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(CNN)The nominations for the 21st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards are in. On Wednesday morning, "The Fault In Our Stars" actor/DJ Ansel Elgort and fellow multihyphenate Eva Longoria revealed the latest round of actors who are in contention for SAG honors. The awards show, which airs on CNN sister networks TBS and TNT, is the only televised ceremony that exclusively recognizes acting performances. Take a look at the list of nominees and let us know who you think will win. Motion Picture Nominees . Outstanding performance by a cast in a motion picture . "Birdman""Boyhood""The Grand Budapest Hotel""The Imitation Game""The Theory of Everything" Outstanding performance by a male actor in a leading role . Steve Carell, "Foxcatcher"Benedict Cumberbatch, "The Imitation Game"Jake Gyllenhaal,"Nightcrawler"Michael Keaton, "Birdman"Eddie Redmayne, "The Theory of Everything" Outstanding performance by a female actor in a leading role . Jennifer Aniston, "Cake"Felicity Jones, "The Theory of Everything"Julianne Moore, "Still Alice"Rosamund Pike, "Gone Girl"Reese Witherspoon, "Wild" Outstanding performance by a male actor in a supporting role . Robert Duvall, "The Judge"Ethan Hawke, "Boyhood"Edward Norton, "Birdman"Mark Ruffalo, "Foxcatcher"J.K. Simmons, "Whiplash" Outstanding performance by a female actor in a supporting role . Patricia Arquette, "Boyhood"Keira Knightley, "The Imitation Game"Emma Stone, "Birdman"Meryl Streep, "Into the Woods"Naomi Watts, "St. Vincent" Television nominees . Outstanding performance by a male actor in a television movie or miniseries . Adrien Brody, "Houdini" Benedict Cumberbatch, "Sherlock: His Last Vow"Richard Jenkins, "Olive Kitteridge"Mark Ruffalo, "The Normal Heart"Billy Bob Thornton, "Fargo" Outstanding performance by a female actor in a television movie or miniseries . Ellen Burstyn, "Flowers in the Attic"Maggie Gyllenhaal, "The Honorable Woman"Frances McDormand, "Olive Kitteridge"Julia Roberts, "The Normal Heart"Cicely Tyson, "The Trip to Bountiful" Outstanding performance by a male actor in a drama series . Steve Buscemi, "Boardwalk Empire"Peter Dinklage, "Game of Thrones"Woody Harrelson, "True Detective"Matthew McConaughey, "True Detective"Kevin Spacey, "House of Cards" Outstanding performance by a female actor in a drama series (six nominees due to tie) Claire Danes, "Homeland"Viola Davis, "How to Get Away with Murder"Julianna Margulies, "The Good Wife"Tatiana Maslany, "Orphan Black"Maggie Smith, "Downton Abbey"Robin Wright, "House of Cards" Outstanding performance by a male actor in a comedy series . Ty Burrell, "Modern Family"Louis C.K., "Louie"William H. Macy, "Shameless"Jim Parsons, "The Big Bang Theory"Eric Stonestreet, "Modern Family" Outstanding performance by a female actor in a comedy series . Uzo Aduba, "Orange Is the New Black"Julie Bowen, "Modern Family"Edie Falco, "Nurse Jackie"Julia Louis-Dreyfus, "Veep"Amy Poehler, "Parks and Recreation" Outstanding performance by an ensemble in a drama series . "Boardwalk Empire""Downton Abbey""Game of Thrones""Homeland""House of Cards" Outstanding performance by an ensemble in a comedy series . "The Big Bang Theory""Brooklyn Nine-Nine""Modern Family""Orange is the New Black""Veep" The 21st annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will air simultaneously on TNT and TBS at 8 p.m. ET on January 25. | Nominees are announced for 21st Screen Actors Guild Awards . Ansel Elgort and Eva Longoria did the honors . The winners will be revealed January 25 . | f8edc665e839e6ceed465f8bb02ad1c8797db5e1 |
Sochi, Russia (CNN) -- "This one is for you," says Yana Romanova, the photo manager at the RusSki Gorki Jumping Center. She hands over a blue, numbered armband-come-sleeve which signifies to all at the Sochi Olympics venue that its wearer is a working photographer. "Let me take your name as well, we might need it if I have to take away your accreditation," she adds with a smile, before revealing the fate of a photographer who recently made the mistake of crossing into a no-go zone. "He ran onto the landing area of the ski jump to help an athlete who had fallen ... It was dangerous and against the rules, so last I heard he'd been barred from the rest of the Games." The message has the desired effect on a writer adopting the role of photographer for one night only. Consequently, careful attention is paid to the briefing that Romanova leads 10 minutes later. Safety is the key, and it's made clear where we should not trespass if we want to stay on her good side. She refers to a map of the giant jump center where photographer positions are labeled and then fields questions from the 20-or-so snappers present who will be recording tonight's event for countless newspapers, websites and magazines around the world. Henry Stuart nods and takes in the information, assessing the potential of the various options being discussed for his specific task. As a specialist for photo agency Getty Images who creates 360-degree images, he needs to consider different aspects for successful delivery. "At the ski jump, there's quite a lot of behind-the-scenes stuff which isn't very pretty. We need to chose a position that will optimize the panorama," Stuart tells CNN. "So often what makes a brilliant photo in normal circumstances is wasted in a 360 because half of the picture is just snow, or mountains or mud, and it's not that interesting. We're trying to get a picture that will be interesting from every angle." And with that we pick up our kit, swallow the final mouthfuls of Russian stew from the press-room kitchen and head outside to the bottom of the usually out-of-bounds chairlift that takes athletes and a select number of the media to the top of the looming slopes. The Jumping Center is one of the most spectacular venues at the Sochi Games, where two giant steel structures bolted to the northern slope of Aibga Ridge create the artificial angle and curves needed to propel brave athletes on a skywards trajectory. The chairlift scoops up photographers two at a time and heads up the mountain side pulled by its cable, leaving legs swinging in the cool air. Once at the top the work begins to assess the three positions available for the photographers to use for the ski jumping qualification that is due to start on the "Large Hill" in half an hour. The location at the top of the smaller slope will not be close enough to the action, despite the proximity to its dramatic plunge, so we walk down the wooden steps that bisect the two runways to a spot more suitable. "So here, on the southeast side of the jump, just by the kickoff lip, has a good view of the valley -- which means the other 180 degrees I can fill with multiple frames of the skier at different points all the way down the hill," explains Stuart, as he puts down his bag to survey the surroundings. "You also need to be careful of the TV cameras, so you don't get in any of their shots," he adds pointing to the bank of cameras who have their focus trained across our heads towards the launch area. "It's always an issue for me because I have a three-meter-long pole with a camera fixed to the end. It gives you a really good perspective but you need to be wary about getting in the way of other people." Stuart extends the carbon-fiber monopod to about two and a half meters. On the end of the pole his camera is fitted with a collared, very wide fish-eye lens that is controlled by a remote in his hand. As the skiers begin to whoosh past to spring into the night sky he rotates the camera around a "nodal point" firing the aperture into action. He takes four wide shots before concentrating on specific details needed for the final composite. "I want to try to get in the picture the sense of the steepness and the speed of the skier, so that's the challenge for today," Stuart says. "I can trigger (the camera) to get multiple frames of the skier taking the jump, so we'll have the whole story from top to bottom which I'll then overlay on the panorama. I'll take around 40 pictures per jump but will probably only use around 20 in the final composite image. "With the crowd shots I used a different exposure to capture more of the detail -- the skier is a darker exposure with a faster shutter speed, which has to be adjusted for too. "Especially because the floodlights here actually flicker, the human eye can't pick it up because it's too quick, but the camera does, and it makes a difference to the light on the shot. The final composite will be an amalgam of all the shots." With the pictures captured, we begin the long journey down the vertiginous steps that run alongside the jump slope back down to the press center. Once there the laptop is unfolded and a program fired up that, with the help of algorithms and blending tools, stitches together the many images into one panorama. "The tools are fantastic for taking distortion out of the lens, lining the images up and detecting where they match -- they'll detect points that are exactly the same in two images ... and will line up from these control points -- it does a lot of the heavy lifting for you but it also makes lots of mistakes which I then fix by hand," says Stuart as he manipulates the final product before filing down to Getty offices in time for the deadline. It seems athletes aren't the only individuals working on an aesthetic performance in the mountains of Sochi. | Henry Stuart specializes in producing 360-degree pictures for Getty Images in Sochi . He captures the skier with multiple frames at different points all the way down the hill . Stuart says he wants to get "the sense of the steepness and the speed of the skier" He takes around 40 pictures per jump and will use about 20 in the final composite image . | aa293f2223e541b6a678994e0ced6d1ad38072f5 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:23 EST, 25 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:30 EST, 25 September 2013 . Starbucks could soon be adding an extra fizz to its customers' drinks as it files a trademark name for the range of carbonated drinks it has been testing. The experiment with carbonated beverages is a bit like giving customers the chance to have their order put through a Soda Stream. Zack Hutson, a Starbucks spokesman, said the application is related to a new range it started experimenting with at stores in Atlanta and Austin in June. Refreshing change: Starbucks has been experimenting with carbonated drinks . The Seattle-based coffee company is registering the name Fizzio, which would apply to drinks machines and the beverages they provide, it said in its U.S. Patent and Trademark Office application. Three fizzy flavors - Lemon Ale, Original Ginger Ale and Spiced Root Beer - have been on offer to customers, who were also given the chance to carbonate iced teas and coffees for no extra charge, the Huffington Post reported. 'So far the response from customers in the test markets has been positive,' Mr Hutson said. Melody, a coffee lover in Seattle who writes blogs about new drinks products, visited one of the shops testing the carbonated drinks and liked what she saw. 'This was crazy good. Since I knew I wasn’t going to be able to easily return to this Starbucks, I drank two Venti Starbucks root beers! I just couldn’t stop,' she wrote on Starbucks Melody. 'It’s sweet, refreshing, and a lovely distinctive root beer flavor ... Starbucks root beer solidly gets two thumbs up from me!' Trial: The Seattle coffee chain has been offering the new beverages at a few stores to test customer reaction . However, when Jason Jepson tested all three for CNBC he found them lacking in flavor. 'The flavor was OK, but you can really tell that the mix comes from a box,' he said. Starbucks spokesman Linda Mills said in response: 'This is a test, and that's part of it.' She added that many customers had requested to have their regular iced beverages carbonated. The new test range is the latest in a series of moves by Starbucks, which has more than 19,000 branches around the world, to expand beyond coffee. The company has also started to move into premium juices with its Evolution Fresh range and, with tea becoming a growth opportunity, it acquired a chain of shops called Teavana. New look: Starbucks also runs the Teavana chain as tea grows in popularity . The move into the soft drinks market is a shrewd decision by Starbucks, which could find itself part of a $77 billion carbonated beverage category. 'Starbucks is ... smart to test these products,' John Sicher, editor of trade magazine Beverage Digest, told USA Today. 'This may help bring in customers who want something other than coffee.' Each of the three drinks in its test range are described as handcrafted and are made with no preservatives or artificial colors, and contain no high-fructose syrup. | Coffee chain tested handcrafted beverages in selection of stores . Seattle company looking to expand into $77bn soft drinks market . | 0a5c58f75c2dca6cb038c3fc2ceaa6a45044fe82 |
(CNN) -- Piers Morgan likes to talk the talk but how did the CNN anchor fare when he had to walk the walk and face a cricket ball coming towards him at 150 kilometers an hour? Morgan, who likes to tweet from the lip, has been one of England's most outspoken critics over the past few weeks following the team's embarrassing capitulation against Australia in the fiercely contested Ashes series. And from the cosy surroundings of his U.S. home, Morgan took to Twitter to criticize England's wretched batting in the first three Ashes Tests -- matches in which Australia cruised to victory. But on Friday in Melbourne, where England are playing Australia in the fourth Test, Morgan got a taste of what the touring batsmen have had to contend with over the last few weeks, though none of them were dumped onto their backside -- unlike the CNN anchor. Facing former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee, a man who took 310 wickets in 76 Tests, Morgan was pummeled during a six-ball blast. With Lee not holding back, Morgan gave the appearance of a rabbit caught in the headlights as he backed away from nearly every delivery. Watch Morgan's ordeal on YouTube . On four occasions the Englishman was hit on the body, while he was also clean bowled by Lee much to the amusement of the watching crowd of 2,000, which included Australian cricketers Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle. "He got hurt but he didn't get maimed, so that's a positive step," Lee told the Sydney Morning Herald. "You have to give full credit to the guy -- he's going to be really sore tomorrow. "But he kept on going, so you have to take your hat off to the guy. "The biggest smile around the ground was from Mitchell Johnson I think. I looked over at Mitch and he gave me a wink, he was quite chuffed." If the 48-year-old Morgan was bloodied, he remained unbowed after his bruising experience. "It's made me reassess what you need out here on an Ashes tour and that is courage, fortitude and a Churchillian spirit of never giving in despite overwhelming odds," he said. CNN digital writer Chris Murphy plays amateur cricket with Morgan, so what was his analysis of his teammate's performance? "Having played cricket with Piers on numerous occasions, it's well known he has two shots: a forward defense and a heave to the leg side," said Murphy. "Sadly, he wasn't able to exhibit either. "Charging down the wicket at someone bowling nearly 150 kph isn't brave, it's just plain stupid. But Piers deserves full marks for the guts he showed in the face of a relentless barrage from Brett Lee. "The sight of any batsman backing away from his stumps is a sign he's troubled by the pace of the bowler, but in this case it was probably a wise idea to prevent his chin being shattered. "A still head, straight bat and balance are the fundamentals of batting -- sadly for Piers, none of those elements were on show in Melbourne. Thankfully though, he is still alive to tell the tale." The England players who were the subject of Morgan's Twitter angst did at least return to form Friday to take control of the fourth Test at the MCG. Their nemesis Johnson took five wickets to leave England 255 all out, but the visitors hit back to have the home side reeling on 167 for nine at stumps and facing the prospect of defeat after three earlier easy victories. In South Africa, fast bowler Dale Steyn put on a display that Lee at his best would be proud of, taking six wickets for 100 runs as India were all out for 334 in their first innings in Durban. Retiring legend Jacques Kallis became only the second man in Test history to take 200 catches during the course of the second day. | CNN anchor Piers Morgan went head to head with Australian bowler Brett Lee . Morgan left flat on his backside at Melbourne Cricket Ground . The 48-year-old anchor hit four times in six deliveries . England fight back in fourth Test to take control on second day . | 634e3ca37095656c0007b77784b72439ed04fcf4 |
By . Julian Robinson . Bike thieves stole a state-of-the art electric bike - and then unwittingly called the owner to help re-charge it. Ben Jaconelli’s £2,500 Go Cycle was stolen when he left it securely locked on Kingsland Road in Hackney. Mr Jaconelli, who runs e-bike online store Fullycharged.com, had only left the bike unattended for 20 minutes. Ben Jaconelli, of Fullycharged.com, with the £2,500 Go Cycle electric bike which was stolen and then recovered after the thief unwittingly rang him for advice on how to charge it. Behind him is the old army truck he and his friends used as they set off to find the thief . But after reporting the theft to police and fearing he would not see his possession again, he received a phone call from a suspicious man asking for a charger for a Go Cycle. He then managed to track down the caller - and paid him a visit in a 1970s army truck with three of his friends. Mr Jaconelli, of Hackney, who has just opened a Fully Charged shop at Old Street roundabout, East London, said: 'I’m the authorised dealer for Go Cycle’s in the area so the thief called me, unaware that it was my bike. 'He asked for a charger for a Go Cycle and I knew straight away it had to be the thief.' The 30-year-old and his friends then used the internet to track down their man, before putting a plan in place to pay him a visit. Fearing there may be trouble, he asked three of his friends to come with him. The £2,500 Go Cylce electric bike, which was returned in a taxi to Ben Jaconelli's company in Hackney having earlier been stolen . Kingsland Road in Hackney where Ben Jaconelli's bike was stolen after he left it securely locked for just 20 minutes . They all climbed into a colleague's former army truck, a 1970s Military Land Rover 101, in a bid to beef up their presence. When they arrived at the address, in Whitechapel, London, the mystery caller was not in - but his mother was at home and called her son demanding answers. 'I took down as many details for him as possible and then set about tracking him down,' he said. 'One of the guys at our warehouse has an old army truck so we piled in to that and turned up at his house. 'He was out, but his bemused mother was in and she got straight on the phone to her son to demand to know why he wanted an electric bike charger. Ben Jaconelli's Fully Charged shop in Old Street, London. Mr Jaconelli, an approved dealer of Go Cycle electric bikes, received a call from a man asking for tips on how to recharge them. His own bike had been stolen days before . The mystery caller was asking for a charger for a Go Cycle electric bike. Ben Jaconelli took down all his details while he was on the telephone and then went about tracking the suspected thief down . 'A minute later he called me and asked why I was at his house and I said "you stole my bike". 'He hung up and 20 minutes later the bike arrived at the warehouse in a taxi.' The details have been passed on to police who are now investigating the theft and possible links to other missing bikes in the east London area. Mr Jaconelli added: 'There is a such a close network of dealers and I had alerted them all to the theft. 'Even if he did not ring me, I would have found out about it pretty quickly.' Police confirmed the matter had been investigated and so far no arrests had been made. Ben Jaconelli, pictured, with the £2,500 Go Cycle electric bike which was sent back to him in a taxi after it had been stolen . | Thieves stole Ben Jaconelli's electric bike from Kingsland Road, Hackney . 30-year-old receives call from man wanting to know how to charge Go Cycle . After finding address, sets off in 1970s army truck to find mystery caller . Mother of accused was at home and calls son demanding answers . £2,500 bike arrives in a taxi at Mr Jaconelli's company 20 minutes later . | 5ce7265c8130fee158ff2b3f9fdf8cecc58efc9c |
Outraged by a court verdict they considered too lenient, thousands of people took to the streets across Bangladesh on Wednesday demanding the death penalty for an Islamic party leader convicted of war crimes carried out more than four decades ago. "We've taken additional measures across the country to heighten security," State Minister for Home Affairs Shamsul Hoque told reporters. From horror to hope: Boy's miracle recovery from brutal attack . The demonstrations began Tuesday, when an International Crimes Tribunal sentenced Abdul Quader Mollah, assistant secretary general for the Jamaat-e-Islami party, to life in prison. The Jamaat-e-Islami party had called for a two-day general strike across Bangladesh beginning Tuesday, and demonstrators clashed with police and demanded that ruling party officials scrap the trial process. The government on Tuesday evening called in paramilitary troopers to maintain law and order in Dhaka and elsewhere as deadly protests erupted after the verdict. Jamaat-e-Islami protested the verdict as demonstrators -- including some from ruling party alliances -- took to the streets demanding the death penalty for Mollah. Read more: General strike disrupts life in Bangladesh . "We've deployed troopers from the Border Guards of Bangladesh to maintain law and order," Hoque said. Hundreds of Dhaka University students took to the streets in the capital's Shahbagh Square, where they were joined by other city residents in protests that began Tuesday. Home Ministry officials said security forces were patrolling in Dhaka and other major cities, including in the large southeastern port city of Chittagong, where at least four people were killed Tuesday during clashes between police and supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami. Police opened fire and shot tear-gas shells to disperse the protesters, who torched and otherwise damaged more than 100 vehicles in major cities. Jamaat-e-Islami said its members would continue to protest; many of its leaders are behind bars facing charges of murder, arson, looting and rape stemming from the war of independence in 1971. Read more: Clinton leaves drama in China for turmoil in Bangladesh . They said the war-crimes trials, which began after more than 40 years of independence, was done with "ill political motive." Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina showed no sign of backing down, saying the trials would be completed at any cost. The government, which promised in its election pledges in 2008 to complete the war-crimes trials, set up the tribunals in 2010. Amid tight security, a three-member panel of judges of the International Crimes Tribunal-2 delivered the judgment against Mollah in a crowded courtroom on Tuesday. Mollah, 64, was found guilty of five of six charges, including murder. They included crimes against humanity, tribunal Chairman Justice Obaidul Hassan said. After the verdict was read, Mollah stood from the chair on which he had been seated and cried, "Allahu Akbar!" (God is Great!) He declared he was innocent and began to curse the judges and the government. He then pulled a copy of the Quran from his pocket and held it in front of him, saying that the judges would one day find themselves on trial in accordance with the holy book's law. Lawmakers of the ruling party alliance criticized the verdict in parliament and asked the prosecution to appeal for the death penalty. Mollah, who was the chief of the students' wing of Jamaat-e-Islami in 1971, is the first Jamaat-e-Islami leader convicted in a war-crimes case by the tribunal. On January 21, the same tribunal sentenced to death the first war crimes convict, Abul Kalam Azad, alias Bachchu Razakar. Bangladesh had been the eastern portion of Pakistan until it gained independence in 1971 in a war that killed 3 million people. | The demonstrations began Tuesday, when Abdul Quader Mollah was sentenced to life . He was found guilty of 5 of 6 charges, including crimes against humanity . He declared he is innocent and cursed the judges in court . Four people have died in related violence in the port city of Chittagong . | 048b3f4ddf76e73c99e20ad009439f65765eb157 |
It was an impressive Saturday for Stoke City striker Peter Crouch. He scored inside 19 seconds to help his side to an unlikely win against Arsenal, before heading to Brixton to crowd-surf at a Kasabian gig. It is not the first time the six foot seven target man has been spotted watching the Leicester-born rockers, after he was in attendance with wife Abbey Clancy at their iTunes Festival show in September. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Peter Crouch dance like nobody's watching . Peter Crouch crowd-surfed all the way to the front of the Kasabian gig, and was helped by bouncers . The tall striker was spotted by onlookers as he mounted the shoulders of a friend during the gig . But Crouch took it one step further this time, as he mounted a friend's shoulders close to the stage, before crowd-surfing over the heads of some surprised fans. Earlier in the day, the former England man opened the scoring as Stoke raced to a 3-0 lead against Arsenal, before a second-half fightback from Arsene Wenger's side. Crouch had reason to celebrate though, as the Potters held on for an impressive victory. Rather than head home after the game, the 33-year-old followed the Arsenal supporters down the M6 towards the capital just in time for Kasabian's show. And as far as Saturdays go, Crouch's is up there with the best of them. Earlier in the day, Crouch scored inside 19 seconds to help Stoke to an unlikely 3-2 win over Arsenal . The former England man celebrates with his team-mates after scoring the opening goal . | Peter Crouch scored after 19 seconds to help Stoke to a 3-0 lead . Mark Hughes' side held on for a 3-2 win against Arsenal at the Britannia . After the game, Crouch headed south to Brixton to see Kasabian . He was pictured, and videoed, crowd-surfing during the gig . | 6604f5720ce9a6e7833c511b7274eaa08cc9a396 |
(CNN) -- Three Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, police officers became the first department fatalities since 1995 Saturday morning while responding to a domestic dispute call, Police Chief Nathan Harper said. Law enforcement from several jurisdictions respond to a shooting standoff at Pittsburgh home Saturday. "We have never had to lose three officers in the line of duty at one time at one call," Harper said. Suspect Richard Poplawski surrendered around 11 a.m. outside the Stanton Heights home he shares with his mother after a standoff that lasted nearly four hours and left two more officers injured. Wearing a bulletproof vest and armed with an AK-47, a long rifle and a pistol, Poplawski fired about 100 rounds during the standoff, Harper said. Watch officers respond at the scene » . Poplawski was taken into custody after surrendering to law enforcement. He is expected to face charges of homicide, aggravated assault and other related offenses, Harper said. Officer Paul Sciullo III was the first to approach the home after responding to the scene around 7:05 a.m. He was shot in the head as he entered the doorway. When Officer Stephen Mayhle tried to help his fellow officer, he too was shot in the head, Harper said. Officer Eric Kelly, who rushed to the scene on his way home after finishing his shift, was fatally shot as he attempted to assist his fallen colleagues, Harper said. The shootings triggered a standoff between Poplawski, who was shooting from his bedroom window, and law enforcement agencies from several jurisdictions, Harper said. Poplawski opened fire at an Army SWAT vehicle that arrived around 8:30 a.m., preventing them and medics from reaching the wounded policemen. Officer Timothy McManaway also was shot in the hand, the chief said. Another officer, Brian Jones, broke his leg while trying to get over a fence while securing the rear of the house, he said. Some neighbors were evacuated during the standoff. Neighbors reported that the family had caused trouble before and Harper said police had responded to calls from the home two or three times. | NEW: Suspect was wearing bulletproof vest, armed with AK-47, police chief says . NEW: Third officer killed was on his way home after finishing shift . Officers were responding to domestic call in Stanton Heights area of Pittsburgh . Two more officers were injured in the nearly four-hour standoff that ensued . | 347d1892b319f4d967bd11df2e4cdd4d0cf51512 |
Cate Edwards, daughter of disgraced politician John Edwards, today admitted that it would have been far easier to stay angry at her father after he had an affair while her mother was dying of cancer. However she said that with 'commitment and persistence' she now has a good relationship with him and had even met his lovechild, five-year-old Quinn. John Edwards, a one-time presidential hopeful, began an affair with videographer Rielle Hunter on the campaign trail in 2004, around the time his popular wife Elizabeth revealed that she was battling advanced breast cancer. Elizabeth Edwards died in 2010 at the age of 61. His eldest daughter Cate told Katie Couric on Monday that her father gave her the news of his devastating affair in person. Scroll down for video . Cate Edwards talked today about her anger at her father John Edwards following his affair while her mother Elizabeth was dying from cancer . She said: 'My . dad told me, he really felt like he needed to be upfront with me. I was . an adult so he felt like he could have that conversation. It was very . difficult.' Couric, who had interviewed John and Elizabeth Edwards on the campaign trail, asked Cate Edwards if she was 'enraged' by her father's actions. Ms Edwards said: 'There's . anger but there's still so much . love there. We both worked together to work through it and get our . relationship to the point that it is today, which is that we have a great . relationship.' She added: 'It was hard, it took a lot of commitment but I wouldn't have had it any other way. 'We've been through so much together, our family has been through a lot and he was there, we were both there through all of that. 'It's not simple... I think it would be easier to have stayed angry. Forgiveness is tough and it takes commitment and persistence... and a lot of love.' The 31-year-old also revealed that she had met her father's youngest daughter from that affair with Hunter, five-year-old Quinn. Cate Edwards appeared on Katie Couric's chat show on Monday to talk about her charity work for breast cancer research in her mother Elizabeth's memory (pictured on the screen behind her) Family: Cate (center) was very close to her mother Elizabeth (seen here in 2008), who died of cancer in 2010. She works to raise awareness of advanced stage breast cancer. The picture shows the family on the campaign trail with her father John and younger siblings Emma Claire and Jack . She told Katie . that the little girl was 'cute and adorable' but they didn't see each . other much as Ms Edwards lives in DC and Quinn with her mother in North . Carolina. She added that Quinn had a great relationship with her father. Following the testing . time of a public sex scandal, Ms Edwards was by her father's side in . 2011 when he was indicted on six felony counts for allegedly misusing . campaign funds in an effort to hide his relationship with Hunter. A federal jury eventually found Edwards not guilty on one count and deadlocked on the others. Ms Edwards said that following all the trials that life had thrown at her, she was shown 'just how much strength you can garner'. She also used the opportunity to raise awareness for a campaign to help those with advanced stage breast cancer. Support: Cate Edwards was by her father's side during his criminal trial in 2011 . It is an issue she feels passionately about after losing her mother . Elizabeth to the disease. Ms Edwards said: 'I'm doing really well now but I think about my mom every single day. She's a huge part of my life still. 'I'm doing a lot of great work in her honor, things I think that would make her proud.' She said that following her cancer diagnosis, her mother focused on making every day count. She said: 'She didn't bury her head in the sand. She didn't hole up in her bedroom. She decided this was her opportunity to live out her last days. 'She showed her children a graceful, graceful way to live.' Sisters: Cate Edwards said that her half-sister Quinn was 'cute and adorable'. John Edwards fathered the child with Rielle Hunter in a scandalous affair that ended his high-flying political career . Mistress: Videographer Rielle Hunter had an affair with John Edwards on the campaign trail and then wrote a book about it . | Cate Edwards told Katie Couric on Monday that her father had revealed his affair to her in person . She described her half-sister Quinn as 'cute and adorable' Ms Edwards said: 'Forgiveness is tough and it takes commitment and persistence... and a lot of love' | 43e77d53c1edf38fb7fbffd1936a97b3b90e56bf |
LA PAZ, Bolivia (CNN) -- Heads of South American nations lent support Monday night to President Evo Morales of Bolivia, who says opposition leaders are trying to overthrow his government. Indigenous people from El Alto, Bolivia, take part in an anti-U.S. demonstration in La Paz on Monday. Confronting their first crisis, members of the four-month-old Union of South American Countries voted to create a commission to support Morales' democratically elected government, said President Michelle Bachelet of Chile. She read a nine-point statement on Chilean TV that calls for the support of human rights and democracy and the preservation of Bolivia's territorial integrity. The statement condemns any attempts to overthrow the government. It also said the new commission would investigate a reported massacre in the Bolivian state of Pando, where violent clashes killed 30 people last week. Those clashes pitted supporters of eastern governors who want autonomy against the central government. The South American leaders also urged dialogue to address disputes in Bolivia. Morales attended the emergency meeting of the union, which is modeled on the European Union and aims to politically and economically integrate South American countries. The president is poised to approve the start of negotiations between his leftist government and opposition leaders of five provinces who demand greater autonomy and the cancellation of a constitutional referendum that would give the president more power. The opposition also is angry over tax money that Morales is diverting from the provinces to fund elderly programs. Morales said the opposition leaders are trying to overthrow the government. "This is a coup in the past few days by the leaders of some provinces, with the takeover of some institutions, the sacking and robbery of some government institutions and attempts to assault the national police and the armed forces," Morales said. Opposition leaders say they merely want their demands met. Police kept order Monday during a march by about 2,000 pro-government groups opposed to the violence in the provinces. The demonstrators marched past the U.S. Embassy in La Paz. Morales expelled the U.S. ambassador to Bolivia last week, blaming the American government for inciting the violence. The United States called the accusations "false and baseless" and said Bolivia was making a "grave mistake." Most of South America's leaders attended Monday's emergency summit, with the exception of President Alan Garcia of Peru. Protest leaders asked to attend the summit in Santiago, Chile, but it was limited to heads of state. The protests started 21 days ago in Pando, Beni, Santa Cruz, Tarija and Chuquisaca provinces. The opposition groups have blockaded major roads and threaten to disrupt the nation's natural gas shipments, particularly to Brazil and Argentina. Anti-government protesters also have clashed with police and taken over offices and buildings in the five provinces. Watch some of the violent demonstrations across Bolivia » . Much of the violence has taken place in Pando -- Morales declared martial law there Friday. On Monday, supporters of Morales, or his so-called militias, were gathering in Santa Cruz, and threatening to encircle the city, stoking fears that blood could be shed there. In Pando, it was reported that arbitrary arrests were taking place as the military took to the streets. Houses had been broken into and shot up, and civic leaders were fleeing to Brazil. It was uncertain, meanwhile, whether the Bolivian military remained solely behind Morales. Some signs of divisions had been seen within the military. Opposition leaders say they will not negotiate if there are any more deaths. Vice President Alvaro Garcia said the government will not negotiate about the dead citizens but will rigorously pursue those responsible for the killings. There are conflicting reports over who killed the 30 peasants. Opposition leaders say the peasants were ambushed by local forces. The government says the peasants were armed and initiated the firefight. The opposition has offered to lift the blockades as a goodwill gesture, but the government demanded that the protesters also relinquish the buildings and other property they have seized. Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, was elected in December 2005. CNN's Ione Molinares and Journalist Martin Arostegui contributed to this report. | NEW: Bolivian president to return home to approve negotiations with provinces . South American nation have met to discuss violence in Bolivia . At least 30 people killed during past week of protests . Violence is centered in the eastern province of Pando . | b817f72285bc5e826ad3b3831c5379b93a4e878e |
Buenos Aires, Argentina (CNN) -- At QB9's bricked-walled workspace in Buenos Aires, about 50 employees stay busy day and night creating video games. The company is one of 65 Argentine firms who have been making a name for themselves in recent years in the highly-popular, billion-dollar video game universe. QB9 has found particular success with an online kids' game called "Mundo Gaturro" which has nearly one million registered users. "The Argentine video game industry employs some 3,000 people, and we will generate $55 million in revenue this year. And we are growing fast," says Alfredo Cattan, president of both QB9 and the Argentina Game Developers Association. Until recently, video game developers have been concentrated in the United States, Europe and Asia, but over the past decade Latin American developers have blossomed, attracting millions in venture capital funding while developing games for blue-chip brands like Facebook and MTV. In October, Chilean game developer Atakama Labs was acquired by Japanese online services company DeNA. Last year, Argentina's Three Melons was bought by social games behemoth Playdom, now part of the Walt Disney Company. Initially, these big firms were attracted to Latin American game developers because of their low-cost creativity, but that is no longer the only reason. "It has been proven that [the Latin American video game] industry is really up to the standards, and we can compete with good quality works coming from the most important markets abroad. It's not about costs as much as it used to be," says Hernán Rozenwasser, CEO of QB9. "Another thing that sets us apart is our artistic traditions: Argentina has always produced high-quality movies, television and music, and that shows up in our work too." For years, just getting access to expensive computers and consoles in Latin America was a challenge. Globalization brought cheaper hardware and software, and programming classes at local universities allowed ambitious developers to break into the industry. Still, many say that gamers in Latin America have had to work much harder than their counterparts elsewhere in the world, and that is what sets them apart. "Growing up, many Latin Americans had to constantly adapt to economic and political uncertainty and a business bureaucracy that people in Silicon Valley couldn't even dream of confronting. This has forced entrepreneurs here to think outside-the-box from an early age, and develop a fiercely independent streak, which is crucial for tech innovation," says Vinod Sreeharsha, a Sao Paulo-based U.S. journalist who has written extensively about the Latin American tech industry. Those within Latin America's video game industry have recognized their own talent and potential, and are getting proactive about raising brand awareness. Industry leaders are continually organizing conferences around the region, as well as attending important trade shows around the globe. This month alone, video game gatherings took place in Salvador, Brazil, Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, attracting thousands of developers and fans, as well as some of the industry's most recognized names. James Portnow, CEO of Seattle-based Rainmaker Games, who was a keynote speaker at the Argentina Video Games Exposition in Buenos Aires on November 11, said: "Five years ago, when I first started looking at Latin America, there was no gaming industry here; you had some people really hoping, really passionate about games, but no actual businesses. Today, I see a burgeoning market. "Latin America still has a relatively small gaming community. There is so much potential, so I would encourage developers here to concentrate on building up their internal market." With the explosion of mobile gaming devices and social media applications, more and more proprietary work is being done by Latin American game developers, and they expect that trend to continue. "Instead of just doing games as work-for-hire, you are now seeing Argentine products that are released for the world. For example, our game, "Regnum Online," is a massively multi-player game played by thousands of people from all around the world. It has been translated into five languages," says Andres Chilkowski of Buenos Aires-based NGD Studios. And in any language, Latin American video game developers are saying the time has come for them to be considered amongst the world's best virtual creators. | South American video game companies say they are ready to compete with rest of world . Region a source of low-cost creativity but now industry chiefs are ready to compete on quality . Argentina has 65 firms, about 3,000 employees and generates $55 million . | bd95db538f6001556e04c8babc129f364b79f86a |
(CNN) -- A tractor-trailer crossed the median of an Arizona highway Sunday and slammed into a van driving in the other direction, killing all seven of the van's passengers, a state public safety spokesman said. The two people in the truck -- the driver and his spouse -- were both injured in the crash and helicoptered to Banner Good Samaritan Hospital in Phoenix, said Officer Carrick R. Cook with the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The woman has a broken back, and she and her husband are both in serious condition, according to the spokesman. The truck had been heading west on Interstate 10, about 40 miles west of Phoenix, about 11 a.m. when it went across the highway and struck the van, which was going east. Both vehicles went off the right side of the highway after the collision and caught fire, Cook said. Medical examiners are trying to determine the identities of the seven van passengers killed, she added. They are believed to be from western Arizona. The crash caused massive traffic issues, as authorities shut down Interstate 10 eastbound before noon and funneled drivers off the highway. One lane was reopened about 4:30 p.m., according to the state Department of Transportation's official Twitter feed. Are you there? Send us your stories and images. More CNN U.S. news: . Gas prices turn upward after long skid . Church refuses to marry black couple in Mississippi . 2 arrested after more Anaheim protests against police shootings . Hyundai recalls more than 220,000 vehicles for potential air bags flaws . | Eastbound highway traffic was shut down for four hours after the crash . A tractor-trailer was heading west on I-10 when it crossed the divide . It struck a van going the opposition way, killing all 7 van passengers, a state official says . The truck's passengers are both in serious condition at a Phoenix hospital, he adds . | fa8e86fd9ec9f9f25f9c0696e1a95c16c75182ec |
A love-struck former rugby star and his model bride-to-be have become a YouTube hit with a video he created of his surprise proposal on an Italian island. Garth Chamberlain, originally from Zimbabwe but now living in London, spent weeks secretly planning how he would pop the question to his girlfriend of three years, Swedish-born Tess Montgomery. With the help of Tess' modelling agency, MOT Models, he faked a booking for her to do a modelling job at a luxury hotel on the island of Favigana near Sicily. He had secretly flown the 1,000 miles to the same location to surprise her and set up secret cameras to film the whole thing. Scroll down for video . Romantic: Garth popped the question to Tess on an Italian island after planning an elaborate proposal . Plan in action: Garth had arranged for Tess to visit the Cas'almare Hotel in Favigana on what she thought was a modelling job. She's seen here arriving for the 'shoot' Meanwhile... Garth had arrived earlier and, with the help of staff, set up the terrace for a romantic meal with a stunning view (and put cameras in place to capture it all) Surprise! When Tess arrives on the terrace, Garth hides while she's given an iPad with a video he filmed earlier of why she's really there . When Tess, 30, arrived she was handed an iPad by the hotel staff on which Garth, 28, who used to play for London Wasps, had recorded her a video message. The footage included shots of where they first met in Wandsworth, London, and dozens of romantic photos of the couple together on their . adventures around the world. It also revealed how Garth, who now works as a project manager for construction company ISG, had travelled all the way to Sweden for a day to formally ask Tess's father, Holger, for this daughter's hand in marriage. The beginning: The video included a shot of where they first met at a pub in Wandsworth, London . ... and pictures of their adventures together around the world . Traditional: The video also revealed how Garth had travelled all the way to Sweden (without Tess knowing) to ask her father's permission for her hand in marriage . After Tess had watched the video, Garth then surprised her by stepping out on the terrace and going down on one knee. Tess is seen sobbing with delight as she gladly accepts his proposal. Tess wrote on her blog afterwards how it was all a wonderful surprise. She said: 'I can say that it was quite a shock . to be booked on a job and end up in the middle of a marriage proposal . instead. Garth had been planning this since sometime in March and . received help from my good bookers at MOT, so I really could not . imagine. 'I have no idea how they managed to keep everything secret so . long. That he could go to Sweden and back without me even noticing?' She added: 'I was stunned - Garth made the most romantic proposal in the world and I am one very lucky lady.' Proposal: After she's watched the video, Garth then stuns Tess by appearing on the terrace and going down on one knee . She said yes! The couple then celebrate as the sun sets . Garth told the MailOnline that all the hard planning and travelling to make the proposal perfect was worth it. He said: 'I wanted to take Tess away to propose in a romantic location, one of the classics, but since we hadn't been on a holiday in a while I knew she would be suspicious. 'I wanted to ask her Dad, Holger's, permission and didn't quite know how to do that, after many failed plans and attempts, it culminated in me booking a next day flight over to Stockholm, a half hour stopover and then a reverse journey back to London to avoid suspicions of me being out of the country. I'm glad I did that, I know it means a lot to Holger and apart for a crazy journey, totally worth it. 'Then I came up with the idea of booking her on a 'fake' job, with a lot of help from her entire agency at MOT Models, we came up with the perfect disguise, we managed to get her over to Italy after a little stopover flight, so I could get there before her and set everything up. 'Elena and Sonia at Cas'almare (the hotel) helped with everything that side and before I had time to breathe she was arriving and I spent the time in the hotel's basement hiding away in preparation for Tess to come down to meet the crew for her shoot... then she got the iPad...' Delighted: Tess couldn't wait to call her friends and family and tell them the good news . Tying the knot: The couple will wed in December in Zimbabwe . Ruse: Tess's agency MOT Models helped Garth plan the surprise . Tess said she and her friends and family were 'choked' by the lengths Garth went to in order to pop the question. She added: 'My family is of course . over the moon, I have four younger sisters who love it - their . boyfriends, maybe not so much!' As Tess knows Garth loves to film and take pictures - mostly so they can share what they are up to with friends and family around the world - she was not surprised when she discovered he had recorded their proposal. 'I'm so glad he filmed everything, because . now we have something to revisit when we want and that we can show our . children in the future,' she said. The original plan had been to only show the video to their friends and family and play it at their wedding, which will take place on New Year's Eve in Zimbabwe. But they then decided to share it on YouTube - where it was already received more than 13,000 hits - and Tess said they have been 'overwhelmed' by the response from well-wishers. | Garth Chamberlain faked modelling job for his girlfriend in Favigana . When she arrived, she was given an iPad with romantic footage from Garth . He then stepped out to surprise her by popping the question . He had filmed whole thing to share with friends and family . It has become internet hit after they posted it on YouTube . | f3a3e1d8de4f519d24193b22c85bde3e54819295 |
