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By . Michael Zennie . The fan who mysteriously died after he was found in someone else's car in the parking lot outside Sunday's Kansas City Chief's game was viciously pummeled by tailgaters, it was revealed. The medical examiner's office has ruled Kyle Van Winkle's death a homicide - meaning he was killed by another person - though it has not made a decision on the cause of death. The Kansas City Star reports that police are focusing their investigation on a 24-year-old tailgater as Van Winkle's primary attacker. Tragic: Kyle Van Winkle, 30, was the father of a seven-week-old son. He died at the hospital . Van Winke's death was ruled a homicide - though the medical examiner's office has not yet ruled on what caused his death . Detectives searched the man's home and arrested him - though he has not been formally charged and his name has not been released. Van Winkle, the 30-year-old son of a Missouri police sergeant and a new father, died in the parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium Sunday after he left the Chiefs-Denver Brocos game. His family says he got into an unlocked dark-colored Jeep in the parking lot that looked nearly identical to one of the vehicles his friend drove to the game. It was in the same row as his friend's vehicle - but 10 cars away. When the owner of the Jeep arrived at his car with his 10-year-old son and found Van Winkle inside, he called for help - believing he had broken into the vehicle, according to police. The Star reports that tailgaters who were watching the game on TV from the parking lot ran over and began beating Van Winkle. Deadly struggle: Three men were taken in custody after a man died during a vicious parking lot brawl near this Jeep on Sunday night . The men reportedly brawled in the parking lot at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City (pictured) last night . One witness tried to stop the assault, but the tailgaters pushed him away. One tailgater in particular, the 24-year-old who is now a suspect, showered Van Winkle with blows until he was unconscious, according to police. Someone propped him up, unconscious against a bus. The 24-year-old assailant and his friends went back to their tailgate party. The Jeep owner and his son left. An unknown amount of time later, a bystander noticed that Van Winkle was turning blue. Witnesses called paramedics - but it was too late. He died at the hospital. | Kyle Van Winkle, 30, was beaten by tailgaters until he was unconscious and then left for dead . Taken to the hospital when he started turning blue, but died . | eb14bf7cc311f026ecfdc339aa94b39ac8b4359d |
By . Lydia Warren . Elliot Rodger was beaten up, left with a broken ankle and robbed of his Gucci sunglasses after he tried to push girls off a ledge for not talking to him at a party, his manifesto has revealed. The 141-page document, which the 22-year-old virgin emailed to his parents and friends before he killed six people on Friday, gives terrifying insight into Rodger's hatred towards women for failing to pay him attention. In one excerpt from last year, he wrote about heading out to party in Isla Vista just days before his 22nd birthday in one 'last ditch effort' to lose his virginity. 'That was the only thing that could have saved me,' he wrote in the memoir. 'I was giving the female gender one last chance to provide me with the pleasures I deserved from them.' Scroll down for videos . Lonely: Gunman Elliot Rodger described how he had only one friend, who had provided the only light in his life . He described how he bought a bottle of vodka and drank a few shots before heading out so that he could get some courage to enter the party - although he admitted he drank a little too much. At the party, he quickly became irritated that no one was talking to him, especially girls who were chatting with 'obnoxious slobs' instead, he wrote. So he went outside - but there he saw guys walking with 'hot blonde girls on their arm', which 'fueled me with rage', he said, explaining that he felt that these girls should have been giving him attention. He climbed onto a ledge and - after miming as if he was shooting them - some of the crowd joined him, including 'rowdy boys whom I've always despised' and some girls. While up there, he became annoyed that none of the girls were talking to him, so he began insulting them, he said. 'A dark, hate-fueled rage overcame my entire being, and I tried to push as many of them as I could from the 10-foot ledge,' he wrote. 'My main target was the girls. I wanted to punish them for talking to the obnoxious boys instead of me.' But the group fought back and eventually, he was pushed to the ground. When he fell, he heard a 'snap' in his ankle, breaking it, he said. Agitated: Rodger, pictured, said he would speak to his friend, James, for hours about his troubles . As he limped away, he realized that his Gucci sunglasses were missing and went to get them back, but was so drunk, he couldn't remember where the party was. Instead, . he went to a nearby house and demanded to know where his glasses were. A . group of 'brutes' started calling him names before dragging him out to . the driveway and hitting him, he said. Elliot Rodger . 'I had never been beaten and humiliated that badly,' he said. 'Everyone in Isla Vista saw what happened, and it was truly horrific. 'The worst part of this whole ordeal was... the fact that no one showed any concern... If girls had been attracted to me, they would have offered to walk me to my room and take care of me. They would have even offered to sleep with me to make me feel better.' The next morning, he awoke to pain and . his father took him to the hospital, where police interviewed him. Fearful that he could get in trouble, he told them he had acted 'cocky' towards a group of boys, so they had pushed him from the ledge. The . police didn't pursue any charges, he said. Victims: Rodger's first victims included his roommates Weihan Wang, left, and Cheng Yuan Hong, right . Gunned down: George Chen, left, was also found . stabbed to death in their home - although he did not live at the house - . while Rodgers gunned down Chris Michael-Martinez, right, when he opened . fire at a deli . Murdered: Katie Cooper, left, and Veronika Weiss, right, were shot outside a sorority house during his spree . As he recovered from his broken ankle, Rodger's self pity grew and he focused on his 'Day of Retribution,' deciding to enact his 'revenge' in the spring of 2014. On Friday, Rodger, the son of Hunger Games assistant director Peter Rodger, acted upon his threats, killing six people before shooting himself dead. Elliot Rodger . Weihan Wang, 20, of Fremont, and Cheng Yuan Hong, 20, of San Jose, were both stabbed to death by Rodger on Friday at the apartment they had shared with him. Investigators are looking into whether he killed the pair in their sleep. The body of another UCSB student, George Chen, 19, of San Jose, was also found at the apartment, but he did not live there. Rodger . then climbed into his SUV and drove towards the Alpha Phi sorority . house, where he shot dead Katherine Cooper, 22, and Veronika Weiss, 19. He . then got back into his car and drove to a nearby deli, where he opened . fire. There, he killed student Chris Michael-Martinez, 20, in an attack . that was captured on surveillance footage. Remembered: Students write messages at a tribute to the victims at one of the crime scenes on Monday . The gunman then climbed back into his car and continued to shoot at passersby as he drove, hitting three pedestrians before he police officers returned fire and shot him in the hip. He tried to escape and knocked down a cyclist, before he eventually shot himself in the head and smashed into parked cars. When police found his body, he was surrounded by three semi-automatic handguns and nearly 400 rounds of ammunition, which had all been purchased legally. | In his rambling memoir, Elliot Rodger detailed going out to a party last year in one last ditch attempt to lose his virginity . But it failed when he became enraged that the girls were talking to 'obnoxious slobs' instead of talking to him . | b512732972cc242490ee07ab874ccca526d8968a |
(CNN) -- Greg Mortenson, the high-profile advocate of girls' education in Afghanistan and Pakistan, has been forced to defend his best-selling book "Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Fight Terrorism and Build Nations ... One School at a Time," against charges that key stories in it are false. Mortenson shot to international fame with the book, which describes his getting lost in an effort to climb K2, the world's second-highest peak, being rescued by Pakistani villagers in the village of Korphe and vowing to return there to build a school for local girls. He also claims to have been captured by the Taliban and held for several days before being released. Another best selling-author, however -- Jon Krakauer of "Into Thin Air" fame -- told a CBS "60 Minutes" investigation that aired Sunday that the story is not true. "It's a beautiful story, and it's a lie," Krakauer tells the program. "Three Cups of Tea," co-authored by writer David Oliver Relin, stayed on The New York Times best-seller list for four years after it was first published in 2006, becoming a global publishing sensation that has sold more than three million copies and been translated into 47 languages. CNN.com interviews Greg Mortenson in 2008 . Mortenson is also the author of the 2009 sequel "Stones into Schools: Promoting Peace with Books, not Bombs, in Afghanistan and Pakistan," which was another Times best-seller. Both books recount Mortenson's quest to bring schools to some of the remotest parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan on the theory that education -- especially for girls -- is the best way to end the scourge of the Taliban and other extremists in the region. Mortenson's publisher, Penguin Books, modestly describes him as "a real-life Indiana Jones." Mortenson's quest to end extremism through education has made him a darling of the U.S. military. A photograph in "Stones into Schools" shows U.S. President Barack Obama's top military adviser, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Adm. Mike Mullen, opening a girls' school in northern Afghanistan with Mortenson in 2009. Krakauer is a climber and former donor to Mortenson's charity. CBS said he was one of Mortenson's earliest backers, donating $75,000 to his cause, but withdrew his support over concerns the charity was being mismanaged. He tells CBS News investigator Steve Kroft in the Sunday broadcast that a "close friend" of Mortenson's who hiked back with him from K2 says Mortenson never heard of Korphe, the village he says he stumbled into, until a year after the failed climbing attempt. In a transcript of Mortenson's written responses to questions posed to him by CBS -- a transcript posted on the website of Mortenson's charitable organization, the Central Asia Institute -- the author denies the claim is false. Read more about the Central Asia Institute at its website . He says he did visit Korphe in 1993, after his failed attempt to climb K2, but that the local people "have a completely different notion about time" than those in the West, implying they would not have been able to recount the exact year he visited. "60 Minutes" also raised questions about the veracity of other episodes in the book, including his supposed 1996 kidnapping in the remote Pakistani tribal region of Waziristan, along the Afghan border. That story is one of the more exciting episodes in "Three Cups of Tea." Over the course of a chapter, Mortenson describes being kidnapped by Waziri tribesmen and detained in a makeshift prison by Kalashnikov-toting guards for eight days, at which point he was suddenly released. In "Stones into Schools," Mortenson even provides a photo of his kidnappers, 13 fierce-looking tribesmen, many of whom are clutching guns. CBS said it found four of the men in the picture and that all denied being Taliban. The network said the men provided another photo of the group with Mortenson, and in it, the author is shown holding an AK-47. The photos raise a question about the truth of Mortenson's claim that he was abducted. It is somewhat unusual for a group of kidnappers to pose for a photograph in which all their faces can be clearly seen. Gary Noesner, the former chief hostage negotiator at the FBI who has worked on 120 kidnapping cases, says it is "not common but not unheard of" for kidnappers to pose for pictures. One of the supposed kidnappers in Mortenson's photo is Mansur Khan Mahsud, who directs a Pakistani think tank that specializes in research in Pakistan's tribal regions. (Mahsud has done research for the New America Foundation, where Peter Bergen is a director.) Contacted by CNN, Mahsud said Mortenson's account of his trip to Waziristan "is a pack of lies and not a single word of it is true." Mahsud elaborated that Mortenson had come to South Waziristan in 1996 with one of Mahsud's relatives and had stayed in the family village, Kot Langer Khel, for more than a week. Rather than being kidnapped, Mahsud says, his family treated Mortenson as "an honored guest" and adds, "We were his protector in South Waziristan." On his website, gregmortenson.com, Mortenson claims the kidnapping was carried out by the Taliban. However, the Taliban had no presence in Waziristan in 1996, only arriving in the region after their fall from power in Afghanistan in the winter of 2001. The Taliban had also banned photography at the time that they had supposedly kidnapped Mortenson. In the transcript posted on the institute website, Mortenson stands by his claim of being "detained" for eight days in Waziristan in 1996. "It was against my will, and my passport and money were taken from me," Mortenson says in the transcript. "I was not mistreated or harmed, but I was also not allowed to leave. A blanket was put over my head any time I was moved by vehicle." He continues, "A 'Talib' means student in Arabic, and yes there were Taliban in the region. ... Some people are Taliban, some are not, and affiliations change overnight, often on a whim." Friday, the Montana-based Mortenson gave an interview to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle in which he said, "I thought it best to befriend the people detaining me," and added the men who had detained him may have perceived the episode differently. In an e-mail sent Sunday to supporters, Mortenson says the "60 Minutes" interview "paints a distorted picture using inaccurate information, innuendo, and a microscopic focus on one year's (2009) IRS 990 financial, and a few points in the book 'Three Cups of Tea' that occurred almost 18 years ago." Mortenson also issued a rejection of the "60 Minutes" allegations in a statement issued Friday by the Central Asia Institute, in advance of the broadcast. "I stand by the information conveyed in my book," Mortenson said. He also defended "the value of CAI's work in empowering local communities to build and operate schools that have educated more than 60,000 students." He described Afghanistan and Pakistan as "complex places torn by conflicting loyalties, and some who do not want our mission of educating girls to succeed." Mortenson declined CBS' requests for an interview and CNN has not been able to reach him. He says in the e-mail that he declined to appear on camera with CBS "after they attempted an eleventh-hour aggressive approach to reach me" and he decided they had a "disrespectful approach" that would result in an unfair and imbalanced report. "The '60 Minutes' program may appear to ask simple questions, but the answers are often complex, not easily encapsulated in 10-second soundbites," Mortenson writes. His institute also said in a statement to CNN on Sunday that he is not commenting in person because of a medical condition. "Greg has been suffering from hypoxia (low oxygen condition) for about 20 months, even though he still works nonstop. Last Friday, he was diagnosed with a tear hole in his heart wall that causes significant blood shunting and he will have a heart surgical procedure done on Thursday to correct it. Once his cardiologist allows he will be able to comment on his story in person," the statement said. Mortenson's record of charity and his tales of derring-do have helped fuel the Central Asia Institute. The organization recorded income of $14 million in 2009, the vast majority of which was raised from private individuals, many of them who were no doubt inspired by Mortenson's books. However, in 2009, less than half of that money -- 41 percent -- actually went to building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, according to the institute's board of directors. On its website, the institute said "a significant portion of the remainder" was dedicated to the charity's other programs, such as outreach and education about the need for the schools. The institute also says $1.7 million went to promote Mortenson's books in the form of advertising, events, film and professional fees, and some travel. It said the contributions generated by Mortenson's promotional events "far exceed the travel expenses." Daniel Borachoff, president of the American Institute of Philanthropy, told CBS the institute has issued only one audited financial statement in the 14 years of its existence, and that it demonstrates a lack of transparency and "disappointing" intermingling of Mortenson's personal interests with those of his charity. Krakauer also said he has concerns about the finances of Mortenson's organization. "Nobody is overseeing what goes on. He doesn't know how many schools he's built. Nobody knows how much these schools cost," he said. In the e-mail, Mortenson says he recently returned from Afghanistan, where his organization plans to establish and built more than 60 new schools this year. He also says he is scheduled for surgery this week to fix the hole in his heart, and "after a few weeks my doctor says I will be as good as new." CNN's Maria Ebrahimji and Richard Greene contributed to this report. | A CBS "60 Minutes" investigation alleges the book's stories are not true . The author says, "I stand by the information conveyed in my book" "Three Cups of Tea" spawned a charity and efforts to improve girls' education in Pakistan and Afghanistan . The book is an international publishing success . | ecbf9b35d47332dc75ffa050bb1d1b510a7c592a |
By . Lucy Waterlow . Belgium's famous exports include beer and chocolate but did you also know they gave the world the Smurfs? With the recent release of two Smurf . movies attracting a new generation of fans to the franchise, the Belgian . tourist board are hoping they can capitalise on the love of the dwarves . to bring new visitors to their country. The lovable blue characters were the invention of Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford, aka Peyo, who first drew them for a cartoon strip in 1958. Proud: The Belgians pay homage to the Smurfs with this statue and the Museum Of Original Figurines in Brussels . Global stars: But the little blue dwarves were first famous in Belgium . The late cartoonist 'Peyo' with the characters he created: Memorabilia similar to that he's surrounded by can be bought in Brussel's Smurf Store . His comic strips and albums quickly . became a hit in his native country and have since been translated into more than 30 different languages. When Hanna Barbera turned the . comics into a TV cartoon series in the Eighties the Smurfs found even more global fame - . so much so that many people are unaware of their European origins. Marc Marghem, a tour guide at the Belgian Comic Strip Centre in Brussels - that has a whole section dedicated to the Smurfs - told MailOnline: 'The Smurfs have become so famous internationally that many people don't know where they are from. But they are definitely Belgians!' The proud Belgians have never forgotten that the Smurfs are their own and the characters are celebrated in a number of venues across their capital of Brussels. Still going strong: The Smurfs began as a cartoon strip in 1958, left. Now a new generation are fans thanks to the films using voices including Katy Perry's as Smurfette . In time for release of The Smurfs 2 on DVD and Blu-ray this month, from 20 December to 9 February the city will host the International Festival of Ice Sculptures for the first time, in the sumptuous setting of the Place des Palais. Four hundred and twenty tonnes of natural ice will be transformed to recreate the world of the Smurfs and other children's favourites. And while the Smurfs are only meant to be 'three apples high', the ice sculptures will be up to six metres tall. Away from the ice sculptures, Femail discovered there are other places where children (and big kids!) can immerse themselves in the world of the Smurfs while in Brussels. As well as the aforementioned Comic Strip Centre, there's the Museum Of Original Figurines (MOOF) and the world's only Smurf store where fans can buy everything from Smurf-related books and figurines to T-shirts and mugs. At the MOOF Museum, there's a display . showing how the Smurfs went from a humble cartoon strip to Hollywood . with today's big budget 3D films using the voice talents of stars . including Katy Perry. Sea of blue: The Moof has a display of Smurfs from giant statues to a model village . Museum exhibits: The figurines have become collectors' items and many are on show in the country's capital . Children . can also marvel at the Smurf model village there and meet giant . versions of their heroes. Both MOOF and the Comic Strip Centre detail . how the Smurfs came to be with Peyo conceiving 99 Smurf characters - all . male - with different personality traits and then adding a token . female, Smurfette. Feminists . have slated the creator in the past for his lack of female characters . and the MOOF reveals that the decision didn't go down well with his wife . either. It reveals: 'The . way Peyo introduced the Smurfs caused a lot of resentment between him . and his wife. The Smurfette was created by Gargamel, the villain, as a . blend of the following 10 ingredients: 'a spark of coquetry, a large . dose of prejudice, three tears of a crocodile, the brains of a shrimp, . the tongue of a vampire, a little bit of wickedness, a handful of anger, . a little bit of lies, deep fondness for sweets, a little bit of bad . faith, a little bit of unpredictability, a streak of pride, a cup of . envy, some sensitivity, a part of foolishness, a part of cunning, a . handful of moodiness, two cups of stubbornness and an excess of waste.' Matt . Murray, author of the book The World of Smurfs: A Celebration of Tiny . Blue Proportions, said the sexism is down to the Smurfs being a product . of their time. He told The Atlantic: 'Let's face it, it's in the . Sixties. Anyone who has seen an episode of Mad Men, or actually lived . through the early-to-mid-'60s, knows that it wasn't exactly the best . time to be a woman. And we're also talking about Belgium, and the whole . Jacques Brel culture of celebrating your love through misery.' There have been small attempts to redress the balance with Hanna . Barbera adding some extra female Smurfs while the most recent film, The . Smurfs 2, has a new female character voiced by Christina Ricci. Smurf world: The store has everything from figurines to towels, books and rucksacks . There's only one Smurfette: The other original 99 characters are male . Both the MOOF, the Comic Strip Centre and the Smurf store show how the characters have become a global phenomenon and their popularity has endured despite their apparent sexism and lack of modernism. They have even been able to transcend the death of Peyo in 1992 with the latest films creating original storylines for a new audience. But Mr Marghem explains that comics like the Smurfs aren't just a means of entertaining children in Belgium. They also serve to educate by teaching them about historical and topical events. For example in the Smurfs, the story King Smurf - where one of the Smurfs proclaims themselves King - aims to teach children about democracy and the dangers of dictatorships. Meanwhile the story Smurfs Versus Smurfs was based on Belgian politics and the turmoil caused by their Dutch and French divide. The Comic Strip Centre also aims to celebrate cartoon strips as the '9th art form' and encourage children to be creative and draw their own characters as well as reading about them. The Comic Strip Centre, pictured, is popular with children (and grown up Smurf fans): It's a place where they're encouraged to read and be creative . British children visiting the museums can learn more than just about cartoons thanks to the Smurfs first being written in Dutch and French. The cartoon displays give them the opportunity to learn the languages in a visual and easy to understand way. And it's not just the Smurfs who cartoon fans can see when visiting the region. Belgium also gave the world another comic hero whose adventures have stood the test of time - Tintin. There are displays dedicated to him at the MOOF and Comic Strip museums as well as other characters created by Belgian artists such as Asterix and Blake and Mortimer. They will all be included in the Brussels Ice Magic display. Families keen to see the ice sculptures before they melt away in February can take advantage of the fact Eurostar operates from London St Pancras to Brussels with the direct journey taking just two hours. Return fares cost from £69 if booked in advance. Art nouveau masterpiece: The Comic Book Centre is homed in an impressive building designed by Victor Horta in 1905 . A visit to learn about the Smurfs in the . festive season also provides an opportunity to visit the city's Christmas . market including a fun fair and see the famous nativity scene in . the Grand Place that includes live animals. The museums mentioned above are year round attractions and children can also do a comic book trail of the city, a kind of treasure hunt to find giant murals of cartoon characters that have been drawn on buildings around Brussels. They can even have lunch surrounded by their favourite characters at the Comic Cafe in Grand Sablon which includes memorabilia from the Smurfs, as well as Disney and other global animators. Accompanying adults are likely to be fans of the Smurfs themselves having also grown up with the cartoons. But if not, the architecture of the Comic Strip Centre is likely to wow them if the content doesn't. It was designed by Belgium's most famous architect, Victor Horta in 1905 as a textile factory in an art nouveau style. The building was nearly destroyed - like some of Horta's other work - when art nouveau went out of fashion in the mid 20th century but was saved thanks to it becoming the home of the comics. The use of glass in the ceiling and floor tiles coupled with the mosaic floor makes it a light and airy space to display exhibits. And if the Smurf sightseeing all gets too much, parents can unwind after the exhibition visits with another Belgian speciality - beer. For more information on visiting Brussels, admission prices to the venues etc, visit www.belgiumtheplaceto.be and www.visitbrussels.be . The Smurfs 2 is out on DVD and Blu-Ray this week . To celebrate the release of The Smurfs 2 on DVD, Eurostar, Radisson Blu Royal Hotel (www.radissonblu.com) Brussels and the Belgian Tourist Office -Brussels & Wallonia are offering two people the chance to have a two-night trip to the home of the Smurfs. The prize for two people includes a return journey on the Eurostar to Brussels and two nights stay at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in central Brussels, lunch for two at the Comics Café, and a visit of the Belgian Comic Strip Centre in Brussels. To enter, email [email protected] and state which country is the home of the Smurfs. Terms and conditions apply as follows: . * Prize is two Eurostar Standard return tickets to Brussels, traveling from London St Pancras, Ashford International or Ebbsfleet International, 2 nights for two people sharing a standard room at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Brussels with buffet breakfast included, lunch at the Comics café, and a visit of the Belgian Comic Strip Centre in Brussels . * Prize is as offered and there is no cash alternative. It is non-exchangeable and non-transferrable . * Travel is subject to availability and excludes public bank holidays and Valentine's Day . * Prize is valid for one year from date of issue . * Competition open to UK residents only . * The competition is offered and organised through the parties named above and not the MailOnline. All queries and entries should be directed to: [email protected]. It is the responsibility of the parties named above and not the MailOnline to organise and provide the prize . ©2013 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. and . Hemisphere - Culver Picture Partners I, LLC All Rights Reserved. SMURF, . and all Smurfs characters: © Peyo. All Rights Reserved. “Smurf” and . “The Smurfs” are registered trademarks of STUDIO PEYO. | Smurfs were created by Belgian cartoonist Pierre Culliford in 1958 . Country is proud their blue stars have become globally famous . New generation introduced to them through recent 3D films . Belgium tourist board hopes love of Smurfs can attract visitors . Celebrate characters at museums, in statues and world's only Smurf store . This winter they'll also feature them in ice display . Win trip for two to Brussels . | 21a33cc0b0e5af637a2332c194434b4664505ff2 |
Berkeley, Missouri is preparing for a third night of protests after the death of a black teenager at the hands of a white police officer on Tuesday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, crowds swarmed the gas station where 18-year-old Antonio Martin was shot dead to protest the killing. The demonstrations became violent and led to several arrests. Hours after Martin's death, authorities released surveillance footage from the gas station that they said showed the teenager raise a gun at a police officer, who was in the area responding to a robbery call. The officer, who has not been named, shot him dead. On Twitter on Christmas Day, there continued to be calls for protests in the St Louis suburb, which is just three miles from where Michael Brown was shot by a white cop in Ferguson in August. Protests: A relative of Antonio Martin, the teenager who was shot dead by police on Tuesday, addresses protesters and the media on Wednesday close to where he was gunned down in Berkeley, Missouri . Demonstrators: Protesters engage in a 'die in' at the gas station on Wednesday in protest of the death . Clash: A woman walks with police on Wednesday. Police made several arrests last night . Fears: A store is seen boarded up after protesters attempted to break in in Berkeley, Missouri on Thursday . On Christmas Eve, the night started calmly, with fewer than 100 people, including Martin's grieving mother Toni Martin, turning out for a candle light vigil for the teen at the gas station. They then marched through town and onto Interstate 170, forcing police to block off traffic and shut down the major St. Louis-area thoroughfare. Violent history: Police say Antonio Martin raised a gun at the officer before the officer shot him dead . Some of the protesters turned violent as the night wore on. Several nearby storefronts were damaged during what appeared to be the start of a small riot. At least one store, a local beauty salon, was broken into - though police chased away looters before they could make it inside. Gunshots could be heard in the parking lot, according to videos posted on social media. Six to eight people were arrested, Berkeley Police Chief Frank McCall said, and more than 40 officers were on hand to restore order. Also on Wednesday night, a mass shooting outside a 7-Eleven in downtown St. Louis left one person dead and three people critically injured. The incident appears to be unrelated to Wednesday's protests. The protests were not nearly as violent or as large as on Tuesday night - when more than 300 furious people converged on the Mobil station within hours of the shooting. The protests turned violent when someone set off an explosive next to a gas pump. Another protester lit firecrackers. Several angry members of the mob lobbed rocks and bricks at officers. Four people were arrested and at least two officers were injured - including one who was caught in the bomb blast. Police say that Martin pulled a loaded handgun on the officer without warning while the cop was talking to him and a friend in the parking lot of the Mobil on Tuesday night. Peaceful: Early on Wednesday night, Martin's mother Toni and father, Jerome Green, right, took part in a candlelight vigil at the gas station . By the end of the night on Wednesday, the protests turned violent. At least one store was broken into, several others were damaged and police made several arrests. No shops were actually looted, however . Blocking traffic: Protesters stopped cars in the road and refused to let traffic pass . Anger: A man holds back protesters who were pursuing a lone officer at the strip mall near the scene . Speaking out: Protesters shut down Airport Road in Berkeley during the protests on Wednesday . The officer stumbled backward, dropped his flashlight and fired as he fell to the ground. On Wednesday, they released surveillance footage showing the police officer running. One of the shots hit Martin and killed him. One went into the tire of the officer's squad car. The third bullet has not been found. Martin did not open fire on the officer after pulling the gun, police say, but Mayor Theodore Hoskins said he believed the officer's actions potentially saved his life. Police are still looking for the second suspect from the evening - who can been seen in surveillance video sprinting away at full speed when the shooting starts. Despite the three videos and the photos of the gun, Martin's family and many supporters don't believe the version of events that police are offering. Martin's grandmother, Margret Chandler, 65, told the Los Angeles Times: 'If he was in the wrong, I want to know he was in the wrong. I want to see the gun in his hand. Fleeing for his life: The officer is seen in newly released surveillance camera footage falling to the ground after Antonio Martin pulled a gun on him, according to police. He then runs to the other side of the gas station . Police say that as the officer fell, he fired three shots - one of which hit Martin and killed him. Martin, who is off screen, had pulled a loaded pistol on the officer without warning, police say . 'I don't want them to tell me he had it. I want to see it. These police do some dirty things. They just wait until nightfall to see some young black men and gun them down.' The shooting two days before Christmas comes at a time when tensions between the black community and police are at their highest in recent memory. The decision by the grand jury in St. Louis not to indict the officer in Mike Brown's death - along with other failures to indict in high-profile cases - sparked mass protests and fury over alleged police brutality across the country. The anger at police took a horrific turn on Saturday when two New York officers were executed in their squad car by a man who said he was targeting cops as revenge for the deaths of Brown and New York chokehold victim Eric Garner. The death of Martin, a young black man, at the hands of a white police officer sparked immediate comparisons to Ferguson and other cases where police have been accused of using excessive force. A memorial of flowers and stuffed animals has cropped up near the spot where Martin was killed. One mourner posted a sign that said, 'They can't kill us all.' 'They can't kill us all': The killing on Antonio Martin drew immediate comparisons to the death of Michael Brown in nearby Ferguson and other cases where police brutality has been alleged . Berkeley Mayor Theordore Hoskins said on Wednesday that the killing was not the same situation as the death of Michael Brown . Martin's girlfriend, Keanna, leaves a message on a makeshift memorial outside the Mobil gas station . But speaking about the death on Wednesday morning, Berkeley Mayor Theodore Hoskins said that the incident should not draw comparisons with the death of Brown, who was unarmed and whose death was not caught on camera. Mayor Hoskins, who himself is black, added that Berkeley has a predominantly African American police force so his officers are more sensitive to race relations than officers in Ferguson. He said that after hearing that a black teenager had been shot by a white officer last night, his first reaction was that it was another case of police brutality. But after finding out what happened, 'I can assure you that did not happen last night', he said. 'Everybody don't die the same,' he said. 'Some people die because police initiate it. Some people die because they initiate it. At this point, our review indicated that the police did not initiate this.' The officer who shot Martin is on administrative leave. The 34-year-old officer, a six-year veteran of the force, did not have his body camera switched on. Clash: Police scuffled with as many as 300 protesters at the scene after the shooting on Tuesday . Dangerous: Three explosives were detonated, police said, including one right next to a gas pump at the station . The front entrance to a shop on the opposite side of the street, pictured, was damaged amid scuffles . Location: The scene of Mr Martin's shooting is only about three miles from where Michael Brown was shot in August . | Antonio Brown, a black 18-year-old, was shot dead on Tuesday night by a white officer at a gas station in Berkeley, Missouri - a St. Louis suburb . Police say Brown pulled a loaded 9mm handgun on the officer and that the cop was justified to open fire . The killing happened just three miles from where Michael Brown, another black teenage, was shot dead in August in Ferguson . Around 100 protesters turned out on Wednesday night for a second round of fury against police and several arrests were made . Protesters also marched down Interstate 170, forcing police to close traffic on the major St. Louis-area thoroughfare . | 2e79df7a386e04742f387b46c87a680af9233b7d |
Danczuk has become well known for her Twitter selfies, which appear to focus on her generous chest . Karen Danczuk, the wife of a Labour MP, has treated her online admirers to one of her raciest selfies yet. The Labour councillor has tweeted the photograph of herself showing off her ample cleavage in a skimpy top. Cllr Danczuk, wife of MP Simon Danczuk, is still wet from a dip in the sea in the picture, delighting many of her followers. The Rochdale politician, 31, has become well known for her Twitter selfies, which appear to focus on her generous chest. A message she tweeted alongside the picture read: 'How chuffed do I look? I've faced my fear & swam in the sea for the first time in my life! It was fab. I'm made up. KD'. Fellow Twitter user Alistair Rattenbury, from Lyme Regis, responded: '@KarenDanczuk good buoyancy aids there'. Another follower, using the handle @LilDegger on the microblogging website, simply asked: 'Breast stroke?' She has also sparked rumours that she could soon be featuring on the nations television screens, having revealed she has been in talks with Channel 4. Mrs Danczuk wrote: 'I've got dinner with the big bosses from Channel 4 later. Killer heels or sensible heels?? That is the question!! KD' She later posted a picture of her in another low curt outfit, adding: 'I'm ready folks! What do you think?? KD'. Scroll down for video . Mrs Danczuk has posted more than 50 selfies in recent months and has gained 13,300 followers. She has continued to address her critics in recent tweets, which include: 'I agree there are gender equality issues, but to suggest a woman can't embrace her sexuality just in case is madness. Its me & my curves! KD'. A message she tweeted alongside the picture read: 'How chuffed do I look? I've faced my fear & swam in the sea for the first time in my life! It was fab. I'm made up. KD'. Mrs Danczuk pictured with husband Simon at the Labour party conference in Manchester . Mrs Danczuk, who has been urged by friends to run for parliament, added: 'This is the new type of politics. A determined make up wearing female, who takes pride in her appearance! KD #power'. Earlier this year Mrs Danczuk was embroiled in a furious online Twitter spat with the former Tory MP Louise Mensch over pictures of her cleavage. The Labour councillor today told her thousands of Twitter followers that she has been sunbathing topless on holiday after Mrs Mensch publicly accused her of demeaning women in politics by posting pictures of her cleavage online. But Karen, wife of Labour MP Simon Danczuk, hit back - accusing Mrs Mensch of being 'obsessed' with her chest and called on her to stop 'bitching' about other women in politics. Mrs Danczuk has insisted that her revealing Twitter photos are not meant to be sexy. Right, Simon Danczuk . Earlier this year Mrs Danczuk was embroiled in a furious online Twitter spat with the former Tory MP Louise Mensch over pictures of her cleavage . | Labour councillor Karen Danczuk, 31, is known for her provocative selfies . Latest snap of wife of MP Simon Danczuk in a skimpy bikini is raciest yet . She was embroiled in a Twitter spat with former Tory MP Louise Mensch . | dbb0ab5f2c965a3b911a206484e7089bd01a8460 |
Facelifts for bulldogs and pugs have surged, it was reported last night. The Royal Veterinary College has revealed the number of operations on dogs to remove excess skin has risen by more than 80 per cent in the past four years. Without facelifts, some pets can be at risk of going blind or dying because their airways are blocked - but the surgery can set owners back up to £2,000. The Royal Veterinary College has said facelifts for bulldogs and pugs have surged (file picture shows a pug) It was reported last night that the rise in celebrity ownership of the animals was behind the rise in the number of operations. The number of procedures has increased from an average of 30 five years ago to more than 260 a year, according to Dr Gert ter Haar, senior lecturer at the Royal Veterinary College. Celebrity owners such as Jonathan Ross, Kelly Brook, and Kelly Osborne have fuelled the rise in popularity of owning pedigree pooches. Dr Haar told The Daily Telegraph: 'We are treating a lot of pugs but it is because they are very popular due to celebrities. 'People like the way they look. We are treating eight times more pugs than we were five years ago.' 'People have been breeding dogs for centuries and they are doing nothing wrong – this is about education.' Pugs Lillifee (right) and Knoedel look at each other at a beer garden in Munich, Germany (file picture) Without facelifts, some pets can be at risk of going blind or dying because their airways are blocked (file picture shows a bulldog) Dr Haar said he handles four to five of pet facelifts every week – but only do so if there is a medical reason. He said: 'Breeding has led to shortening of muscles in their faces. Most are fine, but we see the ones that have problems because of their breeding.' Senior vet Paul Manktelow at the PDSA animal charity said that the operation was 'in no way a vanity or cosmetic exercise', despite being referred to as a facelift. He added that it was an important veterinary procedure carried out purely for dogs health and well-being. Chantelle Meloy's dog Bentley, a Shar Pei, had to undergo a facelift at a clinic in London because the huge folds were covering its eyes, she told the BBC Two programme Young Vets. Shar Peis, also known as the Chinese wrinkle dog, can be traced back to the Guangdong province of China. | Royal Veterinary College says doggy facelifts have soared . The dogs are having operations to remove excess skin . Without facelifts, some pets can be at risk of going blind or dying . | fd08c290e643100e0731d6766ea73a4f7bb002f1 |
(CNN) -- U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to finalize a comprehensive partnership with Indonesia during his two-day stop in the Southeast Asian nation where he spent part of his childhood. However the Indonesia volcano that threatened President Obama's visit is now "likely" to shorten an already brief stop to the capital city of Jakarta. Obama met with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and held a news conference with him. He is also scheduled to attend an official dinner; and visit the Istiqlal Mosque, the largest mosque in southeast Asia. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs, who earlier told reporters that officials were closely monitoring the ash cloud from Mount Merapi, said forecasting shows air traffic might again be disrupted. Gibbs said the president still hopes to deliver a speech at the University of Indonesia. "My sense is, our hope is that while we may have to truncate some of the morning we can get the speech in," Gibbs told reporters aboard Air Force One on a flight from New Delhi to Jakarta. Obama lived in the Indonesian capital from 1968-1971, leaving aged 10. Click through CNN's photo gallery above to see what Indonesians are thinking of his upcoming visit and to learn about his time there. | U.S. President Barack Obama lived in Indonesia from 1968-1971 . He will be in Jakarta as part of a 10-day Asian tour to boost trade, ties . Obama is expected to finalize a comprehensive partnership with Indonesia . | adfc0d00d7c8a76d4d957a047961af1677a61247 |
