilson scored twice on debut in 3-1 victory . Nemanja Vidic said goodbye to Old Trafford crowd . Interim manager Ryan Giggs makes emotional speech . | eccdfae52d588c9449934460a37bc49f29721aa5 |
By . Steph Cockroft . Pope Francis sacked the five-man board of the Financial Information . Authority who were associated with the discredited financial old guard . Pope Francis has sacked the five-man 'old boy network' board of the Vatican's financial watchdog, in the latest bid to break with the discredited old guard, which existed under his predecessor. The Vatican said the pope chose four experts from Switzerland, Singapore, the United States and Italy to replace the five Italians on the board of the Financial Information Authority (AIF), the Holy See's internal regulatory office. The new board includes a woman for the first time and has a broad range of international experience. All five outgoing members, who were laymen associated with the Vatican's old guard, had expected to serve five-year terms until 2016. The new board includes Marc Odendall, who administers and advises philanthropic organisations in Switzerland, and Juan C. Zarate, a Harvard law professor who is also a senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think-tank based in Washington D.C. The other two board members are Joseph Yuvaraj Pillay, former managing director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and senior advisor to the country's president, and Maria Bianca Farina, the head of two Italian insurance companies. The move comes as reformers inside the Vatican pushed for the pope to appoint professionals with an international background. They . wanted the professionals to work with Rene Bruelhart, a Swiss . lawyer who heads the AIF and has been pushing for change. Vatican . sources said Bruelhart, Liechtenstein's former top anti-money . laundering expert, also wanted Francis to appoint global professionals . like him to help drive the authority forward. A Vaatican source said: 'Bruelhart wanted a board he could work . with and it seems the pope has come down on his side and sent the old . boy network packing.' Francis, who was elected in March 2013 after the resignation of former Pope Benedict, has said the finances of the Vatican need to be reformed for the Church to have credibility. He set up a new Secretariat for the Economy in February, which reports directly to him and appointed an outsider, Australian Cardinal George Pell, to head it. In another telling move, Sir Francis removed Cardinal Attilio Nicora as president of the AIF in January, despite him having played a senior role in Vatican finances for more than a decade. He replaced him with an archbishop who has a track record of reform within the Vatican bureaucracy. He also replaced four of the five cardinals in the commission that supervises the Vatican's troubled bank, known as the Institute for Works of Religion (IOR). The Vatican announced that four experts from Switzerland, Singapore, the . US and Italy - including one woman for the first time - would replace . the five outgoing Italians, who had been due to serve on the board until . 2016 . Since the arrival of Bruelhart in 2012, the AIF has been spearheading reforms to bring the Vatican in line with international standards on financial transparency and money laundering. Pope Francis has already taken steps to clear up Vatican . finances since he was appointed in March 2013 after the resignation of . Pope Benedict, above . But Vatican sources say he has encountered resistance from an old, entrenched guard. A report last December by Moneyval, a monitoring committee of the Council of Europe, said the Vatican had made significant reforms but still had to show more oversight over its bank. Pope Francis decided against closing the IOR but only on condition that reforms, including closing accounts by people not entitled to have them, continued. Only Vatican employees, religious institutions, orders of priests and nuns and Catholic charities are allowed to have accounts at the bank. But investigators have found that a number were being used by outsiders, or that legitimate account holders were handling money for third parties. Monsignor Nunzio Scarano, a former senior Vatican accountant who had close ties to the IOR, is currently on trial accused of plotting to smuggle millions of dollars into Italy from Switzerland in a scheme to help rich friends avoid taxes. Scarano has also been indicted on separate charges of laundering millions of euros through the IOR. Paolo Cipriani and Massimo Tulli, the IOR's director and deputy director, who resigned last July after Scarano's arrest, have been ordered to stand trial on charges of violating anti-money laundering norms . | Board has vast international experience and includes a woman for first time . Outgoing members were Italian laymen due to serve five-year term until 2016 . The Vatican's Financial Information Authority has been spearheading change . Wants finances to have the same transparency as international standards . | 5c80133ad9bee6148800807e48a591ff5472043d |
A streaker sparked a mass brawl after running on to the pitch at a rugby match to tackle an opposition player. The match between Newcastle University and Northumbria was coming to an end when the man, whose identity is not known, wandered on to the pitch with no clothes on. After lining himself up to catch the ball for Northumbria, he tackled a Newcastle player to the ground to rapturous applause at Kingston Park. Scroll down for video . The naked man ran onto the pitch at Kingston Park as the match between Newcastle University and Northumbria came to an end . After lining himself up with Northumbria, the prankster made a tackle towards an opposition player . But within seconds players from opposing teams started fighting, leaving the streaker able to make a quick exit without getting caught up in the scuffle. Tongan international rugby player Willis Koloofai said: 'I’ve played a lot of rugby, but I’ve never seen anything like this before. 'The guy had so much time on the pitch, about 4 minutes to do what he wanted! 'The atmosphere was pretty good in the stadium as you’d expect between two rival universities, but when he ran on, it got even more charged - it was so entertaining. 'He lined up as if he belonged there as Northumbria’s 16th man, crouched down on his knees. Then as the ball came near him, he executed a textbook tackle on the Newcastle kid! As the two teams fall into a pitch-side scuffle, the prankster makes a quick exit before coming to any harm . The practical joke was filmed by a spectator who said he had never seen anything like it before . 'Then there was just a massive rumble between the two teams - Newcastle were probably a bit annoyed at the extra defence that Northumbria suddenly had! 'I was watching it with some of the Falcons boys and we found it hilarious - we had no idea where the security was though.' Eventually, play was resumed, with Northumbria running out 29-10 winners to continue their good form over their arch rivals. | Streaker interrupted match between Newcastle University and Northumbria . Ran on to the pitch at Kingston Park to catch the ball for Northumbria . Tackled Newcastle player while completely naked to shock of crowd . Man made a quick exit as players from opposing teams began fighting . | 542d6c5598919584b8c891f8d028d3303ab271a8 |
Washington (CNN) -- President Obama paid tribute Wednesday to those who have lost their lives in the nation's wars as well as to the men and women who currently serve. "There's no tribute, no commemoration, no praise that can truly match the magnitude of your service and your sacrifice," he said in a speech at Arlington National Cemetery on a rainy, overcast Veterans Day. "We call this a holiday, but for many veterans, it's another day of memories that drive them to live their lives each day as best as they possibly can," he said. "For our troops, it is another day in harm's way. For their families, it is another day to feel the absence of a loved one and the concern for their safety. For our wounded warriors, it is another day of slow recovery. And in this national cemetery, it is another day when grief remains fresh." He vowed that "America will do right" by its troops. "To all who served in every battle in every war, we say that it's never too late to say thank you." Earlier Wednesday, the president and first lady Michelle Obama also walked through Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery, CNN's Jill Dougherty reported. The section is where service members from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are buried. There, the Obamas stopped to talked to relatives and friends of those who have died. Skip and Rhonda Rollins of New Hampshire were visiting the gravesite of their son, Justin, who was killed in Iraq in 2007. He would have turned 25 on Tuesday. The couple said they were "extremely surprised" to see Obama "take the time to speak with the families" in Section 60. Although he said he generally holds different political views from those of the president, Skip Rollins said that supporting American soldiers, both living and dead, "should always be a nonpartisan issue." He added, "It was extremely nice of him to take this time out to come down here and do this." The couple said they make the trip to their son's grave each year around this time for their son's birthday and for Veterans Day. "It's not just my son that I mourn for; when I see all the others' stones, the ages of the soldiers, and you know they've given the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. And you know it's hard for me to leave, to leave my son," Rhonda Rollins said. Earlier Wednesday, the president laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns in the cemetery. He then stood solemnly as a bugle played taps. Some onlookers watched from under umbrellas. Veterans Day comes a day after Obama addressed 15,000 people at a memorial service at Fort Hood Army Post, where 13 people were killed and dozens more were wounded in a shooting last week. The president told the families of those killed that "no words can fill the void that has been left," adding, "your loved ones endure through the life of our nation." The suspected gunman in the attack is a 39-year-old Army psychiatrist, Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, who remains in intensive care at an Army hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Later Wednesday, Obama discussed with his war council scenarios to move forward in Afghanistan. One scenario, a senior administration official and U.S. military official independently confirmed, calls for sending about 34,000 more U.S. troops to Afghanistan. Other nations honored those who sacrificed their lives in wars on Wednesday, in many cases for the first time without any surviving veterans of World War I. Services took place around the world to mark the 91st anniversary of the armistice signed between Germany and the Allies on November 11, 1918. Depending on where it is celebrated, the day is known as Armistice Day, Remembrance Day, Poppy Day or Veterans Day. In Britain, Queen Elizabeth led Remembrance Day ceremonies in Westminster Abbey, a service also attended by Prime Minister Gordon Brown and other senior politicians and military leaders. In Paris, French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a ceremony under the Arc de Triomphe. Australians observed one minute silence at 11 a.m. in memory of those who died or suffered in all of the nation's wars and armed conflicts. "Their loss is a reminder that there is nothing glorious about war. Those called upon to fight know that better than anyone," said Gen. Peter Cosgrove, chairman of the Council of the Australian War Memorial. CNN's Leslie Bentz contributed to this report. | "No praise ... can truly match the magnitude of your service," he tells veterans . America will do right by its troops, Obama promises . Nations around the world take day to honor fighting men and women . | bc8a541bb14c78af985e297c1264e809a6d379f0 |
Hong Kong (CNN) -- A series of explosions tore through an open-air market in the capital of the volatile western Chinese region of Xinjiang on Thursday, killing dozens of people and wounding many more, state media reported. China's Ministry of Public Security said the attack in the heavily policed city of Urumqi was "a serious violent terrorist incident" and vowed to crack down on its perpetrators. President Xi Jinping called for the terrorists behind it to be "severely" punished. Two SUVs slammed into shoppers gathered at the market in Urumqi at 7:50 a.m. Thursday, and explosives were flung out of the vehicles, China's official news agency Xinhua said. The vehicles then exploded, according to Xinhua, which said at least 31 people were killed and more than 90 wounded. Some of the photos circulating on social media suggested a hellish scene, with bodies strewn on the ground amid burning wreckage. Others showed flames and smoke billowing out of the end of a tree-lined street guarded by police officers. 'An enormous sound' "I heard an enormous sound, then I looked out from my balcony," said a resident of a building near the explosion who would only give his surname, Shan. He told CNN that trees obscured much of his view of the scene, but that he "could see there was chaos, with people injured." Many of the victims caught in the blasts were elderly people who regularly visited the morning market, Xinhua reported. "It's mainly people coming to trade vegetables, especially the elderly who get up early and buy vegetables to cook," Shan said. The U.S. government condemned the attack. "This is a despicable and outrageous act of violence against innocent civilians, and the United States resolutely opposes all forms of terrorism," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement. String of recent attacks . Chinese authorities have stepped up security measures in Xinjiang in recent months amid a series of attacks within the region and in major Chinese cities outside it. On Wednesday, the day before the blasts, Xinhua reported that 39 people had been sentenced to prison in the past two months for "inciting violence" in Xinjiang. But the devastating blasts Thursday suggest the government is facing a foe determined to wreak havoc. Thursday's attack at the market comes less than a month after an explosion hit a train station in Urumqi, killing three people and wounding 79 others. That blast took place on April 30, just after Xi had wrapped up a visit to the region. Ethnic tensions . Chinese officials have linked a mass knife attack in March that killed 29 people at a train station in the southwestern city of Kunming to Islamic separatists from Xinjiang. They have also blamed separatists for an attack in Beijing's Tiananmen Square in October in which a car rammed into a pedestrian bridge and burst into flames, killing two tourists and the three occupants of the vehicle. The knife-wielding assailants in the Kunming attack and the people in the car that hit Tiananmen were identified as Uyghurs, a Turkic-speaking, predominantly Muslim ethnic group from Xinjiang. Ethnic tensions between Uyghurs and Han Chinese people, millions of whom have migrated to resource-rich Xinjiang in recent decades, have repeatedly boiled over into deadly riots and clashes with authorities in recent years. Some Uyghurs have expressed resentment over harsh treatment from Chinese security forces and Han people taking the lion's share of economic opportunities in Xinjiang. The Han are the predominant ethnic group in China, making up more than 90% of the overall population. Shift in target . The pattern of ethnic violence in the region goes back decades, according to James Leibold, an expert in ethnic relations in China at La Trobe University in Melbourne. "But what's new, and what I think is significant, is that we have a shift in target," Leibold said. "We have a targeting of innocent civilians, places where innocent civilians gather -- an attempt to maim innocent civilians in large numbers." The other change is that the violence has "seeped outside" the borders of Xinjiang into other parts of China, he said. It remains unclear who exactly is behind the high-profile attacks in recent months. Chinese officials have pointed to a murky separatist group, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), which they have blamed for violent acts in the past. East Turkestan is the name used by many Uyghur groups to refer to Xinjiang. But analysts are divided about the extent of the ETIM's activities and its links to global terrorist networks like al Qaeda. "Generally, the government response is to blame terrorists without providing many details," Leibold said. "So I suspect it's going to be very difficult to get to the bottom of this incident like previous ones." Q&A: Xinjiang and tensions in China's restive far west . | NEW: U.S. says the attack is an "outrageous act of violence against innocent civilians" The Chinese President calls for terrorists to be "severely" punished . The explosions have killed 31 people and wounded more than 90, Xinhua says . China says the attack is "a serious violent terrorist incident" | e0b549710fc1db62d71c51cc04566b6f165b247f |
A tearful woman bids farewell to her loved one at Paddington Station in 1942; elsewhere, young boys leap over gravestones as they use a Glasgow cemetery as a post-war playground. These striking images form part of a retrospective celebrating the work of renowned photographer Bert Hardy, who would have been 100 this year. Hardy, who died in 1995, is best known for his assignments at Picture Post magazine between 1941 and 1957. A woman bids farewell at Paddington Station in 1942 as a train pulls away. This is one of the haunting images taken by Bert Hardy, who is the subject of a retrospective at the Photographers' Gallery in Soho . A group of boys from the deprived Gorbals district of Glagow play among the gravestones of the Corporation Burial Ground in 1948 . A young boy blowing up a balloon in Gorbals in 1948. Hardy, who died in 1995, is best known for his assignments at Picture Post magazine between 1941 and 1957 . The Gorbals tenements were built quickly and cheaply in the 1840s, providing housing for Glasgow's burgeoning population of industrial workers. Conditions were appalling; overcrowding was standard and sewage and water facilities inadequate. The tenements housed about 40,000 people with up to eight family members sharing a single room, 30 residents sharing a toilet and 40 sharing a tap. Redevelopment of the area began in the late 1950s and the tenements were replaced with a modern tower block complex in the sixties. He covered the London Blitz, D-Day landings and the liberation of both Paris and the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in Germany. Now, an exhibition of his work will be shown at The Photographers' Gallery in Soho, from next Thursday, to coincide with his centenary. The pictures on display will focus on ordinary people going about their daily lives during and after the Second World War - including the poor district of Gorbals in Glasgow. Often referred to as Europe's worst slum, Gorbals was filled with low-quality housing and street gangs were rife. Despite this, Hardy managed to capture the cheeky playfulness of urchins as they made the best of the hand fate had dealt them. Men at a social club in Gorbals in 1948. Often referred to as Europe's worst slum, Gorbals was filled with low-quality housing and street gangs were rife . Children in the run-down Gorbals area take to the streets. The tenements there were built quickly and cheaply in the 1840s . Youngsters enjoy a kickabout in Glasgow in 1948. Bert Hardy himself came from a working-class family and was the eldest of seven children . Following his work as a laboratory assistant for a photographic agency, Hardy (above) was hired as a staff photographer at the Picture Post in the 1940s . One of his photos shows a group of . children playing by a lamppost, while another shows youngsters having a . kickaround in the shadow of cheap tenements. The exhibition works include Gorbals . Boys (1948), Maidens In Waiting (1951), Life Of An East End Parson . (1940), Grand Hotel Torquay (1947) and Holiday Camp Yorkshire (1953). Born in London to a working-class family in May 1913, Hardy was the eldest of seven children. After leaving school at the age of 14, he got a job as a messenger, which saw him collecting and delivering film and prints for West End chemists. Bitten by the photography bug, he bought his first camera for 50p from a pawn shop and had his first big break when he snapped King George V and Queen Mary passing by in a carriage down Blackfriars Road. The enterprising youngster printed off 200 postcards and sold them to friends and neighbours. Following his work as a laboratory . assistant for a photographic agency, he was hired as a staff . photographer at the Picture Post in the 1940s. There, he used his trusted Leica to . capture the slums of London and Glasgow (including the gritty Gorbals . neighbourhood), as well as assignments during World War Two and Korea. He died aged 82. His widow, Sheila, has granted access to images and limited-edition prints that have not been widely seen. The exhibition runs from April 4 to May 23. A second-hand clothes shop in Gorbals, captured by Hardy on his trusted Leica . Mrs Lundy at her junk shop in Bedford Street in Gorbals; right, An East End parson with a child among the bombed ruins of London . Smiling children run along behind a parson in the East End during the Blitz . Two boys with their dogs in Gorbals in a street rife with graffiti in 1948 . | Hardy, who died in 1995, is best known for his assignments at Picture Post magazine between 1941 and 1957 . | 9ec5bd9e17912d96e87aafa37e53352105d38c05 |
By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 15:40 EST, 15 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:54 EST, 16 July 2013 . Vladimir Putin's latest display of machismo has seen him plunge to the bottom of the ocean in a decidedly James Bond-esque manner. The stunt-happy Russian leader - who in the past has been pictured enjoying manly pursuits such as topless horse riding, fishing and hunting - has now released shots of him embarking on a half-hour trip to the bottom of the Gulf of Finland to see a shipwreck. Mr Putin rode a small submersible craft which bears an uncanny likeness to the underwater hideout of James Bond villain, scientist and anarchist Karl Stromberg, in the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me. The President descended 60 metres (200 feet) down to see the remains of the naval frigate Oleg, which sank in 1869, Russian news reports said. Scroll down for video . Russian President Vladimir Putin submerges on boardthe Sea Explorer 5 bathyscaphe near the isle of Gogland in the Gulf of Finland . Mr Putin today rode the small submersible craft 60 metres (200 feet) down to see the remains of the naval frigate Oleg, which sank in 1869, Russian news reports said . The remains, being examined by marine archaeologists, lie off the island of Gogland, 110 miles west of St Petersburg . Unfortunately it seems the Russian leader did not find any treasure. The remains, being examined by marine archaeologists, lie off the island of Gogland, 110 miles west of St Petersburg. Mr Putin's penchant for adventurous stunts included a trip to the bottom of Lake Baikal, the world's deepest lake, and a scuba dive in which he brought up pottery shards. However, his spokesman later admitted the pieces had been planted. Striking resemblance: Vladimir Putin's submersible craft has an uncanny likeness to Jame Bond baddie Karl Stormberg's underwater hideout Atlantis, pictured, in the 1977 film The Spy Who Loved Me . Strong: Russian president Vladimir Putin normally prefers to portray himself as being tough and in control. This shows him riding topless on a horse . Tough image: Vladimir Putin is pictured here looking confident and self-assured carrying a hunting rifle . He has raised eyebrows with his series of adventures over the years, always with a photographer at his side. He has in the past been caught on camera firing a tranquiliser dart into a Siberian tiger, has sailed on military submarines, and even co-piloted a fighter jet. He has also released a judo DVD: Learn judo with Vladimir. However Putin's aides are also keen to promote his softer side. Putin swims in a lake in southern Siberia's Tuva region, in 2009. Putin, a judo black belt who has flown in a fighter aircraft and shot a Siberian tiger in the wild, plunged into the depths of Lake Baikal aboard a mini-submersible . Russia's hard man also pulled on a wetsuit and went scuba diving at an ancient Greek Black Sea site in 2011 . Over the past few years he has been . pictured painting for charity, receiving cuddly tiger cubs for his . birthday, and denouncing the slaughter of baby seals. The Oleg, a warship which sank in 1869 after colliding with another vessel, currently rests at a depth of 60 metres (200 feet) in between the islands of Gogland and Sommers. It was reportedly discovered by Russian divers in 2003 and is now being examined by a team of researchers. Busy man: Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, shakes hands with chief of Russia's military's General Staff Valery Gerasimov, right, at an airport in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on Sakhalin Island today . In action: Russian President Vladimir Putin watches military exercises with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, left, during his visit to Russia's far eastern Sakhalin region . In the spotlight: Tanks with the Eastern Military District perform military exercises in front of Russian President Vladimir Putin this morning . Overview: Putin pictured in a helicopter watching a naval exercise of the Pacific Fleet as part of the military exercises in the Eastern Military District, Sakhalin region, Russia . Russian Pacific Fleet ships take part in military exercises in the Eastern Military District with Russian President Vladimir Putin overseeing the maneuvers from a helicopter in the Sakhalin region . | In latest display of machismo Putin has been pictured on submarine . Craft bears uncanny resemblance to James Bond villain Karl Stromberg's underwater hideout Atlantis in 1977 movie The Spy Who Loved Me . He rode craft 60 metres (200 feet) down to see the remains of naval frigate . Oleg sank in 1869 after being hit by another vessel while on maneuvers . | f751efc32003a8d1e7998e4d27eb5d48448cb7fa |
By . James Black . PUBLISHED: . 13:48 EST, 26 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:55 EST, 26 November 2012 . Amateur pilot, Jason Osu, was murdered by two assassins who lurked outside his home in Liverpool . A murder inquiry was launched today after a man died almost a week after he was shot while sitting in his car outside his home. Jason Osu, 31, suffered multiple gunshot injuries in the attack on his driveway in Liverpool, last Monday night. The amateur pilot was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of today, Merseyside Police said. A post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the cause of death. Merseyside Police's Major Investigation Team is leading the investigation, working alongside the force's dedicated gang crime unit, Matrix. Detective Superintendent Mike Shaw said: 'This was a brutal murder where a man has been targeted outside his home. 'It happened very close to Queens Drive, one of the city's major roads, at a very busy time and we are hoping that there are people out there who may have seen something.' Detectives are looking for two men who . may have been waiting in Beauclair Drive, in Wavertree, for up to 40 . minutes before they opened fire on Mr Osu. CCTV footage of the moment Mr Osu was caught in the shootout . Police are lookinjg for two men who were seen wearing dark anaroaks and balaclavas at the scene . Gang war: Mr Osu was shot in the face, skull, chest and arms by gunmen at least five times . It . is thought the men, dressed in dark anorak-type jackets and balaclavas, . then escaped in a dark-coloured hatchback car, possibly a stolen black . Citroen C4, which was found burning nearby in Waldgrave Street shortly . after the attack. Mr . Shaw added: 'There will be an increased police presence in the area in . the days to come, and I would ask anyone with information about the . murder to talk to officers or call the incident room.' Anyone with information is asked to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Police are working with a special gangland crime unit as part of their investigations . | Jason Osu, 31, died almost a week after he was shot while sitting in his car outside his home . Merseyside Police investigators working alongside the force's dedicated gang crime unit, Matrix . Detectives are looking for two men thought to be in the area at the time of the shooting . | 87d7e74135d187acb3cc9fca0a61681f52e6c52e |
By . Associated Press and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:47 EST, 13 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 01:26 EST, 14 November 2012 . Marked for death: Brett Hartman claims he had nothing to do with the brutal 1997 murder of Winda Snipes in Akron, Ohio . A condemned killer who claimed he was wrongfully accused of stabbing a woman 138 times, slitting her throat and cutting off her hands was put to death today. Death row inmate Brett Hartman has acknowledged he had sex with victim Winda Snipes early on the morning of September 9, 1997 at her Akron apartment, but did not kill her. Today, he calmly accepted his death. 'I'm good, let's roll,' he said in his final words. He then smiled in the direction of his sister and repeatedly gave her, a friend and his attorney a 'thumbs up' with his left hand. 'This is not going to defeat me,' Hartman then said to warden Donald Morgan, who didn't respond. The effect of the single dose of pentobarbital did not seem as immediate as in other executions at the state prison in Lucasville, in southern Ohio. Four minutes after Hartman first appeared to be reacting to it as his abdomen began to rise and fall, his abdomen rose and fell again, he coughed and his head shifted rhythmically for a few moments. His sister, Diane Morretti, dabbed at her eyes during the process. The warden declared Hartman's time of death as 10:34am. Both Hartman's attorney, David Stebbins, and prisons system spokeswoman JoEllen Smith said the gap between Hartman's movements was not out of the ordinary. Hartman claimed he did not kill Snipes, but found mutilated body and panicked, trying to clean up the mess before calling 911. It was a claim rejected by numerous courts over the years. The U.S. Supreme Court denied a last-minute appeal by Hartman yesterday. Hartman's last meal, which in Ohio is called a special meal, consisted of steak with sauteed mushrooms, fried shrimp, Macaroni & Cheese, a baked potato with butter and sour cream, Rainforest Crunch cereal, cans of Pepsi and Dr Pepper, and a bowl of Honey-Comb cereal, a prison spokesman told MailOnline. Hartman is the 49th inmate put to death since Ohio resumed executions in 1999. Hartman came within about a week of execution in 2009 before federal courts allowed him to pursue an innocence claim. When that claim failed, Hartman had a new date set last year, but that was postponed because of a federal lawsuit over Ohio's execution policy. Murdered: Ms Snipes had been stabbed 138 times. Her throat had been cut and her hands were cut off in the gruesome murder in her home . The Ohio Parole Board has unanimously denied Hartman's requests for clemency three times, citing the brutality of the Snipes' slaying and the 'overwhelming evidence' of Hartman's guilt. Hartman's attorneys have long said that crucial evidence from the crime scene and Snipes' body has never been tested, raising questions about Hartman's innocence. The evidence included fingerprints allegedly found on a clock and a mop handle. Hartman also argues the evidence could implicate an alternate suspect. Second, the attorneys argue that if Hartman's innocence claim is not accepted, he should still be spared because of the effects of a 'remarkably chaotic and nomadic early childhood,' including being abandoned by his mother and left with an aunt on an isolated Indian reservation. Third, lawyers say Hartman's behavior in prison has been exemplary and shows he is a changed man. They cite his devotion to religious studies, his development as an artist and community service projects in prison. The state opposed these arguments, citing the strength of the evidence and the fact that courts have repeatedly upheld Hartman's conviction and death sentence. The state also said Hartman refuses to take responsibility and show remorse. | Bret Hartman will be executed today in the murder of Winda Snipes . Hartman claims he had sex with Ms Snipes earlier in the day, but did not kill her . She was stabbed 138 times, her throat was slit and her hands were cut off . Ohio officials say he was denied clemency due to the brutality of the murder, and overwhelming evidence against him . | 8a9445d815958032313d83d3cbf8027ba1be0246 |
By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 13:22 EST, 28 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:15 EST, 28 May 2013 . Two men who have appeared in court after a mosque was petrol-bombed are believed to be former soldiers, it has emerged today. Stuart Harness, 33, and Gavin Humphries, 37, who have been remanded in custody, are thought to have served with an artillery regiment, official sources have confirmed. It is also believed that one of the defendants spent time in Woolwich while serving in the army. Two men have been arrested in connection with the attack on the Grimsby Islamic Cultural Centre. Both are reported to have served in the army . Tensions have been heightened following the brutal killing of Drummer Lee Rigby in Woolwich last week. The pair, from Grimsby, were arrested after Grimsby Islamic Cultural Centre was attacked for the second time in three days on Sunday while a young family was inside. Both appeared at the town’s magistrates’ court today charged with arson with intent to endanger life. No pleas were entered and the case will be sent to Grimsby Crown Court where it will be heard on June 7, a magistrates court official added. The petrol-bombing was the second time the centre on Weelsby Road has been targeted since Drummer Lee Rigby was killed in Woolwich last week. Emergency services rushed to control the blaze from spreading as Muslims were evacuated to safety . Crime scene investigators at the mosque. Young families prayed as police stood guard . Eleven teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were arrested after a party spiralled out of control on Thursday. In London, war memorials defaced with Islamic slogans were being cleaned up today with the veterans’ charity footing the bill. The two monuments were targeted in London as police forces across the country dealt with a spate of attacks fuelled by hatred after soldier Lee Rigby’s murder. The newly erected tribute to the bomber pilots of World War II was one of two central London war memorials defaced by vandals on Monday. The other was the Animals in War memorial. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Stuart Harness and Gavin Humphries believed to have served in the army . They have been arrested in connection with the arson attack . It was the second time in three days the Grimsby mosque was targeted . | 62b993e5480c7df3d8dcc9821740df45207cf9ed |
