article
stringlengths 310
11.4k
| highlights
stringlengths 45
2.68k
| id
stringlengths 40
40
|
|---|---|---|
By . Priyanka Srivastava . PUBLISHED: . 12:02 EST, 22 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:39 EST, 23 May 2013 . The teenage son of a woman who has languished in jail for almost two decades in India for the want of £119 in bail money has finally secured his mother's release. Kanhaiya Kumari, 19, was born in prison to Vijaya, 48, who was arrested in 1993 in relation to a case involving the murder of one of her neighbours in India's Aligarh district. She was granted bail in 1994 but - abandoned by her husband - was unable to provide the 10,000 rupee surety required to secure her freedom. Now she has been reunited with her son, after he worked to earn the bail money and lobbied a High Court for his mother's release. Together: Kanhaiya (left) moved Allahabad High Court to grant his mother Vijaya Kumari (right) bail after he was himself released from his juvenile home in Lucknow last year . Mrs Kumari has denied any involvement in the historic murder case in the village of Mahrauni in Aligarh. Arrested while five months pregnant, she gave birth to Kanhaiya while incarcerated, after which mother and son were sent to the Nari Niketan prison in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Mrs Kumari was granted bail by a court in 1994, but her husband refused to post the 10,000 rupee bail money. Kanhaiya was sent to a juvenile remand home in Lucknow at the age of 11, where he spent seven years before his release last year. As soon as he was allowed to leave the home, Kanhaiya got a job in a factory and set about earning the bail money to free his mother. He lobbied the Allahabad High Court for Mrs Kumari's release, and she was finally granted bail and reunited with her son outside the prison walls on May 5. 'Vijaya's story is amazing. Her son, born in jail, finally brought her out,' said Nari Niketan superintendent Shashi Srivastava. | Vijaya Kumari, 48, granted bail in 1994, but unable to post Rs10,000 surety . Abandoned by her husband and family, she has languished in jail since . Son Kanhaiya, who was born in prison, released last year . Earned money for bail and lobbied high court in Allahabad . | 713158f87fcd8ec9822b3d529c3805516c6db94d |
NEW YORK (CNN) -- New York City is on course to mark the fewest homicides since records have been kept, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly announced Wednesday. The city is expected to fall below 500 murders in 2007, the lowest level for any year since 1963, when comparable information on homicides was first collected, Bloomberg said at a news conference. "At the end of 2002, for the first time in four decades, murders in New York City fell below 600, and we were able to hold them below 600 for the next four years," Bloomberg said. "Today, with just five days of the year remaining, it appears that we have another historic achievement within our reach." Bloomberg said decreases in major felony crimes were recorded across every crime category and in all five boroughs in 2007, marking the seventeenth straight year in which crime has gone down. Since 2001, overall major felony crime has decreased 26 percent citywide, according to New York Police Department statistics. Watch how the city achieved success » . Declines in domestic violence-related homicides and transit crime particularly stand out, Bloomberg told reporters. Domestic violence-related murders dropped a record 36 percent this year, the mayor said. The decline coincides with an effort by NYPD that doubled visits of specially trained detectives to households where domestic violence had occurred, officials noted. Crime in the subway system in 2007 fell 13 percent below the record low numbers recorded last year, despite subway ridership that's at an all-time high. Officials name "Operation Impact" as the prime reason for the decline in crime. The NYPD effort focuses on problem people and places, Kelly said. It places significant numbers of uniformed officers in small areas of precincts, where crime rates are relatively high. Given the success of Operation Impact, the NYPD will assign all of this year's Police Academy graduates to the program, Kelly said. Officials also credited an improved police and community partnership for the overall decline in crime. "We are not the same New York that we were in 1990, a year when more than 2,000 people were murdered," Bloomberg said. "We're also not the same city we were in 2001, when many predicted that our crime-fighting gains would soon be a point of diminishing returns." E-mail to a friend . | Murders in New York City were below 600 for five straight years, Bloomberg says . NYPD: Since 2001, overall major felony crime decreased 26 percent citywide . Mayor: Domestic violence-related murders dropped a record 36 percent this year . NYPD: Success due to putting significant numbers of officers in troubled precincts . | 9f805e8fd3c434321c2c04b95a5f0bae58615a46 |
Sampdoria have not given up hope of signing Samuel Eto'o but negotiations with Everton are proving more complicated than the Italian club first expected. Eto'o is reported to have agreed an 18-month contract with the Serie A side and to be willing to reduce his wages by 40 per cent in order to return to Italy, but the 33-year-old has yet to reach an agreement to leave Goodison Park. Sampdoria had hoped to complete Eto'o's transfer earlier this month but now face competition after the New York Cosmos joined the race to sign the Cameroon forward, who is contracted at Everton until June 2016. Sampdoria are hopeful of completing a move for 33-year-old Everton and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o . Eto'o joined Everton from Chelsea in the summer, but looks set to leave Merseyside after just five months . 'I haven't been working in football for long and can say this is a strange working environment,' Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero told Sky Italia. 'People say one thing and then do another. 'We went to London and then there was a turn of events because nobody can figure out who is in charge at Everton. 'But we are getting to a breakthrough. Eto'o is very eager to come and play at Sampdoria. 'We are down to the last details. What are the chances of the move being completed? Let's be cautious and say 50 per cent.' Eto'o is tackled by Manchester City's Yaya Toure during the Premier League game at the Etihad Stadium . Eto'o joined the Toffees just five months ago after being released by Chelsea and has scored four goals in 20 appearances. The four-time African Footballer of the Year spent two seasons at Inter Milan and was a member of the 2010 treble-winning side that won the Serie A title, Coppa Italia and Champions League under Jose Mourinho. Sampdoria are looking to strengthen their attacking line after selling their top scorer Manolo Gabbiadini to Napoli earlier this month. The Genoa outfit, coached by Sinisa Mihajlovic, are fourth in Serie A, level on 33 points with third-placed Napoli at the halfway stage of the season. Eto'o opens the scoring with a header for Everton during the Toffees' 3-1 win at Burnley in October . The striker, who has won the African Player of the Year Award four times, sealed a brace at Turf Moor . | Sampdoria remain keen to sign Everton forward Samuel Eto'o . However, talks have stalled with the Merseyside club . New York Cosmos are also interested in signing the striker . Eto'o joined Everton from Chelsea just five months ago . | 61d73b0d26a22c1e887310242abf95854e4a0a97 |
Lewis Hamilton insisted he felt comfortable in chasing down and passing title rival Nico Rosberg at a rainy Japanese Grand Prix on Sunday. The race in Suzuka was overshadowed by a crash involving Marussia's Jules Bianchi, who was left requiring surgery after suffering severe head injuries following a collision with a recovery vehicle. But, in terms of the now trivial battle between the Mercedes duo for this year's drivers' championship, Hamilton was the man to come out on top - picking up a third consecutive win to move 10 points clear of his German colleague. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Peter Windsor on Jules Bianchi crash at Sazuka . Lewis Hamilton holds up the trophy after winning the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka on Sunday . With Typhoon Phanfone sending plenty of wet weather towards the circuit, the race was red-flagged after just two laps despite starting under safety car conditions. Hamilton set about passing pole-sitter Rosberg once enough standing water had been cleared to allow the race to begin in earnest. And, even though he was following closely behind his team-mate for several laps, Hamilton felt in control of the race. 'Nico and I had a tough battle, we were pushing really hard,' he said. 'I had a big moment at turn one when I was too late getting off the DRS as I was just pushing so hard but fortunately I was able to get back on track. 'The conditions were difficult throughout but I had more pace than Nico and could follow him quite comfortably in the early stages. Nico Rosberg leads Mercedes team-mate Hamilton in the early stages in wet conditions at Suzuka . 'This is not an easy circuit for following another car or for overtaking, but he made a mistake out of the last corner and I was able to pass. The whole approach then needed to change to look after the tyres and make sure I stayed in the lead until the end of the race.' This was Hamilton's maiden victory at Suzuka and comes at a crucial time in his quest for a second world championship. Rosberg had out-performed the Brit in Saturday's dry qualifying session but was left conceding it was a case of "damaged limitations" after he came out second-best on race day. 'I struggled a lot with the balance of my car on the intermediate tyres, so I had to push hard to keep Lewis behind me,' he said. 'I had a lot of oversteering which is why the rear end of my car was very nervous. That was really strange and I didn't have the necessary confidence in the corners; we need to look into that in the next few days. Hamilton (centre) is on top of the podium alongside Rosberg (left) and Sebastian Vettel . 'It meant that Lewis was quicker today and deserved the win. It was damage limitation with losing only seven points to him. For the team it was a good result with another one-two.' Sebastian Vettel, who announced on Saturday he was to leave Red Bull at the end of the season, took the final place on the podium after being the fastest man on track during the middle stages of the race. His team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, who will lead the team when Vettel completes his widely-anticipated move to Ferrari, was fourth with Jenson Button unfortunate to only come home fifth having enjoyed one of his best performances of the season. The 2009 champion peeled off into the pits to change from full wet tyres and onto the intermediate option as soon as the safety car had come in. Hamilton negotiates tough conditions before emerging victorious for his maiden victory at Suzuka . And Button benefited from the decision as those left on track followed his lead - with the McLaren man moving up into third place as a result. The ultimately superior pace of the Red Bull duo meant the 34-year-old could not take his first podium since the opening race in Australia, with his future still a mystery as rumours Fernando Alonso is to return to the Woking-based team. But McLaren race director Eric Boullier was happy with the performance of Button, as the team continues to fight with Force India over fifth place in the constructors's standings. Jenson Button put in one of his best performances of the season to finish in fifth place . 'Jenson was the first driver in the field to stop to fit Intermediates, and, having done so, thereafter he drove very well all afternoon,' said Boullier. 'Indeed, he may well have finished third had things panned out better for us at the end of the race in terms of Safety Car and pit-stop timing. 'Even so, the 10 points he scored for fifth place may well be useful to us in our efforts to move up the Constructors' Championship table.' | Lewis Hamilton won the Japanese Grand Prix to move 10 points clear of Nico Rosberg . It was the Brit's maiden victory at the Suzuka Formula One circuit . The F1 race was overshadowed by crash involving Marussia's Jules Bianchi . | d379c13fda50548dd3479d4cb51ed458cd4c1605 |
The Union flag was flying over Belfast City Hall this morning to mark the Duchess of Cambridge's birthday - but more violent protests are expected this evening when it is taken down. Loyalists pelted police with bottles and . stones in a new outbreak of trouble in east Belfast last night over the decision to only raise the flag on 18 . designated days a year. The continuing violence came amid . warnings that potential investors are turning away from the city because of the street . violence. Scroll down for video . The Union flag is taken down at Belfast City Hall after being flown to mark the Duchess of Cambridge's birthday . Loyalists pelted police with bottles and stones in a new outbreak of trouble in east Belfast last night over the decision to only raise the flag on 18 designated days a year . The Union flag pictured flying over Belfast City Hall on Wednesday morning to mark the Duchess of Cambridge's birthday. It follows a sixth night of violent protests in the city . Youths place barricades across the Newtownards Road in Belfast as loyalists renewed their anger against restrictions on flying the union flag from Belfast City Hall . Police dressed in riot gear clear Tempelmore of debris which was placed there by loyalist youths . Riot police faced . hundreds of masked men last night around the lower Newtownards Road area - showing there is . no sign of a halt to the protests. Fireworks, . rocks, golf balls and petrol bombs were fired at police lines on the . sixth consecutive night of violence in the confined flashpoint area of . east Belfast. A special meeting of unionist . representatives in Northern Ireland has now been called in a bid to end . loyalist unrest over the decision. Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson confirmed that representatives of the various unionist parties will meet at Stormont tomorrow to discuss the trouble. Anger: Fireworks, rocks, golf balls and petrol bombs were fired at police lines on the sixth consecutive night of violence in the confined flashpoint area of east Belfast . Protected: Police in riot gear take cover from loyalist youths throwing objects at them on the Newtonards road . But leaders centrally involved in the . protests who are threatening to take their campaign on to the streets of . Dublin on Saturday have pledged they want no part in the discussions. The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) claimed jobs would be lost and shops shut unless there is an immediate end to the trouble. CBI Northern Ireland director Nigel Smyth warned: 'We are already aware of investors who have lost interest because of these disruptions.' The unrest has continued intermittently since Belfast City Council's decision last month to reduce the number of days the flag flies to 18 days. A total of 66 officers have been hurt and 104 arrests made since the protests started a month ago. Businesses, especially restaurant owners, said the disruption has had a disastrous impact on trade. Warning: The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) claimed jobs would be lost and shops shut unless there is an immediate end to the trouble . | Loyalists pelted police with bottles and stones on a sixth night of protests . It is feared violence is putting potential investors off Belfast . Violence follows decision to only raise the flag on 18 designated days a year . A meeting of unionist representatives has been called in a bid to end unrest . | c714158359dfda1d2a11f4b63635e6642a30ee7c |
Buenos Aires (CNN) -- Dozens of Roman Catholic bishops in South America say human trafficking has seen "alarming growth" in the region. The 60 bishops from Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay issued a statement after a meeting in Argentina last week, calling the practice "a shameful and outrageous reality" and pledging to do more to fight it. "We warn of the existence of organized mafias that use smaller networks that are present in nearly all of our cities and towns," the statement said. Learn more at The CNN Freedom Project . Citing reports from global nonprofit groups, the bishops noted that child sex trafficking rings were also operating in the area. The bishops pledged to raise awareness of the problem, push for legal reforms and assist victims -- noting that within the church there had been "an absence of proposals dedicated to attracting young people (to the church), and the absence of a more decisive and broad response to the problem (of human trafficking)." Such an approach is not surprising, said Sergio Rubin, a journalist who has written extensively about the Catholic Church in Argentina. "The church is assuming its role, and they believe that they must work a lot more in the formation of religious values," Rubin said. Mario Ganora, a lawyer who works with La Alameda, an Argentinian nonprofit that helps victims of human trafficking, said the increase in human trafficking was connected to an increase in drug consumption. "How? ... The women who are used for sex trafficking are also used for the delivery of drugs," he said. According to official data from Argentina's Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, 176 people were rescued from human trafficking networks in Argentina in April, a higher number than the entire previous trimester. | Catholic bishops warn of "organized mafias" that run trafficking networks . They pledge to do more to fight human trafficking in South America . Child sex trafficking rings are also operating in the area, the bishops say . | 0a628d27e7ad3c0cebf3286fda1d3cd33d534db9 |
‘The natural state of reproduction requires a state of utter and complete frankness that must be observed between the married pair,’ suggested one contemporary writer. ‘There must be no private reserves on the wedding night, and each one must allow their soul to be as open as their arms.’ Other relationship-enhancing tips included the advice that passion is increased by time spent apart, and that even decent women should use a little rouge, enamel or powder, plus some ‘pencilling of the eyebrows and darkening stuff for the lids’. German vintage postcard from 1909, showing a loving couple kissing at piano - people of the Victorian era might have been a lot more 'sexually minded' than we previously thought . Those with small breasts were advised that a little judicious padding might not go amiss — with the proviso that if they began this deception with a suitor before marriage, they should be prepared for him to be disappointed on the wedding night. Like their 21st-century counterparts, Victorian commentators worried about the legalisation of the sex industry, the ethics and availability of contraception and the horrors of human trafficking and child prostitution. But, writes Riddell, if the 19th century abounded with attitudes that we can readily identify with, our forebears also espoused many ideas that now seem utterly alien. Among the most significant of these, she suggests, is the Victorian fear of the dangers involved with what they euphemistically called the practice of ‘the solitary vice’. The Swiss neurologist Samuel-Auguste Tissot had published his influential L’Onanisme in 1760, in which he suggested that the consequences of masturbation included insanity or even death. A commonly held belief during the Victorian era was that a woman could become pregnant only if she experienced an orgasm at the same time as her lover . More than 100 years later, Tissot’s theories were still widely believed, with the fear of ‘the solitary vice’ dominating Victorian marriage guides and advice on morals and manners. One well-known author on the subject was J. H. Kellogg, creator of the cornflake. Those tempted to indulge, it was suggested, should avoid mustard, pepper, rich gravy, beer, wine, cider and tobacco, all of which created a craving for sensual gratification. Rather than risk the consequences of ‘the solitary vice’, those in possession of 100 guineas could purchase a ‘femme de voyage’ or inflatable sex aid, for the ‘special use of gentlemen on their travels’. These ingenious contraptions could be packed up and stored under a gentleman’s hat, and were also ‘a highly successful alternative to those who fear contamination or pollution from illicit acts with questionable lovers’. Another commonly held and erroneous belief was the notion that a woman could become pregnant only if she experienced an orgasm at the same time as her lover. Without this, the female seed could not be released and no child would be formed in her womb. Furthermore, at the conclusion of the sexual act, the wife must not talk, cough or sneeze, lest this impede conception. Old texts said that those looking to have children should remember that 'sex must not be faintly or drowsily performed' In 1845, the French physician Eugene Becklard, in his book Physiological Mysteries And Revelations In Love, Courtship And Marriage: An Infallible Guide-book For Married And Single Persons, In Matters Of The Utmost Importance To The Human Race, took this argument to its supposed logical conclusion and argued that since the ‘fecundating principle’ would not enter the womb unless a woman craved it do so, ‘a rape can never be productive of real offspring’. He also propounded the view that ‘the party, whose temperament predominates in the child, was in the highest state of orgasm at the period of intercourse’. Crucially, any union without true love, according to the manuals of the day, would bring forth ‘ill-looking, sour and spiritless offspring’, while those hoping for good-looking children should remember that sex must not be ‘faintly or drowsily performed’. Intriguingly, though, babies conceived during the daytime often turned out both ‘fine and handsome’. Conversely, women were cautioned that ‘a child that was begat upon a set of stair is most likely to be born with a crooked back and given in no small way to the fault of staring’. And if the husband was unfaithful, children he sired were likely to be ‘weak and wretched’ and grow up unhappy. As if all this weren’t enough for the beleaguered Victorian matron to take in, further gems of advice unearthed by Riddell’s researches include the suggestion that children who were conceived in spring and summer could be expected to have darker complexions than those conceived in autumn and winter. Similarly, children ‘begat when the wind is blowing from the north’ would tend to be stronger than those conceived during an easterly wind. An illegitimate child, on the other hand, would be full of ‘fire and energy’. Despite popular depictions of 'subservient' women in the Victorian era, the century was full of strong, energetic women excelling in the fields of literary and scientific endeavour, or campaigning to improve conditions for their sex . This was evidence (albeit hypocritical in view of the Victorians’ moral code) of the passions which engulfed its parents at the time of conception. On the subject of choosing a partner, a wealth of advice — some of it downright bizarre — was available to young men and women of the period. No man, for example, should marry a woman with a nose similar to his own. Women with Roman, or hooked, noses should not marry at all — or else find a small-nosed husband. Not only this, but potential suitors should remember to check skin tone, body shape, chin, height and size of feet. A broad and square chin was thought to be indicative of a jealous nature, while a long chin proved grace and humility. Big-footed men and women, although awkward on first meeting, made the most reliable partners, while small-footed people were deemed prone to reckless gaiety. The plump were renowned for their affable and easy nature. Those with sharp and angular forms were energetic and earnest and prone to find fault with the indolence of others. Tall people were thought to have the most self-control, while short people were the opposite, hence their frequent appearance in riotous mobs. Gentlemen were advised that the easiest way to choose their future intended was to be guided by the shape of her legs. Sturdy legs with a neat ankle were thought the most suitable for a man who wanted an intellectual companion. Heavy legs and coarse shoes were regarded as indicative of a coarse nature, while thin yet muscular pins were best for a gentleman who wanted his home run with military precision. Once marriage was finally in prospect, couples were counselled to bear in mind that a warm climate made people feel sexier — an important factor when planning the honeymoon, or wedding tour. Later, however, when the stresses and strains of family life began to show, gentlemen were reminded by one author that ‘hysterical wives or children should be laid on a waterproof sheet on the floor and doused with a jug of cold water.’ The idea of such dominant men and submissive wives is, on the whole, suggests Riddell, not a representative one. In reality, she says, the century was full of strong, energetic women excelling in the fields of literary and scientific endeavour, or campaigning to improve conditions for their sex. While much of the advice given out at the time was misguided and inaccurate, the 19th-century tenets of true love, respect and mutual physical pleasure are, she believes, as relevant today as they were 150 years ago. And for their timeless and illuminating advice on how to conduct a successful sexual relationship — along with a wealth of architecture, engineering, art and literature — we have a lot to thank the Victorians for. The Victorian Guide To Sex: Desire And Deviance In The 19th Century by Fern Riddell is published in May by Pen & Sword at £12.99. To order a copy at £11.49 (p&p free), call 0844 472 4157. | Book has many bits of advice from the Victorian era to make sex 'better' Includes advice for how to get closer, or more successfully have children . A lot of the advice is based around conceiving attractive children . | 04587a5593d5df13bf16b5cff7a4bd82acf9802c |
It has emerged that almost a dozen Minnesotans have left the Midwestern state to take up arms for Islamic extremist groups in the country. The revelation follows the news that two Minnesota men were killed fighting for ISIS in Syria this past weekend. The White House confirmed that Douglas McArthur McCain, 33, who went to high school in Minneapolis, died while fighting Free Syrian Army rebels in Syria with the Islamic State. A Minneapolis father-of-nine, Abdirahmaan Muhumed, 29, has been confirmed as the second American jihadi to die fighting for ISIS in Syria. Scroll down for video . Radicalized: This picture tweeted earlier this year by journalist Mukhtar Ibrahim shows Abdirahmaan Muhumed, a Minnesota man recruited by ISIS terrorists to fight in Syria . They are among almost a dozen Minnesotans out of the estimated 100 Americans who have joined the fighting in Syria. The FBI's Chief Division Counsel in Minneapolis, Kyle Loven, told ABC News that the phenomenon began in 2007, with Somali-Americans from the state traveling to Somalia. 'In Somalia, it started as a nationalistic call... [but] we’ve now seen where some individuals perhaps are not interested or not inclined to travel to Somalia, [they] start to branch out to other hot spots around the globe, obviously Syria being among them,' Loven told ABC. One of those initial recruits was Troy Kastigar, a high school friend of McCain who died in bloody fighting in 2009. Minnesota's martyrs come from diverse backgrounds - some Muslim, others Christan, some migrants and others born-and-raised Americans - but often have one thing in common: no direction. For those lost, disaffected youths, extremist groups offer an exciting destination to those going nowhere in life. The mother of Kastigar, who also knew McCain, said the young men were particularly susceptible. In an interview with the New York Daily News, she described both young men as 'sort of searching.' 'I think both of them had a really strong desire to be needed and (be) of value,' she said. 'Searching': Douglas McCain (left) and Troy Kastigar (right) were high school friends in suburban who died five years apart as martyrs for the Islamic terror group ISIS . Mohamud Noor, a Minneapolis community leader, concurred. 'They are young men who are vulnerable, who have been taken advantage of because of their situation,' Noor told ABC. 'This is a youth who has lost direction, who has no hope in life, and the only way they can find [it] is to find other means of living.' In a recruiting video aimed especially at Minnesotans recorded before his death, Kastigar, a Native American, exhorted others to join him in Syria. 'This is the best place to be, honestly,' he said, gripping a gun and grinning goofily, one of his front teeth missing. 'I can only tell you that you have the best of dreams, you eat the best of food, and you are with the best of brothers and sisters who came here for the sake of Allah. If you guys only knew how much fun we have over here. This is the real Disneyland. You need to come here and join us.' The video, entitled Minnesota’s Martyrs: The Path to Paradise, was reportedly released by Islamist group al-Shabaab. The New York Times reports that the FBI's psychological analysts at Quantico in Virginia are heavily monitoring the activities of American citizens who have expressed extreme views online. Vulnerable: Community leaders say young, aimless Americans are vulnerable to recruitment by Islamic extremist groups . Minnesota martyr: Troy Kastigar, a Native American, appeared in a recruiting video for al-Shabaab telling other Americans that fighting in Syria was 'like Disneyland' But according to Abdirizak Bihi, the director of the Somali Education and Social Advocacy Center, young women from Minneapolis's Somalian community are still being recruited to support Islamic militants in Syria. 'As recently as a week ago, a young girl was recruited along some others, and was sent to Syria and called her family from Syria a couple days ago,' he said. Minnesota, mainly in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, is home to the largest Somali community in the United States, including people who fled the long civil war in their east African country and children born in the United States. Many are now American citizens. Al-Shabaab's initial recruitment efforts began in 2007 when small groups began discussing returning home to fight Ethiopian troops who entered Somalia to prop up a weak U.N.-backed government and were seen by many Somalis as foreign invaders. The recruiters aimed their appeal at the young men's patriotic and religious ideals. Even after Ethiopians were expelled from Somalia, al-Shabab continued to target young men frustrated with life in the West, luring them with propaganda videos that glorify jihad and martyrdom. A high-quality video that began circulating last month featured what it said were three Minneapolis men who were killed in Somalia. According to Valentina Soria, a security analyst with London-based IHS Jane's, al-Shabab has increasingly focused in the past three years on the recruitment of western nationals and members of the Somali diaspora in the U.S. and Europe to offset its declining domestic support. As much of a concern as it is that young Americans are dying abroad for extremist groups, of even greater worry is that the recruits will return home and commit acts of terrorism on American soil. | Almost a dozen Minnesotans have left the state to fight alongside ISIS extremists in Syria, say officials . Two Minneapolis men were killed last weekend fighting Free Syrian Army rebels in Syria . Recruitment began in 2007 with Islamic groups luring people from the state's large Somali community to fight Ethiopian troops . Now, numbers are being bolstered by Americans in other war-torn countries . Islamic extremist group al-Shabaab made a recruitment video called Minnesota’s Martyrs: The Path to Paradise . It featured Minneapolis man Troy Kastigar describing fighting with ISIS rebels in Syria as 'like Disneyland' Community leaders say disaffected, directionless youth are particularly vulnerable to Islamic groups' recruitment drives . | 3730cfb069c936d1442d91d8a8a83e510497fa8b |
(CNN)It's a thriller that reads like a script from one of those Scandinavian dramas that have entranced global television audiences in recent years. A 16-year-old Norwegian soccer sensation -- Martin Odegaard -- is set for superstardom after being headhunted by Spanish giants Real Madrid. Much is expected of Odegaard, with pretty much every European elite football club rumored to have expressed an interest in securing his signature. But will Odegaard's tale have a happy ending? Spanish giants Real Madrid are hoping so after swooping in for the kill. "It's an honor and a dream come true," Odegaard told the Real website as he was unveiled by the Spanish club alongside one of the Real greats Emilio Butragueno, who labeled the Norwegian as "an extraordinary talent." "The reason I chose Real Madrid is because this team has the best conditions, both in sporting terms to develop as a player, and off the field to develop as a person," added Odegaard. While his tender age means he will initially enter Real Madrid's B team -- coached by French great Zinedine Zidane -- it might not be too long before he's wowing the crowd at the Spanish club's Bernabeu stadium. "Plan: Debut this season," trumpeted Norway's largest daily newspaper VG's headline. Odegaard's success in Norway has snowballed quickly, with the Nordic nation gripped by his meteoric rise. "Norway is hit by a serious, serious Odegaard-fever," Norwegian News Agency's Espen Hartvig told CNN. "I would say that in general for the moment it is a kind of pride that little Norway and little Drammen (Odegaard's home city) has produced a football talent like this." The fresh-faced forward, who has spent his entire career to date with Stromsgodset, debuted for Norway last year, becoming the youngest player to appear in a European Championship qualifier aged just 15 years and 300 days old. "My goal is to become the best player possible," said Odegaard. "It isn't important if I play in the first or second team. "It's a major advantage having a second team of a really high level and with a coach who was one of the best players in the world, and it was also important in my decision," added the Norwegian teenager, referring to Zidane. Only time will tell -- and Odegaard has a lot of it on his side. | 16-year-old Martin Odegaard has been snapped up by Real Madrid . Odegaard "fever" spreads across Norway with hopes pinned on the youngster's success . "It's a dream come true" says Odegaard at the press conference on Thursday . | 8febf7555ba690467a203d027a73190c893a2ee6 |
By . Anthony Bond . A Banksy mural which was controversially . ripped from the wall of a north London shop has been withdrawn from sale . at an auction in Miami, it emerged this evening. Slave Labour, which shows a young boy hunched over a sewing machine making Union Jack bunting, appeared on the wall in Wood Green, north London, last May, just before the Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It disappeared from the side of the Poundland store last weekend and was due to be auctioned thousands of miles away in Miami this evening. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Not for sale: A Banksy mural which was ripped from the wall of a north London shop has been withdrawn from an auction in Miami . Fury: Locals in Wood Green were left furious that a piece of free art was to be sold for profit . Street art: This new mural, centre, appeared today in the space left after the Banksy work was taken. The rat, bottom right, is believed to be the artist's response to the work being taken . Fine Art Auctions (FAA) were expecting it to reach between 500,000 US dollars (£328,063) and 700,000 US dollars (£459,288). But Haringey Council said it had been . told the sale was halted at the last minute, with no explanation given . from the auction house. It came as a new mural showing a woman in a nun's habit appeared in the space left behind by 'Slave Labour' today. Haringey Council Leader Claire Kober this evening told of her delight that the sale of the piece was halted. She . said: 'It's a true credit to the community that their campaigning . appears to have helped to stop the sale of this artwork from going . ahead. 'We will continue to explore all options to bring back Banksy to the community where it belongs.' It is now known if the new mural which appeared today is a Banksy piece. The new mural was spotted by Andy Gordon. He told the BBC: 'We thought we were just going along to see the gap in the wall and were surprised to see something else had appeared. 'It could be that Wood Green in Haringey has got its Banksy back. It could be a happy ending,' he added. 'Why?' The artist appeared to vent his feelings on the row . Local . residents, who become attached to the work by the famous street artist, . were left furious that a piece of work given to the community for free . could be sold for profit. Outraged art fans had been bombarding the auction house with abusive calls and e-mails. Details . of the backlash emerged after a stencil of a rat holding a sign that . reads 'Why?' appeared on the Haringey wall, next to the blank spot where . 'Slave Labour' used to be. It . is thought the rat could be the reclusive graffiti artist's way of . voicing his verdict on the row over his original piece. Frederic Thut, owner of Fine Art Auctions Miami, previously insisted the sale of the artwork is legitimate, but admitted he had been inundated with angry phone calls and e-mails from the UK. 'It's been said that the artwork was stolen, and that's just not true,' Mr Thut told the Guardian. 'We take a lot of care with our consignors: who they are, what they do, and if there's any illegality we will not touch it.' The street art was stencilled onto the side of a Poundland shop in Wood Green in 2012 and protected by a perspex screen, but disappeared last week. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they were contacted by authorities in the U.S. regarding the Banksy piece. They were advised that there had been no reports of theft, Scotland Yard said. U.S. officials had waded into the row after the disappearance prompted a storm of outrage by furious Haringey businesses and residents, the Evening Standard reported. Mr Thut claimed it is being sold by a 'well-known' collector who . is not British, but has refused to divulge any more information. He added . that the painting was being stored in Europe. Councillor Alan Strickland . says the artwork was a 'gift' to his community and had instigated a . campaign to get the artwork returned by urging people to e-mail the U.S. auction website. He said: . 'The Banksy appeared last May and created lots of excitement in the area . - people were coming from across London to see it. 'We were really proud to have a Banksy in . our neighbourhood, so residents were shocked to realise it had been . ripped out of the wall. New addition: It is thought the reclusive graffiti artist is behind the stencil of a rat that has appeared next to the blank spot where Slave Labour used to be . 'The community feels that this art was given to us, for free, and it's now been taken away to be sold for huge profit. I'm very angry about the Banksy going - we want our Banksy back!' Much of the controversial artist's work is believed to have a political message, and Slave Labour is believed to be a statement on sweatshops churning out decorations and memorabilia ahead of the Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics. In 2008 the graffiti artist Banksy revealed that millions of pounds worth of works attributed to him were fakes. A body set up by the artist to verify his work identified 226 falsely attributed pieces in eight months in 2008. He said at the time:'Graffiti art has a hard enough life as it is - with council workers wanting to remove it and kids wanting to draw moustaches on it, before you add hedgefund managers wanting to chop it out and hang it over the fireplace. 'For the sake of keeping all street art where it belongs I'd encourage people not to buy anything by anybody unless it was created for sale in the first place.' | Haringey Council . told the sale of 'Slave Labour' was halted at last minute . No explanation was given . from the auction house in Miami . Locals were left furious after mural was gouged from wall in North London . Art dealer had been bombarded with angry phone calls and e-mails . | c6d54e98771310d2f682fd97db9f544575de4fc6 |
An army of Islamic State terrorists has advanced to the outskirts of Vienna, Spain has cut off routes to Gibraltar and Nigel Farage – prime minister of 'Great England' – has deported all immigrants who have arrived in the past ten years. This, according to the BBC, is what the world would be like if the European Union were to collapse. The apocalyptic vision of a continent in which social order has broken down – to be screened on BBC4 tonight at 10pm – has been condemned by Eurosceptic critics as 'scaremongering'. Scroll down for video . Calamity: The Great European Disaster Movie, according to the BBC, is what the world would be like if the European Union were to collapse . The 75-minute film shows what the supposedly impartial broadcaster suggests might happen should the EU implode, and depicts the final days of the European dream as it turns into a nightmare of worthless currencies and predictions of even darker days to come. The BBC describes The Great European Disaster Movie as an 'authored documentary', but the film – which features comedian Angus Deayton as an archaeologist struggling to explain what the single currency was to a young girl sitting next to him on a plane – has been criticised as a hyped-up piece of pro-EU propaganda. Horrifying images of concentration camp victims are interspersed with wartime footage of devastated cities, while commentary is provided by former Economist editor Bill Emmott, who made the film with Italian journalist Annalisa Piras. The terrifying sequence of events ends with Angela Merkel resigning as European Council president and overseeing a vote to abolish the EU. In his commentary, Mr Emmott admits immigration imposes financial burdens on nations but insists that in the long term it creates the resources needed to maintain a welfare state. In the film, the girl – apparently being deported from Britain because she has an Italian mother – asks Angus Deayton about pictures of bridges on an old euro banknote. He tells her: 'They were supposed to symbolise unity, unification, all the countries being connected. It was a great idea but unfortunately it didn't work.' 'Faction': The BBC describes The Great European Disaster Movie as an 'authored documentary', but the film has been criticised as a hyped-up piece of pro-EU propaganda. Mr Emmott and Ms Piras say the film expresses their personal views and is intended to provoke debate. But last night it was condemned by Tory eurosceptic MP Sir Bill Cash as 'scaremongering'. He said: 'It would be much better if the BBC provided us with a proper analysis of what has gone wrong with European structures.' And Tory MEP Daniel Hannan said: 'This is typical of the pro-EU side. They make such ludicrous claims they make themselves look ridiculous.' Tonight's broadcast will be followed by a discussion by a panel of guests including Mail on Sunday columnist Peter Hitchens and Ukip MP Mark Reckless. A BBC spokesman said: 'BBC editorial guidelines do not prevent the commissioning of programmes which approach subjects from a particular perspective.' And Mr Emmott said: 'It's a warning of what could happen if Europe continues on its current path.' Comment by PETER HITCHENS . Even the BBC sometimes grasps that it has gone too far. And 11 days ago, it went into a five-star panic over its plan to show a more-or-less crazy pro-EU film tonight. I assume that, spooked by the derisive reaction to its laughable pro-Labour drama A Casual Vacancy, its chiefs suddenly realised that they had another embarrassment on their hands. The planned transmission was abruptly cut by several minutes, losing a large chunk about the migration wave across the Mediterranean. And this helped make space for a post-programme discussion, heavily loaded with critics of the European Union, including me, former Chancellor Norman Lamont and Ukip MP Mark Reckless. This is really a figleaf to cover its naked bias, as you will see when you watch it tonight. I took part because it seemed silly to miss any opportunity to make the case for British independence. I'm very happy for Bill Emmott to make as many films as he likes for the BBC about the wonders of the EU. The trouble is, you cannot imagine the Corporation giving anyone the chance to make a film about how miserable it will be if Britain stays in, and how good it will be if we leave. For this programme is blatant propaganda. And the only cause for joy is that it's not very good propaganda. A doomed plane is zig-zagging across a divided, blacked-out Europe, bearing Angus Deayton and a little girl who has supposedly been deported from a xenophobic, cruel England because her mother isn't paid enough. This provides the excuse for a patronising series of lecturettes from Mr Deayton. Everything about it is run through with the stupid, ill-informed prejudices of the BBC. Opponents of the EU are portrayed as 'anti-European' nostalgists and haters of abroad. Opponents of immigration are portrayed as dislikers of immigrants. Things which are the EU's own fault, such as its self-inflicted economic crisis, are not blamed on the EU. Wild fantasies are explored in which a British departure causes everyone else to leave – though why they would, if it is so wonderful, I cannot tell. Baseless guff, about how the EU has brought peace, is repeated unquestioned. In fact, to the extent that it has had any influence on war and peace, the EU has brought war, most recently thanks to its aggressive push into Ukraine. Winston Churchill's Zurich speech of 1946, which it partly quotes, is a plea for continental Europe to unite, with Britain, the USA and the USSR acting as outside sponsors. Oh, and the Berlin airport for which the fictitious plane is originally bound closed in 2008, as anyone who knows Europe would be aware. | Apocalyptic vision of Europe descending into social chaos aired tonight . BBC4 programme condemned by Eurosceptics as 'pro-EU propaganda' BBC say The Great European Disaster Movie is 'authored documentary' It shows terrorists advancing to Vienna, Nigel Farage as Prime Minister . In the film, Mr Emmott warns: 'Our worry is that if Europe continues on its current path, the EU will collapse and that that would have catastrophic consequences for all of us.' Viewers see a glimpse of a post-EU continent in which:Visas and landing cards are required for travel between European countries; . A power crisis in Germany has put Berlin airport out of action. The new president of France, far-Right leader Marine Le Pen, has declared a state of emergency. EU chiefs, meeting in Berlin, have abolished the euro. Looters are rampaging through Rome after the shooting of protesters by police. Fierce fighting erupts in Vienna as the 'unstoppable' advance of IS fighters continues. | 6b465ea475e1e676fd76fca1fbf11ae0a1503ab0 |
Mario Mandzukic looks to be heading to England, and could even be Louis Van Gaal’s first signing for Manchester United, after an astonishing bust-up with Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola. Arsenal and Chelsea are leading the chase for the 27-year old striker, after already making overtures about his availability, but United are ready to compete with them after he was included in their new manager’s list of possible targets. Either way, Mandzukic is on his way out of the Bundesliga champions after infuriating Guardiola with his attitude and being told by the former Barcelona coach: ‘Goodbye, and good luck with your next club.’ Listen up: Mario Mandzukic, celebrating a goal against United earlier in the season, could be set to join them . Happier times: Mandzukic and his Bayern team-mates won the Bundesliga before the German Cup success . The flare-up happened in the wake of a 4-0 Champions’ League semi-final second-leg defeat by Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena that left the whole of Germany stunned. As he tried to make sense of it in the home dressing room afterwards, Guardiola launched into an emotional address to the players, in which he blamed himself for blundering over his team selection and getting his tactics wrong. Every Bayern player was visibly moved by his searing honesty, except for Mandzukic, who evidently shook his head and met his manager’s stare with a mocking smile. Prize guy: Pep Guardiola (right) watched his team win the cup after he left Mandzukic out of the squad . A furious Guardiola reacted by axing him from the squad that beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in Saturday’s German Cup final, even though he was fit enough to play. After settling on his line-up and substitutes last Thursday, he went up to Mandzukic, informed him he was being left out and wished him good luck with his next club. That could yet be United, after Van Gaal apparently cooled on the idea of pursuing a move for Bayern forward Thomas Muller, who likes to play in a withdrawn role, but set his sights on recruiting an out-and-out goal poacher, in the mould of Mandzukic. Arsenal, in particular, represent the biggest threat to his hopes, after responding to their FA Cup final triumph by promising Arsene Wenger major transfer backing for a tilt at the Barclays Premier League title next season. Admirer: New boss Louis van Gaal would like to have Mandzukic in his ranks at Manchester United . | Mario Mandzukic could head for England after bust-up with Pep Guardiola . Arsenal and Chelsea have registered interest in the striker . Now Louis van Gaal is keen after taking over Manchester United . | 8340c7c1ad1986e1e4750721f1d9d4416e4df274 |
By . Nick Pisa and Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 09:44 EST, 15 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:46 EST, 15 April 2013 . These are the little puppies that brought a smile to Lady Thatcher's face just hours before she died. The dogs belong to her close friend Lady Carla Powell and the video was shown to the former prime minister by Lord Charles Powell, one of her trusted advisers and one of the last people to see her alive. Lady Thatcher would often visit Lady Carla's home in Italy spending days picking cherries in the sunshine and playing with the menagerie of animals that roam around the rambling farmhouse. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Moving: Baroness Thatcher watched the video of Lord and Lady Powell's puppies just before she died last week . Fun: Lady Thatcher was said to have laughed at the video, which was shown to her by Lord Powell, whose feet are in the top of the picture . The short, minute long video was posted by Lady Carla on to her Facebook page, and shows the litter of Dachshund puppies playing on a white sheet on the floor of Lady Carla's home at Tivoli on the outskirts of Rome - her husband Lord Powell's feet can be seen as he sits on a sofa trying to control one of the playful brown dogs. Along with the video Lady Carla wrote a poignant tribute to her friend of more than 30 years which read: 'This film of my puppies was shown to Lady Thatcher by my husband on Sunday night and brought her last smile. 'She died peacefully next morning. Charles was the last person to see her except her nurse. She used to come and spend some time with us in the Sabine Hills and she adored playing with my many animals, especially puppies and kittens. 'I shall miss her and can visualise her giving the All Mighty a hard time reorganising his set up in Heaven by privatising the cherubins.' Friends: Lord Powell is pictured with Baroness Thatcher in March 2000. He served as her private secretary and was one of the last people to see her before she died . Animal lover: Lady Carla Powell with her dog Tony Blair, donkey Giuseppe and horse Sterlina at her Italian home, where Lady Thatcher loved to visit . Baroness Thatcher's died on Monday inside her Ritz suite, where she spent the final months of her life. Surrounded . by the people who cared for her, the Iron Lady died 'peacefully' here . following a stroke at 11.28am on Monday, as she sat up and quietly read. Lady . Thatcher, who had suffered a series of mini-strokes over the past . decade, recognised the symptoms as she fell ill in the luxurious room, . 'but this was the one that killed her', a friend said. The . suite, which would cost up to £3,660 a night, boasts 24 carat gold leaf . and antique Louis XVI furnishings, and is the size of a small flat. Home from home: Mrs Thatcher 'adored playing with my many animals, especially puppies and kittens' at Villa Carla (pictured), Lady Powell said . Speaking from her home near Rome, Lady Carla added: 'Charles would often go and see her. He would spend time talking with her and the last time he saw he her showed the video of my darling puppies. One of them is called Maggie. The film made her smile Charles told me and then she drifted off to sleep. 'She would often be like that, going to sleep then waking up again, carrying on talking as is nothing had happened. Charles told me that he talked to her about the puppies and the other animals at my house here, our wonderful garden and the new pope. 'I'm not sure what she was able to take in but I think she found it comforting that she was with someone she knew and who was very close to her. I used to adore having her to stay here with me in Italy. Room: Lady Thatcher had been staying in this suite at the Ritz in Central London, where she had been living since Christmas as she recovered from an operation, and this is where she watched the puppy video . 'We would pick cherries together and I would drive her about on a little electric cart I have at the house as sometimes she couldn't manage the walk. We had fun talking with the animals and playing with them. 'Lady Thatcher adored animals and all of my mine are named after famous politicians - I've got a cross alsatian called Tony Blair and I even have a bossy goose called Margaret Thatcher who ended up killing one of the roosters. 'I once told Tony Blair when he came to stay that Margaret loved nuzzling his ears but of course I was talking about Margaret the goose and how he got on so well with Tony Blair the alsatian.' Lady Carla, who is attending Lady Thatcher's funeral on Wednesday, said:'She was such a fighter and a determined woman. I can imagine her being bossy in Heaven, the country was fortunate to have her as a prime minister, we won't see anyone like her for a long time.' VIDEO: THE PUPPY VIDEO THAT MADE LADY THATCHER SMILE . | Footage posted by Lady Carla Powell, wife of Thatcher's friend Lord Powell . 'This film was shown to Lady Thatcher. She died peacefully next morning' Lord Powell showed her the video and was the last friend to see former PM . | 8996e3c3885b9ad3191a83220c21dc0dc2f1a186 |
(CNN) -- Four months after Oprah Winfrey's daytime talk show leaves the air in September, Winfrey will return to TV on her OWN network, her company said. "She's going to continue doing what she loves, talking to people, from the famous to the infamous," OWN CEO Christina Norman told CNN. "But this time, she's going to be untethered from the chairs and taking the show on the road." OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network launches January 1, 2011, replacing the Discovery Health Network, which is distributed in 80 million households, according to Discovery Communications. "My vision for OWN is to create a network that inspires our viewers and makes them want to be who they are on their best day," Winfrey said in a written statement. When Winfrey announced last year that "The Oprah Winfrey Show" would end its 25-year run on syndicated television on September 9, 2011, speculation began that she would return with a new show when OWN launched. Winfrey will "bust out of the studio to explore the world" with her new show, which will be called "Oprah's Next Chapter," Norman said. "Her interviews are going to be everywhere from the Taj Mahal to under that beautiful oak tree at her home," she said. The show is one of five new original series unveiled by OWN on Thursday, joining 10 previously announced. Winfrey will also host a show called "Master Class," Norman said. "That's where she has handpicked some of the most amazing intellectual leaders of our time to give their life lesson," Norman said. "And we've got an amazing lineup of people who are going to be sharing their life lessons. So everyone from Jay-Z, Condoleezza Rice, Sidney Poitier and Loren Michaels. People whose stories can inspire your story." Other shows added to the OWN lineup include, "Visionaries: Inside the Creative Mind," "Your OWN Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star," "Gayle King Live!" and "Why Not? With Shania Twain." CNN's JD Cargill contributed to this report. | Show will return on OWN four months after it goes off air in September . New show will be called "Oprah's Next Chapter" Five new original series were unveiled by OWN on Thursday . | 795226d9f21664e80cc013f1e9738ba8a8b8ecb8 |
