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84,740 | f067ac622763a832662a6bd5d697d3ad72c64a7c | By . Snejana Farberov . Family man: Charles Davis, 41, who had served 15 years in prison for a murder, shot dead his estranged wife and her 20-year-old son before turning the gun on himself . A Florida woman and her 20-year-old son have been gunned down by the mother's third husband, who then turned the gun on himself after sparing the life of his teenage stepdaughter. Police in northwest Miami-Dade believe that 41-year-old Charles Davis opened fire on 44-year-old Valerie Davis and her son, Jeffrey Eskridge Jr, at around 3am Tuesday inside their home on 55th Court Street. When officers arrived on the scene, they forced their way inside the residence and discovered the bodies of the parents and the son. Jeffrey Eskridge Sr, the biological father of the 20-year-old victim, told the station WSVN that just before 3.30am he got a frantic call from his 16-year-old daughter, Tyria Poole, telling him that her stepfather had shot dead her family before ending his own life in front of her. Tyria was at home as the bloody tragedy played out and hid in the closet. Charles Davis eventually found her, but according to her father, he told the teenage girl that he loved her too much to kill her. Scroll down for video . Victims: Valerie Davis, 44 (left), and her 20-year-old son, Jeffrey Eskridge Jr (right), were discovered shot to death in their Miami home early Tuesday morning . Behind closed doors: Charles and Valerie Davis split up last week after eight years of marriage, prompting the husband to move out of their home in northwest Miami-Dade . Lone survivor: Tyria Poole, 16, was hiding in a closet when her stepfather shot her mother, brother, and then himself . Mr Eskridge . said that he learned from his daughter that it all started when Charles . and Valerie got into a heated argument in the middle of the night. Mrs Davis' son, Jeffrey, intervened trying to defend his mother, prompting his stepfather to shoot him. Valerie Davis tried to run away and was also shot by her husband of eight years, according to Jeffrey Eskridge Sr. Silver lining: Jeffrey Eskridge Sr said he was proud of his son for trying to protect his mother . The man said he had always known Charles Davis, his ex-wife's third husband, as a pleasant, hardworking family man. But . the 41-year-old husband and father had a dark past, which included . lengthy prison sentences for second-degree murder, robbery with a deadly . weapon and aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. He was released in . 2006 after spending a total of 15 years behind bars. A . week before the double murder-suicide, Valerie and Charles Davis had . separated, and the husband moved out of their home. He returned this . week after convincing the mother of two to have dinner with him. Mr Eskridge said as recently as Monday, he spoke on the phone with his son, who made no mention to him of any problems in their household. ‘I don't know if he snapped or something went wrong,’ he said. The suspected gunman's relatives believe that Mr Davis was upset about his broken marriage . A grieving Mr Eskridge added that it is a small consolation for him knowing that in his last moments, his son tried to protect his mother. ‘He died doing exactly what I would have done and that is protecting his mother. I am proud of him. He went with his Mom, which he probably wanted to do,’ he told CBS Miami. | Police in Miami-Dade County found the bodies of Charles Davis, 41, Valerie Davis, 44, and the woman's 20-year-old son, Jeffrey Eskridge Jr .
Valerie Davis' 16-year-old daughter, Tyria Poole, hid in the closet and was spared by her stepfather .
Mr Davis served 15 years in prison for second-degree murder and was released in 2006 .
Valerie Davis split up with Charles last week after eight years of marriage . |
103,045 | 10d6bd5ffd47cf39452b2448d2da105437ff69fe | If you're planning a New Year new look, how about going abroad for inspiration? Annabel Cole asked four top stylists from around the world to give her a makeover — using clothes bought on the British High Street... Scroll down for video . TRES BORING . Expert’s advice: Parisian stylist Noemie Olivero says the secret to French women’s style is that they follow strict rules. ‘French women know never to wear hemlines above the knee; short skirts make a woman look cheap,’ she says. ‘Flattering navy is the key colour for French women, followed by white, grey and black. Annabel’s verdict: Noemie’s outfit certainly follows her all-important rules. But while this might all be the height of good taste, blimey, is it boring! 2/5 . Coat, £49, Vero Moda at Houseoffraser.co.uk . Top, £95, Reiss.com . Teal trousers, £45, Betty Jackson at Debenhams.com . Glitter courts, £198, lucychoilondon.com . Chain detail bag, £39.99, Zara.com . SEXY SENORITA . Expert’s advice: For Rocio Temboury, a top stylist from Malaga, the key to Spanish dressing is clothes which are figure-hugging and overtly feminine. ‘There is no age barrier to feeling attractive in Spain,’ she says. ‘Spanish women typically like short, fitted jackets; pencil skirts and heels and classic styles. ‘We love bright colours and bold prints.’ Annabel’s verdict: I would normally run a mile from an outfit as loud as this, but I loved it. The fitted jacket and figure-hugging skirt gave me curves I didn’t know I had. Classic — and sexy.’ 4/5 . Jacket, £40, Oasis-stores.com . Top, £34.99, Mango.com . Peplum hem skirt, £39.50, Marksandspencer.com . Shoes, £170, and bag, £185, Lkbennett.com . NO THANKS, YANKS . Expert’s advice: Top stylist Destinie Adelakun says that New York style is cool, calm and confident. ‘The best-dressed women choose clothes which exude relaxed elegance,’ she says. ‘They like tailored suits and soft blouses in muted colours. And they invest in their bodies as much as their wardrobes. Even in middle age, they are not afraid to wear hemlines above the knee or dresses which reveal their upper arms.’ Annabel’s verdict: I like the lower heel, but the dress is too revealing. I’d need to spend several months in the gym first to really pull it off! 3/5 . Monochrome boucle dress, £58, Oasis-stores.com . Heels, £29.99, Zara.com . Suede clutch, £185, Lkbennett.com . OH, BELLISSIMA! Expert’s advice: Sara Calabrese, a celebrity stylist from Rome, describes the quintessential Italian look as ‘flamboyant’, adding: ‘In Italy women like to flaunt their best assets. They choose figure-hugging clothes which accentuate their curves. They have no problem with showing cleavage. And Italian women never look scruffy, so I think this is one reason why they have such a reputation for being stylish.’ Annabel’s verdict: Mamma Mia! This outfit exudes classic filmstar glamour. I can see why, at 50, Monica Bellucci has been chosen to be a Bond girl. 5/5 . Knitted coat, £69, spot dress, £49, and faux fur collar, £25, Phase-eight.com . Heels, £195, lucychoilondon.com . | Are you bored of your regular look and want a New Year's update?
How about taking some inspiration from further afield .
Check out these international looks for some inspiration . |
205,283 | 95bf8ab7e933fe3f456dc7204f41bc966ed35a8e | By . Lydia Warren . PUBLISHED: . 11:18 EST, 29 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 15:09 EST, 29 January 2014 . Charla Nash, the woman whose face and hands were ripped off in a brutal chimpanzee attack, has revealed how she is struggling to rebuild her life four years on. In a moving interview, the 60-year-old revealed that she has no independence at her Massachusetts nursing home, where none of her fellow residents come near her. 'Unfortunately, there's not a whole lot I can do,' she told the Boston Herald. 'I've lost so much independence... I could change my own truck tire, and now I can’t even feed myself.' Nash's life forever changed in 2009 when she was attacked by a friend's chimp, Travis, in Stamford, Connecticut. She remembers none of the attack that claimed her eyes, nose, lips and hands. In 2011, she underwent a full face transplant at Brigham and Women’s Hospital - the hospital's third - and was fitted with glass eyes. A hand transplant was unsuccessful. Scroll down for video . Victim: Charla Nash, pictured on Tuesday, lost her eyes, nose, lips and hands in a brutal chimp attack in 2009. She has now spoken out about how she struggles with her loss of independence . Most . recently, she was fitted with teeth that allow her to chew tougher . foods, such as chicken. When she spoke with the Boston Herald, her . speech was intentional and clear. 'It’'s very hard to live. Not even live - . half-live,' Nash said. 'Sometimes you want to cry, you want out, you . want some kind of home. I don't know what my future is, that's the scary . part.' Now her days . consist of listening to audio books and walking the hallways of the . nursing facility. She also practices facial expressions and is slowly . getting used to her new teeth. 'They just made some bottom teeth for me recently,' she said. 'I'm not used to them yet. It's still a little bit of work eating. Saved: She underwent a face transplant in 2011 and was fitted with glass eyes. She recently got a new set of bottom teeth, which she says she is still getting used to . Injuries: She was left with a thumb on one hand and lost the other hand between her wrist and elbow . 'I . can't chew steak. I can chew chicken, it's a little softer. I can chew . pizza. The crust is hard, but the pizza is OK. I'm starting to get back . into eating salads again. That was my favorite, salads.' She . hopes that one day she will be able to live at home instead of a facility. In the nursing . home, she says that the staff and residents keep their distance, perhaps . out of fear. She said that . it's tough that the staff and residents aren't making the situation . easier for her, but that she's determined to get on without their . encouragement. 'I've never been a quitter,' said Nash, who bought up her daughter, Briana, on her own. Violent: Nash, pictured before the attack (right), was attacked by her friend's chimp Travis (left) in 2009 . Life changing: An illustration, left, shows how Nash's face was damaged in the attack - she lost her eyes, nose and lips. But the transplant, right, gave her back these features . Intense: A team of more than 30 physicians, nurses, residents and other clinical staff are pictured at work during the 20 hour procedure at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston . She also hopes to use her story so . that others don't have to face a similar ordeal, and is working with . advocates on a video to encourage stronger laws restricting exotic . animals. She said she never . felt at ease with Travis being locked up in her friend's home. The . friend, Sandra Herold, died of an aneurism in 2010. 'I remember looking at him in his cage and feeling sorry for him,' she said. 'My thoughts were always, "How is she allowed this animal in her house? What if he gets loose someday and somebody gets hurt?" I know the animals are cute - but they're just not pets.' After . the attack, her family sought permission to sue Connecticut for $150 . million for failing to seize the animal before the attack. But . the state claims commissioner died permission, saying that state law . did not prohibit the private ownership of chimpanzees at the time of the . attack. After the transplant: She underwent a face transplant in 2011, pictured, and was given glass eyes . New life: Nash is pictured at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, Connecticut in 2012 . See below for video . | Charla Nash lost her eyes, nose, mouth and hands when she was attacked by a friend's chimpanzee in Connecticut in 2009 .
She has since undergone a face transplant and been fitted with new teeth .
But she struggles with her loss of independence at a Massachusetts nursing home - where the staff and residents keep their distance .
She spends her days listening to audio books, walking the hallways and hoping that one day she will be able to return to a home . |
36,369 | 671d8ca70b48d6460ee1195d9bd99f618fae3c3d | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 20:55 EST, 19 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:55 EST, 19 November 2013 . This tiny koala has spent the past six months tucked up cosy and warm in its mum’s pouch. And as it poked its sleepy head out, the joey seemed reluctant to venture much further into the chill Edinburgh air. Britain’s first-ever joey, which was born at the city’s zoo in May, emerged fully from the pouch of his mother Alinga for the first time at the weekend. This koala, Britain's first-ever joey, emerged fully from the pouch of his mother for the first time this weekend . Alinga, the joey's mother, aged two, became the zoo's first female koala when she arrived in February . Its sex has not yet been determined by its keepers. Zoo spokesman Lorna Hughes said: ‘A lot of people expected the joey to just suddenly appear one day but the process has been more gradual. ‘The first thing we saw was a pink arm poking out, with no fur. Now the whole joey is starting to come out and we can see it has developed a beautiful grey fur coat.’ Born blind with no ears or fur, it has spent the past six months developing in Alinga's pouch. After growing almost all of its fur, the creature recently became active at night and started climbing on its mother's back. Zoo keepers monitored the youngster's late night activity on CCTV but excited zoo visitors were limited to the odd glimpse of a nose or arm. Born blind with no ears or fur, the joey has spent the past six months developing in its mother's pouch . The joey finally emerged in daylight for the first time on Sunday and is now set to be a star attraction at the zoo. Koalas are marsupials native to the southern and eastern coasts of Australia and Edinburgh is the only British zoo housing any. Alinga, aged two, became the zoo's first female koala when she arrived in February. She fell pregnant during her first introduction to male Goonaroo. Koalas are marsupials native to Australia and now Edinburgh is the only British zoo housing any . The zoo's head of living collections, Darren McGarry, said: ‘As koalas are solitary animals, bringing them together for mating required a lot of skill. ‘So for Alinga to breed successfully, on the first attempt is a great accomplishment for the team. ‘We have worked with koalas for eight years now and everybody is completed devoted to their care. ‘Each of our three adult koalas - Alinga, Goonaroo and Yabbra - have very distinct characters and we cannot wait to see what sort of character our little joey has.’ Alinga will carry the joey on her back until it is aged around one. When it reaches sexual maturity at around two, the joey will begin a breeding programme. Alinga, who has been in Edinburgh for just less than a year, will carry the joey on her back until it is aged one . If it is female it may stay at Edinburgh Zoo to breed with male Yabbra. But if it is male it will be moved elsewhere in Europe. Edinburgh Zoo has been part of the European breeding programme for koalas for eight years. Despite being one of Australia's most iconic animals, koala numbers are in decline in the country due to habitat loss. A koala's diet consists solely of Eucalyptus leaves, a plant that is toxic to most other animals. The Edinburgh Zoo koalas receive a wide variety of Eucalyptus species fresh every day. Edinburgh Zoo has been part of the European breeding programme for koalas for eight years . | Britain's first joey emerged fully from pouch of mother Alinga on Sunday .
Born with no ears or fur in May, its sex has not yet been determined .
Creature, living in Edinburgh's zoo, recently became active at night . |
131,266 | 35bea7a2ababdb4383827aceecb78f86341e9bc2 | Health checks will go underway for the Western Australia's freshwater crocodile population in Kimberley ahead of the inevitable arrival of poisonous cane toads to the area. The project is run by the Department of Parks and Wildlife and plans to get a snapshot by capturing more than 100 crocodiles and examining their health at Wingjana Gorge. District nature conservation coordinator Tracy Sonneman told Daily Mail Australia that the main aim is to study the toxic cane toads and what effect it has on the crocodile population. The picture shows the freshwater crocodiles restrained and calm ready to be processed at Windjana Gorge during the study . The Department of Parks and Wildlife staff and volunteers restraining the recently caught crocodiles . 'By marking it now, we will be able to see the crocodiles growth pattern over the next few years and also take caution of the cane toad population,' Ms Sonneman said. 'The research will help us get a grasp of the crocodiles population and we can also gather how many males, females, juveniles and exactly where they're sitting within the parks. 'As part of their diet, crocodiles consume cane toads but it's the poisonous glance from the toads that will usually kill the crocodiles. 'We've got the Bunuba Rangers involved, consultants, volunteers and universities, so we're really amped to be out here doing such an important work. 'The Kimberley Science Conservation Strategy funded the Bunuba Rangers to come out to help us and without them, this research wouldn't have happened. 'It's the first time it's been done in Western Australia.' All volunteers, rangers and department staff involved in the intensive survey along the Lennard River with the largest crocodile caught during the survey . Two departmental employees measuring the length of a crocodile - just one of the many measurements taken . Department of Parks and Wildlife staff and Bunuba rangers with a Freshwater Crocodile along the Lennard River . After they are captured, researchers will fill out a full page of data on each one, with two people holding it down while a third uses a tape measure to gauge length, width and head size. As they are bundled up, their snout, arms and legs will be taped shut and lined up to wait on the shores of the lake for their turn to be examined. Ms Sonneman said the study is a very safe process and assured that the crocodiles will have less stress levels during the procedure. Dr Ruchira Somaweera weighing a freshwater crocodile . A freshwater crocodile was recently released back to the pool in Windjana Gorge National Park . The Kimberley Science Conservation Strategy funded Bunuba Rangers with Parks and Wildlife officer Philip De Bruyn . Chief researcher Ruchira Somaweera told ABC that the Windjana Gorge animals would be used as a test group, to ideally get a few years of cane-toad free data. 'Then we compare the changes in population structure and numbers, to after the cane toads have arrived,' he said. 'We are planning on doing this survey a couple of years before the cane toads arrive, and do recaptures afterwards, so we have a much better idea of which fraction of the population is being impacted.' ABC reports that the Monash University researchers will also extract a blood sample via a needle inserted into the back of the crocodile's head to gather genetic data for a seperate research project. After the survey is completed, the animals will be returned to their gorge waterway, 300km east of Broome. | The study will look at toxic cane toads and what effect it has on the freshwater crocodile population in Western Australia .
The project plans to take a snapshot by capturing more than 100 crocodiles and examining their health at Wingjana Gorge .
Coordinator Tracy Sonneman said the study is a safe process and assured that the animals will have less stress levels during the procedure .