(The Frisky) -- We at The Frisky have always been on Team Coco. Sure, Jay Leno gives a decent monologue and David Letterman's "Late Show" is where celebrities go to unleash their inner crazy, but Conan O'Brien? He relies on good writing and quick wit to pull hilariousness from his celebrity guests. Tonight, Conan returns to the late night game for the first time since being rudely booted from "The Tonight Show." His new series, "Conan," premieres on TBS at 11 p.m. (EST). To celebrate this exciting event, we've rounded up Conan's 10 craziest celebrity interviews from over the years. The Frisky: 10 female stars who are OK with nudity . 1. Conan's on-air concussion from chasing a hot babe . During his brief stint at "The Tonight Show," Conan O'Brien had on avid runner Teri Hatcher as a guest. The two raced, and as Conan darted for the finish line he slipped, fell, and got a concussion. Oops. But don't worry -- he was back to joke about it the next night. 2. Martha Stewart partied hard on Conan . One of my favorite Conan memories ever: when Martha Stewart visited the show and brought burritos from Taco Bell and Olde English 40-oz. beers. The Frisky: 12 reality TV stars who died unexpectedly . 3. Coco's gaga for Gonzo . American "Beat Generation" novelist, essayist and spoken word performer Hunter S. Thompson and Conan O'Brien had a special bond. The famously reclusive author did several interviews with Conan before he passed away -- including one where he had Conan to his farm to drink whiskey and fire guns, in that order. Cursing and shooting stuffed gorilla bears: classic. 4. Jennifer Garner was checked by Conan . Jennifer Garner got a little snippy with Conan during an interview, scolding him that "'Snuck' isn't a word. You went to Harvard, you should know that." So it was pretty funny when Conan pulled out a dictionary on the spot and turned out to be right. Burn. The Frisky: 12 stars posing using their hands as bras . 5. Tom Hanks shows his funny side . Way back in 2000, Tom Hanks visited Conan's show before Christmas and Conan tried to get him into the holiday spirit by dumping a huge amount of snow on him. Then Conan gave Tom his very own special Christmas present: the skeleton of Tom's former co-star [dog] Hooch! When Conan took over "The Tonight Show" in 2009, Tom returned and made another memorable appearance where he talked about his love of meteor showers, and then Conan cued a giant meteor that knocked Tom out of his seat backwards and made his shoe fly off. The Frisky: 30 things every woman should quit doing by 30 . 6. Sarah Palin faces off with William Shatner . When William Shatner did a dramatic, beat-poetry reading of Sarah Palin's resignation speech for Conan, the world was entranced. So Conan invited Shatner back to read excerpts of Sarah's book, "Going Rogue," when it was released. Only at the end, Sarah herself appeared and did a dramatic reading from Shatner's biography, "Up Till Now." 7. Conan and guest get (almost) naked . In 2002, Conan interviewed the happiest man in the world, Roberto Benigni, who won the Oscar for his performance in "Life Is Beautiful" but was on Conan to promote "Pinocchio." While their conversation was almost incomprehensible, during the interview, the Italian actor and Conan decided to trade pants -- with hilarious results that revealed whether Conan is a boxer or briefs man. The Frisky: 12 celebs who deny getting breast implants . 8. Halle Berry confesses she was seeing another man . Halle Berry once went barefoot when she appeared on Conan's guest chair. Why? Because she left her shoes on set with Regis earlier in the day. Conan was sad to hear he was not her "first" that day. 9. The gruesome threesome . Conan got into a mega-beef with Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart during the 2008 election over who had given the bigger boost to Republican and Fox News Channel talk show host Mike Huckabee. When the two Comedy Central TV hosts visited "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" together the result was an extended on-air TV fight that included "West Side Story"-style snapping, dance montages and mud- and gun-slinging. The Frisky: Snooki and 9 other celebs who battled and beat an eating disorder . 10. Funnyman Will Ferrell out-funnies Conan . Last but not least, it was good times when Will Ferrell wished Conan a happy birthday on "Late Night," complete with a fake fart, green booty shorts and a Leprechaun dance? Yep, that seems appropriate. TM & © 2010 TMV, Inc. | All Rights Reserved . | Halle Berry once went barefoot on the show because she left her shoes on set with Regis . Will Ferrell wished Conan a happy birthday with booty shorts and a Leprechaun dance . O'Brien's new series, "Conan," premieres on TBS at 11 p.m. (EST) Monday . | dd684a6f7c1cf5be5119de593dc2f3b4bf4502b2 |
(CNN) -- Tina Gangidine is so passionate about President Barack Obama, even her pet lovebird campaigned for him. "I left the campaign sign by her cage, and whenever she would get out she would always hop right over to it and sit for long stretches staring at it," said the retired middle school teacher from Ohio. "I guess she was a political bird. Well, so is the rest of her family, so she came by it honestly." Gangidine campaigns in her swing state for the president pretty much nonstop, but she paused long enough to post a photo of the starry-eyed creature -- known as The Bird, H.R.H. (Her Royal Highness) -- on the Pet Lovers for Obama Facebook page. It got more "likes" and thoughtful comments than almost anything else she's ever posted, and that includes the Twitter feed and Facebook pages she runs for her neighborhood's Obama campaign. Suddenly, she realized there was a lesson. "When we are phone banking, we have to work really hard to get someone to pick up and talk with us," Gangidine said. "People love their pets so they pay attention to this kind of thing, and it's a really positive message for them to see from us." Obama outspends Romney online . Presidential pets have certainly played a role in politicking before. President Franklin D. Roosevelt often appeared in photos with Fala, his Scottish terrier. President George W. Bush sent holiday videos of his dog Barney every Christmas. President Bill Clinton's cat, Socks, even had its own book. But this virtual campaign by Obama for America to encourage people to "like" its Facebook page, post photos of their pets and recruit friends is taking the presidential love of pets to a whole new level. It seems to be working. More than 16,500 people have "liked" the page so far. Hundreds of others have posted photos of their furry friends. A dog named Teddy Roosevelt abandoned his namesake's political party to wear a navy Obama shirt. Baby, a gray cat, looks smart in a "Cats for Obama" collar. There's even an unnamed chicken sporting an Obama bandana. Such pet-specific merchandise is available on an accompanying Obama campaign site. There's an "I Meow for Michelle" cat collar, a "2012 Barack's best friend" dog collar with a matching leash, a Bo "I bark for Barack" car magnet, and many others. All purchases count as campaign donations. Chicagoan Lisa Capretto posted a photo of her pit-bull mix Rocco sporting an Obama T-shirt and sitting patiently with human-sized Obama sunglasses perched on his wet nose. "My brother works with the campaign, and he brought over a bunch of gear," Capretto said. "Rocco is clearly such a tolerant and sweet dog." While Capretto and her husband have donated money to Obama's re-election effort, the photo she submitted is the only real campaigning she plans to do. "We are still enthusiastic about the president, but I'll leave the grass-roots campaigning to my brother," she said. "I do like this particular effort, though, and I thought the least I could do was lend my support by taking this ridiculous picture." There is no parallel pet-themed campaign for Republican candidate Mitt Romney. There is a Vets for Romney Facebook page, but that's for the military -- not the animal -- kind of vet. A Dogs Against Romney Facebook page has racked up more than 55,000 "likes," but it was created as a tongue-in-cheek response to the story of how Romney strapped a crate containing his Irish setter, Seamus, to the roof of his car during a road trip to Canada. The page is not sanctioned by any campaign. "We've seen this for months. The Obama campaign would rather talk about anything under the sun, including dogs, if it means they can distract from the most important issue on the minds of every American -- jobs and the economy," Republican National Committee spokeswoman Kirsten Kukowski said. "Every minute team Obama talks about something other than jobs and the economy, they are attempting to hide Obama's record from voters." The Obama campaign won't comment on its digital strategy. But its attempt to engage with the pet set may now be aimed at many more voters. As a part of its general online ad blitz, Obama for America created an ad in which the candidate himself never appears. Instead, under the title "Join Pet Lovers for Obama," is a lone photo of the president's dog, Bo. None of the popular online animal sites like Petfinders.com, Dogster.com, or icanhascheezburger.com say they've received the ad, but the ad has run on several general news sites, which reach a broader audience. "They are clearly wide-casting with this ad and are looking for places where they can persuade swing voters and independents and women with this," said Drew Westen, an Emory University psychology professor and author of "The Political Brain," a book about the role of emotion in deciding elections. "It's a nice, neutral message. Who doesn't like a dog?" Kate Kaye, senior editor for ClickZ, a trade publication that covers the digital advertising industry, thinks the dog ads are a strategic attempt to cultivate a certain type of voter. "Maybe Obama's staff thinks people who are sentimental about their animals are more likely to be interested in more liberal issues," Kaye said. "As the campaign builds up its data on who views these ads, they can go back later and specifically target that reader with whatever their next appropriate issue ad is." Denise Small, a volunteer with the Humane Society of Western Montana, submitted a photo of her 16-year-old Persian cat Mysty wearing an Obama bandana to Pet Lovers for Obama. She thinks the pet campaign lends the president credibility. "It helps him seem so genuine," she said. "For me, as someone who is passionate about animals, how genuine someone is as a human is most important to me in a politician. I think he reflects my values, and it is clear he is a passionate advocate for human rights and for low-income people. I don't see that from the other side." The Facebook page also has kept Small engaged with the Obama campaign. She visits it regularly to click through and comment on other people's pictures. Gangidine, who put her lovebird's photo on the page, also continues to visit the site. She thinks it resonates with voters who appreciate seeing something positive when so much else about the campaign -- especially advertising -- is negative. "Something like this reaches everyday people," she said, "and we're going to need every one of them to get out there." The campaign volunteer says she would happily post other photos of her Obama-curious bird if it would help her candidate, but unfortunately, The Bird H.R.H died recently. "She went to sleep when I was at a Democratic organizing meeting, of all things," Gangidine said. Not all is lost though. Gangidine is considering putting a tiny Obama scarf on her son's rescue hamster, Stinky. "Although I'd have to take the picture superfast," she said. "He is a hamster, after all. It's likely he'd eat it. And that message might not seem as supportive." | It may be a campaign first: pets in political outfits advertising for a campaign . More than 16,000 people have "liked" the Pets for Obama Facebook page . The Obamas' dog, Bo, appears solo in a campaign ad for the president . The RNC thinks the Pets for Obama page is a distraction . | c359295910b65dea6d47f6e1d8e53c464c6a8722 |
A Coast Guard who shot dead a female fellow officer and severely wounded her wife had become obsessed with his lesbian colleague, friends claim. Adrian Loya, 31, traveled from Virgina before shooting dead Lisa Trubnikova and hospitalizing Anna Trubnikova when he opened fire at their Cape Cod condo on Thursday morning, police said. He then lit a car on fire, planted fake bombs and shot and wounded a police officer, according to law enforcement. When police told relatives of the incident, their immediate reaction was that Loya had been 'fixated' on Lisa since working with the couple in Alaska. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Tragic: Lisa Trubnikova, 31, (left) has died and her wife Anna, 30, (right) is severely wounded after their former colleague Adrian Loya allegedly shot them in their Cape Cod home. He was 'obsessed' with Lisa, family say . In love: The Trubnikovas both worked in Bourne, Massachusetts, after marrying in 2013 in New York . Ambush: Massachusetts police say Adrian Loya, 31 (center), traveled from Virigina to shoot his two former colleagues at their condo in Bourne, before opening fire during a police ambush, hitting one officer . 'He became obsessed,' a family member told the Boston Globe. 'He was fixated on her.' Lisa and Anna, who married two years ago in New York, were stationed at different bases in Bourne, Massachusetts, and worked together with Loya in Alaska several years ago, family told the Globe. Lisa was a Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class of Coast Guard Base Cape Cod, and Anna is a Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class of Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England. Anna and the third victim, Bourne Police Officer Jared MacDonald, who was wounded responding to the attack, remain in hospital. According to Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe, the attack appeared to be calculated. Loya checked into a hotel near the couple's residence two days before the shooting. 'I think there was a significant amount of planning involved,' O'Keefe said. 'He wasn't crazy,' said Lisa older brother Luis Berlanga. 'He knew what he was doing.' Apprehended: Coast Guardsman Adrian Loya ,of Chesapeake, Va, (right) stands in the glass enclosed defendant's area in District Court on Thursday, February 5, 2015, in Falmouth, Massachusetts, during an arraignment on charges he killed one woman, injured another and shot a police officer in Bourne before dawn . The incident began about 2.15am amid reports of a vehicle on fire, but it quickly escalated into a 'crazy and hectic' scene, Bourne police Chief Dennis Woodside said. Police say Loya set fire to the vehicle to block the only road into the condo complex, and that he also set up devices resembling bombs, authorities said. Officers made their way around the burning vehicle on foot but were pinned down by gunfire, O'Keefe said. One officer was shot in the back below his bulletproof vest during the ambush. He took cover between two vehicles, but his fellow officers were unable to reach him. Woodside described the officer as a veteran with at least 10 years of service. After a half-hour standoff, Loya finally gave himself in to police and was arrested about 2.45am. Even then, police remained wary, because they were not aware if there were other gunmen. Inside the complex, the surviving female victim had called 911. Police entered the condo and found the other victim dead. The state police bomb squad examined the devices and determined they were all fakes that contained no explosives, Massachusetts State Police spokesman David Procopio said. Scene: A burned car that Loya allegedly used as a distraction is towed from the scene on Thursday morning . 'Crazy and hectic': Police vehicles line a road leading to a Cape Cod condo community about 2.15am Thursday . According to CBS Boston, Loya drove from his base in Chesapeake, Virginia, to Bourne on Tuesday and checked into a local hotel. He then left the hotel about 2am Thursday and drove to the Cape Cod complex, where he burst into the victims' condo and started shooting. He was armed with two rifles and a handgun, CBS reported. Loya reportedly had a previous relationship with one of the victims. Loya pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, armed assault, home invasion and assault and battery of a police officer on Thursday afternoon during an arraignment in Falmouth District Court. A judge ordered Loya to be held without bail and to undergo a mental health examination, and also ordered the file sealed. Cape and Islands District Attorney Michael O'Keefe and Loya's attorney, J. Drew Segadelli, didn't discuss details of the case during the court hearing. Afterward, Segadelli said Loya and the two women had some type of relationship but said he couldn't comment further because the file was sealed. Behind bars: Adrian Loya pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, armed assault, home invasion and assault and battery of a police officer on Thursday afternoon during an arraignment in Falmouth District Court . Investigation: Police said the bomb squad responded to examine items suspected of being hoax devices found there, allegedly placed by the shooting suspect, who was taken into custody . The wounded officer was carried through the woods and snow by colleagues so he could be taken to the hospital, where he was stabilized and improving, the chief said. Residents were at first told to stay inside their units, but Woodside later said the area was safe. He did not disclose any other details or a motive, and it was unclear when the suspect would be arraigned. The Coast Guard was helping in the investigation. 'Today the Coast Guard family suffered a tragic loss,' Coast Guard Rear Adm. Linda Fagan said in a statement. 'We have chaplains and counselors on site to support friends and families affected by this crime. 'My thoughts and prayers are with everyone who has been touched by today's sad event.' | Lisa Trubnikova, 31, and wife Anna, 30, were shot at Cape Cod home . Adrian Loya, 31, traveled from base in Virginia for the attack, police say . Family say he became fixated on Lisa when all three served in Alaska . Loya set fire to a car to block the only road to the complex, police say . He also set up homemade devices resembling bombs . During a police ambush he opened fire, hitting one officer . Loya finally gave in after a half-hour standoff and was arrested . | 6bdec7dbbf346dd0cb0a327146b1841442827ed1 |
Three years after 20-month-old Ayla Reynolds mysteriously vanished in the middle of the night, Maine police are still looking for her and have made no arrests in the case. The toddler was reported missing from her father's home in Waterville, Maine on December 17, 2011, sparking one of the state's largest ever searches. A body has never been found. Investigators do not believe she wandered off or that she was abducted in the middle of the night. Instead, they believe her father, his girlfriend and sister know more than they are saying. Ayla's father, Justin DiPietro, his girlfriend, Courtney Roberts, and his sister, Elisha DiPietro were all in the house when the little girl vanished. Her blood was later found in the home. Questions: Ayla Reynolds was 20 months old when she vanished from her father's home in Waterville, Maine in December 2011. Three years on, no arrests have been made in the case . 'We've said for a long time now that we're looking for answers to the questions we've asked and we just don't feel like we've gotten those answers yet,' Maine State Police Sergeant Jeff Love told the Morning Sentinel. As the three-year anniversary of her disappearance approaches and police still have no answers, Love, the case's lead investigator, has vowed never to give up. Speaking to the Sentinel, he recalled how family members had claimed they had last seen the little girl in bed the previous night. She had been dressed in pajamas and had her arm in a cast. With temperatures dropping, the call launched massive searches on the ground and in the air by local departments, state police, the FBI and residents, but she was nowhere to be found. After 10 days, the case became a criminal investigation. In February 2012, police confirmed had found traces of the girl's blood in multiple places inside the house, and cars belonging to DiPietro and his girlfriend were seized by police. Scene: She was at home (pictured) with her father, his girlfriend and his sister on the night she went missing but the lead investigator said they have not yet answered all of his questions . Clues? Police confirmed in February 2012 that they had found the girl's blood inside the house . Ayla's mother, Trista Reynolds, previously claimed that police told her they found blood droplets on DiPietro's sneakers, on his mattress and sheets, on Ayla's slippers and across the face of her doll. She also alleged that police showed her pictures of blood splashes on the floor and walls. Reynolds has called on police to press charges against the three adults, but authorities say while they believe a crime was committed, they do not have enough evidence to bring charges. DiPietro, who had custody of the girl, has previously said that he believes someone abducted his daughter after she was put to bed. He has not commented on who he thinks is responsible but has maintained his innocence. In a separate case in July 2013, DiPietro was charged with assaulting an ex-girlfriend in Portland. Accusations: The girl's mother, Trista Reynolds (right), has said she believes her ex, Justin DiPietro (left), and the two others inside the house should be charged. DiPietro was later arrested in a separate assault case . Rally: Reynolds is pictured rallying for answers in her daughter's case on what would have been the girl's second birthday in April 2012. Police said they still do not have enough evidence to bring charges . Prosecutors dropped the assault charges, saying the ex was uncooperative, but he was sentenced to four days in jail for violating conditions of his release following the charges. The violation stemmed from him having alcohol in his car despite his bail conditions stating that he was not to possess any. Authorities told the Morning Sentinel that it's possible charges could be brought in Ayla's case in the future if there is enough evidence - and authorities are not giving up. 'Our work will not stop until we find Ayla,' Love said. 'I can't imagine what the family has gone through, and that's part of that determination, day in and day out, to do everything we can to try and bring closure to the family.' | Ayla Reynolds was reported missing from her father's home in Waterville, Maine on December 17, 2011, sparking a massive search . Police do not believe the 20-month-old girl wandered off or was abducted . The lead investigator said he believes the girl's father, his girlfriend and sister - who were in the home at the time - know more than they are saying . The little girl's blood was later found inside the home . Her mother has called for the three to be arrested but authorities say they do not have enough evidence to bring charges . | 0d4d975555d6c9fd99ede4ca434b78f8ffb5976c |
Wathinkha, Myanmar (CNN) -- Opposition leader and Nobel peace prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi won a seat in Myanmar's parliament Sunday, her party said, a momentous victory following a decades-long fight for democracy. Staff from Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, said she won and that several hundred people were waiting at NLD headquarters to celebrate the news, party spokesman Nyan Win said. The chairman of the Yangon region of the election commission, Ko Ko, said official results may be known by Monday morning. The formerly banned National League for Democracy was vying for 45 seats in the election. While the balance of power in the parliament will not change even if the opposition were to win all 45, the vote itself marks a symbolic victory for many in the country who have lived under military rule for 50 years. Suu Kyi, 66, won by a landslide the last time Myanmar held multiparty elections, in 1990, but the junta ignored the results and placed her under house arrest. Released in November 2010, Suu Kyi was allowed to crisscross the country to rally support for the NLD for Sunday's race. The NLD fielded a candidate for every seat, with Suu Kyi representing Kawhmu, south of the former capital city of Yangon. She ran against a former military doctor. The government promised the vote would be free and fair and allowed international observers to monitor the polling. Analysts said the sheer number and spread of polling booths across the country would make it impossible for international monitors to ensure an honest count. Ahead of the election, Suu Kyi alleged there had been voting irregularities, illegal activities and intimidation either committed or encouraged by official entities. Sunday, Win, the NLD spokesman, said the party had received more than 50 reports of voting irregularities. In one area, ballot sheets had wax placed over the check box for the NLD, making it easier to erase the mark later and annul the vote, he said. In another area, ballots were found that had already been filled out, he said. Election Comission Chairman Tin Aye said he hoped the elections were fair but couldn't speak to the allegations of irregularities. "It's too soon to say," he said. Still, Suu Kyi hoped her party would win as many parliamentary seats as possible. Myanmar's legislature has 664 seats, more than 80% of which are still held by lawmakers aligned with the military-backed ruling party, Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). The 45 seats under contention are vacancies created by the promotion of parliamentarians to the Cabinet and other posts last year. Still, the election is an opportunity for voters to weigh in during a time of enormous change in Myanmar, a country also known as Burma. Analysts said it would be the first real test of the government's commitment to transition from military rule. Two years ago, it staged a general election that was widely derided as a sham. Several former military leaders formed the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) at the time to contest the election. Suu Kyi's party boycotted it. After attracting international condemnation for manipulating the voting process in the 2010 race, Myanmar's leaders know that a fair election will be proof to the world that it can conduct a legitimate vote, experts said. "It's hugely important and it will provide a new semi-democratic political system with an opportunity to show that it has ambition to become more transparent, more inclusive and thus more democratic," said Nicholas Farrelly, a research fellow at the Australian National University, about Sunday's race. In the past 12 months, the country pardoned hundreds of political prisoners, secured a cease-fire with Karen rebels and agreed to negotiate with other ethnic rebel groups. Freer press rules have encouraged the proliferation of journals and magazines. Myanmar's efforts to thaw its frosty relations with the rest of the world have been warmly welcomed and rewarded. In recent months, a steady procession of foreign ministers has visited the country and, in February, the European Union lifted a travel ban on Myanmar officials. There have been hints, too, that a free and fair vote on Sunday will lead to the relatively swift unraveling of sanctions that have long choked the country's economy. Thousands of Burmese living in exile around the world were watching the election for a clear sign that it is safe to return home. Young voters in Myanmar appeared to be particularly excited about the polling. Just the sight of Suu Kyi brazenly pitching her policies to huge crowds of people emboldened many to dare to believe that democracy might be possible. "I am so happy and proud of voting freely," said Ung Sann, 30, on Sunday. "I believe the government will change toward democracy." Analysts said Suu Kyi is all but guaranteed to win her seat. "It would be a major shock if she did not win her own seat. But I think we have to prepare people for the expectations that the NLD will not win all seats in the by-election," said Jim Della-Giacoma, a project director at International Crisis Group. Others said the number of seats won by the NLD is less critical than what the vote says about Myanmar's future. "I don't think it matters how many seats the NLD wins. I think the only thing that really matters (is) whether it's free or fair. I don't think the people of Burma care about how many seats the NLD wins either. What they want to know is whether the next set of elections, the national elections (expected in 2015), are also going to be free and fair," said Monique Skidmore, of the University of Canberra. The daughter of Gen. Aung San, a hero of Burmese independence, Suu Kyi herself became an inspiration with her long struggle for democracy in the country. As a member of parliament, Suu Kyi would be expected to be free to travel outside Myanmar -- and more importantly to return -- something that wasn't possible during her long years of repression and confinement. She told hundreds of journalists gathered outside her residence Friday that she didn't plan to become a minister in the military-backed civilian government, if a position was offered to her. Under Myanmar's constitution, lawmakers can't hold ministerial office. Asked where she would place Myanmar's democracy on a scale of one to 10, Suu Kyi said, "We're trying to get to one." CNN's Paul Hancocks, Kocha Olarn and Hilary Whiteman contributed to this report. | NEW: A party spokesman says Suu Kyi has won . The balance of power will not change even if the opposition wins all 45 seats . Official results may be known Monday . The vote is nevertheless a symbolic victory for many . | f16be736b18a7851c4cd504136f802678ca82df9 |
The friend who was on the phone with Trayvon Martin when his fatal confrontation with George Zimmerman began said Monday she is "disappointed, upset, angry, questioning and mad" at Zimmerman's acquittal on murder charges. Rachel Jeantel called the verdict "BS" and said Martin, 17, was never aggressive. "He was a calm, chill, loving person who loved his family, definitely his mother, and a good friend," Jeantel told CNN's "Piers Morgan Live." Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer in Sanford, Florida, was acquitted Saturday of second-degree murder charges in Martin's death. The killing sparked protests when police declined to bring charges against Zimmerman, leading to the appointment of a special prosecutor who eventually took the case to court. Prosecutors had argued that Zimmerman, who is Hispanic, had profiled and pursued the African-American teen. Juror: 'No doubt' that Zimmerman feared for his life . As the last person to speak to Martin, Jeantel was one of the prosecution's key witnesses. On the witness stand, she described how Martin told her over the phone that some "creepy-ass cracker" was following him and how he turned toward Zimmerman and asked, "Why are you following me for?" Zimmerman had called police to report Martin as a suspicious person in his neighborhood. The unarmed Martin was wearing a hooded sweatshirt and was staying with his father at the nearby home of his father's girlfriend. Juror: Jeantel wasn't a good witness . Jeantel dismissed arguments that the case had no racial dimension. "It was racial. Let's be honest, racial. If Trayvon was white and he had a hoodie on, would that happen?" she asked. Zimmerman told detectives Martin began pummeling him when he approached him, against the advice of a police dispatcher, and that he had to shoot to save his own life. He didn't testify during the trial, however -- and Jeantel said his defense was "acting like a punk" by attempting to paint Martin as a mortal threat. Despite outrage, federal charges uncertain in Zimmerman case . "If you were a real man you would have stand on that stage and tell what happened," she said, calling Zimmerman "weak" and "scary." Zimmerman's lawyers successfully argued for the right to present evidence that Martin had marijuana traces in his system, but never brought that before a jury or presented any testimony about whether the drug could have affected Martin's behavior. Jeantel acknowledged that Martin smoked marijuana, but added, "Weed don't make him go crazy, it just makes him go hungry." Now that he's free, can Zimmerman make a living? The 19-year-old found herself in the unforgiving spotlight of a nationally televised trial, in which viewers criticized her for her dress, her weight and her speech and her combative manner on the stand. She admitted to lying about her age and her reasons for skipping Martin's funeral. She later explained she is of Haitian descent and grew up speaking Spanish and Creole, and she said Monday that her speech was also affected by an underbite that will require surgery to correct. Jeantel on attorney Don West: 'I'll hold it back' A juror who spoke to CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" on Monday said she had difficulty understanding Jeantel and didn't consider her a credible witness, "but I felt very sorry for her." "She didn't ask to be in this place ... She wanted to go. She wanted to leave. She didn't want to be any part of this jury. I think she felt inadequate toward everyone because of her education and her communications skills. I just felt sadness for her." Fringe protestors turn violent in LA after verdict . | Zimmerman was "weak" and his defense acted "like a punk," Rachel Jeantel says . The case was about race, Jeantel says . Jeantel calls Zimmerman verdict "BS" Martin "was a calm, chill, loving person," she says . | 0416f01493da3f8d4ab439940d147fd519983cef |