First things first: the selection of Jack Nowell on the wing is an excellent call by Stuart Lancaster. He’s been playing centre for Exeter and will bring a great deal of footballing nous into England’s back line. To have three players in your back three who can play in any position is a massive advantage and England are getting stronger with every game. An in-form Nowell strengthens this team and Ireland coach Joe Schmidt would not have liked this change, which is great news! Jonny May would have been targeted in this game and Nowell’s positional play and greater defensive awareness should stand England in good stead against Ireland’s outstanding kicking game. It’s a good, positive selection. But this game will not be won and lost out wide on the wing or between the No 10s — Jonny Sexton and George Ford — as many are saying. It will be won by the forwards. James Haskell (centre) and Chris Robshaw (left) will be key men for England in Dublin on Sunday . England's forwards will be key to securing victory against Ireland in Dublin on Sunday in the RBS 6 Nations . The clash will not be won and lost out wide on the wing or between the No 10s, the pack will decide the game . Stuart Lancaster will have looked to his pack first and foremost - they are an under-rated group . When you get to the crunch games like this, any international coach will look to his pack first and foremost. You start by writing down the names of players No 1–8. Much has been written about the England backs in this RBS 6 Nations but they can only play the way they have because of the performance of an under-rated England pack. They are not household names but they have every chance of becoming so. What does it mean when people talk about winning the forward battle? How can one pack put pressure on another? Pressure can be created in many ways but the most important is the speed and intensity with which you operate. I hope Lancaster has spent the week eyeballing his forwards. Here are six indicators to see who is winning the forward battle. Lancaster has made an excellent call by picking in-form wing Jack Nowell in his side for the Dublin clash . George Ford will hope that England's forwards can help him to an easier ride against the Irish on Sunday . THE SCRUM . The nearer you get to World Cups, and the more important the games become, the more important the scrum becomes. If you don’t get it right you will lose. That is still the achilles heel of Australia and Wales, who are both in our World Cup group of death, and it will be a massive factor in this game. In England’s first game against Wales they conceded a try from the first scrum. Yet when you looked at it objectively, England smashed them in that scrum. It was a massive moment because, while England conceded, they gained a huge psychological advantage, continued to dominate that area and went on to win the game. Ben Youngs is key to disrupting Ireland's scrum, and needs to be all over Conor Murray at the base . England did not start well on the scoreboard but in the most important part of the game, they started brilliantly. England must look to disrupt at least a third of Ireland’s scrums and try to win 100 per cent on their own put-in. By ‘disrupt’ I mean the opposition scrum-half finds it difficult to get the ball away from the base cleanly. I want to see Ben Youngs all over Conor Murray at the base of the scrum. England have a better front row and a better all-round pack of forwards, and they can gain the upper hand there. A dominant scrum will not allow the opposition to play how they want to. Youngs will be an important part of England's efforts to disrupt at least a third of the opposition's scrums . THE LINE-OUT . England must be looking to win at least 90 per cent of their own throw while disrupting 25 per cent of Ireland’s ball. They must play with variety in the line-out, not just in terms of numbers but in terms of where they throw the ball, to get Ireland thinking. They need to be doing the unexpected and executing everything faster than the Irish team are accustomed to. This will create pressure. Something we used to do - and if you watch the 2003 Grand Slam game vs Ireland you’ll see this - was delay kicking a penalty to touch until everybody knew the line-out call rather than making that call when everyone is assembled at the line-out. It meant that once the ball was in touch, everyone went quickly to the line-out. Winning at least 90 per cent of their own throw is important and England must show variety at line-outs . Ideally, the England support staff will be ready with a second ball. Do not assume the ballboys will give you a ball quickly because they will have been told to slow everything down (we did the same by the way!) The hooker gets there as quick as he can and readies himself. The ball is thrown in immediately and you’re already playing quicker than the opposition can react. Get the Irish out of their comfort zone. They will want it slow but a champion team wants it fast. As hooker, Dylan Hartley will have to get to the line-outs as quickly as possible to throw in immediately . THE RESTARTS . I recently reread my notes from before the 2003 game and one of the things we highlighted was the restarts. We identified two guys, Mike Tindall and Ben Cohen, who were outstandingly athletic and good in the air. Every restart should be taken with the aim of winning the ball back, and with a kicker like Jonny Wilkinson we would look left, right or straight down the middle and use the accuracy of his kicks to give those great athletes a chance of reclaiming the ball. We want the ball so why just kick long? England need to avoid kicking to Paul O’Connell from restarts because he is so strong receiving. Instead, they must look for Ireland’s weakest receivers. Mike Tindall (centre) and Ben Cohen (left) were identified as options to reclaim the ball from restarts in the 2003 clash with Ireland due to the fact they were outstandingly athletic and good in the air . England need to avoid kicking to Paul O’Connell (left) from restarts because he is so strong at receiving . BACK-ROW MOVES . They seem to have vanished from the international game but they remain a vital weapon. Keep it simple and take the pressure off the backs by calling a back-row move. This is as simple as No 8 picks up, runs, passes to the scrum-half who feeds the full back — England have great talent in the backs so just give them the ball early and let them play. DROP GOALS . Just like back-row moves, England seem to have forgotten the value of drop goals. Forwards love them because, even when defences are on top, they provide a means to keep the scoreboard ticking, which is a must, especially away from home. Ireland’s defence is one of the best but they cannot defend a drop goal. It provides a massive lift and can be a real dagger to the opposition. Lancaster watches over England's training session at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot on Friday . THE CONTACT AREA . England need to bring some real pain to the contact area and let this Irish side know they are in a physical battle from the word go. A great win of Lancaster’s, often forgotten, was the victory in Ireland two years ago. It is forgotten because England got hammered in Cardiff a few weeks later but in that win in Ireland, the England pack were awesome. My favourite word at the moment is ‘grit’. Sheer, bloody grit will go a long way tomorrow. This England pack should relish the chance to show the world how tough they are. In forwards coach Graham Rowntree they have an excellent role model. Forwards coach Graham Rowntree is an excellent role model for England's work in the contact area . This England pack should relish the chance to show the world how tough they are under Rowntree . They must explode into the game and flood the breakdown with a minimum of three players in addition to the ball carrier in order to smash the opposition. It’s a strength of Ireland’s but I want to see England dominate them at the breakdown. I believe they can do that. England need to go straight through the middle of the Irish breakdown as often as possible because it provides a massive psychological blow. We used to call it ‘killer’ because of the damaging effect it had on opponents when they knew you had the physical and technical attributes required to just smash through them. It’s the ultimate pressure builder. If England can build pressure, they’ll win. Ford and Sexton will have a big impact but whichever fly-half is given the easier ride will emerge victorious. Over to the forwards. England’s pack will dominate this game - so they should win by five points. Johnny Sexton (left) and Ford (right) will have a big impact but are relying on the forwards to help them out . | England face Ireland as the RBS 6 Nations' unbeaten sides meet in Dublin . Stuart Lancaster made an excellent call picking Jack Nowell on the wing . The top-of-the-table clash on Sunday will be won by the forwards . Lancaster's pack can create pressure with their speed and intensity . | a853ec33f79337ad0833ab3a658308cc3028420c |
Washington (CNN) -- Hakimullah Mehsud, a key leader of the Pakistani Taliban, has been charged for his alleged involvement in the killings of seven U.S. citizens at an American military base in Afghanistan in 2009, the U.S. Justice Department announced Wednesday. A $5 million reward is being offered for information leading to the capture of Mehsud and another top Pakistani Taliban leader, Wali Ur Rehman, U.S. officials announced. A complaint listed two criminal charges against Mehsud. "We support any lawful means to hold this terrorist accountable for what he's done," CIA spokesman George Little said Wednesday. "The announcement today is part of that." A U.S. official said the criminal charges are meant to deal with Hakimullah if he's captured, and added, "He can face justice in other ways, too. That hasn't changed." The "in other ways" comment was a backhanded reference to CIA Predator missile strikes in Pakistan, which have killed a number of suspected al Qaeda terrorists and other extremists. The group -- which was declared a terrorist organization by the United States -- is believed to be responsible for terrorist acts, including the December 30, 2009, suicide attack on a CIA base in Afghanistan and the attempted Times Square bombing earlier this year. A criminal complaint unsealed Wednesday details the U.S. government's case against Mehsud. All the victims were killed by a suicide bomber, a Jordanian national named Humam Khalil Abu Mulal al-Balawi, at a U.S. base near Khost, Afghanistan. The attack killed five CIA officers, two private military contractors working for the CIA, and a member of Jordanian intelligence. Also killed was the base chief, Jennifer Matthews, a 45-year-old mother of three. U.S. officials believe Mehsud was working with al-Balawi in planning the attack as well as planning the failed bombing attack in Times Square in May. The counts against Mehsud include conspiracy to murder a United States national while outside the United States and conspiracy to use a weapon of mass destruction against a national of the United States while outside the United States. Mehsud is believed to be the commander of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, which a U.S. official described as a "Taliban-inspired alliance of Pakistan-based Sunni tribal militants." The group claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing as well as the failed attempt to bomb New York's Times Square. FBI Investigators are piecing together their case based on interviews with survivors of the Afghan attack and details gleaned by combing through personal items left behind by the victims. It is believed that al-Balawi was working with Jordanian intelligence as a double agent, offering information to Jordanian and U.S. intelligence officials on the aftermath of drone attacks while garnering enough support and trust to carry out the suicide attack. Witnesses told investigators that Al-Balawi was welcomed on the base in December before he exited the right side of the vehicle, reached under his clothing and detonated the device he had strapped to his body. After the attack, a previously recorded video was released of Mehsud and al-Balawi together talking about the attack. The U.S. government listed the Pakistani Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization, indicating its intent on going after terrorists one way or another. "We have no higher priority than bringing to justice terrorists who kill Americans serving and working abroad," said U.S. Attorney Ronald C. Machen, Jr. in a news release. "We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to seek justice for the victims of this heinous arrack." Complaints generally list the address of the accused. In this case, the accused's address reads "Federally Administered Tribal Area of Pakistan." And therein lies a problem. Serving an arrest warrant against a suspected terrorist living in the tribal areas will be difficult. But the United States has added a financial incentive by offering the $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of Mehsud and Ur Rehman, another leader of the group. CNN's Pam Benson contributed to this story. | Hakimullah Mehsud linked to deaths of 7 in 2009 at Afghan base . Authorities think Mehsud, Wali Ur Rehman are in Pakistan . Mehsud's group claimed responsibility for base attack . It also claimed responsibility for attempted terrorism in Times Square . | 3fd2e1f7cfef46285c3db36a654c05eae23ad0f6 |
By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 05:07 EST, 29 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:22 EST, 29 November 2013 . Olympic hero Sir Bradley Wiggins has apologised today after a lewd joke about a sex act fell flat at a £300-a-head charity event to support child abuse victims. The cycling great was heard asking the compere to 's*** me off' because he had a 'posh voice' but diners at the Barnado's children's charity event in Harrogate were 'stunned into silence'. Alcohol had been running 'extremely freely' at the exclusive Rudding Park Hotel in North Yorkshire, but MailOnline understands that Sir Bradley, who was there with his wife Catherine, was not drunk. Off comment: Sir Bradley Wiggins with his wife Catherine (pictured last year) were at the event earlier this month where the cycling star made a rude joke that shocked diners . Wiggins had donated a signed shirt to raise money and as his face appeared on a big screen he was heard saying to Jon Hammond, the auctioneer, 'You’ve got a . posh voice. I like posh voices. S*** me off', according to the Daily Star. His shirt still made around £5,000 for charity. Today Sir Bradley's representatives apologised to anyone . offended by the joke, and said the knight had been enjoying 'banter' but was then 'caught unawares'. Guests at the Firecracker Ball event admitted they felt let down by what happened. Grand: Rudding Park Hotel hosted the Firecracker Ball, which cost diners £300 a head and raised money for Barnado's children's charity . Star: Sir Bradley after taking gold at the Men's time trial at London 2012, in a summer where he also won the Tour de France . 'Initially there was just stunned silence. It was bizarre and shocking,' businessman David Parkin told the Star. 'The chap sitting next to me said: ‘Before tonight he was my hero, but not any more. 'It was completely the wrong time and place to say something like that. People were completely disgusted by him.' Retired PR manager Malcolm Cowing added: 'Bradley’s remarks were at very best completely misjudged. On a stag do maybe, but not at a dinner for victims of childhood sexual abuse.' Great: Sir Bradley is one of Britain's greatest sportsman, but also has a reputation as a badboy, pictured here drinking at the London 2012 velodrome . Cycling’s ‘Modfather’ was taken to people’s hearts last year when he pulled off the minor miracle of becoming the first Briton to win the Tour de France — before winning the Olympic time trial and celebrating with a Churchill victory sign as he sat on the gaudy throne, providing one of London 2012’s imperishable memories. He won BBC Sports Personality of the Year by a mile after amusing Sue Barker by calling her ‘Susan’ in mock seriousness and was then awarded a knighthood to wide public acclaim. But a year on he has suffered, failing to compete in the Tour de France after a row with rival Chris Froome over who would lead Team Sky. After Froome won, Wiggins apparently did not phone to congratulate the new champion. Wiggins is also becoming known as the badboy of British sport, sometimes seen swearing at photographers, stumbling out of nightclubs drunk or having a cheeky cigarette. Last night Sir Bradley's spokesman said: 'There had been some friendly banter beforehand and Bradley was caught unawares by the auctioneer. We'd like to apologise to anyone who was offended by his language'. | Cycling great asked compere: 's*** me off' at £300-a-head Barnado's dinner . Diners said they were 'stunned into silence' and called joke 'inappropriate' Sir Bradley's spokesman says star apologises if he offended anyone . | 75639ea28aae2bb41d0a1a65bc18c5d9fcdd5166 |
(CNN) -- Iran will test-fire missiles during "war games" this week, the semiofficial Mehr News Agency reported Sunday. The three-day exercise, which began Monday, will target desert bases made to look like airbases of "extra-regional powers," the agency said. "During the war games, long-range, medium-range, and short-range missiles will be used and will be fired from different points across the country at 100 designated targets," Brig. Gen. Amir Ali Hajizadeh told reporters, according to Mehr. The point of the exercises, he said, is to give experts the chance to assess the "precision and efficiency of warheads and missile systems," the agency reported. The announcement came the same day that an embargo of Iranian oil from the European Union takes effect. The full embargo and other sanctions are meant to pressure Iran into giving up its nuclear program. Some 80% of Iran's foreign revenues are derived from oil exports, . Iran has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian energy purposes only. But it has rebuffed demands to halt its production of enriched uranium, and a November 8 report by the United Nations' nuclear watchdog found "credible" information that Tehran has carried out work toward nuclear weapons -- including tests of possible bomb components. CNN's Shirzad Bozorgmehr contributed to this report. | Report: The missiles will target bases made to look like airbases of "extra-regional powers" The announcement comes the same day an EU oil embargo takes effect . | bd8840902efded4b6a1988aaa19d6acf958aad5e |
By . Ashley Collman . and Jessica Jerreat . A mother who volunteered at the prom where a 17-year-old girl reported being 'ogled' by the dad chaperones has come out to defend the decision to kick her out of the dance. A Virginia teen named Clare made headlines earlier this month when she wrote a scathing blog post about being ordered to leave the Richmond Homeschool Prom because of her provocative dress and dancing. In the post on her sister's blog, Clare wrote that her skirt was within regulation, falling below her fingertips, and that she wasn't even dancing when she was asked to leave. But chaperone Ann Duncan says she saw Clare at the prom, and contested her statements that the dress was an appropriate length and that the dads were staring. Scroll down for video . The other side of the story: Virginia mother Ann Duncan volunteered at the same prom that 17-year-old Clare was kicked out of and says the girl's dress was inappropriate. She also says there's no way to know if the chaperone dads were 'ogling' Night ruined: Virginia teen Clare was kicked out of the Richmond Homeschool Prom when a female chaperone said her dress was too short and her dancing too provocative . Not ok: In a blog post, Clare wrote that her dress was regulation length but Ms Duncan says the dress rode up and became too short . She says the dress may have been the right length when Clare arrived, but that the outfit's spandex fabric caused it to ride up. 'It was right below her butt cheeks by the time I saw her,' Ms Duncan told WTVR. While Ms Duncan says she didn't see Clare dance, her comments that the dads were gathered on a balcony staring at her are unlikely. 'It was very crowded,' Ms Duncan said. 'There were 500 kids there, so to be able to even say what they were looking at would be really difficult.' But Clare is standing behind her blog post, and released a video on Monday along with her date to speak more about the prom-gone-wrong. Same story: Clare and her date posted a video on Monday, standing by their statements that they were unfairly kicked out of prom while demanding a refund . We want our money: Clare, her date, and the rest of their prom group are still waiting to get refunds for their $25 tickets . 'When the lady kicked me out, they said the dads had complained about my dancing and that meant that they had to have been watching me,' Clare said. Clare recounted the whole night in her original post, writing that she was looking forward to going to prom and became especially excited when she found the perfect dress. But, as soon as she walking into the venue, one of the organizers stopped her at the door and said: 'Honey, that dress is too short,' she claimed. Clare was able to prove that the dress fell below her fingertips and was eventually allowed in. 'When I got into the ballroom I laughed, because I was surrounded by girls in much shorter dresses then me.' Clare said. A short while later, as the teenager chatted to her friends and prom date while swaying to the music, she said she noticed a group of fathers staring at her from a balcony. 'We were also a little grossed out by all the dads on the balcony above the dance floor, ogling and talking amongst themselves,' she said. It was at that point that one of the organizers approached Clare again and asked to speak to her in private. '[She] told me that some of the dads who were chaperoning had complained that my dancing was too provocative, and that I was going to cause the young men at the prom to think impure thoughts,' Clare claimed. Big night: The prom for home school students was being held at the Shady Grove Methodist church in Virginia . The teenager said that despite trying to tell the woman that she and her friends hadn't even been dancing, she was told again that her dress was too short and she would have to leave. Her concerned friends tried to intervene in the conversation, and say they hadn't even been dancing, but they were told the situation 'was none of their business'. Clare's date also tried to explain that because the group had arrived together, if she was made to leave they would all have to go. When the friends asked if they would be refunded for a dance they had spent less than half an hour at, they were told only Clare would be given a refund. As she was being escorted, crying, from the venue, Clare says she asked the security guard what he made of the situation. 'I asked the security guy if my dress was compliant with the dress code and if he had noticed any inappropriateness in my behavior and he said he didn’t think I did anything to get kicked out but it wasn’t his call,' Clare wrote. 'We walked out of the prom, frustrated and angry and feeling very disrespected and violated,' Clare said, admitting that in a moment of immaturity they had shouted profanities. Clare and her prom group are still waiting on a promised refund for their $25 dollar tickets. | Virginia teen named Clare wrote a blog post about 'wrongfully' getting kicked out of prom earlier this month . She wrote that a female chaperone told her to leave because her dress was too short and her dancing was too provocative . However, she wrote that her dress was within regulation and she wasn't even dancing when she was told to leave just after arriving . Ann Duncan, a mother who volunteered at the prom, has come out to say that Clare's dress was indeed too short . Ms Duncan also adds that there's no way to know if the dads were staring since it was so crowded . Clare stands by her statements in a new video recorded with her prom date posted on Monday . | 68906ae6656dfbdbb27df0b6d398c91a60b408f0 |
Under 18s? Under 21s? There really is no difference when you can strike the ball like that. Kasey Palmer came off the bench to score a cracker on Tuesday night as Chelsea’s under 18s thrashed Huddersfield Town 6-1 in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup. 24 hours later, on the very same pitch, he produced another stunner for the under 21s. It left Palmer’s right boot like a cannonball, always rising and swerving, making the goalkeeper’s dive look pathetic as it crashed into the top corner. Kasey Palmer (second right) celebrates scoring Chelsea's first goal of the game on Wednesday night . Chelsea: Jamal Blackman; Trevoh Chalobah (Kyle Scott 54), Jordan Houghton (c), Dion Conroy, Fankaty Dabo; Nathan Ake, Andreas Christensen, Ruben Loftus-Cheek; Reece Mitchell, Ike Ugbo (Ruben Sammut 75), Kasey Palmer (Hubert Adamczyck 67) Subs not used: Billy Grainger, Mukhtar Ali, Isaac Christie Davies, Ali Suljic . Scorers: Palmer 21; Scott 90+1 . Booked: Conroy . Porto: Aldo Nonteiro; Igor Osorio, Luis Alves, Francisco Ranos, Andre Silva, Victor Fernandez, Leander Sierann, Toras Podstawski, Marko Paulouski (Joao Graca 58), Frederic Naciel (Luis Trabulo 75), Joris Ditu (Djin Celstin 77) Subs not used: Raul Vega, David Bruno, Romel Costa, Leandro Silva . Scorer: Andre Silva 14 . Booked: Naciel . Referee: Constantine Hatzidakis . Attendance: 397 . It cancelled out Andre Silva’s early opener for Porto in this Premier League Under 21 International Cup encounter and Kyle Scott’s late winner was enough to see the Blues through their group and into the knockout phase. The goal will do wonders for Palmer’s burgeoning reputation too. Signed from Charlton with a little controversy and plenty of compensation midway through the 2012-13 campaign, Palmer, just 18, has graduated quickly to Chelsea’s under 21 set-up. He looks right at home and with a sweet hit like that, not to mention the stamina and dedication to play two nights on the trot, he could go far. It was tricky to draw too many permutations from Group A ahead of this one. Chelsea knew a victory would see them safely through with all three of their fixtures completed. Porto, meanwhile, were inking the first page of their International Cup history. The Blues had already drawn 1-1 with Borussia Monchengladbach and thrashed Norwich 5-0 but this technically-gifted, fleet-footed and skillful Porto side was always going to be the toughest test. The soaking conditions in Aldershot only made for a slick surface, glistening under the floodlights, that seemed to suit the styles of both teams and the contest started at a lightning pace. Ruben Loftus-Cheek tried to take advantage of the extra pace on the grass inside four minutes, firing in a low shot that goalkeeper Aldo Nonteiro dived on top of. And the visiting keeper was scrambling when Palmer sent a low shot creeping past the post after finding an angle in the penalty area. But Porto moved the ball confidently and took the lead on the quarter-hour. A searching ball from the right-wing wasn’t dealt with by Chelsea keeper Jamal Blackman and Silva angled his body to divert a shot towards the unguarded goal. Blues skipper Jordan Houghton dived full-stretch through the six-yard box to try and intercept it but could only help the ball home. Chelsea weren’t in arrears for too long, however, and there were audible gasps around the ground when Palmer’s thunderbolt rippled the top corner of the net, followed by enthusiastic applause. Chelsea players rush to congratulate Kyle Scott after he scored a late winner for the young Blues . It wasn’t long before the Vine was circulating on Twitter - it was a goal thoroughly deserving of a broader audience than the few hundred hardy souls here. Palmer was certainly in the mood and a whipped free-kick from 25 yards narrowly cleared the crossbar though the closing minutes of the first-half certainly didn’t match its opening for entertainment. He almost pulled off the trick a few minutes after the break, but again his free-kick had a little too much elevation. The driving rain and biting, swirling wind sadly sucked the quality out of the contest and things weren’t helped when leading man Palmer was taken off for a well-earned breather midway through the second-half. It meant a first outing in Chelsea colours for Polish youth international Hubert Adamczyck. Ruben Loftus-Cheek (left) tackles Porto's Joris Ditu during the European tie . Porto, who were backed by a very vocal knot of fans in the main stand, nearly retook the lead when Igor Osorio shot over when well-placed barely six yards out. And at the other end, substitute Kyle Scott curled a shot into the keeper’s arms after Adamczyck teed him up with a cheeky backheel. As the clock ticked down, Chelsea stepped up their push for a winning goal. It duly arrived in the first minute of stoppage time when Scott sized up a shot from just outside the box, used the defender as a shield to obscure the keeper’s view and bent the ball into the far corner. It was the perfect end to the night for most present but it’s Palmer’s rocket that will stick in the memory. | Chelsea defeat Porto in Premier League International Cup group stage . Kasey Palmer scores with stunning effort to pull Blues level after opening goal from Porto's Andre Silva . Palmer scored similar goal just 24 hours earlier for for Under 18s . Kyle Scott scored winning goal for Blues youngsters . | 2eb5516c30d72d04f1f668083af9475620ca5ee6 |
For decades, scientists have been trying to discover the origins of many insect species by studying the Blind Brora centipede. With ancestors dating back over 400 million years, the centipede, also known as Strigamia maritima, is mainly used to study the differences across invertebrates. Now experts have revealed that the myriapod is missing an internal body clock, as well as vital light receptors seen across the animal kingdom by sequencing its genome for the first time. Researchers from Cambridge University have sequenced the first full myriapod genome from the Strigamia maritima, which is of interest because they believe the creature could shed light on the ancestor of beetles and crabs, as well as some other invertebrates . Researchers from the Universities of St Andrews and Cambridge uncovered these findings after they sequenced the first full myriapod genome - a complete set of DNA - from the centipede. Strigamia is part of the myripod family - a group that includes the centipedes and millipedes - which can be used to explore the genetic basis of centipede biology and the evolution of arthropods, including crabs and beetles. The team, whose findings are published in the journal Plos Biology, used this sequence to recreate many features of the genetic make-up of the ancestral arthropod. For example, they discovered it has a large number of near-identical segments, with one or two pairs of legs on each. The type of centipede is favoured by scientists for the accessibility of its nests, from which embryos can be gathered for research purposes (pictured). Experts have revealed that the myriapod is missing an internal body clock, as well as vital light receptors seen across the animal kingdom . The genome sequence of the centipede Strigamia maritima has allowed scientists to reconstruct many features of the genetic make-up of the ancestral arthropod. They hope to learn more about the evolution of insects, crustaceans, chelicerates such as spiders and myriapods - centipedes and millipedes - from it. The evolution of the huge biodiversity of these, animals and the information encoded in their genomes, is poorly understood. While a number of studies have been done on the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, the Strigamia genome could demonstrate that much has changed during the evolution of the fly genome, as well as insect genomes more generally. This makes a strong case for studying a wider range of species to develop a deeper understanding of animal biology. This centipede genome also provides examples of differences in how insects and myriapods independently conquered the land. For example, their sense of smell is achieved by different sets of molecules. Lead author Dr David Ferrier, of St Andrews University in Scotland, said: 'This genome of Strigamia has proved to be particularly valuable in deducing the content of important gene families in the ancestral arthropod, this ancestor being the starting point for the evolution of the huge diversity of arthropods that we currently see today. 'There has been a high turn-over in arthropod gene and genome organisation, with lots of rearrangements and plenty of gene losses during the evolution of animals, like the insects. 'The sorts of reconstructions that have been made possible by this new myriapod genome provide a foundation for delving more deeply into the biology of these genetic changes.' Perhaps one of the most surprising findings is that these centipedes seem to have lost the genes programming the known light receptors used by animals, as well as the genes controlling the body's internal clock. Professor Michael Akam, of Cambridge University, said: 'Strigamia live underground and have no eyes, so it is not surprising that many of the genes for light receptors are missing, but they behave as if they are hiding from the light. 'They must have some alternative way of detecting when they are exposed. 'Curious, too, that this creature appears to have no body clock - or if it does, it must use a system very different to other animals.' He began making trips to Brora on the Scotland coast, to hunt out Strigamia a decade ago. Research at the Brora beach is likely to continue for years. | Researchers have sequenced the first full genome from Strigamia maritima . Centipede is of interest because its ancestors date back 400 million years . Its genome could explain the evolution of insects and crabs, for example . Experts found the centipede has evolved without a body clock and light receptors - probably because it lives underground . | ed39e954b855112643c054042b9ead283aee7e33 |
(CNN) -- Does the word "virginity" evoke discussions of sexuality or religious belief? That's the question residents in Fayetteville, Arkansas, are asking after a junior high student was asked by school administrators to change out of a T-shirt that read "Virginity Rocks" last week. Eighth-grader Chloe Rubiano of Ramay Junior High said she got the tee at a Christian festival last year; on the back, it continues its abstinence message: "I'm loving my Husband and I haven't even Married Him." "I just really liked this shirt because I was always raised that way," Rubiano told CNN affiliate KFSM. She said she was pulled out of class and given a gym shirt to change into because the message on her shirt "opens up too many doors for conversations" about sexual activity -- or lack thereof. After the incident, Rubiano's mother, Bambi Crozier, took to Facebook to write a lengthy post defending her daughter's wardrobe choice, stating she has always encouraged her children to stand up for what they believe in. She ends the post with: "Virginity is not a dirty word. Wouldn't it be great if it weren't treated as such?" Fayetteville School District Superintendent Paul Hewitt said, whatever the message, the school was simply adhering to its rules about writing on clothing. "If a student wore a shirt that said 'Sex Rocks' or 'Smoke More Pot,' they would also have been asked to remove it for the same reason; it would no doubt be disruptive," he wrote in an email to CNN. "Even positive messages can be disruptive and our schools must be fair and consistent in dealing with all our students." As for concerns over free speech, Hewitt said Rubiano's message has come through loud and clear. "Just the attention this incident has been given has certainly given the student and her mother the attention they sought. This is not a major free speech issue," according to Hewitt. "I suspect this is a common issue in junior high and high schools throughout the nation." | An 8th-grader in Arkansas was asked to change out of a "Virginity Rocks" shirt . Her mom defends her wardrobe choice, saying it's an expression of her Christianity . The superintendent says even if the message is seen as positive, the writing was distracting . | 7781283cc3acc030e31f6cc13562dfe33bb6e6da |
Newark, New Jersey (CNN) -- A security breach at Newark Liberty International Airport Sunday evening forced the closure of a terminal for hours while authorities rescreened thousands of passengers. The incident happened at about 5:20 p.m. at Terminal C, when a man walked through an exit on the public side to the secure "sterile" side for passengers who had cleared screening, according to the Transportation Security Administration. "Rescreening began after the Port Authority Police and TSA swept each of the concourses in the terminal with negative findings," said Ann Davis, a TSA spokeswoman. "The man in question was never located; however, TSA's rescreening effort will ensure that every passenger boarding an aircraft tonight out of Newark's Terminal C has been fully screened." Watch more about the situation in Newark . All passengers had been rescreened by early Monday, according to the TSA. Flights from Terminal C were grounded until the process was completed. iReport: Passenger photographs massive crowd . Authorities reviewed video from airport cameras but were not sure whether the man was once on the sterile side and went back or if he never went through screening, Davis said. The incident caused arrival delays and mainly affected Continental Airlines, which is the airport's largest tenant. CNN's Alina Cho, who arrived at the airport Sunday night on a flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, described a hectic scene, saying many passengers who had already boarded outgoing flights had to get off planes to be rescreened. Flying Continental? Important company notice . "I just saw one woman pleading with a gate agent, saying that she had two small children and a heart condition -- that she simply could not take this," Cho said. "But of course, there will be no exceptions." Newark Liberty International Airport, which is about 15 miles from Manhattan, is the second-largest hub for Continental. The airport handles about 35 million passengers a year. CNN's Susan Candiotti and Ross Levitt contributed to this report. | Security breach at Sunday evening forces closure of Terminal C for hours . Man improperly went through security screening; he was never found . CNN's Alina Cho describes a hectic scene as passengers were rescreened . | b837832ce00cd8d9f6deb66920a4a3a89e7e7e0c |
Maharashtra, India (CNN) -- Sister Shakila Shaikh works round the clock. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. She says she only takes one day off each year during the Muslim festival of Ramzan. "I have to be here," she says, showing us her modest two-room health clinic in India. "The women of this village need me." Nurse Shaikh is part of a community of health workers leading the battle against malnutrition in Ahmednagar, a poor district in the western state of Maharashtra. Back in 2006, Maharashtra fared poorly in the Indian government's National Family Health Survey. The India-wide report showed that 40% of Maharashtra's children were underweight, an indication of general malnutrition. "Data speaks," says Rajalakshmi Nair, Health and Nutrition specialist at UNICEF. She says it's a shame that a country that has grown economically has made very little progress when it comes to looking after its children. Despite two decades of robust economic growth, levels of malnutrition in India remain alarmingly high. According to the 2011 Hunger and Malnutrition survey conducted by the Nandi foundation, 42% of Indian children under the age of five are underweight. That's more than Sub-Saharan Africa. The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh says it is a "matter of national shame." Vandana Krishna heads the Nutrition Mission of Maharashtra. She agrees that levels of malnutrition across India are very worrying but firmly believes the small steps being taken in the region will make a big difference. Following the 2006 report, the Maharashtra state government teamed up with UNICEF to launch a new initiative that focuses on the first 1,000 days of a child's life -- starting in the womb. Krishna says this is the period when children are most vulnerable. But she adds, "It's also the window of opportunity. If you catch them at that age and address malnutrition and give them the right nutrition, the right childcare, some love and attention, then we can tackle this issue." That's exactly what a team of health workers is trying to do across Maharashtra. Nurses like Sister Shaikh handle the early days. At her clinic, Sister Shaikh regularly holds counseling sessions during which she tells pregnant women what to eat and how to experience a healthy pregnancy. Many of the women who come to her clinic are poor and illiterate. They used to have lots of misconceptions about pregnancy, says Sister Shaikh. For example, they would not take any vitamins because they would worry that pills would make the baby too big, leading to a difficult childbirth. "I started telling them, take your vitamins and folic acid tablets. Don't worry. Your body knows its limit. The baby will grow accordingly." She tells us she's delivered 96 babies since April this year. All of them were above 2.5 kilograms. Not a single one was underweight. Sister Shaikh continues counseling women for a few months after they give birth -- then, a team of anganwadi workers takes over. Anganwadi means courtyard in Hindi. Typically, a government-run anganwadi will provide children with a range of facilities -- pre-school, counseling, basic health care and meals -- around a central courtyard. The anganwadis are playing a crucial role in fighting malnutrition in Maharashtra. At the center we visit, anganwadi workers check the height and weight of children twice a week and are constantly on the lookout for children who are stunted or underweight. "My main goal is to keep the children healthy, both mentally and physically," says Hemlata Babasaheb Bagul who has been an anganwadi worker for 10 years. One of the 24 children she looks after is moderately underweight. At two years and 11 months, Bagul tells us Sai should weigh 12 kilograms. She weighs 10.3 kilograms. So Bagul has got Sai's mother involved. She's told her what to feed the child and when to give her meals. She's also advised her to stock a low shelf with nutritious snacks such as peanut balls to that Sai can help herself whenever she's hungry. Timely intervention likes this appears to be making a difference in Maharashtra. Krishna says she's awaiting results of a state-wide survey on nutrition levels but tells CNN that early data shows malnutrition in children has halved in Maharashtra since 2006. The key, she says is to focus on the first 1,000 days of a child's life -- and to find a few local heroes like Sister Shaikh. | 2006 report showed that 40% of Maharashtra state's children were underweight . Despite India's two decades of economic growth, malnutrition remains alarmingly high . Maharashtra working with UNICEF on program that focuses on first 1,000 days of child's life . Government-run anganwadi provide schooling, counseling and basic health care . | d72c46161fe2f9eccae24726e3a32fe6a3e83863 |
The father of a missing south London girl who is feared to have travelled to Syria has made a desperate plea for her to come home. Abdirashiid Dirie, from Stockwell, has urged his 17-year-old daughter Samya to return, saying 'nobody's against you'. The college student is believed to have flown out of Heathrow airport with 15-year-old Bristol girl Yusra Hussien nearly two weeks ago. Yusra Hussien, 15, (pictured above) is though to have fled to Syria with London teenager Samya Dirie, 17, whose father has now appealed for her to return home . Safiya Hussien (centre), Yusra's mother, spoke at a press conference with the girl's aunt's Sucdis Ali (left) and Ikram Mohamed, last week . Mr Dirie said: 'What I'm saying, as a dad, come back. Nobody's against you. It is not true, nobody's going to arrest you. 'You're a young girl and they know that. The police also know that, they've even said that in the newspaper. You haven't committed any crime. 'Come back safely. That place (Syria) is not good for you. You can carry on your education. I want you to come back, as a father. 'You are after paradise by going there, but you will achieve paradise by pleasing your parents.' He told BBC News he believes she met the Bristol teenager on the internet and must have been influenced by extremists online. The police say they want the teenagers to come home and this case is about missing young girls, not a crime. Miss Dirie, a student from south London, disappeared after telling her parents she was going on an early morning trip to a university with her college. They then discovered that her passport and money was missing and now believe that she is too scared to come home. Miss Dirie called a cousin a few days ago, possibly from Turkey, and said she is safe. Mr . Dirie said: 'She told her she is somewhere far away, and she did not . say where she is, she also said she was afraid of the police if she . comes back.' It is feared the teenage girls may have joined ISIS extremists in Syria (pictured) after being radicalised online . It is believed Samya Dirie and Yusra Hussien flew to Istanbul, Turkey (pictured) before going on to Syria . Her mother, Sahra, said: 'The police are doing all they can to find her. She's a lovely girl. We just hope they can find her.' A . family friend added: 'The whole family is very shaken up. She's an . educated girl and she didn't even go out much in Britain so they cannot . understand why she has gone to Syria. 'They had no idea she was interested in Syria or Jihad. She was happy to be in Britain and wants to be a lawyer.' The mother of fellow runaway Yusra broke down in tears in an emotional press conference last week as she begged her daughter - who has not been seen since she leaving her family home for school on September 24 - to come home. She said: 'Yusra, I am your mum, I love you. Please, please, please, we miss you, come back. 'I love you so much. All your brothers and your sister miss you so, so much. The house is not the same.' Family friends previously said they believed Yusra, who wears a hijab as part of her faith, had become radicalised on chat rooms and forums online. It is not yet clear how she met 17-year-old Miss Dirie. Yusra's parents have stressed that nothing has been proven about their daughter's beliefs. | 17-year-old college student from South London disappeared two weeks ago . She is thought to have travelled to Middle East with 15-year-old from Bristol . Teenager has since phoned her cousin saying she is afraid to come back . Her father urges her to return to Britain, saying: 'Nobody's against you' He tells he she will not be arrested and can be religiously faithful in the UK . Parents had no idea girl - who planned to be a lawyer - was about to flee . | 1acf28d4233879bfa3487ef4bbdba52d72b43ddd |
(CNN) -- Three crew members were killed and one was injured Wednesday when a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crashed in waters near James Island in LaPush, Washington, officials said. The surviving crew member is hospitalized in Seattle with non-life threatening injuries, said Coast Guard Rear Adm. Gary Blore. The helicopter, a MH-60 Jayhawk, was flying to Sitka, Alaska, after departing the Coast Guard Air Station in Astoria, Oregon. "The Coast Guard lost communication with the helicopter around 9:30 a.m. PT (12:30 p.m. ET)," said Blore. "Rescue crews were launched shortly after that." The survivor was pulled from the water by a good samaritan and transferred to a medical facility, said the Coast Guard. The recovery phase for those killed is continuing, said Blore. "The helicopter is in the water, inverted," he said. "There are power lines down at the beach." The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a flight restriction in the area near the crash to allow response crews to search without distractions, said the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the accident, said Blore. With his voice cracking at times, Blore told reporters at a media briefing Wednesday afternoon that accidents such as this are deeply personal to members of the Coast Guard. "We all have flown helicopters, we have flown the same machine. This hits close to home," he said. CNN's Patrick Oppmann contributed to this report. | Helicopter crashed near James Island off La Push, Washington . One survivor hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries . Helicopter is in water, power lines it hit are down at beach . | 998237a307393e111dc13466e920147ddcf44b46 |
Plans for an attack on UK soil were found at the Pakistani compound of Osama Bin Laden when it was raided by U.S special forces in 2011, a terror trial has been told. The Al-Qaeda paperwork, featuring correspondence from senior al-Qaeda operatives, also described planned attacks across Europe and Russia, including plans to bomb a pipeline or the U.S embassy in Moscow. The declassified papers were presented at the trial of Abid Naseer, who is accused of plotting to attack Manchester's Arndale shopping centre in 2009. The documents, allegedly found at the compound of Osama Bin Laden (left) were presented at the trial of Abid Naseer, 28 (right), who is accused of planning bomb attacks in Manchester, New York and Copenhagen . The 28-year-old is alleged to have been at the helm of a British al-Qaeda terror cell that was part of a broader conspiracy 'to repeat the devastation of 9/11'. Prosecutors called it one of the most serious terror plots since the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington. As well as blowing up the Arndale Centre, the terror group planned to set off bombs in the New York subway and at the offices of a Copenhagen newspaper that had published cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, it is alleged. Naseer, a former student in the UK studying English and computer science, denies the charges. He is being tried in the United States because of the supposed link to the subway. He faces life in prison if he is convicted. At today's hearing in Brooklyn, New York, the documents were read to the court by an FBI linguist who translated them from Arabic. The court was told how the documents discussed a range of al-Qaeda business, from operational tactics to training methods. They also offered suggestions on how to avoid detection by police or secret services, the court heard. One letter stressed the importance of attacking the U.S. 'in its heartland' because it 'has the most significance' and 'cannot be compared' to an attack outside the country, the court heard. Naseer, a former student in the UK studying English and computer science, is alleged to have been at the helm of a British al-Qaeda terror cell. He denies the charges . The goal of an attack would be 'to pressure 300 million Americans,' who vote for their elected officials, to end the nation's war against al-Qaeda and its goal of establishing an Islamic state, the letters said. None of the letters mentioned Naseer by name, but the court was told they made a reference to the arrest of an alleged al-Qaeda operative, showing the intentions of the terror group. Among the documents in the possession of the prosecutors is a letter sent to Bin Laden by senior aide Saleh Al-Somali. 'We sent a number of brothers to Russia and Britain,' the letter read, according to federal prosecutor Zainab Ahmad. Those sent to the UK were given free rein to decide what to do when they got there, the court heard. Through the letter, Bin Laden was then told things had gone smoothly but that there were concerns over a some terror suspects who had been held by British police, the court heard. The letter read: 'We have not ascertained if these had anything to do with us.' Naseer was first arrested in 2009 in Britain with 11 other men suspected of preparing an attack against the Manchester mall, and was extradited to the United States from Britain in 2013. The other men were released without charge, but Naseer was arrested again in July 2010 at the request of U.S prosecutors. Yesterday, five British agents from MI5 gave evidence to the court about their surveillance of the 12 suspects in Manchester and Liverpool as part of what was called Operation Pathway. They told how they given the suspects codenames - Small Panel, Glass Pendant, Happy Skater and Regional Difference. Small Panel was the name given to Naseer. The trial continues. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Papers presented at trial of Abid Naseer, 28, accused of bomb plots in UK . Documents were uncovered during special forces raid on house in 2011 . Also included plans of attacks across Europe and U.S embassy in Moscow . Naseer is alleged to have planned attack on Manchester shopping centre . Pakistani national, deported in 2013, denies charges at court in Brooklyn . | e0bf71440626936d7531a38cd8fb38b99f0cb291 |