London (CNN) -- Police have arrested the man believed to be at the center of a security alert Friday that closed a major shopping street in central London, a police spokesman said. After the arrest, officers searched the building on Tottenham Court Road to make sure it was safe, the Metropolitan Police said. No hostages have been identified, police said. "After contact with our specialist police negotiators the man came out of the building, and was arrested," Commander Mak Chishty said in a written statement. "He is now in police custody. "Items were thrown from the window onto the street below," Chishty added. "We were concerned that he may have explosive materials or flammable liquids with him. Our immediate concern was for the safety of the people inside the building and for the general public in the vicinity. "During the course of the incident a number of people who were inside the building left peacefully," he said. Earlier unconfirmed eyewitness reports suggested the man might have had some kind of canister attached to his body and had threatened to explode it. A Metropolitan Police spokesman earlier told CNN the police did not know if the man, age 49, was armed. Officers carrying some kind of weapons -- it is not clear whether they were live firearms or stun guns -- were sent to the scene. Police do not commonly carry firearms in Britain. A vehicle labeled "police explosive search dogs" also arrived and dogs could be seen on the closed-off street. A 300-meter (980-foot) cordon was put in place on Tottenham Court Road, London's Metropolitan Police said. The police declined to confirm reports that a sniper was positioned on a nearby roof. The alarm was first raised around noon, with reports of a man causing a disturbance and throwing objects from an upper floor window. Police said electrical equipment was among the items tossed to the street below. Unconfirmed eyewitness reports suggest the man entered an office building housing an employment agency. The man, who appeared to be unstable, had some kind of canister strapped to him and threatened to blow it up, the witnesses said. A police spokesman confirmed the force had received reports from the public suggesting the man had canisters attached to him but said officers could not confirm that themselves. A tweet from the Metropolitan Police said: "There are no reported injuries and it's unclear if other people in the building." A number of buildings in the area have been evacuated and half a dozen ambulances are at the scene. They have not yet been put to use. The incident caused major disruption on a street usually busy with traffic, shoppers and local workers on their lunch break. "We advise people to keep clear of the area due to congestion," the police said via Twitter. Warren Street Underground station has been closed at the request of the police, Transport for London said. Goodge Street Underground station, which was closed because of the alert, was reopened shortly after the arrest. Buildings used by students at University College London and a big London hospital are in the area. The alert comes three months ahead of the Olympic Games in London, when a major security operation will be in place. CNN's Raja Razek, Nic Robertson and Claudia Rebaza contributed to this report. | NEW: "After contact with our specialist police negotiators the man came out," police say . Authorities reopen Goodge Street Tube station but Warren Street station is closed . The man at the center of the security alert is in custody, police say . No hostages have been identified, police say . | 7cc9552c05f3acaefb9a694216137a65327c0d26 |
By . John Drayton . PUBLISHED: . 12:45 EST, 20 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:15 EST, 20 March 2013 . Joe Hart has conceded his season has been 'not brilliant' as England's players put on a show for their junior colleagues today. Roy Hodgson's team were in lockdown today as they prepared for two crucial World Cup qualifiers against San Marino (Friday) and Montenegro (next Tuesday), but the England Under 17 squad - and Sportsmail - were able to sneak in for a privileged view of their training session. Hart stopper: England goalkeeper Joe Hart springs into action at St George's Park, motivated by Ben Foster's return to the international fold . Ice-cool: Foster makes a save during a training session at St George's Park . Hart, 25, admitted his own season has 'not been brilliant' in contrast to last year, when he won the Barclays Premier League title with Manchester City and participated in Euro 2012, as Ben Foster returned to the England fold to challenge for the No 1 jersey. And although he welcomes the return of West Brom’s Foster after a two-year break from international football, Hart is determined to try and keep hold of the goalkeeping jersey. 'Is Foster good enough to push me? Yes, but I’ve felt that every time I’ve come away with England,’ said Hart. 'My job when I was first involved was to really push hard. We all train like we are going to play and push each other and it’s really good. Senior moment: England's U17s watch Roy Hodgson's squad train ahead of their qualifier against San Marino on Friday . NextGen: England U17s squad members from left - Connor Ogilvie (Tottenham), Alex Gilliead (Newcastle), Alex Kiwomya (Chelsea), George Green (Everton), Bryn Morris (Middlesbrough) VIDEO: England U17s watch Roy Hodgson's behind-closed-doors session... How the stand: England's group . 'If anyone of the three played, then we’d be in a strong position.' However, Hart will not give up his position easily. He said: 'I’m in that privileged spot at the moment. I didn’t dream of this spot because I didn’t think it would happen. 'I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do, I love it, I’ll keep working and training hard if there are no keepers or 1,000 keepers. Group H: Fixtures . 'That No 1 spot is one I want to keep and last summer (Euro 2012) was a real high point in my career.“It was one of the best footballing things I’ve done. To play in a tournament like that is a dream.' Hart concedes himself and City have struggled to maintain last season’s standards, but he still refuses to give up the title to Manchester United. He said: 'My season has not been brilliant. It’s had its good times but it’s football. It’s what I love doing. 'I’ve enjoyed it, it’s been tough, things haven’t always gone my way. I’m enjoying the fight and getting back in there. 'Sometimes you take knocks, that’s football, you take opinions, but you’ve got to be strong. 'I feel strong, good, that I’m doing the right things and hopefully I can have a good end to the season. 'I understand you have your great nights and sometimes things don’t go the way you want. That’s the way it is. Playing for keeps: England's goalkeepers (from left) Joe Hart, Fraser Forster and Ben Foster during a training session in Burton Upon Trent . 'I’m my strongest critic but I would never bury myself. It’s pretty obvious when you make a mistake as a keeper, you don’t need to dwell on it too long. It’s out there.' Hart added: 'With City, it’s not been last year that’s for sure. It’s been tough. We are not in the position we want to be in. 'We remain focused and hard on the case of what we need to do. We are still in one cup, a little further away than we would like to be in terms of the league. 'But we need to nail down that second spot and in doing that it will push us to really go for the title as well. 'You can’t not go for it. It’s a long way off but we’ve got an awful lot to fight for and it’s a big couple of months for us.' Meanwhile, the World Cup fires are burning brightly for Scott Parker now he has finally recovered from the achilles injury that threatened his international future. The Tottenham man returned from Euro 2012 requiring surgery on a long-term problem. Great Scott: Parker (second right), Tom Cleverley (right), Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole (left) warm up at St George's Park ahead of the World Cup qualification double-header . The boss: England's manager Roy Hodgson . The operation kept him out until December, but after making 13 successive starts for Spurs, Parker is feeling good again. And he is starting to train his sights on the greatest show on earth in Brazil next year. 'Now I am amongst it again, the fire rumbles in my belly to get there for Brazil,' said Parker. 'I have not had many massive injuries in my career but the ones you do have give you that hunger again. 'I need to take things one step at a time but, now I am in the squad, if I get my chance I need to take it.' Midway through his first major tournament last summer, Parker did outline a theory that it could be his last. Still only 32, it seemed an extreme assessment given his status as England’s most natural defensive midfielder. Yet part of Parker’s thinking may have been formulated by the knowledge his troublesome Achilles injury, which flared up towards the end of last season, was going to need sorting out. And, as the former West Ham man is acutely aware, nothing can be taken for granted in the recovery stages from such significant surgery. 'I didn’t really have any pain during Euro 2012 but there was a slight problem with my Achilles during the summer and in the end I needed to have an operation,' said Parker. 'And if you ask any player when they have been out for some time, doubts do cross your mind about when you are going to come back. 'There are long days when you are feeling unfit and everything seems a struggle. Then negative thoughts do set in. 'But once you are out of pain and on the road back towards playing again, your focus changes.' Although Parker has not featured for his country since that disappointing penalty shoot-out defeat by Italy in Kiev last June, the experience of being in Poland and Ukraine has fuelled a passion to be part of another major tournament with England. 'I had a fantastic time at the Euros,' he said. 'It was a great experience for me and it did explode at quite a late age but I would love to be involved in a World Cup squad. 'A lot can happen between now and then. If I can stay fit and maintain my form hopefully I will have a chance.' | Watch video of youngsters at the senior squad's training . Plus watch Scott Parker and Joe Hart press conferences . | 5028600d7bbf53b273d371805a18b5a2737bb368 |
Juba, South Sudan (CNN) -- Oil-rich Southern Sudan will review international contracts when it becomes independent, its minister of investment told CNN Sunday, focusing particular attention on the French company Total. "We will review the contracts that have been signed, look at them critically, make sure that we remain happy," Investment Minister Oyay Deng Ajak said. Total is not developing an enormous oil field it has held since the 1970s despite recent entreaties from Southern Sudan to do so, Ajak said. "After the war we asked them to come in. They have not yet come in," he said, suggesting that the newly independent country would break up the block Total holds and auction parts off to other companies. "The block that was given to them is the whole of Jonglei state, the largest state here," he said. "We are going to look at it. We are going to divide the block into two or three or four ... there is no reason why we can allow one company to monopolize our resources." Southern Sudan is due to become independent July 9 after fighting a war against the north and then voting peacefully for independence. It needs huge levels of foreign investment to develop an infrastructure. In addition to Total, China and Malaysia are big investors in Southern Sudan's oil fields. | The oil-rich land is on the verge of independence from the north . The company that holds the rights to one of its biggest oil blocks isn't developing it, official says . Southern Sudan needs foreign investment to develop an infrastructure . | 1518803f30c09bd21e45ec1a6c67296b17b49bf5 |
By . Gerard Couzens . This is the horrific moment a commuter celebrating her birthday loses her arm after being pushed in front of a train by a man who ran laughing from the scene. The graphic images - captured on a camera in the tube driver's cab - shows the casually-dressed suspect running up behind his victim and shoving her onto the track as the train enters a packed underground station in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo. The attacker, who targeted Maria da Conceicao de Oliveira at random, ran away laughing, according to witnesses. Scroll down for video . Tube terror: A commuter can be seen standing on the platform at a Sao Paulo underground station moments before she is pushed in front of the train by a man who ran away laughing . Targeted at random: Maria da Conceicao de Oliveira, who turned 28 that day, was rushed to hospital where medics amputated her right arm to save her life . The horrific attack happened just after 7am at Se Station, the busiest tube station in Sao Paulo, during Tuesday morning's rush hour. Maria, who turned 28 the day of the horror incident, was rushed to hospital where medics amputated her right arm to save her life. Police are hunting a man wearing a white T-shirt and black trousers seen running from the scene. He is said to have tried to have steal a handbag and harassed another woman before targeting Maria, who is currently 'stable' in a city hospital intensive care unit. Friend Ana Livia de Souza said: 'Maria has told me she feels born again and the accident was very ugly.' Suspect: Police are hunting a man wearing a white T-shirt and black trousers (circled) who fled the scene . Dad-of-one Ki-Suk Han, 58, was pushed off a tube platform to his death by a tramp in New York in December 2012. Naeem . Davis, 30, later claimed one of the reasons he pushed his victim to his . death was because he had lost his Timberland boots and his head 'wasn't . where it was supposed to be that day.' Pictures . published by the New York Post at the time showed Han desperately . trying to lift himself back onto the platform alongside the headline: . 'Pushed on the subway track, this man is about to die.' Transgender . man Senthooran Kanagashingham, also known as Nina, was jailed at the . Old Bailey in December 2011 for pushing a lawyer under a Tube train in . central London. Sonia Burgess, 63, died during the rush hour at King's Cross in October 2010. A . jury heard he had paranoid schizophrenia at the time of the killing, . which happened when he was a undergoing sex-change treatment. | Maria da Conceicao de Oliveira targeted at random by sniggering attacker . Medics were forced to amputate 28-year-old's right limb to save her life . | 92707eabcaa2f3c8c6af398573ee48bfee18a989 |
By . Karen Evennett . PUBLISHED: . 19:40 EST, 29 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:40 EST, 29 July 2013 . Susan Thornton, 48, had nine episodes (in which she was rushed off to A&E to treat her chest pains and breathlessness) before it was revealed she has Conn's syndrome . High blood pressure affects around ten million people in the UK. Dubbed the silent killer, the condition is often symptomless yet is a leading cause of stroke, which strikes around 150,000 Britons every year and kills 40,000. The condition is defined as having blood pressure readings above 140/90 - and the risk of stroke doubles with every 20 point rise in systolic blood pressure above 115 (this is the top number and measures the blood pressure during every heartbeat - the bottom number, diastolic, is the blood pressure between beats). Because of the considerable risk of stroke, high blood pressure must be immediately treated when diagnosed. Patients can be prescribed medications such as beta-blockers, and given lifestyle advice about cutting salt in the diet and taking regular exercise. However, for one in five patients with high blood pressure, the pills are of little help, and do not lower their readings, despite doctors trying them on numerous medications. This 'resistant hypertension' is not only frustrating for patients, it can also have disastrous consequences, as their stroke risk remains high. Yet doctors have previously been at a loss to how to treat these resistant cases. 'We owe it to patients to make sure their unexplained hypertension is investigated,' says Morris Brown, professor of clinical pharmacology at Cambridge University, who is a consultant at the city's Addenbrooke's Hospital. But recent findings suggest our hormones may be to blame - specifically one called aldosterone. This controls salt levels in the blood, and too much of the hormone can lead to high salt levels and high blood pressure. Now scientists have realised some people who do not respond to blood pressure pills have small non-cancerous growths on their adrenal glands, which produce aldosterone. These glands sit on top of the kidneys and are also crucial for producing adrenaline and various other hormones. When the glands develop these growths, they start to overproduce aldosterone. This causes high salt levels in the blood and sends blood pressure soaring. This condition is called Conn's syndrome, and may affect up to one in four people with treatment-resistant high blood pressure, says Professor Brown. He explains that too much aldosterone also causes levels of the mineral potassium to drop, and sufficient amounts of this mineral are essential for keeping blood pressure low. 'Instead of getting rid of salt, the body hangs on to it in exchange for potassium - the very mineral needed to balance and normalise blood pressure - which is pushed out of the body, so exacerbating the problem.' Charles Payne had been taking high doses of six different blood pressure drugs daily for almost ten years before it was discovered his hypertension was hormonal . It can also cause tiredness and lethargy because of the low potassium levels, as this mineral is needed to keep muscles functioning properly. But the condition is under-recognised by doctors, leaving patients trying one drug after another without benefit. This happened to Susan Thornton, whose high blood pressure was diagnosed only after a routine check-up with her GP. She says: 'The doctor didn't tell me what the reading was, just that it was above average and, though I didn't need to take a drug, he suggested more exercise.' This was three years ago, and Susan, then 45, took her GP's advice. 'I started swimming daily and felt better, until one afternoon when driving to collect my then partner from work. I suddenly felt extremely ill and had to pull over. 'I had mild chest pains and was breathless and feared something was happening to my heart.' Susan, a mother-of-four from March in Cambridgeshire, called an ambulance and was rushed to her local hospital. En route, her blood pressure read 200/104. By the time she arrived at A&E, it had gone off the digital scale. However, blood tests and heart checks showed no problems, and doctors discharged her the following day with pills called ACE inhibitors to lower her blood pressure. They failed to take effect and, over 18 months, she had eight similar ambulance admissions - with her blood pressure alarmingly high. Doctors tried a number of different medications, including beta-blockers, but nothing seemed to work, and the side-effects left her feeling unwell. But a chance discovery 18 months after her first episode revealed the true cause. A doctor sent her for further tests on her heart, including an angiogram, which involves sending a tube into the vessels around her heart via an artery in her groin. This releases a special dye, enabling the vessels to be seen under X-ray. However, during the procedure the doctors were worried that one of the blood vessels in her groin had started to swell, and gave Susan a CT scan. Although this showed the vessel was fine, it highlighted a small 17mm growth on her left adrenal gland, and Susan was diagnosed with Conn's syndrome. According to Professor Brown, these growths, called adenomas, can begin in the 20s and 30s, but are so slow growing that they create a problem only in middle-age. Furthermore, the body can compensate for the high aldosterone levels for a number of years, but eventually is unable to do this. Some patients start to develop symptoms before middle-age. 'For reasons that are not clear, young patients are more likely to be women, and to have larger adenomas, whereas older patients tend to be men with smaller growths,' says Professor Brown. 'We think the tumours started at a similar age, but the smaller tumours take much longer to be diagnosed.' Although doctors are still unsure what causes the condition, one possibility is a genetic link, as certain inherited mutations can cause high levels of aldosterone. There is also evidence that high salt in the diet may also trigger the condition, as it damages cells in the adrenal glands. Until recently, Conn's syndrome was thought to affect only a handful of treatment-resistant high blood pressure patients. But recent research, as well as the development of more sophisticated scans, has revealed that many patients have the microscopic growths - adenomas - in their adrenal glands, which trigger excessive levels of aldosterone. High blood pressure, known as the silent killer, is often symptomless but is a leading cause of stroke, killing 40,000 Britons every year . Professor Brown says although one in ten treatment-resistant cases has obvious growths on their adrenal glands, a further 10 to 15 per cent may have microscopic growths which are visible only with a special scan called a PET-CT. This uses a mildly radioactive dye to locate nodules, and CT scans to pinpoint location. However, these scans are expensive, and still may not show very small growths. Instead, to confirm diagnosis, he recommends a £15 blood test to check levels of the kidney hormone renin, which is almost always suppressed in Conn's syndrome and is a good indicator of it. 'If renin is low, then a further blood test costing about £25 can check aldosterone levels, and then a scan can look for tumours,' he says. We can survive with only one adrenal gland, so if one is affected, it can be removed with surgery. However, if both glands are affected, surgery is not an option. Professor Brown adds that, for some reason, only 50 per cent of older patients respond to surgery. Instead, doctors prescribe drugs that block aldosterone production, with common ones including spironolactone (which may trigger the growth of breast tissue in men) or the more expensive eplerenone. 'Once resistant hypertension has developed, the chances of this being due to high aldosterone are so high that renin should be measured, if only to make sure the patient receives the correct drugs, as these are not usually used in hypertension,' says Professor Brown. One patient who understands the importance of an accurate diagnosis is Charles Payne. The 63-year-old business adviser from Bishop's Stortford, Herts, had been taking high doses of six different blood pressure drugs daily for nearly ten years - yet even on this regimen, his blood pressure remained exceptionally high, hovering around 180/120. 'My GP eventually offered a referral to a cardiologist,' he says. 'By luck, the one with the first appointment was at Addenbrooke's, where I was invited to join a British Heart Foundation-funded trial for patients with resistant hypertension, under Professor Brown, who early on told me he suspected my hypertension was hormonal.' With no tumours, Charles did not qualify for surgery, but tests showed his levels of aldosterone were high, suggesting microscopic growths in his adrenal glands. A combination of the drugs eplerenone and amiloride, which maintains potassium levels, now keeps his blood pressure at a steady 135/90. Professor Brown explains: 'Not only is high blood pressure a major health risk, but the low levels of potassium can be very fatiguing. 'As soon as we redress this balance - with surgery or aldosterone-blocking drugs - potassium levels return to normal, and patients often feel more energetic.' Susan Thornton has not suffered from high blood pressure since having surgery to remove the growth in her gland. 'I haven't taken any other blood pressure drug since the operation and I am so relieved to be free of their side-effects,' she says. 'I felt I'd returned from a very long journey and found myself again.' | Those unresponsive to the pills may have growths on their adrenal glands . These growths mean the hormone aldosterone is being overproduced . Too much of it can lead to high blood pressure . This is a condition known as Conn's syndrome . | d649d9c2a6758dfd3d652e0d13e24105723b3821 |
(CNN) -- Tiger Woods won his first golf tournament in more than two years, narrowly defeating fellow American Zach Johnson to capture the Chevron World Challenge title Sunday. Woods finished three strokes under par for the day, allowing him to leapfrog Johnson for the one-stroke win at the Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, California, according to the PGA Tour's website. The victory was the 35-year-old golfer's first since capturing the Australian Masters title in November 2009. "It feels awesome," said Woods on his official website, tigerwoods.com. "It was a lot of fun coming down the stretch." The five-time winner was one stroke behind Johnson going up the 17th, before he birdied the final two holes -- including a 16-foot putt at 17 -- to clinch the title. "If I don't make that putt it's in Zach's control," Woods said. "That putt was huge." Despite the disappointing finish, Johnson was quick to pay tribute to his rival. "He made two great putts," he said, in quotes carried by tigerwoods.com. "You just tip your hat. I'm proud of how I handled the situation and continued to fight." Woods the hero as United States retain Presidents Cup . There were 18 players total in the Chevron field, far fewer than in more traditional tournaments. Even so, the PGA Tour website noted that Woods moved up 20 spots in the Official World Golf Ranking with the win. Woods had reigned as golf's No. 1 for a record 623 weeks between 1997 and 2010, until his career stalled amid a slew of injuries and well-publicized reports of affairs that led to the end of his marriage. In October, he dropped out of the world's top 50 for the first time in 15 years. The PGA Tour's 2012 "regular season" schedule officially begins the first week in January at the Hyundai Tournament of Champions at Kapalua, Hawaii. In April, Woods likely will be among those battling in the season's first major, The Masters, which he has won four times. | Woods narrowly beats Zach Johnson to win the Chevron World Challenge . It's his first win since a victory at the Australian Masters in November 2009 . Woods jumps 20 spots in world golf rankings with the win, the PGA Tour says . | 11538318610048b33cea9946562fd0222ce77efe |
By . Ashley Collman . and Ryan Gorman . PUBLISHED: . 22:33 EST, 20 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:37 EST, 21 December 2013 . The father of the man shot dead on live television by Los Angeles police officers has broken his silence over the traumatic ordeal. Bill Beaird, 80, watched as three LAPD officers shot son Brian Beaird 22 times after he led them on an hour-long car chase through the city before crashing his silver Corvette and spinning out of control. The grieving father claims he told his son, 55, to pull over in a frantic phone call during the pursuit in which insisted he had done nothing wrong. Bill Beaird said his dead son was a disabled vet who suffered from severe paranoia after brain tumor surgery that caused him to be discharged from the military - that paranoia fueled his paranoid flight. Scroll down to see the dramatic chase and crash: . Taken out: When broadcast live, Brian Beaird was seen running around the back of his car before being shot by police, clutching his stomach and falling over on the sidewalk . Bill Beaird told the Los Angeles Times he turned on the television soon after receiving the panicked call. He watched a sports car bob and weave its way through Los Angeles. The chase looks like a scene out of Grand Theft Auto V, but this was no game. His son Brian had just called, and frantically insisted he had done nothing wrong but was being chased by police. 'Pull over,' Bill Beaird told his son, 'he said he was going to do it, but he didn't do it.' A military veteran himself, Bill Beaird watched a Corvette similar to his son's, silver, speed through the city. Soon the muscle car t-boned another car and spun onto the sidewalk. The driver stumbled out of the bashed up vehicle, cameras rolling, hands in the air, back to the police. 'I thought it was my son, but I wasn't sure,' Bill Beaird recalled. LAPD officers opened fire with live . rounds after they allegedly mistook the sound of a colleague's . non-lethal 'bean-bag' shotgun for a real gunfire. More than 20 gunshots and several unanswered phone calls later it all made sense - Bill Beaird just watched police execute his unarmed son live on television. On foot: After the crash, the DUI suspect tries to drive his totaled car but crashes it into a telephone pole while backing up and it won't move. He is then seen getting out of the car . The elder Beaird said his son likely fled the police because he suffered from paranoia that developed after a 1988 surgery to remove a brain tumor. He, along with KTLA anchors, briefly thought his son must have been shot with a Taser - the grim reality soon set in. LAPD Chief Charlie Beck told NBC News: 'After . hearing the preliminary briefing, I am very concerned about the . circumstances that led up to and resulted in this Officer Involved . Shooting. 'Because of those . concerns I have directed that the three involved officers be assigned . home pending the final results of the investigation. 'Determinations regarding training or possible disciplining of the involved officers will be made at that time.' Video captured the moment when Beaird seemed to speed through a red light and crashed into the back half of a Nissan Maxima on December 17. LAPD is investigating claims that when one officer fired a non-lethal 'bean bag' round, another mistook it for gunfire and used a real weapon. 'The suspect got out of the vehicle and at that point, something occurred that prompted the officer-involved shooting,' Lt Neiman said. Crash: The Corvette's tires were impervious to police spike strips so it was only when he rammed into another car that the chase came to a halt at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Los Angeles Street . When the car chase was broadcast live by KTLA-TV, video showed the man getting out of his car, running around the back of the Corvette and heading up East Olympic Blvd before being shot, clutching his stomach and falling to the ground. Lt Neiman says there was 'great concern that he was going to hurt someone severely'. LAPD Cmdr. Alexander Smith told 10news: . 'Policy dictates that the officer using the non-lethal bean bag shotgun . notify other officers so they don't think lethal force is being used'. He added that part of the investigation will be whether verbal warning was given. Beaird's brother John said during the chase, Beaird called his father asking, 'Why are they after me? I didn't do anything.' Won't stop: The car chase started around 9pm in South Gate when police tried to pull over the unidentified driver of this silver Corvette for reckless driving and a possible DUI . Tracking: When the man refused to yield, police pursued the vehicle as it made its way through the streets of Los Angeles for more than an hour . Officers . from three police agencies tailed the man for more than an hour starting at 9pm when police in South Gate attempted to pull . him over for reckless driving and a possible DUI. When . the driver refused to pull over, police followed him in cars and with a . helicopter as he spend through Cudahy, Huntington Park, South Gate, . Walnut Park and into South Los Angeles. Sky9's Meghan Reyes reported that the man was driving without his headlights on and 'just driving in circles'. The man's corvette was also outfitted with special tires that resisted puncture when police tried to use a spike strip to stop him. The chase finally came to an end around 10:30pm when he sped through a light and hit another driver crossing the intersection in front of him in a T-bone collision. The . corvette spun all the way around before stopping on the side of the . road at the intersection of South Los Angeles St and East Olympic Blvd. The other car was thrown into a fire hydrant which sent water shooting into the air and spilling onto the street. | Brian Beaird led police on an hour-long speed chase through Los Angeles . Video captured the moment when Beaird seemed to speed through a red light and crashed into another car . Officers tailed the man for an hour and attempted to pull him over for reckless driving and a possible DUI . Police investigating claim officers mistook the sound of a colleague's non-lethal 'bean-bag' shotgun for a real gunfire . | eefb76284444f8a3060987a5ebbcaac8b7bd6dff |
Survivor: Kevin McGrath, 70, was staying in a Sri Lankan guest house when the tsunami wave swept in. Above, he returns to the beach to remember . As Kevin McGrath walked along the baking sandy beach in the popular southern Sri Lankan resort of Unawatuna his thoughts focused on a decade earlier and the day he feared he would die, swept away near the same spot by the power of the tsunami wave. ‘It was going to be the perfect day,’ the 70 year-old psycho therapist recalled, ‘ the weather had been unusually good and it was a holiday for local people so we were expecting it to be just perfect.’ Mr McGrath and his wife Diana were staying in a room on the first floor of a guest house, set among palm trees and protected by a small hotel 50-metres from the beach at Unawatuna, a resort popular with Western tourists close to the southern city of Galle. ‘It was 9.20am and I was still in my room when I heard a noise just as I was getting up,’ he said, ‘I thought it was a bus but it was too loud...maybe a helicopter. ‘I went out on to the balcony and my wife was there. We could see a dark line in the water and this loud, thunderous noise. It was extraordinary. We stood and watched as the water came in relentlessly, powerfully.’ People who were on the beach were screaming and running for their lives, others were desperately trying the cling on to palm trees or make it to the highest point in surrounding buildings. ‘The water came over the sand, picking up fishing boats and sun loungers, washing them across the road and sending them crashing into buildings and cars. The power was so great that one of the boats side-swiped a bungalow demolishing it. ‘I knew it was a tsunami and I thought “God, this must be a big one”. I was calculating mentally as the water was rising and we went to the back of the house to see if it was possible to go higher. ‘I remember thinking it was ironic that I was going to die here on holiday…if the water kept rising, I would die. It was a seven or eight metre wall and it just swept on. ‘We could hear buildings collapsing, objects crashing in to one another, the cries of desperate people and animals. ‘Our building was made of reinforced concrete but walls around us were punched out by the water. ‘I began to take photographs, I thought that if I died there I wanted people to know how and why I died. It had reached the first floor and our room but then suddenly stopped rising. ‘The power of the water was just incredible. People were in quite a lot of distress – as the water was going down they were being towed out to sea together with all kind of debris. ‘A British couple sleeping on the ground floor after partying the night before were blown out of bed by the water and ended up stark naked hanging on to palm trees. Devastation: Schoolchildren walk among what is left of the school buildings that once stood in the southern Sri Lankan town of Unawatuna. Mr McGrath was staying in the popular resort when the tsunami swept in . ‘People were being pulled screaming out of the water, they were clinging for dear life to anything they could lay their hands on that was fixed to the ground. ‘We saw a young girl being swept away and shouted for her to hang on the gate post. She survived. ‘We stayed on the balcony for another house. There was a German woman going in to deep shock. Her partner had gone for a walk and was missing. He turned up eventually covered in mud, cuts and debris.’ Mr McGrath, from Ironbridge, Shropshire, continued: ‘We went down stairs and it was almost unrecognisable. The road was full of water that was knee-height. ‘We picked our way through glass, dead dogs, filth. It looked like Sarajevo after taking major mortar fire. There was so much devastation. The bay was full of rubbish, the coral had been trashed and was floating about, a fridge-freezer was floating by.’ They made their way to the Rock House, one of the buildings that had survived with little damage and joined 200 others. ‘There was a lot of panic, a lot of anxiety,’ Mr McGrath said. ‘There was a bit of aftershock and one much smaller wave. ‘On a beach nearby a French couple had lost their baby…almost everyone in the village had lost someone.’ Days later, the Britons were evacuated by the UK Embassy but within three months Mr McGrath had returned to help local schools and village vendors. Recovery: Along Unawatuna beach, pictured above, there are still some reminders of the day when the tsunami struck. Mr McGrath returned this year to take part in a memorial service held there on Boxing Day . He was back again for the first anniversary where tens of thousands of traditional clay oil lamps were lit on the beach in memory of those who died – a memorial repeated this Boxing Day. Along Unawatuna there are still some reminders of that dreadful day a decade ago from the waterlines marked on walls and three 25ft above sea level to the clock on a popular beachfront hotel and bar wall which stopped at 9.27am when it was washed from the wall. The clock has been hung again but the time remains untouched. In the room where Mr McGrath feared he would die as he watched the water rise and rise, there is a mark he made on the wall of his first floor room when it was at its highest. Each year he returns to the same room and remembers. | Kevin McGrath from Shropshire was in Sri Lanka on Boxing Day in 2004 . He was with his wife in a guest house near the beach at popular resort . When tsunami wave swept in the 70-year-old thought he was going to die . Each year he returns to the same room and remembers the tragic day . | f358bb0c5d013a80b2f81a1a25af02b5385c3dbc |
A 40-year-old man who was convicted aged 15 of raping and strangling to death a high school classmate has been paroled. Conrad Engweiler is set to be released next month, following the decision by the Oregon parole board on Tuesday. Engweiler has served more than 24 years for the aggravated murder, rape and sodomy of 16-year-old Erin Tonna Reynolds in the Portland suburb of Beaverton in 1990. Conrad Engweiler (pictured in May this year) has served more than 24 years for the aggravated murder, rape and sodomy of 16-year-old Erin Tonna Reynolds in the Portland suburb of Beaverton in 1990. He is due to be released next month . A judge sentenced him in 1991 to life in prison with the chance of parole after 40 years. He was exempt from death penalty under Oregon state law due to being a minor. Engweiler, who has been an inmate at the Oregon State Correctional Institution in Salem, will be out in just a few weeks. His case has been before the courts repeatedly over the years because he was sentenced under unclear guidelines initially. Erin Tonna Reynolds, 16, was raped and murdered by her classmate in 1990 . His lawyer has argued that with good behavior time considered, he's overdue for release. The state Supreme Court earlier told the board to start the pre-release process 'with appropriate dispatch'. At a hearing in May, Engweiler told the parole hearing that his prison time has taught him remorse, empathy and compassion. His release has been deferred until October 16. Engweiler will spend his life on parole and be supervised closely for at least three years. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Before approving his release, the parole board had ordered three separate psychological evaluations. The court's decision goes against the pleas of Miss Reynold's family who have begged that Engweiler spend the rest of his life behind bars, according to Oregonlive.com. Miss Reynolds, who had survived cancer, was found murdered outside Engweiler's father's home, buried in a pile of rubbish on February 22, 1990. Engweiler, pictured in court in court at the age of 15, said that he had been high on drugs when he raped, sodomized and strangled classmate Erin Tonna Reynolds. He is due to be released after 24 years in jail . She had been reported as a missing person by her parents' the evening before when she missed her curfew. The following morning, police were called by Engweiler's father after he reported his son missing and said that strange car was parked outside his home. The car was identified as Miss Reynolds' vehicle and while officers inspected the home, dogs began barking in the back yard. Drag marks to a ravine led to the 16-year-old's body under debris. The student was killed a few days after she had been told by doctors that she was cancer-free. Earl Reynolds comforts his daughter, Beth Greear, at a parole hearing for Conrad Engweiler in 2012. The family have pleaded that Erin Reynolds' killer be kept behind bars . Engweiler was later found hiding out at the home of his mother's attorney and was taken into custody. The teenagers, both students at Sunset High School, had been on a few dates but Miss Reynolds had ended the relationship. At the time of his conviction, Engweiler told the court that he had was under the influence of LSD and marijuana when he killed the girl. Miss Reynolds' sister Beth Greear told KGW that she believed Engweiler posed 'absolutely a risk to society'. Engweiler, pictured during his parole hearing in May, killed his high school classmate outside his father's home in February 1990. Engweiler told the board his prison time has taught him remorse and compassion . | Conrad Engweiler is set to be released next month after serving 24 years for the rape, sodomy and murder of 16-year-old Erin Tonna Reynolds . At a hearing in May, Engweiler told the board that his prison time had taught him remorse, empathy and compassion . Miss Reynolds' family pleaded that the killer spend his life in prison . The teen was murdered a few days after being told she no longer had cancer . Engweiler had dated Reynolds before she broke things off with him . | 040cbc18c3437fd618d00cabd690f162498ab0e9 |
(CNN) -- Battling blustery weather, a Lufthansa Airlines flight scraped its wing on the ground during a landing attempt in Hamburg, Germany, over the weekend. Internet footage of the Lufthansa A320 as it attempts a landing Saturday at Hamburg, Germany. The plane recovered and landed safely the second time around, the spokesman said. Dramatic amateur video of the incident that appeared on the Internet showed the Airbus A320 teetering as it tried to land during the brutal winter storm on Saturday. As it nears the tarmac, one wing visible scrapes the ground. Watch the plane try to land as a passenger describes experience » . "As we were about to touch down, a gust of wind pressed the left wing towards the ground," a Lufthansa pilot identified only as Oliver A. said in a statement. "We pulled up immediately. A maneuver we practice in training very often." The airline said the pilot has been flying for Lufthansa for 17 years. Watch as plane avoids crash » Airline spokesman Wolfgang Weber said the left winglet, a fin at the end of the wing scraped the ground after a gust of wind tipped the plane. Damage to the plane was minimal and not structural. He said the plane is already back in service. • Were you on board? Send us an iReport E-mail to a friend . | Amateur video of the moment the Lufthansa flight scraped its wing . Strong winds blamed for the near miss at Hamburg airport . The plane recovered and landed safely the second time around . | 5730ccc0f1a125be76253006f14a6d3a39fec5ae |
Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- The ongoing Penn State scandal reached if not its denouement Thursday at least its climax with the release of the report prepared under the auspices of former FBI Director Louis Freeh. The report answers numerous questions about who knew about Jerry Sandusky's abuse of children as well as how suspicions, rumors and allegations were handled. For many of us the most disturbing element of the report already had been intimated in the press, the role that coach Joe Paterno played in handling complaints against athletes internally and disregarding both Penn State's procedures and also the law. While charitably one could suggest that Paterno saw discipline as his role as a coach and mentor, less charitable interpretations also make sense, particularly a desire to maintain the reputation of the program and the income and prestige it brought. Beyond motives, however, the creation of an environment where discipline took place "off the books" was destined to lead to a collapse at some point. Unfortunately when this collapse occurred its victims were children. News: Penn State leaders disregarded victims, 'empowered' Sandusky . Freeh said in releasing his report that the investigation's "most saddening and sobering finding is the total disregard for the safety and welfare of Sandusky's child victims by the most senior leaders at Penn State." "The most powerful men at Penn State failed to take any steps for 14 years to protect the children who Sandusky victimized," he said. "Messrs. Spanier, Schultz, Paterno and Curley never demonstrated, through actions or words, any concern for the safety and well-being of Sandusky's victims until after Sandusky's arrest." That remark, which many of us hoped never to read, speaks directly to the findings of the report and to the organizational and moral failures of Penn State. Even more directly, the report directly chastises the university's board of trustees for a failure to exercise its oversight functions and its dereliction in ensuring that it was appropriately and adequately informed of risks to the university. Not only did the university's administration not inform to the board about the suspicions of and allegations against Sandusky, the board failed in its responsibility in establishing a system to seek such information. Most shocking, however, given its legal obligations, was Penn State's complete dereliction in its responsibilities under express laws, including those mandating reporting and protecting those who bring violations to light. News: Reactions to Penn State report flood social media . Freeh's ability to identify and order the moral failings of the university in the most appropriate, empathetic and humane way is admirable. He centers his condemnations primarily on the fact that at every level --the board, the president and Paterno -- no one expressed any concern for the boys whose lives were devastated by the abuse inflicted upon them by Sandusky. Regardless of the structural, administrative and disciplinary failures at Penn State, the central moral failing was that the school cared more about its reputation, its football team, and even Sandusky than about his victims. The school grossly mis-ordered values and failed to meet its duties. What Freeh has found is most disturbing and depressing. A superior institution of higher education and a football program and coach admired for their express commitment to principles proved themselves to have feet of clay and appalling disregard for the safety and security of many innocent children. News: Key players in Penn State report . Penn State's failings should be a warning to every organization and to all of us. We protect our reputations by doing the right thing, not by hiding our failings. Indeed, even amid discovery of error and wrongdoing, reputations are enhanced by acknowledging, dealing with them immediately and directly, and working to minimize their recurrence. If we can draw a salutary lesson from this scandal, it is that. Unfortunately, for the innocent child victims of Sandusky's predation, the lesson has come too late. Maybe, if other organizations take these lessons to heart it will prevent future abuses and save others from becoming victims. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Edward Queen. | Louis Freeh releases report showing failures by Penn State administrators . Edward Queen: The report shows total lack of regard for innocent victims . He says administrators and Penn State board didn't live up to their obligations . Lesson is to focus on doing the right thing, not on covering up misdeeds, he says . | 38ccea6c0a95c6c57c1f018484003d9d45f9826c |
A British woman has been locked up in a notorious jail in Iran – for trying to watch a men's volleyball match. Ghoncheh Ghavami, 25, was arrested and taken to Tehran's Evin jail a few days after attempting to watch a volleyball match between Iran and Italy on June 20. She has spent 41 days in solitary confinement, according to her family. Ms Ghavami went to the Azadi Stadium – which ironically means 'freedom' - with other women to protest against Iran's stricture, introduced after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, forbidding females to attend male sporting events. Scroll down for video . Harsh: Ghoncheh Ghavami, 25, was arrested and taken to Tehran's Evin jail a few days after attempting to watch a volleyball match between Iran and Italy on June 20 . Detained: Ms Ghavami was arrested after trying to watch a men's volleyball match at the Azadi Stadium in Tehran (pictured) At first Ms Ghavami, who is studying law in London, was arrested then released, but when she went back to fetch her belongings, she was re-arrested and jailed. Several others involved in the demonstration were also detained. Her brother, 28-year-old Iman Ghavami, told ITV News: '[The family] can barely hold themselves together. 'They are torn apart – not just my parents but my grandparents, my uncles, everybody.' Iran's head of police, Esmail Ahmadi Moghadam, told the Fars news agency: 'In the current conditions, the mixing of men and women in stadiums is not in the public interest. Protest: Social media campaigns have sprung up in a bid to pressurise Iran into releasing Ms Ghavami . Notorious: Ms Ghavami has spent 41 days in solitary confinement in Tehran's Evin prison (pictured) 'The stance taken by religious scholars and the supreme leader remains unchanged, and as the enforcer of law, we cannot allow women to enter stadiums.' Social media campaigns have sprung up in a bid to pressurise Iran into releasing Ms Ghavami. There's a Facebook group dedicated to helping her and the hashtag #FreeGhonchehGhavami is being appended to Twitter posts about her plight. The Foreign Office said it was aware of the situation, but has little sway over Iran as it does not have official diplomatic ties with it, so it's unlikely to be able to help Ms Ghavami. Amnesty International UK spokesperson Neil Durkin told MailOnline: 'We're extremely worried about Ghoncheh's predicament. 'She's been held in solitary for over a month in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison where she's been under the control of the country's Revolutionary Guards. 'Her lawyer has had no access to her or any documents about why she's being held, though we understand she's being investigated with a view to charging her with the extremely vague offence of "propaganda against the state". 'Ghoncheh is a prisoner of conscience and should be released immediately.' Iran's rigid enforcement of Islamic code is down to the influence of its top authority, the Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who this week successfully underwent prostate surgery, according to Iranian state media. | Ghoncheh Ghavami, 25, was arrested and taken to Tehran's Evin jail in June . Her crime was that she attempted to watch a male volleyball match . She has spent 41 days in solitary confinement, according to her family . A social media campaign has sprung up to pressurise Iran into freeing her . She is studying law in London and has dual British and Iranian nationality . | 844d2d76a15a543d47f9ffb2a15996911b81e31d |