This is the dramatic moment that a Syrian warplane exploded after being shot down by a Syrian fighter plane in a move sure to increase tensions between the two countries. The attack on the plane - from which the pilot ejected - happened in a border region where Syrian rebels have been battling President Bashar al-Assad's forces. ‘A Syrian plane violated our airspace,’ Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan told an election rally of his supporters in north-west Turkey. Scroll down for video . This is the dramatic moment that a Syrian warplane was shot down by a Syrian warplane in a move sure to increase tensions between the two countries . The attack on the plane - from which the pilot ejected - happened in a border region where Syrian rebels have been battling President Bashar al-Assad's forces . ‘Our F-16s took off and hit this plane. Why? Because if you violate my airspace, our slap after this will be hard.’ He . added: ‘I congratulate the chief of general staff, the armed forces and . those honourable pilots... I congratulate our air forces.’ The . rebels have been fighting for control of the Kasab crossing, the border . region, since Friday, when they launched an offensive which Syrian . authorities say was backed by Turkey's military. Falling from the sky: A Syrian warplane made to crash in Latakia, near the Turkish border . Crashing: The attack on the plane - from which the pilot ejected - happened in a border region where Syrian rebels have been battling President Bashar al-Assad's forces . Syria said Turkish air defences shot down the jet while it was attacking rebel forces inside Syrian territory, calling the move a ‘blatant aggression’. Turkish media reported that the army warned two Syrian jets approaching the border to turn away, but scrambled its F-16 jets when one refused to abide by the warning. State television quoted a military source as saying the pilot managed to eject from the plane. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights . monitoring group said initial reports from the area said the plane came . down on the Syrian side of the border. Al Manar, the television . station of Assad's Lebanese ally Hezbollah, said two rockets had been . fired from Turkish territory at the Syrian jet. Address: Turkey's Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan told an election rally of supporters about the attack on the plane . Support: Erdogan waves to his supporters during an election campaign rally in Istanbul . Campaign: Erdogan rallied hundreds of thousands of supporters today dismissing accusations of intolerance by Western and domestic critics . Backing: Supporters of Turkey's ruling party Justice and Development Party cheer the Prime Minister during the rally . Statement: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan (pictured yesterday) said 'our response from now will be heavy if you violate our airspace' Turkish warplanes last September downed a Syrian helicopter, which Ankara said was detected 1.2 miles inside Turkish airspace. Turkey toughened its rules of engagement after the downing of one of its fighter jets by the Syrian air force in June 2012, to say that any military approach of the Turkish border from Syria would be considered a threat. Since the conflict began in Syria, more than 100,000 people have been killed - with 6.5million nationals displaced and 2.5 million registered as refugees. | Attack in border region where Syrian rebels are battling Assad's forces . Turkish PM: 'If you violate my airspace, our slap after this will be hard' Rebels have been fighting for control of Kasab crossing since Friday . | b6eea38586ae143bac6458edd40fd35b732c6fb7 |
A father of three died in an avalanche on the last day of a family skiing holiday in the Italian Alps near to the French border. Graeme Porteous, 48, was swept to his death on Saturday after his off-piste ski party was hit by a 45ft-wide wall of snow in Argentera in Piedmont. Mr Porteous, who lived in Wimbledon, South-West London, with his wife Alexandra, survived the initial impact of the avalanche but suffered ‘multiple trauma’ when he was trapped against a tree and died within minutes. Danger: Graeme Porteous, 48, was swept to his death in Italy's Argentera region of the Alps (pictured) Last night a neighbour confirmed that Singapore-born Mr Porteous was a private investment banker who ran his own business from the £5.8million family home. The neighbour said: ‘This is a tragic accident for a lovely family.’ Mr Porteous is one of three skiers killed this weekend across Italy by heavy snow falls. Italian authorities said that he was part of a ‘really well organised’ group of ten friends and two guides enjoying the final day of their holiday but that conditions in that area were perilous. Raffaele Bagnis, head of the local Alpine Rescue team, told The Times: ‘They had gone off piste and provoked the avalanche. Thick snow: A skier in the Argentera region (file photo). The group had taken precautions . ‘There was one metre of fresh snow there and two metres higher up, with massive drifts built up by the wind . ‘There was too much snow to be out there. You can be the best skier in the world, but that doesn’t count in conditions like that. ‘Mr Porteous was conscious after the impact, but complained of pain in his leg and died five minutes later.’ The group had taken good precautions against the weather and each skier was wearing a backpack containing twin airbags, which can be inflated when an avalanche approaches to help stop the wearer being buried by snow. None was buried and all excepted for Mr Porteous escaped unharmed. Captain Giuseppe La Torre, the local commander of the Carabiniere police said the spate of avalanches across the region have been caused by unseasonably warm weather. He said: ‘There are lots of avalanches here at the moment because of snowfalls followed by sun. It can be very dangerous and this was indicated to skiers.’ Mr Porteous’s group, which is believed to include his wife, returned to the UK yesterday and were said to be ‘destroyed’ at his death. There were numerous other incidents in the region over the weekend. At Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Veneto region, rescuers spent four hours recovering the body of a 24 year old Dutch skier buried by a an avalanche while skiing off piste. And i the Trentino region, a group of snowboarders headed off piste at Passo Brocon but were struck by an avalanche which killed one of them after he was buried under nearly five feet of snow. | Graeme Porteous, 48, hit by 45ft of snow in Argentera near French border . He was one of three skiers killed this weekend in Italy by heavy snowfalls . Singapore-born investment banker lived in Wimbledon, south London . | 818d1b0b4588122ceb5f1404f04b27facc8f8dbd |
A Chris Gayle masterclass led the West Indies to a four-wicket win in the first of three Twenty20 internationals against South Africa. Rilee Rossouw’s half-century helped South Africa to 165 for four in Cape Town but it proved insufficient as Gayle hammered 77 off 31 balls, with eight sixes and five fours. Marlon Samuels added 41 and though South Africa took it to the last over, the tourists’ victory with four balls to spare was comfortable. Chris Gayle hit 77 off 31 balls, including eight sixes and five fours, in the West Indies' clash with South Africa . The remarkable Gayle salutes the crowd after reaching his 50 in Cape Town . Morne van Wyk pulled the third ball of the match, Sheldon Cottrell’s leg-side half-tracker, for six but South Africa took only nine from the first two overs. Reeza Hendricks was trapped plumb lbw by Cottrell’s yorker for 12 and Van Wyk (17) edged Jason Holder to Chris Gayle at slip to leave South Africa 33 for two. Faf du Plessis hit three fours off Holder in the eighth over and a four and a six off Ashley Nurse in the ninth. He then hit Andre Russell for six and four to move to 38 from 19 balls - only to sky the next straight to mid-off where Darren Sammy took the catch. The hundred came up in 13 overs and Cottrell dropped Rossouw at short fine leg before having David Miller (24) caught at deep cover by Dwayne Bravo. Rossouw exacted full punishment by reaching 51 from 40 balls and Farhaan Behardien added 18 from 12. Cottrell (two for 33) and the economical Holder (one for 20) were the pick of the bowlers. Gayle sparked the Windies’ response with sixes from successive Kagiso Rabada deliveries, the second a monstrous blast over wide long-on. South Africa bowler Imran Tahir celebrates taking the wicket of Dwayne Smith on Friday . Francois du Plessis plays a shot off Jason Holder during the Twenty20 match . South Africa's Rilee Roussow plays a shot off of a Dwayne Bravo delivery . He added another off Kyle Abbott and hit the unfortunate Rabada for 14 in three balls to move to 33 from 12 balls, having run just a single. Dwayne Smith got in on the act with back-to-back fours, the first bringing up the 50 partnership in 27 balls. Four, six, four and four from successive Wayne Parnell deliveries took Gayle to 53 from 17 balls - the joint-second fastest half-century in T20 internationals, beaten only by Yuvraj Singh’s 12-ball assault on England in 2007 which included six sixes from one Stuart Broad over. Smith (20) was dismissed lbw by Imran Tahir’s first ball, though replays suggested a touch of glove. Rabada was warmly applauded after returning with a dot ball against Gayle, who then hit back-to-back sixes off Tahir before being caught behind off an ill-advised reverse sweep. Marlon Samuels and Bravo kept the run rate ticking until the latter was deceived by Parnell’s slower ball and chipped to midwicket, with Samuels then bizarrely giving a pad-bat catch to backward point off Tahir. Russell and Ramdin holed out to long leg but Kieron Pollard finished the job with a boundary. | South Africa hosted the West Indies in the first of three T20 matches . The visitors ran out comfortable winners on Friday . Chris Gayle hit a remarkable 77 off 31 balls, Marlon Samuels added 41 . | 6a890adc92332c66bcfe1e441f8335ea4f03db59 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 11:14 PM on 16th December 2011 . A couple who romanticized trains and lived a modern-day adventure by riding railroad cars across the U.S. were killed when a train dumped its load of coal on them at a Florida power plant. Workers discovered the bodies of Christopher Artes, 25, and Medeana Hendershot, 22, this Sunday. Though it’s unclear exactly how the young couple died, officials guess that Mr Artes was buried alive and Ms Hendershot was crushed to death by the weight of the coal. Tragedy: Christopher Artes, 25, (pictured) and his girlfriend Medeana Hendershot, 22, were crushed to death by coal while train-hopping across the country . Sometime over the weekend, the train pulled into the city of Lakeland's power plant in Central Florida. As the rail cars arrive, the bottom opens and cars drop coal several stories below onto a waiting truck. Officials were not sure if the couple was sitting on top of the coal or were riding in an empty car and dropped onto a mound of coal, then hit or buried by another load. Mr Artes died from asphyxiation, meaning he was likely buried alive. Ms Hendershot died from blunt force trauma to her middle section. 'We were always worried about him. He . always made so many bad decisions. If he got an idea and . something looked good to him, he would do it. He was always jumping into . situations. This particular train was one of them. I'm sure they . thought the train would go from one yard to another.' -Susan Artes, mother of Christopher Artes . As a teenager in suburban Maryland, Mr Artes had an illegal and dangerous kind of wanderlust - hitching rides on trains. Over the summer, he fell in love with Ms Hendershot, who shared his passion. They travelled from Georgia to Chicago, then back to Tennessee, with Mr Artes sending his mother pictures along the way. They wanted to spend winter in Florida because it was warm.'If he had to die so young, at least he died at a moment where he was on top of the world,' said Susan Artes, Mr Artes’ mother. Travelling tragedy: The couple was making a trek across the U.S. in freight cars like these . Mr Artes was adopted when he was 5 days old. Growing up, he had dyslexia and other learning disorders, but he was a sweet boy, his mother said. He was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder but didn't like taking his medication. He used drugs and drank, but his mother said he had been clean in recent months. In high school, he embraced the punk rock scene and met some 'traveller kids,' his mother said. He started to dress in black and had a lot of different hair styles and colours. It was then he began climbing aboard freight trains for short trips, either to get around, or for the experience. Grisly: The bodies of Artes and Hendershot were found Sunday in coal by Lakeland Electric power plant workers in central Florida . This summer, with his girlfriend, he embarked on his longest trip yet, with no set plans other than the adventure. Since the invention of the railroad, . people have sought travel and wander along the tracks. During the Great . Depression, people jumped aboard to look for work or because it was the . best way to get to another town. Train riding has always been a risky business. Those seeking to travel from one place to the next face dangers of falling off the car and being jolted or crushed as the train's slack lessons. There is also the danger of the open road - in such sparsely populated areas, robbery is common. The couple wanted to stay in Florida, then return to Maryland for a visit with his family in the spring. 'I don't recommend it and I encourage people not to do it,' said Kevin Rice, of San Luis Obispo, California, who writes about his train hopping adventures from 20 years ago on his website. Mr Rice listed the dangers of riding the rails: falling off the car, getting robbed by a vagrant, being jolted or crushed when the train's slack lessens. 'It was a great deal of fun and adventure but we could have gotten killed,' said Mr Rice, now 43. He said he has heard of many different freight-hopping deaths, but nothing like the case of Mr Artes and Ms Hendershot. Mr Artes' mother said her son had a train-hopping manual, but it was stolen at some point. She described her son as naïve and trusting. When he and Ms Hendershot were in Miami several weeks ago, a trucker with whom they had caught a ride with stole Mr Artes' backpack. 'We were always worried about him. He always made so many bad decisions,' she said. 'If he got an idea and something looked good to him, he would do it. He was always jumping into situations. 'This particular train was one of them. I'm sure they thought the train would go from one yard to another.' Ms Hendershot's family couldn't be located for comment. The last time Mr Artes spoke with his mother was last Saturday. He had been up north. He told his mother he was in Georgia on his way to Florida because the weather up north was too cold. His funeral will likely be next week in Maryland. | Christopher Artes, 25, and Medeana Hendershoot, 22, travelled the country by hitching rides on trains . Medical examiner says Artes suffocated and Hendershoot was crushed by tons of coal . Artes had been hitching rides on trains since he was a teenager . | f370fa7d97041cfb02a459f65b77723bace5d911 |
Imagine a world where you no longer have to spend hours putting together Ikea furniture. Instead, that flat-packed table you purchased will instantly unfold into the right shape while you sit back and relax. Now, . the U.S. Army Research Office is hoping to make this a reality by . providing an $855,000 (£528,000) grant to develop 4D printing . technology. 4D printing uses . 3D printing- a process that works in a similar way to a laser printer, . building a solid object from a series of layers with each one printed . directly on top of the previous one. Scroll down for video... 4D printing uses 3D printing- a process that works in a similar way to a laser printer, building a solid object from a series of layers with each one printed directly on top of the previous one . But . 4D printing takes 3D printing one step further by allowing 3D-printed . materials to be programmed to self-assemble into different shapes over . time. The concept draws . inspiration from nature which has the ability to self-replicate and . repair itself in response to external environmental conditions. The . technology has the potential to dramatically change processes in . construction and manufacturing and could make it easier to build in . extreme environments. The . U.S. Army Research Office is hoping 4D printing will lead to materials . that allow cars to change their structure or a fabric that enables a . soldier’s uniform to alter its camouflage. The . research grant has been awarded to a trio of university researchers . from the University of Pittsburgh’s Swanson School of Engineering, . Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, and the University . of Illinois. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that works in a similar way to a laser printer, by . building a solid object from a series of layers with each one printed . directly on top of the previous one. 4D printing takes 3D printing one step further by allowing 3D-printed . materials to be programmed to self-assemble into different shapes over . time. It can do this, for instance, by varying water-absorbing . characteristics in parts of the material that activate a change in shape when they come into . contact with moisture. The concept draws . inspiration from nature which has the ability to self-replicate and . repair itself in response to external environmental conditions. The . technology has the potential to dramatically change processes in . construction and manufacturing and could make it easier to build in . extreme environments. The three . scientists will combine their expertise to manipulate materials at nano . and micro levels in order to produce, via 3D printing, materials that . can modify their structures over time. ‘Rather . than construct a static material or one that simply changes its shape, . we’re proposing the development of adaptive, biomimetic composites that . reprogramme their shape, properties, or functionality on demand, based . upon external stimuli,’ said principal investigator Anna Balazs. Co-investigator . Jennifer Lewis added that current 3D printing technology allows the . researchers to build in complicated functionality—not just throughout an . entire structure, but also within specific areas of the structure. ‘If . you use materials that possess the ability to change their properties . or shape multiple times, you don’t have to build for a specific, . one-time use,’ she explained. The . research will use responsive fillers embedded within a hydrogel. They . claim this will open up new routes for producing the next generation of . smart sensors, coatings, textiles, and structural components. 4D printing takes 3D printing one step further by allowing 3D-printed materials to be programmed to self-assemble into different shapes over time . ‘The . ability to create one fabric that responds to light by changing its . colour, and to temperature by altering its permeability, and even to an . external force by hardening its structure, becomes possible through the . creation of responsive materials that are simultaneously adaptive, . flexible, lightweight, and strong,’ said Harvard University’s Ralph . Nuzzo. ‘It’s this ‘complicated functionality’ that makes true 4D printing a game changer.’ Earlier this year, architect Skylar Tibbits announced a project to develop morphing materials using 4D printing. In . collaboration with Minneapolis-based group Stratasys, Tibbits set up a . radical lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to create . materials that self-assemble. In . a similar way to the U.S. Army’s project, Tibbits is aiming to use of . multi-material 3D printing to programme different properties into . various parts of a product’s geometry. The . idea is that these parts will have varying water-absorbing . characteristics that activate a change in shape when they come into . contact with moisture. | 4D printing enables 3D-printed materials to be programmed to self-assemble . It can do this, for instance, by varying material's water-absorbing . qualities . This activates shape change when material come into . contact with moisture . U.S. Army has awarded £528,000 to the University of Pittsburgh, Harvard School of Engineering and Illinois University to develop the technology . | 2ec811c6db2eedb9ceea49eccc43ec01c770b4cd |
By . Tara Brady . The British SAS regiment is renowned for its tough selection process. And now it seems that the animal kingdom is holding trials for its own special forces. These squirrels were videoed tackling what appears to be a tough obstacle course during a clip posted to YouTube. One of the squirrels takes on the assault course in Steve Barley's back garden . The creatures take part in the daring assault course made up of twists, jumps and turns in Steve Barley's back garden. Mr Barley created the 'double assault course' for the critters and even provides a running commentary. He begins the clip by saying: 'It's 5.30 in the morning. Most sensible people are in their beds. But I'm on squirrel watch. 'It may be wet but the squirrels are hungry.' The video has now been viewed more than 200,000 times online. Mr Barley created the 'double assault course' for the two animals and even provides the commentary . The video featuring two squirrels has now been viewed more than 200,000 times online . The animals take part in a daring assault course made up of twists, jumps and turns . On Mr Barley's YouTube account, he says:'How could we beat the success of our Black Squirrel Assault Course? 'By building an even bigger assault course out of an old ironing board, sink plunger and bits of old wood! This time we've gone for the double! Bring on those cheeky squirrels.' Grey squirrels, originally from North America, were released in the UK by 19th century landowners. They are now very common and widespread. Grey squirrels are active during the day, foraging for food in trees and on the ground – they often visit peanut feeders in gardens. In the autumn they spend time storing nuts to eat during the winter. They also tend to breed in between January and April and, if food is plentiful, they may have a second litter in the summer. They are extremely successful and have replaced our native red squirrels over most of the UK. | Animals take part in assault course made up of twists, jumps and turns . Course was created by Steve Barley who provides a running commentary . The video has now been viewed more than 200,000 times on YouTube . | af358efa58d7881bcd10312ed67cadc1a2f6d003 |
By . Phil Casey, Press Association . Rory McIlroy recovered from a slow start to boost his chances of a second major title in succession in the weather-affected 96th US PGA Championship on Friday. McIlroy briefly dropped three shots off the lead when he bogeyed the par-four 12th, his third hole of the day, but bounced back with a birdie on the next and made another from 18 feet on the 15th as more rain fell at Valhalla. And when the 25-year-old Open champion holed from 30 feet for an eagle on the par-five 18th, he suddenly held a two-shot lead over US Ryder Cup vice-captain Steve Stricker and fellow American Ryan Palmer. Going strong: Rory McIlroy stayed in the hunt for a third consecutive victory on the PGA Tour . Umbrella: Play was delayed for 50 minutes after a torrential downpour at the Valhalla Gold Club . Fans: McIlroy hits his tee shot on the 15th hole during the second round of the 96th PGA Championship . 'The golf course was pretty wet so the ball is not running anywhere and whenever it's like that and no rain coming down it is very playable and you could make a score,' McIlroy said. 'I didn't get off to the best of starts, but I righted the ship well and caught fire a little bit round the turn and am really happy with four under par. 'I'm feeling good about my game, I'm confident and hitting the ball well for the most part - not quite as well as I did yesterday, but still in control of my game and my emotions and I will need to do that over the weekend as well.' McIlroy had not looked in top form in the early stages of his round, pushing his opening drive into the crowd on the par-five 10th and failing to convert a birdie putt from 10 feet, although a par was at least two shots better than he managed there on Thursday after hooking his second shot out of bounds. Another birdie chance went begging on the 11th and the world number one then bogeyed the 12th, pulling his drive into the gallery and failing to get up and down from a greenside bunker. McIlroy, who followed his Open victory with a first World Golf Championship title in the Bridgestone Invitational on Sunday, got back on track with birdies at the 13th and 15th and missed from six feet for another on the 16th after a towering four-iron approach from 224 yards. In front: The Northern Irishman seized the outright lead with an eagle at the par-five 18th . Sand: McIlroy hits his third shot from a bunker on the 12th hole during the second round on Friday . But he made amends by holing from 30 feet for an eagle on the 18th and could have had another on the seventh, missing from eight feet after a stunning three-wood approach. As if to emphasise a changing of the guard, his closing birdie on the ninth came just as former world number one Tiger Woods began his second round on three over par. Play had got under way in torrential rain at 7:30am but was suspended just 20 minutes later with the first group of joint overnight leader Palmer, Ireland's Shane Lowry and Bob Sowards still on the first green. Two members of the green-keeping staff at Valhalla had been attempting to clear water from the putting surface with squeegees, but that proved an impossible task as the rain intensified. Lead: McIlroy wasn't quite at his best but did enough to remain in the lead as he finished on day two . The rain eased enough for tournament officials to announce play would restart after a delay of 45 minutes, although preferred lies could not be used as they were surprisingly not in force when the round got under way. 'It was tough when we teed off,' Palmer said after adding a 70 to his opening 65. 'I wasn't quite sure if we should have teed off to be honest with you, you could barely see the fairway. It was tough when we got to the first green, we couldn't get a clean lie with the standing water, so they couldn't even squeegee it clear enough. 'We were questioning in the fairway why we had to hit into a puddle because the first green was already under water. They said, 'That's just golf'. We're like, 'Tell the guy indoors that's making the decision to come check it out, because it's wet'.' | Rory McIlroy takes the lead after strong second day at the US PGA Championship . Open champion on course for second successive major title . Northern Irishman dropped three shots off the lead after slow start . 25-year-old hold from 30 feet for an eagle on par-five 18th . Play restarted after a 50-minute suspension because of heavy rain . | 15977594b3bf808e083502e9845ce3b8210aae32 |
A war veteran says he was harassed and humiliated by an employee of a Houston Starbucks who refused to allow him into the store because of his service dog. Yancy Baer was visiting the city on behalf of an organization that trains service dogs which are provided to disabled people. However he found he was a victim of discrimination as a Starbucks worker attempted to force him to prove his disability. Scroll down for video... Standing up for justice: Disabled veteran Yancy Baer was confronted by a Starbucks employee about his service dog Beanz and forced to prove he had a disability in order to be allowed into the store . Animal helper: A Texas war veteran who recently had his lower leg amputated was barred from entering a branch of Starbucks after an employee refused to believe the dog was a service animal . Insult: The confrontation took place at this branch of Starbucks in Houston. The company have since apologized . Still adjusting to his life as an amputee, doctors discovered Mr Baer had bone cancer after a non-combat related injury in Iraq in 2009. His left leg had to be amputated from the knee down and was given a physical service dog, Beanz, through a national organization called Canine Companions for Independence. However, as soon as he walked through the door of the coffee chain, the trouble started. A Starbucks employee approached him as he entered with Beanz, his service dog. 'You can't have dogs in here,' the worker yelled at him. Story to tell: A disabled U.S. army veteran says he was confronted and embarrassed at a Houston Starbucks because of his service dog . Companion: Service dog Beanz remained loyal throughout but even she doesn't like Starbucks anymore! 'It was in your face, loud and bold. I got really nervous. I was shaking because I was being confronted,' he said in a posting on Facebook. Mr Baer explained that Beanz was a service dog. The employee countered, 'you're not blind!' to which he replied 'I know and she isn't a seeing eye dog, she's a physical service dog.' Beanz had her bright blue service vest and working collar on at the time of the encounter. 'Well what does the dog do?' the staffer demanded to know. Upon explaining the ways in which his dog performed tasks for him, the war veteran was not prepared for the employees response: 'Why can't you do that yourself?' he was asked. Mr Baer says he was humiliated and embarrassed in front of a crowd of spectators. Eventually, he spoke with another employee and got his point across. The employee who stopped him at the door later apologized for what happened. 'I was floored and starting to shake a bit at this point, I'm wearing pants but still, it's none of your business and he had NO right to say that to me,' said Mr Baer. In a posting on Facebook, Mr Baer's frustration at the situation is clear. 'This whole time the guy is in my face, being loud and I'm trying my hardest not to choke slam his ass.' 'The only thing that prevented this a-hole from a trip to the hospital was the fact that I was with an individual to have an important meeting about... wait for it, SERVICE DOGS!' he writes. 'People with disabilities, you can’t always see those disabilities. You never know what a service dog is for,' said Baer to KHOU. BY his side: Yancy Baer is sharing his story in hopes of educating others. He is still adjusting to his life as an amputee . Prove it! Mr Baer was yelled at in the store and told 'You're not blind!' He believes, had he been wearing shorts, that his disability would have been more obvious . Mr Baer was wearing pants at the time. He believes the employee wouldn’t have made such a big deal had he been wearing shorts. He hopes others learn that a person with a service dog doesn’t need to have an obvious or visible disability. 'Be careful about who you approach and how you approach it. You’ve got to be sensitive to people,' said Mr Baer. 'This isn’t acceptable. It can’t be acceptable.' Starbucks have since apologized. A corporate spokesman says that are using Mr Baer's experience as a coaching tool. The company have also released a Statement: . 'Starbucks always welcomes service animals to our stores, and this customer’s experience is not consistent with the welcoming and friendly environment we strive to create for everyone. We have spoken with this customer to apologize for his experience, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve him again. We have also spoken with our store partner about this situation and used this as a coaching opportunity for the future.' Mr Baer says he holds no hard feelings toward Starbucks as a company but in a posting on Facebook he says he will never step foot in another Starbucks for the rest of his life. | Veteran walked into Starbucks but got into a confrontation with an employee who wanted him to prove his disability . Yancy Baer was in Houston to have a meeting about service dogs . His own dog was wearing a service vest . Starbucks have since apologized for the incident but Mr Baer says he will never step foot inside one again . | 572e953931e517708b2b3422a71a6c2fe9a634d2 |