Under fire: Michael Reingold, 53, a former NYPD officer and supervisor at a Bronx clinic, has been named in a federal lawsuit filed by his former staffer accusing him of raping her 18 times . A New York City social worker has filed a federal lawsuit accusing her former supervisor - a one-time police officer - of raping her 18 times inside a locked office. The 47-year-old Bronx resident, identified as Jane Doe in court papers, claims she was subjected to the unwelcome advances from her boss, 53-year-old Michael Reingold, from the day she was hired by the Highbridge Woodycrest Center in July 2012. Reingold, a retired NYPD officer, headed the center affiliated with Lebanon Hospital until last fall. According to the alleged victim’s lawsuit, Mr Reingold never missed an opportunity to remind her that he was a retired cop, and that she was required to follow his orders, or face termination. In court filings, the 47-year-old social worker stated that Reingold made passes at her, told her colleagues that the two of them were having an affair and then relocated her to a remote office, where the staffer allegedly felt 'imprisoned.' Sometime after the move, Jane Doe said Reingold walked into her new office, locked the door and forced himself on her. Afterwards, the man allegedly threatened to fire her if she said a word about what happened to anyone. ‘The office in which [Reingold] placed plaintiff became a veritable “Torture Chamber” where [he] would violate [her] in the most unspeakable ways,’ the lawsuit obtained by the New York Post alleged. 'Torture chamber': The alleged abuse took place inside the 47-year-old victim's office at the Highbridge Woodycrest Center in The Bronx . Her . predicament took a toll on the social worker, who would vomit from fear . and anxiety allegedly caused by her boss, the court papers stated. 'Bully': The plaintiff, Jane Doe, accused Reingold of forcing himself on her inside a locked office and threatening to fire her . Speaking to the Post, Jane Doe said she was living in constant fear, and that Reingold warned her he had a gun. ‘I didn’t pick up the phone and call the cops because he was one of them,’ she told the paper. The alleged sexual attacks on the woman were exacerbated by the fact that as a young girl, she had been assaulted by six men in the subway, according to the suit. Last July, the social worker finally reported the alleged abuse to human resources director Maria Collura, who in response urged her to leave, or Reingold would hurt her. Jane Doe quit her job at the center July 8, 2013. Reingold was fired that fall after his alleged victim filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. According to his LinkedIn page, Reingold graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice with a master's degree in public administration in 2010 and was hired by the Highbridge Woodycrest Center in October 2011. Career change: The 53-year-old man, who has a young daughter, now works as an investigator for a hospitality company that works with the Yankees . After being fired last fall, Reingold got a job as an investigator for the company Legends Hospitality, which works with the New York Yankees. The 53-year-old man has a daughter, a recent high school graduate, who is also affiliated with the Yankees. | Jane Doe, 47, from The Bronx, filed federal lawsuit against former NYPD officer and supervisor at Highbridge Woodycrest Center Michael Riengold . Suit claims Reingold, 53, relocated social worker to a remote office, where he forced her to have sex with him on pain of being fired . Alleged victim said her boss showed her his gun and said she must obey him . Reingold was fired last fall and now works for hospitality company affiliated with the Yankees . | efa20b6fffe3dd58a4fafb5ac7b06b05142f8c31 |
Officials at a Massachusetts college are investigating anonymous Facebook postings in which female students claimed they experienced abusive behavior at the hands of fraternity members. Three women attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute wrote online that while they were having sex with a members of a fraternity, other members burst into the room and poured water on them or threw ice and pudding at them. The serious incidents were reported onto a Facebook page called WPI Confessions which allows past and present students to reveal secrets online without fear of identification. Scroll Down for Video . Allegations: Anonymous claims made by women that they were abused by fraternity brothers while having sex are being investigated by WPI in Massachusetts . While the posts have not been verified and do not even reveal where or at which fraternity they occurred at - college officials have said they are taking them very seriously. 'Such posts are deeply disturbing — not only because they allege that such vile acts may have taken place at the hands of some of our own community members, but because these posts offer a warped reflection of the values of this university and the vast majority of its citizens,' the college’s interim president, Philip B. Ryan, said in a letter to the campus community last week and reported in the Boston Globe. The accusatory posts have been removed from the page, but the school of 4,000 students has launched an investigation as they seek to find out which fraternity was involved. The president of the campus Interfraternity Council, Elliott Wiegman said if true, this behavior 'does not have a place in the WPI fraternity community.' The school has also urged anyone with any details to come forward and to contact campus police, or the dean of students. Some who commented on the postings questioned whether WPI 'condoned a culture of violence' - which the school rejected. Facebook page: This is the profile picture of the WPI Confessions page which has caused such a stir on the campus of the Massachusetts college . Investigation: WPI's Dean of Students Philip Clay told FOX 25 that the administration was contacted by students that were so concerned about the anonymous posts and the comments that followed, they felt something had to be done . 'The message is not only inaccurate, but is dangerously wrong to send to anyone who may feel threatened, or worse, violated.' Confession pages are common at many college campuses and many have caused controversy. In October a Boston College student went through disciplinary procedures after he wrote on a Web page that he raped three women while attending the school. He turned himself in and admitted his claim was a terrible lie - which was later confirmed. However, Clay said that regardless of whether these allegations were true - a culture must exist at WPI where students can come forward. 'If you’re going to change the campus culture, you need to have an open dialogue,' Clay said. | Official investigation launched at Worcester Polytechnic Institute after female students made allegations of abuse online . Claims of abuse by fraternity brothers were made on WPI Confessions page . At least three women allege that as they were having sex - other 'brothers' burst into to throw water and ice at them . | a7601c23286083d6eeb1c7300d225e3f9d164631 |
By . Jenny Hope . PUBLISHED: . 19:33 EST, 24 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:07 EST, 25 April 2013 . At least a million children and teenagers are to be vaccinated against measles in an attempt to stop expected outbreaks in England. Some will never have had a jab, while others have only had the first of two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The £20million campaign follows a big rise in cases in South Wales, where public health officials have been running clinics to increase protection rates. Many of those affected are teenagers . who missed out on vaccination in the late 1990s and early 2000s when . parents were concerned about a link between MMR and autism that has . since been discredited. Vaccinations: Figures show there were 587 confirmed measles cases in England in the first three months of this year, more than three times the 168 cases in the same period of 2012 . Figures from Public Health England . (PHE) show there were 587 confirmed measles cases in England in the . first three months of this year, more than three times the 168 cases in . the same period of 2012. The highest number of cases is among ten to . 16-year-olds. Experts predict England’s total this year will exceed the 1,920 cases confirmed in 2012 unless action is taken. Professor David Salisbury, director of . immunisation at the Department of Health, said: ‘The situation in . Swansea, I believe, is a wake-up call for parents – for parents who for . whatever reason, quite a few years ago, chose not to vaccinate their . children and for whom these days vaccines aren’t really things that they . think about very much.’ He added: ‘You have to prevent measles . and that means we need to get ahead before we have got large numbers of . cases and large outbreaks occurring in England.’ He said the country faced a potential . national health emergency without a catch-up campaign that will be . carried out by GPs, schools and community programmes until September. Around one third of a million ten to 16-year-olds who are not already vaccinated will be the ‘first priority’. A further third of a million children . in this age group need at least one more MMR jab to give them full . protection, along with a similar number above and below this age range. Protection: The £20million campaign follows a big rise in cases in south Wales, where public health officials have been running clinics to increase protection rates (file picture) Dr Mary Ramsay, PHE head of . immunisation, said there was particular concern about potential measles . outbreaks in London, the South and East of England where MMR vaccination . rates were historically lower than in the North. She said older children not vaccinated . as toddlers could ‘spread infection very effectively’, adding: ‘Measles . is not a mild illness. It is very unpleasant and can lead to serious . complications … with more than 100 children in England being . hospitalised so far this year.’ Speaking this morning on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, she added that parents often think once their child is over the age of five they are not at risk from measles. ‘We are worried – this is not an epidemic in England yet as the cases we have had have been clustered, but there is the potential for outbreaks to happen in other areas as there are people who have not been vaccinated. We really want to get ahead of that and stop this happening across England. Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg today confirmed that his three sons Antonio, Alberto and Miguel have all had the MMR jab . ‘We have already done several things over the years (to get children vaccinated) and we ran a similar campaign in 2008. But the problem is people forget that their children are still at risk of measles over the age of five. ‘Although people are being reminded, they don’t realise that the measles risk doesn’t stop.’ She added that most children born today are vaccinated before they start school but the problem is a minority who were not immunised a decade ago at the height of the MMR scare. ‘We are trying to get at the very small proportion that are left who haven’t had the injection and they are quite difficult to find. We are going to be asking GPS to go through their records and contact parents both through the general practice and also through schools.’ Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg today confirmed that his three sons Antonio, Alberto and Miguel have all had the MMR jab, and said that he did not feel the need to 'cross his fingers' as he decided to have them vaccinated. Speaking on his Call Clegg phone-in show on LBC 97.3 radio, the Liberal Democrat leader said: 'The overwhelming advice is that this is the right thing to do to protect the health of your child. 'I think you have to have trust in the people who look at this. They have no axe to grind, they just want to do the right thing and come up with the right science. 'They have said very categorically that the concern about a link between MMR and other conditions is just not proven, and they say really explicitly that it is really bad for your children's health if you don't take this action. 'I really would urge parents, whatever your misgivings, do what people who know about this most say is right for your children - get that course of jabs done.' | The £20million campaign follows a big rise in cases in South Wales . Many affected missed out on vaccination in late 1990s and early 2000s . 587 confirmed measles cases in England in first three months of 2013 . That's more than three times the 168 cases in . the same period of 2012 . | f8576b4749026739c990624d3fb9638950613235 |
Harry Potter fans or fairtrade food activists? As it turns out, fans of the boy wizard are concerned about where their magical snacks come from. Fans are celebrating after winning a four-year battle to get Warner Bros. Entertainment to use only fairtrade certified chocolate in all Harry Potter-branded chocolate. This includes the chocolate frogs that are sold at Universal Orlando's theme park in Florida, as well as the Shock-O-Choc and HoneyDukes Chocolate Bars. Scroll down for video . Led by the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA), fans have just won a four-year fair-trade chocolate battle against Warner Bros. The HPA sent petitions and video messages to Warner Bros. arguing against unethically produced chocolate . The Harry Potter Alliance (HPA), a social justice group, has been pushing for such certification since Halloween 2010. HPA founder Andrew Slack and his slew of activists, which includes Harry Potter creator, J.K. Rowling herself, were working to ensure that all chocolate production not rely on child labour and that all producers are paid a decent wage. In a 400,000-strong petition to Warner Bros., which own all rights to the Harry Potter franchise, which includes products and merchandise, the HPA argued that Harry's fans didn't think that the fictional wizard would approve of unethically produced chocolate. 'If 'Harry Potter' [as a franchise] were to be in alignment with the values of Harry Potter [himself], it could be a real symbolic and coherent victory,' Slack told the Washington Post. Any chocolate products affiliated with the Harry Potter series will be made only of certified free-trade cocoa . Chocolate plays an important role in the franchise and is very symbolic to the storyline . After Harry leaves his aunt and uncle's house to attend Hogwarts, the abundance of chocolate available there becomes a symbol for how the school will nourish Harry's body and mind. Since chocolate plays such an important role in the series, the opportunity to turn fans into real-life advocates was an idea that especially appealed to Slack. The group charged Behr's Chocolate, the company that Warner Bros. used to make all of the Harry Potter chocolate, with a poor record of human rights and child labour. Thousands of fans sent complaint letters over the years and in 2013, the HPA took yet another step forward when they teamed up with Walk Free, an anti-slavery movement, to pressure Warner Bros. even further. In December, it was announced that chocolate sold at the Universal Orlando theme park would be fair-trade . In 2014, J.K. Rowling also joined the cause. And it paid off. On December 22, Joshua Berger, the president of Harry Potter Global Franchise Development, wrote an email to the HPA announcing Warner Bros,' decision. 'By the end of 2015, and sooner when possible, all Harry Potter chocolate products sold at Warner Bros. outlets and through our licensed partners will be 100 per cent UTZ or Fair Trade certified.' | Led by the Harry Potter Alliance (HPA), the campaign has been resolved . All Harry Potter-branded chocolate will now be fair-trade certified . Includes: chocolate frogs, Shock-O-Chock & HoneyDukes Chocolate Bars . J.K. Rowling herself joined the campaign against child labour in 2014 . | ccd90c51dcab81747f49b487559d25cc6f37407e |
Violence in Iraq has spiked in the last year, according to the United Nations, but as has become the case with Syria, it's rarely news if the day's deaths are "only" in the tens. The same Western governments who led the invasion of Iraq in 2003 are now looking away, seeing Iraq as the problem of previous administrations, and being preoccupied with fresher crises in Syria and Egypt. The impression of constant bad news belies the reality that violence in Iraq had for some time been reduced, but is rapidly becoming worse again. More than 1,000 civilians died in July, levels not seen since the dark days of 2006-07. Such violence is not a permanent reality for Iraq, but is symptomatic of political failures. Some Western commentators portray Iraq as a basket case, condemned to perpetual violence, reflecting something fundamentally wrong with Iraqi culture and society. This conveniently absolves the rest of the world of their shared responsibility for building up a political system where violence has been the main political currency, not just since 2003 but for years under the previous regime. Saddam Hussein's 1980s war with Iran was encouraged by the West and by Iraq's Gulf neighbors, who turned a blind eye to his domestic repression and ethnic cleansing. After the 1991 Gulf war, internationally-imposed sanctions hollowed out Iraq's middle class and made many Iraqis turn to corruption and organized crime to survive. Examining the political causes of Iraq's violence -- going beyond the caricatured and historical view that it is inevitable or permanent -- matters for the whole Middle East. Iraq is not only geographically central, with about 30 million people and the world's fifth largest oil reserves; it has historically been a center of ideas. Given Iraq's international influence, the 2003 invasion was overtly designed not just to remove an anti-Western regime, but to reshape the Middle East. But rather than becoming a model for democracy and the free market, the example of Iraq has been used by conservative forces in the region to bolster their traditional pretense that the only political choices for Arabs are authoritarian government or chaos. The violence between Sunni and Shia political factions has also generated fears of wider sectarian conflict across the region, although violence occurs within, as well as between, religious groups, and its causes are political more than religious. The first reason for the recent spike in violence has been the spillover of fighting and tensions from the civil war in neighboring Syria. There are close links between Iraqi and Syrian societies and families, and as the conflict in Syria has become increasingly sectarian and internationalized, fighters from Iraq are now involved on both sides. The recent split between the Syrian National Council and jihadi groups such as the Islamic state of Iraq and Syria might present an opportunity for Iraq's government to reconceptualize its interests in Syria. Despite their shared alliance with Iran, just a few years ago the Iraqi and Syrian governments were at loggerheads as Iraq suspected Syria of facilitating the entry of al Qaeda fighters into its own territory. Iraq's second problem is that it remains an arena where regional powers vie for influence, with Iran supporting the Shia ruling coalition, Saudi Arabia supporting Sunni groups and the secular Shia leader Iyad Allawi, and Turkey becoming ever closer to the Kurds. Personal animosity between the leaders of Iraq and Saudi Arabia contributes to their poor relations, with Saudi Arabia still unwilling to open an embassy in Iraq more than a decade after the invasion. But the situation is not as simple as an inevitable tension between Sunnis and Shia. The Saudi king is said to respect Iraq's main Shia cleric, Ayatollah Ali Al Sistani. Encouraging religious dialogue between Sunni and Shia clerics could be a useful aspect of conflict resolution. And the recent talks between the U.S. and Iran is also an opportunity for Iraq to act as a bridge, as one of the few countries to have strong relations with both. The third main driver of the current violence is the threat Iraq faces from al Qaeda -- and the political failure of the Iraqi government's approach to fighting it. Back in 2007, thousands of Iraqi Sunnis fought with the U.S. against al Qaeda. But rather than working with mainstream Sunni political groups to build a united front against violent jihadis, the Baghdad government has treated the former as a political threat. This was epitomized by a death sentence passed against a Sunni former vice-president, Tariq Al Hashemi, in 2012 for allegedly organizing death squads, when Shia politicians who have headed militias have been accommodated politically (notably, the Badr Brigade, with a long record of sectarian violence, were absorbed into the national police). Protesters in Sunni-majority provinces have called for changes to terrorism and de-Baathification laws that they say treat all Sunnis as potential suspects. Both Syria and Iraq are rife with case studies of the ways in which human beings can be radicalized and brutalized. Perhaps Westerners find it easier to blame nebulous "cultural" factors than to imagine that we, too, could turn to violence and extremes if the states around us collapsed, and if we found ourselves in constant insecurity, with only sectarian or ethnic groups, and their militias, prepared to provide us with protection and services. But there is a need to refocus on Iraq, as part of a broader strategy towards addressing the complex and interconnected problems across the Middle East, though that will take more time and resources than continuing to lurch from crisis to crisis. | Iraq violence is news if the day's deaths are "only" in the tens, says Jane Kinninmont . Violence between Sunni and Shia factions has stoked fears of regional conflict, she adds . Personal animosity between Iraq and Saudi Arabia doesn't help resolution - Kinninmont . Iraq's second problem is that regional powers vie for influence, she argues . | b38001e9cdba3357c21e27324f81977a77d8edfe |
(CNN) -- The chief executive of English Premier League club Arsenal has urged the team's supporters to get behind under-fire coach Arsene Wenger. Ivan Gazidis told the north London team's fans that Wenger was the best man for the job on the day that Arsenal announced pre-tax profits of $78 million for the six months until the end of November. The club's healthy financial situation off the field is diluted by a precarious one on it, because despite Sunday's 5-2 thrashing of local rivals Tottenham, the Gunners are in a battle to finish fourth and claim England's final, lucrative European Champions League spot. Wenger, from France, has delivered three Premier League titles and four FA Cups during his 15-year reign and has never failed to qualify for the continent's most prestigious club competition. Arsenal fight back to win sensational north London derby . But the team have been below par this season, and are in fourth place only on goal difference, ahead of London rivals Chelsea, and 17 points off leaders Manchester City. "We hear the noise, we understand the concern of the fans, we know that there are issues, we know we're not where we want to be," Gazidis told Arsenal's official website on Monday. "But I can tell you that this team, our manager, the players, are absolutely united in what we have to do for the rest of the season, which is to finish in the top four. It's very much in our hands. "Victory through harmony. The strength of this club has always been its unity and our fans and our players need to come together in this fight for the rest of the season.'' The early-season sales of Cesc Fabregas to Barcelona and Samir Nasri to Manchester City helped Arsenal post such healthy profits. During the same period in 2010 the club made a loss of $9.6 million. Gazidis confirmed there was money available to spend on players but said that UEFA's new Financial Fair Play regulations, which aim to make football clubs more sustainable and live within their means, would help moderate a voracious market. Should Manchester City accept Tevez's apology? "We have a healthy cash balance of £115 million ($181 million) for the half year. But it's important to understand that not all that money's available to invest in transfers. We have running costs of the club, player salaries and so on, so that amount goes down during the year," Gazidis said. "We also have to keep something in reserve in case things don't go our way. There is money available, we don't talk about an exact figure -- and there's a very good reason why we don't put an exact figure on that -- because it would impact on our negotiating position. "We have to invest efficiently, we have to invest sensibly. That doesn't mean we get every decision right -- we don't. But we do get the majority of them right and that's been one of the secrets of Arsenal's success over a long period of time." Meanwhile, the English FA has charged three players with making alleged homophobic statements on social networking site Twitter. Manchester United's Federico Macheda, who is on loan at Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle's Nile Ranger and Manny Smith of third division Walsall stand accused of bringing the game into disrepute. An FA statement read: "The charge is that the players acted in a way which was improper and/or brought the game into disrepute. It is further alleged that the breach included a reference to a person's or persons' sexual orientation." The trio have until Wednesday to respond to the charges. | Arsenal's chief exec tells club's fans to back manager Arsene Wenger . Arsenal battling to finish fourth and qualify for the European Champions League . Club post six-month profits of $78m to reflect healthy financial position . English FA charges three players with making alleged homophobic statements . | d03ba0c2bdec50ce6fdd937607459241fe973e46 |
Dr Sally Norton says many obese people survive on a diet of pizza, fries, crisps, cakes and biscuits which leaves them obese - but undernourished . The number of people who are malnourished despite being obese is scandalous, a leading weight loss surgeon has said today. A recent study showed despite high levels of obesity in the U.S., many people are undernourished. A diet of pizza, fries, crisps, pasta, rice, biscuits, cakes leaves many people consuming a lot of calories but few nutrients, says Dr Sally Norton, an NHS consultant specialising in weight loss and upper gastrointestinal surgery. The problem is exacerbated by coffee shops serving sugary and fatty drinks appearing in hospital foyers and junior doctors being given minimal training on nutrition. Drug companies push the sales of expensive drugs which treat the symptoms of the disease but not the cause, she says. Instead we should treat disease with nutrition, letting food be our medicine. Here, she gives her view... As a doctor, it never fails to astonish me how little training we are given in good, sound nutrition, and how little emphasis we place on the role of eating well in preventing and curing disease in Western medicine. Need proof? Just look at the dismal food we serve to our patients in many hospitals, or the sugar and fat-filled snacks we offer in our hospital foyers. Look too at the multi-million pound drug industry that is encouraging us as doctors to treat type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and other conditions related to poor nutrition with expensive drugs rather than healthier food. Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was so right when he said, over 2,000 years ago: 'let food be thy medicine'. And yet, fast-forward to the 21st century and a recent study of Americans shows that many Americans are undernourished. Yes, you read that correctly – despite the USA's high levels of obesity, much of its population is undernourished! For example, only 11 per cent of people meet the daily recommended intake of fibre and only 5 per cent consume recommended amounts of potassium. A large majority also fall short on vitamins A, C, D, calcium and iron – instead eating more saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium than recommended. These stats are so frustrating to me as a doctor – and I suspect the UK is no better. It may seem shocking that you can be both obese and undernourished, but perhaps it isn't so astonishing if you look at the nutrients in many of our regular snacks. Malnutrition is a word we usually associate with the tragically thin figures from TV news reports of third world famines. In fact, it's a shockingly common problem in Britain. Though not at starvation level, there are millions of patients who aren't getting sufficient calories, protein, vitamins and minerals. Overweight people can still be malnourished if they eat foods giving enough energy but no nutrients . Doctors say our growing reliance on fast food, coupled with soaring rates of binge-drinking, means many are lacking the vitamins and minerals essential for health. The result, in the most extreme cases, is pot-bellies, wasted limbs and emaciated bodies - all conditions more usually associated with famine victims in the developing world. While malnutrition can be fatal, in more mild forms it can cause a host of symptoms that impact on every day life, from hair loss and muscle wastage to food cravings and lethargy. How many nutrients do you get in biscuits, pieces of cake, crisps, fries, pizza, white rice, pasta and bread? Not a whole lot. So, if we are eating these 'nutrient deficient' foods regularly, we must make sure we are getting our nutrients from real, fresh, whole foods, too. Every day I read of yet another study that demonstrates how the food we eat is contributing to our ill-health, rather than nourishing and fuelling our bodies, and how, if we only ate a more nutritious diet, we could reduce our risk of illness and even treat problems we have already. I could list hundreds of examples – but here are a few that really highlight the power of good nutrition: . Heart . Researchers showed that a heart-healthy eating plan rich in fruits, vegetables and fish significantly reduced the chance of a second heart attack and stroke in people with cardiovascular disease. Diabetes . Another study from Harvard showed that eating more whole fruits, particularly blueberries, grapes, and apples, was significantly associated with a lower risk of type-2 diabetes. Mental Health . Various studies have linked a higher intake of omega 3 with improvements in mental health. Stroke . A Mediterranean eating pattern supplemented with nuts can reduce your stroke risk according to the American Heart Association's review of the literature. Cancer . Over 25 studies have shown that eating plenty of fibre reduces the risk of bowel cancer. All bad news? Not so. Firstly, what I've highlighted above actually gives the power back to the individual, away from the doctor. YOU can treat yourself and the prescription is simple – real, fresh, honest, unprocessed food in sensible portions. How great is that? These studies demonstrate that not only can you improve existing conditions (it's never too late!), but can also take great measures to prevent future illness – just by what you put in your shopping basket this week! Thomas Edison, the genius who invented the light-bulb, had another 'lightbulb' moment when he said this: . 'The doctor of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition'. That was around 100 years ago… it's about time we took his advice! Dr Sally Norton says changing a person's diet to prevent illness is not 'bad news' - instead it gives the power back to the individual, allowing them to improve existing conditions and prevent future illness . | Research shows many obese people are suffering from malnutrition . Only 11% of people in U.S. get enough fibre and 5%get enough potassium . Dr Sally Norton, an NHS weight-loss consultant, says this is a scandal . Western medicine should place a greater emphasis on good nutrition . Problem exacerbated by poor hospital food and little training on nutrition . Drug companies pushing expensive drugs which only treat symptoms . Studies show a better diet can prevent a whole host of diseases . We should 'let food be our medicine' Dr Norton argues . | 9f7bc56af2e19aea0b1051e152556f8913f1b26c |
(Matador) -- Grab a helmet and check out these 15 cities where drivers use all five fingers when they wave at you. EUROPE . Amsterdam, Netherlands . The " bicycling capital of Europe" tops many lists -- including this one, it seems -- as the most bike-friendly city anywhere. Safe and extensive route networks, serious governmental promotion, and a bike culture that transcends class boundaries are all reasons why 40 percent of the city's traffic moves on two wheels. Barcelona, Spain . Barcelona's Bicing program, one of many mass bike rental systems that have popped up recently in Europe and beyond, debuted in 2007 in the Catalonian capital. An annual Bike Week is held in late May to spread the word. Berlin, Germany . Commuting Berliners are never lonely -- 400,000 of them pedal to work each day. City leaders still aren't satisfied with this figure, and millions of euros have been allocated to encourage more cyclists to get on the streets. One result is a mapping website that helps you plot bike-specific routes. Matador: Photo essay - 16 reasons to travel Patagonia by bike . Copenhagen, Denmark . In the Danish capital, around a third of the workforce gets to the office by bike. By some estimates, that's more than a million kilometers pedaled every day. For an alternative and truly bike-friendly urban experience, check out Christiania, a neighborhood of 850 that, in addition to setting up a semi-independent government and decriminalizing trade in cannabis, has banned cars. Paris, France . Paris gets a nod here for its creation ofVélib', one of the world's largest public bicycle rental programs. Twenty thousand stylish three-speeds are distributed among 1,450 rental stations throughout the city, available to subscribers at variable rates (rides under 30 minutes are free). NORTH AMERICA . Boulder, Colorado . Denver's little hippy neighbor to the north dedicates 15% of its transportation budget to improving and promoting bicycle travel. Nearly every major roadway has a designated cycling area, and they've even instituted a pilot program to get kids biking to school. This guy has created a very cool color-coded route map, complete with local attractions. Chicago, Illinois . Late during his 22-year tenure, Mayor Richard Daley became set on turning Chicago into "the most bicycle-friendly city in the United States." It doesn't appear to be all talk, either, as more bike lanes pop up all the time, and more laws that protect cyclists' safety are passed. The City of Chicago website has all you could ever want to know about the city's bicycle initiatives. Matador: 12 essential items for a cycling trip . Davis, California . It's said there are more bikes than cars in this small, northern California city of 65,000. Not only that, but its official motto is "Most bicycle friendly town in the world." The city marks Bike Month throughout May. Ottawa, Ontario . Canada's capital claims the highest percentage of bike commuters in the country, if not the continent. Its 170 km of paths make it easy to get from point A to B, though two-wheeled traffic is sure to drop between December and March. Visit the City of Ottawa website for more. Portland, Oregon . You were worried there for a second, weren't you? No, we haven't forgotten what most people consider the bike capital of the U.S. The only thing as impressive as Portland's bicycle infrastructure (including a 260-mile network) and commuter stats (almost 10%, the highest in the country) is the camaraderie of its cyclist community. San Francisco, California . The founding city of Critical Mass -- mass bike rides that take place in cities around the world -- can't be overlooked. Over the past decade, bicycle collisions have declined while the number of bike commuters has nearly doubled. Add city initiatives like removing car parking to make room for bike parking, distributing "Watch for Bikes" stickers (to be placed on driver's side rearview mirrors), and its fledgling bike share program, and you get one of the world's bike-friendliest cities. Matador: 10 long-distance bicycle routes in the U.S. ELSEWHERE . Beijing, China . Debatable? Sure. But I wouldn't call the city with probably the most bicycles of any in the world to be bike unfriendly. The sheer number of cyclists necessitates some pretty sophisticated infrastructure for the travel, storage and repair of two-wheeled vehicles. Cape Town, South Africa . African cities aren't the first that spring to mind for bike friendliness, but Cape Town is doing its best to change that. The South African hub is committed to creating cycling lanes, dedicated bike parking and public commuter showers. Bogotá, Colombia . Bogotá's transportation initiatives have been a model for change throughout Latin America, and its treatment of bicycles is no exception. Miles of safe, segregated bike paths and Sunday Ciclovía events (where main thoroughfares are closed to cars) make Colombian cyclists very happy. Perth, Australia . With more than 700 km of bike routes and plenty to see along them, Australia's fourth largest city takes it for Down Under. Find maps, recommended rides and other cycling resources on the Perth Bike Maps webpage. Matador: 8 steps for successful self-supported bicycle tours . See full story on MatadorNetwork.com . © 2011 Matador Network, Matador Ventures, LLC. | Although Europe is home to many bike-friendly cities, Amsterdam is its bicycling capital . Designated cycling areas are appearing in many major U.S. cities, like Boulder, Colorado . Other world cities, like Cape Town, are making improvements to become bike-friendly . | f64128f67abefd31fb03837060d4ccd9f5ec0f5d |
(CNN) -- It may have taken a while, but travelers struggling to get home after Thanksgiving weekend will get to sleep in their own beds soon. After more than 4,000 U.S. flights were delayed and 244 were canceled Sunday -- one of the busiest travel days of the year -- airports should be much less chaotic Monday. As of early Monday morning, about 130 flights were delayed and 22 were canceled, according to FlightAware.com. Air travelers Monday probably won't see a repeat of the enormous lines like one at Chicago Midway International Airport. There, the line for security screening got so bad that reporter Denise Whitaker of CNN affiliate KOMO measured it: 1.2 miles. So what caused this? "This happens sometimes," Chicago Aviation Department spokeswoman Karen Pride said, according to CNN affiliate WLS. She said that between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Sunday, lines were long because "that is when most people are traveling for the holiday period." But weather didn't play a big role at many major airports. Sure, snow snarled traffic for parts of the country on Wednesday, but conditions were much better Sunday in many areas. Chicago had temperatures in the upper 40s in Chicago. Denver, however, did get hit with bad weather. About 50 flights to Denver International Airport were diverted due to heavy fog, CNN affiliate KMGH reported. "It's going to take some time to catch up from this weather," airport spokeswoman Laura Coale told KMGH on Sunday. While a lot of attention goes to the airports -- where the interconnected flight travel system can have a domino effect -- the vast majority of Thanksgiving travelers hit the road. Ninety percent of travelers were expected to go by road, AAA predicted, helped by the lowest gas prices in five years. In all, more than 46 million people were expected to travel 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving, marking the highest volume since 2007. "The average distance traveled this Thanksgiving will be 549 miles roundtrip, and Americans will spend an average of $573 during the holiday weekend," AAA predicted. How's your holiday travel going? Join the conversation on Facebook. CNN's Melanie Whitley contributed to this report. | About 130 flights are delayed and 22 are canceled as of early Monday morning . That's down from more than 4,000 delays and 244 cancellations Sunday . A line for security stretched more than a mile long at a Chicago airport Sunday . About 46 million people were expected to travel for Thanksgiving, AAA says . | e2341cd7391dd21a67aeb991686f872ed5b53031 |
Christmas is for kids and the giant retail stores are using to that to their advantage with fuzzy heartwarming commercials to tug at the heartstrings of both the youngsters and their parents who are filling their stockings this year. Australian retail giant David Jones has just released an ever-so-cute commercial that will soften the hardest of festive Scrooges with the marketing ploy being compared to the fuzzy ad by U.K. department store John Lewis which has already amassed 15 million hits on YouTube. Although, the DJ's video has only attracted a mere 100,000 views so far - they both have a similar theme of emotions running through the two campaigns with both telling an adorable story about a little boy's innocent imagination in the lead-up to Christmas. Scroll down for video . The new David Jones Christmas commercial tells of a boy who is concerned his house doesn't have a chimney for Santa to go down on Christmas Eve . He wakes one morning to discover his loungeroom has a makeshift fireplace - thanks to his parents . He was even more delighted to see a chimney on his roof in the The Things We Do For Love campaign . David Jones tells the story of a little boy concerned that Santa won't visit his house on Christmas Eve because there isn't a chimney for him to go down. He makes his own out of collecting sticks and tying them together before innovatively placing the chimney on top of his cubby house but – alas it falls and crashes to the ground. But never fear - The Things We Do For Love campaign - ends with his parents making him a fireplace and chimney out of cardboard – much to his overwhelming delight. The adorable factor is on par with the John Lewis commercial - Monty the penguin – who is the best friend of a little boy. The John Lewis commercial tells the tale of Monty the penguin who is the best friend of a little boy . Monty starts to long for a partner when spots other in-love couples on their outings . The boy buys Monty a penguin mate which pops out of a present from under the tree on Christmas morning . The inseparable pair watch TV, play Lego, jump on the trampoline and go out on day trips together. But Monty starts to notice many in love couples and begins to pine for his own partner. However, all is not lost as his bestest buddy buys Monty a penguin mate which pops out of a present from under the tree on Christmas morning. Mumbrella is putting the two warm and fuzzy campaigns head to head to see which commercials makes viewers the most gooey on the inside by using a piece of technology called RealEyes tool to monitor the level of emotion felt by the viewer while watching the ad . More than 15,000 have viewed the John Lewis commercial . The David Jones - The Things We Do For Love campaign has more than 100,000 hits . | David Jones has released a heart-warming Christmas commercial . Both tell story of a boy’s innocent imagination in lead-up to Christmas . Viewers can sign up to gauge their emotion levels while watching the ads . | dd8c3d74d661784b67f3916263da72fd12375eb0 |
A 66-year-old Wall Street veteran has won the lottery, after two decades of gambling just to make a point. Robert Fagenson placed second in the New York State Lotto drawn on December 27, matching five of the six numbers and the bonus number to take home a check for $65,243. He told the New York Post that he has been playing twice a week for more than two decades, with numbers connected to his wife's birthday, their anniversary and the birthdays of his two daughters. Wall Street veteran Robert Fagenson (left) won $65,000 on the New York State Lotto last week, after some two decades playing twice a week with a specific set of numbers . 'I was just wondering if the system really worked,' Fagenson told the Post. 'Now I know it actually works.' While Fagenson spent an estimated $5,800 on the lottery in the 20 years he has been playing, it does seem to have been a worthy investment - so he plans to continue. In the end, $65,000 likely doesn't make much of a dent on Fagenson's overall fortune, since it's approximately the amount he donated to a Long Island-based animal charity in 2011, according to the Wall Street Journal. The Native New Yorker graduated from Syracuse University in 1970 with a degree in Transportation Sciences & Finance. He went on to spend most of his career on the New York Stock Exchange, where he was once governor of the trading floor and served on the board of directors. He is currently the CEO of Fagenson and Co, a 50-year-old brokerage that works in investment brokerage and money management as well. According to public records, he owns an apartment on the Upper East Side of Manhattan worth approximately $2.8million according to Zillow. | Robert Fagenson says he has been playing the lottery twice weekly for two decades using a specific set of numbers . On December 27, he placed second place in the New York State Lotto to win a $65,243 prize . Fagenson spent most of his career at the New York Stock Exchange, but is now the CEO of a brokerage firm . | f8c8c4871e550eebd5ae22cc12a0f1bfcadbb876 |
(EW.com) -- "Don't Trust the B—-" may be cancelled, but there's never-before-seen episodes that are now available online. ABC has put eight unaired episodes onto ABC.com. One of the epiosdes, which was originally planned to run as the show's second season finale before ABC axed the comedy, is a flashback episode chronicling Chloe's b**ch-origin story. Titled "Original B**ch," the episode goes back 10 years ago to when Chloe (Krysten Ritter) first moved into Apt. 23 and met a roommate named Trish, who took "Chloe under her wing and [taught] her everything she knew about b**ch-itude." Richard Dean Anderson (MacGyver!) guest stars. Though Ritter's pilot "Assistance" wasn't picked up, James Van Der Beek's new project "Friends With Better Lives" is expected to air midesason on CBS. See the original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | ABC canceled "Don't Trust the B----" The network has put the unaired episodes on ABC.com . Some of the stars have already moved on to other shows . | 518df89d667a7157ccce2164c033586f4e185093 |
By . Alex Gore . PUBLISHED: . 07:08 EST, 3 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:03 EST, 4 December 2012 . Child stars of the West End hit Matilda are earning just £250 a week - nearly £1,000 less than their American counterparts will be paid when the musical opens in Broadway next year. The girls who play the starring role in The Royal Shakespeare Company stage adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic are paid £60 a performance or £30 for being on standby. They usually appear on stage twice a week and their weekly income rises to around £250 with rehearsal fees. Royal greeting: The Queen meets stars of Matilda at last month's Royal Variety Performance . But the youngsters chosen to tread the boards at New York's Shubert Theatre in the Spring can expect to earn £1,095. The London show plays to sell out crowds at the Cambridge Theatre - telling the tale of a little girl's rebellion against a money obsessed world. But with the show able to generate an estimated £7,000 a performance, the producers have been accused of taking advantage of an ambitious young cast. Book worms: The hit West End musical is based on the classic children's novel by Roald Dahl . Lara Wollington, nine, Chloe Hawthorn, 10, Lucy-Mae Beacock, 10, and Hayley Canham, 10, share the role of Matilda but must give up the part when they reach 4ft 5in. They appear on stage for much of the show, which is nearly three hours long. Sylvia Young, who runs the acclaimed . Sylvia Young Theatre School in London, stressed there are high . expectations of the girls. Child stars: Former Matildas, from left Eleanor Worthington Cox, Cleo Demetriou, Kerry Ingram and Sophia Kiely . She told The Sunday Times: 'The work they do within the show is enormous, as much or more than the adults. Kids are not paid as well as they should be there is no question about that. 'By the times the parents have paid the expense to and from the theatre, that's the fee eaten up. It would be nice if they found a little more for the children on big hit shows.' A spokesperson for the show said 'contractually' they cannot discuss any fees or salaries paid to cast members. Bestselling: Children's writer Roald Dahl wrote countless classics . But they added: 'We are content that the young actresses who play Matilda are paid fees that are appropriately above the Equity recommendations. 'Each actress typically performs in two shows a week and is on standby for another two.' The producers also pay for chaperones for the children and meet some meal and travel costs. Equity's minimum fee per performance is just under £38 but the union's head of live performance, Hilary Hadley, said: 'A figure of about £60 is disappointingly low for a child that is basically a lead role in a show.' ht lights: The Cambridge Theatre in London's West End is home to the the his Matilda musical . | Producers of the West End show are accused of taking advantage of ambitious young stars . Leading roles in London get just £250 a week but their New York counterparts will earn £1,095 . Union slams the pay as 'disappointingly low' for a sell out show . | d8a08851700b3d7a275baa2818bb909f4a4b9f4c |