The Girl Scouts' new health conscious cookie options have been put to the ultimate taste test by two children recruited by Grub Street to review the recently-launched recipes. Earlier this month, the Girl Scouts announced the launch of three new cookie flavors - Trios, Toffee-tastic and Rah Rah Raisin - the first two of which are gluten-free, while the other contains a healthy mix of raisins, oatmeal and Greek yogurt. But do the healthier cookie alternatives measure up to the high standards set by their predecessors? According to Grub Street's budding taste testers - one of whom is the daughter of New York Magazine's own food critic Adam Platt - the answer is a resounding no. Cookie creations: The Girl Scouts announced earlier this month that they were adding three new flavors to their cookie line-up . Sweet treat: The gluten-free Toffee-tastic flavor is described as being 'buttery with sweet, crunchy golden toffee bits' Less than impressed: Grub Street's young food critics were unimpressed with both the Rah Rah Raisin (L) and the Trios (R) cookie flavors . Upon tasting one of the gluten-free Trios, which are made with real peanut butter, chocolate chips and whole grain oats, Penelope Platt and her classmate Julia Millard Williams, both 11, were quick to deliver their - overwhelmingly - negative reviews of the treat. 'It doesn't even look very appetizing to me,' Julia explained, before even tasting the cookie. 'It's weirdly shaped.' Penelope on the other hand, at least waited to sample the baked delight before deeming it to be 'rigid', with an odd texture that crumbles bizarrely in your mouth. Both girls also pointed out that the Trios aren't packaged in the traditional Girl Scout cookie boxes, but instead are wrapped inside a plastic pouch. Moving on to the Rah Rah Raisin cookies, which are described on the Girls Scouts website as 'new hearty oatmeal cookies packed with plump raisins and Greek yogurt-flavored chunks', the girls were again left wanting in terms of flavor and ingredients. Classic: Two of the new flavors come packaged in the traditional Girl Scout cookie boxes . Odd one out: For some reason, the Trios are sold in plastic pouches . While Julia described the cookie as 'okay', Penelope revealed that she wasn't sure raisin and oatmeal really worked as a flavor combination; both girls were unable to taste the Greek yogurt. 'I was expecting to bite into a gooey raisin, but there was something else — maybe white chocolate?' Penelope added. 'It definitely tasted like a health cookie, or a cereal cookie.' Both Penelope and Julia were big fans of the iconic Thin Mints, arguably the most popular cookie sold by the Girl Scouts, which was also the only one that both girls were able to recognize. When it came to some of the other classic cookie flavors however, the results were equally underwhelming, with both girls insisting that the peanut-butter based Tagalongs were too salty, while the Trefoils were too 'lemon-y'. | The Girl Scouts introduced three new health-conscious cookie flavors to their line-up earlier this month . Toffee-tastic and Trios are both gluten-free, while Rah Rah Raisin contains oatmeal and Greek yogurt . Grub Street enlisted two young cookie fans to test out the new flavors . | 8e21024b254221a9f0bcc7d728544b28bea8081d |
(CNN) -- German medical groups joined the French health ministry Friday in recommending that women seek removal of breast implants made by a French company, saying they need not hurry but the devices could pose eventual health problems. England's National Health Service also weighed in Friday, stopping short of recommending routine removal of implants made by Poly Implant Prostheses, or PIP, but agreeing to pay to have them taken out in some cases. French authorities announced last month that the government would pay for the removal of the bankrupt company's implants, which a British medical group says were made from "non-medical grade silicone believed by the manufacturers to be made for mattresses." Authorities in France and England have dismissed fears of cancer from the implants, but have said the devices are prone to rupture and could cause inflammation, scarring and fibrosis. More than 500 French women have had the implants removed since last year, according to the French government agency that evaluates the safety of medical products. Since then, more than 1,000 implants have ruptured, the agency said. German medical groups representing plastic surgeons, breast care specialists and gynecologists said Friday that while the implants do not pose any immediate health threat, they raise the risk of ruptures, difficulties with breast imaging and other complications. "We recommend removal without hurry, just as the French expert commission has recommended," the groups said in a joint release. In Britain, David Nicholson, chief executive of the National Health Service, said an advisory medical group found there was no evidence to support routine removal of the implants or suggestions that they could increase the risk of cancer. "However, the group also acknowledges that many of the implants are made up of non-medical grade silicone and should not have been implanted in women in the first place," Nicholson said in a letter to medical workers released Friday. Nicholson said the government would pay to have the implants removed from women who received them as part of reconstructive care provided by the publicly funded National Health Service. Women who paid for cosmetic implants from private clinics would not be eligible for government funded care in most cases, the NHS said. But Nicholson said he hoped private practitioners would also pay for the removal of implants if patients request it. "We want the private sector to offer the same service to its patients as the NHS is offering and we are working with them to best ensure an equivalent model of care is provided," he said. An estimated 300,000 women in 65 countries received breast implants from the company. The implants were banned in 2010 and the company went bankrupt later that year. The implants are not approved for use in the United States. CNN's Diana Magnay and Stefan Simons contributed to this report. | German medical groups back the removal of breast implants made by a French company . England's National Health Service agrees to pay to remove some implants . But the NHS says routine removal is not necessary . Implants made by PIP may rupture, causing problems like inflammation, health groups say . | 180405d7a3ab9bb9a99db319334856879cca374f |
A New Zealand-based photographer has described being taken in for questioning by Chinese police after trying to fly a drone with a camera attached over Beijing's ancient Forbidden City. Trey Ratcliff, an American globetrotter who lives in Queenstown, says he was briefly detained by police and had his drone and GoPro confiscated until he flew back to New Zealand. He was at Belhai Park, a public park northwest of the Forbidden City, and was unaware of nearby government intelligence buildings 'where they would rather not have things flown above' when he was arrested. Trey Ratcliff, an American globetrotter who lives in Queenstown, was briefly detained by police after trying to fly a drone with a camera attached over Beijing's ancient Forbidden City . The New Zealand-based photographer had his drone and GoPro confiscated until he flew back to New Zealand . 'Beijing is the seat of all Chinese government power,' Mr Ratcliff said on his blog, stuckincustoms.com on Thursday. 'So, deciding to fly a drone over China is kind of like Luke Skywalker deciding to ride his landspeeder on the Death Star.' Mr Ratcliff, who had flown his drone for five days without a problem, left his remote-controlled quadcopter with his Chinese assistant while he went to get some batteries and returned to find her with a 'rather surly looking female police officer'. Mr Ratcliff said deciding to 'fly a drone over China is kind of like Luke Skywalker deciding to ride his landspeeder on the Death Star' He was at Belhai Park, a public park northwest of the Forbidden City, and was unaware of nearby government intelligence buildings when he was arrested . Mr Ratcliff said he had flown his drone for five days without a problem before he was approached by a 'rather surly looking female police officer' They were escorted to a dimly lit area of a police station where he was questioned by a 'rather burly gentleman officer'. 'I had a feeling that I was in a rather sensitive area that I did not know about. So I was sure I had indeed done something wrong, but I just didn’t know what,' Mr Ratcliff said. 'He was holding the quadcopter and turning it around, examining the camera, the blades, the everything. The photographer and his Chinese assistant were escorted to a dimly lit area of a police station where he was questioned about the use of the drone . Mr Ratcliffe showed photos of his previous endeavors on his phone to prove to Chinese officers he was actually a photographer . 'I basically explained that I was a photographer, and I like getting unique angles. I simply like taking photos and making Beijing look beautiful. I noticed they liked to hear this and were a bit surprised.' Mr Ratcliffe showed photos of his previous endeavors on his phone to Chinese officers to prove he was a photographer and they were 'all crowding around, smiling and laughing, pointing'. The burly officer gave Ratcliffe back his quadcopter and told him not to fly it inside the inner and second rings that circle Beijing. The burly officer gave Ratcliffe back his quadcopter and told him not to fly it inside the inner and second rings that circle Beijing . But the following morning other officials showed up at his hotel and confiscated the machine. 'They agreed to bring it to the airport before I left Beijing. I doubted I would ever see the thing again, but, sure enough, they showed up!' he said. 'I threw the sweet beast in my bag then jumped on my flight back home to New Zealand.' The aerial shots he did take are posted on his stuckincustoms.com site. Other officials showed up at his hotel and confiscated the drone the following day, but returned it to him before he boarded his flight back to New Zealand . | Trey Ratcliff had his drone and GoPro confiscated at a public park north west of the Forbidden City . New Zealand photographer had flown drone for five days without problem . He left drone with Chinese assistant to get more batteries when police arrested him . Ratcliff had to show police photos on his phone of previous endeavors to prove he was a photographer . | 5f7b09286800a9a8a7cd139b450cd40576be01c0 |
By . James Tozer for the Daily Mail . Victoria Smith was attacked as she left a house party in Hull . A teenage model fears she has been left blind in one eye after a girl threw bleach in her face in a horrifying attack. Victoria Smith, 17, was leaving a house party near her home when she was allegedly ‘ambushed’ by a group of youths and subjected to the terrifying ordeal. Yesterday Miss Smith – who claims not to have gone to school for more than a year after suffering a seven-year bullying campaign – described how the ‘excruciating’ attack has left her too scared to leave the house. Writing on Facebook as Toria Melody, the name she uses in her budding modelling career, she said: ‘One of my eyes is now physically impaired and I am blind in it, I will most likely never receive my vision in my right eye again. ‘The outer layer of my eyes are permanently damaged and my hair has turned green from the bleach and has fallen out at the front.’ She says the acid has left her with burns on her body and ‘excruciating pain in my eyes’. ‘They are red raw, it went in my mouth, up my nose and I couldn’t breathe,’ she added. The teenager, a student at Wilberforce Sixth Form College in her home city of Hull, said she had only recently plucked up the courage to start leaving the house again after what she claimed was a campaign of bullying at her former school, Malet Lambert. ‘It took me a year to finally start leaving my house and going to college after not going to school for more than a year and being so terrified of people after being bullied for over seven years,’ she added. ‘This has 100 per cent set me back and I honestly cannot see myself coming out again for a long time.’ She added that if it hadn’t been for one of her friends, Bethany Wilkinson, ‘I would be completely blind and most probably dead’. Another friend, Beth Ridley, posted on Facebook that ‘some sick b*****d set her up [and] got us to come to a gathering then threw bleach in Toria’s face and eyes’. She added: ‘Don’t understand how ya can do that to another person but thankfully she’s gonna be okay.’ Miss Smith told police she was attacked at the junction of Albert Avenue and Cobden Street in Hull at 9.20pm on Wednesday as she left a house party with friends. She was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary. Hundreds of wellwishers commented on her Facebook post after reading details of the attack. The 17-year-old model said she may never regain sight in her right eye after the attack which has left her scared to go out again . Victoria said she had suffered at the hands of bullies for years before the attack and has now lost all her confidence . Victoria was attacked at the junction of Cobden Street and Albert Avenue (pictured) in Hull on Wednesday . Victoria was taken to Hull Royal Infirmary (pictured) where she was treated for burns and damage to her eye . One wrote: ‘I don’t know you, but you . are a shining star writing this showing that these bullies haven’t . defeated you. Well done, you are a beautiful girl too, don’t let bullies . make you feel low.’ Miss . Smith later responded: ‘Thank you everyone so so much for all your . support! It means the world to me I really appreciate it! ‘Don’t know what I’d do without you all honestly, every single one of you have helped me a lot!’ She declined to speak about the attack at her family home yesterday. Humberside . Police have arrested a 17-year-old girl on suspicion of causing . grievous bodily harm with intent. They said investigations were . continuing after releasing her on bail and are appealing for more . witnesses to come forward. No . one at Malet Lambert School was available to comment on Miss Smith’s . bullying allegation yesterday. The 1,460-pupil language college was . ranked ‘good’ in 2012 by Ofsted inspectors who reported that students . told them they encountered bullying rarely and that incidents were dealt . with well. The incident . comes amid mounting concern at a rise in acid attacks. Earlier this year . it was revealed there had been 21 court cases involving such incidents . in 2013, compared with just five in 2012. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Victoria Smith was leaving house party when she was attacked . The 17-year-old has burns all over her body and is blinded in one eye . Another teenage girl was arrested over incident and has been bailed . Humberside Police is appealing to any witnesses to come forward . | 855c25a9460d4d241c638985bd7275a222c69e33 |
(EW.com) -- "Katie" may be daytime's most colorful show. The greenroom is literally painted a soft mint green. Deep blues adorn the high-tech, mechanized set. Audience members are decked out in numerous brightly hued cardigans. And Monday, the show's stage was bathed by sultry red lights in honor of Couric's guest — Erika Leonard, a.k.a. "Fifty Shades of Grey" author E L James. ("Fifty Shades" hero Christian Grey does his dirtiest deeds in a chamber known as the Red Room of Pain.) The kinky theme didn't stop with that crimson glow. For one day only, the usually demure "Katie" logo was adorned with a pair of handcuffs naughtily looped around the "k." And Couric herself drew whoops from the audience when she appeared at the top of the hour in a sleeveless black leather dress and sky-high stilettos — to the tune of Rihanna's "S&M," naturally. "Relax — this won't hurt at all," Couric joked, introducing herself as our "mistress" for the day. What would Matt Lauer think?! Given all this, audience members probably expected James to emerge wearing an "American Horror Story"-style rubber fetish suit — or at least to be as boisterous and open as Anastasia Steele's inner goddess. In actuality, James is a shy, normal-looking lady in her 40s who speaks so softly that I had difficulty hearing her from backstage — not exactly what you'd expect from a woman who has sold 30 million copies of her erotic novels in just six months. And honestly, James still seems pretty flabbergasted by all the attention her work is getting. "It's ridiculous," she said in wonder when asked about the 50 Shades phenomenon. Despite the fact that her books have been credited with single-handedly saving Barnes & Noble from oblivion, James' lifestyle hasn't changed much since her bestselling trilogy was published. Her teenaged sons still tease her, though they're also supportive of (and a little embarrassed by) her success; her only major purchase has been a new Volkswagen. "I know how to live, ladies!" she joked after Couric mentioned the car. And yes, she asked whether the backseat was big enough to have sex in before making a down payment. Couric's audience ate it all up, howling with laughter at a video clip from a Fifty Shades-themed exercise class and nodding thoughtfully when a specialist from the Kinsey Institute called the books "the sex version of the cupcake." (It made sense in context.) When it came time to pose their own questions, they asked whether James has plans to write something from Christian Grey's perspective (answer: maybe), if she's got any advice for those looking to dip a toe into the world of BDSM ("I would say start with a tie, honestly"), and who she'd pick to star in the upcoming film adaptation of the series' first novel. James was coy about this last query, saying only that she has three unnamed actors in mind for Christian and four in mind for Anastasia. But Katie's audience has a few casting ideas of its own: According to Facebook polls, they'd like to see Gilmore Girls alum Alexis Bledel as the naive college grad and Vampire Diaries hottie Ian Somerhalder as the handsome billionaire who sweeps her off her feet, then chains her to the wall. But though she's staying tight-lipped about the film, James was open and honest when asked how she handles criticism. The Brit has a pretty zen approach to those who badmouth her writing: "Somebody likes it," she said with a shrug. As for those who don't? She tries not to sweat them — "It's just noise," James explained. She advises those who want to replicate her success to embrace that same outlook: "Write for yourself," she told aspiring authors. "That's it. And write every day." Before saying goodbye, Couric genially asked James if the interview had been painful — innuendo intended — and James joked that it hadn't been "painful in the right way." And thus ended the kinkiest episode of daytime television since the golden age of Jerry Springer. Though she put on a brave face, it seems like taking off her handcuff-inspired bracelet and watching the lights shift from naughty red to regular white might have been a relief for Couric — during a post-show Q&A, the TV vet admitted that she wouldn't let her 16 and 21-year-old daughters read James' bestsellers. "But I'm a prude, as you guys can tell," she quipped before leaving the stage for good. See the full story at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | 'Katie' went kinky for E L James' appearance . James is not her erotic characters: she is shy and normal . James has not changed her life for her fame . | 5ccef357abdb24de20f55da64476d3e3940a1424 |
(CNN) -- What does a 22-year-old see when she looks at herself in the mirror? Evelyn Apoko sees a face marred by war, one that is jarring to others. Even she can't stand to look sometimes. Doctors reconstructed her jaw, removed scars and balanced her lips. In the coming days, she will get a new jaw implant, a bone graft and a set of upper teeth. "I see me," she says, after pausing to think about how she might describe her reflection. "I look into my eyes and I know there is something there." That something came from three harrowing years of captivity and the inner fortitude that fueled her desire to survive, so that she could live to tell about the ugliness she saw. One summer night in 2001, Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) guerrillas snatched Apoko from a community center near her home in Gulu district, Uganda. Notorious for their cold-blooded cruelty, the LRA beat her, tortured her. She chooses not to discuss all the details but says this: if she didn't do what the LRA told her, she knew she would die. Apoko's tale, sadly, is not uncommon. She is among thousands of children abducted by the LRA. Yet her pleas, and the pleas of all others who have tried to put an end to the abuse and killings committed by the LRA, have fallen largely on deaf years, she says. As she awaits her final round of surgery in Austin, Texas, Apoko is glad that the LRA-instigated conflict, the longest running in Africa, finally made headlines this year. She rejoiced in President Barack Obama's decision last week to send 100 U.S. military advisers to the Central African Republic to help hunt down LRA leaders. And she rebuked conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh, who lambasted Obama and defended the LRA as Christians aiming to remove dictatorship. "Lord's Resistance Army are Christians," Limbaugh said. "They are fighting the Muslims in Sudan. And Obama has sent troops, United States troops, to remove them from the battlefield, which means kill them." "Dear Mr. Limbaugh," Apoko responded in a video message she sent to him. "My name is Evelyn. I am a former abducted child. My heart breaks when I hear your message about the LRA." She had no mouth left . Apoko, an ethnic Acholi, hailed from a poor family of nine children and grew up working on the farm with her parents. They grew corn, ground nut, cassava, sweet potatoes. She was a night commuter, as were many children in her district. Every night, she traveled almost 10 miles just to sleep in the town center, where her parents felt she would be safer under near other public buildings and under the watch of the Ugandan army. In many cases, parents put their children in cages to protect them from the LRA. The LRA sprouted as a rebel movement in the late 1980s among the Acholi people in marginalized northern Uganda. But if there was a group ideology, little remains today. Human rights groups say the LRA is known as a cult group that follows the self-proclaimed spiritual powers of its leader, Joseph Kony, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for atrocities. For more than two decades, the LRA has targeted civilians and terrorized them in Uganda and other neighboring nations. When the LRA's ruthless ways dwindled support from the Acholi people, it began abducting children to carry on the fight. The group liked to kidnap boys and girls between the ages of nine and 12 -- strong enough to shoot a gun, small enough to squeeze through a window, young enough to have their moral compasses recalibrated to kill. Apoko was one of them. "It is not uncommon for the girls who are abducted to be converted into sex slaves or forced into marriages with LRA fighters," according to Daniel DePetris, associate editor of the Maxwell Journal of Counterterrorism and Security Analysis. "The boys who are snatched up have two choices, which are not really choices at all. Either they fight to the death for Kony's apocalyptic worldview, or they can expect to be executed and dumped into a mass grave filled with their victims," DePetris wrote in a CNN article. Or, sometimes, the girls are used as mules, says Jedidiah Jenkins, spokesman for the advocacy group Invisible Children. Apoko recalled walking and walking. Day and night. Without food, without water. She was forced to carry things. The LRA stays alive by constantly moving, Jenkins said. Through the thick, remote jungles of southern Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic. There, people are poor and disconnected from the rest of the world. "The LRA are basically like sharks," Jenkins says. "When people get too tired, they just kill them." Or in the very least, hurt them. The LRA soldiers beat Apoko. It was impossible to live among them and not be subjugated. Sometimes Apoko got caught in ambushes or firefights. She saw other children die around her. She had not even reached her teenage years and yet, there was no one around to hold her, soothe her, tell her things would be alright. Days turned to months. More than a year passed like this for Apoko. One day, planes roared overhead -- the Ugandan and Congolese armies often raided the LRA. The winds were strong, the planes flew low. A bomb exploded behind her. Her backpack, laden that day with heavy pots and pans, caught on fire. She felt a sharp pain in her foot. She took her shoe off and saw it was full of blood. She was carrying a child in her arms, desperate to find safe haven somewhere. And then she felt the blast of another bomb. Shrapnel tore into her body, mangled her flesh, shattered all her teeth. In place of her face, there was a giant hole, like a crater in the ground. Her clothes dripped with blood. She gasped for air. She realized the child had died in her arms. She laid her down by her mother's body. She did not want them to be separated. She remembers the guerrillas snapping pictures of her. They sent them to Kony to ascertain if she was worth saving. They were going to pull the trigger unless she could keep walking. And so she did, even with her horrific wounds. The LRA spared her life but refused her treatment. Soon, infection set in. She couldn't tell whether she would survive. She had no jaw or mouth left so she couldn't eat or chew. Instead, she lay down on the ground and poured liquid food into her mouth. She had only one set of clothes, constantly damp and smelly from the saliva that dribbled out. She knew she was a better, kinder person than the people around her who had inflicted such cruelty. She knew she had to escape. 'Hardly human' One night in the fall of 2004, Apoko she said she was going to the bathroom but she never went back. She ran through the forest the darkness and didn't stop until she reached safety in Uganda. She was admitted to the Rachele Rehabilitation Center in northern Uganda, which takes in child soldiers and helps them assimilate back into normal life. And she was able to see her family again. She first arrived for a series of surgeries in the United States in 2005 with the help of Cori Stern, a co-founder of the Strongheart Fellowship Program, which seeks to help young survivors of trauma heal and begin life anew. In between her surgeries, she returned to Uganda to endure more tragedy. Her pregnant mother and the baby girl she was about to deliver died after they were poisoned. Apoko arrived in America frightened and without speaking a word of English. Those who sheltered her here are amazed that she is the same woman who delivered a recorded message to Rush Limbaugh earlier this month. "The LRA is not Christian," she told the talk show host. "Joseph Kony and his commanders could hardly be considered human." In the video, Apoko wore a necklace bearing the name of an abducted child, part of a campaign to raise money and awareness. That is her mission now -- to bring peace to children who have suffered. She even wants to try her hand at making a documentary film. And next month, she will appear in an episode of "Facing Trauma," a series airing on Discovery Fit & Health channel about women who have suffered facial injury. "Enough children have died and too many have been displaced," Apoko said in her video. "Every human being deserves peace in their life. We all deserve to live life without fear." But all these years have gone by and efforts to quell LRA violence have not been successful. Ironically, it was Limbaugh's statements about the LRA that has cast attention on a neglected conflict, said Jenkins, the spokesman for Invisible Children. Apoko is still waiting to hear back from Limbaugh. And waiting for the last round of surgery. The reflection in the mirror will perhaps be more pleasing to look at then. But she will always see "something there." | The Lord's Resistance Army abducted Evelyn Apoko when she was only 12 . She was beaten, abused and suffered horrific injuries from a bomb blast . She escaped after three years and U.S. doctors operated on her face . Recently, she told Rush Limbaugh he was wrong to call the LRA Christians . | 6e5654e523c38e67ea8132af5c05d23544d55597 |
(CNN) -- Yemen says al Qaeda was behind a suicide bombing Sunday that killed four South Korean tourists, according to the Daily Yemen Post. The city of Shibam is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The explosion Sunday evening in the city of Shibam also wounded three other tourists, said Hakim Almasmari, editor-in-chief of the English-language newspaper. Almasmari told CNN Monday that Yemen's Interior Ministry is blaming al Qaeda. CNN could not immediately reach the Yemeni government for confirmation. The bomb was very strong and could be heard some 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) away from the site, in the Al-Qubah district of Shibam, which is in Hadramot province, Almasmari said. The nationalities of the three injured people were not immediately known. The tourists were taking pictures of Shibam at sunset, Almasmari said. The old walled city is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site; sunset is the best time to take pictures of it, he said. CNN's Caroline Faraj contributed to this report. | Yemen says al Qaeda behind bombing that killed 4 tourists, according to local press . Four fatalities were South Korean citizens; nationalities of injured unknown . Suicide blast occurred Sunday in city of Shibam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site . | 5e946e2f2d5b7f3b91b5b033b2420e820481ecb6 |
(CNN) -- When Charity Agbameva went into labor last year there were complications. Realizing she needed medical attention, she traveled from Nigeria, where she was living, to a hospital in Keta, in the Volta Region of her native Ghana. Despite being one of just two hospitals serving the entire municipality, the hospital had only two doctors, each serving 29,000 people, and one nurse for every 1,500 patients. It had no special facilities for women and children. When Charity reached the hospital, medics realized she needed a blood transfusion, but the hospital had no blood bank, and no ventilator to give her oxygen. Charity died in hospital. Last month, her story was broadcast on GTV and TV3, Ghana's leading TV station, to an estimated 8 - 10 million people across the country. It provoked strong reactions in Keta and prompted a major debate on four radio stations lasting several days --- bringing attention to Ghana's staggering incidence of maternal deaths . Ghana has a reputation as a beacon of democracy in Africa. That reputation has been boosted by a rapidly growing economy, and the discovery of oil on our western coastline. So strong are the economic indicators that analysts at the World Bank have conferred upon us that most cherished of things -- Middle Income status. Read more: What Ghana can teach the rest of Africa about democracy . But within government and civil society we know that positive headlines don't tell the full story. One of the biggest challenges -- a real litmus test for Ghana -- is whether we can significantly reduce maternal deaths across the country. In Ghana, 4,000 women die every year and over 200,000 are disabled due to pregnancy related complications. These figures are among the highest in the world. If pregnancy is not a disease or death sentence, why are so many women dying or maimed in the process of giving birth? So how can a country that basks in so much international acclaim be failing its expectant mothers and their children so badly, and what can we do to improve the situation? For a start we have to better understand the social and cultural dimensions of maternal healthcare in Ghana and similarly under-developed countries. And we must respond to them. To make a real difference our awareness campaigns must be aimed at changing the mindsets of our people, especially those living in the rural areas. While doing my research I noticed that previous campaigns were predominantly urban centered and driven by "professional" imperatives. They failed to include the voices of women and the poor, marginalized communities -- those that actually bear the brunt of the maternal tragedy. As a result key concerns have not been addressed. For example, most pregnant women in rural communities rely on traditional birth attendants to deliver their babies. However, following a WHO directive, the Ghana Health Service discouraged this, urging pregnant mothers to give birth in the hospitals instead. But instead of getting skilled care these women have experienced overcrowded hospitals, poor facilities and an acute shortage of qualified staff. Read more: Too many mothers still dying . There is also the issue of infrastructure. Bad roads and poor transport links, exacerbated by the lack of ambulances also mean that pregnant women in emergencies cannot get to the hospital on time. Many are carried by motor bikes and local taxis over considerable distances and die en route. In 2009, I directed "The Lights Have Gone out Again," a documentary that contributed powerful new testimonies to Ghana's maternal health debate. I was so moved by what I saw in the remote, isolated villages that I was determined to "humanize" the maternal death statistics and highlight concerns that are so often excluded from the regular health debate. The documentary was televised and screened across the country, receiving critical applause. It enabled us to start a fresh dialogue on maternal health and triggered our determination to find an inclusive way of mobilizing Ghanaians around the need to reduce maternal deaths and improve maternal healthcare, more generally. We decided to use television for this new campaign because of its widespread popularity as a news and entertainment medium in both urban and rural areas of Ghana. Many families and whole households usually gather round the box for most of the evening. We decided to complement television with a radio series in Ghanaian languages to further extend the educational reach of the project and to maximize its impact. Read more: The American secretary who became a Ghanaian king . With funding from the Embassy of the Netherlands, a long standing supporter of the Ghana health sector and advice from the Ghana Health Service, UNICEF, Marie Stopes International, Ghana Coalition of NGO's in Health and others, the Maternal Health Channel Television and Radio Series was born at an impressive launch in Accra in February 2013. The first two shows, telling the story of Charity Agbameva, provoked a huge response from viewers. Significantly, we also heard contributions from health leaders at the hospital where she died. When the phone lines were opened, callers broadly agreed that a new partnership was needed between government, the hospitals, and the community, and that it was important to complement behavioral change with new policies. Critically, the hospitals urgently need more skilled personnel and improved facilities. The media response has generally also been impressive with great coverage in the newspapers, on radio and television. These are exciting times for the Maternal Health Channel but it's still early days as more people join the renewed debate about lifting Ghana's maternal health burden. So, although we may miss the Millennium Development Goals to reduce the maternal mortality ratio by 75% by 2015, I firmly believe that by being more innovative in our campaigning we can start to turn the corner on this and so many other critical healthcare issues in the years ahead. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Dr. Kwesi Owusu. | Every year in Ghana 4,000 women die and over 200,000 are disabled during pregnancy . Dr. Kwesi Owusu launched a television and radio campaign to highlight the issue . Maternal Health Channel radio show broadcasts in a range of Ghanaian languages . | 561679724e67aed8460d7d33de0982150a858cc5 |
(CNN) -- "Everything seems sexier in Paris," muses New Yorker Alison Drew, who recently returned from an unforgettable romantic escape. "Just walking around makes you want to be in love." Paris has proved itself irresistible to Travel + Leisure readers as well, who again rated it No. 1 for romance in the latest World's Best Awards survey. For some cities, setting the stage for love seems second nature. The 18th-annual awards revealed destinations for that perfect romantic getaway closer to home as well, like California's quaint seaside village of Carmel (No. 3) with its storybook cottages, sheep meadows and rugged coastal views. Be it a gorgeous cityscape, an overflow of culture, or pastries that make your heart sing, the world's most romantic cities offer plenty to love, whether you've found a match or are merely looking to let some sparks fly. No. 1 Paris . For both art lovers and lover lovers, ranking the City of Light as the best in the world in both categories may sound cliché, but the heart wants what the heart wants (and is always right). Walks along the Seine, tree-lined boulevards and cobbled lanes, a swoony stop at the Musée Rodin, or a simple glass of red in a cozy bistro all add to l'amour Parisienne. Don't miss: The picnic-perfect Place des Vosges, one of Paris's oldest and most beautiful squares, surrounded by elegant 17th-century mansions in the Marais quarter. No. 2 Venice . Although Venice ranked No. 25 overall this year, the City of Water rises toward the top of the world's best cities when it comes to love -- and it's easy to see why. Its hidden bridges, cobblestoned alleyways and iconic canals are perfect for getting lost in with a partner. Stroll the palaces and piazzas, explore the ancient architecture and while away the day in chic boutiques, art galleries and canal-side cafés. Don't miss: The legendary grandeur of Hotel Cipriani (Europe's No. 5 small city hotel) on serene Giudecca Island, offering balcony views of St. Mark's Square and a private wooden boat for traversing the lagoon. Travel + Leisure: America's best new romantic restaurants . No. 3 Carmel, California . Storybook cottages, quaint shops, art galleries and inviting eateries in this quaint seaside village abut one of northern California's most spectacular swaths of sand. Amble along the cypress-fringed path overlooking the rugged coast or cuddle on a bench and gaze out on the Pacific. Wine-tasting in nearby Carmel Valley, Pebble Beach's scenic 17-mile drive and the redwood-laden road to Big Sur only heighten the romance factor. Don't miss:: A glass of wine on the patio of Clint Eastwood's Mission Ranch, with rolling sheep meadows and sparkling sea vistas, before dinner at L'Auberge Carmel's cozy Aubergine restaurant, helmed by one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs of 2013, Justin Cogley. No. 4 Florence . With its red-roofed buildings along the Arno backed by rolling hills, it's no wonder this Renaissance city leaves visitors love-struck. Art lovers fall for Florence's classic architecture and masterful Michelangelos, while foodies adore the authentic Tuscan cuisine and stone's-throw jaunts to the Chianti countryside. Don't miss: Jaw-dropping skyline vistas from the Giardini Bardini, or essential souvenir shopping in the charming Oltrarno quarter, with its artisan workshops and small boutiques. Travel + Leisure: Worst romantic hotel fails . No. 5 Honolulu . This tropical paradise wins over T+L readers with a perfect cosmopolitan coast: miles of sandy stretches, dramatic cliffs, balmy weather and a buzzing dining and nightlife scene. Couples can snorkel the calm shores of Hanauma Bay Beach; hike to the top of Diamond Head Crater for stellar sea and Waikiki views; then hit the town for a date night of Pacific Rim cuisine. Don't miss: A stay at the posh Halekulani, a five-acre resort with tropical grounds fronting Waikiki Beach, or Sunday brunch at its open-air Orchids restaurant, where Hawaiian specialties come with views of Diamond Head. No. 6 Quebec City, Canada . Set on the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, Quebec may be one of the oldest cities in North America but the French appeal of this capital -- which jumped up this year from No. 11 -- never gets old. Stroll the historic quarter's narrow cobbled lanes, where centuries-old stone buildings house antique shops, museums and sidewalk cafés in an almost fairy-tale European-like setting. Don't miss: Parc Linéaire, a weave of walking trails along the St. Charles River that lead to lush gardens, canyons and waterfalls. Travel + Leisure: America's most romantic towns . No. 7 San Francisco . While San Francisco scored high marks for food (No. 2 in the world), trendsetting eateries are only one ingredient in the City by the Bay's allure -- as are Napa-Sonoma's wine country an hour north. Couples with a penchant for kissable selfies have a multitude of worthy backdrops, from colorful Victorian row houses to Art Deco mansions, hilly bohemian-chic neighborhoods and rugged natural vistas out over the (often fog-shrouded) bay. Don't miss: The storybook town of Tiburon, where twosomes can picnic on the sprawling grassy waterfront, hike to 360-degree panoramas of the San Francisco skyline or bike along the banks of the shimmering bay. No. 8 Rome . Romance is undeniably a part of Rome's heritage -- it's not nicknamed the Eternal City for nothing -- with its epic monuments, baroque churches and medieval ruins vying with charming trattorias for your attention. Few pleasures come close to grabbing a table for two by a millennia-old fountain, sipping a cappuccino and soaking it all in. Don't miss: A romantic walk over cobblestones on the 2,300-year-old Appian Way, past Roman countryside, ancient statues and imperial palaces. No. 9 Cape Town . Framed by the dramatic Table Mountain ridge and breathtaking seascapes, Cape Town is arguably South Africa's most beautiful city, where markets and colonial-era cottages meet the modern metropolis. You can wander the local art galleries or take a short drive through the rolling-hilled Winelands and get a flavor for the region's burgeoning farm-to-table fare. Sun-seekers can also find a secluded spot on Camps Bay's white-sand beaches. Don't miss: A sumptuous room with service to match at Cape Grace, a luxurious hideaway set on its own private quay on the V&A Waterfront. No. 10 Charleston, South Carolina . Whether it's the charming folks (ranked No. 9 for world's friendliest people), blossoming arts scene, raved-about Lowcountry cuisine or historic neighborhoods, Charleston satisfies every southern fantasy. In fact, every corner seems to stage a proposal-worthy scene, from the Battery with its moss-draped oaks and antebellum mansions to Waterfront Park's picturesque Cooper River views. Don't miss: Unrivaled harbor and skyline panoramas over sunset cocktails at the Market Pavilion Hotel (ranked No. 1 small city hotel in the U.S. and Canada). See all of the world's best cities for romance . Planning a getaway? Don't miss Travel + Leisure's guide to the World's Best Hotels . Copyright 2012 American Express Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved. | The City of Light is still tops for lovers of love and art . No need to cross the pond with two romantic California towns on the list . Cross over the Canadian border to find French-style romance . | 909bbb921dc546b7db33da4bdbf20ff3b3c7e0b9 |
By . Simon Jones . Stoke City are showing an interest in Sporting Lisbon left winger Diego Capel. The 26-year-old Spain international is valued at £7million but Stoke are understood to have made an opening offer of around £3.8m. Manager Mark Hughes also wants Oussama Assaidi from Liverpool but has been quoted £7million for the 25-year-old. Wanted: Sporting Lisbon's Diego Capel (left) is understood to be the subject of a £3.8m offer from Stoke City . Valued: Oussama Assaidi, who was on loan at Stoke City last season, is priced by Liverpool at £7million . | Spain international Capel is valued by the Portuguese club at £7million . Stoke manager Mark Hughes also wants Liverpool's Oussama Assaidi to join on a permanent deal . | 7f37c61b9f5c0f1403b0aeff1d92f1f36c9d7c09 |
(CNN) -- Seven Colombian national police officers were killed Sunday in an attack by suspected guerrillas in northern Colombia, defense ministry spokesman Javier Flores told CNN. The police were engaged in a routine patrol near the city of Tibu when they were ambushed by an explosive device, he said. The National Liberation Army, or ELN, guerrillas operate in the area and were suspected of being behind the attack, Flores said. In a separate incident in the south of the country, three soldiers were killed in a confrontation with FARC guerrillas, he said. The attacks come on Colombia's election day, where a runoff will decide who will succeed President Alvaro Uribe, who held a tough stance against the guerrilla groups. | Police engaged in routine patrol near city of Tibu in northern Columbia . They were ambushed by an explosive device, defense ministry spokesman says . National Liberation Army guerrillas operate in area and are suspected in attack . In separate election day incident, three soldiers killed in confrontation with FARC . | 20cf5583bd8443b7c6f0dce797c0228e24aa7fc8 |