Two policemen, three brothers, a fireman, a customs officer and an admin clerk. They formed part of the Gibraltar starting XI that lost 7-0 to Poland in their first-ever competitive match on Sunday night. With a population of less than 30,000, UEFA's newest member Gibraltar didn't exactly have a wealth of professional footballers to choose from for their debut in this Euro 2016 qualifier. Preston's Scott Wiseman and Bnei Yehuda's Liam Walker were the only two making a living in football in the Gibraltar side, and could do little to prevent Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski from scoring four of Poland's seven. But who are the others that fit playing internationally around their day jobs? Sportsmail finds out. The starting XI: Gibraltar's competitive debut didn't go to plan, but the country has a population of just 30,000 . A mixed bunch: Gibraltar's starting XI boasted two policemen, an admin clerk, a fireman, two pros and others! Jordan Perez (FIREFIGHTER) One day an international footballer, the next working the night shift as a firefighter. When Perez isn't defending his goal for Gibraltar Premier Division outfit Lincoln Red Imps, he's donning a fireman's outfit. The 27-year-old previously admitted he fits his life as a footballer around his shift patterns. Scott Wiseman (PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER FOR PRESTON) A right-back born in Hull. Wiseman qualifies for Gibraltar through his mother, and is rare in the fact that he makes a living out of football. The 28-year-old has been with Hull, Darlington, Rochdale and Barnsley, but currently plays for Preston in League One. Joseph Chipolina (ADMIN CLERK) Chipolina is a left-back for Lincoln, the reigning champions of the Gibraltar Premier Division for 12 years running. When not acting as an admin clerk, the versatile part-time footballer can be found racing down the left wing. He plays alongside his namesake and distant relative, Roy Chipolina. Dejected: Jordan Perez, a goalkeeper and firefighter, reacts during the 7-0 defeat to the superior Poland . Squeeze: Professional footballer Scott Wiseman (right) and David Artell (left) go for the ball on Sunday night . David Artell vowed to stop Robert Lewandowski... CLICK HERE to read what the part-time defender had to say! David Artell (CREWE ACADEMY DIRECTOR) Artell plays for Bala Town, who finished eighth in the Welsh Premier League last year. The 33-year-old's role at former club Crewe, though, sees him act as the Academy's Operations Manager. And that's not all, Artell is a trained biologist, having previously studied at the University of Chester. Roy Chipolina (CUSTOMS OFFICER) A customs officer for more than a decade, who was born in Enfield, north London. Chipolina captains the national side, and remains with Gibraltar's main club Lincoln. The 31-year-old centre-back was charged with containing the threat posed by Lewandowski, who proved deadly for Poland. Lee Casciaro (POLICEMAN) Casciaro, Gibraltar's Sports Personality of the Year of 2012, is one of three brothers on the pitch. Lincoln won 12 consecutive league titles in his homeland, all while Casciaro got on with his day job as a policeman. Casciaro has also featured for Gibraltar's futsal team, too. Out-muscled: Robert Lewandowski battles with Gibraltar captain Roy Chipolina for the ball on Sunday night . On the deck: Lee Casciaro, one of three brothers on the pitch, works as a policeman by day in Gibraltar . Chase is on: Chipolina, a customs officer for more than a decade, was born in Enfield, north London . CLICK HERE for the match report from Gibraltar's competitive debut vs Poland . Rafael Bado (STOREMAN) A storeman who plays in midfield for amateur football club, Lynx FC, in Gibraltar. The 30-year-old is reportedly gifted technically, but fell short of causing Poland a problem or two. Bado is a new feature to the national squad, and is reaping the rewards after Gibraltar won their 14-year battle with UEFA. Ryan Casciaro (POLICEMAN) Another Lincoln footballer in Gibraltar's top amateur league and, like his brother Lee, the 30-year-old spends his days serving as a policeman. This Casciaro is versatile, and can fit into defence or midfield for the national side. Liam Walker (PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER FOR BNEI YEHUDA) The second professional footballer of the team. Walker, a midfielder for Israeli club Bnei Yehuda, came with a recommendation from former Chelsea player Yossi Benayoun. One of the few players in the starting XI that boasts a compilation on the net from his time with Portsmouth in League One. Pro: Liam Walker, a midfielder for Israeli club Bnei Yehuda, came with a Yossi Benayoun recommendation . Slide: Rafael Bado, a storeman by day, of Gibraltar is challenged on Sunday night during the 7-0 hammering . Trying: The 30-year-old Bado is reportedly gifted technically, but fell short of causing Poland a problem or two . Brian Perez (ELECTRICAL DEPARTMENT WORKER) Little exists to tell you more about the midfielder that reportedly works in an electrical department. Made headlines, in Gibraltar at least, when sent off for shoving an opposition player in the face after scoring. Currently on the books of - you guessed it - Gibraltar Premier Division side Lincoln. Kyle Casciaro (SHIPPING AGENT) Gibraltar's main goal threat and the youngest of the three Casciaro brothers. International newcomers Gibraltar claimed their first win in just their fifth match after this particular Casciaro scored the winner against Malta. One way for the Lincoln forward to become an instant hero. Threat: Kyle Casciaro goes for the ball during the 7-0 defeat to Poland on Sunday in their Euro 2016 qualifier . Tussle: Brian Perez (left) reportedly works in an electrical department and plays for Gibraltar side Lincoln . | Gibraltar are UEFA's newest member with a population of about 30,000 . Poland beat Gibraltar 7-0 on Sunday night with four goals from Robert Lewandowski, two from Kamil Grosicki and one from Lukas Szukala . The defeat was Gibraltar's competitive debut after winning a 14-year battle . Preston's Scott Wiseman and Bnei Yehuda's Liam Walker were the only two professional footballers in the Gibraltar starting XI against Poland . ‘I’ve made a point of telling them not to ask (Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski) for an autograph,’ admitted Gibraltar manager Allen Bula . | 9630902cd87b1d6754b62a68fbc17df2d15a1648 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Top executives cursed a total of 254 times during analyst calls in the past decade, and their language was more laced with profanities during tough economic times, new research has found. The CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. James Hagedorn, Ryanair Holdings Plc CEO Michael O-Leary and Merson Electric Co. CEO David Farr make up the Cursing Hall of Fame, according to a Bloomberg News review of thousands of CEO calls with investors and analysts from 2004 to last month. The interesting, though perhaps not . surprising, data shows bosses' cursing spiked in 2009, in the aftermath . of the recession, and has been steadily declining as the recovery . continues. Swear jar: Top executives cursed a total of 254 times during analyst calls in the past decade, and their language was more laced with profanities during tough economic times, new research has found . However, even Hagedorn called himself up . on it recently, apologizing for his foul mouth during a discussion with . analysts, showing the tide has turned. 'It swings back and forth,' Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts psychology professor Timothy Jay told Bloomberg. The use of profanities goes up and down in the same way as gross domestic product and unemployment, the results show. Profanity-laced: Bloomberg calculated that executives used the words f***, God***m, s*** and a**hole a total of 254 times in calls from 2004 to last month . Bloomberg calculated that executives used the words f***, God***m, s*** and a**hole a total of 254 times in calls from 2004 to last month. The naughty words appeared 17, 34, 197 and 6 times, respectively. Hagedorn, O'Leary and Farr are the only bosses to use the F word more than once - with O'Leary coming out on top with five occurrences. 'Speaking personally, I have no interest in f***ing dividends. I am very interested in getting the share price of this airline up,' O'Leary said on July 25, 2011, according to Bloomberg. Hall of F: The CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. James Hagedorn, Ryanair Holdings Plc CEO Michael O-Leary and Merson Electric Co. CEO David Farr make up the Cursing Hall of Fame . On a call on February 11, 2013, Farr said 'g**d***' three times, mainly to insist the firm was 'not a g**d*** one trick pony.' And on February 14, 2012, Hagedorn said if you looked at the profit and loss 'it clearly was a s****y year' and also said 'I'm like "f***, Valentine's Day!"' during a story about forgetting the holiday. But each of them have been trying to tame their tempers in the past year, their companies have said, with Hagedorn even getting a unanimously supported reprimand last year. | The CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. James Hagedorn, Ryanair Holdings Plc CEO Michael O-Leary and Merson Electric Co. CEO David Farr make up the Cursing Hall of Fame . Bloomberg News review of thousands of CEO calls with investors and analysts from 2004 to last month to get the data . The research shows bosses' cursing spiked in 2009, in the aftermath of the recession, and has been steadily declining with the recovery . | 0e31506d3aa973b2959abfbf0b160a3ebbf3c0f3 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:31 EST, 19 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 19:34 EST, 19 August 2012 . A third of the fish caught in British waters are being landed abroad by foreign fishermen, it was claimed yesterday. Trawlers owned abroad – but flying British flags – are accused of taking the fish away from the country in a flagrant abuse of our strict quota system. Across Europe fish stocks are in long-term decline, with current British levels estimated to be 90 per cent lower than a century ago. Abusing the system: Foriegn-owned trawlers are accused of taking fish away from Britain . Many blame the Spanish for accelerating the process. The foreign fishing companies are allowed to register their vessels in the UK and then buy or lease fishing quotas that were meant to be for British boats. It is reported that, under this system, just five Spanish ships registered in one county are allowed to catch more hake in British waters than the entire Scottish trawler fleet. The Spanish vessels reportedly have quotas for 1,650 tons of hake, compared with the Scottish fleet’s allowance of 1,570 tons. According to government records, the five ships are part of 15 Spanish-controlled trawlers ‘based’ in Fleetwood, Lancashire – but which are said to never land their catch there. One of the vessels registered in the once-thriving port is the O Genita, which fishes from a UK quota. It is owned by the Vidal family, who were recently ordered to pay fines and costs of £1.62million for illegal fishing. A judge at Truro Crown Court (above) last month accused a group of foreign skippers and employers of 'systematic and repeated abuse' of limits imposed to protect British fish stocks . Passing the sentence at Truro Crown Court in Cornwall last month, Judge Graham Cottle accused the skippers and their employers of ‘systematic, repeated and cynical abuse’ of the limits imposed to protect British fish stocks. According to the latest figures compiled by the Marine Management Organisation, British-registered fishing boats landed 606,000 tons of sea fish in the UK and abroad last year, worth £719million. About a third of this – 196,000 tons – was landed overseas. Critics say that even when foreign boats land their catch in British ports, the fish are loaded straight into lorries and taken abroad. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said: ‘It is vital that Britain continues to receive a benefit from all UK registered boats. We are reviewing the policy to ensure this remains the case.’ | Current British fish stocks 90 per cent lower than a century ago . | 1c6693259668e536965770b722982f61a54a15ce |
(CNN)If you've always wanted to have a beer with "Family Guy's" Peter Griffin in real life, give Robert Franzese a call. Franzese is a New York-based cosplayer who also happens to do an insanely accurate impression of the cartoon dad from Quahog, Rhode Island. With a white button-down shirt, a pair of green pants, round glasses and his spot-on vocal work, Franzese can transform from everyday guy into something right out of a "Family Guy" episode. Franzese's character has been a hit at conventions like New York Comic-Con, and a recent YouTube video from BOOM! Big Pants shows just how much of a celebrity he has become. "Impressions just really came naturally to me," Franzese explains in the clip, which -- be warned -- contains coarse language. "So I slapped together stuff that I had. ... and was like, great, Peter Griffin. Just one stupid joke, where I go to the ATM, and I'm like, 'Oh, my God, I won!' And from then on, it's just caught like wildfire." He's become so popular that he's caught the eye of "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane, who retweeted the YouTube video of Franzese on Wednesday. In his everyday life, Franzese swears he's a "nobody": "I have a nobody job, making nobody pay," he says in the video. But when he goes to Comic-Con, "people are pulling out phones like I'm freaking Brad Pitt," he continues. "It makes me feel like a million bucks. It's the reactions that I get out of what I do that gives me the joy of what I do." | A cosplayer does a wicked impression of "Family Guy's" Peter Griffin . The creator of "Family Guy" has acknowledged the impression on Twitter . | 7cdf9761f53fa2d4fa3273293419df56b160cffb |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 11:33 PM on 21st July 2011 . Detectives have been criticised for a 'shocking and disgraceful' conspiracy to pervert the course of justice after it was revealed how they took a key murder trial witness to a brothel, paid him cash and allowed him to take cannabis and heroin in their company. A Supreme Court ruling has unearthed how 'supergrass' and convicted robber Karl Chapman had sex with a policewoman, socialised at officers' homes and visited pubs while in custody as West Yorkshire Police sought to secure his continued co-operation. The force also ignored a number of violent crimes allegedly committed by Chapman, including the brutal rape of his cellmate and the vicious stabbing of a fellow prisoner with broken glass bound with twine. Convicted robber Karl Chapman, pictured left in 1996, was the main prosecution witness in the case of Paul Maxwell, right, who admitted murder last month . Chapman received special treatment because he was the main prosecution witness in the case of Paul Maxwell, who last month admitted murdering 85-year-old Joe Smales in Wakefield, West Yorkshire in 1996. Maxwell and his brother, Daniel Mansell, were originally found guilty of the attack after a Leeds Crown Court trial in 1998, but the convictions were quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2009 on the grounds they had been 'procured by gross prosecutorial misconduct'. The Supreme Court judgement, published on Wednesday, reveals for the first time the 'variety of wholly inappropriate benefits' given to Chapman by West Yorkshire officers . Five Supreme Court judges ruled by a majority of three to two last year that Maxwell should face a retrial. More than £3million of taxpayers' money had been spent on the case by the time he finally admitted his guilt, for which he received a 17-and-a-half-year jail term. The Supreme Court judgement, published on Wednesday, reveals for the first time the 'variety of wholly inappropriate benefits' given to Chapman by West Yorkshire officers. One judge, Lord Brown, who took the view that Maxwell should not have been retried, found that a large number of officers, including 'several of very high rank', were engaged in a 'prolonged, persistent and pervasive conspiracy to pervert the course of justice'. Officers colluded in Chapman's perjury during the trial, the judge found, intending him to lie throughout his evidence about how he had been treated. They ensured Chapman's police custody records presented a 'false picture of the facts', even forging one to conceal the truth, and they lied to the Crown Prosecution Service after the trial. Lord Brown stated: 'To describe police misconduct on this scale merely as shocking and disgraceful is to understate the gravity of its impact on the prosecution process. 'It is hard to imagine a worse case of sustained prosecutorial dishonesty designed to secure and hold a conviction at all costs.' None of the officers involved in the case have been prosecuted or disciplined. All have since left the police service and at least one is understood to be living abroad. The full extent of the corruption was uncovered by a North Yorkshire Police investigation on behalf of the Criminal Cases Review Commission, which probes potential miscarriages of justice. It is understood that some West Yorkshire officers refused to co-operate with the inquiry. Investigators found that Chapman regularly had sex with a woman police constable but he cheated on her when her colleagues took him to a brothel - a trip described on the custody record as an outing to 'assist in the locations of crime'. Chapman wrote to the woman officer, apologising: 'I was drunk and stoned on weed, they paraded a dozen beautiful women in front of me and said take your pick.' It is alleged that Chapman later assaulted the officer after they broke up, but the case was one of several against him which were not prosecuted. Maxwell's solicitor Mark Foley said he was stunned by the 'incredible scale of the malpractice exposed'. Deputy Chief Constable David Crompton said: 'In relation to the original investigation back in 1996, the methods used to deal with the main witness were wholly unacceptable and cannot be condoned in any way whatsoever.' Following the North Yorkshire Police inquiry 'the CPS concluded there were no criminal offences committed by any officer'. Mr Crompton said: 'Since the original investigation was carried out 16 years ago there has been a complete root-and-branch overhaul of procedures to safeguard against such failings and to prevent them from ever happening again.' | West Yorkshire Police also ignored a number of violent crimes allegedly committed by Karl Chapman . He received special treatment as he was a main witness in the retrial of Paul Maxwell . Officers intended Chapman to lie throughout his evidence about how he had been treated . | ac27739dc69645201bcdc732a370d33628a99172 |
Baghdad, Iraq (CNN) -- A Sunni town north of Baghdad that has been surrounded by ISIS for more than two months came under heavy attack on Monday, local police and residents said. At about 9 a.m., a suicide bomber in a seized military Humvee struck a dirt berm that was built as part of the defenses around the southern part of Dhuluiya. The bombing cleared the way for a second suicide bomber in another Humvee to drive into the center of the town and strike the market area. At least nine people were killed and more than 70 others were wounded in the two bombings. . Shaalan al-Jibouri, a resident of Dhuluiya and a local journalist, explained the situation to CNN from inside the town. He said ISIS seized the town in June, but on June 18, the al-Jibour tribe, along with the local police, pushed ISIS out of the southern part of the town and took control of the area, while ISIS remained in control of the northern part. Since June, al-Jibouri said, the southern part of Dhuluiya has been besieged and under constant attack by ISIS. Local officials have counted 72 attacks, including hundreds of mortar and artillery shell strikes. The attack on Monday, he said, was the worst since the ISIS offensive began. On July 16, he said, ISIS blew up a vital bridge connecting Dhuluiya to the predominantly Shiite town of Balad about 10 kilometers (6 miles) to the west. Al-Jibouri said the bridge was a lifeline for the town and even though Balad is a Shiite town, its local officials and residents have supported and assisted residents of Dhuluiya throughout the siege. He described a dire humanitarian situation in the part of Dhuluiya that has no medical care and having to move people to Balad for treatment there. The destruction of the bridge has forced them to use small boats to move the injured and get supplies, which has been very difficult, he said. Al-Jibouri said the people of his town and its police force are determined to continue the fight, with women and young boys taking up arms to defend their home. "We lived through a bitter experience in 2006 under these people. They did not distinguish between security forces and civilians. They massacred people then and they will do it again. ... We will not allow them to enter the town. Dhuluiya will continue its resistance until the last breath, over our dead bodies will they enter this town." Al-Jibouri's wife and 16-year-old daughter were wounded when an artillery shell hit close to their home last week. He said local officials have repeatedly asked for government support but have received only "empty promises." "In the name of humanity we call on President Obama, who says they are the protectors of humanity -- where are your planes, your missiles?" "Why this terrorism, why are our children being killed, our homes destroyed? We call on the American people to pressure their government to help us." A number of people in the room with him also said they want the United States to help them, saying even if it's American troops, "we welcome them." They accused the Iraqi government of a double standard, apparently a reference to the fact that about a week ago, Iraqi troops broke the ISIS siege in the town of Amerli, which is predominantly Shiite. | Town was taken over by ISIS in June, but police and local tribe regained control of part of it . Residents of Dhuluiya say since then, ISIS has attacked relentlessly . Monday, suicide bombers hit the downtown market area, killing at least 9 . Residents say Iraqi government offers only "empty promises," call on U.S. for help . | c518ce056b41c45cfe3e9068ae1dfa3118a2db77 |
French bureaucrats gathering information for the national census may need to go back to history class after they sent a letter to Napoleon. Official census body Insee addressed a letter to the late French emperor – and were told to forward their request to Saint Peter. Insee is now facing questions about the accuracy of their work as Napoleon has been dead for nearly 200 years. Dear Emperor: The official statistics body in France sent a letter to Napoleon Bonaparte, who died nearly 200 years ago in 1821, for the annual census . The letter caught the attention of a post office worker in Napoleon’s old hometown of Ajaccio on Corsica,’ Connexion reports. The envelope was addressed to ‘Napoleon Bonaparte, 3 rue Saint-Charles, Ajaccio,’ and had been returned with a note reading ‘Died in 1821 - please forward to Saint Peter’. The Corsican post office returned the letter to Insee, France’s national statistics body, with a sticker saying ‘Not known at this address’. Napoleon Bonaparte, who was recently named the second most significant person in human history by American scientists, was born on the French Mediterranean island in 1769. 'No longer at this address': The letter was sent to Napoleon's home town Ajaccio on Corsica, and returned with a note to forward the request to Saint Peter . After rising in the ranks of the French Army, he became the Emperor Napoleon I in 1804. He is most famous for his success as a military leader during the Napoleonic wars. After his luck turned during a disastrous attempt to invade Russia in 1812 he was first to the island of Elba, before he returned to power only to be defeated at Waterloo in 1815. He spent the last six years of his life imprisoned on the British island of Saint Helena where he died in 1821. | French statistics body send letter to French emperor for annual census . Envelope adressed to Napoleon Bonaparte sent to his home town . Corsican resident returned letter, telling them for forward it to Saint Peter . | d67d914b112f3b1522c7944563f58ff253ee005a |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:25 EST, 21 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:58 EST, 21 September 2013 . Hollywood legend Gregory Peck’s stately California residence of 30 years is up for sale for 24.999 million. The French chateau-style home, set back from the rush of Los Angeles, was the long-time home of Peck and his philanthropist wife, Veronique, who passed away in 2012. During the time he lived in the house, the famous actor appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the miniseries, Moby Dick, for which he won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in 1998. He also appeared in films including Cape Fear, Boys from Brazil and MacArthur. The palatial residence was built in 1932 and measures 9,000 square feet. It has seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and a mix of formal and casual living spaces, all with large windows opening out to the landscaped park-like grounds and swimming pool. Idyllic: The French chateau-style home was the longtime residence of Hollywood legend Gregory Peck and his wife, Veronique, who passed away in 2012 . Serene: All the windows in the house look out onto the sprawling gardens and swimming pool . Long-time home: Gregory Peck and his wife lived in the house for 30 years . The master suite features a terrace, fireplace, his-and-her baths, dressing rooms and walk-in closets. Listing agent Jade Mills of Coldwell Banker Previews International said it is her ‘45 minutes of tranquility during a busy day’. ‘[The house ] is almost like being far out in the country on your own 1.3 acres of secluded paradise,’ she said. ‘However, you’re only minutes from the city’s best shops, restaurants and hot spots. I absolutely love showing this property.’ The home on 539 S. Mapleton Dr is co-listed with Jeff Hyland and Rayni Romito of Hilton & Hyland. Palatial: The residence has large windows opening out to the landscaped park-like grounds . Formal and casual: It was built in 1932 and measures 9,000 square feet with seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and a mix of formal and casual living spaces . For sale: The house on 539 S. Mapleton Dr in Los Angeles, California, is on the market for $24.995 million . Peck, who died in 2003, is best known for his role as Atticus Finch in the classic To Kill a Mockingbird, for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor. He also appeared in the 1956 film, Moby Dick. He is recognised as one of the best film actors of his time. The French-born Veronique, who died at the age of 80 from heart failure, met Peck as a young journalist in 1953 when she interviewed him for a French newspaper. True love: Gregory Peck and his wife Veronique met in 1953 and got married on New Years Eve 1955 . Gregory Peck and Veronique were married for almost 50 years until his death in 2003. She died last year . 1959: Six years after they met, American actor Gregory Peck and his French-born wife the former Veronique Passani pose as a couple of lovers during a reception held in their suite at Paris Hotel Lancaster . True star: Peck, pictured here in 1996, is regarded as one of the best actors of his time . On set: The American actor dons a beret while on the set of a film shoot in 1955 in Paris . Oscar winner: Peck and his wife on the night when he won an Oscar for the film, To Kill a Mockingbird . Hollywood royalty: Peck was revered as one of the best actors in Tinseltown . Home sweet home: Gregory Peck and his pet golden retriever on the lawn at his Los Angeles home . They were married on New Year’s Eve 1955, soon after he had a divorce from his first wife. The two are survived by their children, writer-producer Anthony Peck and documentary filmmaker Cecilia Peck Voll and three grandchildren. The monthly payment of owning the Peck estate would be $100,641, assuming a 20 per cent down payment on a 30-year mortgage, according to Today Money. | The 9,000 square-foot French chateau-style home was built in 1932 . Peck and his wife Veronique lived there for 30 years . The Oscar-winner passed away in 2003 and Veronique died last year . The residence has seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms and various other living spaces . All the windows open out to the landscaped park-like grounds and swimming pool . Peck won a Golden Globe award for his role in the TV series, Moby Dick, shot in 1998, during which he lived in the home . | a2ddcc6ccd24a491aeb5aa2e864625baf4ef192b |
A skatepark dating back to the sport's 1970s peak has become a protected heritage site in recognition of its cultural importance. With its half-pipe, moguls and special skating pool, the Rom skatepark in Hornchurch, east London, is a far cry from the majority of listed buildings. But as it became the first facility of its kind in Europe and only the second in the world to achieve listed status, heritage bosses said the elaborate 1978 concrete construction was an important example of youth culture in the UK. Youth culture: The Rom skatepark in Hornchurch, east London, is a far cry from the majority of listed buildings . Built and designed by Adrian Rolt and G-Force, the leading skatepark designers of the period, the Rom follows the Bro Bowl in Tampa, Florida, in achieving listed status . It has been granted Grade II status, meaning it is nationally important and of special interest, by the Department for Culture Media and Sport on the advice of English Heritage. Heritage Minister Ed Vaizey said: 'The Rom was built in the late seventies for the very first skateboarders and is as popular now as it was then. 'Its listing at Grade II is testament to its design and also highlights how the UK's unique heritage reflects all parts of our culture and history. 'I hope the protection provided by this listing ensures the pool, moguls and snake run can be enjoyed for years to come.' Built and designed by Adrian Rolt and G-Force, the leading skatepark designers of the period, the Rom follows the Bro Bowl in Tampa, Florida, in achieving listed status. Heritage bosses said the elaborate 1978 concrete construction was an important example of youth culture in the UK . Old skate shoes strung from a fence at Rom skatepark in Hornchurch which dates back to the 1970s . The Tampa park was added to the USA's National Register of Historic Places in October last year. Roger Bowdler, designation director at English Heritage, said: 'Skateboarding is more than a sport: it has become a world-wide cult. 'The Rom is the finest example in England to this aspect of youth culture, and we are delighted its special interest will be protected for future generations through listing. 'It gives the whole idea of heritage an extra twist.' The Rom, which occupies 8,000 square metres, features a series of bowls and hollows and was among a rash of skateparks built as a skateboarding craze swept Britain in the 1970s. Many were later demolished as the sport's popularity declined. It is a rare survivor and has become one of the most influential sites in British skateboarding culture, English Heritage said. Author Simon Inglis who helped Rom skatepark in Hornchurch, Essex to become the first skatepark in Europe to be grade II listed . Made from seamless pressurised concrete, it is closely based on Californian skateparks. These were themselves inspired by the urban spaces - including oval and kidney-shaped swimming pools belong to the Los Angeles elite - colonised by pioneer skaters. The listing coincides with the publication of English Heritage's Played in London - a book charting the spaces, buildings and sports that have shaped London's cultural and urban landscape for over two millennia. Author Simon Inglis said: 'When most of us think of sporting heritage we conjure up images of Victorian cricket pavilions, of old football shirts or of Edwardian swimming baths. 'But skateboarding has now been part of the nation's recreational life for over 35 years, since it arrived in Britain from California at the height of the 1970s. Some of the pioneers are now grandparents, passing on their skills and enthusiasm to the next generation. 'Lots of people thought that like Chopper bikes and Space Hoppers the fad would soon pass, but as we can see in London alone, where there are at least 75 skateparks currently in use, skateboarding is still as cool as ever, and has received a real boost thanks to the growing number of BMX bikers, who now shares the facilities at most skateparks.' He added that researchers 'honed in on' the Rom because of the six or seven survivors from the 1970s, it retains more of its original features than any other site. 'I really hope that 'the Rom' will now become a place of pilgrimage for young skateboarders wanting to learn more about the sport's early days, and have a brilliant time while doing so,' Mr Inglis said. | The Rom skatepark is a far cry from the majority of listed buildings . The east London site is only the second of its type to be protected . It was built as the skateboarding craze swept Britain in the 1970s . | 88a6ff9e941fb257a172f6cb6ff625b9820a54ea |
(CNN) -- Big parts are coming off a former U.S. Navy minesweeper that became stuck on a Philippine reef in January. Salvage crews have removed the funnel, or smokestack, and mast from the former USS Guardian, the Philippine coast guard reports. The agency posted a series of photos on its website showing large parts of the minesweeper being lifted by a crane and transferred to a barge. Once the top decks of the ship is cleared and heavy machinery is removed from the inside, the 224-foot-long, fiberglass-and-wood hull of the Guardian is expected to be cut into three parts before it is lifted from the reef. Salvage efforts are expected to continue through most of March, the U.S. Navy said, but adverse weather could increase the time needed. Meanwhile, the U.S. Navy said that the Guardian was decommissioned and stricken from the naval registry on February 15. Another minesweeper, the USS Warrior, is being moved to the Pacific to replace the Guardian, the Navy said. That vessel, currently in Bahrain, will be ferried by a heavy transport ship to the U.S. naval base in Sasebo, Japan, where the Guardian's crew will take over its operation, according to a Navy statement. The Guardian grounded on Tubbataha Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, on January 17. An investigation of the grounding is ongoing. Navy officials said in January that the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, which prepares the digital navigation charts used by the Navy, has reported the location of the reef was misplaced on a chart by nine miles. The Guardian is estimated to have damaged about 4,000 square meters (about 43,000 square feet) of the reef. The Navy has pledged to clean up the debris created when waves stripped off pieces of fiberglass covering the wooden hull of the ship and to try to restore the reef as much as possible. Philippine officials said last month that the country would seek compensation for reef damage. Harry K. Thomas Jr., the U.S. ambassador to the Philippines, has assured the Filipinos that the United States "will provide appropriate compensation for damage to the reef caused by the ship." The reef is home to a vast array of sea, air and land creatures as well as sizable lagoons and two coral islands. About 500 species of fish and 350 species of coral can be found there, as can whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles and breeding seabirds, according to UNESCO. | Funnel, mast of minesweeper removed . U.S. Navy sending ship from Bahrain to replace USS Guardian . Ship ran aground on Philippine reef in January . | 5c1c92a46e53c0f8eacbe767d3b935f7c70d8125 |