By . Monty Don . Working with my hands has always given me a deep satisfaction, and the physical, tactile skills of gardening are an essential part of its pleasure, regardless of which plants I'm growing. For ten years in the 1980s my wife Sarah and I ran a jewellery company, designing all the pieces ourselves and, for the first few years before the business grew, making them all too. Sarah had studied jewellery design but I had to learn on the job. One of my regrets is that I didn't maintain my silversmithing skills, because I loved working with that sublime metal. Monty says that it's essential for us to preserve our ancient crafts before they die out . But I became swept up in the desk-based business of making a living rather than making objects. The truth is that the demands of a professional craft require absolute dedication. The half-hearted soon get found out. Making things matters. We were once a nation that made everything from buttons to ships. Now we make hardly anything, and we are losing the sense of self-worth that comes with doing something well yourself. This loss often extends to whole communities. But I believe many of us still have a hankering to learn the skills necessary to make things we can be proud of. I became convinced of this while filming a new series called Monty Don's Real Craft. In it we follow three very skilled, keen amateurs in six different crafts on an intensive month-long course aimed at raising their skills to a professional level, culminating in a competition for a prestigious commercial commission. Stone mason, Brad Steele at work . The crafts in this series are blacksmithing, stonemasonry, weaving, pottery, furniture-making and glass-blowing. Each was led by a master craftsman who lived and worked with the trainees cheek by jowl, guiding and overseeing their work, acting as mentor, instructor and, at times, brutally harsh adjudicator of their efforts. The results were fascinating. All the hopefuls were shocked to realise the gulf between the amateur and the working professional. A prime example was when Aidan McEvoy - a Surrey-based cabinet maker who creates furniture of breathtaking quality for clients including the Royal Family - set his three trainees, Richard, 46, Jodie, 32, and Daniel, 30, the task of making a box in four hours. They showed, I thought, remarkable skill and application, though none had finished when Aidan called time. One by one he picked their work apart. 'Look at this,' he said, peering at one of Jodie's dovetail joints. 'This relentless pursuit of excellence was ingrained into them all, in every craft, for 10-12 hours a day, seven days a week' 'This is half a millimetre out. There's a gap you could drive a car through.' It must be pointed out that this half-millimetre gap would be permanently hidden inside the box. 'But I know it's there,' said Aidan, 'and you know. And in 60 years that joint might give. When I make furniture I want someone to treasure it in at least 100 years' time.' Within half an hour of arriving at the glass-blowing works in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, trainees Kira, 39, Bee, 24, and James, 24, were asked by master glass-blower Jim Adlington to make a pair of identical wine glasses. I'd had a go at making a glass bowl and know that handling the molten glass is desperately tricky. They struggled bravely but for the most part hopelessly. Making just one good one was tough. Making two the same seemed impossible. But, as Jim pointed out, people buy glasses in sets. There seemed to be a mountain for them to climb to even begin to achieve the standard expected. Sam, 30, Stephane, 41, and Jo, 28, . worked for days making mouldings to replace 500-year-old stones from . Worcester Cathedral, thrilled their work would stand for centuries . alongside medieval craftsmanship. The . results were astonishingly good. But not good enough, according to . mentor Brad Steele. All three were rejected as unworthy to stand with . the work of any of the masons who'd worked on the cathedral through the . ages. This relentless pursuit of excellence was ingrained into them all, in every craft, for 10-12 hours a day, seven days a week. Trainee blacksmith, Sally, gets to work . They spent their days in a strange combination of mental and physical exhaustion, and exhilaration at getting expert tutelage in the thing they loved most. At any point they could have given up; a couple did. But most persevered, despite sometimes feeling hopelessly out of their depth. Sally, 23 - a petite mother from Lancashire - had trained as a farrier, making and fitting shoes for horses, but broke her back in an accident. This meant farriering - with its intense bursts of activity requiring great strength and awkward crouching to pick up hooves - was no longer possible. But she took to the steadier rhythms of blacksmithing - general metalwork using an anvil and hammer - with fierce determination despite desperately missing her baby daughter and constant pain from her injured back. Likewise Joel, her fellow trainee, at 28 recovering from ME and at times looking dangerously exhausted, gave himself wholeheartedly to the hours of physical labour shaping the hot metal, eventually transforming himself as well as his skills. It was hard. But for all of them, from the glassblowers making spectacular chandeliers for the hotel chain Hotel du Vin, to the weavers creating woven bags for smart menswear retailer Hackett and the potters making a porcelain tea service for the chic Goring hotel in London's Belgravia, it was a transformative experience. Other than the two who decided to leave, all our trainees made scarcely believable improvements. Some will go on to new careers in their chosen crafts. This series shows our hunger for excellence hasn't been blunted by modern consumerism. The crafts passed on through the centuries are still vital, and their mastery provides a life richer and more rewarding than anything money can buy. Monty Don's Real Craft, Mondays, 9pm, More 4. | In a new series Monty explores Britain's hidden crafts . He says we were once a nation who made everything now we make nothing . He wants to preserve some of these forgotten crafts before they die out . | add6f233eecf5931809abb6056ca974cc4cc4d80 |
By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 05:05 EST, 31 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:49 EST, 31 July 2012 . A three-year-old girl has died two days after being pulled unresponsive from the bottom of a hot tub. Ellison Susman had been at a neighbour's party on Saturday night with her mother, father and sister when she wandered away. She had not been seen for about 15 . minutes before she was discovered in the water, according to Jim Amormino, . spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Scroll down for video . Tragic: Ellison Susman died Monday, a day after she was found unresponsive at the bottom of a hot tub during a birthday party in Laguna Hills . The accident happened at 8pm at the Alicia Plaza Apartments in the 25000 block of Stockport Street, reported KTLA. Ellison's father, Ernie, said his wife had been feeding his another of their children when Ellison wandered off. He said she was wearing a life . preserver when she was walking toward the pool. But at some point before she . got into the hot tub, she managed to unclip the vest, which was later found on the pool deck. Accident: Ellison had been at a neighbour's birthday party on Saturday night with her mother, father and sister when she wandered off . Ellison's father Ernie said his daughter was had been wearing a life preserver, but it she had managed to unclip it. Tributes have been left at the scene of where she died . After Ellison was found at the bottom of the pool, paramedics performed CPR and the girl was taken to Kaiser in Irvine. She was then taken to Children's Hospital of Orange County in Orange. Tragically she was pronounced dead yesterday. 'She was just an awesome kid,' said Mr Susman. 'I'm going to miss that.' | Ellison Susman died Monday, a day after she was found unresponsive at the bottom of a hot tub during a birthday party in Laguna Hills . The young girl's father, mother and sister were also at the party . Orange County Sheriff's Department: Ellison had not been seen for about 15 minutes before she was discovered in the water . | 783298e420c9c01064fe331ea741863b5c777ae3 |
Adrian Peterson, 29, turned himself in on Saturday after police issued an arrest warrant . Adrian Peterson has spoken out for the first time since his arrest for severely whipping his 4-year-old son with a wooden switch - apologizing, but also defending his actions. The statement come as the Minnesota Vikings reinstated him today today after he missed just one game following child abuse charges this weekend. 'I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser. I am someone that disciplined his child and did not intend to cause him any injury,' Peterson said. 'No one can understand the hurt that I feel for my son and for the harm I caused him. My goal is always to teach my son right from wrong and that’s what I tried to do that day.' Peterson, the Vikings' highest-paid player and biggest star, was booted from the team's roster for Sunday's 30-7 loss against the New England Patriots. However, he is back on the practice field today and will play next week against the New Orleans Saints. 'To be clear, we take very seriously any matter that involves the welfare of a child,' Vikings owners Zygi and Mark Wilf said in a statement. 'At this time, however, we believe this is a matter of due process and we should allow the legal system to proceed so we can come to the most effective conclusions and then determine the appropriate course of action.' Peterson turned himself into police in his hometown of Spring, Texas, on Saturday after detectives issued an arrest warrant for the May beating. The boy had wounds on his thighs, backside and even his genitals following the beating. Peterson has admitted to whipping his son, but his attorney said he was only using the discipline he himself had received as a child growing up in East Texas. In his statement, he defended the motivation behind the severe discipline he meted out, saying: 'Deep in my heart I have always believed I could have been one of those kids that was lost in the streets without the discipline instilled in me by my parents and other relatives. Brutal: Police released these images of the wounds Peterson allegedly left on his son's body after beating the four-year-old with a switch . Back on the field: Peterson, the Minnesota Vikings' biggest star, was reinstated by the team after being kicked off the roster on Saturday. He will play next week against the New Orleans Saints . 'I have always believed that the way my parents disciplined me has a great deal to do with the success I have enjoyed as a man.' However, Peterson said he has seen a psychologist, who told him that there are usually better ways to discipline children than hitting them. He said he has had to 'reevaluate how I discipline my son going forward.' The Vikings owners, the Wilf brothers, said they decided to bring Peterson back on the team after 'significant thought, discussion and consideration. 'As evidenced by our decision to deactivate Adrian from yesterday’s game, this is clearly a very important issue. On Friday, we felt it was in the best interests of the organization to step back, evaluate the situation, and not rush to judgment given the seriousness of this matter. 'My attorney has asked me not to discuss the facts of my pending case. I hope you can respect that request and help me honor it. I very much want the public to hear from me but I understand that it is not appropriate to talk about the facts in detail at this time. Nevertheless, I want everyone to understand how sorry I feel about the hurt I have brought to my child. 'I never wanted to be a distraction to the Vikings organization, the Minnesota community or to my teammates. I never imagined being in a position where the world is judging my parenting skills or calling me a child abuser because of the discipline I administered to my son. 'I voluntarily appeared before the grand jury several weeks ago to answer any and all questions they had. Before my grand jury appearance, I was interviewed by two different police agencies without an attorney. In each of these interviews I have said the same thing, and that is that I never ever intended to harm my son. I will say the same thing once I have my day in court. 'I have to live with the fact that when I disciplined my son the way I was disciplined as a child, I caused an injury that I never intended or thought would happen. I know that many people disagree with the way I disciplined my child. I also understand after meeting with a psychologist that there are other alternative ways of disciplining a child that may be more appropriate. 'I have learned a lot and have had to reevaluate how I discipline my son going forward. But deep in my heart I have always believed I could have been one of those kids that was lost in the streets without the discipline instilled in me by my parents and other relatives. I have always believed that the way my parents disciplined me has a great deal to do with the success I have enjoyed as a man. I love my son and I will continue to become a better parent and learn from any mistakes I ever make. 'I am not a perfect son. I am not a perfect husband. I am not a perfect parent, but I am, without a doubt, not a child abuser. I am someone that disciplined his child and did not intend to cause him any injury. No one can understand the hurt that I feel for my son and for the harm I caused him. My goal is always to teach my son right from wrong and that’s what I tried to do that day. 'I accept the fact that people feel very strongly about this issue and what they think about my conduct. Regardless of what others think, however, I love my son very much and I will continue to try to become a better father and person.' 'At that time, we made the decision that we felt was best for the Vikings and all parties involved.' Peterson's importance to the Vikings is hard to overstate. He is a former MVP who hold several NFL records for rushing. His six-year, $86million contract makes him by far the highest-paid player on the team. His 1,266 rushing yards last season accounted for nearly a quarter of the entire team's offense. He scored ten of the team's 45 touchdowns. Hours after the arrest, the Vikings decided not to play Peterson against the Patriots, moving swiftly after a week in which the NFL came under heavy scrutiny for its handling of a domestic violence case involving former Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice. But unlike a previous case involving former cornerback Chris Cook, the Vikings have decided to allow Peterson to return to the field while the legal process unfolds. In 2011, the Vikings suspended cornerback Chris Cook with pay after he was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and barred him from all team activities while his trial played out. Cook wound up missing 10 games and was eventually acquitted. He never faced discipline from the NFL and played two more seasons with the Vikings before signing with the 49ers. The NFL is looking into Peterson's case, and if convicted he could face a minimum six-game suspension under the league's new tougher domestic abuse policy that was implemented after Commissioner Roger Goodell admitted he botched Rice's initial punishment. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Adrian Peterson was arrested on Saturday for injuring his son . Boy had injuries all over his body - including on his private parts . The Vikings booted him from their roster in Sunday's 30-7 loss against the New England Patriots . He will resume practice with the team today and will play next Sunday . Peterson is the highest-paid player and the biggest star on the Vikings . NFL star says he has talked to a psychologist . | 5135869e910765eb39d7a1665c89516a43cb9e17 |
Baghdad (CNN) -- At least five people were injured when bodyguards for a top Iraqi official opened fire on stone-throwing Sunni demonstrators Sunday, the country's interior ministry said. The clashes broke out after Deputy Prime Minister Saleh al-Mutlaq arrived to address crowds protesting in a plaza in the western Iraqi city of Ramadi. Tens of thousands of demonstrators have been there for nearly a week, demanding that the Shiite-led government stop what they call second-class treatment of Iraq's Sunni residents. Some demonstrators Sunday called for al-Multaq, who is Sunni, to submit his resignation to Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki's government. Protesters chanted, "Leave! Leave!" and threw stones at him, witnesses told CNN. The deputy prime minister's bodyguards opened fire in an attempt to disperse the crowd as protesters hurled stones at the stage, Anbar provincial council member Suhaib al-Rawi told CNN. A protester with a gunshot wound was among five people injured, al-Rawi said. Details about the other injuries were not immediately clear. Sunnis largely boycotted Iraq's 2005 elections, leading to the emergence of a Shiite-led government. The move left the once-ruling minority disaffected, which contributed to years of bloody insurgency and sectarian warfare. The arrest of a group of bodyguards for Iraq's Sunni finance minister fueled a surge in protests last week in Ramadi, about 110 km (70 miles) west of Baghdad, and in several other Iraqi cities. On Friday, protesters carrying flags dating back to the Saddam Hussein regime took to the streets in the predominately Sunni Anbar province, blocking a vital highway that connects Iraq with Syria and Jordan. The demonstrations were called by tribal leaders and Sunni scholars, protesting against what they decried as unjust practices of Maliki's government. Protesters demanded the release of detainees they said were held without charges. They called the government corrupt and accused it of unfairly targeting Iraq's Sunni community. "We don't want your food, your water and your medicine," one scholar told the crowd. "We want our rights, our dignity." In the wake of the protests, al-Maliki has defended his government. "Nobody in Iraq has privilege over others," he said Friday, calling for increased dialogue. "When we want to express an opinion, we have to do it in a civilized, humane and patriotic manner," he said. "It is not expected to express your opinion by cutting off roads, steering strife and sectarianism, fighting, bragging about wars and dividing Iraq." CNN's Mohammed Lazim reported from Baghdad, Salma Abdelaziz and Yousuf Basil wrote the story in Atlanta. Catherine Schoichet and Mohammed Tawfeeq contributed to this report. | Clashes break out after Iraq's deputy prime minister arrives to address protesters . Some demonstrators called for him to resign and threw stones at the stage, witnesses say . The violence comes after nearly a week of protests . Sunni demonstrators say the government is treating them like second-class citizens . | 154bc48af7e56e33fad30a117d6c820faed720b3 |
Tremors have reportedly hit a Florida city at least three times. Coral Gables residents have told local media they've felt the shaking inside their homes. Authorities so far have yet to figure out what's behind the tremors. Scroll down for video . Residents: Matt Meehan, left, and Boo Zamek, right, have both said they've felt shaking inside their Coral Gables homes . Matt Meehan, who lives in the city, told CBS Miami - which first reported on the shaking - 'These windows started ratting like this. And I'm looking around, and I have a little cat [that] went running in the other direction.' 'My first thought was earthquake,' he told the television station. Another resident, Boo Zamek, told the CBS affiliate it was a 'very low, um, very subtle vibration' and called it 'strange, curious.' A spokeswoman for the Coral Gables police department, Kelly Denham, told Daily Mail Online that police received two reports in the past four weeks regarding the 'loud explosion-type noises,' as well as a third report shortly before 11am Tuesday. Officers have checked out the sounds each time, Denham said, but they have so far been unable to locate their source. 'We have no idea what those noises are,' Denham said. What's going on? Authorities so far have yet to figure out what's behind the tremors . Incidents: The tremors reportedly took place in this stretch of Coral Gables, Florida . A spokesman for the US Geological Survey said the agency had no recent earthquakes reported in Florida. Meanwhile, Bill Orlove, a representative for Florida Power & Light (FPL), told Daily Mail Online 'I can tell you that our electrical equipment was working properly in the Coral Gables neighborhood during the time when customers were experiencing loud noises. We have no reports of outages and no equipment issues during that time.' CBS Miami pointed out that a sonic boom reportedly took place Saturday - and reported that the times for the boom and the Coral Gables tremors failed to match. In that case, the American Meterological Society (AMS) said more than 230 reports came in of a fireball. Many of the reports came from central and northern Florida. Earlier this month, tremors and noises were also reported in St. Johns County, according to First Coast News. A St. Johns County Sheriff's Office (SJCSO) spokesman spoke to the television station at the time, and attributed the noises to being sonic booms from military flight training. | Tremors have hit Coral Gables, Florida, at least three times . Residents have told local media they've felt the shaking inside their homes . Authorities so far have yet to figure out what's behind the tremors . | 8a2780b01a0586c22fca15562ba76a2d0a16983d |
By . Rob Preece . PUBLISHED: . 04:08 EST, 27 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:32 EST, 27 July 2012 . A boss at banking firm Goldman Sachs has apologised to his neighbours after work on his £7million town house caused cracks to appear in their homes. One woman had to be rescued from her flat after the work caused so much subsidence that she could not open her door. Other neighbours have complained of cracks in their walls and stairways following the basement excavation at Christoph Stanger's home in Kensington, London. Causing cracks: The excavation at Christoph Stanger's home which has damaged adjoining properties . Building site: The digging has led to subsidence, causing cracks to appear in neighbours' homes . Mr Stanger, a managing director who heads Goldman Sachs' German and Austrian financing group, has offered to compensate his neighbours for the damage to their properties. The 46-year-old, who bought his four-storey Victorian home 18 months ago, is spending £1million to dig out the basement. But emergency building teams had to be called in last Sunday when a pillar holding up the property's portico started to crack under the pressure. Inconvenienced: Neighbours (left to right) Jacqueline Stirling, Marie Stirling, Louise Destale, Jonathan Wearing and Ann Harper stand outside the house, which is covered in scaffolding . Ten tons of roofing has been removed and the front of the building is covered in scaffolding, steel joists and planks. Mr Stanger was granted planning permission for an underground extension in May last year despite objections from nine of the 11 locals consulted by Kensington and Chelsea Council. Louise Stael von Holstein, who has lived in a flat next door for 30 years, told the Evening Standard: 'They’ve been digging since the beginning of the year, down into the basement, and it’s caused the house to subside. 'The basement flat in my block has got cracks everywhere.' Another neighbour said they had been forced to call out the contractors six times in three weeks to open their front door. Mr Stanger, who intends to move into the house with his family in January, said the work was necessary to build a playroom for his children and a guest room. He said: 'I feel bad about the disruption and if there is any real damage it will be dealt with and they will be compensated.' A spokesman for the council said it was aware that basement extensions caused concern for residents. | Christoph Stanger, 46, says sorry after £1m excavation work at Kensington home causes subsidence . One neighbour had to be rescued from her flat because she couldn't open her door . | 363a7234767a08d5021122732d17b3a9a99788b3 |
By . Marcus Townend for the Daily Mail . Talented two-year-old Kool Kompany is to remain with trainer Richard Hannon after being bought by Australian Neil Werrett, best known as one of the syndicate which had a share in the great sprinter Black Caviar. Kool Kompany, who has raced in the colours of the Middleham Park Racing syndicate, was bought privately after failing to make his reserve at Doncaster's Horses in Training Sale. Hannon said: 'He didn't meet his reserve, but he has been bought by Neil Werrett who was involved with Black Caviar. Staying put: Kool Kompany will remain with Richard Hannon . 'Luckily he is staying with us and will be aimed at something like the Middle Park Stakes. 'I don't know if he will want to take him to Australia later on, but we're pleased he's still in the yard.' Kool Kompany has twice won at group two level this summer in the Railway Stakes at the Curragh and the Prix Robert Papin at Maisons-Laffitte. Plan: Hannon says Kool Kompany will be aimed at the Middle Park Stakes . | Talented two-year-old Kool Kompany was bought by Australian Neil Werrett . Horse was sold privately after failing to make reserve at Doncaster sale . Richard Hannon to remain trainer and set sights on Middle Park Stakes . | 9b036c92472dd127e97966a0ef14803ca89c4298 |
Thirty-something men invest more in beauty products than any other age group, spending three times more on anti-ageing beauty and indulgent treatments than going the gym. These metrosexual men spend more on male grooming products than those in their 20s and 50s combined, research reveals today. Pressures to maintain their looks paired with the influence of well-groomed celebrities such as Ryan Gosling and Brad Pitt are thought to have led to the recent increase in spending habits. Thirty-something men invest more in beauty products than any other age group, and David Beckham is cited as their top celebrity inspiration . The average 30-something man now admits to spending over £100 per month on expensive eye creams, luxury moisturisers and trips to the spa, which is three times as much as a standard gym membership. Of the 1,000 British men surveyed by Debenhams, those aged between 20-29 spent on average £35 per month on grooming products. The figure doubled for males in their 40s who spent an impressive £70, while those in their 50s seemed to have a more relaxed approach to male grooming at around £45 per month. The survey also revealed that men in their 30s were willing to spend up to £50 on a moisturiser and up to £40 on wrinkle busting eye creams. Clinique's Age Defence for Eyes, Elemis Deep Cleansing Facial Wash, Clarins Moisture Balm and YSL's Touche Éclat were rated as the most wanted beauty products. Women, in turn, reportedly spend just £11.12 on a moisturiser on average, according to a Superdrug study from September. The average thirty-something man now buys expensive eye creams and luxury moisturisers . Male respondents to the latest research also confessed they would purchase a male grooming product if it was endorsed by a celebrity with David Beckham, 38, ranking the highest in terms of influence. 'Our survey shows there is a steady increase in male grooming spending habits over the years.' said a spokesperson for Debenhams. 'In . your teens, grooming consists of a splash of water with a hint of soap - . if you're lucky. The introduction of electrical shavers and on the spot . treatment products in your mid-late twenties means there is a definite . increase in spending. 'But . it's all change as soon as you hit your 30's when the focus shifts to . products that maintain and prevent and money is no object. The spending . cycle declines at 50, almost returning to the amount spent in your 20's . as grooming takes a back seat and is seen as less of a priority and more . of a necessity.' The male UK skincare market is worth an estimated £600m and beauty experts at Debenhams believe this figure is set to rise as the festive season approaches and men scramble to look their best for office Christmas parties. 'The stigma associated with male grooming has finally disappeared and men are not only willing to spend money to maintain their looks, they are also recommending products to one another and frequently visiting salon's and spas, sometimes in groups' 'With the festive season drawing near, you will see a definite shift in the way men present themselves, look out for extra groomed eyebrows, glowing, flawless complexions and manicured nails.' British men are spending more time and money glamming up this party season than women. According to a new study by Travelodge, out today, men will be splashing an average £78.24 on grooming, clothing and beauty products for their festive night out - including make-up. Women are spending just £72.72 in turn. Men confessed they will also invest one hour and 28 minutes sprucing themselves up ahead of their big Christmas night out, whilst women will take just one hour and 16 minutes. One in ten men will wear make-up and 70 per cent of those will be using concealer . The study surveyed 2,500 British adults and found as 76 per cent are set to party this December - with the average reveller going to three Christmas dos. British men will be spending £35.49 on beauty products and treatments, more than women who will be forking out £34.15. More than one in ten (11 per cent) of British men are planning to wear make-up at their Christmas party this year - with 70 per cent of these men reporting that they will be using concealer. Another 61 per cent of make-up wearing men reported that they will be using lip gloss or balm. More than half (51 per cent) of make-up wearers will be using eyeliner in order to look good. Over a third (34 per cent) of men surveyed reported that they will be using a fake tanning product or have a spray tan to help them look healthier during the Christmas party season. The research also revealed that Northern men are the vainest when it comes to looking good at the Christmas party. Newcastle males will be spending the most money this party season, splashing an average £89.68 to look good for their Christmas party, and spending over an hour and a half getting ready. When it comes to spending time in front of the mirror, men in Manchester are the fussiest, taking one hour an 41 minutes to get ready. Mancunian men are also the most likely to wear make-up, with 14 per cent saying they will use some form of make-up this Christmas. Location . Average spend . % wearing make-up . Time spent . getting ready . Newcastle . £89.68 . 12% . 97 minutes . Liverpool . £87.67 . 13% . 90 minutes . Leeds . £86.67 . 11% . 92 minutes . Manchester . £85.12 . 14% . 101 minutes . London . £84.07 . 10% . 93 minutes . Edinburgh . £82.94 . 8% . 88 minutes . Nottingham . £82.91 . 11% . 88 minutes . Wolverhampton . £81.01 . 11% . 92 minutes . Birmingham . £80.03 . 12% . 93 minutes . Exeter . £79.45 . 10% . 95 minutes . | Men likely to purchase a product if endorsed by star like David Beckham . Those in their 30s most image conscious, investing in anti-ageing products . Willing to spend £50 on moisturiser, while women spend just £11.12 . One in ten admit they will be using subtle make-up at festive party . | 8d0b79f26de5b83b78bff7935c7b2cf7f56abc2c |
As you might imagine, being a professional alligator trapper, the job comes with some inherent dangers. Firstly, there's always the possibility that you could fall into the swap or lake you've been assigned to, or get bitten by the mosquitoes. However, there is always that niggling possibility that the gator itself might try and get the better of you. Scroll down for video... Alligator rescuer: Jason Clark captures alligators for a living but even this 3 1/2 fella tested his skills . Spotted: Jason tries to bait the alligator to come over to him on the shoreline . Easy target: Or so it appears... but this gator has other plans! This is what happened to one alligator catcher in Georgia. Residents of Lawrenceville near Atlanta, spotted a 20 pound gator several months back in their usually peaceful lake. Since last fall, reports of the 3 ½-foot gator, large enough to eat a small dog, was seen lurking beneath its still waters. It made the residents feel uneasy, especially if the gator grew any larger. They called upon the services of Southeastern Reptile Rescue husband & wife team, Sarah & Jason Clark whose specialism is trapping these scaly creatures once and for all. No choice: Jason has the gator by its tail - he's coming out whether he likes it or not! Got him: Within two minutes of spotting him, Jason had the gator by his tail . It wasn't long before the target was . spotted basking in the spring Georgia sunshine. It took them four days . before they were able to get close enough to capture it. 'It . needs to be that first try to get him when he's like, 'I don't really . know what they're doing,'' Sarah Clark told local station WSBTV. Oh snap! Jason wasn't expecting that - and he does this for a living! Bonded: The alligator is well and truly attached to Jason at this point, and probably thinks he's got himself a juicy meal . Making his mark: Jason won't forget this rescue any time soon. The alligator left between 15-20 teethmarks on his arm . Jason went to grab it, tail first of course, but what happened next he did not expect. The aggravated alligator spun its head around and bit into Jason's forearm, tearing at his skin. When alligators bite they can exert a jaw pressure of 3000 pounds per square inch. It's not an easy task trying to remove them. 'If he would have started rolling, he could have bit a chuck out of his arm,' Sarah, said. 'There's a gator bite for ya,' Jason laughed. 'Put the pole down. Grab his head,' he told her. With his wife's help, Jason was finally able to free the alligator and its teeth from his arm. See you later: Alligator captured and pond secured, the reptile will likely be taken to a local zoo so children can enjoy their beauty and learn about their dangers . No messing: Alligators can grow up to 14t long weigh over 450 kg. They can have up to 75 teeth . The gator certainly left its mark with around 20 teeth marks, but the residents are pleased that finally their pond is at last gator-free. It's not known how the alligator ended up in the pond but it is likely that it was once a pet whose owner was unable to look after it once it grew larger. | 3½ foot alligator spotted in quiet residential pond . Experts called in to capture it . Alligator doesn't come quietly . | fbad7eb424addcb2d5a5f52fa87a9b7a95bfb400 |
(EW.com) -- The ladies of Litchfield really are a family: The cast and crew of Netflix's Orange Is the New Black has banded together to raise funds for series costar Michelle Hurst, who suffered serious injuries in a car accident in December. Hurst — who plays Miss Claudette on Orange — "had major injuries so the doctors put her in a medically induced coma to avoid movement while they did multiple surgeries near her spine," the team explains on a fundraising page for their comrade. "She is out of the coma (after 16 days) and has opened her eyes! We can't send flowers yet because she is in ICU at UNC Chapel Hill Hospital. So we have set up a fundraising page," the text continues. "All the money will go through Michelle's sister to help pay for her medical expenses & time off of work." The page has already exceeded its fundraising goal of $5,000. See the original story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Actress Michelle Hurst was hurt in a car crash . She was placed in a medically-induced coma . Her cast is raising money for her . | 1cad4c336d05063ee2f824e35e79cec7d5ed4b77 |
(CNN) -- A pilot died Sunday when his small plane crashed at an air show at Travis Air Force Base in California, an official said. Col. David Mott identified the deceased as 77-year-old Eddie Andreini. Andreini had been flying since he was 16 and had been performing at air shows for the past 25 years, Mott said. He asked that anyone with video or photographs of the accident to please contact the base. The crash of the civilian performer's aircraft happened during an acrobatic aerial maneuver at the Thunder Over Solano air show. The aircraft was upside down when it hit the ground, Mott said. He added: "No one wants to see an event like this and certainly ... our hearts go out and our condolences go out to the Andreini family and his crew, who have been working together for many years." The rest of the show was canceled, and the crash is under investigation. A photograph from the scene showed black smoke rising from a tarmac. The crash happened away from spectators. CNN's Janet DiGiacomo contributed to this report. | NEW: The aircraft was upside down when it hit the ground . The pilot is identified as 77-year-old Eddie Andreini . The show was canceled, and the crash is under investigation . A photograph shows the crash happened away from spectators . | 558eb1777466ed09e0f61c309a75c17e773c9604 |
By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 10:41 EST, 6 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:32 EST, 6 November 2013 . A rent boy murdered a gay man and 'left him to rot' in his seaside flat for nearly two months after bleeding him dry financially, a court has heard. The badly decomposed body of Michael Polding, 62, was found by police neatly positioned and wrapped up in bedding on July 16 last year. Mr Polding, who lived in a rented two-bedroom basement flat in St George's Road, Brighton, died nearly two months earlier from 'blunt force trauma' to his chest, a jury was told. Prosecutor Philip Katz QC told Lewes Crown Court that he was murdered by Ricardo Pisano, 36, who he met in December 2009 after advertising himself in a gay magazine as a rent boy. Trial: Michael Polding, 62, was found dead in his seaside flat in Brighton allegedly at the hands of Ricardo Pisano, who denies murder and grievous bodily harm . Opening the Crown's case at the start of a five-week trial, Mr Katz said that Pisano, who used a number of different names, moved in with Mr Polding while he lived in Croydon, south London, then followed him down to Brighton. Mr Katz told the jury of nine women and three men: 'The prosecution say that really from the word go this defendant lived off Michael Polding financially. 'He had no job and no income, and when Mr Polding decided to sell up in Croydon and move to Brighton, this defendant moved with him. 'The Crown's case is that this defendant and other friends of his effectively bled Mr Polding dry financially and this defendant, while in this period, pretended to act as his carer and even godson. 'In fact, we say he abused and assaulted Mr Polding, resulting in a serious assault. 'We say that he eventually killed him, and having killed him, left him to rot.' Undiscovered: Michael Polding, 63, was found dead in his flat in St. George's Road, Brighton, pictured, two months after his death . Pisano evaded capture for nearly a year until he was arrested at a house in Southampton, Hampshire, on May 7 under a different name, Mr Katz added. In police interview, Pisano claimed he had come home to Mr Polding's flat to find he had committed suicide by hanging himself from a bannister, towards the end of May last year. Mr Katz said: 'He said he tried and failed to revive Mr Polding and had then panicked. 'He said there were people in South Africa who wanted to kill him and his family and that was why he had been unable to tell anyone about the death of Mr Polding, and that was why he had to flee the scene and not tell anyone what happened.' Mr Polding, who came from a large Scots family, had previously been in a long-term relationship but had been drinking heavily and suffered health problems, including osteoporosis. Despite his numerous problems, his family did not consider him the 'suicidal type', Mr Katz said. Pisano, formerly of Methuen Street, Southampton, denies murder and causing grievous bodily harm but has admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body, the jury has heard. Mr Polding had moved to Brighton for a 'fresh start' after losing his job in Croydon. He used part of the proceeds of the sale of his flat in Croydon to pay a year's rent up-front in Brighton, jurors heard. Emmett Friel, who had lodged at Mr Polding's Brighton flat, was originally arrested on suspicion of his murder but later eliminated from inquiries, Mr Katz said. The evidence to be produced by Mr Friel and a third friend of Pisano's, Hannington Obote, will portray a 'chaotic lifestyle and general fecklessness'. Case: Pisano, denies murder and causing grievous bodily harm but has admitted preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body, Lewes Crown Court heard . Mr Katz told the jury: 'He, Mr Friel, like the defendant, seems to have had few moral scruples about spending Mr Polding's money. 'He will, however, give an insight which the prosecution say will establish that the relationship between Mr Polding and the defendant became increasingly abusive on the defendant's part. 'It shows an escalating pattern of violence on Mr Polding.' In late 2011, early 2012 Mr Friel, Mr Obote and Pisano started setting up a hairdressing salon in north London under the name 'Fate' using Mr Polding's cash. Mr Katz said: 'This money was effectively Mr Polding's and that was being frittered away. This salon only traded in a brief way but it was pretty doomed to fail from the start.' After selling his flat in Croydon, Mr Polding asked one of his sisters to take control of a 'nest-egg' for him using part of the proceeds from the sale. Mr Katz said that a couple of weeks before he died, Mr Polding contacted his sister to ask her to transfer £500, which she agreed to do. Later the same day, he telephoned her again asking for another £100. Mr Katz said that in the background Pisano could be heard asking her to send over more - £1,500. She again complied to his request, and never heard from her brother again. Mr Katz said Pisano used a number of different mobile phones. His claim to police following his arrest that he was in London during a key period proved false as telephone evidence pointed to his devices all being used in the Brighton area, it was claimed. The court also heard that Pisano sent a 'false text' to Mr Polding's mobile after he allegedly murdered him in an effort to shift suspicion. The text said: 'Sweets, I'm still at the shop, worried about Han (Hannington). He went missing. Will be in London for a few days. Meeting Emmett tomorrow. Call me please.' Mr Katz said: 'The prosecution's case is that this was a false text sent to a man (Pisano) knew was dead and was covering his tracks with this rather callous, anxious text, and indeed that text was never read.' The trial continues. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Michael Polding, 62, found wrapped in bedding two months after death . Ricardo Pisano, 36, who he met via a gay magazine advert, denies murder . Prosecution say he lived off Mr Polding's cash before beating him to death . 'He abused, assaulted and eventually killed him and left him to rot,' QC says . | 4910db967f8d1e963bb8ba0bed075079cfa09c3d |
By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 09:39 EST, 1 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:41 EST, 2 January 2013 . Five female teachers in Pakistan have been slaughtered by Islamic militants bent on keeping women and girls away from education. They were murdered in a New Year's Day ambush on the van carrying them home from their jobs at a community centre and primary school in the north-west of the country. The teachers and two health workers - one man and one woman - were killed this afternoon in the conservative Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Scroll down for video . Survivor: Doctors treat the injured driver who survived a shooting by Islamic fundamentalists who murdered five female teachers . It was in this region that a Taliban gunman shot 15-year-old Malala Yousufzai in the head last . October for criticizing the militants and promoting girls' education. She is currently recovering in Britain. The attack was a reminder of the risks faced by educators and aid workers, especially women, in an area where Islamic militants often target women and girls trying to get an education. Many militants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province oppose female education and have blown up schools and killed female educators as a way to discourage girls from getting an education. Lucky: The driver is dragged from the scene covered in blood but seven were slaughtered in the van he was driving . Attack: Today's tragedy came in the same region of Pakistan where Malala Yousufzai, who is recovering in Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, was shot just because she went to school . The workers were on their way home from a community centre in the town of Swabi where they were working at a primary school and adjoining medical center. Gunmen on motorcycles opened fire with automatic weapons, said Javed Akhtar, executive director of the non-governmental organization Support With Working Solutions. The NGO conducts programs in the education and health sectors and runs a primary school and a medical clinic at the community center in Swabi, he said. Swabi police chief Abdur Rasheed said most of the women killed were between the ages of 20 and 22. He said the four gunmen who used two motorcycles fled the scene and have not been apprehended. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident. | Two health workers also murdered in the ambush on a van taking them home from work today . It came in same region of Pakistan where Malala Yousufzai, 15, was shot in the head just for going to school . | 587a0e41d180be10b1b8f5d60f49affe6de1f153 |