By . Associated Press . A 76-year-old man who fatally shot his unarmed teenage neighbor was sentenced to life in prison on Monday, days after telling the court he killed the boy for justice because he believed he stole his shotguns. John Henry Spooner's home had been burglarized two days before the May 2012 shooting, and he suspected 13-year-old Darius Simmons as the thief. So he confronted the teen, demanded that he return the guns and then shot him in the chest in front of his mother when he denied stealing anything. Spooner's own home surveillance cameras captured the shooting in Milwaukee and prosecutors aired the footage in court. Despicable: John Spooner , pictured last week, murdered a 13-year-old African-American boy and says he would have shot his brother too. Spooner was sentenced today to life in prison . A jury found Spooner guilty of . first-degree intentional homicide last week, a conviction carrying a . mandatory life sentence. The judge could have allowed for the . possibility of parole after 20 years, but rejected that option, citing . Spooner's lack of remorse and desire to also kill the teen's brother. Spooner, who has lung cancer and other physical ailments, will spend the rest of his life in prison. Tragedy: Darius Simmons was gunned down after his elderly neighbor wrongfully accused him of stealing several guns from his home . While . in court for his sentencing, Spooner spoke in a frail voice that was . sometimes difficult to hear and reiterated that he felt he had little . choice but to take the law into his own hands. 'They . had to rob the house,' he said. 'Why'd they do that to me? ... They . pushed me over the edge, I guess. 'I don't know. As far as being sorry, I . don't know if I did right or wrong.' Judge Jeffrey Wagner replied sternly: 'I can tell you, you did wrong. You took the life of a child.' The . defense had argued that the killing might have been reckless but not . intentional, and said Spooner didn't mean for the shot to be fatal. The . surveillance footage showed Spooner confronting Darius on a sidewalk, . pointing a gun at the boy's chest and firing from a few feet away. Darius turned and fled, and then collapsed and died in the street . moments later as his mother cradled him in her arms. Spooner fired a second shot that missed. He tried to fire a third one but his gun jammed. Darius' mother, Patricia Larry, has a wrongful-death lawsuit pending against Spooner. Police searched Darius' home within hours of the shooting and didn't find Spooner's weapons. Spooner . testified at trial against his attorney's advice and said he killed the . teen because he really wanted his guns back. He also acknowledged . wanting to kill Darius' older brother when he ran to his sibling's aid . as he lay dying in the street. But Spooner said he didn't shoot the . brother because he didn't want to hit any of the others who had gathered . around. Grieving: Patricia Larry, Darius Simmons' mother, watched as Spooner killed her son . When prosecutor . Mark Williams suggested Spooner killed Darius as revenge for having his . guns stolen, Spooner replied: 'I wouldn't call it revenge. I would call . it justice.' Larry recalled those words from Spooner as she asked the judge to prevent him from ever being eligible for parole. 'I . want him to be accountable for what he did to my son, Darius Simmons. I . want him to have life in prison,' she said at Monday's sentencing. 'He . showed no remorse and said justice was served. He is a menace to . society.' The sentencing . came about a week after former neighborhood watch volunteer George . Zimmerman was acquitted in Florida in the February 2012 shooting death . of Trayvon Martin, a black teen who was also unarmed. In the opening . days of Spooner's trial in Milwaukee, the judge told the jury pool to . separate the two cases. During . the trial, race – Spooner is white and Darius was black – was almost . never mentioned, except when Spooner referred to his surveillance . footage from the day of the burglary. It showed two black teenage males . walking near his house from the direction of Darius' home. Their faces . are difficult to identify and neither is carrying Spooner's guns. Support: Patricia Larry hugs family friend Keith Bailey at the trial of the man who murdered her son . | John Spooner says he feels 'not that bad' about the murder in Milwaukee last year . Spooner wrongfully accused 13-year-old Darius Simmons of stealing several guns from his home . | c43ec82afe3df08f061bb585fa5e1872d9d0df8e |
Energy production is fueling a huge population growth in the West of the U.S, with Texas home to four of the top 10 fastest growing cities - San Marcos, Cedar Park, Georgetown and Frisco. The energy industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S economy and the oil and gas-rich fields of the Great Plains and Mountain West are luring huge numbers of people to them. San Marcos, Frisco and Cedar Park were No. 1, 2 and 4 in percentage population growth between 2012 and 2013, each growing by at least five per cent in that time span, new data from the Census Bureau shows. The 15 fastest growing cities in the U.S by percentage population growth . Speedy: San Marcos in Texas is the fastest-growing city in the U.S by percentage increase . On the up: Frisco is the second-fastest growing city in the U.S in terms of population increase by percentage . 1. New YorkUp by 61,440 to 8.4million in 2013 . 2. Houston35,202 to 2.2million . 3. Los Angeles31,525 to 3.8million . 4. San Antonio25,378 to 1.4million . 5. Phoenix4,843 to 1.5million . 6. Austin, Texas20,993 to 885,400 . 7. San Diego18,867 to 1.35million . 8. Charlotte, North Carolina8,420 to 792,862 . 9. Seattle17,770 to 652,405 . 10. Dallas5,976 to 1.3 million . Utah had two of the top five: South Jordan, at No. 3, and Lehi, at No. 5. This is the second year in a row that San Marcos, centrally located between Austin and San Antonio on Interstate 35, has topped the list of fastest-growing cities with a population of more than 50,000. Its population grew by 8 percent between July 2012 and 2013 to 54,076 people. That's well ahead of its 2011-12 increase of 4.9 percent, which pushed San Marcos into the upper echelon of cities with 50,000-plus people. Mayor Daniel Guerrero, in Chicago recruiting business investment for his city, said that in addition to its enviable location between Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos has one of the nation's largest outlet malls and is home of the 35,000-student Texas State University. ‘We have an immaculate natural beauty to our community, certainly the spring-fed river ... San Marcos River... historic neighborhoods, a growing and beautified downtown that we've been investing in heavily over the last few years,’ Guerrero said. The presence and growth of the university is also a factor, he said. By population increase, New York City is still on top, growing by 61,440 people in 2012 to 8.4million people in 2013. In addition to having the largest numerical increase, New York City is also still the largest city in the United States by population. Houston increased by 35,202 people to 2.2million in 2013. Los Angeles grew by 31,525 to 3.8million. The Census Bureau also said that 14 cities joined the 50,000-plus population club: Casa Grande and Aliso Viejo, Arizona; Dublin and Palm Desert, California; Doral, Florida; Huntersville, North Carolina; Enid, Oklahoma; Grapevine, Texas; Ankeny, Iowa; Lenexa, Kansas; Kentwood, Michigan; Apple Valley, Minnesota; Tigard, Oregon; and Sammamish, Washington. Driving force: Energy production in the West is fueling a population boom (pictured are crude oil pipes at the Bryan Mound site near Freeport, Texas) | Populations of San Marcos, Cedar Park, Georgetown and Frisco surge . The Texas cities are all in the top 10 fastest growing in the country . Energy production is luring huge numbers of people to the West . | 1bcee20ef3b660544edf2f311f5a3cd5127d67fa |
By . Ellie Buchdahl . PUBLISHED: . 11:32 EST, 26 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:50 EST, 27 September 2013 . A wet spring and a hot summer have brought Britain the best harvest season for years - and wet and warm is just what forecasters have told us to expect for the next few days. The muggy air and mild temperatures seen by much of the country over the past few days are set to continue over the weekend - but sunshine will gradually be replaced by showers. And at Great Posbrook Farm near Southampton, around half a million pumpkins are expected to be harvested and shipped to supermarkets across the country. Pumpkin parade: Assistant Farm Manager Alex Hollands of Great Posbrook Farm, near Southampton, Hampshire, inspects one of the half a million pumpkins in their field . Halloween haul: The pumpkins are cut ready for collection and shipping to stores in time for Halloween, when this year's bumper harvest will be carved into Jack o' Lanterns . This autumn's harvest is set to be one of the biggest and best-tasting ever. British apples are some of the sweetest and most colourful for years, according to Richard Capper, who has just begun the harvest at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Worcestershire. 'The good weather and summer heat has upped the sugar levels in the fruit,' explained Mr Capper, who expects to haul in almost 2,000 tons of the fruit from his orchards. Gala, Bramley and Braeburn apples from the farm's 100 acres will be sold to all the major UK supermarkets after they have been gathered by a team of 36 pickers over ten days. The crop is expected to produce a staggering 1200 tons of cider apples to be enjoyed throughout the winter. Harvest time: A team of apple pickers, standing on a tractor and trailer, pick gala apples from an orchard at Stocks Farm, Worcestershire. Sweet: Overlooked by The Malvern Hills, a team of apple pickers dig into this year's crop of British apples, which are are some of the tastiest and most colourful for years . Rosy red: Amost 2000 tons of apples will be harvested from Stocks Farm's 100 acres of apple orchards to sell to supermarkets . Meanwhile, the weather across the country is becoming erratic and unsettled. Thermometers were pushed up 24C (75F) in . some parts this week and above average temperatures of 19C (66F) have . been forecast for Saturday and Sunday - but they will be accompanied by . rain and thunder in some places. Sunshine is predicted tomorrow over England and Wales, but it is likely to be cloudier elsewhere, with patchy rain and showers in Scotland. The wet weather could be more persistent in the West and North West of England, the Met Office said. Met Office forecaster Nicola Maxey . said: 'In the South it'll be bright with patchy cloud, so we'll be seeing some good sunny spells. 'However, there could be some isolated showers, many over the South West and Wales. 'It'll . be rather warm and in the sunshine temperatures could reach 18/19C, . while on the South coast temperatures could drop as low as 15C. Foggy dew: A Red Grouse stands in the heather in thick mist near Goathland in the North Yorkshire Moors on one of the misty mornings much of the country has been seeing in recent days . Light fantastic: The sunrise casts a glow across the heather, illuminating the bird as it stands on the warm autumn morning in the Yorkshire moors . Seasonal: The partridge-like game birds live in the north of Britain and are seen all year round, but are particularly noticeable in the warmer weather towards the end of the year, when food is plentiful . 'Temperatures . are the same for Saturday, with most of England seeing a degree or two . above average for the time of year but not as warm as the first part of . the week. 'It'll be cloudy and showery with a risk of thunder in the South West during the early part of the day. 'This is going to move towards the North East, but it's all fairly erratic and unsettled in most parts of the UK. 'It'll also be breezier than we have seen lately. 'On Sunday the rain will be spread and it's staying rather cloudy, with a risk of showers in Scotland and the North. Wing beat: The resident Barn Owl at the Escot Estate in East Devon flies out against the blazing scarlet autumn vine leaves that hang over the wall of an ancient walled garden . Picnic time: 'Big Red', the leader of a group of red squirrels living in the wild at a special sealed off area at Escot Estate in East Devon near Ottery St Mar, perches on top of his miniature table under his parasol . Wales and South England are expected to be cloudy with outbreaks of rain, but temperatures are expected to be above average again. Some places are likely to see 18C and the cloud cover will make it feel muggy and humid again. Ms Maxey said: 'Although the unsettled showers seem grim, the weather bodes well for gardeners as the cloud is keeping the dreaded frost away. 'We have clouds from Europe keeping temperatures warm, so it's a bit difficult to look for frost. 'There's certainly no frost for England in the next couple of days. If it's a clear night, then we are more likely to see frost but there's a lot of cloud.' Red sky in the morning: The sun rises over the sculpture ëCOUPLEí by Sean Henry on the breakwater at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Northumberland, as autumnal skies bring in some spectacular solar displays . Golden: Sunshine will continue over England and Wales tomorrow, but it is likely to be cloudier elsewhere, ushering in colder weather as winter starts to appear on the horizon . Weather forecast for Thursday, Friday and Saturday . | Warm temperatures expected to continue over the weekend... but be joined by showers and even thunderstorms . South coast could be much cooler at the weekend, with temperatures falling to 15C . Clouds, rain and unsettled weather unlikely to herald an early autumn frost, the Met Office said . Warm, wet spring and summer mean this year's apples are especially sweet and colourful, farmers say . | c65d15dd16c04e4d200ea12102cb7f57d71bc879 |
(CNN) -- Robert De Niro has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. "I've never been one of those actors who has touted myself as a fascinating human being," he reportedly once said. "I had to decide early on whether I was to be an actor or a personality." Of course, the modern celebrity-industrial complex being what it is, he didn't get much of a choice. In hindsight, it's hard to remember a time when De Niro, who turns 70 on Saturday, wasn't Robert De Niro, with his movie star image -- brusque, intense, Italian, New Yorky -- front and center. (In real life, De Niro -- despite his name -- is a mix of ethnicities, including German, Dutch and Irish, though he identifies most closely with his Italian heritage.) But that wasn't always the case. In the first two decades of his career, he generally disappeared into roles as smoothly and casually as putting on a new suit. You know them all, of course. The brash, manic Johnny Boy in "Mean Streets," the first of his many Martin Scorsese collaborations. The ailing, slow-witted catcher in "Bang the Drum Slowly." "Godfather II's" young Vito Corleone. "Taxi Driver's" Travis Bickle. Jake LaMotta ("Raging Bull"), Rupert Pupkin ("The King of Comedy"), Al Capone ("The Untouchables"), Jimmy Conway ("Goodfellas") -- all chips of a multifaceted, diamond-bright talent. Oscar-winning, too: He took home the statue for 1974's "The Godfather: Part II" and 1980's "Raging Bull" and has been nominated five other times. Those early characters often had something in common. Some were gangsters. Some had hair-trigger tempers. ("You talkin' to me?") There were often hints of hardscrabble lives aching for success, even in cases where they'd achieved it. (Behind the eyes of De Niro's Corleone, long after he starts wearing tailored clothes, are the haunted memories of tenement flats and Ellis Island.) Why we can't get enough of the gangster life . Still, there was always a sense of mystery. The 5-foot-9 actor had that mesmerizing ability to seem taller or shorter, depending on the role. He famously plowed himself into the Method, gaining and losing weight for "Raging Bull," driving a cab for "Taxi Driver" and learning saxophone for "New York, New York." He kept viewers off balance with occasional comic turns, whether it was as a cheerful repairman in "Brazil" or the exasperated bounty hunter in "Midnight Run." It's no wonder Bananarama had a song called "Robert De Niro's Waiting," in which they fantasized about escaping with this enigmatic leading man, "talking Italian." But, more recently, he has been Robert De Niro, the image taking the lead. Given his obvious acting abilities, sometimes it has gotten a little wearying. Why is Robert De Niro in "Showtime" and "15 Minutes"? Who talked Robert De Niro into "The Fan," "The Score" and "Righteous Kill"? Can't he work with Scorsese again? What happened to the mystery? Well, the guy does have a movie festival, some restaurants and a hotel to support. Besides, the actor still gets his turns. He was a shambling spin doctor in "Wag the Dog," the creature in "Mary Shelley's Frankenstein," Fearless Leader in "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle," a parodistic don in "Analyze This" and "Analyze That," and the ramrod ex-CIA agent in the "Fockers" series. He has even started showing a little more of himself. He broke down while discussing last year's "Silver Linings Playbook" on Katie Couric's talk show. And whether Robert De Niro or Robert De Niro, he's been a steady presence. The guy's always working: more than 80 films since 1968, with seven this year alone -- including "American Hustle" with director David O. Russell, who directed De Niro's Oscar-nominated performance in "Playbook." He promises more to come. After all, he's only 70. "I might like to do things that are more retiring," he reflected in 2011. "But not retire. As long as I'm enjoying what I'm doing, why retire?" Why, indeed? Birthdays are full of surprises. | Famed, much-lauded actor Robert De Niro turns 70 on Saturday . De Niro's career began with him disappearing into roles . More recent films have found him falling back on image, but still taking chances . De Niro isn't retiring soon; he has seven movies out this year alone . | cfdd46544b9be3d97adcee306acff1e9f0b8b01f |
When it came to booking an affordable getaway this summer, the Spanish sun was beckoning for many Britons. Majorca and Ibiza were revealed as the most popular destinations last season, up 68 per cent and 46 per cent from last year, respectively, according to a survey by UK travel organisation Abta. Celebrity party hotspot, Ibiza attracts high-profile guests (and performers) to its white sand beaches, including girl-group The Saturdays and Made in Chelsea's Cheska Hull. Ibiza was named one of the most popular summer holiday destination for Britons, says survey from Abta . Bookings to Ibiza were up 46% from last year, while trips to Majorca were up a staggering 68% . Celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Made in Chelsea's Cheska Hull are big fans of the Spanish islands . Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Majorca is the largest island in Spain's Balearic Islands archipelago . Heiress Paris Hilton is also a fan of the Balearic Islands, particularly of Ibiza's Ushuaia Beach Hotel. Italy was also a popular pick, thanks to 'great-value hotel deals'. Florence in particular benefited from visits from celebrity guests last season, including Kim Kardashian and Kanye West who were married in the Tuscan city in May. Turkey, Greece, Malta, and Morocco were also top choices for holidaymakers, while bookings to Brazil were down given the high prices sparked by the World Cup. The survey revealed that Italy was also a popular choice for holidaymakers due to it's 'great-value hotels' Kim Kardashian and Kanye West also love Italy - the pair wed in Florence in May of this year . Roman holiday! Due to an unstable political climate in Egypt, travellers opted for destinations closer to home . Trips to Egypt also fell because of the political climate, according to a survey by travel company lowcostholidays. When it came to long-haul trips, favourites included Orlando, Florida, Mexico, Dubai, and the Caribbean, with all of these destinations showing increases of more than 100 per cent from summer 2013. Tim Buckman at lowcostholidays said: 'We had a great summer and bookings for October half-term and winter-sun holidays are looking strong with the Canaries, Egypt, Orlando, and Dubai currently booking well.' 'Next summer, we predict that Greece and Turkey will benefit from further growth and Crete and Tunisia will be popular destinations due to new flights from across the UK making them more accessible.' | Majorca and Ibiza revealed as summer's most popular destinations . Bookings to the Balearic Islands up by 68% from summer 2013 . Italy also a popular pick for travellers thanks to 'great-value hotel deals' Turkey, Greece, Malta and Morocco proved popular choices as well . | e50156e77cc65243ee0f49f8919ed93dbf5cf62a |
Fears have been sparked that a serial killer is stalking canals in Manchester after more than 60 bodies were pulled from waterways in just six years. Professor Craig Jackson, head of psychology at Birmingham City University, said the death toll was 'alarming' and claimed it was possible a killer was at large. Some of the 61 bodies were discovered around Canal Street - home to many of the city's gay bars and restaurants and known as the 'Gay Village'. Scroll down for video . Chris Brahney, 22, was found dead in the Manchester Ship Canal ten days after going missing from a Stone Roses concert in June 2012 (left) while the body of Souvik Pal, 18, (right) was found in the Bridgewater Canal . He told the Daily Star Sunday: 'It is extremely unlikely that such an alarming number of bodies found in the canals is the result of accidents or suicides. 'Canals are not popular suicide spots, especially for men. They are, however, popular dumping sites. And water can be a sure way to erase DNA evidence. 'Suffolk strangler Steve Wright dumped some of his prostitute victims in water so any traces of him would be washed away.' However Greater Manchester Police has dismissed his claims about a serial killer being on the loose and insist that each individual case is investigated thoroughly. A spokesman from the force said: 'Greater Manchester Police is committed to thoroughly investigating each and every unexplained death in Manchester and approach each one as potentially suspicious in its initial stages. Some of the bodies had been found in waterways by Canal Street - the Gay Village of the city . 'Only after a robust investigation into the circumstances of each death would investigators deem one to be 'non-suspicious' and pass the file to the coroner. 'The coroner's post mortem would then ascertain the cause of death, which would then be recorded accordingly by the investigating officer. 'None of our investigations are carried out in isolation and as we have said publicly before, we have established no link between the various incidents recorded. The death of 22-year-old Chris Brahney, from Timperley in Altrincham, was one of the examples cited by Professor Jackson. Mr Brahney was found dead in the Manchester Ship Canal ten days after going missing from a Stone Roses concert in Heaton Park in June 2012. He had become separated from his friends following the gig, sparking a massive manhunt across the region. At an inquest into his death, deputy coroner Joanne Kearsley recorded an open verdict and admitted she simply could not say how he had ended up in the water. In another death, the body of Manchester University student Souvik Pal, 18, was found in the Bridgewater Canal. The discovery was made three weeks after he was told to leave a New Year's Eve party at the Warehouse Project dance night in Trafford Park. He had been seen walking away from the venue with a mystery man and CCTV footage shows only one of the two men returning to the nightclub. Police divers searching the Rochdale Canal in December 2013 when a teenager went missing after a night out . Professor Craig Jackson, head of psychology at Birmingham City University, made claims a serial killer could be on the loose after more than 60 bodies were pulled from canals in Manchester in just six years . | Professor Craig Jackson made claims a possible serial killer was at large . He said death toll was 'alarming' as many of bodies found in Gay Village . Police dismissed claims and say each case is investigated individually . | 21635c5798693dc5eccce9b606b28c3c95ad092c |
One entrepreneurial little girl has turned the theft of her iPod into a impressive business opportunity. Isabel Haig has replaced her stolen iPod - by setting up her own business selling hundreds of loom bands to other youngsters. The ten year old had been left heartbroken when her £300 music player containing her favourite One Direction songs was grabbed by a sneak thief whilst she was at a service station with her father. But instead of begging her family to by her a new one she got in a bulk load of the brightly coloured loom bands to make a pile of bracelets. Scroll down for video . Isabel has created her own loom band business to raise money to help her replace her iPod touch . Showing great entrepreneurial spirit, little Isabel turned her loss into an business opportunity . She then began selling them for £1 to £1.50 a time during fayres at her primary school and got herself her own stall under the brand name: 'Loomed by Izzy.' After her stock was snapped up, the youngster began to branch out - making loom band snakes and figurines and appointing eight year old sister Grace and brother Aiden, aged seven as her 'apprentices.' She is now inviting customers to place orders on Facebook. Isabel began selling her braclets for £1 to £1.50 a time during fayres at her primary school . Within only a month Isabel, from Astley Bridge, near Bolton, Greater Manchester had raised enough to buy herself a new iPod touch - but the youngster is refusing to halt her lucrative business. Her father Andrew Haig, 48, a jewellery agent said: 'Isabel is definitely the arty one of the family, she is really bright and intelligent and has a real eye for fashion, art is her favourite subject and she really excels at it. 'She does every single loom band herself, all we do is transport her to craft shows around once a fortnight and we bought her the starter pack and that is it - she is incredible at the designs and people can't believe a ten-year-old girl made them. The ten-year-old was already into the loom band craze before she started her business . 'She is brilliantly talented, her mother and I are so proud of her, she has really made a name for herself at the craft fairs and she is so generous - she has even given her brother and sister a 'job'.' He added: 'It started when I decided to take Isabel out for the day in March for her to see what I do - it was sort of a 'let's go to work with daddy day' and she was really excited. 'She took her IPod with her which had lots of pictures on and music by her favourite band One Direction. I stopped off at a service station and she put it down on the counter for a second and when she looked again it had been swiped. After her stock was snapped up, the youngster began to branch out and appointed eight year old sister Grace (left) and brother Aiden as her 'apprentices' As well as bracelets, Isabel also makes loom band snakes and figurines (right) During school holidays, the ten-year-old spends up to three hours a day making her pieces . 'She was heartbroken, I told her it was fine and I would buy her a new one, I hated seeing her so upset about it. We were planning to buy her a new one when her mum and I had an idea. 'She had taken up doing loom bands, everyone at school was doing it and we found she was actually really good at it. She would beg us every other week for a few pounds to buy new loom bands and we were happy that she had found something to do, it was a nice little hobby. 'She was already making them for free for all of her friends but her mum thought she could sell them for £1.50. Isabel loved the idea, we told her that we would buy her a starter kit which had plenty of bands in and if she raised half of the money for the IPod, we would pay the rest. Despite having raised enough for two new iPods, industrious Isabel is refusing to halt her lucrative business . 'Over the Easter break in March she and Grace wre spending around two to three hours each day making loom bands and when she went back to school she had made £100 after two months. She then started at craft fairs and would make £100 each month, so far she has made around £600 and bought herself the IPod and a Furby plus treated her brother and sister. 'It is a really good thing to teach children that you have to work for nice things, it keeps them grounded and down to earth. Isabel will do this for a long time, she loves it and she is really happy making them and she has become much more independent.' Mother Lisa Haig, 38, a housewife said: 'I'm really proud of Izzy. She's worked really hard over the summer and it has paid off. She had originally been making loom bands for free for friends at school and I suggested that she sell them instead. She makes all sorts of styles.' Isabel said: 'I was really upset when my iPod got stolen and this was the best way to raise money to buy another one. 'I love making the snakes and pencil toppers most, and want to carry on selling them.' | Isabel had her beloved iPod touch stolen at service station . Rather than mope about, she decided to raise money for a new one . Began selling loom band bracelets for £1- £1.50 at school fares . Began to branch out making loom band snakes and figurines . Appointed sister Grace, 8, and brother Aiden, 7, as her 'apprentices' Sells at craft fares and has started taking online orders through Facebook . Despite having raised enough for two new iPods, is refusing to stop . | 6c6455f56a5f97d34784cb84cc8e32bcbf05ee1c |
Beijing (CNN) -- A bizarre mountain retreat built on top of a 26-floor Beijing residential building faces demolition after complaints by residents. The rooftop structure is covered by fake rocks, trees and bushes, and can be clearly seen from one of Beijing's busiest commuter roads in one of the city's more upmarket areas. A CNN crew who visited the building on Tuesday saw an official government order stuck to the door giving the owner 15 days to demolish 800 square meters of the structure that have been deemed illegal. No one answered when they knocked. Locals say the unusual high-rise retreat has been slowly taking over the rooftop for years -- construction is said to have started in 2007 -- but is only now receiving attention after images of the unlikely extension went viral on social media. World's tallest building bring China to its knees? "A lot of people have moved out from the top floors. They were afraid. They sold their apartments and got out," said Zhang Li, who lives in an apartment on the 25th floor -- one floor below the construction. The owner of the rocky outcrop has been identified as Professor Zhang Biqing, a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine who owns a national chain of acupuncture clinics, and is a former member of a district People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), according to the South China Morning Post. "I used to worry that the house might be too much but I never expected this much attention," Zhang is reported to have told The Beijing News. His neighbor, Zhang Li, said residents had complained many times to officials, but nothing was done to stop construction. China bans building projects to curb Versailles-esque excesses . "It's very noisy and they are always bringing rocks and things up the elevator," she said. "It's definitely not safe. With all those boulders up there, what would happen if there was an earthquake?" Other residents claimed the retreat had caused cracks in their walls which leak when it rains. CNN spoke to a number of people on the street who sympathized with Zhang's neighbors and suggested the professor was allowed to build with impunity because of his links to influential officials. "It's obvious he is powerful, there's no way he could do illegal building like that without knowing people," one said. Another added,"If I had that kind of money, I would do it too." "It doesn't just take money," Zhang Li said. "Even with money, but no connections, you wouldn't be allowed to build things like this." Zhang is reported to have said he would demolish the villa if requested. 25 of mankind's greatest engineering achievements . CNN's Feng Ke and CY Xu reported from Beijing, Katie Hunt wrote from Hong Kong . | Villa built on top of Beijing apartment block faces demolition . Structure covered by rocks, trees and bushes in the shape of a mountain peak . Residents concerned about safety of structure . | bac5ac3a716907136494898a10e95f3507d2d42a |
By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby insisted the nation's values were based on the Christian faith . Britain is a Christian country, the Archbishop of Canterbury insisted today in boost for David Cameron in his row with atheists about his Easter message. Justin Welby said he agreed with the Prime Minister that the country's values had been ‘shaped and founded on’ the religion. But he admitted that proof of the importance of Christianity to the UK could not be found in attendance numbers at church, which have continued to fall over several years. Mr Cameron was criticised for saying . ‘we should be more confident about our status as a Christian country’ and ‘more evangelical’ about faith. The . Prime Minister also warned that people who ‘advocate some sort of . secular neutrality fail to grasp the consequences of that neutrality, or . the role that faith can play in helping people to have a moral code’. The . article provoked a response from more than 50 leading public figures, . organised by the British Humanist Association, warning Mr Cameron risked . sowing ‘alienation and division’ in society. But . Arshbishop Welby said the response to the PM’s comments had been ‘all . quite baffling and at the same time quite encouraging’. He said the Christian faith is much more vulnerable to ‘comfortable indifference than to hatred and opposition’. Writing . on his blog, he added: ‘It is a historical fact (perhaps unwelcome to . some, but true) that our main systems of ethics, the way we do law and . justice, the values of our society, how we decide what is fair, the . protection of the poor, and most of the way we look at society... all . have been shaped by and founded on Christianity.’ He added: ‘It is clear that, in the general sense of being founded in Christian faith, this is a Christian country. ‘It . is certainly not in terms of regular churchgoing, although altogether, . across different denominations, some millions attend church services . each week. ‘Others of different backgrounds have also positively shaped our common heritage. ‘But . the language of what we are, what we care for and how we act is earthed . in Christianity, and would remain so for many years even if the number . of believers dropped out of sight (which they won't, in my opinion).’ David Cameron, pictured at an Easter event in Downing Street this month, sparked controversy with his claim that Britain is a Christan country . Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg also gave his support to Mr Cameron – despite being an atheist. Mr . Clegg said Britain's history and heritage was ‘infused by Christianity’ but people of ‘all faiths and none’ were able to share values of ‘fair . play and tolerance’. But he also called for the separation of the Church from the state. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg called for the separation of the Church and the state . On . his LBC 97.3 phone-in show Mr Clegg said: ‘I'm not a man of faith but I . don't find it particularly controversial to say, if you look at our . history, heritage, our architecture, our values, of course it is infused . by Christianity. ‘I'm slightly nonplussed by people getting very worked up about it. ‘I'm . not a practising man of faith but I don't find it an issue to say we . have an important Christian identity in terms of our history and . heritage and so on. ‘That is . not to say that somehow we are exclusively Christian, where everybody . is a Christian or indeed that we have got one Christian denomination - . there are almost as many Catholics as Anglicans in this country. ‘Of . course we should remember that one of the greatest Christian values - . if you want to put it that way - of tolerance, is that we are open to . people of other denominations, other faiths, of all faiths and none. ‘It's the senses of fair play and tolerance that makes our country very special.’ Mr . Clegg added: ‘Recognising our history and our heritage and who we are . and have been over several centuries doesn't mean that you have to say . you are a Christian to believe in tolerance and diversity, I'm just . saying that actually they are not incompatible with each other, that's . all.’ He said . disestablishing the Church of England, separating it from the state, . would be ‘better for Anglicans’ but accepted such a change would not . happen overnight. | Justin Welby says country's values are 'shaped and founded' on religion . He backs David Cameron who sparked row for article marking Easter . Atheist Nick Clegg calls for separation of Church and the state . | e2c3e766ebc0621adf0b894f3f174669a10f5260 |
At a dinner McDonald's hosted for reporters and bloggers, waiters served cuisine prepared by celebrity chefs using ingredients from the chain's menu. A Kung Pao chicken appetizer was made with Chicken McNuggets doused in sweet and sour sauce and garnished with parsley. Slow-cooked beef was served with gnocchi fashioned out of McDonald's french fries and a fruit sauce from its smoothie mix. For dessert, its biscuit mix was used to make a pumpkin spice 'biznut,' a biscuit-doughnut hybrid. The event, held in New York City's Tribeca neighborhood, was billed 'A transforming dining experience of "fast food" to "good food served fast."' Attendees tweeted out photos and the night was written up on various websites. FILE - In this July 21, 2010 file photo, people make their way past the McDonald's restaurant at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. McDonald¿s understands its reputation for serving cheap, greasy fare is a growing liability and is trying to change in a variety of ways. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File) The dishes aren't intended for McDonald's restaurants. Instead, the evening is part of a campaign by McDonald's to shake its reputation for serving cheap, unhealthy food. At a time when Americans are playing closer attention to what they eat, the company is trying to sway public opinion by first reaching out to the reporters, bloggers and other so-called 'influencers' who write and speak about McDonald's. It's just one way McDonald's is trying to change its image. In the past 18 months, the chain has introduced the option to substitute egg whites in breakfast sandwiches and rolled out chicken wraps as its first menu item with cucumbers. Last fall, it announced plans to give people the choice of a salad instead of fries in combo meals. And in coming months, mandarins will be offered in Happy Meals, with other fruits being explored as well. McDonald's declined to make an executive available for this story, but CEO Don Thompson said early this year: 'We've got to make sure that the food is relevant and that the awareness around McDonald's as a kitchen and a restaurant that cooks and prepares fresh, high quality food is strong and pronounced.' The company faces an uphill battle, especially if the past is any indication. The salads it introduced more than a decade ago account for just two to three per cent of sales. And the chain last year discontinued its Fruit & Walnut salad and premium Angus burgers, which analysts said were priced too high for McDonald's customers at around $5. The problem is that some simply people don't consider McDonald's a place to get high quality food, in part because the prices are so low. And while McDonald's has added salads and a yogurt parfait to its menu over the years, Americans are gravitating toward other attributes, like organic produce and meat raised without antibiotics. FILE- In this Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2012, file photo, Carlos Gonzalez and Elsa Guzman eat breakfast at a McDonald's restaurant, in New York. McDonald¿s understands its reputation for serving cheap, greasy fare is a growing liability and is trying to change in a variety of ways. (AP Photo/Mark Lenniha, File) FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2009 file photo, McDonald's employee Cortney Sobowiec hands a patron a salad at the drive up window at McDonalds in Williamsville, N.Y. McDonald¿s understands its reputation for serving cheap, greasy fare is a growing liability and is trying to change in a variety of ways. (AP Photo/David Duprey, file) 'People just don't think of McDonald's . as having that premium quality,' said Sara Senatore, a restaurant . industry analyst with Bernstein Research. In . some ways, the image McDonald's is battling is ironic, given its . reputation for exacting standards with suppliers. Thompson has also . noted the ingredients tend to be fresh because restaurants go through . them so quickly. 'The . produce and the products that we have at breakfast and across the menu . are fresher than — no disrespect intended — what most of you have in . your refrigerators,' he said at an analyst conference in May. But . even that reputation for supply chain rigor was recently tarnished when . the chain's longtime supplier was reported to have sold expired meat to . its restaurants in China. The . low-cost burgers, ice-cream cones and other food that made McDonald's . so popular since it was founded in 1955 have come to define it. And some . people can't get over the idea that low prices equal low quality. 'It's . the whole perception people get when you sell something cheaply,' said . Richard Adams, who used to own McDonald's restaurants in San Diego and . now runs a consulting firm for franchisees. Anne . Johnson, for instance, said she eats at McDonald's because she can get a . burger, fries and drink for about $5. But Johnson, a New York resident, . doesn't think there are any healthy options there. 'Basically, it's junk food,' she said. Adding . to its challenge, McDonald's can't seem to raise prices without driving . people away. Pressured by rising costs for beef and other ingredients, . the chain tried to move away from the Dollar Menu in 2012 with an 'Extra . Value Menu' where items were priced at around $2. But . customers are apparently righteous about the $1 price point, and the . strategy was scrapped. Last year, McDonald's changed its tactic a bit, . hoping not to turn off customers. It tweaked the name of the 'Dollar . Menu' to the 'Dollar Menu & More.' In this Sept. 26 2013 photo, staff members prepare dishes of slow-cooked beef served with gnocchi fashioned out of McDonald¿s french fries and a fruit sauce from its smoothie mix during a dinner hosted by McDonald's for reporters and bloggers, in New York. The evening was part of a stealth campaign McDonald¿s is waging to shake its image for serving junk food. At a time when Americans are growing more finicky about what they eat, the company is hoping to sway public opinion by first winning over the reporters, bloggers and other so-called ¿influencers¿ who tweet, write, and speak on TV. (AP Photo/Candice Choi) McDonald's . low prices also are part of what keeps it from competing with places . such as Chipotle, which is touting the removal of genetically modified . ingredients from its menu, and Panera, which recently said it will . eliminated all artificial ingredients by 2016. Such moves would be . Herculean feats for McDonald's, given its pricing model and the . complexity of its menu. Meanwhile, . the company acknowledges there are problems with how people perceive . its food. 'A lot of our guests don't believe our food is real,' said Dan . Coudreaut, director of culinary innovation at McDonald's, in an . interview last year. The . image of McDonald's food is a growing concern for the company at a time . when U.S. sales have been weak for two years. The last time McDonald's . managed to boost a monthly sales figure at home was in October, and the . company warns its performance isn't expected to improve anytime soon. McDonald's . has said it has other problems, including slow and inaccurate service . at its restaurants. But improving perceptions about its food is also a . priority. Following the . dinner in New York last fall, the company hosted a similar event last . month for reporters covering the Essence Festival in New Orleans. Beignets filled with grilled chicken and dusted with sugar were served . alongside a packet of McDonald's honey mustard sauce. Other . 'chef events' in local markets are planned for coming months, according . to Lisa McComb, a McDonald's spokeswoman. She declined to provide . details but said the events will be a spin on a recent contest between . two friends to make a gourmet dish out of a Big Mac meal. McComb said McDonald's wasn't associated with that particular contest, which was posted online. The . company continues to tweak the menu, too. The new Bacon Club burger . McDonald's is promoting comes on a brioche bun and looks more like . something that might be found at a trendy burger joint. It costs $5 or . $6, depending on where you live, making it the most expensive sandwich . on the menu. In Southern . California, McDonald's also is testing a 'Build Your Own Burger' concept, with the patties being cooked to order more slowly on a . separate grill. Beyond the menu, the company is determined to take control of its narrative. 'We're . going to start really, really telling our story in a much more . proactive manner,' said Kevin Newell, U.S. brand and strategy officer . for McDonald's said late last year. He added that McDonald's has gone too long in 'letting other folks frame the story for us.' | McDonald's held a dinner in New York serving menu items transformed into other dishes by celebrity chefs . The dinner was part of McDonald's attempt to change perceptions of its food . The restaurant wants customers to see its food as 'good food served fast,' instead of cheap junk food . The company has added several new menu items over the last 18 months including egg-white McMuffins and the option of salad instead of fries . | 6e59717711a2fd2aabfded2231f753fe1aaca059 |
By . James Rush . PUBLISHED: . 07:34 EST, 14 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:00 EST, 14 May 2013 . Peter Hayler (pictured with his wife Jean) has been ordered to pay £250 compensation to a 14-year-old boy he punched in the face . A former school governor who punched a teenage boy in anger as he defended his home from vandals has been ordered to pay him £250 compensation. Peter Hayler, 58, was also landed with a criminal record after he snapped and confronted the 14-year old-boy when police failed to act over damage to a dry stone wall. The victim, who was punched in the face, was left with broken teeth, and two black eyes. Although prosecutors accepted there was a 'background of antisocial behaviour' they said the assault on the unnamed boy was 'unprovoked'. Hayler, of Newchurch, Lancashire, who served as a Labour councillor for Rossendale Borough Council in the late 1990s, later appeared in a magistrates’ court and was convicted of battery. He was also fined £300 as well as the compensation order. Details of the case emerged for the first time as the grandfather lost his appeal against his conviction at Burnley Crown Court. He told the court he thought the boy was going to spit at him, and claimed the teenager raised his right arm with the intention of hitting him. Hayler said he responded by instinctively striking a blow with his right fist. Judge Ian Leeming, sitting with two justices, threw out the appeal, despite 'impressive references' from former MPs and the former leader of Lancashire County Council, Hazel Harding, and ordered Hayler to pay further costs of £620. The judge said: 'He did punch and cause these far-from-trivial injuries, not in self-defence. We are sure he did not believe he was about to be attacked.' The former councillor said the old dry stone wall was repeatedly vandalised . The wall was left seriously damaged with stones and earth left scattered on the ground . Peter Hayler said his conviction was 'absolutely amazing' and said his family was 'disappointed' at the verdict . But speaking after the hearing, Hayler a former governor at Crawshawbooth and Waterfoot Primary Schools branded his conviction 'absolutely amazing'. The grandfather, whose wife Jean is also a former Rossendale councillor, said: 'Our family are all disappointed at the verdict. 'In law, a jury would convict only if . there was overriding evidence of guilt and any doubt would deem the . defendant as not guilty. 'The youths were witnessed vandalising my . property, but have lied about the extent of the vandalism. 'The police have been ineffectual in investigating a series of vandalism, despite numerous calls from my wife. Damage to the dry stone wall to the rear of Peter and Jean Hayler's house . Hayler has said the police failed to respond to reports of vandalism at his home in Newchurch, Lancashire . Hayler lost his temper following vandalism to a very old dry stone wall at the back of his home. Pictured is repair work to the wall . 'The . fact that I have been arrested, and subsequently convicted of assault . by battering, is absolutely amazing as I have no previous convictions . for any offence whatsoever. 'I feel that it is reprehensible that . the police have chosen to pursue the victim of anti-social behaviour in . favour of a group of vandals,' he added. Earlier the court heard how vandals had caused costly damage to the wall in the weeks before the assault in May last year. Reports had been made to police, but no action had been taken and Hayler lost his temper. Prosecutor . Bob Sastry accepted there was a 'background of antisocial behaviour' regarding the wall, but there was no evidence that the boy in question . was involved. Hayler said the youths were witnessed vandalising his property . Prosecutor Bob Sastry accepted there was a 'background of antisocial behaviour' regarding the wall, but there was no evidence that the boy in question was involved . | Peter Hayler punched 14-year-old in face following anti-social behaviour . Left teenager with broken teeth and two black eyes . Appeal thrown out and he has been ordered to pay £250 compensation . Judge said Hayler did not cause the 'far-from-trivial injuries' in self-defence . Hayler has branded the conviction as 'absolutely amazing' | 2b9c838f2b24492c636b7ad6dcbca7fc67cdcaa8 |
Tottenham teenager Keanan Bennetts is in the unique position of playing for England AND Germany. And even Nigeria have tried to convince the 15-year-old to join them, too. Bennetts qualifies for all three nations through his German mother, Nicole, Nigerian father, Richard, and being born in Edgware, London. The exciting winger – known for his blistering pace and technique – has been turning heads with his performances for Tottenham's youth sides, which have prompted a three-way tug of war for his services. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Keanan Bennetts plays for England in 1-0 defeat to Wales . Keanan Bennetts takes on his man while playing for England against Northern Ireland earlier this month . England called up 15-year-old Bennetts after he was offered a trial with Germany . The German national team first called him for a trial earlier this year. They had spotted Bennetts playing for Spurs in youth tournaments in Germany and, when they learned of his eligibility, emailed the family to see if he was interested in a trial. Of 130 kids, Bennetts – who speaks fluent German – made it down to the final 18 and has since played in friendlies, including against Holland, for their Under 16 side. He has joined up for training camps three times. Soon after, England began to show interest in the player, keen not to be out-manoeuvred by their bitter rivals, and he has featured in their recent Victory Shield matches against Wales and Northern Ireland. 'As soon as Germany came in for him England invited him to play for them,' his father Richard told Sportsmail. 'He's the only kid to play for Germany at that level and not be at a German club. 'It's tough playing for both teams but very exciting. Keanan has a strong German background from his grandparents, he's been visiting there three times a year since he was born. 'With England he probably feels slightly more settled as he has some of his Spurs team-mates in the team as well.' Bennetts' performances for Tottenham's Under 16s and Under 17s have been attracting attention. Last month he starred in an Under 17 tournament, held at Arsenal's Hale End academy, which Spurs won. It included Real Madrid, Juventus and Arsenal. The young winger is a fluent German speaker and is also eligible to play for Nigeria through his father . Nigeria were next to come calling, with their national team manager Stephen Keshi ringing Richard to see if Bennetts would represent them. At present, Keanan's father considers Nigeria and the distances his son would have to travel as too big a commitment, but they have not ruled out representing them in the future. Richard remains in touch with Keshi. Under FIFA rules, until he wins a senior cap, he will be able to play for any nation he is eligible for. 'He doesn't have to make a final decision now,' Richard added. 'There will be no rushing. We don't want to shut any doors. He can mix and match. He'll keep playing as much as possible until he gets the feel of who values him the most.' | Spurs teen Keanan Bennetts has played at youth level for two countries . Exciting winger eligible for England, Germany and Nigeria . Bennetts will take his time before deciding who values him most . | 81760680b1b6d3199128e7aa74328e7390f30cd3 |
By . Gemma Mullin for MailOnline . These touching pictures show baby chimpanzee Velu clinging to his mother for protection as he joins the rest of his family for the first time. With his fresh pink face, the eight-week-old and his mother Heleen were integrated into the Budongo Trail enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo today. The baby pure Western chimpanzee – an endangered species – is the first to be successfully reared in Scotland for 15 years. Eight-week-old baby Velu is pictured clinging to his mother Heleen (left) as he is welcomed at new enclosure . Heleen had been gradually integrated into the Budongo Trail enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo but today was the first time baby Velu met his 18 other family members, who are originally from a zoo in the Netherlands . He can be seen tentatively clinging to his mother while the rest of the chimps in his family’s complex hierarchy swung on ropes and scavenged for food, . Though small and relatively bald at the moment, Velu will soon have a head of dark, spiky hair – but will probably stay tiny for another five years. His mother Heleen is from a group of nine chimps who arrived at the zoo from the Netherlands in 2010. The Dutch chimpanzees originally started life in a research laboratory, then were rehomed to Beekse Bergen Safari Park before moving to Edinburgh, where they live in the Budongo Trail enclosure. After a shaky start, Heleen is said to be a ‘great mother’, grooming and protecting Velu who has been accepted by the other 18 chimps. There is some doubt over the paternity of Velu, but zookeepers believe one of two senior males in the group, Louis or Rene, is the father and a test is due to be carried out in the future. Sophie Pearson, team leader at the Budongo Trail, said: ‘We are delighted with the arrival and successful integration of Velu into our chimpanzee group. ‘Still very young, Velu will look like a baby for another five years or so. He currently has a beautiful pale, pinky-coloured face which will darken as he gets older and has a mass of spiky hair. The baby pure Western chimpanzee – an endangered species – is the first to be successfully reared in Scotland for 15 years and while small and relatively bald Velu is expected to grow a mass of spiky hair . Doubts remain over the paternity of Velu, but zookeepers believe one of two senior males in the group - Louis or Rene - is his father. They will find out when they do a paternity test, which is due to happen in the future . Heleen (pictured cradling baby Velu) had a tricky start but is said to be coping extremely well with motherhood and zookeepers say she is a ‘great mother’, grooming and protecting Velu who has been accepted by the group . ‘At Edinburgh Zoo we are extremely proud that Heleen is successfully raising Velu and that he has been accepted into the group. ‘Chimpanzees learn from experience - they see their mothers and other group members give birth and raise youngsters - but unfortunately we suspect that Heleen did not have this experience in the earlier part of her life. ‘However, after a tricky start, Heleen is coping extremely well and developing into a great mother - she is nursing, grooming and protecting her baby.’ Chimpanzee groups have a complex social hierarchy and can be a volatile species, so staff at the zoo had to take care when reintroducing Heleen and Velu to the group. Zookeepers intervened as little as they could but had to bottle-feed him in the first few days as Heleen (right) showed little interest in Velu (clinging to her) The birth has boosted Heleen’s status in the group and Velu will probably grow to inherit his mother’s ranking, the zoo said. ‘After the birth, we slowly integrated Heleen and her baby back into the main chimpanzee group - starting first with other females and her closest male allies, then building up to them both going back into the main group,’ Ms Pearson said. ‘This has been successful to date and, although chimpanzee babies are always vulnerable, we are confident Heleen is fully integrated back into the group and has a lot of support from her chimp friends. ‘Hand-rearing a chimpanzees has a huge impact on the individual as they are extremely intelligent with complex needs. A hand-reared chimp may, in fact, never fully be an independent chimp. ‘With this in mind, keepers intervened as little as possible - Velu had to be bottle-fed by keepers for a few days at the beginning of his life because Heleen put him down and showed little interest in caring for him herself. ‘However, he was never out of Heleen’s sight and she was able to watch him being fed until she decided she wanted to take him back, which she did, to everyone’s delight.’ Chimpanzees are found in the rainforests of west and central Africa and staff at Edinburgh Zoo have tried to recreate the habit in the Budongo Trail enclosure. It features three pods which vary in degrees of temperature, light and humidity to reflect different conditions of the rainforest. ‘Chimpanzee babies are absolutely gorgeous and the great thing about them from a visitor’s point of view is that they stay babyish for a very long time,’ Ms Pearson said. ‘A baby chimp doesn’t really start growing up until they are five years old, so he’ll be on his mother’s back and be very playful and look cute for several years.’ | Eight-week-old baby Velu and his mother Heleen joined rest of family today . Both were integrated into the Budongo Trail enclosure at Edinburgh Zoo . Pure Western chimpanzee is first successfully reared in Scotland in 15 years . He has been accepted by group of 18 chimps originally from Netherlands . Doubts over Velu's father but zookeepers believe it's one of senior chimps . | 9410355fc13084f5634262b078407304d6375c7c |