TV star Rustie Lee has accused a Birmingham hospital putting her mother on a Liverpool Care Pathway-style plan - after wrongly warning her family she was dying. Eugenie Edwards, 87, was admitted to City Hospital on October 13 with a chest infection. Within hours Rustie says she was told her mum had just 48 hours to live, as she was suffering from heart and kidney failure. The family were then told the grandmother-of-three was being put on a pathway plan for end-of-life patients, where medication can be reduced. Yet angry TV chef Rustie, famous for her appearances in the 1980s breakfast show TV-am, refused permission after insisting her mother was not dying - and six days later a recovered Mrs Edwards was discharged from hospital. TV star Rustie Lee has accused a Birmingham hospital putting her mother Eugenie Edwards on a Liverpool Care Pathway-style plan - after wrongly warning her family she was dying . The pensioner, who was diagnosed with dementia five years ago, is now back at her nursing home in Ladywood, Birmingham. TV cook Rustie told the Birmingham Mail: 'When I saw my mum in hospital she did seem poorly, but not as if she was about to pass away. In fact, she didn’t look close to that. 'Yet we were told she had 24 to 48 hours to live and was about to be put on this pathway. I was only told about the plan when I went over to see the nurses to ask for painkillers for my mum. I was so shocked to be told she was on some pathway. I told the doctor this was not going to happen.' Rustie says the nightmare began when her mum was rushed to the hospital from her care home with a suspected chest infection. She says she was later told the grandmother had only hours to live and she was not given food, liquid or painkillers because nurses stated she could not swallow. Just 24 hours after being admitted, relatives say they were told Mrs Edwards was being put on a Supportive Care Pathway (SCP). It is based on the controversial Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP), which is designed to ease the suffering of the terminally ill in their final hours. But some families claim their relatives have been put on the LCP without their knowledge or permission - with a number making recoveries. The SCP includes cutting back medication and is also for end-of-life care, but is not deemed as harsh as the LCP. Within hours of Mrs Edwards being admitted to Birmingham City Hospital, Rustie says she was told her mother had just 48 hours to live, due to heart and kidney failure. Right: with Rustie's cousin Elaine Wray . It is currently being used in several wards at hospitals run by Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust, including City Hospital. Rustie told how she and other relatives had rushed to the hospital to see her sick mother, who went on to make a dramatic improvement. 'She was on oxygen, a drip and a machine was draining liquid off her lungs,' she said. 'I was told she was unable to eat or swallow. However, when she came round I asked her if she was hungry and she said ‘yes’. 'I got a yoghurt from the nurses and fed it to her. She ate it quite easily and looked as though she could have polished off a lot more at the time. 'I stayed with her until 2am, while a cousin spent the night with her in the room. 'By the morning she was a lot brighter. I told my son to go and get her some food. He came back with sandwiches, fruit and yoghurt drinks, which she happily ate and drank. 'Afterwards she seemed so much better and was even singing and dancing in her bed. 'She had improved by 95 per cent and we definitely didn’t think she was at death’s door. She was back to her usual self.' But Rustie was left shocked by what she was allegedly told next. 'I was massaging her foot and she said it was hurting. I said I’d go and sort out some painkillers for her,' she said. 'The nurses told me that she couldn’t have any more tablets as she couldn’t swallow, but she would be put on morphine and another drug when her pain became really bad. 'I couldn’t understand why they were saying that as mum was so much better. That’s when a nurse told me they were putting her on a care pathway. I had never heard of this before.' Mrs Edwards' condition improved after she was taken off the Supportive Care Pathway. She has since been discharged from hospital . The . doctor was called and Mrs Edwards' care was discussed again with Rustie . and a family member. The former breakfast TV star said: “I told the . doctor how mum was feeling better after we had fed her, but again I was . told she was being put on a pathway. 'I said the family did not want her . to be put on this pathway and that we wanted her back at her home, as we . were not ready for her to die. We were so terrified and frightened for . her, that we didn’t leave her side.' In fact just a few hours later, on October 15, Mrs Edwards was moved to a ward and was no longer in a critical condition. 'My mum was not in so much pain that she was reeling about on the bed needing morphine,' said Rustie. 'She may have been quite ill when she was admitted, but she drastically improved and there was no need to put her on a pathway.' She added: 'We should not be allowing hospitals to put people on a pathway if they are not critically ill. By the time my mum was discharged she could walk around and was eating fine.' A City Hospital spokeswoman said: 'The Supportive Care Pathway does not mean that patients are not fed or actively treated; it is a high standard of care for people with a life-limiting illness, which has been tailor-made for use in our hospitals and the community. 'It is designed to meet a patient’s individual needs and ensures the care we give is focused on relieving symptoms and meeting a patient’s physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs. Mrs Edwards was very ill when she was admitted to our Medical Assessment Unit. 'She was put on the Supportive Care Pathway and this was explained to her family. 'Our records show that she was offered food to eat at this time. When we became aware of the family’s concerns regarding the pathway, she was taken off at their request. 'Mrs Edwards was transferred to another ward for her recovery where a senior sister and doctor again spoke to Eugenie’s family to further explain the pathway and reassure them. 'We are sorry to hear that Mrs Edwards’ family were unhappy with aspects of her care. 'Our aim is to address concerns when they happen, however, if the family feel they would like more clarification we are more than happy for them to contact us to discuss this further.' | Eugenie Edwards, 87, admitted to . Birmingham City Hospital with chest infection . Within hours her family were told the grandmother had just 48 hours to live due to heart and kidney failure . Mrs Edwards was put on a Supportive Care Pathway and denied food, liquid or painkillers she couldn't swallow . Pathway is also for end-of-life care, but is not deemed as harsh as the Liverpool Care Pathway . Angry family contested move and a recovered Mrs Edwards was discharged from hospital six days later . | 71cf9b6b345912694bed16cc4a3e23b65150cf84 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . A man who allegedly admitted to molesting his cousin when she was 13 is now suing her for defamation and stalking. James Rashawn Johnson is petitioning for a civil injunction to stop his cousin Ashley Foster using his name or photographs when she tells her story of how she was molested. Foster, 23, claims Johnson molested her for six years until she was 19, but he was never prosecuted because when she reported him two years ago, too much time had passed since the alleged offense. Refusing to back down, Foster launched an online campaign to eliminate Florida's statute of limitations in cases like hers, and used her cousin's name and pictures. Johnson wants her to stop identifying him because he has never been charged. Scroll down for video . Alleged victim: Ashley Foster, 23 (pictured), claims her cousin molested her for six years and has fought to have Florida's statute of limitation for child molestation lifted . Accused: James Rashawn Johnson (pictured left and right), a father, allegedly admitted to molesting his female cousin for six years . 'My picture appeared on Facebook as 'a predator', which I have never been arrested, prosecuted, or convicted of,' he wrote in a statement filed in Broward County court, according to WPTV. Johnson, a father, has not commented publicly on the case. Foster, however, said she refuses to be silenced and would only stop using Johnson's image and name if ordered by a court. 'I felt re-victimized now,' the Boynton Beach woman told WPBF. 'I have a First Amendment right to tell my story. And he made my story.' Her mother, Darlene Foster, added: 'She's not shutting up. She's not going to back down. And that's the Ashley I'm proud of.' Campaign: Ashley Foster created a Facebook page 'Ashley's Law' in October 2013 campaigning for Florida's statute of limitation on child molestation to be eliminated, to enable alleged offenders to be prosecuted . Show of strength: Ashley Foster told her story to Florida legislators in February. In March, 'Ashley's Law' passed, eliminating the state's three-year statute of limitations on child molestation . Foster said she kept her alleged abuse a secret until two years ago because she was afraid of her family's reaction. After telling her mother, she allegedly recorded Johnson admitting his crime and apologizing. She took the recording to Boynton Beach Police who, according to WPTV, had a strong case against Johnson but couldn't prosecute because the statute of limitations had run out just 60 days before. 'I was like, 'Oh, you've got to be kidding me',' Foster said. 'We're going to have to change this.' Last year, she started a Facebook page, Ashley's Law - and an online campaign - to change state law to eliminate the statute of limitations in cases like hers. It worked. Heartbreaking: Ashley Foster, 23 (left) claims she was molested from the age of 13 to 19, but only told her mom Darlene Foster (right) about the alleged abuse two years ago . She told her story to Florida lawmakers who passed the bill, with the governor signing Ashley's Law on April 1. 'She has a right to say his name and talk about it and warn people of it and that's exactly what she did,' Darlene Foster, Ashley's mother, said. But now Johnson claims he is being defamed by the Facebook page and fliers all around his neighborhood and workplace accusing him of molesting his cousin. The court will hear the case next week. | Ashley Foster, 23, claims her cousin James Rashawn Johnson molested her for six years until she was 19 . She reported it to police two years ago after recording Johnson allegedly admitting his crime . Police couldn't prosecute because the three-year statute of limitations had just run out . Foster started a campaign to change the law - and won . She labelled Johnson a predator and child molester on campaign fliers and Facebook . Now Johnson, a father, is suing Foster for defamation because he has never been charged . The case goes to court next week . | a229bdba86570904c23747b4a014acad28f92f8a |
More than half of families receive more in benefits than they pay in taxes, new figures showed today. New research reveals how the welfare system dramatically narrows the gap between the richest and poorest. However, income inequality has risen sharply after falling to its lowest level for more than 25 years. Overall 13.8million households, 52 per cent of the total, received more in benefits and services than they paid in taxes in 2012-13, the Office for National Statistics said. As well as state benefits paid direct to claimants, it includes services such as education and healthcare. The figure is unchanged year-on-year and is down 1.8 per cent since 2011 but is still 8.2 percentage points higher than in 2000. Tim Knox, director of the Centre for Policy Studies, said: ‘This small fall in the proportion of households who receive more in benefits than they pay in tax is welcome. ‘But the fact that over half of all households receive more in benefits than they pay in taxes should be deeply shocking. ‘There is still so much more to do to get us back to the long term average of around 45 per cent.’ Analysis of the effects of tax and benefits shows how the state redistributes wealth each year. The wealthiest households earn 15 times more than those on the lowest incomes, but after paying tax and receiving benefits the difference is reduced to just four times. Before taxes and benefits the richest fifth of households had an average income of £81,300 compared to just £5,500 for the poorest fifth of families. ‘Overall, taxes and benefits lead to income being shared more equally between households,’ the ONS said. ‘After all taxes and benefits are taken into account the ratio between the average incomes of the top and the bottom fifth of households (£59,900 and £15,600 per year respectively) is reduced to four-to-one.’ On average, families paid £7,400 per year in direct taxes, equivalent to 19 per of their gross income. The richest fifth of families paid on average £20,300 per year in direct taxes, the vast majority of which was Income Tax. ‘This corresponds to 24 per cent of their gross income, broadly unchanged from other recent years,’ the ONS added. Cash benefits made up 56.4 per cent of the income of the poorest fifth of households (£7,200), compared with 3.2 per cent (£2,700) of the income of richest fifth . However, the figures also showed disposable income increased by £940 for the richest fifth of households while it fell for all other families, including a £381 drop for the poorest. TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: ‘The gap between rich and poor is growing again after a brief post-crash pause. Last year the richest households got richer, while everyone else got poorer. ‘This is further proof that most people are failing to have a fair share in the benefits of recovery. ‘The return of rising inequality should worry everyone as it suggests that nothing has been learned from the financial crisis despite the huge fall in living standards that so many people are still experiencing.’ As a result there was a slight increase in income inequality between 2011/12 and 2012/13, based on the Gini coefficient measure. The number can vary between 0 and 100 and the lower the value, the more equally household income is distributed. The Gini coefficient for the disposable income of all families was 33.2 per cent, up from 32.3 per cent in 2011-12 - the lowest figure since 1987. | 52% receive more in benefits and services than they pay for, ONS says . Centre for Policy Studies says it is 'deeply shocking' reliance on the state . Income inequality widens after falling to its lowest level for 25 years . Richest fifth of families £980 better of, but all other households are poorer . | 69b19736edb7298d9ba1b9552e879bcb0976a8ff |
A Thomas Cook flight from Sofia in Bulgaria to London Gatwick was diverted to Budapest and delayed more than 17 hours after cabin crew reported 'smoke in the flight deck'. The Boeing 757-300 flight MT-1125 was at around 34,000 feet to the south of Budapest when smoke was sighted in the cabin and the plane was redirected on Saturday. The aircraft landed safely at Budapest airport with the smoke having dissipated but the smell of burning still present, before Hungarian emergency services attended. Thomas Cook's flight MT-1125 from Sofia to London Gatwick was diverted to Budapest on Saturday . Passengers were delayed a total of 17 hours and 17 minutes after smoke was reported in the cabin . Passengers were taken to hotels for the night while safety checks were carried out on the plane. Following inspections, it is believed the most likely cause of the smoke entering the cabin was a suspected oil overspill. In total the delay lasted 17 hours and 17 minutes, said Thomas Cook, before passengers were taken to Gatwick on Sunday on board the same plane. A Thomas Cook spokesperson apologised to passengers for the wait while engineers looked over the plane and crew took their legally required rest. Engineers carried out checks overnight at Budapest airport and it's believed the smoke in the cabin was most likely caused by a suspected oil overspill . We'd like to apologise to our customers for the delay to their flight from Sofia to Gatwick on Saturday, which was diverted to Budapest as a precaution following smoke entering the cabin,' the Thomas Cook representative said. 'After the fault was investigated overnight, the aircraft continued to Gatwick on Sunday afternoon – accommodation and welfare was provided during the delay. We know how frustrating such long delays are and we'd like to thank our customers for their patience.' | Thomas Cook Boeing 757-300 was diverted to Budapest on Saturday . The flight was due to arrive at London Gatwick from Sofia before smoke was detected in the cabin . The most likely cause of the smoke was a suspected oil overspill . Passengers taken to hotels were delayed 17 hours, 17 minutes . | 1a06b97e732939b109bb06de9e28a2f7a5b43f41 |
By . David Gardner In Los Angeles . Mick Jagger reportedly left L'Wren Scott behind on the latest Rolling Stones world tour because his bandmates branded her the group's Yoko Ono . Mick Jagger left his girlfriend L’Wren Scott behind on the latest Rolling Stones world tour because his bandmates branded her the group’s Yoko Ono, according to a report in the US. The other Stones allegedly ‘loathed’ the 49-year-old American fashion designer because she was so controlling. ‘When they saw her, they said, “Here comes Yoko”,’ a source told the New York Post. The taunt was a reference to John Lennon’s widow, who was widely blamed for causing the Beatles’ break-up in 1970. Miss Scott was also snubbed by other group members who refused to wear the stage clothes she offered to design for the ‘14 on Fire’ tour which began on February 21 in Abu Dhabi and continued with performances in Tokyo, Macau, Shanghai and Singapore. ‘She ended up designing just Mick’s outfits,’ the insider told the Post. The Australian and New Zealand legs of the tour was cancelled this week after the fashion designer hanged herself in her New York apartment on Monday. Yesterday Sir Mick, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts left Perth, Western Australia, by plane. A grim-faced Jagger, wearing dark sunglasses and black cap, was driven to the boarding steps as he prepared for the journey. After arriving in Los Angeles, he went straight to the home of his daughter Karis, where he was expected to be joined by his other daughters Elizabeth, Georgia May and Jade and son James.His representative said: ‘He will stay in LA while the funeral arrangements are being made in New York.’ In its report the New York Post also claimed the 70-year-old singer, who had dated Miss Scott for 13 years, apparently told her it was better if she did not accompany him this time even though she had travelled with the band for the past decade. The source close to Miss Scott alleged Jagger’s ‘rejection’ must have been ‘a huge blow to her’. On his way to Los Angeles: Mick Jagger (centre in black hat) is pictured here leaving Perth yesterday . This photograph shows Mick Jagger with his bandmates Ronnie Wood, Charlie Watts and Keith Richards . The same newspaper claimed earlier . this week that Jagger had dumped the designer only weeks before leaving . for the tour, an allegation the grief-stricken rocker dismissed as . ‘horrible’ gossip. Last night Jagger’s representative said the claim that Miss Scott was not welcome on the Stones tour was ‘ridiculous’. Miss . Scott had struggled to get along with Jagger’s family, according to the . unnamed source quoted by the Post. ‘She tried really hard to get along . with Mick’s daughters. She was always inviting them to family holiday . dinners, but they just didn’t warm to her. ‘They also thought she was controlling, and that Mick was different, more reserved and less fun, when he was with her.’ The other Stones allegedly 'loathed' the 49-year-old American fashion designer because she was so controlling. 'When they saw her, they said, "Here comes Yoko",' a source told the New York Post . The taunt was a reference to John Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono (both pictured), who was widely blamed for causing the Beatles' break-up in 1970 . The source also cited the ‘serious financial problems’ faced by the 6ft 3in designer’s company. ‘While the clothes were beautiful, they were really only made to fit someone like her – and not many people look like her,’ they said. ‘Mick had helped her with investment money, but it still wasn’t going anywhere.’ The New York Times revealed yesterday that Miss Scott was planning to announce the closure of her debt-ridden firm on Wednesday. ‘The decision to close her business must have been very sad and humiliating for her,’ the source said. ‘She had a lot of pride. That, combined with being told she couldn’t go on the Stones tour, could have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.’ Miss Scott spent a few days last week in Mustique. On Sunday night, hours before she took her life in her New York apartment, she had a dinner party for friends. The New York Post claimed the 70-year-old singer apparently told Miss Scott it was better if she did not accompany him this time even though she had travelled with the band for the past decade . Miss Scott was also snubbed by other group members who refused to wear the stage clothes she offered to design for the '14 on Fire' tour. | Mick Jagger left his girlfriend behind on the band's latest world tour because his bandmates branded her the group's Yoko Ono, according to a report . They allegedly 'loathed' the designer, 49, because she was too controlling . A source told the New York Post: 'When they saw her, they said, "Here comes Yoko",' in a reference to John Lennon's widow . | 7985797a803bf5d85ed777ae675219813ab3dc0f |
Mr Punter wanted to claim disability benefits based on the injury to his left leg - but the DWP thought he wanted to claim for an earlier injury to his right foot . A man who had his leg amputated was falsely accused of fiddling disability benefit after officials read a file about the other, healthy limb. Robert Punter was hauled before a court by benefits officials who told him he was not disabled enough to claim the allowance even though his leg was due to be amputated. The mix up occurred because the 63-year-old former trucker, whose left leg was shattered in a boyhood shotgun accident, also suffered a serious toe injury in his right foot. He was prosecuted when officials found a letter in his medical file showing he had made a full recovery from that operation and accused him of lying about his condition. He is angry that he has been treated as a criminal, despite battling to overcome his disability and work for 47 years, often in excruciating pain. Robert, of Newton Abbot, Devon, spent months waiting for his case to be heard at Exeter Crown Court before it was thrown out in less than five minutes. He denied falsely claiming disability living allowance and Judge Francis Gilbert, QC, recorded not guilty verdicts after Miss Emily Pitts offered no evidence on behalf of the Department of Work and Pensions. The case was dropped after defence solicitor Miss Ann Bellchambers obtained a statement from Torbay Hospital consultant Patrick Loxdale, confirming that Mr Punter had always suffered from a disability which entitled him to benefit. After the case Mr Punter explained that the case arose from a simple misunderstanding. His claim for disability benefits was based on the long standing injury to his left leg, which had eventually led to the amputation. The Department of Work and Pensions . prosecuted him on the basis that he had claimed benefits in relation to . the injury to his right foot, which had been treated successfully and . healed. He said: . 'This whole business has been a nightmare. I have been taken to court . and accused of swinging the lead when the truth was the opposite. The DWP prosecuted him on the basis that he had claimed benefits in relation to the injury to his right foot, which had been treated successfully and healed . 'I suffered a very serious injury to my left leg in a shotgun accident when I was 12. At one stage it was touch and go whether I would survive. 'I never used it as an excuse not to work. I started in the old Leathercraft factory in Newton Abbot when I was 15 and then drove dumpers and tippers on building sites until I passed my HGV and became a lorry driver. 'I did that for 40 years until I suffered arthritis in my right foot which led eventually to me having an operation to fuse my toe. 'It was while I was in hospital I met someone from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau who told me I was entitled to disability allowance even though I was planning to go back to work. 'After I was called in for interview and told I would be prosecuted my wife took photos of my left leg and sent them to the DWP but it made no difference. 'At the same time as this case was going through the system I was in a lot of pain from the left leg and went back to hospital where Mr Loxdale told me I had degenerative bone disease and would need an amputation. 'It took months to persuade them that I . am disabled but in the end they only restored my benefit after my left . leg was amputated above the knee.' The . consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Torbay Hospital who wrote to Exeter . Crown Court about Robert Punter said the prosecution was 'barking mad'. Mr Punter's claim for disability benefits was based on the long standing injury to his left leg, which had eventually led to the amputation . The consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Torbay Hospital who amputated Mr Punter's leg said the prosecution was 'barking mad' Patrick Loxdale, who amputated the Mr Punter's lower left leg earlier this year, wrote a letter about his medical history to his solicitor. In it he said: 'Robert Punter suffered a devastating injury to his left leg at the age of 12 and was lucky not to lose his leg. 'When I first me I was amazed to hear that he'd held a job down as a tipper driver for many years up until the age of 63, with plans to continue working until retirement age of 65. 'It was quite clear to me that he was a highly stoical individual who had minimised very significant orthopaedic problems in his left leg. '...Clearly I don't have details of the prosecution case against Robert Punter but I can say without any shadow of doubt that this man coped with a very severe left leg injury from the age of 12 to 63, holding down a physicaly demanding job and , in my view, tolerating a great deal of pain and incapacity in the process. 'However, as someone who generally takes a relatively robust attitude to some patients' desires to claim benefits, I find the fact that Robert Punter is being pursued completely bizarre to the point of being barking mad. 'This, in my opinion, is a highly genuine man with an extremely significant orthopaedic problem who is actually an example of somebody who's got on with their life and held down a job under extremely difficult circumstances.' A Department of Work and Pensions spokeswoman said: 'We cannot comment on individual cases.'In this case the defendant's health deteriorated as the case was being progressed. 'In light of his deteriorating health it was not in the public interest for this case to continue.' She said she could not comment on the consultant's remarks and said it was a Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decision to review the case in court and offer no evidence. She added: 'Our fraud investigators present the best evidence possible, however, ultimately it's for the CPS to decide whether a prosecution goes ahead for benefit fraud. 'If an overpayment is suspected then we will seek to recover that as a civil matter.' | Officials read file about a healed injury on Robert Punter's right foot . Thought he was falsely trying to claim for that limb and took him to court . Former trucker was trying to claim for left limb, which was amputated . Case before Exeter Crown Court was thrown out in less than five minutes . | 524e2ece37a386c6af90e60827eb9618ac5b3a2c |
David Luiz is having a medical with Paris Saint-Germain staff ahead of the sensational deal that will cost the French superpower close to £50million. The transfer of the 27-year-old Chelsea star will be the world's most expensive for a defender, beating the previous two highest fees - both paid by PSG, for Marquinhos and Thiago Silva. PSG representatives have flown out to Brazil to complete the medical at the World Cup hosts' training base. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Luiz appear in the trailer for Brazil's official World Cup Film . Farewell: David Luiz has passed a medical and agreed terms ahead of his £50m switch to PSG . Pointing to the sky: Chelsea star Luiz has played his last game for the club and will cost PSG close to £50m . Tongue out: Luiz celebrates with the Europa League trophy after Chelsea beat Benfica in the 2013 final . Sportsmail's Lee Clayton and Alex Kay visited David Luiz's home in February 2013 to interview the Chelsea star and QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar ahead of the England v Brazil friendly at Wembley. PSG believe they are capturing one of the most stylish defensive players in the world and they are flexing their financial muscle again in what will be the first major transfer of a busy World Cup summer. The previous best deal received by an English club for a defender was when Rio Ferdinand left Leeds for Manchester United for £30m 12 years ago. This deal will dwarf that British record transfer. Sources in Paris have confirmed PSG had to move quickly to beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich which may explain the size of the fee they were prepared to pay. Chelsea will use the money to rebuild their squad next season, with Diego Costa top of their wishlist. Their decision to sell comes quickly after John Terry agreed a new contract. Terry will play alongside Gary Cahill next season. Luiz will play at centre half for Brazil in the World Cup but he can also play as a holding midfielder. Close shave: Luiz shaves his beard next to Brazil team-mate Paulinho during the Gillette event on Tuesday . 1. Thiago Silva (AC Milan to PSG) - 35.3m . 2. Marquinhos (Roma to PSG) - 30.1m . 3. Rio Ferdinand (Leeds to Man United) - 30m . 4. Alessandro Nesta (Lazio to AC Milan) 26.1m . 5. Pepe (Porto to Real Madrid) - 25.2m . 6. Fabio Coentrao (Benfica to Real) - 25.2m . 7. Dani Alves (Sevilla to Barcelona) - 23.5m . 8. Lillian Thuram (Parma to Juventus) - 22m . 9. David Luiz (Benfica to Chelsea) - 21.3m . 10. Ricardo Carvalho (Porto to Chelsea) - 20m . 1. Gareth Bale (Spurs to Real Madrid) 86m . 2. Cristiano Ronaldo (United to Real) - 80m . 3. Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal to Barca) - 35m . 4. Luka Modric (Spurs to Real Madrid) - 30m . 5. Xabi Alonso (Liverpool to Real Madrid) - 30m . 6. David Beckham (Man United to Real) - 25m . 7. Marc Overmars (Arsenal to Barcelona) 25m . 8. Arjen Robben (Chelsea to Real Madrid) 25m . 9. Nicolas Anelka (Arsenal to Real) - 22.3m . 10. Mario Balotelli (Man City to AC Milan) - 19m . Euro glory: Luiz holds the Champions League trophy during a victory parade through London in May 2012 . Flying the flag: Luiz climbed onto the crossbar in Munich after Chelsea won the 2012 Champions League . Head to head: Luiz and Edinson Cavani come together during the Champions League quarter-final between PSG and Chelsea in April - and the two could be team-mates next season . Hug: Luiz consoles PSG's Lucas Moura (right) after Chelsea won the Champions League quarter-final . | David Luiz will become the world's most expensive defender . PSG medical staff fly in to Brazil for medical after Chelsea give green light . PSG to beat Barcelona and Bayern Munich to land Brazil star . Chelsea's decision to sell comes after John Terry agreed a new deal . Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa is top of Jose Mourinho's wishlist . | 826b74a2590f72f4d0fcaa0aa7d962160e9fab31 |
By . Anna Hodgekiss . Women who receive better pain relief during labour are less likely to suffer postnatal depression . Controlling pain during childbirth may reduce the risk of mothers suffering from post-natal depression. Researchers found women who had an epidural during labour had a 14 per cent rate of depression six weeks after birth. But this rose to 35 per cent for those who did not have the pain relief. In the study an epidural was the only means of pain control available to the women. The Chinese research also found that breastfeeding was more common in the group who had an epidural for pain compared to those who did not, 70 per cent compared to 50 per cent. Dr Katherine Wisner, a perinatal psychiatrist at Northwestern University in the U.S., wrote a report on the research conducted by the Chinese researchers. She said: 'Pain control gets the mother off to a good beginning rather than starting off defeated and exhausted. 'Whether . it’s vaginal or Caesarean section delivery, pain control [during and after the birth] is . an issue for all new mothers. 'There is no way to have a delivery without . pain. The objective here is to avoid severe pain. 'Controlling that delivery pain so a woman can comfortably develop as a mother is something that makes a lot of sense.' She added the study’s findings, . published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia, are among the few . to examine the relationship between pain during labor and postpartum . depression. 'It’s a huge omission that there has been almost nothing in past research about pain during labour and delivery and postpartum depression. 'There is a well-known relationship between acute and chronic pain and depression.' The incidence of severe acute postnatal pain is approximately 11 per cent for new mothers. The . research discovered that biological and emotional factors contribute to . postpartum depression, which affects 14.5 per cent of women who give . birth. Dr Wisner added: 'These findings are quite exciting and further research should be done to confirm them, especially in women at increased risk of depression and in women from other cultures.' She recommends a woman who has chronic pain one to two months after delivery should be screened for depression. And that managing pain after childbirth supports a new mother’s ability to emotionally attach and care for her baby. Women who had an epidural during labour had a 14 per cent rate of depression six weeks after birth - but this rose to 35 per cent for those who did not have the pain relief . | Women who had epidural had a 14% rate of depression 6 weeks after birth . Chinese research found this rose to 35% in women who didn't have it . 'Pain control gets the mother off to a good start - rather feeling exhausted' | d22353eac802de29599010f03d29c5adc24e8cc2 |
(CNN) -- Police in Finland say they have arrested more than 20 men on charges related to the sexual abuse of children. The men are suspected of using the Internet to approach girls between the ages of 9 and 15, engage them in sexual discussions and, in some cases, to meet for sex in exchange for money, cigarettes or alcohol, the National Bureau of Investigations said in a statement. The men acted alone, police said. It was not clear when the arrests were made. The agency's statement did not say and police officials were not in the office to comment Thursday afternoon. At least one of the men, who range in age from 22 to 48, has a history of similar crimes against children, the agency said. Three of those arrested have already been convicted and sentenced to prison, according to the statement. CNN's Per Nyberg contributed to this report. | Police in Finland arrest more than 20 on charges related to child sex abuse . The arrests began with a single incident in 2011, police say . At least one of the arrested has a history of similar crimes against children . | 290244940bdb5ec92d048c3c195915963f302afa |
Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- Whether they've been good or bad, some dogs visited Santa this holiday season to get their photos taken with the jolly but unfamiliar bearded man in a red suit. It's 1-year-old Max's first time, owner Janice Sims said of her Australian shepherd, "but he's not afraid of Santa like my kids were." She planned to hang his photo on her Christmas tree. It was also a first Santa visit for Gizmo. The 11-month-old puppy arrived a little after the holidays last year as a gift for 4-year-old Naomi. "I never wanted a dog," remembered mom Jewel Washington. "But I guess I swallowed the Kool-Aid," she laughingly said as she and her daughter Naomi tried to get their dog to look the camera. They are giving Gizmo a lighted leash for Christmas. Check out holiday shopping special coverage . There is a lot of laughter and fun in the whole process. Dogs greeted and played with each other while they waited for their turn with Santa. Owners -- some of whom were shopping when they just happened upon the photo session -- helped volunteers pose the dogs with Santa. Nikko has gotten his holiday photo taken for eight years in a row. Owner Sophia Henry said she does it because her own mother enjoys getting the pooch's picture as a gift every holiday. Avoid holiday pitfalls with pets . But before anyone gets all "Scroogey" about a waste of money in hard times, many of the pet and St. Nick pictures taken across the country raise money to help not-so-lucky animals. FurKids, a no-kill animal rescue organization, provides a Santa and photographers at PetSmart stores around Atlanta. The organization sponsored several "Santa Claws" events in Tucker, Georgia, this month. A $5 donation bought a framed digital photo of the owner's choice with as many critters that can squeeze into Santa's lap or on his bench. Santa "Mike" has volunteered his lap every December for a half a dozen years to raise money for FurKids so the charity can save abandoned cats and dogs and get them adopted. He's experienced only one "damp" visit, when a dog last year watered his boots. But he also put his foot down when faced with a 170-pound Rottweiler. He told the owners, "I'll sit in his lap, but you're not setting him on my lap." However, his most unusual pet picture over the years was with a 10-foot boa constrictor draped over him. Doguroo, a doggie day care and grooming center, sponsored several Santa photo sessions in front of a huge sparkling tree at Central Park in Atlanta's Atlantic Station's this December. Any critter -- including two-legged ones -- could get their photo taken with Santa for a $10 donation to the Atlanta Humane Society. Doguroo owners Eileen Kelly and Jean Finney brought along their very sweet pit bull mix, Lottie, wearing a colorful collar with bells, who patiently sat on the sofa with dogless humans who wanted a critter in their photo with Santa. Lottie also submitted to petting by happy children. All she demanded was an occasional treat. Santa "Jimmy" visited with children all day at Dillard's at Atlantic Station, before taking up his post out in front of the tree in the park, as he does on weekend evenings. His most memorable experience this year was having the front legs of 170-pound Great Dane draped over his lap. Sherie and Britt Layman brought their 1½-year-old canine cocktail, Loretta (aka Mrs. Santa Paws), for a photo. Katie Fisher had a double challenge for Santa -- Simon and Gigi, both dogs around 2 years old. She said the two pups will be getting lots of treats, tennis balls and sweaters for Christmas. And one pet owner brought her three dogs decked out in their festive red and white outfits. The Humane Society of New York held a Toys for Dogs event this year, where pets could get their photo taken with Santa in exchange for donated toys for homeless dogs. Director Sandra DeFeo says it's less of a "fund raiser" and more of a "fun raiser" with "good cheer, sweets and holiday drinks." "We always bring dogs available for adoption," DeFeo said. Donations go to support the animal shelter and free clinic. Pet owners bring mostly dogs, but an occasional cat or bird drops in to join the festivities. But DeFeo says it's not only small creatures sniffing around at these parties. She has seen some single pet owners checking each other out. And, she says, a particularly handsome Santa was a big attraction one year. | Santa and pet photos are great fundraisers for animal charities . Nikko gets his photo taken every year so his owner can send it to her mother . One Santa had a 10-foot boa constrictor draped over him for a photo . Doguroo owners' pit bull mix, Lottie, was a patient "loaner dog for petless people . | b9c86325c5484a0ddd033b409fbb8ca0dd5069f1 |
Kunduz, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Police in the northern Afghanistan province of Kunduz are looking for a man they say strangled his wife after she bore him a third child that was not a son. Sher Mohammed, 29, married his 22-year-old wife, Storay, four years ago, police said. The couple had three daughters, the last of whom was born three months ago, said Khanabad district police chief Sufi Habib. After the youngest daughter was born, Mohammed blamed his wife for not being able to deliver a boy, Habib said. "Finally on Saturday, the man, with the help of his mother, first beat the woman and then strangled her to death," the police chief said. Khanabad is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Kunduz city. Police arrested the mother, Wali Hazrata, and detained her at the Kunduz city jail. But her son fled. In a jailhouse interview, Hazrata said her son's wife committed suicide out of guilt. "My son did not commit the crime," Hazrata said. "... But after three daughters, Storay herself felt guilty and committed suicide." The report comes weeks after Afghan police said they rescued a 15-year-old girl who was locked up in the basement of her in-laws' house, starved, and had her nails pulled out. The girl, Sahar Gul, was married off to a 30-year-old man last year. Authorities in northern Baghlan province said the girl reportedly was tortured after she refused to submit to prostitution. Activists say women continue to suffer in parts of Afghanistan despite overall progress since the fall of the Taliban. In the second quarter of last year, the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) registered 1,026 cases of violence against women. In 2010, it recorded 2,700 cases. In December, gunmen attacked and sprayed an Afghan family with acid in their home after the father rejected a man's bid to marry his teenage daughter. In another case, a 21-year-old, identified only as Gulnaz for her own protection, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after she reported that her cousin's husband had raped her. Her plight attracted international attention when it came out that she had agreed to marry her attacker to gain her freedom and legitimize a daughter conceived in the attack. She was eventually freed, following President Hamid Karzai's intervention. Horia Mosadiq, a London-based Afghan researcher for the rights group Amnesty International, said the abuse inflicted on Storay Mohammed is not an isolated instance. "Generally the human rights situation, and particularly women's rights, is deteriorating," she told CNN. "I am in constant contact with women's rights groups across the country, and they say they are seeing an increase in violence." This is in part because the Afghan government does little to implement or enforce the laws that protect women's rights, she said. She also sees it as a consequence of women across the country gaining greater awareness of their rights, which is leading both to a backlash from men and to more cases of violence being reported. On top of that, the Afghan government's move toward peace and reconciliation talks with the Taliban has led many people to think the current oppression of women will simply continue as it is, Mosadiq said. "We need to make sure that we protect the women -- it's so important that women's rights in Afghanistan are non-negotiable," she said. The alleged involvement of Storay Mohammed's mother-in-law in her abuse is not unusual, Mosadiq added, as women often play a role in violence against other women within the family, as do husbands, fathers and brothers. And there is a heavy cultural pressure to bear sons, who are viewed as the breadwinners, she said, with the birth of a daughter seen as a burden rather than something to celebrate. If the situation of Afghan women is to improve, Mosadiq said, a strong political will is needed at the government level, backed up by strong pressure from the international community. "Where (the international community) puts so much pressure and focus on a military solution, they should also think about the protection of the Afghan people and Afghan women," she said. CNN's Laura Smith-Spark contributed to this report. | NEW: Women's rights are deteriorating in Afghanistan, a rights activist says . The mother of accused husband says her daughter-in-law committed suicide . Sher Mohammed and his 22-year-old wife had three daughters . The mother, who allegedly beat her daughter-in-law, was arrested, but her son fled, police say . | a0ee987d3de53da5a5a4b7978c0c0570d1408a8a |
By . Hamish Mackay for MailOnline . Follow @@H_Mackay . Roma president James Palotta has slammed Mehdi Benatia, calling him 'poisonous' and claiming he lied to his team-mates. The 27-year-old centre-back sealed a move to Bayern Munich in the summer, and suggested he did so because Roma needed the money. He said: ‘I discussed my future with Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini. He told me that the club wanted to hold on to me, but that they needed the money from a sale. That annoyed me, because I initially wanted to stay put.' Transfer: Centre-back Mehdi Benatia moved from Roma to Bayern Munich for £20m this summer . But Palotta refuted these claims, saying: 'Mehdi Benatia has obviously continued with his pattern of outright lies over the last couple of months. 'We had a verbal agreement on compensation and a raise back in July in Boston. He personally said to me that he was happy after I told him flat out with no exceptions that we wanted him to stay.' 'Lying to me was one thing which I can somewhat handle. Lying to Rudi Garcia and his team-mates was completely unacceptable to me. Claims: James Palotta called Benatia 'poisonous' and said he had lied to Rudi Garcia and the Roma players . 'I told [sporting director] Walter Sabatini he was becoming poisonous and I wanted him gone, and Rudi and Walter agreed. 'It wasn't about the money; it was about having character in our locker room. We are in a very sound financial position. 'As owners of Roma, we make difficult decisions all the time. As a fan of Roma, I am deeply disappointed that one of our players could act this way.' Rumours: Benatia suggested he had been sold because Roma needed the money, something Palotta denied . | Mehdi Benatia was sold to Bayern Munich for £20million . 27-year-old said he was forced out as Roma needed the money . James Palotta slammed Benatia, calling him poisonous and a liar . | 15348842c25b0aba00a9180e5314644bfdd42800 |
This is the moment a brave buffalo charged three lions after they grabbed a young calf from the herd. The hungry lions crept up on the buffalo and calf in north-west Tanzania, East Africa, causing them to disperse in a terrifying 90-second ordeal. While the majority of the buffalo escaped, one animal turned back and stood firm against the lions in a bid to protect its young. But the big buffalo rallied and stood between her young and the lion's teeth while charging horns-first at the circling predators. Three lions took the opportunity to surround their prey and closed in on the calf. But the outnumbered buffalo could not hold them at bay and a young lion pounced and snapped away the baby between its jaws. The buffalo become separated from the herd when it turns back to face the lions and protect its young calf . While the buffalo stands up to two of the lions, a third big cat approaches from behind to close in on the calf . Only the quick-thinking reactions of the the adult buffalo saved young calf from death. The 1,000 pound beast ploughed into all three lions just as they looked set to feast on the calf. And the rest of the herd arrived just in time to mount a dramatic rescue and send the lions retreating with their tales firmly between their legs. The brave buffalo charges the three lions as one snatches the calf away from its mother and runs off with it . Despite the buffalo's best efforts to keep the lions at bay, the animals outnumber her and edge closer to her calf . It seems all is lost as the lions make off with their prey, closely followed by the distressed mother . Amateur photographer Andreas Häntzschel, 39 from Aachen, Germany, captured the whole clash on camera while he was on safari. Andreas said: 'I like the nature, I like travelling and I like to take pictures in a documentary style. 'This was absolutely unreal. This was amazing and you don't get a lot of chances to see something like it. The buffalo charges a the lions and manages to snatch her young back, closely followed by the rest of the herd who charge the big cats . 'To see lions is not too spectacular but to see them fighting is great. The buffaloes were very courageous to save themselves.' Andreas, who works as a portfolio manager for an energy firm, used a Canon DSLR to take the snaps while filming with a Panasonic Video Cam. He said: 'Most people ask me how I managed to see that and then they are happy to see the buffalo calf alive. 'But I was so angry that I didn't take my full HD camera with me.' | The buffalo and its young became separated from the herd by three hungry lions in Tanzania . Despite being outnumbered, the buffalo stands its ground against the big cats . Even when the lions snatch the calf, the buffalo does not give up in its attempt to free its young . | ce5d502fc70ef3768de6fa3dc69f42791bcbc542 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:52 EST, 20 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:52 EST, 20 October 2013 . Dogs are being banned from parks, beaches and playing fields, and owners say it is becoming difficult to find places to walk their pets. They fear the drive to rid many areas of dogs is creating ‘ghettos’ where only designated parks are available to exercise animals, a survey found. Councils are using dog control orders to tackle antisocial owners who do not control or clean up after their animals. Dog owners fear the drive to ride many areas of their pets is creating 'ghettos' Yorkshire’s East Riding now has 341 orders which ban or place strict restrictions on dogs in the area. A council spokesman said it had struck ‘a balance between the population who want to enjoy the beauty of our open spaces and the needs of dog owners’. St Ives in Cornwall has banned dogs from three of its main beaches and allows them on the remaining two only before 8am during the summer months. The Kennel Club survey of 2,000 owners found more than two out of five felt increasingly unwelcome in public spaces. The Kennel Club survey found two in five owners felt increasingly unwelcome in public spaces . But dog enthusiasts say it is wrong to punish all owners because of an irresponsible minority. The club has now launched an Open for Dogs campaign against the restrictions and to encourage businesses to welcome dogs. Club secretary Caroline Kisko said: ‘We are meant to be a nation of dog lovers but in many parts of the country it doesn’t feel that way. | Two in five owners said they felt increasingly unwelcome in public spaces . Kennel Club research found owners fear dog 'ghettos' are being created . | 54d6ab6571f0153a9fd8d3f97c86de7eb54e5093 |
(CNN) -- Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara called for calm Monday after forces stormed the president's residence and arrested Laurent Gbagbo, whose refusal to accept the results of a presidential election last year plunged the West African nation into civil war. "Finally, we have reached the dawn of a new era of hope," Ouattara said in a televised address. "We had hoped this transfer had been different, but we have to focus on today." He urged his countrymen to lay down their weapons and said he has asked the justice minister to start legal proceedings against Gbagbo, his wife and his colleagues. Gbagbo is being held at the Golf Hotel, the headquarters of both Ouattara and the United Nations. Fighting appeared to quickly end after Gbagbo's arrest, said Alain Le Roy, under-secretary-general of the United Nations' Department of Peacekeeping Operations. "To my knowledge, most of the fighting has stopped," he said, adding that "there are pockets of resistance here and there." Gbagbo asked for and is receiving U.N. protection, according to Le Roy, who said forces are also ensuring the security of the former leader's wife. "I understand from President Ouattara that he wants President Gbagbo to go on trial in Ivory Coast," said the U.N. official. The former president "is well and alive and will be brought to justice," said the country's ambassador to the United Nations, Youssoufou Bamba. He and the French Embassy said forces loyal to Ouattara made the arrest. But a Gbagbo adviser, Ahoua Don Mello, said earlier that the French military had stormed Gbagbo's residence. The French Ministry of Defense rejected Don Mello's claim, saying no French troops entered the residence. Authorities are trying to move carefully and follow legal procedures to bring Gbagbo to trial, said a senior U.S. official with knowledge of the events, declining to be named because of the sensitivity of the situation. The arrest is a "step in the right direction to return Ivory Coast to normality," the source said, adding that the city of Abidjan is a wreck, with "death squads, militias roaming (and) burning bodies on the streets, which is posing a major humanitarian challenge." Speaking from inside the Golf Hotel, Gbagbo told his supporters to stop fighting. "I hope that people lay down their weapons and return to a normal state of civil rule so that the crisis can conclude as quickly as possible," he said. U.S. President Barack Obama cheered news of the latest developments in the Ivory Coast. "This represents a victory for the democratic will of the Ivorian people, who have suffered for far too long through the instability that followed their election," he said in a statement. Obama urged Ouattara and the people of the Ivory Coast to begin now the "hard work of reconciliation and rebuilding." U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Gbagbo's capture "sends a strong signal to dictators and tyrants. ... They may not disregard the voice of their own people. "There will be consequences for those who cling to power," Clinton warned. United Nations forces were not involved in the raid on Gbagbo's residence, said U.N. spokesman Hamadoun Toure. He had earlier said the United Nations' mission did not extend to extracting the former president from his stronghold. But United Nations and French troops have pounded Gbagbo's forces, citing their mission to protect civilians in the country. The fighting left Abidjan with sporadic power and sanitation, and residents said dead bodies were left on the streets. At least tens of thousands of people have fled into neighboring Liberia to escape the fighting, according to Oxfam, the international aid organization. The International Committee of the Red Cross said that 800 people had been shot dead in the western cocoa-producing town of Duekoue during the conflict. A U.N. official put the death toll at 330 in the incident. In his televised address, Ouattara said he would set up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate allegations of human rights violations. United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon last week predicted that the outcome of the crisis in Ivory Coast would set the tone for other nations in Africa. "What happens in Cote d'Ivoire has huge implications for the continent that will have 16 presidential elections this year," he said, using the French name for the country. CNN's Jack Maddox, Sarita Harilela, Carol Jordan, Mariano Castillo, Niki Cook, Matthew Hoye, Alan Silverleib and Zain Verjee contributed to this report . | Ouattara declares the "dawn of a new era of hope" He says he has asked the justice minister to start legal proceedings against Gbagbo . Gbagbo's capture is "victory for the democratic will of the Ivorian people," Obama says . Gbagbo refused to step down after losing an election to Alassane Ouattara . | d3f7c4e6805725035a038a55dbb8868b0cd5dbd1 |