(CNN) -- Bayern Munich made short work of opponents Greuther Furth as the Bavarian giants made it a miserable Bundesliga debut for their less illustrious neighbors with a 3-0 win on Saturday. Elsewhere, Borussia Monchengladbach continued their good form from last season with a 2-1 win over Hoffenheim. Bayer Leverkusen struggled in their first game of the season, going down 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt despite taking the lead in the first half. Xerdan Shaqiri was handed his debut for Bayern, and tasked with replacing the ill Franck Ribery, with Brazilian defender Dante also making his first start in defence. It was one of Bayern's regulars who opened the scoring, however, with Thomas Muller lashing the ball into the net from close range after a header from debutant Dante. Bayern dominated throughout and doubled their lead in the 59th minute when Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic -- signed in the summer from Wolfsburg -- headed his first goal of the season past goalkeeper Max Grun. Dutch winger got his reward for a fine performance when he added a third in the 78th minute. Robben's cross took a wicked deflection off Furth's defender Nehrig and looped over the unfortunate Grun's head before settling in the back of the net. "We were very composed, smart and clever too," Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes told the club's website. "Naturally, it's normal that you need a little time to get going. We were playing a promoted team who were still euphoric after what they achieved, and that's never easy." "We're aiming very high this season, the team is fired up and extremely motivated, and we're getting through a lot of good work, so I'm not surprised by today's result." Mike Buskens, Furth coach, admitted that getting a result at Bayern is "hard" if they take the lead. "Once you fall behind to Bayern it's always hard. If you give them space just for an instant, they'll free up Robben with a first-time pass, and suddenly it's 2-0," he told the Bayern website. Monchengladbach recovered from their mid week defeat in the champions League qualifiers to claim an opening win over Hoffenheim. Gladbach enjoyed large spells of possession, but couldn't make the breakthrough. In the 33rd minute, Juan Arango delivered a dangerous free kick into the box that tall striker Mike Hanke was able to head into the net to open the scoring. The goal didn't ignite the game, with neither side creating any clear opportunities. However, in the 66 minute Gladbach goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen struggled to hold a shot from Eren Derdiyok and Roberto Frimino pounced to prod the ball home. The game looked to be heading for a draw when Arango stepped up to strike another free kick. This time the Venezuelan curled the ball into the top corner to give his team all three points. Bayer Leverkusen suffered a poor start to life under new full time manager Sami Hyypia. Things looked to be going well for the former Liverpool man, with Stefan Kiessling giving Leverkusen the lead on the half hour mark. Kiessling did well to pounce when Kevin Trapp spilled a shot from Carlos Zambrano. Frankfurt, returning to Germany's top league after a year in Bundesliga.2, rallied well and deserved their equalizer in the 57th minute. Stefan Aigner leveled the score when he shot home after good work from Bastian Oczipka. After the equalizer the game opened up as the two teams went for a winner. Leverkusen went close, and should have taken the lead when Gonzalo Castro fired wide. Frankfurt's Martin Lanig finally settled it in the 82nd minute when he perfectly connected with a cross from Stefano Celozzi to fire an unstoppable header into the Leverkusen net. Nuremberg got their season of to a good start in a poor game against Hamburg. Hanno Balitsch scored the only goal of the game in the 56th minute, poking home the rebound from Per Nilsson's header on to the bar. Hamburg had their chances. Marcel Jansen should have taken a point for the North Germans in the final minute, but his header somehow hit the bar when the back of the net seemed simpler. Fortuna Dusseldorf have signed 18 players over the summer, but only gave debuts to five of them in their starting eleven. The newly promoted side looked the more impressive of the two teams, and a brace from Dani Schahin -- who arrived from Furth this summer -- ensured they took their first points of the season. Both Frieburg and Mainz enjoyed wins in the DFB cup last weekend, but neither could take the three points as the Bundesliga got under way. The two sides were evenly matched, but it was Freiburg's new signing Max Kruse that made the breakthrough in the 48th minute. Mainz attacked from the restart, and eventually got the equalizer in the 65th minute when Nicolai Muller was fouled in the box. The lively Andreas Ivanschitz stepped up to convert the spot kick. | Bayern Munich enjoy opening day win in Bundesliga . Borussia Monchengladbach steal three points . Bayer Leverkusen fall to new boys Frankfurt . Hamburg lose to Nuremberg . | 9a7ac44e53825561d281803517541c3ebaa6c80f |
By . William Turvill . PUBLISHED: . 08:35 EST, 27 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 09:36 EST, 27 February 2014 . A paedophile posed as pop star Justin Bieber to groom girls as young as seven over the internet. Richard Barlow, 24, from Big Arowry, North Wales, enticed ‘naive’ youngsters by posing as the 19-year-old American megastar in online chat-rooms and music sites. A court heard Barlow, who has been jailed for three years, also pretended to be a teenage boy and even a young girl to meet children where he encouraged them to strip and perform sex acts over Skype. Richard Barlow (left), 24, posed as pop star Justin Bieber to groom girls as young as seven over the internet . He groomed children aged between seven and 11 for his own sexual gratification and even used headphones and cameras to record them. Barlow blackmailed some victims by threatening to upload films he had already made of them for family and friends to see if they did not do as he said. When police raided his home and seized his computer they found a shocking video of him enticing a seven-year-old girl to perform a sex act on herself via a webcam. He was arrested and charged with inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, three charges of engaging in sexual activity with a child over the Internet and 12 charges of making indecent images. On Wednesday at Mold Crown Court he pleaded guilty to all charges and was jailed for three years. Barlow was also ordered to sign on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Sentencing Judge Peter Heywood said: ‘It is clear that for a significant period of time you have had an unhealthy interest in this sort of activity. ‘You engaged in conversation with young girls to encourage them to engage in sexual activity with them. ‘Heaven knows how they will be affected in their future lives. They may seem to be only images but they are young children being exploited by others. ‘Huge sums of money are made by people who have a prurient interest in this sort of material. ‘I would be failing in my public duty if I did anything other than pass an immediate custodial sentence.’ On Wednesday at Mold Crown Court Barlow pleaded guilty to all charges and was jailed for three years . Prosecutor Jonathan Austin told the court police seized computer equipment when they executed a search warrant at the address in September 2012. He said Barlow, who lived with his parents, also had a fetish for feet and persuaded other girls to show their feet via his webcam. Officers found a total of 2,200 indecent images and 116 films of children had also been downloaded off the internet. Defending, Owen Edwards said his client had pretended to be Justin Bieber, and others younger than himself, to entice naive young girls. He said: ‘This behaviour is shocking. ‘He has to face up to what he has done and to face up to the sentence. He knows he is going to prison. ‘This is yet another of these sad examples of the internet opening up activities which would never have been indulged in had it not been there..’ After the case DC Rachel Garbutt, from North Wales Police, said: ‘The sentence sends out a strong message to the community that these types of offences will not be tolerated. ‘These offences are never victimless and people who commit them will be dealt with accordingly by the police and the courts.’ | Richard Barlow, 24, from Big Arowry, North Wales, enticed 'naive' youngsters by posing as the star in online chat-rooms and music sites . Barlow has been jailed for three years after a court heard how he also pretended to be a teenage boy and even a young girl to meet children . Court heard he encouraged them to strip and perform sex acts over Skype . | 5bd6bfbfacd2cd94c88b3cae2bfd3f6a4642486a |
There's something quite remarkable happening down at Swindon this season. It's newsworthy enough that a team on a shoestring budget with a little-known manager and no household names are second in the League One table. But a look at the ages of Mark Cooper's players reveals the magnitude of their achievement so far. Saturday's 2-1 win at pre-season promotion favourites Leyton Orient saw Cooper name a side with an average age of just 21.9. Wing back Nathan Byrne (centre) is mobbed by his team-mates after scoring at Leyton Orient on Saturday . To put that in context: the youngest player in Manchester City's matchday squad against Aston Villa on Saturday was Eliaquim Mangala at 23. At 28, common wisdom has it that Andy Williams is in the prime of his career, yet the Swindon striker must feel like a veteran among Cooper's kids. His next-youngest team-mate is Jonathan Obika, 24. In fact, of the 24 players Cooper has used in all competitions this season, only three are above the age of 23. Cooper is best remembered for his ill-fated spell at Peterborough in the 2009-10 season. He won just one of 13 games in the Championship and was soon back in non-league, where he had made his name with Kettering, and seemingly on the managerial scrapheap. Fate gave the 45-year-old an unlikely second bite at the cherry in Football League management, albeit in a caretaker role, when Kevin McDonald resigned as Swindon manager in July 2013. Ex-Peterborough manager Mark Cooper has rebuilt his reputation at Swindon in the last 14 months . Nathan Thompson, defender, 23 . Versatile club captain already pushing 100 first-team appearances. Wes Foderingham, goalkeeper, 23 . Infamously subbed by Paolo di Canio after 21 minutes of a league game. Massimo Luongo, midfielder, 23 . Failed to make the grade at Tottenham. was in Australia's World Cup squad. Louis Thompson, midfielder, 19 . Younger brother of Nathan. Bought by Norwich in the summer and loaned back. Michael Smith, striker, 22 . Six goals in all competitions this season. Imposing figure at 6ft 4in. An impressive start to last season convinced the Swindon board to make Cooper's step up from assistant to manager permanent and their faith was justified with an eighth-placed finish last season. For a club walking a financial tightrope after 18 months of over-spending under Paolo di Canio that was quite an achievement, especially given the mass exodus of players that Cooper oversaw. But, although it may not have seemed that way when Cooper was given the job 14 months ago, there was a plan in place to secure Swindon's future by putting faith in a strong crop of academy players and loaning youngsters from Premier League clubs. They couldn't have imagined it would go this well though. Cooper has Swindon playing a possession-based game using the same 3-5-2 system we saw so often at the World Cup. Against Orient, they had 62 per cent of the ball. It's a joy to watch, or as Cooper said himself on Saturday: 'Some of the football was amazing. They're young players and they're getting better and better.' Captain Nathan Thompson looks to diffuse the situation as tempers flare at Brisbane Road . If last season exceeded expectations, then this campaign could well go down in footballing folklore if Swindon can maintain their form and win promotion. To repeat: the average age of Cooper's starting line-up is under 22. There are no veterans hiding away on the bench or in the reserves either. The average age of Cooper's 24-man squad? 21.1. There is much debate to be had over whether there are 'right' or 'wrong' ways to do things in football, but however you like your bread buttered, you can't help but admire what's going on at Swindon. Good week for... CARLISLE. The Cumbrians are off the foot of the League Two table after a 3-0 win at Hartlepool saw Keith Curle's side leapfrog their opponents. The relegation hangover may finally have gone after two wins on the spin. Bad week for... BOLTON. It seems the majority of Wanderers fans were glad to see the back of Dougie Freedman when he left the club last week. But Saturday's 2-1 defeat at home to Bournemouth shows there's no quick fix to Bolton's problems. Talent scout: Eoin Doyle (Chesterfield) Doyle's incredible goalscoring run continued on Saturday as he scored his 13th goal in 11 games as Chesterfield ran out 3-2 winners over Sheffield United in League One. The 26-year-old Irishman, signed from Hibernian in May 2013, has scored more than anyone else in the country this season. Eoin Doyle (centre) celebrates afters coring his 13th goal of the season against Sheffield United on Saturday . | Swindon Town second in League One table after 2-1 win at Leyton Orient . Mark Cooper's side can move to within one point of Bristol City at the top of the table if they win their game in hand . Average age of starting line-up vs Leyton Orient was just 21.9 . Just three players in Cooper's squad over the age of 23 . Good week for Carlisle as they move of the foot of League Two table . Bad week for Bolton who continue to struggle after Dougie Freedman left . Eoin Doyle top scorer in England after netting 13th Chesterfield goal . | 94eed289f1e87c868bcb967e380ca2dbaa3fde09 |
By . James Daniel . PUBLISHED: . 11:25 EST, 30 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:53 EST, 30 June 2013 . You may not be able to sneak a bottle of wine into your local theater, but at least now there is the possibility to feel as though you've had a sip, thanks to this latest foodie first. Popcorn fused with wine is the latest hybrid invention between NYC-based Populence and New Zealand wine maker Kim Crawford. The boozy snack comes in two flavors: Pinot Noir Drizzle and Sauvignon Blanc Kettle. Snack attack: New York City-based Populence has joined forces with New Zealand winemaker Kim Crawford to create its Pinot Noir Chocolate Drizzle and Sauvignon Blanc Kettle . Pricey popcorn: A one -gallon tin of the stuff costs $35 - and it won't get you drunk either . Wine Popcorn: There must almost be enough in that bowl to get drunk! The idea is to physically pair up the . wine-drizzled popcorn with a bottle of the real thing, however you won't get . drunk from munching away on the corn kernels however. The . non-alcoholic snacks were inspired by the fact that Populence founder . Maggie Paulus noticed that her wares were especially popular for wine . pairing parties. 'The idea of actually incorporating a high-end wine such as Kim Crawford into a unique new recipe is exciting,' she said. The two new flavors are made in-house at Populence's New York's West Village store. Homemade: The pinot noir flavor (left) sees the red wine reduction mixed with tempered chocolate. The sauvignon blanc flavor requires the wine and lemon rind to be added to the uncooked kernels with sugar . Addictive: Would you have to sign up to WW or AA if you became hooked on wine flavoured popcorn? An unlikely pairing: Popcorn fused with wine... or is that just the leftovers from last nights party? The sweet popcorn's final flavor is bright and zesty and pairs beautifully with the wine, just as it is meant to be enjoyed. Marketing spokesman Nila Vermiglio said that the company had done a 'fantastic job of capturing the wines' notes'. 'The . lemony Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc Lemon is bright and zesty, bursting . with flavour and pairing beautifully with the wine, while the indulgent . Kim Crawford Pinot Noir Chocolate Drizzle uses the classic pairing of . wine with chocolate to harness the wine's flavours into an indulgent . treat.' But the boozy blend . doesn't come cheap. With a one gallon tin for $35, you may be better off . just dipping your popcorn in your wine glass! | NYC food-maker saw people munching on popcorn and sipping wine at parties . Decided to merge to two to create a new snack flavour . | ba302f293b574fb4a5169ddf2b100b1edb3a82fd |
The parents of the model shot dead by Oscar Pistorius say they do 'not feel that justice has been done' but insisted they 'have to accept' the sentence imposed by the judge. Pistorius, 27, known as the Blade Runner, was yesterday jailed for five years for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp, 29, but could be out of prison in just 10 months. The sentence has been criticised by some as too lenient and sparked calls for it to be increased. Scroll down for video . 'Disappointed': Reeva Steenkamp's parents, June and Barry, do not believe justice has been served after Oscar Pistorius was handed a five-year jail term for killing their daughter - meaning he could be out in just 10 months . Miss Steenkamp's parents told ITV's Good Morning Britain they accepted the sentence and 'don't want revenge' or for the double-amputee to 'suffer with his disabilities' while prison. But they said their daughter's death in the early hours of Valentine's Day last year remained shrouded in mystery, adding that 'only Oscar knows' the truth. Miss Steenkamp's mother June told the programme: 'I think the law must take its course, we have to accept what has happened. 'If there is an appeal, well, there is an appeal. There is nothing we can change about that. But it will be difficult to go on even further, again. 'We may not feel that justice has been done, but we have just got to accept what the judge decided. Killer: Pistorius, 27, known as the Blade Runner, sits in the dock after he handed a five-year prison term at Pretoria High Court for shooting Miss Steenkamp dead on Valentine's Day last year . Disgraced: The Paralympian is led down to the cells before being driven off to prison. The sentence has been criticised by some as too lenient and sparked calls for it to be increased . 'That's the law, although it could have been completely different if her decision was different. 'Not everyone is entirely happy. But ... the facts that she had before her maybe weren't enough. But we have to live.' Mrs Steenkamp said the family had been 'disappointed in her (the judge's) judgment', but felt the judge was left with few options because 'she only had certain facts before her'. Mrs Steenkamp said the family are 'very settled with the sentence'. She added: 'He has got to pay for what he has done and it is not that we want vengeance or anything, or for him to suffer with his disabilities. Life cut short: Reeva Steenkamp in her university days (left) and posing on set during the shooting of the reality show Tropika Island of Treasure which premiered on state television two days after her death (right) 'But at the same time, we feel satisfied that he will realise that you can't go around doing things like that. 'We don't want revenge, we want a fair punishment under the circumstances of his disability. 'We wouldn't have wanted him to go to jail and be abused and I feel that it is fair. 'He will realise that he can't go around doing that. He can't kill somebody like that.' Her husband Barry said: 'We have gone along with the judge and her decision. 'Only Oscar knows whether that sentence is acceptable to him. I've got my feelings to the whole thing. 'But we do accept what the judge handed down.' | Barry and June Steenkamp insist 'they have to accept' five-year sentence . They do not want revenge - but say athlete 'has to pay for what he's done' Term branded too lenient by some because he could be out in 10 months . Believe judge had little option because 'she only had certain facts before her' | e60fc573ddd57077375bc7b6df705b6eaf816a54 |
By . John Greechan for MailOnline . Rangers are once again flirting with financial meltdown – after the board admitted that they’ll be unable to meet the demands of creditors unless a new £4million share issue succeeds. Despite repeated official denials of any imminent threat of a second administration, the club lodged an open offer with the Stock Exchange on Thursday, inviting existing shareholders to buy new shares at 20 pence each. And the club warned that, unless they raise at least £3million, the offer will not proceed – adding: ‘Should this occur, the Company will be unable to pay its creditors as they fall due and the future of the Company will be uncertain; The Directors will immediately have to seek emergency financing which may or may not be available.’ Disarray: Rangers face an uncertain future if they cannot raise at least £3million . Aiming for promotion: Rangers have claimed six points from their opening three games . That statement comes despite the board insisting that they have over £4million in the bank – and alongside promises to invest heavily in the club’s bid to return to a position of dominance in the Scottish game. In a sign of how deep the crisis runs, the official statement to shareholders, outlining grand plans to raise up to £30million in the next three years, revealed that the club needed this fundraising exercise to help repay the £1.5million emergency loan taken out earlier this year. The statement read: ‘On 23 February 2014, the Company announced that it had entered into two secured short term credit facilities for an aggregate amount of up to £1.5million. 'These credit facilities are due for repayment on 1 September 2014 and the Board is in discussions with the providers in relation to their repayment, part of which will come from the proceeds of the Open Offer. ‘The Board has developed and approved a strategic plan as part of the Business Review to re-build and re-establish the Club, to return it to the top of the domestic game within three seasons, and to thereafter be competitive in UEFA competition. This will require continued investment in the playing squad over the next three years and beyond to drive on-field success. ‘In order to achieve this, the Company will need to raise capital over the next three years. It expects to raise between £20 million and £30 million. The Open Offer is an important planned part of this fund raising strategy and will provide the Club with working capital and part of the repayment to George Letham and Alexander Easdale of the £1.5million drawn down from the credit facilities provided by them to the Company.’ Worrying times: Rangers manager Ally McCoist be keeping a close eye on his side's financial worries . In a sign of how deep the crisis runs, the official statement to shareholders, outlining grand plans to raise up to £30million in the next three years, revealed that the club needed this fundraising exercise to help repay the £1.5million emergency loan taken out earlier this year. The statement read: ‘On 23 February 2014, the Company announced that it had entered into two secured short term credit facilities for an aggregate amount of up to £1.5million. These credit facilities are due for repayment on 1 September 2014 and the Board is in discussions with the providers in relation to their repayment, part of which will come from the proceeds of the Open Offer. ‘The Board has developed and approved a strategic plan as part of the Business Review to re-build and re-establish the Club, to return it to the top of the domestic game within three seasons, and to thereafter be competitive in UEFA competition. This will require continued investment in the playing squad over the next three years and beyond to drive on-field success. ‘In order to achieve this, the Company will need to raise capital over the next three years. It expects to raise between £20million and £30million. 'The Open Offer is an important planned part of this fund raising strategy and will provide the Club with working capital and part of the repayment to George Letham and Alexander Easdale of the £1.5million drawn down from the credit facilities provided by them to the Company.’ | Scottish giants Rangers have launched a new share scheme to pay off debt . Rangers officials have denied they are close to going into administration . The club insist they have over £4million in the bank . | b0a0c8577c8eca280b995cc20d3b50667597781d |
Liverpool and Arsenal played 99 minutes of football at Anfield but Fabio Borini lasted just 18 before being sent off. Brendan Rodgers' side took the lead in the first half through Philippe Coutinho but Mathieu Debuchy equalised less than two minutes later. The Gunners went ahead courtesy of Olivier Giroud but Martin Skrtel levelled the scores in the 97th minute of play. Michael Oliver sends of Liverpool forward Fabio Borini was sent off just 18 minutes after coming on as a sub . The former Roma man was shown a booking in the 90th minute and then again in the 92nd minute . The Italian received his first booking after throwing the ball away after a decision went against him . Borini was brought on for Lazar Markovic when the Reds were behind but the Italian forward lasted just 18 minutes before being sent back to the dressing room. First Michael Oliver booked the former Roma man in the 90th minute after he threw the ball away in anger at one of the linesman's decisions. And in the 92nd minute he was shown a second yellow card for a high challenge on Santi Cazorla. The Spaniard, who was involved in both incidents, was left with a tear in his shirt that exposed both his nipple and the bloody evidence of Borini's raking studs. And Borini was shown his second booking two minutes later after this challenge on Santi Cazorla . Borini looks away as he realises his actions may have cost Liverpool in their vital game . The Spaniard's top was torn by Borini's challenge, exposing the stud marks... and his nipple . Cazorla lifts up his shirt to show the damage done by Borini's reckless challenge . | Liverpool and Arsenal drew 2-2 at Anfield in their Premier League clash . Mathieu Debuchy and Olivier Giroud scored for the Gunners . Philippe Coutinho and Martin Skrtel scored for the hosts . Substitute Fabio Borini was sent off just after just 18 minutes of play . Michael Oliver showed Borini two bookings in as many minutes . | 3dad918a8acb83999f16db01f003cbd092e5a5db |
By . Mark Prigg . Facebook has bought a fitness tracking app that can tell users exactly where they walked, and how many calories they burnt. Facebook announced the deal today, but did not reveal how much it paid for ProtoGeo Oy, the 2-year-old Helsinki company that makes the Moves app. It is the latest in a spree of acquisitions for Facebook which have included WhatsApp and virtual reality headset maker Oculus. The Moves app allows users to track how far they walk each day, and exactly how many calories they burn - as well as showing them exactly where they went. The app uses a smartphone's built-in sensors to track a person's physical activity, recognizing movements such as walking, cycling and running. The free Moves app has been downloaded more than 4 million times for iPhone and Android phones, according to ProtoGeo. The app can use GPS, or the motion sensor built into Apple's latest iPhone 5S handset. The move gives the social networking company an entry into the nascent market for fitness and health monitoring technology. Facebook did not disclose the price it paid for ProtoGeo Oy, the 2-year-old Helsinki company that makes the Moves app. A Facebook spokesman said the price for ProtoGeo, which has fewer than 10 employees, was not anywhere near what the company had paid for other higher-profile acquisitions recently. Facebook has begun 2014 by going on a shopping spree, paying $19 billion for mobile messaging service WhatsApp in February and $2.3 billion for virtual reality headset maker Oculus VR a couple of weeks later. The app maker took to its blog to announce the deal, and assured custiomers their data would not be gioven to Facebook. 'For those of you that use the Moves app – the Moves experience will continue to operate as a standalone app, and there are no plans to change that or commingle data with Facebook,' it said. Fitness tracking is attracting the attention of large and small technology companies, with companies such as Fitbit and Jawbone selling electronic bracelets that measure the wearer's activities. In March, Google Inc announced a special version of its Android operating system aimed at smartwatches and other types of wearable computers. The Android Wear project will enable devices that can be outfitted with a variety of sensors to track a user's heart rate or measure the distance jogged, Google said. With the Moves app, Facebook can enter the market without developing its own wearable computing hardware. The app can track walking, running and cycling . The app uses a smartphone's built-in sensors to track a person's physical activity, recognizing movements such as walking, cycling and running. Facebook said Moves, which would continue to operate as a separate app, fit into its recent strategy of offering a variety of standalone mobile apps, such as Instagram for photo-sharing, Facebook Messenger for messaging and WhatsApp. Sampo Karjalainen, whose official title is 'designer CEO' of ProtoGeo, began working at Facebook's Menlo Park headquarters last week, the Facebook spokesman said. The free Moves app has been downloaded more than 4 million times for iPhone and Android phones, according to ProtoGeo. | App has been downloaded over 4 million times . Uses a smartphone's built-in sensors to track a person's physical activity and tell them how many calories they are burning . Facebook pledges fitness data will be kept seperate . | 59283c44a148357f73cb37069dbfc54ef5a3bf3e |
By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 04:42 EST, 12 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:06 EST, 12 October 2012 . A masked thug has taken to YouTube to threaten boxing champion Amir Khan and crow about allegedly 'knocking him out' when he reportedly attacked the boxer and his brother. Police are investigating the video which followed reports Khan, 25, and younger brother Haroon, 20, had beaten off six would-be car-jackers in Digbeth, Birmingham, in the early hours of Monday morning. The pair were allegedly targeted by a gang of six, and the former world light-welterweight champion reportedly knocked one of them out with a flurry of blows, before he and his brother drove away. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . The masked thug threatened boxer Amir Khan and held up a wallet, which he claimed was the former world champion's . The thug dangled some Porsche car keys that he claimed were Khan's - but then goes on to say that the champion drove away from the scene . Boxer Amir Khan has refused to comment on the claims . In a video posted on social networking sites yesterday a masked man gave his own foul-mouthed version of events and shrieked a series of threats to the Bolton-based champ. He screams into the camera: 'I'll rip your f****** head off. You know the truth, we know the truth. You got knocked the f*** out. 'Next time you can bring an army. Who gives a f*** if you're Amir Khan. You're not a hero here, you're a zero.' The video, which looks like it was filmed in someone's living room, came after the reported punch-up in Adelaide Street, Digbeth, when the boxing brothers were said to have been targeted by robbers, who were trying to steal Amir's £100,000 Range Rover. In the two-part video, the masked man holds aloft belongings including a bag, wallet and car keys, which he claims belong to the former world titleholder. The footage has led to a West Midlands Police's now investigating the incident, after they originally said they had been called to reports of a disorder but had not found any sign of an assault. A spokesman said: 'We originally said we are not investigating the alleged incident, but have now revised our position.' Officers are trying to untangle the details of what exactly happened. Amir Khan's representative refused to comment on the allegations. On . the day of the alleged fight Amir Khan tweeted a comment which seemed . to dismiss the story that he was attacked that said 'silly rumours pple make up.' He laughed off reports about the attack in a press conference about his future fights the day after the alleged attack, by showing his undamaged hands and face. The thug, who filmed it in what appears to be a living room, told the boxer that he would 'smash him up' if he came back to Birmingham . The thug points to a video of the boxer being beaten in a match and accuses him of having 'wobbling legs' Amir Khan was born in Bolton, Lancashire in 1986. He began to box competitively at just 11-years-old. The 2004 Silver medal Olympic podium Amir Khan has become Britain's highest-profile boxer . He became the World Light Welterweight Champion in July 2009 after beating Andreas Kotelnik. In 2007 Khan was convicted of careless driving and given a six-month driving ban and a £1000 fine. He was punished for hitting and breaking the leg of Geoffrey Hatton in 3006. Mr Hatton was using a pelican crossing in Bolton while Khan was travelling at 47 mph in a 30 mph zone and overtaking in the wrong lane. Another version of events that night, which reported that the gang were defeated by the Khan brothers, clearly rankled the man on the video, who wore a balaclava to conceal his face while he shrieked into the camera. He screeched: 'Ask him to explain this: Why have I got his f***ing Porsche keys, you waste, why have I got this Louis Vitton f***ing wallet - it's yours, you waste, and it's got your €500 in it.' At one point, the man points to video footage of Khan's being hit by Breidis Prescott in 2008 and taunts: 'Look at those legs wobble. Does this man look like he can knock out six men? He looks like a samba dance. Your chin looks big on TV. 'You're not welcome in Birmingham, every time you come we're going to smash you up.' In an official statement last night, a West Midlands Police spokesman said: 'Police are investigating reports of an alleged criminal incident on Adelaide Street, Birmingham at around 1.23am on Monday, October 8.' Detective Inspector Dawn Miskella said: 'Police are investigating reports of an alleged criminal incident on Adelaide Street, Birmingham at around 1:23am on Monday 8 October.' Amir Khan allegedly faced a group of attackers who pounced on him as he walked to his car . | Amir Khan and his brother Haroon allegedly targeted by gang of six who tried to steal their car . Boxing pair allegedly fought them off in Birmingham street and drove away . Hooded thug took to YouTube to give his version of events . Police are investigating but Amir Khan's representative refuses to comment . | 35efa88e61a9cfd3c39bc6b83aaf33763a3c5392 |
By . Wills Robinson . Terrified tourists watched helplessly as a pride of deadly lions pounced on a buffalo. But during the vicious attack, the animal miraculously managed to escape. Eleven lions targeted and attacked the buffalo in Tanzania, while 12 safari vehicles full of astonished passengers surrounded them. Despite a relentless attempt by the predators to wrestle it to the ground, the buffalo was somehow able to break free from their grasps. Photographer Scott MacLeod first spotted the pride while they used the shade of the 4x4s as protection from the heat. However, the group were soon on the move when they caught sight of the herd. Describing the start of the attack, Mr MacLeod said: 'The lions roused themselves and moved on towards a herd of buffalo in the distance. Two of the strongest females padded stealthily towards their prey as a third lion circled around behind. 'The other lions waited, and watched. After a 20-minute standoff, the largest buffalo made a run for it and was soon caught'. Following the pride: Lions in Tanzania spot a herd of buffalo in the distance and start walking in their direction. A safari vehicle is stationary as the predators walk past . Close encounter: Photographer Scott MacLeod captured the pack as they used the shade of the 4x4s during the hottest part of the day . In their sights: Two female lions stealthily walk in the long grass towards the herd of buffalo. A third circles closely behind them . Surrounded: The group of animals start chasing the buffalo as it begins its desperate struggle to get away . Attack: The lions begin to maul the helpless animal while it continues its attempt to break free from their grasp . Relentless: One of the lions uses its mouth to grab hold of the helpless animal's tail as they try and wrestle it to the ground . Grapple: One of the females takes the lead in the effort to bring the animal down, digging its claws into the buffalo's skin . Crowd: Two safari vehicles approach the scene of the attack as the buffalo tries to find an escape route. Two lions sit in the grass ready to pounce . Gathering: More vehicles start to approach the fight as it moves onto a dirt road. Another lion joins in and tries to grab the buffalo's hind legs . Onlookers: A dozen vehicles end up encircling the vicious scrap. The buffalo is still surrounded by seven lions with three holding on to its legs and back . Dying down: The vehicles create an arena as the fight continues. But the buffalo appears to be struggling less as some of the lions wait in the grass . Safe: The attack appears to be over as the lion, standing on its own, looks away from the buffalo. Astonished tourists continue to take pictures of the scene . | Eleven lions and a dozen safari vehicles filled with tourists surrounded the buffalo in Tanzania . Photographer Scott MacLeod first captured the pride as they used the shade provided by their vehicles . Attack lasts for 20 minutes with the lions trying to wrestle the buffalo to the floor, but it manages to escape . | 44bd56234700cb8ee1d17fca669da78fa7541b27 |
A Nepalese farmer who was bitten by a venomous snake took revenge by sinking his teeth into the reptile and killing it. Mohamed Salmo Miya was farming near his village southeast of Kathmandu when he encountered the deadly common cobra, said district police chief Uma Prasad Chatrubedi. 'A farmer in Bardanga village has killed a white cobra with his teeth out of anger,' he said. Cobra: There are 20,000 cases of snake bites in Nepal a year, causing around 1,000 deaths (file photo) 'The snake bit him while he was working in his paddy field on Tuesday evening and the man chased it and killed it.' Miya was treated at a local clinic and is recovering at home. 'I was very angry after the snake bit into me. Then I followed the snake, grabbed it and bit it to death," the 55-year-old told the Nepali-language Annapurna Post. 'I could have killed it with a stick but I was mad with anger and wanted to take revenge. I killed it with my teeth.' Mohamed Salmo Miya was farming near his village south-east of Kathmandu when he encountered the deadly common cobra . Nepal has a wide variety of poisonous and non-venomous snakes, which are particularly active during the summer monsoon, including the Indian rock python, which can grow up to 33 feet long, and the deadly king cobra. Conservative estimates suggest that there are 20,000 cases of snake bites in Nepal a year, almost all in the Terai southern plains, causing around 1,000 deaths. The six-and-a-half-foot common cobra, which accounts for the majority of bites, is worshipped by Hindus in some parts of Nepal. | Enraged snakebite victim grabs cobra and kills it with his teeth . Farmer survives to tell of extraordinary encounter in Kathmandu, Nepal . Admits he was 'mad with anger' when he bit into reptile . | fd37841250c59d314c7d1282b88d795e59c1f030 |
(CNN) -- Joseph Wood snorted and struggled to breathe during his nearly two-hour lethal injection Wednesday, his attorney said. "It took Joseph Wood two hours to die, and he gasped and struggled to breathe for about an hour and 40 minutes. We will renew our efforts to get information about the manufacturer of drugs as well as how Arizona came up with the experimental formula of drugs it used today," attorney Dale Baich said in a statement. He added: "Arizona appears to have joined several other states who have been responsible for an entirely preventable horror -- a bungled execution." Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer had directed the Department of Corrections to review the process, saying she is concerned by the length of time it took to carry out the lethal injection. A federal judge ordered local officials to preserve all physical evidence in Wood's execution. "One thing is certain, however, inmate Wood died in a lawful manner and by eyewitness and medical accounts he did not suffer. This is in stark comparison to the gruesome, vicious suffering that he inflicted on his two victims -- and the lifetime of suffering he has caused their family," Brewer said. Arizona's corrections department said in a statement that it followed protocol in Wood's execution, re-affirming his "deep sedation" seven times before he was pronounced dead. Aside from snoring, he did not make grimaces or otherwise move, the corrections department said. Wood was convicted of murder and assault in the 1989 deaths of his estranged girlfriend and her father. "I don't believe he was gasping for air; I don't believe he was suffering. It sounded to me like was snoring," said Jeanne Brown, a relative of Wood's victims. "You don't know what excruciating is. What's excruciating is seeing your dad laying there in a pool of blood, seeing you sister laying there in a pool of blood. This man deserved it. And I shouldn't really call him a man," she said. The execution procedure began at 1:52 p.m. (4:52 p.m. ET) and concluded, with Wood's being pronounced dead, at 3:49 p.m. (6:49 p.m. ET). Troy Hayden, a media witness from KSAZ, told reporters the execution was difficult to watch. He likened Wood's breathing to a "fish gulping for air." "It was tough for everybody in that room," he said. Michael Kiefer, a reporter for The Arizona Republic, has witnessed five executions, including Wood's. "Usually it takes about 10 minutes, the person goes to sleep. This was not that," he told reporters afterward. "It started off looking as if it was going alright but then obviously something didn't go right. It took two hours." Kiefer described the sound Wood made as a "deep, snoring, sucking air sound." Wood's attorneys had filed an emergency motion for a stay after his execution began, saying then that Wood had been "gasping and snorting for more than an hour." The motion read: "He is still alive. This execution has violated Mr. Wood's Eighth Amendment right to be executed in the absence of cruel and unusual punishment. We respectfully request that this Court stop the execution and require that the Department of Corrections use the lifesaving provisions required in its protocol." Inmate objected to drugs . Earlier, the Arizona Supreme Court lifted its brief stay of the murderer's execution. Wood was first set to be executed at 10 a.m. local time (1 p.m. ET), though it was temporarily halted when the court said it would consider his request for the justices to review his claims. The court lifted the stay shortly after that, saying without explanation that it considered the request but decided not to review Wood's case. Wood was the latest American death row inmate to argue that an anesthetic recently introduced in some states' execution protocols could fail to sufficiently knock out the inmate ahead of the lethal drugs, subjecting the person to an agonizing death. Opinion: 5 ways to improve the U.S. death penalty . Wood claimed among other things that the state was going to use an "experimental" drug protocol of midazolam and hydromorphone. In documents filed with the state Supreme Court, he contended the use of the anesthetic midazolam was problematic in recent U.S. executions and that it would violate the Constitution's guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment. Wood was "very concerned they were experimenting," said attorney Baich, who witnessed the execution. "The room was silent. I was focusing on Mr. Wood. There were seven announcements during the process that Mr. Wood was still sedated. This is -- to confirm that he was still sedated. "He was still breathing and struggling to breathe and gasping and snorting. I have witnessed 10 executions, and I had never seen that before," Baich told CNN. Opinion: I was 17, on death row -- and innocent . Controversial Oklahoma execution . Drugs weren't Wood's only contention. He also argued the execution should be stopped because his trial attorney was ineffective and that new evaluations from psychologists show he has cognitive impairments that would make him innocent of premeditated murder. Some states turned to midazolam this decade after they could no longer get sodium thiopental, a drug that was regularly used for executions. A U.S. manufacturer stopped producing sodium thiopental in 2009, and countries that still produce it won't allow its export to the United States for use in lethal injections. Earlier this year, Oklahoma put executions on hold after the controversial execution of Clayton Lockett. Midazolam was part of the injection combination, and it took 43 minutes for him to die, Oklahoma officials said. While state officials said Lockett was unconscious the entire time, a media witness for CNN affiliate KFOR said he uttered the words, "Man," "I'm not," and "something's wrong," before blinds to the execution chamber were closed. His lawyer, Dean Sanderford, said the inmate's body twitched and convulsed before he died. Oklahoma's Department of Public Safety, acting on orders from Gov. Mary Fallin to get to the bottom of what happened, is investigating whether prison officials followed protocols. The review is also supposed to include recommendations about how to prevent something similar from happening again. "It's time for Arizona and the other states still using lethal injection to admit that this experiment with unreliable drugs is a failure," the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement. "Instead of hiding lethal injection under layers of foolish secrecy, these states need to show us where the drugs are come from. Until they can give assurances that the drugs will work as intended, they must stop future executions," it read. Mississippi mom swaps death row for jail cell to await trial . Death penalty facts that may surprise you . California's death penalty ruled unconstitutional . CNN's Mayra Cuevas, Dave Alsup, Ross Levitt and Michael Pearson contributed to this report. | NEW: The American Civil Liberties Union calls for greater transparency . NEW: A judge orders officials to preserve all physical evidence in Joseph Wood's execution . A media witness likens Wood's breathing to a "fish gulping for air" Wood had argued combination for lethal injection was cruel and unusual punishment . | 8e19ea348a4c804bed1a1d41101f416493fa4a5c |
A full floor rental of New York's elite Pierre Hotel home to celebrities like fashion magnate Tory Burch and Alex Mellon, the ex of Jimmy Choo CEO Tamara Mellon, has been leased to an 'international tenant' for $500,000. The listing has set the record for most expensive rental in New York. The same international tenant, whose identity has not been disclosed, also rented a $150,000 a month suite for guests. Welcome home: For the month of December a mysterious international renter will be living in the laps of luxury in New York's lavish Pierre Hotel on the Upper East Side . Record breaking: A full floor rental of New York's elite Pierre Hotel has been leased to an 'international tenant' for $500,000 for the entire month of December . Spacious: The luxurious space is on the 39th floor of the hotel and is 4,786 square feet and has six and a half bathrooms along with six bedrooms . Posh hotel:The Pierre Hotel is home to celebrities like fashion magnate Tory Burch and Alex Mellon, the ex of Jimmy Choo CEO Tamara Mellon . 'The never before offered full 39th floor is the most expensive rental property in Manhattan - and arguably the world,' says a press release from TOWN Fifth Avenue who rented the property. The Wall Street Journal spoke with listing agents Therese Bateman and Andres Perea-Garzon of TOWN Fifth Avenue who said that the space which went on the market at the end of October was leased for full asking price and that the less expensive space was rented at close to the asking price. Luxury: The rental has six bedrooms including a spacious Presidential Suite fit for a king . Ms. Bateman said that the distinguished renter will have the space through the end of December. The luxurious space is on the 39th floor of the hotel and is 4,786 square feet. The ample suite has six bedrooms and six and 1/2 bathrooms including a Presidential Suite. The high life: The 39th floor rental breaks the record for most expensive rental in New York City . View from the top: The jetsetter’s paradise overlooks the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and the George Washington Bridge . Dining in style: The space has it's own dining room and exclusive butler service should the renter need anything at any time of day or night . The jetsetter’s paradise overlooks the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir and the George Washington Bridge. The guest unit rented is the Getty Suite which is a 1,015-square-foot apartment on the 10th floor that has a 920-square-foot terrace 'for an extended family-entourage situation,' said Ms. Bateman. The guest will be spared no amenities and will have access to a chauffeur-driven Jaguar, a concierge service, and language specific butler. 'We’re delighted that our launching of this luxury portfolio has generated such an immediate response,' Bateman said in the press release. Perea-Garzon agreed, saying 'We have received strong interest from both the international and the domestic markets.' The MailOnline spoke with a resident at The Pierre who said that the more expensive rental belonged to a couple but that the husband of the woman who lived there passed away recently. The previous tenant, whose name has not been revealed, is said to have moved to a smaller luxurious unit on the 24th floor. The properties are part of The Pierre Hotel Residences portfolio of ten Grand Suites that were launched by TOWN Fifth Avenue on October 30, 2014 and range in price from $75,000 to $500,000 per month. Which view is better?: The view of Manhattan from The Pierre is a special treat but a view of the apartment's interior is equally awe inspiring . Two outdoor spaces: Each of the renter's spaces has an outdoor area for 'for an extended family-entourage situation,' said Ms. Bateman of TOWN . | A full floor rental of New York's elite Pierre Hotel has been leased to an 'international tenant' for $500,000 . The listing has set the record for most expensive rental in New York . The same international tenant, whose identity has not been disclosed, also rented a $150,000 a month suite for guests . The space boasts six bedrooms and 6 and a half bathrooms . | ba3aad2c3392dc96e7ec638cee076ba0aea3e17b |