Lazio teenager Keita Balde Diao has walked away unscathed after crashing his £158,000 yellow Lamborghini Gallardo. The 19-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Liverpool this month, wrote off his car over the weekend. The front of Diao's vehicle was left in pieces after the incident, but the forward was said to be unharmed. Lazio teenager Keita Balde Diao has walked away unscathed after crashing his yellow Lamborghini . The front of Diao's car was left in pieces after the 19-year-old reportedly lost control of the vehicle . Diao - playing for Lazio against Bologna in May - has been linked with a move to Premier League Liverpool . Reports in Italy indicate that he lost control of the car and that he was below the legal limit. Diao has played three times for the Serie A outfit this season but is yet to find the net. Predominately an attacking player, he came through Barcelona's proficient youth system before joining Lazio three years ago. During his true breakthrough season at the Stadio Olimpico Diao turned out 33 times and was part of the side to make the knockout stages of the Europa League. | Keita Balde Diao walked away from the crash unharmed . The Lazio forward wrote off his Lamborghini Gallardo . Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Spaniard . | 1749efb35600562e27162d795db5e85737fc2ec6 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Findings: Those with high levels of melatonin were 75 per cent less likely to develop the deadly disease (library image) Sleeping well may help to protect men from prostate cancer, scientists claim. Those who had high levels of the sleep hormone melatonin were 75 per cent less likely to develop an advanced form of the deadly disease, a study found. Our bodies produce melatonin when it is dark. It helps to regulate our sleep cycle and affects many functions tied to the body’s 24-hour clock, or circadian rhythm. People with too little melatonin tend to have trouble getting to sleep and wake up in the night. Scientists tested the melatonin levels of 928 Icelandic men, then monitored them over seven years. In that time, 111 were diagnosed with prostate cancer, including 24 who had advanced cancer. Advanced prostate cancer that has started to spread is often aggressive and is likely to be fatal. The researchers found men whose melatonin levels were higher than the middle of the range were 75 per cent less likely to develop advanced prostate cancer than those with levels below the middle mark. Study leader Sarah Markt, from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, US, said: ‘Sleep loss and other factors can influence the amount of melatonin secretion or block it altogether. ‘Health problems associated with low melatonin, disrupted sleep, and disruption of the circadian rhythm are broad, including a potential risk factor for cancer.’ More research should be done into how melatonin affects cancer risk, she said, adding: ‘Our results require replication, but support the public health implication of the importance of maintaining a stable light-dark and sleep-wake cycle.’ Dr Matthew Hobbs, of Prostate Cancer UK, said: ‘Over 40,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year in the UK. ‘Improving our ability to distinguish which of those men are at risk of aggressive cancer that is likely to spread to other parts of the body from those with low-risk cancer is of crucial importance. Difficulty: Those who struggle to sleep and have low levels of melatonin run a higher risk of getting cancer (library image) ‘However, this study is a long way away from developing a test based on melatonin levels.’ A separate study of 572 prostate cancer patients found those who walked at a faster pace before being diagnosed had a better prognosis. They had larger and more even blood vessels in their tumours, which the US researchers said can make cancer easier to treat. It is known that physically active men with prostate cancer have a lower risk of recurrence and death, but until now scientists have not been able to explain why this should be the case. | Those with high levels of melatonin less likely to develop deadly disease . Hormone helps regulate our sleep cycle and affects body's 24-hour clock . Study led by scientists at Harvard School of Public Health in Boston . | 63a51de6141daa539ceb36fb123420a561236648 |
(CNN) -- In the early hours of New Year's Eve in a small town in Michigan, two boys apparently got a rambunctious idea for some late night fun. When it was over, one of them was dead, authorities said. Brandon Burr and Adrian Chiquito sneaked out of the house early Tuesday in Niles, Michigan, and into Burr's grandfather's car, WOOD reported. The family was unaware of the boys' joy ride until Cass County sheriff's deputies came knocking at the door. When they asked Adrian's father, Kevin Waldrop, and his wife, Jalaine, if they knew that the car was missing from their garage, they were shocked, and Jalaine Waldrop ran into the boys' bedroom. They had not heard the boys leave, they told WOOD. They thought they were upstairs playing video games. Brandon and Adrian shared a room like brothers, because their families lived together under the same roof. "The kids were gone, and the blankets were stuffed with pillows, and she just knew," Kevin Waldrop told WOOD. "They took the car while we were sleeping." The crash had split the car nearly in two. Brandon, 14, was at the wheel and was injured, Sheriff Joseph M. Underwood Jr. said. The teen was speeding on roads slick from winter weather, lost control and ran into a tree, authorities said. He was taken to a hospital, where his condition was improving. Adrian was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, police said. He was 12. | Two boys, 12 and 14, had an idea for late-night fun; it ended in tragedy . They sneaked out of the house and made away with a family car . Sheriff's deputies came knocking to question parents after the car hit a tree . The 12-year-old passenger was killed; the older boy, who was driving, was injured . | 980ffede375bdec55b7443a64808e60687f2dea0 |
(CNN) -- Competitors and judges describe entries for their contest as wild, crazy, baffling and just plain cool. Some of the ideas are "way impossible," but that's sort of the point, they say, when a bunch of bright, young and talented designers and architects imagine a moon colony in 2069. The design competition, created by the nonprofit urban planning group SHIFTboston, produced wildly creative illustrations and concepts that touch on subjects as diverse as moon-based athletic games and a lunar cemetery. As entertaining as some of the designs were, they proposed solutions to serious issues such as world hunger and shrinking energy resources. "The most important thing was bringing together two completely different industries," said Kim Poliquin, SHIFTboston's founding executive director. "Architecture is changing as our society and technology changes. This shows how architecture could become a part of the astronautics industry." Of course humans have been imagining space colonies in drawings and models for more than half a century, as popsci.com reminded readers last month. SHIFTboston's Moon Capital 2010 competition aimed to smash together two fields that often find themselves at odds: architecture and engineering. "The tension between what is mostly ideal or perhaps impossible and what is logical and clearly achievable is necessary to arrive at passionate and creative solutions," said contest judge Madhu Thangavelu, a professor of space systems design at University of Southern California. The entries "are mostly exercises in vision and architecture and wholly meant to inform engineers where humanity's priorities lie with respect to human space activity on the moon." The winning entry by designer Bryna Andersen imagines a moon base surrounding a massive satellite dish that would collect solar energy and beam it back to Earth. Another concept puts a moon colony in a hole in the ground called a lava tube. How about this: a giant sports stadium that would serve as the venue for the first site-neutral international athletic games. New sporting events would be introduced that make use of the moon's low gravity, say its designers --two architecture students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. "We researched a lot of energy producing and capturing technologies that we could incorporate into the project," said Keith Bradley, 23. Bradley's collaborator, 22-year-old Brian Harms said the colony would include "places for algae farms and other plant life to grow -- for food and to produce oxygen." Space is a perfect place to creatively imagine the impossible, Thangavelu said. "There is something in the American psyche that caters to the stuff of 'Star Wars' and 'Star Trek' and 'Avatar,' don't you think?" Bradley and Harms acknowledged the influence of science fiction seeping into the project. "The illustration of the elevator core -- looking up -- I kept coming back to 'Tron' for that one," said Harms. "Now the new 'Tron' movie is coming out in December and we're excited about that." One of the contest designs prompted urban planning blogger Nick Azer to mention another Hollywood sci-fi flick. "The visual, to me, evokes 'The Matrix's' human farms ... seeing how warm and fuzzy I am for the moon, not quite my vision :)" Is it possible Harms or Bradley or another of the competition's designers will someday contribute to an actual design project built on the lunar surface? "It's totally possible," said Poliquin. "We just have to be willing to spend the money on it. Let's just say it's probably going to happen, we just don't know when." | Architects, designers show their ideas for lunar colony in 2069 . Wild, crazy, impossible designs include international sports stadium, giant solar collector . Contest was exercise to combine architecture with engineering . Illustration for one design was inspired by 1982 film "Tron" | e5a00bad79000008f414661a97e9b5c415668173 |
Sentencing a criminal to 1,000 years in an artificial hell may one day become a reality. At least, that is the claim of scientists at Oxford University who have been exploring controversial technologies that could extend human life. They say billions are being invested in techniques that could mean the cruellest criminals will be kept alive indefinitely in condition befitting their crime. Last year, a team of scientists led by Rebecca Roache began exploring technologies that could keep prisoners in an artificial hell . According to their research, prison firms could also develop drugs that make time pass slowly, making an inmate’s sentence feel like an eternity. Last year, a team of scientists led by Rebecca Roache began exploring technologies that could keep prisoners in an artificial hell. ‘Some crimes are so bad they require a really long period of punishment, and a lot of people seem to get out of that punishment by dying,’ Dr Roache told Ross Andersen in Aeon magazine. Dr Roache highlights what she describes as the ‘laughably inadequate’ sentence of 30 years in prison for Magdelena Luczak and Mariusz Krezolek. Daniel died in March 2012 from a head injury, locked in a cold room on a soiled mattress. Dr Roache highlights the 'laughably inadequate' sentence of 30 years in prison for Magdelena Luczak and Mariusz Krezolek . Daniel's mother Magdalena Luczak . (right) and stepfather Mariusz Krezolek (left) were found . guilty of murder . Life extension technologies could mean the cruellest criminals will be kept alive indefinitely in condition befitting their crime. As well as extending life, there are a number of psychoactive drugs that distort people’s sense of time. Dr Roache said that might not be far off developing a pill that could make someone feel like they were serving a 1,000-year sentence. Another scenario explored by the group is uploading the criminal's mind to a digital realm to speed up the 1,000 year sentence. This means that with sufficient computer power, it would be possible to speed up the rate at which an uploaded mind runs. Similarly, uploading the mind of a convicted criminal and running it a million times faster than normal would enable the uploaded criminal to serve a 1,000 year sentence in eight-and-a-half hours. The pair were convicted of murdering Luczak's four year-old son, Daniel, who was beaten, starved and tortured before his death. On her Practical Ethics blog, Dr Roache notes that Luczak and Krezolek will receive the humane treatment that Daniel never did. ‘They will, for example, be fed and watered, housed in clean cells, allowed access to a toilet and washing facilities, allowed out of their cells for exercise and recreation,’ she writes. Turning to human engineering as a possible solutions, Dr Roache looks at the idea of life span enhancements so that a life sentence in prison could last hundreds of years. ‘Dr Aubrey de Grey, co-founder of the anti-ageing Sens research foundation, believes that the first person to live to 1,000 years has already been born,’ she said. ‘The benefits of such radical lifespan enhancement are obvious - but it could also be harnessed to increase the severity of punishments’ As well as extending life, Dr Roache noted that there are a number of psychoactive drugs that distort people’s sense of time. She said that society might not be far off developing a pill that could make someone feel like they were serving a 1,000-year sentence. Turning to human engineering as a possible solutions, Dr Roache looks at the idea of life span enhancements so that a life sentence in prison can last hundreds of years. The technology could be used on the most serious crimes, such as those committed by Adolf Hitler . ‘Of course, there is a widely held view that any amount of tinkering with a person’s brain is unacceptably invasive,’ she said. ‘But you might not need to interfere with the brain directly.’ Time distortion, for instance, is already a technique used in interrogation, where people are exposed to constant light, or unusual light changes, so that they can’t tell what time of day it is. Another scenario being explored by the group is uploading the criminal's mind to a digital realm to speed up the 1,000 year sentence. ‘As the technology required to scan and map human brain processes improves, some believe it will one day be possible to upload human minds on to computers,’ Dr Roache said. This means that with sufficient computer power, it would be possible to speed up the rate at which an uploaded mind runs. Prison firms could also soon develop drugs that make time pass slowly, making an inmate¿s sentence feel like an eternity . Similarly, uploading the mind of a convicted criminal and running it a million times faster than normal would enable the uploaded criminal to serve a 1,000 year sentence in eight-and-a-half hours. ‘This would, obviously, be much cheaper for the taxpayer than extending criminals’ lifespans to enable them to serve 1,000 years in real time,’ said Dr Roache. If these technologies are developed, one crime that could ever justify eternal imprisonment was something that would endanger mankind. ‘Suppose there was some physics experiment that stood a decent chance of generating a black hole that could destroy the planet and all future generations,’ said Dr Roache. 'If someone deliberately set up an experiment like that, I could see that being the kind of supercrime that would justify an eternal sentence.’ | This is the scenario being explored by researchers at Oxford University . They claim life extension tech could mean prisoners serve longer sentences . Philosopher Dr Rebecca Roache also writes in her blog that a time distortion pill could make people feel like they were in prison longer . Another scenario the group looked at was uploading mind to a digital realm . Running it a million times faster than normal would enable the uploaded criminal to serve a 1,000 year sentence in eight-and-a-half hours . | 9614b1b6b9c8d3dadc19908dcbfbdddd62ed2346 |
(CNN) -- Flat racing has Royal Ascot; tennis has Wimbledon; football has the FA Cup. But for fans of National Hunt racing -- a grueling form of the sport which combines speed, stamina and accuracy over a course of at least two miles with an array of imposing jumps -- there is no meeting like the Cheltenham Festival. Although jumps racing carries a lower social status than flat racing in the United Kingdom, its following is arguably bigger. What is unarguable is that its fans are as passionate, its jockeys as skilled and its horses as brave as any to be found in the Epsom Derby or Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. This year's meeting had been menaced by inclement weather, which threatened to turn the Gloucestershire course into a mud bath. As if on cue, by the first day of the festival on Tuesday, the flood waters which had engulfed much of the west of England for the past month receded and a distinct flavor of spring was in the air. But despite the blue skies overhead, the event is taking place under a cloud. Racing is emerging from an "annus horribilis," following a doping scandal at one of its largest training operations, Godolphin. Although the glossy version of the sport as practiced by Sheikh Mohammed's flat racing empire may seem like a distant cousin to the earthier winter form, racing's other code has not emerged unscathed. One of the fancied runners in Friday's Gold Cup -- the highlight of the festival and the most prestigious jumps race in the British racing calendar -- is trained by a man who has been charged with possession of anabolic steroids and who is due in court next week. Last Instalment is one of three runners fielded by Philip Fenton, who faces eight charges of possessing banned animal remedies which were found by the Irish Department of Agriculture in 2012. All three of his Cheltenham entries have been cleared to run by the British Horseracing Authority, after blood and hair samples found they have been "clean" for at least the past 12 months. But should Last Instalment or any of Fenton's other runners win this week, it will be publicity the sport can scarcely afford. Nevertheless, even these lingering storm clouds could not dampen the famous Cheltenham roar, the battle cry which goes up amid a flurry of fur and tweed to mark the beginning of jumps racing's biggest week. Nor, even, could the injury-enforced absence of two of jumps racing's brightest stars -- the imperious Sprinter Sacre and the plucky Cue Card. Accents from both sides of the Irish Sea can be heard at Cheltenham. National Hunt racing originated in Ireland in the 18th century and the Irish remain devoted to this form of the sport. As such, the Cheltenham Festival is famed for the rivalry between Britain and Ireland. This year, that rivalry is being formally recognized with the newly-commissioned Prestbury Cup, to be awarded to the country with the most winners and named after the first Cheltenham Festival, organized in 1902 at Prestbury Park racecourse. On this occasion it was first blood to Ireland as Vautour and Ruby Walsh teamed up to give trainer Willie Mullins a decisive victory in the opening Supreme Novices' Hurdle. "We knew he was a good horse but I wasn't quite expecting that," Mullins told reporters. "He was a bit free over the first couple of hurdles but once he relaxed a bit and Ruby had accepted that he wanted to get on with it, he let him gallop and use his stride. Next thing you know, he was on a different set of rails to the other horses!" The same combination nearly struck gold again moments later with Champagne Fever in the Arkle Challenge Trophy but were pipped on the line by David Pipe's 33-1 shot Western Warhorse, ridden by Tom Scudamore. "I'm surprised, relieved and very happy to have a winner," said Pipe. "Tom gave him a canny ride. You could sense Tom felt he was more than a 33-1 shot and had a bit of a chance. It's great to have a winner here because it is so hard." In the day's feature race, the Champion Hurdle, 9-1 shot Jezki led home a memorable one-two for leading owner J P McManus, edging out My Tent Or Yours, ridden by man of the hour AP McCoy. "It's fantastic and a great to be in this position," trainer Jessica Harrington told reporters after watching Barry Geraghty ride her horse home to victory. "He's a great favorite of mine and Barry has a great record on him." The race however was marred by a fatal injury to Our Conor, which had to be put down after falling. Owner Barry Connell told reporters: "It's is very sad, as he was such a young horse at the beginning of his career. "He had already shown what enormous potential he had. "It is unusual for him, as jumping has been his forte and it was such a surprise to see him come down." Meanwhile, former England football star Michael Owen has already made a successful transition to leading racehorse owner -- he has even had a winner at Royal Ascot -- but perhaps his latest reinvention should be as tipster. On the opening day of Cheltenham, Owen tipped three winners in a row -- Holywell in the opening handicap, Jezki in the Champion Hurdle and Quevega, who won the Mares' Hurdle for a sixth successive year, making her the most successful horse in festival history. All eyes will surely be on Owen's tips when the second day of the meeting gets underway on Wednesday. | Cheltenham Festival began in England Tuesday . Vautour earns Supreme Novices' Hurdle success . Western Warhorse wins Arkle Challenge Trophy, Jezki takes Champions Hurdle . Michael Owen claims three successful winners . | a6b6b2e13e96c1d0f7eae04990758679ed14b02b |
By . Amanda Williams . Harrison Ford may have to be filmed from the waist up after breaking his ankle on the set of Star Wars: Episode VII . Harrison Ford may have to be filmed from the waist up after breaking his ankle on the set of Star Wars: Episode VII. The 71-year-old suffered the break last Thursday after one of the hydraulic doors of the spacecraft Millennium Falcon fell on him and he had to be airlifted to the trauma unit at John . Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. It . is thought that as well as fracturing his ankle, he may also have . suffered further injuries to his chest and pelvis – although he is said . to be awaiting results of further tests to confirm the extent of any . damage. His son, Ben, has said that his father could need a plate and screws put into his ankle, the Times reports. He also said that film crews may need to rearrange scenes in order to show the actor from the . waist up over the coming weeks, or else reschedule filming. The news . comes after his wife, Calista Flockhart, best known for her starring role . in sitcom Ally McBeal, confirmed she had flown from the US to be at her . husband’s bedside. Reprising his buccaneering role . from the early films for Star Wars: Episode VII, it is believed Ford . was about to start a scene involving the 111ft vehicle when the incident . occurred. A source told The Mirror: 'The initial day or two after the . accident it was hard to move things around but now we have had more time . we can juggle things, bring some scenes forward and push others back. Scene: The actor was filming at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire (pictured) when a hydraulic door fell and hit him . Culprit? Ford injured himself on a prop Millennium Falcon, the spacecraft piloted by Ford's Han Solo character . 'There are lots of other actors in the movie so it is not a disaster. We . are confident the film can stay on schedule. 'At the moment it looks like Harrison is going to be off set for 6-8 weeks but the main priority is making sure he is OK.' A Lucasfilm spokesman earlier confirmed . shooting on the £200million film, which is due to be released in December next year, . had resumed following the accident. Star Wars: Episode VII, which is being directed by JJ Abrams, began filming in Abu Dhabi in mid-May. The action is set 35 years after the last film they all appeared in together - 1983’s Return of the Jedi. Claista Flockhart (right) is said to be in Oxford where her husband is still in hospital after being crushed by the door of the Millennium Falcon . | The 71-year-old fractured ankle after Millennium Falcon door crushed him . Star may also have suffered chest and pelvic injuries at Pinewood Studios . Wife Calista Flockhart by his bedside at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford . Son Ben said filming to be rescheduled to only film Ford above his waist . | c0768c240f64d169759cfe137cda61a8f52a9c86 |
A U.S. federal judge overturned the NFL's suspension of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson on Thursday, saying an arbitrator exceeded his authority in upholding the ban. U.S. district judge David Doty reinstated Peterson following his appeal of a suspension that was imposed last September when the star rusher faced charges of causing reckless or negligent injury to a child. Peterson was banned indefinitely, and at least through April 15, after pleading no contest last November to a misdemeanor charge for whipping his four-year-old son with a tree branch. Scroll down for video . Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's NFL suspension was overturned on Thursday by a U.S. federal judge, saying an arbitrator exceeded his authority in upholding the ban (file photo) Adrian Peterson was suspended indefinitely, at least through April 15, after he disciplined his four-year-old son with a tree branch, leaving cuts, welts and bruises across his legs (pictured) NFL-appointed arbitrator Harold Henderson upheld the sanction in December, saying the ban was allowed under tougher sanctions for players involved in domestic violence imposed by the league in August in the wake of an incident involving Baltimore running back Ray Rice knocking his then-fiancee unconscious in an Atlantic City casino elevator. But the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) appealed that ruling, saying the incident last May came before the new rules and punishment by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could not be retroactively applied so Peterson should have been banned for no more than two games under prior policy. 'The NFL responds that Henderson, after a "careful review" of the policy and new policy, correctly determined the commissioner had "broad discretion" under the collective bargaining agreement to impose the enhanced discipline set forth in the new policy. The court disagrees,' Doty wrote. Henderson 'simply disregarded the law of the shop and in doing so failed to meet his duty' under the collective bargaining agreement, Doty added in his 16-page ruling. The NFL says it will review the decision. It could seek a court injunction to prevent Peterson's reinstatement. 'This is a victory for the rule of law, due process and fairness,' NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said. 'Our collective bargaining agreement has rules for implementation of the personal conduct policy and when those rules are violated, our union always stands up to protect our players' rights.' The NFL can review the federal court's decision. The organization could seek a court ruling to overturn Peterson's reinstatement (pictured on the field in December 2013) Peterson, a 29-year-old Texan, has run for 10,190 yards and 86 touchdowns since joining the NFL, having played only for the Vikings since his league debut in 2007. In 2012, Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards, finishing nine yards shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's all-time record for running yardage in a single NFL season. The Vikings must now decide whether to keep Peterson or trade him. He is set to make $12.75million next season. While team officials have said they want Peterson back, he has questioned their commitment in the wake of the suspension controversy. CBS Sports and ESPN reported that an angry confrontation between Peterson's agent, Ben Dogra and Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski took place at last week's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, with Dogra reportedly saying Peterson would never play for the Vikings again. | Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson's suspension was overturned on Thursday by a U.S. federal judge . Judge said NFL-appointed arbitrator exceeded authority in upholding ban . Peterson was banned after pleading no contest last November to a misdemeanor charge for whipping his four-year-old son with a tree branch . NFL will review the decision and could seek a court injunction to prevent Peterson's reinstatement . | 532a60199b5647e5838025550b0200215f18098e |
A Belgian student travelled more than 5,000 miles to Austin, Texas, to meet a stranger who Facebook suggested he make friends with. Victor Van Rossem, 24, was curious when Neal D Retke, 49, popped up as a 'suggested friend' on his Facebook feed because they had no obvious connection aside from one mutual acquaintance. But after browsing through Mr Retke's pictures, Mr Van Rossem, from Ghent in Belgium, became intrigued by the artist's eclectic interests. Have you seen this man? The poster which Belgian student Victor Van Rossem, 24, placed all over Austin, Texas in an attempt to find Neal D Retke, a stranger whom Facebook suggested he should befriend. 'Facebook suggested we become friends, and I thought that was pretty absurd,' Mr Van Rossem said. 'I became fascinated by him. He had a long beard and looked a little unusual. He did art performances and paintings of mythical creatures and strange beasts which only made me more interested in him. 'He looked like someone I wanted to meet - a very eccentric person.' So when Mr Retke, of Texas, failed to respond to him on Facebook, Mr Van Rossem decided to make the 5,000-mile trip to ask him in person if they could be friends. 'These days you can be friends with anyone anywhere just by clicking that friend request button. I wanted to take it back to the real world,' Mr Retke said. Search: Mr Van Rossem during the search for Mr Retke, filming one of their posters pinned up around Austin . Best of Facebook friends: Mr Van Rossem, Mr Van Bree and Mr Retke, who they finally met at a book signing . Mr Van Rossem set off with his friend, Bran Van Bree, 27, who took a video camera to document the adventure. They spent a week searching for Mr Retke, scouring the city of Austin by putting posters up on every street and asking passers-by if they knew him. They even wore t-shirts carrying the slogan 'Neal D Retke for President!' in the hope they would help them find him. Mr Van Rossem, said: 'At first we thought our chances of finding him were very slim, but then we visited some places in Austin that we knew he liked to go - and we eventually found someone who knew him.' That contact suggested looking for Mr Retke at a book signing. There Mr Van Rossem finally came face-to-face with the stranger to whom Facebook was so keen to introduce him. 'We were nervous when we first saw him,' said Mr Van Rossem . 'We didn't know how he would react - but after we explained the whole thing he just laughed and said "well, you found me" as if he was expecting us.' Eccentric: One of Mr Retke's Facebook pictures, standing next to a tree with a cartoon face, which persuaded Mr Van Rossem that Facebook's algorithms were right and they should indeed become friends . Fun times: in the end Mr Van Rossem and Mr Van Bree spent three weeks in Austin getting to know Mr Retke . Facebook's algorithms were vindicated as Mr Van Rossem and Mr Van Bree spent three enjoyable weeks with Mr Retke. Mr Van Rossem said: 'We had a lot of fun with Neal, and I consider him a real friend. We're still in touch through Facebook, and he might be coming to visit us next summer. Mr Van Rossem and Mr Van Bree's short documentary can watched on Vimeo. | Victor Van Rossem was intrigued at the suggestion he befriend Neal Retke . After looking at the artist's pictures decided add him as a Facebook friend . But after Mr Retke failed to respond the student travelled to find him . He and a friend tracked down Mr Retke and spent three weeks with him . | 1e90afde5122bded5e1dbb374fd83275094b9629 |
Harrowing tales: A diary has been recovered which belonged to Hilter confidant Alfred Rosenberg . A long-lost diary belonging to a confidant of Adolf Hitler has been recovered, it was revealed today. The 400 pages belonged to Alfred Rosenberg, a high-ranking Nazi who played a central role in the extermination of millions of Jews and others during World War Two. A preliminary government assessment says that the diary could offer new insight into meetings Rosenberg had with Hitler and other top Nazi leaders, including Heinrich Himmler and Herman Goering. It also includes details about the . German occupation of the Soviet Union, including plans for mass killings . of Jews and other Eastern Europeans. 'The . documentation is of considerable importance for the study of the Nazi . era, including the history of the Holocaust,' according to the . assessment, prepared by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in . Washington. 'A . cursory content analysis indicates that the material sheds new light on a . number of important issues relating to the Third Reich's policy. 'The . diary will be an important source of information to historians that . complements, and in part contradicts, already known documentation.' How . the writings of Rosenberg, a Nazi Reich minister who was convicted at . Nuremberg and hanged in 1946, might contradict what historians believe . to be true is unclear. Further . details about the diary's contents could not be learned, and a U.S. government official stressed that the museum's analysis remains . preliminary. But the diary does include details about tensions within the German high-command - in particular, the crisis caused by the flight of Rudolf Hess to Britain in 1941, and the looting of art throughout Europe, according to the preliminary analysis. The recovery is expected to be announced this week at a news conference in Delaware held jointly by officials from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Justice and Holocaust museum. Evil workings: Reichsleader Alfred Rosenberg (left) and Reichsminister Dr Henrich Lammers with Adolf Hitler . The diary offers a loose collection of Rosenberg's recollections from spring 1936 to winter 1944, according to the museum's analysis. Most entries are written in Rosenberg's looping cursive, some on paper torn from a ledger book and others on the back of official Nazi stationery, the analysis said. Rosenberg was an early and powerful Nazi ideologue, particularly on racial issues. He directed the Nazi party's foreign affairs department and edited the Nazi newspaper. Several of his memos to Hitler were cited as evidence during the post-war Nuremberg trials. Rosenberg also directed the systematic Nazi looting of Jewish art, cultural and religious property throughout Europe. The Nazi unit created to seize such artifacts was called Task Force Reichsleiter Rosenberg. He was convicted of crimes against humanity and was one of a dozen senior Nazi officials executed in October 1946. His diary, once held by Nuremberg prosecutors as evidence, vanished after the trial. A Nuremberg prosecutor, Robert Kempner, was long suspected by U.S. officials of smuggling the diary back to the United States. Defeated: War criminals of the Nazi regime (left to right) Hermann Göring, Alfred Rosenberg, Baldur von Schirach and Karl Dönitz sit at a wooden table with metal plates and pieces of bread during the Nuremberg Trials in 1946 . Born in Germany, Kempner had fled to America in the 1930s to escape the Nazis, only to return for post-war trials. He is credited with helping reveal the existence of the Wannsee Protocol, the 1942 conference during which Nazi officials met to coordinate the genocide against the Jews, which they termed 'The Final Solution'. Kempner cited a few Rosenberg diary excerpts in his memoir, and in 1956 a German historian published entries from 1939 and 1940. But the bulk of the diary never surfaced. Part of history: Robert M. W. Kempner, a Nuremberg prosecutor, was long suspected by U.S. officials of smuggling Rosenberg's diary out of Germany after the Nazi trials . When Kempner died in 1993 at age 93, legal disputes about his papers raged for nearly a decade between his children, his former secretary, a local debris removal contractor and the Holocaust museum. The children agreed to give their father's papers to the Holocaust museum, but when officials arrived to retrieve them from his home in 1999, they discovered that many thousands of pages were missing. After the 1999 incident, the FBI opened a criminal investigation into the missing documents. No charges were filed in the case. Reign of terror: Hitler and his retinue, including Rosenberg, on the Koniglichen Platz in Munich . But the Holocaust museum has gone on to recover more than 150,000 documents, including a trove held by Kempner's former secretary, who by then had moved into the New York state home of an academic named Herbert Richardson. The Rosenberg diary, however, remained missing. Early this year, the Holocaust museum and an agent from Homeland Security Investigation tried to locate the missing diary pages. They tracked the diary to Richardson, who was living near Buffalo. Richardson declined to comment. A government official said more details will be announced at the news conference. | 400 pages written by Alfred Rosenberg, a leading Nazi who played a central role in the extermination of millions of Jews and others . Diary includes details about tensions within the German high-command . | 00679e502f744db997e4a0047aa3e2c91ae2d874 |
The mother of a 12-year-old girl killed by a teenage boy told a judge today: 'I am living every parents' worst nightmare'. Jennifer Cornwall, condemned the 17-year sentence handed down to the boy who ended her daughter, Autumn's, life, as 'a gift he did not deserve' and said: 'I hope the defendant is haunted by her memory for the rest of his life'. Justin Robinson, 16, had pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter last month, and admitted strangling the Clayton Middle School student to death in October last year. Off to jail: Justin Robinson, who pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in the death of Autumn Pasquale, leaves the courtroom after being sentenced to 17 years in prison . Autumn Pasquale was brutally murdered in October in her hometown of Clayton, New Jersey, . Clues: Justin Robinson 'liked' the Facebook page set up to find Autumn despite knowing she was already dead . He apologized to the family and said, 'This was not supposed to happen,' as he called the killing a 'mistake.' The New Jersey teenager had lured Autumn to his home with an offer to trade bicycle parts. Prosecutors faced difficulties during the trial including a lack of . physical evidence to determine whether he or his brother Dante Robinson, then 17, . killed Autumn and they struggled for provide a motive for the killing.. The teenager will now spend the next half . of his life in prison for the crime, however he will be eligible for parole after 14½ years. 'I'm sorry. I never meant for this to happen,' he told Judge Walter Marshall. 'This was all a big mistake.' Relatives of the girl did not see it . that way, and some wanted the judge to issue a tougher sentence than the . one agreed to in a plea agreement. More than 8,500 people signed an . online petition at change.org demanding a stiffer term, but Superior . Court Judge Walter Marshall Jr. in Gloucester County accepted a plea . deal agreement and the sentence of 17 years. During Thursday's sentencing, family . and friends of Autumn — many who were hoping for a harsher sentence — . packed one side of the courtroom. Autumn's parents spoke of their pain since losing their daughter. Addressing the court, Autumn . Pasquale's father Anthony said that Robinson's sentence was not nearly . long enough and called him a 'murderer who does not deserve to live. 'I believe the defendant deserves . more than 17 years,' said Mr Pasquale, who as a mail carrier had . delivered letters to Robinson's family in Clayton, where the families . of the victim and her killer had deep roots. 'I believe his fate should . be nothing but death.' When he pleaded guilty, Justin . Robinson said he acted alone. During a sentencing proceeding, neither . he, his lawyers, nor prosecutors shed light on a motive for the killing, . or even what happened beyond what was already known: Pasquale went to . his house several blocks from hers after receiving a Facebook offer to . trade bike parts on Oct. 20. When she didn't return home that night, her . family, then the entire community, set off in a frantic search. Two . days later, her body was found in a recycling bin behind the home next . to Robinson's. A break in the case for investigators . came when the boy's mother, Anita Saunders, called police after seeing . something troubling in a Facebook post from one of her sons. Speaking briefly during the . sentencing, Saunders told the judge that media accounts of what happened . were incorrect. 'Nobody knows exactly what happened the day of the . accident,' she said. Emotional: Jennifer Cornwell, mother of slain child Autumn Pasquale, leaves the courtroom table after making a statement about her daughter during the sentencing of Justin Robinson . Robinson's lawyer, Jean Faulkner, . told the judge that the boy had post-traumatic stress disorder from . being physically abused as a young boy and seeing his father strangle . his mother more than once. 'This is a learned behavior,' Faulkner said. Pasquale's family told the judge . about Autumn, whom they described as a loving tomboy who wore . mismatched socks and loved to ride her BMX bike. They talked about how her . disappearance and death touched the town, located 25 miles southeast of . Philadelphia. Her old soccer team, once known as the Clayton Comets, is . now Autumn's Angels; her jersey number, 14, has been retired from the . Clayton Middle School sports teams; a bike path and a park are now named . for her. And they told the judge how members . of the family, including her siblings and young cousins, are in therapy . and dealing with nightmares about her death. 'When I see the blue recycling bins . out, I cry to think Autumn's innocent life was so easily discarded like a . piece of trash,' said the girl's maternal grandmother, Mary Pasquale, . who had taught Justin Robinson in school. A slide show of pictures of Autumn were projected onto a screen in the courtroom. About a dozen family members recalled her as happy, lively young girl who made others laugh. Upset: Anthony Pasquale, father of slain child Autumn Pasquale spoke in court saying her killer Justin Robinson did not deserve to live . Autumn Pasquale's body was found in a recycling bin on an abandoned property next door to Justin's brother's Donte's home. She was found just days after she went missing in October and the brothers were arrested within hours of her body being located. Police . believe the teens lured 12-year-old 'tomboy' Autumn to their home under . the pretense of trading bike parts and killed her. Autumn . was promised parts for her bike by the two, authorities said, but the . teenagers were really plotting to steal parts from her model. The . house was a place where teens frequently hung out and had parties, some . neighbors said, and one of the brothers often bought and sold BMX . bicycle parts, the teenagers said. Eventually, the boys' own mother turned them in when she noticed a suspicious posting on one of her son's Facebook pages . An . autopsy concluded Autumn had died from 'blunt force trauma, consistent . with strangulation'. She was also beaten. There was no evidence of . sexual assault. The boys themselves were in plain sight . at points in the intense search for Autumn. Several people in town said . they saw them both at the vigil held on Monday night in hopes that she . would be found while allegedly knowing exactly where she was. Guilty: Justin (pictured left) will now spend the next half of his life behind bars. He plead guilty in August to choking Autumn last year. His brother Donte Robinson (pictured right) has also been charged with the murder . Innocent: Autumn went round to the brothers house to trade BMX bike parts. Instead, they killed her . Autumn's . disappearance in October brought together the southern New Jersey town . where she lived and - briefly - reunited her parents who had been . separated since 2002. Though the parents legally had joint custody, Autumn and her siblings spent most of their time living with their father. While Donte’s charges are still pending in juvenile court, Justin Robinson admitted last month to being the sole person responsible for luring Autumn to his house and strangling her to death. Judge Walter Marshall recommended Robinson start his sentence in a youth corrections facility with the state. Marshall also described the crime as a 'particularly cruel manner of death' which was something he weighed heavily in his decision. Devastated: Autumn's mother and father, Anthony Pasquale and Jennifer Cornwell, said their daughter was treated 'like a piece of trash' Life cut short: Authorities found some of Autumn¿s belongings in the teens' house including the white BMX bike she was last seen riding when she left her West High Street home in the New Jersey town . Death wish: Autumn Pasquale's mother Jennifer Cornwell and father Anthony Pasquale say they wish her murderers could be given the death penalty . The Robinson boys' mother also spoke briefly during the hearing. 'Nobody knows what happened the day . of the accident,' she said, as the audience booed audibly. 'The accident . has been mischaracterized.'She added that she knows her son is 'filled with remorse.' Outside . the courthouse, a crowd of protesters gathered as they waited for word . on the judge's decision. Prosecutors agreed to allow Robinson . to plea to aggravated manslaughter rather than murder because of challenges . with the case. Because of his age and a developmental disability, it was . not a sure thing that he would be moved to adult court. If he had been . convicted of murder in juvenile court, he could have had a chance of . parole in less than seven years. Justin's brother Donte will be tried in a juvenile court later this year. Grim discovery: Gloucester County prosecutors found the body of Autumn Pasquale in a bin just blocks from her house . OCTOBER 20, 2012: Autumn Pasquale, who was a week away from her 13th birthday, was last seen riding her BMX bicycle, leaving her home in Clayton, New Jersey. Authorities – from the Gloucester County police to the FBI – joined the search. Her father, Tony Pasquale, told NBC News at the time that the disappearance was ‘not like her'. OCTOBER 21: Hundreds of people gathered at a local church to hand out flyers and form search parties for the freckled blonde. OCTOBER 22: Hundreds more join search efforts for Autumn, spanning into Delaware and New York. After sunset, worried friends and family held a candlelit vigil to pray for her safe return. Not long after the vigil ended, authorities said that they discovered her 5ft2in body dumped in a recycling container five blocks from her home. OCTOBER 23: A press conference was held in the afternoon to say that two brothers, aged 15 and 17, had been arrested for Autumn’s murder. Authorities also said that the brother’s mother, spotting a suspicious post on Facebook, turned them into police. AUGUST 7, 2013: Justin Robinson, 16, pleads guilty to aggravated manslaughter. SEPTEMBER 12, 2013: Justin Robinson, now 17, sentenced to 17 years in jail. He won't be eligible for parole until he has served 85 per cent of his sentence in 2030. | Justin Robinson sentenced to 17 years in prison for Autumn Pasquale's death . Robinson will be eligible for parole in 14½ years . Justin and his brother Donte attacked her for her BMX parts last year . | 9417b6af27fa1072e63597403016a4e7780894c0 |
By . Jennifer Newton . A literary magazine launched a scathing Twitter attack on the CIA for its alleged use of 'torture' techniques just hours after the agency launched its first official account. The organisation sent its first tweet on Friday with a humorous post saying 'We can neither confirm nor deny that this is our first tweet.' But two hours later the official Twitter account of the New York Review of Books posted a succession of nine tweets taking the agency to task on accusations that they use controversial interrogation techniques. The New York Review of Books sent their first tweet, bottom post, just two hours after the CIA set up their official Twitter account . The first tweet, which was directed at the agency's twitter handle @CIA linked to a blog post on their website from earlier this year by David Cole, which discusses the CIA's alleged interference with a Senate torture investigation. What followed was then a barrage of eight posts fired off in quick succession linking to a 2007 report by the International Committee of the Red Cross, . The report was on the 'Treatment of Fourteen ‘High Value Detainees’ in CIA Custody', which came to light in 2009 in a New York Review of Books article by Mark Danner. The magazine's account continued to send the tweets in quick succession, linking to a report about the CIA's alleged use of torture . But despite their persistence, the CIA did not reply to any of the tweets, which take aim at the agency's alleged controversial history. The CIA launched the social media account on Friday and even though they were hesitant to reveal their identity, Twitter did it for them by verifying their account. The infamously secretive organisation then let hundreds of thousands into the fold at an astonishing rate. About 30 minutes after the account went live, they had 26,900 followers; that number doubled in the next 10 minutes and it continued to rise ever since. A total of nine tweets aimed at the CIA were sent but the intelligence agency did not reply to any of them . Robert B. Silvers, the editor of the New York Review of Books, which took the CIA to task on Twitter . They are currently sitting at 582,000 followers even though they have only sent three tweets. The social media account is just the latest attempt by the federal government to improve transparency within the nation's intelligence programmes. Their practices came under severe scrutiny last summer when consultant Edward Snowden leaked thousands of documents proving that the NSA was running a massive phone and email surveillance programme. The CIA launched their Twitter account on Friday as part of a government-wide effort to be more transparent . The White House approved the launch of a Tumblr called IC (Intelligence Community) On The Record last August as the first step in winning back some public support. That site, and the associated Twitter account, has been used to release documents and statements pertaining to news matters when they occur. Most recently, the NSA used IC On The Record to release the only email they claim to have from Edward Snowden, which theoretically contradicts a claim he made in a televised interview. | Magazines posts nine tweets in quick succession after CIA account appeared . Tweets link back to previous articles accusing agency of using 'torture' Posts were made just two hours after CIA sent its first official tweet . Intelligence agency hasn't replied to the posts, having only tweeted 3 times . Since launching on Friday they now have almost 600,000 followers . | 3968f03245b31935217ec25b3411af394b41e484 |
By . Annabel Fenwick Elliott . A woman who was hired to trawl online dating portals for thin, white, Jewish brunettes for a 'successful entrepreneur', has opened up about her experience. Meredith Haggerty, a New York-based writer, scored her unusual job from the man, known only as Josh, after he posted a Craigslist ad seeking an 'online dating surrogate'. She herself was required to be 'pretty, thin and educated', much like the women he was hoping to date. 'Josh's standards for a potential date were strict', writes Ms Haggerty for The Date Report, remarking that although his feedback on her picks was relatively limited, he did point out the undesirable women who 'just can’t squeeze into the slender category.' Dating surrogate: Meredith Haggerty (pictured) took on the job of finding slim, smart, 'white' women online for a mystery 'successful entrepreneur' who claimed he was too busy to hunt for himself . The true identity of Josh, who paid Ms Haggerty $100 a week for roughly seven hours of work, remains hidden. But based on her research and the man’s address, she suspects him to be a married father and the founder of a small Manhattan company. Ms Haggerty’s role was to scout Match.com for suitable women, and five times a week, to send Josh a carefully curated PDF containing the profile photos of ten women he might like to get in touch with. She created a fake profile, 'JackAndCokeUWS' to kick off her search, describing her fictional creation as a cringe-inducing 'blonde, athletic, never married, cigar aficionado', seeking 'a cook in the kitchen, bro in the bleachers, and freak in the sheets.' Josh's ad: The mystery man posted this ad (pictured) in which he is seeking a 'pretty, thin, educated female in her 20s or 30s' to manage his online dating life, paying $100 a week . To her surprise, the fake profile she created for Josh attracted women in droves: 'The first day I browsed for hours, marveling at how accomplished, pretty and serene the 30-something brunettes of New York appeared to be. 'Their careers, their international vacations, their shiny hair. I found a formidable army of women and stored them away.' 'As unsure as I was about if it was demoralizing to womankind, I was positive it was demoralizing to me' Ms Haggerty, who Josh deigned 'had a good eye', wrestled with her conscience over leading these women into the potential arms of this 'rich a**hole', as she describes him. Ultimately however, she decided that these were evidently smart women who could probably 'look after themselves.' Meredith's response: Ms Haggerty replied to Josh's Craigslist ad with this email (pictured) which scored her the job - a role she ultimately found 'demoralizing' Over time, Ms Haggerty found herself getting jaded. The mystery Josh's brash demeanor was clearly rubbing off on her, and in her emails to him, she went from referring to the women as 'nice ladies' to 'this batch.' Ms Haggerty's one clue as to the true identity of Josh was in the return address on the envelope in which he sent her a check for her work. She Googled the address and floor number and came across a small company run by three 'smiling founders'. One was apparently 'a forty-something man named Josh'. His short bio read that Josh 'valued the happiness of his wife and kids', writes Ms Haggerty, adding that she still 'couldn't be sure' that he had the right man. 'I worried about these women and this rich married man, these unequal relationships burdened by his wealth and secrets' She describes picturing the women she had linked this potentially married man with, writing: 'I saw them on their first date, their second and their third, exchanging little gifts and sharing expensive dinners. I worried about these women and this rich married man, these unequal relationships burdened by his wealth and secrets.' Ms Haggerty never discovers what became of Josh's dating endeavors, except for mentioning one woman who was 'for certain... making herself subject to Josh's fortune.' Ultimately, with her social experiment under her belt, Ms Haggerty quit, citing: 'As unsure as I was about if it was demoralizing to womankind, I was positive it was demoralizing to me.' | Writer Meredith Haggerty was hired by an anonymous 'successful entrepreneur' to be his 'dating surrogate' For $100 per week, she hunted Match.com for suitable women . Having researched the man in question, she suspects him to be a married father . | 225d86cc3583344b81e73ba0505bcc3e2ef03604 |
By . Andy Dolan . Abbi Kinsella, 54, dressed in her witch costume, before she stole tens of thousands from her mother . For a woman convicted of swindling her own elderly mother out her £100,000 life savings, it is a somewhat appropriate outfit. Posing as a wicked witch, Abbi Kinsella is pictured ahead of a fancy dress party in the snap uploaded to Facebook two years ago. Kinsella now faces jail after a jury took just 20 minutes to convict her of stealing the cash from her 88-year-old mother, Margaret Bowyer, who suffers from dementia. The court heard the pensioner ended up ‘on the street and penniless’ after Kinsella, 54, used £34,000 of the money to feed her online bingo habit and had also holidayed in the exclusive resort of St Tropez in the South of France. Kinsella, whose home has a sign outside featuring a black plastic crow above the warning: ‘Beware of the witch’, also used £200 of her mother’s money on a Sky TV subscription, the court heard. Prosecutor Andrew Wallace said Mrs Bowyer moved in to a rented home next door to her duplicitous daughter in Tamworth Staffordshire, after selling her own property in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, and banking the money from the sale. But over the next three years, more than £61,000 was transferred from Mrs Bowyer’s bank account to Kinsella’s, and in addition there were 244 cash withdrawals totalling more than £38,000. After plundering the account, Kinsella cancelled her mother’s rent and direct debit payments in April 2011. As a result, the pensioner, who was too ill to give evidence, was eventually evicted from her rented home in November 2012, Stafford Crown Court was told. The home (centre with car on drive) of Kinsella in Fazeley, near Tamworth, Staffordshire . Mr Wallace said Kinsella had ‘totally abused her position as Mrs Bowyer’s daughter...thrown her mother out on the street, penniless, and then lied about it. ‘She has taken advantage of an old lady. While she was supposed to be looking after her mother...she’s been funding her bingo habit. She has fleeced her mother.’ Social services referred Mrs Bowyer’s case to the police in November 2012 and her daughter was arrested a month later. When questioned, Kinsella said she had stopped rent payments going out of the account in April 2011 because the owner of the property owed them some money for ‘doing the back garden’. The somewhat appropriate sign nailed to the house of Abbi Kinsella, who caused her mother to be evicted due to continued theft . She said she had restarted rent payments in cash, but hadn’t got any receipts for it. Kinsella, a one-time Avon lady now said by neighbours to work at Birmingham Airport, claimed she had given the money transferred back to Mrs Bowyer ‘in cash’. She denied using the money for her own gain, but when asked if she knew what her mother had done with £212 a week, Kinsella said ‘No’. The prosecutor at Kinsella's trial argued how she had 'abused' her position and had 'thrown her mother out on the street' Kinsella denied four charges of theft from her mother, who was too ill to give evidence, but admitted one offence of fraud. Following the jury’s verdict on Monday, Judge Mark Eades told her: ‘I don’t want you to be under any illusions, you should prepare yourself for a custodial sentence.’ Kinsella was remanded on bail and will be sentenced after a pre-sentence report has been prepared. Detective Constable Mark Woodings, the officer who carried out the investigation for Staffordshire Police, said: ‘The victim is an extremely vulnerable elderly lady. ‘When she became unable to manage her own financial affairs due to the onset of dementia, the family entrusted Kinsella to look after her interests and welfare. ‘Kinsella went on to abuse that trust in a most heartless and callous way, stealing every penny of her mother’s life savings. ‘She systematically and repeatedly helped herself to more than £100,000 in order to feed a gambling habit and to live a life beyond her means. ‘Her actions have left a proud lady homeless, penniless and in debt for the first time in her life.’ Mrs Bowyer is now thought to be living in a care home in Tamworth.’ There was no sign of divorced Kinsella at the modern three-bedroom terrace she shares with partner John Causer, 53, a building worker, in Tamworth. Neighbours said the couple regularly held fancy dress parties and said Kinsella had been known to dress up as a witch. It is an image she appears to revel in -a sign outside her house features a black plastic crow above the warning: ‘Beware of the witch’. | Abbi Kinsella, 54 has been convicted for stealing £100,000 from her mother . Kinsella, from Tamworth, Staffordshire, used the money to feed gambling . Also used the money to go on luxury holidays to the south of France . Caused her mother to be 'thrown out on the street, peniless' | 10a1889353443f4b874d79daa8020e671f5eb32c |