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Sada Jacobson may be a world champion fencer with three Olympic medals, but dressed in a T-shirt and sweats, she looked like any other student getting a lesson at the gym. Olympic medalist Sada Jacobson says "a little hard work, a little luck and some guidance" makes a champion. She grabbed her saber, pulled down her mask and started sparing with her long-time coach, Arkady Burdan, at the Nellya Fencers facility in Atlanta, Georgia. "I've been doing this for 10 years," remarked Jacobson, 25, a first-year law student at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. "I never anticipated that this is where my life would take me, and it has been an amazing trip." This year alone, that trip has taken her to competitions around the world from Algiers, Algeria, to Havana, Cuba, and eventually to Beijing, China, where she claimed two Olympic medals. Watch Sada Jacobson on the move » . About a dozen young fencers gathered around her during a break from their own lessons to take a close look at Jacobson's silver and bronze medallions. She passed around another bronze medal that she earned at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece. Jacobson isn't one to brag, but she's happy to serve as a role model for the next generation of competitive fencers. She said all it takes to be a champion is "a little hard work, a little luck and some guidance." Jacobson was inspired to pursue fencing by her own father. David Jacobson was a member of the 1974 U.S. National Fencing team. Her mother and two younger sisters also participate in the sport. She blushed when her father stepped into the group of children admiring her medals and reminded them that Sada "started out just like you guys." Sada Jacobson played down her abilities. "The beauty of this sport is that anyone can do it," she said. "It's such a mental game that you can use any kind of physical attribute to your advantage." There are three types of fencing: epee, foil and sabre. Jacobson specializes in sabre. "Sabre is analogous to a sprint," she explained. "It's very fast, very powerful. It's over very quickly, and you have to put a ton of energy into changing your momentum." While preparing for the Olympics, Jacobson spent countless hours cross training and working on agility exercises. Unlike other sports, Jacobson called fencing an asymmetrical workout. "You are constantly in an unnatural body position," she said. "It's very lower-body specific, so you need really strong legs, but you also need to be very quick and light on your feet," she noted. The physical preparation was only part of her focus. She also studied countless videotapes of her opponents in competition in an effort to mentally outsmart them. Burdan, her coach, described the sport as a form of "physical chess." He said that Jacobson has outstanding technical skills but that she's also one of the best fencers in the world because she uses her brain to strategize during a match. That's helped her during the past five years as she captured medals in more than two dozen World Championship, World Cup and Grand Prix competitions. She arrived at the Beijing Olympics ranked No. 1 in the world. When she returned to Atlanta after the Olympics, the entire team from the Nellya club was there to greet her at the airport. Seeing that kind of hometown support "was a truly amazing feeling," she said. One of her admirers is Matthew Tennant, 12, a budding fencer. He knows that it is going to take a lot of hard work and practice to match Jacobson's accomplishments. "It's kind of cool that she's been in the Olympics," he said. "You know, it's not every day you get to meet a famous person." Jacobson may be famous but not enough to forget where she got her start or to know when it's time to hang up her saber. "I'm retiring," she announced. "My coach thinks I'm going to make a comeback, but I'm committed to doing some other stuff." The other "stuff" includes plans to get married next year and finishing law school. "I enjoy coming back and seeing everyone and fencing for fun," she said. "But I think this is it for me." | Sada Jacobson, world champion fencer, is happy to serve as a role model for kids . Jacobson: Fencing is an asymmetrical workout, with body in unnatural position . Fencing is "physical chess" where brain must strategize during a match . | 5868949dddaee2a1a774f970071a8ed5528bc634 |
El Cajon, California (CNN) -- Khalid Yohana was 7 years old when war reached his hometown of Mosul, Iraq. For years, even the simplest activities, like walking to school, were an ordeal. "It was too scary to go outside much," Yohana, now 16, remembers. "If you walk on the street ... you're nervous you'd get killed." A group of men once tried to kidnap his father, a chef at a Baghdad restaurant that catered to Americans. The attempt failed, but a threatening letter arrived at his family's home that same night. "They warned us to get out of the country or they would kill us. ... I was really scared," Yohana said. The family fled to a small village north, but when Yohana's school was bombed a year later, they left Iraq for good. They traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, and applied for refugee status so they could move to the United States legally. In 2010, Yohana and his family arrived in San Diego. The family appreciated the safety of their new home, but they also encountered new problems. Yohana's father struggled to find work, and the entire family found it challenging to navigate a new country and culture. "It was really hard because we (didn't) speak the language," Yohana said. He was often so discouraged by his poor English that he wouldn't even try to do his homework. The social isolation was worse. "It was really hard to find friends," Yohana said. "I was just sitting at home." While working as a refugee case manager for a nonprofit, Mark Kabban saw many families like Yohana's struggle to find their footing in the United States. "You lose a lot of your dignity when you become a refugee," Kabban said. "You have to flee your country, depend on others. You lose your self-esteem." Kabban said the transition can be particularly challenging for children, who face educational and social barriers. The stress they endure often puts them at risk of getting on the wrong track. "Their families have sacrificed everything for them to get here. So if (their kids) don't succeed, that's the biggest tragedy," said Kabban, 25. "It's something that I'm not going to allow." To help support young refugees, Kabban started the YALLA program in 2009. The name is an acronym for Youth And Leaders Living Actively, but in Arabic it simply means "Let's go." YALLA provides free tutoring and soccer training to 200 boys and girls in the San Diego area. While soccer is what mostly motivates the players, it's just a carrot to Kabban. Many of his players have missed years of formal schooling on their road to the United States, so the mandatory twice-a-week tutoring sessions are an integral part of the program. "When they get here, they're years behind, and they're years behind in a different language," Kabban said. "So the need is just immense. We're working to get them literate in English, getting them ... caught up." The YALLA staff also makes sure the players are registered to receive 25 hours of one-on-one tutoring from a statewide program. When necessary, YALLA also provides additional tutoring to those who are struggling. The hope is to help everyone get up to grade level and on a path to college. Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2012 CNN Heroes . According to the U.S. State Department, more than 10,000 refugees from around the world have moved to the San Diego area legally since 2007, making it one of the largest refugee resettlement areas in the country. Many of those newcomers, like Yohana, are Iraqis who are under 18. The vast majority live in El Cajon, a city in San Diego County where YALLA is based. Mark spreads the word about the group by visiting area schools. Most of the players in the program are Iraqi, but the group has players from across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Sometimes ethnic and religious differences can lead to conflict, but Kabban says that as the soccer season progresses, the differences fall by the wayside. "Their families have endured the same struggles," Kabban said. "When they realize that ... they become like brothers and sisters." Some children have lost more than their homeland. Some have witnessed one of their parents being killed, or they've been kidnapped and tortured themselves. Kabban, who helps run many of the practices, tries to keep the atmosphere serious but fun so that time on the field is a much-needed escape. "Soccer is (the) best therapy," Kabban said. "They have an hour or two to forget about everything and just be kids." Kabban cares deeply because he faced many of the challenges the refugees are experiencing. He was never officially a refugee, but his family left Beirut during Lebanon's 15-year civil war, a conflict in which three members of his extended family were killed. Kabban's family lived in several places -- including the United States, where his father attended college -- before permanently immigrating to the San Diego area when Kabban was 9. For him, the social adjustment was particularly rough. "I had all the wrong clothes on, and I got made fun of," he said. "They called me 'poor kid.' My self-esteem was really, really low." That changed when he discovered American football, scoring a touchdown the first time he got the ball. "Sports was the way I got confident, made friends and felt I was like other kids," he said. He went on to earn a football scholarship at Baker University, a small private school in Kansas where he studied foreign relations. After graduating in 2008, Kabban planned to go to Egypt to get a graduate degree in refugee studies. But on a visit home that summer, he learned about the large influx of refugees that San Diego had experienced in recent years. "I started thinking to myself, 'Why am I going halfway across the world to learn about refugees when they're all here in my own hometown?' " he said. Instead of going to graduate school, Kabban got a job with Catholic Charities, helping refugees settle into their new lives. He was troubled to see so many children sitting at home, alienated, but he also noticed how they lit up when they saw a soccer ball. One day, he brought a ball with him while making a home visit. As he approached the apartment complex, he heard a boy yell the Arabic word for ball. Kabban began kicking it around with him, and within minutes, 20 kids had joined the game. That moment gave Kabban the inspiration for YALLA's approach. Although the organization is relatively new, YALLA has managed to get funding from local foundations and businesses. Everything -- tutoring, soccer and occasional field trips -- is provided at no cost, something the kids appreciate, as nearly all of them know that money is tight at home. Kabban has also made it a priority to reach out to those who aren't refugees. When refugees started arriving in the area, there was tension in schools between them, Latinos and African-Americans. To counteract this, Kabban started the Peacebuilders League, a soccer league open to everyone in the area. "We wanted to bring them all together and start making a community," he said. "Now it looks like the World Cup here every Sunday." Ultimately, Kabban hopes to build a "peace-building" charter school for refugees, immigrants and marginalized youth that would use soccer in a formal college prep program. Kabban's commitment to the organization is so strong that for more than a year he has worked full-time without a salary, living off his savings. The kids at YALLA know he quit his job for them, and they're quick to acknowledge the huge difference he has made in their lives. "I don't know the way (to) say thank you to Coach Mark," Yohana said. "They helped me to find friends, and they (taught) me how to speak English. ... Now, with YALLA and Coach Mark, it's a fun life." Stories like that are what push Kabban to keep going. "This country gave my family the chance to succeed," he said. "I want to help these kids do the same thing." Want to get involved? Check out the YALLA website at www.yallasd.com and see how to help. | Adapting to a new country can be difficult, stressful for child refugees . A program in California is offering free tutoring and social support through soccer . Founder Mark Kabban says sports can build confidence, new friendships . Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2012 CNN Heroes . | b6690e0198a1b3757bdd7ae65c258100d5f998bf |
(CNN) -- One of Mexico's most important seaports is now under the control of the military in a show of force as the government fights corruption and drug cartel violence. The port of Lazaro Cardenas lies on the country's Pacific coast, in the troubled state of Michoacan. While violence has tapered off in some parts of Mexico, Michoacan continues to be a hot spot of violence between cartels and, more recently, vigilante groups. The Mexican navy, army, federal police and attorney general's office swept into both the port and city of Lazaro Cardenas on Monday, relieving local law enforcement of its duties, a government spokesman said. The objective of the operation is to "strengthen the rule of law, as well as the legality of the daily commercial activities of the port," government spokesman Eduardo Sanchez said. The use of the military is notable because it is strikingly similar to the approach favored by the previous administration. President Enrique Pena Nieto has been critical of his predecessor's military approach to combat crime, but his own drug strategy keeps many aspects the same. The Knights Templar cartel has long terrorized residents of Michoacan as it expanded its activities from methamphetamine production to extortion. The cartel has been known to go on the offensive against police. In one series of attacks this summer, 22 people were killed. Given the violence in Michoacan, Pena Nieto has had little choice but to follow the strategy of former President Felipe Calderon, said George W. Grayson, a professor of government at the College of William & Mary and expert on drug cartels. A number of factors have made Lazaro Cardenas an attractive port for smuggling. For one, many of the young men who worked for the port and found themselves unemployed during the recession became prime recruits for the cartels, Grayson said. A selling point for legitimate commerce -- that the port is in a central location -- also attracted smugglers, he added. Corruption has grown to the point that Michoacan became a "sewer of corruption and violence," Grayson said. According to Sanchez, the navy will be in charge of the port, and the army will provide protection on the city's streets, with the aid of federal police. The problem's facing the port and city are not limited to criminal groups. As the military moved in, the city's entire police was disarmed and detained, Sanchez said. The officers will all be evaluated. All of the public servants who oversee the port will be gradually replaced, he said, in order to "prevent collusion by and between officials." Lazaro Cardenas is one of Mexico's key ports, handling the second-most volume of any port. Community police take on Mexican cartels . CNNMexico contributed to this report. | The Mexican military has taken control of the port of Lazaro Cardenas . The port, on the country's Pacific coast, is one of the busiest in Mexico . The goal of the operation is to thwart smuggling and corruption . | a8dcae0261bfacd51cab6f5951d2a702a0747626 |
By . Suzannah Hills . PUBLISHED: . 07:16 EST, 12 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:09 EST, 12 February 2013 . Tragedy: Fisherman's Friend singer Trevor Grills has died in hospital after a metal door fell on top of him on Saturday . A singer with a shanty sea group has died in hospital after a metal door fell on him and killed the band's promoter in a freak accident at a concert venue. Fisherman’s Friends singer Trevor Grills, 54, is believed to have been unloading gear . for a gig with promoter Paul McMullen when the tragedy occurred at G Live in Guildford, Surrey, on . Saturday morning. Mr McMullen, 44, suffered serious leg injuries and was treated by paramedics but died at the scene. Mr . Grills was rushed to St George’s Hospital, Tooting, South London, with serious head injuries but died in hospital last night. In a statement, the band paid tribute to Mr Grills as 'a much-loved and valued friend'. A spokesman added: 'We are all devastated'. Saturday night’s concert by the . ten-piece Cornwall-based act, who sang When The Boat Comes In for a . Young’s seafood advert on TV, was cancelled. The Health and Safety Executive has been informed of the tragedy. It is believed the nine singers not involved in the accident have returned home to north Cornwall. In a statement today, the Port Isaac singers said: 'The Fisherman’s Friends announce with great sadness that their friend and fellow band member Trevor Grills passed away last night as a result of severe head injuries inflicted during an accident on Saturday February 9. 'Trevor was a much-loved and valued friend to all of us and was an integral part of the Port Isaac community. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Trevor’s family at this very difficult time.' Darcus Beese, president of Island Records, the group’s label, added: 'We are all deeply saddened at losing Trevor. The Fisherman’s Friends are exactly that: life-long partners in all they do and our thoughts and prayers go out to them and Trevor’s family and friends.' Scroll down for video . Tragic: Band promoter Paul McMullen was killed when a door fell on him at G Live venue in Guildford . Fans rocked by news of the tragedy today paid tribute to Mr Grills, one of the younger members of the Fisherman's Friends who often took the lead in some of the band's more melancholic numbers. Writing on the group's Facebook page, Sarah Lee said: 'Words seem pointless, but apart from sending you all love there's not much else we can offer. Know that you are in our hearts at this terribly sad time.' Fellow fan Charlie Mason added: 'Such sad news - we saw you all in Cheltenham on Thursday, and loved it - Trevor bought joy to people - a gift few of us have. We've lost someone special.' Steph Woodhouse wrote: 'Oh such dreadful news, was hoping against hope he would pull through. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and all the village that has welcomed us so warmly over the years. Thinking of Port Isaac.' The venue G Live in Guildford where the incident happened has since reopened but the loading bay remains off-bounds. The . venue’s main hall is home to the prestigious International Orchestral . Concert Series, which features the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and . London Symphony Orchestra among its concerts. It . also holds children’s shows and community activities as well as . conferences, business events and is home to a restaurant and cafe. Venue director Alvin Hargreaves said: 'We are devastated to hear that Fisherman's Friends band member Trevor Grills died in hospital last night as a result of the head injuries suffered on Saturday. The sea shanty group were given a £1m recording contract after being discovered by music industry bosses during a pub concert . 'The tragic events of Saturday also . claimed the life of the band's promoter. Both men were involved in an . accident in the loading bay area of the G Live concert venue prior to . their scheduled performance that evening. 'Surrey Police and the Health and . Safety Executive investigations are ongoing with no further information . being available at this time. Guildford Borough Council and HQ Theatres, . who own and manage the venue respectively, continue to fully assist . with the investigation. 'The thoughts and prayers of the G . Live staff are with the families and friends of all who have been . affected by this tragic accident.' All . of the Fisherman’s Friends, who have performed in Port Isaac for more . than 15 years, are or were fishermen, coastguards or lifeboatmen. Tributes . were paid to Mr McMullen, who is thought to have been . married and a father. In a statement Darcus Beese, president of the . group’s label, Island Records, said: ‘Everyone here is shocked by this . tragic event, our hopes and prayers go out to the friends and families . of those involved.’ A . spokesman for a group, Said The Maiden, who had worked with the singers, . said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news. Paul was an amazing man, who . gave us a fabulous opportunity to sing for the Fisherman’s Friends. 'We feel honoured and grateful to have been able to work with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the guys.’ The Fisherman's Friends are shanty singers from Port Isaac on Cornwall's rugged, panoramic north coast . There . were more tributes on social media sites. Bekki Vousden said: ‘Was a . pleasure knowing and working with such a lovely guy, my heart goes out . to your family.’ Performer Davina Lines wrote: ‘Your family and friends will miss you very much. You were a top bloke.’ It is believed Mr McMullen, of Disley, Stockport, had been touring with the band for several months. On Facebook, Mr McMullen's sister Sarah McMullen paid an emotional tribute to her brother. She said: 'As a family we are in shock and devastated. Paul loved you and was very proud of the fact that he worked with you. 'Please keep singing, and sing one for him as soon as you are able.' Friend . Jacqueline O’Connor said: 'As a neighbour and foremost a friend for . seven years I can certainly say my life has been enriched for knowing . Paul McMullen. 'Always a delight, nothing to dislike, a good person to the core...one of life’s treasures that will be sorely missed.' The sea shanty group were given a £1m recording contract after being discovered by music industry bosses during a pub concert. The tour manager and a singer of Fisherman's Friends (pictured) has been killed after a metal door fell on them while they unloaded equipment . They have since performed at the Glastonbury Festival. Ealing Studios has also been working on developing a film charting the rise of the a capella group. It is believed the nine members of the group not involved in the accident have since returned to their homes in north Cornwall. Surrey Police is investigating and the . Health and Safety Executive - which investigates work-based accidents - . has been notified. The £26m G Live building was designed as a 'state-of-the-art' venue and hosts music, dance and comedy shows. In . recent months it has played host to a number of well-known acts . including the Russian State Ballet and indie band The Kaiser Chiefs. Acts due to play at the venue include Jools Holland and The Stranglers. The 1,700 capacity venue was hailed as a 'local landmark' by councillors when it opened in 2011. Speaking . at its opening, Mayor of Guildford Councillor Terence Patrick said: . 'The state-of-the-art venue realises our vision for a vibrant, dynamic . space for the community. 'It will give a boost to the local economy and is part of our strong commitment to the arts and leisure.' | Trevor Grills, 54, has died in hospital after freak accident at concert venue . A door fell on the singer and killed the Cornish 10-piece band's promoter . Paul McMullen was pronounced dead at the G Live venue in Guildford . Tributes have been paid on social network sites Facebook and Twitter . | 65471a80d9050d1a4b09a4c4765cc3a7a670c463 |
(CNN) -- Taiwan's economy slumped 8.36 percent during the last three months of 2008, the government said Wednesday. People line up to receive $108 U.S. dollars worth of shopping vouchers in Taipei, Taiwan, last month. The island's economy spiraled into recession with its second straight quarter of economic losses. For the third quarter of 2008, Taiwan's real gross domestic product (GDP), adjusted for inflation, slipped about 1 percent, according to the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics. Behind the dismal economic numbers is a global recession that is sapping demand for the products Taiwan makes. "The types of exports that Taiwan ships to the West -- electronics -- are very severely affected, very sensitive to changes in Western consumer sentiment," said Frederic Neumann, a senior Asian economist for HSBC. The GDP numbers are the broadest measure of Taiwan's economic activity. A recession is defined as two consecutive quarters of falling GDP. Taiwan's central bank, in a move to boost the economy, on Wednesday dropped its key interest rate one-quarter point, to 1.25 percent. Since the end of 2007, the central bank has lowered rates by more than 2 percent. In January, the Taiwanese government offered the island's residents up to $108 each to go shopping, in another attempt to stimulate the economy. More than 90 percent of those eligible took up the offer, pumping about TW $86 billion ($2.6 billion) into the economy and sending shoppers to malls, officials said. | Taiwanese economy now in recession now after second straight quarter of losses . In January, government offered residents up to $108 each to stimulate economy . Slump of 8.36 percent followed third-quarter slump of one percent . | 51d5c7786d3b05107e045e0179f0f3deea160e5e |
China-based criminals have mastered the ability to manufacture almost perfect bi-metallic coins, stoking fears the £2 coin is vulnerable to a new wave of forgeries. While the £1 coin remains heavily faked, the £2 has remained almost untouched because of the difficulty criminals have connecting the inner and outer pieces of the coin together. But a shipment of fake euro coins intercepted in Naples, Italy, three months ago, has revealed forgers are now producing bi-metallic coins in massive quantities. The seizure - the largest of its kind in the history of the Euro - is likely to cause concern among British investigators given its ramifications for the £2 coin. Scroll down for video . Coins such as the £2 (left) and euro (right) are under threat from China-based forgers who have cracked the ability to connect the two pieces of metal together in a near perfect manner . Pictured is a counterfeit £2 coin (left) compared to a genuine coin (right). The comparison reveals most fake coins lack detail and the colouring of the originals . A shipment of fake euro coins worth £390,000 was intercepted in Italy in September. Pictured is a pile of euros during the legitimate production process . A British investigator told The Times counterfeiters had historically struggled to make convincing £2 coins. He said: 'You've always been able to tell a fake by dropping it on a table - they rattle because the two bits have not been stuck together properly.' Another investigator told the paper that the China to Italy counterfeit route was 'entirely feasible' and it should ring alarms bells if Chinese gangs were exporting to the country. Europol said the leader of the criminal group responsible for the influx of fake euro coins was thought to be operating from Shanghai, China, where he has links to a clandestine manufacturing facility and people to organise the shipping of the counterfeit money to Naples, Italy. A spokesperson for The Royal Mint said £2 coins have a large number of features that make them difficult to forge. 'A bi-colour coin is much harder to counterfeit because replicating the two metal components, the inner and outer, is significantly more difficult than a single component coin. 'Forgers would also require a highly sophisticated press to produce bi-colour coins. 'The coin detector mechanism of vending machines and self-service check outs can detect the two different metal components, in addition to the conductivity, thickness and diameter of the coin. 'The addition of edge lettering is also very hard to counterfeit, and some circulating £2 coin designs also include a latent feature in their elements which is difficult to replicate.' 'On arrival in Italy, the coins are distributed throughout Europe by other members of the criminal group, led by the main suspect in Palermo, who is a Ghanaian national.' Twelve people were arrested this month after an investigation was launched following September's seizure. Investigators said: 'From this first seizure, investigators realised that the criminal group had the capability to produce a vast quantity of good quality fake coins, as the criminals were using sophisticated manufacturing techniques, very similar to those used to produce authentic coins.' It was the largest such seizure in the history of the currency, and were so perfect they would work in vending machines across Europe. Palermo prosecutor Calogero Ferrara said: 'They were high-quality fakes produced at a clandestine Chinese mint and ready to be put on the Italian market just before the Christmas spending rush.' A spokesperson for The Royal Mint said a recent Britain-wide survey unearthed only one fake £2 coin and it worked closely with HM Treasury, the National Crime Agency and the cash-handling industry. 'Together we ensure that every effort is made to maximise opportunities to identify and withdraw counterfeit coins from circulation.' | Chinese criminals have developed ability to forge perfect bi-metallic coins . A shipment of fake euro coins, similar to the £2 coin, seized in Naples, Italy . It was the largest seizure of its kind in the history of the European currency . Historically counterfeiters have been unable to make convincing £2 coins . This was due to difficultly connecting the separate pieces of metal together . | a4a4650ab164e567491cde4746712a90b833d880 |
One of Labour’s rising stars was last night accused of thwarting a mission to save the British doctor who died in a Syrian jail. The grieving family of Dr Abbas Khan, 31, claimed that Chuka Umunna – Dr Khan’s MP – told a delegation not to travel to Damascus to lobby for his release. Last night Streatham MP Umunna released a statement in which he insisted that he had done everything in his power to help Dr Khan. The family of Dr Abbas Khan, including mother Fatima and brother Afrozi, has said Labour MP Chuka Umunna stopped a delegation travelling to Syria to lobby for their son's release . Syrian officials, who have been accused of torturing the doctor, claimed that he ‘committed suicide’ by hanging himself with his pyjamas in the state interrogation centre in Damascus last week. The Syrian regime handed the body to the International Committee of the Red Cross yesterday, who took it by road to Beirut, from where it will be flown back to the UK. Mr Umunna, who is shadow Business Secretary, has said he did everything in his power to help Khan . The surgeon, who was a specialist registrar at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, North-West London, went to the Turkish-Syrian border in October 2012 to treat wounded refugees. He then crossed the border into Syria and began working in a field hospital in the war-ravaged city of Aleppo treating civilians. He was arrested within 48 hours by government forces as he did not have a valid visa. His arrest came at a time when hundreds of Britons were suspected of entering Syria to join Al Qaeda. No evidence has emerged that Dr Khan had any involvement with militants. Dr Khan’s sister Sara, 24, said that her family had expected Mr Umunna to discuss Dr Khan’s case with David Cameron. ‘He could have got my brother released much earlier as he could have pressed the Foreign Office to help,’ she said. Another member of the Khan family described Mr Umunna as a ‘chicken MP’. Dr Khan died just days before a delegation of British parliamentarians were due to visit Damascus to secure his release. The family say the group was initially due to fly out last month, but accused Mr Umunna of ‘sabotaging’ the plan by warning MPs about the safety risks. Labour MP Dave Anderson, who was going to lead the delegation, confirmed that he was advised by Mr Umunna not to travel. Mr Anderson said: ‘I then took further advice from a number of people, friends of mine who have got interests out there, and they said I would be OK.’ Outspoken MP George Galloway, who was involved in negotiating for the release of Dr Khan, said of Mr Umunna: ‘He was the dog which didn’t bark. Dr Khan was imprisoned in Syria after going to treat wounded civilians and was due to be released before the Syrian government claimed he hung himself . 'I don’t know why he was reluctant to get involved... Was it because of the false tittle-tattle around Parliament that Abbas was a Jihadi? I hope not.’ Mr Umunna said in a statement: ‘For over 12 months now I have been in contact with members of his family and the Foreign Office, doing what I can to assist the family as they have tried to secure his release.’ The Foreign Office said: ‘We consistently sought consular access to Dr Khan and information on his detention. These requests were consistently ignored.’ Last night Dr Khan’s mother, Fatima, 57, was seen leaving the morgue in Beirut where her son’s body was being kept. Clearly distressed, she said: ‘They’ve killed my baby.’ The body was later transferred to the British Embassy in Beirut and was due to be flown to the UK today. As Dr Khan’s body was driven out of Syria yesterday a British medical convoy of 50 ambulances were heading into the country from Turkey. Dr Abbas Khan, the British Muslim surgeon who risked his life to save women and children in the Syrian inferno, is far more than an isolated hero or martyr. He is a rallying figure – a symbol of all that is decent and humane in the vast majority of the Muslim population throughout the world. Hence his martyrdom must not be merely acknowledged as an independent incident; he should be elevated into a figure of world importance. Dr Abbas Khan was due to be released on Friday after being arrested in Syria last year . His name should be perpetuated posthumously, perhaps by awarding him the Nobel Peace Prize, or putting his name to an institute for research on human rights, conflict resolution or countering radicalism. It would be a fitting tribute. I believe that the terrible story of his imprisonment, which included sadistic treatment and torture, demands a clear and uncompromising attitude from all who wish to avenge it and prevent continuing practices of this kind. World opinion must reflect the fact that Dr Khan represents the best in universal values while at the same time intensifying an implacable and merciless fight against Jihadism and extremism. There must be no excuses for slacking in this respect. The treatment of this family man, tortured and killed in prison, defies description. I resent people telling me that it is something from the Middle Ages; it is not. The Middle Ages included some highlights of civilisation. No, this is the Stone Age plus technology. Dr Khan’s appalling case destroys the myths of the Islamophobes. It shows everyone that Muslims are on the same side as the rest of us in the fight for humanity and against extremism. This is not an argument based on partisanship for Israel, or a fear that Israel is threatened. Jihad threatens other Muslims and non-Muslims even worse than it does the Jews because they can look after themselves. Israel can ward off these attacks. But the rest of the world is not sufficiently protected because it is confused. The media has a crucial role in pointing out this international threat, a role it has not yet played. Dr Khan’s death must therefore be a clarion call to ensure there are no limits in the fight against Jihadism. Day before his death Khan wrote to his family, including son Abdullah, saying he wanted to come home . When you look at the excesses of the SS, or the Soviet torturers, even they were less brutal than the Jihadists, and less dangerous for one good reason: the Jihadist thinks he’s got God in his pocket. The Nazis and the Communists had Hitler and Stalin to look up to but the Jihadists claim to speak in the name of God, whether it be through their suicide bombers or their executions or their punishment amputations. One cannot help feel that the so-called compromise over the dismantling of Syria’s chemical weapons, brokered by Putin and accepted by Obama, is immoral. It ensures for Assad immunity from either military intervention or support in favour of the opposition – purely in exchange for the surrender of a chemical arsenal. An analogy would be the police saying to a mass murderer: ‘Look, if you’re prepared to show us where you keep your really sophisticated weaponry we promise that you can carry on killing in the old traditional way.’ In effect it means that Assad can continue undisturbed, supported by Russian and Iranian arms, to massacre women and children and almost certainly achieve victory. 'One cannot help feel that the so-called compromise over the dismantling of Syria's chemical weapons, brokered by Putin and accepted by Obama, is immoral' Numerous voices from the opposition are now expressing their regret at ever having taken up arms in the light of the failing support from the free world. Of course, the very convincing argument now put forward is that Assad is no worse – in some ways he may be better – than the radical extremists he is fighting. Today the situation is so terrible we don’t know which side is worse. But the point must be made that all this might have been prevented had the West, notably Obama, intervened at the outset; for instance, imposing a no-fly zone and guarding the porous frontiers against the influx of such extreme elements as Al Qaeda. The least we should achieve now in honouring the memory of Dr Abbas Khan is to ensure that the barbarous acts against him and others are treated as a priority by all mankind. We must not hesitate in our battle against extremism. | Dr Abbas Khan died in Syria this week while being held prisoner . He was just four days away from being released from jail . His family say Labour MP Chuka Umunna failed to act to save him . Claim Umunna stopped a delegation going to Syria to lobby for his release . | cd2c4ab47820003439b039c1334d293763b04703 |