(CNN)Former rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight was charged Monday with murder and other counts in a hit-and-run in Compton, California, last week, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. He is being held without bail and is expected to be arraigned on Tuesday. Knight, 49, faces up to life in prison if convicted in the fatal hit-and-run. He is accused of running over two men and killing one following an argument. The man who died has been identified as Terry Carter, 55. The second man's name is Cle Sloan, 51. Knight, who was out on bail in a separate robbery case, is charged with with one count of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of hit-and-run with an allegation that he committed a serious and violent felony while out on bail, the district attorney's office said in a statement. He has prior convictions, "making this a third strike case," it said. Knight turned himself in to Los Angeles Sheriff's Department investigators early Friday. CNN affiliate KCAL-TV and the Los Angeles Times quoted his attorney, James Blatt, as saying Knight feared for his life and was trying to flee when the incident happened. "We feel strongly Mr. Knight did not do anything wrong in this matter. He was attacked by a number of individuals; that has already been corroborated by certain witnesses. He left the scene because he was in fear for his safety and life," he said. Knight founded the wildly successful Death Row Records in 1991, signing artists such as Snoop Doggy Dogg (since then known as Snoop Dogg and Snoop Lion) and Tupac Shakur. Knight was driving the car in which Shakur was a passenger when the rapper was shot to death in Las Vegas in 1996. Shortly afterward, Knight spent several years in prison for violating parole on assault and weapons convictions. That prison time -- along with Shakur's death, feuds between Knight and a number of rappers and desertions by Dr. Dre, Snoop and others -- contributed to the label's bankruptcy in 2006. In August, Knight and two other people were shot while inside a celebrity-filled Sunset Strip party hosted by singer Chris Brown on the eve of the MTV Video Music Awards. CNN's Saeed Ahmed, Steve Almasy and Lisa Respers France contributed to this report. | Marion "Suge" Knight is being held without bail . He is accused of running over two men and killing one following an argument . | 081cef9db438a521b8c5af372043561d37c3b333 |
By . Simon Tomlinson . Last updated at 9:51 PM on 1st February 2012 . Out of luck: Lottery winner Robert Moffat leaves Falkirk Sheriff Court after pleading guilty to crashing his father's car while five times the drink-drive limit . A former barman who enjoyed the trappings of wealth after scooping £800,000 on the lottery hung his head in shame today as he admitted being a drink-driver now living on benefits. Robert Moffat became one of Scotland's first big-money winners when he took a share of his family's £3.5million pay-out. Happily married with a daughter, he surrounded himself with life's luxuries - a plush Range Rover stood in the driveway of his home while a lovingly restored classic Triumph sports car gleamed in he garage. Both had personal registration plates. However, Falkirk Sheriff Court heard how he had now lost it all, including his wife, Michelle, and was currently unemployed. Moffat, of Denny, Stirlingshire, admitted driving with an alcohol count of 186 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The limit is 35mcg. His pleas of not guilty to two further charges - failing to give information to the police as to who was the driver and failing to co-operate with a preliminary breath test - were accepted by the Crown. Mark Keane, prosecuting, said that a member of the public phoned the police at 5pm on December 30 after seeing a car crashed into a pavement bollard at Northfield Rd, Denny. The depute fiscal said the driver was Moffat - at the wheel of his father’s X-type Jaguar. Mr Keane said: 'As he approached the locus, he lost control, striking a bollard on the pavement. As a result, the front of the car was damaged. 'The member of the public saw the car with the engine still running. The sole occupant of the car got out and walked off up the road.' Fall from grace: Moffat poses with his wife, Michelle, by his house and luxury Range Rover. He has since lost all three and is now living off benefits . He added said: 'The witness was of the opinion that the driver was under the influence of alcohol and he reported the matter to police.' Moffat was traced and taken to a police station where he admitted it was his father’s car and said 'sorry'. He gave a sample of breath for analysis and the reading, which amounts to over 5.3 times the limit, was obtained. Defence solicitor Dick Sandeman said: 'Mr Moffat has had a particularly hard time over the past year or so. He lost everything he had in his business and his wife and he split up. He has a drink difficulty.' He added that lottery winner was now unemployed, on Jobseekers allowance, and he offered to pay any financial penalty at £10 a week. Sheriff Vinit Khurana deferred sentence for three weeks for background reports in view of the high reading. He disqualified Moffat from driving in the interim. Moffat’s life was made a misery when a former girlfriend claimed he was the father of her son, Robert, from a short-lived affair. After he landed lucky with the lottery cash, he found himself in the same court defending a bitter paternity action filed by Caroline Thomson of Maddiston, Falkirk. Former Falkirk Sheriff Andrew Murphy threw the case out when DNA tests proved Moffat could not be the boy’s dad. | Robert Moffat lost his flash cars, house and even his wife . Crashed father's X-type Jaguar as he battled drink problems . | dc8136e1399a932330666c021fe395ec3c0139b7 |
Prince Edward and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, found themselves in a winter wonderland during their five-day visit to the snowy capital of Finland, Helsinki, today. But forget husky rides and snowball fights - the royal couple were visiting the Jaeger Brigade, a unit of the Finnish Army, in Sodankylä, Finland. The programme for the couple, who were wrapped up warm to protect themselves from the elements, included ski towing and Arctic survival skills. Scroll down for video . Sophie, Countess of Wessex, got stuck into her visit to the Jaeger Brigade in Sodankyla, Finland, where she and her husband learned all about the unit's survival skills . The royals were familiarising themselves with how the unit, which is located some 130km north of the Arctic Circle, functions. The brigade, which trains 1,600 conscripts every year, are responsible for developing Arctic warfare tactics and working with equipment alongside the Swedish and Norwegian Arctic forces. Prince Edward, wearing a rather stylish hat, and the Countess were clearly getting into the spirit of things, despite the sub-zero temperatures. Sophie, 50, burrowed her way through a snow tunnel with enthusiasm, while 50-year-old Prince Edward avidly listened to the tales of the unit. Prince Edward, 50, warmed up with a hot drink on his visit to a unit of the Finnish Army in Sodankylä, Finland . Their Royal Highnesses sat on animal skins and ate from wooden tables around a roaring fire . The hardy pair enjoyed a bite to eat outside under a wooden shelter. Food was arrayed on wooden tables and they sat on benches covered in animal skins while a logs burned merrily in a brazier - all while snow continued to fall. Fortunately they were wrapped up in fatigues with warm boots and furry hats. They met by British Ambassador to Finland, Sarah Price, President Sauli Niinistö and first lady Jenni Haukio . Edward and Sophie heard all about ski towing, arctic survival skills and accommodation in the terrain . The duo are on a five-day visit and were welcomed by British Ambassador to Finland, Sarah Price, President Sauli Niinistö and first lady Jenni Haukio on Monday. Sophie of Wessex, who has become something of a rival to the Duchess of Cambridge in the style stakes, looked on-trend in a fitted black Tom Ford dress and leopard print scarf. During their time in the snowy republic, the couple will meet athletes taking part in the international multi-sports event, The Island Games in Jersey later this year. On their final day, the Queen's son will visit the Finnish Sauna Society, as well as the company behind the hugely popular Angry Birds franchise. Prince Edward, wearing a rather stylish hat, listened avidly to the unit's tales . The couple learned all about how the team use ski towing out in the snowy regions . During their time in the snowy republic, the couple will meet athletes taking part in the international multi-sports event, The Island Games in Jersey later this year . Prince Edward looks the part as he mingles with the Brigade in the snowy climes . Finnish President Sauli Niinisto (2-R) and his wife Jenni Haukio (R) welcome Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (2-L) and Sophie Helen, Countess of Wessex (L) as they visit the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland . Sophie of Wessex looked chic in a fitted black Tom Ford dress and leopard print scarf . | Couple, both 50, on five-day visit to the snowy capital of Finland, Helsinki . Visited the Jaeger Brigade - a unit of the Finnish Army . Learned about ski towing and arctic survival skills . | 6a2b9e62db23b4b48f1b34dde6388cd50882018b |
Swansea City will dig their heels in to prevent unhappy Bafetimbi Gomis from plunging the club into a major striker crisis this month. Sportsmail has been told by senior sources at the club that despite their anger with the Frenchman’s apparent agitations for a move, they are forced by sheer necessity to keep the 29-year-old, who is Swansea’s only senior striker in the wake of Wilfried Bony’s exit. However, that marriage of convenience does not remove any of the ill-feeling caused on Sunday when Gomis used a television interview in France to indicate promises of playing time had been broken. He also said he planned discussions with his representatives to ‘find the best solution’. VIDEO Scroll down for Bafetimbi Gomis scoring a screamer for France vs Ecuador . After the sale on Wilfried Bony Swansea are expected to hold on to want-away striker Befetimbi Gomis (right) The striker has scored just once in 18 Premier League appearances this season, making only six starts . Senior members of the club’s hierarchy feel they are being ‘held to ransom’ and have been stunned by the timing of the striker’s comments, which came after Bony’s move to Manchester City had cleared the way for a regular starting berth in the side. Gomis’s remarks have been noted by Crystal Palace, who are actively keen, while his camp have also claimed that Arsenal, Newcastle, Borussia Dortmund and Schalke are interested. The Welsh club would have to pay Gomis the rest of his £8m signing-on fee as part of his transfer from Lyon . But Swansea insist there will be no move, and even in the unlikely event that they are able to sign a senior striker before the transfer window closes, there would still be major obstacles to offloading Gomis. Namely, Swansea are obligated to pay him the remainder of his £8m signing-on fee agreed as part of his Bosman transfer from Lyon last summer. The huge sum is to be spread across his four-year, £55,000-a-week contract, with £1m of the signing fee believed to have already been paid. He is due the balance of that fee regardless of whether he leaves now or later, though there would likely be a settlement in the event that an acceptable offer came from a rival club. The Frenchman claims that Swansea broke their promise of an agreed amount of playing time . Gomis, who has scored only once in 18 Premier League appearances, of which only six have been starts, told Canal Plus at the weekend: ‘When Bony was here, it was planned I should play a certain number of games. That wasn't the case. Today, I ask myself many questions. I need time to think. ‘I have been approached by clubs. I don't know what will happen. Me leaving? It is possible.’ Swansea, meanwhile, have agreed a fee worth close to £5m for Tottenham full-back Kyle Naughton. | Bafetimbi Gomis is forcing a move away from Swansea City . Senior members at the Welsh club believe they are being 'held to ransom' Gomis took to a French media outlet to air his ill-feeling towards the club . The Frenchman claims Swansea broke their promise of agreed game time . Sources close to the 29-year-old claim that Arsenal are interested in him . Swans insist Gomis will stay due to a multi-million pound buy out clause . Click here for more transfer news . | 10587a2dccb7bcff5dd609b1e51b777dad607321 |
By . Craig Mackenzie . PUBLISHED: . 16:05 EST, 21 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:09 EST, 22 July 2012 . Cancer fight: Actress Angharad Rees . Actress Angharad Rees, best known for her role in the Seventies TV drama Poldark, has died following a long battle with pancreatic cancer. A statement released by her family said: . 'Angharad passed away peacefully with her family at her . bedside. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.' The Welsh star, 63, was married to the . late Dynasty actor Christopher Cazenove for more than 20 years and they . had two sons together, Linford and Rhys, 35. Linford, the elder of the two, died in a car crash on the M11 in Essex in 1999, aged 26. Rees starred as servant Demelza in the BBC's 18th century costume drama Poldark after first appearing on screen in The Way We Live Now in 1969. She went on to star in a number of film and TV roles including Under Milk Wood and Moments with Keith Michell for which she was nominated for a ‘Best Newcomer’ award. Rees also appeared in Dennis Potter’s Joe’s Ark, the cult classic Hands of the Ripper, As You Like It, Robin Hood, Remmington Steel with Pierce Brosnan, Jane Eyre, Love Story and Little Girl In Blue Velvet. She had an extensive theatre career on the West End stage, including A Winter’s Tale, Richard II, Romeo and Juliet Hamlet, John Osbourne’s A Picture of Dorian Gray, and An Ideal Husband. In radio, she won Prix Italia for Florent and the Tuxedo Millions in 1982 and was nominated for Best Actress in Radio in 1985. Couple: Angharad Rees with her second husband McAlpine . Together for 20 years: Angharad Rees had two children with Dynasty actor Christopher Cazenove . Popular: Angharad Rees on Noel's Telly Years with John Conteh, Noel Edmonds, Sally James and Mike Batt . Rees and Cazenove divorced in 1994 and she went on to marry David McAlpine in 2005, with whom she lived in London. In . addition to her acting success, she founded an eponymous titled . jewellery design company based in Knightsbridge with her pieces featured . in the film Elizabeth. She remained an . active supporter of the arts and was an honorary fellow of Royal Welsh . College of Music and Drama in Cardiff. Her funeral will be private but there are plans for a service in celebration of her life which will be announced at a later date. | Family at her bedside as the Welsh actress passes away . She had success in the theatre and had her own jewellery business . | 8fa7345bac069ac37a02c0a0c83933727fcedd08 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:08 EST, 8 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 17:05 EST, 8 January 2014 . A gene regulating our body clock may stop us piling on the pounds and could be used to create anti obesity drugs, researchers claim. Researchers found that the 'neuropeptide Y system' (NPY), may play a central role in determining how fat we become. They compared the NPY system in mice with humans and found an important difference. Radical: A gene which regulates the body clock as well as growth hormone production could be used to combat obesity in humans . In humans the neurotransmitter communicates with four well-known 'cell surface receptors' in the brain (Y1, Y2, Y4 and Y5) which trigger the system's effects. However mice have an additional receptor, Y6, which has a profound effect on their body composition. It is produced in the part of the brain that regulates the body clock as well as growth hormone production. Scientists may have discovered a gene which could control how fat we become . Researchers deleted the gene in mice to understand its effects on body fat. They found that mice without the Y6 gene were smaller and had less lean tissue than normal mice. On the other hand as they aged they became fatter than normal mice especially when on a high-fat diet. The mice on a high fat diet actually became obese and developed metabolic problems similar to diabetes. Although . the Y6 receptors are different in humans, the findings, published in . Cell Metabolism, could help researchers develop anti-obesity drugs in . the future. Professor Amanda . Sainsbury-Salis, from the Garvan Institute in Sydney, said: 'I find it . amazing that one gene, which is expressed in the small part of the brain . that controls the body clock, has such a profound impact on how much . fat is stored on the body, and how much lean tissue is maintained. 'Importantly, we use mice as models of human beings in research, and so when looking for anti-obesity drugs, we need to fully understand the function of the NPY system in this animal model to understand how similar circuits in humans connect with the body clock.' | Scientists find gene that regulates biorhythms also controls fat levels . Discovery by researchers at Garvan Institute, Sydney, may combat obesity . Study found mice lost weight when gene was turned off . | c80b3342c0d9b7347b9b439b4d6470752305c835 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:28 EST, 19 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:13 EST, 19 March 2014 . Accused: Donna Perry says she underwent a sex change in 2000 to stop being violent . A transgender woman accused of shooting dead three prostitutes in 1990 has blamed the killings on her violent male persona. Donna Perry, 62, appeared in court in Spokane, Washington on Tuesday - 24 years after she allegedly murdered the women and dumped their bodies on the banks of the Spokane River. When Perry was arrested in connection with the crimes in 2012, she claimed that she had transitioned into a female in 2000 to stop her male persona - Doug Perry - from being violent. 'Douglas didn't stop, . Donna stopped it,' Perry told police about the killings, according to an affidavit filed in January. 'I'm not going to admit I killed anybody, I didn't. Donna has killed nobody.' When asked if Doug was responsible, she responded: 'I don't know if . Doug did or not, it was 20 years ago and I have no idea whether he did . or did not,' according to ABC News. In claims that experts say will only fuel misunderstandings about transgender people, Perry claimed she had the sex-change operation in Thailand - which involves removing the testicles and therefore affecting testosterone production - 'as a . permanent way to control violence'. She claimed when a person transitions from male to female, 'there's a great downturn in violence' - which experts deny. She is accused of killing Yolanda . Sapp, Kathleen Brisbois and Nicki Lowe, whom police say were . prostitutes, and dumping their naked bodies on the river banks. Scroll down for video . In court: Perry appeared at a hearing in Spokane on Tuesday after initially refusing to go to court . Denial: The 62-year-old kept quiet in court apart from to say her name and birth date . Video Source KHQ . After . the case ran cold for more than two decades, Perry was linked to the . crimes through DNA and fingerprint evidence allegedly left at the murder . scenes. According to the affidavit, detectives also interviewed a woman who had shared a cell with Perry during a stint in an Oregon prison in 1998. She claimed that Perry said she had killed nine prostitutes 'because she couldn't breed and the women had the ability to have children and they were wasting it being "pond scum".' Perry is being held on $1 million bond in . a Spokane County jail and initially refused to appear in court on . Monday. On Tuesday, the judge issued a drag order and she was forced to . appear, KHQ reported. Victim: Nicki Lowe . Shot: Kathleen Brisbois . Loss: Yolanda Sapp . But experts have hit out at Perry's claim that her former identity was to blame, ABC reported. 'For some people, it's a metaphor: "I was a different person before I came out",' said Dr. Jack Drescher, a New York City psychiatrist. 'It's a certain way that they use the metaphor when transitioning for those who were very unhappy before and now are happy. But it's different when a person makes a claim that somehow they have no linkage to the person they used to be - that would be more of a disturbed presentation.' Experts also say there is no evidence that hormone therapy in gender treatments helps reduce aggression or violence. Scene: The women were shot and their naked bodies were dumped on the banks of the Spokane River . Mystery: The case was cold for more than two decades until Perry was linked to it through DNA evidence . Jack Halberstam, a transgender professor of American and gender studies at University of Southern California, said that Perry's publicized statements are a 'weak defense'. 'Even if we as a person are less aggressive once we resolved a gender disorder, it does not absolve the responsibility of killing three women,' he said. 'As a legal defense, putting away the science, it's absolute nonsense.' He added: 'Making being transgender into a motivating factor for murder is almost like the horror film, "Dressed to Kill". It feeds directly into the horror stories about gender identity disorder.' | Donna Perry is accused of killing Yolanda . Sapp, Kathleen Brisbois and Nickie Lowe and dumping their naked bodies in Spokane, Washington . Case fell cold for 20 years until DNA from Perry, who had a long rap sheet, 'matched samples found at the crime scenes' Perry told detectives she underwent a sex change operation in 2000 in order to stop the violence she committed as a man, Doug Perry . 'Douglas didn't stop it, Donna stopped it,' she told detectives . | 9202078dc7a622839fe509591253fe6c64511d22 |
(CNN) -- Joe Simon, the co-creator of star-spangled comic book hero Captain America, has died at 98, his family announced. Simon, a writer, editor and artist, passed away late Wednesday in New York after a short illness. Simon and artist Jack Kirby, who ran a studio, developed the character in the early 1940s and worked outside the box to develop a distinct design. "Together, the team created Captain America as well as long list of characters, including The Newsboy Legion and The Boy Commandos," a statement Thursday from Simon's family said. A Marvel Comics website provides a summary of Captain America and his superhero quest. "In World War II, patriotic soldier Steve Rogers, recipient of the 'Super Soldier Serum,' became the living symbol of freedom, Captain America. Left for dead while frozen in ice, the star-spangled hero with an indestructible shield awoke years later to continue his never-ending battle for liberty." The movie "Captain America: The First Avenger" was released this year. Chris Evans, in the title role, went up against villain Red Skull, played by Hugo Weaving. Kirby and Simon created Captain America for Timely Comics, Marvel's predecessor. The comic was a huge hit during World War II. With Captain America came some of Kirby's comic book innovations, Mark Evanier, author of the book "Kirby: King of Comics," told CNN in 2008. Comic books, which had started as reprints of newspaper comic strips, had adhered to that form's look of repetitious boxes. Kirby and Simon used different-sized panels, varying shapes, even full pages. "They kind of invented things that made comic books different than strips," Evanier said. They realized they "had the whole page to play with. ... They'd take three or four pages for a single action scene." The popular genres after the war were crime and horror comics, and Simon and Kirby created a handful, including the dramatically named "Justice Traps the Guilty." They also pioneered the romance genre, juxtaposing Kirby's innately thrilling style with primly dressed women and men in neat suits and sweaters. Simon served a few stints at DC Comics. "Joe Simon was a true legend in the comic book industry. So much of what we are today is owed to him and his amazing creativity," said Dan DiDio, co-publisher of DC Entertainment. "In addition to one of the great writers of the Golden Age, he was also an editor at DC Comics. We appreciate all of his contributions to DC Comics and the industry as a whole, both on the page and behind the scenes." The writer's passing came a week after the death of cartoonist Jerry Robinson, who worked on the earliest Batman comics and claimed credit for creating the super-villain The Joker. Robinson was 89. Simon is survived by two sons, three daughters and eight grandchildren. CNN's Todd Leopold contributed to this report. | Joe Simon, co-creator of Captain America, dies at 98 . Character has been a mainstay since the 1940s . Simon and Jack Kirby made comic books different from comic strips . | b37e2b007eb6e319a90ca6215cea1fb367eabc5a |
Christmas Eve is shaping up to be windy, wet and warm instead of white across much of the country, making for a travel nightmare for those heading to their holiday destinations. While parts of the South cleaned up from severe storms that killed at least four people, a system that forecasters had feared could bring several inches of snow to Illinois, including the air travel hub of Chicago, was expected to track farther east. Still, by early afternoon Wednesday, more than 280 flights had been canceled in the US, according to flight tracking service FlightAware. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was hardest hit, accounting for 98 of the cancellations. Waiting for liftoff: People sleep in a waiting area on the day before Christmas at LaGuardia Airport in New York . Soggy celebration: People shop at an open-air holiday market in the rain on Christmas Eve in Union Square in New York City . Drenched and dreary: Woman holds an umbrella while walking under rain near a store decorated with Christmas trees in downtown Newark, New Jersey, Wednesday . More than 4,300 departing and arriving flights - and counting - were facing delays Wednesday. Several inches of slushy snow was still possible in the afternoon, mainly in areas southeast of Chicago along the Indiana state line and in far western Illinois. That was similar to the forecast for Indiana, where the National Weather Service said 2-4 inches of snow could leave untreated roads and bridges slick. Holiday travelers in Ohio, Michigan and New York faced the prospect of gusty weather. A high wind warning was issued from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning for much of northern Ohio. Meteorologists warned that gusts of 65mph in western New York could blow away holiday decorations. In Michigan, utility companies braced for extremely strong gales a year after a storm put thousands of people in the dark at Christmas. The weather service said the strongest winds are expected at night and would last nearly until dawn on Christmas Day. Crews are on standby Wednesday in anticipation of gusts of 45mph or higher in the Detroit area, said DTE Energy spokeswoman Randi Berris. A light but steady rain fell Wednesday along much of the East Coast. Balmy: In the Florida panhandle, mercury climbed into the mid-80s on Christmas Eve . Springtime in December: Temperatures topped near-record 50 degrees Wednesday morning in some areas of western New York. Temperatures topped near-record 50 degrees Wednesday morning in some areas of western New York. In northern New Jersey, forecasters warned thunderstorms could boom as temperatures head toward 60. A coastal flood advisory was in effect, and fog was predicted in the northern part of the state. Still, some parts of the country were welcoming bona fide snow in time for Santa’s arrival. Five to 10 inches was forecast in mountain passes and up to 3 inches on valley floors in Nevada's Sierras. And mountainous areas of Washington expected 3 to 5 inches to fall Wednesday. Power companies struggled to restore electricity to thousands of people in Mississippi after severe weather killed at least four people, injured about 50, and damaged or destroyed an unknown number of homes and businesses, including a day care center. Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant issued a state of emergency for Marion and Jones counties Tuesday. In south Georgia, more than 50 counties were under a tornado watch as thunderstorms continued in many parts of the state. Travel travails: More than 4,300 departing and arriving flights - and counting - were facing delays Wednesday. Holiday in the air: A man looks at the arrivals and departures screens on the day before Christmas at LaGuardia Airport in New York . By early afternoon Wednesday, more than 275 flights had been canceled in the US. Pictured here are travelers at LaGuardia . White Christmas: The National Weather Service said 2-4 inches of snow could leave untreated roads and bridges slick in Indiana . In eastern Colorado, Interstate 70 was shut down into Kansas for eight hours because of strong winds and blowing snow. Parts of western South Dakota saw snow accumulations of a foot or more through Tuesday morning. Higher elevations in the Black Hills got close to 2 feet. But not all winter weather lovers were so lucky. Snow isn't expected in other parts of South Dakota until Friday. Sioux Falls resident Alana Amdahl said she's disappointed about the lack of snow projected for Christmas. ‘We live in South Dakota for a reason,’ said Amdahl, 27. ‘We don't have palm trees to put Christmas lights on, we have evergreens. Of course, we need snow. It can melt after the new year.’ Aftermath: Jeff and Melissa McKenzie embraced in the ruins of their flower shop in Columbia, Mississippi, as four were killed and others wounded by tornadoes that ripped through the state . Picking up the pieces: Workers pile sheeting and roofing materials during the removal of debris from a business in Columbia, Miss., Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2014. The community was hit by a storm that destroyed several businesses and homes and killed at least four people. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) Sandra McDaniel walks through the remains of the product showroom for Jack Morris Gas Company in Columbia, Mississippi . Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant speaks about the storm that hit Marion and Jones counties during a news conference in Columbia, Miss., Wednesday, December 24 . A backhoe operator (left) clips cables during the removal of debris from a business in Columbia. Brian Parker (right) looks up at the damaged roof and ceiling of Woodlawn United Pentecostal Church . Backed up: Debris littered US 98 near Columbia as traffic was backed up due to inclement weather conditions, including tornadoes, in the state . A building is severely damaged on US 98 East near Columbia, Miss., after a tornado touched down . The hospital in Marion County, Mississippi, had every room full when it lost electricity, forcing the staff to work off a generator, WDAM reported. An additional 6,000 households throughout the state lost power, with damage to the electrical grid due to the severe weather. Mississippi Power told The Associated Press about 300 customers were still without electricity by midday Wednesday, but most would have power by the end of the day. NBC reported that in addition to wind and rain, hail struck the state, with golf-ball sized hail falling in Enterprise, Mississippi, and pea-sized debris hitting . A Walmart in Columbia was structurally damaged, with skylights blowing out and flooding reported. Vehicles parked outside were also damaged. Governor Phil Bryant, who toured the twister-stricken area by helicopter and by vehicle before the news conference, said state emergency officials believe the destruction was caused by a tornado. Some 40 businesses and 30 homes were damaged in Columbia, Bryant said. About 10 to 15 buildings were damaged in the more rural Jones County. Columbia Mayor Robert Bourne said the tornado straddled US 98, so damage was on both sides of the four-lane highway. Bryant had said earlier that the tornado cut a swath of about 3 to 3.5 miles long through Columbia and about a quarter of a mile wide. Police in Columbia were stationed at all major intersections after traffic lights were either swept away or destroyed amid Tuesday's powerful storms. At least 20 people were injured, according to Mississippi Emergency Management Agency officials. Ravaged: A resident walks past a Ten Commandments display in Columbia, Mississippi, Wednesday. The community was hit by a storm that destroyed several businesses and homes and killed at least four people . Photographs are left to dry under a windshield washer blade on a vehicle in Columbia (left); Karen Ard removes photographs from a storage business in Columbia (right) The Kid's Kampus daycare in Sumrall, Miss., sustained heavy tornado damage after the strong winds passed through the rural community . The roof was ripped off the building of the Jack Morris Gas Co., a natural gas supplier. Wanda Morris, a family member who works in the company office, said she was watching TV when a weather warning was issued and the sirens went off in town. She said she gathered employees and customers, about 15 people in all, into a vault in the building, and they rode out the storm there. ‘When we heard the sirens the second time, I started yelling, 'Get into the vault! Get into the vault! And I ran outside and started yelling,’ she said. Only one employee failed to make it into the vault in time and hid under a metal table. He sustained minor injuries. Although the business itself was heavily damaged, a sign outside bearing the Ten Commandments was left completely intact. In Alabama, authorities said thunderstorms left trees and power lines down across the state and flooded several roads. In the Great Lakes region, rain is expected to turn to snow later today, dropping several inches of slushy snow on parts of Illinois. 'I'd be nervous about the possibility of not being able to get out,' said meteorologist Charles Mott as Chicago airports geared up for more cancellations. 'I would definitely make plans about possibly staying put or doing something else.' Stuck: David Welborn and his family wait in the lost luggage line of Raleigh/Durham International Airport after flying in from Washington State . Tired: Travelers waited in lines at Dulles International Airport as the holiday season added long waits at airports that were worsened by bad weather . Destruction: Severe weather throughout parts of the United States led to the death of at least four on Tuesday in Mississippi, as well as property damage in Georgia and Louisiana, where this picture was taken . Any delays would hit the nearly 4.2 million passengers estimated to come through O'Hare and Midway over 18 days that make up the holiday travel season, said a Chicago Aviation Department spokesperson. The worst travel backups Wednesday afternoon happened in Chicago, where 44 departures and 56 arrivals had been canceled. Cracked: The left rear winglet was damaged, forcing passengers to deplane and be booked to other flights, though no one was injured . Fog, rain and drizzle contributed to flight delays and cancellations at the three New York City-area airports. At New York's LaGuardia Airport, a Southwest airliner collided with an American Airlines plane, knocking off a piece of the Southwest plane's vertical fin just as it was taxiing for takeoff. The American Airlines plane was taxiing with the help of two ground personnel, spokesperson Joshua Freed said in an email according to Fox News. No one was injured and the Southwest passengers were booked to other flights. Washington, DC, Baltimore and Boston experienced delays though cancellations were low. Thunderstorms disrupted flights in Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston and Charlotte had 10 cancellations Wednesday in addition to numerous delays. Snow in Wisconsin caused a three-vehicle crash that included a school bus, though no one was reported injured. Strong winds and snow shut down Interstate 70 from eastern Colorado into Kansas for eight hours, and caused another Colorado highway to close temporarily. | Tornadoes in Mississippi killed four as severe weather damaged property in Louisiana and Georgia . Nearly 300 flights were canceled by Wednesday afternoon throughout the US . Five to 10 inches was forecast in mountain passes and up to 3 inches on valley floors in Nevada's Sierras . High wind warning was issued from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning for much of northern Ohio . Temperatures topped near-record 50 degrees Wednesday morning in parts of western New York . | 17d025b00d9aa6dcb97b1cdb67859c2308d01586 |
(Mashable) -- Google plans to create 20 special channels on its YouTube site, and will spend $100 million to create original programming to populate them, according to sources who talked with the Wall Street Journal. Like Netflix announced last month, Google wants to create its own streaming video programs, however, according to the WSJ sources, the company will create low-cost programming designed specifically for the web and YouTube, and support the shows with advertising. The sources said this will be a "major overhaul" to YouTube, which already has a lucrative advertising system in place. It was unclear when Google would begin spending the money to create the new programs, but the source said that Google has visited top Hollywood talent agencies in search of ideas, and will probably end up making deals with production companies and directors to produce the content. Good move, Google. The direction broadcast television is taking is beginning to look obvious, where web-connected screens are finding their way into the living room and home theater in ever-increasing numbers. In addition to a plethora of set top boxes, many new TV sets are equipped with Internet connections, and Google's own Google TV hardware is starting to make sense in light of this latest initiative. With original content produced specifically for the web inserted into the battle for viewers, it's going to be more difficult for cable TV, broadcast and satellite TV to dominate television broadcasting as they still do. Now, instead of 500 channels and nothing on, there will be 5 million channels, and if Google has anything to do with it, there will be something on. It might be cats playing the piano -- now dressed up in tuxedos because of their expanded budget -- but it will be something. And that something is just the beginning. © 2011 MASHABLE.com. All rights reserved. | Google plans to create 20 special channels on its YouTube site . Sources say this will be a "major overhaul" to YouTube . Google has visited top Hollywood talent agencies in search of ideas . | a0deeb37d724103814a136ce9421780812199bd1 |
A former school counselor has been jailed for almost 14 years for having sex with a 13 year old student. Brooke Dinkel slept with the underage teen at her home while he was working there to earn money. The 33-year-old had met the teen while at Smoky Valley Middle School in Salina, Kansas, during her first year as a counselor. The affair lasted from October 2013 to March 2014 when school officials were tipped off about the relationship. Sentenced: Brooke Dinkel was sentenced Thursday to nearly 14 years in prison for having a months-long sexual affair with a 13-year-old student at the Kansas school where she was a counselor . Prosecutor Christina Trocheck said Dinkel, who has daughters aged four and six, gave the boy gifts and encouraged the relationship. She told the court despite warning from colleagues and friends Dinkel continued the illegal relationship. Trocheck also said the counselor shared intimate details of her sexual encounters with friends and had tried to manipulate the teen into lying about their affair. The court heard Dinkel had defied a court order to contact the teen after her arrest and while out on bond. Dinkel's lawyer had argued at the sentencing hearing that she was mentally unstable and incapable of forming criminal intent. Asked for leniency: Dinkel unsucessfully pleaded with the judge Thursday to let her stay with her daughters, aged 4 and 6 . A psychologist told the court Dinkel suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and a personality disorder with 'borderline avoidant and dependent traits,' according to the Salina Journal. The counselor had claimed the teen raped her on December 26th at her home saying 'after that, I don't know what happened to me.' Dinkel wept in court as she was given the chance to plead for a light sentence. She told judge Patrick Thompson: 'I'm begging you to be able to return to my family, my little girls . 'I need counseling; I need medication, but I am not a sexual predator.' The judge rejected her plea and sentencing her to 13 years and nine months in jail told her: 'You are not the victim' Scene: Dinkel was a counselor at Smoky Valley Middle School in Salina, Kansas. During her first year working there, Dinkel had a sexual relationship with the boy from October 2013 to March 2014 . | Brooke Dinkel, 33, slept with the underage teen at her Salina, Kansas home while he was working there to earn money . The affair lasted from October 2013 to March 2014 when school officials were tipped off about the relationship . Dinkel unsuccessfully pleaded with the judge to let her stay with her daughters age 4 and 6 . | 453904dddb9b492d6a7659109362ecf78c9074c7 |
The most common time to have a heart attack or a stroke is 6.30am. Now scientists think they have found out why this is – and it is all down to the body clock. Researchers discovered that levels of a protein in people’s blood that slows the breakdown of clots peaks at 6.30am. People are most likely to have a heart attack or a stroke at 6.30am because of a peak in a protein in the blood . The team, from Brigham and Women's Hospital, in Boston, and Oregon Health and Science University, looked into why the number of heart attacks and strokes peak in the morning. They studied the protein levels in the bodies of 12 healthy adult volunteers for two weeks. The participants were assessed while their daily routines were desynchronised from their natural body clocks. The aim of this was to establish whether it is the natural body clock or the person’s activities that causes protein levels to fluctuate. Researchers specifically studied changes in the body’s level of the protein Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), which inhibits the breakdown of blood clots. These are a major contributor to heart attack and some strokes. The research, published in the journal Blood, found a strict rhythm in body’s level of PAI-1 with a peak at about 6.30am. This protein slows the breakdown of blood clots meaning strokes and heart attacks are more likely . Study author Dr Frank Scheer, director of the Medical Chronobiology Programme at Brigham and . Women's Hospital, said: ‘Our findings suggest that the circadian system, . or the internal body clock, contributes to the increased risk for . cardiovascular events in the morning.’ His . colleague and co-author, Dr Steven Shea, director of the Oregon . Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, added: ‘Our findings indicate . that the human circadian system causes a morning peak in circulating . levels of PAI-1, independent of any behavioural or environmental . influences. ‘Indeed, the circadian system determined to a large extent the PAI-1 rhythm observed during a regular sleep/wake cycle. ‘This morning peak in PAI-1 could help explain adverse cardiovascular events in vulnerable individuals.’ The researchers added that these studies established the circadian control of PAI-1 in healthy individuals and that future research is required to test whether this rhythm is amplified, blunted or shifted in vulnerable individuals, such as those with obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. | The level of a specific protein in the blood peaks in the early morning . This protein - PAI-1 - slows the breakdown of blood clots . So, when it is at its highest level, heart attacks and strokes are more likely . | 8b20c282a97f3ccdd68517b258d1e6bdac9b869c |
By . Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 08:41 EST, 13 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:43 EST, 13 May 2013 . Four children and two adults have been killed in a house fire in eastern Pennsylvania and authorities are now searching for the cause. The blaze broke out around 11:55pm Sunday at the single-family home in Pottsville, about 90 miles northwest of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania's coal country. Firefighters later found the bodies inside, according to Schuylkill County emergency dispatch supervisor Bill Lindenmuth. Scroll down for video . Inferno: Firefighters battle a towering blaze at a home in Pottsville, Pennsylvania . Cause unknown: It is not yet known what sparked the fire, and the fire marshal is investigating . Aftermath: The charred remains of the home are seen on Monday morning, after it was ravaged by flames . Witnesses told Fox 29 that the dead included 30-year-old Eric Brown, and his four children - two boys and two girls, ages 2,3, 7 and 8 - along with his 26-year-old sister-in-law, Christina Thomas. The children's mother is believed to have escaped from the home. Harrowing footage shot by FireandFilm.com shows heavy flames shooting out of nearly every window of the home. The fire was declared under control shortly before 1am. Several firefighters were also reportedly injured while battling the flames. A Pennsylvania State Police fire marshal was at the scene Monday morning. The cause of the blaze wasn't immediately known. Tragedy: The fire broke out at about 11:55pm on Sunday night . Battling the blaze: The chief of the fire department says that many of his firefighters had never seen a house fire like this before . Pottsville Fire Chief Todd March told Fox 29: 'It looks like it started back in the kitchen area. We're going to look at that, see if it has something to do with it.' He added: 'The floors are burnt out in a lot of places, so we've got to watch what we're doing in there.' Crews from all the city's fire companies responded. For some of them, a fire with the intensity of the blaze last night was a new experience. Chief March told Fox 29: 'We've had nothing like this before. A lot of the younger guys haven't had a fire death. A lot of the guys are affected by this, especially the kids.' March said crews had to proceed carefully through the building because of the extensive amount of damage and firefighters were still pouring water on the home on Monday morning. Messages left with a state police investigator and the coroner's office weren't immediately returned. Demolished: Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the blaze at the now burnt out home . Injuries: Several firefighters were hurt while battling the flames . | Witnesses identify the victim as 30-year-old Eric Brown, his four children - two boys and two girls - and his sister-in-law Christina Thomas . Only the children's mother is believed to have escaped . | 3484fe3a3d12a2b5b0887b71abde3308e8752701 |