By . Kerry Mcqueeney . PUBLISHED: . 12:51 EST, 29 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:52 EST, 29 April 2012 . She wed her toyboy husband six months ago. And today it was obvious Spain's Duchess of Alba and her younger, dashing husband were still very much enjoying married life as they stepped out for a lunch date in Paris. The eccentric billionairess, 85, held hands with her 61-year-old toyboy as they strolled the streets of the French capital. Love's young dream: The eccentric Duchess stepped out with her younger husband Alfonzo Diez in Paris . Sheltering from the rain: The quirky billionairess shielded her all-in-blue ensemble - which included eye liner, dress, stockings and shoes - under an umbrella . Dressed head to toe in several different shades of blue - which included a hairpiece, shoes, dress and stockings - the quirky duchess clung to her husband's arm as they browsed a book shop. The couple married in a flamboyant . ceremony last October; the bride, an eccentric billionaire with more . titles than Queen Elizabeth II while her groom was a mere civil servant young . enough to be her son. But despite the objections of her six . children - and plenty of public controversy - Spain’s colourful Duchess . of Alba wed Alfonso Diez at her 15th century palace in Seville. The famously flamboyant Cayetana . Fitz-James Stuart wore a delicate pale pink gown designed by Victorio y . Lucchino for her third marriage, which took place in front of 38 guests. Well-wishers donned fancy dress and wigs in an attempt to copy her quirky style as they celebrated in the city’s streets. The twice-widowed Duchess’s children . feared Diez was a gold-digger - so he has relinquished his rights to her . £3billion fortune in an effort to appease them. Out and about: The couple enjoyed lunch at La Coupole before heading out to do some shopping. The Duchess was also seem clutching the arm of another companion during the outing . Special day: The wealthy Duchess and her toyboy on their wedding day in Seville six months ago . The duchess, who is a distant relative . of Winston Churchill and Princess Diana, went ahead with the marriage . despite her children’s qualms. It emerged in August that she has divided her fortune between her six children to convince them that her suitor is besotted with her rather than her money. Known now for her frizzy white hair, squeaky voice and wildly colourful clothes, the duchess is among Spain’s most famous people . Last year, she was at the centre of a sex scandal when Spanish magazine Interviu published a 30-year-old picture on its front cover of the duchess sunbathing topless in Ibiza. She and Diez, a social security administration employee, are old acquaintances through her second husband, who was a former priest, and Diez’s brother. They bumped into each other about three years ago outside a cinema in Madrid and eventually started dating. | Couple stroll the French capital hand-in-hand after a romantic lunch . | ff6fd74ee908fd8304c9ad2d37d905ad7f17a4f4 |
BlackBerry is pitching its new Passport smartphone as one of the "most innovative" devices it has created, as it seeks to woo back business customers. The smartphone was released prior to the company's latest results, which showed sales slumped 40% in its most recent quarter. However, losses were less than Wall Street expected and shares rose slightly. Marty Beard, BlackBerry's chief operating officer, told CNN the smartphone's 4.5-inch square screen was "optimal for reading complex documents, looking at images, looking at, for example, a PowerPoint." He added, "it's a beautiful screen that allows you, again, to be very productive." Blackberry's share price slumped around 95% between 2008 and 2012 and has remained relatively flat since then. The Passport, key to turnaround plans, will cost $599 and targets BlackBerry's core business customers. According to Beard, BlackBerry can compete with high-fliers like Apple through its focus on users that need to be "highly productive and very effective and are concerned about security and just getting a lot done securely." Beard also points to the smartphone's keyboard, a feature BlackBerry has long used to differentiate itself from the competition. The Passport has a physical and virtual keyboard, which he said "combined the best of both worlds and created this incredible keyboard which allows you to move very quickly, be very productive and get around content really easily." However, Michael Garwood of Mobile News said the device would take "a little bit of getting used to ... it is a very, very square screen." Read more: Best iPhone 6 apps . Read more: Are these the world's coolest brands? | BlackBerry will release its second-quarter results Friday . The Canadian company has struggled to compete in the smartphone market . It has unveiled its Passport smartphone in its attempt to woo back customers . | f75f160d20724b8d0e5e49dfa0ef97d4291af3cd |
By . Rebecca Camber, Jaya Narain and Colin Fernandez . UPDATED: . 02:11 EST, 26 July 2011 . An arrogant smile on his lips, mass murderer Anders Breivik shows not a shred of remorse as he leaves court. Dressed in a red polo shirt and sweater, the 32-year-old assassin sat calmly in a police vehicle yesterday after admitting killing at least 76 people – but denying criminal responsibility. A prosecutor said he seemed ‘completely unaffected’ by what he had done. Arrogant: Anders Breivik leaves court in an armoured car yesterday, showing not a shred of remorse for his actions that left at least 76 people dead . Police presence: Breivik was escorted by a number of officers as he was driven to the courthouse . Justification: Breivik told the court he had carried out mass slaughter to send a 'strong signal' to people . The Norwegian fanatic has been in close contact with hundreds of British right-wing extremists for two years, it emerged last night. He chatted about ‘tactics’ on social networking sites with hundreds of members of the English Defence League (EDL) and the British National Party (BNP) and attended demonstrations and meetings here. The revelations came as: . Senior MPs demanded an inquiry into the killer’s links with Britain after it was claimed that he met extremists in London as recently as last year, as well as attending EDL rallies in London and Newcastle. Anti-extremist campaign groups and think tanks called on the Government to classify EDL as a far-Right organisation. Escort: A pair of armoured cars carrying Breivik drives through Oslo on the way to yesterday's court hearing . Outriders: Breivik arrived at the court without incident despite fears of a possible revenge attack . No entry: The doors of the courthouse in Oslo stand closed as journalists and members of the public crowd outside . The Prime Minister, who discussed the massacre with security chiefs at a National Security Council meeting, said the killer’s links to groups in Britain were being taken ‘extremely seriously’. He said: ‘We are still investigating these claims, so I don’t want to give out partial information. We want to get to the bottom of this before making public announcements. But we take these things extremely seriously.’ Mr Cameron, who was at the Norwegian Embassy in London to sign a book of condolence, went on: ‘Everyone in Britain shares in the sorrow and the anger at the despicable killing that took place on Friday. Britain and Norway have been good allies and neighbours in very dark days before. ‘We know that the resilience and the courage and the decency of our Norwegian friends will overcome this evil.’ David Cameron signed a book of condolence for the victims of the attacks at the Norwegian Embassy yesterday, before confirming the the killer's links to groups in Britain were being taken 'extremely seriously' He added: ‘After such a dreadful event the British Government must of course review our own security at home.’ Thousands gathered in the centre of Oslo at noon to observe a minute’s silence for those who lost their lives in Friday’s massacre. Statements: Judge Kim Heger said Breivik had told him at the hearing there were two more cells in his organisation and that he wanted to save Europe from a Muslim takeover . Immediately afterwards many made their way to the city’s court to await Breivik’s arrival. While a few jeered as the heavily armed police convoy arrived, most simply stood and stared at the building housing the country’s most vilified individual. The hearing was closed, denying Breivik the opportunity to make a public statement in front of the world’s media. Later the judge said that Breivik had alluded to ‘two other cells’ in his network – a claim he also made in a ‘manifesto’ published hours before the twin assaults. But he also maintained he had been acting alone. Police in Oslo said they would now probe the ‘two cells’ claims by Breivik. Judge Kim Heger said that Breivik had told him that he wanted to save Europe from a Muslim takeover. He said his bombing and shooting rampage was intended to send a ‘strong signal to the people’ and deter future recruitment to the Norwegian Labour Party, which he blamed for allowing ‘mass imports of Muslims’. The judge said: ‘Even though the accused has acknowledged the facts of the case, he has not pleaded criminal responsibility. ‘The accused has made statements that require further investigation, including that “there are two more cells in our organisation”.’ Breivik was remanded in solitary confinement for eight weeks with a ban on letters, access to media and visitors. The Foreign Secretary William Hague confirmed that a senior officer from Scotland Yard’s Counter Terrorism Command is liaising with police in Norway. United in grief: Thousands of people hold aloft flowers as they take part in this 'rose march' in honour of the victims in Oslo . Solemn affair: (from left) Princess Martha Louise, crownprince Haakon, crownprincess Mette-Marit, former Norway's Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland and the chairman of the Labour Youth Movement (AUF), Eskil Pedersen, take part in the march . Growing tributes: Thousands of flowers have been left outside in cathedral square in Oslo to mark the deaths . Breivik has claimed he was recruited by two English Right-wing extremists at a UK meeting in 2002 attended by seven others. In a rambling 1,500-page manifesto posted on the internet shortly before his attacks, Breivik praised the EDL. He wrote: ‘I used to have more than 600 EDL members as Facebook friends and have spoken with tens of EDL members and leaders. ‘In fact I was one of the individuals who supplied them with processed ideological material (including rhetorical strategies) in the very beginning.’ Victims: Trond Berntsen (left), the step-brother of the Crown Princess of Norway, was a security guard at the event. Tore Eikeland, 21, was described as one of Norway's most promising young politicians . Missing: (left to right) Hanne Kristine Fridtun, Jamil Rafal Yasin and Tarald Mjelde have not been seen since the shooting on Friday. A source within the EDL said last . night: ‘I know people within the English Defence League who claim Anders . Breivik was at some of those meetings. ‘Also, . people who he knows have been over to the UK many times and are very . active within the EDL circles in London. There are definite connections . between this man and the UK.’ Matthew . Collins, spokesman for the anti-fascist organisation Searchlight, told . the Daily Mail: ‘EDL was his inspiration, ideologically and . politically.’ Breivik also referred to the BNP 23 times in his 1,500-page manifesto. The . English Defence League, which has risen to prominence over the last two . years with its anti-Islamic protests, has denied ‘any official contact’ with the killer. Nothing suspicious: The purchase of fertiliser by Breivik was flagged by security services but considered not relevant as they believed it was for use on his farm . Conservative . Patrick Mercer, former chairman of the Commons counter-terrorism . subcommittee, said authorities should investigate the risk of a plot in . Britain. It emerged that . Breivik had been on a Norwegian security watchlist since March after his . name was linked to the purchase of chemicals from a Polish supplier. However, . the head of Norway’s police intelligence agency said this was a . ‘superfluous archive’ and they had not followed it up because he had . only bought £11 worth of the chemicals. | Anders Breivik admits killing 76 - but denies criminal responsibility . Killer chatted with members of BNP and EDL on social networking sites . David Cameron says links to these groups will be taken 'extremely seriously' Breivik alludes to two other cells during court appearance in Oslo . Claims he was on Norwegian Secret Service watchlist since March . David Cameron ordered new checks on British far-Right groups; . The killer claimed there are two more terror cells ‘in our organisation’; . He described the massacre as a ‘marketing’ ploy to promote his warped manifesto; . Breivik’s horrified father said he wished his son had taken his own life instead of killing innocent children; . The death toll from his bomb blast in Oslo and his island shooting spree was revised to 76; . It emerged Breivik had been on a Norwegian security watchlist since March but was not followed up. | c871ed9a086d5e7857463ad18b736af32db38b60 |
Tiffany Porter beat Jessica Ennis-Hill's British record as she took silver in the women's 100m hurdles at the IAAF Continental Cup in Marrakech on Sunday. Porter recorded a new best of 12.51 seconds behind American Dawn Harper, beating by three hundredths of a second the mark set by Ennis-Hill during her victorious London 2012 heptathlon campaign. Her success capped an impressive two months for Porter, who won the European title in Zurich last month in a slower winning time of 12.76 seconds. Tiffany Porter (pictured) celebrates after breaking the British 100m hurdles record to claim silver in Marrakech . Jessica Ennis-Hill (pictured) had previously held the British 100m hurdles record despite being a heptathlete . Zurich silver medallist Will Sharman had to settle for bronze in the men's 110m hurdles in a time of 13.25 seconds behind Sergey Shubenkov of Russia and American Ronnie Ash. Jo Pavey took bronze in the women's 5000m behind winner Almaz Ayana of Ethiopia and Kenya's Joyce Chepkirui. The 40-year-old, who became the oldest female European champion in history in August when she won the 10,000m title, finished in time of 15 minutes 58.67 seconds. Tiffany Porter (left) claimed silver behind American Dawn Harper in 100m hurdles at the IAAF Continental Cup . Jo Pavey (right) of Great Britain claimed silver in the 5000m at the IAAF Continental Cup in Marrakech . | Tiffany Porter breaks Jessica Ennis-Hill's British 100m hurdles record . Porter recorded new record of 12.51 seconds in Marrakech on Sunday . Brit claimed silver behind American Dawn Harper in IAAF Continental Cup . Porter won European gold in Zurich in August in just 12.76 seconds . Will Sharman claimed bronze in 110m hurdles in time of 13.25 seconds . Jo Pavey took bronze in women's 5000m behind Ethiopian Almaz Ayana . | e69e6020cb2110bae1cd9f8d4daca225de5f0470 |
A female soldier who befriended a heroic bomb-hunting dog in Afghanistan tracked down her comrade and gave him a new home after he became too timid to serve on the front lines. Angie McDonnell, 40, a reservist who served in war-torn Helmand province as a medic, became 'best friends' with four-year-old Vidar while the two were based at Camp Bastion. But after they had served together, her canine friend - a Belgian Malinois - developed symptoms akin to post-traumatic stress disorder and started to lose his sight - which left him at risk of being put down. Best friends: Angie McDonnell served alongside four-year-old Vidar in Afghanistan . Returning the favour: Mrs McDonnell believes Vidar saved her life by sniffing out a cache of Taliban explosives - so she saved him from being put down . Vidar, a military sniffer dog, hunted down stashes of Taliban weaponry, and found a huge cache of guns and explosives on a routine patrol in April 2012. Mrs McDonnell believes the haul of weapons - which was seized and defused by British weapons experts - was about to be used in an attack on her and her comrades, which was foiled by Vidar's skilful find. The Army reservist, who works full-time . as a paramedic, said: 'He saved my life so it’s only fair that I did . what I could to save his. 'The . dogs out there are heroes and I knew from the first moment I saw him . that he was a one-in-a-million. He looked like he needed a cuddle so I . went into his kennel and rubbed his belly. 'We became best friends out there and I was sad to leave him when I returned home. 'When I heard he had been retired after staring to get scared, I knew I had to track him down to help him. 'I would have done anything to make sure he had a loving home.' At war: Mrs McDonnell served as a medic based at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province . 'Perfect pet': Mrs McDonnell said she was worried Vidar would be overlooked for adoption in favour of cuter breeds of dog, so took him in herself . The pair were inseparable during their months of joint service, and would go on runs together and play in the dusty desert between their regular duties. Vidar stayed in Afghanistan when Mrs McDonnell, who served with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards and the 1st Royal Regiment of Fusiliers for a six-month tour. But she later heard her canine friend was experiencing the PTSD-like symptoms after his second tour of duty. She also heard that his eyes were failing, making it unlikely he would be able to return to his former heroic work. Mrs McDonnell was eventually able to track Vidarn down to a training camp in Germany, from which she was able to arrange for her companion to be sent home. He now lives a happy retirement with her in Barry, South Wales. Desert companions: Mrs McDonnell and Vidar are pictured above in the Afghan desert . Retirement: Vidar now lives happily with Mrs McDonnell is Barry, South Wales . Lively: Despite Vidar's vibrant personality, he has managed not to damage any furniture at home . She added: 'I had to find him after he had been such a hero in Afghanistan. 'The dogs out there do an amazing job, protecting the men and women serving their country from dangerous IEDs. 'They don’t have the fear factor so it broke my heart that after working so hard he had started to get scared. 'Really cute labradors and springer spaniels get rehomed easily but because he’s such a big dog I was worried no-one would want him and there was a chance he would get put down. 'I thought we’d have the house torn apart when we brought him home because he wasn’t used to living with a family but he’s not ripped anything up. 'He’s just the perfect dog and I’m so happy I can repay him for saving my life while we served together.' | Angie McDonnell met Vidar, a Belgian Malinois, while serving in Helmand . The two became firm friends as they worked together in the desert . But after two tours of duty Vidar began exhibiting PTSD-style symptoms . His eyesight also began to fail, leaving him at risk of being put down . But Mrs McDonnell heard about her friend's blight and adopted him . | db93a5f86ab32e7230bccc8d99f058c4247becdf |
(CNN) -- Lottery players across the country scrambled to check their tickets late Friday to see if they could be $640 million richer. The winning numbers in the Mega Millions lottery Friday night were 2 4 23 38 46, with a Mega Ball of 23. If there is no winner from Friday, the jackpot would increase to an estimated $975 million, said Athena Hernandez of the D.C. lottery. That drawing would occur Tuesday. The multistate jackpot has grown to become the largest ever offered that could be won by an individual. It has caused long lines at convenience stores and has many dreaming of creative ways to quit their jobs if they get the lucky numbers. "Friday night's Mega Millions drawing will truly be a spectacular event in lottery history and provides an unprecedented opportunity for players to take a chance on a half-billion-dollar dream for just the $1 price of a ticket," Gary Grief, executive director of the Texas Lottery and lead director for the Mega Millions group, said before the drawing. Sales have skyrocketed at Manhattan Tobacco, a New York convenience store, cashier Alex Shanahe said. He said the store has proved to be lucky before, having sold winning tickets of $3 million and $5 million. "The sales have tripled. Everybody wants to win the Mega Millions," Shanahe said. A single winner could claim yearly payments or a one-time cash option of $462 million, Mega Millions spokeswoman Kelly Cripe said. The drawing will be held at 11 p.m. ET Friday, and it can take several hours for lottery officials to determine whether there is a winner and in what state the winning ticket was purchased. The public can buy tickets until 10:45 p.m. ET Friday, but in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, residents can purchase tickets only until 9:50 p.m. Oregon residents can buy tickets until 7 p.m. PT. The Mega Millions lottery is played in 42 states plus the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands, lottery officials say. Mexicans from Ciudad Juarez were crossing the Rio Grande on Friday to buy tickets in El Paso, Texas. "I would divide the money among my children and buy them a house here in El Paso, and we would come from Juarez (to) here to live in peace," said one man. The odds of winning the jackpot are about one in 176 million, which means a person would have a better chance of getting struck by lightning. Richard Lustig, a seven-time lottery winner who has written a book about lottery strategies, said it's good to buy tickets as part of a group, to increase "buying power." And while the urge to take a chance on such a big jackpot may be alluring, Lustig said to guard against getting too enthusiastic. "Don't go crazy with this," he said. "Don't get what's called lottery fever. Do not spend grocery money. Do not spend rent money." Myra Langford, a 70-year-old retired school administrator, said she knows the odds but still bought five tickets. If she wins, Langford said, she will help fix the roof of her church and move out of the cramped Queens apartment she lived in for the past 47 years. "You got to be in it to win it," she said, parroting a commercial. Psychologist Scott Bea told CNN that if a winner is a poor money manager and has been unhappy in life before winning, that's likely to continue. "It solves one problem, but it creates a half-billion others," he said. "You have about no chance at winning this, but it really gets people excited," Bea added. His wife asked him if the couple could spend $10 on lottery tickets. "We could probably flush it down the toilet and have the same outcome, but if it gives you some hope, why not?" Bea said. CNN's Mary Snow, Michael Martinez, Chris Dignam and Devon Sayers contributed to this report. | NEW: The winning numbers are 46 23 38 4 2, with a Mega Ball of 23 . Psychologist: "You have about no chance" at winning "but it really gets people excited" Friday's jackpot is the largest ever that an individual can win . If there's no winner, the jackpot will rise to about $975 million . | 9e67be518dff849ef32804fa6bddddd7d78baf90 |
Christina Annesley (pictured) has died while backpacking through Thailand, the Foreign Office confirmed . The devastated mother of a British backpacker who died while travelling in Thailand has paid tribute to her 'beautiful' daughter. Christina Annesley, 23, from Orpington in south London, was part-way through a four-month trip across south-east Asia when she died on Wednesday. She was found dead on the island of Koh Tao- the same location where British backpackers David Miller and Hannah Witheridge were found murdered last September. Christina's mother Margaret gave her cause of death as 'natural causes' today. Posting on her daughter's Facebook page, she wrote: 'We have lost our beautiful daughter Chrissie in Thailand of natural causes. 'We are totally devastated. We love you so much darling, rest in peace. We will bring you home soon xxxxxxxxxx Mum and Dad.' Boyfriend Olly wrote: 'I'll never stop missing you darling. I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me most. You were my inspiration. I love you.' Her tweets, sent on Monday, reveal she was on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand. Christina flew out on her trip, which was scheduled to last around four months, on January 7. A Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said: 'We can confirm the death of a British National in Thailand on 21 January 2014. 'We are providing consular assistance to the family at this difficult time.' Just days before her death, prolific tweeter Christina was telling her 3,500 followers about her trip to Thailand, and also posted about needing antibiotics for a chest infection. On Monday she tweeted: 'Great, just as I finally make friends I have to shell out £60 for antibiotics and now can't afford to go out with them. F*** everything.' Christina, of Orpington, south London, was holidaying in the South East Asian country as part of a four-month tour of the region when she died on Wednesday . Christina also used Ask.fm and on her page, where she had posted almost 2000 answers to posed questions, she wrote that she was suffering from a chest infection. On January 11, she wrote 'I have a chest infection and a hangover which is quite an unpleasant combination.' Christina, who tweeted under the name 'Gap Yah Christinah' posted a series of messages on January 16 about her travels. She wrote: 'Already sick of hostels. There's no place space to wander around naked getting ready, the showers smell like crap and everyone here is weird. 'I know I'll get over it and I'm incredibly privileged and blah blah blah, but if you can't moan here where else can you. 'Anyway I'm off to the beach and sulk and look at beautiful scenery and mong out on valium.' Five days later on January she posted a series of tweets about her trip. She wrote: 'I need to bloody cheer the f***ing f*** up and realise how privileged I am to be here and go to the beach and be happy. Any other tips? The 23-year-old had tweeted this picture on Monday, revealing she was on the island of Koh Tao in Thailand . 'I have found an affordable bungalow to move to. Sorry not sorry hostels, but you are not for me. 'Am now lying on a sunbed with an alcopop and a bucketload of Tramadol, so feeling a bit better.' Hundreds of people paid tribute to the popular young girl, who was a vocal libertarian. On the London Liberty League Facebook page, pal Victoria Monro wrote: 'There aren't words to do her justice or to tell you how inspiring she was to young people trying to help further a libertarian, or freedom-based, future. She was lively and likeable, friendly and supportive. 'Christina was a wonderful friend to Liberty League, attending our conferences, and being such a positive, welcoming and entertaining character. 'She was principled, and true to her convictions - a rare trait. 'But more importantly than all of this, she was a strong, kind woman, with so much potential. She brightened up the room with her wit and charm. 'And if you follow her on Twitter, you know she wasn't just like that in person. 'It's a sad day to lose such a great person, a committed activist, and good friend. Rest in peace, Chrissie.' Online tributes have flooded in to the young girl, who was a vocal political activist during her time studying at Leeds University . Skylar Baker-Jordan tweeted: 'She was a gem. I'm utterly heartbroken. Sleep well, you brilliant beautiful woman.' Lily Summers tweeted: 'I'm absolutely stunned that Christina has passed away. She was so lovely and a pleasure to talk politics with. Everyone loved her.' Will McHoebag tweeted: 'Still lost for words. I am absolutely devastated. We will miss you very much. She was fantastic.' Camden Conservative Deputy Chairman Oliver Cooper wrote: 'Devastated by the sudden and untimely death of friend and freedom-fighter Christina Annesley. I didn't know anyone that didn't adore her. RIP.' Laura McEvoy added: 'Feeling numb. Struggling to focus on work. Absolutely devastated about Christina. She always brightened up the room. RIP.' The death comes months after the bodies of British backpackers Mr Miller, 24, from Jersey, and 23-year-old Ms Witheridge, from Hemsby, Norfolk, were found dumped on a beach on Koh Tao island. Migrant workers Win Zaw Htun and Zaw Lin, both 21, are accused of raping and murdering Ms Witheridge and murdering Mr Miller on the holiday island. If convicted, they will face the death penalty. Backpackers Hannah Witheridge (left) 23, and David Miller (right) 24, died on the same Thai island of Koh Tao last year . The bodies of Hannah and David were found dumped on the beach on September 15 last year . | Christina Annesley died of natural causes on Wednesday in Thailand . She had been part-way through a four-month trip across south-east Asia . In her last tweets she posted about needing antibiotics for a chest infection . Mother Margaret has now paid tribute to her 'beautiful daughter Chrissie' | 2220372ea2f31f50f1eaccb3ec89b3cd1a2b5855 |
By . Claire Ellicott . PUBLISHED: . 20:05 EST, 9 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 05:29 EST, 10 January 2014 . Disfigured: Naomi Oni of Dagenham, East London, . was permanently scarred after she was attacked on her way home from work . at Victoria's Secret . A student who allegedly threw acid in her friend’s face said she wanted to have her raped, a court was told yesterday. Mary Konye, 21, is also said to have asked Muslim students about where to buy a niqab, or Islamic veil, telling them she had to go to a Muslim relative’s funeral. The court heard that Konye told a friend she planned to disfigure Naomi Oni, saying: ‘I’m going to mess up the one thing that girl has – her looks.’ Omolola Vincent, 20, told Snaresbrook Crown Court in North-East London: ‘She said she was going to throw acid on her. She told me she had acid. She bought it online.’ Miss Oni, 21, of Dagenham, East London, was attacked on December 30 on her way home from work. The Victoria’s Secret shop assistant suffered permanent scarring all over her body and her face. She also nearly lost the sight in both eyes. Konye is accused of following her home dressed in a niqab and throwing acid in her face as she got off at her bus stop. Konye’s college friend Miss Vincent also said that Konye posted a picture of Freddy Krueger, the disfigured character from the Nightmare on Elm Street horror film, online. She then changed her written status to: ‘That’s what you’re going to look like when I’m finished with you.’ Miss Vincent, a student, added: ‘As soon as I saw it I messaged her and I said "Oh my gosh, did you actually do it?" ‘She replied that even if she did do it she wouldn’t tell anybody.’ Miss Vincent, who had studied chemistry at college, told the court that Konye had quizzed her about the laboratory and had asked whether there was acid. She added: ‘She told me she had acid. She said she bought it online. She said the acid was in her house. ‘It was [from] one of those dodgy websites. It was dodgy countries like Chinese type of places. When she was saying it she was kind of laughing it off so it wasn’t really taken serious. ‘Even when she was saying she had acid, she was saying it in not a serious way so we didn’t take her seriously.’ 'Even if she did do it she wouldn’t tell anybody': CCTV Mary Konye wearing a niqab following Miss Oni as she walks through a tube station. Konye denies throwing acid in the face of her former friend . Konye, of Canning Town, East London, denies throwing or casting a corrosive fluid with intent to burn, maim, disfigure, disable or do grievous bodily harm. She admits following Miss Oni and to being the person wearing a niqab. The case continues. | Court hears that Mary Konye told friend she planned to disfigure Naomi Oni . Omolola Vincent said: 'She told me she had acid. She bought it online' Konye admits wearing a niqab to follow Miss Oni, but denies attacking her . | 901742d255e7a285c9d3ff55915338b5fe0c11e7 |
A grieving Afghan mother took bloody revenge on the Taliban militants who gunned down her son, killing 25 and injuring five of them during a seven hour gun battle. Reza Gul watched helplessly as her son died while he manned a village checkpoint with his small team of police officers in the lawless Farah province. But flanked by her daughter and daughter-in-law, she led a counter strike on his attackers killing 25 militants and wounding another five during a ferocious seven hour gun battle. Scroll down for video . Reza Gul (center), her daughter Fatima (left) and daughter-in-law Seema, killed 25 members of of the Taliban after watching them gun down her son . Fatima Gul, who also took up arms against the Taliban after her brother was killed during a Taliban raid on his police checkpoint in the Farah province . From left to right, Fatima, Seema and Reza Gul battled for seven hours against Taliban forces after they attacked a police checkpoint, manned by Reza's son . 'I couldn't stop myself and picked up a weapon,' Gul told TOLO News. 'I went to the check post and began shooting back.' Her daughter-in-law Seema added: 'The fighting was intensified when we reached the battlefield along with light and heavy weapons. We were committed to fight until the last bullet.' She added that the combats zone was strewn with Taliban bodies when the fighting was over. A spokesman for the Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior told the agency it was a symbol of a public uprising. The Taliban is yet to comment about the incident. Alongside other insurgent groups, the Taliban have escalated attacks across the country since the withdrawal of most of the US led forces from the country last month. Targeting, government, security and foreign installations, especially in the country's capital Kabul, members of the public have also been caught in the crossfire. At least 50 people were injured earlier this week, when a suicide bomber detonated his explosive vest in a crowd watching a volleyball tournament at an inter-district competition in Yahyakahil, Paktika province. The attacks have prompted Afghanistan's president Ashraf Ghani to order a comprehensive review of the country's defense forces. He is also rethinking Afghan policy towards controversial night raids, banned by his predecessor Hamid Karzai. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has ordered a top-to-bottom inspection of his country's military forces after a rise in Taliban attacks . Ghani is considering whether night raids, barred by his predecessor Hamid Karzai, should be reintroduced . The latest attacks come as it was revealed US President Barack Obama signed a 'secret' order allowing the Pentagon to continue to target Taliban fighters even after the military withdrawal. The president's decision, made during a White House meeting with national security advisers, also gives the military the green light to conduct air support for Afghan operations when needed. Obama issued the guidelines in recent weeks, as the American combat mission in Afghanistan draws to a close, thousands of troops return home, and the military prepares for narrower counter terrorism and training mission for the next two years. Afghan lawmakers have also approved agreements with the US and NATO allowing Western soldiers to remain in the country. The international combat mission in Afghanistan, which began after the 2001 US-led invasion that toppled the Taliban, was due to conclude at the end of this year . | Reza Gul looked on as the militants attacked her son's police checkpoint . Flanked by her daughter and daughter in law she led the fightback . The Taliban remain tight lipped about the attack . | f4ed51f87eb19bd19361cfbcdc2308014e499d5f |
(Rolling Stone) -- "Making Achtung Baby is the reason we're here now," Bono says early on in Davis Guggenheim's new U2 documentary, "From The Sky Down," which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on Thursday night. The film -- which focuses on the tumultuous time in the band's career 20 years ago -- shows how Bono, guitarist the Edge, drummer Larry Mullen Jr. and bassist Adam Clayton got back on track: After considerable infighting and "creative differences" while the four hunkered down at Hansa Studios in Berlin in 1990 to try to make an album, the song "One" finally and miraculously sprouted from the unfinished "Mysterious Ways." "The movie has this pretty long [section] where you hear them write that song -- and it's goose bumps," Guggenheim told Rolling Stone in Toronto. "The writing of that song really saved the band. They had come out of the height of Joshua Tree as the biggest band in the world. 'Rattle and Hum' was a disaster from their point of view, a lot of bad reviews -- they weren't happy with what they had become. They take that bridge section out of 'Mysterious Ways' and they go back into the room at Hansa. They write a song on the fly in a matter of minutes. 'One' is written and the band is saved and we have all that on tape." There are other telling inclusions in the film, from footage of Bono getting angry in a dressing room after a Joshua Tree concert in 1987 (culled from Rattle and Hum director Phil Joanou's amazing leftovers) to candid, present-day sound-only interviews that Guggenheim was able to draw from each band member. "The soul of the movie is these interviews I do with them," he said. "I didn't know how they'd react to the things that I put in the movie," said Guggenheim. "There are some very sensitive things. And to their credit, they said, 'This is truthful; this is real; it's not sensational.'" Rolling Stone: The Best U2 Songs . The day after the TIFF gala screening, Bono, the Edge and Guggenheim spoke at a press conference about the film. "I found it a little humiliating to realize that we were so inept and these days we're a better band," Bono said. "We've learned our craft -- and therein lies the huge danger, which is there's a giant chasm between the very good and the great, and U2 right now has a danger of surrendering to the very good." Guggenheim had earned the Edge's trust from the documentary they did together in 2008, "It Might Get Loud," alongside two other guitar greats, Jack White and Jimmy Page. Still, it's a relationship in progress, Guggenheim noted: "There's a something adversarial about making a movie about something that neither side wants, but it's naturally there." "For me, when Davis agreed to do this, I felt like I could relax because I knew the thing that he was most interested in was actually the truth as opposed to what was a great shot or what might be sensational," said the Edge. "The stuff that's in the film are those moments where we're really being honest." "A little bit of sensationalism would have been good, a few great shots," joked Bono. "I felt like I was mugged." In addition to the tension, intensity and struggle that plays out in the film, there is a lot of levity too, including a satirical montage of bands that have imploded or lost members, references and demonstrations of Bono's unique gibberish singing, dubbed "Bongalese" and yes, the band in drag. "What's interesting is Larry really didn't like the idea and thought he looked like he was in some skin flick," said Bono. "Edge took to it with a perfectionist's eye." "I just freaked myself out because I looked so much like my sister, I was shocked," the Edge said. Added Bono: "Adam looked like the Queen of England and I looked like Barbara Bush." See the original article at RollingStone.com . Copyright © 2011 Rolling Stone. | The film focuses on the tumultuous time in the band's career 20 years ago . There are sound-only interviews that Guggenheim was able to draw from each band member . There is a lot of levity too, including a satirical montage of bands that have imploded . | 3fef94583f769db43257e290d00d2a70bd69b745 |
By . Deni Kirkova for MailOnline . For a wedding that's truly out of this world, why not think outside the box when it comes to venues, like this pair of sci-fi fanatics? The couple shunned traditional venues, deciding instead to get married somewhere that reflected their passion for all things space-related. Sarah Young, 25, and Jason Olson, 38, tied the knot at the Chabot Space and Science Centre, near their home in San Francisco, USA. Sarah Young, 25, and Jason Olson, 38, tied the knot at the Chabot Space and Science Centre . As these entertaining pictures by photographer Sonia Savio reveal, the pair enjoyed posing by telescopes and even riding space probes on their big day. Jason, who works as operations director for Architecture For Humanity, played around with paraphernalia and tried on an astronaut's helmet. Sarah, an opera singer, said some of the guests were surprised at their choice of venue. She said: 'No one else I know has a wedding photo on top of a rocket. I couldn't be happier. 'We are equally space mad, we love science and are huge science fiction fans. 'Our mutual love of Star Trek was the primary subject of our first date. He is a next generation fan, I prefer the original series. We are also huge Dr. Who and Torchwood fans. The couple shunned traditional venues and got married somewhere that reflected their passion . Photographer Sonia Savio captured the pair posing by telescopes and even riding space probes . Sarah said some of the guests were surprised at their choice of venue . 'We started out looking at more traditional wedding venues, golf courses, gardens and such, but found them boring and uninspiring. 'We wanted something that would reflect who we are. On my birthday the year before our wedding we happened to attend Chabot - one of our favorite museums - and thought, "Hey I wonder if they do weddings?" Sarah said: 'I suspect some of our friends and family thought we were a little crazy when we first announced the location. Sarah and Jason cut their two-tiered wedding cake, encased in black icing with rockets and stars . At the reception the pair were able to let loose amongst the science exhibits . 'Once there I think people were surprised at how elegant and touching a space wedding could be. 'Here I have to acknowledge my man of honour Jefferson Taylor, who not only sang at our wedding, but was responsible for a lot of the look and design. 'The planetarium show took us from the earth to the far reaches of the galaxy accompanied by live classical music and our personal vows. 'Many people said it was the most touching wedding they had ever seen. After the emotional ceremony we put a smile on peoples facing by exiting the building to the Star Wars theme tune. 'Then at the reception we were able to let loose and dance and play amongst the science exhibits. 'People absolutely loved it, they are still raving about it to this day. And when the pictures came out our friends and family thought they were stunning. Sarah and Jason took their honeymoon at the Mayan Rivera in Mexico where they climbed temples and swam in the ocean. Jason, who works for Architecture For Humanity, tries on an astronaut's helmet . After the emotional ceremony the couple exited the building to the Star Wars theme tune . | Sarah Young and Jason Olson wed at Chabot Space and Science Centre . Love Star Trek, Dr. Who and Torchwood; wanted venue to reflect passions . Pair posed with telescopes in museum near their home in San Francisco . | 36d05ae5dac6cf7907c68de2f03bcd2e553ad555 |
(CNN) -- Shannen Doherty is perhaps best known for portraying Brenda Walsh on "Beverly Hills, 90210" as well as her former reputation as a Hollywood bad girl. The actress, 39, has written her first book, "Badass: A Hard-Earned Guide to Living Life with Style and (the Right) Attitude." "Badass" is a self-help tome of sorts with tips on style and a memoir weaved in, but certainly not the tell-all kind. Doherty owns up to her past mistakes and admits that her "bad girl" reputation was deserved, but she also insists she's evolved into a badass -- a woman of integrity who is strong, confident, self-aware and compassionate. Doherty spoke to CNN about the book, the importance of maintaining one's own integrity and, of course, "90210." CNN: In the book, you talk about how a lot of women act like victims. In what ways do women act like victims when they may not even realize it? Shannen Doherty: Constantly complaining about it being a man's world is a really good example. If you want to complain about it being a man's world, then don't rely on a man to take care of you. If you're a full-time mom, then that is your job. And that's a big, big, big job. It's difficult, and kudos to those who do it because all I can say is 'Wow!' I have a lot of friends who are full-time moms, and they all work a hell of a lot harder than I do. But it's the women who are supposedly working out there who complain that it is a man's world. They get married for a couple of years, then they get divorced, and all of a sudden they're suing their husbands for a ton of money. Its like, are you kidding? Support yourself. Women talk about being victims for all sorts of reasons, and we're only victims of ourselves. Stop being overbearing. That was a lesson I had to learn. I thought that being a woman and being young, in order to be heard I had to be very strong and overbearing and loud and get my point across, and if somebody didn't agree with me, it just meant I had to get harder with it. Now I do the opposite. I erase the fact that I'm a woman, and I'm not a victim anymore because I'm happy being a woman, and I think it's actually going to get me further. If I can turn on some Southern charm [Doherty is a Tennessee native] in corporate America -- where, granted, there are a lot of men -- that's fantastic! I'm going to stand out from the 50 other men that work in the office because I'm different. CNN: In light of all the news stories about bullying out there, do you have any advice for maintaining our integrity in the face of bullies and so-called mean girls, be it in the schoolyard, workplace or social situations? Shannen Doherty: Mean girls usually grow up being not so great. ... What they're doing has nothing to do with you, and it has everything to do with them. They're insecure. Maybe they're insecure because you're breaking new ground, because you're taking risks in your life and you don't care what people say, or at least that's what comes across. It frightens that person, and sometimes, when people are frightened, they react in angry, hostile ways. In order to keep your integrity, you must stay true to yourself and not let bullies get you down. CNN: You're a big proponent of deciding what you stand for and sticking with it. Is that harder than it sounds? Doherty: Not at all. You should know what you believe in and what your convictions are. It's why I was in training for so long. I was never really wishy-washy, but I'm very firm in who I am now and firm with being able to be flexible, but my beliefs are my beliefs and there's definitely nothing wishy-washy about it. CNN: You say that being an authentic badass means being a work in progress. How are you a work in progress? Doherty: I'm still a work in progress because I'm still making mistakes. Badasses will always make mistakes. It's just not repeating those mistakes, and hopefully they're not as horrifying and shameful as some of the earlier mistakes of my youth. To be a true badass, you're going to make mistakes because you're constantly evolving, constantly growing and constantly learning new things. CNN: Do you keep in touch with any of your "Beverly Hills, 90210" co-stars? Doherty: I do! Jennie [Garth, who played Kelly Taylor,] and I worked together on the new "90210," and we really connected as women now that we're older. We've both grown up, and we realized that we like each other. We found a great new relationship within each other. And I just adore, adore, adore, adore and love Brian Austin Green, [who played David Silver]. CNN: What was your favorite "Beverly Hills, 90210" episode? Doherty: Playing Laverne [season one, episode 15, "Fame is Where You Find it"] was so much fun with that heavy, heavy accent that I used -- and the singing! That was pretty exciting. The breast cancer scare [season one, episode 157, "It's Only a Test"] was really meaningful. I loved doing heavy drama, and I still do. It's my forte, and I love it. CNN: Is there anything else you'd like to say about "Badass" that we haven't covered? Doherty: I think it's important to get across that the book has a lot of poignant, honest moments. I tell stories about myself that nobody ever heard. But the book is also fun! For example, there's a whole section on stalking. [She means the drive-by kind, nothing unlawful.] . | Former "Beverly Hills 90210" star Shannen Doherty has written her first book . The actress "admits that her 'bad girl' reputation was deserved" Doherty also reveals her favorite "90210" episodes . | d4a385fe370846dcab362e83ac62281d674ff0b3 |
A protruding belly, high blood pressure and intense sugar cravings. This is what happens to the body after drinking 10 cans of Coca-Cola a day, according to one man who took up the challenge. George Prior, 50, decided to embark on a 'Coke diet' in order to show the harmful effects of the high levels of sugar found in the world's most popular drink. In just 30 days he saw drastic changes to his formerly healthy and muscular physique. He developed a protruding stomach and waistline and his weight ballooned from 12 stone (168lb) to 14 stone (192 lb). His blood pressure soared from 129/77 to 145/96. This is way above the ideal level of 120/80 - and above this level, the risk of heart disease or stroke is greatly increased. Scroll down for video . George Prior, 50, put on two stone in weight and gained a protruding belly after drinking more than three litres of Coke a day for a month. He is pictured before (left) and after (right) embarking on the challenge . Mr Prior also saw his blood pressure soar from 129/77 to 145/96. High blood pressure is linked with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke . 'The most dramatic change was in weight: 23lb of gain over thirty days,' Mr Prior said. His weight is pictured rising throughout the experiment (left). After a month he weighed almost 14 stone (right) As well as the fast weight gain, Mr Prior, a father-of-two, said he feared he was becoming addicted to Coca-Cola after experiencing intense cravings. While he tried to stick to his normal Paleo diet – a low-carbohydrate diet which focuses on eating lean meats, vegetables and berries – he began experiencing sugar cravings that were difficult to ignore. 'The most dramatic change was in weight: 23lb of gain over 30 days,' Mr Prior, who lives in L.A., said. 'I also seemed to develop a craving for Cokes, or other sugars, during the time I was drinking Cokes.' '[As a result], I'm urging people to examine the amount of sugar in their diets. 'People need to be aware of the real and powerful damaging effects of sugar on their health. Mr Prior's experiment comes shortly after New York assemblyman Karim Camara said fizzy drinks 'are the new smoking' and called for sugar-laden beverages to carry warning labels similar to those found on cigarette packets. Mr Camara said the aim of his bill, which would introduce warning labels on drinks, is to educate the public, and lower the consumption of the drinks. Earlier this year, the World Health Organisation published draft guidelines urging adults to eat no more than five cubes of sugar a day. The guideline amount slashed was amid fears sugar poses same threat as tobacco. The number of obese British adults is expected to double from one in four to one in two by 2050 – at a cost to the economy of £50 billion a year. The WHO said the crisis was being fuelled by hidden sugar in processed food and drink such as yogurts, muesli, sauces, fizzy drinks, juice and smoothies. However, low-fat foods have also come under fire from experts, after it was revealed they often contain more sugar than the full-fat alternative. WHO also said children should try for less than five cubes of sugar a day and avoid cans of fizzy drink such as Coke, which contains seven cubes. Instead five cubes is the ideal figure that people should aim for. In March, the World Health Organization (WHO) called for the recommended daily intake of sugar to be slashed from 50g to 25g - or from 10 to five cubes a day. A regular can of Coke contains 35g of sugar, the equivalent of seven cubes, so that alone would exceed this limit. As part of his challenge, Mr Prior drank 10 cans of Coke a day - a total of 350g of sugar - the equivalent of around 70 cubes. Experts warn fizzy drinks contain sugar but have no other nutritional value, and Mr Prior said he found it hard to eat as much food because the Coke left him full at lunch and dinner times. The BBQ accessory entrepreneur said he wanted to stir up debate: 'I did the experiment to get people thinking and talking about how much sugar they eat and how unhealthy it is. 'I would prefer not to do it again. 'I don't like being this heavy. 'The actual drinking of the 10 Cokes got to be an irritating chore every day. 'There were a lot of visits to the restroom, a feeling of constant fullness, and a clutter of cans everywhere.' After Mr Prior stopped drinking the fizzy soft drink he lost 5lb in four days. He now concerned about the effect of sugar can have on children. He said: 'Kids shouldn't drink Cokes. 'But then kids shouldn't drink juices, either, and that's going to be a very hard sell to parents who believe that juice is "natural", or even "organic". 'It's sugar, and not only do kids not need it, it's bad for them. Indeed, past research has found sugary drinks are a primary contributor to type 2 diabetes and tooth decay, especially in children. As part of his challenge, Mr Prior drank 10 cans of Coke a day - a total of 350g of sugar - the equivalent of around 70 cubes. Pictured are the cans left over from his experiment . A 330ml can of Coke contains 35g of sugars, the equivalent of sevent cubes. This is more than the recommended daily intake of 25g, or five cubes, set by the World Health Organization (WHO) A 500ml bottle of Coke contains even more sugar- 53g or almost 11 cubes. This is twice the WHO's recommended daily allowance for a normal adult . And experts warn that fizzy drinks are also fuelling the obesity epidemic - and, in turn, other serious illnesses, including cancer, heart disease and stroke. Mr Prior added: 'I think there are a lot of people suffering health problems like diabetes and heart disease, who aren't aware they could help themselves by just stopping sugar.' He also blasted Coca-Cola for their marketing techniques to make consumers believe 'they care' when they are just creating more products to sell.' The latest member of the Coca-Cola family, called Coca-Cola Life, is marketed as having less sugar than regular Coke but none of the artificial sweeteners that increasingly worry Diet Coke drinkers. The new naturally sweetened drink - which contains a third less sugar and calories than regular cola - has been created amid calls for the company to do more to tackle the global obesity epidemic. Sold in a green can or a recyclable bottle, it is already available in the UK, U.S., Chile, Argentina and is due to hit Australian shelves in April. Bur Mr Prior said: 'Sugar's legal, soft drinks are legal,' he said. 'The responsibility is with consumers. 'Coke's genius plan is "reduce" the amount of sugar in their drinks. 'It's genius because it makes them look like they care, but still continue to sell sugar. 'I'd like to see controls on the lobbying and spending of big corporations who sell sugar and don't want the government to tell people how bad it is.' MailOnline has approached Coca-Cola for comment. | George Prior, 50, from Los Angeles, had a fit and healthy physique before . Decided to drink 10 cans of Coca-Cola a day for an experiment . Says he took on the challenge to highlight the harmful effects of sugar . He gained 2st in weight, lost muscle and developed a protruding belly . Also saw his blood pressure soar to an unhealthy 145/96 . Reported feeling intense sugar cravings and being so full he couldn't eat . One can of Coke contains more sugar than the recommended daily intake . | edb504ec8b3fc86dec63d72404a044e89c023c78 |