After the survey is completed, the animals will be returned to their gorge waterway . |
253,614 | d440d82cc10ae9d118a5c4beda8503c9aa93dfd4 | A set of fingerprints left on a holiday greeting card in the back of a Florida woman's car have led police to the man accused of kidnapping her Christmas Day and forcing her to withdraw money from ATMs so he could buy drugs. Daniel Palomares, 23, has been charged in the abduction of 22-year-old Olivia Gordon, from Orlando, at a Walgreens pharmacy on December 25. Gordon told police Palomares jumped into the passenger seat of her car after seeing her emerge from Walgreens dressed in a Batman T-shirt and yellow cape, and made it clear to her that he had a gun. Scroll down for video . Busted: Daniel Palomares, 23 (left), has been charged with kidnapping Olivia Gordon, 22 (right) at gunpoint. Fingerprints left on a Christmas card in the victim's car helped police identify Palomares as the culprit . Christmas Day abduction: Gordon was kidnapped upon existing this Walgreen pharmacy in Orlando . Criminal on the prowl: A man believed to be Palomares (seen here in surveillance video) jumped into Gordon's car in the parking lot of the drug store and threatened her with a gun . As she drove away from the drug store parking lot, Palomares emptied her wallet of cash. He found more money inside a Christmas card, which he then unwittingly tossed in the backseat of her car, reported WKMG. Police say the 23-year-old then forced Gordon to take him to Blossom Park Condominiums, where he purchased drugs in front of her. He ordered the woman to take him to the Florida Mall parking lot, where he got high and dozed off. Gordon used the opportunity to try and escape, but Palomares woke up, grabbed her by the shoulders and threatened to shoot her, according to police. Palomares then had his captive drive to a Bank of America to withdraw money from an ATM, followed by a trip to a Wells Fargo bank 12 miles away where she took out even more cash. Thwarted escape: Palomares allegedly bought drugs with the money he had stolen from Gordon and then ordered her to drive to this mall parking lot, where he dozed off. Gordon tried to escape, but her captor awoke . Road trip: Palomares (left) allegedly had the 22-year-old Harley Davidson employee (right) drive to two different ATMs to withdraw cash . Freed: Gordon, pictured in her Batman costume, escaped the ordeal unharmed after Palomares fled . With Gordon's money in hand, Palomares fled when they pulled over on Colonial Drive. The 22-year-old Harley Davidson employee escaped the ordeal unharmed. According to a police report, Gordon later picked Daniel Palomares from a photo lineup, reported WESH-TV. On December 31, Palomares was arrested in connection to an unrelated incident in which he allegedly tried to shoplift a cart full of clothes, a television and a PlayStation 3 from the Super Target near the Mall of Millenia. Another crime: The 23-year-old was arrested December 31 after allegedly trying to shoplift a cart full of items from this Super Target . It's a match: Palomares, pictured in court, was in jail when fingerprint analysis from the Christmas card identified him as the kidnapper . Criminal past: Palomares has a lengthy criminal record, including six counts of grand theft . The 23-year-old was at the Orange County Jail on theft charges when the fingerprints found on Olivia Gordon's Christmas card came back a match this week. Mr Palomares, a car wash employee from Palm Bay, is now facing charges of kidnapping with a firearm and three counts of robbery. Palomares has a lengthy criminal record, including six counts of grand theft and trafficking in stolen property stemming from an arrest last July. He had been placed on probation through July 2019. | Daniel Palomares, 23, charged in abduction of 22-year-old Olivia Gordon in Orlando Christmas Day .
Accused of robbing woman and forcing her at gunpoint to drive to several ATMs to withdraw cash so he could buy drugs .
Palomares was in jail for shoplifting from Super Target on New Year's Eve when fingerprints from Christmas card came back a match . |
164,879 | 613257e8a7539d780c6d6e7c2ca021d8f9f10942 | Atlanta (CNN) -- A controversial -- and potentially pivotal -- call in a one-game playoff Friday night between the Atlanta Braves and St. Louis Cardinals prompted a vehement argument by the Braves' manager and fans to toss debris onto the field. The incident occurred in the eighth inning of the newly introduced wild card baseball postseason game, in which the two teams battled for the right to advance to a National League division series. At the time, St. Louis led Atlanta by a 6-3 score. With one out and runners on first and second base, Braves shortstop Andrelton Simmons skied a pop-up to shallow left field. Amid apparent confusion between two Cardinals' players, the ball dropped -- which could have led to the Braves loading the bases. But instead, an umpire ruled Simmons out, citing the infield fly rule. The rule is traditionally invoked on pop flies in the infield, in order to prevent fielders from letting a ball drop -- in order to get two outs instead of one, had they caught the ball. SI: What is the infield fly rule? Atlanta manager Fredi Gonzalez stormed out of the dugout to protest the call, while angry fans pelted the field with cups, bottles and other debris. After an 18-minute delay, play finally resumed -- with the umpires ruling the call still valid, and the Braves then playing the game under protest. Braves' pinch-hitter Brian McCann then walked before the Cardinals' Jason Motte struck out Michael Bourn to end the inning. After two quick outs in the ninth inning, Atlanta's Chipper Jones -- the team's legendary third baseman who has announced this is his last season -- got on base with an infield hit. Freddie Freeman then rocketed a ground rule double, bringing the tying run to the plate in the form of Dan Uggla. Yet the second baseman ended the game -- and the Braves' season and, with it, Jones' career -- by grounding out to second base. Matthew Bolus, a 19-year-old lifelong Braves fan who had driven all the way from Birmingham, Alabama, for the game, was among those fans who felt cheated by the call. "I feel like I didn't see the game that I was supposed to see," he said. Atlanta fans responded to the final out with more boos, as well as a smattering of more debris flying onto the field. The disgust was interrupted only by a chant of "Chipper," recognizing the end of the fan favorite Jones' career. Chipper Jones' last hurrah . Joe Torre, a former player and manager who is now Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations for Major League Baseball, told reporters later that he talked with umpire crew chief Jeff Kellogg during the long delay. After the game concluded, Torre talked to Gonzalez and Braves General Manager Frank Wren about their protest. During the regular season, teams have 24 hours to file a written protest, after which baseball executives can make a judgment. But Torre said that timetable "just didn't make sense" with the game's victors advancing to the next round of the playoffs starting Sunday, so he decided the matter immediately. "I spoke to them and asked them what (grounds) they were making the protest on," Torre said. "And I ruled, basically, to disallow the protest based on the fact that it's an umpire's judgment call." When asked after the game if he doubted whether he made the right call after the boos and debris started raining down, umpire Sam Holbrook said succinctly, "Absolutely not." With the 6-3 victory, St. Louis advances to play the National League East champion Washington Nationals in the next round of the playoffs. The San Francisco Giants face off against the Cincinnati Reds in the league's other postseason series. Baseball season's final day brings drama . Following the game, Gonzalez criticized what he deemed "a bad call," saying the ball was too far out in the outfield to warrant the infield fly rule. Still, he said he was "a little disappointed" with fans who threw objects on the field and pointed out how the Braves' three errors and inability to drive in more runs also contributed to the loss. "Anybody can have one bad game, anybody can have one bad call go against you," the Atlanta manager said. "It hurts losing ballgames like we did tonight." Torre acknowledged some may understandably disagree with the eighth-inning call. Yet he pointed out that mistakes -- including errors by fielders and strikeouts by hitters -- have been part of baseball for as long as the sport has been around. "I think controversy is part of what we do, because the game is not perfect," Torre said. "That's always been the game." The American League one-game playoff match between the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers did not have the controversy or trash throwing. Baltimore won the game 5-1, continuing the miracle season the team is having. The Orioles will move on to play the New York Yankees on Sunday. One-handed kid meets Chipper Jones . CNN's Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report. | NEW: A baseball executive disallows the Braves' protest of the game, so the result stands .
An umpire makes a controversial call against the Braves in the eighth inning .
Atlanta's manager protests and fan throw debris onto the field .
The Cardinals end up beating the Braves 6-3 to advance in baseball's playoffs . |
91,875 | 022e9b8d5879e9ad8c2c8c9b01eb866bf61e8284 | Richard Percy Jones, who served as the voice of Pinocchio in Disney's 1940 film, died on Monday at age 87. The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office confirmed Jones' death to the Los Angeles Times. Lt. Fred Corral told the paper Jones' wife found him on the floor of the couple's home and called 911. He was dead at the scene. In memoriam: Richard Percy Jones, seen right with Monte Hail in a file photo, died on Monday at age 87. He was the voice of Pinocchio in Disney's 1940 film . Jones, who was sometimes listed as Dick Jones and Dickie Jones, appeared in a number of film and television productions up through 1965. Jones said in Disney biography page that during Pinocchio's audio recording 'Mr. Disney would take an old storyboard drawing, pin it up on a four-by-eight celotex sheet, and start a dart game with me using pushpins. 'He was good at throwing pushpins, underhand, and making them stick with fantastic accuracy. He always won the game.' Many of Jones' credits were Westerns. He appeared on The Lone Ranger television series, and played a sidekick to The Range Rider. Jones was just ten years old when he voiced the role of Pinocchio . Jones also appeared in television episodes for both The Gene Autry Show and Annie Oakley. Jones starred as Buffalo Bill Jr. in the 1955 series of the same name. Jones left acting for real estate, the Times reported. His last film appearance was in the 1965 film Requiem for a Gunfighter. | Richard Percy Jones, who served as the voice of Pinocchio in Disney's 1940 film, died on Monday at age 87 .
Jones, who .
was sometimes listed as Dick Jones and Dickie Jones, appeared in a .
number of film and television productions up through 1965 .
He appeared in many Westerns and starred as Buffalo Bill Jr. in the 1955 series of the same name . |
238,846 | c131372fe72410ea21af9a3fd5450174227947d8 | (CNN) -- House Republicans have been forced to close a potential loophole on their much-touted insider trading law -- a loophole CNN uncovered and reported about last month. Because of CNN's report, the Senate and House passed new legislation Thursday to close the loophole that could have allowed family members of some lawmakers to profit from inside information. Senators who were critical of the loophole after it was unearthed applauded the fix. The STOCK Act, one of the rare bipartisan bills passed this year, was signed by President Barack Obama in April. Obama signs STOCK Act to address 'deficit of trust' in Washington . Lawmakers proclaimed that the bill, officially called the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act, would restore trust in government. It also applied new rules to some employees of the executive branch. But CNN discovered the law that members of Congress thought they voted for earlier this year wasn't exactly as advertised. The STOCK Act requires that any trades of $1,000 or more made on or after July 3 have to be reported to the House and Senate within 45 days. But the House and Senate came out with two completely different interpretations of that rule. In the Senate, the Ethics Committee released one page of guidelines in June ruling that members and their spouses and dependent children all have to file reports after they make stock or securities trades. But the House Ethics Committee disagreed. Its 14-page memo released in June found that House members and aides covered by the law that their spouses and children were not covered. The Office of Government Ethics, which oversees all federal executive branch employees, sided with the House, informing its employees that their spouses and children don't need to file these periodic reports. Both of the lead sponsors of the Senate bill didn't realize the discrepancy until CNN brought it to their attention last month. Massachusetts Republican Scott Brown, the only Republican senator to attend the White House signing ceremony, said he was "obviously very concerned." "Say I find out some information, I tell my wife and she goes and trades on it, what's the difference?" Brown told CNN. Brown, who speaks constantly about this bill in his neck-and-neck race for re-election against consumer advocate Elizabeth Warren, said the whole point of passing the law was to demonstrate that members of Congress weren't held to a different standard. Massachusetts Senate race in a dead heat . "I mean, bottom line, we're supposed to have that level of transparency and have us be treated like every other member of the United States and bottom line, if we can't do it, then -- sorry, if they can't do it -- then we shouldn't be able to do it as well." Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, also criticized the House decision not to include congressional spouses and children when the loophole was brought to her attention. "I think it's wrong, and I think it's unfortunate because the reality is the whole point of this legislation is we should play by the exact same rules as every other American citizen, and when all of America looks at Washington, they know it's broken." "We're trying to restore just a small measure of confidence through this kind of transparency and accountability," Gillibrand said. After CNN told Brown about the House interpretation, Brown fired off a letter to his GOP colleagues in the House, Speaker John Boehner and House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. "The House interpretation leaves a loophole and the appearance of an ongoing double standard," Brown said in the letter. "It is deeply troubling that the House of Representatives and Executive Branch would attempt to operate under a substantially weaker interpretation than the Senate," he added, demanding that the House adopt the Senate's view and require all spouses and dependents to begin reporting stock trades. Why was there a difference? Robert Walker, a Washington ethics attorney and former chief counsel for both the House and Senate Ethics Committees, explained that the Senate bill did include a provision that covered spouses and children, but when Cantor's office wrote the House version, this language was shifted to a different section of the bill. The change meant that spouses and dependent children weren't subject to the new reporting requirements. "The House recrafted some of the provisions of it and moved some of the provisions around. In that process, some of the Senate bill that applied to filing of these new reports was moved from one section of the bill to the other," Walker said. The Senate Ethics Committee decided to stick with the spirit of the law that senators originally intended, but the House Ethics Committee went with the letter of the law, which included the loophole not requiring spouses and children to report financial transactions in a timely fashion. More Congress: No aid for farmers amid drought . Why did it matter? The loophole went to the heart of what the STOCK Act set out to do. While there were already laws in place barring members of Congress or the executive branch from profiting from nonpublic information that they learn in the course of their duties, it was extremely difficult for those at the Securities and Exchange Commission to enforce those laws. The financial disclosure forms House members and senators were already required to file only come out once a year, making it tough to track any relationship between legislative action and a stock trade. That's why the STOCK Act added the rule that after each trade over $1,000 a report had to be filed in a timely manner. Walker stressed the new law provides "more immediacy, more real time so that the public could have more real-time understanding of what their members, of their senior staff and other high government officials were doing with their finances, what kinds of trades were they making." The chairman of the House Ethics Committee, Rep. Jo Bonner, R-Alabama, and the ranking Democrat, U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez of California, defended their committee's interpretation of the law in a written statement to CNN last month. "As has been noted by outside experts, the office of Government Ethics and various House offices of expertise, including the Office of Legislative Counsel and the Office of General Counsel, with whom the Committee consulted, the plain language of the STOCK Act and the Ethics in Government Act is unambiguous and beyond dispute and the Committee interpreted it correctly." Initially when contacted by CNN, Cantor's office insisted it did nothing to change the intent of the STOCK Act. But when pressed with the new information uncovered by CNN, the majority leader's office conceded it made changes to the House bill that effectively took out the requirement for spouses and children to file these reports. Cantor's spokesman insisted that the change was unintentional and the majority leader's office did not believe when they passed their bill that it differed from the Senate version. "Since new information has been brought to our attention with respect to this discrepancy, we are reviewing our options regarding transaction reports in the House of Representatives," Doug Heye said at the time. Still, another question is why the House changed the legislation in the first place. A GOP leadership source insists there were no sinister motives, that Cantor and the broader GOP leadership made changes after consulting with Ethics Committee lawyers. In the two weeks since CNN's report, Cantor's office consulted with the Senate to determine how they should fix the loophole. After consultations with leaders of both parties, new legislation was drafted. The two-page bill passed unanimously by both chambers on Thursday before Congress left Washington for their month long summer recess. Following the change, Gillibrand issued a statement applauding it. "The intent of this important reform bill was clear from the start, to restore people's faith in their elected leaders by ensuring we play by the exact same set of rules as every other American. Including family members in our monthly disclosure requirements was an integral piece of restoring that faith, and I am pleased the House will finally join the Senate in conforming to these important new rules," said Gillibrand. Brown also praised the move to fix the law. "I'm pleased that with today's legislative action, we've made sure the House will follow the Senate Ethics Committee's lead and implement the law the way it was intended. The same rules need to apply across the board -- no matter who you work for. " In addition to closing the loophole for spouses and dependent children, the new legislation passed by the House and Senate also made a change that the Obama administration requested. Some administration officials voiced concerns that the ability of foreign governments to view personal financial information about top government employees posed a national security threat. To address those concerns, the bill gave executive branch employees a waiver from the requirement to disclose their stock or securities trades until September 30 to allow some additional time to determine the appropriate procedures for those officials. Read all of CNN's latest political coverage . | STOCK Act, passed in April, requires more transparency when lawmakers make trades .
Loophole would've allowed family of some lawmakers to profit from inside information .