Philippine government prosecutors charged a U.S. Marine with murder Monday in the killing of a Filipino, saying the suspect acknowledged attacking the victim after he found out she was a transgender woman. Prosecutor Emilie de los Santos said there was 'probable cause' that Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton, who has been detained since shortly after the October incident, killed Jennifer Laude, whose former name was Jeffrey, in the motel room where the victim's body was found in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila. She had apparently been strangled and drowned in a toilet bowl. Scroll down for video . Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton is charged with killing Jennifer Laude, whose former name was Jeffrey, in the motel room where the victim's body was found in Olongapo city, northwest of Manila after discovering she was transgender . 'It's murder,' de los Santos told reporters after filing the charge against the 19-year-old Pemberton before a regional court. 'It was aggravated by treachery, abuse of superior strength and cruelty.' Among the evidence submitted by de los Santos and other prosecutors were statements by Pemberton's three Marine colleagues who went bar-hopping with him on Oct. 11 in Olongapo, a former liberty town when the U.S. Navy was at the vast Subic Naval base, now a bustling commercial Freeport and recreation hub. Pemberton and some of his colleagues later picked up women at a disco bar and separately checked in at nearby motels, then returned to their ship after midnight. Witnesses saw Pemberton check in with Laude at a motel room, where he was seen leaving shortly before the discovery of the killing, prosecutors said in their statement to the court. Marine accused of 'strangling a transgender Filipina in a hotel toilet after finding out she was not born a woman' is transferred to Philippine jail for trial . Marine Lance Corporal Jairn Michael Rose, who went out with Pemberton that night, acknowledged that the suspect later confided back at their ship that he attacked the woman he was with by choking her after discovering that she was a transgender when she undressed, according to the prosecutors. 'I think I killed a he/she,' Pemberton was quoted as having told Rose. Pemberton, a skilled boxer, allegedly said he choked her from behind with his arm 'for a couple of minutes' until she stopped moving then dragged her into the bathroom, according to the prosecutors. The new details are likely to spark renewed condemnation by left-wing and transgender groups, which have labeled the attack a hate crime. The case comes after the Philippines and the United States strengthened ties with the recent signing of a defense accord that allows greater U.S. access to Philippine military camps. The case comes after the Philippines and the United States strengthened ties with the recent signing of a defense accord that allows greater U.S. access to Philippine military camps . The accord will help Washington's bid to reassert its presence in Asia, and enable Manila to deter what it calls China's aggressive moves to reinforce its claims in disputed South China Sea territories. The case reignited a debate over custody of American military personnel accused of crimes. But the looming irritant between the treaty allies over Pemberton's custody was eased after Washington agreed to move him from a U.S. warship to the Philippine military's main camp in metropolitan Manila, where he remained under American custody with an outer ring of Filipino guards. The Philippine government said in a statement issued by its foreign affairs department that it looks 'forward to the full cooperation of the U.S. government in ensuring that justice is secured for Laude.' Harry Roque, the lawyer of Laude's family, welcomed the prosecutors' ruling and angrily demanded that Pemberton be thrown into an ordinary jail. | Prosecutor Emilie de los Santos said there was 'probable cause' that Marine Pfc. Joseph Scott Pemberton killed Jennifer Laude . Witnesses saw Pemberton check in with Laude at a motel room, where he was seen leaving shortly before the discovery of the killing . 'I think I killed a he/she,' Pemberton was quoted as having told a fellow Marine . | 6a876996205e09fff1d304bef6bf75a9681474b3 |
(CNN) -- Preliminary results in Honduras' presidential election show ruling party candidate Juan Hernandez with the lead. With more than 40% of the votes counted, he had 34%, while his closest competitor, Xiomara Castro, the wife of ousted President Manuel Zelaya, had 28%, according to the country's elections authority. Both candidates, however, declared victory Sunday night -- setting the stage for a potential showdown in a country wracked by security concerns and economic hardship. Castro announced her win on live television, while Hernandez did so on Twitter. "Thank you my God and thanks to the Honduran people for this victory!" he wrote. Eight candidates competed in the election. Term limits prevented President Porfirio Lobo, who was elected several months after the 2009 coup that removed Zelaya from power, from seeking a second term. He and Hernandez are from the same party. According to Honduras' elections authority, 700 international and 14,000 national observers supervised this year's election, which also included votes for national and local lawmakers. Honduras has the world's highest murder rate, according to the United Nations. The economy is also a top issue in the Central American country, where about 60% of the population lives below the poverty line. Inmates running the asylum? In Honduran prisons, that's no joke . CNN's Claudia Dominguez, Elwyn Lopez and journalist Elvin Sandoval contributed to this report. | NEW: Early results show ruling party candidate Juan Hernandez with the lead . NEW: At the same time, the wife of ousted President Manuel Zelaya claims victory . Security concerns and economic woes are top issues for voters . | f82bc483ee5b986648efc5732856cb47c195eca4 |
By . Associated Press . Will plead guilty: Scott Dekraai, pictured, has agreed to plead guilty after being accused of killing his ex-wife and seven others . A California man charged with shooting and killing his ex-wife and seven others at a hair salon has agreed to plead guilty, his defense attorney said on Monday. Scott Dekraai, 44, had been locked in a custody dispute with his ex-wife over their-8-year-old son before he strapped on a bulletproof vest, took three guns and entered Salon Meritage in 2011, police said. He is accused of shooting his ex-wife Michelle Fournier, a 48-year-old hairdresser, before killing the Seal Beach salon's owner Randy Fannin, 62, and six others: Victoria Buzzo, 54, Michele Fast, 47, Lucia Kondas, 65, Laura Webb, 46, Christy Wilson, 47, and Hattie Stretz, 73. Eight people were shot inside the salon, and all but Stretz died. A man sitting in his car in the parking lot, 64-year-old David Caouette, was also gunned down. Minutes later, Dekraai was stopped by police and arrested. He said 'I know what I did,' according to police. Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said in a 2011 press conference that Dekraai's son was waiting at school for his parents to pick him up at the time of the rampage, KTLA notes. 'While Dekraai rampaged through a hair salon shooting at innocent victims, the son he supposedly "loved" was sitting alone in the principal’s office at school waiting for his mom or dad to pick him up,' he said at the time. 'That little boy is also a victim. He is now left to mourn the murder of his mother, and grow up with the knowledge that his father committed a mass murder.' Defense lawyer Scott Sanders told an Orange County court during a hearing on Monday that his client is willing to enter the plea although he faces a possible death sentence. Dekraai, a former tugboat operator, had previously offered to plead guilty in exchange for multiple life sentences but prosecutors refused to drop the death penalty from consideration. Dekraai's trial was scheduled to start June 9. Although it appears Dekraai is getting no leniency in return for his plea, Lawrence Rosenthal, a former federal prosecutor and a law professor at Chapman University, said it's not unheard of for defense attorneys to make such a move. Victim: Dekraai reportedly killed ex-wife Michelle Fournier, pictured, with whom he was engaged in a bitter custody dispute . Custody: Dekraai was in a custody dispute at the time over son Dominic, seen dressed as Spiderman in this photograph . Grief: Witnesses are seen in this 2011 photo on the day of the killings in shock . Shock: a police officer is seen talking to people after the shooting in this 2011 photo . Often, Rosenthal said, attorneys worry that jurors have lost faith in the defense team after they've issued a guilty verdict. Attorneys may also worry that jurors become irritated after they've sat through a trial, issued a verdict and then learn they have to sit through a penalty phase and issue another verdict. By entering a guilty plea, Rosenthal said, Dekraai is taking a calculated risk that the jury may be go easier on him because he's owned up to his crimes. 'This is the kind of tactical judgment that defense lawyers make all the time,' he said. Dekraai, a former tugboat operator who lived in nearby Huntington Beach, had previously offered to plead guilty in exchange for multiple life sentences but prosecutors refused to drop the death penalty from consideration. Dekraai's trial was scheduled to start June 9. Sorrow: Mourners are seen at a vigil the night after the 2011 shooting . The salon reopened about a year after the shootings that rocked the sleepy beach city. Six of the original employees, including the owner's widow, returned to work . Sanders, an assistant public defender, still wants to have the death penalty tossed out and to have the district attorney's office recuse itself because of recordings made by a fellow inmate that prosecutors characterized as Dekraai bragging about the killings. The district attorney's office agreed last week to drop efforts to use the recordings in court proceedings. The salon reopened about a year after the shootings that rocked the sleepy beach city. Six of the original employees, including the owner's widow, returned to work. For more than two years, relatives of the victims have trekked to the Orange County courthouse in Santa Ana for hearings on the case. Paul Caoette of Costa Mesa, whose father David was gunned down as he sat in his car outside the salon, welcomed the idea of a plea. 'I think he should admit his guilt,' Caouette said. 'Every single thing he has done is cowardly. 'We're a capital punishment state. If anybody deserves the death penalty, it's Dekraai.' | Scott Dekkrai was involved in a custody battle with his ex-wife when he allegedly shot her and seven other people at a Seal Beach hair salon . Said 'I know what I did,' according to police . | 910e22700e3d231630f6c542d1fd686567299432 |
Plans that could see treated sewage water be introduced into London's drinking supply have been backed by two in three people. Last year Thames Water launched a consultation to look at how they could increase the amount of water they would need in the future as the population increases. One of the options to ensure the Thames Water area has enough water to go around was to look at schemes such as waste water recycling. Last year Thames Water launched a consultation to ask customers their thoughts on seeing waste water treated and put back into the mains supply (file picture) This would see waste from toilets recycled back into the River Thames, drawn out and treated again to make it safe to go into the mains supply, to flow out from kitchen taps, which is common practice around the world. And the survey showed that 69 per cent of the people who responded to the section 'Making sure there's enough water to go round' supported the idea of recycling waste water as 'the right plan to follow'. This is despite some customers voicing their concerns about the option of treated sewage being in drinking supplies. The company has already set up a test plant in Enfield, north London, which is experimenting with the toilet waste recycling method. The survey showed that 69 per cent of people agreed that Thames Water should look into waste water recycling (file picture) However, a Thames Water spokesman said there are no definite plans as yet to implement the scheme. The scheme could see waste water from toilets recycled back into the River Thames, drawn out and treated again to make it safe to go drink . He said: 'This waste water re-use we are asking for our customers views on is not something we are planning to implement any time soon. 'This is something we see as a longer-term measure and if implemented at all it would be in 2025.' The survey was prompted after estimates that the population of London and the Thames Valley could move towards ten million people. The firm say that unless action is taken, there could be a water deficit of around 125 million litres per day by next year. Other options people backed were installing water meters in homes and businesses as well as bringing in water from other parts of the country at times of drought. Today, a Thames Water spokesman added: 'In summer 2013, we published our draft proposals for how we will maintain and improve the services we provide to our customers for the five years from 2015 to 2020. 'Our draft five-year plan provides a summary of the work we believe is required between 2015 and 2020 to ensure we continue to provide high-quality water and sewerage services across London and the Thames Valley. 'We held an eight-week consultation and spoke to over 5,000 people at 22 road show events across our supply area, encouraging them give us their views and discussing our plans. 'Over 2,700 customers visited our 'Have your say' website, and nearly 400 of them used our interactive tool to see how the proposals could affect bills.' | Thames Water launched a consultation to look at increasing water supplies . Asked customers their thoughts on looking at wastewater recycling . Survey showed that 69 per cent of those responded backed the plan . Plan could see waste from toilets treated and put back into mains supply . But Thames Water say there are no imminent plans to implement scheme . | 944e0b429b2cd009460519818f2e32c8db94345f |
By . Erin Clements . A Facebook page created to shame overweight people is causing outrage, especially among those who were pictured on the site without their permission . '530 Fatties,' which was taken down Monday, featured photos of people who live within the Northern California area code 530, along with comments mocking their size. Most of the shots appear to have been taken in public while the person targeted was completely unaware that he or she was being photographed - and the identity of the page's administrator remains unknown. 'Hurtful and embarrassing': 18-year-old Jessi Lynn Howell discovered a photo of herself on '530 Fatties,' a Facebook page created to mock overweight people . Candid camera: Those featured on the page seem unaware they are having their photos taken . 'It's really hurtful and it's really embarrassing,' 18-year-old Jessi Lynn Howell told CNN after finding an image of herself on the page. 'They post people's pictures without their permission - that's hurtful,' she said, adding, 'I know it's probably someone from around here and whoever it is, they need to stop.' According to CBS13, most of the subjects were residents of Yuba and Sutter counties. Weighty matter: Jessi Lynn says that a photo featured on the page was taken when she was 50 pounds heavier . Speaking out: 'Cyberbullying - bullying period - needs to stop,' she said . Jessi Lynn said that the photo of her was taken back in October, when she was 50 pounds heavier, and she has since slimmed down thanks to medication. The teen, who has struggled with her weight due to medical problems, told CNN that she was compelled to speak out on the controversy on behalf of those who haven't. 'Cyberbullying - bullying period - needs to stop. So I'm going to be that voice today for those people who don't have that voice,' she said . CBS13 tried to contact the administrator of the page before it was removed, but the number listed was disconnected. | Most victims pictured on the page were from Yuba and Sutter counties . The identity of the page administrator is not known . The Facebook page was taken down Monday in the wake of locals’ anger . | 4ca9dea1033f849d7dd0e8add41992369a732d63 |
By . James Chapman . and Matt Chorley . PUBLISHED: . 19:18 EST, 19 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 09:54 EST, 20 January 2014 . David Cameron faced claims of a ¿Chequers cover-up¿ last night after the Government failed to publish a full list of visitors to his grace-and-favour country residence . David Cameron came under fresh pressure today to name every supporter, friend and lobbyist who has been wined and dined at his grace-and-favour mansion. Downing Street has refused to release a full list of guests at the Prime Minister's Chequers retreat. It claims there is no commitment to transparency where the bill for meals, drinks and hospitality was picked up by the Tory party. Mr Cameron's official spokesman said: 'There are distinctions that are drawn with government business and party political business. I don;t think there is anything new in that.' But he refused to say how many people had secretly visited Chequers or how much the Conservative party paid for entertaining supporters at the taxpayer-funded property. The spokesman added: 'The approach is the one that has been taken forward for a very considerable time going back to before 2010.' He insisted that despite the refusal to release the full Chequers guest list, the government is 'more government information than ever before'. Mr Cameron faced claims of a ‘Chequers cover-up’ last night after the Government failed to publish a full list of visitors to his grace-and-favour country residence. Downing Street was accused of exploiting a loophole which means visitors to Chequers funded by the Conservative Party, or the Prime Minister personally, are kept secret. The latest annual Chequers guest list was finally published more than a year late on Friday evening, with no warning. It reveals that Mr Cameron entertained the Emir of Qatar and the provost of Eton, his old school, but is largely dominated by an uncontroversial string of Conservative and Liberal Democrat ministers. The last Chequers guest list included News International’s Rebekah Brooks, now on trial over phone hacking and other alleged offences, and Tory donor and treasurer Stanley Fink. In 2012, Mr Cameron was forced to admit seeing at least 15 Tory donors, who have handed the party £23million, in a series of secret lunches and dinners at Downing Street and Chequers. Michael Spencer, then Tory party treasurer and one of those who enjoyed hospitality, said in late 2009 that he expected a Tory government to axe the 50p rate, which it did on taking office. A list of guests to Chevening, Nick Clegg’s official residence, was also published on Friday evening. It contains politicians, journalists and TV personalities, including Joanna Lumley and Clare Balding. Critics said it appeared the Conservative Party was seeking to avoid scrutiny of sensitive friends and supporters’ visits to Chequers, near Ellesborough in Buckinghamshire, by paying for their hospitality. No details of how much was paid, or how charges were calculated, were available. Michael Dugher, the shadow minister for the Cabinet Office, has written to Mr Cameron demanding full publication. ‘There are some glaring omissions from the list,’ he wrote. ‘Chequers is a public building and being able to access it is a privilege. The fact that the Conservative Party may have nominally paid to host various people at Chequers cannot be used as a device to block transparency in relation to lobbyists and others gaining access.’ Mr Dugher said it appeared that there was an ‘attempt to buy out of transparency, which leaves the perception of a Chequers cover-up’. He added: ‘Regrettably – given you once said “sunlight is the best disinfectant” – your previous commitments to openness have not been met. ‘It is now vital that a full and complete list of all visitors to Chequers and Downing Street, whether paid for by the Prime Minister or by the Conservative Party, is published.’ A general view of Chequers, the Prime Minister's official country residence, in Buckinghamshire . John Mann, the Labour MP for Bassetlaw, said releasing the list quietly on a Friday night ‘smacks of burying bad news’. He said: ‘You would only do this if you’ve got something that you would be embarrassed about.’ A Downing Street spokesman said: ‘This return includes guests who have received official hospitality at Chequers, excluding officials and special advisers. ‘Consistent with the practice of previous administrations, it does not include those receiving hospitality paid for personally by the Prime Minister or by the Conservative Party.’ The Tories accused Labour of ‘hypocrisy’ because Ed Miliband promised to give regular updates on meetings with trade unionists and donors, yet this has not happened since March 2012. A Conservative spokesman said the party had published a list of the Prime Minister’s meetings with donors – including at Chequers – quarterly since 2012. A Tory source said: ‘We’ve published expenses over £500 online and details of ministerial meetings. This is Grade A hypocrisy.’ | Latest annual Chequers guest list was published more than a year late on Friday with no warning . Reveals Mr Cameron entertained the Emir of Qatar and the provost of Eton . The last Chequers guest list included News International’s Rebekah Brooks . | e63b0880d8b761bc445055ca1e48527adbe30301 |
The eight-year jail sentence of Max Clifford, pictured after his arrest, was upheld by three Court of Appeal judges today . Disgraced PR guru Max Clifford has lost a challenge against his eight-year jail sentence for sex offences. The sentence was upheld by three Court of Appeal judges in London today. Clifford, 71, was jailed in May after being convicted of a string of indecent assaults, carried out between 1977 and 1984, using his celebrity connections to lure women. The former celebrity agent, who branded his accusers 'fantasists', denied the charges, but was convicted at London's Southwark Crown Court. Announcing the appeal court's decision, Lord Justice Treacy, who heard the case with Mr Justice Turner and Judge Michael Pert, said the sentence was 'justified'. At a recent appeal hearing, Clifford's barrister Richard Horwell QC told the three judges that Clifford's last offence was committed 29 years ago, 'since when he has led an industrious life, and devoted a considerable part of his time to charitable works for which he has raised substantial funds'. The trial judge had 'accepted that he is no longer a danger to women and that he will not commit further offences', he added. Mr Horwell said that for a number of reasons the sentence imposed was 'too long'. He added: 'Although the sentencing process must reflect modern attitudes, and I fully accept that that is our law, the sentencing process must not abandon common sense and fairness.' Rosina Cottage QC, for the Crown, said the total sentence imposed was one the trial judge was 'entitled to reach'. When sentencing Clifford, Judge Anthony Leonard told him his personality and position in the public eye were the reasons his crimes were not revealed earlier. He said: 'The reason why they were not brought to light sooner was because of your own dominant character and your position in the world of entertainment which meant that your victims thought that you were untouchable, something that I think you too believed.' Lawyers for Clifford, pictured outside Southwark Crown Court during his trial, claimed the sentence was 'excessive', but senior judges backed the prison term . He added: 'These offences may have taken place a long time ago, when inappropriate and trivial sexual behaviour was more likely to be tolerated, but your offending was not trivial, but of a very serious nature.' Clifford is currently serving his sentence at Littlehey Category C men's prison in Cambridgeshire. Announcing the court's decision today, Lord Justice Treacy said: 'It seems to us that, after consideration of the individual offences and the application of modern sentencing attitudes reflected in the guidelines, but tempered by the need to have regard to the statutory maximum available at the time, an overall sentence of eight years was justified and correct.' It was a 'just and proportionate' sentence 'taking account of considerations of harm and culpability together with aggravating factors and such mitigation as was available to the appellant'. Lord Justice Treacy said Clifford was sentenced to a total of eight years on eight counts of indecent assault relating to four victims who were 'young and vulnerable' at the time of the offences. Clifford pictured attending the funeral of his brother Bernie at Crematorium in Morden in August . The senior judge said: 'Each was affected in respect of confidence and relationships and was harmed by what had been done to her.' In considering the seriousness of any offence the court 'must consider the offender's culpability and any harm which the offence caused'. The judge said: 'Sexual offending will by its very nature cause harm at the time the offence is committed, but it is well recognised that for many victims significant harm persists for a considerable period afterwards. 'This is a case where it is clear that the effect of what was done to the victims was not something from which they recovered quickly. 'The appellant's actions towards these victims had long term consequences for their lives. This is clearly a highly material circumstance for this court to consider.' | Clifford, 71, was handed eight-year term for sex offences in 1970s and 1980s . The former publicist claimed term was too long because he's 'not a danger' But three senior judges back the sentence, which 'reflects modern attitudes' Lord Justice Treacy says offences had harmful effect on victims for years . | 164f6047b42376ee8d0f76b70c347dbe84ccd99f |
Liverpool are wearing a special one-off kit during their game against Tottenham on Tuesday night in support of the Seeing is Believing charity. This is the fourth consecutive year that the Merseyside club will join forces with their main sponsor Standard Chartered Bank by trading their usual logo with that of the charity in order to generate support and funds for Seeing is Believing. After the game on Tuesday, five of the Liverpool jerseys will be signed by players and put onto a week-long eBay auction to help raise money for the charity, with all donations being matched by Standard Chartered. Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge speeds away from Tottenham defender Kyle Walker on Tuesday . Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard (centre), Adam Lallana (left) and Mamadou Sakho with the new jerseys on . Reds captain Steven Gerrard, Adam Lallana, Simon Mignolet and Mamadou Sakho took part in a match with Merseyside Blind FC in which the professionals wore blindfolds and guided by coaching staff. The day also consisted of training drills, a skills session and a penalty shootout. Liverpool are missing Lucas Leiva for the match at Anfield after he sustained a thigh injury in the goalless Merseyside derby on Sunday. Brendan Rodgers will hope that his side continue their impressive record over Spurs having lost just one of their last 20 home Premier League matches against the North London club. Lazar Markovic and Phillipe Coutinho celebrate Liverpool's opener at Anfield in their special one-off kit . Winger Markovic fired Liverpool ahead at Anfield against Tottenham after quarter of an hour on Tuesday . Gerrard (left) trains with teammates at Liverpool's Melwood training ground on Monday ahead of the match . Mario Balotelli (right) jokes around with Mamadou Sakho who took part in the Merseyside Blind FC match . Gerrard (left), who announced he will leave Anfield this season, discusses with manager Brendan Rodgers . Rodgers' (right) side have won just four of their last 11 Premier League home matches before Tuesday night . | Liverpool changed their main sponsor to Seeing is Believing on Tuesday . The move is intended to help support the charity and generate funds . Main sponsor Standard Chartered will match the donations made . Brendan Rodgers' side are wearing the kit in the match against Tottenham . Steven Gerrard and Co took part in a match with Merseyside Blind FC . CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news . | b63bc8c7c38f16c5945aac940a05f0d23273bfc3 |
By . Leon Watson and Nina Golgowski . PUBLISHED: . 19:37 EST, 5 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:25 EST, 6 September 2012 . A nationwide manhunt for a child pornographer has ended with the arrest of a husband and wife accused of filming and molesting their daughters aged six and nine for swapping online. Michael Serapis Freeman, 39, and Michelle Lee Freeman, 40, surrendered to police at their home in Salem, Oregon this week after learning an acquaintance had identified Michelle from a photo circulated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement last month. Previously only identified as 'Jane Doe,' Michelle Freeman's picture was extracted from video and photos allegedly showing her victimizing the two girls, Homeland Security Investigators said. Scroll down for video . Caught: Michael Freeman, 39, and Michelle Lee Freeman, 40, surrendered to police after learning an acquaintance had identified Michelle in photos released by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in August . Michael Freeman admitted to taking nude photos of his 9-year-old daughter while performing sexual acts on her to the witness of his 6-year-old daughter, according to the criminal complaint. He described himself having been in a 'bad place' when manufacturing the content and trading it on a photo sharing website. A scan of that website by the MailOnline shows lists of users providing photos of young boys and girls, many described being under the age of 18, in provocative poses coupled with similarly fueled comments. Michael Freeman said he engaged in this file swapping of his daughter with another user for approximately one month. Identified: This 'Jane Doe' photo released last month led to the woman's arrest this week along with her husband in Oregon . 'I started it. Somehow she got involved,' he said of his wife who declined to speak with investigators. Making . their first court appearance in Portland on Wednesday, the couple have . been charged with sexual exploitation of children while producing child . pornography. During the nation-wide search for Michelle Freeman, ICE agents were granted a criminal complaint and federal warrant from a U.S. District Court Judge in Washington, D.C. to arrest the woman. ICE agents from Los Angeles, California, had been working on the investigation since June 2011 when they executed a search warrant and seized a computer with images that they said depicted the child victims being abused. Similarities: The appeal by federal agents has echoes of an earlier hunt for a mystery boy pictured in this still released by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations unit . The case has echoes of a similar appeal by the same ICE unit, which in June released a still of a mystery boy who they said was in serious danger. Days after that appeal an arrest was made. The ICE Homeland Security Investigations is responsible for investigating crime connected to the illegal movement of goods and people into and out of the United States. Agents target criminal networks smuggling people and drugs across America's borders. It has 6,700 agents spread throughout 200 American cities and 47 overseas outposts. A break in the 'Jane Doe' investigation came in June of 2012, when the FBI in Colorado said it seized a computer that had over 200 images and two videos of the child victims with the images of accused suspect Michelle Freeman. The then-unidentified male in the images has his face obscured and digitally altered in the files, according to an affidavit by HSI Special Agent Jim Cole, who has been working the investigation. According to their investigation, the male suspect seen was believed to have interest in the outdoors based on a book Animal Tracking Basics which appears in the background of the video. Investigators say they believe the pictures were taken in February of 2010. Officials said the case is unusual since a majority of child pornography cases involve male suspects, not women. Watch the video here: . | Michelle Freeman accused as 'Jane Doe' child pornographer with her husband Michael Freeman . Oregon husband and wife are accused of molesting their daughters aged 6 and 9 . Graphic video and pictures allegedly produced by the couple were traded online . | daebf34192007972a62362be24621715c30e769d |