By . Louise Eccles . UPDATED: . 19:38 EST, 9 December 2011 . Must-have Christmas toys are being sold on eBay at hugely inflated prices. Touts are cashing in on parents’ desperation to buy this year’s favourites, many of which have now sold out, by adding mark-ups of up to ten times the retail price. Some retailers have now limited shoppers to one toy each in an attempt to stop buyers from stock- piling the most sought-after items and re-selling them at inflated prices online. Analysis of the Toy Retailers Association’s top 12 Christmas toys ‘dream list’ found many selling at twice or three times the recommended retail price (RRP) on eBay. And The Moshi Monsters Moshling Tree House, usually priced at £18.99, is being sold for as much as £198.98 – more than ten times the recommended amount. The plastic tree house by Vivid has monsters hidden inside the trunk. Stocks are low in the shops but there are 65 available on eBay. The LeapFrog LeapPad Explorer learning tablet should be £79.99, but John Lewis, Argos, Tesco, Toys R Us and even the LeapFrog store have sold out. However it can be found on marketplace websites at up to £225 – nearly three times the price. Among the more surprising sell-out . toys is Doggie Doo, a plastic puppy which can be fed at one end and . produces the inevitable result at the other. The £22.99 John Adams toy, which comes with a plastic poop scoop, is available on eBay for £58.49. Child's Play: Let's rock Elmo . Tablet: LeapFrog LeaPad . Scoop it up: Doggie Doo . Fijit Friends, £54.99 squishy robots that can tell jokes, dance to music and hold short conversations, are also selling at twice the price. John Lewis said The VTech InnoTab, an iPad-style toy, has been flying off the shelves at a rate of eight every minute when in stock. Priced at £79.99 in shops, it is being sold for up to £150.99 on eBay. Lou Ellerton, a consultant in children’s marketing and retail for the Value Engineers, said: ‘This is a very cynical manoeuvre by touts to exploit parents at Christmas.’ She said that parents should try to be ‘realistic’ and assess how long a child will actually use the toy for when considering paying over the odds for it. A spokesman for ToysRUs said they had brought in a one-item-per customer rule on best-selling toys to stop ‘traders’ buying in bulk. He said: ‘We are doing everything we can to try to stop this. Where we see that people are buying in bulk and then selling the items on eBay, we stop selling to that person or business.’ | Moshling Tree House, which retails at £18.99, is for sale on eBay at £198.98 . | 3ab087c4d51ebbe17bcb783fcd672544bf87386c |
Beijing, China (CNN) -- Celebrating the traditional Lantern Festival this week, many Beijing residents spent a lot of money dining out and setting off fireworks to mark the end of the Chinese Lunar New Year. "For the rich the money they spend is mere peanuts," says Mei Yana, a migrant from rural Henan province working as a restaurant waitress. Aren't Chinese getting battered with high inflation? "That's the ordinary people's worry," she said. The annual "Blue Book of China's Society" compiled by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences noted that last year rising prices topped the list of the public's concerns. The consumer price index, a gauge of inflation, hit 5.1% last November, despite government pledges to rein it in at just 3 percent. Now hovering around 5%, CPI may seem manageable, but its food component is around 10%, with certain items soaring even faster. "Prices of meat, fish and vegetables have gone way up," complained Wang Rongfang, a 68-year-old pensioner shopping at the Xinyuanli market in Beijing. Sometimes inflation pinches in disguised ways. In local retail stores visited by a Chongqing Evening News reporter, prices of some instant noodle brands were unchanged, while the weight of their packages fell from 95g to 85g. Some residents make ends meet by scrimping, others with black humor. Jokes circulating on Chinese-language websites offer suggestions on how to save money in inflationary times. "Tell disgusting jokes to stop your wife from eating," says one. Another, in citing the soaring prices of meat, goes: "My son has graduated with a PhD. He is considering whether to work for a software company or the pork business." But inflation is no joking matter for China's Communist Party rulers, as soaring costs could trigger social instability. "The Communist Party came into power in 1949 in part due to hyperinflation after World War II that broke the back of the Chinese economy and the Nationalist regime," says Patrick Chovanec, associate professor at Tsinghua University School of Economics and Management in Beijing. "They know they nearly lost power in 1989 in part due to anger over rising inflation that fueled the Tiananmen protests." The Chinese government has taken measures to curb inflation, from offering more subsidies for farmers to produce more essential goods to imposing price controls on scarce goods and government services. In recent months, China has tapped on the brakes to cool the overheated economy, albeit with limited success. Some analysts say prompt government measures are mitigating risks to avert a repeat of the Tiananmen Square unrest in 1989, when Beijing witnessed massive street protests that ended in a bloody crackdown on June 4. "The current 5% inflation rate is far below the 20% in May 1989," said Wenfang Tang, a political science professor at the University of Iowa in the United States. "Prices have been rising continuously in the past several years, so it is not a shock to most people in China." Still, some economists say the CPI is only one measure of inflation and does not capture the full inflationary pressure in China's economy today. China's money supply, they say, has expanded by more than 50% over the past two years -- the stimulus fueling China's red-hot growth rates. With such monetary expansion, the question isn't why China is battered by inflation, but why China hasn't seen more inflation sooner. One explanation: All the new money printed went mainly into an investment boom, not a consumption boom. State banks lent out new money, which went to bid up the price of land, the price of commodities -- into so-called "asset inflation." Asset inflation, experts say, does not feel like inflation. "When the price of bread doubles, it feels like it's getting harder to make ends meet," says Chovanec of Tsinghua. "When the price of high-end condos doubles, it feels like smart investors are getting rich -- it feels like a boom." Eventually, the asset inflation spills into the general price level. "In my view, that's the real worry in China -- that what we're seeing in terms of CPI rates could just be the tip of the inflation iceberg," Chovanec added. By incrementally raising interest rates and reserve requirement ratio for banks, China has slowed down its inflation rate but only modestly. Ultimately, experts say, what China needs to do is tighten its money supply, which is still growing at nearly 20% yearly. | "Blue Book of China's China's Society": Rising prices topped public's concerns last year . Inflation is no joking matter for China's Communist Party rulers . Soaring costs could trigger social instability, as history attests . | d8780bf794d18697cff0d7041384c3427a339f09 |
If you are 63, have $600million in cash, have spent $160million on luxury goods and enjoy a round of golf - then you are probably part of one of the world's most exclusive clubs that makes up only 0.0003 per cent of the population. A typical billionaire also has two children, went to the University of Pennsylvania, made their money on Wall Street and is planning celebrate New Year's Eve on the Carribbean paradise St Barts. The profile is based on a survey conducted by Wealth-X on the world's 2,325 billionaires - who share a combined wealth of $7.3trillion. Scroll down for video . Trappings of wealth: While most people can only dream of owning a superyacht, many could be far more similar to the typical billionaire than they might imagine . A map of the world's billionaires shows the country with the highest is the US, while Europe is the region that has most individuals worth more than $1billion . A table showing the assets of a 'typical' billionaire shows they have a net worth of $3.1billion . They have large social . networks, with three of their friends or connections also being . billionaires, and will normally travel to Cannes Film Festival, Royal . Ascot and the Monaco Grand Prix throughout the year. In . the past year the world has experienced a veritable billionaire boom . with 155 new individuals joining the mega rich club - a seven per cent . jump since 2013 bringing the global total to 2,325. The average billionaire it turns out, is male, 63 years old, and took 45 years to hit the magic $1 billion mark. They tend to be family-orientated with just under 90 per cent being married with an average of two children a piece. Billionaire Boom: There were 155 new billionaires last year bringing global total to 2,325. By 2020 forecaster believe the figure will hit around 3,800 . Most . billionaires - 68.3 per cent - are passionate about sport with outdoor . pursuits like hunting, fishing, sailing and skiing top of the list. One . in thirty actually owns a sports team or a race horse. They're . typically birds of a feather and enjoy socialising with other rich . people with each billionaire counting an average of another three . billionaires as close contacts. Still tops: Microsoft founder Bill Gates remains the world's richest person with a $76bn fortune . About . 35 per cent have their own private philanthropic foundations and many . have a love of fine art with at least 23 per cent likely to attend at . least one, if not more, of the many elite art shows held annually around . the world. While . Microsoft founder Bill Gates can still boast to be the world's richest . man with a cool $76bn in the bank - the average billionaire has a . fortune of around $3.1 billion. They are almost invariably male with just 286 being women. And . forget about old money, most billionaires are self-made with 87 per . cent of male billionaires having at least partly made their wealth . themselves. However this figure falls to just 35 per cent for women. You don't need a particularly good education either - 35 per cent of global billionaires did not attend university. They are hoarders - a billionaire will typically own four properties, each worth an average of $23.5 million. New . York is the the top billionaire city - home to 103, with Moscow in . second place with 85, Hong Kong with 82 and London with 72. While . Europe remains the region with the highest concentration of . billionaires they can only count nine new arrivals over the last year . compared to 57 new billionaires in North America and 52 new billionaires . in Asia over the same period. While flash cars such as this gold-plated Bugatti Veyron parked in London's Covent Garden are popular among the rich, billionaires such as Russia's Roman Abramovich, right, often own their own sports clubs . What a catch: Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner, 81, found true love this year with Playboy model Cathy Schmitz, 24 who is 57 years his junior . The richest of this year's newcomers is Jan Koum who founded the WhatsApp mobile messaging service which was sold to Facebook for a cool $19billion. His personal networth is an estimated $6.8 Billion. He is followed by French telecommunications magnate Patrick Drahi founder of cable and mobile operator Altice, who is worth $6.3 billion. In third place is Sandra Ortega daughter of Amancio Ortega the founder of clothing giant Inditex. She inherited her fortune from her mother, Rosalia Mera, who died suddenly in August 2013 and is worth an estimated $6.1 Billion. Joining the club: French telecommunications magnate Patrick Drahi, left, and WhatsApp creator Jan Koum, right, are among this year's 155 new billionaires . Students who graduate from the University of Pennsylvania are more likely to become billionaires than those at Havard, Yale or USC. The University of Mumbai is the place for the future mega-rich to study outside of the US . New York has the highest number of billionaires with 103, followed by Russia, Hong Kong and London . JANUARY . Davos World Economic Forum (Switzerland) Art Stage (Singapore) Snow Polo World Cup (Switzerland) FEBRUARY . Berlinale - Berlin Film Festival (Germany) Gran Ballo Della Cavalchina (Italy) Fashion weeks (United Kingdom, Italy, United States and France) MARCH . Dubai World Cup (United Arab Emirates) Cricket World Cup (Australia) Art Basel Hong Kong (Honk Kong) APRIL . Milken Institute Global United State Conference (United States) Antigua Sailing Week (Antigua) US Masters Golf (United States) Singapore Yacht Show (Singapore) MAY . Cannes Film Festival (France) Kentucky Derby (United States) Frieze Art New York (United States) Venice Biennale (Italy) Monaco Grand Prix (Monaco) JUNE . G8 Summit (Germany) Art Basel (Switzerland) Roland Garros (France) Royal Ascot (United KIngdom) JULY . Henley Royal Regatta (United KIngdom) Wimbledon Tennis (United KIngdom) Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland) AUGUST . Venice Film Festival (Italy) PGA Championship (United States) Clipper around the world Leg 1 (United KIngdon/Latin America and the Caribbean) SEPTEMBER . Singapore Grand Prix (Singapore) Monaco Yacht Show (Monaco) OCTOBER . Rugby World Cup Final (United KIngdom) NOVEMBER . APEC meeting (Phillipines) Melbourne Cup (Australia) DECEMBER . Imperial Ball (Austria) St Barts New Year Celebrations (St. Barthelemy) | 155 new billionaires created last year bringing global total to 2,325 . The average billionaire is male, 63 years old and married with two kids . New York is most popular city followed by Moscow, Hong Kong and London . The average billionaire has a fortune of around $3.1 billion . | 9d34210ad64b23d0c2cfe09a5adc4261fe728007 |
President Barack Obama will announce his intent to nominate prosecutor Loretta Lynch for his next Attorney General tomorrow, a move that would give the top U.S. law enforcement role to a low-key prosecutor with deep experience in both civil rights and corporate fraud cases. A statement released by the White House Press Secretary on the Attorney General Nomination said that President Obama will make the announcement in the Roosevelt Room at the White House, and will be joined by Attorney General Holder and Ms. Lynch. Lynch, 55, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, would be the first African-American woman to hold the job if confirmed by the Senate . 'Ms. Lynch is a strong, independent prosecutor who has twice led one of the most important U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the country,' says a White House Press Statement. 'She will succeed Eric Holder, whose tenure has been marked by historic gains in the areas of criminal justice reform and civil rights enforcement,' concludes the statement. Scroll down for video . According to a report from CNN, Loretta Lynch, U.S. attorney for the eastern district of New York, is expected to be President Barack Obama's pick for attorney general. Lynch is pictured here at a press conference in in April . President Barack Obama also played coy today before the official announcement when asked by a reporter if he'd settled on a particular candidate. 'You’re going to be the first to find out, Major, along with everybody else,' Obama facetiously told CBS News' Major Garrett before The White . Earlier today, Sources close to the Obama administration told Reuters that . Lynch was a top contender to replace outgoing Attorney General . Eric Holder, who announced in September that he would resign. The sources said they expected that if Lynch were selected, . she would generate little controversy, making for a smooth . Senate confirmation process. Her nomination will be one of the first big changes for . Obama to announce after Republicans won control of the Senate in . congressional elections on Tuesday. Lynch was one of several . candidates Holder had recommended to succeed him. Lynch emerged as a leading contender after a previous top . choice, former White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler, pulled out . of consideration amid concerns her involvement in controversial . Obama administration decisions could complicate her . confirmation. Other candidates who were reportedly being considered were Labor Secretary Thomas Perez, Solicitor General Donald Verrilli and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas. Perez may have undergone special scrutiny in the Senate confirmation process, however, over a 'secret deal' he allegedly cut with the city of St. Paul, Minnesota, when he worked at the Justice Department. The issue came up in a 2013 confirmation hearing when he was under consideration for labor secretary and would be a sticking point again if Obamahad chosen him. President Barack Obama is pictured here meeting with Congressional leaders at the White House today. In a statement to reporters before the meeting Obama refused to say if Lynch was his pick for attorney general . Holder, one of Obama's closest allies, had a rocky . tenure as attorney general. He clashed frequently with . congressional Republicans over gun control, same-sex marriage, . and a desire to try terrorism suspects in civilian instead of . military courts. In one 2011 email released earlier this week, Holder . referred to Republican members of the House Oversight Committee . chaired by Darrell Issa as 'Issa and his idiot cronies.' A Greensboro, North Carolina, native, Lynch earned her . college and law degrees at Harvard, worked in the Brooklyn U.S. Attorney's office between 1990 and 2001, and served in the top . post from 1999-2001 and since 2010. Lynch developed a close relationship with Holder through her . work on the attorney general's advisory committee, which she has . chaired since the beginning of 2013. In her first stint in the U.S. Attorney's office she oversaw . the prosecution of New York police officers who were convicted . in connection with the torture of Haitian immigrant Abner . Louima, an incident that became a national symbol for police . brutality. More recently, her office has brought several high-profile . cases, including the indictment, in April, of New York Rep. Michael Grimm, a Republican, for fraud. Her office has worked closely with Justice Department . headquarters on several big corporate fraud cases, and helped . investigate Citigroup Inc over shoddy mortgage securities . the bank sold, which led the bank to enter into a $7 billion . settlement in July. Lynch's office also was involved in the December 2012 $1.2 . billion accord with HSBC over the bank's lapses in its . anti-money laundering controls. Prosecutors in Brooklyn are also investigating a member of . Putin's inner circle, Gennady Timchenko, in connection with an . oil trading and money laundering probe. | Lynch, 55, is the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; she would be the first African-American woman to be attorney general . Obama played coy today when asked if he'd settled on anyone in particular to fill the Cabinet-level position . Sources told Reuters that Lynch would generate little controversy, making for a smooth Senate confirmation process . | 2471e8623f2fec8562fad25f8940b89e09c13d03 |
The Marine Corps helped rescue a Boy Scout troop that got lost while canoeing on the Colorado River. According to the Yuma Sun, the 32-member troop in 16 canoes ended up stranded when they couldn't find their way out of an area of dense, tall reeds. The group was reported missing late Saturday after they failed to check in at their destination. Lost: A boy scout troop on a canoeing trip of the Colorado River were lost all day in an overgrown lake until Marine helicopter's led them back on a route to safety . The Yuma County Sheriff's Office asked the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma for help when searchers couldn't locate the troop despite searching for over two hours. Marine Capt. Wes Urquhart says his crew used night-vision goggles to spot the troop in a lake that connects to the river. Urquhart says then was able to guide boats carrying sheriff's personnel to the vicinity, and those boats then escorted the canoes to a landing. 'The deputies said they knew the Scouts were lost and were east of the river somewhere,' Urquhart told the Yuma Sun. 'They had been searching but couldn't find them, so they requested aerial support, as it was getting dark.' It only took the helicopter crew moments to find the troop after they put on their night vision goggles. The troops were hidden behind tall reeds on an overgrown lake. 'They got themselves pretty deep into the estuaries and couldn't find their way back out. I can see how someone could easily get lost in there because those reeds are really tall,' Urquhart said. 'Finding them was actually the easiest part. They flashed us with some of their flashlights as well.' After locating the troop, the crew hovered over a nearby ridge to let off Navy Corpsman Alexander Camacho to check on their medical condition. 'I wanted to make sure everyone was in good health and good condition and that there were no medical injuries that needed to be addressed,' Camacho said. To the rescue: The troop was saved by the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma troops who wore night vision goggles as they flew a helicopter over the Colorado River looking for the scouts (stock picture) 'Everybody said they were fine but just a little tired from being lost all day.' While Camacho was doing his well-being check, Urquhart circled the area to find the best place for them to paddle back to the river. 'When we did find a path for them to leave, the estuary was pretty well enclosed,' Urquhart said. 'From the air it was obvious it was a throughway, but from the ground, they probably couldn't see that at all.' Urquhart flew at a low altitude and dropped biodegradable sticks from the helicopter to the water to show them which way they needed to go. Camacho said he stayed with them to keep them calm. 'Pretty much the whole time I was on the ground with them, it was just keeping them calm and making sure they stayed together,' Camacho said. 'I also instructed the scout masters to have one canoe in front of the group and one in back to make sure everyone got out safely.' Urquhart then picked up Camacho and led the scouts through the reeds by using a spotlight to show where the deputy's boats were. 'It was a crew effort. It all went pretty smoothly,' Urquhart said. 'It was done just like we train.' The Boy Scouts finally met up with the sheriff’s deputies who escorted them the rest of the way home while Urquhart and his crew made sure no one was left behind in the dark. | The Marine Corps helped rescue a Boy Scout troop that got lost while canoeing on the Colorado River . Search teams instilled the help of the Marine Corps Air Station who used helicopters and night vision goggles to late the canoes . No boy scouts were injured and the Marines were able to lead the boys safely back to the lake where they were met by Sheriffs personnel . 'Everybody said they were fine but just a little tired from being lost all day,' said Navy Corpsman Alexander Camacho . | 79f1977e02a7266aa9e99d77329dbec68e2cc1b0 |
A trainee lawyer at one of the world's biggest law firms has posted a rant claiming the Paris terror attacks may not have happened if the West had not 'killed our people and pillaged our resources'. Aysh Chaudhry, 22, from magic circle law firm Clifford Chance, criticised Muslims for allowing their minds to be 'colonised' and claimed Islam was 'superior' to Western ideology. In a 21-minute YouTube video posted two days after the kosher supermarket massacre, the lawyer said freedom of speech should not be put on a pedestal 'as though it is some godsend'. Referring to non-Muslims insultingly as 'kuffar', he addressed the Paris terrorist atrocities, which left 17 people dead, and said that any Muslims who apologised were offering a 'weak' response. Scroll down for video . Aysh Chaudhry, 22, posted an online diatribe claiming the Paris terror attacks may not have happened if the West had not 'killed our people and pillaged our resources' In the online diatribe, where he speaks mostly in English with some Arabic, Mr Chaudhry said: 'Brothers and sisters, we would not be here had it not been for the fact that the kuffar had gone to our lands and killed our people and raped and pillaged our resources. 'This, brothers and sisters, is what we need to understand. We need to move away from this apologetic tone and have confidence in Islam because we are enslaved otherwise.' 'We need to remove this Western cultural lens with which we are viewing and responding to attacks on Islam from our eyes. 'Stop putting freedom on this pedestal. This is a value stemming from secular, liberal beliefs. We don't need a value which stems from a bankrupt ideology.' During the video - which was watched 700 times before being removed - he claimed that freedom of speech is an ideal which does not exist in reality. 'You wouldn't walk around Germany denying the Holocaust,' he said. He said freedom of speech should not be put on a pedestal 'as though it is some godsend' in a 21-minute YouTube video posted two days after the kosher supermarket massacre. 'The ideal of freedom of speech doesn't exist in reality. But there seems to be an absolute freedom to insult Muslims. 'The people being held out as Islamic personalities with an Islamic response are not giving a correct Islamic response. You [Muslims] have to accept their [Westerners'] freedom to insult you. 'That is what freedom of speech means [in the West]… I guess Muslims just need to grow up, is the concept they want to put across.' He calls freedom of speech a 'bankrupt ideology', adding: 'We are becoming infatuated with the civilisation of the kuffar and their beliefs and their values and indeed we have latched on to these. 'Now you know who you are if you are of those who state 'I will die to protect your freedom and I believe in freedom of speech'. The Kouachi brothers were filmed by eyewitnesses in a Paris street after they'd slaughtered 11 members of the Charlie Hebdo editorial team in cold blood . 'But understand that it is not the Islamic response to this issue. It represents a defeatist mentality, brothers and sisters. It is understood the trainee started at Clifford Chance six months ago and earns £40,500 per year. The 22-year-old from Walthamstow, east London has now offered a grovelling apology claiming that he just wanted to encourage intellectual debate. He said: 'I apologise for any offence caused by my video. I have a deep and serious Islamic faith, I had no intention other than to encourage intellectual debate and would never support or condone violence.' Clifford Chance insisted today that the firm did not share the views of Mr Chaudhry, pictured is the headquarters in Canary Wharf . Clifford Chance insisted today that the firm did not share the views of Mr Chaudhry, who works in their mergers and acquisitions department. But the firm refused to comment on whether he would be would lose his job or face any disciplinary action. A spokesman for the firm said: 'The views expressed in this video are personal and not those of Clifford Chance. 'The firm is committed to establishing an inclusive culture where people with diverse backgrounds and views work effectively together and feel confident to develop their potential. 'We ask our people at all times to consider how their personal conduct and actions may affect those around them, their professional reputation and that of the firm.' Mr Chaudhry's video was posted on January 11 from an account called 'Call of Dawah', which describes itself on Facebook as a 'local Islamic youth group based in east London'. The video was set to 'private' three days later but the full video later re-surfaced on YouTube on an account called 'Magic 2015'. His LinkedIn page has been removed, but it said he gained a first-class honours degree in law from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at London University. Before working at Clifford Chance, he interned at Slaughter & May, White & Case, Freshfields, and BLP. Speaking outside the family home in Walthamstow, east London, today, his father Zahur Chaudhry said: 'The whole thing has been totally blown out of proportion. It's a non-story. 'I won't pass comment, but if you read his statement that will tell you our stance on it. 'He's working hard on a very big project for Clifford Chance, lots of long hours, so he's not normally home until very late.' But Sam Westrop, director of Stand For Peace, a Jewish-Muslim interfaith group that tackles religious and political extremism in the UK, said Mr Chaudhry had used 'the language of terror' and that Clifford Chance's response was 'weak'. He told MailOnline: 'From our position - and for anyone involved in counter-terror - this is a familiar type of rhetoric, directed at non-Muslims. It is not just political ramblings. 'We saw it after the Woolwich murder, when Michael Adebolajo made similar comments on camera about victimhood in foreign lands. 'This man might not be directly involved with terror but he is certainly using the langauge of terror. I'm sure he will be someone that the police and security services are going to look at very closely from now on.' He added: 'That Clifford Chance has responded so weakly is deplorable. I'm sure they would have no hesitation in taking immediate disciplinary action against someone with neo-Nazi views, so I'm not sure why this is different. 'I don't believe any respectable company or organisation would hesistate in taking immediate discplinary action against an employee who has made these comments.' | Aysh Chaudhry, 22, criticised 'apologetic' Muslims in online diatribe . Trainee lawyer claimed the West was to blame for the Paris terror attacks . He repeatedly referred to non-Muslims using the derogatory term kuffar . Clifford Chance trainee apologised saying he wanted to encourage debate . Law firm has refused to confirm whether he will be fired over the video . Critics say he has used 'language of terror' and firm's response is 'weak' | 30394d5e4ebdd877e2a4d45771162a609521452c |
France manager Didier Deschamps has launched an attack on Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri's character insisting he lacks 'sincerity'. The former Arsenal player has not featured for France since November 2013 and has endured frosty relations with the national side since he was handed a three-match ban for his behaviour during Euro 2012. Nasri was then left furious after he was omitted from France's World Cup squad last year despite playing a key role in City's title-winning campaign. Samir Nasri trains with Manchester City ahead of the Champions League clash with Barcelona . Former Arsenal midfielder Nasri faced the media on Monday ahead of the fixture . Nasri has not played for France since a World Cup qualifier in November 2013 . The 27-year-old retired from international football following the tournament in Brazil and criticised Deschamps again in an interview with L'Equipe earlier this month, referring to the former midfielder as a 'joker' and a 'hypocrite'. And now the 46-year-old has hit back by claiming Nasri refused to talk with him and insists France are doing just fine without him. 'People need to know that, in the autumn of 2012, I decided to call him to discuss stuff with him,' he told RMC Sport. 'He refused to listen. He did not want to discuss anything. France manager Didier Deschamps described Nasri as insincere and said midfielder refused to talk to him . Nasri (centre) retired from international duty last August after being left out of France's World Cup squad . 'I was waiting for him to want to talk, but he did not meet my expectations in sport. Apparently, he says he is happier without the France team. Without him, France are continuing perfectly fine. 'If a person who is an example of sincerity and frankness told me something, I'd consider it, but Nasri is not that type of person.' | Samir Nasri criticised Didier Deschamps for World Cup omission last year . Manchester City midfielder retired from international duty in August 2014 . Nasri called France boss a 'joker' and a 'hypocrite' in recent interview . Deschamps has hit back at Nasri saying he lacks 'sincerity' | e734065d9f5e748d336a9d8ce22a31af8a1a65aa |
Hero: Wing Commander Forest 'Tommy' Yeo-Thomas, has been identified as the inspiration behind Ian Fleming's character James Bond . His identity has remained a secret for decades, as one would expect of an international man of mystery. But after years of speculation, the debate over who it was that Ian Fleming based his character James Bond upon may finally have been resolved. One of Britain's greatest spies of the Second World War, Wing Commander Forest 'Tommy' Yeo-Thomas, has been identified as the inspiration behind 007. A new biography of Yeo-Thomas claims that, like Bond, he surrounded himself with women and ruthlessly saw off his enemies. And it suggests that many of his real-life adventures are recreated in Fleming's novels. Yeo-Thomas, who was known by the code name White Rabbit, was parachuted into occupied France three times before being captured and tortured by the Gestapo. He was taken to Buchenwald concentration camp but managed to escape and reach the Allied lines. Historian Sophie Jackson discovered Yeo-Thomas's link to Bond in recently declassified documents at the National Archives, in West London. The dossier includes a memo from May 1945 in which Fleming, who also worked in intelligence during the war, informs colleagues of Yeo-Thomas's escape from the Gestapo. Yeo-Thomas and Fleming worked in different units and this is the first time a connection has been established between the two men. Miss Jackson, a former editor of History magazine, explores the link in her book, Churchill's White Rabbit: The True Story Of A Real-Life James Bond. 'It shows that Fleming was interested in the case of Yeo-Thomas and had been following it,” she told the Sunday Telegraph. 'Fleming picked up the story and was interested in it. Ladies man: Daniel Craig's James Bond frolics in the water with Eva Green. A biography of wartime hero Wing Commander Forest 'Tommy' Yeo-Thomas reveals that he surrounded himself with women, just like Bond . Shooting star: Like James Bond, Yeo-Thomas always carried a weapon. In Paris, he once shot an enemy agent at close range and threw him into a river . 'On top of that, there are other significant parallels between Yeo-Thomas and Bond, in their personal life, their relationships with women and attitudes towards women and the way Yeo-Thomas acted as a secret agent. He acts in a way we think of fictional spies acting. 'Some of the sequences that Yeo-Thomas went through are things which are then portrayed in James Bond. And these were experiences that Fleming knew about.' Miss Jackson points to several similarities between Yeo-Thomas's war record and sequences in Bond novels. In the first Bond novel Casino Royale and the recent movie of the same name, for example, 007 is tortured by his enemies in the same way that the Gestapo treated Yeo-Thomas. In From Russia With Love there is a scene where Bond is on the Orient Express, having dinner with an enemy agent, who is masquerading as an ally. This scene echoes Yeo-Thomas's own experience on a mission, when he was on a train in occupied France and engaged himself in conversation with Klaus Barbie, a notorious Nazi known as the 'Butcher of Lyon'. Memo: James Bond author Ian Fleming, who also worked in intelligence during the war, informed colleagues of Yeo-Thomas's escape from the Gestapo in this 1945 document . Man of mystery: Yeo-Thomas tries on a trilby hat in 1946. He regularly wore disguises, one of many techniques which echo tactics used by Bond in the Fleming novels . Yeo-Thomas used a range of techniques to escape or evade his enemies, including jumping from a train, strangling a guard, wearing disguises and riding in a hearse. These methods echo tactics later used by Bond. And, like Bond, Yeo-Thomas always carried a weapon. In Paris, he once shot an enemy agent at close range and threw him into a river. Yeo-Thomas is said to have been charming and attractive, like his fictional counterpart, and the main members of his personal cell were all women. He never officially married his partner, Barbara, who he met during the war – although she changed her name to his – because he was unable to obtain a divorce from his estranged wife, Lillian, who was living in occupied France. Yeo-Thomas's wartime exploits took their toll. He was affected by recurring nightmares and illness after the war and died in 1964, aged 62. Inspired: Author Ian Fleming at his desk in 1958. He informed intelligence colleagues of Yeo-Thomas's escape from the Gestapo in a memo in May 1945 . | Bond author Ian Fleming briefed intelligence colleagues on the exploits of Wing Commander Forest 'Tommy' Yeo-Thomas . Yeo-Thomas was parachuted into occupied France three times, was tortured by the Gestapo and escaped from a concentration camp . Like 007, he surrounded himself with women and always carried a weapon . | af8f480f55188a031bc673e4e32166c175836be6 |
(CNN) -- No, some guy named Daniels on Facebook didn't win the Powerball lottery. And, no, he's not really giving anyone $1 million of his winnings. But that didn't stop a doctored photo claiming just that from becoming possibly the most-shared image in the site's history. In the photo, posted on the social-media ubersite Thursday night, a grinning man identified as Nolan Daniels holds up a Powerball ticket with the correct numbers for the massive $588 million jackpot awarded Wednesday. The caption that went along with it was the stuff of get-rich-quick daydreams: "Looks like I won't be going to work EVER!!!! Share this photo and I will give a random person 1 million dollars!" And share they did. By Monday morning, more than 2 million people had clicked in hopes of a windfall. The problem, of course, being that the numbers on the ticket were out of sequence -- a tip-off that the image had been doctored. And it didn't help when the two holders of actual winning tickets were found. Neither ticket belonged to Daniels, although one winner, like Daniels, is from the Phoenix area. The photo, which is the only publicly shared item on Daniels' page, had gotten more than 27,000 comments by Monday morning. More than three days after the original post, some commenters were still oblivious to the hoax. "You have given a lot of people hope at a wonderful time of year, what a kind and generous thing to do!" one user wrote. "Merry Christmas to you and your family!" But most had taken a harsher turn, ranging from "Ha! Ha! You got us" to angrier fare. "What a JERK ... this is FAKE!!!!" someone wrote. "All I can say is KARMA!!!!" The story first gained traction on social media, then took off when the Savannah (Georgia) Morning News published an article Friday on the activity surrounding Daniels' Facebook page. A man claiming to be Daniels' brother then left a comment on the Morning News' site, discrediting the accuracy of the photo. "Even though most knew it was fake, people hang onto the most slim opportunities for some luck, some hope ...," wrote Derek Daniels in the post. "I hope people were able to shake it off. I'm sure the vast majority did. The idea of someone winning and then sharing in a second lottery is touching. Too bad ... this wasn't the case." The Morning News contacted Derek Daniels, who told the newspaper his brother Nolan is a 35-year-old software engineer. He thinks his brother was just seeking attention, according to the paper. "I think he craves the love from people," he said Saturday in a follow-up article published by the newspaper. "He did this to make himself feel better." Nolan Daniels did not immediately respond to a message on Facebook on Monday seeking comment for this report. Among the comments on his Facebook photo were at least dozens that recounted stories of personal hardship, from people with disabilities to tales of children diagnosed with terminal diseases. That, Derek Daniels said in his post, may be where a prank went too far. With 2 million-plus shares, the image may be the most-shared item in the eight-year history of Facebook. A photo of President Barack Obama hugging his wife, Michelle, posted after his re-election victory last month, received 581,000 shares. And Facebook's most-shared item last year was a New York Times photo gallery of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. It was shared about 600,000 times. A Facebook representative did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. | Bogus lottery photo shared 2 million times on Facebook . Man claimed he had won $588 million Powerball and would share . Prankster's brother to newspaper: "I think he craves love" Last year's most shared item on Facebook got 600,000 shares . | f5a799ad2da32cdefade30bf017b0e90ab060449 |
Anger: Carol says that she was treated 'like a common criminal' When Carol Howard, the former poster girl for the Metropolitan Police, took her employers to an employment tribunal, the verdict was huge embarrassment to the pre-eminent force in the land. The Met was found to have subjected her to an orchestrated campaign of ‘malicious, vindictive and spiteful actions’, which effectively derailed a glittering 13-year career. Just how malicious and vindictive, however, she has only now revealed. Because, in a new legal action, 35-year-old Miss Howard says her employers not only discriminated against her, but accused her of crimes – including possession of an indecent image of a child – she had not committed to silence and discredit her. More shocking still, details of the ‘crimes’ were passed to the media and even to the employment tribunal in an apparent smear campaign, despite the fact that, in at least two cases, the allegations against her had already been quietly dropped. ‘I’m in no doubt at all that these arrests and so-called allegations were a crude attempt to silence me,’ says Carol, a firearms officer attached to the elite Diplomatic Protection Squad, whose image was seen all over London as the face of the Met at the 2012 London Olympics. ‘I have had my reputation besmirched. My personal life was turned inside out, my daughter kept from me and fingers pointed at me as though I was some kind of sexual deviant and unable to do my job properly. ‘I was effectively being punished for daring to think I was as good as the white men I worked with and for speaking up for myself.’ She says she has issued legal proceedings in an attempt to force the Met – which still employs her – to own up to its actions. Carol was arrested on three occasions between August last year and April 2014, leading to a total of eight investigations against her for ‘crimes’ including criminal damage, harassment and perverting the course of justice. In fresh employment tribunal papers, seen by The Mail on Sunday, Ms Howard also accuses the Met of maliciously informing Sussex Social Services about an ‘indecent image’ to spark a child protection investigation that prevented Ms Howard from seeing her six-year-old daughter for four weeks. The information was passed on despite the fact Sussex Police had already decided it was not necessary to refer the matter to social services. In one particularly humiliating instance, five uniformed Met officers arrived at her daughter’s school and marched her away. She is particularly angry that investigations following her arrest on April 22, 2014 were dropped within a matter of weeks, yet she was not informed and was kept on suspension and police bail until the end of July 2014 when the Met finally told her they would be taking no further police action against her. Scroll down for video . The right image: Carol was the Metropolitan Police's Olympics poster girl . Worse still, the Met told both the media and the Tribunal judge about Ms Howard still being on police bail as a result of this arrest as late as July – based on investigations that had already been abandoned. She spent a full 13 months on bail with the threat of legal action that never materialised. Ms Howard has already spoken about the way she was victimised within the Met’s firearms squad, in particular by her Acting Inspector who had attempted to ‘undermine, discredit and belittle’ her. But the breakdown of Carol’s ten-year relationship with the father of her youngest daughter made matters worse. She and her husband separated in 2012. ‘In August last year, not long after our separation, we had a dispute. He was upset and under so much stress he stupidly went to Crawley police station and falsely claimed that I had assaulted him 14 months previously and harassed him,’ she says. She is still astonished, however, at how quickly things spiralled out of control after that. ‘Even if I had scratched him, which I didn’t, it would only have been a minor offence of common assault, but the Police deliberately ramped it up to the more serious allegation of actual bodily harm to justify an arrest.’ Revelations: A Mail on Sunday report on Carol's case from last month . Although Rob called the station seven times without my knowledge to withdraw his allegations, he stated he was being fobbed off. Then on the day prior to my arrest, he went to the station in person to make a withdrawal statement and he was told to ‘go away and to come back later at 6:30pm’ and the same officers attended my home and arrested me at 6:00pm – 30 minutes before he was due to return to the police station. It was a set-up.’ Carol says she was held for four hours in a police cell before being interrogated ‘like a common criminal’. And, although this was Sussex police’s jurisdiction, she was confronted on arrival at the police station by a Met police inspector who had been involved in her tribunal complaints and was later found to have acted unlawfully against her. Carol believed this further supports her claims of both forces working together to close ranks against her. ‘I felt the officers in attendance were enjoying the fact that I was frightened and upset. They didn’t bother to tell me or my solicitor that Rob had withdrawn his statement. Given my clean record they could simply have invited me in for an interview under caution, but it was all done with malice and clearly pre-planned. The Met wanted to have the arrest over me, so they could use it at the forthcoming employment tribunal.’ But when her husband lodged a complaint over their treatment of Carol, he too was arrested by the same police officers for perverting the course of justice and wasting police time. Carol feels he was being punished for standing up for her. To Carol’s astonishment, in January 2014 she, too, was further arrested for perverting the course of justice and witness intimidation (the police claimed she had cajoled her husband into withdrawing his allegations against her.) In May 2014, it is alleged that the Metropolitan Police contacted Sussex Social Services and asked them to carry out a child protection referral into an ‘indecent image’. In her latest employment tribunal application Ms Howard says: ‘There was absolutely no basis on which the innocent picture of my own daughter could be said to be indecent. Even Sussex police had apparently accepted that there was no basis on which to inform child protection or social services about the matter. However, to victimise me and harass me further, the Met had maliciously referred me to Sussex social services and closely liaised with Sussex Police to do so. ‘I did not see my daughter for four weeks. It was awful and heartbreaking. I had to go to my daughter’s sports day and see parents look at me in disgust because they thought I was a paedophile,’ she recalls. ‘It is the worst thing you could say about any woman – especially a mother – and I was unable to defend myself, because of it. It is all connected with my complaints of discrimination against the Met. They appear to victimise officers who complain by arresting them.’ Last month an employment tribunal awarded her £37,000 in aggravated damages for sexual and racial discrimination. But she says it is no compensation for being falsely labelled a ‘child predator’ – or the destruction of her career. | Tribunal found that the Met subjected Carol Howard to 'spiteful' campaign . Says her employers even accused her of possessing indecent image of child . Officer has started legal proceedings to force Met to face up to its actions . | 380a466db5f685fa20286b66fa878a910ad64746 |
Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has argued that his side's performance in their 1-1 draw at Chelsea on Saturday proved there is still plenty of life left in the title race. City, bidding to be the first team since Manchester United in 2009 to retain the Premier League crown, trail Chelsea by five points after sharing the spoils at Stamford Bridge. But the visitors were the better team with Sergio Aguero missing three good chances to score and Fernandinho also shooting wide from a well-placed position. Manuel Pellegrini (right) has warned Jose Mourinho (left) that the Premier League title race is far from over . Chelsea striker Loic Remy celebrates putting his side 1-0 up against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge . In contrast, Chelsea failed to produce a single shot after Loic Remy's goal after 41 minutes, which was cancelled out four minutes later by David Silva. Pellegrini said: 'We tried to win the game from the first minute to the end so while I am not happy with getting only one point, I am proud of the performance. 'Of course it was important to close the gap, but we still have 45 more points to play for. Although it was a very important game, it was not the final.' Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero (centre) competes for the ball with Chelsea's Ramires (right) City's David Silva slots home to equalise for his side and earn a share of the points at Stamford Bridge . Chelsea's Serbian anchorman Nemanja Matic (left) holds up play against the oncoming Silva (right) Pellegrini's side were the more adventurous of the two teams despite being the away team. The City manager doesn't like Mourinho but refused to directly criticise Chelsea's defensive methods. 'I think both teams have a clear style of play that they think is best for them,' he said. 'I am not saying Chelsea played for a draw.' Remy brings the ball forward for Chelsea as Manchester City's midfielder Fernandinho (left) gives chase . Sergio Aguero has an effort at goal but sees his shot go well wide on a frustrating afternoon for the striker . However, the City boss will have Yaya Toure and Wilfried Bony available after the African Cup of Nations pointed out his team had 'tried to create space against a team who defended well and near their box.' He added: 'We came for the three points.' Manuel Pellegrini is looking forward to welcoming Yaya Toure (left) back from international duty . Toure and Bony (pictured) will return to Manchester City following the Africa Cup of Nations . | Manuel Pellegrini says there is plenty left to play for in the title race . League leaders Chelsea were held to a 1-1 draw with Manchester City . City midfielder David Silva scored to cancel Loic Remy's opener for Chelsea . Jose Mourinho's side lead the table by five points . But Pellegrini says City can catch them up before the end of the season . | 22e51ca43098b8f180a9685d9073737bb5fb8673 |
Lewis Hamilton pipped title rival and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg by just seven thousandths of a second after a nail-biting qualifying session for the Singapore Grand Prix. For once this season there were drivers other than the Mercedes duo in the hunt for top spot on the grid under the lights of the Marina Bay Street Circuit. Yet come the conclusion it was Mercedes - and Hamilton in particular - who again just had the edge, with the Briton claiming back-to-back poles after starting out front in the last race in Italy. Now click here to read the full report. Host commentator . Thank you for your company today. Be sure to join us for what promises to be a spectacular race, and in the meantime read our developing report from qualifying. A brilliant radio exchange ensued Hamilton's pole lap. Rosberg's engineer: "Hamilton has beaten you by seven thousandths of a second" Rosberg: "Damn it!" And another stellar effort from Ricciardo to be just a tenth shy of the Mercedes drivers. Singapore Grand Prix Grid 1 Hamilton; 2 Rosberg; 3 Ricciardo; 4 Vettel; 5 Alonso; 6 Massa; 7 Raikkonen; 8 Bottas; 9 Magnussen; 10 Kvyat . Wow. What a session. Rosberg sticks it on provisional pole but Hamilton, despite locking up in the first corner, comes through... only seven thousandths of a second quicker. Ricciardo is the first man to launch his assault on pole. What can the Aussie do? He is really giving it his all, and as he comes over the line, yes, that's provisional pole for the Red Bull man. What can the rest of the field do? 'I have no power.' reports Raikkonen and he is told he will have to stop on track. What a shame. He was a real contender for pole here. 'If we have got any more front wing put it in', says Hamilton. Probably an understatement to say this isn't the best of starts for the Mercedes rivals. They'll all have one more shot at pole. Anyway back on track and Massa is the first driver to complete a timed lap. It is a 1:46.007. What can Ricciardo do? He is six thousandths of a second down on the Williams. Rosberg comes through and he is only seventh with Hamilton off the pace, too. He is sixth. Wow. It looks as though we have got a big upset on our hands. Romain Grosjean meanwhile was furious on his team radio at the end of Q2. He will start only 16th. 'I cannot believe it! Bloody engine! Bloody engine!' It looks as though the Frenchman wasn't overly pleased with the performance of his Renault V6. The 12-minute session is underway in Singapore as we determine the top 10 for tomorrow's Singapore Grand Prix. Mercedes will start as favourites, but Ferrari and Red Bull could mount a real challenge. Watch this space... Button will start only 11th tomorrow while Magnussen seals his spot in Q3. The rookie is 8-6 up on his world championship-winning team-mate this season. Rosberg, on the supersoft compound, heads to the top of the timesheets by almost half-a-second. So, the top four of Hamilton, Alonso, Raikkonen and Ricciardo are staying in the pits, but Rosberg has gone out, meaning the championship leader will use one more set of tyres than his rivals. Hulkenberg, Massa, Bottas, Perez, Gutierrez and Grosjean occupy the bottom six with four minutes remaining. We're revving up for the final runs here. The top 12 are separated by just 1.2 seconds. Indeed the top five of Hamilton, Alonso, Raikkonen, Ricciardo and Rosberg are separated by just two tenths. We have got a realy qualifying session on our hands here. Hamilton then goes fastest, but only by a whisker. This is really cementing Ferrari's status as challengers for pole today. Rosberg meanwhile, fails to go faster than either Alonso or Raikkonen. Indeed he's 5th with Ricciardo in P4. And Raikkonen starts where he left off. The Finn heads to the top of the timesheets, but his lap is bettered by team-mate Alonso, but only by three thousandths of a second. We're back underway at the Marina Bay Circuit - this session will determine who makes it through to the top-10 shootout. That's the first time Raikkonen has been quickest in any session so far this season. It's also the third different session where they've topped the timesheets this weekend; they've only been quickest in four sessions the entire season. So, an interesting Q1, there. No great upsets in regards to the bottom six, but two Ferraris at the top of the timesheets? And Raikkonen quicker than Alonso? It's fair to say, none of us would have predicted that. And here is Vettel gesticulating at Kvyat earlier in the session... They've looked strong all weekend and Raikkonen and Alonso now head a 1-2 in Singapore. Hamilton, in his Mercedes, tries to respond, but he is almost three tenths shy of Raikkonen's best lap. But as I write that, Button goes second fastest and Vettel pops his Red Bull into P6. The world champions are safe, but Felipe Massa, who has struggled this weekend, is in trouble in 16th. Nico Hulkenberg posts a 1:47.370 to move to the top of the lap charts with some three minutes remaining. Jenson Button on the bubble here. He is 17th... and Vettel is still yet to post a time. Vettel in a spot of bother here. The four-times world champion is yet to set a time with only five minutes remaining. He then waves his hand at Daniil Kvyat after the Russian, despite being on a slower lap, refused to move off the racing line. The German will have to go again. So, Rosberg has popped in a timed lap but he is only sixth, the best part of a second down on Hamilton. He heads to the pits and takes on a set of supersoft tyres. Hamilton then heads to the top of the timesheets, three tenths quicker than Alonso. A big lock-up for Romain Grosjean in the Lotus and he is reporting a major problem with his brakes. It never rains, but it pours for those at the Enstone-based team this year. But Bottas is quickly usurped by that man Alonso. He's been on fire this weekend hasn't he? His last dry pole was four years ago, here, in Singapore. Could he repeat that feat again today? Valtteri Bottas is leading the way with seven minutes of Q1 gone - only nine drivers are yet to have posted times so far. An early mistake from Rosberg who goes in too deep on the run down to Turn 8. Instead of flat-spotting his tyres, as in Monza, he goes straight on, and then has to reach for reverse. He'll have plenty of time to recover, but hardly an ideal start for the world championship leader. A lot like the incident during qualifying in Monaco that one. The pit-lane is open and we are underway in Singapore. Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamilton are already on track and the latter is told to remember that he has new brakes for the opening session. Gordon Ramsay, the potty-mouthed chef, is in the McLaren garage today. I wonder if Jenson Button will be able to cook up a storm today? Apologies. The drivers are in their cars and we are only moments away from Q1 - the 18-minute opening session which will see the six slowest cars eliminated. 1. N Rosberg (Mercedes) 2382. L Hamilton (Mercedes) 2163. D Ricciardo (Red Bull)1664. V Bottas (Williams) 1225. F Alonso (Ferrari) 1216. S Vettel (Red Bull) 1067. J Button (McLaren) 728. N Hulkenberg (Force India) 70 . Social media was awash with claims Mercedes had fixed the Italian Grand Prix in wake of the collision between Hamilton and Rosberg in Spa. The theory went that the German, under orders from his team, deliberately went straight on at Turn One in order to gift the win to his team-mate. It was a claim subsequently denied by Mercedes and much of the paddock. And you can read Rosberg’s version of events in his MailOnline column. Fernando Alonso was the surprise pacesetter in the final practice session ahead of qualifying. The Ferrari man was marginally quicker than Red Bull's Daniel Ricciardo with the Mercedes pair of Rosberg 3rd and Hamilton only 6th. Could we be in for an upset today? I'm sure many of you would be delighted to see Alonso claim pole for Ferrari... but something tells me Mercedes will have the pace when they need it. But while the race for this year’s championship continues to intensify, much of the paddock talk so far this weekend has centred around the new radio rules… and the subsequent U-turn. Struggling to get your head around it? You're not the only one. You can read the very latest on what is allowed, and what isn’t, right here. My thoughts are that it will be very hard to police; the FIA have just eight men watching transmissions from 22 drivers and their respective engineers. I dare say it could lead to a controversy of sorts, but what would Formula One be without some of that? Lewis Hamilton is the man in form after his win last time out in Monza. The Briton forced title rival Nico Rosberg into a mistake at Turn One to claim his first victory since July’s British Grand Prix. The victory took Hamilton to within 22 points of Rosberg ahead of this weekend’s race under the lights. The Singapore Grand Prix has been an instant hit on the calendar since its debut in 2008… and surely we’re in for a corker this time round, too. | Hamilton posted the fastest time at the Marina Bay Circuit to seal pole . The Briton was just 0.007secs ahead of Rosberg in a hotly-contested session under the lights . Daniel Ricciardo will start third with Red Bull team-mate Sebastian Vettel alongside him on the front row . Jenson Button failed to progress to Q3 and is only 11th for tomorrow's race . Hamilton is 22 points adrift of his team-mate with six races remaining . | 99a1e110645d85bebcb82eaaee609d2d146559df |