CNN brought discrepancy between House and Senate interpretations to light last month . |
92,779 | 03580284dbfea2182a9b272d8af5b68651f3ae31 | High life: Stuart Broad with girlfriend Bealey Mitchell . Playing cricket for England has made him a millionaire and given him the jetsetting lifestyle of an international sports star. So critics may say it’s a bit rich that Stuart Broad has claimed those on minimum wage should ‘stay humble’. The 28-year-old, who reportedly earns a basic salary of £700,000 a year, was forced to apologise last night after facing a public backlash for his ‘hypocritical’ and ‘arrogant’ comments. Broad, currently in Australia with the England team preparing for next month’s World Cup, wrote on Twitter: ‘I’ve heard if you earn minimum wage in England you’re in the top 10% earners in the World. #stay #humble.’ The fast bowler, who was educated at Oakham School where fees for boarders are up to £30,000 a year, has since deleted the tweet. He apologised on the site, insisting the remark was meant to serve as a reminder to himself rather than an instruction to the public. But the comment had already provoked the ire of fans, sports journalists, and charities, with several accusing him of being ignorant and out of touch. Piers Morgan, who has been a social media cheerleader for ousted batsman Kevin Pietersen, wrote on Twitter: ‘Great irony of Stuart Broad’s comment is that he’s never stayed humble in his life. Makes KP [Kevin Pietersen] look like Mother Teresa in humility stakes.’ Sports journalist Owen Gibson tweeted: ‘Wonder if Stuart Broad has worked out how many humble Sky subscriptions or Ashes tickets you can afford on the minimum wage.’ A full-time employee working 40 hours a week on the UK minimum wage of £6.50 would have an annual income of around £13,500. An estimated 5.28million people earn less than the living wage, which is £7.85. In contrast, Broad is one of 16 England cricketers on a lucrative contract awarded by the England and Wales Cricket Board. The ECB does not reveal the exact pay package but the basic salary is understood to be £700,000 a year, plus four-figure sums for each appearance. In 2011, the Sunday Times reported Broad was among a clutch of professional English cricketers to hit the £1million earnings mark for the first time. Mubin Haq of anti-poverty charity Trust For London, told the Evening Standard: ‘It doesn’t take a huge amount to be in the top 10 per cent of earners in the world … But whilst a minimum wage income would be enough to live on in places like Mumbai, it’s certainly not sufficient to survive in London. The costs of living we face here are significantly higher and this is why Stuart Broad’s comments are causing offence, whether he meant it or not.’ Apologising last night, Broad wrote: ‘Clarifying my earlier tweet, I merely wanted to emphasise my amazement at just how big the world is. No offence meant and sorry if any taken. The hashtag was aimed at myself.’ But the criticism continued. Twitter user John Ingamells, 53, wrote: ‘I welcome opportunity to hear just how stupid, ignorant + out of touch some professional sportsmen appear to be.’ England cricketer Stuart Broad walks with his partner Bealey Mitchell in Perth, Australia, on Tuesday . Fast bowler Stuart Broad pictured in action against Australia on Friday, January 23 . | Bowler Stuart Broad under fire for Twitter advice on staying humble .
His comment about earnings was criticised as 'hypocritical' and 'arrogant'
The fast bowler was educated at Oakham School where fees reach £30,000 .
He has apologised for the tweet, insisting it was a reminder to himself . |
13,931 | 277cdaf576b2d186cf423a85dfca92862a2b0aa5 | By . Sam Creighton . A police riot van 'catapulted' over a car this afternoon after ploughing into the vehicle in a scene described as 'like something out of Die Hard'. The police vehicle collided with a blue hatchback and was left on its side in Jamaica Road, Bermondsey, southeast London. The front bonnet of the car was completely caved in. The van was driving at high speeds to respond to an urgent call but police cannot confirm what call that was . Three people, including a police officer, were taken to hospital by paramedics after the crash . The van is thought to have been racing down the busy road with its lights and siren blaring before crashing into the car, rolling over and skidding around 100ft. Three ambulances attended the scene and gave assistance to five people who escaped with only minor injuries. A witness to the accident, who asked not to be named, said: 'I saw the van rolling over - it was like something out of Die Hard. I felt sick. 'It had blue lights on but I don’t know about the siren. I’m just glad it looks like no one was seriously hurt.' A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: 'At 1.03pm police were alerted that a police van had been involved in a collision with a car, leaving the police van on its side.' Five people were hurt in the crash, four members of the public and one police officer but all injuries were minor . Traffic officers will now investigate what caused the crash on the busy southeast London road . The police initially said six people were hurt in the crash but later corrected this to five. A spokesman for the force confirmed that two members of the public and one police officer were taken to hospital with minor injuries and a further two members of the public were treated by paramedics at the scene. Fernando Grace posted pictures of the aftermath on Twitter and wrote: 'Big accident just happened between a speeding police van and a car at Jamaica Rd, SE16. The police van catapulted over the car!' Melissa Tran, a receptionist at the nearby Hair Candy salon, said she was one of the first on the scene after the crash. The accident occurred shortly after 1pm and has caused traffic disruption throughout the afternoon . Witnesses described the crash as 'like something out of Die Hard' but, luckily, no one was seriously injured . The 43-year-old said: 'I heard a loud noise and was the first to run out because it is two footsteps from here. 'I think it was a female driver and she looked like she was in her late 20s and her companion was a gent in his 50s. 'She was very shaken and so was her passenger but there was no blood and they didn’t seem to be seriously hurt.' A police spokesman said the van was responding to an urgent call but said enquiries are still ongoing into what exactly it was responding to. An investigation will now be conducted into the incident by traffic officers but the spokesman said it is too early to speculate on the cause of the crash or to give an estimate on how long the probe into the incident might take. A man with abdomen pain and a woman with back and abdomen pain were taken to the Royal London Hospital by paramedics and a man with a minor head injury was taken to King's College Hospital. One witness to the crash said they felt 'sick' seeing the accident unfold before them on the busy street . Police can not yet confirm how long the investigation by traffic officers into what caused the crash will take . | The van was driving at high speed responding to an urgent call .
Three ambulances attended the scene and treated five people .
Witnesses felt 'sick' seeing the horrific crash on the busy London street .
Traffic officers will now investigate what caused the accident .
Three people were taken to hospital but were not seriously hurt . |
131,357 | 35de033e62b231ee202319fc42d6fc6a5db27ca3 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:01 EST, 24 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:41 EST, 25 November 2013 . The mother who allowed her son Baby P to be tortured to death is 'desperate' for a new man now she is out of prison, it has been alleged. Tracey Connelly, 32, is said to have disgusted women at her bail hostel, where she has a new identity, with her conversations about men and sex. Connelly was jailed indefinitely in 2009 after she admitted doing nothing while her little boy was tortured to death by her boyfriend Steven Barker and his paedophile brother Jason Owen. Free: Tracey Connelly seen taking a stroll in the park weeks after being released on parole . According to The Sun, Connelly now regularly speaks about sex and men at her bail hostel after being released on parole at the end of October. A source told the paper: 'After being locked up for so long she is desperate for a man. 'And by the way she talks, any man will do.' She has also recently been photographed taking a stroll in a park weeks after her release from prison. Wearing . a brown cardigan, blue trousers, trainers and a colourful scarf, she . was seen walking with her arms folded talking to two companions. She was spotted as she adjusts to life outside prison after being released on parole from jail. Connelly, pictured walking in the park this week (left), was jailed indefinitely in 2009. She is pictured (right) in a police photograph following her arrest . The pictures emerged less than two weeks after she was seen strolling with a friend to the supermarket. Tragic: Baby Peter was just 17 months old when he was found dead in his blood-spattered cot . Carrying a 'bag for life', Connelly . was spotted walking into an Aldi store to pick up some food before . grabbing a bargain in Poundland. An onlooker described how she was also seen looking at posters advertising a Christmas food offer. Baby Peter was just 17 months . old when he was found dead in his blood-spattered cot at his mother’s . flat in Tottenham, north London, after suffering 50 separate injuries, . including a broken back. The case provoked a national scandal after it emerged that social workers, police and doctors missed a series of warning signs that could have saved the child’s life. As she was granted parole, Connelly had begged for an anonymity order and round-the-clock police protection, but ministers refused. These orders are rare and only four are currently in force. These apply to child killer Mary Bell, James Bulger’s murderers Robert Thompson and Jon Venables and to Maxine Carr, who provided a false alibi for Soham murderer Ian Huntley. Indefinite sentences: Tracey Connelly's boyfriend Steven Barker (left) and his paedophile brother Jason Owen (right) were both convicted of causing or allowing Peter's death . Instead Connelly has been given a new name and released far from her old home where Peter was killed. It was alleged that she may have been helped out of her jail in convoy of vehicles carrying 'dummy' obese women. Sources said that extra vehicles containing women of a similar weight with their faces covered could have been used to throw anyone keen to follow her off the scent. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Tracey Connelly was jailed indefinitely in 2009 but freed back in October .
She had been seen earlier this month shopping at an Aldi supermarket .
Baby Peter was tortured to death by her boyfriend and his brother . |
123,186 | 2b3d372ce09e2578b8f355bf67637a7154b0302e | By . Craig Mackenzie . PUBLISHED: . 10:59 EST, 21 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:10 EST, 21 July 2012 . A futuristic skyscraper to be built by fashion magnate Pierre Cardin near Venice has been branded 'more suited to Dubai' than the World Heritage city. Critics claim the 800ft £1.2 billion Palace of Light is too large and vulgar and will have a negative impact on Venice's historic skyline and church spires. They say that the tower, to be built in Porto Marghera, a former industrial zone a few miles from Venice, will be clearly visible and dwarf the iconic bell tower in St Mark's Square. Cardin's creation: The palace of Light skyscraper designed by the fashion magnate has divided opinions in Venice . Iconic St Mark's Square: Critics claim the Palace of Light building will impinge on Venice's historic skyline . The 60-storey building - three shard-like towers connected by six interlocking horizontal discs made of glass and steel - will be double the height. Mr Cardin, 90, with an estimated fortune of £230 million, designed the Palais de Lumiere with his architect nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati. He has described the skyscraper as his 'last great project.' It will have a helicopter landing pad, apartments, restaurants, nearly 60 lifts and a cinema complex. Thousands of jobs will be created in an area which has seen the closure of chemical plants and oil refineries in recent times. Blighted: The former industrial zone of Porto Marghera where Pierre Cardin plans to build a 800ft skyscraper . Mr Basilicati said: 'We chose this apparently ugly and difficult location because we hope it will convince people that Porto Marghera can enter a new chapter.' Luca Zaia, head of the Veneto region, believes the new building will be Venice's answer to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. But despite getting the go-ahead earlier this year, the tower has already hit snags with Italy's aviation authority claiming the building could pose a problem for planes flying into Marco Polo airport - the destination for millions of tourists every year. Art historian Tomaso Montanari told the Sunday Telegraph the project was something the 'emirs of the Gulf' would have dreamt up . Mr Cardin,is due to lay the first symbolic stone in September, but is so fed up with the delays he has threatened to take his project to another country. | Critics claim it will dwarf iconic St mark's Square tower .
Fashion magnate says it will be his 'last great project' |
246,469 | cafa8d34a71f689c0523f4e10ba97c089b79ddb2 | Washington (CNN) -- American-born al Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn is calling for attacks on U.S. ambassadors around the world. In a 39-minute video, Gadahn praised the death of Libya's U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens on September 11 last year -- and urged wealthy Muslims to offer militants rewards so they can kill others, according to SITE, a jihadist monitoring group. Specifically, he referenced a bounty set for the death of U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, Gerald Feierstein. "These prizes have a great effect in instilling fear in the hearts of our cowardly enemies," Gadahn who has a $1 million dollar bounty on his head, says in the video. "They also encourage hesitant individuals to carry out important and great deeds in the path of Allah." The California-raised Islamic convert, also known as Azzam the American, spoke entirely in Arabic throughout the video, "The Exploits of Muslims and Infamies of the Criminals." It was produced by al-Qaeda's as-Sahab Media Foundation and posted to jihadi websites. "The dead American ambassador Christopher Stevens wasn't a friend of Libya" Gadahn asserts, saying instead he was "representative of the empire of evil and corruption, America". Multiple American embassies across North Africa and the Middle East were closed earlier this month in light of intelligence information suggesting a possible attack. All have reopened. But an administration official, asked whether the closures were linked to the Gadahn video, told CNN that while al Qaeda's general intentions were a factor in the closures, "this video was not specifically a factor." Gadahn has made similar videos in the past. In 2007, he also called for attacks on U.S. diplomats, vowing that al Qaeda would target American diplomats and embassies in retaliation for the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. CNN's Brian Todd contricuted to this report. | He urges wealthy Muslims to offer militants rewards .
He posted his statement on jihadist websites .
He has a $1 million bounty on his head . |
255,498 | d6b6a1a90052db1b9f98b5317869789c45e70f0b | Tottenham attacker Erik Lamela was spotted with a tattoo of a football on his left shin while training ahead of his side's Europa League match against Partizan Belgrade on Thursday. The Argentina international was on the training field as manager Mauricio Pochettino put his side through their paces before their European game at White Hart Lane. Lamela scored one of the goals of the tournament in Tottenham's 5-1 win against Asteras Tripolis in October, and will be looking to get on the scoresheet again as Tottenham look to step closer to the knock-out stages with a victory. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Spurs players gutted as Harry Kane spoils 34-pass keep-ball . Erik Lamela shows off his tattoo of a football on his left shin while in training for Tottenham on Wednesday . Lamela (right) shields the ball from Gaston Ramirez (left) as Tottenham beat Hull 2-1 on Sunday . Pochettino's side is second in Group C with eight points from four games, but they have had a harder time in the Premier League so far. They sit 10th following an underwhelming start, but showed their character in a comeback 2-1 victory over Hull on Sunday. Pochettino will no doubt be hoping that proceedings will be a lot safer on Thursday, with the help of compatriot Lamela. | Erik Lamela shows off shin tatttoo before Europa League match .
The Argentina attacker scored an astounding rabona goal in October .
He is preparing for Tottenham's game against Partizan Belgrade . |
163,954 | 600495dc995ebabd950b976d95ba55e9416a2181 | By . Alex Greig . PUBLISHED: . 18:53 EST, 7 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 18:53 EST, 7 February 2014 . A 16-year-old Virginia girl is facing a charge of distributing child pornography after tweeting nude pictures of herself. The James City County girl posted the pictures on or around January 30, and they were shared by various friends before a school resource officer was informed about them. The school staff member spoke to the girl and her mother before turning the case over to James City County police. Lewd tweet: The Virginia teenager tweeted nude pictures of herself and is now facing child pornography charges . Police charged the girl with one felony count of possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography. According to the WAVY, police decided to pursue the harsh charge due to the 'lewdness' of the photos. The teen may face jail time for the nude photographs, but it's more likely she and her parents will have to complete a court-ordered 'Sexting Education' program. Officer Stephanie Williams-Ortery said teenagers often don't understand the seriousness of sharing personal information and photographs online. 'It’s not just friends that see what they post but also strangers and everyone else out there,' Williams-Ortery told WAVY. 'You have no idea who’s out there watching. You never know who’s going to see what you post.' This isn't the first time the mix of sex and social media has had disastrous results for a teen. Serious issue: Teens often don't understand that they could face harsh child pornography penalties for distributing explicit pictures of themselves or their peers (stock picture) Last month, a Canadian teen was convicted of child pornography possession after posting a nude photo of her boyfriend's ex-girlfriend on Facebook. The girl's lawyer slammed the decision after her guilty verdict. ‘These child pornography laws were intended to protect children, not to persecute them, and again it seems the criminal justice system, it's a heavy hammer to be using,’ said Christopher Mackie. Williams-Ortery says the Virginia girl isn't the only one who may be in trouble with the law over the pictures. 'I would hope that they would not then forward it on to their friends because then they become guilty also of distribution of child pornography, whether they know that or not,' she told WAVY. | A 16-year-old Virginia girl took nude pictures of herself and posted them on Twitter .
She is now facing charges of possessing and distributing child pornography .
Police say the charge is being pursued due to the 'lewdness' of the images .
The girl could face jail time if convicted .
Any friends who forwarded the images may also be charged . |
194,807 | 882e8d10791fb7dc8b18ca695c5450ebbafaba18 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Britain may have a new species of bat. Geoffroy’s bat was first seen in the UK last year but a second sighting has raised hopes that the tiny mammal has set up home here. A solitary male, usually found in continental Europe, was spotted at a nature reserve near Bath. DNA in its droppings will be analysed to confirm the discovery. A Geoffroy's Tailless Bat was discovered at a nature reserve near Bath . Jim Mullholland, of Avon Bat Group, said the creature was too far inland for it to be a vagrant. ‘Given the sedentary nature of the species, which typically only travels up to 25 miles between its breeding area and hibernation site, this find provides bat experts with hope that Geoffroy’s bat is now resident within the UK.' Named after French naturalist Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, the bat was first seen in West Sussex last September. The species (Myotis emarginatus) is generally found across the Mediterranean, Belgium, and southern parts of the Netherlands, Germany and Poland, as well as northwest Africa and the west side of Asia Minor. Perfect habitat?: The view close to Brown's Folly near Bath where the bat was discovered by Jim Mullholland . Brown's Folly is well-known for bats with 13 of the 17 UK bat species recorded there including the greater horseshoe and Bechstein's. A key distinguishing feature of the Geoffroy's bat, which is named after the French naturalist Etienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, is the notch on its ear. The 100-acre Brown's Folly reserve, where the bat was found, is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, has wildflower-rich grasslands and ancient woodlands. | Hope that Geoffroy's bat species may settle here permanently .
Type of bat generally found in France, Belgium other parts of Europe .