Federal Agents have seized thousands of artifacts including a piece of Adolf Hitler’s bunker from the suburban Indianapolis home of a 91-year-old World War II veteran. About 100 FBI agents have taken truckloads of items from Australia, China, Haiti, New Guinea, Peru and even Native Americans that Don Miller insists he obtained legally. Officials haven’t said whether charges will be filed against Miller since he obtained most of them legally or before laws aimed at curbing their import were even written, FBI Special Agent Robert Jones told WRTV. History buff: Don Miller poses for pictures with some of his artifacts for a recent story in a local newspaper . A piece of history: The lockbox issued to Miller while serving in the Army during World War II . ‘The cultural value of these artifacts is immeasurable,’ said Jones. Aerial footage from WISH showed several tents and trailers at man’s home, squad cars lining his street and even a command center that was set up by authorities. The items were taken from Miller’s home, a second residence on the property and multiple other buildings, according to the Indianapolis Star. Miller, who worked on the atomic bomb, according to the Rushville Republican, never attempted to hide his collection – which even includes a human skeleton. ‘It’s unreal, the full skeleton is what blew my mind,’ neighbor And Essex told WISH. ‘I had even asked him, ‘Can I bring my Grandpa? Can I?’ He was like ‘Oh, sure! Just call me. Yeah, we’d love to show him through here.’ Tent city: As many as 100 federal agents have camped out on Miller's property for multiple days while confiscating the items . Command center: A trailer with a satellite dish (left) is one of many on the property . ‘Hitler’s bunker I think was my favorite. Yeah, the piece of the bunker,’ she added. Miller told the station he willingly invited the agents into his home despite continuing to argue all the belongings are his. ‘He is being cooperative and so far everything is going well,’ FBI spokesperson Paul Bresson told WISH. The former teacher has travelled to over 200 countries in the past eight decades, according to the station. It is not clear how he obtained the items, but he claims it was all through bartering and legal purchase. Items are in violation of treaties and other agreements or laws will be returned to their rightful owners, Bresson told ABC 6. ‘We have outside experts on the scene to identify, preserve and collect the items in his collections.’ The rest will be returned to Miller upon verification nothing illegal contributed to their acquisition. ‘I have never seen a collection like this in my life except in some of the largest museums,’ one of the experts brought in by the feds to catalog the items told the Star. Another person told the Star ‘it may be 30 years, or never,’ before the items are cataloged. | Don Miller told agents the items are all his and were acquired in the course of traveling to more than 200 countries over the course of eight decades . Authorities are not sure if he will be charged with any crimes since many of the artifacts weer obtained before laws were written to prevent their taking . Items in violation of laws and treaties will be returned to their rightful owners - but that might take 30 years or more . | faf00b37eb5abed38fd70250698132db9a974e83 |
San Francisco (CNN) -- The discovery of the body of a woman in a stairwell of San Francisco General Hospital weeks after she was reported missing from her room requires "a thorough, independent review," the mayor said Thursday. The review will examine "top to bottom" the hospital's security and its systems controls as well as reporting procedures when a patient goes missing, Mayor Ed Lee said. The announcement follows news this week that an engineering worker found the body of 57-year-old Lynne Spalding, who was reported missing on September 21, in the stairwell. "It should have never happened, and on that we all agree," Lee said. "... I told the family, I wish to have all of the answers just as they do." The review is expected to begin this week, he said. Authorities have not released details about how Spalding died. She was admitted to the hospital on September 19 for a bladder infection. Her condition was improving when she disappeared two days later, according to the joint statement released this week by the hospital and sheriff's department. "She was in fair condition when she left her hospital room shortly after being checked on by a nurse at 10:15 a.m. Fifteen minutes later, the nurse checked on her again, and upon finding her room empty, initiated a search of the hospital," the statement said. Thirty minutes later after she disappeared, two of her friends and her boyfriend arrived at the hospital to visit, David Perry, a Spalding family spokesman. They were told that Spalding had been missing for 30 minutes, he said. Hospital officials and police say they are investigating. The hospital says it has no idea how the body ended up in the rarely-used staircase. According to the joint statement, when Spalding was not found, the hospital staff notified the family and sheriff's department officials on site. Deputies searched the campus, and did not find her. Spalding's body was found Tuesday in the stairwell by a member of the hospital's engineering staff who was conducting a routine quarterly check, according to the statement. "The exterior stairwell is a fire exit that is not routinely used by staff, patients or the public. It is alarmed and locks from the outside; it exits to the hospital grounds at the bottom," it said. Chelsea J. Carter wrote and reported from Atlanta, and Dan Simon reported from San Francisco. CNN's Lateef Mungin contributed to this report. | San Francisco's mayor says the review of the hospital's security will begin this week . The body of Lynne Spalding was found Tuesday in a hospital stairwell . She had been reported missing from her room on September 21 . The body was discovered by an engineering worker, authorities said . | bc12b735a2dc5c6b52796991ae240e36ca651805 |
Two men have been arrested in connection with terror-related activities, a U.S. attorney in Texas said Wednesday. Michael Todd Wolfe, 23, of Austin, was arrested Tuesday at George H.W. Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport just before he boarded a flight to Europe, authorities said in a statement. Wolfe is charged "with attempting to provide material support to terrorists." He "planned to travel to the Middle East to provide his services to radical groups engaged in armed conflict in Syria," according to a complaint. On February 2, an undercover agent met with Wolfe and his wife and they watched a YouTube video about foreign fighters in Syria, officials say. Wolfe allegedly discussed the activities of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the Sunni militant group fighting in Syria and staging an offensive against Iraq. "While watching the video, Wolfe occasionally stopped the video to explain the current allegiances of the various groups fighting in Syria. They include ISIS, al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, the Free Syria Army, and Dawla," a complaint said. Rahatul Ashikim Khan, 23, of Round Rock, was arrested in a separate case at his home and charged with "conspiring to provide material support to terrorists." A complaint said Khan "conspired with others to recruit persons to travel overseas to support terrorist activities including committing violent jihad" during a period from early 2011 to January 2012. "This case is the culmination of a long-term investigation by the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force made up of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in Central Texas. It's a textbook example of how well law enforcement agencies in this area work together," U.S. Attorney Robert Pitman said in a statement. His office covers the western district of the state, including Austin and San Antonio. The men are in federal custody and a detention hearing is set for 2:30 p.m. Friday before a U.S. magistrate in Austin. They face up to 15 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine if convicted. Eight suspected Islamic militants arrested in Spain . Malaysian police round up suspected terrorists . | One of the suspects discussed the activities of ISIS . They are both from the Austin area of Texas . They face up to 15 years in federal prison . | af824828e0e59e678d388b9a39baf192c02f53a3 |
By . Charles Sale . Bookmakers Paddy Power will have to examine their flawed publicity strategy after a series of failed stunts caused widespread upset rather than generating interest. Their latest limp effort was hiring a second plane to follow the ‘Moyes out’ flypast over Old Trafford. It carried the message ‘Fergie back in 6-1’, which created little stir and wasn’t considered worthy of comment by United afterwards. This follows Paddy Power’s crass betting market on the Oscar Pistorius murder verdict and sending rainbow laces to football clubs trying to hitch cheap publicity on to the serious anti-homophobia issue. Flawed: Paddy Power flew a plane over Old Trafford home of Manchester United. The banner read 'Fergie Back in 6/1' and it was not well received . Good idea? Paddy Power sent out rainbow boot laces in partnership with gay rights charity Stonewall, to tackle homophobia in football . Tranmere manager Ronnie Moore, suspended . by his club after Sports Agenda revealed he was being investigated by . the FA for betting irregularities, has finally been charged, six weeks . later, for multiple breaches of Rule E8(b) in relation to betting in . competitions involving Tranmere. Paddy boast about having a ‘mischief department’ to dream up their tired ideas, with employee Harry Dromey, son of Labour frontbencher Harriet Harman, even having the title of ‘mischief champion’ on his business card. A spokesman said: ‘We do irritate people, but our ambition is to entertain and the United banner did well on social media, which is what we wanted. We will keep having fun when it works.’ The good news is that Paddy Power are not planning any ambush marketing during this week’s Grand National meeting. Malky Mackay’s £2.5million compensation case against Cardiff is expected to be heard by a Premier League managers’ arbitration tribunal in May if mediation fails. The League Managers Association believe Mackay, who was sacked for ‘imprudent and careless’ management, has a strong case as all his transfers were signed off by the chief executive. Strong case: Malky Mackay will have his case heard against Cardiff later in the year . Cardiff point especially to the failure of £8m striker Andreas Cornelius, who was sold back to FC Copenhagen for a £5m loss after 11 games without scoring. Cornelius is back among the goals.*************************************************The Football League’s annual jolly to Portugal for their summer meeting could be volatile, with a number of Championship teams furious that fines for breaching financial fair play are going to charity rather than being divided among law-abiding clubs. The League say clubs agreed the charity element when they accepted Premier League solidarity payments subsequent to the ballot on financial fair play. ECB’s inside edge ************************************************* . ECB's inside edge . Ashley Giles would be fortunate to be appointed full-time England coach this month, given his woeful record. Nevertheless the interview panel of ECB chief executive David Collier, cricket managing director Paul Downton and Gordon Lord, head of elite coaching development, are likely to favour an insider. Giles hasn’t shown any sign during 17 months in charge of the one-day and T20 sides that he is capable of improving England’s cricketers. But word inside Lord’s is that the ECB would be loath to pick a foreign coach after all the investment in national coaching programmes. Yet someone like Yorkshire’s Australian coach Jason Gillespie appears to have a lot more motivational flair than the wholly uninspiring Giles. Lucky: England coach Ashley Giles has not impressed with the Twenty20 side at the recent tournament . Barnsley may be fighting to avoid relegation from the Championship, but standards at Oakwell are still such that the Kuwaiti ownership group from Nottingham Forest were refused entry to the boardroom because they weren’t wearing ties. The Forest delegation had to go to the club shop to buy suitable neckwear before being allowed in. NBC have followed Manchester City personnel for 36 hours pre-match as part of their 36 series which will be broadcast by ITV on Tuesday. It’s no wonder the Premier League have embraced the arrival of the American network when NBC boss Mark Lazarus told club chairmen it would be a sign of success if they had to double their £200m rights contract in the next tender. Screen star: Yaya Toure and his Manchester City team-mates are subject of a NBC documentary . Meanwhile, the fact Sky are screening Liverpool’s next four games — and probably the last two as well — shows BT Sport were outmanoeuvred throughout the picks process. | Bookmakers stunts get the thumbs down . Mackay and LMA believe they have a strong case against Cardiff . Giles remains favourite for England post despite poor T20 tournament . | 358bd6abc7d05fc01af7dfe7330885bf20bf2ef6 |
Microsoft Corp worked closely with U.S. intelligence services to help them intercept users' communications, including letting the National Security Agency circumvent email encryption, the Guardian reported on Thursday. Citing top-secret documents provided by former U.S. spy contractor Edward Snowden, the UK newspaper said Microsoft worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the NSA to ease access via Prism - an intelligence-gathering program uncovered by the Guardian last month - to its cloud storage service SkyDrive. Microsoft also helped the Prism program collect video and audio of conversations conducted via Skype, Microsoft's online chat service, the newspaper added. Revelations: Microsoft Corp worked closely with U.S. intelligence services to help them intercept users' communications, including letting the National Security Agency circumvent email encryption . Microsoft had previously said it did not provide the NSA direct access to users' information. On Thursday, it repeated that it provides customer data only in response to lawful government requests. 'To be clear, Microsoft does not provide any government with blanket or direct access to SkyDrive, Outlook.com, Skype or any Microsoft product,' the company said in a statement on its website. Facebook Inc, Google Inc and Microsoft had all publicly urged U.S. authorities to allow them to reveal the number and scope of the surveillance requests after documents leaked to the Washington Post and the Guardian suggested they had given the government 'direct access' to their computers as part of the NSA's Prism program. The disclosures have triggered widespread concern and congressional hearings about the scope and extent of the information-gathering. Microsoft also helped the Prism program collect video and audio of conversations conducted via Skype, according to files provided by former NSA security contractor Edward Snowden . Among the revelations from The Guardian are: . • Microsoft helped the NSA to circumvent its encryption to address concerns that the agency would be unable to intercept web chats on the new Outlook.com portal; . • The agency already had pre-encryption stage access to email on Outlook.com, including Hotmail; . • The company worked with the FBI this year to allow the NSA easier access via Prism to its cloud storage service SkyDrive, which now has more than 250 million users worldwide; . • Microsoft also worked with the FBI's Data Intercept Unit to 'understand' potential issues with a feature in Outlook.com that allows users to create email aliases; . • In July last year, nine months after Microsoft bought Skype, the NSA boasted that a new capability had tripled the amount of Skype video calls being collected through Prism; . • Material collected through Prism is routinely shared with the FBI and CIA, with one NSA document describing the program as a 'team sport'. | Microsoft helped NSA access data on its cloud storage service SkyDrive, according to a report in The Guardian . The company also helped the NSA collect video and audio of conversations conducted via Skype . The revelations are based on documents provided by former security contractor Edward Snowden . Microsoft has said it did not provide the government with access to user data . | 77e65b7bfac65f464bab64cd03329f19dd4b8e9a |
An army veteran suffering from PTSD and a lung condition is suing Asda after he was wrongly accused of being a shoplifter in the middle of a store. Derek Greenhalgh was browsing in a busy Blackpool branch of the discount chain when a manager approached and told him he was barred for stealing, adding 'I know your face'. When the 66-year-old protested, the manager called two members of staff over and asked them whether they recognised him, as other shoppers looked on. When the staff said they weren't sure Mr Greenhalgh was the shoplifter in question, the manager backed off, but the British Army veteran said the incident has left him feeling 'humiliated'. Scroll down for video . Derek Greenhalgh, 66, said he was approached in this Blackpool branch of Asda on New Year's eve and accused of being a shoplifter by a manager who told him 'I know your face' He contacted the Veteran's Association who sent a stinging letter to Asda chief executive Andy Clarke branding his treatment a 'disgrace', and he is now in contact with a solicitor. Mr Greenhalgh, a father-of-one, said: 'I was completely humiliated and left feeling worthless after what happened in that store. 'It was just indescribable and it knocked me for six. It was distressing and embarrassing. I can understand if mistakes are made but the staff could have asked for a quiet word in the back. 'There was no need to brand me a criminal in the middle of the store in front of all those customers. It’s not a question of me being an army veteran - no customer should be subjected to this.' Mr Greenhalgh was left suffering from PTSD after serving in Yemen during a bloody uprising against British colonial rule in 1966. Mr Greenhalgh visits in the Asda store regularly, as a lung condition stops him from carrying heavy shopping, but has vowed never to return . Soldiers stationed in an area then known as Aden were subjected to 500 guerrilla attacks in 1965, and in 1966 the situation deteriorated even further after it was announced forces would withdraw. Mr Greenhalgh was approached by the manager on New Year's Eve as he made a trip to the Asda store on Welbeck Avenue, in Blackpool, to buy bread, milk and cat food. Mr Greenhalgh said he regularly visits the store as he suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a narrowing of the airways that causes shortness of breath, meaning he cannot carry a large amount of shopping. He said: 'I go to the little Asda because I have to do my shopping in bits and bobs. All the staff know me and I always have a laugh with the ones on the till. 'It was 10:45am and the store was very busy. I was stood near the freezer cabinet and I had my basket when the assistant manager said to me "you’re barred". 'I said "what for" and he said he didn’t know. I asked who had barred me and he said he didn’t know. He said that he knew faces and I said "well you have the wrong face". 'I said "you can’t tell me who, where and when" and I asked for some of his frontline staff to identify me. Then the security guard said "have you ever been done for shoplifting". I said "no". 'Then two other staff came over and one said "I’m not certain" and the other said "I’m not certain but I don’t think it is him". 'I remember people stopping and staring at me. The manager said ‘if I’m wrong I will apologise’ but I told him that I was taking it further. 'I paid for my shopping and went home and rang customer services. I was shaking and fuming. I couldn’t get it out of my head and my mood was very low after. I was extremely upset and offended. Mr Greenhalgh suffers from PTSD after serving in the British Army in Yemen in the 1960s (pictured, Mr Greenhalgh on deployment, sitting in the driver's seat) At the time of Mr Greenhalgh's deployment the British forces were being targetted by guerrilla fighters demanding an end to colonial rule (Mr Greenhalgh pictured middle row, second from left) 'I have depression with traumatic stress disorder and it does get you down to the point where you can’t be bothered to go out and get dressed but I had been on the up. 'I had been thinking positively and I was feeling more positive than I had done for quite a long time, but this completely devastated me. 'This assistant manager was adamant "because he goes off faces" that I was the right person but as soon as he couldn’t get a positive identity he started to back off. 'He had mistaken me for shoplifter and it was the way it was handled in front of everyone. People were staring. I was shellshocked. 'When he first said it I honestly thought it was a joke but he was deadly serious. I think that treatment was disgusting. 'It was very traumatising, embarrassing and very distressing, I didn’t need this. why couldn’t they take me into the back and done it in private. Mr Greenhalgh (pictured third left during Army training in 1965) said he was on a positive streak before the manager approached him, but the incident left him 'devastated' 'I think that they should look at their protocol. I was extremely upset and offended. 'Immediately after it happened I would not go shopping and obviously I don’t go into Asda any more because I’ll be worried the staff are thinking ‘oh looks it’s him’. 'I’ve been a loyal customer at Asda for 15 years and spend between £150 and £200 a week there but they won’t be getting a penny out of me now. 'Asda has been disgusting. Customer services say they understand my embarrassment - but they don’t have a clue. I’m now seeing a solicitor.' Mr Greenhalgh (pictured in 1985) forgives the mistake, but said he should have been taken off the shop floor before being accused . Mr Greenhalgh served as a private in the First Battalion the Loyal North Lancaster Regiment for four years after joining in 1965 aged 17, and served in Aden in 1966, North Africa in 1967 and Malta. He later served in the 4th Battalion Queen’s Lancashire Regiment and in the Territorial Army. Tony Hayes, chief executive of the Veterans’ Association UK said: 'Derek suffers from PTSD and this doesn’t help - it makes things 10 times worse. What makes you or I angry, he can become anxious and frightened. It’s an absolute disgrace. 'He was in bits. We have all been through the mill and understand the problem. Derek has virtually gone back to where he was in the first place. 'It has totally devastated him and humiliated him. He has almost become paranoid about it and going out. When he goes out he is embarrassed because he thinks people are thinking he is a shoplifter. It is totally unfair. 'The assistant manager should be sacked because what he has done is totally wrong.' In an email to Mr Greenhalgh a staff member from the Asda ‘Service Team’ said: 'I hope the same mistake will never occur in the future. I appreciate your feedback as it helps us to work on drawbacks and put things right.” In a statement an Asda spokesman said: 'We have the greatest respect for our armed service personnel and are privileged to count many ex-service men and women as Asda colleagues. 'We are very sorry for any distress this has caused and have been in touch with Mr Greenhalgh to apologise for this case of mistaken identity. We have also contacted the Veterans’ Association UK to explain what happened.' | Derek Greenhalgh was shopping in Asda, Blackpool, on New Year's Eve . Manager approached and said he was barred adding 'I know your face' Accused 66-year-old of being a shoplifter in front of customers . Mr Greenhalgh said incident left him feeling 'humiliated' and depressed . British Army veteran suffers from PTSD after seeing active service in Yemen and North Africa in 1960s . | 0f87cad8a66954576cdaef19369db59ec4e75ae0 |
By . Larisa Brown . PUBLISHED: . 10:08 EST, 18 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:55 EST, 18 September 2012 . A cruel woman convicted of keeping animals in squalid conditions has been banned from having pets - unless they are cats or dogs. Adelaya Boardman, 33, kept ducks and ferrets in horrendous conditions in her filthy flat - including terrapins in her baths. She also allowed her two pet cats to become infested with fleas and animals including a dog were forced to sleep and eat under piles of rubbish. Disgusting: Animals were kept in squalid conditions in Adelaya Boardman's home in Plymouth . Filthy: Ducks, ferrets, cats and a dog lived with Boardman in her flat. Animals were forced to sleep and eat under piles of rubbish . Cruel: A terrapin which was being kept in a bath in the woman's home . Shocked vets who discovered the animals unfed and sick, said her home was unfit for animals or humans, Plymouth Magistrates Court in Devon heard. Boardman admitted a string of animal neglect charges and was banned from keeping animals for three years. But she was allowed to keep her cats and dogs to help her state of mind. She admitted three charges of failing to meet the needs of three ferrets by not providing a suitable diet, a proper environment and protection from a flea infestation. Boardman admitted a string of animal neglect charges and was banned from keeping animals for three years . Boardman, of Plymouth, pleaded guilty to a similar charge in failing to protect her cats Barney and Twinkle from fleas. She also admitted failing to ensure the needs of a terrapin were met by not providing a suitable environment. Magistrates banned her from keeping animals for three years but allowed to keep her cats and dogs because they 'help her cope' with her mental health problems. John Wyatt, prosecuting for the RSPCA, said an inspector and a vet visited Boardman’s flat in November last year. He quoted from a report from the vet which said the 'flat was not suitable for human habitation, never mind animals'. Boardman was served with an improvement notice giving her the chance to clean up the flat but the mess was not tidied. Sarah Glanville, defending, said she had become 'overwhelmed' by the number of pets and their living conditions had become unacceptable. But she said the dogs and cats helped her client cope with her mental health problems. The court also heard that she also had horses, but these were in livery and were treated well. District judge Maurice Champion gave her a conditional discharge. He made no order for costs because of her limited means and her mental health condition. Neglect: Vets who discovered the animals unfed and sick said her home was unfit for animals and humans . Unacceptable: Boardman was allowed to keep dogs and cats to help with her mental health problems . | Adelaya Boardman, 33, forced animals to sleep and eat under rubbish . Vets said woman's home was unfit for humans - never mind animals . Mental health sufferer admitted string of animal neglect charges . | 9232a0abe869e3b569c97347e77e20b9964fb775 |
(CNN) -- Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla is urging citizens to exercise restraint as her government seeks a diplomatic course to resolve a boundary dispute with neighboring Nicaragua. The neighboring Central American countries are in a dispute over a parcel of land on the Atlantic coast, along the San Juan River, known as Calero Island. Costa Rica claims that Nicaraguan troops are camped out on the Costa Rican side of the border and it has asked the Organization of American States to intercede. "Dear Costa Ricans: never before have we had to be united when the aggression and provocation test us," Chinchilla said in a televised address Wednesday night. "Let us be calm and firm, amid the outrage that these events provoke within us." Costa Rica claims that its flag in the disputed area was taken down and replaced by a Nicaraguan flag. Also, said Chinchilla, the Nicaraguans are destroying a forest in a protected area and a Nicaraguan dredging project in the river is dumping sediment on the Costa Rican side as well. But, the president said, Costa Rica will respond "with prudence and sensibility." "This is our strength," she said. "The strength of reason and not the strength of arms. We can't allow ourselves to get carried away by the profound indignation that this undeserved aggression causes us. Our tools are dialogue and international law, with those we are acting." Costa Rica abolished its military after a 44-day civil war in 1948 that stemmed from a disputed presidential election and left more than 2,000 dead. It maintains only domestic police and security forces. On Wednesday, the country called for an emergency meeting of the the permanent council of the Organization of American States in an attempt to resolve the spat. The body called a recess to discuss the matter further, and had not reconvened by Wednesday night. "For the Costa Rican government, these actions constitute an unacceptable violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and are absolutely indefensible by Nicaragua," Costa Rican Foreign Minister Rene Castro wrote in a letter to his Nicaraguan counterpart. During his presentation, Castro showed slides with maps of the disputed area, arguing that Nicaragua's own maps show that the area in question is in Costa Rican territory. He also showed photos showing the area where sediment was allegedly being deposited, and where the Costa Rican flag had been taken down. Nicaragua said that an earlier judgment by the United Nations upheld its rights over the river area, although it gave Costa Rica freedom to navigate it. Nicaragua said that all of its activities are within its borders. "We categorically reject the allegations made by Costa Rica," the country's ambassador to the OAS, Denis Moncada, said. "Nicaragua has not violated the sovereignty of Costa Rica. Nor is the dredging, in Nicaraguan territory, affecting Costa Rican land. With these statements, Costa Rica has broken the diplomatic equilibrium that traditionally exists between the two nations." CNN's Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report. | NEW: President: Our strength is the strength of reason, not arms . Costa Rica says Nicaraguan troops are in its territory . It called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of American States . Costa Rica presented evidence of the incursion . | f2c1903fc198d8f14e1f6b6ab2594766c87437d8 |
By . Tamara Abraham . A former child star has filed a lawsuit against Vogue over the music used on a behind-the-scenes video for its Kim Kardashian and Kanye West cover shoot. Ohio-based Ricky Spicer, 56, who was the 12-year-old lead singer of Seventies soul group The Ponderosa Twins Plus One, claims that the glossy magazine used West's Bound 2 track that contains unauthorized samples of his voice. His Manhattan civil suit, obtained by the New York Post, says: 'Mr Spicer’s voice is used substantially . throughout the video, comprising approximately 44 per cent of the . lyrics.' Scroll down for video . Bestseller: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's US Vogue cover has sold 500,000 copies despite much criticism . The suit, which is seeking unspecified compensation, claims that Vogue 'knowingly used the voice audio recording of Mr Spicer without his authorization or consent.' Spicer has already filed a lawsuit against West, Roc-A-Fella Records, Island Def-Jam Music, Rhino Entertainment and Universal Music Group over the Bound 2 track. The suit, filed at the Manhattan Supreme Court in December last year, claims that West 'stole' a sample of his voice from his Seventies track, Bound. It said: 'Mr Spicer’s voice is sampled exactly . as he recorded it and his voice … is heard several times.' Spicer claims that he never granted West or anyone associated with him permission to use his voice. Behind-the-scenes video: The suit, which is seeking unspecified compensation, claims that Vogue 'knowingly used the voice audio recording of Mr Spicer without his authorization or consent' Move . over mama: Kim Kardashian might have had to wait 33 years for her US . Vogue cover but her daughter North West made her way into the magazine . at the age of just eight months . He added that he was stunned when he heard himself on Bound 2, the . second single from West's Yeezus album that debuted at the top of the . Billboard 200 chart in June 2013. Vogue's behind-the-scenes video shows Kardashian and West on set with their baby daughter North, posing for top photographer Annie Leibovitz. It accompanied one of the title's most controversial covers, which saw Kardashian and West posing together ahead of their wedding later this year. The decision to put them on the cover . sparked a backlash from readers, with some critics claiming that they . feld 'betrayed' by the magazine. Stolen samples? Spicer has already filed a lawsuit against West, Roc-A-Fella Records, Island Def-Jam Music, Rhino Entertainment and Universal Music Group over the Bound 2 track . Throwback: Mr Spicer was the 12-year-old lead singer of Seventies soul group The Ponderosa Twins Plus One, pictured here on an album cover . But Anna Wintour, the magazine's editor-in-chief, defended her choice and also put an end to rumors that West had been 'begging' her to put Kardashian on the cover of Vogue. She wrote in her Editor's Letter: 'You may have read that Kanye begged me . to put his fiancée on Vogue’s cover. He did nothing of the sort. The gossip might make better . reading, but the simple fact of the matter is that it isn’t true.' What's more, it seems her choice is proving to be a wise one as the issue is flying off newsstands. According to the New York Post, the controversial April issue is set to . sell around 400,000 copies. Comparatively, Beyonce's cover sold more . than 355,000 copies and Michelle Obama's cover sold nearly 300,000. A spokesperson for Vogue did not immediately reply to MailOnline's request for comment. | Ricky Spicer claims that Vogue used West's Bound 2 track that contains unauthorized samples of his voice . Spicer filed a lawsuit against Kanye last year accusing him of 'stealing' a sample of his voice from his Seventies track, Bound . The Kim Kardashian and Kanye West cover is tipped to be Vogue's best selling issue of the year . | c69c8630ce62e1a26dd8d6482f3fdb20f6b9c06b |
By . Alex Ward . PUBLISHED: . 10:48 EST, 15 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:41 EST, 15 February 2013 . Behind enemy lines: Captain Cecil Leyland Riding MC parachuted into Nazi-occupied France, it was revealed in a basket full of his wartime memorabilia . The family of Cecil Leyland Riding already knew he was a war hero. He had, after all, been awarded the Military Cross for gallantry during World War Two. But what they didn't know was the true extent of his exploits, until now - thanks to the contents of a picnic basket found in his attic. The hamper, full of medals, coded maps, memoirs and photographs, has revealed that Captain Riding was in fact a founding member of the SAS. The documents show how, just days after D-Day, the 28-year-old was parachuted behind enemy lines into Nazi-occupied France - with a carrier pigeon strapped to his chest. Among his covert missions was the time he blew up train lines outside of Paris. Captain Riding described how he often had to pretend to be German to evade the enemy while he sent intelligence back to London. His incredible stories and the many medals he was awarded for courage and bravery were found in the hamper, along with his uniform, in his home in Dumfries, Galloway after his death. David Riding, nephew of Captain Riding, said the basket's contents told the real story of the heroism he never spoke of himself. He said: ‘Cecil never talked about his wartime exploits. I knew he had been awarded the Military Cross but had no idea of the details. ‘After Cecil's death, we found the memorabilia in a trunk in his loft and could piece together the story from what was there. ‘It's amazing what these young men achieved.’ Captain Riding grew up near Lockerbie, working at a factory before moving to Glasgow where he met his wife Janie. Celebrated soldier: Captain Riding was awarded the prestigious Military Cross (left), The Star (second from left), The France and Germany Star (third from left), the Defence Medal (second from right) and the War Medal (right) The real story of heroism: Captain Riding's nephew David Riding said he never spoke of his wartime missions. He said of his uncle: 'It's amazing what these young men achieved' When the war broke out, Captain Riding had been working at Garscube House near Glasgow. The estate was requisitioned by the Ministry of Works for War Use and in 1940 he joined the Coldstream Guards. A year later he was commissioned into the Highland Light Infantry. Captain Riding was one of the first 36 members of the Special Air Service (SAS) when it was formed in 1941. He was parachuted into France just three days after the Normandy Landings in 1944. Stories kept silent: Captain Riding never spoke of his incredible story but his family have pieced together his involvement in the war using the contents of the basket which included a collection of maps . Bravery and courage: The uniform of Captain Riding who parachuted into Nazi-occupied France with a carrier pigeon strapped to his chest just three days after the D-Day landings in 1944 . He remained there on special duty behind the enemy lines for three months as part of Operation Gain. Leading a team of five men, he was responsible for blowing up the Montarges to Paris train line. His missions were often fraught with danger and he escaped death on two occasions when German troops discovered the SAS camps and obliterated them. In one of the attacks, his commanding officer and two fellow soldiers were killed. He was also part of the Allied advance into Germany across the Rhine Frontier in March and April of 1945 and was also involved in Operation Doomsday, part of the liberation of Norway. 'Gallant services': The basket contained a letter of reference from SAS Col Mayne (left) providing an insight into Captain Riding's success in the army, which included several missions fraught with danger, and a photograph of his army kit (right) War tactics: Captain Riding's escape compass, which had four big holes and two smaller ones aligned on a radial line pointing North, was designed this way to save scarce metal . SAS beret: Captain Riding was one of the first 36 members of the Special Air Service (SAS) when it was formed in 1941 . For his service to the war effort, he was awarded five medals for his heroics including the prestigious Military Cross for ‘gallantry during active operations against the enemy’. He was also awarded The Star, The France and Germany Star, The Defence Medal and the War Medal. In the basket there was also Captain Riding's escape compass, which had four big holes and two smaller ones aligned on a radial line pointing North, which was designed this way to save scarce metal. On a mission: Captain Riding (second from the left) training in Ayrshire for an SAS mission to France in 1944. He he escaped death on two occasions when German troops discovered the SAS camps and obliterated them . A coded silk handkerchief was also among the items found in Captain Riding's attic. Silk handkerchiefs were used by the Allies during WWII for coding and maps for troops and pilots to evade capture. After finishing his service, Captain Riding returned to Scotland, living near Strathdon, Aberdeenshire before taking up a post with Bombay Burma Trading Company in 1956. Along with wife Janie, the couple lived in Borneo and Burma for a number of years where he worked in forestry. Evading the Nazis: A coded silk handkerchief was also among the items found in Captain Riding's attic. Silk handkerchiefs were used by the Allies during WWII for coding and maps for troops and pilots to evade capture . They returned to Scotland in 1967 and Captain Riding worked for Falkirk District Council as a land valuation officer. He moved to Dumfries in 1971 and lived there until he died in 1998. The family have handed the basket into the Dumfries Museum where it has been turned into a major exhibition. Fiona Wilson, museum officer, said: ‘On first seeing the basket it was clear that this was a fascinating collection, there were so many different objects which fitted together to tell one person's story. ‘The objects that he chose to keep tell us so much about his time in the SAS and what was happening in France and Germany during that period of World War II. ‘Sometimes all that is kept are a soldier's medals but here we have Cecil's personal account of his experiences and so much more.’ | Captain Cecil Leyland Riding MC never spoke of his wartime escapades . The basket was filled with medals, maps, memoirs and photographs . The soldier parachuted into Nazi-occupied France just after D-Day, 1944 . Collection now given to the Dumfries Museum as part of major exhibition . | 8ad2c54eda0f67823dc1f626ba657a19af08335d |
(CNN) -- Photography-wise, you really can't go wrong in a national park or a big city. They "tend to be the best places to photograph," says Gary Arndt, a blogger and photographer who sold his house in 2007 and has been roaming the globe ever since. The Society of American Travel Writers named him 2014 Photographer of the Year, and he has already visited 25 countries this year. This week, Arndt will surpass mile 11,000 of this summer's North American odyssey. Arndt has picked more than 20 of the most photogenic spots he's visited to highlight on Pinterest. A selection is featured in the gallery above. Visually rich and undeniably gorgeous, these American destinations are ripe for photographers of all skill levels. "If you go to the Grand Canyon, it's pretty hard to screw up," Arndt said. Here are three tips from Arndt to get you started: . -- You don't have to be in the photo. "Everybody wants to have a picture of themself in front of something, no matter what that something is." The majority of the most interesting travel shots are not the proof-of-visit variety. -- Avoid shooting in the middle of the day. "You want to try to take your photos within say, two hours of sunrise or sunset," Arndt said. There are exceptions to every rule, but these hours tend to yield the best shots in most situations. -- A little familiarity with your camera goes a long way. You don't need to master every setting and the science behind it, but definitely "experiment a little bit before you go somewhere." Don't let technical difficulties get in the way of your chance to capture something truly spectacular. 50 states, 50 spots: Natural wonders . | Travel photographer shares his picks for the most photogenic spots in America . "If you go to the Grand Canyon, it's pretty hard to screw up," he says . Avoid shooting in the middle of the day for the best light, he suggests . | c7def43aca07c7872490cfdf6df5d1a5c2e2dd92 |
A San Francisco couple who subjected their tenants to a terrifying campaign of threats and terror in an effort to evict them have been sentenced to four and a half years in prison. For more than three years Kip and Nicole Macy stalked their tenants, threatened them with a semi-automatic weapon, changed the locks without telling them, and tried to have the windows boarded up while one tenant was still at home. The couple also tried to saw through a supporting beam in one of the Market district flats, but were stopped when the tenant, who was in, managed to bend the blade. Guilty: Kip and Nicole Macy were charged with burglary, stalking and grand theft after trying to evict tenants . The couple were found guilty of residential burglary, stalking and . attempted grand theft after their efforts to evict tenants from . a building in Clementina Street. 'The actions of these defendants are so . outlandish and brazen that it sounds like the plot line of a horror . movie,' San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón said, as he sentenced the couple on Wednesday. The campaign of terror began soon after the couple bought an apartment block for $995,000 in 2005 and tried to evict the five tenants already living in it. Within a year, the Macys were involved in litigation with Scott Morrow, one of the tenants. Mrs Macy, 37, set up a fake email account in Mr Morrow's name and sent a message to his lawyer saying his services were no longer needed, according to the Huffington Post. She then sent an email threatening to dismember the lawyer's children, in an effort to make Mr Morrow look unstable. A month later the couple had a hole cut through his floor with a power saw while Mr Morrow was at home, and had his electricity cut off. A beam was also cut through in the belief that the property would be deemed unsafe and the tenants would be forced to move out. Shocking: A tenant was at home when he realized a power saw was being used to cut a hole in his floor . Terror: Scott Morrow had successfully fought eviction when the Macys had a large hole cut in his floor . Despite repeated demands from building inspectors for the beam to be repaired, the Macys refused. Eventually the city paid for the $8,000 repairs and sent the couple the bill, which they have not paid. 'This is a very bizarre case,' deputy city attorney Jennifer Choi told SF Gate. 'It seemed like these landlords went from zero to extremely angry very quickly.' The attorney for two of the other tenants called the Macys 'lawless landlords'. The couple had changed the locks on the apartment leased to Erik Hernandez and Jason Lopez after they began paying a reduced rate because they were being overcharged under rent control law. After changing the locks, the Macys entered the apartment, dismantled furniture and stole $2,000, a Gucci watch and a phone. When Mr Hernandez came home to find Mr Macy, 38, in his home, the landlord kicked him in the chest, according to the law suite. Mrs Macy also broke into the apartment and poured ammonia on the tenants' clothes and furniture. 'I would say this is horrendous, a total abuse of tenants and human beings so they could have their way and totally ignore the law,' Mr Steve Collier said. The couple also threatened the building manager with a semi-automatic weapon and ordered the windows to one of the apartments to be boarded up while the tenant was still inside. Lisa Dewberry, Mr Macy's attorney, told ABC 7: 'He and his wife were naive when coming to a town like San Francisco, to try and do what they wanted to do, not realizing how tough the landlord tenant laws are here.' She added: 'They're not saying their behavior was appropriate, they regret their behavior.' Dangerous: The couple also had joists cut in the apartment building in their attempts to evict the tenants . Full house: When the Macys bought the apartment building in Clementina Street it already had five tenants . When the Macys were arrested in 2008 they posted bail and left the country. They were tracked down in Italy last year and brought back to the U.S. where bail was set at $2 million each. In a plea deal the couple will be jailed for four and half years, and will have two strikes against them under California's three strike rule. Mr Morrow, who sued the couple, declined to comment on the sentencing but Ms Choi said: 'This has been very traumatic for him. He literally never leaves his apartment because he thinks the Macys will change the locks.' | Power saw used to cut hole in apartment while renter was still at home . Couple ordered power and water to be cut off and boarded up windows . Support joists cut in an attempt to make San Francisco building unsafe . | e3809c6ec850a43554ed5d19d88004fd0befc149 |
By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 10:55 EST, 1 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:06 EST, 1 February 2013 . David Cameron, who is on a visit to Liberia, has been warned by the UK Statistics Authority he must understand the difference between debt and the deficit . David Cameron was today accused told off by the official statistics watchdog for claiming the government had cut the nation’s debts. The Prime Minister boasted in a Tory party election broadcast that he was ‘paying down Britain's debts’. But the UK Statistics Authority today wrote to Number 10 pointing out that public net debt has actually risen by £290billion since the coalition was formed. Labour’s Rachel Reeves said the slapdown was ‘hugely embarrassing’ for the PM. The row centres on the difference between the national debt and the deficit. Total national debt – the amount that the UK public sector owes – has risen from £811 billion in 2010 to £1.1 trillion at the end of last year. However, the deficit – the gap between what the Treasury spends and what it receives in taxes – has fallen, from £159.0 billion in 2009-10 to £121.6 billion for 2011-12. In a strongly-worded letter, today Andrew Dilnot, chairman of the UK Statistics Authority, said politicians must be clear about the difference between the two. ‘It is clearly important for all parties to public debate in this area to understand the relevant statistical definitions and to distinguish changes in the level of debt outstanding from changes in borrowing per period, and to reflect these in their communication of the statistical trends involved,’ he wrote in a letter to the Labour party which he also sent to Downing Street. UK Statistics Authority chairman Andrew Dilnot sent these two graphs to Number 10 to explain how the nation's debts were rising while borrowing had fallen . ‘Public sector net debt is a measure of how much the UK public sector owes at a given time. Public sector net borrowing is the difference between total accrued receipts and total accrued (current and capital) expenditure over a specified period; this measure is frequently used by commentators to summarise the extent of any public sector 'deficit'.’ He added that he was sending a copy of the letter - with accompanying graphs setting out the relevant data - to Mr Cameron's chief of staff, Ed Llewellyn. Miss Reeves, shadow chief secretary to the Treasury, said: ‘It is hugely embarrassing for David Cameron that he has had to have the difference between borrowing and debt explained to him by the chair of the UK Statistics Authority. ‘Now that his false claims have been exposed, it's time the Prime Minister stopped deliberately misleading people about his economic record.’ | PM boasted in party political broadcast that the government was 'paying down Britain's debts' National debt has risen from £811 billion in 2010 to £1.1 trillion at the end of last year . The deficit - the gap between Treasury spending and taxes received - has fallen . Head of UK Statistics Authority writes to Number 10 stressing the importance of knowing the difference . | bfd5f472e7a90a56fa3990a89f46645950070dd3 |