Manny Pacquiao has revealed he plans to retire from boxing in 2016, further slimming the chances of the Filipino ever fighting Floyd Mayweather Jnr. Arguably the two greatest pound-for-pound boxers of their era, the pair have never met in the ring. Pacquiao, 35, plans to run for the Senate in his homeland after retiring. He is already heavily involved in politics having twice been elected to Congress. VIDEO Scroll down to watch early-round highlights of Pacquiao's fight with Timothy Bradley . Calling it a day: Pacquiao (right) lands a right hand on Timothy Bradley on his was to victory in April . Politician: Pacquiao takes a photo last week at the Filipino Congress in Quezon City . After revealing his plans to retire, Pacquiao told DZMM: 'There’s a big possibility that I will run for Senator. UNA (United Nationalist Alliance party) asked me to join its slate and I am grateful they picked me.' Pacquiao has won an unprecedented eight world titles in fiver different divisions. He bounced back from consecutive defeats in 2012 by Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez to beat Brandon Rios and his re-match with Bradley. Pacquiao's next fight sees him face Chris Algieri in Macau on November 22. He has a career record of 56 wins from 63 bouts. VIDEO Mayweather challenges Maidana to put his money where his mouth is . Running out of time: Mayweather (left) has still never faced Pacquiao in the ring . | Manny Pacquiao plans to retire from boxing in 2016 . The Filipino plans to run for Senate in his homeland in 2016 . | 9051d607a1c0d801ec507c5020435c318d157f39 |
(CNN) -- The newly elected head of Syria's opposition briefed European foreign ministers Monday on the crisis there, European Union foreign affairs representative Catherine Ashton said. Ashton met Monday with Ahmed Moaz al-Khatib and pledged European support ahead of the monthly meeting of European Union foreign ministers. "We want to help, but it's their country," she said. Al-Khatib was to discuss his proposal for a political transition to end the hostilities that have left thousands of people dead during nearly 21 months of violence that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has characterized as a fight against terrorism. Ashton said the world must take a stand against al-Assad's actions. "It is important that we recognize the terrible things that have been happening in Syria and the responsibility that Assad has," Ashton said. "We said from the very beginning that it is no place to be in a position of power in your country if you respond to peaceful demonstrations with the murder of your citizens." After hearing from al-Khatib, the foreign ministers released a statement saying, "The EU is seriously concerned about the potential use and transfer of chemical weapons in Syria and reminds the Syrian regime and other parties that, in case of their use, those responsible will be held accountable." Syria has accused the United States of working to falsely accuse the country of using chemical weapons, Syrian state-run media said Monday. "The U.S. administration has consistently worked over the past year to launch a campaign of allegations on the possibility that Syria could use chemical weapons during the current crisis," the Foreign Ministry wrote in letters to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency reported. "What raises concerns about this news circulated by the media is our serious fear that some of the countries backing terrorism and terrorists might provide the armed terrorist groups with chemical weapons and claim that it was the Syrian government that used the weapons," SANA quoted the letters as saying. U.S. officials have said they have seen intelligence suggesting that Syrian military units may be preparing chemical weapons for use. President Barack Obama has said any use of chemical weapons would cross a "red line," eliciting swift U.S. reaction. The United States and European allies are using defense contractors to train Syrian rebels to secure chemical weapons stockpiles, a senior U.S. official and several senior diplomats said. The training, in Jordan and Turkey, covers the monitoring and securing of stockpiles of weapons and materials, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the issue. Some contractors are working with rebels in Syria to monitor sites, one of the officials said. Opposition groups said fighting continued Monday across the country. At least 142 people died Monday, 59 of them in Aleppo and 50 in Damascus and its suburbs, the Local Coordination Committees of Syria said. In one Aleppo neighborhood, opposition activists said, they discovered 10 handcuffed and blindfolded corpses killed by government forces in recent weeks, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported. CNN is unable to confirm casualty reports as the government has severely restricted access by international journalists. The Observatory said a rebel group seized control of a government military base in northwest Syria. The seizure occurred in Aleppo province, where rebel fighters from the jihadi al-Nusra Front, Muhikiri al-Sham and the al-Battar battalions took over three brigades and the command center of the 111th regiment in the Sheikh Sleiman area of western Reef Aleppo, the observatory said. Two rebels and one soldier died; five other soldiers were captured, it said, adding that 140 soldiers and their officers fled. The rebel forces represent a variety of interests. In Washington, State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said Monday that U.S. officials were concerned "that al-Nusra is little more than a front for al Qaeda in Iraq who has moved some of its operations into Syria." The State Department is planning to designate al-Nusra Front, a radical Islamist group, as a foreign terrorist organization, two U.S. officials told CNN last week. The announcement is likely to come this week, the officials said. The hope is to finalize the designation before the Friends of Syria meeting, which is slated to be held Wednesday in Morocco. The goal of the designation is to isolate extremists groups in Syria while giving a boost to the new political opposition group unveiled last month in Doha, Qatar, they said. Al-Nusra and several other groups announced their opposition to a new anti-government coalition last month. U.S. officials estimate al-Nusra members represent some 9% of rebel forces in Syria. Officials said the group has not affiliated itself publicly with al Qaeda in an apparent effort to appear more mainstream. In recent months, the al-Nusra Front has emerged as one of the most effective groups in the Syrian resistance, drawing on foreign fighters with combat experience in Iraq and elsewhere. It has claimed responsibility for a number of complex attacks in Damascus and Aleppo, frequently involving suicide bombers. CNN's Elise Labott and Samira Said contributed to this report. | "Those responsible will be held accountable" for use of chemical weapons, EU says . At least 142 people are killed Monday across Syria, the opposition says . Syria accuses the United States of setting it up to be framed on chemical weapons . | b22a54a6e1cb2a7cf87974a60968ed8e6f1da9db |
By . Robert Hardman . PUBLISHED: . 19:06 EST, 23 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:22 EST, 24 July 2013 . Welcome to your future kingdom, Your Royal Highness. Welcome to the world. It won’t always be quite like this. But it’s safe to say that you are very, very welcome. At 7.13pm, the doors of the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington, swung open to reveal the sight which opens another chapter in our extraordinary royal story. Held tight in the arms of his (astonishingly poised) mother, our next King but two made his public debut – and first royal wave – in front of a live global audience of many hundreds of millions. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Let me have a go: William tentatively reaches for the baby . So... how do we do this? The Duke ponders the mechanics . Let the handover begin: Kate leans in, but keeps a firm hold . Easy does it: She slowly lowers the baby towards his father with William appearing tense as he finally takes over . It is hard to recall a royal appearance more keenly awaited than this one. Even that post-wedding balcony kiss couldn’t quite trump the moment. In more than 20 years of covering royal events, I can’t remember a scene quite so full of raw, impromptu joy. With scenes of delirious chaos all around, this well-wrapped bundle of love, hope and a nation’s expectations was then transferred into the arms of his father. Like any new dad, it was an anxious moment before the handover was safely completed. The Duke of Cambridge could scarcely keep his eyes off his son and heir. This most private of men had no qualms in admitting that the whole thing had been ‘very emotional – very special’. He told us: ‘Well, he’s got a good pair of lungs on him, that’s for sure. He’s a big boy, he’s quite heavy.’ ‘It’s very emotional and such a special time,’ the Duchess, chimed in, as fresh as her floaty blue dress. ‘I think any parent will probably know what this feeling feels like.’ Considering the magnitude of the moment, it is safe to say that these two will be a safe pair of hands in a national crisis. ‘He’s got her looks, thankfully,’ joked the Duke. ‘No, no, no,’ she bounced back. ‘I’m not sure about that.’ Have a look at those scenes again (you won’t have much choice over the next few days). Note the way that the Duchess looks at her husband even more than at her baby; she is manifestly just as proud of him as of her little boy. ‘He’s done the first nappy already,’ she told us. No name yet, of course, but more self-deprecating humour. Asked about the baby’s hair, the Duke reflected: ‘He’s got way more than me, thank God.’ Oh, I've got him! The anxious expression dissolves into delight . Family unit: The Duchess looks on as William concentrates . Check him out! She appears proud of her husband's efforts . Look of love: William cannot hide the emotion on his face as the doting dad finally begins to relax . And with that, they briefly retired indoors for what is usually a fractious rite of passage: attaching the child to the car seat. Had the Duke been in training? Without so much as a cross word, let alone a fumble with the instruction book, he slotted our newest HRH into the back seat with a slickness that will infuriate new fathers everywhere. They say that a baby crocodile regards the first thing it sees as its mother. Let’s hope the same does not apply to monarchs and their subjects. Poor Prince X’s first glimpse of his people was not a pretty one – several hundred frazzled, sunburned, rain-soaked cameramen. There, hospital staff of every rank and responsibility had been given plum positions either side of the doors. They couldn’t decide whether to clap or film the moment on their mobile phones. Many did both, cheering at the same time. Here was a complete cross-section of hospital life, a happy jumble of name badges – ‘nursery nurse’, ‘works administrator’, ‘sister’. Special moment: Prince William and Kate waved and smiled broadly as they carried their son out of hospital, but they are yet to decide on a name . New life: The baby was crying in his car seat as his father took him to their waiting car yesterday evening . Magic: With the world watching, Kate and William hold their prince outside the Lindo Wing in a genuinely historic moment for Britain . Emotional: The new mother looked delighted as she looked down at her first child while her husband waved to the excited crowds . Protective: The baby was wrapped in a white shawl - Kate held her new son closely to her chest as she waved to the impressive crowd . The safe hands of the Duchess of Cambridge with her son who was born on Monday, but was thrown into the spotlight yesterday . Craning over a railing, another revealed herself to be ‘bookings co-ordinator’. She must have been busy lately. The . world has seen the media circus on the outside. These staff have . experienced this happy – and good-natured – siege from within. All were, . understandably, tight-lipped on details afterwards. But they were . delighted to reflect on their moment of collective glory. ‘I can’t begin to say what I feel – . just over the moon,’ said Mary Grafton, business manager of the Lindo . Wing. Alongside her stood Marielle Bouqueau, a young midwife almost . speechless in the excitement of the moment. These are people who see the . extremes of human emotion every day. Even they could not quite take it . all in. Up on high, every floor of the Queen . Mother building had faces squashed against the glass. On the fourth . floor, I counted ten staff togged up in blue surgical scrubs – hats and . all. One hoped that all had finished their work for the day. Although . Palace aides were suggesting that Baby Cambridge might spend yet . another night in hospital, several clues suggested otherwise. By . mid-afternoon, we spotted a tell-tale sign: the arrival of both the car . seat and Amanda Cook Tucker. The Duchess had been safely delivered of . her hairdresser. Next came the first pair of grandparents – in a London . cab. The Middletons have seen a few media circuses in recent years but . the scale of this one seemed to take them aback. Are those tears? The Duchess admitted the becoming a mother for the first time was 'emotional' William calmly carried his new baby to the Range Rover which he drove home himself with his wife and child on board . Welcome to the world: The baby, titled His Royal Highness, Prince (name) of Cambridge, raised his tiny hands in the air as he was transported to the awaiting car in the car seat . Precious cargo: Prince William carefully placed his new son in the back seat of the awaiting car in preparation for their journey back to Kensington Palace . Goodbye: William gives a final farewell wave before he drives his wife and their new addition back home . An . hour later, Michael and Carole Middleton emerged exuding the giddy . contentment of two people who cannot quite believe they have just met . their first grandchild. By the time the Prince of Wales arrived with the . Duchess of Cornwall soon afterwards, the cheering had turned to faintly . manic screaming. Gaskets were blowing. If this baby did not appear soon, some people were going to be ending up in the A&E block next door. And . finally, the world’s most glamorous young couple and their new Crown . jewel breezed out to face the world and one of those fluffy television . microphones, which was sprouting from the middle of the road. Here . was a vivid reminder of the difference between what the great . constitutionalist, Walter Bagehot, described as the ‘dignified’ and . ‘efficient’ parts of the British constitution. These three young people . will never govern us like our elected leaders. But they will represent . us at home and abroad; they will be the focus of attention in times of . trouble and great happiness. If . Monarchy stands for anything, it is for continuity in a changing world. Could anything possibly illustrate this more clearly than these . euphoric scenes in a Paddington side road yesterday evening? Poking fun: Camilla smiles broadly as Prince . Charles asks journalists outside St Mary's Hospital: 'Have you been . there long?' before heading up the steps to meet his first grandchild . Exit: After an hour in the Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital, Carole and Michael Middleton leave after seeing their grandson for the first time . Few words: Carole spoke on behalf of her and Michael, and said the baby was 'absolutely beautiful' and that William and Kate were coping 'fabulously' Thrilled: Kate's parents Carole and Michael smiled broadly as they arrived at hospital to see their daughter and meet their new grandchild . | Kate, Prince William and their newborn baby travel home to Kensington Palace yesterday evening . Couple say they are ‘still working on a name’ William jokes his new son ‘has a good pair of lungs’ and tells crowd his child has Kate’s looks and more hair than him . Kate's parents Carole and Michael were the first members of the family to visit their daughter and her young son . | cebee6009a6d990969a27f4244221ae86f1c8b83 |
What did you eat for breakfast this morning? Tea and toast? Coffee and cereal? I don’t mean to sound smug, but here’s what I had: alfalfa, spinach, wheatgrass, pineapple, apple, goji berry, beetroot, broccoli, some ‘alkalising super greens’, and, er some maitake mushroom; all on top of my cereal. Thankfully, I wasn’t chopping for hours: all these mega-healthy ingredients came in a magical powder form, ready for me to sprinkle on my Weetabix. Scroll down for video . Super-supplement: Marianne tries out supermodel Elle Macpherson's 'The Super Elixir' with her morning Weetabix . Magical powder: The Super Elixir is supposed to improve fitness and nutrition in all 11 systems of the body . And although it might look like fermented pond scum, it tastes surprisingly sweet — not least because it promises to make me look and feel like a supermodel. Elle Macpherson to be exact. The Australian model, who somehow turned 50 in March, launched this green powder — marketed as The Super Elixir — last month, with the help of Harley Street nutritionist Dr Simone Laubscher. Containing 45 ingredients, it is meant to improve ‘inner fitness, support nutrition at a cellular level and optimise the functioning of all 11 systems of the body.’ Frankly, at this price — £96 a jar, which should last just one month — I’d expect it to make me fly. But it seems the days of good old-fashioned multi-vitamins are long gone; today’s supplements are as A-list as the people raving about them — with price tags to match. The Body: Australian supermodel Elle Macpherson turned 50 in March . Earlier this month, Victoria Beckham tweeted a picture of her new favourite supplement: Bee Panacea, which combines raw honey, pollen, propolis and royal jelly to boost energy, fight acne and help with indigestion, depression and high blood pressure. It also costs an eye-watering £35 for a small pot, which even its biggest fan would have to admit won’t last long. Meanwhile, other celebrities such as Miranda Kerr, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley have been waxing lyrical about breakfast smoothies made with a bewildering number of new-age ingredients, including maca powder, chia seeds, blue algae, baobab powder, bee pollen, freeze-dried acai berry and lacuma powder. Each one is supposed to be an ancient superfood, offering a vast array of benefits, from boosting your libido to warding off depression. But as they cost anything from £5 to £20 a pop, by my reckoning, you’d have to shell out £70 before you could get your blender out. Even John Lewis sells Dr Perricone’s Total Skin and Body supplements — £78 for a month’s worth, or for those on the budget, Superberry powder with acai, at £53 for 30 days’ worth. Just like jeans and handbags, vitamins, it seems, have gone designer. But are super-supplements worth their super prices? ‘Part of the allure of some of these products is the price tag. It’s like buying a Jo Malone candle or a pot of Creme de la Mer — you don’t need to spend £100 on a face cream, but some people want to and swear by it,’ says nutritionist Ian Marber. ‘Most of these new supplements are what’s known as “food state nutrients”, which are as similar to real food as possible. Because they are better absorbed by the gut, you could say you get more benefit from them, but then you could also benefit from eating a lot of vegetables,’ says Marber.Marber has a problem with the main claim of Elle Macpherson’s new product: that it alkalises the body. The theory goes that modern diets create too much acid, leading to an over-production of fat cells to carry the excess away from vital organs; as well as exacerbating many common complaints such as arthritis and tiredness. Health Wealth: Super-supplements are supposed to be an ancient superfood, offering a vast array of benefits, but may make your purse significantly lighter . Breakfast boost: Marianne channeled the celebrity vibe and tried out several super-supplements . The idea is that eating certain foods or supplements can maintain the body’s ideal pH balance (acidity levels) to improve overall health. ‘I’m not comfortable with the science,’ says Marber. ‘There’s no robust research to show you change your body’s pH through food for more than a minute or two. We all like to think that there’s a health secret that we haven’t been let into — and Elle is sharing it with us.’ And what about the new array of products such as maca or lucuma powder? Sales of vitamins and dietary supplements are expected to reach £786 million by 2018 . ‘It’s funny, we embrace technology in every area of our lives but still think, health wise, that something from an ancient tribe is better,’ says Marber. ‘The specifics are fine — they contain concentrated forms of antioxidants and flavonoids, which are extremely useful, but we don’t know the long- term safety. ‘Also, putting a spoon of this, a spoon of that into a smoothie is working on the assumption that the body is going to benefit from a mega dose of nutrients. Whereas we don’t know if our body is even able to absorb them all.’ Marber is, however, a fan of freshly made green vegetable juice — and says if we up our ‘five-a-day’ to at least seven, we will be fine. ‘I don’t like the idea that food isn’t enough,’ he says. ‘A good diet of fruit and vegetables will be enough for the vast majority of us. Salad days: The Super Elixir contains 45 different vegetables, but one expert says it would be better for us to eat the vegetables directly . ‘And if you’re feeling below par, think: are you stressed? Are you drinking too much? Not sleeping enough? An expensive supplement isn’t the answer.’ Oh well, even if Elle’s power powder doesn’t give me the body of The Body, it has at least made me a few pounds lighter. In the wallet. MACA POWDER: Made from a South African root, purported to boost energy and sex drive. BAOBAB POWDER: The sub-Saharan superfood is said to increase energy. LUCUMA POWDER: Made from Peruvian lucuma fruit and aids digestion. BEE POLLEN: Packed full of 22 amino acids, vitamins and minerals. ACAI BERRIES: Rich in anti-oxidants; linked to weight loss. CHIA SEEDS: Meant to help dieters lose weight by making you feel fuller. CHLORELLA/ SPIRULINA/ KELP: Algaes packed with protein, vitamins and minerals, to boost energy and mood. WHEATGRASS POWDER: Rich in vitamin C and good for immune system . | Marianne tried out Elle Macpherson's new vitamin powder 'The Super Elixir' Containing 45 uber-healthy ingredients, it costs £96 a jar . Victoria Beckham and Gwyneth Paltrow swear by super-supplements . However, one expert says we'd be better off upping our five-a-day to seven . | c9c9436e5f33fc2ab4804769813d28fcbd1d7e00 |
By . Emma Glanfield for MailOnline . Cheryl Burnside, 30, posed as a stripogram to gain entry to a block of flats in Halifax, West Yorkshire, before forcing a 71-year-old man to hand over money . A con artist who tricked her way into a vulnerable pensioner's home by posing as a stripogram before forcing him to hand over cash after stripping down to her bra and knickers has been jailed. Cheryl Burnside, 30, conned her way into a block of flats in Halifax, West Yorkshire, by claiming to be a stripogram for a 'Mr Johnson'. However, when she gained entry to the complex she persuaded a 71-year-old man to let her into his home so she could use the toilet. Burnside, who was addicted to drink and drugs for several years, took off her dress as she told her victim that she had been booked as a stripogram for £70. Prosecutor John Topham told Bradford Crown Court on Thursday that she was wearing only a bra and a thong when the man offered to give her £20 just to leave. However, Burnside said she wanted more money and then pretended to make a phone call to her boyfriend suggesting that he should come to the flat because the man was refusing to pay up. Before leaving the flat she grabbed a pair of trousers which contained a few pounds and the man's keys, but she was later linked to the crime after leaving her fingerprints on a cigarette packet. The court heard that she committed the offence just days after being given a community sentence for shoplifting. Mr Topham told the court how four months earlier Burnside had targeted another pensioner, in his 80s, who had previously helped her out with money. She turned up at his Halifax home just after midnight and when he refused to give her any money she took his wallet with £60 in it. The court heard that Burnside denied being involved in that offence in February and was on bail when she stole the second man's property in June. Bradford Crown Court heard how it was the second time Burnside had targeted a pensioner for cash and the judge jailed her for three years for the 'despicable' crimes after she pleaded guilty to two charges of theft . She was originally charged with two offences of burglary, but when her case was listed for trial last month she pleaded guilty to two charges of theft. Her guilty pleas spared the two pensioners from having to give evidence in court. Judge Jonathan Rose described the crimes as 'despicable' and said Burnside had targeted her victims because of their age. He jailed her for three years and imposed an indefinite restraining order banning her from contacting her first victim. | Cheryl Burnside tricked her way into flat complex by posing as stripogram . 30-year-old persuaded man, 71, to let her into his home and demanded cash . Pensioner gave her £20 just to leave but she demanded more before fleeing . Bradford Crown Court heard it was second time she targeted a pensioner . | 52f11475fb6496f99662e640b9bf8cf35befbec7 |
Patients falsely claiming free prescriptions are fleecing the NHS out of more than £200million a year, figures reveal. Officials are concerned people are routinely walking into High Street chemists pretending to be unemployed or suffering a long-term illness, just so they do not have to pay for medication. Ministers are today launching a crackdown on the fraud by demanding pharmacists and NHS officials thoroughly check patients are entitled to free prescriptions. The DoH estimates 29.4m prescriptions were wrongly handed out for free last year at a cost of £237million . In England, certain groups qualify, including the over-60s, children, new mothers, the unemployed and patients with certain medical conditions such as cancer. Everyone else pays a flat fee of £8.05 per item. But the system is open to abuse because patients just tick a box on a form, and pharmacists take their word for it. The Department of Health estimates 29.4million prescriptions were wrongly handed out for free last year at a cost of £237million. Under a scheme being launched by health minister Dr Daniel Poulter, the NHS’s Business Service Authority will next month begin looking back through records of free prescriptions. Officials are concerned people are routinely walking into High Street chemists pretending to be unemployed or suffering a long-term illness, just so they do not have to pay for medication . They will check details held by the Department for Work and Pensions, and anyone found to be flouting the system will be fined £150. Persistent offenders will be taken to court and, if found guilty, fined £2,500. The Government is also introducing an electronic system to allow pharmacists to check immediately if patients are entitled to free prescriptions. It is expected to be available in all high street chemists by 2018. Dr Poulter said: ‘This abuse of the NHS must stop. Claiming a free prescription when you are not entitled takes money away from other frontline patient services.’ But senior medics said it was ‘totally unacceptable’ to expect pharmacists to police what is already a deeply flawed system. David Branford, of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, added that it would disrupt the trust between pharmacists and patients. | DoH estimates £29.4m prescriptions wrongly handed out for free last year . Officials worried people pretending to have illness or being unemployed . Ministers launching crackdown on the fraud by pharmacists and NHS . | b3d7d3895cb4193dc145d1be6e577e6cef00ca77 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:53 EST, 29 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:22 EST, 29 January 2014 . A football club admin worker who sent racy pictures to a player is also rumoured to have had a fling with the goalkeeper who went on to become a WWE wrestler, a tribunal has heard. Kerry Miller, 46, is accused of repeatedly barging into the changing rooms at Burton Albion FC while players were getting dressed after post-match showers. A tribunal heard how she entered the dressing room on 15 occasions and also sent pictures of herself wearing underwear to striker Billy Kee, 23. Allegations of rumours of a fling between Kerry Miller (left) and former Burton Albion FC goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson (right) have emerged today on the third day of her employment tribunal . Ms Miller was rumoured to have been seeing 28-year-old Mr Tomlinson (pictured) between September and Christmas 2012, the tribunal heard . She confessed to having a 'casual' relationship with former defender Ryan Austin, 29, who has since left the League Two club. On the third day of her employment tribunal today, the hearing heard of allegations of rumours she had been seeing 28-year-old goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson between September and Christmas 2012. Leicester Employment Tribunal heard she posted a picture on Facebook of herself with the model on a night out just hours after a crucial match. The following year Tomlinson turned his back on football after suffering a bad knee injury to pursue a career in WWE wrestling in America. Giving evidence the club’s chairman Ben Robinson said Mr Tomlinson was a part-time male escort while he played for the team. A tribunal heard how Ms Miller (left) entered the dressing room on 15 occasions and also sent pictures of herself wearing underwear to striker Billy Kee (right) Asked if he was aware there were rumours of a relationship between the pair by her barrister James Bruce, Mr Robinson said: 'I was aware that it was suspected. I was aware of the discussion that Kerry might have been having a relationship with Stuart Tomlinson between September and Christmas. 'He was a male model and a male escort. I’ve had no problems with that.' Burton Albion’s club secretary and commercial director Fleur Robinson said she had spoken to Ms Miller after she posted an image of the pair together in a Chester night-club . Giving evidence Ms Robinson, who is also the chairman’s daughter, admitted she had 'raised an eyebrow' when the picture emerged on October 27, 2012 - just hours after a crucial game. Ms Miller has confessed to having a 'casual' relationship with former defender Ryan Austin (pictured), 29, who has since left the League Two club . She told the tribunal: 'It was a Saturday and we had a home game against Bradford. 'Kerry had asked if she would be able to leave earlier than expected because she had to go out in Manchester. 'I said that was fine as long as everything was done by that time. I had no issues with her leaving an hour early. 'I remember sitting at home on the Saturday evening with my partner. I had a message off my brother saying have you seen this on Facebook? 'I thought it was a bit strange she had asked to go early to go to Manchester and seeing that picture I admit I raised an eyebrow. 'Kerry came to see me on the Thursday and said she wasn’t very happy about the way things had been dealt with over the weekend. Ms Miller, pictured in a bikini, has appeared at a tribunal claiming constructive dismissal . 'I said being seen out in a nightclub with an injured player probably wouldn’t be perceived very well by our supporters and sponsors and people connected with the club. 'I know Kerry was friends with other colleagues and one of the second major sponsors was a friend of hers on Facebook at the time. 'I asked her to be careful in future as to what she was doing in terms of any connections with any staff that could be in the social arena. 'I think we regret that we didn’t deal with things in a more formal manner.' Giving evidence the club's chairman Ben Robinson (pictured) said Mr Tomlinson was a part-time male escort while he played for the team . Ms Robinson, who has worked at the club for 18 years and was Ms Miller’s line manager, also told the hearing she warned her after manager Gary Rowett complained about her bursting into the dressing rooms. She added: 'I had a conversation with Kerry and I said I had a conversation with the manager and a phone call with the chairman that a complaint had been made by a senior player about her entering the dressing room. 'I asked her if this was the case and she said it wasn’t. 'As the conversation developed Kerry admitted she had entered the dressing room. 'It was certainly on more than one occasion and the manager said to me it was on several occasions. 'It’s something I’ve never had to deal with in 18 years at the club. 'A female member of staff or any member of staff entering the players’ dressing room when they were in states of undress is completely unheard of. 'I was told by the manager that she had gone in unannounced.' The widow started working in a sales and support role at the club’s Pirelli Stadium in Burton-upon-Trent, Stafforshire, in September 2011 before she quit in February 2013 after a row with the chairman. Ms Miller, who lives in Marchington near Uttoxeter, denies bursting into the players’ dressing rooms before knocking. She is claiming constructive dismissal, sexual discrimination and harassment against the club who she is accusing of forcing her to quit. Burton Albion deny all her claims. Burton Albion players celebrating after beating Middlesbrough 2-1 in January 2011 . The tribunal today heard how Ms Miller was a 'desperate' flirt who thrived on male attention and was viewed as a threat by Burton Albion's WAGs. Veteran defender Aaron Webster, 32, told the hearing Ms Miller would be constantly around the players on a daily basis and at one time was 'all over' the club chairman. Giving evidence, Mr Webster - who made 589 appearances and scored 101 goals for the club in 16 years before he left last summer - said: 'Kerry likes male attention. In my opinion she would flirt very directly with male staff and players on a regular and daily basis. 'She came around the dressing room and the physio room in the morning. During lunchtime she would be around the players. The tribunal today heard how Ms Miller was a 'desperate' flirt who thrived on male attention and was viewed as a threat by Burton Albion's WAGs . 'At one period we did see her quite frequently. I'm not 100 per cent sure why she would be there. 'Some of the girlfriends saw Kerry as a bit of a threat. She was all over the chairman on one occasion. 'If I'm honest I felt it was a little bit desperate from her at times. According to me I think she liked the male attention so if there was any whistles or noises from the players she would like it. 'That's why I personally think we saw her on a daily basis. I thought she thrived on that. I've seen pictures on two players phones - Ryan Austin and Billy Kee. 'I heard she had a thing for him [Stuart Tomlinson] but I never heard a rumour they had slept together.' Burton striker Billy Kee told the tribunal yesterday afternoon how Ms Miller sent him pictures in which she was topless. The 23-year-old, who still plays for the club, admitted he also sent two naked pictures of himself to Ms Miller after a night out in 2012. He told the hearing he didn't remember how they started texting but he remembered the messages started getting sexual after he 'drank a few pints'. Asked if he had sent two naked pictures, both not including his face, to Ms Miller by the club's barrister Sarah George, the striker simply answered 'yes'. And then asked if he received one snap of Ms Miller in her underwear and then another of her topless Mr Kee again replied 'yes'. Giving evidence he told the hearing: 'I remember I was on a night out and I don't know how we got texting but we ending up exchanging pictures. I think it was two from each side. 'I don't remember what words were used but if I was going to do it with someone else I would say "you send me one and I'll send you one back". 'I know it started as just innocent chit-chat. I think after a few pints it may have got sexual but I honestly don't remember. The next day I received a text from her. 'I think she said "I'm silly for sending them and I would appreciate it if you deleted them because it could cost me my job". 'I showed them [the photos] to a few players, four including the physio. A couple of other players said "come on mate, you shouldn't be doing that".' Burton Albion's accounts manager Angela Lawley also told the tribunal Ms Miller was texting another married player from another professional club. She said the player - who was not named - also had children and would keep the phone he used to text Ms Miller hidden in his car's glove-box. The hearing, which is expected to last another two days, continues. | Kerry Miller, 46, is claiming constructive dismissal against Burton Albion FC . Admin worker is also claiming sexual discrimination and sexual harassment . She has been accused of repeatedly barging into changing rooms . Rumoured to have been seeing Stuart Tomlinson between September and Christmas 2012, tribunal hears . | d35a5141204d0c67a0af8f1a37af60a9ddffaaaf |
(CNN) -- The one question we all desperately want answered may have gone to the grave with Aaron Alexis: Why? Why did he park at the Washington Navy Yard on Monday, walk into Building 197, perch himself on an overlook above the atrium and open fire? The bullets that rained down killed 12 people and wounded eight others. Why? But that's not the only missing puzzle piece. Investigators are painstakingly trying to piece together the motive, the means and the method. "No piece of information is too small," says Valerie Parlave of the FBI. "We are looking to learn everything we can about his recent movements, his contacts and associates." For now, here's what we know and what we don't know. What is security like at the Navy Yard? THE MOTIVE . What we know: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid may have said it best Tuesday when he told colleagues that "there is no explanation for the violence." So far, investigators haven't offered any clue as to what motivated Alexis to kill. Friends say he had been frustrated over pay and benefits issues from a previous contracting job, and federal law enforcement sources said he may have contacted Veterans Affairs hospitals for possible treatment of psychological issues. But so far, investigators haven't said if either of those issues contributed to the attack. What we don't know: What he might have left behind in his Washington hotel room, either in writing or on any computers FBI agents may have found while searching the room. Terrorism hasn't been ruled out but seems unlikely, according to Washington Mayor Vincent Gray. THE SHOOTER . What we know: Throughout the day, authorities said they were looking for a second man. But by nightfall, they said they were "confident" that Alexis was the lone gunman. "We have exhausted all means to eliminate that possible last suspect," said Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier. "So we do now feel comfortable that we have the single and sole person responsible for the loss of life inside of the base." On Tuesday, Parlave, the assistant director in charge of the FBI's Washington field office, underscored that, telling reporters it's believed that Alexis acted alone. What we don't know: While authorities have stated they don't think anyone else besides Alexis opened fire at the Navy Yard, that doesn't mean others didn't help him or know about the plot. Alexis arrived in Washington on or around August 25, staying in hotels in the capital ever since, said Parlave. Shawn Henry, a former executive assistant director of the FBI, said he believed authorities will be talking to people Alexis has known for years -- including those he went to school with and served in the Navy with -- as well as looking at things like bank and cell phone records. THE VICTIMS . What we know: We now have all the names of 12 victims. They range in age from 46 to 73. Another eight people are recovering from wounds inflicted in the shooting, including three at MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Washington Mayor Vincent Gray said many of the victims gunned down in the Navy Yard's Building 197 were eating breakfast when Alexis shot at them from above. What we don't know: We have yet to find out more about many of the victims, such as what they did at the Navy Yard, where they were at the time of the shooting, etc. Victims from Navy Yard shooting identified . THE END . What we know: Washington Police Chief Cathy Lanier said Tuesday that Alexis had "multiple contacts" with officers from several agencies during the shooting spree. The ordeal ended when Washington police Officer Scott Williams fatally shot Alexis, 34, Mayor Vincent Gray told CNN. What we don't know: Exactly how Alexis died, beyond the fact it happened after 30 minutes of gunfire, according to Gray. HIS HISTORY . What we know: He left New York after apparently helping rescue efforts at the site of the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001, terror attacks, according according to a source with direct knowledge of the investigation. His father told Seattle police after a 2004 arrest that Alexis was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder related to that experience. He had served in the Navy, but officials moved to discharge him in 2010 over a pattern of misconduct that included insubordination, unauthorized absences and other infractions, according to a U.S. defense official. It wasn't enough for a general discharge, so Navy officials decided to grant him an honorable discharge, the official said. As a contractor, he worked in information technology, had medium security clearance, high enough to work at multiple Navy offices over the summer. He had an ID badge to enter the Navy Yard. His employer says the shooter jumped through all the right hoops. "Alexis had a security clearance that was updated in July, approved by military security service personnel," said Thomas Hoshko, CEO at The Experts. "There is nothing that came up in all the searches." He appeared to become increasingly troubled in recent years, according to the source with direct knowledge of the investigation. He was hearing voices and having problems sleeping, the source said. He was growing increasingly troubled and in recent months had exhibited signs of mental problems, according to the source. Based on family accounts, it appears Alexis "basically snapped," the source said. On August 7, police in Newport, Rhode Island, investigating a harassment complaint at a Marriott hotel encountered Alexis. He told them that an individual "had sent three people to follow him and to talk, keep him awake and send vibrations into his body," according to a police report. These individuals, Alexis police, had followed him to three hotels in the area -- including talking to him through walls and the floor and using "some sort of machine" to send vibrations through the ceiling that prevented him from falling asleep. Police subsequently notified officials at a Navy base in Newport, the police report stated. Officials at Naval Station Newport referred CNN to the FBI on Tuesday when asked about the incident, and the FBI subsequently had no comment on the August police report. What we don't know: How he was able to get a security clearance with such a spotty background. Former Navy SEAL Cade Courtley says a poor or incomplete background check is to blame. "Most people, when they get into that, they are given an interim clearance, and that means that the background check hasn't been done but it's in the process of being done," Courtley said. "He may have started out with an interim clearance and a background check should have been done." The former SEAL says just running Alexis' fingerprints would have turned up his arrest record. In Seattle, he fired several shots into the tires of a car during an altercation over construction near where he lived in 2004. There was also a weapons incident in Texas in 2010. Who was accused Navy Yard gunman Aaron Alexis? SECURITY AT THE YARD . What we know: Alexis drove onto the grounds of Navy Yard on Monday morning with a shotgun, according to federal law enforcement sources with detailed knowledge of the investigation. He proceeded into Building 197 and opened fire. He had access to the Navy Yard because of his contracting work, and he used a valid pass to gain entry. City police were the first law enforcement personnel on site within eight minutes of when the first shots rang out, according to Gray, and they were joined soon by SWAT team members. Washington Police Chief Cathy Lanier said there's "no doubt in mind" that law enforcement officers response to the shooting "saved numerous lives." What we don't know: Even to drive or walk onto the base, a person would be required to present credentials, said Navy Capt. Mark Vandroff. Building 197 has armed security at the door. How did he get the guns past them? Did cost-cutting compromise Navy security? Rep. Mike Turner, an Ohio Republican and a member of the Armed Forces Committee, thinks so. He wants a congressional briefing from the Pentagon inspector general on a Navy security audit that he says was released after Monday's shooting. "It is my understanding that the IG report indicates the Navy may have implemented an unproven system in order to cut costs," Turner said. "I also learned that potentially numerous felons may have been able to gain restricted access to several military installations across the country due to insufficient background checks, increasing the risk to our military personnel and civilian employees." Audit reports Navy risked security to cut costs, says source . HIS WEAPONS . What we know: Federal law enforcement sources say authorities have recovered three weapons from the scene of the mass shooting, including one -- a shotgun -- that investigators believe he brought in to the compound. The other two weapons -- handguns -- the sources say, may have been taken from guards. What we don't know: The sources, who have detailed knowledge of the investigation, cautioned that initial investigation information that an AR-15 rifle was used may have been incorrect. It is believed that Alexis had rented an AR-15, but returned it before Monday morning's shootings. On Sunday, Alexis purchased a Remington 870 shotgun and a small amount of ammunition at Sharpshooters Small Arms Range in northern Virginia, the store's attorney, J. Michael Slocum, said. Alexis spent "a couple hours" there, including at its practice range, the lawyer added. In according with federal law, Alexis name and other applicable information was provided to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and he was approved to purchase the gun, according to Slocum. Alexis had the proper credentials to get into the Navy Yard, said Washington's mayor. But Gray added that it was unclear how he got the shotgun past security. Parlave, from the FBI, said Tuesday that Alexis may have gotten hold of the handguns after he got into the military facility. GUN DEBATE . What we know: The incident will certainly rev up the often explosive debate over gun control. But initial reports show Alexis obtained his primary weapon legally. What we don't know: Will the shooting at Navy Yard change the political landscape? High-profile shootings over the last several years have done little to move the needle in Washington. President Barack Obama pushed for universal background checks and other directives after the the Newtown, Connecticut, shootings, to cut down on the access Americans would have to firearms, but they never gained traction. At the state level, it's been a similar story. The successful recall elections last week of two Colorado lawmakers who backed new gun restrictions sent a shiver through the gun control lobby. | NEW: It's unclear how Alexis got a shotgun past security . NEW: A Washington police officer ended the 30-minute spree by killing Alexis, mayor says . Alexis had issues in the Navy and with police, but still had security clearance . Authorities don't know his motive, and friends say they're surprised by attack . | 5c932b5d5690eaade9b1f7c9de5a5f669e694c98 |
By . Corey Charlton . A Montana has man killed another man by slashing his throat after they argued over which branch of the United States military was better, the Army or the Marines, prosecutors say. Charging documents claim William Earl Cunningham, 63, told police that he and Nathaniel Horn, 40, were arguing Saturday night when Horn jumped up and took a swing at him. Cunningham told the officer he pushed Horn back and said: 'Then I cut him. I did what the Army taught me to do.' William Earl Cunningham, pictured left, has been charged with deliberate homicide over the death of Nathaniel Horn, right, who was found by police with cuts to his right cheek and left side of his neck . While Cunningham claimed to have done what the Army 'taught' him to do, it was unclear if Horn had served in the military. When . officers arrived at the scene at East First Street, Laurel, Cunningham was leaning against a car and Horn was . lying on the grass next to Cunningham's feet. Horn had a cut on his . right cheek and a deep cut on the left side of his neck, and a bloody knife three-and-a-half inches long was sitting on the picnic table. Horn appeared to be gasping for breath as an officer applied pressure to the neck wound, court records said. 'I cut him. He's dead,' Cunningham told police. 'The knife's on the table.' Horn was pronounced dead less than an hour later. After Cunningham was read his rights, he told officers he and Horn were sitting at the picnic table when they began arguing about whether the Army or Marines was the best branch of the military. William Earl Cunningham, 63, of Laurel, . entered no plea when he made an initial appearance on a charge of . deliberate homicide in Justice Court yesterday. The incident occurred on First East Street, Laurel, after an argument had continued on from the previous night . Laurel Police Sargent Mark Guy said Monday that the men had argued the night before about the same issue. Lena Heller told KULR-TV that she had invited the two men over on Saturday night and they had been drinking when they started arguing. 'I think it's horrible that somebody would just kill somebody for no reason, just because of an argument,' Heller said. 'I know it was the alcohol.' Cunningham's blood-alcohol level was 0.217 percent, above the 0.08 limit at which a person is considered legally intoxicated, according to court documents. | Man killed after argument about which branch of the U.S. military was better . William Earl Cunningham, from Montana, charged with deliberate homicide . Prosecutors claim he told police: 'I cut him. I did what the Army taught me' | a0bee5bd245695017675c178f6d1ce13e06454db |
The stripper who tried to unlock her husband's handcuffs using an earring in the back of a cop car has been sentenced to 18 months under house arrest. Melissa Schneider, 27, and Jonathan Kokontis, 25 - who are parents to a four-year-old boy - were arrested in September following a series of vehicle burglaries in Seminole County, Florida. En route to the police station, a bizarre video captured by the patrol car surveillance system showed the pair's 30-minute attempt to break free - using an earring. Scroll down for video . House arrest: Melissa Schneider, 27, tearfully agreed to a plea bargain involving 18 months' house arrest . Caught: Jonathan Kokontis, 25, told his girlfriend Melissa Schneider, 27 that he would be going to prison for a long time minutes after they were arrested and put in a patrol car in Seminole County, Florida . Emotional: She leans her head into his chest and starts to cry, prompting Kokontis to consider the best way to get out of the car . Kokontis, a two-time ex-convict, could be heard telling Schneider that he would be going to jail for a long time due to his lengthy criminal record. Schneider started crying - so Kokontis suggested an escape. At first Schneider tries to reach through the bars to open the door. Then, after a passionate kiss, one of her gold hoops fall onto the seat, and Kokontis tries to use it as a key. Escape bid: His first idea is for her to try and reach through the bars in the window and open the door lever. But she says she can't do it . Plan B: Kokontis then takes his girlfriend's earring and tries - and fails - to pick the lock on his handcuffs. To hid the jewelry he puts it in his mouth, but then spits it back out . Thwarted: The deputy then opens the door and asks about the earring. He believes Schneider's excuse . The plot was foiled after a deputy spotted the earring and confiscated it - and though Kokontis pushed his way out the car and fled, he was later captured. On Thursday, three weeks after Kokontis was jailed for 30 years, Schneider pleaded guilty to aiding escape and tearfully agreed to a plea bargain, involving 18 months' house arrest and rehabilitation for heroin addiction. After the hearing, Schneider told the Orlando Sentinel: 'I just lost my husband for 30 years. ...The judge is so mean.' Kokontis, who was jailed on December 17, managed to escape after asking the deputy to loosen his handcuffs then pushing past him. He was later captured trying to steal a car that wouldn't start. A police dog bit him during the arrest. The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to escape, battery of a law enforcement officer and four counts of burglary. Desperation: Kokontis then leans out of the door and asks the officer to loosen his cuffs after all other attempts have failed . Push: The felon, in one last bid for freedom, runs past the officer and briefly escapes custody. He was returned to the vehicle a short time later . | Melissa Schneider, 27, tried to help husband Jonathan Kokontis, 25, escape after they were arrested for vehicle burglaries in Seminole County . Video shows her trying to open the door then dropping her earring . After he fails to pick lock, he pushes past the cop and goes on the run . Kokontis, a two-time ex-con, was jailed for 30 years on December 17 . Schneider pleaded guilty to aiding escape, got 18 months house arrest . | 3aaf02a2314a97463cd81b7a2903e80d2ad5021d |
Almost 12 years and 122 Tests have passed since Keven Mealamu made his All Blacks debut in Cardiff but the hooker still relishes the fiery reception. The battle-hardened front-row has learned to blank out any crude remarks and, with a 100 per cent win rate over Wales, has a habit of silencing the sledgers. New Zealand’s unbeaten run stands at 25 games and Mealamu will set out to extend that record on Saturday, when he returns to the ground where he first played in 2002 alongside Jonah Lomu, Andrew Mehrtens and Tana Umaga. ‘I’ve got amazing memories from that day,’ said Mealamu, 35. Keven Mealamu warms up alongside head coach Steve Hansen as New Zealand prepare for Wales . Mealamu tackles Wales' Robert Sidoli during his debut at the Millennium Stadium in 2002 . ‘Being able to hear the Welsh inside the closed stadium was something I had never experienced before. You can hear vividly what they’re saying. It’s not just advice on throwing the ball in; I’ve had some comments about my mother, too. ‘You’ve just got to stay cool. There’s no time to tell them to sort it out. Being in a closed stadium you can feel the energy. There’s nowhere for the sound to escape and it’s bouncing off each wall.’ A noisy home crowd will be hoping to inspire Wales to an unlikely victory at the Millennium Stadium. But the odds are stacked against Warren Gatland’s side, with New Zealand plotting to end their season with a resounding scoreline before the squad take a long break. The All Blacks hooker says he has to ignore the shouts from the crowd, which are not always complimentary . The 35-year-old has won every time he has faced Wales, and will want that to continue this weekend . Head coach Steve Hansen is expected to name a fully loaded starting XV for the Test in Cardiff, having rested some first-choice players for the narrow victory over Scotland, who frustrated the tourists at the contact area. ‘That’s a constant work-on area,’ said Mealamu. ‘It’s something we want to keep improving because it’s a vital part of our game. If we can nail it then it really sets us up.’ | All Blacks hooker made his first appearance in Cardiff in 2002 . Keven Mealamu will return when New Zealand take on Wales on Saturday . Mealamu says closed stadium 'was something I had never experienced' | 43c75d0f3aca8b92f316a9218a90b94f87b99092 |