Discovered at Brown's Folly near Bath and scientist will anaylse its DNA . |
227,801 | b2f9a77a59d3610eba2d00ad3bb705cb1a756132 | By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 14:03 EST, 12 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:03 EST, 12 August 2013 . Neanderthals may have invented specialised bone tools and passed their know-how on to the ancestors of modern humans, research suggests. The discovery adds to growing evidence that the Neanderthals, once viewed as dim-witted and primitive, had a high level of technological ability. Scientists found the 50,000-year-old tools from two neighbouring sites in south-west France. Neanderthals may have invented specialised bone tools and passed their know-how on to the ancestors of modern humans. The discovery adds to growing evidence that the Neanderthals, (a model is pictured) once viewed as dim-witted and primitive, had a high level of technological ability . Made from deer ribs, they are similar to the bone lissoirs or smoothers, still used by leather workers. The implements have a polished tip that, when pushed against a hide, creates softer and more water resistant leather. The excavated tools are similar to others found at sites occupied by early modern humans at a later stage, who replaced Neanderthals in Europe around 40,000 years ago. 'If Neanderthals developed this type of bone tool on their own, it is possible that modern humans then acquired this technology from Neanderthals,' said Dr Marie Soressi, one of the researchers from Leiden University in the Netherlands. 'Modern humans seem to have entered Europe with pointed bone tools only, and soon after started to make lissoirs. Made from deer ribs, the tools are similar to the bone smoothers, still used by leather workers. The excavated tools are also similar to others found at sites occupied by early modern humans (illustrated) at a later stage, who replaced Neanderthals in Europe around 40,000 years ago . 'This is the first possible evidence for transmission from Neanderthals to our direct ancestors.' Another possibility is that early modern humans started influencing Neanderthal behaviour earlier than has been thought, said the scientists writing in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Neanderthals were genetically different from early modern humans but may have been closely enough related to interbreed. They were eventually driven to extinction because they could not compete with the superior technology and social organisation of our direct ancestors, experts believe. | Dutch scientists found the 50,000-year-old tools in south-west France .
The instruments made from deer ribs are similar to the bone lissoirs or smoothers, still used by leather workers .
The tools are the first possible evidence for transmission from Neanderthals to our direct ancestors . |
146,378 | 4947fe51a1f2d594a0c2ca4a528585371d43cd77 | By . Dominic King . Follow @@DominicKing_DM . Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers allayed fears over Fabio Borini after the Sunderland target sustained a shoulder injury that has threatened to scupper his prospects of a move from Anfield. The Italy striker, who has been the subject of an accepted £14million bid from Sunderland, was hurt in the ninth minute of Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Roma at Fenway Park following a collision with Seydou Keita and immediately received treatment on the touchline. Borini . tried to continue but, moments later, he gestured to the bench that he . could no longer continue and was forced to make a slow trudge around the . pitch accompanied by one of Liverpool’s medical staff, ensuring that he . did not allow his right arm to leave his side. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Liverpool v Roma: Fabio Borini shoulder injury . Blow: Liverpool's Fabio Borini injured his shoulder during pre-season friendly against Roma . Though . Borini was Brendan Rodgers’ first signing two years ago, his time at . Anfield has been inauspicious and he spent the last 12 months on loan at . the Stadium of Light; Rodgers has refused to give him any assurances . about what might happen next season since he returned. 'It's not as bad as first thought,' said Rodgers, speaking after the game. 'He has only bruised it. He will miss a few days. He won't train for the rest of the trip but it won't be anything serious and he will be okay. 'As for his future, we will see. We have had a significant bid from a Premier League club and it is something he is thinking about.' Borini will undergo . further medical tests to ascertain the full extent of the damage and he . knows from experience how damaging these problems can be as he . dislocated his left shoulder in February 2013 and spent eight weeks out . of action. Concern: Liverpool's Fabio Borini receives treatment after falling awkwardly against Roma . Earlier on Wednesday, Sunderland boss Poyet said he was determined to bring Borini back to the club. He told the Sunderland Echo: ‘It is not for me to explain but it is not just a question of Fabio wanting to come or not. There are many, many things to look at and unfortunately, I cannot comment on those. ‘We are involved in negotiations and you never know how long that can take. There’s nothing new to report as things stand, but we are still hoping to close the deal completely. Commitment: Liverpool's Lucas Leiva (left) battles with Francesco Totti of Roma . ‘It’s up to Fabio. We have been clear, everything is fine, there’s no doubt about his connection with our club, and me and him get along fine, so there is no reason for it not to happen. ‘I would love to know how long it will take to sort out, but all I can tell you is that things are changing every day. ‘We have targets that we are looking for, we have other options, but we have an agreement with Liverpool and we will do everything possible to get Fabio to the club first. ‘If Fabio does not come, it does not set us back, we would move on - we are not a one-player team.’ VIDEO Liverpool everything to Gerrard - Rodgers . | Liverpool forward went off after just 11 minutes against Roma .
The Italian injured his shoulder after falling awkwardly .
Sunderland and Juventus have been linked with £14m move . |
266,271 | e4dfea39868004ee86ce59e85597a1036640ef7b | A Spanish judge on Tuesday temporarily banned cell phone-based taxi service Uber from operating in Spain after a complaint brought by taxi drivers in the capital, Madrid. The judge issued the ban, the equivalent of a temporary injunction, on the grounds that Uber was deemed to be causing damage to the taxi industry, a court spokesman said. The hearing was in response to a complaint by the Madrid taxi association, which argued that Uber is unfair competition and also lacks the proper municipal licenses to operate a taxi service. The Madrid taxi association is expected now to file a formal lawsuit with the court, after gathering more documents and information, the court spokesman said. Legal arguments for Uber were not heard before the judge because the company is located outside of Spain, in the U.S. state of Delaware, and the taxi industry was seeking immediate relief, he said. The company is expected to have a chance to argue its points before the judge when the formal lawsuit is filed. The Madrid ruling comes on the same day that India's federal government warned states against allowing unlicensed Web-based taxi services after an Uber driver was accused of raping a woman in New Delhi. Transport authorities in New Delhi on Monday announced a ban on Uber services in the Indian capital, saying their investigation revealed the company was violating permit rules. | A judge in Madrid temporarily halts Uber operations in Spain .
Taxi drivers' association argues that Uber is unfair competition and lacks proper licenses .
It is expected to file a formal complaint before the court; Uber can then make its case . |
258,408 | da745609d9bb8df1dd3c078d6a17f30364ff9b07 | A webcam captured the incredible moment a rare African penguin chick hatched out of its shell, with the birth of its sibling set to follow. The baby bird, born at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Monday, is apparently around the same size as a golf ball. It is currently being nuzzled by its two busy parents, Sidney and Bette, who are taking it in turns to tend the nest. Scroll down for video . Caught on camera: A webcam allowed viewers to watch the live birth of a rare African penguin on Monday - here one of the chick's parents can be seen . The fluffy chick cracked out of an egg laid on November 9 and a second egg, laid two days later, is expected to hatch this week. The father, Sidney, is named for Sidney Crosby, the star of Pittsburgh's National Hockey League team, the Penguins. It is the third set of chicks he has welcomed with his mate Bette. Their newborns will be named after DNA tests can determine their gender in a few weeks' time. After this point, they will be moved from the nest to an indoor enclosure to be hand-reared by National Aviary staff. Hidden from view: The baby bird is apparently around the size of a golf ball - it will be joined by a sibling this week if all goes well . This special upbringing will ensure they are ready to fulfill their future roles as ambassadors for their species in the park's educational and interactive programs. Monday's birth at the National Aviary brings to 17 the number of endangered African penguins in the aviary's Penguins Point exhibit. Scientists estimate fewer than 20,000 of the birds exist in the wild, making them critically endangered. The public can monitor the penguins' progress at www.penguinnestcam.org. | The baby bird was born at the National Aviary in Pittsburgh on Monday .
It is apparently just larger than a golf ball in size .
A second egg is expected to hatch this week .
The public can monitor the penguins' progress at www.penguinnestcam.org . |
163,867 | 5feadf618edf403690aab74becc15f4ef27a1223 | With just a month to go until the 2014 Victoria's Secret Show, the lingerie brand has revealed that this year's catwalk finale will feature not one, but two ornately-designed Fantasy Bras for the first time in the show's 19-year history. Victoria's Secret veterans Alessandra Ambrosio and Adriana Lima unveiled the dazzling designs on Good Morning America earlier today, while revealing that they will be the models with the honor of modeling the unique bejeweled bras. 'This year it’s really exciting because it’s the first time that we’re going to have two Fantasy Bras on the fashion show,' 33-year-old Adriana said. Scroll down for video . Two is better than one: This is the first year that the Victoria's Secret Show will feature more than one Fantasy Bra . 'The sexiest night on television': Adriana (L) and Alessandra unveiled the bra designs on GMA earlier today and promised viewers an unforgettable show . Diamonds are forever: Each of the bras contains 16,000 rubies, diamonds and sapphires . 'I’m honored to be here with Alessandra, doing the show, walking the runway together. I cannot wait.' Alessandra, 33, added: 'We work out really hard for the show so we may as well have fun in those beautiful, amazing Dream Angel Fantasy Bras... It's going to be the sexiest night on television.' Each of the lingerie sets was made by Mouawad jewelers using 16,000 rubies, diamonds and sapphires, all of which are strung together with 18 karat gold, and took the designers more than 1,380 hours to make. But despite the ornate craftsmanship and the impressive array of precious gems incorporated into each design, this year's bras, which are valued at $2million each, are relatively cheap in comparison with previous creations. Last year, Candice Swanepoel modeled a $10million Fantasy Bra, while in 2011 Miranda Kerr wore was chosen to strut her stuff in a $2.5million set. The most expensive Fantasy Bras to date were both worn by Gisele Bündchen, who had the honor of closing the 2005 show in a $12.5million bra and the 2000 show, while wearing a $15million ruby and diamond encrusted design. Bejeweled brilliance: The bras took more than 1,380 hours to make . Dynamic duo: Both Adriana (left, wearing an Elisabetta Franchi design) and Alessandra, pictured outside Good Morning America earlier today, have had the honor of wearing the Fantasy Bra in the past . Model behavior: The girls are the first duo to be given the opportunity to close the catwalk show as a pair . That lingerie set currently holds the Guinness world record for the most expensive underwear in the world. This year's Fantasy Bra designs do mark another first for the popular underwear brand however, which revealed earlier this year that its hotly-anticipated 2014 catwalk show will be taking place in London for the first time ever. Adriana and Candice made the announcement at the brand's flagship UK store on London's Bond Street in April, with Victoria's Secret managing director Ed Razek saying: 'Candidly, we weren't well known enough here until we opened the stores. We have six stores in the UK now.' Dazzling design - and a price tag to match: Last year's Fantasy Bra, modelled by Candice Swanepoel (pictured), cost a staggering $10m . The iconic lingerie and swimwear showcase has previously taken place in the likes of Cannes and Los Angeles, and last year was hosted at the Lexington Avenue Armory in New York City. While it was previously reported that tickets to this year's show were available to buy for the staggering price of $16,000 each, the brand has since confirmed that the show is a private event and as such will not be open to members of the public, no matter what price they are willing to pay. 'Victoria’s Secret does not sell tickets to our invitation-only show and does not authorize any third-party agent to sell tickets on our behalf,' a spokesman for the brand told Fashionista.com in August. 'The only way to obtain tickets is by special invitation or through charitable contributions to pre-approved non-profit organization.' | It is the first time that the underwear brand has had two Fantasy Bras .
The ornate lingerie sets took 1,380 hours to make and contain 16,000 gems each .
The Victoria's Secret Show will take place in London on December 9 . |
35,312 | 646016c40aca30c6d1197ce007e496903cdfc098 | By . James Nye for MailOnline . An eight-year-old boy was covered in pepper spray, forced to eat his . own vomit, gagged and locked in a cabinet to silence his cries for help just days before his mother and her boyfriend allegedly beat him to death, according to court records published on Monday reports the Los Angeles Times. Gabriel Fernandez's mother, Pearl, 30, and her boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 34, abused 'every inch' of their child before his gruesome murder in May, 2013, a Los Angeles' court was told by prosecutors. Prosecutors claim that 'for eight straight months, Gabriel was abused, beaten and tortured more severely than many prisoners of war,' - even writing his own suicide note - and convened the grand jury after repeated delays in setting up a preliminary hearing for Fernandez and Aguirre who are charged with murder . Angel: Gabriel, 8, was found unconscious and not breathing, suffering from a fractured skull, cracked ribs and cigarette burns to his body . History of violence: Fernandez had previously been charged with cruelty to a child likely to produce great bodily injury . Charged: Pearl Fernandez, 30, (left) and boyfriend, Isauro Aguirre, 34, (right) are accused of shocking abuse towards their eight-year-old son Gabriel . Repeated warning signs were missed by authorities and in the aftermath of Gabriel's death two Los Angeles social workers were fired as were two supervisors according to the Los Angeles Times. The tragedy came to a head when Fernandez dialed 911 on May 22, 2013, because her son had stopped breathing. When deputies of Los Angeles County arrived she told them that her son had fallen and hit his head on a dresser, according to testimony given on Monday. However, the paramedics told the court that Gabriel was found in a bedroom, not breathing having suffered three broken ribs and a cracked skull. X-rays revealed BB pellets in his lungs and groin. Gabriel was rushed to hospital and died on May 24 testified James Cermak, a Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedic, who described the horrific abuse the boy allegedly suffered. The abuse lasted eight months said Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Hatami and became more pronounced before his death, according to statements given by his two siblings, who are both minors. They said that their brother was forced by their mother and her boyfriend to eat cat feces and rotten spinach and was never allowed to go to the bathroom. His mother and her boyfriend would call him gay and beat him when he played with dolls and made him wear girls' clothes to school. Accused: Pearl Fernandez has pleaded not-guilty to murdering and torturing her eight-year-old son Gabriel . He was hit with a belt buckle, a metal hanger and a wooden club and one day Fernandez knocked his teeth out with the bat. This sustained abuse led to several reports to social services by concerned teachers but Gabriel was never removed from his home. Indeed, deputies investigated the family home and Gabriel's school for signs of abuse and that the boy had claimed to be suicidal. Every time an incident was reported it was concluded there was no abuse and no one ever wrote up a detailed report. The grand jurors were told by Timothy O'Quinn, a sheriff's homicide detective, that no deputies took away items of clothing for testing. After Gabriel's death, investigators found clothes covered in blood, BB pellet holes in them and a wooden club doused in blood. Social services in Los Angeles have begun a special commission to examine the failings of the department before Gabriel's death, according to the Los Angeles Times. On the day of May 22, 2013, Gabriel's siblings told the grand jury that Fernandez beat her son because he wouldn't clean up his toys. Horrific claims: Police say Gabriel had marking on his ankles, suggesting that he may have been tied up . Crime scene: Firefighters responded to this home in the 200 block of East Avenue Q-10 in Palmdale after receiving a report that a child was not breathing . Then she took him to a bedroom and was joined by Aguirre and chillingly, the next thing Gabriel's siblings heard was screaming and banging and then silence. Gabriel's 13-year-old brother said, 'It just went quiet'. According to the Los Angeles Times, James Kemp Ribe of the LA County coroner's office told the grand jury that he had 'never seen this many skin injuries on on child.' A teacher, Jennifer Garcia, told the court that she had tried to contact social services after Gabriel arrived at school with black eyes and bruises. One of the social workers who followed up on this said that all she could determine that Gabriel had was a blister on his lip. Another counselor at his school phoned 911 after finding a suicide note that Gabriel wrote, which social workers again dismissed because they determined he had no specific plan to carry out the plan to end his life. Worse still, when authorities came to interview Gabriel's siblings, they revealed to the grand jury they lied because they were terrified their mother and her boyfriend would beat them too. The agency's director Philip Browning acknowledged the system failed Gabriel. The case illustrates a need for more critical thinking and common sense in evaluating cases, he said. County social workers became aware of Pearl Fernandez a decade ago when her oldest son had a head injury during a car accident. It was determined he wasn't wearing a seat belt. The Times said a relative later reported she allegedly beat the same son and wanted to disown him. However, social workers said the complaint was unfounded. | Grand jury in Los Angeles heard testimony about the last year of Gabriel Fernandez's life .
Boy was treated worse than 'a prisoner of war' and contemplated suicide .
Parents, Pearl Fernandez, 30, and Isauro Aguirre, 34, 'beat' their son .
Social workers missed every opportunity to remove him from parents . |
245,345 | c98eae217c54c1522f01392dab8f23e123bd8dba | (CNN) -- Authorities investigating a shooting at Los Angeles International Airport asked for patience Saturday as they piece together details of the rampage that left a Transportation Security Administration officer dead. The statement released jointly by federal and local authorities came one day after The Associated Press, citing two unnamed law enforcement officials, reported the slain TSA officer lay bleeding for 33 minutes because police had not declared the terminal safe for paramedics to enter. Authorities have charged Paul Ciancia, 29, in the death of TSA officer Gerardo Hernandez, who was shot in the chest and abdomen during the November 1 shooting at Terminal 3. The joint statement did not directly address the AP report, but it defended the actions of authorities that day. "Command officers and airport administrators were faced with a wide range of important objectives, including conducting a complete search to rule out additional gunmen or explosives, identifying and treating all injured victims, and coordinating the needs of the thousands of arriving and departing travelers that were impacted by the incident," the statement said. Federal and local authorities will offer no further comment beyond the statement while the investigation is ongoing, said LAPD spokeswoman Sally Madera. The AP reported that while it was unknown when Hernandez died, officials were examining whether paramedics, who were reportedly held 150 yards away from the terminal by police, could have gone in earlier. "Various statements have been made regarding the incident, some of which are untrue and others that merit serious consideration by our respective agencies," the Saturday statement said. "Numerous actions are underway relative to this incident and the ensuing response." According to the joint statement, authorities are conducting a federal criminal investigation and an officer-involved shooting investigation. An after-action work group is also analyzing all aspects of the "multidiscipline response." Key findings of the investigations will be released when they are completed, it said. Hernandez, 39, was the first TSA officer killed in the line of duty in the agency's 12-year-history. According to authorities, Ciancia walked up to the TSA checkpoint where Hernandez was working and opened fire, shooting him "at point-blank range," according to a court document. Ciancia then went up an escalator toward the security checkpoint, but returned to shoot Hernandez again after apparently seeing the officer move, the document said. The rampage came to an end when authorities shot and wounded Ciancia, who has been charged with the murder of a federal officer and commission of violence at an international airport. | AP is reporting that a TSA officer killed during a shooting at LAX lay bleeding for 33 minutes .