New York (CNN) -- The details of the prisoner-exchange deal announced between Israel and Hamas -- a swap of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held captive by Hamas since 2006, for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners -- are not yet fully known. But after five years of failed negotiations, it is clear that both sides have made concessions. And that is a sign of hope. The unrest in the Middle East, and especially in Syria, has been a powerful catalyst for Hamas to capitalize while it can on Israel's desire to bring Shalit home. The unrest in Damascus is forcing the external political leadership of Hamas, led by Khaled Meshaal, to relocate to the Gulf -- further away from the front lines with Israel and a political environment less sympathetic to its radical policies. The huge upsurge of popularity for Hamas's rival, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, following last month's push for UN recognition of Palestine as a member state, would also have been a catalyst for Hamas to conclude an agreement by being more flexible. The return home of 1,000 prisoners, including some (but not all) of the most hardcore terrorists with the blood of hundreds of Israelis on their hands, will do wonders for Hamas' popularity -- not only in Gaza but in the West Bank and the Palestinian diaspora as well. From the Hamas point of view, the time for a deal had clearly arrived. For Israel, the growing instability in Egypt was a factor making a deal imperative now, or a risk that it would never happen. The Egyptians have played a major role as intermediaries, allowing both sides to negotiate without actually having to deal directly. (In the last stage of the bargaining, held in Cairo since July, Israel's negotiators sat in one room and Hamas in another, and the Egyptians acted as go-between.) The Egyptians will play a role in the actual physical exchange of the prisoners as well. Given that Cairo mobs sacked Israel's embassy there just a month ago and that the military rulers of Egypt had to be forced (by the US) to intervene, Israel has good reason to fear that Egypt's ability to facilitate the deal with Hamas might not last forever. Another consideration was the determination by the Israel Defense Forces' new Chief of Staff, Benny Gantz, that there were no realistic military options for freeing Shalit. He was joined by the recently appointed heads of Israel's other security services -- the Mossad and the Shabak (internal security) -- who withdrew their opposition to the release of so many convicted terrorists. No Israeli Prime Minister would have overridden the unanimous recommendations of the security establishment, and the green light for the agreement from this sector was vital. Similarly, no Israeli politician would have overridden public sentiment on this issue, but here the vast majority of Israel's public has been clearly in favor of the swap agreement for the past few years. This sentiment was skillfully articulated through a public campaign conducted by the Shalit family, their friends and associates. Shalit's family have been camping outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's official residence in Jerusalem for well over a year, and as they return home to prepare for the return of their son, the Israeli public cheers their dedication. Concern over the possible renewal of Palestinian terror following the release of so many skilled and determined terrorists is, for the moment at least, overshadowed by widespread enthusiasm at the return of the kidnapped soldier. There will be celebrations in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. But what are the long-term implications of this deal? Pessimists will point to the dangers of rewarding terror -- both the terror of those released from jail and the act of kidnapping Israelis to have future terrorists released. Cynics will ask if Israel's willingness to conclude the deal was not an attempt to punish Abbas for pushing ahead with his policies in the UN, despite Israeli and American opposition. But there are other considerations which give grounds for optimism. Any movement in the stalled peace process might be enough to get the wheels of this heavy cart out of the rut in which it is trapped. It appears that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had a role in the final deal, perhaps indicating a return of Turkey to constructive dealing with Israel. And the fact that Israel and Hamas have talked -- albeit indirectly -- is a welcome development. Israel's 2005 withdrawal from Gaza might have had more positive long-term effect had this channel of communication been used then. Even more significant, the release of these prisoners removes a major obstacle from any future peace settlement between Israel and the Palestinians. An agreement will almost certainly address the issue of the thousands of Palestinians remaining in Israeli jails. Their numbers have dropped dramatically over the past few years, as the level of violence in the occupied territories has declined -- from 11,000 in 2008 to just over 4,000 after the current prisoner swap is completed. But freeing almost all of the most dangerous prisoners now, in circumstances that will be endorsed by Israeli public opinion, means there is one less impediment to be dealt with in the final settlement. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ronald W. Zweig. | Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier held captive by Hamas since 2006, is being freed . The prisoner exchange is a sign of hope, says Ronald W. Zweig . The Egyptians have played a major role as intermediaries, Zweig says . Israel's release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners may help lead to peace, he says . | 6fbf310cfbb09d890daae80db7b35dfe8a656aeb |
Koala’s are often regarded as Australia’s cuddliest critter, but a recent video from Adelaide shows they have a hostile side, too. Vision has surfaced showing two of the mammals holding on to the same limb of a gum tree when one rushes the other and grapples it from the branch, sending it plunging several metres onto the ground. Taronga Zoo koala keeper Laura Jones told Daily Mail Australia the behaviour is commonplace during the end of the mating season, when the animals argue over breeding. The two koalas are on the same branch when the male rushes towards the female and begins to wrestle her off the branch . The female can be heard squealing in horror as the male tussles her off the branch . ‘The darker one is the male and the other is the female. The male tried to approach her for breeding, but she was not interested. ’ The female koala can heard squealing in protest as the male approaches and wrestles it off the branch, sending it plummeting onto the ground with a crash. Momentarily dazed, the animal wanders away towards another tree, seemingly unharmed. Jones said that while females can often defend themselves against their male counterparts, the male in the video was much larger and stronger. The behaviour is commonplace during the end of the mating season, when the animals argue over breeding . ‘The females would be interested in season, but since it is coming to the end of that time they generally decline the advance.’ The clip, which was captured by an onlooker in the Adelaide Hills, was uploaded to YouTube last week. | The video from Adelaide Hills shows a male koala rushing towards a female . Male wrestles female and sends her plunging to to the ground . Female walks off uninjured . The mammals often fight during the end of the mating season . | 4a059615f4133cac6bec6f8ab4a75f897e6e4842 |
(CNN) -- Bruce Levenson couldn't cut it as a successful NBA owner. His business, the Atlanta Hawks, was failing. He needed a scapegoat, and he blamed African-Americans, his most loyal customer base. Apparently, he forgot those fans are the only group that has stuck by him in spite of the inferior product he's put on the basketball court since he took over the team 11 years ago. He should be grateful any fans showed up for the games at all. His first mistake, among many, has been forgetting that Hawks have been barely a smidgen above mediocre for as long as any sports fan can remember. Philips Arena is dull; the overpriced concession food is awful. And no matter what anyone says about "Hotlanta," football (college first and then NFL) will always be king in that city. So if you are going to invest in the Atlanta Hawks of the NBA, a league that boasts the highest share of black television viewers, at 45% -- three times higher than the NFL or NCAA basketball -- and a player roster that is nearly 80% black, well, then you better have a smart business strategy to keep your core customers happy and attract corporate dollars at the same time. What we know . Levenson, it seems, had no winning strategy. The "self-reporting" bigot seems to have awakened one day, looked around the City of Atlanta (which according to the 2010 census is 54% African-American and 38.4% white) and decided that all of his business failures in Atlanta had nothing to do with his own mismanagement of the team. He then sent a racist, ranting email to his business partners, outlining his personal theories about how their failing franchise might be turned around. Levenson has apologized for his tirade and said he will sell his controlling interest in the team. "I wrote an e-mail two years ago that was inappropriate and offensive," Levenson said in a Hawks news release. "I trivialized our fans by making cliched assumptions about their interests (i.e., hip hop vs. country, white vs. black cheerleaders, etc.) and by stereotyping their perceptions of one another (i.e., that white fans might be afraid of our black fans). By focusing on race, I also sent the unintentional and hurtful message that our white fans are more valuable than our black fans." But I take his apology with a large grain of salt. Though his rambling email was incoherent and ill-advised, in hindsight at least, it reads as though it is the words of a man speaking from his heart. In fact, it turns out Levenson's decision to sell his interest in the team was triggered by the discovery of his inflammatory email by an outside law firm reviewing the organization, according to CNN reports. In professional sports and in business, winning is everything. Nothing else counts. And when Levenson and his partners realized that the arena was half-empty, the first questions Levenson should have asked are: Will sports fans pay money to watch this team play? And what are my successful competitors doing to attract more customers? Well, according to the Hawks website, the average ticket price is $103 per game, and the average fan and corporate packages run from $599 to $4,499 per season. I'm not sure about Levenson, but I could definitely find a better way to spend my hard-earned cash and my time than driving to an arena to watch a losing team. Levenson's downtown pro sports neighbors, the Atlanta Falcons, are certainly having no problem thriving in an urban environment where it is necessary to court African-American customers. The Falcons, who have posted five consecutive winning seasons, including four trips to the playoffs, sell out nearly every game, and they do so in part because they intentionally put a smart strategy in place to attract their African-American fanbase. Successful teams across sports in cities like New York, Washington and Los Angeles are using this same multicultural business strategy to run winning franchises. Levenson is now getting undeserved credit for reportedly going first to the NBA to confess that he sent the racist email before it was exposed. The league, to its credit, in the wake of the Donald Sterling disaster, had been vetting other team owners who fostered climates of discrimination and bigotry behind closed doors. Therefore, clearly, Levenson had a compelling reason to come clean about his 2-year-old email. Opinion: Levenson and the Hawks' real problem . Sterling was forced to sell the Los Angeles Clippers over the summer when racist audio recordings came to light. He defended himself then, saying that he was not the only NBA owner to harbor prejudice attitudes. And there's no arguing that he was right. Despite its leading record in the sports industry on diversity hiring, both on and off the court, the NBA is no stranger to the controversial topic of race in sports. It is ironic that Levenson, touted as a public do-gooder, has missed his own message of tolerance and understanding. This year, he took his NBA team the Holocaust museum in Washington. The players even met Levenson's mother-in-law, Irene Boyarsky, a concentration camp survivor. Levenson said then: "Having them come here and having them see the faces of bigotry and hate, it's important. For them to learn lessons of this museum and of the Holocaust means a lot to me." Tolerance is a pretty word we like to use. But in real life, it takes courage, humility and commitment to live by it. Whether the topic is homophobia, gender equality or religious intolerance, Levenson certainly is not the first person whose public actions have fallen short of their private hearts. But Levenson's brand of public hypocrisy is not just morally corrupt, it is bad for business. And the NBA is big business. Thanks to strong leaders like NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his predecessor David Stern, who have implemented tough love but racial compassion, the league has not only preached but mostly practiced racial tolerance. It's a smart strategy because without African-American fans, and the talented men who play the game, there is no league. And today, the best companies are looking for a way to diversify and grow their customer base. I say good riddance to Levenson and other NBA owners like him, of which I think there are few. And kudos to Silver and others who are working to root out racist owners. "As Mr. Levenson acknowledged, the views he expressed are entirely unacceptable and are in stark contrast to the core principles of the National Basketball Association," Silver said in a statement Sunday. Call me overly optimistic, but I believe that most NBA owners are decent people. And more important, they are shrewd businessmen who understand that in today's global economy, a company that doesn't not have the cultural intelligence to build a diverse customer base will fail. In 1903, W.E.B. DuBois poignantly wrote in "The Souls of Black Folk," "for the problem of the Twentieth Century is the problem of the color-line." And today, as America's face shifts from white to shades of brown, it remains to be seen whether we will ever stop stumbling over that line, fearing the line, hating that line, so we can finally stand together as one strong nation. | Roxanne Jones: Bruce Levenson's email revealed NBA owner scapegoating blacks . She says he thought profits low because too many blacks at games, but team is mediocre . Jones: This bigot gets no points for "self-reporting"; he's selling interest under pressure . Jones: Levenson touted as public do-gooder but is a hypocrite . | 0d14c3089ce880529415a58d242c647c54b3fb7d |
By . Martha De Lacey . PUBLISHED: . 08:31 EST, 7 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:22 EST, 7 June 2013 . A young beauty blogger has posted a shocking photo diary of what happened when she suffered a severe reaction to a salon facial. Singaporean make-up fanatic Juli, who blogs under the name Bun Bun at bunbunmakeuptips.com, shared her experience online in a series of blog posts, documenting how the skin on her face became enraged by the treatment and then by medication she was given by a dermatologist in effort to calm it down. Writing four days after her 'skin-ravaging facial', Juli warned readers with a caution: 'This post contains graphic images of a face . inflamed with red, angry pimples filled with pus.' Juli, who writes under the name Bun Bun, before her facial . She continued: 'You might feel itchy . and want to vomit after seeing these images. I totally understand if . you run away from me if you saw me. Reader discretion advised.' She then posted a photograph of what she usually looks like, followed by a day-by-day photographic account of how her skin reacted to the facial, first breaking out in a small number of spots, which rapidly grew in number and filled with pus. She visited a clinic to have the pus extracted, which only served tomake the condition worse. The spots were soon covering her entire face and neck, and were both painful and itchy. Juli before the facial that ravaged her skin, left, and five days after, right . Juli immediately after the facial . Spots began coming through the day after her facial . More and more spots began working their way through her skin two days later . Writing on the site, Juli commented: 'I'd sent images of my deteriorating skin condition to the people at the facial salon and they asked me to go down and have the pus extracted again, this time to their HQ, where their Director was around. 'I don't know how people who have been in the industry for THIRTY YEARS couldn't tell this was not your normal acne breakout or post-facial sensitivity.' She continued: 'The facial people told me that "It has to get worse before it gets better". BULL***T. Anyone who tells you that about your skin is really just lying to you. I have friends who are aestheticians say there's no such thing. If it gets worse, it can only get worse. 'From the first round of extraction, they kept lying to me that "tomorrow your skin will be better". It never did. At home, my skin turned worse.' Despite their advice, Juli chose not to reveal the name of the salon, believing they did not intend to cause the reaction. The clusters of spots around Juli's chin continued to grow and grow . The skin on her forehead began to break out in a pus-filled rash as well . Juli at the clinic where they tried to treat the condition with an anti-bacterial gel that only made the complaint worse . Juli following the pus extraction on day four . Juli visited a number of doctors, and the second one gave her pills and told her the skin allergy should not cause any scarring, but would leave her with hyper-pigmentation for at least a few months. She said: 'He also advised that I go back to my skincare regime before the facial because the new products given by the salon might be contributing to the allergy.' Juli said the whole experience left her traumatised and depressed . Juli five days after the facial . Five days after the facial Juli's skin was only getting worse . After the photographs Juli wrote: 'I'm sorry if I scared you. I have goosebumps too. You can't imagine how difficult it was to look at these photos and not cry. I cry the most when I’m washing my face. 'My self-confidence has plummeted to rock bottom. I cannot remember the last time I was so depressed over an external condition. 'I guess I could thank the heavens that I’m lucky to be alive, but can my life ever go back to normal? I don't know. It's a great fall to take for a person who is image-conscious and with an online personality.' In a second blog post a few days later, she wrote: 'I was at my lowest on Day 5. A small percentage of the pustules were starting to dry out, but more were forming, and they were MERGING. They were spreading to my neck too, and were incredibly itchy.' Juli added that she has not only lost out financially as a result of her reaction, but that when she attended the Singapore blogging awards as a finalist she was forced to wear a mask over her face because she was so embarrassed. 'I was at my lowest on day five' The pustules showed no sign of abating on day five . On day six, after lots of medication, the spots began to dry up . The doctor told Juli she should expect to have discolouration of the skin for several months . Juli ends her post saying: 'I realize I have instilled panic and fear in many people regarding the effects of a facial. 'Many have asked me to advise on whether this salon is safe to go, whether the one I went to is the one they are going to, what to look out for in a facial, etc. 'I wrote about my personal experience to share the risks involved in getting a facial. I do not know and cannot guarantee what will happen to anybody else. 'You may or may not be allergic to the products the salon uses, the treatment may or may not be right for you, your beauticians may or may not know what to do when they see you with uncommon pus on your face, facials may or may not work for you at all. 'I cannot speak for anyone and am not qualified to say whether or not a facial or a trip to a dermatologist is right for you. 'I have been going for facials for the past ten years and as a beauty blogger tried a myriad of products on my skin, and NOTHING like that has ever happened.' | Juli is a young Singaporean blogger who writes under name Bun Bun . Runs bunbunmakeuptips.com and says she has lost out financially . Did not name salon, as she believes it was just an allergic reaction . Later extracting pus made condition worse . Was finalist in Singapore blog awards - had to wear mask to competition . | d467bce102382dd860871483526300a7717ab353 |
By . John Stevens . PUBLISHED: . 09:26 EST, 30 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:38 EST, 30 June 2013 . Getting a personalised number plate has always been in questionable taste. In films and television dramas, bespoke plates are often used to hint that a character is a bit of a show-off or desperate for attention. But the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has decided that there is no doubt about the taste of certain number plates. Censors at the government body that hands out number plates has banned hundreds of personalised registrations because they are seen as in bad taste. Vulgar: Certain personalised number plates containing rude or offensive words have been scrapped by the DVLA. Pictured is Towie star Amy Child's Range Rover with a personalised plate reading 'Well Jell' (well jealous) The DVLA’s ‘propriety committee’ has withheld plates with letter and number combinations that spell out words such as ‘arse’, ‘bonk’, ‘bum’, ‘drugs’ and ‘slags’. The group meets twice a year to vet potentially offensive registration numbers before they are released in March and September. It looks at the sequences of numbers and letters to be used on plates to check if any appear to spell out words they deem inappropriate. Plates including SH12 EDD, BO11 CKS and anything ending with KOK have been banned according to lists released under the Freedom of Information Act. Also censored are *S** HAG, TW** AAT and UP** YOU, where the stars denote different combinations of other numbers and letters. The boss: Sir Alan Sugar with his personalised number plate containing his initials . Drivers are not able to get their hands on BL08 JOB, 51 LUT, BB11 TCH, K11 LLA and BU62 GER. The DVLA has also stopped plates with racist or extremist overtones, such as DA** RKY, MU11 AHS and Y11 DOS. Insults popular with young people including SP**AZZ and M0**NGS, which are offensive terms for someone with a learning disability, have also not been allowed. Currently numberplates that end in the common text message abbreviations OMG and WTF are still allowed, but the DVLA said that these too may soon be added to the banned list. A spokesman for the DVLA said: ‘The vast majority of registration numbers are made available but we have a responsibility to ensure that the combinations used do not cause offence. ‘We try to identify combinations that may cause offence and, having considered the appropriateness of these registration numbers, we have withdrawn them as they could cause offence or embarrassment on the grounds of political or racial sensitivities or are in poor taste.’ Naff: Speaker John Bercow and his wife Sally both have personalised number plates . Last year the DVLA raised £67m from the sale of personalised number plates. The highest ever price paid for a plate sold by the DVLA in the UK was £352,000 for plate 1 D in March 2009. Other expensive plates sold by the body include 51 NGH, which sold for £254,000, 1 RH, £247,000, and K1 NGS, £231,000. Lord Alan Sugar uses the numberplate AMS 1, which is based on his initials. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge drove away from their wedding with one that read JU5T WED. Since 2001, the third and fourth digits on a British number plate identify the age of a car and change every six months - the current number is 13 and will be 63 from September. The first two letters denote the area where the car was registered and the final three letters are random. | Vulgar language banned from personalised number plates . DVLA has scrapped a number of the poor taste plates . Plates such as SH12 EDD and BO11 CKS on scrapheap . | d9e3a490f5a5eb6106eb14abf9dd370b4cd0c456 |
(CNN) -- Jury selection in the trial of Jerry Sandusky, the former Penn State assistant football coach charged with child rape, is scheduled to start Tuesday in Pennsylvania. A judge last week denied his attorneys' latest bid for a delay, allowing the case to move forward. Sandusky, 68, has been under house arrest since being charged with sexually abusing 10 boys over 14 years. Prosecutors allege he met some of his accusers through Second Mile, a charity he created for underprivileged children. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. According to a source close to the Sandusky family, he is expected to attend court Tuesday. The allegations against Sandusky led to the firing of iconic Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno only months before he died of complications from lung cancer. Several of the people whom prosecutors accuse Sandusky of abusing asked a judge to protect their identities at trial. However, Judge John Cleland on Monday ruled the alleged victims' identities may not be concealed during the trial, although they will be protected through the jury selection process. "Courts are not customarily in the business of withholding information," Cleland's ruling said. "Secrecy is thought to be inconsistent with the openness required to assure the public that the law is being administered fairly and applied faithfully." Prosecutors in Sandusky case present new, graphic details . But, the judge noted, "It is also to be hoped that various news organizations that will report on the trial will use what has become their professional custom to protect the privacy of alleged victims." CNN generally does not identify alleged victims of sexual assault. Victim advocacy groups slammed the judge's decision late Monday, expressing their hope it would not have a chilling effect on the reporting of child sexual abuse. "The judge placed a significant burden on this class of victims by stating that they have 'a duty to the community to testify' about the crime, but denying them privacy protections in exchange for that testimony. By bravely coming forward, victims serve in the interest of public safety; they should be assured that their privacy will be protected," the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, the National Center for Victims of Crime and the National Crime Victim Law Institute said in a joint statement. Those asking for their identities to be concealed included one man known simply as Victim 4. His attorney, Ben Andreozzi, said he believes his client, now 28, is the strongest witness for the prosecution and will be called to testify first. "In society, sometimes we question why rape victims are reluctant to come forward," Andreozzi said Monday after the ruling. "So now we have our answer. ... We are disappointed." "We are not asking to close the courtroom, only to use a pseudonym," he said. His client will still testify, he said, "but at what expense to his emotional well-being?" He said he expects the defense to attack his client on the basis of a meeting he had with Sandusky in the years after the alleged abuse. "My client couldn't break free," said the attorney, describing the relationship between Victim 4 and Sandusky as "complex." Mike McQueary, a former graduate student considered to be another key witness in the Sandusky case, has testified that he alerted Paterno in 2002 that he'd seen what appeared to be Sandusky sexually assaulting a boy, an allegation authorities didn't learn of until years later. Psychologist flagged Sandusky as 'likely pedophile' in 1998 report . But prosecutors said later that the incident took place about a year earlier than what was originally alleged, causing defense attorneys for two former Penn State officials to argue that one of the charges should now be dropped. Tim Curley, Penn State's former athletic director, and Gary Schultz, a former university vice president who oversaw campus police, have been charged with perjury and failing to report the alleged sexual assault of a child. Both of them have pleaded not guilty, and their attorneys have said that prosecutors "charged this case before (they) knew the facts." After news of the scandal broke last year, The New York Times published an extensive interview in which Sandusky attempted to clarify his relationships with young people. "If I say, 'No, I'm not attracted to young boys,' that's not the truth," he said, according to the story. "Because I'm attracted to young people -- boys, girls -- I ..." His lawyer, who was present at the interview, spoke up at that point to note that Sandusky is "not sexually" attracted to them. "Right. I enjoy -- that's what I was trying to say -- I enjoy spending time with young people. I enjoy spending time with people," Sandusky continued. "I mean, my two favorite groups are the elderly and the young." CNN's Susan Candiotti, Ross Levitt and Jason Carroll contributed to this report. | Jury selection is scheduled to get under way Tuesday . Sandusky, 68, faces charges of child rape . Prosecutors allege that he abused 10 boys over 14 years . Sandusky has pleaded not guilty to the charges . | 39bad0f4cca4a1295a5585adaa7b544be30fcf7e |
By . Leon Watson for MailOnline . A terminally ill great-grandfather mugged by thugs has branded his attackers as 'cowards'. Cancer sufferer Jack Keppie, given just months to live, was attacked from behind by two men in their 20s while on his way home after drinking with friends in his local pub. Mr Keppie, 69, was left with two suspected broken ribs and bruises up his arms and legs after the assault and robbery in Denton, Greater Manchester. He said: 'I thought that was it to be honest - they could have killed me without a doubt. But eventually, they just ran off. They're disgusting. I've got terminal prostate cancer, I don't need this sort of thing happening, it was horrendous. Terminally ill great-grandfather Jack Keppie, 69, from Denton, Greater Manchester, outside his local pub the Angel in Denton, after he was attacked from behind by two men in their 20s while on his way home . 'I looked behind me to make sure no-one was following me, but out of nowhere, I got smacked on the back on the head and fell to the ground and landed on my stomach. 'They took my wallet out of my pocket, took the cash out then threw the wallet very aggressively in my face. Then they called me a few names and started kicking me in the stomach. They toddled off up the road, never to be seen again.' Diagnosed with prostate cancer last October and given 12 months to live, Mr Keppie's failing health has deteriorated ever since. But in the days leading up to the attack on August 5, he regained some strength in his legs and felt confident enough to walk alone to his local pub, the Angel in Denton, and join his friends for a drink. But as he walked home, the two thugs, both aged around 20, attacked him from behind, one punching him in the back knocking him to the ground, before the other stood on his back and stole £100 from his wallet. The pair kicked and swore at the defenceless pensioner as he lay on the pavement before making off. Cancer sufferer Jack Keppie said having a pint with his friends is one of his few remaining pleasures . Mr Keppie added: 'It won't stop me going out, but I'm looking behind me all the time now, I'm very cautious. I still go out, but I don't walk alone anymore. It's a short distance, but it's not worth the risk. 'It's a cowardly way to attack someone. I've got prostate cancer and they're kicking me in the stomach. They are cowards and just typical hoodies. I just don't want it to happen again. 'They should have a conscience and give themselves up. One day, this will come back to them. 'They don't deserve to be living, they're not human beings. Luckily, I've got a lot of close friends around me, looking after me. It won't happen again if they have anything to do with it.' Detective Constable Fiona Rigby, of Greater Manchester Police, said: 'This was a vicious and cowardly attack on a frail and dying man. 'He has terminal cancer and is very ill. In fact he doesn't have long to live. One of his remaining pleasures in life is to walk to his local pub for a couple of beers with his friends. 'Now because of the despicable actions of these cowards, this modest pleasure has been utterly destroyed. 'Walking to and from the pub was part of his ritual, no doubt bringing him a modicum of independence. Now he has to get a taxi out of fear. 'The robbers probably wouldn't have known about his condition, but one look at him would have told them he was frail, vulnerable and clearly not going to put up a fight - precisely why these bullies picked on him no doubt.' Anyone in the area near the allotments on Wood Street in Denton around midnight on August 5 is urged to call police. The attackers are described as aged around 20, 5ft 8in or 9in, with local accents. One wore a light grey tracksuit while the other wore a black tracksuit. Both wore their hoods up. | Jack Keppie was attacked from behind by two men in their 20s . He was on his way home from the pub - one his few remaining pleasures . Mr Keppie was diagnosed with prostate cancer last October . The 69-year-old, from Denton, Manchester, was given just months to live . | 3be9d09a0af895b17b0d8a12594e5b1e71dee981 |