(CNN) -- You might think of black holes as indiscriminate eaters, hungrily gobbling up everything in their vicinity. But the black hole at the center of our Milky Way galaxy, Sagittarius A*, is not exactly like this, new research suggests. Instead, this black hole -- and likely other black holes in the centers of galaxies -- must spit out a lot in order to swallow a little. It's been a mystery why black holes at the centers of galaxies in the present universe appear so much dimmer than quasars, extremely bright objects from the early universe that have black holes at their centers, too. As Albert Einstein noted in his famous formula E=mc², energy is equivalent to mass times the speed of light squared. In a black hole, crushed mass gets converted into energy. Black holes in quasars eat a lot, creating the spectacular brightness associated with them. But we don't find as much radiation emanating from Sagittarius A*, or other black holes in the centers of galaxies in the present universe. So what's going on? Is the hot gas that Sagittarius A* is eating just not radiating as much as the colder gas that quasars capture? To find out, researchers used NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory to take X-ray images and capture other signature of energy. The study is published in the journal Science, and led by Q. Daniel Wang, astrophysicist at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Sagittarius A* has about 4 million times the mass of the sun. It is located 26,000 light years from Earth. That's still super far, as one light year is about 5.9 trillion miles, but it's close enough that human technology can help us see what's happening to the matter around it. The gas swirling around this black hole has a temperature of millions of degrees. Based on these new observations, researchers suggest less than 1% of the material that the black hole's gravity pulls near actually gets sucked in to the "point of no return," which is called the event horizon. Instead, a lot of it gets spat back out. That's why the X-ray emission from the black hole is faint; in theory, the radiation output would be stronger if the black hole were swallowing more. "Less than 1% of matter will be actually sacrificed for the freedom of 99% of gas," Wang said. "So, 99% of gas can escape from the capture of the black hole." Why is that the case? It appears that in order to be gobbled for good by the black hole, material must lose heat and angular momentum, which is a measurement of how an object or system rotates around a particular axis. The temperature is important because hotter material is harder to pin down, even for a black hole. Wang uses the analogy of a sink: You can pour cold water in and watch it spiral down a drain, but if it's steam, far less will actually go in; the water particles are more diffuse and energetic. According to Wang and colleagues, the black hole needs to throw out more than 99% of the material in order to accomplish this. That ejected 99%, in turn, heats up the environment around it, which affects the evolution of the galaxy as a whole. Cold and dense gas goes down easier into the black hole, though, and a black hole may sometimes capture a lot of it. This is the gas that tends to form a disk, called an accretion disk, around the black hole. In the accretion disk, the gas's energy and angular momentum dissipate, so more of it is swallowed up by the black hole. There was more cold and dense gas in the early universe, so black holes at that time were better at accumulating material this way. That's why we find quasars in the early universe that are so much brighter than Sagittarius A*. Quasar -- galactic beauty, deadly beast -- discovered 50 years ago . The research is important because a galaxy such as ours is intimately linked with the black hole at its center. The more massive the black hole, the more massive the surrounding galaxy is, scientists have found. "Understanding how the black hole grows with time and how the black hole ejects matter and energy back into the galaxy has strong implications for understanding how galaxies form and evolve," Wang said. "That, of course, directly affects how stars form and evolve." Dieters, take note: Our galaxy may have gotten to be the way it is by consuming small portions. Follow Elizabeth Landau on Twitter at @lizlandau . | Black hole at center of Milky Way ejects more than 99% of material for the 1% it captures . This has to do with temperature and angular momentum of gas in its surroundings . In the early universe, there was a greater abundance of cold, dense gas . | a0b62be949d2d399d69b31a5eefca6e1969f85b5 |
The International Space Station (ISS) had to be ‘pushed’ out of the way of space debris earlier this week to prevent a potential impact. The piece of debris was thought to be a remnant of a Chinese spy satellite and may have been a lens cap or a cover. The ‘push’ was performed by Europe’s ATV-5 cargo ship and pushed the ISS about one mile (1.6km) higher. Nasa mission controllers in Texas have moved the ISS (shown) using the European ATV-5 cargo spacecraft (seen at the bottom middle of the picture) to avoid a collision. They increased the speed of the station by 16ft (5 meters) per second. This raised the height of the station by one mile (1.6km) The debris was due to come within seven-tenths of a mile to the station, which Nasa mission controllers in Texas felt was too close for comfort. To move the station they fired the thrusters on the ATV-5 (Automated Transfer Vehicle). This increased the speed of the station ever so slightly and raised it into a higher orbit, out of the orbital path of the debris. According to NasaSpaceFlight.com, this debris came from a Chinese spy satellite called Yaogan 12 and was possibly a lens cap or cover. The piece of debris was thought to originate from a Chinese spy satellite launched in November 2011 called Yaogan-12. While the exact purposes of the satellite are unknown, Chinese media often assert they are used for scientific experiments. In the West its believed they are based on a satellite platorm called Phoenix Eye-2 that is used for military purposes, according to NasaSpaceFlight.com. The debris was catalogued as #39372/2011-066G. While this may seem unintersting, the number at the end - 2011 - reveals that the piece of debris was shed by the satellite early in its life. This means it is something that it discarded soon after reaching orbit - and as it is a satellite with a camera ability, this might well have been a lens cap or cover. Moving the station - known as a Pre-determined Debris Avoidance Manouevre (PDAM) - is not entirely uncommon. There are hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris in orbit around Earth at pose a threat to the station. Most of this comes from a Chinese anti-satellite missile test in 2007, when the country blew up one of its weather satellites on purpose. The incident was widely criticised and has resulted in a dangerous amount of debris orbiting Earth. Another infamous debris incident occurred when the American Iridium 33 satellite accidentally collided with the Russian Kosmos-2251 in 2009. This too released a large amount of debris into Earth orbit. There are a number of organisations that track junk that is orbiting Earth. If the chance of a piece hitting the station is one in 100,000, Nasa issues a ‘yellow warning’. This means the station needs to be moved, as happened recently, unless the move could affect the mission. Moving the station - known as a Debris Avoidance Manouevre (DAM) - is not entirely uncommon.There are hundreds of thousands of pieces of debris in orbit around Earth (illustration shown) that pose a threat to the station, so it must occasionally be moved even when a collision is rated as a possible risk . This picture shows just how damaging space debris can be. It was taken on a Space Shuttle servicing mission to Nasa's Solar Max Mission satellite in 1984. The hole could have been caused by a piece of space debris that was no bigger than a pea . If the chance of a collision is one in 10,000 Nasa issues a ‘red warning’, which means the station must be moved regardless of whether it could hamper the mission. And in very rare circumstances when a collision seems likely, the crew must prepare for an emergency evacuation. In March 2009 such an incident occurred, and the three astronauts on the station had to take cover in one of the Soyuz modules, which act as ‘lifeboats’. Had the station been hit, they would have had to detach and return to Earth. However the latest boost had an added bonus, as a pre-planned boost scheduled for a few weeks from now no longer needs to be completed. 'The PDAM was completed nominally, and the ISS is back in a nominal Torque Equilibrium Attitude (TEA),” said an ISS status update. 'Since the PDAM was executed , the reboost that was planned for later is no longer required, and will not be performed.' | Nasa mission controllers in Texas have moved the ISS to avoid a collision . They increased the speed of the station by 16ft (5 meters) per second . This raised the height of the station by one mile (1.6km) and allowed it to dodge a piece of incoming debris . It's thought the debris was a lens cap from the Chinese Yaogan-12 satellite . A European cargo spacecraft was used to move the ISS . If debris hit the station it could spell disaster and destroy it . ISS has been moved many times before to avoid collisions with debris . | 7f9bce1000b5f95a1f2726f83a9516bfca4b10f0 |
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has warned against Gareth Southgate and Roy Hodgson picking his young England stars for next summer's European Under 21 Championships and then, if qualified, Euro 2016 the following campaign. Senior England internationals Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and Jack Wilshere are all eligible to represent England at the U21 tournament in the Czech Republic next year. On Wednesday Three Lions boss Hodgson revealed he has given U21 chief Southgate the pick of his senior squad for next summer’s Euro 2015 tournament. Arsenal stars Calum Chambers (left) and Jack Wilshere could represent England Under 21s at Euro 2015 . However, Wenger believes his young stars will face burnout if selected - which will damage England's chances of progressing far in Euro 2016. 'It depends. If Roy Hodgson wants to do well at the European Championship, I don't think it's in his interest to overload the players during the summer preceding the European Championship,' he said at Arsenal's press conference on Friday. 'The European U21 [tournament begins] on June 17. Our training starts at the beginning of July, then you count 50 to 55 games [in the club season] and then going to the European Championship without any holiday. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger doesn't want his young Gunners to play football in back-to-back summers . 'I don't think that's ideal for the preparation of the English European campaign.' In October Oxlade-Chamberlain revealed he would relish the opportunity to represent the U21s next summer, but Wenger added on Friday that if that was the case he would speak to Hodgson. Asked if he would he leave it to the players to decide for themselves or question Hodgson, the 65-year-old was unequivocal when he said 'Come on, Roy...' In October Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain said he would be happy to play for England U21s at Euro 2015 . | England Under 21s will be competing at Euro 2015 next summer . England senior side could be at Euro 2016 in France the following year . Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has said he'll allow Gareth Southgate to pick any of his senior squad eligible for the tournament . Arsenal's Alex-Oxlade-Chamberlain, Calum Chambers and Jack Wilshere are still eligible . | 0c23d67f8f59634ecee41acbdf2dfa87a2bc0922 |
By . Emma Innes . A mother has credited her baby daughter with saving her life after doctors discovered a deadly heart condition when she went into hospital to give birth. Samantha McRoberts, 29, arrived at hospital for a scheduled Caesarean delivery of her third child, Marley. But she struggled to stay conscious in the aftermath of the delivery and emergency tests confirmed she had a seriously weakened heart valve which could have failed at any time. Samantha McRoberts believes baby Marley saved her life because she discovered after the birth that she had a potentially deadly heart condition that needed immediate teratment . When she was pregnant with Marley, Miss McRoberts was very breathless and ill but she was told it was normal . She said: ‘If I hadn’t been in hospital at that time, and under those circumstances, then my heart condition might never have been discovered. ‘I thank Marley for saving my life - if it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if I would be here today.’ Miss McRoberts, a supermarket worker from Bracknell, discovered she was pregnant with Marley in the summer of 2012. She said: ‘My partner Chris and I were delighted when we found out. We couldn’t wait to have another child together. ‘I suffered with very bad sickness from an early stage of the pregnancy. I spent entire days in the bathroom, near the toilet. ‘But more worrying than that was the fact I was also quite out of breath, so I decided to ask my doctor about it.’ Marley was delivered by C-section but after the delivery Miss McRoberts started drifting in and out of consciousness. Her heart then stopped numerous times and a crash team had to battle to save her life . Concerned, Miss McRoberts visited her GP who reassured her that her breathlessness and sickness were the results of an infection and the fact she was asthmatic. She said: ‘It was a struggle but the C-section was booked for the following February, so I had something to focus on. I battled through my discomfort.’ Miss McRoberts had a severely damaged mitral valve. This valve separates the upper left heart chamber from the lower left heart chamber and helps control blood flow through the heart. Problems with the valve can make the heart less efficient at pumping blood around the body. Severe problems with the valve can lead to heart failure. To prevent this, surgery is required to replace or repair the valve. This operation usually involves cutting down the middle of the breastbone to access the heart. Surgeons can then repair the valve or replace it with one made from animal tissue. Source: NHS Choices . But there were troubling signs from the . moment Miss McRoberts was given a spinal block after arriving at . hospital for the delivery. She said: ‘As the anaesthetic began to work I felt deathly ill. My memory is patchy, but I have a clear image of Chris standing over me, urging me to keep calm. 'My heart rate was fluctuating but the doctors and midwives managed to stabilise me.’ She was able to enjoy a moment of happiness as Marley was placed on her chest following the delivery, but the calm was abruptly shattered when her vital signs suddenly crashed. She said: ‘The doctors rushed around me and I was aware of voices asking me to stay awake as I dipped in and out of consciousness.’ Waking up three hours later, doctors gave a shocking assessment - her heart had stopped several times and at some points she had been just seconds from death. It was only the quick thinking of the crash team which had saved her life. A detailed scan revealed one of her heart valves had been practically destroyed. A bout of rheumatic fever she suffered as a child was identified as the probable cause. It was thought that the strain of the pregnancy with her daughter had been too much for her heart. She said: ‘I already had a son, Harvey, who’s now four, with Chris, and I had a daughter Summer, now eight, from a previous relationship, so it was a mystery why I hadn’t suffered through those previous pregnancies. ‘The only certainty was that I was lucky I was in hospital when it happened - if it hadn’t have been for Marley, I would have died.’ Tests revealed Miss McRoberts had a severely damaged heart valve which could fail at any time . Misss McRoberts (pictured with Marley and partner, Chris) had to have open heart surgery to replace the valve . Shaken, Miss McRoberts was confronted with the news that she needed open heart surgery to repair her damaged valve. She said: ‘The thought of leaving my children without a mother was enough to motivate me. Although the heart surgery would be risky, I needed to make sure I would be around for them in the future, and surgery was the only way.’ Thankfully, the operation to replace the valve in July 2013 was a success and she was able to return home to her family. Miss McRoberts is now back at home and celebrating Marley's first birthday (pictured) She said: ‘For the first few months of Marley’s life I was ordered to have lots of bed rest. I was so weak I couldn’t even pick her up, so there were moments when I wondered whether it would affect me bonding with her. ‘Chris was absolutely amazing, and took over all the duties for night feeds and changing nappies.’ Marley turned one last month and Miss McRoberts is now fully recovered from surgery. She said: ‘I needn’t have worried about not bonding with her - we’re as close as we could be. I feel so proud of my whole family for coping with what I’ve been through. ‘I’m particularly proud of Marley, because without her I wouldn’t be here.’ | Samantha McRoberts was very breathless and ill during her pregnancy . She was told this was normal and that it was related to her asthma . Marley delivered by C-section but then Ms McRoberts lost consciousness . Her heart stopped numerous times and a crash team battled to save her . Tests revealed she had a severely damaged mitral heart valve . She had to have open heart surgery to replace the damaged heart valve . She has now recovered and is back at home with her family . | 77f89bf14849e0a0a8c9a0fb2317404d5d165e7c |
A grand jury in Tarrant County, Texas has decided not to indict the rookie police officer who shot dead a homeowner while investigating a burglary at the wrong address. Last May, R.A. 'Alex' Hoeppner and his partner Benjamin Hanlon accidentally started searching 72-year-old Jerry Waller's property, confusing it in the dark for a house across the street. Waller was in bed with his wife Kathy at the time, and was stirred by the police officer's flashlights. Fearing a prowler was outside, he grabbed his .35-caliber-pistol and went to investigate. Scroll down for video . No consequences: A grand jury has decided not to indict the rookie police officer who shot dead 72-year-old Jerry Waller (right) on accident last May. Pictured above with wife Kathy . According to a search warrant affidavit released by the Star-Telegram in July, the two officers encountered an armed Waller near the corner of his home, told them they were police and to drop his gun. Waller didn't drop his gun and instead raised it at Hoeppner who proceeded to fatally shoot the senior citizen seven times. According to the autopsy report, Waller suffered three hits to his chest as well as single shots to his abdomen and hand. Two other bullets grazed his wrist and forearm. Radio transmissions after the shooting record Hanlon telling dispatchers 'shots fired' and to send for an ambulance. 'I don't know who the guy is,' Hanlon says. 'The guy came out with a gun. He wouldn't put the gun down. He pointed it at Hoeppner. Hoeppner fired.' Waller was found in his garage and pronounced dead at the scene. A family devastated: Waller was shot by Fort Worth police as they searched his home for burglars in the dark using only flashlights . The jury heard 25 hours of testimony over four days. Hoeppner testified twice and so did his partner Hanlon, who was fired last year from the department for filing a false sworn statement in an unrelated August arrest. But in the end they decided there wasn't enough evidence to bring up criminal charges. Following the decision Wednesday, the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office issued a statement, saying it was standard policy to refer all officer-involved shootings to a grand jury. 'The panel reviewed all of the evidence and called witnesses and made a decision not to indict, which means no criminal charges will be filed,' the statement read. Right home: This is the house that cops should have been searching . Wrong home: Waller's home, pictured here, is across the street from the home police should have searched . Waller's widow and the rest of his family released a statement of their own as well, saying they would not comment on the grand jury's decision until their independent investigation into the shooting finished. So far, the family has not brought up a lawsuit against the city or the police department. Chief Jerry Halstead of the Fort Worth Police says he hopes the grand jury's decision will help start the healing process for both the Waller family and the cop. 'This tragedy has weighed heavily on the hearts of the men and women of the police department. Personally, I have rarely felt so much sadness from a tragedy within our community,' Chief Halstead said. 'The Waller family has been and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. I also ask for continued prayers and support for Officer Hoeppner and his family.' | Fort Worth, Texas police officer R.A. Hoeppner shot dead Jerry Waller last May while accidentally searching his property in a burglary call . Waller saw bright lights outside the home and took his pistol to investigate . According to records, police told him to put the gun down but he refused and pointed at Hoeppner, causing the officer to shoot him seven times . Both cops involved have been with the Fort Worth Police Department for less than one year . A grand jury decided Wendesday there wasn't enough evidence to bring up charges against Hoeppner . | dd30fbb1210920c019bde1da85ba1e7f2fa8dacc |
By . Nick Harris . Sheik Mansour has now spent around £1billion on his Manchester City dream, but if he put every player up for sale this summer he would only be able to recoup £311million in proceeds. That at least is one debate-provoking conclusion raised by a new report, published today, that assesses the ‘market values’ of players in the squads at the 98 clubs across the top divisions in England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. City have the most valuable squad in the Premier League according to experts at the Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory, who rate player values for summer 2014 by a wide range of ‘objective’ factors from age and contract expiry date to position, performance data and international experience. High earner: Sergio Aguero is Manchester City's most expensive player, according to the CIES Football Observatory . City’s most valuable player is Sergio Aguero, CIES say, with a market value of £40m, followed by David Silva (£27m) then Vincent Kompany and Yaya Toure (both around £24m). The whole squad would make £311.3m if sold at market rates in the transfer window, the report says. Chelsea have the next most valuable squad who played in the Premier League in 2013-14 at £310.5m, followed by Liverpool (£300.8m), Arsenal (£288.7m) and Manchester United (£220.2m). It should be stressed these are sale values at ‘market rates’ this summer for all the players combined, and not what these clubs paid for those players. In many cases, not least at City, the players cost more than they are now worth. At the other extreme, Fulham’s squad is worth just £30.6m, or less than any 2013-14 Premier League team, and only slightly less than West Brom’s (£32.3m) and Crystal Palace’s (£33.9m). Key figure: Vincent Kompany's value is around the £24m mark, says the report . Time to cash in? Unhappy Yaya Toure is valued at around the £24m mark also . Across Europe, Barcelona’s squad - with the world’s most valuable player Lionel Messi in it - is rated as worth £478.2m while Real Madrid’s, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in the ranks, is worth £393.5m in second place. Bayern Munich are next (£322.6m) followed by City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal. The more a squad is worth, the better it performed in the Premier League in 2013-14, by and large. The top four most valuable squads filled the top four places and most clubs finished within a handful of places of what might be expected given their resources. The two main exceptions were Palace, who finished in 11th place, or seven places higher than their squad ranked 18th in value; and Cardiff, who finished bottom, or six places lower than a squad worth the 14th most in the division. The top of the tree: With a squad value of £478.2m, Barcelona are the most expensive in Europe . The full report can be bought from the CIES website and the authors say: ‘From an economic perspective, it is worth highlighting results obtained by some of the clubs that were among those that spent the least to sign players fielded such as Crystal Palace in England, Elche in Spain, Guingamp in France, Augsburg in Germany and Verona in Italy. This publication will allow you to understand what factors permitted these clubs to over-perform.’ More details can be found at www.football-observatory.com . | It cost more than three times as much to assemble, but Manchester City's squad would cost £311m to buy . The findings are from a debate provoking report from the CIES Football Observatory . | 0df4eda2ca938c2dbe5695a665e265944b84e9ca |
An incredible collection of the earliest tabloid 'newspapers', which detail the shocking crimes and dying confessions of hanged 18th century convicts, are due to be sold at auction next week. The so-called 'Execution Broadsides' - which usually consisted of just a single sheet of paper - documented the gruesome and gory facts and rumours which surrounded public hangings. The sheets of printed news, which were usually sold for a penny near the gallows on the day of the hanging, covered the crime committed, a woodcut illustration, a description of the convict's final hours and their last dying confession - all in sensational, dramatic detail. 'Execution Broadsides' were produced to sell for a penny on the day of a hanging and included the gruesome and gory facts which surrounded hangings in the 18th and 19th Centuries. This sheet include details of the trial of Patrick Carroll, for the Wilful Murder of Mrs Browning and was sold in 1835 . The sheets of printed news, which were sold for a penny near the gallows on the day of the hanging, covered the crime committed, a woodcut illustration, a description of the convict's final hours and his last dying confession. This sheet involves the trial and execution of Henry Hughes, for Violating Emma Cock in 1834 . Vendors would set up their carts and booths hours before execution time, selling food, drink, souvenirs and even pornographic material to a frenzied crowd. Minstrels and jugglers also entertained the masses, while touts tried to sell the lurid 'broadsheets', which came about due to the advent of cheap printing in the 16th and 17th centuries. Now, eleven clippings from a private collection from the 18th and 19th centuries are being sold at at Dominic Winter Auctioneers in Cirencester, Gloucester. Chris Albury, an auctioneer and senior valuer, said the historic sheets show the 'fun' tabloid journalism of the day and are seen as one of the first examples of tabloid journalism. He said: 'They are good fun. It's tabloid journalism of the day. The wood cuts are quite crude. They are very graphic, dramatic items. 'It is nice to see such a big group of them together. A collection like this is routinely found in the British Library. Behind every copy there is a great story. Also, the more gruesome the crime, the more interested people are.' Vendors would set up their carts and booths hours before execution time, selling food, drink, souvenirs and even pornographic material to a frenzied crowd. This sheet refers to the hanging of William Harley for a burglary in 1836 . The 'broadsheets' came about due to the advent of cheap printing in the 16th and 17th centuries. This early example of tabloid journalism involved details of the murder of James Andrew Macauley, a young sailor, in 1834 . Eleven clippings from that era are being sold at Dominic Winter Auctioneers in Cirencester, Gloucester. One of those being auctioned is the story of the execution of R. Blakesley, who murdered James Burdon in 1841 . This sheet covers the confession and excution of J. Tawell, who was hanged for the murder of Sarah Hart in 1845, with whom he had an affair . Each of the execution broadsides - which span from 1787 1846 - covers one particular crime from the time, with text and drawings both giving the reader details of the horrific crime. One headline reads: 'The Father's Crime; or Fatal Curiosity. An affecting and true history of The Unnatural Murder of James Andrew Macauley, a Young Sailor, For his Wealth, and who proved, on the Morning after the Fatal Deed, to be the Murderer's long-lost and only son!' Four of the sheets cover the brutal murders of people in the community, while other covered stories include a burglary and 'violating Emma Cock, a girl only 8 years old'. It proclaims: 'The trial and execution of Henry Hughes, who suffered death this morning, at the county goal, Horsemonger Lane, Southwalk, for Violating Emma Cock, a girl only 8 Years old.' This shows one of the detailed images which was used in the reports. This one related to the execution of R. Blakesley, for the murder of Mr James Burdon in 1841 . The copy goes on to say: 'On Monday, March 3, 1834, the inhabitants of Norwood and its vicinity, were thrown into the utmost horror, on learning that a most diabolical outrage had been committed in Penge Wood, on a child named Emma Cock, only eight years old; and a young man, named Henry Hughes, was, on representation of two lads, and other occurring circumstances, apprehended on the same day by Bedser, a constable, and taken before S. Elyard, esq. at Streatham, who, upon hearing the evidence, committed him to Horsemonger-lane goal, until the following Saturday, March 8th, the child being too ill to attend.' Another headline reads: 'Life, trial, and Awful. Execution, of William Harley, for the Chipstead Burglary.' | 'Execution Broadsides' were sold for a penny near the gallows on days of public hangings in 18th and 19th centuries . The sheets of printed news covered the crime committed, a woodcut illustration and the convict's dying confession . Eleven clippings seen as earliest examples of tabloid journalism are being sold at auction in Cirencester, Gloucester . | ac18dde00937a25e6499625943c1147abb04f0bf |
Adam Lallana is beginning to settle on the pitch at Liverpool but the midfielder has encountered difficulties off it in one of the most bizarre circumstances. The 26-year-old recently had his car vandalised by baboons during a family trip with his two-year-old son Arthur to Knowsley Safari Park on Merseyside. The £25million summer signing was driving his car through the monkey enclosure when the animals pounced upon his vehicle. Adam Lallana was involved in a spot of monkey business when he visited a Merseyside safari park . The Liverpool midfielder's car was vandalised by some of Knowsley Park's baboons . Despite the act of destruction to his car, Lallana could see the funny side. 'I went to Knowsley Safari Park with my little boy recently and ended up coming back with bits of the car missing from going into the monkey bit, so I won't be going back there in a rush.' he told the Daily Star. After an initial slow start to the season with Liverpool due to injury, the former Southampton captain has become a regular fixture in Brendan Rodgers' first-team picture, having made 11 appearances for the Reds so far. And Lallana, who is in line to feature in Saturday's early Premier League kick-off away to Newcastle, attributes his relatively smooth transition at Anfield to being happy with his new northern surroundings. 'I'm settling in well. I've got my family up here, which always helps,' he added. 'I can't complain and after my injury, I'm just delighted to be back playing.' Lallana (right) has featured 11 times for Liverpool since his £25million summer switch from Southampton . | Adam Lallana visited Knowsley Safari Park on Merseyside with his son . Lallana's car was attacked by baboons during enclosure visit . 26-year-old joined Liverpool for £25million from Southampton this summer . | 394c1b65ac8b3c599ea7465d109ef33152dfb77e |
By . William Turvill . PUBLISHED: . 13:08 EST, 13 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:13 EST, 13 November 2013 . A couple wrote a letter poking fun at burglars who broke into their home and apologised for not having 'more for you to take’. In a note pinned to their boarded-up door, Kate Barrett, 36, and Dan Owens, 34, also thanked the thieves for leaving their fingerprints. Their Northampton home was broken into on Sunday evening while they were out. After having their home burgled, this couple wrote a note apologising for not having 'more for you to take' Raided: Thieves got away with some cash, a camera, an iPod and two gold watches after breaking in . The thieves, who climbed over their garden wall and smashed through their patio door, got away with some cash, a camera, an iPod and two gold watches. Mr Owens, who runs a PR business, said they decided to put up the passive-aggressive note rather than ‘sit around and mope’. The letter apologises for not ‘having particularly expensive tastes’ and says Mr Owens was disappointed they chose to ignore Ms Barrett’s ‘awful’ VHS video and cassette collection. Since uploading a picture of it on to Twitter and Facebook, the note has gone viral, shared and retweeted hundreds of times. ‘I’d gone to my parents for the weekend while Kate went to London to watch the Strictly Come Dancing live show,’ said Mr Owens. This is the letter the couple from Northamptonshire wrote to the thieves who targeted their home . ‘She called and I came straight over and the place had been ransacked. ‘I think they were planning to go out through front door with the telly, but luckily the spare key doesn’t work. ‘We were able to pinpoint the time they left as we were recording the X-Factor results show - which had cut out 42 minutes in. ‘So they tried to nick the TV at 8.42pm - hopefully that will narrow it down for any witnesses. ‘Kate’s a big hoarder and has all these awful old tapes and videos from way back when and they are welcome to those. ‘We don’t have much need for old Sweet Valley High VHS tapes or Take That and 911 cassettes.’ Ms Barrett, a communications officer, added: ‘So many people just sit and round and mope after being burgled - I thought it would be a good idea to leave them a note in case they come back or see it on Twitter. ‘It was just our way of dealing with the situation . ‘When I posted it on social networking sites - I never expected the reaction I got. ‘People seem to think it is brilliant and have said it’s admirable how we’ve coped with the burglary while keeping a smile on our faces. ‘They left their fingerprints all over everything so hopefully the police will find who did it soon.’ Northamptonshire Police said officers are investigating the burglary and appealed for witnesses to come forward. | Note pinned to boarded-up door thanked thieves for leaving fingerprints . Northampton home broken into on Sunday evening while they were out . Picture of the note has gone viral after being posted online . | a8a9f966ecb99f3cff64a223dd3696221b0bbfee |
(CNN) -- Barcelona marked Pep Guardiola's final match in charge with a 3-0 win over Athletic Bilbao to win the Copa del Rey Friday. It was the 14th trophy of Guardiola's remarkable reign at the Catalan giants which began at the start of the 2008/09 season when he succeeded Frank Rijkaard. To honor their departing coach, Barcelona turned on the style in the Vicente Calderon Stadium in Madrid and the match was effectively over inside the first 25 minutes as Pedro Rodriguez with a double and Lionel Messi scored to put them 3-0 ahead. The emphatic victory will be consolation in part for shattering defeats to eventual winners Chelsea in the semifinal of the Champions League and the concession of their La Liga title to arch-rivals Real Madrid. After the Chelsea reverse, the 41-year-old Guardiola announced he would be leaving at the end of the season, bringing to a close a 23-year association with the club as a player and coach. Guardiola cited tiredness and the need to take a break as reasons for his departure, but he has been linked with a number of vacant managerial vacancies, including Chelsea. His assistant Tito Vilanova will take charge of Barcelona next season. They shared the dugout for the final time as Barcelona rounded off their season and afterwards Guardiola said he left with a special sense of accomplishment. "Fourteen titles in four years is a very high standard so I am very happy to leave the club in a good position, and tonight we played great for the first 35 minutes, we've had a good year with four titles so I leave very satisfied," he told gathered reporters. "From (Lionel) Messi I have learned to be even more competitive than I ever was, without him we would not have won the number of titles we have and I'm very privileged to have coached who for me is the best player I have ever seen." Barca's 2011/12 campaign had begun in the usual all-conquering fashion for Guardiola and his men as they collected the Spanish Super Cup, beating Real Madrid, the European Super Cup and their second Club World Cup. But Real took advantage of rare slips by the three-time reigning champions to forge clear in La Liga, the title sealed by a 2-1 win at the Nou Camp last month. A 2-2 home draw to Chelsea, losing 3-2 on aggregate, prompted Guardiola's shock departure and left the Copa del Rey as their only remaining target. Marcelo Bielsa's Bilbao were expected to offer stiffer resistance but defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Europa League final and disappointing late season form in La Liga was reflected in their performance. Pedro, who has endured a mediocre season, thumped home the first after three minutes and Messi made it 2-0 with his 73rd goal of the season for Barcelona soon afterwards. Pedro's low strike on 25 minutes settled all doubt about the eventual outcome although Fernando Llorente looked to have a strong penalty claim when pulled down by Gerard Pique. Bilbao had the better chances after the break but Barcelona's stars coasted to their third victory in Spain's domestic cup competition in four years to provide a fitting finale for Guardiola. Editors note: Read Chris Murphy's feature on CNN World Sport Monday that asks: Did Pep Guardiola reinvent football in his time at Barcelona? | Barcelona win Pepe Guardiola's final match in charge . Barca beat Athletic Bilbao 3-0 to win the Copa del Rey . 14th trophy of Guardiola's reign at the Catalan giants . Pedro twice and Lionel Messi score in the first half in Madrid . | f3dbf66a29ee657cdba16f7e043e485fc80d6f56 |
(CNN) -- Africa is buzzing with its own brand of innovation, taking existing technology and adapting it to new uses. Mobile technology, for example, has become a game changer in many parts of the continent, with cell phones being used for everything from transferring money to providing health care information. But Africa's resourcefulness goes far beyond the mobile phone, and according to Nigerian-American journalist Dayo Olopade, author of forthcoming book "The Bright Continent," advanced economies can learn a thing or two from Africa's innovative spirit. "There are ways of doing more with less that are very organic to the African ecosystem, and I think in general in the 21st century there's a very important recognition that we need to all do more with less, and where better to look that the place that has been doing this for centuries?" said Olopade. CNN's Robyn Curnow sat down with Olopade to talk about what global businesses can learn from African innovation. An edited version of the interview follows. CNN: So what you're saying is that African innovation can teach the rest of the world something? Dayo Olopade: That's right and it's very counter-intuitive to say that the place where we've poured trillions of dollars of aid, we've tried rock stars, we've tried celebrity-led campaign ads, we've tried all sorts of things to help Africa, but the tools to help Africa really lie within the region, and that's really not necessarily aid flows but human capital. It's a continent approaching a billion people, all of whom have something to say. It's a very young place -- I think something like 60% of the population is under 35 -- and so in the next decade we're going to see this generation really take advantage of what is both global technology and global ideas and what they're already working with on the ground and there are so many examples that I see all over the place. CNN: What are some of the examples? DO: Well, for one, I think technology is very different, the way that people use things is very different than in more advanced economies -- I like to call it the difference between a fat economy and a lean economy. In a fat economy, a bicycle is just a bicycle, or a cell phone is just a cell phone; in a lean economy, I've seen men in Kenya making phone chargers using their bicycles, where it's double use. Where electricity goes out and you have a cell phone that's out of juice, you can then plug your cell phone into a bike and peddle away and also charge your phone. So it's about recombination, recycling, innovative use of existing objects. I actually just heard about something here in South Africa which is a woman who created a washing machine using the vuvuzela, where she poked holes in it and it was something that could be used as a washing machine. CNN: What is somebody reading this book when it is published, sitting in London, going to take from a vuvuzela washing machine? They're not going to take the practicality of that -- what's going to make them say 'wow, I didn't know that?' DO: Well I think what it is, is a sense of individual responsibility and a sense of entrepreneurship ... I don't think you can walk along the streets of Lagos or you can walk along the streets of Accra or walk along the streets of Johannesburg without finding somebody who has got two jobs. They've got the thing that they're doing and they've got their side hustle and I think the ability for people to find opportunity where there is none is something very important in terms of the way that the 21st century will move forward. CNN: So clearly you're an Afro-optimist? DO: Yes -- I think everything that is happening or is about to happen in Africa is extremely exciting. I think there are lessons to be learned from the way that people treat reality as something to build on. I think there is a certain optimism sort of natural to living in a place -- and obviously everywhere is different -- where there are barriers, where there are confrontations, where there are conflicts, where life can be difficult. But I think that this is, not to be trite, but this is building character. I think that people who have had to figure out ways to get by with a government that won't serve them, with roads that are bad or, as I said, electricity that's inconstant, they're finding ways around it, and again, if you can make it work in Africa, I think you can make it work anywhere. | Nigerian-American journalist Dayo Olopade is author of 'The Bright Continent' Olopade believes advanced economies can learn from Africa's innovative spirit . "It's about recombination, recycling, innovative use of existing objects," she says . | 92c8a378af92f4c8d06249de1bc553235a86bd9c |
(CNN) -- The death toll from the magnitude-7.1 earthquake in the central Philippines rose to 144 on Wednesday, authorities said. The quake, which struck Tuesday, injured 291 people and rattled many celebrating a religious holiday. The bulk of the casualties were in Bohol province. More than 20 people are missing, and authorities are checking into reports of people trapped in collapsed buildings, the Philippines News Agency reported. The quake was centered about 620 kilometers (385 miles) south-southeast of Manila, near Catigbian, and its depth was 20 kilometers (12 miles), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Philippines disaster council gave the temblor a slightly higher rating: 7.2 magnitude. iReport: 'Our building is not safe' Tuesday was a national holiday, the beginning of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. There was no widespread threat of a tsunami, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. It warned that earthquakes this large can sometimes cause tsunamis within 100 kilometers of the epicenter. Tourist Robert Michael Poole said he was riding a bike in Bohol when the earthquake struck and cracked the road in front of him. "It was very strong," Poole said. "I live in Tokyo. I am used to earthquakes. But this one was very strong. It shocked a lot of people here." He said he was able to move around and document some of the destruction, including a giant church that was decimated. "Lucky thing is that it is a holiday here today and it happened at a time when nobody was in the church," Poole said. New earthquake strikes hard-hit Pakistan . Measuring the magnitude of earthquakes . CNN's Joseph Netto and Tim Schwarz contributed to this report. | NEW: Death toll rises to 144; almost 300 people injured . More than 20 people are missing . The quake was centered near a town in Bohol province . It hit on a national holiday in the Philippines . | 6f2a1476224beed65652f51fe8946b7838fb4631 |
By . Jonathan O'Callaghan . As Apple fans obsess over what the iPhone 6 is expected to look like, the rumour mill about the firm's next range of tablets is slowly gaining traction. According to reports from Korea, suppliers are gearing up to begin production of the next-generation iPad Air - dubbed iPad Air 2 - later this month. It is expected to feature the 8MP camera seen on the iPhone 5S, a faster processor and, most notably, it could sport Apple's fingerprint scanner to unlock the device. Along with the improved security features promised on iOS 8, this could make the iPad Air 2 the most secure tablet ever. The original iPad Air was launched on Friday 1 November 2013 (stock image shown). Given Apple's preference for launching products on a Friday, a release date for the upgraded iPad Air 2 of 31 October 2014 seems possible, with the company apparently gearing up for a release in Q3 or Q4 this year . In addition to the rumoured fingerprint scanner, Apple's iOS 8 could also help boost the security of its next-generation devices. For example, when connecting to a Wi-Fi network, the software won't reveal your device's MAC address. This is used to identify the device, and can be used to determine who owns it. Apple is also increasing privacy and payment controls in the app store. The tech giant is additionally paying closer attention to the types of apps it approves on its store to avoid developers spamming customers, or showing excessive advertising. According to MacRumors, production of the displays for the next-generation tablet has begun. This will gear it up for release in the autumn, expected to be a Friday towards the end of October, bringing it in line with previous releases. The original iPad Air, for example, launched on Friday 1 November 2013 - perhaps suggest 31 October 2014 could be a favoured date for the latest release, given Apple’s preference of launching products on a Friday. The iPad Air 2 is rumoured to have the same screen size as its predecessor, which sported a 9.7-inch (24.6 centimetres) retina LCD display that had a resolution of 2048 x 1536. It could also have a similar thickness, of 0.3 inches (7.5mm) and a similar weight of around 16.6 oz (470g). It’s thought the camera will be upgraded from the 5MP version seen on the current iPad Air to the same 8MP camera used on the iPhone 5S. This could also include the iSight technology that makes low-light shots easier to take, and allows for slow-motion video to be filmed. California-based Apple Inc (stock image shown) is gearing up to release the latest version of its iPad Air later this year. Rumours suggest the Air 2 will have an faster processor and a better camera than its predecessor. The overall size of the tablet, however, is likely to remain nearly the same . Apple's iPhone 6 is rumoured to come in a slim 'Air' version that will make it the slimmest phone in the world. Up until August last year, Huawei was the record-holder for the thinnest phone in the world with its Ascend P6, at 0.24 inches (6.18 millimetres). This was then replaced by the Vivo X3 at just 0.23 inches (5.75 millimetres). By comparison, Apple’s current iPhone 5S has a depth of 0.3 inches (7.6 millimetres), while the iPad Air is slightly thinner at 0.295 inches (7.5 millimetres). Samsung's Galaxy S5 is 0.3 inches (7.6 millimetres) thick, while the HTC One M8 is 0.37 inches (9.35 millimetres). Inside the device, the tablet is expected to sport a new and improved processor in the form of the A8, with Among Tech reporting this will have 50 per cent more performance than the previous A7. And finally, it is almost certain the Air 2 will use the same Touch ID fingerprint sensor to unlock the device. This was introduced on the iPhone 5S and is expected to also be used on the iPhone 6. A new iPad Mini is also expected to be released at the same time as Apple's other flagship models. 'Apple . sees its Touch ID fingerprint scanner as the future of digital security, and . with iOS 8 on the horizon, Apple is opening up that technology to app developers,' Stephen Ashby from iCreate Magazine tells MailOnline. 'The iPad Air 2 will not only be more secure, but it will also make it easier . for users to sign into online accounts or buy things safely and quickly. 'It’s . unlikely that Apple will change its winning formula too much, though. Apple's iPhone 5S (pictured) was the first phone from the tech giant to use the new Touch ID fingerprint technology. This is able to recognise the fingerprint of the user and, when a digit is pressed against the home button at the bottom, it allows the phone to be unlocked without entering a code . 'Aside . from the rumoured Touch ID scanner, improvements to the camera and faster . processor, Apple is unlikely to make other changes to the hardware. 'Expect a . very similar design to the first iPad Air, with a few upgrades and perhaps . another colour option.' In other Apple news, yet more pictures of Apple's iPhone 6 were revealed yesterday showing the handset side-by-side with the current iPhone. The leak came from former Taiwanese pop star Jimmy Lin who also leaked the iPhone 5 and the iPad Mini ahead of their releases. They . appear to confirm the handset will has a larger 4.7-inch screen, and . that Apple has moved the power button to allow the handset to be . operated easily with one hand. The iPhone 6 shown next to the current 5s. It has a 4.7-inch (11.9 centimetres) screen, it is claimed, and is likely to be announced in September . The iPhone 6 (left) has the same fingerprint sensor as the 5S (right), but is noticeably larger . According to Lin, the iPhone 6 comes with a 4.7-inch (11.9cm) display, more rounded than the previous models. He described the device as being 'very grippy' in the hand. The . device also has a headphone socket - despite recent rumours Apple could . abandon a dedicated socket and instead use the lightning connector . currently used for charging. The leaks are the latest to hit Apple, all showing an identical, slimline design. However, Apple has not commented on the pictures. Former Taiwanese pop star Jimmy Lin who also leaked the iPhone 5 and the iPad Mini ahead of their releases, shown with the iPhone 6 shell (right) | Next generation iPad Air will build on the success of Apple's iPhone 5S . Rumours suggest the California company will use fingerprint technology . iOS 8, which will run on devices, has improved a number of security tools . The iPad Air 2 will also have an upgraded 8MP camera . And an improved A8 processor will be 50% faster than its predecessor . The device could be set for release in October with a new iPad Mini . | ef0c2f88fafaa2985d6aecad09efebc3d686e464 |