Authorities investigating the shooting did not respond directly to the report .
Officials release joint statement saying various statements have been made, some untrue . |
184,556 | 7b0bcea6e90c53bf819eb4273a621b5f4dd78357 | A schoolteacher from New Jersey has returned from her trip to South Africa with a remarkable up-close photo of a great white shark that has been making waves on social media. Amanda Brewer, 25, an art teacher from Gloucester County, traveled halfway across the world to volunteer as a scientific data collector for White Shark Africa - an organization dedicated to animal conservation and eco-tourism. Brewer, a lifelong shark enthusiast and amateur photographer, was enjoying cage diving in Mossel Bay off Seal Island one day hoping to catch a glimpse of the much-maligned sea creatures - and she didn’t have to wait long. Cue 'Jaws' muisc: Amanda Brewer, 25, an art teacher from New Jersey, took this incredible picture while cage diving in Mossel Bay, South Africa . Shark selfie: Brewer, pictured here with a much smaller shark, traveled to Africa to volunteer as a scientific data collector for White Shark Africa . Bait: The female shark was lured with two fish heads being pulled on a rope around the cage . The daredevil teacher had her new GoPro trained on the surface of the water when a hulking female shark appeared directly in front of her, its enormous maw bristling with razor-sharp teeth open wide. In Brewer's photo, which has since become a viral sensation, the steel-grey beast emerges from emerald-colored waters, lured by a pair of fish heads tied to a rope as bait. ‘I wasn't even a little bit frightened,’ Brewer boasted to Time Lightbox about the fateful moment. ‘When you're there and you're in their presence, it's not scary. They're beautiful and graceful, and you can see how intelligent they are.’ The art teacher said she took about 30 shots with the camera in burst mode, but none was as dramatic as that one toothy picturet. Best in show: With her GoPro camera in burst mode, Brewer took 30 snapshots, but only one stood out . Behind bars: Brewer photographed the graceful sea creature from the safety of a partially submerged cage . Sharkservationist: The art teacher described herself as a life-long shark enthusiast . Matter of perception: Brewer noted that the fish eye lens on her camera made the shark appear closer to the cage than it was in reality . 'I knew immediately that that photo was going to do something,' Brewer told Time Lightbox. Upon her return home, Brewer hung her now-famous picture of the shark with its mouth agape in her classroom at Whitman Elementary School in Washington Township to inspire her young students. The vivid snapshot has been shared thousands of times on social media sites and has been the subject of fawning news articles, blog posts and TV segments. But Brewer also has been subjected to criticism from shark advocates over the use of bait in the taking of the photo. Speaking to GrindTV, the New Jersey educator explained that the fish heads used to lure the shark were pulled around and out of the way of the cage to make sure the sea creature didn't lunge and the steel bars. Courting controversy: Some people have criticized Brewer for using bait to lure the hulking fish, but the shark enthusiast pointed out that precautions have been taken to make sure the shark stays away from the cage . ‘That’s one thing that we learned right off the bat, is that you never want the shark to make contact with the cage,’ she noted. ‘And you also don’t want the shark to eat the bait. You don’t feed the sharks; that’s not what we want to do.’ Brewer added that the fish-eye lens on her camera made the shark appear closer to her than it was in reality, which was about 3 feet from the cage. She said the shark came out of nowhere, and she was simply at the right place and at the right time with her trusty GoPro at the ready. ‘I’d been waiting for this kind of experience my whole life,’ Brewer told LightBox. The makers of GoPro took notice of Brewer's ringing endorsement of their camera and featured her photo on their Twitter account, which helped the shark-tastic snapshot go viral. | Amanda Brewer, 25, an art teacher from New Jersey, took the snapshot with a GoPro camera in Mossel Bay off Seal Island .
Brewer traveled to South Africa this summer to volunteer as a data collector for the organization White Shark Africa . |
206,001 | 96abe179fb9ca6d2011ef81012f8a17a1a8922ef | By . William Turvill . PUBLISHED: . 07:15 EST, 6 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:02 EST, 6 December 2013 . Saxon Axe, 20, used suntan lotion and a lit cigarette to set fire to his friend's right leg as a prank . A man has been jailed after setting fire to his friend’s leg using suntan lotion and a lit cigarette. Saxon Axe, 20, was on a beach in Weymouth, Dorset, with a group of friends when he picked up an aerosol can and sprayed it on his friend. He then held a lit cigarette to his friend's leg which was covered in the flammable liquid and immediately went up in flames. Axe tried to put out the fire by carrying the victim towards the sea and dousing the flames with water. However, the victim had to be taken to hospital where he was treated for serious burns and is now awaiting a skin graft operation to avoid permanent disfigurement. Axe pleaded guilty to a charge of grievous bodily harm and was given a ten-month prison sentence. Heather Shimmen, prosecuting at Dorchester Crown Court, said that the incident took place on June 19 on Weymouth seafront. She said: ‘The defendant held a lit cigarette to the victim’s leg and it engulfed his leg in flames. ‘The victim tried to extinguish the flames as did a friend, but to no avail.’ John Dyer, defending, said the offence was an act of foolishness. He said the victim was a friend of Axe’s for several years and that his client was ‘full of remorse’ for his behaviour. The incident took place on June 19 on Weymouth seafront in Dorset . Mr Dyer said: ‘There is no malice and no motive, it was just an absolute foolish prank that went wrong. ‘It was a completely thoughtless act which has resulted in very serious consequences.’ In jailing Axe, Judge Roger Jarvis said: ‘You were fooling around and then as part of that you sprayed this victim with suntan lotion and set fire to it. ‘It is patently obvious that was a foolish and dangerous thing to do and wickedly thoughtless so far as you are concerned with some very serious consequences for your victim.’ | Saxon Axe, 20, was with his friend on seafront in Weymouth, Dorset .
His friend's leg burst into flames after 'a foolish prank' went wrong .
Victim now awaiting a skin graft to avoid permanent disfigurement . |
275,596 | f109fd61f8b25640d1581e644bb4167c43b5b0cb | By . Paul Donnelley . They have put aside Max Bygraves, forgotten Dame Vera Lynn and eschewed Sir Cliff Richard – these trendy pensioners are getting down to the Pharrell Williams’s hit Happy. The staff and residents of Gosberton House Care Home in Lincolnshire have videoed themselves dancing along to the Number 1 smash hit. They spent weeks learning their routines and then spent two days in front of the camera filming the video. Scroll down for video . Groovy: The Gosberton House crew shake their funky stuff for their fun video on the steps outside the building . The video also sees carers dancing with a bed, an iron and a vacuum cleaner but has already attracted nearly 2,000 views online. The Happy song featured in the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack and was the lead single on Williams' second studio album GIRL. It's sold more than 1.3million copies in the UK and has reached the number one spot in the UK chart on three separate occasions. General manager Janet Eastgate said: ‘Myself and the staff were quite reluctant to do it at first, and thought 'are you joking?', but we soon changed our mind. ‘All of the residents who consented to being in the video were really happy to do it and they really enjoyed being part of the video, as did the staff. These two members of staff were content to show off their moves for the Happy video . The Happy video by the Gosberton residents has already attracted more than 2,000 views . These ladies are really enjoying participating in the video for Happy from the comfort of their armchairs . Ice creams! Choc ices! No - these care workers are in the Gosberton House Care Home video for Pharrell Williams's Happy . These staff and residents at a care home hope to prove they really are happy - by releasing a video of themselves dancing around to the Pharell Williams hit . 'Care homes . often get quite a bad rap in the media, with some being shown to be . quite horrible, and we wanted to show that we're not all like that and . that we are a really nice team in a nice place. ‘Everyone . who has seen it enjoyed it and we have had a very positive response . from everyone - people are now recognising me in the street. ‘The video was a one off, and we certainly aren't planning on changing our careers any time soon.’ Sandra . Brigham, the administrator at the care home, said: ‘I think the . philosophy of Janet and the owners really makes this place and it really . does have a great atmosphere here, which you can definitely see in the . video.’ Staff and residents threw themselves into the practicing and filming their version of Happy, the Number 1 song . Hands up! Hands up! Two OAPS give it all for their video at Gosberton House Care home . Pharrell Williams eat your heart out: These retirement home residents and staff give the American star a run for his money with their version of the hit . The man himself: Pharrell Williams scored a Number 1 hit Robin Thicke on Blurred Lines and solo with Happy . | Residents and staff from Gosberton House Care Home in Lincolnshire spent weeks learning routines and two days filming .
General manager and staff initially reluctant to allow project to go ahead .
The carers are seen dancing with a bed, an iron and a vacuum cleaner .
The video has already attracted nearly 2,000 views online . |
159,130 | 59b21cca78999f42b07b1139f179a63ad15735f1 | Harper Collins announced on Tuesday that Harper Lee, pictured here in 2007 at the White House, is publishing a book she set aside almost 50 years ago . 'To Kill a Mockingbird' will not be the reclusive author Harper Lee's only published book after all. In an announcement that left millions both shocked and thrilled, publisher Harper announced Tuesday that 'Go Set a Watchman,' a completed novel the Pulitzer Prize-winning author wrote in the 1950s then put aside unpublished, will hit store shelves in July. The news instantly turned 88-year-old Lee's lost tome into one of the most eagerly anticipated novels in years. It also leaves open for speculation what sort of massive book deal a living legend author who spent most of her life avoiding ever releasing more than a single, beloved novel might receive. Rediscovered last fall, 'Go Set a Watchman' is essentially a sequel to 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' although it was finished earlier. The 304-page book will be Lee's second, and the first new work in more than 50 years. The publisher plans a first printing of 2 million copies. 'In the mid-1950s, I completed a novel called 'Go Set a Watchman,'' Lee said in a statement issued by Harper. 'It features the character known as Scout as an adult woman, and I thought it a pretty decent effort. My editor, who was taken by the flashbacks to Scout's childhood, persuaded me to write a novel (what became 'To Kill a Mockingbird') from the point of view of the young Scout. 'I was a first-time writer, so I did as I was told. I hadn't realized it (the original book) had survived, so was surprised and delighted when my dear friend and lawyer Tonja Carter discovered it. 'After much thought and hesitation, I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication. I am humbled and amazed that this will now be published after all these years.' According to publisher Harper, Carter came upon the manuscript at a 'secure location where it had been affixed to an original typescript of To Kill a Mockingbird.' The new book is set in Lee's famed Maycomb, Alabama, during the mid-1950s, 20 years after 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and roughly contemporaneous with the time that Lee was writing the story. Harper Lee spent most of her life avoiding the spotlight following the massive success of he first and only novel To Kill a Mockingbird. So, less than three months since the death of her sharp-as-a-tack lifelong confidante sister Alice, should the public be suspicious of news the recluse is suddenly releasing a novel she penned in the 1950s? According to Jezebel, such suspicion is warranted. Protector: Harper Lee's older sister Alice ran the family law firm for some 40 years before finally retiring at 100, having remained all that time her sister's staunch defender and protector . The 88-year-old author has reportedly been in ill health since 2007, when she suffered a stroke that left her wheelchair-bound, nearly deaf and blind and unable to live on her own. Lee is now represented by Tonja Carter, who succeeded Alice in the family firm. According to Gawker, 'Lee has a history of signing whatever's put in front of her, apparently sometimes with Carter's advice.' Carter has a history of going after apparent infringements of copyrights held by Lee, even once going after a business owner in Lee's beloved hometown of Monroeville, Alabama who was selling merchandise that capitalized on her name and that of her novel. Alice Lee, who spent decades protecting her little sister from the spotlight, died last year at the age of 103. With a new Harper Lee book being released just months after her attorney sister (pictured) Alice's death, some are questioning whether the publication is the wish of Harper Lee--who's been nearly deaf and blind since a stroke left her wheelchair-bound in 2007--or of someone else . The civil rights movement was taking hold by the time she was working on 'Watchman.' The Supreme Court had ruled unanimously in 1953 that segregated schools were unconstitutional, and the arrest of Rosa Parks in 1955 led to the yearlong Montgomery bus boycott. 'Scout (Jean Louise Finch) has returned to Maycomb from New York to visit her father, Atticus,' the publisher's announcement reads. 'She is forced to grapple with issues both personal and political as she tries to understand her father's attitude toward society, and her own feelings about the place where she was born and spent her childhood.' Lee herself is a Monroeville, Alabama native who lived in New York in the 1950s. She now lives in her hometown. According to the publisher, the book will be released as she first wrote it, with no revisions. Lee, pictured here with Gergory Peck filming the movie version of To Kill a Mockingbird, said in a statement: After much thought and hesitation, I shared it with a handful of people I trust and was pleased to hear that they considered it worthy of publication . 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is among the most beloved novels in history, with worldwide sales topping 40 million copies. It was released on July 11, 1960, won the Pulitzer Prize and was adapted into a 1962 movie of the same name, starring Gregory Peck in an Oscar-winning performance as the courageous attorney Atticus Finch. One of the most beloved novels in history, Lee's original novel has sold over 40 million copies. But it was written second . Although occasionally banned over the years because of its language and racial themes, the novel has become a standard for reading clubs and middle schools and high schools. The absence of a second book from Lee only seemed to enhance the appeal of 'Mockingbird.' Lee's publisher said the author is unlike to do any publicity for the book. She has rarely spoken to the media since the 1960s, when she told one reporter that she wanted to 'to leave some record of small-town, middle-class Southern life.' Until now, 'To Kill a Mockingbird' had been the sole fulfillment of that goal. 'This is a remarkable literary event,' Harper publisher Jonathan Burnham said in a statement. 'The existence of 'Go Set a Watchman' was unknown until recently, and its discovery is an extraordinary gift to the many readers and fans of 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' Reading in many ways like a sequel to Harper Lee's classic novel, it is a compelling and ultimately moving narrative about a father and a daughter's relationship, and the life of a small Alabama town living through the racial tensions of the 1950s.' The new book also will be available in an electronic edition. Lee has openly started her preference for paper, but surprised fans last year by agreeing to allow 'Mockingbird' to be released as an e-book. The reclusive writer of To Kill A Mockingbird has shunned the spotlight following the success of her Pulitzer prize-winning first novel in 1960, refusing to do interviews or make public appearances. To Kill A Mockingbird, won the Pulitzer Prize, is translated into nearly 50 languages and was turned into the Oscar-winning 1962 film starring Gregory Peck. It has sold some 30 million copies and made Harper into a multi-millionairess. It is the story of race and growing up in Depression-era Alabama, based loosely on Lee's own experiences. It was published in 1960 shortly after the dawn of the U.S. civil rights movement and became required reading in many American schools. In the tome, a principled lawyer named Atticus Finch defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman and wins his family the scorn of many racist white residents of the fictional town of Maycomb. Finch loses the case despite what would appear in today’s terms to have been an airtight case of his client Tom’s innocence. Tom is jailed then shot dead after escaping custody—a ‘mockingbird’ whose innocence and then life are taken away by the malevolence of a violently racist society. To Kill A Mockingbird was made into a movie starring Gregory Peck and featuring Brock Peter as Tom Robinson, the black farmhand accused of raping a white woman in Depression-era Alabama . When Marja Mills, a former Chicago Tribune, last year wrote about being Lee's neighbor for year in, The Mockingbird Next Door: Life With Harper Lee, Lee disowned it. 'Miss Mills befriended my elderly sister, Alice. It did not take long to discover Marja's true mission: another book about Harper Lee,' the statement said. 'I was hurt, angry, saddened, but not surprised.I immediately cut off all contact with Miss Mills, leaving town whenever she headed this way. 'Rest assured, as long as I am alive, any book purporting to be with my cooperation is a falsehood.' Older sister and lawyer Alice Lee died last November after fifty years helping to guard her sibling's privacy. Harper Lee has not given an official interview since Mockingbird came out, but has intermittently released statements to media. She even sued a museum in her south Alabama hometown over its sale of souvenirs featuring her name and the title of her book, and accepted a settlement. She has been described as a 'delicious mystery', and while having started other books, one a non-fiction about an Alabama serial killer, she filed them away as unfinished. | Go Set a Watchman, a 304-page book, will be Lee's second .
Book features Scout as an adult woman and was written first, in the 1950s .
Lee's editor, taken by the flashbacks to Scout's childhood, persuaded her to write To Kill A Mockingbird from the point of view of the young Scout .
To Kill A Mockingbird, published in 1960, has sold over 40 million copies .
Lee hadn't realized the original book had survived .