By . Richard Shears . Steps have begun to wipe Rolf Harris from the memory of the Australian town where for decades he has been admired as a god-like figure. His paintings are to be removed from the school he once attended, his portraits are to be torn from the walls of official buildings and a commemorative plaque in the centre of Perth is to be torn up. While officials say the plans to ‘eliminate’ the convicted child predator from the West Australian places where he once enjoyed applause are yet to be officially approved, there is no doubt that they will go ahead. Scroll down for video . Eliminating memory: Officials in Perth, Western Australia, are planning to remove a commemorative plaque that was laid by Rolf Harris on a footpath . A portrait of Harris was removed from a council building in May and now the West Australian Education Department has confirmed that several Harris artworks are to be removed from the walls of Perth Modern School where he was a student from 1943 to 1947. A spokeswoman said the paintings would be taken down in coming days and would be ‘archived’. In addition to the school’s action, two local councils are considering what to do with monuments honouring ‘The Boy from Bassendean’. Lisa Scaffidi, Mayor of the City of Perth, said the council would most likely tear up a footpath plaque commemorating Harris on St Georges Terrace. ‘The general feeling around the place is that we don’t accept those kind of offences,’ she said. ‘It’s a very sad issue and something we need to deal with.’ When councillors in Bassendean meet on Thursday they will consider removing Harris’s status as a freeman of the town, as well as voting on whether to rip up a plaque near the entertainer’s former home. Removed: Artwork by Harris on display at his school, Perth Modern, will be taken down, officials have said . ‘My view, and what I will be urging the council, is to strip him of his Freemanship and also to remove all artworks that the town of Bassendean has displayed,’ said Mayor John Gangell. He told the PerthNow website: ‘The crimes in which he has been convicted are heinous and cannot be condoned, regardless of who he is or what he is. ‘It’s a sad day, obviously, and there will be a lot of shock in the community. There was always a possibility of this verdict, but nevertheless its a shock to hear the verdict.’ Mr Gangell said Harris had been ‘the hero of the town’, so his conviction came as a shock. ‘Unfortunately, that world stage that he’s put Bassendean on has now come crashing down.’ | Lisa Scaffidi, the Mayor of Perth, said the city needed to 'deal' with the issue . Officials planning to 'eliminate' predator's memory from Western Australia . Measures have not been officially approved, but are likely to go ahead . | da69539ef68c84001349762fff3c35a12fd3130b |
By . Ruth Styles . PUBLISHED: . 04:01 EST, 21 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 06:30 EST, 21 February 2014 . When Ian Usher, 50, from Barnard Castle in Country Durham decided he had had enough of life in the fast lane, his solution was dramatic. Recently divorced, fed up with his job and tired of his new life in Australia, in 2008 Ian put his entire life up for sale on eBay, with his car, job and motorbike among the items included. £216,000 better off, he decamped to a deserted island in the Caribbean and six years on, says, despite the lack of creature comforts, he's happier than ever. Remote: After selling his life on eBay, Ian Usher, 50, spent the proceeds on a private island in Panama . Now his incredible story is to appear on a new Ben Fogle documentary in which he reveals what giving everything up for a new life in the wilderness is really like. 'I’ve always been a bit of an adventurer and so have always spent a lot of time pursuing outdoor activities such as climbing, canoeing and diving,' he reveals. Thanks to his new home, a tropical island off the coast of Panama, he has plenty of time to indulge in all three, even if that does mean living without electricity and running water in a tiny self-built cabin and growing or raising most of his own food. 'We're not completely self sufficient . here on the island,' he admits. 'We do grow coconuts, pineapples, yukka, sugar cane . and almonds but we haven’t yet perfected the art of growing other . vegetables on our land. Isolated: The island is a 20-minute boat ride from the nearest jungle town and was totally uninhabited . Transport: Usher and his girlfriend Vanessa Anderson use homemade canoes to get around . 'We have 10 chickens who roam free on the . island so our eggs are totally organic. Sometimes the local Indians will . bring freshly caught fish to the dock for us to buy. 'Everything else . comes from the supermarket in town or Ernie’s Jungle 7/11 – a small . store on the edge of the jungle.' With little need for cash thanks to his eBay sale and the book deal that ensued, most of Ian's time is spent working on the land or relaxing on the beach. 'We usually get up quite early, between . five and six o’clock and do some work until around nine,' reveals Ian. 'Then it’s . breakfast for us, the chickens and the dog. We get involved with the . local VHF radio transmission a couple of days a week that broadcasts to . the expats. 'We spend time working outside on the land, snorkelling on . the reefs off the bay, swimming and reading. Home: Ian lives in a house he built himself and grows much of his own food on the island . Companions: One of the flock of 10 chickens who keep Ian company and provide a supply of eggs on the island . Hands on: Ian carries a tethered goat onto the island (left) and attempts to get a WIFI signal (right) 'Once in every 10 days we go to town for food . supplies and fuel. Sundays without fail we go to our jungle restaurant, . Rana Azul, where we meet up with the local community for an afternoon of . drink, food and dancing.' Despite the remoteness of his new home, which is a 20-minute boat ride from the nearest town, Ian has found someone willing to share it with him - girlfriend Vanessa Anderson, who he met last year during a visit to London. 'Vanessa coming to live here has made a big difference [to my life].' he reveals. 'We met last year when I passed briefly . through London and she came to live here a couple of months later.' With Vanessa on board, Ian says his happiness is complete and adds, his family notwithstanding, that jet-skiing is the only thing he misses about life in the UK. Hard work: Ian, pictured with Ben Fogle, puts his woodwork skills to use on building a new canoe . Home from home: Ian and Vanessa show Ben Fogle around the island for an episode of New Lives in the Wild . 'There isn’t really much I miss at all,' he says. 'I . enjoy living a relatively simple life. Maybe a better internet . connection would be good. Oh, and an evening out with family and friends . at a good English pub on a Friday night. 'Vanessa still misses a London style cappuccino . but I think she’ll get over that soon.' He adds: 'I wouldn’t change anything - I really enjoyed building an off-grid home and living on the island. I've always thought life is supposed to be an adventure.' Ian and Vanessa appear on Ben Fogle: New Lives in the Wild, tonight at 9pm on Channel 5 . | Ian Usher, 50, from County Durham put his life up for sale on eBay in 2008 . He used the £216,000 proceeds to buy a remote tropical island off Panama . Lives in a self-built home without electricity and 10 chickens for company . Girlfriend Vanessa Anderson joined him last year but misses cappuccinos . | 8d42a8d201b1039c6b02888b37cd90f626806f7e |
(CNN)She looks every inch a Bond girl, reclining in the Caribbean shallows, the breakwater washing over her bronzed body as she runs her fingers through her long, lustrous tawny locks. Slim, toned with rock-hard abs, she has a physique that 007 himself would probably kill for. "It's important to accept your body for what God gave you," the star of the U.S. women's soccer team Alex Morgan tells CNN in a phone interview, as she talks about her career -- and the importance of being comfortable in your own skin, whatever shape you are. Football's answer to Ursula Andress, the 25-year-old Morgan has posed for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition. Twice. The publication's annual homage to scantily-clad women divides opinion, with critics arguing it serves only to objectify the female athletes who occasionally feature on its pages. Away from the camera lens, the pacey striker's achievements have propelled her to the summit of women's football. Morgan has half a century of goals for her country and already has an Olympic gold medal in her back pocket. Those years of grafting to build a career and sculpt a seemingly flawless form led to the Sports Illustrated photo shoots. "I certainly don't feel like I have the perfect body type ... It's through your own eyes," says the California native. "And for every female, you're going to see flaws in that, you're going to see flaws regardless. "So for me it's just important to have that confidence and self-esteem no matter what body type you have. I guess that's why I did Sports Illustrated." Not that Morgan is a natural exhibitionist. Her willingness to disrobe is born of a confidence cultivated by sporting excellence and she readily admits to having hang ups about her body just like any other woman -- "no matter if I have bigger legs than upper body," as she puts it. "The reason I'm given these opportunities is because of my talents on the field and I expect myself to continue to improve and show people exactly what I have to offer." She's fully aware that her pictures might serve as titillation for an audience less concerned with her footballing prowess, but Morgan argues the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues are a powerful platform to get U.S. women's football into the nation's mindset. "I think there's a certain degree which guys like to buy the issue for themselves," admits Morgan. "But, from my point of view, I'm doing this for myself. I'm doing this for the sport and for young girls to see the confidence that I am showing and that I am expressing." Morgan is all too aware that, for women, objectification is an everyday occurrence. "Being objectified, for a female, is going to happen no matter if you're posing for a magazine or walking down the street, that's just going to happen in every female's life," she argues. "What I wanted to do was to express my confidence and be proud of the hard work I put in on the field to have the body that I have." Engendering that confidence in younger women was also part of the motivation for "The Kicks" -- a series of books authored by Morgan about a young girl's experiences on a soccer team. Released in 2013, the first novel "Saving the Team" debuted at No. 7 on the New York Times Bestsellers List for Children's Middle Grade literature, while Amazon is said to have ordered a pilot for a small screen adaptation of the series. "There's not a lot of young, female athlete books out there, aimed just towards girls," says Morgan, who once described herself as "never a great writer," before adding: "For me, that's why it was so successful. "The commitment I had for soccer was just ridiculous. A ridiculous passion that no one shared with me. It's really great to be able to talk to young girls now and have them feel so proud of what they're doing and so confident from a simple book like 'The Kicks.'" However, Morgan's debut at the Women's World Cup four years ago didn't quite have the happy ending the forward was after. Japan were the U.S. team's opponents in a nail-biting final in Frankfurt, Germany. The match finished 2-2 after extra-time, with Morgan opening the scoring in the 69th minute, and went to a penalty shootout. It was Japan who earned an emotional victory, just four months after the country had been devastated by a tsunami that killed over 15,000 people. Ahead of this year's tournament in Canada, Morgan is confident the Americans can go one step further this time around. "The last World Cup was my first and it was heart-breaking," she admits. "Losing to Japan on penalties, feeling like we were deserving and they were just as deserving. "We had two World Cup championship teams fighting for one spot and that was really hard. "We feel really confident. We have the potential to be the best team in the world and we have great players." Asked if the U.S. team will ultimately lift the trophy, Morgan's response is succinct. "Let's talk in July." It's often said that the harder you work the luckier you get, which brings us to the question of just why Morgan wears the No. 13 shirt for the USWNT? "Me and my sister ... we never really understood the unluckiness of the number 13," laughs Morgan. "We would go to hotels and we would go on vacations with our family and there was never a floor 13. We thought that was the strangest thing. "We always told ourselves that when we got old and rich we would have a hotel called "The Lucky 13" and all of the floors would be 13a, 13b, 13c... It was something that we joked about, just the ridiculousness of people thinking a simple number was unlucky." And serendipity came knocking when Morgan started her club career and it was the only number available to her. "So I thought 'I'm going to take it!' I've never seen any unluckiness in this number and it's done great things for me." Opinion: Why no swimsuit edition for men? | Alex Morgan is the star striker of the USWNT, scoring 50 goals for her country so far . The 25-year-old has twice modeled for Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition . Morgan is proud of the body she has worked for and hopes to inspire confidence in younger girls . | 6834a14a4cc70ff16420f25ae965e6fc8eb3664b |
(CNN) -- Li Na's hopes of a second successive grand slam final appearance were washed away between the showers at Roland Garros Thursday -- losing her second round match to American Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Li, the 2011 French Open champion, won the first four games of the match, but could not prevent Mattek-Sands closing out a 5-7 6-3 6-2 victory on Court One. The sixth seed did take the opening set despite a comeback by her stocky opponent, but fell 4-1 down in the second before the first bout of rain. The pair returned one hour 45 minutes later and in a short spell of action, Li retrieved the break of service to trail 4-3. When they returned after another lengthy break of 90 minutes, Mattek-Sands took the next two games to level the match and romped through the decider. Li, beaten by Victoria Azarenka in the final of the Australian Open, refused to use the weather delays as an excuse. "Lose is lose, I cannot find another thing. The weather didn't change anything -- for both of us it was the same," she told gathered reporters. Mattek-Sands will next play Argentina's Paula Ormaechea for a place in the last 16. Ormaechea beat Yaroslav Shvedova of Kazakstan 6-4 7-6. Shvedova beat Li in the fourth round of the 2012 French Open as the Chinese star made her title defense, but was unable to repeat that form. Third seed Azarenka continued her impressive progress in search of a second straight grand slam title with a 6-4 6-3 win over Annika Beck of Germany. Second seed and defending champion Maria Sharapova played her second round match against Eugenie Bouchard of Canada later Thursday and was on the brink of victory, leading 6-2 and 4-2 in the second set when rain intervened again to end proceedings. She will return Friday to complete the task, while the same fate befell the men's defending champion Rafael Nadal, who did not even get on court for his second round encounter with Martin Klizan of Slovakia. Top seed Novak Djokovic came onto court four hours late to play Argentina's Guido Pella and the light drizzle persisted, but the Serbian had enough time to finish the task, winning 6-2 6-0 6-2. He will play Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the last 16. | China's Li Na beaten in rain-hit match at French Open . She loses in three sets to unseeded American Bethanie Mattek-Sands . Li won French Open title in 2011 . Novak Djokovic eases into men's third round . | ef71e3599738d3097fcb3a45608fe677e12c124f |
(CNN) -- Michael Jackson, the show-stopping singer whose best-selling albums -- including "Off the Wall," "Thriller" and "Bad" -- and electrifying stage presence made him one of the most popular artists of all time, died Thursday, CNN has confirmed. He was 50. He collapsed at his residence in the Holmby Hills section of Los Angeles, California, about noon Pacific time, suffering cardiac arrest, according to brother Randy Jackson. He died at UCLA Medical Center. As news of his death spread, stunned fans began to react and remember one of the most remarkable careers in music. | Video shows ambulance rushing the pop star to the hospital . Crowds gather at the hospital where Jackson was rushed . A.J. Hammer: This "is big as it gets"; Rev. Al Sharpton: He was "a trailblazer" Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. says he's "numbed and shocked" at the news . | 008fc24ca9f4c48a54623bef423a3f2f8db8451a |
Washington (CNN) -- There is no constitutional requirement that the Supreme Court preside over the inaugural - it's just been that way and a little history was made around that on Sunday. Chief Justice John Roberts delivered the oath at the White House to President Barack Obama for a second term. Just prior, Justice Sonia Sotomayor swore in Joe Biden to another four years as vice president, becoming the first Latina jurist to administer an inaugural oath. Biden was instrumental in Sotomayor's vetting and ultimate selection by Obama for the high court and said it was an "incredible honor" for him to have her deliver the oath. The justice told CNN's Soledad O'Brien on Friday that she was not feeling anxious about the inaugural duties, but rather viewing the responsibilities as "surreal." "I was thinking just a couple of days ago, if I think back when I was a kid which of the two would seem more improbable to me I realized each one was so far fetched that I couldn't have imagine either," she said—sitting on the Supreme Court "and swearing in the vice president in front of the nation and the world." 13 reasons to follow the inauguration on CNN's platforms and nowhere else . Sunday's vice presidential inauguration at the Naval Observatory, where Biden lives, was moved up to accommodate Sotomayor's scheduling conflict. "I want to explain to you what a wonderful honor it was and how much out of her way the justice had to go," Biden said. "She is due in New York. She has to leave right now, so I apologize." Sotomayor then headed out to catch a train to the Big Apple for a book signing for her new autobiography, "My Beloved World." The swearing in went off without a hitch, which Sotomayor said was a result of careful planning on her part. "When you read my book, you realize I practice everything I do over and over again," she told CNN. Like Roberts, Sotomayor had the oath written on a small card. After delivering it, she offered a simple "congratulations." She will be back in Washington for Monday's public swearing in at the Capitol where she will administer the oath to Biden again. Roberts will do the same for Obama. Obama sworn in during private ceremony . The Constitution requires executive officers, including the president, as well as members of Congress and federal judges, to "be bound by oath or affirmation." But nothing mandates a Supreme Court justice administer it. When it comes to the presidential inauguration, they just have done so most of the time. There was no Supreme Court formed when George Washington took the first oath of office in 1789, so New York's highest ranking judge did the honors at Federal Hall on Wall Street. Four years later, Associate Justice William Cushing swore in Washington for a second term, beginning the Supreme Court tradition. Early inaugurals were usually conducted in the House or Senate chamber. The 1817 inaugural was held outdoors for the first time when James Monroe took the oath in front of the Old Brick Capitol, where Congress met temporarily after the original Capitol was burned by British troops in the War of 1812. The Monroe swearing-in site is now the Supreme Court building. The man who handled the duties 196 years ago was John Marshall, widely acknowledged as the most influential chief justice in U.S. history. He participated in a record nine swear-ins, from Thomas Jefferson to Andrew Jackson. | First Latina justice, Sonia Sotomayor, swears in Vice President Joe Biden . No requirement Supreme Court deliver presidential oath, it just happens that way . No Supreme Court when George Washington sworn in as president in 1789 . | 9a8551d13ebf908e16fa87d64691bff102c847df |
By . Daily Mail Reporter and Reuters Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:47 EST, 18 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:23 EST, 19 November 2013 . Aerial photos of Washington, Illinois, show the heartbreaking scale of the description visited on the town after tornadoes touched down there Sunday night. Eighty one separate twisters were reported across the Midwest. The devastating storm outbreak brought winds of up to 200mph that flattened hundreds of homes and killed six people. Residents of Washington, a downstate town of 15,000, were left to pick up the pieces Monday and begin recovering from the disaster. Bits of American flags and insulation from destroyed houses clung to trees that had been stripped of most of their branches and remaining leaves by the twister. Scroll down for video . Devastating: This quiet residential block was utterly destroyed by the tornado that touched down Sunday night . Devastated: Entire neighborhoods of Washington, Illinois have been reduced to rubble . Heartbreaking: Only from the air can the immense scale of the destruction in Washington, Illinois, truly be seen. Hundreds of homes were reduced to splinters by tornadoes that brought 200mph winds . Picking up the pieces: Some residents returned home to survey the wreckage of their homes Monday and retrieve what they could - though some had very, very little left . Police were keeping residents from returning to the storm-hit area, where buildings were destroyed and cars turned upside down, out of concern that people could be injured while attempting to retrieve possessions. Ryan Bowers, 33, and his wife Andrea, 32, briefly returned to retrieve a family Bible and pink baby rattle that was their 2-1/2-year-old daughter Sydney's favorite toy. 'We're back here just to get any idea of what everything looks like,' Ryan Bowers said. 'We have what's important. My wife and daughter are OK. That's all I can ask for.' The couple, their daughter and the family's dogs, hid in their basement when the storm roared through Washington. They emerged to find their neighborhood destroyed. As they picked through the wreckage of their home, a police officer approached and told them they had to leave. Mayor Gary Manier said authorities were keeping evacuated residents away out of concern that the remaining structures were dangerously unstable. 'I know it's frustrating for people,' Manier said amid piles of rubble. 'I'd be frustrated. I'd want to be looking for pictures.' Manier estimated that 250 to 500 homes had been destroyed by the tornado, rated as the second-most powerful magnitude of twister, which hit the city east of Peoria with winds of 166 to 200 miles per hour. Leveled: Nothing could withstand the force of the 200mph winds that the fast-moving storms brought to Washington, Illinois, Sunday night . Not even trees were spared the devastating winds. This wooded grove behind a neighborhood was left utterly destroyed by the tornado . Nothing remains of this house except the foundation and concrete steps. The entire structure was swept away by the violent storm . Force of nature: A small, pink baby bed somehow survived the winds. It was one of the few things this family could salvage from their home . The storm killed three people in Massac Country, two in Washington County and one in the city of Washington, in Tazewell County, said Patti Thompson of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Illinois State Police spokesman Dustin Pierce said about 120 people were injured in Washington. BASEMENT SAFE HAVENS . Survivors of the storm said they rode it out in their basements, which are common in homes in the affected area, a fact that may have helped hold down the death toll, officials said. In May, a monster, top-category tornado killed 24 people in Moore, Oklahoma, a part of the United States where basements are less common. Nancy Rampy, 62, said she fled to her basement when she heard the storm sirens blaring on Sunday. 'It got real calm and I knew that was bad because I've been in a tornado before. And then I heard what sounded like 12 trains, just roaring down the tracks, and it just wouldn't stop. It just kept coming and coming,' Rampy said. 'I ran to the basement, sat in the basement with my flashlight in the dark and just prayed let it be over soon.' Rampy's house was spared. 'The good news is the tornado warning system worked, so there wasn't a lot of loss of life,' said U.S. Representative Aaron Schock, a Republican whose district includes Washington. 'These people knew what was coming, and they were smart and took cover.' Entire square blocks were wiped out by the twister that tore through the downstate town Sunday. The death toll thus far stands at six . Cars and SUV were flung around like kindling by the storm. The white sedan and the blue SUV sit in what remains of tow garages in a subdivision . This is what remains of an apartment building. The roof has been torn entirely off the top floor units and several walls have collapsed . Officials and residents have not even begun to calculate the cost of the devastation . Two people, an 80-year-old man and his 78-year-old sister, were killed in Washington County, Illinois, about 200 miles south of Peoria, county Coroner Mark Styninger said. Three others were killed in Massac County, Illinois, on the Kentucky border, where a tornado devastated several neighborhoods, emergency officials said. The American Red Cross has worked with emergency management officials to set up shelters and provide assistance. In neighboring Kentucky, the storm system damaged several homes in the western part of the state, ripping shingles and gutters from roofs, scattering tree limbs and taking down power lines. But no one died and no injuries were reported, according to Kentucky Emergency Management spokesman Buddy Rogers. 'We literally dodged a bullet,' he said. 'When you look across the river (into Illinois), there are places that are just wiped out. But we're in good shape.' The unusual late-season storms moved dangerously fast, tracking east at 60 miles per hour, with the bulk of the damage spanning about five hours, Thompson said. Remnants of the storm sent rain and wind to the northeastern United States on Monday morning. The storm knocked down power lines across the Midwest and power companies reported that some 786,600 homes and businesses were without electricity on Monday. Michigan had the largest number of outages, with Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri, West Virginia and Pennsylvania also feeling the storm's aftermath. Wreckage: A tattered American flag is tangled in a tree as the sun sets on Washington Monday night. Officials estimate the damage at many millions of dollars . Two residents sift through the rubble of their home after returning to find nothing but splinters on Monday . This three-quarter-ton Dodge Ram pickup truck was wrapped around a tree after it collided at high speed in the storm . | Winds reached 200mph in Washington, Illinois, when a tornado tore through the middle of town Sunday night . Six people are dead and dozens of homes have been leveled . | 95d502b7c666fd9d900c99e877c2c79c6b343581 |
By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 12:39 EST, 20 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:12 EST, 20 February 2013 . The collective behaviour of moshers at heavy metal rock concerts is similar to the way particles move in a disordered 2D gas, new research reveals. Physicists at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who studied the movements of concert-goers caught up in chaotic-looking mosh pits found they actually follow a certain logic. They say their insights could help to predict how crowds behave in emergencies, and could lead to more effective evacuation strategies. Like molecules in a disordered 2D gas: Revellers . clash in the mosh pit as U.S. heavy metal group Anthrax performs at the . Sonisphere rock festival in Knebworth in 2009 . The Cornell University team's mosh pit . simulator: Play around. The buttons above set up interesting initial . conditions while the sliders allow you to control the parameters of the . model. The keys WASD allow you to apply external forces to active . moshers. The graphs, as listed from the left, are a time average of the . angular momentum, the current angular momentum, and the speed . distribution. (Source: http://mattbierbaum.github.com/moshpits.js/) 'The goal of the project was to . figure out how humans behave in extreme social conditions, like those . found during riots and protests,' said Jesse Silverberg, study . co-author, in a blog for the Huffington Post. 'Over the years, experiments and computer simulations have helped scientists work out the basic rules of pedestrian traffic moving down the street. 'However, we don't know much about the collective behaviour that emerges from panicked crowds - it's not exactly ethical to start a riot for the sake of science.' Crowds at heavy metal concerts often firm circles called mosh pits where they violently lunge and bounce off one and other with their arms flaying and their legs kicking. 'Often resulting in injuries, the collective mood is influenced by the combination of loud, fast music (130 dB, 350 beats per minute), synchronised with bright, flashing lights, and frequent intoxication,' the study notes. However, while the movements appear to be chaotic and random, Mr Silverman and his colleagues claim that there is actually a logic which enables them to statistically predict the ways in which moshers move. Upended at Coachella: Physicists at Cornell University, New York, who studied the movements of concert-goers caught up in mosh pits found they actually follow a certain logic . It is a feeling we have all experienced - an irritating song that just will not leave your head. But despite the widely help opinion that only the most infuriating songs get buried in your head, research has suggested we might actually like the songs that push us close to migraines. Using songs by artists such as Lady Gaga, scientists proved that songs people know and like frequently become more intrusive than songs people dislike. Psychologists at Western Washington University found that if a song continues to play in someone's head immediately after listening, it is likely to come back as an intrusive thought in the next 24 hours. Their findings could explain why some pop songs and TV theme tunes go round in people's heads, despite finding them annoying. Researchers also found songs are more likely to get stuck in your mind during challenging mental activities. Inspiration for the study came after . Mr Silverberg, a graduate student at Cornell, took his girlfriend to her . first heavy metal concert several years ago, where he had a chance to . witness the movements of moshers from the outside. 'I didn't want to put her in harm's way, so we stood off to the side,' he told New Scientist. 'I'm usually in the mosh pit, but for the first time I was off to the side and watching. I was amazed at what I saw.' He told NBC News that as the band played louder and the moshers got more inebriated, he realised there was a ripple-like pattern to the movements caused after one person bumped into another. 'The collision went from one side to the other,' he said, adding it looked as if moshers were following the rules of collective motion. 'I had a hard time focusing on the music for the rest of the evening.' To study the phenomenon, Mr Silverberg and his colleagues collected their data from mosh pit videos on YouTube featuring crowds of between 100 and 100,000 people. They corrected for camera shake and distortions in perspective, then used particle image velicometry techniques to measure the collective motion of those involved, The Physics arXiv Blog reported. After analysing their findings, they discovered that the speed distribution of moshing metalheads bears a remarkable resemblance to the movements of molecules in a 2D gas at equilibrium. To deepen their understanding of the movements of moshpits, Mr Silverman enlisted the help of fellow grad student Matt Bierbaum to build a computer simulation of a mosh pit with a few basic rules. Their virtual moshers bounced off each other when they collided, they are able to move independently, and they can follow each other to varying degrees in a behaviour the researchers dubbed 'flocking'. Finally, the team added a variable amount of statistical noise to their model, which, Mr Bierbaum told New Scientist, is 'to mimic the effects of the inebriants that the participants typically use.' They found that they could quite accurately reproduce the characteristics of a mosh pit when the self-propulsion and flocking variables were dominated by noise. On the other hand, when they adjusted the flocking variable to dominate their computer generated moshers' behaviour, they found their simulation mimicked another phenomenon seen at metal concerts known as a circle pit. The researchers said that although moshers are self-propelled, and the collisions between them dissipative, they move in a similar way to a disordered gas. 'These findings offer strong support for the analogy between mosh pits and gases,' they concluded in their paper, Collective Motion of Moshers at Heavy Metal Concerts, published on Cornell's online open-access journal arXiv. Mr Silverman elaborated in his Huffington Post article: 'Just like moshers bouncing around in a pit, it's near impossible to tell where molecules of air in a room are going to be in the future. 'To deal with this problem, physicists started describing molecular gasses with statistical mechanics over a hundred years ago. As the researchers discovered, mosh pits have the same statistical character, and hence the analogy.' The team behind the research believe that it could have important implications for understanding how crowds behave when they are panicked. 'When you have earthquakes or buildings on fire, people tend to panic when they escape. We don't have a good way of experimentally seeing what's going on,' Mr Silverberg told New Scientist. 'By going to these heavy-metal concerts, we're able to ethically and safely observe how humans behave in these unusual excited states.' | Behaviour of metalheads in a mosh pit closely resembles particle movement in a disordered 2D gas, study claims . Researchers from Cornell University develop 'mosh pit simulator' to help them study the phenomena . The say their findings could help to predict the ways that crowds behave in emergency situations . | eddd066040d0749b6e44e9b8e719faa7076346cc |
(CNN) -- Manchester City's unbeaten Premier League run came to an end on Monday as Chelsea blew the English title race wide open with a 2-1 victory at home to their 10-man opponents. City traveled to London seeking to re-establish a five-point lead over local rivals Manchester United, and made the perfect start when Mario Balotelli scored in just the second minute. But Raul Meireles equalized in the pouring rain on 34, and the visitors had defender Gael Clichy sent off for second booking just before the hour mark. Substitute Frank Lampard then condemned Roberto Mancini's men to a first defeat in 15 league games with an 83rd-minute penalty that lifted Chelsea up to third place above London rivals Tottenham on goal difference. Is Mancini the right man for Manchester City? "The Chelsea players after the game were really happy to beat us. That shows we are a top team at this moment and that all the teams want to beat us, and this is important for us," manager Mancini said. "We worked well up to now and now we should continue. I hope that we can go another 14 games without losing." City went into the game having been eliminated from the European Champions League at the group stage despite beating Bayern Munich in Wednesday's final game. Balotelli was caught breaking a club curfew before this match, but the Italy striker showed his undoubted on-field class with the opening goal -- his 11th this season. Sergio Aguero showed great skill to turn inside Chelsea captain John Terry and thread a perfect pass for the 21-year-old, who held off Branislav Ivanovic and coolly slotted past goalkeeper Petr Cech for his eighth in the league. Chelsea's Anelka to join Chinese club . City could have had a 14th-minute penalty when Jose Bosingwa appeared to bring down David Silva, but the referee decided otherwise in a decision which manager Mancini later said was the turning point in the match. Chelsea went through to the last 16 of the Champions League last week with an emphatic win over Valencia which relieved the pressure on manager Andre Villas-Boas. However, he was on the defensive after that victory and accused the media of unfair treatment -- being unhappy with criticism of the form that left Chelsea 10 points adrift of City going into Monday's match. The return to form shown against the Spaniards continued as young striker Daniel Sturridge gathered a superb long pass from Terry and raced past Clichy down the left before cutting back to Meireles, and the Portugal midfielder volleyed the equalizer. Clichy's night ended in the 58th minute when the France international fouled Brazil midfielder Ramires, and Chelsea made full use of their extra man. Etherington double ends Tottenham's winning run . The 22-year-old Sturridge, who made his England debut last month, fired in a left-foot shot that struck the raised arm of City defender Joleon Lescott. Veteran midfielder Lampard, who sat out last Tuesday's European game and this time came on to replace Meireles in the 73rd minute, stepped up and smashed the resulting penalty past England goalkeeper Joe Hart. "I went out and missed a penalty a few weeks ago and the next one is always hard to take," he said. "You've got to be big enough and stand up and take them, and they're the moments. I was very relieved when it hit the back of the net." The defeat means City can lose the lead on Sunday when United travel to Queens Park Rangers in the early match, then Mancini's side face another big test against in-form Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium later that day. Chelsea joined Tottenham on 31 points, having played one more game ahead of their clash on December 22 -- which follows Saturday's trip to lowly Wigan . "Our objective was to shorten the distance to the leaders today, and we managed to do exactly that, but we don't take extra flavor from being the first team to beat them," Villas-Boas said. "We needed to do our job to get our challenge back on track, and I think it's pretty much alive now." | Chelsea climb to third place after beating 10-man Manchester City 2-1 . City's Premier League lead chopped to two points after latest round of matches . Mario Balotelli puts visitors ahead before Raul Meireles levels for Chelsea . City's Gael Clichy is sent off in second half and sub Frank Lampard nets late penalty . | 2c81360a09b9a9d5266cd7c9afea16641b0aaa89 |
By . Ryan Gorman . PUBLISHED: . 11:39 EST, 18 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:07 EST, 18 July 2013 . Women may be kept out of Special Ops due to concerns soldiers will be more interested in each other than their missions. Starting in 2016, women will be regularly assigned to combat roles, but may not be assigned to elite units such as the Navy SEALS and Army Rangers over fears by former commandos they may distract the male members of the team. Explaining that these fears are largely unfounded and being used as an excuse to keep them out of highly sought after assignments, female soldiers point to women on Special Operations teams in Afghanistan and ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ as proof they are fit. Boys club: Female soldiers may be kept out of elite Navy SEAL and Army Ranger units over sex fears . A number of former soldiers told NBC News that assigning female soldiers to teams of anywhere from 12 to two would pose problems while far from home or even any other human contact for extended periods of time. These hook-ups could lead to jealousy and infighting on the team, affecting its cohesion and, ultimately, its effectiveness. ‘It can shift the focus of doing the job if everybody’s trying to get laid. I know it sounds incredibly juvenile, but it’s incredibly true,’ former Airborne Ranger and Special Forces sergeant Jack Murphy told NBC News. Murphy, who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq added that adding women would ‘make the entire team useless.’ Custom fit: Army body armor designed to fit women's physiques has already been deployed with women serving in Afghanistan . Having overseen 20 women who have served in Afghanistan, Colleen Farrell disagrees. Calling the female Marines she supervised as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves from 2010 to 2011 the most professional Marines she ever led, Farrell said ‘they are there for the mission. They’re not in Afghanistan to get married.’ Farrell said the last time military leaders tried to use this argument, with ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,’ it was eventually proven false. In the time since the policy that kept gays from openly serving in the military has since been repealed, there has been no proof any distraction exists, Farrell added. Amid this back and forth, military leadership has yet to determine whether or not women will be eligible for Special Operations roles. ‘We haven't made any decisions, whatsoever,’ Major General Bennet Sacolick told NBC News. Director of force management and Special Ops development, Sacolick added that he is aware of concerns among current units. The RAND Corp. has been enlisted to survey male members about the potential pitfalls of women Special Ops soldiers, according to NBC News. Military leaders choosing to keep women out of specific combat roles will be forced to apply directly to the Defense Secretary for an exception, according to the New York Times. Lock shot: One former Navy SEAL thinks women, such as these training at Fort Campbell, should be assigned to all-female units such as sniper teams . One compromise could be all-female units, such as sniper teams, the Soviets used to employ, according to Brandon Webb, a former Navy SEAL who served in both Afghanistan and Iraq – the most infamous of which killed 309 enemy combatants, mostly Germans, during the second World War. Women make up about 15 percent of the military, and about 280,000 were deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq, according to the Times. Over the were killed in action, the paper noted. | Former soldiers fear that soldiers hooking up will lead to ineffectiveness . One former SEAL said women would make teams 'useless' Women assert the claims are baseless and just an excuse to exclude them the same way gays were excluded under 'Don't Ask Don't Tell' | cb1861a7bd84ccd73aca20b4a6c049930afd139c |
He's been running all his life, running for freedom, running for peace. It started when he ran away from home at the age of eight. Later he ran away from his homeland, Iran, and spent seven years on a bicycle, pedaling 49,700 miles across 55 countries. In 2002, he reached America. He now lives in a tent in Death Valley. It's been nearly 10 years since Reza Baluchi escaped from Iran. He has run across the United States twice and around its perimeter once. He sets out on every journey with the same mission: to spread a message of world peace. Baluchi plans to begin his next extended run in Israel and finish atop the highest peak on earth -- Mount Everest. His route will take him through the Middle East, including Iran. He'd be going home for the first time since escaping on his bike. "I got tired of having no freedom," he said. "I would wear a t-shirt and they would stop me. I'd grow out my hair and they'd make me cut it. I traveled out of the country with the cycling team and never came back." Baluchi grew up in the northern Iranian city of Rasht, the youngest of eight children including a brother permanently traumatized by his service in the Iran-Iraq war. His family barely made a living from their rice farm. He would run seven miles to school, and back home, every day. Baluchi ran away from home after upsetting his mother and getting a beating. He fled on foot, running more than 300 miles to Isfahan where he stayed with his aunt and uncle and continued his schooling. Despite his young age, Baluchi helped support that family by working as a mechanic, running another 14 miles to work after class each day. His athletic abilities didn't go unnoticed; he was recruited to join the national cycling team at 14. Baluchi cycled and won numerous competitions through his teen years. He also fell away from Islam, the state-sponsored religion of Iran. He says he was a peaceful activist -- and got in trouble for associating with dissidents. At 19, he was arrested by a government militia known as the Basij for eating during Ramadan, the holy month when Muslims are expected to fast. Baluchi was wearing a Michael Jackson t-shirt and carrying "banned pre-revolutionary videotape" -- a romantic movie. He says he spent the next 45 days imprisoned in a torture cell. "Every day they tortured me," Baluchi said. "They broke my shoulder; I cried. They would hit me with a baton and burn me with skewers." He says he was frequently beaten unconscious and, on some occasions, hung from a tree by his wrists. "My hands had turned completely black from the dead blood; I thought I would have to cut them off. Every day I prayed that I die. Every day I would cry. I thought it would be better if they just killed me so I wouldn't have to suffer." After questioning his family and investigating his intentions, Baluchi says the Basij deemed him essentially harmless. He was removed from the torture cell, and spent the next 18 months jailed under less threatening conditions. "I was much more comfortable," he said. "I was running and exercising every day. I also worked as a mechanic on the officers' cars once they realized I wasn't a threat." Baluchi says running kept him sane during his imprisonment. Once released, he returned to the cycling team. Baluchi and his teammates traveled to Germany for competition. "At that point, I never wanted to go back to Iran," Baluchi said. He spent the next four years competing with the German cycling team. Baluchi was taken aback by the level of admiration and respect he received. He had little education, no income and would sleep wherever he could lay his head. Once he was granted a German passport, he set out for other destinations. With only a backpack and his bicycle, he steered clear of transportation by car or train for fear of getting caught. He says he stopped frequently to help the homeless, despite his own very limited resources. "While in Morocco I rode by this old man who had torn-up shoes tied onto his feet," Baluchi said. "I gave him my own shoes and the only $2 I had left. Anything that I had, besides my bike, I would give away." On another African stop, Baluchi says he spent a day rebuilding the roof of a damaged school. He says he made friends everywhere he went, and they took care of him as well. A Portuguese family gave him $2,000, which he mailed to Iran for his family. And a Colombian dentist fixed his teeth for no charge. His life on the road -- running in a security vest adorned with the American and Iranian flags -- took him from China to Panama, France and New Zealand -- 55 countries in all. Communicating the message of love and peace. Eighty-five flat tires later, Baluchi arrived at the U.S. border in Monterrey, Mexico, asking for a visa to enter America. After waiting three months with no document, Baluchi says he got lost while riding his bike in the desert. "I was 27 miles in Arizona and I had no idea," he said. "I was awakened one morning by a helicopter hovering over my tent. It was border patrol. When they told me I was actually in the U.S. I started crying." It was a year after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, and a Middle Eastern man riding alone in the desert might raise suspicions. "I started speaking German, hoping they wouldn't know my nationality. Once the officer searched my tent and saw one of the newspaper headlines 'Iranian Runs Around the World for Peace,' he jumped back and put his hand on his gun." Baluchi was arrested for entering the United States illegally and spent five months in a detention center, unable to post $5,000 bail. By this time, Los Angeles businessman David Hyslop, intrigued by what he had read of Baluchi's journey for peace, wrote him a letter of support addressed to the detention center. He attached his photo and phone number. "Three days later the phone rang and sure enough it was Reza speaking his broken English," Hyslop said. "He was convinced he would get political asylum and sure enough, he did." Baluchi says he convinced the judge to release him on humanitarian grounds, promising to run across America for the victims of 9/11 and donate his only possession -- his bicycle -- to the New York Fire Department. He spent 10 days prepping for the cross-country trek. Hyslop bought him new clothes and rallied the support of local Iranian-Americans. Under his guidance, Baluchi was able to raise several thousand dollars and was donated a motor home. Hyslop decided to leave his partnership in a video systems integration company and volunteered to drive the motor home, cook his meals and be his traveling press agent. "He ran an average of 29 miles a day for 124 days," Hyslop said. "There was just something about Reza that told me he could do it. And he did." They left Los Angeles on Mother's Day, planning to arrive in New York City by the second anniversary of Sept.11. They were traveling with a $28,000 donation for the Children's Aid Society, Baluchi's bicycle and "Rocky," a stray dog they picked up along the way. Baluchi arrived to a cheering crowd at Battery Park. The next day he presented his bike to Engine 33, Ladder 9, the closest fire station to Ground Zero. Ten of its 14 firefighters were killed in the response to the World Trade Center attack. "We found out these guys were also cyclists," Hyslop said. "We pulled up to the fire house and they were standing outside waiting for Reza. There wasn't a dry eye in the house, it was unbelievable." "These guys are true heroes," Baluchi said. "They gave their lives to save others. So I wanted to donate my bike from the people of Iran, not from the government. I stay out of the politics." In 2007, Baluchi laced up his shoes once again. He ran the perimeter of the United States, raising money for the Children's Hospital of Denver. He says he spent 202 consecutive days running a grand total of 11,720 miles. "Because it was so difficult for me to leave my country and reach America, I ran for children around the world that are also homeless," he said. "It's his personal mission to help others," said his former agent Scott Hettermann. "He doesn't have anything yet he's the happiest person I know. He's a completely nomadic creature." In 2009, Baluchi ran from Los Angeles to New York City again, and now he's training and planning for his ultimate trip -- a run that will traverse every country on the planet -- a lifelong dream that even his supporters say probably is out of anyone's reach. "Reza doesn't listen to anyone," Hyslop said. "He has these outsized ambitions that he sets his mind to. He's a success above and beyond anyone's expectations. It's almost biblical. But you gotta be a little crazy to undertake such an endeavor, right?" Nowadays the 40-year-old Baluchi lives in a tent, and spends his days training in Death Valley, California. In February 2013, he plans to begin his next run for peace in Jerusalem -- the trip that will take him back to where it all started. Baluchi, idealistic to the extreme, admits there is a real danger returning to his home country. "I don't know if I'll be able to run freely through Iran. I fear that I might not make it, but I'd like to try and see my mother one last time," he said. "Who knows what the regime is going to do," Hyslop added. "We don't know how the government feels about him. He could end up a martyr if he's not careful." Despite the risk, Baluchi says he refuses to be distracted from his goal. "I always wanted to give children around the world hope that anything is possible," he said. "Until my heart stops beating, I'll keep running for peace." | Reza Baluchi aims to run through the Middle East and finish on top of Mt. Everest . He has been running around the world since escaping from Iran . Baluchi says he was tortured by government militia after being arrested . He has run for charitable causes since arriving in the U.S. in 2002 . | b8ac12df7c1835fc32a876a4ee20ece0092a83bc |
Homeowners have a duty to demand receipts for the smallest cash job carried out by gardeners, cleaners and handymen, Ed Balls said yesterday. The Shadow Chancellor said he always asked for a written record even if it was for £10 to trim a hedge – because it was the ‘right thing to do’. His crackdown on cash-in-hand jobs was branded ‘completely out of touch’ yesterday as he extended Labour’s war on tax avoidance to ordinary families. Scroll down for video . Ed Balls was accused of being 'completely out of touch' after claiming people had a duty to collect receipts from gardeners and cleaners . Mr Balls has vowed to clamp down on ‘tax planning’ by the middle classes, suggesting Labour could go even further if it wins power in May. But pressed about what constitutes tax avoidance, he told the BBC: ‘The right thing to do if you are having somebody cut your hedge for a tenner is to make sure they give you their name and address and a receipt and a record for the fact that you have paid them.’ Asked if he followed this rule himself, he replied: ‘Absolutely. That’s because I am the Shadow Chancellor and I’m extremely careful about these things. ‘Over my life, have I ever given people a tenner and not been given a receipt for it? Probably yes. But he said he had not done so ‘since I have been involved in politics and Treasury matters’. Tory MP Peter Bone said it was ‘ludicrous’ to expect people to collect receipts and personal information for minor work. And he accused Labour of wrongly implying that all small businesses were trying to dodge taxes. ‘There are so many cash businesses,’ said the Wellingborough MP. ‘If you go into a cafe for a cup of tea you would not expect a receipt for it. If you were running a fish and chip shop you do not always give receipts. It shows a complete lack of understanding of business. Is he trying to imply that if you are a small business that deals in cash, you are trying to dodge tax? ‘I think it shows how completely out of touch he is with small business. There is an implication that everybody is out to fiddle their taxes. It is just wrong.’ Mr Balls said: 'The right thing to do if you are having somebody cut your hedge for a tenner is to make sure they give you their name and address and a receipt' The row comes as a study reveals that paid work not declared to the taxman is worth an estimated £150billion a year, but is lower than most other western countries. Britain’s so-called ‘black economy’ was equivalent to 10 per cent of national income in 2013, but half the level of cash-in-hand work in Italy, Greece and Spain. It was also lower than the 13.4 per cent average for all 34 leading nations in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. Ed Balls today defended Labour's decision to accept a £1.65million donation in shares rather than cash as 'tax efficient' - despite hitting out at people avoiding paying their fair share. Shopping channel tycoon John Mills made the donation 2013. But by giving the party shares instead of money it reduced the tax Mr Miliband's party had to pay. Mr Balls, speaking to John Pienaar on BBC Radio 5 live, said this was 'small beer compared with what the Tories are up to'. He also insisted he didn't 'know the details of [the Mills donation] and it would be wrong for me to do so because as I think it is important that I can be objective on these matters.' However, he insisted that David Cameron should have carried out a more comprehensive analysis of Lord Green, the former HSBC chairman, before he was made a minister. Grant Shapps, the Tory Chairman, said that 'Labour say one thing on tax avoidance, but do another.' 'Last week Ed Miliband criticised the practice, but today Ed Balls has admitted that the Party accepts 'tax efficient' donations because they 'need the money,'' said Mr Shapps. Free market think-tank the Institute for Economic Affairs, which carried out the study, found no evidence for a surge in undeclared work during the recession, adding that cash-in-hand work in the UK is at a lower level than in 1997-8 when it was equivalent to 13 per cent of national income. In 2010, however, HMRC claimed that it missed out on £42billion in revenue because of tax fraud, avoidance and underpayment – £4 billion higher than the previous year. A survey last year found that four out of five families had paid a workman cash-in-hand during the previous 12 months. Almost a third said they had done so three times or more. Some 14 per cent said they would rather pay less money for a service by paying cash, even if they knew the tradesman was avoiding tax.Treasury minister David Gauke sparked controversy on the issue in 2012 after claiming it was ‘morally wrong’ to pay cash-in-hand. Mr Gauke said making small cash payments to cleaners and tradesmen was on a par with tax avoidance, which ministers have already called ‘morally repugnant’. He added: ‘Getting a discount with your plumber by paying cash in hand is something that is a big cost to the Revenue and means others must pay more in tax.’ Asked explicitly if he disapproves of the practice, he said: ‘Yes, I think it’s morally wrong.’ | Ed Balls accused of being 'completely out of touch' over suggestion . Shadow chancellor said he always demanded a written record, even for £10 . It came as Labour and the Tories continues war of words over tax dodging . | dc4692f48f185534b6ed0ac3584e4961e8b90dd7 |