Ajaz Raja, 32, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and was jailed for two years and four months . A drug dealer has been jailed after police found his fingerprints on a Nando's napkin he had used to wrap cocaine. Ajaz Raja, 32, pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to supply and was jailed for two years and four months. Detectives found almost £7,000 of cocaine in a house in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester - and Raja's fingerprints were discovered on a Nando's napkin he'd used to partially wrap some of the Class A drug. Manchester Crown Court heard that on 19 November last year, officers from North Manchester's Organised Crime Unit conducted a drugs warrant at a house on Lytton Avenue, Cheetham Hill. They found cocaine with a street value of £6,960, dozens of unused snap bags, and a set of digital scales. Raja's fingerprints were later found on a Nando's napkin he'd used to partially wrap a bag of cocaine in. PC Darren Wayman, of Greater Manchester Police said: 'No matter how well drug dealers think they cover their tracks they will always slip up, as in this case. 'Once we presented the prints evidence to him he has little option but to admit to the offence. 'He's now been jailed for more than two years so he won't be enjoying a meal out at Nando's, or anywhere else for that matter, for some time.' Raja's fingerprints were found a Nando's napkin that had been used to partially wrap cocaine (file picture) | Ajaz Raja jailed for two years and four months for intent to supply cocaine . Detectives found almost £7,000 of cocaine in a house in Manchester . Drug dealer's fingerprints were found on Nando's napkin used to wrap drug . | 946b363016490ea86e4e83fecdcf6d142937bf3e |
With thousands of Chinese students resorting to 007-style gadgets such as pinhole cameras and radio transmitter bras to cheat in their exams, one college decided to take a stand. More than 3,800 students have been forced to sit their exams outside under the watchful eye of 80 invigilators who used HD cameras, binoculars and even perched on ladders for a better view. Teachers at Shaanxi Sanhe College in Baoji city of northwest China's Shaanxi province believe this will help cut down on the use of sophisticated cheating devices such as radio vests and transmitters hidden in bras. This is the tenth year the school has administered the great outdoor test, which helps determine the order in which students will be recommended to their prospective employers. Around 1,200 students will sit each exam at the sports ground and the results could have a significant impact on their future. Security staff in Jinlin, Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces revealed that students started using sophisticated radio vests in order to receive help from someone outside the hall. Pupils were also taking pictures of the tests using a button-hole camera hidden in a pen or watch, then using a copper antenna loop stitched into their clothing to beam it out of the hall to someone sitting with a receiver. Education is highly valued in China, with many parents sending their children miles each day just to go to school, and many are afraid they will be harshly punished for failure. Teachers at Shaanxi Sanhe College in Baoji city of northwest China's Shaanxi province believe outdoor exams will help reduce cheating . Around 3,800 students sit their exam outside under the watchful eye of 80 invigilators who use HD cameras, binoculars and ladders . This is the tenth year the school has administered the great outdoor test, which helps determine the order in which students will be recommended to their prospective employers . Around 1,200 students will sit each exam at the sports ground and the results could have a significant impact on their future . Security staff in Jinlin, Jiangsu and Guangdong provinces revealed that students started using sophisticated radio vests in order to receive help from someone outside the hall . | College in China is trying to cut down on cheating by forcing 3,800 students to sit their exams outside . Around 80 invigilators used HD cameras, binoculars and even perched on ladders for a better view of the students . Students had started using 007-style gadgets such as radio vests, transmitters hidden in bras and pinhole cameras . Teachers at Shaanxi Sanhe College in Baoji city of northwest China's Shaanxi province want to stop this happening . | 8ea3d44551e5fa201232a232af45e966b4a4c384 |
A high-end dental brand has launched a £3,000 ($4,620) bespoke botanical toothpaste service, which includes a chauffeur-driven car to the consultation and allows the customer to choose any flavour from an unlimited menu of options. The exclusive service is the latest offering from dental care brand Boca, which specialises in luxury botanical toothpastes which are infused with all-natural ingredients to give them distinctive and unique flavours such as British rose and mint, and blueberry, cranberry, lime, cinnamon and liquorice. Customers who are willing to pay such a hefty price in order to give their teeth the very finest in oral hygiene will first attend a one-on-one consultation with a certified Boca ambassador, who will address their individual dental issues, be it discoloration, plaque or bad breath. Scroll down for video . Packaged up: The £3,000 cost of Boca's bespoke toothpaste service includes two tubes of toothpaste, one for day, one for night, which are sent to the customer up to four months after their initial consultation . Pick a flavour: Each individual toothpaste formula can be designed to suit the customer's personal tastes thanks to an unlimited menu of all-natural flavour options . 'The uniquely designed premium toothpaste will meet individuals’ personal needs and challenges, whilst delivering balance and precision,' a brand spokesperson said in a statement. And in addition to tackling a variety of dental concerns, Boca's bespoke toothpastes can also be flavoured with any number of different all-natural ingredients, which customers can choose from an unlimited menu of options, allowing them to create an entirely-individual flavour for the final product. 'Flavour options are unlimited, chosen from an extensive flavour palette menu,' the Boca website explains. 'Incorporating botanical flavour blends and unique actives to meet each individual’s needs and preferences allows our chemists to focus on each customer and help them achieve a wonderful solution unlike any other ever created.' The VIP treatment doesn't end there either. Boca's £3,000 fee also includes a chauffeur-driven car to your consultation, be it at the company's London headquarters, or at one of its certified dental surgeries in Bath or Cambridge. Going global: For an additional fee, the company will arrange to fly out a certified Boca ambassador to any location around the world . For an additional fee, the company will also arrange to fly out a certified Boca ambassador to any location around the globe. And while all of the toothpastes are hand-crafted at Boca's laboratory in Bath, England, the final formula then 'undergoes the same rigorous safety assessment as all "mass" toothpastes' to ensure that it meets all of the necessary industry standards - a process which takes up to four months to complete. At the end of the process, customers are presented with two tubes of bespoke hand-crafted toothpaste, one for use during the day, and the other for use at night, both of which contain a whole host of botanical ingredients designed to tackle all manner of tooth-related issues. 'The day formulation includes energising Siberian Ginseng and the Overnight formulation includes soothing Chamomile, Aloe Vera and Valerian,' the company's website states. 'Boca Botanical Toothpastes are finely engineered to meet the challenges of the time of day that they are used.' In addition to the initial £3,000 fee, which includes the first two tubes of toothpaste - one for the day and one for the night - customers are then required to fork over an additional £120 ($185) every two months in order to re-stock their supplies. 'For as long as the individual keeps their particular formulation, each additional two-month prescription is £120,' the website adds. 'Should they wish to change flavour, reformulation and compliance test fee is £800, taking three to four months.' | The overall cost for the service by dental brand Boca includes an initial consultation, and two tubes of toothpaste, one for day and one for night . Customers can design the flavour of their toothpaste by choosing from an unlimited menu of botanical ingredients . Following the initial consultation, customers have to pay £120 for every additional two-month prescription of toothpaste . | 31246cf84acafd7ffcf8f0654719ff46cd2501ee |
Decked out in multiple shades of pink with one-off accessories galore and a catwalk leading to a full-length mirror, Barbie's dream hotel room is now a permanent fixture at the Hilton Buenos Aires. Fans of the world's most popular fashion doll can spend the night in a room based on Barbie's Dreamhouse, the first of its kind in the world, for £112 (US$179 per night), with the price rising as high as £356 ($569) in peak periods. The hotel has marked 10 years since it first collaborated with toymaker Mattel to created the Barbie-est room in the world by making it available year-round. The world's first Barbie-themed hotel room has been made a permanent inclusion at the Hilton Buenos Aires . The room, costing from £112 a night, features a host of one-off creations based on Barbies Dreamhouse . The walk-in wardrobe has a major focus on Barbie's best friends - shoes - and other accessories . A full-length mirror has a runway catwalk so Barbie fans can strut their stuff to their heart's content . The room is also filled with a host of Barbie dolls and related toys for young enthusiasts . After the special children's check-in area, guests enter Barbie's room 136 with their own special card . The marble bathroom is just like a doll's house, with the addition of customised toiletries . Re-opening in September it's proving hugely popular and is fully booked until the start of 2015. The room, number 136 at the hotel, has a 32-inch television running non-stop Barbie films, a marble bathroom, a walk-in wardrobe and, of course, a host of Barbie dolls and related toys to play with. The experience begins in the lobby where a giant pink heel marks the presence of the room, before those staying there go through their own children's check-in area before being ushered VIP-style up a dedicated staircase to the room. In what may be the most impressive feature for the parents, they can also book a normal adjoining room with a connecting door. | Hilton Buenos Aires devoted room 136 to all things Barbie . The first room dedicated to Barbie in the world and costs from £112 a night . The room was trialled in 2004 and made permanent 10 years on . Features non-stop films, dolls and a kitted out walk-in wardrobe . | 1de8cb984cb6362b66d413e8ed7a98ee06c96a41 |
By . Associated Press . Clyde Snow, a forensic anthropologist who worked on cases ranging from the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to mass graves in Argentina, has died. He was 86. His wife Jerry Snow said her husband died on Friday morning at Norman Regional Hospital in Norman, Oklahoma. Mrs Snow said her husband had been suffering from lung cancer and emphysema. Forensic anthropologist Dr Clyde Snow unites parts of a skull, in El Salvador in 2000. Dr Snow, who worked on cases ranging from the assassination of President John F. Kennedy to mass graves in Argentina, died on Friday in Norman, Oklahoma . Dr Snow examined mass graves in countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Croatia. He often helped build criminal cases against government leaders who carried out the killings. He also assisted in identifying victims of the Oklahoma City bombing and the remains of serial killer John Wayne Gacy. 'Bones don't forget,' Dr Snow once told the AP. 'They're there and they have a story to tell.' Snow traveled the world helping to give a voice to the voiceless. 'I find it challenging,' he said. 'It is fascinating work. I feel we are doing a little bit of good. It's not the role of forensic science to put the bad guys in jail, but to evenhandedly collect the evidence.' Born January 7, 1928, in Texas, Snow became interested in the human body through his physician father. After joining the Federal Aviation Administration in Oklahoma City in 1960, Snow helped develop a computer program to investigate plane crashes. Snow investigated the deaths of many historical figures, including soldiers who died at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876 and King Tutankhamun. In 1978, his expertise was on display when he spoke before the House Select Committee on Assassinations about various aspects of the death of President Kennedy. Less than a decade later, he was part of an international forensic team that identified the remains of Nazi fugitive Josef Mengele, who conducted horrific experiments on prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. In 2006, Snow testified against Saddam Hussein, who was on trial for genocide. Fourteen years earlier, Snow had been part of a team organized by the groups Physicians for Human Rights and Middle East Rights Watch who investigated a mass grave in the northern Iraqi town of Koreme, which was destroyed in 1988. Closer to home, Snow, who was a professor at the University of Oklahoma, assisted in identifying victims of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and worked with the Tulsa Race Riot Commission to create a comprehensive account of the deadly 1921 racial clash that laid ruin to the city's black business district. Jerry Snow said her husband will be remembered most for his great sense of humor and dedication to basic rights. 'That was his driving force in his life - human rights,' she said. Dr Snow testifies about his work exhuming graves in the Kurdish lands of Iraq at the Saddam Hussein 'Anfal' genocide trial in November 28, 2006 in Baghdad . | Clyde Snow, 86, died on Friday morning at Norman Regional Hospital in Oklahoma . Dr Snow examined mass graves in Argentina, Bolivia, Peru and Croatia - often helping build cases against the governments who carried out killings . He said: 'Bones don't forget. They're there and they have a story to tell' Snow investigated the deaths of many . historical figures, including soldiers who died at the Battle of Little . Bighorn in 1876 and King Tutankhamun . The doctor was part of . a team who identified remains of Nazi . fugitive Josef Mengele, who conducted horrific experiments on prisoners . at Auschwitz . | b7ee015b9409c75da404ef59adce4b7e163d770d |
By . James Nye . Fears are rising for a Washington teen missing since last month after her mother discovered she had written, 'If you're reading this, I'm either missing or dead', in her journal. Angelic Tracy 'Anji' Dean, 17, of Camas simply left her family home on the evening of June 23 leaving behind her wallet, bank cards and glasses and vanished, prompting a search which is now stretching across to Portland. Her mother, Lynda Jorgenson believes her daughter may have become the victim of sex trafficking and revealed that the chilling diary entry meant for her or emergency services was not found until after she disappeared - leaving her convinced Anji knew her kidnapper. Scroll down for video . Missing: Angelic 'Anji' Dean has been missing since June 23 when she walked out of her house in Washington and left behind a series of chilling journal entries and text messages . Home: Anji Dean was last seen at her home in Camus, Washington at around 10pm on the evening of June 23 . Indeed, in the months before Anji vanished she had told her teachers and school councilors that she had gotten into something that she couldn't get out of. And crucially, on the day she vanished, she texted her boyfriend to tell him that she definitely had become involved in something nefarious and that someone was threatening to kill him and her family. The last time anyone saw the Washington teen was when she left her large family home at around 9pm, but police are interested in speaking to a man, described as a 25-34-year-old African American with a goatee, who dropped her off at 4.30pm that day. He was driving a light blue older Volvo and Anji was last seen wearing exercise clothes. Dean's mother discovered her daughter's journal entries which said that she was worried for her own life . Appeal: Lynda Jorgenson, Anji's mother, said the chilling message wasn't found in Anji's journal until after she disappeared . Now, more than two weeks later, Anji's parents are terrified that she is being pushed into the sex trade after seemingly disappearing without a trace. 'We have no idea where she is or who she’s with,' Lynda Jorgensen said to KGW.com. 'She can’t be doing this on her own, so we’re really, really afraid for her. 'It scares the bejesus out of me because she didn't just run off on her own.' Chilling: This is the text message that Anji sent to her boyfriend warning him that an attempt may be made on his life . Described as wearing tight fighting exercise clothes before she vanished, Lynda said that police have also discovered a cellphone that she and her Anji's father did not know their daughter had. 'She only took what she was wearing, which was black running tights, a white razor back tank top and white Nike shoes,' said her mom to NBC. The President of the National Women's Coalition against Violence and Exploitation is now working with the family and detectives on this troubling case. 'I don't believe she left thinking she was running away, I believe after speaking with law enforcement and the detective on the case that we may be dealing with a human trafficking situation here in Clark county,' said NWcave President Michelle Bart. | Angelic Tracy 'Anji' Dean, 17, has been missing from her family home since June 23 . The Washington teen left behind her ID, bank cards and glasses . Last seen exiting an older African American man's car . Parents have discovered their daughter feared she had become involved in something she couldn't get out of . Left chilling journal entry for parents and told boyfriend in text her life was in danger . | f1f45cdd88126ab0bb98511f46ff2a942898e69c |
The walls were closing in on Blackpool’s Karl Oyston on Tuesday evening after club president Valeri Belokon called for him to resign and shirt sponsors Wonga branded his behaviour ‘unacceptable’. A flurry of abusive text messages sent by the chairman to supporters - in which he labelled one a ‘retard’ and told him to ‘enjoy his special needs day out’ - have caused uproar throughout the world of football after being published on Sunday. In the appalling exchanges, seen by Sportsmail, Oyston mocked a fan as an ‘intellectual cripple’ and called him a ‘p****’. There has been a strong defiance to his actions as both Belokon and Wonga condemned the Seasiders’ chief on the same day. Blackpool supporters are calling for chairman Karl Oyston to resign after abusive text messages to fans . Blackpool president Valeri Belokon is unhappy with the running of the club and called for Oyston to resign . Blackpool manager Lee Clark looks on during his side's 6-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday . In a statement Wonga - whose sponsorship at Bloomfield Road is up at the end of the season - said: ‘The comments were unacceptable, something we’ll be making clear to the club.’ That came just hours after Belokon, who has designs of buying Blackpool, said Oyston must stand down as chairman. The Latvian millionaire stated that Oyston isn’t fit to remain in charge and reiterated that he does possess the money to buy the controlling family out. ‘I would like that he goes as chairman. I will write to Karl Oyston that maybe he should go,’ Belokon told the BBC. ‘I would like to invite Blackpool fans to write and sign an open letter for exclusion of such an attitude towards football fans.’ Oyston was left embarrassed at the weekend after a string of abhorrent messages he sent to disgruntled fans, who had found his number on social media, became public knowledge. Supporter Steve Smith was branded a ‘retard’ and ‘intellectual cripple’ by Oyston, whose beleaguered side lost 6-1 at home against Bournemouth on Saturday and are bottom of the Championship. One rant from Oyston, who had abuse hurled at him as well, read: ‘Stop texting f******, you shouldn’t have ever started as you are one tiresome f***** that should spot trains not watch football. Get a life and consider yourself banned from the stadium. ‘You are banned because I think you are a p****. ‘Impossible to have a meaningful conversation with such a f******* as you.’ Harry Arter shoots and scores for Bournemouth with Blackpool rooted to the bottom of the Championship . Oyston apologised on Monday, saying in a statement: ‘I would like to unreservedly apologise for any offence or distress caused by my text responses reported in the media recently.’ Oyston had also joked with other fans that plans are afoot to see Blackpool, a Premier League side four years ago, spiral down to the Conference, with another text reading: ‘I am a never-ending nightmare revenge mission’. Smith wants the FA and Football League to take action. ‘The texts are disgusting, politically incorrect and show that Karl needs to be put through the fit and proper person’s test. Let’s not forget he is supposed to be a figurehead in football,’ he said. ‘His position is untenable. He’s been untouchable for years and the FA haven’t done anything about his actions.’ Ismail Kaji, who has a learning disability and works for the charity Mencap, said that the ‘disgusting’ language made him ‘sick’. ‘I would feel ashamed however to support any football club that has a chairman who uses such disgusting language to people with a disability,’ he said. ‘This language is just as bad as using racist or homophobic words. There is no difference and it makes me sick.’ Sportsmail contacted Blackpool for comment on Tuesday afternoon and are awaiting response. | Valeri Belokon has called for chairman Karl Oyston to resign . The Seasiders' chief has sent a flurry of abusive texts to his paying fans . Shirt sponsors Wonga describe Oyston's comments as 'unacceptable' Blackpool are rooted to the bottom of the Championship table . Oyston apologised for his remarks in a statement on Monday . Belokon indicated that he has the money to buy the club . | 5bb3d28d4a527ec299db79ab95c0368e5050f921 |
(CNN) -- They're friendly, intelligent and playful. So who'd want to shoot a dolphin? Conservation experts and federal agents say they're looking into the violent deaths of several bottlenose dolphins along the northern Gulf Coast this year, including one that was shot and another that was stabbed with a screwdriver. "I can't explain why anyone would shoot a dolphin," Jeff Radonski, a Florida-based special agent for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, told CNN. Radonski said NOAA is investigating four of the six deaths reported since June. Samia Ahmad, a spokeswoman for the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport, Mississippi, said at least six dolphins had died as a result of foul play since January. In one case, a dolphin had its jaw cut off, she said. In September, a dolphin that washed up on Elmer's Island, Louisiana, had been shot. The bullet that killed it was found in its lung, NOAA reported. In June, a bottlenose was found in Perdido Bay, on the Florida-Alabama state line, with a screwdriver stuck in its head, the agency said. Dolphins are covered by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a 1972 law that makes killing them punishable by fines of up to $20,000 and a year in prison. In at least two previous cases, fishing charter captains have been found guilty of shooting at dolphins that approached their boats or the fish their passengers had hooked, NOAA says. NOAA spokeswoman Allison Garrett told CNN that the most recent prosecution involved a Panama City, Florida, man who was convicted of throwing pipe bombs at dolphins. He was sentenced to two years in prison in 2009 for violating the federal conservation law and for possessing an explosive device as a convicted felon. World's rarest whale species washes up . | "I can't explain why anyone would shoot a dolphin," a NOAA official says . At least six dolphin killings have been reported so far this year . Two earlier prosecutions involved fishing charter captains . | a2f264979df7c1625521f2b901f5912c4d5cb68f |
By . Louise Boyle . Two armed men believed to be in their late fifties held up a medical clinic for a stash of Viagra this weekend, police said. The pair brandished guns in broad daylight in front of staff and patients on Saturday at 3pm in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. According to police, the two men, neither one disguising their face, came to the center and asked to see a dentist. Scroll down for video . Two older men who have yet to be identified held up a medical clinic on Saturday in Chicago and stole thousands of dollars of prescription drugs including a stash of Viagra . Once an employee opened the door, they pointed a handgun and semi-automatic at him and told him to get down on his knees with his hands up, CBS reported. They stole 56 Viagra pills with a value of $1,700, Xanex, various painkillers and a codeine-laced cough syrup, according to CBS. They also stole a laptop and a small amount of cash from the employee's wallet. One man was dressed in a brown shirt and stocking cap while the other was wearing a Tasmanian devil T-shirt and a leather flat cap. They were described as being in their late fifties and being a little nervous, witnesses said. The entire hold-up was caught on the clinic's surveillance cameras. No arrests have yet been made and police are asking for the public's help in identifying the two men. MailOnline was awaiting for a comment today from Chicago Police Department. The two men walked into the westside Chicago clinic attracting little attention from other patients and pretended that they wanted to see a dentist . The senior-citizen robbers grabbed hundreds of pills, a laptop and cash from an employee's wallet before taking off . | The pair brandished guns in broad daylight in front of staff and patients on Saturday in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago . The two men made off with $1,700 worth of Viagra and other painkillers along with a laptop . | 7e3c655468fbf9ebf13afac14641f5653950126e |
By . Christine Pirovolakis and David Williams . UPDATED: . 07:16 EST, 30 June 2011 . Greek MPs finally approved key austerity measures yesterday as dozens of police and protesters were injured on a second day of bloody riots in Athens. Police fought running battles with demonstrators who were armed with petrol bombs, bricks and sticks. Officers responded by firing tear gas which filled the air in Syntagma Square, outside the parliament. Fighting continued into the night as public anger at the package to cut spending and raise taxes by £25billion over five years boiled over into the worst violence yet. Protesters stormed the ground floor of the nearby finance ministry, set fire to a post office and ripped up pavements. Flashpoint: Riot police scuffle with a demonstrator during a protest outside parliament in Athens yesterday . Violence: Riot police hold down a protester as they arrest him in central Athens. Voting on tough austerity measures is now underway in Greece . Clashes: Officers hold up their riot shields as protesters pelt them with stones and bricks in front of the parliament building Athens . Defiant: Protesters wearing gas masks hurl stones at lines of police officers in Syntagma Square . Floored: A protester is slammed unceremoniously on to the ground as protests boiled over into violence . Red alert: Riot policemen stand in the smoke during clashes with demonstrators . Smoky: Demonstrators clash with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament . One MP who promised to vote against . the package but then voted for it was attacked with stones as he left . parliament. The vote was narrowly passed by 155 votes to 138. A vote on reforming laws to allow the . package to be implemented is due today to ensure the country receives . the next batch of bailout loans from the EU and international creditors. Last night the EU said Greece should receive £10billion within weeks. The bill comes after a year of deep . cuts that have seen public sector salaries and pensions cut. Unemployment has risen to more than 16 per cent, and 40 per cent among . the young, as Greece faces defaulting on its huge debt. In Britain, a . ComRes/ITV News poll yesterday found a majority of the UK public say the . crisis ‘is nothing to do with Britain and we have no duty to . intervene’. Fifty four per cent also said that Greece should not receive . any more EU money. Armed: This protester, decked out in a gas mask and black clothing, takes aim at police officers with a catapault . Flames of anger: Demonstrators in Syntagma Square today are determined to block access to politicians . Surge: Thousands of protesters march on the Greek Parliament building on the second day of a 48-hour general strike . Crisis: Greek people are angry at swingeing cuts and tax hikes aimed at stabilising the economy and avoiding defaulting on a 110billion euro bail out from last year . Greek prime minister George . Papandreou said before yesterday’s vote: ‘We must avoid the country’s . collapse with every effort. Outside, many are protesting. Some are truly . suffering, others are losing their privileges. But they must never . suffer the consequences and for their families of a collapse.’ The passage of the bill was met with a . huge sigh of relief by the markets and Greece’s partners in the . eurozone. A Greek default could potentially trigger a banking crisis, . particularly in Europe, and turmoil in global markets. EU leaders hailed the vote as an act . of ‘national responsibility’ and urged Greek lawmakers to follow up with . another positive vote today. In a joint statement, the heads of the EU . commission and council, Jose Manuel Barroso and Herman Van Rompuy, said . Greece had taken ‘a vital step back – from the very grave scenario of . default’. They said the vote would ‘restore . hope to the Greek people’. But many of those people disagreed. Dimitris . Kostopoulos, a 48-year-old insurer, said: ‘This is bad, the country will . be sold for a piece of bread. There were many other more appropriate . alternatives to this. Parliament has once again betrayed us.’ Discontent: Tens of thousands of protesters were expected to flood streets in Athens today over deeply unpopular austerity measures . Stop: An anti-austerity protester stops a car from getting through to Syntagma Square . Pitched battle: Protestors clash with riot police during the 48-hour general strike . Battering: A protester falls to the ground after being hit by police . Hurt: A bleeding protester is treated following clashes with the police today . Authorities and emergency services . said 31 police and 15 protesters were injured and transferred to . hospitals. Volunteer doctors said they had treated about 40 people, most . with facial injuries and breathing problems, at a makeshift treatment . site at a metro station next to parliament. At one point, riot police outside . the finance ministry ran out of tear gas and began hurling massive . chunks of marble at demonstrators. Police were also seen attacking peaceful demonstrators who had been camped in front of parliament for several weeks. They cornered a large group and beat them with batons. A luxury hotel across from parliament was evacuated, forcing tourists to seek shelter elsewhere. Greece has been in the grip of a . 48-hour strike which has crippled much of Athens as people protest . against the measures which will hit many of the lowest-paid workers. Statement: A masked protester carries a gas heater towards riot police lines in Athens . Flaring up: A police officer kicks away a flare as he mans a barricade in the centre of Athens . Casualty: An injured man is lifted clear by fellow protesters as riot police hit them with batons . | Scores of protesters injured as baton-wielding police clear path to parliament . MPs narrowly vote through austerity package by 16 votes . Athens braced for more violence as protesters throw petrol bombs, rocks and bricks . Greece must pass measures if it wants to receive last installment of 110million euro bail out . | 94289ca13295ea7ec5bb1d4da325a090fd7b7383 |
By . Luke Garratt . The U.S. State Department has defended spending $400,000 on a life-size sculpture of a camel staring through the eye of an over-sized needle for its embassy in Pakistan, claiming that the price of the artwork was ‘reasonable’ and it reflected ‘the values of a predominantly Islamist country’. The work is by noted American artist . John Baldessari, and depicts a New Testament and Qur'an phrase about the . difficulty those who are wealthy have in entering heaven. The white fibreglass sculpture appropriately named 'Camel Contemplating Needle' costs more than 320 times what the average Pakistan citizen earns in a year. The white fibreglass sculpture . appropriately named 'Camel Contemplating Needle' costs more than 320 . times what the average Pakistan citizen earns in a year . The taxpayer expense for the camel was found on the contracting documents, which consisted of four pages justifying a 'sole source' procurement for the sculpture. It says: 'This artist's product is uniquely qualified. 'Public art which will be presented in the new embassy should reflect the values of a predominantly Islamist country.' The document justifies the use of artist John Baldessari in the four page contracting document by citing his Wikipedia entry, which said: 'John Anthony Baldessari (born June 17, 1931) is an American conceptual . artist known for his work featuring found photography and appropriated . images.' The U.S State Department's press spokeswoman, Christine Foushee, said: 'The proposed purchase comes from the department’s “Office of Art in . Embassies.” 'In new construction projects, a small part of the . total funds, about 0.5%, is spent on art purchases.' The statue, 'Camel Contemplating Needle' will be featured outside of the new U.S. embassy in Islamabad, Pakistan, which will replace the old embassy (pictured) Steven Beyer, of Beyer projects, the art dealer for the project, told BuzzFeed that the U.S. government reached out to his company. He said: 'They approached us. We were, of course, quite surprised. 'The $400,000 price tag is actually a very a reduced price for this . sculpture, there is an art market that makes these prices, . and this is one of the most prominent American artists. 'It depends on what part of the public you are in...if you go . to the museum and enjoy art and are moved by it, things cost what they . cost.' Another version of the camel sculpture is on display at Hall Wines in California's Napa Velley, and sold for a lot more than the version in the U.S embassy in Pakistan. | It depicts a New Testament and Qur'an phrase about the . difficulty those who are wealthy have in entering heaven . Costs more than 320 times what the average Pakistani earns in a year . U.S. state department justified the cost in a four page document . | 184c33cc778002384e1a5df18e151a73e1468f6b |
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