Lee lives a reclusive life and stopped granting interviews 50 years ago . |
223,889 | ade4afce44483949c496aa51b2f15c673b79d4a3 | By . Chris Kitching . Brits who are heading abroad on their summer holidays may want to think twice about taking in the sights on a motorbike. That’s because a motorbike accident can lead to the most expensive injury claims – with the average medical bill topping £7,000 – for those who didn’t plan ahead and purchase a suitable travel insurance policy. A cycling accident (£6,262) and tripping on stairs (£2,422) are the second and third most expensive holiday mishaps, according to a study by TravelSupermarket. Incredibly risky: A quarter of Brits are travelling abroad without the protection of travel insurance . Released at the height of the summer travel season, the ‘holiday injury index’ calculated and compared healthcare costs for common injury claims in six popular destinations – Spain, Greece/Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Thailand and US/Canada. Of the five most expensive injuries, falling in a bathroom ranked fourth (£2,071) and slipping by the pool was fifth (£1,547). Holidaymakers will want to take care if they are riding a bicycle in North America. Uninsured Brits can face sky-high healthcare costs if they are injured in a cycling accident in the US or Canada . Falling off a bike in the US or Canada could result in painful medical bills of more than £18,000 – almost 18 times more than the same accident in Greece or Cyprus, the study found. If you’re bitten by an animal, it's best if it doesn’t occur in Spain. Medical treatment for a bite – one of the cheapest injuries to treat – is three times more expensive in Spain than it is in Turkey. There is some good news if you’re injured by broken glass in Thailand. That’s because you will spend 20 per cent less on medical costs than you would for the same injury in Greece or Cyprus. Holiday pain: An injury sustained in a fall in the bathroom costs an average of £2,071 in medical costs . Read the fine print: Analyse your travel insurance policy closely so that you know exactly what it covers . Bob Atkinson, travel expert at TravelSupermarket, said a quarter of Brits take the ‘incredibly risky’ step of travelling abroad without insurance. Many aren’t aware that when they travel within Europe the EHIC card only guarantees they will receive the same level of care as locals within the country they are visiting, Atkinson said. The level of care could be less comprehensive than the care they would receive in the UK. Atkinson said: ‘Without a travel insurance policy, you may end up having to pay for treatment with no possibility of recovering costs. ‘It’s really important that you pick the right travel insurance policy to suit your needs, whether you will be relaxing on a beach with a group of friends or going on a family holiday.’ He added: ‘Make sure that you don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you don’t need to get travel insurance if you are lying by a pool for a week, as you could be faced with high costs if you cut yourself on broken glass or slip in the bathroom after a day in the sun.’ | Medical bills for a cycling accident in the US or Canada could top £18,000 .
Treatment for an animal bite costs three times more in Spain than in Turkey .
Travel expert says too many Brits are going abroad without insurance . |
28,767 | 51aacad7f9cec3705e17c9be8cde4a862859d42b | By . Sean Poulter . PUBLISHED: . 20:45 EST, 26 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:57 EST, 26 February 2013 . West End theatres, including prestige names such as the Old Vic, have been warned to stop duping the public by failing to declare rip-off fees. People making online bookings to see Kiss Me Kate or A Chorus of Disapproval, which starred Rob Brydon and Ashley Jensen, were hit with unexpected charges. Most prime West End theatre tickets are ruinously expensive, with some costing more than £100 each. On notice: West End theatres, including prestige names such as the Old Vic (pictured), have been warned to stop duping the public by failing to declare rip-off fees . Theatres and agencies do try to tempt people with promises of some cheap tickets, perhaps starting at just £10 for a seat miles from the action. However, a transaction fee, which typically ranges from £1.50 to £3, is generally not added to the bill until the final online check-out. While some companies go further and impose a £4 per seat booking fee on top in a manoeuvre that renders the official ticket price meaningless. Now the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has put theatres and ticket agencies on notice that they should declare all compulsory charges at the beginning of the booking process. It is issuing a ruling today against the . Old Vic, the giant Ambassador Theatre Group, which trades under ATG . Tickets, the AKA Group, and the Charing Cross Theatre. Rip-off fees: The Advertising Standards Authority says theatres and ticket agencies should declare all compulsory charges at the beginning of the online booking process . The Old Vic was promoting tickets for Trevor Nunn’s revival of Kiss Me Kate at prices of £16 to £70 without clearly declaring a booking fee of £1.50 for online purchases and £2.50 via telephone. ATG claims to be the UK’s biggest specialist theatre ticket agency, while it also produces shows as well as owning and managing several West End theatres. The company is currently taking bookings for the new musical The Book of Mormon, however consumers must pay a booking fee of £4 per ticket plus a one-off transaction fee of £3. Consequently, someone buying four of the cheapest tickets for £27.50 each, which have a face value of £110, would actually end up paying £19 extra. The AKA Group advertised 100 tickets for every performance of A Chorus of Disapproval at £10, however it failed to clearly spell out there was an extra £3 transaction levy per booking. The Charing Cross Theatre was also guilty of the same confusion by failing to declare a booking fee of £2. The advertising watchdog has no power to outlaw the fees, however it can name and shame companies which fail to declare them or mislead consumers. A spokesman said: ‘The ASA is clamping down on hidden costs which are misleading and unfair. ‘Today’s rulings about advertised prices for theatre tickets make clear that sellers must be up-front about extra fees like admin charges right from the beginning. ‘Our priority now is to make sure that this is followed by all ticket retailers, so there are no more hidden costs.’ All the theatres and companies censured by the ASA have agreed to change their websites to declare all compulsory fees at the beginning of the ticket purchase process. | The Old Vic and the Charing Cross Theatre were issued a ruling .
A transaction fee, ranging from £1.50 to £3, is generally not added to the bill until the final online check-out .
All theatres and companies censured by ASA have agreed to make changes . |
203,544 | 937d989fa784623eaf726c1242e1da1ad4eb9fc1 | A vast shipyard which is larger than a football pitch and built ships for Roman emperors, including Hadrian, has been discovered by British archaeologists. Experts from the University of Southampton, among others, excavated the remains of a building more than 150m long and 60m wide at Portus, the ancient port for Rome. The five-storey high structure is thought to be from about 117 AD, in the reign of Trajan, was used to either build or service ships that travelled across the empire 2,000 years ago to keep Rome supplied with food and goods. The five-storey high boathouse is thought to be from about 117 AD . Copper tacks used for shipbuilding at Portus, the ancient port of Rome (left) and archaeologists from the University of Southampton and the British School at Rome, work on the site of the amazing discovery . The archaeologists scrap away at the ruins having discovered a large structure that was used for ship building . The largest find of its kind in Italy or the Mediterranean, it was found close to a distinctive existing hexagonal basin or 'harbour' at the centre of the huge ancient port complex, which covers two square miles. It sits by the side of Fiumicino airport and is now more than two miles from the Mediterranean. The building is so grand archaeologists think it had some form of imperial connection and might have been used for a base for galleys that transported emperors, such as Hadrian, across the empire on their way to places like Britain. Hadrian (Publius Aelius Trajanus Hadrianus Augustus) lived from 24 January 76 AD – 10 July 138 AD and was Roman Emperor from 117 to 138. He is best known for building Hadrian's Wall, which marked the northern limit of Roman territory in Britain. In Rome, he re-built the Pantheon and constructed the Temple of Venus and Roma. In addition to being emperor, Hadrian was a humanist and was philhellene (had a love of Greek culture) in all his tastes. He was the third of the so-called Five Good Emperors. The latest discovery comes after the team found an ornate private amphitheatre at the same site two years ago. The new building is further proof of a link to the leaders of the Roman world and the importance of the ruins. University of Southampton professor and Portus project director, Simon Keay, said: 'This is an exciting and important discovery and the building is a really, really fantastic thing to find. 'Emperors leaving and coming back in this period, like Hadrian, must have come through Portus and they must have had a place to stay and leave from that was of a status similar to what we have found. 'At first we thought this large rectangular building was used as a warehouse, but our latest excavation has uncovered evidence that there may have been another, earlier use, connected to the building and maintenance of ships. 'Few Roman imperial shipyards have been discovered and, if our identification is correct, this would be the largest of its kind in Italy or the Mediterranean.' Portus was a crucial trade gateway linking Rome to the Mediterranean throughout the Roman period and the archaeologists have been investigating the port's significance over a number of years. Until now, no major shipyard building for Rome had been identified, apart from the possibility of one on the Tiber near Monte Testaccio, and a smaller one recently claimed for the neighbouring river port at Ostia. 'This was a vast structure which . could easily have housed wood, canvas and other supplies and certainly . would have been large enough to build or shelter ships in,' Prof Keay . said. 'The scale, position and unique nature of the building lead us to believe it played a key role in shipbuilding activities.' Already archaeologists have found tacks which would have been used to nail lead on to the hulls of ships inside one of the bays. Penny Copeland, a researcher from the University of Southampton holds a copper tack used for shipbuilding . University of Southampton professor and Portus project director, Simon Keay (right), said: 'This is an exciting and important discovery and the building is a really, really fantastic thing to find.' | It's the largest find of its kind in the Mediterranean . |
140,037 | 410c703a6d6516f49fd0487b8c394e99d1487cb5 | (CNN) -- CBS began to introduce the next host of the "Late Show," Stephen Colbert, by having current host David Letterman interview him and take a selfie together on Tuesday night. Letterman called Colbert "always entertaining," "the new kid" and "my friend." What Letterman was saying, implicitly, was that he supported CBS's pick for his successor. CBS announced that it had signed Colbert to a multiyear deal back on April 10, one week after Letterman revealed that he intends to retire in 2015. The unspecified timing of the transition came up during the chat between the two comedians. When Letterman asked about family matters, Colbert, who has three kids, said, "They're getting ready for me to hang around too much." He pointed out that he'll be signing off his Comedy Central show "The Colbert Report" at the end of the year, "and then there's -- I don't know -- when are you leaving? I should have asked!," Colbert said as Letterman laughed. "I should have asked." "The thing is," Colbert said, getting back to his family, "they get nervous, they get nervous. I think they like me, but they get nervous when I'm around too much." Colbert appeared as himself, not as his "Colbert Report" character. Tuesday's "Late Show" visit is likely to be the first of many media appearances that introduce the "real Colbert" to viewers. Colbert also styled himself differently than he usually does on the "Colbert Report," further distinguishing between that show and his next late-night act. Instead of glasses with invisible frames, he wore hipster frames, for instance. "You look good," Letterman said as Colbert came on stage. "You look right at home." Colbert showered praise on Letterman, and remarked at one point, "I'm gonna do whatever you have done." When Letterman responded with mock disapproval, he added, "It seems to have gone pretty well, Dave!" "It's, it's gone ON," Letterman said. During the two-segment interview, Colbert talked about how he applied to be an intern on the "Late Show" in 1986 and submitted a writing sample for a job in 1997. "I was unemployed at a professional level," Colbert quipped. By the time he heard back from the "Late Show," though, the show that became "Strangers With Candy" -- which Colbert co-created and starred in -- was in the works. True to "Late Show" form, Colbert read what he said was his actual writing sample from 1997: a "Top Ten List" titled "Top Ten Cocktails for Santa," with inventions like "Mama Said Nog You Out," "Scrooge Driver" and "Jack Frost." When the "Top Ten List" animation played on screen, Letterman joked, "Wait a minute! He doesn't get that yet!" Opinion: Colbert is taking a big risk . What is Stephen Colbert like out of character? | Stephen Colbert appeared on the "Late Show" with David Letterman .
Colbert will be the next host of the talk show .
Letterman plans to retire in 2015 . |
282,195 | f986e01cb0241ce31d5bb67528037634251e6d4f | A woman had her flesh burnt and eaten, was violently raped and allegedly had noughts and crosses carved on her back by her ex-boyfriend in an horrific domestic violence attack. The couple had been together for about 18 months when the man, 41, forced the woman into a prolonged session of abuse at his cousin's Sydney home in 2006. The abuse the woman suffered was so shocking it took her six years to say anything and only came to light when police made a follow up call after the woman reported the domestic violence in 2012. Scroll down for video . A woman had her flesh burnt and eaten, was violently raped and allegedly had noughts and crosses carved on her back by her ex-boyfriend in 2006 in Sydney (file photo) Her ex-boyfriend, who cannot be named to protect the victim's identity, pleaded guilty last week to a string of charges, including sexual assault and kidnap, and will be sentenced in a Sydney court next year. There are several lesser charges he hasn't pleaded to. He allegedly forced her to lean over a dining chair and struck her with a belt, and held her face over a stove top, the police statement of facts says. When she tried to flee through the locked front door, the man forced the woman into the bathroom and repeatedly asked her 'Why'd you do it'? Police allege the woman had no idea what he was talking about. NSW Constable Genelle Warne was credited with helping the woman come forward after staying silent about the alleged abuse for six years . For what seemed like 'hours' to the woman, he peppered her with the question in-between heavy blows to her head. The woman was curled up in a ball in the corner when the man later returned to the bathroom with his cousin in tow, the facts state. He allegedly forced his girlfriend to kiss his cousin's penis. After the alleged sexual humiliation, the man used a hot hair straightener to squeeze the woman's toes, fingers and arm, the facts, tendered in the local court last year, state. The man then ripped off the woman's burnt skin and ate it. The assault continued in the bedroom where the man threatened her genitalia with a knife and allegedly drew noughts and crosses on her back. The man pleaded guilty last week to a string of charges, including sexual assault and kidnap, and will be sentenced in a Sydney court next year (file photo) As he sexually assaulted her, he held her so tight his fingers were covered in blood from her pierced skin. The victim remained at the home for two days and didn't see a doctor. The man, from Sydney's northwest, was charged last year. The case has stunned the most seasoned police, and the efforts of one dedicated officer - Constable Genelle Warne - in helping the woman come forward has been recognised at the highest level. Constable Warne received a police officer of the year award recently for helping this victim and others to come forward. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | The couple, who can't be named, were together 18 months when the woman was forced into a prolonged session of abuse .
The 41-year-old man from Sydney's northwest pleaded guilty to a string of charges, including sexual assault and kidnap .
He allegedly forced her to lean over a chair and struck her with a belt .
He also used a hot hair straightener to squeeze the woman's toes, fingers and arm before ripping off her burnt skin and eating it .
The man will be sentenced in a Sydney court next year . |
40,618 | 72a26954132f65afa087363881be778c966c4d54 | By . Chris Greenwood . Families of the Omagh bombing victims said yesterday that human rights laws favour 'killer gangs'. They spoke out after two Real IRA terrorists won the latest round of their European court fight to escape paying damages. Michael McKevitt and Liam Campbell were ordered to pay a share of £1.6million in aggravated damages after a landmark civil action found them liable for the 1998 atrocity. A Royal Ulster Constabulary officer looking at the damage caused by a bomb explosion in Market Street, Omagh . But their lawyers have persuaded officials at the European Court of Human Rights to put their case to have the order overturned before judges. It was revealed yesterday that the Government must now formally respond to their case after they passed an important filtering stage designed to weed out invalid cases. Families of those murdered when the car bomb exploded in the Northern Irish market town said they were outraged by the decision. Michael Gallagher, whose 21-year-old son Aiden was killed in the blast, said the development was a 'psychological blow' and called for the law to be urgently reformed. 'There seems to be no effective law for giving rights to victims,' he said. 'The human rights laws to me would need to be looked at again. 'It has always favoured the killer gangs and organisations and never the victims. It's always weighted on the side of the perpetrator and this news is extremely disappointing.' Mr Gallagher told a Sunday newspaper: 'We are still working under human rights law formed many years ago to deal with the Nazis in Germany post-Second World War and what seems to be happening since the 1970s is terrorism, is the new Nazism, and there has been no effective human rights legislation focused on the victims.' The decision of terrorists to turn to controversial human rights legislation again highlights Europe's influence over the British legal system. They are following in the footsteps of many foreign criminals who have attempted to use the law to escape deportation. The Omagh bombing, in which 29 people and unborn twins died and hundreds more were injured, was the worst single terrorist attack of the Troubles. The Real IRA admitted responsibility, but no one was ever successfully prosecuted in the criminal courts. Royal Ulster Constabulary police officers and firefighters inspect the damage caused by a bomb explosion . However, after a fighting fund was launched by the Daily Mail, grieving families brought an unprecedented civil action and won their first victory at the High Court in Belfast in 2009. McKevitt, Campbell and fellow Republicans Colm Murphy and Seamus Daly, were ordered to pay damages but embarked on a lengthy appeal process. In January last year, it emerged that McKevitt, 64, and Campbell, 52, had taken their case to the Strasbourg court in a final attempt to escape paying up. McKevitt is serving a 20-year jail sentence imposed in 2003 by a court in Dublin for IRA membership and directing terrorism. Campbell, a fellow dissident Republican, was jailed for eight years by the same court in 2004 for IRA membership. Their lawyers claim their rights were breached under Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights – the right to a fair trial – which has been incorporated into British law by the Human Rights Act. The argument focuses on the decision to allow hearsay evidence from FBI agent David Rupert, who infiltrated dissident Republican terrorist groups. Earlier this month Daly, 43, appeared at Dungannon Magistrates' Court charged with 29 counts of murder over Omagh. Stanley McComb, whose wife Ann died in the blast, said of McKevitt and Campbell's move: 'Those b******* will go to any length and any extreme. It's all just a cynical exercise for them. 'These guys are just terrorists, murderers and yet they can get all the support they need to get this into a European court. What is wrong with the judicial system that is allowing this to happen? This is all a moneymaking exercise for the legal profession too.' | Two Real IRA terrorists won latest fight to escape paying damages .