Actor Christian Bale has upset several Christian writers after he described Moses as 'barbaric' and 'schizophrenic' Christian Bale, who plays Moses in Exodus: Of Gods and Kings, the forthcoming biblical epic directed by Ridley Scott has upset several Christian writers after he described his character as 'barbaric' and 'schizophrenic'. Speaking at a press conference in Los Angeles last month, Bale said he had undertaken significant research for the role, including also reading the Torah, the Koran and Jonathan Kirsch’s life of Moses. ‘I think the man was likely schizophrenic and was one of the most barbaric individuals that I ever read about in my life,’ he said. Bale also said he was surprised by the complexity of the Old Testament figure – and his creator. ‘He was a very troubled, tumultuous man and mercurial. But the biggest surprise was the nature of God. He was equally very mercurial.’ Bale’s controversial comments haven't been well received by Christian writers and bloggers who fear the film is tampering too much with the original Biblical text. Influential Christian writer, Brian Godawa, who leaked elements of the Noah script online before the movie was finished, weigh in on Bale’s comments at his blog. 'Yes, Moses murdered a man, and he had a character arc that went from being adopted and raised as a pagan Egyptian to a conversion to his troubled and tumultuous faith. 'He had difficulty trusting Yahweh. He didn’t want to be God’s spokesman because he stuttered. And he even had arguments with God. Scroll down for video . Holy Moses! Bale’s controversial comments haven't been well received by Christian writers and bloggers who fear the film is tampering too much with the original Biblical text . 'But Schizophrenic? Barbaric? Really?' Godawa said that he hoped Bale's comment was ‘a reflection of the actor’s own ignorant bigotry than of the actual movie.’ Chris Stone, the founder of Faith Driven Consumer, said he was surprised by Bale’s description of Moses, reports The Hollywood Reporter. 'There’s nothing in the biblical history that supports that,' he said. 'It’s an indication that there will be a tremendous disconnect between Bale’s interpretation and the expectations of the market.' His organization, which previously campaigned for Duck Dynasty star Phil Robertson following the show's suspension, conducted a poll about Exodus. The poll found that 74 percent of Americans were likely to see the film if it was biblically accurate but that 68 percent were unlikely to see it if it was inaccurate. 'It’s our sincerest hope that this movie resonates with our community, so we sent them the results of our poll,' said Stone. 'Their response was, "we don’t need to have any further conversation."' Writing for multi-faith website Patheos.com, film critic Peter Chattaway said Bale's remarks went further than simply commenting on the Bible but rather he 'speculates about what was going on inside Moses’ head at the time.' Many of the same commentators drew similar criticism at Darren Aronofsky’s Noah, which starred Russell Crowe and was released earlier this year. Exodus: Of Gods and Kings, which is due out on December 12. Exodus: Of Gods and Kings, out in December 12, tells the story of Moses rising up against the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses and taking 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from Egypt . | The actor has upset several Christian writers after describing his character as 'barbaric' and 'schizophrenic' Brian Godawa said that he hoped Bale's comment was 'a reflection of the actor's own ignorant bigotry than of the actual movie' Chris Stone said there was a 'tremendous disconnect between Bale's interpretation and the expectations of the market' A poll by Faith Driven Consumer found that 74 percent of Americans were likely to see the film if it was biblically accurate . | d607101c027d608c83c11af974ab2e85e00edc21 |
By . John Hall . Countries around the world have set fire to several hundred million pounds worth of narcotics to mark the UN's International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Officers set light to huge piles of drugs at a public event in the capital Rangoon this morning, in a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in the country. Narcotic burning events were also held in Pakistan and Thailand as the UN released its latest annual report into international drug use and trafficking. Scroll down for video . Up in smoke: Officers set light to huge piles of drugs at a public event in the capital Rangoon this morning, in a clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in the country . Cost: The total value of the narcotics burned in Burma's capital Rangoon this morning totalled £80million . Burn: A Pakistani paramilitary soldier torches drugs in the country and neighbouring Afghanistan during at a ceremony near Peshawar to mark the UN's International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking . Statement: The mass burnings - including this one in Burma - come as a UN report concluded that up to 200,000 people around the world are killed as a result of illicit drug consumption every year . The total value of the narcotics burned in Burma's capital Rangoon this morning totalled £80million. Meanwhile in Bangkok, Thailand, 3,094 kilograms of illegal drugs - including methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, opium, codeine and marijuana - were burned in a high-powered oven. The products had an estimated street value of £160million. In Pakistan huge sacks of opium were also destroyed, sending huge clouds of thick black smoke high into the air. The drugs were seized from rural farms in the country and in neighbouring Afghanistan. Drug burnings also took place in the Philippines. Before the flames: A policeman in Burma checks on a pile of red methamphetamine pills before they are set alight at a public event held in the country's capital city Rangoon . Destruction: An observer in Burma takes photographs of a pile of drugs that were later publicly destroyed to mark the UN's International Day against Drug Abuse . Keeping watch: Declining risk perception and increased availability can lead to wider use and to more young people being introduced to the drug, the UN said in its account of the international narcotics situation . Control: A police officer in Burma takes action to ensure the £80million drug bonfire does not get out on hand. Both the flames and the fumes were of concern to local authorities . The mass . burnings comes as a UN report concluded that up to 200,000 people around the . world are killed as a result of illicit drug consumption every year. Declining . risk perception and increased availability can lead to wider use and to . more young people being introduced to the drug, the body said in its . account of the international narcotics situation. Global cannabis appears to have decreased, however, reflecting a decline in some western and central European countries. However the production and consumption of amphetamines is on the rise, more than doubling since 2010. Despite . the global decline in cannabis use, more American than ever are seeking . help for problems related to the use of marijuana. Guards: Thai police officers keep watch as narcotics officials prepare some 3,094 kilograms of illegal drugs with a street value of £160million for incineration in a giant oven . Value: Bags of methamphetamine pills worth millions of pounds are photographed before they were placed in an incinerator near Bangkok . The anti-drug events in Thailand (pictured) saw an estimated £160million of pills destroyed in seconds . Gone for good: Thai police workers put a bin full of methamphetamine pills into an incinerator . The report said that it was still too early to understand . the true impact of recent cannabis legalisation in the U.S. states of . Washington and Colorado and South American country Uruguay. In . December, Uruguay's Congress approved a law allowing the cultivation and . sale of marijuana, making it the first country to do so, with the aim . of wresting the business from criminals. The experiment is being . keenly watched by Latin American peers at a time when the U.S.-led war . on drugs faces mounting criticism. Success in Uruguay could fuel momentum for legalisation elsewhere. Regarding . other narcotics, a surge in opium production in Afghanistan - where the . area under cultivation jumped by 36 percent in 2013 - was 'a setback'. Meanwhile the global availability of cocaine fell as production declined . from 2007 to 2012. Last year, the worldwide output of heroin 'rebounded to the high levels witnessed' in 2008 and 2011, the report added. 'Up to 200,000 people die every year due to illicit drugs,' UNODC executive director Yury Fedotov said in a statement. | Army officials burn drugs worth £160millon near Bangkok in Thailand . Meanwhile massive drug bonfires were also lit in Pakistan and Burma . Events marked UN's 'International Day' against drug use and trafficking . Annual report also released showing how drugs are consumed globally . Cannabis use is down, but more people than ever seek help for the drug . Meanwhile global consumption of methamphetamine is steadily rising . | 3b49d9863b588753b7358e2af4e662ea480852fc |
By . Rebecca English . PUBLISHED: . 14:32 EST, 28 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:54 EST, 28 January 2013 . The 60th anniversary of the Queen's coronation is to be marked by a service of celebration at Westminster Abbey. The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family will attend the event, which is likely to attract thousands to the streets of London. The service is one of the major highlights of this year's coronation celebrations, along with a four-day festival in Buckingham Palace Gardens in July. Party time: Revellers on The Mall in central London last June wave flags to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee . Although the official Diamond Jubilee . celebrations took place last year – the anniversary of the death of . King George V1 and the Queen’s official accession to the throne – the . Queen’s actual coronation took place more than a year later, on June 2 . 1953. Buckingham Palace . said today that the service will take place on Tuesday June 4, a few . days after the 60th anniversary of the coronation, followed by a lunch. Foreign . dignitaries are expected to be among the congregation along with . leading UK figures, from Prime Minister David Cameron and members of his . Cabinet to military chiefs. A . spokesman for Westminster Abbey also revealed that the Queen’s . coronation chair – used by almost all kings and queens since the 14th . Century – will be on display in time for the event following extensive . restoration. Celebrations: Prince Charles kisses the hand of his mother Queen Elizabeth at the end her Diamond Jubilee concert in front of Buckingham Palace . The delicate . work has taken many months to undertake and the chair will be presented . under a new red fabric canopy supported by four posts of turned oak. The design, by Ptolmy Dean, Surveyor . of the Fabric at Westminster Abbey, has been inspired by the gold canopy . traditionally used during the anointing ceremony in the coronation. The Queen acceded to the throne on . February 6 1952 when her father, George VI, died unexpectedly in his . sleep at Sandringham in Norfolk. The . country was still in the grip of post-war austerity but a glittering . coronation was staged on June 2 the following year at Westminster Abbey, . which saw millions take to the streets in celebration and was broadcast . live on television around the world for the first time. The . other major celebration of the landmark anniversary will be a festival . of ‘innovation, excellence and industry’ held in the gardens at . Buckingham Palace by the Royal Warrant Holders Association from July 11 . to 14. People will flock to Buckingham Palace once again for this year's coronation celebrations . Regal: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II posed for this photo after her Coronation on June 2, 1953 . Displaying the ‘best of British’ – from fashion to technology, car design to food and drink – the palace gardens will be packed with display stands. A gala performance of music and dance will also be held on a specially-designed stage on selected evenings. Unlike the official Diamond Jubilee events last year, which were largely free, tickets for the festival are priced at £30 for the daytime event and £90 each evening. Tickets are available at www.coronationfestival.com. According to Buckingham Palace, events to mark the 60th anniversary of the Queen’s coronation will be far more low-key than those of the Diamond Jubilee. ‘The jubilee was very much the focus of the national celebrations,’ a spokesman said. | The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and other members of the Royal Family will attend the event . Festival expected to attract thousands of people to streets of London . Although the official Diamond Jubilee celebrations took place last year, the Queen’s actual coronation took place more than a year later, on June 2, 1953 . | 061f5dcb1f96747a6fb8840f94457f48bc8ac008 |
A gold ring engraved with a romantic message has been unearthed centuries after it was last seen. Amateur treasure hunter Morley Howard was metal detecting in a newly ploughed field in Highbridge, Somerset, when he made his discovery. The ring, with a Lord of the Rings-style inscription reading 'In thee my choys I do rejoys' is thought to be a 300-year-old posy ring, traditionally given by lovers in Elizabethan times. Mr Howard, from Burnham-on-Sea, is now waiting for the ring to be dated by the British Museum. Scroll down for video . Amateur treasure hunter Morley Howard found this inscribed ring in a field in Highbridge, Somerset . Mr Howard, of Burnham-on-Sea, said the ring is the most exciting find he's had in four years of treasure hunting . He said: 'When previously metal detecting on this land I'd only unearthed pre-decimal and modern items, but when the farmer recently ploughed the land, I thought I'd give it a couple of hours again.' 'My metal detector was quiet initially, but just as I was about to turn around, my machine gave a good strong signal and I dug a small plug and lifted the soil to reveal a small band of yellow. 'It was a marvellous moment - I thought what a loss it must have been for the owner at the time, but it was also a joy for me to get a treasure find.' He took the ring to the Somerset Heritage Centre before sending it on to the British Museum where it will be verified by jewellery experts. But Mr Howard believes it is an Elizabethan posy ring, which were traditionally given by lovers with romantic messages engraved on the inside in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. He said: ''Many posy rings were made for women and are smaller, but this one is a male ring and weighs 6.8 grams. It's hard to date as there are no maker's initials or hallmarks. In Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, the ring, pictured left, and right with Gollum, is inscribed in Elvish . Mr Howard said he'd searched the field before but decided to have another go after it was ploughed . The inscription reads: 'In thee my choys I do rejoys', which is a typical message found in gold posy rings . 'These posy rings can have a value of between £1,500-£4,000, and if it's proven to be more than 300 years old it will be offered to a local museum to acquire. 'If a museum wants it, they'll have to pay the land owner 50 per cent and myself 50 per cent once it's been valued. 'If the ring is not acquired by a museum, then it's returned to me and the land owner and we'll decide what to do with it.' The inscription is typical for a ring of the period. Burnham-on-Sea dates back to Roman times, making it a favourite with treasure hunters. In 1607 the Bristol Channel flooded, swamping Burnham and leaving many treasures buried under the mud the water brought. | Amateur treasure hunter Morley Howard found ring in newly ploughed field . Mr Howard dug the ring out of a clod of earth in Highbridge, Somerset . He believes it is an Elizabethan posy ring, traditionally given by lovers . Ring is man-sized and bears the inscription 'In thee my choys I do rejoys' It has been sent to the British Museum in London for verification . If it is sold to a local museum, Mr Howard and the farmer will split the cash . He said: 'When I found it I thought what a loss it must have been for owner' | 16bfb20e8150ea5a4cbd697f00604151c811b479 |
The European Union was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize yesterday, despite a year marked by rioting and the prospect of an acrimonious break-up of the euro. Awarding the prize, the Norwegian committee praised the EU for its six decades of contributions 'to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe'. However, the announcement caused widespread bemusement and derision, with critics pointing out that it comes as the eurozone battles the worst recession for nearly a century. Scroll down for video . The European Union will receive the $1.2million dollar prize in December . The past 12 months have also seen Brussels help to push aside the democratically elected governments in Greece and Italy, and widespread civil unrest and rioting. This week saw Greek citizens dressed as Nazis burn swastika flags to protest at a visit to Athens by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Last night former Chancellor Lord Lamont ridiculed the decision, saying: 'Today's decision seems preposterous and absurd. 'It would require a heart of stone not to die of laughter. It is the most ridiculous decision since the committee gave the peace prize to Barack Obama when he had been US President for two minutes.' Norwegian Nobel committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland today said the award was for the 'advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe' The world's media gathered for the shock announcement at a press conference in Oslo, Norway . Nobel committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland acknowledged that the EU was facing 'grave economic difficulties and considerable social unrest'. But he insisted: 'The stabilising part played by the EU has helped to transform most of Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace.' The announcement was greeted with glee in Brussels, where European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso added: 'The EU is something very precious. We should cherish it for the good of Europeans and for the good of the entire world.' And former prime minister Tony Blair said: 'The EU is one of the defining concepts of the last half century. We would do well to remember that when the Second World War ended Europe was in ruins. What followed has been over 50 years of peace and progress.' Yasser Arafat was awarded the prize in 1994 for his role in advancing the Middle East peace process . In winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the EU has joined an inglorious list of people and organisations, including: . Barack Obama was given the prize in 2009 – nine moths after his election – for ‘strengthening international diplomacy’ shortly before his escalation of the drone wars in Afghanistan. Critics claim he was actually handed it for being the first black President in US history Guatemalan Rigoberta Menchu won the prize in 1992 for her campaigns to help the poor. She was later exposed as having made up many of her achievements. Here is a list of recipients in the last decade:2012: The European Union2011: Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee and Tawakkul Karman of Yemen.2010: Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo.2009: US President Barack Obama 2008: Martti Ahtisaari, UN Special Envoy at the Kosovo status process talks2007: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Al Gore2006: Bangladeshi banker Muhammad Yunus, founder of Grameen Bank2005: International Atomic Energy Agency, Mohamed ElBaradei2004: Kenyan enivronmental activist Wangari Maathai2003: Iranian lawyer and human rights campaigner Shirin Ebadi2002: Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter . However, UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage said: 'Never a week goes by that we don't see riots and protests in capital cities against the economic prison they have imposed. Rather than bring peace and harmony, the EU will cause insurgency and violence.' Arch eurosceptic Bill Cash said: 'It is like giving an Oscar to a box office flop. It is thanks to Nato, the Marshall Plan and the help of the United States that Europe maintained peace after World War Two, certainly not the European Union.' Ridicule also flowed in from the City, where businesses and banks fear a breakup of the euro. Peter Hargreaves, co-founder of financial adviser Hargreaves Lansdown, said: 'It's mad. It will be interesting to see if they take it back if Greece dissolves into martial law.' Demonstrators in Athens burn a flag emblazoned with a swastika during the visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel . 'The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided that the Nobel Peace Prize for 2012 is to be awarded to the European Union (EU). 'The union and its forerunners have for over six decades contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights in Europe. 'In the inter-war years, the Norwegian Nobel Committee made several awards to persons who were seeking reconciliation between Germany and France. 'Since 1945, that reconciliation has become a reality. 'The dreadful suffering in World War II demonstrated the need for a new Europe. Over a seventy-year period, Germany and France had fought three wars. 'Today war between Germany and France is unthinkable. This shows how, through well-aimed efforts and by building up mutual confidence, historical enemies can become close partners. 'In the 1980s, Greece, Spain and Portugal joined the EU. The introduction of democracy was a condition for their membership. 'The fall of the Berlin Wall made EU membership possible for several Central and Eastern European countries, thereby opening a new era in European history. 'The division between East and West has to a large extent been brought to an end; democracy has been strengthened; many ethnically-based national conflicts have been settled. 'The admission of Croatia as a member next year, the opening of membership negotiations with Montenegro, and the granting of candidate status to Serbia all strengthen the process of reconciliation in the Balkans. In the past decade, the possibility of EU membership for Turkey has also advanced democracy and human rights in that country. 'The EU is currently undergoing grave economic difficulties and considerable social unrest. 'The Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to focus on what it sees as the EU's most important result: the successful struggle for peace and reconciliation and for democracy and human rights. 'The stabilizing part played by the EU has helped to transform most of Europe from a continent of war to a continent of peace. 'The work of the EU represents "fraternity between nations", and amounts to a form of the "peace congresses" to which Alfred Nobel refers as criteria for the Peace Prize in his 1895 will.' | Nobel committee said the award was for 'the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and human rights' But critics condemn the move at a time when the bloc is gripped by the Eurozone crisis and facing serious questions about its future . Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg says it is 'slightly interesting' to give to the award to an 'acronym' Tory MEPs joke the Nobel committee 'is a little late for an April fools joke' and declare: 'Parody is redundant' Tony Blair hails the EU as 'one of the defining concepts' of the last 50 years . The prize is awarded by a panel of five people from Norway - which is not even a member of the EU . | f5e5f7a09b1e1a57f031c26231767d550a7849ec |
Philae broke hearts earlier this month when, in its dying moments, it managed to send back valuable data from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. But, all is not lost. Rosetta engineers claim the plucky probe could come back to life as soon as March next year, as comet 67P gets closer to the sun. The probe is currently only receiving around an hour of sunlight during the comet's 12-hour day, with its batteries frozen in temperatures of -170°C. Back from the dead: Philae (pictured) broke hearts earlier this month when, in its dying moments, it managed to send back valuable data from comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. Now, Rosetta engineers claim it could come back to life in March 2015 as comet 67P gets closer to the sun . Previous estimates simply said the probe could awaken within 'the next few months', but now a more precise timeframe has been revealed. In a recent Reddit 'ask me anything' session, engineers at mission control said: 'We expect to have enough energy to boot around March next year. 'Then Philae needs to be heated until we can think of starting to charge the battery. The batteries were meant to be recharged by solar panels, but because Philae hopped a couple of times after the first touchdown, it ended up in shadow. 'It is like trying to power your house with solar panels when you live in Alaska just below the Arctic Circle during the winter,' said Michael Maibaum, Philae systems engineer. 'Welcome to a comet!': Earlier this month, Esa tweeted this remarkable picture from comet 67P confirming that Philae is successfully on the surface. It bounced twice before landing in almost complete darkness . Engineers claim the seasonal change toward spring in Philae's hemisphere will bring the probe into much more sunlight over the next few months. That, coupled with the fact that the comet is getting closer to the sun, should warm up the batteries enough to keep them charged. Stephan Ulamec, manager of the Philae lander, added that he was 'very optimistic' that it would soon wake up. The amount of science that the team will be able to do will depends on how long it takes to recharge the batteries, he said. The historic touchdown of Philae on a comet could be big step toward 'moving off this planet' and 'taking' the entire solar system . The historic touchdown of Philae on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko could be big step toward 'moving off this planet' and 'taking' the entire solar system. This is according to Nasa's planetary science head, Jim Green, who said the solar system is now in reach of wider human exploration. The space agency is hoping to send humans to Mars in the 2030s, and data from Rosetta's mission could help make that a reality by revealing more planets in our solar system. 'How audacious! How exciting!' Green said, after the landing was made. 'The solar system is mankind's - this mission is the first step to take it. 'It's ours… It's these steps that will lead us beyond this planet and on to Mars and out into the solar system.' 'I truly believe that a single planet species will not survive long. It's our destiny to move off this planet.' Nasa described yesterday's landing as 'a great day for space exploration.' 'We congratulate Esa on their successful landing on a comet today,' said John Grunsfeld. 'This achievement represents a breakthrough moment in the exploration of our solar system and a milestone for international cooperation.' Scientists hope that samples drilled out from the comet will unlock details about how the planets - and possibly even life - evolved. Comets date back to the formation of the solar system some 4.5 billion years ago. Scientists suspect impacting comets delivered water to early Earth. During the AMA, the team also said that one of the biggest limitations of the mission was using decades old technology. 'The biggest drawback for Philae was the limited computer power and mass memory,' said Ekkehard Kührt, science manager for Rosetta. 'What we could install there - 800 MHz CPU and some memory - seems to be from another world today'. The Rosetta probe, which was carrying Philae, launched into space in 2004, using the gravity of Earth and Mars to slingshot its way towards comet 67P. It chased comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko through space for more than ten years. This image, annotated by Emily Lakdawalla from The Planetary Society, shows the precarious position the lander is currently in. At the top the view into space can be seen. One of the feet is obscured from view. The bottom left image is the direction that the Mupus instrument was deployed to take readings from the surface . Despite this, after a four billion mile (6.5 billion km) journey, the probe successfully released Philae from its grip to land on the comet, travelling at 1 metre (40 inches) per second relative to the comet. But when it first made contact with the surface it failed to fire harpoons that would have kept it attached to the comet. This resulted in it bouncing to a height of 0.62 miles (1km) above the comet before again landing on the surface. It then bounced again, but to a much lower altitude. Scientists recently said they had detected what might be complex carbon compounds on the surface of the comet the craft landed on two weeks ago. The team in Darmstadt, Germany, are pictured here celebrating as news of Philae's separation from Rosetta. Scientists hope the £1 billion ($1.6 billion) project will solve some of the greatest puzzles in science - including the origins of life on Earth . The team leader for the Ptolemy instrument, Professor Ian Wright, told BBC News: 'We can say with absolute certainty that we saw a very large signal of what are basically organic (carbon) compounds. 'There is a rich signal there. It is not simple. It is not like there are two compounds; there are clearly a lot of things there - a lot of peaks. Sometimes a complicated compound can give a lot of peaks.' Scientists hope the £1 billion ($1.6 billion) project will solve some of the greatest puzzles in science - including the origins of life on Earth. Open University Professor Ian Wright, who helped create Ptolemy, said: ‘The idea that comets may have brought the building blocks of life to Earth is one of the reasons why we want to study them.’ Professor Stanley Cowley, planetary scientist at the University of Leicester, added: ‘It is an interesting relic from that otherwise inaccessible epoch.’ | Claim was made during a Reddit Q&A with the Rosetta mission team . Philae probe is now receiving just one hour of sunlight on comet 67P . This is because it bounced before landing in shadow at rim of a crater . But as comet 67P travels closer to the sun, engineers could revive it . They say they are 'very optimistic' that Philae will soon wake up . Data could reveal how the solar system formed 4.5 billion years ago . Previous estimates said the probe could awaken within 'the next few months', but now a more precise time frame has been revealed . | 78d553a5586106e88b0edaef056ea62948c34113 |
Gary Neville always thought the manager of Manchester United should be British. He said it privately, he said it publicly. He stated it very passionately one night in Barcelona, when the dwindling embers of the David Moyes era were being raked over following a Champions League match. Neville was adamant, defiant, that Manchester United should resist the appeal of a foreign coach. In his eyes this meant giving Moyes more time but it was plain that, even if a change had to be made, Neville felt the successor must hail from within these shores. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Sportsmail preview: Manchester United v QPR . David Moyes (left) was sacked earlier this year and replaced at Manchester United by Louis van Gaal . New signing Radamel Falcao and manager Louis van Gaal talk during training on Friday . Louis van Gaal addresses his Manchester United players during training on Friday . Radamel Falcao and Daley Blind are expected to make their Manchester United debuts against QPR . Manchester United have a proud tradition of hiring British managers, such as Sir Alex Ferguson . Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Matt Busby celebrate United's Cup Winners Cup win in 1991 . Others disagreed, and spoke of the practical realities, but he was insistent. It was what made United unique, he said. It was part of the culture of the club. A British manager affording opportunity to young British players. It was what set Manchester United apart. Not any more. Sunday, September 14, 2014, is the first day of the new Manchester United. Against Queens Park Rangers at Old Trafford, a foreign coach will preside over a starting XI of mostly foreign, expensively-acquired, players. If there are English names on the team-sheet they will have been purchased for a king’s ransom, just like the rest. If Jonny Evans or Darren Fletcher does make the starting line-up, they will merely be keeping that seat warm until the injury list shortens or the next transfer window signals another round of improvements. The vow these days is to buy the equivalent of one Luis Suarez every year. Ryan Giggs says United will continue giving youth its chance but, like Neville, he sounds like a man out of time. A project that intends to take a team from seventh place to automatic Champions League qualification in one season is in too much of a hurry to rely on old-style youth development. New signings Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo (right) are both expected to face QPR on Sunday . (from left) Juan Mata, Anderson, Ander Herrera, David de Gea, Angel Di Maria and Marcos Rojo share a joke . Doubts remain about where Adnan Januzaj and Luke Shaw fit into Louis van Gaal's team . Manchester United celebrate their Champions League success in 1999, beating Bayern Munich in the final . Louis van Gaal’s overhaul has cast out some ordinary players, but it cannot help but scratch the odd gem, too: one of its first casualties would appear to be Adnan Januzaj, the rising star of the previous campaign, now pegged behind a who’s who of world football. His starting opportunities would appear bleakly limited, short-term at least. It isn’t that Manchester United’s spending spree is immoral — they’ve got it, so why not flaunt it — or even that towards the end the purchases seemed to be based on what was available, rather than what was required. Everyone agreed significant investment was needed. The Class of 92 was a beautiful windfall, but United have not produced talent in any depth since then and waiting for the next generation would have seen the club slip further from the elite. Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, took a big gamble, but a necessary one, the Glazers having got away with reduced investment for so long. Positively thinking, there is a genuine sense of anticipation and wonder around the team Van Gaal will field tomorrow, the biggest buzz in English club football for several years. But is it United? No. Not the one Neville, Giggs and many others thought they knew. Not the United that Sir Alex Ferguson nurtured. Pat Crerand (left), George Best (right) and their manager Matt Busby hold the European Cup aloft in 1968 . Manchester United have yet to produce another batch of youngsters like their famous class of 92' Ryan Giggs, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and David Beckham were stars for United . Ryan Giggs (left, with Wayne Rooney at training) says United will always gives home-grown players a chance . Gary Neville has concerns about how the club he played for his entire career is being run now . Sir Alex Ferguson applauds the Manchester United fans as he makes his way off the Old Trafford pitch . It is United as Manchester City, as Chelsea, as Real Madrid or Inter. It is Manchester United Internationale, the way every modern elite club, with one or two exceptions, is now a melting pot of star names and contracted performers, passing through as if on tour. Cristiano Ronaldo was an unforgettable force for good at United but, ultimately, his team was Real Madrid. Old Trafford was a mutually beneficial stop on a career path that began at Sporting Lisbon and ended at the Bernabeu. Radamel Falcao talks of staying at United for many years, but this is a vague notion also. He was ‘eager to start the challenge’ and ‘very happy’ at Monaco, too, a year ago. ‘I have chosen this project,’ he announced. Now he has chosen another one. So this team may achieve great things, but it is not like the old days. One does not see Falcao, Angel di Maria and Marcos Rojo sinking their savings into Atletico Salford 10 years from now. And with this new dynamic come changing attitudes, in the boardroom and also the cheap seats. No club ends up with the most expensively assembled squad in the Premier League, and settles for life outside the Champions League just three games into the season. Cristiano Ronaldo was a great player for Manchester United but his true love was Real Madrid . David Beckham said he had a special relationship with the Manchester United fans during his time at the club . Ryan Giggs is one of the only remaining links to the old Manchester United left at Old Trafford . Manchester United may be in 14th place now, but that is only seven points from the top and five behind the automatically qualified third-placed team, currently Aston Villa, who nobody thinks will be there come the end of the season. There are 105 points up for grabs from here, including home and away fixtures against every current Premier League club that has ever qualified for the Champions League in its modern format. So it’s on. With the names on their roster, United’s owners now have every reason to expect to make the top three this season. And that is a sign of shifting times, too. Moyes would undoubtedly have been given a longer run, if only his first season had not been such a disaster. Van Gaal’s reputation may buy him indulgence, but there will also be irritation if he does not turn this ship around, and fast. The board will not see the mitigation of a squad brought together in haste and on the hoof; they will see numbers, big numbers, and with them comes a demand for results. Tyler Blackett is one of the young players that Louis van Gaal has given a chance this season . Striker James WIlson is seen as a player who could break into the United first team in the future . At Old Trafford, too, there may be an unfamiliar atmosphere. The majority of United fans were steadfastly supportive of Moyes even when they knew his regime was damaged beyond repair. There will be a huge sense of excitement around tomorrow’s game — but what if the change in fortunes is slow to unfold? Not against QPR, now viewed more as cannon fodder than tomorrow’s opposition, but against Chelsea on October 26, Manchester City on November 2 or Arsenal on November 22? The club that Neville and Giggs knew enjoyed a special relationship with its home-produced players. David Beckham summed it up last week. ‘When you are a young player at United, when you are there from a young age and are home-grown, you feel it from the fans,’ he said. # . ‘You have a really special bond and association with them. You are their player. When we were successful, when we were winning European Cups, leagues and FA Cups, it felt really personal from the fans, like how I feel when I see my son score a goal, or how my parents felt when they saw me win a championship. You feel like you have 75,000 parents watching you in the stands. That’s how Manchester United have always been.’ Tom Cleverely (centre) was sold by Manchester United to Aston Villa during the January transfer window . Danny Welbeck (centre) surprisingly moved from Manchester United to Arsenal for £16m . So while the new signings are not exactly orphans — Ronaldo was loyally supported, too, after the 2006 World Cup — they will not be as tenderly indulged through the difficult times. It was easy to support Ronaldo. He was a budding genius, and an important part of a very successful team. Yet what of a striker earning in the region of £300,000 who is not performing, in a team that has failed to click? Even Tom Cleverley, with United from the age of 11, spoke of the oppressive tension around the club last season. What if this continues? Will Falcao feel he has 75,000 parents too? Or will he be like Mesut Ozil at Arsenal, or Fernando Torres at Chelsea, judged in relation to his transfer fee, salary and performance? Jack Wilshere gets an easier ride than Ozil ever will, for the reasons Beckham identified. So this is it for United. Day one of a new era. The club Red Nev thought he knew no longer exists. Manchester United will look the same and sound the same tomorrow — they may even play the same if Van Gaal can overcome the time-poor restrictions of the international break to restore some of the old swagger. Yet they are not the same. United are like the rest from here: only richer, grander and with great, great expectations. | United have prided themselves on having British managers and players . This summer has seen the club adopt a different policy by hiring Louis van Gaal and signing the likes of Radamel Falcao and Angel di Maria . Home-grown Danny Welbeck has been sold, while Tom Cleverley has gone on loan to Aston Villa with his contract up in the summer . United's approach has been criticised by former player Gary Neville . Assistant boss Ryan Giggs insists club will give home-grown stars a chance . United are preparing to face QPR in the Premier League on Sunday . | e1021e375e631ab6274dc4c81e5021e011a5f5ec |
(CNN) -- Sudan qualified for the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Burkina Faso 2-1 at the Estadio de Bata on Monday, ending a four-decade wait for victory at the tournament. Two goals in either half from Mudather Eltaib was enough to secure second place in Group B ahead of Angola, who lost 2-0 to Ivory Coast at the Estadio de Malabo. Eltaib gave Sudan the lead in the 33rd minute when he sidefooted past keeper Daouda Diakite. It stayed that way until the 80th minute when Eltaib found the target again, capitalizing on a mistake by Diakite before firing home into an empty net. Burkina Faso skipper Moumouni Dagano managed a consolation goal moments before the end, but it couldn't stop Sudan recording a first win in the competition for 42 years to set up a meeting with Group A winners Zambia on February 4. Etuhu: Expect more shocks at the Africa Cup of Nations . Ivory Coast were assured of a place in the final eight of the competition before Monday's matches, while their opponents Angola needed a point to progress. Despite fielding an under-strength side -- stars Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Salomon Kalou all started on the bench -- The Elephants ran out comfortable winners. Goals from Emmanuel Eboue in the 33rd minute and a Wilfried Bony strike midway through the second half ensured maximum points from the group and confirmed a meeting with co-hosts Equatorial Guinea at the same stadium next Saturday. | Sudan progress to quarterfinals after beating Burkina Faso 2-1 in final Group B match . Angola are out after losing 2-0 to Ivory Coast in Malabo . Sudan's first win in competition in over four decades sets up tie with Zambia . Ivory Coast meet co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in quarterfinals . | 04c2f61bd7b25a6ef4112634db9e59f576de257c |
(CNN) -- Will Michael Jackson stop the world? Fans have set up impromptu shrines to Michael Jackson, including this one at his family's house. Thousands are expected to swamp Los Angeles, California, to mourn him Tuesday at the Staples Center, and the accompanying media crush will be enormous. The tribute to the King of Pop at Harlem's Apollo Theater earlier this week drew coverage from all over the world, along with a public turnout in the thousands. Given the feverish interest in all things Jackson, the Los Angeles memorial could be one of the most-viewed events of all time. "This will obviously be a huge media event, and with Web streams of the funeral, it may be impossible to say for sure how many people watched once all is said and done, because there's still no comprehensive way to measure Web viewing," said Toni Fitzgerald, of Media Life, in an e-mail interview. A handful of events have earned the kind of worldwide coverage to put the world on pause, if only for a moment. The 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy "had the nation locked in a trance for two or three days," recalled TV critic Ed Bark of UncleBarky.com. The world audience for the Apollo 11 moon landing has been estimated in the hundreds of millions. The BBC estimated 2.5 billion people watched the 1997 funeral of Princess Diana. Watch Jermaine Jackson talk about his brother's legacy » . The numbers are easily exaggerated -- nobody knows how many people are watching in groups or in public places -- and the Web has complicated matters further. But in a multichannel, satellite TV, computer-and-cell phone world, the Jackson memorial could have an audience in the hundreds of millions. It was first believed the event would take place at Jackson's Neverland Ranch. But the family announced Thursday that it will hold a private ceremony Tuesday, and then a massive public memorial service at the Staples Center. Fans had until 6 p.m. Saturday to register for free tickets to the memorial service. Organizers used a computer to choose 8,750 names from 1.6 million who registered since Friday. Watch a tour of Neverland » . "You have to go back to the Beatles, the death of John Lennon perhaps, and the death of Elvis Presley to find a comparable figure in, not just pop music, but pop culture," said Entertainment Weekly critic-at-large Ken Tucker. (EW, like CNN, is a unit of Time Warner.) "And Jackson so self-consciously turned himself into not just an American pop icon but a global pop icon. I think this does have worldwide implications and interest." See how interest in Jackson's music has skyrocketed » . The circumstances of Jackson's death have led to comparisons with Presley's in 1977, but in terms of coverage, the two can't compare. The news wasn't even the top story on CBS' "Evening News," Bark recalled, and there certainly wasn't wall-to-wall nationwide live coverage of his funeral. A public viewing drew about 30,000 fans; the funeral, two days after his death, was held in Graceland's living room. But Bark said there are parallels, at least in terms of coverage, with the Kennedy assassination. "These days it's so much harder to get a bulk audience on any given venue the way the [broadcast networks] did back then, but still the enormity [of the event] -- it's the syndicated tabloid shows ... and TMZ and all the cable networks devoting lots of attention to it, [and] the broadcast networks can't seem to do enough specials in prime time," said Bark. "I do think it's comparative but in a very different way." Officially, the sorts of events that have attracted the largest mass audiences have been scheduled entertainment or sports programs. Sixty percent of America watched the 1983 "M*A*S*H" finale; more than half watched the 1980 "Who Shot J.R." episode of "Dallas" and the 1977 "Roots" conclusion. The Beatles' first appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1964 drew about 45 percent of the country. The Super Bowl is routinely the year's most watched program, with audiences north of 80 million -- about 40 percent of U.S. television households. Although interest in Jackson has been high, the number of viewing choices (and, perhaps, the traditional decline in summer viewing) has kept the ratings for individual Jackson-oriented shows down. "Jackson's death came up in just about every conversation I had from Thursday to Sunday, and yet only 5 million people tuned in to some of those broadcast specials," Media Life magazine's Fitzgerald observed. Still, the public memorial service might be different. "I expect you'll see very big tune-ins on the cable news networks and on BET, if they cover it; they had huge numbers for their BET Awards focused on Jackson over the weekend," Fitzgerald said. The BET Awards was watched by 10.7 million, the most ever for a cable awards show. "With the celebrity factor thrown into the funeral, who'll be there, who'll talk, I would guess tens of millions in the U.S. will watch it on TV," she said. It is certain is that the news media will be there in force. "I guess we're all going to wait and see what the spectacle is," Bark said. "There may be no precedent for this." | Public memorial Tuesday could be one of the most-viewed events of all time . It could have a television and online audience in the hundreds of millions . Jackson's death has led to comparisons with Elvis Presley's death . Others see parallels, at least in terms of coverage, with the Kennedy assassination . | dbcf7c6600b4ad99cb09c846225540205b31a65e |
The husband of a teacher who spent the night with a 16-year-old pupil has told how she seduced the boy as revenge after he had an affair. Bernadette Smith, 35, narrowly avoided a prison sentence this week after confessing her infatuation with her student Gary Ralston. The court heard how she called the boy into her classroom at Banockburn High School in Stirling, and confessed her feelings for him. The pair later kissed passionately in a park, and spent the night in bed, where Smith wore just jeans and a bra. Abuse of trust: Sheriff Wyllie Robertson told Smith (left), 35, . who kissed Gary, then 16, (right) and lay beside him wearing only jeans and a . bra, that she had committed a serious abuse of trust. She was spared jail . Waived anonymity: Gary, now 17, in his bedroom where one of the incidents took place. He said his relationship with Smith, who was his teacher during third, fourth and fifth year, began during secret meetings at school . Now Brian Smith, 35, has revealed how . his wife, with whom he has three children, told him she seduced the boy . as punishment for his affair in 2004. 'She said I deserved it, that this was payback. I’ve hit a brick wall trying to explain or understand it', he told the Daily Record. 'I . maybe could have understood if she had gone with another teacher, or a . neighbour, to get back at me. But not a boy, never. Not someone in her . care.' He told how his wife disappeared for a night with the boy, and sent him a text telling him their relationship had to end. She then switched off her phone, leaving him to desperately try and track her down. She came home the next day while he was getting their children ready for school and confessed the affair. His wife was later arrested and taken to court, where this week she admitted engaging in sexual activity with a pupil while in a position of trust. She was sentenced to two years of supervision at Stirling Sheriff Court, and will be on the sex offenders' register for the same period of time. Mr Smith, a bus driver, added that he does not blame Gary for what happened, as he was a 'victim' and only did what he was told. The affair started in Smith's classroom at Bannockburn High School, Stirling, where she confessed her feelings to the boy, before the pair went to a park and had their first kiss . The pupil, who waived his anonymity to speak of the relationship, said Smith had been his favourite teacher before she targeted him for particular attention. He . said: ‘I was thinking I was quite lucky. A lot of the boys fancied her. I couldn’t believe she was with me. It was the last thing I expected. She said she thought she was going crazy but couldn’t help the way she . was feeling.’ Placing the . mother of three under a supervision order yesterday, Sheriff Wyllie . Robertson told her she had committed a serious abuse of trust. He said it was only the fact that she had not gone further with the boy that had saved her from a jail sentence. Gary . revealed how his relationship with Smith, who was his teacher during . third, fourth and fifth year, began during secret meetings at school. ‘When . I started year six, Bernadette was no longer my teacher, but we’d pass . each other in the corridor, say hello and smile,’ he said. He said that . Smith later summoned him to her classroom. ‘I . walked in and as soon as I sat down she said, “Ever since we’ve been . back at school and I’ve seen you around, I’ve been realising I have . feelings for you”,’ he said. Sexual misconduct: Bernadette Smith, left and right leaving court, drove the boy to a park and kissed him . Describing himself as ‘curious’ and ‘excited’, Gary agreed to meet the history and English teacher on September 13 last year. The pair drove to a park in Falkirk, Scotland, and went for a walk but when they got back to the car, Smith kissed him passionately. Gary said he worried for Smith’s job, husband and family but said she ‘didn’t seem too bothered’. He confided in his father, who warned him to be careful but his grandmother called Bannockburn High School to complain. Smith was suspended immediately. Despite their relationship being made public, they stayed together the next night at Gary’s home in Cowie. Gary said: ‘We got ready for bed and I felt nervous. I got into bed with my boxers on. She took off her top, but kept her bra and jeans on, and slid in beside me. ‘We cuddled and talked – nothing else happened.’ His father Richard Ralston, 42, said: ‘I wasn’t pleased about what happened, but you’re an adult at 16 in Scotland so I didn’t want to interfere too much. ‘I want Gary to make decisions and learn from any mistakes.’ Prosecutor Ann Orr told Stirling Sheriff Court that when interviewed, Smith said ‘she loved the boy and they both wanted to be together’. She admitted kissing Gary and staying the night in his bedroom. There was no suggestion that Gary had suffered any long-term harm, the court was told. Smith, of Denny, Stirlingshire, pleaded guilty to engaging in sexual activity with a pupil while in a position of trust, between September 13 and 20 last year. Gary, now 17, revealed how his relationship with Smith, who was his teacher during his third, fourth and fifth years, blossomed during secret meetings at Bannockburn high school . She was placed under supervision for two years and will remain on the sex offenders’ register for the same period. Her solicitor, Andrew Gibb, said she was suspended by the General Teaching Council for Scotland and would be struck off at a hearing in a few weeks’ time. She has also separated from her husband. Sheriff Robertson told the court Smith’s conduct was towards the lesser end of the offending scale, adding: ‘It is serious enough of course when a teacher admits this kind of conduct towards a pupil. 'We expect teachers to ensure children under their care are safe from abuse and that has not happened.’ He told Smith that it may have been that ‘difficulties within your marriage contributed to this aberration’, but he said many other teachers coped without resorting to such ‘bizarre’ behaviour. He said it was to her ‘credit’ that she had not blamed her victim and she was assessed as at low risk of re-offending. He ordered her to return to court on November 12 for a supervision order review. | Teacher Bernadette Smith kissed and shared a bed with Gary Ralston . She narrowly escaped jail after admitting sexual activity with a pupil . Her husband Brian Smith, 35, has told how she said the affair was payback . She sent a break-up text to Mr Smith, with whom she has three children . Smith then switched off her phone and spent the night in bed with Gary . Returned the next morning to admit what she did, shocking her husband . Obsession cost her job and her reputation, Stirling Sheriff Court heard . Gary said: 'I was thinking I was quite lucky. A lot of the boys fancied her' Smith under supervision for two years as part of community payback order . | 81395f0b382e4edffafcfb6db9ac4dcfb6e86ad4 |
Ukraine was forced to shut down a reactor at its biggest nuclear power plant yesterday following an 'electrical malfunction', the second such incident in the space of a month. One of six reactors at the Zaporizhia power station in the south-east of the country was automatically disconnected by the plant's 'internal defence mechanism' at 6am yesterday morning. Workers managed to repair to the fault and the reactor was reconnected to the power grid at 22:35, the plant's operator's NPP said in a statement. Shutdown: The Zaporozhiya nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine where one of six reactors was automatically taken off-line yesterday following an electrical fault . Earlier this month another of Zaporizhia's reactors was taken off-line after it suffered a short-circuit leading to widespread blackouts. The plant, which is the largest nuclear power station in Europe and the fifth largest in the world, supplies around 40 per cent of Ukraine's nuclear power and was switched on in 1984. The incident has revived memories of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster - the worst nuclear power station accident in history in which 31 people were killed and large amounts of radiation released into the environment. A statement on the Zaporizhia plant's website said radiation levels around the facility remained at normal levels and that the accident was being investigated. Ukraine is in the grip of an energy crisis with authorities in Kiev refusing to buy coal from the conflict-hit Donetsk and Lugansk regions, fearing it could benefit pro-Russian factions. To make matters worse around half of the country's coal-fuelled power stations are said to need emergency repairs. The Chernobyl disaster was the worst nuclear power station accident in history resulting in the deaths of 31 people and large amounts of radiation being released into the environment . There are fears for the safety of the Zaporizhia plant as lies only 200 kilometres from the rebel-held Donetsk region. Two of Zaporizhia's reactors are due to be decommissioned in February having been operating for over 30 years. In May pro-Ukrainian paramilitaries confronted police and security at the plant claiming they had come to remove 'pro-Russian' agitators they claimed were operating inside the plant. Zaporizhia produces up to 22 percent of all electricity generated in the country. | One of six reactors at the Zaporizhia power station shut down yesterday . Plant operators say it was caused by an 'electrical malfunction' It is the second such incident there in the space of a month . Zaporizhia is Europe's biggest nuclear power station . Switched on in 1984, it supplies 22% of all Ukraine's electricity . | aa65914d0a1ada21ee33efca1fc6795c097f176c |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.