Nearly seven weeks after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down, the pilots of the doomed plane have been laid to rest in special military-style ceremonies. Draped in a Malaysian flag, the body of Captain Wan Amran was today carried by soldiers into Shah Alam, 15 miles west of Kuala Lumpur, where his family and dozens of mourners gathered to bid him farewell. Meanwhile, the ashes of Captain Eugene Choo were brought back to his residence in Seremban, around 46 miles from the capital, accompanied by his tearful wife and two sons. Earlier today, the pilots' remains had . been repatriated to the country from the Netherlands along with five . other Malaysians and two Dutch victims of the tragedy, who were of . Malaysia decent. Scroll down for video . A special ceremony: Draped in a Malaysian flag, the body of Captain Wan Amran is pictured being carried by soldiers into Shah Alam, 15 miles west of Kuala Lumpur . Colleagues: The pilot's body was carried by members of the Royal Malay Regiment army, before it was passed onto his colleagues, other Malaysian Airlines pilots . Special: The military-style burial for Captain Amran was held nearly seven weeks after MH17 was shot down over an area of Ukraine controlled by Russian separatists . Tearful: Captain Amran's wife Mariam Yusuf (back, second right) was spotted weeping at the ceremony, which was attended by relatives, friends and well-wishers . In prayer: Meanwhile, the pilot's young son Wan Yunus (pictured) was seen bowing his head and closing his eyes in prayer as his father was laid to rest in Shah Alam . Saying goodbye: Malaysian Muslims attend a special prayer for Captain Amran nearly seven weeks after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine . Tradition: Ms Yusuf is pictured bending over as she pours rose water onto her late husband's grave under the mournful eyes of relatives, friends and well-wishers . Grave: Another relative of Captain Amran pours rose water onto the ground. An international investigation is ongoing into the MH17 tragedy, but no one has been arrested . Victims: Captain Eugene Choo (left) and Captain Wan Amran (right) were in charge of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 when it was gunned down on July 17 this year . The other bodies will now be flown by helicopter from Kuala Lumpur International airport in Sepang to their respective burial or cremation grounds to be laid to rest. During Captain Amran's burial, the pilot's body was carried in a coffin by members of the Royal Malay Regiment army, before it was passed onto his colleagues, other Malaysian Airlines pilots, and later buried. His wife Mariam Yusuf was spotted weeping as she poured rose water onto his grave under the mournful eyes of relatives, friends and well-wishers. Meanwhile, the pilot's young son Wan . Yunus was seen bowing his head and closing his eyes in prayer as his . father was laid to rest. Another ceremony: Meanwhile, the ashes of Captain Eugene Choo were brought back to his residence in Seremban, around 46 miles from the Malaysian capital, today . Official: The remains of Captain Choo, sealed in a casket and covered with a national flag, were carried into his residence by Malaysian soldiers, dressed in green caps . Emotional: The casket was later passed onto Captain Choo's son, Melvic, 13, who received the ashes from a soldier while numerous cameras captured the moment . Distraught: The pilot's wife Ivy Loi, 42, who had earlier clutched a photo of her late husband as his ashes had arrived in Malaysia, wept throughout the ceremony . Grief-stricken: Chew Lai Choo, the mother in-law of Malaysia Airlines pilot Eugene Choo, is pictured crying during a wake service at his residence in Seremban . Relatives: Mr Choo's father Ewe Keat is seen weeping at his son's funeral - nearly seven weeks after Malaysia Airlines was shot down in an attack that killed 298 people . In Serembam, the remains of Captain Choo, sealed in a casket and covered with a national flag, were carried into his residence by Malaysian soldiers and, later, his 13-year-old son, Melvic Choo. The pilot's wife Ivy Loi, 42, who had earlier clutched a photo of her late husband as his ashes had arrived in Malaysia, and his mother-in-law Chew Lai Choo both wept throughout the ceremony. Captain Choo's remains were placed on a raised surface, where they were surrounded by bright flowers, candles, photographs and an array of food. Colourful: Ms Loi places flowers near Captain Choo's urn, which was placed on a raised surface at his residence in Seremban, around 46 miles from Kuala Lumpur . Shrine: Captain Choo's casket was surrounded by flowers, candles, photographs and an array of food. Above, the pilot's sons pray in front of his urn during the service . In his thoughts: Scott Choo, 11, is pictured praying during the wake of his father. Other victims of the MH17 tragedy included 43 Malaysians and 195 Dutch nationals . Comfort: Melvic hugs his grandmother Chew Lai Choo during the service for Captain Choo, who was killed alongside Captain Amran when MH17 was gunned down . Paying tribute: Other Malaysia Airlines pilots attended both ceremonies to pay tribute to their former colleagues. Above, pilots pray at the wake of Captain Choo . Supportive:The pilots cry during a handover ceremony of the cinerary casket of Captain Choo, whose two sons, tearful wife and mother-in-law were also present . Flight MH17 crashed when it was shot down over an area of Ukraine controlled by pro-Russia separatists on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, killing all 298 people onboard. The victims included 43 Malaysians and 195 Dutch nationals. An international investigation is ongoing, but no one has been arrested. The tragedy has compounded Malaysian grief over the troubling and still-unexplained disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 just four months earlier. Arrival: Earlier today, the pilots' remains had been repatriated to the country from the Netherlands along with five other Malaysians and two Dutch victims of the tragedy . Too much to bear: Ms Loi was seen clutching a photo of her late husband as his ashes arrived at Kuala Lumpur International airport in Sepang, Malaysia, today . Military-style: Royal Malay Regiment army personnel are pictured carrying a coffin to a hearse during the arrival ceremony at Kuala Lumpur International airport . Tragic: The other bodies will be now flown by helicopters to their burial or cremation grounds. Above, soldiers carry caskets containing the ashes of two MH17 victims . | Body of . Captain Wan Amran was today carried by soldiers into Shah Alam, 15 miles . west of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . Meanwhile, . the ashes of Captain Eugene Choo were brought back to his residence in . Seremban in separate service . Earlier today, the pilots' remains had . been repatriated to Malaysia from Netherlands along with seven other victims . Flight MH17 crashed when it was shot down over Ukraine on a flight from Amsterdam, killing all 298 people onboard . | 4ad814545cb5add0952547964edf7278c3c1613c |
(CNN) -- It's a royal first. Britain's Zara Phillips, Queen Elizabeth's granddaughter, will become the first member of the royal family to appear in a video game. An electronic version of the 32-year-old royal will be featured in an online game for horse lovers, 'Howrse,' in which the Olympic equestrian will mentor and guide players in the UK. Some of her own horses, including her Olympic mount High Kingdom, will be included in the game for players to "own" themselves, game maker Ubisoft said in a statement. The horse breeding game, which has 50 million players worldwide, allows players to raise horses and ponies, take care of them, train them and enhance their skills and abilities. Players can also set up their own stables. Philips, who won a silver medal at the London 2012 Olympics, will guide players through the opening phases of the game and help them complete tutorials through interactive prompts and feedback. "It's great to be involved with a game that lets children and adults alike interact with horses, horse breeding and stable management on a daily basis, meeting like-minded enthusiasts through the game's social features and sharing experiences," Phillips said in a statement. "Not everyone has access to ride or care for horses regularly and Howrse provides a great opportunity to really understand more about how horses are raised and bred in an easy-to-access and fun way." Phillips and her England rugby player husband, Mike Tindall, are expecting their first child this month. | Zara Phillips to star in online equine game "Howrse" Phillips to become the first member of the royal family to appear in a video game . The Olympic equestrian will offer advice in the game . Phillips expecting her first child this month . | 55c9d502e8fc7346e3912b1102e57937d0d94e30 |
By . Brendan Carlin . PUBLISHED: . 16:11 EST, 13 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:11 EST, 13 October 2012 . Climbdown: Joan Bakewell on BBC1's Panorama. The programme used research supporting the introduction of minimum prices for alcohol which was wrong . BBC bosses have been forced into a humiliating U-turn after wrongly claiming that cracking down on cheap alcohol would save the lives of tens of thousands of pensioners. They have admitted that a Panorama investigation into alcohol abuse and the elderly used research supporting the introduction of minimum prices which was later discovered to be wrong. The BBC1 programme, called Old, Drunk And Disorderly?, claimed the lives of 50,000 pensioners would be saved across England over ten years if a price limit were brought in. Scotland is to introduce a minimum price of 50p per unit for alcohol next year. Joan Bakewell, a former pensioners’ tsar under the last Labour Government, who presented the programme, told viewers: ‘We reveal new research which predicts raising alcohol prices could save the lives of thousands of pensioners.’ She also wrote in a newspaper: ‘With . cheap booze available round-the-clock in supermarkets, there is . evidence that if England follows Scotland’s lead, there could be 50,000 . fewer alcohol-related deaths over the next decade.’ However, . BBC bosses have admitted the figure was exaggerated, saying the real . estimate is 11,500. It has ordered that the show be taken down from its . online iPlayer service and re-edited. False: Joan Bakewell wrote that cheap alcohol available in supermarkets was responsible for the lives of thousands of pensioners . The . Corporation blamed Sheffield University for providing the wrong . figures, pointing out that the university had ‘apologised unreservedly’. In a statement, it said: ‘The School . of Health and Related Research at Sheffield University emphasised the . human error was wholly on their part and has apologised unreservedly to . the BBC.’ In a statement, . Sheffield University insisted the mistake did not impact ‘in any way’ on other work by its Alcohol Research Group, which has previously . claimed that a 50p-per-unit minimum price in England would reduce . alcohol consumption by 6.7 per cent. BBC bosses have admitted the figure was exaggerated, saying that there could be 11,500 fewer alcohol-related deaths instead of 50,000 . Shifting the blame: The BBC blamed Sheffield University (picture) for providing the wrong figures . | Admitted an investigation into alcohol abuse and the elderly was wrong . Claimed 50,000 pensioners would be saved if price limit was introduced . The figure was exaggerated as they discovered real estimate is 11,500 . Corporation blamed Sheffield University for providing the wrong figures . | 8b06fb6fd3dfb5c00e62460a149a0bad75c189ee |
By . Amy Oliver and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:15 EST, 13 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 15:19 EST, 13 April 2012 . The search for missing teenager Sierra LaMar continued underwater today after sonar images revealed suspicious-looking objects in a local reservoir. Sierra was reported missing by her . mother on March 16 after she failed to turn up to her bus stop or high school in Morgan Hill, . California. The 15-year-old's cellphone was found near the side of the road the next day and her Juicy brand black and pink purse with clothes folded neatly inside was found the day after that. Scroll down for video . Mystery: Sierra disappeared on the walk to her school's bus stop March 16 in Morgan Hill, California . Earlier this week, investigators from the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office used sonar technology at the Chesbro reservoir and found five areas of concern, according to KTVU-TV. 'Based on the size and shape and shadowing that we're seeing from the side scan sonar, we'd just like to go back and take a second look at them,' Santa Clara County sheriff's Lt. Dan Rodriguez told the channel. 'They are larger than normal objects.' Because of the murky and dangerous conditions, and two feet of visibility, divers had to be strapped to police on land by rope. Divers, who went as deep as 60-feet, were also searching the nearby Uvas Reservoir in Santa Clara County today. So far detectives have uncovered a golf ball and a flipper but there has been no sign of Sierra, although her family is refusing to give up hope. The parents of the missing teen are offering a $10,000 reward for information that may help find her. Disturbing: Divers from the Santa Clara Sheriff's Office began searching the Chesbro Reservoir Thursday after sonar pictures detected areas of concern . Difficult: Peter Robinson, a diver with the sheriff's department, described the search conditions as dark with about two feet of visibility . The 15-year-old's mother Marlene, father . Steve and sister Danielle have also set up a website dedicated to . finding the cheerleader. Mrs LaMar told ABC7 news that her daughter's disappearance was weighing heavily on her. 'As each day goes on it's agonising,' she said. 'I'm definitely suffering sleep deprivation but I need to focus on the belief that Sierra is going to come forward.' Police believe Sierra has been . kidnapped as she does not have a history of running away and no family . problems. Interviews with friends and a search . of her computer also yielded no information indicating she had fled. Her disappearance has sparked an outpouring of support from the local community and received nation-wide press coverage. Thousands of Bay Area residents have joined the search for the teen in Morgan Hill and the surrounding area. San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith has also joined the search. Reward: Marlene LaMar, the mother of missing teenager Sierra LaMar, appealed for her safe return as the family offered a $10,000 reward for information that may help find her . Donations: Sierra's family has scraped the $10,000 reward money together through fundraising and donations, the teen's father Steve said . Website: The 15-year-old's father Steve, mother Marlene and sister Danielle have also set up a website dedicated to finding the cheerleader . Speaking . at a press conference over Easter weekend, Mr LaMar, a computer . engineer at a . tech startup in Sunnyvale, expressed his gratitude at the overwhelming . support the family had received from local residents. 'Everyone's been . so generous,' he said. Yesterday . the family launched the Help Us Find Sierra LaMar website, which . describes Sierra as a 'confident teenager who stands up for not only . herself but others as well'. It also hosts a gallery of pictures and allows friends . to post messages to Sierra. 'The world has seemed so out of . balance since you’ve been gone,' wrote Jenna Wondka. 'I’m missing you . more and more every day, you never leave my mind. You’re too young and . innocent for this to be happening. You’ve always been there for me and . I’ll always be here for you until you’re found and anytime after that.' The family is also accepting donations via the site. They have raised the $10,000 reward money through fundraising and donations, Mr LaMar said. 'We're hoping it might give someone the . motivation to come forward,' he said. 'We're desperate for anything that . can bring her home to us.' Poignant: Posters have been taped up near to where Sierra went missing, as her family hope for more clues . Search: Thousands of Bay Area residents have joined the search for the teen in Morgan Hill and the surrounding area . Potential clue: The handcuff box and condoms were found, near the teenager's home, pictured, and close to where her phone and handbag were found abandoned as shown on the map . So far the search has turned up an . empty 'handcuff' box and two used condoms, found by a search volunteer . within 1.5miles of where the pretty teen's phone and purse were found, days after she disappeared. Investigators told Mercury News that the find could be a major breakthrough in the disappearance which has stumped police, or it could be a simple coincidence. Authorities . have investigated more than 1,200 tip and clocked around 7,500 hours on . the case. They said they would be broadening the search this week. 'The sheriff’s office will be . sending out deputies on motor dirt bikes later this week to canvass . remote/rural areas in south Santa Clara County areas,' Sgt Jose . Cardoza, a spokesman for the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff, told the Huffington Post. If Sierra has been killed, her body is likely to be above ground, Sgt Cardoza said. 'Someone like that is not . going to dig a grave,' he said. 'He drove her out someplace and the body . will likely be in a ditch or (easily accessible) location.' He added her abductor could be a serial rapist or perhaps even a serial killer and a person likely familiar with the local area. School: Last week, sheriffs investigators visited Miss Lamar's school of Sobrato High, suspending their ground search for interviews with her classmates and friends . Without a trace: While police dogs lost her scent at her mother's driveway Sierra's cell phone was recovered in a field nearby the day after her disappearance . Growing concern: Sierra's purse containing neatly folded clothes was also found two days after her disappearance . The law enforcement response has . included searching the homes of neighbors, contacting registered sex . offenders, interviewing friends and relatives, and stopping drivers who . travel the road where Sierra picked up the bus and where her phone and . purse were found to ask if they saw anything unusual. Sierra is 5-feet-2 with a thin build, dark hair and an olive complexion. Anyone with . information on Sierra’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Santa Clara . County Sheriff at (408) 808-4500 or (408) 299-2311; to remain anonymous, . call the tip line at (408) 808-4311. Tips can also be emailed to . [email protected] . Hunt continues: A Santa Clara County Sheriff photographs possible evidence that a volunteer searcher under the guidance of the KlaasKids Foundation for Children discovered in the area near Calero Reservoir . Keeping hope alive: Volunteer searcher Rodney Ray under the guidance of the KlaasKids Foundation for Children bags possible evidence in the case . | Sierra went missing on March 16 after failing to turn up to bus stop or high school . Cellphone, her black and pink purse have been found as have empty 'handcuff' box and two condoms . Mother says she is suffering sleep deprivation over disappearance . Despite 1,200 tips and around 7,500 hours on . the case authorities still have no leads . | e2f91aedd03b2a8f6ccfda331aae7107c4c50af3 |
Wisdom, the world’s oldest known wild bird, is preparing to be a mother again after laying an egg at the ripe age of 63. The Laysan albatross also had an egg hatch in February, meaning the latest arrival will be her 36th chick, according to estimates. Wisdom laid the egg at a nesting site at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the North Pacific, about 1,200 miles (1,930 km) northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii. Wisdom the Laysan albatross laid the egg at a nesting site 1,200 miles (1,930km) northwest of Hawaii. Experts estimate that this was her 36th egg in three decades. However, while the species is monogamous, it's not known for certain she has kept the same partner all these years. Wisdom is pictured with her latest egg . Laysan albatrosses are monogamous, meaning they mate for life with just one partner, making it all the more remarkable that she has consistently been laying eggs over the past three decades. She is said to have had the same partner throughout her life, although experts can't know for certain without running tests on the offspring. ‘We are thrilled with the public's interest in Wisdom. 'She really captures people’s imagination around the world, particularly kids', and has become a great ambassador for conservation and Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge,' said deputy refuge manager Bret Wolfe. Five trillion pieces of plastic litter are floating in the world’s oceans, which is killing countless animals a year, including albatross chicks. It is thought that 269,000 tons of plastic are clogging up the oceans - weighing the equivalent of two large cruise liners. Scientists reported finding billions of plastic shopping bags, bottles, toys, action figures, toothbrushes, fishing gear and even toilet seats floating in the waves. Plastic pollution kills huge numbers of seabirds, marine mammals and other creatures, while discarded fishing nets trap dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays. Fragments also lodge in the throats and digestive tracts of animals, attracted by the bright colours of the plastics and mistake them for fish. One horrific picture of an albatross chick, dead on a beach in the north Pacific, reveals the scale of the global problem. Wisdom was officially tagged by scientists in 1956 when she was an estimated five years old, and has since recorded more than three million miles (4.8 million km) flying around the coast of Hawaii and beyond. Experts at the US Fish and Wildlife Service claim Wisdom is the oldest bird they know of in the organisation’s 90-year history and has consistently laid eggs over the past three decades. ‘As the world’s oldest known bird in the wild, Wisdom is an iconic symbol of inspiration and hope for all seabird species,' said fellow refuge manager Dan Clark. ‘She provides to the world valuable information about the longevity of these beautiful creatures. ‘In the case of Wisdom, she has logged literally millions of miles over the Pacific Ocean in her lifetime to find enough fish eggs and squid to feed herself and multiple chicks, allowing us the opportunity to measure the health of our oceans which sustain albatross as well as ourselves.’ Laysan albatrosses breed on the Hawaiian islands of Oahu, at Kaena Point, and on Kauai, at Kilauea Point. The typical lifespan of a Laysan albatross is 12 to 40 years according to wildlife officials. Their feeding grounds are off the west coast of North America, including the Gulf of Alaska, and they spend their first three to five years constantly flying, never touching land. Scientists believe they even sleep while flying over the ocean. Wisdom laid the egg at a nesting site at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge (shown) in the North Pacific, about 1,200 miles (1,930 km) northwest of Honolulu, Hawaii . Wisdom is a 63-year-old Laysan albatross believed to be the oldest wild bird in the world. Here she is pictured with a chick between her legs back in February, which also hatched at the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge near Hawaii . Albatrosses lay only one egg a year, but it takes much of that year to incubate and raise the chick. After several consecutive years in which they have successfully raised and fledged a chick, the parents may take the occasional year off from parenting. The 590-acre Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, a small US territory that lies nestled in the North Pacific between Honolulu and Tokyo, is home to 70 per cent of the World’s Laysan albatross population. Wisdom has led a long life and even has a children’s book named after her, which documents how she survived the Japanese Tsunami of 2011 which put her nest in the path of danger. | Wisdom the Laysan albatross laid the egg at a nesting site 1,200 miles northwest of Hawaii . Experts estimate that this was her 36th egg in three decades . While the species is monogamous, it's not known for certain she has kept the same partner all these years - although they claim it is more than likely . Wisdom was officially tagged by scientists in 1956 when she was five . She has since recorded more than 3 million miles flying around Hawaii . | 14f814d0d4a10b5db86c765134653dfddc1f491d |
(CNN) -- Didier Drogba scored the only goal as Chelsea beat Juventus 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to give Guus Hiddink's side a slender advantage ahead of their Champions League last-16 second leg in Turin. Didier Drogba celebrates his goal as Chelsea took a narrow advantage after their home tie against Juventus. Drogba, his season hampered by injury, suspension and a fallout with axed coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, looked back to his predatory best when he took a pass from Salomon Kalou and despatched the ball beyond Gianluigi Buffon in the 12th minute. Former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri, now in charge of Juve, was given a warm reception by the home fans before the game. Ranieri is still held in high esteem by Chelsea supporters even though he failed to win a single trophy during his four-year stint at Stamford Bridge. Hiddink was taking charge of a Chelsea side at home for the first time since his temporary appointment and it was the hosts who made the first inroads towards goal with Jose Bosingwa forcing Buffon into a save with a left-foot shot from the edge of the area in the fourth minute. Four minutes later Drogba almost opened the scoring when he got ahead of his marker to turn a cross from Bosingwa just over the crossbar. But the Ivorian put the home side in front in the 12th minute when a superb through ball from Kalou provided him with a clear-cut shooting opportunity and Drogba supplied the required finish in style. It was the perfect start for the Premier League side although Juventus claimed Drogba was offside before he fired the ball home from 10 yards. In the 15th minute, Drogba should have made it two when he met a corner from Frank Lampard inside the six-yard box, but he inexplicably headed wide. Juventus enjoyed plenty of possession after the interval but found the Chelsea defense in fine form, with Petr Cech only having to deal with a succession of long-range efforts. Marco Marchionni and Alessandro del Piero both tried their luck from distance and Pavel Nedved went close near the end for the visitors. Chelsea also had chances to double their lead, notably when a 20-yard effort from Nicolas Anelka flashed inches wide, but Chelsea held on for the victory. "We maybe should have scored a second goal to give us some breathing space for the second leg. I felt we suffered a little bit in the second half and Juventus are a difficult side to play, but I'm happy with the result," Hiddink told Sky Sports. | Chelsea beat Juventus 1-0 to give them advantage in the Champions League . Didier Droba scores the only goal when finishing a pass from Salomon Kalou . The victory makes Guus Hiddink's side the favorites ahead of the second leg . | 0aed65253a96642d92154bc826d47e1378b663fe |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:57 EST, 11 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:21 EST, 11 September 2013 . The mother of toddler Ayla Reynolds who went missing nearly two years ago has revealed that her daughter's blood was found in her ex's basement, his bedroom, his truck and on the base of his shoes. Trista Reynolds is trying to reignite the investigation into her daughter's disappearance, which occurred in December 2011 when the then-20-month-old girl was spending the night at her father's home. The news about the bloodstains come just two days after Ms Reynold's ex, Justin DiPietro, was put in jail for violating the conditions of his bail for a different charge. Desperate: Trista Reynolds is coming forward with evidence against her ex that she hopes will reignite the search for her daughter Ayla who went missing in December 2011 . Mom: Ayla, right, was in her father's custody while her mother, Trista Reynolds, left, checked into a 10-day rehab programme . DiPietro was charged with the domestic violence assault of his ex-girlfriend Courtney Roberts in July and one of his bail conditions was that he not use or possess alcohol. On Monday, he was stopped by traffic police due to his car's expired inspection sticker. The officer discovered alcohol in the car and he was brought in. Ms Reynolds is now making public some of the pieces of evidence about the case that the police have not yet released. 'Theres been nothing in two years and I think it might help just close it,' she said to local station WCSH of her decision to make the evidence public. Father: Justin DiPietro, left, told cops he last saw Ayla, right, when . he put her to bed. He said she was wearing green . pyjamas with polka dots and the words ‘Daddy's Princess’ on them . Father and daughter: Ayla's blood was found in the partially finished basement that DiPietro used as his bedroom . 'If Ayla was their daughter or their child or their family member, I honestly believe that the case would be solved.' She says that police showed her pictures of her daughter's blood that was found in DiPietro's basement, room, and truck. A sample of the blood showed that the toddler's saliva was mixed with it, leading Ms Reynolds to believe that she suffered. Mystery: Ayla Reynolds, of Waterville, Maine, . was reported missing in December 2011 by her father . Justin DiPietro, who told police he last saw her when he put her to bed . the previous night . Police have not arrested DiPietro . because there is no evidence to prove that he was the one who killed his . daughter, but they have said that they do not think it is reasonable to . believe that she is still alive. 'With . what was shown to me I don't see how any little child can survive after . that. All I can picture when I close my eyes is the blood that I saw,' Ms Reynolds said. 'No mom should have to ever experience what I did that day, ever. | Toddler Ayla Reynolds vanished from her father's home in December 2011 . The girl's father, Justin DiPietro, was arrested for pushing an ex-girlfriend on July 6 in Portland, Maine . | de251f2c3aef558cca6a348adbb7e0a50944057b |
By . Oliver Todd . Follow @@oliver_todd . Nottingham Forest are poised to announce a sponsorship deal with the Kuwaiti government which will see the name of the famous City Ground change to the Kuwait City Ground stadium. Sportsmail understands Forest owner and chairman Fawaz Al Hasawi has agreed the deal to rename to stadium the KCG Stadium. And Stuart Pearce's players will also sport a Kuwait logo on their shirts this season as part of the agreement. New name: Nottingham Forest's famous ground will take on the name of its new Kuwait sponsors . Fans backing: Kuwaiti Forest owner Fawaz Al Hasawi has agreed the deal, and his work at the club so far has been getting backing from fans last season . The 30,576 capacity ground, which has played host to Forest for 116 years, will be rebranded to fit its new name, as the Championship club's owners target promotion to the Premier League. They finished 11th in the second tier last season but Al Hasawi has big ambitions to bring Forest back to the summit of English football - with this new deal the first step towards it. Home soil: It isn't a huge name switch for Forest's famous home - and they will also have new kit sponsors . Psycho: Stuart Pearce begins his first full season as Forest boss and has the backing of the club's owners . | Stuart Pearce's side will play games at the newly named KCG Stadium . Players will also have a Kuwait logo displayed on their shirts . Forest hope deal is first set towards Premier League promotion . | 352bfd23be7981a242cfba70871d44faa4111694 |
(CNN) -- Spain has finally asked for a bank bailout from its eurozone peers, to weather the financial crisis that hampered its finances during recent months. Although Spain's Prime Minister, Mariano Rajoy, has stressed that there are no austerity conditions attached to it, the statement from the Eurogroup made clear that supervision over the country's budget will be strengthened. The budget deficit aims may mean the Spanish government will implement further structural reforms, such as a reducing the country's unemployment benefits, or raising the retirement age. As a result, we may see public disaffection shifting from the streets to the political arena. Unlike other countries -- such as Greece, for example -- in Spain public disaffection with the economic crisis has not yet had a significant impact on the country's traditional political forces. Instead, Spanish citizens have mainly channeled their anger and frustration over austerity measures through social mobilization, while the political landscape has remained virtually the same. Although there has been shift in power -- the Popular Party (PP) took over after general elections in November 2011 -- the political arena continues to be dominated by the two largest parties, PP and the Socialist Party, PSOE. The striking aspect of the emergence of the Spanish indignados movement was that it came about in a country which has, traditionally, had low levels of civic engagement and social participation. While the indignados have been discredited by the right-wing mass media as being a marginal force mainly followed by perroflautas (Spanish slang to describe wandering minstrels), the movement -- which had its anniversary on May 15 -- has shown no signs of fading away. Indeed, a majority of Spanish citizens sympathize with its aims and support its goals. Recent studies show the indignados are not just a movement of the young and marginalized. Many participants are middle-aged, highly-educated and employed, and a majority of them consider their current financial situation relatively good. At the same time, many share a concern about their future financial situation. For a short period the indignados managed to get a reform of the electoral system, that would improve the chances of small parties to be represented in parliament, on the policy agenda. But they have not yet achieved any significant policy goal. Now, some proposals to improve democracy and control corruption have been pushed aside as focus turns instead to the deteriorating economic situation. The movement's current demands focus on the unbalanced distribution of economic costs due to the austerity measures. This does not mean that the indignados have failed, as their most important success indicator is the activation of the protest "muscle" in Spanish society, particularly among the network of social organizations at the local level. But if the bank rescue results in further reductions of social welfare funds, or if it is a prelude to the bailout of the state, the government risks unleashing social protest in a way existing social movements may not be able to channel. Public discontent may then shift from the streets to the political stage. This could ruin the leverage of the traditional political forces and, in turn, the capacity of the political system to manage the economic crisis. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Sandra León. | Sandra León: Spain's political landscape has been relatively calm despite the austerity measures . But the Spanish indignados movement have gathered support in a country with low civic engagement . León says a majority of citizens sympathize with the aims of the indignados . Public discontent may shift from the streets to the political stage should this bailout not be enough . | 3400b7881b323cb5d68130ce96757f57eb10f46d |
Hyvon Ngetich lost her bid to win the 2015 Austin marathon just 50 metres from the finish line. The 29-year-old Kenyan runner was leading the race with just strides to go when she collapsed to the ground with the finish line in sight. Determined to finish the race Ngetich continued the race to the finish line on her hands and knees with her forehead rubbing along the ground. Hyvon Ngetich lost her bid to win the 2015 Austin marathon when she collapsed just 50 metres from the finish . A brave Ngetich continues her race on her hand and knees as she refuses to gibe up on her race . Crowds began to cheer as the woman showed her dedication to the race, making several stops to catch her breath and crawl again. Officials plus medical staff kept an eye on the Kenyan as she struggled along the road with a wheelchair on standby if needed. Both the officials and the medical staff refrained from assisting the woman as she would have been disqualified had they intervened. 'Oh, God, thank you, I crossed,' said Ngetich when she eventually crossed the line still on her hands and knees. Medics help the Kenyan marathon runner as she eventually crosses the line during the Austin marathon . The Kenyan runner revealed she had no recollection of the last two miles of the race and thanked God . 'For the last two kilometres, I don't remember. Finish line, I have no idea,' she added. Race Director John Conley watched in amazement as Ngetich crossed the line. 'When she came around the corner on her hands and knees, I have never, in 43 years of being involved in this sport, seen a finish like that,' he told FOX 7 TV in Austin. Conley said to Ngetich: 'You have ran the bravest race and crawled the bravest crawl I have ever seen in my life. 'You have earned much honour, and I am going to adjust your prize money, so you can get the prize money you would have gotten if you were second.' Another Kenyan runner, Cynthia Jerop, went on to win the women's race with a time of 2:54:21. She was awarded second placed prize money for showing real bravery as he eventually crossed the line . | Kenyan runner Hyvon Ngetich lost her bid to win the 2015 Austin marathon . The 29-year-old collapsed just metres from the end of the race . She continued the race on her hands and knees determined to finish . Organisers rewarded her bravery and determination with extra prize money . | 7112c941506d74f756ae7796e7bd446a9e9b566a |
By . John Stevens . Stephen Crabb has become the first Conservative cabinet minister with a beard for more than a century after being promoted to Welsh Secretary. A bearded Tory has not sat at the cabinet table since William Hillier Onslow, the 4th Earl of Onslow, who was president of the board of agriculture from 1903 to 1905. Mr Crabb, who is the MP for Preseli Prembrokeshire and was first elected in 2005, has neatly trimmed facial hair, which is in contrast to Lord Onslow’s fuller whiskers. Scroll down for video . Stephen Crabb's promotion to Welsh Secretary makes him the first hirsute man in Cabinet since William Hillier Onslow, the 4th Earl of Onslow . William Hillier Onslow, the 4th Earl of Onslow, held several governmental positions between 1880 and 1905 and was also Governor of New Zealand between 1889 and 1892 . The 41-year-old replaces David Jones who was sacked in the reshuffle. Mr Crabb had been his deputy at the Wales Office and was previously a government whip. The father-of-two was raised by a single parent in a council house. Before election, he worked as a marketing consultant. As he emerged from No 10 Downing Street yesterday he said he was ‘very pleased’ with his new job but ducked a question about how it felt to be the first Tory cabinet minister with a beard for more than 100 years. The Beard Liberation Front, which campaigned against New Labour politicians removing their facial hair in a bid to boost their image, welcomed his appointment. Organiser Keith Flett said: ‘A beard in the cabinet is long overdue.’ The Tory party has previously been accused of pognophobia. Margaret Thatcher reportedly said she ‘wouldn’t tolerate any minister of mine wearing a beard’. The last prime minister with a beard was Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, the 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, who resigned in 1902. Labour has had several bearded Cabinet ministers in recent years, including David Blunkett (left) and Frank Dobson who both served under Tony Blair . There have been many bearded Cabinet ministers in the Labour party including Robin Cook, Charles Clarke and David Blunkett. But Alistair Darling shaved off his beard reportedly on the advice of image consultants. Last year Jeremy Paxman prompted a debate on beards after he returned from a holiday to present Newsnight with a beard. Mr Crabb was welcomed to his new role by Welsh First Minister Carwyn Jones, who described him as ‘pragmatic and reasonable’. Andrew RT Davies, the Tory leader in the Welsh Assembly, said: 'Stephen Crabb has been an effective and hardworking minister and will be a powerful advocate for Wales around the Cabinet table. 'I congratulate my close colleague Stephen Crabb on his promotion.' Shortly after his appointment Mr Crabb paid tribute to his predecessor. He tweeted: ‘I will build on the excellent work of David Jones. ‘He achieved so much during his time as Welsh secretary & leaves a strong legacy to Wales.’ In further tweets, he added: ‘Wales deserves the best and I look forward to providing a strong voice for Wales around the Cabinet table. ‘This Gov is ambitious for Wales, working to ensure Wales at front of the economic recovery.’ | Stephen Crabb promoted to Welsh Secretary in wide-ranging reshuffle . Preseli Prembrokeshire MP is the first with whiskers in Cabinet for 100 years . He has neatly trimmed facial hair, unlike Lord Onslow’s fuller beard . | 0bb42b8713356bb7fa3f6716debe720a4477514f |
By . Sam Webb . A pair of American astronauts on the International Space Station were forced to shave their heads after losing a bet with a German crewmate over the two nations' World Cup game. Caught up in the excitement over the success of the U.S. team, Nasa's Steve Swanson and Reid Wiseman agreed they would shave their heads if their team overcame Germany. Alexander Gerst, from the European Space Agency, is already clean-shaven but faced painting the Stars and Stripes on his bald head should Germany lose their nerve in Thursday's game in Brazil. German astronaut Alexander Gerst shaves American colleague Reid Wiseman's head following a bet on the outcome of the game between their two nations . Shorn: Wiseman has a zero gravity close shave on the International Space Station . Thanks to a Thomas Müller's 55-minute strike, Gerst broke out the space clippers - which are attached to a vacuum to stop stray hairs clogging up equipment in zero gravity - and sheared off his colleagues' hair. Afterwards, Reid tweeted: 'It was nice to wake up this morning and not worry about my hair. There isn’t any.' Wiseman, of Baltimore, Maryland, Swanson, of New York and Gerst, of Künzelsau, arrived at the space station on May 28 as part of the Expedition 40/41 crew. To the victors the foils: Nasa's Steve Swanson gamely faces his forfeit . The two newly-bald astronauts pose with their German comrade . Orbital: The pictures taken aboard the International Space Station, 260 miles above the Earth. File picture . Getting the job done: NASA astronaut Reid . Wiseman has prolifically tweeted about his experiences, such as his . first go on a treadmill in zero-gravity (pictured) Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman, (right) waves goodbye to his two daughters as he prepares to board the Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Wednesday May 28, 2014 . They are scheduled to spend the next several months living and working in space until they return to Earth in November 2014. On Tuesday the U.S. team faces the might of Belgium at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador. Although figures have not yet been released, an estimated 24.7 million Americans watched. Viewing parties were held at cities across the United States and New York's governor Andrew Cuomo gave state workers an extra hour of lunch so they could watch the game. Victory: Thomas Muller (right) celebrates with Miroslav Klose after scoring Germany's goal . | Steve Swanson and Reid Wiseman made wager with Alexander Gerst . The three football fans are currently on the International Space Station . Thomas Muller's 55th minute strike cost the Nasa pair their locks . | f07554548da9114afb0e540ae982c9388329d380 |
(CNN) -- A man has been arrested in connection with the shooting deaths of two Michigan women, including a mother who went missing shortly after her children left on the bus for school, authorities said. Investigators found the bodies of Amy Henslee, 30, and Tonya Howarth, 36, Friday morning. They had been buried and appeared to have died after receiving multiple gunshot wounds, Van Buren County Prosecuting Attorney Juris Kaps told reporters. Henslee's husband told police she was missing Monday, prompting a police investigation in Hartford Township, Michigan. Authorities arrested an acquaintance of both women identified as Junior Lee Beebe, Kaps said. Beebe, 34, is also Henslee's husband's cousin, Kaps said. Beebe faces murder charges in connection with both deaths, Kaps said. Amy Henslee was last seen in Hartford Township at 7:30 a.m. Monday, about 10 minutes after her two children, ages 8 and 10, hopped on a bus for school. At 10 a.m., her husband telephoned -- as he does every weekday -- but didn't get a response, according to police. After more unanswered calls, James Henslee left work for home to look for his wife. After finding the front door locked, he went in through an unopened back door and couldn't locate her. | Authorities find bodies of Amy Henslee, another woman . Police say that the mother of two left the home with only her coat and shoes . Man arrested in slaying is cousin of Henslee's husband . | 18b3490026eb24f76123b12a0b30f706226e02f7 |
Bryce Dion, 38, a sound engineer from California, was killed in Omaha after a shooting broke out while he was filming reality TV show Cops . Police accidentally shot dead a crew member of TV show Cops on Tuesday when they opened fire on a suspect armed only with a pellet gun, who was also killed. Sound engineer Bryce Dion, 38, who had worked on the reality show for seven years, was killed during the stand-off at a Wendy's restaurant in Omaha, Nebraska. A relative of the suspect Cortez Washington, 32, claimed on Wednesday that police officers over-reacted and were showing off for the cameras. The unnamed relative told TMZ that the officers were 'hyped up' for the filming, adding: 'With everything going on in Ferguson, you think they would use other options.' Police and the show's creators strenuously denied any suggestion that they were grandstanding for the cameras. Cops creator John Langley said at a news conference: 'Cops truly is a reality show. It's not manipulated, it's not managed, it's not staged. It's all true, it's real, and it happens as it happens.' Police Chief Todd Schmaderer said witnesses and officers thought the robbery suspect's Airsoft handgun looked and sounded real - but discovered later that it fired only plastic pellets. Washington was struck by the officers' gunfire, but fled outside of the restaurant before collapsing. Officers continued firing on the suspect as he exited the restaurant - and Mr Dion was caught by stray bullets. Scroll down for video . Chaos: Frame grabs from security video showing an armed robbery at a Wendy's restaurant in Omaha is displayed during a news conference at police headquarters on Wednesday . Bryce Dion, 38, (center) a sound engineer on the long-running Spike TV reality show, was struck by bullets fired by police outside a Wendy's in Omaha on Tuesday and killed . Dion was wearing a bulletproof vest, but a single bullet that struck his arm 'slipped into a gap in the vest' and went into his chest. On a 911 call after the shooting, a voice can be heard saying: 'One of the Cops guys has been hit by gunfire. We need a squad here now... We need multiple squads, two squads. The voice, believed to be a police officer, continued: 'We've got a Cops cameraman hit, white male, he's not conscious, he's breathing slightly.' Captain Schmaderer said: 'My concern with my officers is that they are taking this very hard. Bryce was their friend.' Schmaderer said video captured by the cameraman who was with Mr Dion, the sound engineer, showed a chaotic situation in the restaurant. Police released still shots from the video showing a hooded and masked person pointing what appears to be a gun at officers. Popular: The trained 38-year-old sound man had worked on the long-running reality show for seven seasons . Mr Dion, a sound engineer from California, left, and 32-year-old ex-con Cortez Washington, right, were both pronounced dead from gunshot wounds sustained in the shooting at an Omaha Wendy's restaurant . Schmaderer said police would not release the full video but that it will be part of a grand jury investigation into the shooting. Schmaderer said Washington had a lengthy criminal record, including an accessory to robbery conviction from Missouri for which he was on parole. He moved to Nebraska in September 2013, and his parole was due to expire in June 2017. Schmaderer said the incident began at around 9.30pm on Tuesday when one of the officers, on his way to another reported robbery, called to request backup for the robbery at the Wendy's at 43rd and Dodge streets. The Cops crew members were accompanying two officers who responded to that call. When police entered the restaurant and confronted the suspect, Mr Dion became separated from the cameraman, Schmaderer said. Following the shooting, Mr Dion and Washington were taken to the University of Nebraska Medical Center where they were both pronounced dead. Cops is a reality TV show that depicts law enforcement officers in action. According to its website, the show has been filmed in at least 140 U.S. cities and three foreign countries. Crime scene: Crime lab technicians sweep the Wendy's in Omaha, Nebraska, for evidence on Wednesday . A clime lab technician carries a metal detector past bullet holes in the windows of the Wendy's where Bryce Dion was killed on Tuesday night . Copy: Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer, second left, points to an enlargement of an Airsoft pellet pistol used in the robbery, which officers on the scene mistook for a real handgun . Similarities: Police released an image comparing the pellet gun they found to a Taurus PT92 pistol . Executives with Langley Productions said this was the first time one of their crew members has been fatally shot while filming. The show started on Fox in 1989 and is now shown on the Spike network. In 2010, a TV crew for the A&E reality show 'The First 48' recorded a Detroit police raid in which a 7-year-old girl was accidentally killed by an officer. That incident highlighted concerns about whether TV cameras influence police behavior, perhaps encouraging showboating. Upset: Schmaderer dismissed a reporter's suggestion that perhaps his officers were too aggressive in their response to the situation because they knew they were being filmed . Schmaderer on Wednesday bristled at a reporter's question about whether his officers overreacted knowing that cameras were recording them, calling the suggestion 'absolutely ridiculous.' He said the video of Tuesday's shooting shows the officers reacted properly. Schmaderer said he accepted the invitation from 'Cops' to film in Omaha in the name of transparency. But he also expressed regret at the outcome. 'Personally, I will live with this forever,' Schmaderer said. 'If I'd have known that this would happen, of course, I wouldn't have done it.' Top executives for Langley Productions, President John Langely and Executive Producer Morgan Langley, attended the police news conference in Omaha and agreed that police there had acted professionally. Happier times: Dion, pictured in the red circle, seen here with his colleagues from season 27 of 'Cops' John Langley said the crew had been filming all summer in Omaha and had only one week left when the deadly shooting happened. 'Bryce has been with us for seven years,' said Morgan Langley, who hired Dion. 'This is very hard for us. 'He’s a very talented guy, he did something that he loved and was passionate about.' The 38-year-old's neighbors in California told KCAL9 News that they didn't really know Mr Dion because he was always traveling for work. Mr Dion, a native of Boston, has worked on over 80 episodes of 'Cops.' Only recently the sound technician had been promoted. His IMDB page states that Dion also worked on the shows Jail, Vice Squad, Conquering Kilimanjaro With Angie Everhart and Undercover Stings. Sweep: Forensics officers in the restaurant yesterday as they tried to build up a picture of what happened . | Bryce Dion, 38, was wearing a bulletproof vest when he was shot by police but a stray bullet slipped in a gap and went into his chest . Mr Dion, from California, worked as a sound engineer on the reality show for seven years . It is the first death of a crew member in the 27 years Cops has been on air . Police also shot and killed the suspect 32-year-old Cortez Washington . Washington's 'handgun' found to be an Airsoft gun firing plastic pellets . Washington's grieving family claimed officers were grandstanding for the TV cameras when the ex-con was shot dead . | 603101ea285cf451c0fb3f33782615916eea6994 |