Michael McKevitt and Liam Campbell were ordered to pay share of £1.6m .
But lawyers persuaded court to put their case to have order .
overturned .
Families of those murdered say they were outraged by decision . |
235,912 | bd632006334bf25793b85c27cf20b8cf64de6c4a | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:47 EST, 6 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:09 EST, 6 July 2013 . Two teenagers have died and another two seriously injured when their car smashed into a tree with such force that the engine was catapulted into the road. The 18-year-old driver of the silver Peugeot 306 was declared dead at the scene, while a 19-year-old passenger later died in hospital. Four teenage boys who were in a silver Opel Astra traveling behind the Peugeot were arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the crash in Horsham, West Sussex. Horror scene: Two teenagers, aged 18 and 19, have died after the silver Peugoet 306 they were travelling in left the road and collided with a tree in Slinfold, Horsham . Impact: The force of the crash caused the engine of the Peugeot to be captapulted from the car and into the middle of the road . Three of those arrested, two aged 18 and one aged 19, were later released with no further action. The driver, an 18-year-old man from Billingshurst, has been . released on unconditional bail until August 28 pending further . inquiries. The force of the crash caused the engine of the Peugeot to be captapulted from the car and into the middle of the road. The A264 Five Oaks Road near Fulfords Hill in Slinfold was closed for nine hours as rescuers attended the horror smash. Two other passengers - an 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl - were taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries. The man was said to have serious but non-life-threatening injuries while the girl's injuries were described as minor. Tragedy: Four teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving . Tributes: People look at flowers left at the scene of the crash. An 18-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl are recovering in hospital with serious, but not life-threatening injuries . Sergeant Alan Spicer, from the Roads Policing Unit at Sussex Police, said: 'All fatal road traffic collisions are tragic but even more so when it involves young people just starting out in life. 'I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to officers to please do so as a matter of urgency. 'We would also like to hear from any other drivers who saw the silver Peugeot or the silver Opel Astra prior to the collision.' The road was closed to traffic for nine hours while crash investigators attended the scene. | One dead at the scene and another dies later in hospital .
Peugeot 306 came off the A264 at Slinfold, West Sussex .
A group of four later arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving . |
279,550 | f624660ebd30448b3f28dd1c686dfd404bece2cf | By . Emma Glanfield . BBC economics editor Robert Peston has received mixed reaction to his debut in the Newsnight presenting seat – after he failed to wear a tie for the appearance. The 54-year-old journalist, who is set to host two more editions of the show this week, chose to go without a tie as he took up the seat formerly occupied by Jeremy Paxman. It has sparked a string of comments on Twitter, with many calling for him to ‘buy a tie’ and smarten up. Others also took to the social media site to point out his ‘uncanny’ resemblance to Doctor Who star David Tennant. BBC economics editor Robert Peston failed to wear a tie as he presented Newsnight for the first time . The 54-year-old journalist drew criticism from viewers for looking 'scruffy' while hosting current affairs show . Viewers took to Twitter to criticise Peston for not wearing a tie with some branding him 'scruffy' Peston, who wore a purple striped shirt with his top button undone and a dark suit jacket, interviewed Isaac Herzog, the leader of Israeli Labor, the country's main opposition party, on his debut. He looked fairly relaxed as he questioned Mr Herzog about the conflict in Gaza, and fiddled distractedly with a pen in one hand. His interview with Andy Burnham on Labour's stance on privatisation and the NHS was fairly more animated – but viewers couldn’t help but notice his ‘scruffy’ appearance. Mr Burnham, in contrast, was wearing a tie. Francis Ingham was one of several viewers to take to Twitter to share his opinion on Peston’s appearance. Mr Ingham wrote: ‘@Peston opens #newsnight Blimey. He looks for an unemployed IT geek. #BuyATie.....’ Meanwhile, Yvonne Johnston said: ‘Where’s your tie, Robert? #newsnight’ And Angela Brownrigg wrote: ‘Are ties banned? Everyone looks so scruffy #newsnight’ Before later adding: ‘You did good, Robert. Now buy a tie. #newsnight’ Peston wore a purple striped shirt with his top button undone and a black suit jacket for the appearance . Newsnight's former long-standing presenter Jeremy Paxman always wore a tie on the daily BBC2 programme . Peston's failure to wear a tie was one of the main talking points among viewers who aired their views online . Unfortunately for Peston both his interviewees looked much smarter than him, with both opting to wear a tie. Comments about Peston's lack of a tie also appeared to be endorsed by Newsnight editor Ian Katz. He posted on his Twitter profile: 'Fortunately Andrew Foxall has brought enough tie to go round #newsnight' He later retweeted a post which made reference to the guest host needing a shirt with a stronger collar. Newsnight editor Ian Katz made reference to Peston's lack of a tie before retweeting a post which suggested he needed a shirt with a stronger collar. He also confirmed Peston would be hosting for the next two nights . The post said: '@Peston coped nicely, but needs a stronger collar stand if to go without a tie, especially if going to me (sic) moving around.' As well as forgoing a tie, Peston also debuted a slightly longer hairstyle for the appearance – which was quickly picked up on by viewers. Mark Pougatch said: ‘The wife & I agree: we both like the new barnet @Peston’ While Katharine SacksJones asked: ‘Has @Peston got new glasses? Is it just me or does he now bear an uncanny resemblance to David Tennant? #newsnight’ Some viewers suggested that Peston (left) looked a lot like Doctor Who star, actor David Tennant (right) Peston also debuted a slightly longer hairstyle on the show – which was quickly picked up on by viewers . Despite comments about his appearance, many applauded him for his debut on the daily BBC2 current affairs programme. Darren Lissaman said: ‘Peston was outstanding. Loved his quirky style & slightly shambolic questioning.’ While Paul Thomas wrote: ‘Best #newsnight for a while. I liked @Peston and his understated approach. He wasn't rubbish!’ | Robert Peston failed to wear a tie for debut appearance hosting Newsnight .
BBC economics editor criticised by viewers for looking 'scruffy' on air .
He is a guest host until Evan Davis starts as replacement for Jeremy Paxman . |
278,460 | f4b6f43640254cb88703e7e5fb436c6ae229e51e | Washington (CNN) -- A "top-to-bottom" review by the General Services Administration, the federal agency that was found to have spent lavishly on an October 2010 conference in Las Vegas, has revealed that the agency also spent more than a quarter-million dollars for a one-day awards ceremony just outside Washington in May 2010. The latest spending came to light Thursday when members of Congress were notified that the agency has opened an internal investigation into the roughly $268,000 spent for the 2010 event held not far from the Pentagon in northern Virginia. The agency's preliminary review has determined that approximately $20,000 was spent on drumsticks given to the attendees of the award ceremony. A source inside the agency told CNN that a drum band was hired for the event and the drumsticks were given to allow attendees to play along with the band and make the activity interactive. Troubled federal agency paid for cooking classes, hosted holiday video contest . "I know, it's ridiculous," the source said, and acknowledged "a lot of frustration" because the agency's new leadership is dealing with events that happened under the previous administrator. The source also told CNN there are a lot of changes and reforms coming to the agency and that some are already in place, such as a freeze on bonuses and pay raises instituted by Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini, who took over after the previous administrator resigned. In addition to $20,000 for drumsticks, the agency's inspector general also informed Congress on Thursday that a preliminary review has found the spending included roughly $34,000 for the venue, including catering charges, room rental charges and AV charges; roughly $7,700 for a reception at a second hotel for the same one-day awards ceremony; and approximately $104,000 for logistical and management services provided by a outside vendor. In a statement provided to CNN, the General Services Administration said this type of spending "is not tolerated." "This event took place in 2010 and has been in existence going back to 2002," the agency said. "Today, under the new GSA leadership, this event and type of spending is not tolerated. As of April 2012 all spending for events, including training conferences, leadership events, team building exercises, award ceremonies, were suspended. These events indicate an already recognized pattern of misjudgment which spans several years and administrations. It must stop, and is why Acting Administrator Tangherlini has instituted several stringent new policies on spending to put an end to this misuse of taxpayer dollars." Previously on CNN.com: Another GSA official placed on leave in spending controversy . Thursday's revelation is the latest spending embarrassment for the General Services Administration. Congressional committees are examining GSA spending after a scathing inspector general's report issued earlier this year showed lavish spending -- $823,000 -- at the agency's Western Regions Conference in Las Vegas in October 2010. Jeff Neely, the GSA official who organized the conference, resigned, as well as the agency's administrator, Martha Johnson. Two of Johnson's deputies were fired and eight other employees left the agency. That's when Tangherlini, a former Treasury Department official, took over. In addition to the Las Vegas conference, the GSA apparently spent $330,000 to relocate an employee from Denver to Hawaii -- and likely millions more dollars on other employees over two years -- according to a transcript of an interview with a GSA event planner. Also, 84 GSA employees, most of them supervisors or other senior staff -- all subjects of inspector general investigations -- are still collecting their bonuses, totaling more than $1 million in taxpayer money. The General Services Administration, which has more than 12,600 employees and a $26.3 billion budget, is tasked with helping manage and support government agencies. Previously on CNN.com: Senators encourage GSA to 'clean house' Previously on CNN.com: Who's on first? Hearing shows GSA's dysfunction . CNN's Brianna Keilar contributed to this report. | General Services Administration under fire for previous spending revelations .
Review says GSA spent thousands on 2010 awards ceremony .
Source: Bill includes $20,000 on drumsticks for interactive drumming experience .
Agency's new management says such spending is now banned . |
232,680 | b947637216cc03a03b6d11bb3c1c56eb7087b56b | By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 09:50 EST, 25 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:03 EST, 25 February 2014 . An Indian schoolbook is teaching Year 8 students that Japan dropped a nuclear bomb on the U.S. and that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated nine months after his death. The Social Science textbook used in Gujarat state is said to have more than 150 factual, grammar and spelling mistakes. Other mistakes include placing Pakistan’s capital in the Hindu Kush Mountains and confusing carbon dioxide with CO3. Bad teacher: The mistakes in the Social Science textbook used in Gujarat state include placing Pakistan's capital in the Hindu Kush Mountains and confusing carbon dioxide with CO3 . The Social Science English medium textbook for Standard 8 published by the Gujarat Council of Educational Research and Training (GCERT) has come under severe criticism, and it is not exactly uncalled for. The 124-page book has 59 factual errors and more than 100 spelling mistakes, according to the Times of India. Among a long list of errors, the schoolchildren of Gujarat, a state which borders Pakistan, are taught that the Muslim country which won independence in 1947 was called ‘Islamic Islamabad’. It also states that the capital of Pakistan, or ‘Islamic Islamabad’, is located in the Khyber pass in the Hindu Kush mountain range on the border to Afghanistan. False claims: The textbook for Year 8 claims that Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated in October 1948, instead of the true date of his death, 30th January that year . Just wrong: According to the textbook 'Japan dropped a nuclear bomb on the U.S. during World War II' The book, which allegedly is being used by more than 50,000 children, also claims that ‘the proportion of poisonous gas CO3 has increased due to cutting of trees,’ NDTV.com reports. Other statements include ‘Japan dropped a nuclear bomb on the U.S. during World War II,’ and ‘Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated on October 30, 1948.’ Gandhi was in fact murdered by Hindu nationalist Nathuram Godse on January 30, 1948. ‘I have been told that there are many errors. We are trying to bring out an errors list and publish it on the internet,’ executive president of Gujarat state board of school textbooks, Nitin Pethani told Times of India. ‘We cannot recall the books at this stage. But we give an assurance that we will correct the mistakes.’ | Indian textbook for Year 8 riddled with factual and spelling errors .
Book given to more than 50,000 children claims Japan bombed the U.S.
Wrong date of Gandhi's death and puts Pakistani capital in the mountains . |
284,447 | fc886e77285dfebe09510414fdc7ee5593479902 | Cocaine worth more than £40million has been found aboard a private jet owned by a French tycoon based in London. The vast haul of drugs was found by customs officers in the Dominican Republic on a plane owned by millionaire businessman Alain Afflelou - who was not on board at the time. Officials boarded the Falcon jet minutes before it was due to leave the Caribbean island for Paris and seized 26 suitcases packed with 680kg of the class A drug. Drugs seizure: £40million of cocaine was found on board Alain Afflelou's Falcon jet in the Dominican Republic . Four French nationals, as well as several local police officers, were arrested after the seizure on suspicion of being part of an international drug-trafficking network. Opticians chain owner Afflelou swiftly denied all knowledge of the drugs, stating he had loaned his plane out to Lyon-based Transhelicopter Services company. A spokesman for Mr Afflelou said after the bust on Sunday: 'Alain heard the news last night through the media and he's amazed. Tycoon: Mr Afflelou denied any knowledge of the drugs and was not on board the plane at the time . 'He will now take all the necessary steps to establish what happened. A letter demanding an explanation has also been sent to the French leasing company.' Mr Afflelou, 64, sparked a storm on controversy in December when he announced he was moving to Britain amid plans for massive tax hikes on France's highest earners. The businessman - who has an estimated £190 million fortune - is among a flood of French millionaires including film star Gerard Depardieu and musician Jean-Michel Jarre quitting France ahead of a looming 75 per cent tax on earnings above one million euros. Mr Afflelou sold around 70 per cent of his shares in his retail chain to UK investment firm Bridgeport in 2006, but remained a shareholder with capital. The chain has more than 890 stores in France as well as in other European countries and sells more than a 1.5 million pairs of glasses a yer. A new report revealed yesterday said that repressive tax regimes in France had lost the country up to a million jobs, with entrepreneurs fleeing abroad. Tax hikes and employment regulations imposed by left and right wing governments over 20 years meant there were now 60,000 French businessmen abroad employing around 16 people each . | Vast haul of drugs was found by customs in the Dominican Republic .
It was on a Falcon jet owned by millionaire businessman Alain Afflelou .
Officials seized 26 suitcases packed with 680kg of the class A drug .
Mr Afflelou was not on board and denied all knowledge of the drugs . |
209,266 | 9aff021f8e78db8267af8ad29d531aa7be181ee8 | Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle has doubled down on her claims that young women should not serve on a jury - and former White House press secretary Dana Perino has incredibly chimed in to support her. Guifoyle sparked outrage on Tuesday when she told The Five viewers that 'healthy and hot' young women should be excused from voting booths and juries 'so they can go back on Tinder and Match.com'. But in a shocking development tonight, her co-host Dana Perino agreed that prosecutors should not pick young women to sit on a jury - as the 45-year-old former Victoria Secret model refused to apologize for her words. Scroll down for videos . Defiant: Kimberly Guilfoyle appeared on The Five tonight to defend her claim that young women are 'spoon fed' information - and her colleague Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary, backed up her beliefs . Not backing down: Former Victoria Secret model Guilfoyle and Bush's press secretary Perino were defiant . 'If you're a prosecutor, you typically would not pick the young woman because she is not the person you would want on the jury, and that's true across the board,' declared Perino, America's second ever female White House Press Secretary, who served under George W Bush between 2007 to 2009. Addressing the storm of backlash, Guilfoyle simply blamed the 'liberal media' for taking her words 'out of context' - repeating: 'if [young women] want to go back to social media or online dating, that's fine with me'. 'I take voting very seriously,' she said, defending her own words. 'Don't come out because you're uninformed or you're spoon-fed information - anybody out there.' The panel discussion then turned into an attack on Huffington Post for 'manipulating the truth'. 'Unfortunately they made that headline then liberal media ran with it when there was not one iota of fact in it,' she raged at her fellow panelists. Describing the site's news-gathering process as 'twisting a Rubiks cube' of 'manipulation', Greg Gutfeld said: 'It was specifically HuffPo who picked it ... and then liberal media said let's go spread this garbage as far as we can spread it.' Guilfoyle insisted that she said nothing about voting. 'I take the right to vote very seriously, I take the right to serve on a jury very seriously and I think you should be informed when you do both things.' 'My point is you’ve been given a powerful blessing in life in this country to be able to vote and to be able to sit on the jury so come equipped, come prepared because you don’t want to dilute the votes out there because you are uninformed and you’re spoon-fed something that’s inaccurate or you don’t even bother to equip yourself with the facts – anybody out there, this goes for everyone.' 'And that is that': While many expected an apology from the former model, she did not back down on her words . Sit this one out, ladies: Fox News co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle has said on The Five that young women should be excused from voting and siting on juries to pursue online dating on Tinder and Match.com . He said, she said: When co-host Bob Beckel (right) pointed out to Guilfoyle that young women have 'every right in the world' to serve as jurors, Guilfoyle responded by saying they should get a pass . Refusing to acknowledge the complaints of sexism and hypocrisy that have swarmed Twitter, Guilfoyle then wrapped up the discussion by smiling at the camera defiantly: 'And that is that'. Guilfoyle, the ex-wife of former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, appeared on The Five along with her four-co-hosts Tuesday to discuss the challenges the Republican Party has been facing in swaying young women to vote conservative. When Guilfoyle’s fellow panelist Greg Gutfield suggested that married, older women tend to vote Republican because 'with age comes wisdom,' the 45-year-old former California prosecutor launched into a tirade calling out younger women for their perceived ignorance. 'It’s the same reason why young women on juries are not a good idea. They don’t get it!' Guilfoyle fumed. She then added that her younger peers don't have the proper 'life experiences' such as raising children, paying bills, or dealing with real-world issues like mortgage, crime and health care, to perform their civic duties. 'They’re like healthy and hot and running around without a care in the world,' said Guilfoyle, a one-time Victoria’s Secret lingerie model. When The Five co-host Bob Beckel pointed out that young women have 'every right in the world' to sit on a jury, Guilfoyle clarified her point. In her own words: Ms Guilfoyle addressed the controversy on Twitter and teased an upcoming panel discussion on the subject on The Five . 'Condescending': Guilfoyle, pictured here in May at an art benefit, insisted that attractive young women do not have the proper life experiences to make informed decisions . Sizzling look: Guilfoyle, 45, seen here at an October 14 premiere of the film Fury, started out as a model for Victoria's Secret . Crime fighter: Before she became a TV host, Guilfoyle served as a prosecutor in California for a decade . 'I just think, excuse them so they can go back on Tinder and Match.com,' the twice-divorced single mother said with a smile. On Thursday afternoon, Ms Guilfoyle addressed the controversy on Twitter, writing: 'Should young women (or men for that matter) who haven’t studied the issues… cast their vote at the ballot box? That discussion on @TheFive.' A Fox News spokesperson told MailOnline Ms Guilfoyle will clarify her position on the matter during a panel discussion tonight on Fox News. This is not the first time that The Five have taken young Americans to task accusing them of being ill-informed citizens. Earlier this month, Harris Faulkner urged young voters to sit out the upcoming mid-term elections if they 'don't know the issues,' reported Huffington Post. Kimberly Guilfoyle graduated from University of California at Davis and obtained a law degree. While still attending the San Francisco School of Law, she modeled for retailers like Macy’s and appeared in a bridal magazine published by Victoria’s Secret. First lady: Guilfoyle had married Gavin Newsom (left), a Democrat, who went on to become the mayor of San Francisco . The couple called it quits in 2006 . Former President Bill Clinton (L) speaks at a campaign rally for San Francisco mayoral candidate Gavin Newsom (C) as Newsom's wife Kimberly Guilfoyle-Newsom (R) looks on December 8, 2003 in San Francisco . After a decade-long career in law, first as a persecutor and later as a deputy district attorney and assistant district attorney, Guilfoyle changed gears emerging as a TV personality. Besides her role as a panelist on The Five, Mrs Guilfoyle also co-hosts Fox News’ Outnumbered and appears as a regular contributor on The O'Reilly Factor and Hannity. While still working as a prosecutor in San Francisco, Guilfoyle married then-city supervisor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, who would go on to become mayor and later lieutenant governor of California. Their marriage ended in 2006. Four months after her divorce was finalized, Guilfoyle tied the knot with a furniture heir with whom she has an 8-year-old son. The two split up in 2009. | Kimberly Guilfoyle said young women have no place at polls or on a jury .