By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 00:57 EST, 6 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:57 EST, 7 November 2012 . Four years on and Katie Holmes was back on the Broadway stage on Monday night. Reaction to her turn in Dead Accounts is yet to get going, but the actress certainly ensured she got back to work with a bang by sharing a steamy smooch with co-star Josh Hamilton. In one scene, the 33-year-old actress is seen locking lips with the fellow Thespian and throwing her arms around him. First night: Katie Holmes took to the stage on Monday evening for the preview opening night of her Broadway play Dead Accounts in New York . Passionate: The actress shared on steamy clinch with co-star Josh Hamilton in one scene . Predictably, perhaps, gossipy reports . have surfaced saying Hamilton - who is actually married to producer Lily . Thorne - has a 'crush' on Katie, according to the Daily News at least. However, such talk has been laughed off by other publications, with the Chicago Sun-Times quoting a source brandishing the rumours as 'just more scandal press garbage'. Katie looks like a girl next door in . the stills released from her performance; she is wearing a casual . ensemble of jeans, a purple top and floral cardigan, teamed with a pair . of garish sneakers. Casually does it: Holmes looked like a girl next door, wearing jeans, a purple top and floral cardigan for her turn . In character: Katie plays Lorna, the sister of a con-man played by two-time Tony winner for Best Actor in a Musical, Norbert Leo Butz (right). Seen here with fellow co-star Judy Greer . Taking spotlight: The actress completed her on-stage look with a pair of garish sneakers . The mother-of-one is starring in the play as Lorna, alongside fellow co-stars Judy Greer, Jayne Houdyshell and Norbert Leo Butz. Butz - a two-time Tony winner for Best Actor in a Musical - plays a con-man and Holmes's on-stage brother. The play was written by Theresa Rebeck, the creator and former head-writer of the NBC musical series, Smash. Putting on a show: The play was performed at the Music Box Theatre . It charts the story of a family and . its prodigal son, who returns unexpectedly from New York to his hometown . of Cincinnati from New York. Holmes put-upon character has been caring for their ailing parents during his absence. The last time Katie was on Broadway was back in 2008, making her debut in a revival of Arthur Miller’s All My Sons. After party: After the performance Holmes and co-star Greer were spotted leaving for an after-show event . Relief: Katie was wearing a big smile after her on-stage turn, right, seen left arriving at the thetare . Of course a lot has passed during that . time, especially so in the last year which has seen her divorce from . her husband Tom Cruise. Following her on-stage turn, Katie headed out to an after-party, pictured alongside her co-star Greer. Earlier in the day the former Dawson's . Creek actress was spotted arriving to the New York's Music Box Theatre . ahead of the press preview night. Down to earth: Katie has also been spotted riding the Subway during her hectic day . How did it go? The actress was accompanied by her bodyguard as she walked through Times Square . No limousines here: Holmes blended in with the crowd as she sat on the train . Elsewhere during her busy day she was pictured riding the Subway, accompanied by her bodyguard as she blended into the crowd. Katie and Suri were recently forced to . leave their luxury Chelsea apartment after superstorm . Sandy left their building without power or running water. Holmes and six-year-old Suri have been staying at a midtown hotel close to the Music Box Theatre in recent days. Big . day! Katie fortified herself with coffee before arriving at the . theatre earlier in the day . Wintry: Katie looked focus on her big debut as she headed to work . Mother and daughter were said to have . stayed in her apartment at the Mercantile building during the storm . last week before heading to the hotel. A source close to the star told Page Six: 'Katie and Suri stayed safe and calm by torchlight.' The Dead Accounts official opening night is scheduled for November 29. Flashback: Katie on-stage during her debut Broadway turn in 2008 in All My Sons . | Actress returns to Broadway after four years for opening preview show . On-stage in casual, girl next door attire before attending after-party . | f33ebc7a05373d9199d727a6f8266148f25ace53 |
One player at Leyton Orient is understood to be earning more than £20,000 a week. Take a deep breath. Yes, twenty grand. That’s a million a year plus change. In League One. And what does that buy the club nearest and dearest to my heart? Leyton Orient are second bottom of League One and in real danger of relegation to the fourth tier . Fabio Liverani's Orient side were beaten 4-1 by Scunthorpe last weekend at the Matchroom Stadium . Right now we are languishing next to bottom of the third tier of English football, with relegation to the bottom rung of the Football League looking more likely with every passing week. Even though they sack managers almost as often as the team change their socks it would be harsh to blame Orient’s new Italian owners. They have ploughed tens of millions into the club since taking over from Barry Hearn last summer. So what have Francesco Becchetti and his amici learned from this deflating experience thus far? Exactly what the occupants of that glittering ivory tower way above them, the Premier League, keep discovering. That the more you pay the lesser the likelihood that your players will stay super-fit, obsessively focused and prepared to die with their boots on for very long at all. Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo passed the age of 30 but remains in prime physical condition . It is a rare breed of young sportsmen who get filthy rich overnight yet are still hungry for success, year in year out. Rather, once they have shot to fame and fortune they disappear up their own ego, then reappear in night clubs. For every Cristiano Ronaldo there are dozens of Jack Wilsheres. As he turns 30, Ronaldo is in such prime physical condition that he looks as if he could carry on winning the World Footballer of the Year award for another five seasons. His insatiable desire to pile up more honours with Real Madrid and to keep proving himself the best player on the planet – better even than Lionel Messi - supplies that urge to train like a demon, live right, eat healthy and eschew the vices. The Portuguese superstar is often one of the first to show up at the training ground . Ronaldo will not rest until he has given every last fibre to try and surpass Pele as the greatest of all time . By his own manic admission, Ronaldo will not rest until he has given every last fibre of his being trying to surpass Pele as the greatest footballer of all time. The advances in sports science – medical, dietary and a programmed lifestyle which allows for not only Spartan exercise but repetitive skills practice – is raising the age barrier for the dedicated few. The birthday which Ronaldo celebrated on Thursday by sipping a nutritional drink used to be the watershed age for footballers. Now several of the world’s best are performing at the elite level well into their 30s. Messi is no slouch but one vital dimension in which Ronaldo surpassed him to win the Ballon d’Or last month is the physical. That takes single-minded commitment. Sir Alex Ferguson greets Ronaldo at Carrington in 2003 after signing him from Sporting Lisbon . Most of Ronaldo’s down time is devoted to rest and recovery, for which his home is filled with state-of-the-art equipment. When the majority of his Madrid team-mates arrive for training they usually find him stretching and exercising in the gymnasium, not only to build strength but to ensure that his body is ready for the coming session on the pitch. Real coach Paul Clement reports: ‘Cristiano is really pushing the boundaries.’ Since much of this hard work is also designed to reduce the risk of injury it is not inconceivable that Ronaldo could still be near his peak 10 years from now, as he approaches his 40th birthday. Former Manchester United manager with Ronaldo after winning the Champions League in Moscow . Ronaldo won three Premier League titles with Manchester United before leaving for Real Madrid . No wonder Sir Alex Ferguson was so reluctant to let him leave Old Trafford. Ask the greatest of all British managers what attributes mattered most to him when signing a player, he usually replies along these lines: ‘If Manchester United are considering someone you can assume he has real talent. So what I’m looking for then is character. A lad desperate to win, who will want to keep on and on and on winning.’ Younger players of that ilk coming up behind Ronaldo and who will benefit from ever-improving methods if they so choose - Brazilian genius Neymar who is naturally so lean and lithe notable among them – might actually remain fully in their prime to 40. Meanwhile Master Wilshere has been photographed yet again in a nightclub, for the third time in a pose which suggests he has been smoking. Ronaldo won his third Ballon d'Or crown this year, and is now one behind his rival Lionel Messi . Ronaldo and Messi battle for the ball during an El Clasico match at the Nou Camp in 2010 . Young Jack is fortunate that the rebuke from his Arsenal manager will be moderated by Arsene Wenger’s admission that he used to smoke and his expression of opinion that the habit ‘does not necessarily impact on a player’s performance.’ In that, history is on Wenger’s side. Ossie Ardiles was both a cigarette smoker and one of the world’s outstanding players for a decade, orchestrating from midfield Argentina’s 1978 World Cup triumph under chain-smoking manager Cesar Luis Menotti and lighting up before lifting the FA Cup with Tottenham at Wembley. But it is not so much the quick drag which is worrying for we who recognise that Wilshere has the ability to grow into an important player for England. It is the louche lifestyle. Jack Wilshere (right) appeared to be holding a shisha pipe during a night out in London . Wilshere is closing in on a return to full fitness after undergoing ankle surgery . Former Tottenham midfielder Ossie Ardiles in action for Argentina at the 1978 World Cup . Mostly, for top sportsmen, the days are for training, the evenings for rest, the nights for sleeping not clubbing. At 23, Wilshere is young enough to learn from his mistakes and turn his life around. As he keeps promising to do. But if he leaves it much longer it will be too late for him to fulfil all that talent. Like plenty before him. You have to fear for him. Because it is also about the money. The incentive to prioritise sporting dedication over life’s temptations comes more naturally to those of more modest means. And if you think the £100,000-plus weekly wages of the most celebrated players in this country are ludicrously excessive, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Sky Sports face a four-way battle to keep hold of the lion's share of Premier League rights . A Premier League already awash with cash is about see its next package deal for three years of TV rights soar above the current £3billion. Perhaps by double. To more than £8m for a single match. That will be the result of a bidding war as two more networks – one the American parent company of Eurosport, the other in oil-rich Qatar – go against Sky and BT for live games. Be sure that a large chunk of the extra fortune will be grasped by the star players. Some will filter down to the Football League. Until that happens we wait to see if twenty grand a week will be enough for Orient to clamber clear of the drop. We can but hope... | Leyton Orient are second bottom of League One and in relegation danger . The owners of the club are learning that it is a rare breed of young sportsmen who get filthy rich overnight yet are still hungry for success . Cristiano Ronaldo has turned 30 but still in prime physical condition . Jack Wilshere was seen holding a shisha pipe during a night out . | d0ddbe39273ccd069b7eb83e451eb59c1524b74d |
By . Katy Winter . PUBLISHED: . 09:22 EST, 15 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:19 EST, 28 November 2013 . When Spice Girl Victoria Adams married football star David Beckham in a royal-thermed ceremony complete with His and Hers thrones, one of the most powerful celebrity couples of all time was born. After meeting at charity football match in 1997 their romance quickly blossomed into one of the most publicised love stories ever, culminating in their fairy tale wedding. Now the crown worn by Victoria during the lavish nuptials is to be sold at auction with a guide price of £25,000 - though experts say a superfan of the singer-turned designer could well pay a good deal more. Scroll down for video . The gold and diamond 'East of Paris' regal coronet, worn by Victoria Beckham on her wedding day, is valued at £18,000-£25,000 and was designed by Slim Barrett. It will be auctioned by Bonhams on December 5 . The gold and diamond crown tiara made by acclaimed jewellery designer Slim Barrett, is to be sold in the Fine Jewellery sale at Bonhams auction house in London. The tiara, entitled East of Paris, which Victoria wore throughout the ceremony, is valued at £18,000 - £25,000 and is crafted from 18-carat latticed yellow gold, set with large brilliant-cut diamonds and suspended diamond drops. The couple were married on July 4 1999 by the Bishop of Cork, Paul Colton, at Luttrellstown Castle, in Ireland and the couple's four-month old son Brooklyn was the ring bearer. To complement her crown Victoria wore a £60,000 wedding gown by Vera Wang and sat alongside her husband on matching gold thrones. To complement her crown Victoria wore a £60,000 wedding gown by Vera Wang for the wedding, which was covered by OK! magazine . Spice Girl Victoria Adams and David Beckham the Manchester United footballer announce their engagement on January 25, 1998 . 'Inspiration for ‘East of Paris’ came from my love of Eastern design and Parisian haute couture' artist Slim Barrett commented, '...so I set out to fuse the two styles.' The Victoria and Albert Museum exhibited the work in 100 Tiaras, Past and Present and it was included in the prestigious Diamond Divas exhibition at The Diamond Museum in Antwerp. Emily Barber, Director of Bonhams Jewellery Department commented: . 'Interest in the tiara expected to be two-fold because it is designed by acclaimed jeweller, Slim Barrett, whose pieces rarely come up for sale at auction. 'Posh and Becks' fans will no doubt be clamouring to get hold of such a momentous piece of their idols' history . 'The fact that it was worn by international style icon Victoria Beckham on her wedding day adds even further interest to the piece, bringing it to the attention of a wider audience.' Slim Barrett is an Irish born jewellery artist and master metalworker . Slim Barrett, designer of Victoria’s crown, is an Irish born jewellery artist and master metalworker and the man behind countless couture creations since the 1980s as well as designing jewellery for Princess Diana and Mick Jagger. Chanel, Versace and John Galliano are among his notable collaborations while famous faces such as Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Cara Delevingne are pictured in Barrett’s awe-inspiring crafted jewellery pieces, on and off the catwalk. Recently, Barrett has worked with performers such as Beyoncé and Lady Gaga creating experimental, cutting edge pieces which reveal his background in sculpture and fine art. Slim Barrett’s work is held in the permanent collection of The Victoria and Albert Museum and recently featured in the museum’s Club to Catwalk exhibition. | Victoria Adams married David Beckham in 1997 in royal-themed ceremony . Former Spice Girl wore a tiara, called East of Paris on the day . The gold and diamond crown was designed by Slim Barrett . Up for auction at Bonhams auction house in December . Estimated value is £18,000 - £25,000 . | a35dfdad4d49b573b371a95adc4b09627a7557f2 |
(CNN) -- Tokyo was known as Edo until 1868, but it's hard to imagine that this high-rise, high-tech metropolis could possibly have existed in a time before electricity and concrete. Tokyo isn't just a futuristic city; it's the place that has shaped our vision of what the future will look like. In Tokyo, the future is a long-standing tradition. There's a sci-fi familiarity to areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara; the skyscrapers glowing with illuminated signs, subway stops inside shopping malls and taxis with automated doors could be straight out of "Blade Runner" or "The Fifth Element." But the space-age topography of Tokyo has been shaped by a history of catastrophe. In the 20th century alone Tokyo suffered earthquakes, fires and devastating bombing. The result is a city that has repeatedly been forced to rebuild, shedding its past with each successive redevelopment. In Tokyo, the future is a long-standing tradition. After centuries of expansion, Tokyo has grown vertically to accommodate its 12 million residents. Perhaps the inevitability of another catastrophic earthquake accounts for the lack of emotional attachment to the city's architecture; buildings are continuously being pulled down and replaced, creating the sensation that Tokyo's skyline is a permanent work in progress. While it can seem that the city is intent on stream rolling over its past, you can still see traces of old Edo. The Meiji Jingu Shrine tells of the city's Shinto heritage and there's something timeless about the charming chaos of Tsukiji Fish Market. Even the enduring formalities of Tokyo's social etiquette and the joy with which Tokyoites greet the coming of the cherry blossom are signs that the city maintains a lingering affection for its traditions. At first glance, Tokyoites may seem sober and industrious, efficiently going about the business of making their city a world capital of techno commerce, but shops filled with manga comics and anime DVDs hint at a desire to escape the obligations of real life. That appetite for escapism is most colorfully expressed in the phenomenon of "cosplay", which sees teenagers dress as characters from cartoons and comic strips, or in the outlandish uniforms of various distinctive subcultures. In the 80s, Japan's bubble economy created unsustainable growth in Tokyo and property prices in the capital went through the roof. When the bubble burst in the early 90s, Tokyo was hit particularly hard but, after years of recession, Tokyo has the buzz of a city regaining its confidence. For this endlessly fascinating city, it's back to business -- and back to the future. | Known as Edo until 1868, Tokyo has been shaped by a history of disasters . There's a sci-fi familiarity to areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku and Akihabara . There are still traces of traditional Tokyo, such as at the Meiji Jingu Shrine . | 3a1158fac120dc69e73d002402d144e550246a0c |
By . Aap . The Australian government is increasingly confident it will be only a matter of days before the remaining bodies of MH17 victims and their effects are transported from the crash site in eastern Ukraine. It comes after international experts, including Australians, finally arrived at the crash site - two weeks after the tragedy. The optimism comes after a meeting between Russian, Ukrainian and separatist leaders in the Belarussian capital Minsk and the successful mission of an advance team involving Australian and Dutch police. Ukrainian deputy prime minister Volodymyr Groysman wrote on Twitter that within two days militants would allow passage of the bodies through the war-torn Donetsk region. Experts who are recovering the remaining bodies of the MH17 victims have finally arrived at the crash site . The advance team identified a new, safer but longer route to the site. This was the route a 14-vehicle convoy of up to 100 Australian and Dutch police and a team from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe later took to reach the area in Donetsk on Friday. Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said the team would 'start working in earnest' to recover further remains and the belongings of the passengers and crew of the Malaysia Airlines plane went down on July 17. Ms Bishop, who was leaving Ukraine to return to Australia, said refrigerated vans would carry the remains, which would then be transferred to the Netherlands for identification. It has taken experts two weeks after the crash to arrive at the site to recover as many as 80 bodies still remaining . Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop said the remains from the site would be transferred to the Netherlands for identification . 'My work is done but the mission goes on,' she said. Prime Minister Tony Abbott said the advance team had itself recovered some remains. Australian officials believe as many as 80 bodies are still at the site. The Boeing 777 is believed to have been shot down by a surface-to-air missile fired by pro-Russian separatists, killing all 298 people on board - including 38 Australians. Mr Abbott said the joint mission between Australian Federal Police and Dutch police was risky because of the continued fighting which involved Ukrainian forces and separatists in the area. But the government had taken the best expert advice and Australia's special envoy Angus Houston was 'plugged in' to the international team involved in the mission. 'But let's not forget 298 innocent people have been murdered, 38 Australians have been murdered,' Mr Abbott said. 'We owe it to our dead to bring them back, we owe it to their families to bring them back.' Tony Abbott said the joint mission between Australian Federal Police and Dutch police to protect experts at the site was risky because of the fighting . The advance team had paused for a moment's silence at the crash site, almost two weeks to the hour since the plane went down. Senior representatives from Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE met in Minsk as news came through of the successful advance mission. A statement following the meeting said the senior representatives had committed to securing safe access by international investigators to the crash site until their work on the spot was completed. There was also agreement on the release of hostages, improved monitoring of the ceasefire and better control and verification on the border between Ukraine and Russia. Another meeting will be held next week. | Bodies will go to the Netherlands where they will be identified by experts . The government believes there are as many as 80 bodies still remaining . When the recovery team arrived they paused for a minute's silence . Up to 100 Australian and Dutch police are at the site to protect the team in war-torn Donetsk . | d5db4a38ed2a5adf6b7530a354a63cd80b8b54cf |
By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 10:06 EST, 26 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:42 EST, 26 November 2012 . The suicide note of a Republican activist has been released a month after he killed himself while awaiting trial for the rapes of five women. Gregory Nathan Peterson, 37, who was facing multiple charges of rape, assault and kidnapping, took his own life at his remote Utah log cabin on October 23. The five-page, handwritten suicide note was released by his lawyers this weekend at the request of Peterson and his family. In the note, he protested his innocence and blamed the women who accused him, saying 'this was a case about regret, not rape'. Scroll down for full letter . Final letter: Gregory Nathan Peterson, 37, wrote a five-page, suicide note in the minutes before he killed himself in Utah after being accused of raping five women . Peterson also blamed prosecutors and the media for conspiring against him, saying that suicide was his only option. The letter reads: 'To my family/friends, someday, albeit not now, I believe you’ll see I’m doing the right thing by ending the extraordinary pain to you, and exposing lies & injustices. I love you all very much. I’ll miss you.' He denied that he was responsible for the multiple felonies for which he faced decades in jail. On paper with his letterhead, he wrote: 'I love life. I never kidnapped, raped or burglarized anyone.' He named the women with a supposed vendetta against him. Their names have been blacked out in the long letter before it was released. The wealthy businessman accused one alleged victim of feeling guilty about having sex, while another was manipulating him for her green card. Grim discovery: The body of Gregory Nathan Peterson (above) was found by bail bond agents in an upstairs bedroom at the remote log cabin with a gunshot wound to his head . High-profile: Mia Love (pictured with Peterson) was one of several Utah politicians to visit the log cabin in Heber. The Congressional candidate is not connected with the case in any way . Peterson said that he had been falsely accused by the five women and wanted to 'make my accusers famous', urging that a wrongful death suit be pursued by his loved ones. The family waited until after the businessman's memorial to make the letter public this weekend. They released the note in the hope of salvaging his reputation, attorneys told the Salt Lake Tribune. You have the blood of an innocent man on your hands. Gregory Nathan Peterson's suicide letter . The DA's office in Salt Lake County . said that Peterson's case had been handled like any other and they had . decided to go trial because there was enough evidence and testimony . against him. Peterson was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head last month after bail bond agents were dispatched . to his home in Heber when his ankle monitor stopped responding. He committed suicide at the Utah cabin . where the crimes allegedly took place. Peterson, 37, had been out on . $2million bail . since October 19 and was to stand trial on 23 felony charges and two . misdemeanor counts. The men found Peterson's body in an upstairs . bedroom. Remote: Peterson's cabin in Heber, Utah where he allegedly raped women after taking them on dates . Attack: An interior shot of Peterson's cabin where he allegedly carried out the assaults . Four women from Salt Lake County and . one from Wasatch County testified at a hearing in August that Peterson . sexually assaulted them at his cabin. He is accused of meeting them on Mormon dating websites and at church functions. Two of the women said they had met Peterson on dating website LDSsingles.com. One woman had arranged a date with him - claiming he looked like 'a great catch' in his . profile and had come recommended by a Mormon temple. Peterson, a certified public . accountant and the owner of Peterson Wealth Management, was a . fixture at Utah Republican gatherings. He helped organize the Rocky Mountain Conservatives Convention and Barbecue two years ago at his Heber cabin. Prominent Utah politicians hosted by . Peterson included Senator Orrin Hatch, Governor Gary Herbert, . Representative Jason Chaffetz and congressional candidate Mia Love. While Peterson has been involved in . state politics and events, Utah Republican Chairman Thomas Wright has . said he never held a leadership role or raised or donated money for the . state party. Greg Peterson's letter in full: . | Gregory Nathan Peterson's handwritten, five-page letter released by his lawyers at family's request . Peterson blamed 'conspiracy' by women, prosecutors and media . Assaults allegedly carried out after he met women on Mormon dating sites . The 37-year-old found on October 23 with gunshot wound to the head at remote Utah cabin by bail bond agents . | f17a0ff406f340f297bb220f714c2ab65b5ad878 |
While people might generally think of the average Aussie male as tall, lean and well-built, research shows that perception is wide of the mark. In fact, the average Mr Australia has a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 27, which is comfortably in the overweight category, and not far off being classified as clinically obese. Researcher, and graphic designer, Nickolay Lamm, from Pittsburgh, US, compared the bodies of Mr Average from around the globe, as part of a body measurement project. So how does Mr Oz size up? The following graphic looks at the size of the average Australian man compared to his counterpart from USA, the Netherlands, France and Japan . Many see the typical Aussie male as being tall and muscular, like Hugh Jackman, pictured here in Sydney . Average Aussie male stands at 175.6cm tall and hits the scales at 85.9kg, giving him a BMI of 27, which is smack bang in the middle of the overweight category . The Average Mr Australia stands at 175.6cm tall and hits the scales at 85.9 kilograms, leaving him with a BMI of 27, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It's far from the rippling image of Chris Hemmsworth or Hugh Jackman, but the average Aussie is still leaner than Mr America, whose BMI is 29 and stands up at 176.4cm, reports Sydney Morning Herald. Mr Japan is the healthiest, with a BMI of 23. Mr Netherlands stands at 183.3cm and a BMI of 25.2, while France comes in at 25.5 at 174.4 cm. The results highlight the growing threat of obesity in Australia, which increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and increased blood pressure. While the average Aussie male might not be as buff as he's often perceived, another recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences revealed super-muscular male body types seen in Hollywood are not attractive in some cultures. For example, in South America, softer, more feminine looking men are perceived as more attractive. Last year, graphic artist and researcher Nickolay Lamm used data of the average American woman to create a graphic of an average barbie, then pictured her next to a standard barbie . It's not the first time that Nickolay Lamm, 24, has endeavoured to reshape body image perceptions. Last year, he used the measurement of an average American women to create a graphic of a barbie with these proportions, then pictured her next to a traditional barbie. Scaled up to human size, Mr Lamm found Barbie was grossly disproportionate and would have a BMI of 16.24, which is considered severely anorexic. The study reignited the sentiment that the doll was promoting unhealthy body image in girls. Lamm spoke out about the artwork, saying 'If we criticise skinny models, we should at least be open to the possibility that Barbie may negatively influence young girls as well.' | Quintessential Australian male often thought of as tall, lean and well-built . In fact, the Body Mass Index (BMI) of the average Aussie bloke is 27 . This leaves him only a few kilos short of being medically obese . Graphic artist in Pittsburgh, US, compared average men around the world . Australians came in slightly leaner than the average American, but don't live as long as Mr Average Japan . | 0af0d11094c63b9bf2f373cac91f07704d8d1931 |
The Washington Supreme Court is set to hear arguments Tuesday in a case filed by three sex trafficking victims who say the website Backpage.com helps promote the exploitation of children. The suit is one of two taking on the classified ad website. A federal case was filed in Boston last week. KIRO-TV reported that court documents allege that the ages of the women, who were then teenagers, were not checked by Backpage.com. Harmful? A lawsuit filed by three sex trafficking victims say Backpage.com helps promote the exploitation of children . The teenagers were allegedly digitally pimped, the affiliate station reported. The two plaintiffs in the Boston case alleged in the suit they 'were sold for sex in Massachusetts and Rhode Island more than 1,900 times combined when they were from 15 to 17 years of age,' The Boston Globe reported. Backpage attorney Elizabeth McDougall told the newspaper 'We work extremely closely with law enforcement to find and to help rescue victims and to collaborate in facilitating arrests and prosecutions of perpetrators.' Backpage.com argues that the lawsuits are an attempt at censorship. It says the Communications Decency Act gives it immunity from the activities of its members or users. Lawyers for the three girls say they were sold as prostitutes in advertisements on Backpage.com. They say it and other sites offering 'adult services' are not protected by the communications act because they are responsible for some of the information on the website. Backpage.com asked a Supreme Court judge to dismiss the case. The judge declined, so Backpage.com appealed. The lawsuit comes after Washington lawmakers passed a bill in 2012 that imposed a $10,000 fine and up to a year in prison if a website failed to make reasonable attempts to ascertain the age of someone placing an ad for commercial sex. The day it was to take effect, a federal judge issued a restraining order. The law was struck down in December 2012. Harm: Lawyers for the three girls say they were sold as prostitutes in advertisements on Backpage.com . | The Washington Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a case filed by three sex trafficking victims . They say Backpage.com helps promote the exploitation of children . Backpage.com says the Communications Decency Act gives it immunity from the activities of its members or users . | df8cc6f96c4c966da9e82bbd5aaf393ebd0046df |
You had to be impressed by Manchester City’s performance at Roma on Wednesday night. Their intent was clear from the start and they finally began to look like a team with authority in Europe. I’ve questioned why they persist with two up front in European games. Although they were forced into the change, with Sergio Aguero injured, they looked much better with Fernando and Fernandinho sitting in midfield and just one up front. It was just what was needed for that game. Edin Dzeko (left) started up front on his own in Manchester City's 2-0 Champions League win at Roma . Samir Nasri was outstanding. Sometimes he doesn’t dominate games but with Aguero and Yaya Toure not playing and David Silva not starting, he rose to the challenge. Maybe he feels a little bit in the shadow of those players but he played like a leader. It was a wonderful performance and Manuel Pellegrini must be delighted. Now they’re in the last 16 of the Champions League, they’ll have confidence to grow and progress. And at least they can’t get Bayern Munich in the next round. Samir Nasri (centre) starred for City, scoring the opener in Wednesday's win at the Stadio Olimpico . Read more from Glenn Hoddle on www.zapsportz.com . | Manchester City won 2-0 at Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday . Result means City qualified for the last 16 of the competition . City played brilliant in a 4-5-1 formation at the Stadio Olimpico . | fae8a57aaed0a1a1cb888567594dec1f5a344231 |
The Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot by the Taliban after publicly criticising them has been nominated for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Malala Yousafzai, 15, was put forward by three Norwegian MPs, who praised her 'commitment so threatening to extremists that they tried to kill her'. Freddy de Ruiter, from the country's ruling Labor party, said her courage in speaking out, particularly on the subject of a girls' right to education, made her a worthy candidate. Scroll down for video . Courage: Malala Yousufzai is in a UK hospital having a final operation after she was shot in the head in October . Gorm Kjernli said on the party's website yesterday that the teenager had 'made a strong impression on the whole world.' He added: 'She represents a younger generation that uses social media to reach out with their message about girls' right to equal opportunities.' Rare: Only 15 women have won the Nobel peace prize, including Mother Teresa (pictured) The three MPs have submitted their proposal to the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Magne Rommetveit said Malala was now 'an important symbol in the struggle against the destructive forces that will prevent democracy, equality and human rights.' Malala was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman at point blank range . as she travelled home from school by bus on October 9. Her attacker boarded the vehicle in Pakistan's Swat Valley and asked for her by name before firing three shots at her in front of her horrified friends. She was singled out after writing a blog criticising the Islamist organisation. Malala was flown to a hospital in the UK a week later, and is now having a final major operation to place a titanium plate over the hole left in her skull. She has received thousands of messages from well-wishers around the world, and continued to speak out on behalf of her cause. The 15-year-old is now an . internationally recognised symbol of opposition to the Taliban's drive . to deny women education, and against religious extremism in a country . where women's rights are often flouted. Kristian Berg Harpviken, head . of the Peace Research Institute of Oslo, said: 'A prize to Malala would not only be timely and fitting with a line of . awards to champions of human rights and democracy, but also... would set . both children and education on the peace and conflict agenda.' The nominations have not yet been . formally announced, but yesterday was the deadline for submissions. The . winner will be announced by the in early October. Nominations can be made only by a select group of people worldwide, and the foundation does not disclose the names of nominees until 50 years later, although those who name the candidates sometimes disclose them. The youngest winner of the peace prize of the 93 who have been handed the award was Tawakkol Karman, who collected it in 2011, aged 31. The average age of all Nobel Peace Laureates between 1901 and 2011 is 62 years. There have only been 15 female winners, who include Mother Teresa and Aung San Suu Kyi. The Stockholm-based Nobel Foundation said 231 names were put forward last year for the peace prize, which is awarded in Oslo, Norway. Others known to have . been nominated this year are human rights activists whose names have been . mentioned in previous years, including Belarussian Ales Belyatski - currently behind bars - and Russia's Lyudmila . Alexeyeva. | The youngest winner ever is 31 and only 15 women have won the prize . Schoolgirl was shot in head on bus in Pakistan after criticising extremists . Nominated for courageously speaking out for girls' rights to education . The teenager is recovering from the shooting in a UK hospital . | b165d2f43ba9fa51ed18f8e1c472ac56b704b786 |
One of Hallmark's ornaments for the holiday season is snowballing into some controversy following the replacement of the word "gay" while quoting "Deck the Halls." The red "Holiday Sweater" ornament is decorated with the lyric, "Don we now our fun apparel." The traditional line from the famous Christmas song is "Don we now our gay apparel." The change caused one Facebook user to comment on Hallmark's official page, "It's OK to be GAY!! Fix your dumb ornament!" "You can be sure that myself and many others won't be buying your cards anymore," another Facebook user complained. Hallmark defended the change in lyrics. "When the lyrics to 'Deck the Halls' were translated from Gaelic and published in English back in the 1800's, the word 'gay' meant festive or merry," according to a statement released Wednesday. "Today it has multiple meanings, which we thought could leave our intent open to misinterpretation." The Hallmark statement went on to explain that the ornament was created in the spirit of "fun." "The trend of wearing festively decorated Christmas sweaters to parties is all about fun, and this ornament is intended to play into that," the statement said. "So the planning team decided to say what we meant: fun." It added: "That's the spirit we intended and the spirit in which we hope ornament buyers will take it." The ornament is for sale on the company's website as part of the Keepsake collection for the price of $12.95. Hallmark was founded in 1910 and is now a $4 billion business with greeting cards and other products sold in 39,000 retail stores across the United States and in 100 countries worldwide, according to its website. | Festive sweater ornament features "fun apparel" line . Complaints posted on Hallmark's Facebook page . Company says "gay" has multiple meanings today . Christmas sweaters are all about fun, it states . | 042fb8b4fa07ff30fef7026618173ce6429c953e |
(CNN) -- What started as the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York in September has spread across major cities worldwide as a call to action against unequal distribution of wealth. Here is a roundup of some of the movement's recent developments: . DAVIS, CALIFORNIA . The University of California at Davis placed two police officers on administrative leave after video of them pepper-spraying non-violent protesters at point-blank range sparked outrage at school officials. The chancellor of the University of California, Davis, established a task force Saturday to look into an incident in which a police officer sprayed seated protesters with pepper spray at point blank range. See full story on UC-Davis incident . Lida Katehi told CNN's Don Lemon that she considered the police action on Friday "unacceptable," but stressed she has no plans to step down. "We really want to look into this very carefully and take action ... make sure that it will never happen again on our campus," she said. One of the protesters hit by the spray told CNN's Lemon that she was still feeling some after-effects Saturday evening. "I was shocked," said Sophia Kamran. "When students are sitting on the ground and (have) no way of moving to be violent, being totally peaceful, I don't understand the use of pepper spray against them." On Saturday evening, as Katehi left campus, dozens of students sat cross-legged and with their arms linked in a silent protest. A reporter asked Katehi, "Do you still feel threated by the students?" "No," she said. "No." Photos: Navigating a mob on a 'day of action' DES MOINES, IOWA . The crowd at the Family Leader Thanksgiving forum in Des Moines erupted in applause as GOP president contender Newt Gingrich said the Occupy protesters need to "Go get a job, right after you take a bath." "All the Occupy movement starts with the premise that we all owe them everything," he said. "They take over a public park they didn't pay for, to go nearby to use bathrooms they didn't pay for, to beg for food from places they don't want to pay for, to obstruct those who are going to work to pay the taxes to sustain the bathrooms and to sustain the park, so they can self-righteously explain they are the paragons of virtue to which we owe everything. "Now, that is a pretty good symptom of how much the left has collapsed as a moral system in this country, and why you need to reassert something by saying to them, 'Go get a job right after you take a bath.'" OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA . Oakland police on Sunday cleared an encampment set up by Occupy protesters a day earlier in a vacant city lot. The removal took place without incident. No arrests nor injuries were reported, according to a city news release. "Oakland, not unlike many cities across the country, supports upholding free speech and peaceful forms of expression, but the cost of the encampments is growing and putting a strain on our already fragile resources -- police, public works, and other City staff," Oakland Mayor Jean Quan said in a statement. The encampment was set up Saturday night when protesters tore down a chain link fence surrounding the lot and put up tents as police watched, but did not intervene. The lot is in a district of shops and nightclubs, and the new Occupy venue did not sit well with some residents. "I don't want it in my front yard, my backyard nor my side yard," resident Toni Vasquez told CNN affiliate KGO. "This is not the way to do it. This is not the way to do it at all." WASHINGTON . Protesters unfurled a black banner from the roof of the historic Franklin School building Saturday that said, "Public Property Under Community Control." They vowed to would stay inside until the vacant building was converted for community use. The school, built in 1869, served as a homeless shelter in recent years until it was shuttered in 2008. Protesters say they are against a city plan to sell it for private use. Officers later led the demonstrators out and placed them in police vans. | NEW: Oakland police clear city lot of encamped protesters . UC Davis chancellor sets up task force to look into police pepper spray incident . Newt Gingrich tells protesters to bathe and get a job . DC occupiers want a vacant school building converted for community use . | 28932a7785d6b8b7ecc14d29782a8fc01a8c2f08 |
What a night to remember for Tottenham's Harry Kane in their resounding Group C Europa League victory against Asteras Tripolis on Thursday night. The striker scored a hat-trick as Mauricio Pochettino's side recorded their first win in the competition with a thumping 5-1 triumph at White Hart Lane. The 21-year-old endeared himself to the Spurs faithful even further when he volunteered himself to go in goal following Hugo Lloris' dismissal in the closing stages of the match. Harry Kane ended up in goal after Hugo Lloris was sent off and conceded a late free-kick . Kane had an eventful evening as Tottenham thrashed Asteras Tripolis 5-1 in their Europa League match . With the hosts having made all their substitutes, Kane was soon left to rue that decision as he let Jeronimo Barrales' tame free-kick slip under his grasp and trickle into the bottom corner of the goal. Any regular goalkeeper would have expected to make a routine save, but despite Kane's comical error he was ironically cheered by the Tottenham faithful who had witnessed a performance of promise from the England Under 21 star. 'It was a great night until I went in goal,' he told ITV4 in his post-match interview afterwards. 'In fairness I think I'll leave that to the keepers from now on [on his error to concede Asteras' consolation goal]. It was a great result for us, a great win, and obviously I'm happy to get the hat-trick.' Kane (left) gave Tottenham the lead with a blistering strike in the first half at White Hart Lane . Kane (centre) doubled his goal tally for the night tapping home from close range in the 75th minute . Kane (right) completed his first hat-trick for the club, heading home late on to make the scoreline 5-0 to Spurs . Kane's magic night began in the 13th minute when he unleashed a blistering right-footed drive from 25-yards out that nestled into the bottom right-hand corner of Tomas Kosicky's goal. The strike was similar to the 21-year-old's opener against Besiktas in Tottenham's last Europa League encounter and the effort provided the platform for a flurry of goals for the hosts. After two sublime goals from Erik Lamela, Kane was on the score sheet again with a close-range tap in after Kosicky had spilled Moussa Dembele's stinging drive, to make the score 4-0. Just minutes later the Tottenham academy graduate completed his first hat-trick for the club heading home Federico Fazio's cross to take home the match ball. Kane (left) went in goal for Tottenham in the dying stages of the match after Hugo Lloris (right) was sent off . Kane (far right) tries to organise his wall as Tottenham defend the free-kick that Lloris gave away . Kane (centre) fails to handle Jeronimo Barrales' tame free-kick as the ball slips under his grasp into the net . Reflecting on his three goals, Kane added: 'It [the first] was a sweet strike. When it left the foot I knew it had a chance and fortunately it came of the post and went in which is always nice. 'I thought it was good to get the second and third as well, extra goals when the team is dead on their feet and when we want to start killing off teams and getting the five goals was great.' He's evidently better at scoring goals than keeping them out, but on current form the 21-year-old is pressing his claim for a starting birth in Pochettino's Premier League team. Kane has now scored six goals in nine appearances for the club this season and with Spurs at home to Newcastle next in the Premier League - he'll be looking to add to his tally if given the chance on Sunday. Despite his comical goalkeeping error Kane was pleased with a display that saw him collect the match ball . VIDEO Lamela's goal was unbelievable - Pochettino . | Tottenham thumped Asteras Tripolis 5-1 in Europa League on Thursday . Harry Kane scored a hat-trick in the resounding win at White Hart Lane . 21-year-old also went in goal after Hugo Lloris was sent off for the hosts . Kane conceded a comical consolation goal scored by Jeronimo Barrales . | 0cd7142de2a37da73771ac16f043069848e73e36 |