They may look like your average building sites, but these houses were created with nothing more than a 3D printer. The houses, one of which is five storeys high, were created in an industrial park in China's Jiangsu province using new 3D printing technology. The incredible engineering, by Shanghai WinSun Decoration Design Engineering Co., was pioneered ten months ago when the company printed ten buildings - costing just £3,100 - entirely out of concrete using a giant printer. Chinese engineers have created houses with just a 3D printer, including one which is five stories high . The buildings were created in an industrial park in China's Jiangsu province using pioneering 3D printing technology . The printer works by spraying successive layers of recycled construction material to form the structure . The smaller houses cost around £100,000 and hundreds have already been snapped up by buyers including the Egyptian government . Now they have taken the technology further to build the first 3D printed villas and the tallest ever 3D printed building. The homes are created using a printer which is 21ft tall, 32ft wide, and 500ft long, according to 3ders. The 'ink' used is a mixture of recycled construction waste, glass, steel and cement which is sprayed on layer by layer until a thick wall is created. Ma Yi He, CEO of WinSun, explained that the construction industry produces a large amount of carbon emissions, but with 3D printing, waste material can be recycled. This process also means that construction workers are at less risk of coming into contact with hazardous materials. The new technology could also lead to the building sites of the future could be far less noisy, more clean and easier on the eye. Pioneering: The homes are created using a printer which is 21ft tall, 32ft wide, and 500ft long . The 'ink' used is a mixture of recycled construction waste, glass, steel and cement which is sprayed on layer by layer until a thick wall is created . The construction industry produces a large amount of carbon emissions, but with 3D printing, waste material can be recycled . The buildings were created by Shanghai WinSun Decoration Design Engineering Co. who are behind the new technology . The process is expensive, but at £100,000 a house the properties are cheaper than the average home. The display site also featured a single-story house pre-ordered by the Egyptian government, which will soon be shipped to its owner. Mr Ma said: 'This house was printed within a single day, and is part of a total order of 20,000 units.' | Chinese company create houses made with nothing more than 3D printers . Buildings, up to five storeys high, cost around £100,000 to produce . Engineers use a 500ft long printer and recycled construction waste for 'ink' 'Ink' is sprayed on layer by layer until thick walls are created by the printer . Thousands of the houses have already been snapped up by investors . | fc46a84d45d3dc853b289bf3668731d2f442b747 |
Two amazed and impressed climbers look up, laugh and cheer as base jumpers fly past them on Yosemite cliff face in Sierra Nevada in California. Brian Santilena and Jim Redo were on a fundraising mission to climb the face of the renowned granite Half Dome cliff face and collect money for veterans service the Wounded Warriors Association. During the video Mr Santilena, who is filming, looks up at the cliff face and says, 'Someone's up on the diving board right now, look base jumpers.' Moments later the base jumpers can be seen falling through the air with remarkable speed as the climbers laugh heartily and Mr Redo roars, 'Yeah baby yeah.' The climbers laugh jovially and cheer as the base jumpers whoosh past them. One of the men can then be heard breathing loudly during the short 54 second video as he climbs the cliff using his ropes and equipment. Climbing: The climber films the footage as the base jumper at the top of the cliff prepares to jump . Falling: The base jumper descends at remarkable speed just seconds after his jump . Mountains: The Yosemite Mountains are in the background as the base jumper moves closer to the ground . Laughing: The two climbers laugh together after the base jumpers whoosh past them . | Two rock climbers are seen climbing Yosemite cliff face in California . Moments later base jumpers dive from the top of the cliff and fly past them . Climbers look thrilled to have seen daring stunt and roar, 'Yeah baby yeah' | 71a542cbb1cf05ccee022bdc4350c86962cb11a4 |
Sanaa, Yemen (CNN) -- A series of explosions rocked the Yemeni port city of Aden ahead of a presidential election Tuesday, but no injuries were reported, security officials said. The blasts took place in separate neighborhoods late Monday, only hours before polls were set to open. In one neighborhood, Mansoora, about five minutes of gunfire accompanied the explosion, but no one was hurt, two security officials confirmed. Security had been tightened in Aden ahead of Tuesday's vote, which features only one candidate, Vice President Abdurabu Mansur Hadi. Hadi took over Yemen's government when longtime President Ali Abdullah Saleh handed over power following a year of unrest, but he insisted on standing for election to make his presidency official. At least 10 new checkpoints had been set up in Aden to bolster security ahead of the vote, and the head of operations for the Supreme Committee for Elections and Referendum said last week that more than 80,000 members of Yemen's security forces would be posted at the 32,000 polling places. Yemen, on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, has a population of almost 25 million and has struggled for years with separatist movements. | Explosions are reported in four neighborhoods in Aden . No injuries have been reported, security officials told CNN . Only Yemen's vice president is on the ballot in Tuesday's vote . | 56964677845ca2cc33c329121317224d2bdb09c7 |
South Bend, Ind. (CNN) -- When you say "Notre Dame" and then throw in words such as mystique, storied and blessed, you create as many folks rolling their eyes as wiping away tears of joy. This has been so throughout the 125 seasons of football for the Fighting Irish, especially when they are good. Well, forget about placing "Notre Dame" and "good" in the same sentence for a moment. With overwhelming losses to supposedly inferior foes on a consistent basis and underwhelming coaches from Bob Davie to Tyrone Willingham to Charlie Weis, "Notre Dame" has been "mediocre" or less during the last two decades. Now, with Brian Kelly in his third year of leading the Irish while having the fourth-most victories of any coach among the big boys of college football since 2006, "Notre Dame" is flirting with "greatness" at 7-0 despite a monster schedule and all those haters. Oh, and lovers. This gets a little confusing. After all, no team this side of the New York Yankees, Duke basketball and the Dallas Cowboys is more polarizing than the famous -- or is that the infamous? -- one that resides among the majestic oaks, maples and pines of Northern Indiana. Notre Dame can further its return to prominence Saturday night, when it takes its No. 5 ranking in the Bowl Championship Series standings on the road to No. 8 Oklahoma. Not surprisingly, Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops is calling this the biggest game for his team in 12 years -- maybe ever -- because it's Notre Dame. It will be televised nationally on ABC, and the ratings will be huge, partly because of the game's magnitude, but mostly because of the staggering number of Notre Dame haters and lovers. I'll show you how this works, and I'll start with a confession: I was born and raised a few punts from the Notre Dame campus. Not only that, I was at the Irish's home game last week against Brigham Young during their attempt on a heavily overcast afternoon to remain undefeated this late in a season for the first time since 2002. They trailed BYU by four points deep into the third quarter, but then something happened -- first away from the playing field and then on it. The sun burst through the clouds, and as I looked to my left inside the Notre Dame Stadium press box toward the nearby Hesburgh Library, I saw the brightest of sunlight touching the face of Jesus on the mosaic that is as high as half a football field. They call the mosaic Touchdown Jesus around here. Needless to say, Notre Dame's offense promptly roared to the end zone after that to take a lead the Irish would never relinquish. Then, after the Notre Dame Marching Band finished its eternal playing of the Victory March at the end, the Irish players gathered before the student section for one of Notre Dame's slew of traditions. The others? The pep rallies on the Friday night before every home game, with a crowd as high as 20,000 at times. The public luncheon (average attendance of 1,500) that happens on the Friday afternoon before every home game. The lighting of candles on campus at The Grotto for miracles ranging from game-winning field goals to huge interceptions. The Midnight Drummer Circle, featuring those from the Notre Dame Marching band spending 45 minutes in front of the Golden Dome leading cadences and cheers. But back to the BYU game, when Notre Dame players continued a post-game home tradition that happens whether they win or lose. After they reached the front of the student section, they joined those who remained from the sellout crowd of more than 80,000 to sing Notre Dame's alma mater called "Notre Dame, Our Mother." Tears were everywhere. You may roll your eyes now. I haven't even mentioned that the whole Notre Dame Nation these days is inspired by Manti Te'o, the Irish's senior linebacker from Hawaii with a story built for Hollywood -- you know, like the one about George Gipp, otherwise known as The Gipper. Gipp was the Notre Dame running back who played for legendary Notre Dame coach Knute Rockne from 1917 to 1920 before his death from a throat infection. Notre Dame's dynamic coach and player duo inspired the phrase "Win one for the Gipper," and they were immortalized in the 1940's movie "Knute Rockne, All American." Somebody named Ronald Reagan played The Gipper. To hear political pundits tell it, that role contributed to his earning the right to spend two terms in the Oval Office. You may roll your eyes again. Either that, or you can wait to hear more about Te'o, the undisputed leader of Notre Dame's bone-crunching defense. Before Notre Dame went to then-10th-ranked Michigan State in September, Te'o's grandmother and girlfriend died in Hawaii within six hours of each other. He played anyway. Along the way to a 20-3 victory, he had 12 tackles, broke up two passes and intercepted the first pass of his four-year Notre Dame career. After the interception, Te'o pointed to the sky, with emotion -- the kind he sends through the rest of his teammates. "There are a lot of leaders that think a quality of a leader is just to talk," Te'o told me after the BYU game. "I think the strongest leaders are those who not only verbally communicate but communicate by action." Exhibit A: With much help from Te'o, the Irish rank second in the nation by allowing opponents just an average of nine points per game. They also possess the only defense at the NCAA's highest level of football that hasn't allowed a rushing touchdown. Te'o leads the team in tackles, ranks second in the nation in forcing turnovers (four interceptions, two fumble recoveries) and is among the handful of legitimate candidates for the Heisman Trophy, which is college football's top individual award. He would join Michigan's Charles Woodson (1997) as the only person to win the Heisman Trophy as primarily a defensive player. He also would help Notre Dame break its tie with the University of Southern California for the school with the most Heisman Trophy winners (7). (Seven trophies also have gone to Ohio State, but two went to the same player.) In addition, when it comes to The Associated Press and The USA Today/ESPN (formerly the United Press International) polls, Notre Dame has more consensus national championships than anybody (11). Nobody has more consensus All-Americans than Notre Dame's 80, and the Irish lead everybody in first-round NFL draft picks with 63 and in overall No. 1 NFL draft picks with five. Still, the haters would mention Notre Dame hasn't won a national championship since 1988. In contrast, the lovers would mention Te'o isn't alone as an Irish star these days. Notre Dame has other splendid players, such as future NFL tight end Tyler Eifert, athletically gifted quarterback Everett Golson and the speedy 6-6 and 303 pounds of Stephon Tuitt at defensive end. With Kelly's expertise and the Gipper's guidance, they are on the verge of turning Notre Dame's glory days of the past into those of the present and the future. You may roll your eyes some more. | Notre Dame hasn't won a national championship since 1988 . However, pep rallies Friday nights before home games host crowds of 20,000 . Coach/player duo Knute Rockne and George Gipp were immortalized in the 1940 film . Today fans are inspired by Manti Te'o, who played the day his girlfriend and grandmother died . | 59e3bb3fa326bdd3bbe8e00796daf640e386a968 |
Cairo (CNN) -- The 25-year-old pregnant wife of a Syrian TV anchor in Egypt was kidnapped in Cairo on Friday, her husband said. Thaer al-Nashef, who describes himself as a "political activist against the Syrian regime," said he believes the alleged kidnapping is the work of Syrian intelligence operating in the country. There was no immediate response to the allegations from the Syrian government. Egyptian police confirmed that al-Nashef filed a police report about his wife's disappearance. Al-Nashef said he was alerted to the alleged kidnapping by a text message. "We have kidnapped your wife, you dirty dog, so you don't insult your master again," al-Nashef quoted the text as saying. Al-Nashef said he received further text messages from the alleged kidnappers, including one that threatened that his wife would be raped, and another saying his wife would be killed if he went to the media with the story. Mustapha Khalil, the officer who took al-Nashef's report, said police will be contacting his mobile phone provider to investigate the origins of the text messages. Al-Nashef said the messages came from an Egyptian number. Al-Nashef is a freelance journalist in Egypt and serves as a TV anchor for several networks, including January 25 TV, which was launched after the revolution to topple Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. His wife, Mona al-Gharib, is an Egyptian citizen and a student at Azhar University, he said. She is six months pregnant with their second child, according to al-Nashef. Protesters gathered outside offices of the Arab League after news of the alleged kidnapping broke. They later moved to the Syrian Embassy. The Syrian government has been accused of seeking retribution against relatives of Syrian activists working against the Bashar al-Assad regime from abroad. The U.S. State Department announced this summer that it had received reports that Syrian mission personnel had been conducting video surveillance of people participating in peaceful demonstrations in the United States. Other Syrian activists living abroad have also declined to be named or appear on camera for fear of reprisals against their families at home. And in August, a rebel military leader living in exile in Turkey disappeared from a refugee camp and reappeared days later in Syrian government custody. Evidence also suggested that the government carried out reprisal attacks against the man's family. | The woman is the wife of a Syrian TV anchor in Egypt . Her husband accuses Syrian intelligence of carrying out the alleged kidnapping . Police are investigating the origins of text messages allegedly from the kidnappers . | ce9414311b363fd054e670037b5ac57d3a6e80af |
Manchester United travel to the Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon searching for redemption after the 4-1 mauling they suffered there last season. But how should Louis van Gaal's side set themselves up tactically? Sportsmail's Martin Keown takes a look. MANCHESTER UNITED . Watching Marouane Fellaini at the World Cup, he did well operating in a midfield three. In his last two United games he has played in a similar role – on the side of a diamond that can become a three. He looked much better for it. It’s a role that allows him to break forward from deep but also help out and cover when needed. United have finally found some rhythm and the system seems to be improving, but the problem now for Van Gaal is picking out his best XI. Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini has flourished for Manchester United in recent weeks . Fellaini points to the name on his back after scoring for United away at West Bromwich Albion recently . Spanish playmaker David Silva will miss the derby after coming off injured against Newcastle United . 18-6 The aggregate scoreline to City in the last five PL meetings . 47 Goals scored by City’s strikers in 2014. That’s almost twice as United’s tally (26), . 476 Goals in 167 Manchester derbies. That’s an average of 2.9 per game. MANCHESTER CITY . Last year City found the perfect balance between defence and attack, but this season they are struggling. You have to admire Pellegrini’s philosophy of playing with two strikers but to continue their incredible record in this fixture – they have won five of the last six Premier League Manchester derbies – City need an extra midfielder. With David Silva out, they will miss a lot of creativity so they could use two holding midfielders and push Yaya Toure forward. It’s time for Toure to come alive and there’s nothing like a derby game to bring out that passion and desire. Yaya Toure faces a fitness test on Saturday to determine whether he'll face Van Gaal's United the day after . Sportsmail's Martin Keown asserts that it is time for Toure to come alive from midfield this season . | Louis van Gaal's Manchester United travel to City on Sunday . Marouane Fellaini has upped his game in a midfield three recently . Yaya Toure - if fit - needs to takes control of the midfield battleground . | 1941e6e08c55e1fc9a4221d1dac244dc87136476 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:17 EST, 12 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 01:57 EST, 13 June 2012 . A dentist suffered a near fatal stroke after performing a particularly gruelling tooth extraction. Sporty Andy Davies, 33, managed to admit himself to hospital in Birmingham after falling ill in November 2011. His stroke was so severe he experienced 'locked-in' syndrome and was unable to lift a limb, speak or breathe without a ventilator. His only way of communicating was through his eyelids. Hopeful: Today Andy's condition is stable and he is gradually and slowly regaining strength and movement . Mr Davies's mother Barbara, from Liverpool, said Andy believed the extraction was probably to blame. He began to suffer from headaches and neck pain before eventually admitting himself to hospital where it was discovered he'd torn an artery in his neck causing a bleed on his brain stem . Doctors at Birmingham's Queen Elizabeth hospital fought to save Mr Davies's life after the stroke. He was then put into an induced coma by medical staff to allow his body to cope with the massive trauma he suffered last November. Doctors caring for him have been amazed at his recovery from a bleed that could have easily killed him. Mr Davies - who qualified at Birmingham and has a practice in the city - was unable to move at all for around 10 weeks until life began to flicker back into his hands and legs. Today Andy’s condition is stable and he . is gradually and slowly regaining strength and movement, learning to . sit, stand, walk and talk again. The family are also hopeful he will . soon have sufficient strength to feed himself again. He is currently being cared for at rehabilitation centre called Moseley Hall, in Birmingham, although his funding is due to run out in the next few months. Mrs Davies, 27, said: 'My husband is an extraordinary man. He has achieved so much in his career and helped so many people. 'He has offered support to ex-offenders, drug users and single mums through his involvement with our church. 'Despite the poor prognosis offered by doctors after the stroke, I am confident Andy will make a recovery. This is a story of hope.' Mr Davies was a keen climber and skier before his stroke . Andy, who had been a keen climber and skier, has been able to return to his home in Bourneville a couple of times. Last weekend he stayed overnight at home and was able to attend a friend’s wedding. His mother Barbara added: 'The stroke was horrific and this has been a terrible ordeal for all the family. 'I would like to thank all the hospital staff who have helped Andy.' Andy qualified at Birmingham University in 2002, becoming the first dyslexic to qualify as a UK dentist. Since then he has worked for the NHS in general dental practice in Birmingham where he met Emma. And the pair were married in 2008. Mr Davies was the first dyslexic to qualify as a UK dentist. He hopes one day to return to work . Emma, a teacher said: 'We were told that if Andy survived he would be left with ‘Locked in Syndrome’ which would leave him unable to communicate or move with no prospect of any independent life. We were told to prepare for the worst and that people didn’t recover form such situations.' She added: 'No one is quite sure what caused the stroke although Andy thinks the trigger was the tooth extraction which may have damaged the artery and caused it to split later.' The couple are both Christians and Emma believes the power of prayer and the help of doctors has aided Andy’s remarkable recovery. Emma said: 'We believe God answered our prayers when Andy was initially given no hope.' Andy's mother said: 'He is now able to sit on the edge of a bed for three and a half minutes; when he first came to Moseley he could only sit for 30 seconds. 'His standing has also improved. Just ten weeks ago he started out using a standing frame, which mechanically raised him into a standing position and held him there. 'Now Andy no longer needs a hoist and can push himself up and briefly hold it there with the assistance of therapists, who help with the process.' Emma said: 'Thousands of people round the world have been following Andy’s blog and have been praying for him. He’s come a long way since those dark days in November but there’s still a lot work to be done. We are hopeful that he will walk unaided again and we pray that he may one day go back to work.' For Andy's blog visit http://andydaviesupdate.blogspot.co.uk/ . | Doctors told Mr Davies' family he had no prospect of any independent life . They said they have been amazed at his recovery over the past six months . | 82eb2130ca767f2cfd0de4f280deb3482a4107bc |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:23 EST, 6 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:01 EST, 8 May 2012 . The Queen's jubilee flotilla is to be led by an incredible belfry barge carrying eight enormous church bells which will peel out across London as the procession makes its way up the Thames. Pushed along by a tug at about 6mph, the amazing vessel will herald the start of the Pageant, leading the flotilla as it makes its way from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge. Followed immediately behind by the Queen's barge Gloriana it will lead 1,000 boats down river with its bells ringing and churches along the route sounding their bells in reply. Sound waves: A model of the belfry barge which is to lead the Queen's Jubilee flotilla down the Thames carrying eight enormous church bell . Side view: Pushed along by a tug at about 6mph, the . amazing vessel will herald the start of the Pageant, leading the . flotilla as it makes its way from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge . A 94ft-long barge has been hired to carry the enormous steel belfry which will stand 20ft above the water. The eight bells are each named after a senior member of the Royal Family, - Elizabeth, Philip, Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward, William and Henry. They were all cast at the Whitechapel Foundry where Big Ben was made. Royal approval: Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh inspect Gloriana, the Royal Row Barge they will use for the occasion . Heavy metal: Chief bellringer Dickon Love poses by the Queen's bell . 'Elizabeth' which weighs half a ton. The other bells will be named after . senior members of the royal family . The belfry which consists of the eight bells and a heavy duty steel frame will have a combined weight of more than 12 tons. The barge used to carry it, - the Ursula Katherine - is currently being used to carry supplies to the Olympic Park. Red and gold decorations have been designed by Philippa Broadhurst, former art director for the ITV hit Downton Abbey. After the Pageant, the bells will find a new home at the church of St James Garlickhythe. An artist's impression of Gloriana, the Royal Rowbarge, which will carry the queen directly behind the belfry barge . Leading the way: The Belfry barge will head the flotilla of 1,000 vessels from Battersea Bridge to Tower Bridge . Dickon Love, Captain of the royal jubilee bell ringers who will be in charge on the day, is concerned that any rocking motion could put the ringing out of sync. He told the Sunday Times: 'The secret of English bell-ringing is for it to sound absolutely rhythmical, but conditions will not be exactly as they would be in church so we are presented with some unique difficulties.' | The vessel will lead a flotilla of 1,000 boats down the Thames . It will carry eight bells all named after a senior member of the royal family . Downton Abbey art director designed red, black and gold decorations . | 13c8f2352d96b245ca564761a387284633b9e660 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 12:57 PM on 23rd July 2011 . Suspect: Nurse Rebecca Leighton has been charged tonight and will appear before magistrates tomorrow . A nurse has been charged in connection with the death of five patients at Stepping Hill Hospital which is at the centre of a tampering probe, police said tonight. Rebecca Leighton, 27, has been charged with six counts of causing damage with intent to endanger life. She will appear before magistrates in the morning. If found guilty of the offences, the hospital worker faces a potential life sentence. A police investigation was launched after five unexplained deaths at the hospital. A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said tonight: 'A woman arrested by detectives investigating five deaths at Stepping Hill hospital has been charged. 'Rebecca Leighton, of Heaviley, is charged with six counts under section one of the criminal damage act, causing damage with intent to endanger life or being reckless to whether life is being endangered. 'She is also charged with one count of theft of medicine from Stepping Hill Hospital. 'She is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Saturday.' Tonight police named Vera Pearson, 84, as the fifth victim to be linked to the investigation. Derek Weaver, 83, who died yesterday, has also been linked with the investigation. She was not one of the 14 patients police . initially believed had been treated with 36 vials of saline contaminated . with insulin. The pensioner's family said they wanted to be left alone to grieve in peace. Detectives are expected to continue to investigate the case over the coming days. Probe: The deaths of Derek Weaver, 83, left, and Vera Pearson, 84, right, have both been linked to the saline poison investigation . Detectives had been given until 9pm . tonight to continue to question nurse Rebecca Leighton as they investigated the deaths of George Keep, 84, Arnold Lancaster, 71, and . Tracey Arden, 44. Miss Leighton, 27 - herself born at Stepping Hill - was described by colleagues as 'dedicated'. She . was arrested at 6am on Wednesday in the flat she shares with her fiancé . Tim Papworth, 28, a 15-minute walk from Stepping Hill. Chris Burke, chief executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'We are aware that Greater Manchester Police have charged the 27 year old female suspect. 'Our thoughts are with the families affected by this incident. All of the staff here are extremely shocked and appalled by what has happened and we have ensured there is appropriate support available.' Victims: Tracey Arden, 44, George Keep, 84, and Arnold Lancaster, 71, who died at Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockport . Nazir Afzal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: 'These are serious charges that relate to allegations that Rebecca Leighton tampered with medical products, saline ampoules and saline bags in Stepping Hill Hospital and by doing so endangered the lives of patients. 'This is a complex, ongoing police investigation. We will continue to work with police and provide advice as they continue their detailed inquiries. We will of course review any further evidence they provide to us and decide whether any further charges should be brought.' Miss Leighton was registered as a nurse in 2008. Mr Weaver, who died yesterday, was a retired businessman who lived near the hospital. He . is understood to have deteriorated suddenly after suffering a serious . low blood sugar episode on July 11, the day before the inquiry was . launched. Last night Mr Weaver's sister, Lynda Bleasdale, said: 'Everyone in the hospital has said what a charming, lovely gentleman he is. The staff have been absolutely wonderful with him.' Police question visitors to Stepping Hill Hospital . | Nurse to appear before magistrates tomorrow morning . Death of Vera Pearson, 84, the fifth to be investigated . | 6d655608fac3d8599347e41fd5b54db4e387b8a2 |
A former Seventh Day Adventists pastor who set out in January to live a year without God could be set to become a full-time atheist when his eventful experiment comes to an end later this month. Ryan Bell, 43, made headlines in January when just days into his 'intellectual experiment' to explore atheism he was fired from his two teaching jobs at Christian schools near Los Angeles. Bell was left struggling to support his two young daughters, aged 10 and 13, until an atheist blogger set up an online fundraising site and helped raise over $27,000 to help him support his family. Scroll down for video . During his year without God, Ryan Bell has found love with Rebecca Pratt, who is a devoted Christian . For 19 years Bell had been a pastor, most recently the senior pastor at the Hollywood Seventh-day Adventists Church. Then in March 2013 he resigned his position due to differences over his liberal views - including campaigning against the same-sex marriage ban for gay and lesbians - that didn't go down well with the church. With his 17-year marriage also headed for divorce, Bell suffered a crisis of faith and in January 2014, he began a yearlong journey to explore the limits of theism and the atheist landscape in the U.S. He decided to write a blog about that experiences called Year Without God - A Former Pastor's Journey Into Atheism. 'For the next 12 months I will live as if there is no God,' he wrote in his first entry. 'I will not pray, read the Bible for inspiration, refer to God as the cause of things or hope that God might intervene and change my own or someone else's circumstances. (I trust that if there really is a God that God will not be too flummoxed by my foolish experiment and allow others to suffer as a result).' With his 17-year marriage also headed for divorce, Bell suffered a crisis of faith and in January 2014, he began a yearlong journey to explore the limits of theism and the atheist landscape in the U.S. The past 12 months has proved many testing times for Bell, but he tells the L.A. Times that his also life has started to feel good again. Bell got a job teaching life skills at PATH, a nonprofit helping the homeless, and has also started dating again. His girlfriend, Rebecca Pratt, is - ironically - a devoted Christian but has been open-minded about his journey to live without religion for a year. As the months have progressed, Bell says he has became more and more comfortable with his new life. He currently describes himself as a 'weak atheist' and says he is comfortable with not having all the answers about the meaning of life and why we are here. Bell was left struggling to support his two young daughters, aged 10 and 13, until an atheist blogger set up an online fundraising site and helped raise over $27,000 to help him support his family . Over Christmas, Bell says he has no plans to attend any church services, although the former pastor he still loves the rituals. Then on January 1, his journey will be over and he is expected to make an announcement on his blog about if he is to remain an atheist or return to God. 'I do think I've now seen both sides of the coin,' he told the L.A. Times. 'Being with the atheists, they can have the same sort of obnoxious certainty that some Christians have, and I don't want to be a part of that. It feels like I'm stuck in the middle. 'I want to be for something good, but I don't want boundaries, and religion just feels like a very bounded thing. 'The question I am asking right now: Why do I need religion to love?' Big decision: On January 1 and with his journey over Bell is expected to make an announcement on his blog about if he is to remain an atheist or return to God . | Former Seventh Day Adventists pastor Ryan Bell, 43, set out in January to live a year without God . Almost immediately he lost his job teaching at two Christian schools who were unhappy about his decision . Since then thing shave improved and he has a new job and has found love with a woman who is a devoted Christian . At the end of the month Bell will decide if he will remain an atheist or return to God in 2015 . | 367a24e40a6a7c4ece2ac7bc3c6d8af090876f56 |
(CNN) -- As Halloween approaches, my 10-year-old daughter is getting excited about choosing a scary costume for trick-or-treating and the prospect of a bucket full of sweets. I usually accompany her, but this year has stirred memories of a genuinely spooky encounter, re-awakened by a recent assignment for CNN. The British Film Institute is about to release the full 144-minute version of The Shining -- 24 minutes more than previously seen in Europe. If you're of a nervous disposition, the thought of subjecting yourself to additional minutes of what many regard as the most terrifying movie ever made might be a less than appealing one. But true horror fans are licking their lips in anticipation. The film -- directed by the brilliant Stanley Kubrick in 1980 -- is now regarded as a masterclass in movie-making but at the time it was largely received with the scratching of heads and a mood of disappointment. Kubrick adapted the film from the book written by horror novelist Stephen King -- and that's where my connection begins. In 1974 King and his wife stayed at the majestic Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, a small town at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. The hotel was due to shut down for the winter season and the Kings were the only guests in the place, echoing round the long empty corridors and silent ballroom. By the time they checked out of Room 217 the next morning -- Halloween - King had the bones of his chilling story. Stanley Kubrick treasures on display . I visited Estes Park 34 years later and decided to take my family to the Stanley Hotel. Although Kubrick's film was shot at the Timberline Lodge in Oregon (exteriors) and Elstree studios near London (interiors) the resemblance is uncanny. Our guide told us the hotel was inhabited by a number of ghosts, sometimes appearing in photographs as balls of energy. The warning was met with a mixture of giggles and suspiciously raised eyebrows. We were about to shuffle along another carpeted corridor when my wife gave a cry of surprise: "Look at this!" We gathered round her camera to see an image of the staircase on which were three orbs of light -- different sizes, different opacities, different to anything I'd ever seen before. They hadn't appeared to the naked eye nor had they appeared on anyone else's camera. During the rest of the tour our group achieved a degree of minor celebrity by repeating the feat at several other locations within the hotel. There was one on the wood-panelled ceiling of the ballroom and later, when we checked back through all the pictures, we discovered that another had appeared on the photograph we took of the reception before meeting or tour guide. The images were taken in different places, with very different lighting and of the 200 photographs we took during our holiday no orbs appeared on any other photograph -- nor indeed on any photograph ever taken on that camera before or since. We were amused and baffled but promptly forgot about them when we returned to London. This month, covering the story of the extended version of The Shining came my way and while researching it I remembered the photographs. So when I went to interview the film's executive producer Jan Harlan at his home in the ancient English city of St. Albans, an hour's drive north of London, I took them with me. He talked eloquently about Kubrick and his movie. "It was a film that shows nothing but ambiguity. And this is what Stanley wanted," he said. I showed him the pictures. He seemed amused but like me could offer no plausible explanation. They too remain ambiguous and I'm happy for them to remain so. But for some fans of the film, ambiguity leaves a void which must be filled with conspiracy theories. Some claim to have discovered hidden messages about anything from the Holocaust to the plight of Native Americans, and to Kubrick's apparent use of the film to confess to helping the U.S. government fabricate the Apollo moon landings. "It's amazing how this film invited speculation and fantasy in the audience. Which is good," said Harlan. "It's a great compliment to Kubrick that people go into orbit about it." "Orbit" eh? Is that another deliberate clue... no, I'm not going down that road. I'll stick to my own photographs instead. And if there is anyone out there with a good theory (conspiratorial or otherwise) about those we'd love to hear from you. | The British Film Institute is releasing the full 144-minute version of The Shining . CNN's Neil Curry found mysterious 'orbs' on his family's pictures of the hotel that helped inspire Stephen King to write the horror novel . "It's amazing how this film invited speculation and fantasy in the audience," said the film's executive producer Jan Harlan . Neil Curry: If there is anyone out there with a good theory about the pictures we'd love to hear from you . | 0acdd651cbbbf44b55ae408cbcc2f4ce7e01d0a5 |
A baby has been nicknamed Harry thanks to a thick head of hair that makes him look like One Direction heartthrob Harry Styles. Four-month-old Harvey Johnson was born with dark luscious locks, much to the surprise of his parents. Mother and father Lucy Carter, 26, and Ian Johnson, 32, from Hitchin, Herts., were stunned when his mane just kept on growing. Scroll down for video . Harvey's brown hair is several inches long and incredibly thick, allowing for some funky styles . Ian Johnson, 32, left, and Lucy Carter, 26, right, say they have never seen a baby with so much hair . Little Harvey has gained his nickname from One Direction crooner Harry Style's thick floppy hair which he either wears wild and tousled, left, or teased into a voluminous bouffant as at a Burberry show in 2013 . 'When Harvey was born all the midwives kept coming in to see him as his hair was so unusual,' said Lucy. 'Usually a baby's hair falls out after it is born but Harvey's has kept on growing and is really quite thick. I haven't seen any other babies with as much hair as him. His thick brown hair, which, in some pictures, stands straight on end, looks for all the world like singer Harry Styles' voluminous coiffeur. Lucy said: 'His nickname is Harry because so many people think he looks like Harry Styles with all his hair.' Lucy and Ian, who is a postman, said that everywhere they go people are astonished by the amount of hair Harvey has. 'We both have dark hair and had some hair when we were born, but nowhere near as much as him.' 'We already have to shampoo his hair on a regular basis. Harvey was born with an unusually thick head of hair that didn't fall out as most babies' hair does . When Harvey was born all the midwives kept coming in to see him as his hair was so unusual . Harvey's hair, which sticks up in all directions, gives him a look of permanent surprise . Little Harvey's thatch also seems as untamed as 20-year-old star Harry's, whose tousled mane has earned him legions of female admirers and male fans. From wearing it loose and disarrayed, Harry has also made it okay for men to wear hairbands. He's also joined the man bun trend, scraping his thick locks away from his face. Lucy and Ian have certainly had fun with Harvey's hair. When he was born it looked like a long fuzz but since then it's grown inches and his doting parents either brush it on end, give him a mohawk or let it stick out in every direction. They've even created Superman's distinctive kiss curl on Harvey's forehead. His parents say that people are astonished by the amount of hair Harvey (at three months, left) has . Lucy has fun with her baby's hair, brushing it on ends and even forming Superman's distinctive kiss curl . | Harvey Johnson, four months, was born with thick head of black hair . Didn't fall out as baby hair usually does and keeps on growing . One Direction singer is famous for his wild chocolate-coloured mane . | 67bd2e2eb7a642d550f7d3b9f9d5fb6b49fbcc27 |
By . David Baker . PUBLISHED: . 16:01 EST, 28 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 17:14 EST, 28 June 2012 . Tragedy: Michael Goodman (pictured) was allegedly pushed by his twin brother, fell against a doorknob and hit his head, dying instantly . A grieving mother has vowed to stand by her teenage son after he was charged with killing his identical twin brother in a tragic mistake. Lynette Goodman, 39, says her family life has been torn apart by what she claims was a 'terrible accident'. Shockingly, Lynette only moved to Spain six years ago to escape the drug riddled streets of Northampton and provide a safer environment for her sons. The mother-of four had been living the Spanish dream until she discovered her son Ryan, 19, had killed his twin brother Michael following a 'stupid argument'. The brothers rowed after their mother shouted at them over money that had gone missing from her purse. The twins, who lived with Lynette and younger twin brother and sister Owen and Shannon, both 10, blamed each other for stealing the money. The fight in February last year ended in tragedy when Ryan pushed Michael and he fell against a doorknob and hit his head, dying instantly. Seeing his brother had no pulse, Ryan dragged Michael’s body out of the family’s country villa, near Valencia, and hid it beneath undergrowth in a ditch just ten metres from their front door. Michael’s decomposed body was only found in April this year when a wild asparagus picker stumbled across the remains. A court in the nearby town of Xativa heard last week that DNA testing confirmed Michael’s identity. The trial is being held in Xativa, close to Valencia, in an area popular with British ex-pats . Lynette, who moved to Spain to live with her father, David, 62, from Blackthorn, Northampton, said she will now support Ryan 'every step of the way' as he faces the harsh Spanish legal system. She said: 'I love him and I will support him every step of the way. I have to, he’s my son. 'The whole thing has been a nightmare. It was going so well out here, the boys were doing well at school, they had the life of Riley, but now it has all gone so wrong, all because of a terrible, terrible accident. 'This was meant to be a fresh start for all of us. I’d had enough of Blackthorn. It was ‘Smackthorn’, there were drugs everywhere and I needed to get away, I didn’t want my kids to grow up around that. 'I lived two doors away from a drug . dealer. The children would be playing with syringes, injecting by . accident and having to go for AIDS tests. 'When my mum died, my dad moved to . Spain and we went with him to get away. It was going to be our new life . together in the sunshine. 'It wasn’t meant to turn out like this. 'It took them seven weeks after the body was found to confirm it was Michael. The twins attended school in the town of Vallada close to where the killing took place . 'Everything is so long-winded out here, it takes forever. We’re looking at another six or nine months before we get to the end of all this. 'It was a stupid argument. They were brothers, they argued. There’s nothing more to it than that. I can’t believe it has ended like this.' Appearing at court in the nearby town of Xativa last week, Ryan told the investigating judge that his brother’s death had been an accident and he was very sorry. He said: 'I loved my brother and had no intention of killing him' and added that he had hidden the body because he was 'very scared' of the consequences. The judge remanded him to the custody of youth criminal services because he had been 17-years-old when the crime was committed. He will spend six months in a juvenile detention centre while he awaits trial.The court heard Lynette had only reported her son missing three months after he vanished. It is believed Ryan had told the family his brother had returned to England and they did not raise the alarm as he was 'prone to disappear' for weeks at a time. When there was no sign of the missing teenager his mother made an appeal for help to find him on Facebook. Police questioned Ryan and his grandfather David, 62, several times about Michael’s disappearance, believing David was covering for his grandson, local reports said. | Lynette Goodman's son Ryan killed twin brother Michael following a 'stupid argument' The 19-year-old has been remanded to the custody of youth criminal services . He will spend six months in a juvenile detention centre while he awaits trial . | b44532b333b9a2708a38d0bcebfcf98c086f8639 |
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