(CNN) -- Reese Witherspoon's mother wants a Tennessee judge to annul her husband's recent marriage because she says she is still married to him, according to court documents. "I love my husband and do not want a divorce," Mary Elizabeth Witherspoon said in a sworn affidavit. "We have been married for 42 years. He needs help." The couple separated in 1996 "because of his alcoholism, infidelity, overspending and hoarding," she said. Witherspoon, who said she speaks to her husband of 42 years "many times per week," learned through a Nashville newspaper announcement last month that John Witherspoon married "a woman named Tricianne Taylor" on January 14, the annulment petition said. Witherspoon, 63, said her husband, 70, denied getting remarried, but a marriage license was filed, the petition said. "When I confronted my husband, he said he didn't know who Tricianne Taylor was and that he did not remember getting married," she said. "I fear that he has early onset dementia," Witherspoon, who is a retired nurse, said in her petition, which was filed Wednesday. The court filing claims that Tricianne Taylor, also known as Patricia Taylor, is aware that he is still married because the first wife told her on April 30. "She refused to talk to me," Witherspoon said in her affidavit. "I also wrote her a letter stating that John Witherspoon was married and had two children and four grandchildren. I have had no response. But she clearly knows now that she is married to a man who is not divorced." Witherspoon raised concern that her husband is in danger. "My husband is diabetic, has heart disease, and is otherwise not in good health," she said in her filing. "He could easily die through lack of medicine, or too much medicine, or some other malicious act." He was recently "let go from his medical practice" in Nashville, where he worked as an otolaryngologist for 30 years, she said in the affidavit. The first Mrs. Witherspoon has a harsh assessment of Taylor. "My husband's spending practices have accelerated," Witherspoon said in her statement. "I now understand that he may have borrowed $400,000 at Bank of America and either forged my name or had his girlfriend posing as his wife sign. This past week he bought a black Cadillac." Taylor "attempted to crash the March 2011 wedding of Reese Witherspoon, but was denied entrance because she was not on the guest list," the petition said. "I have since learned from friends and investigators that Tricianne Taylor has attempted to borrow money as Ms. John Witherspoon," her affidavit said. "Also, she is living in the condominium owned by my daughter Reese. And she is driving our vehicles. I have also learned through an investigator that she has gotten my husband to sign a new will." Reese Witherspoon's representative said "no comment" when CNN asked about the case. CNN has been unable to contact John Witherspoon or Taylor for comment. Court filings do not identify their legal counsel. | Mary Elizabeth Witherspoon: She learned of her husband's marriage in a newspaper . "I fear that he has early onset dementia," she says of her husband . The Witherspoons, married for 42 years, separated in 1996 but never divorced . Reese Witherspoon's rep says "no comment" on her parents' dispute . | 971af4001e9696d6f9e2ca057eedfa51a871d633 |
Williams have handed promising British driver Alex Lynn a boost in his bid to become a Formula One driver. Lynn last season was crowned champion of GP3, one of the main feeder series to F1, and this year will drive in GP2 with one of the primary title-contending teams in DAMS. To further assist the 21-year-old from Essex, Williams have appointed Lynn as their development driver for this season. Williams have handed promising British driver Alex Lynn a boost in his bid to become a Formula One driver . Lynn, pictured here in 2013, won last season's GP3 and will race in GP2 next season . In the role Lynn will focus on using the team's simulation tools to help with the ongoing development of the new car, the FW37, as well as assist in its setting up ahead of each grand prix. Lynn will also get behind the wheel of the car for one day's testing in Barcelona following the Spanish Grand Prix in May. A delighted Lynn said: 'I hope with a strong year in GP2, while also helping to develop the F1 car throughout this season, I can follow in the footsteps of Valtteri Bottas who joined Williams in exactly the same development driver role. 'Through hard work and determination, he has gone from winning the GP3 title to earning his place as a Williams F1 race driver. Williams have become the first team to unveil images of their 2015 Formula One challenger . Valtteri Bottas (above) and Felipe Massa have both been retained for the upcoming campaign . 'Working with people like Sir Frank Williams and Pat Symonds is an incredible opportunity for me. 'There is so much experience here at Williams and I hope to be able to use the knowledge gained from these people to further develop my skills as a racing driver and respected member of this team.' Highlighting Lynn's potential, deputy team principal Claire Williams said: 'As a British team we are always on the lookout for emerging home-grown talent and Alex has caught our eye with his impressive performances in GP3. 'He has been chosen on merit, and we are confident alongside Felipe (Massa), Valtteri and Susie (Wolff), Alex will help play an important role in making sure the FW37 shows continuous improvement over the course of the 2015 season.' | British youngster Alex Lynn won GP3 last season . This season, the 21-year-old will race in GP2 . And Williams have also handed Lynn a role as their development driver . | b1998bbf9fbd874e6ffb621d8e59484f3d5aa46b |
As he worked the room at a swanky cocktail party for the great and the good in Colorado over the weekend, Prince Harry was handed a glass of Pimm’s by a waiter. Eyeing his drink, a smiling Harry innocently told a fellow guest: ‘I didn’t realise you had Pimm’s in America.’ Quick as a flash, his principal private secretary, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, moved in and spirited the glass away. It was a telling vignette. Having a ball: Prince Harry plays volleyball at the opening of the Warrior Games in Colorado Springs . Down and out: Harry was playing for the UK against an American team . Grinning and winning: Harry's easy laughter has wowed America . With those naked pictures of Harry in Las Vegas – taken during a drunken game of strip billiards – still fresh in the memory, courtiers are anxious that he jettisons his ‘party prince’ image on his current week-long official tour of America. Being photographed clutching a glass of alcohol does not sit well with this picture of the new, mature Harry. No wonder, perhaps, one stateside newspaper has cheekily christened the trip ‘The Rehab Tour’. In truth, however, Harry seems to be doing a perfectly good job of charming the pants off America without the help of his royal image-makers. Already, the 28-year-old prince has managed to turn First Lady Michelle Obama – who Harry privately describes as ‘a very cool lady’ – into something resembling a giggling teenager during a hugely successful visit to the White House. Meanwhile, amid scenes of pop star-like hysteria, the world’s most eligible bachelor was greeted by 500 screaming girls when he paid a visit to the Senate in Washington for an event to publicise the HALO Trust, the landmine charity supported by his late mother Princess Diana. The prince has also won many admirers across the pond for his quiet dignity during a sombre wreath-laying ceremony at the Arlington military cemetery. Home turf: Prince Harry said he would like to see the Warrior Games come to Britain . Sell-out: The young royal believes the Games would fill an 80,000 capacity stadium . He was similarly impressive as, in his combat fatigues, he displayed the genuine empathy and warmth that comes so naturally to him when meeting severely injured servicemen at a rehabilitation centre in Maryland. Later, he gamely got stuck in during a game of volleyball with wounded soldiers at the Warrior Games, a sports event for injured servicemen in Colorado Springs. Prince Harry found himself sitting on the floor during the match, before being chased Benny Hill-style round the court by US Olympic gold medal-winning beach volleyballer Misty May-Treanor. Army medic Stacey Byrne, 26, who was injured in Afghanistan in 2007, said: ‘It was a good first effort, but it would have been better if he had stayed on his bum for longer. Caring: Prince Harry displayed genuine empathy for the wounded soldiers he met . ‘It would be great if he could take it up as a sport.’ Harry called for the Warrior Games to be brought to Britain and said he couldn’t think of a better use for the Olympic Stadium in London. He said: ‘I only hope in the future, the near future, we can bring the Warrior Games to Britain and continue to enlarge this fantastic cause. ‘I don’t see how it wouldn’t be possible to fill a stadium with 80,000 people, not to watch Olympics, not to watch Paralympics, but to watch wounded servicemen fight it out amongst each other – not on a battlefield but in a stadium.’ Tomorrow, Harry is due to ride into New York on an iconic Routemaster London bus to plug a British government drive to promote Britain as a place to live, work and, above all, invest in. And a planned polo match featuring Harry this Wednesday in wealthy Greenwich, Connecticut – hosted by billionaire Peter Brant and his supermodel wife Stephanie Seymour in aid of the prince’s African charity – has become the hottest ticket for years. All in all, Harrymania has well and truly hit the States. And suddenly his rather childish high-jinks at his £5,000-a-night suite in Sin City last summer seem a long time ago. Could it be that Harry, who had teenage brushes with cannabis, brawls with photographers outside nightclubs and once donned a Nazi outfit for a fancy dress party, is finally growing up? If so, the transformation could hardly come at a more welcome time with the Queen’s recent announcement that she is scaling back on commitments that involve long-haul travel. Privately, Apache helicopter pilot Harry says he expects increasingly to fill his grandmother’s shoes on official trips to foreign shores, though he is adamant he will keep ‘one foot in the Army Air Corps and one foot in the Royal world’. Sir Peter Westmacott, the British ambassador to the US, speaks glowingly about Harry’s maturity and the way he has stepped up to the job this week. And the simple truth is that others in the Royal Family, including his brother William, can only look on with admiration and, occasionally, envy at the apparently effortless way Harry wows everyone from maimed soldiers to titans of big business. Serious competition: Prince Harry was dressed in a UK uniform as he took on the American team . Stiff competition: Prince Harry was playing against U.S. gold medallist Misty Mae-Treanor . The only lingering question is whether Harry’s self-destructive impulses will trip him up again. Certainly, the five-strong team travelling with him on this long-planned trip are rubbing their hands together in glee at its unalloyed success thus far, but there is still the unspoken fear that Harry is never far away from another mishap. Significantly, although Harry publicly professed he let his family down over the naked pictures furore last August, he remains privately unrepentant, complaining that he sees no tension between his growing official role and his insistence on letting his hair down once he is off-duty. And even as he approaches his 30th birthday next year, Harry remains prone to occasional outbursts of petulance that do not sit well with the more mature image his advisers are seeking to foster. A rather ill-tempered television interview after he arrived back from a 20-week tour of duty in Afghanistan in January, in which he moaned that he never wanted to give up being a foot soldier on patrol to fly helicopters, and complained he was ‘gawped’ at by fellow soldiers during mealtimes at Camp Bastion, made him sound spoilt. He also ill-advisedly let slip that he had killed Taliban fighters in his role as a helicopter gunner, raising fears among his advisers that this could make him a terrorist target. Room for improvement: Army medic Stacey Byrne said the royal needs to stay 'on his bum for longer' Wowing the crowds: Prince Harry has gained praise for his ease at talking to injured military and business leaders . Publicity: Prince Harry is promoting his charities during his tour . But increasingly, he is keen to display a more thoughtful image. Harry even proved himself to be a chip off the old block by upbraiding the female chief executive of a renewable energy company at a drinks reception hosted by the British consul in Colorado last week over the ‘visual impact’ of wind farms – a subject long close to the heart of his father Prince Charles, who once branded them ‘a horrendous blot on the landscape’. This trip has been facilitated by Harry’s aide Lowther-Pinkerton, who has spent months planning the tour with the help of Sir David Manning, the former British ambassador to the US, who acts as the Prince’s unpaid adviser on foreign matters after the Queen asked him to throw a protective arm around her errant grandson. But the trip was very much Harry’s idea. It is something of a swansong for Lowther-Pinkerton, a quietly intense man with an occasionally Goonish sense of humour, who is quitting the post to return to work in the private sector and to spend more time with his four young children at home in Suffolk. The highly decorated former SAS soldier will be a sad loss to Harry who views Lowther-Pinkerton as sort of father-confessor. Joining Harry in America this week is Lowther-Pinkerton’s replacement as his Private Secretary, Edward Lane Fox, a former officer in the Blues and Royals who is a distant relative of Baroness Martha Lane Fox, the internet businesswoman; and Harry’s new press secretary, Ed Perkins, who hitherto had the unenviable job as PR man to the gaffe-prone Prince Andrew. Quite patently Harry is a much easier sell than his uncle. Indeed, his polished performance in the States has helped dispel fears, once expressed by senior members of the royal household, that he was going down the ‘Prince Andrew route’ and risked being seen as a rather pointless ‘spare’ to his brother’s ‘heir’. Certainly, this is just the sort of trip, which is partly about boosting British business and investment, that would have gone completely ignored if it had been Andrew rather than Harry pressing the flesh. High five: Prince Harry met Lcpl Maurillia Simpson and British soldiers competing in the Warrior Games . Having a laugh: Prince Harry was relaxed among fellow armed forces veterans . And for all his impetuousness, Harry, who is dating dance student Cressida Bonas, is undoubtedly a breath of fresh air when set against the usual starched formality of the royals on tour. By way of illustrating the point, he is travelling without a valet or equerry and is getting his own clothes ready for his busy list of official functions in America (something his father or, for that matter, Andrew, would find unthinkable). And he flew across the Atlantic on a commercial flight, albeit in the Upper Class section of a Virgin jet. Even so, alongside the genuinely warm welcome he has received across the pond, there are cynical voices in the US media who think the new, responsible Harry is rather too good to be true. The New York Post sniffily asked its readers: ‘Can Dirty Harry really clean up his image?’ He has also unfairly come in for flak for supposedly using his planned visit to victims of Hurricane Sandy in New Jersey tomorrow as a PR ploy. ‘Prince Harry has quite an agenda to clean up his act,’ says Manhattan rebranding expert Leslie Singer. ‘But the US is the global thermometer of what’s in and what’s out. If the Americans love him and can forgive him, then hopefully everyone else will too.’ The only question now for the new responsible Harry is whether he can ride this wave of popularity without shooting himself in the foot again. | Prince Harry competed for Britain in Warrior Games sitting volleyball match . Met wounded veterans in competition for injured servicemen and women . Part of tour around U.S. that has generated 'Harrymania' | fb8e438d7cc34c410aafa64715229b9f2bbc8039 |
Bernie Ecclestone believes one of his most trusted female aides could succeed him as Formula One supremo, almost a decade on from suggesting a woman's place was in the kitchen rather than a race track. Sacha Woodward-Hill is a name relatively unknown to those outside of Ecclestone's plush Knightsbridge offices from where many of his deals have been done over the years. But as chief legal officer she has steered the 84-year-old through numerous trouble spots and court cases, including his bribery trial in Munich earlier this year, and is as dedicated a right hand as anyone could be. Sacha Woodward-Hill is one of Bernie Ecclestone's most trusted aides . It is understood Woodward-Hill holds 17 directorships in F1-connected businesses so understands its workings as well as Ecclestone himself, and in that sense appears the perfect fit. It is also believed she has a good rapport with Donald Mackenzie, the co-chairman of private equity firm CVC Capital Partners, F1's primary shareholders. Asked directly about Woodward-Hill at an end-of-season briefing, Ecclestone said: 'The people here (in Knightsbridge) would be able to easily follow through what we have put in place. Formula One supremo Ecclestone has been troubled by legal fights and court cases . LYDIA NSEKERA . The Burundi FA president last year became the first woman elected to FIFA's Executive Committee, winning the vote ahead of Australia's Moya Dodd and Sonia Bien-Aime of the Turks and Caicos Islands - they also joined the committee on a one-year basis as 'co-opted members for special tasks'. DEBBIE JEVANS . Jevans was a key figure in London's bid to host the 2012 Olympics and was installed as director of sport for the dual event, the first woman to hold such a post. It was such a success that Jevans was appointed chief executive officer of the 2015 Rugby World Cup - another first for a female administrator. LESA FRANCE KENNEDY . The granddaughter of NASCAR founder Bill France, the 44-year-old is president of International Speedway Corp, which owns and operates several tracks used in the series. She is also a member of the NASCAR board of directors and in 2009 was named as Forbes' most powerful woman in sports. MONISHA KALTENBORN AND CLAIRE WILLIAMS . Within Ecclestone's own sport, Indian-born Kaltenborn was Formula One's first female team principal when she succeeded former Sauber chief Peter Sauber in October 2012, and has been an outspoken voice in the discussion over the future of some of the lesser marques. Claire Williams was promoted to deputy team principal of Williams in 2013. HEATHER RABBATTS . Millwall's executive deputy chair was the FA's first female board member. The Jamaica-born barrister was critical of the all-white, all-male make-up of the FA Commission, which later added former England defender Rio Ferdinand to its ranks, and she also chairs the governing body's inclusion advisory board. KARREN BRADY . Brady was just 23 when she was appointed as managing director of Birmingham City in 1993 and then moved along with club co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold when they took over West Ham in 2010. She was central to the club securing the future use of London's Olympic Stadium. MARINA GRANOVSKAIA . Roman Abramovich's long-serving associate is an influential figure at Chelsea and has been heavily involved in the signings of Fernando Torres, Diego Costa and the returning Didier Drogba, as well as the return of Jose Mourinho as manager. 'Perhaps if I controlled the board I would probably say it wouldn't be a bad idea to have a woman being the chief executive. 'If I died there are enough people in the company who could continue running it the way we have set things up. 'Would they (CVC) want a front guy? Particularly if they run an IPO (float the sport on the Stock Exchange) then the City would want to see someone I suppose and the right person would come along.' It is all a far cry to his comments in 2005 shortly after the United States' top female motorsports star Danica Patrick had just finished fourth in the Indianapolis 500. Ecclestone remarked at the time: 'You know I've got one of those wonderful ideas... women should be dressed in white like all the other domestic appliances.' He could hardly say the same about Woodward-Hill, who helped prepare him for his trial in Germany where he could have been jailed for 10 years if found guilty. Ecclestone took advantage of local legislation to buy his way out of the case midway through at a cost of £60million. Assessing the past 12 months, Ecclestone added: 'I would say it's been difficult. 'Certain stages of the year have not been as easy as they could have, but I've not been distracted. I have been able to keep my focus.' After relinquishing numerous board positions to concentrate on the case, as of Monday this week Ecclestone was reinstated. As far as Ecclestone is concerned, he still has plenty to offer as he said: 'I'm happy here as long as the board are happy. 'When I think I can't deliver any longer I shall retire, but I'm not at that stage, not at the moment. 'I still enjoy what I do. The good thing is every day I get up and I never know what is going to happen. It keeps me on my toes.' Asked as to whether he felt he was still needed, Ecclestone replied: 'I've a little bit of experience. 'I'm in a good position with people who trust me, rely on me, I shake hands with them and they don't need a contract. They know that's it, the end of it. 'The only thing is it takes an awful long time to develop that sort of reputation, and whoever does what I do it will take an awful long time for them to achieve that I suppose.' A fresh face Ecclestone will have to contend with is a new chairman of F1 with former Nestle CEO Peter Brabeck-Letmathe due to step down because of ill health. Paul Walsh, former CEO of one of the world's largest spirits manufacturers Diageo, is poised to take up the reins. | Sacha Woodward-Hill is Formula One's chief legal officer . She represented Bernie Ecclestone at his bribery trail earlier this year . Woodward-Hill holds 17 directorships in F1-connected businesses . Ecclestone: 'Having a woman as chief executive wouldn't be a bad idea' | 73b00fcff0d765b988b053d655ef607265ea684c |
By . Claire Bates . PUBLISHED: . 10:56 EST, 9 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:56 EST, 9 July 2012 . A mother who developed cervical cancer and was left infertile after her smear test results were misread twice has been awarded £50,000 compensation. Claire Millward, 37, had two smear tests where pre-cancerous cells were present. However, she wasn't called for follow-up appointments on either occasion. Mrs Millward continued for the next four years thinking she was healthy but was horrified to be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2009. By this stage it was too late to save her womb and she had to have a radical hysterectomy. Claire Millward, pictured with her son Jamie. She went for regular smear tests but developed cervical cancer after they were misread . The life-saving surgery was a success, but left the mother-of-one unable to have any more children. Northampton General Hospital has now admitted that the smear tests were not read properly and an independent medical expert said Claire’s cancer could have been prevented. Claire, a letting agent, said: 'If they had spotted the cancer earlier I would not have lost my womb and could have more children now. 'We wanted a big family and we were actually trying for another child when the cancer came. 'Basically the negligence of some people has had a dramatic effect on my life. I want to ensure that no-one else has to go through this.' Mrs Millward, who lives with her husband Carl, 43, and son Jamie, eight, in Northampton, had two smear tests at Northampton General Hospital in 2003 and 2005. The first test showed borderline changes, the second should have been read as abnormal and both should have resulted in follow-up appointments. Claire had another smear test in 2008 that again came back negative, but she felt something was wrong. She had been told by the hospital she couldn't have another until September 2009, but got one at her doctors in February. Mrs Millward, who wanted a bigger family, was awarded £50,000 compensation after she had to have a hysterectomy . Luckily doctors caught her cervical cancer in time to save her life, but Claire had to endure an emergency radical hysterectomy, including lymph node removal, in March 2009 leaving her infertile. She said: 'I burst into tears when I found out I had cancer. 'But the most scary thought ever is what could have happened if I had not asked for another test. I don’t know what made me push for a test so much, but I am so glad I did. 'The independent medical expert said if I had waited until September to have treatement I would have been dead as the tumours were growing.' An independent cytopathologist who reviewed Claire’s case said if the abnormal cells had been picked up on her 2003 or 2005 scans she could have been treated with a cone biopsey and she would have kept her womb. Claire’s solicitor Neil Clayton, from Harvey Ingram, said: 'Claire’s 2003 smear showed borderline changes and should have resulted in a colposcopy referral for a detailed investigation. 'Her 2005 smear result was abnormal, again showing glandular neoplasia, and Claire should have had an urgent colposcopy referal. 'Our independent cytopathologist said they should have done a cone biopsey to remove the abnormal, pre-cancerous, cells if the tests had been read correctly. 'If they had read the results right in first place she would not have gone on to develop the cancer and avoided the hysterectomy.' A spokesman for Northampton General Hospital said they were truly sorry for their errors . He added: 'The lesson for hospitals is to be very careful to keep on top of results and ensure there are regular audits.' Northampton General Hospital have now sent Claire a letter of apology and reviewed its policy. A hospital spokesman said: 'We accept that, regrettably, those smears were incorrectly reported and that this may have contributed to a delayed diagnosis of glandular neoplasia (abnormalities of glandular cells). 'We are truly sorry for those errors. We carry out thousands of cervical smear tests annually, and we would like to reassure all our patients that this is a most exceptional case. 'We are determined to learn from it and we have reviewed our procedures to ensure there is no recurrence of the failings experienced by Mrs Millward.' | Mrs Millward insisted on another smear test seven months earlier than her appointment, saving her own life according to a medical expert . | de42da1e35ab04a8d51921de7ee9a0ea77228dbc |
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- "You break it, you buy it..." Clark Howard says shoppers may save money if they keep their hands off the merchandise. "Look, but don't touch..." "Keep your hands to yourself..." Three tired platitudes you might hear in the world of retail that all suggest a direct connection between the power of touch and the act of buying something. Now a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research confirms what many have long believed, when you touch something in a store, you feel a sense of ownership and you're more likely to overpay for that item. That's why retailers like Apple always encourage you to play with the merchandise. First and foremost, the Journal of Consumer Research study presents a real caveat emptor for your wallet during a recession. And second, it confirms that I have the reading habits of a really dull guy! Hear a few interesting tips for saving money at the grocery store » . The warning for you is that if you don't want to spend money, don't go out and handle the merchandise. Whenever I shop at Costco Wholesale, I never get a cart. I only buy what I can carry in my two arms. Once my arms are full, I'm not constantly picking up new items along the way to the register. You'd be surprised how you can cut down on your bill using this simple trick. But there's a further caution in the study. Even window shopping or browsing online can prove dangerous for your budget. The study's authors talk about the power of visualization. They suggest that if e-tailers can get you to picture yourself owning something -- even if you really can't afford it -- they have a better chance of converting you into an online sale. The question of why people spend money in ways that don't make sense is one that's addressed by behavioral economics. It's a field of study that used to be discredited in serious academic circles. But now it's proving to be an important discipline as people look for new ways to save more and spend less. A 2008 study in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that about 1 in 16 Americans -- that's some 6 percent of us -- have compulsive spending habits. This kind of behavior leads to a momentary rush of adrenaline, but afterward comes the financial hangover. Christa, my radio show's executive producer, has done a lot in her life to take control of her wayward spending habits. She believes that if you're always buying new clothes, for example, you disrespect the things you already have in your closet. When the shopping bug bites you, try paying attention to the stuff you've already acquired in your life. Speaking of closets, I once owned a house built in 1937. The master bedroom's sole closet was all of 2 x 1.5 feet in dimension! During those Great Depression years, that was big enough for a middle-class husband and wife. Today, a closet of that size would never work. Some people have so much clothing that they can go for months without wearing the same thing. So the best way to tackle compulsive spending is with shock therapy -- you've got to ban yourself from stores! Let's say you're prone to go on a shopping binge when you feel blue. You've got to make sure you don't even get into the car to go to the store or the mall. Go for a walk or go to the park if it's a nice day. If you have a conditioned response that's bad for you, you've got to work to change it. And the next time you're tempted to pick something up while shopping, remember the study in the Journal of Consumer Research. Or if that's too pointy-headed for you, just start humming the refrain from that old song by the Georgia Satellites: "Don't hand me no lines and keep your hands to yourself!" | Research says if you touch an item in a store, you are more likely to overpay for it . People form emotional attachments with merchandise . To save money, identify and avoid your emotional shopping habits . Find many more money-saving tips at CNN.com/ClarkHoward . | ec1fa880f9f1ae6c7faf04a83e69555c8cd3726c |
By . Alex Sharp for MailOnline . Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has confessed he was unaware he was part-owned by two investment firms. Both Doyen Sports Investments (DSI) and Robi Plus Ltd (RPL) owned a percentage of Mangala whilst at Porto before his £32million summer transfer to the Etihad. Doyen Sports is an investment fund supported by a collection of wealthy but anonymous businessmen speculating on the purchase of footballers to make money. VIDEO Scroll down for Eliaquim Mangala scores with cheeky back heel volley . Clueless: The France international was unaware two investment firms had ownership rights over him at Porto . Instead of buying up players’ economic rights, as with other third-party ownership schemes, Doyen loan money to clubs to assist in transfers of notable targets who would otherwise be unaffordable. DSI claimed a third of the France international’s transfer fee to Manchester City having assisted Porto with his move in 2011. Asked about DSI’s involvement, Mangala incredibly revealed to the Sun: ‘I didn’t know about it. I wasn’t in the loop. I learnt about it from the media. I wasn’t consulted before.’ New signing: France international defender Eliaquim Mangala is yet to make his debut for Manchester City . Furthermore, it has been revealed RPL owned an additional 10 per cent and asked whether he knew, Mangala said ‘No, not at all.’ Speaking on France 2’s Cash Investigation Programme, Mangala didn’t seem too concerned and said: ‘In effect, we are financial products. You have to be realistic. We bring value to that enterprise. ‘Each of us has a market value which can go up or go down according to performance.’ Working hard: The former Porto defender is training hard in order to reach match fitness to make his City debut . | Manchester City signed Eliaquim Mangala for £32m from Porto this summer . Mangala is the most expensive defender in the Premier League . The 23-year-old has yet to make his debut for Manuel Pellegrini's side . Mangala was unaware he was part-owned by two investment firms at Porto . | 610f07f314ffe958d14183545733434fe9b93c97 |
By . Jenny Awford for MailOnline . Shakira performs at the 62nd annual BMI Pop Awards at the Regent Beverly Wilshire in California. Her hit song 'Loca' broke copyright rules according to a New York judge . A hit song performed by pop star Shakira was copied from another songwriter's work, a New York judge has found. Shakira's Spanish-language version of Loca, released in 2010, infringed a song by Dominican singer Ramon Arias Vazquez, according to Judge Alvin Hellerstein. The song went on to sell more than five million copies and topped Billboard Magazine's Latin charts. It was a collaboration with Dominican rapper Eduard Edwin Bello Pou, known as El Cata – and was widely released as a single around the world. In a ruling on Tuesday, Judge Hellerstein said that the hit single had been based on an earlier version of a song recorded by Bello, El Cata, which had been copied from Arias Vasquez's original song. 'There is no dispute that Shakira's version of the song was based on Bello's version,' wrote the judge in his ruling. 'Accordingly, I find that, since Bello had copied Arias, whoever wrote Shakira's version of the song also indirectly copied Arias,' he concluded. Ramon Arias Vazquez penned his song Loca con su Tiguere in the 1990s, but Bello denied copying it. Vasquez says he wrote and recorded the song after his sister had been caught up in a love triangle between a wealthy man and her boyfriend, a 'Tiguere' — Dominican slang for 'street tough'. The singer-songwriter said he performed the song for rapper Bello in 2006 or 2007 when they met outside a rehearsal studio in the hope that he would record it. Loca was a collaboration with Dominican rapper Eduard Edwin Bello Pou, known as El Cata, and he is thought to have stolen the song from Ramon Arias Vazquez . But Bello claimed the song as his own. He later took the song to Shakira, who reworked it with him and rapper Pitbull, and put it out on her 2010 album 'Sale el Sol.' Shakira's song was distributed by Sony in both Spanish and English, but the copyright lawsuit mainly focused on the Spanish version. The English language version of Loca - which featured Dizzee Rascal - was 'not offered into evidence' at the trial. Neither version of Loca was released as a single in the UK. Damages have not yet been determined for the plaintiff, Mayimba Music, which holds the rights to Arias' work. The Colombian singer performed at the World Cup closing ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. Eduard Edwin Bello Pou, known as El Cata, collaborated on Shakira's song 'Loca'. But a New York judge has ruled that he copied the song from Ramon Arias Vazquez . Damages have not yet been determined for Mayimba Music which holds the rights to Vazquez's work . | Shakira's hit single 'Loca' was indirectly copied from another songwriter . The Spanish-language version infringed a song by Ramon Arias Vazquez . Rapper Eduard 'Bello' Pou, known as El Cata, stole the song, says judge . He took the song to Shakira and it sold more than five million copies . Damages have not yet been decided by Judge Alvin Hellerstein . | ea6f32bffbbafcc5a2f36e1896b9e23d5d63ebdf |
By . Helen Weathers . Last updated at 10:13 AM on 27th October 2011 . Alex Hall: 'Haunted by Clarkson's fame for 20 years' Glamorous entrepreneur Alex Hall likes to describe herself as the wife who was ‘airbrushed’ out of Jeremy Clarkson’s life. There is no mention of her in the outspoken Top Gear star’s Who’s Who entry; not even a paragraph devoted to their brief 1989 marriage in his autobiography. In interviews, there is barely a mention of Wife Number One; only effusive praise for his second wife and manager Francie, mother to their three children. One can only ask: Why? Even though it was Alex who left Clarkson – long before he became a global celebrity – because, she told friends, he was a ‘lazy and opinionated slob’ who smoked heavily and ‘smelt of an ashtray’, his growing fame has seemingly cast a long shadow over her life ever since. ‘I have been haunted by his fame for the past 20 years,’ she told friends. ‘It is not easy when your ex suddenly becomes famous and is in the papers all the time. I am constantly reminded of him.’ She hinted that she regretted leaving Clarkson for one of his friends, and spoke of the difficulties to her second marriage caused by Clarkson’s fame and popularity. She spoke of an enduring friendship with her famous ex. Was this what Jeremy Clarkson was so worried about? It would certainly seem so. For we can now report that Alex Hall is claiming that far from divorce spelling the end of their relationship, it continued after Clarkson’s marriage to Francie. He denies the claims. Already dogged by rumours of infidelity, and then to be accused of conducting an affair with Wife Number One behind the back of Wife Number Two, it is perhaps not surprising that Clarkson fled to the High Court to suppress the claims with a super-injunction. It is perhaps no surprise either that Alex Hall might wish to tell her own life story, staking her rightful place in the colourful Jeremy Clarkson saga which he has – until yesterday – sought to suppress. Indeed, he reportedly produced evidence accusing her of trying to blackmail him when she told him of her plans by telephone. The super-injunction slapped on Alex last year meant she could go to jail just for talking about her relationship with Clarkson, despite the fact that she insisted hers was no ‘kiss and tell’, but a cathartic exercise. So who is Alex Hall, the first wife who effectively became a non-person after she walked out of Clarkson’s life? Who is this shadowy woman whose voice was silenced when she tried to drift back into Clarkson’s starry orbit and claim her place in his turbulent personal history? Convent-educated Alexandra James was 17 when she met Doncaster-born Clarkson; the public-school-educated son of a teacher and travelling salesman. He was three years her senior and although he was already opinionated and outspoken, Alex never imagined her mop-headed boyfriend might one day become famous. VERY close colleagues: With Phillipa Sage in Australia, left, and with long-suffering wife Francie, right . At just 19, Alex first revealed her entrepreneurial spirit when she set up her own company offering flexible secretarial services, which boasted three offices. Sharing a one-bedroom flat, she and Jeremy married seven years after they first met. It seems she did not consider him too much of a catch. Alex complained to friends that, apart from constantly stinking of cigarettes, he always wanted to be the centre of attention and when he was about, no one could get a word in edgeways. Even back then, she has told friends, he was ‘too big for his boots’ and didn’t care much who he upset. His presence was all-dominating. But intellectually he was very fast on his feet and woe betide anyone who couldn’t keep up. They had been married for less than two years when Alex claims she left Jeremy Clarkson for one of his friends, concluding that their relationship had become more like that of ‘brother and sister’ than husband and wife. Doorway clinch: Clarkson with Elaine Bedell . Clarkson, who had done four shows for Top Gear when Alex left him, was – according to his ex-wife – distraught. She claims he cut up all her clothes and lost five stone in weight. Alex went on to marry Stephen Hall, with whom she later had two children. The year was 1993; the same year that Jeremy Clarkson married Francie, his second wife; the woman he credits with shaping his fledgling TV career into what it is today. In interviews, Clarkson has spoken of how it was high-flying businesswoman Francie who was the driving force in their relationship. ‘Francie was keeping me,’ Clarkson has said of their early years. ‘We were living in her flat and I was up to my ears in debt. I didn’t tell her how bad my finances were or how I was so hideously overdrawn.’ Alex claims it is she who introduced Francie to Clarkson. The two women were apparently friends and Francie is believed to have attended the couple’s wedding. Consumed with guilt over leaving Jeremy, she has told some friends she was instrumental in getting them together. Furthermore, Alex has suggested privately that she believes it was Jeremy’s heartbreak over losing her that was the real force behind his later success, shaking up his life and giving him extra drive. She told another friend that she was the only person who had ‘ever broken his heart’. With the passage of time, and a second failed marriage under her belt, she can’t help wonder what might have been if she had stuck with Jeremy. Alex sold her secretarial company when she became a mother, at the age of 27. When she later separated from her second husband in 2001, she worked as a barmaid to help support her two children before launching her own company The Big O – selling packaged premium olives to bars. Alex claims that she and Jeremy have remained friends over the years, but that her friendship with Francie has petered out. Alex has told confidantes that she feels Francie might feel threatened by her status as Wife Number One. Certainly, long-suffering Francie had more than just a few reasons to look grim in April when the family’s holiday to a luxury tropical resort descended into chilly silences, after Clarkson was accused of having an affair with a younger woman. The Clarksons had just arrived in Barbados when the story broke that the Top Gear presenter was allegedly having an affair with Phillipa Sage, a 42-year-old events organiser who had been among the entourage of Clarkson’s International Top Gear Live Show. What people didn’t know, however, was that while Francie was having to deal with claims that Miss Sage spent nights with Clarkson as he travelled around Australia, South Africa and Norway, the pair sharing glasses of white wine together snuggled up under a blanket, she was also dealing with the controversy over the injunction her husband was using to silence his first wife. This was not the first time Clarkson had been in trouble either. Back in 2002, a red-top tabloid reported that the presenter had been seen passionately kissing television producer Elaine Bedell in a car and the pair were photographed cuddling in a doorway. So, knowing that Wife Number One was keen to write her life story – possibly warts and all – must have been a further weight on Francie’s shoulders. One she could not breathe a word about because of the super-injunction. On their return to Britain, Clarkson moved into a London flat – although Francie insisted they had not split up, and that he would be returning to the family home in the Cotswolds. And all the while, Alex Hall had to remain silent, alone with her thoughts on her ex-husband Jeremy Clarkson and quietly fuming at the seeming injustice of it all. With the super-injunction lifted, the first Mrs Jeremy Clarkson has her voice back. She is said to be considering writing a book. But what exactly does she intend to say and what on Earth will the second Mrs Clarkson make of it all? Last night Clarkson laughed at suggestions that he cut up Alex’s clothes and lost five stone after she left him. He said: ‘I beg of you, please print all those things. I so want my friends to read that because they do need cheering up.’ | Alex Hall left Clarkson long before he became a global celebrity . She says: 'I've been haunted by his fame for the past 20 years' | ce062de80d8b91f0acf1081e1a85bfa7b898c6c6 |
A Slovenian designer has created a range of hand crafted pinhole cameras carved out of chestnut and maple wood and held together using just magnets. The Ondu cameras come in six different dimensions and film sizes ranging from the Leica 135 format to the 4"x5" film holder camera. They were created by Elvis Halilovic and his brother Benjamin in a design studio just outside Velenje in Slovenia. Scroll down for video . A Slovenian designer has created a range of pinhole cameras carved out of chestnut and maple wood. The Ondu cameras are held together by magnets and come in six different dimensions and film sizes ranging from Leica 135 format to the 4"x5" film holder camera, pictured . Prices for the Ondu cameras start at £46 for the 135 Pocket Pinhole, pictured. It is the brainchild of photographer Elvis Halilovi¿ who makes the cameras in a design studio in Velenje, Slovenia. The project was funded through a Kickstarter campaign . A pinhole camera is a camera without a lens. It has a small hole in one side that acts as an aperture to let in light. When . you point the camera at an object, light from the object travels through the hole and projects an inverted . image on the film along the opposite side of the box. This technique is similar to how eyes see and process images. The smaller the hole, the sharper the image, yet the dimmer it will appear. A pinhole camera's shutter is manually operated by a flap of card, for example. Halilovic makes all the wooden parts . of the cameras himself but some parts, like the pins that rewind the . film, and the pinhole require precise CNC machining. There's . only one screw in the design and the winding pins and backplate are . held in place with neodymium magnets that have a pulling force of about . 0.5 kg a piece. Prices start at £46 and the project was funded through a Kickstarter campaign that raised more than 10 times its target. He launched the Kickstarter campaign in May and raised more than £72,000 - from a target of just £6,500. Halilovic said: 'In pinhole photography we use small . tiny pinhole-sized aperture which we drill with a precision drill, that . lets light through to the same material. The wooden pinhole camera from Ondu on the work-bench at the company's design studio in Lopatnik village near Velenje in Slovenia. Founder of Ondu, Elvis Halilovic used crowdsourcing website Kickstarter to achieve the funding needed to turn his hobby into a business . 'And, because it has such a high . aperture, this tiny hole, it produces unique images that no other kind . of photographic camera can achieve.' 'When you take a picture with a pinhole . camera not only the photographer is involved, but also the subject. 'Because exposing images with this kind of cameras takes a little bit . longer than just taking a snapshot, so the people that get photographed . with these cameras get away with an experience.' Each of the Ondu cameras are carved by hand in a workshop by designer Halilovic and his brother Benjamin. Halilovic claims he can make about 100 cameras a week . Film is loaded inside each model and a single metal screw holds the shutter in place. The smallest camera in the Ondu range is the 135 Pocket Pinhole camera that costs £46. It has a pinhole size of 0.20 mm, a focal length of 25mm, and comes with a standard tripod mount. The 135 Panoramic Pinhole costs £60 and shoots Leica format in 36mm x 24mm or panoramic double frames at 72mm x 24mm image. It also has a 0.20mm pinhole size and 25mm focal length with an added field of view of 113° for panoramic shots. Film is loaded inside each Ondu camera model and a single metal screw holds the shutter in place. The back of each camera is attached using small magnets . Elvis Halilovic uses a wooden pinhole camera to take photo in Lopatnik village near Velenje, in Slovenia. The cameras, made from walnut and maple, come in six formats and range in price from £60 for a 135 format to £132 for a slidebox that holds the paper in place . Ondu's 6x6 Pocket Pinhole costs £73 and uses 120 format film which makes the negatives 56mm x 56mm and has a 115° angle of view. Ondu's 6x12 Multiformat camera can take 6x6, 6x9, and 6x12 images and costs £92. Halilovic claims the cameras produce similar looking results as the 135 Panoramic but with 'much greater clarity', thanks to the 120roll film. The camera has a pinhole size of 0.30 mm, a focal length of 40 mm and a standard tripod mount. For £106 photographers can buy a standard 4" x 5" film holder that is secured onto the back of any of the other cameras with magnets. Elvis Halilovic poses as a wooden pinhole camera is used to take his photo at the Ondu design and fabrication studio in Lopatnik village, Velenje. Each of the six Ondu models comes with a standard tripod mount, pictured . This picture is the image taken using the Ondu camera of designer Halilovic in his studio. A pinhole camera is a camera without a lens. It has a small hole in one side that acts as an aperture to let in light. When you point the camera at an object, light from the object travels through the hole and projects an inverted image on the film . This camera has a 0.30 mm pinhole, a focal length of 60 mm and a standard tripod mount. The most expensive camera in the range costs £132 and is made with two sliding boxes that hold the paper in place for the exposure. This means an image is produced before the camera film is developed into a darkroom, or before the paper in the changing bag is removed. It uses a paper format of 10,5 x 14,8cm, has a 0.3 mm pinhole and a 50 mm focal length. Halilovis said: 'Nowadays, most of us own a camera and taking a picture has become such an everyday occurrence that we don't take notice anymore. 'Well, pinhole photography changes that. 'Suddenly, you remember what you were doing on the day you took the picture in detail, who approached you to ask about your camera, how you took the shot, and how you felt when you developed the film - all the things missing in today's photography.' Halilovic makes all the wooden parts of the cameras himself but some parts, like the pins that rewind the film, and the pinhole require precise CNC machining. There's only one screw in the design and the winding pins and backplate are held in place with neodymium magnets that have a pulling force of about 0.5 kg a piece . | The Ondu cameras are carved out of chestnut and maple wood . Slovenian designer created them using funding from Kickstarter . More than 100 cameras are handcrafted in a workshop each week . | 6f4861efda451d05d7c82b1f12d3ac585749f48f |
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