Former model, 45, said they lack life experience, should 'get back on Tinder'
Twice-divorced Guilfoyle, a lawyer, was married to Democrat Gavin Newsom during his time as mayor of San Francisco .
Tonight she repeated that she doesn't mind 'if they want to go back to social media or online dating'
Dana Perino, a White House Press Secretary under President George W Bush, backed her up . |
112,804 | 1d8cbcf619e2790620c5f022bba03382844b72ff | (Health.com) -- Earlier this year, sociologist Jay Olshansky, Ph.D., watched President Barack Obama return to his hometown of Chicago to celebrate his 50th birthday. In the days that followed, Olshansky was struck by the amount of media coverage dedicated to a single question: When did Obama's hair get so gray? Being president is a demanding job -- especially in times like this -- and it seems plausible that the stress of juggling politics, the economy, and the military could literally take years off a person's life. Michael Roizen, M.D., a doctor at the Cleveland Clinic, in Ohio, even suggested on Obama's birthday that presidents age twice as fast as normal while in office. But Olshansky, a professor of public health at the University of Illinois-Chicago, wasn't buying it. Wealth, access to healthcare, and education are all closely linked to longer lifespans, and presidents have all three resources in abundance, he reasoned; if anything, presidents should age slower than the average person. Health.com: 30 stay-healthy tips for men . To test his hunch, Olshansky collected the birth, death, and inauguration dates of every American president that died of natural causes. (He also included living presidents.) Then, based on their time in office, he estimated their projected lifespans under Dr. Roizen's "accelerated aging" theory. Two-thirds of presidents lived (or are living) longer than their projected lifespans, Olshansky found. What's more, two-thirds also made it past the average lifespan of men in their age group. "The first eight presidents lived an average of 79.8 years during a time when life expectancy for men was under 40," says Olshansky, whose findings were published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. "It seems like most presidents live exceptionally long lives." Health.com: How to live to 100 . If that's the case, what explains the rapidly graying hair and premature wrinkles that seem to beset presidents? (Obama isn't the only president whose visible aging has attracted attention: In years past, the media hasn't failed to note that Bill Clinton was white-haired by the time he left office, that Jimmy Carter had baggier eyes, and that George W. Bush developed new lines across his forehead.) The obvious answer is that U.S. presidents are simply older when they leave the White House as when they enter. They also take office in their mid-50s, on average -- a stage in life when the external signs of aging tend to become more pronounced in men. In addition, Olshansky suspects, high levels of stress may indeed contribute to superficial aging, even if they don't shorten lifespan. "There is good, strong literature to suggest that stress can lead to accelerated graying of hair," he says. "There's no question that stress has a powerful effect, but at least with regard to the presidents, it doesn't appear to be making them die sooner." Health.com: Job killing you? 8 types of work-related stress . Olshanksy plans to study people in other high-stress jobs -- like CEOs of insurance companies -- to test whether stress really does influence how old they look. Either way, he says, Obama and other stressed-out workers shouldn't fret over their appearance. "No one dies from gray hair and wrinkles," he says. Copyright Health Magazine 2011 . | Wealth, access to healthcare, and education are all closely linked to longer lifespans .
Researcher collected the birth, death, and inauguration dates of every American president .
Two-thirds of presidents lived (or are living) longer than their projected lifespans . |
255,921 | d73db3548698c5de93025e9058d732b59ce58af8 | A victim abused by Rotherham paedophiles who also murdered her sister has today confronted embattled police chief Shaun Wright and demanded his resignation. Sarah Wilson, who was abused by Asian attackers for five years from the age of 11, berated the man at the centre of the child sex scandal for refusing the leave his £85,000-a-year job. Miss Wilson's younger sister, Laura, died in the UK's first white honour killing carried out by an Asian boyfriend. She was 17 when she was stabbed and dumped in a canal by killer Ashtiaq Ashgar. From the public gallery at a meeting in Rotherham today Sarah Wilson, who has waived her right to anonymity, yelled at the South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner: 'You let my sister be murdered, you let us be groomed. You should be out or dead.’ Scroll down for video . Fury: Rotherham child abuse victim Sarah Wilson, who sister Laura was murdered by a member of an Asian paedophile ring, confronted South Yorkshire police chief Shaun Wright and demanded he resigns . Victim: Miss Wilson, who was abused from the age of 11 yelled: ''You let my sister be murdered, you let us be groomed. You should be out or dead.’ Before being elected South Yorkshire PCC in 2012, Mr Wright was Rotherham’s councillor in charge of children’s services for five years. The department repeatedly turned a blind eye to evidence that 1,400 girls had fallen into the clutches of paedophiles from 1997 to last year. Defence: Shaun Wright said that his record PCC 'speaks for itself' and would not resign . From 11 Sarah Wilson was plied with alcohol and cannabis by sexual predators who habitually abused her until she was 16, when they lost interest because she was no longer underage, she said. Having now turned her life around she waived her right to anonymity to persuade other victims to come forward. Speaking to Shaun Wright directly Miss Wilson, who was joined by other victims: 'Alarm bells were ringing since I was 11-years-old and not at one time did I get offered any support from social services or the police. 'How can you sit there and deny everything you’ve done? How can you do it? What about all those families? You’ve done nothing to support us. Nothing'. She added: 'I’ve had to live with this for 12 years and what have you done? You’ve still got your job.' To Mr Wright directly, again, she said: 'You can’t even look me in the face, can you? Stand down'. Responding to taunts he said: 'The young ladies in the public gallery, without a shadow of a doubt, have been let down and they deserve every course of support and every course of justice.' He added: 'My record in tackling child sexual exploitation as PCC (Police and Crime Commissioner) speaks for itself.' At today's meeting Mr Wright was also confronted by the grandfather of one of the at least 1,400 children abused by gangs, mainly of Pakistani origin. Speaking from the public gallery, the man said his 12-year-old granddaughter was arrested for being drunk and disorderly by police officers who let her four adult abusers go free. The man said: 'You were a disgrace, mate. If I had a gun I would shoot you.' Under pressure: Mr Wright has repeatedly harangued during a meeting today and left with help from police officers . Mr Wright responded, saying: 'Clearly, if that took place, it's an absolute disgrace.' The PCC faced angry scenes at the meeting in Rotherham Town Hall as members of the public asked why he was still in his job. Mr Wright has resisted widespread and repeated top-level calls for him to resign since the publication of the Jay Report into child sexual exploitation (CSE) in Rotherham, which detailed how at least 1,400 children were subjected to horrors including rape, violence and trafficking for sex between 1997 and 2013. Before his election in 2012, he was a councillor in Rotherham for more than a decade and was the member of the council with responsibility for children's services from 2005 to 2010. Calls for him to step down have been led by Prime Minister David Cameron, Home Secretary Theresa May, and Labour leader Ed Miliband. But he has resisted every challenge and when Labour threatened to throw him out of the party, he resigned his membership. Today, chairman Harry Harpham said the panel had passed a vote of no confidence in the commissioner and endorsed calls made by the Home Affairs Select Committee for emergency legislation to change the law to enable PCCs to be sacked in 'exceptional circumstances'. One member of the panel, Ukip's Caven Vines, resigned on the spot saying he could not bear to be in the same room as Mr Wright any more. The chairman also revealed he had received two official complaints about Mr Wright which he had passed on to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC). Before he left, Mr Wright told the panel that child sexual exploitation levels were just as high now as they were in the periods covered by the Jay Report. The commissioner agreed this was on an 'industrial scale'. He told the panel: 'It's a very difficult and complex issue to prevent. That shouldn't be any excuse for not trying to prevent it. 'But I'm afraid it is still going on today, it's just as prevalent today as it was in 2010 or 2005 or indeed any period before that. 'All I can say is that you've got my absolute commitment to continue the work that's already been put in place and to try and continue the progress that has been made since I've been police and crime commissioner.' Laura Wilson, 17, was murdered by her Asian boyfriend in the UK's first white honour killing . Laura Wilson, from Rotherham, was 17 when she was stabbed and dumped in a canal by her Asian boyfriend in the UK's first white honour killing. Ashtiaq Ashgar, who Laura's family believe was using her for sex, murdered Laura in 2010 after she told his family about their secret relationship. The teenager was left to die in a canal, after being stabbed more than 40 times, mostly to the head. After Laura's death, it was revealed that social workers had known for six years that the white teenage mother was at clear risk from predatory Asian gangs. They had received information about certain adults who were suspected of targeting Laura from the age of 11. Laura began her relationship with Ashgar in 2008, when she was 15 and he was 16. Ashgar came from a traditional Muslim family who were planning an arranged marriage for their son with a girl from Pakistan. But unbeknown to his family, he lived a double life where he drank, smoked cannabis, carried weapons and had numerous relationship with women, including Laura. When Laura found out that he has been seeing other girls, they broke up and she slept with this married friend, 22-year-old Ishaq 'Zac' Hussein, to make him jealous. Just 16 at the time, Laura fell pregnant and had a daughter, Alicia. Hussein refused to acknowledge he was the father. After Alicia was born, Laura and Ashgar rekindled their relationship. But he insisted it must be a secret. Laura soon became sick of being Ashgar's secret and on October 6, 2010, she and her sister Sarah made the fatal mistake of revealing all to his family. The teenager was left to die in a canal in Rotherham, after being stabbed more than 40 times . Laura and Sarah also visited Zac's family to reveal how he is the father of her baby. After that, Ashgar sent Zac a text message saying: 'I'm gonna send that b***** to Hell.' He also said he wanted to make 'beans on toast' of her, which is a phrase that means to spill blood. Ashtiaq Ashgar, who was 18 at the time, is serving a life sentence for Laura's murder . Ashgar then asked Laura to meet him at the canal one evening where he murdered her. Both Ashgar and Hussein were charged with murder. Ashgar pleaded guilty and was given a life sentence. He will be eligible for parole in 2029 when he is 34. Hussein was acquitted of murder following a retrial. Laura's mother now looks after Laura’s daughter. In 2012, the council’s Safeguarding Children Board published a serious case review about Laura's death. But key passages which reveal they knew she was at particular risk from ‘Asian men’ had been blocked out with black lines. The council went to court in an attempt to try to suppress the hidden information after a uncensored copy was leaked to the Times newspaper, but they abandoned legal action. The uncensored report confirms that Laura, identified as Child S, had dealings with 15 agencies. The report identified ‘numerous missed opportunities’ to protect her and it states that she eventually became ‘almost invisible’ to care professionals. The hidden information included the knowledge that, at the age of 13, Laura and a friend had been given alcohol by men at a takeaway who then asked what she would give them in return. She had also been referred to a child sexual exploitation project just three months after her 11th birthday. Another censored passage reveals that Laura had been ‘mentioned’ during a 2009 police inquiry that eventually led to the conviction of five Pakistani men for sex offences against three underage girls. | Sarah Wilson was abused by Asian attackers for five years from age of 11 .
Sister Laura was also groomed and later murdered when confronted them .
PCC Wright was in charge of Rotherham children's services for 5 years .
Miss Wilson berated him at a public meeting and said: 'You let my sister be murdered, you let us be groomed. You should be out or dead'
Furious grandfather of victim also shouted at him and called him 'disgrace'
Panel member resigned because he could not be in same room as Wright . |
121,985 | 29b2b3575973383268f3b6206d0b86d89182a9b1 | By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 05:45 EST, 8 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:46 EST, 8 February 2013 . A suicide bomber has blown himself up in the northern Mali town of Gao - the country's first such case. The man was on a motorbike and blew himself up at a Malian government military checkpoint 100 km (60 miles) north of the northern city of Gao on Friday, injuring one soldier, a Mali military officer said. It would be the first reported suicide bombing since a French-led intervention swept Islamist rebels from their desert strongholds of Gao, Timbuktu and Kidal. Explosion: A local truck drives by a convoy of French army vehicles. A suicide bomber has blown himself up in the northern Mali town of Gao - the country's first such case, sources say . Turmoil: A French armoured vehicle overtakes a local truck as the convoy of French army vehicles head toward Gao on the road from Gossi . "A kamikaze on a motorbike just blew himself up at the Bourem checkpoint at 6:30 am (0630 GMT). 'One lightly wounded soldier from Gao," the officer told Reuters by text message. Meanwhile heavy gunfire erupted in the west of Mali's capital Bamako today as government forces exchanged fire with mutinous paratroopers, military sources and witnesses said. Government forces sealed off the area around the paratroopers' base, as reinforcements arrived to quell the mutiny which was protesting disciplinary measures against some of the unit's members. Smoke was seen rising from the camp. Discussions: A French soldier speaks with his Malian counterpart on the banks of the Niger river outside Gao, northern Mali . Unrest: Since a military coup in March last year that plunged Mali into chaos and led to the occupation of the north by Tuareg and Islamist rebels, paratroopers loyal to former President Amadou Toumani Toure had been largely sidelined and some arrested . Since a military coup in March last year that plunged Mali into chaos and led to the occupation of the north by Tuareg and Islamist rebels, paratroopers loyal to former President Amadou Toumani Toure had been largely sidelined and some arrested. "The Chief of Staff had taken a disciplinary measure against some of the paratroopers, and some of them were not happy with the decision so they woke up this morning and started shooting," a Malian defense ministry official told Reuters. The shooting in the southern capital Bamako occurred while French and Chadian troops hunted Islamist rebels hundreds of kilometres (miles) to the north in the second phase of a French-led military operation against al Qaeda-allied insurgents. Withdraw: A Malian soldier walks in Gao - French troops began to withdraw from Timbuktu Thursday after securing the fabled city . In Bamako, groups of the paratroopers, who wear red berets, had been staging protests to demand that commanders send them to the front to join the offensive against the Islamists. The French-led military operation involving 4,000 French troops backed by warplanes successfully pushed the Islamist rebels out of the main towns of northern Mali, but driving them from their mountain bases could prove a tougher task. France and its western allies are pushing for a national political settlement and democratic elections to stabilise the situation in the West Africa state, where interim civilian leaders have faced interference from March coup leader Captain Amadou Sanogo and other junta officers. In May, Sanogo's troops said they put down a counter-coup attempt led by paratroopers which led to several days of fighting in the riverside capital in which at least 27 people were killed. | Man was on a motorbike and blew himself up at a Malian military checkpoint .
One solider was wounded in the blast .
First reported suicide .
bombing since the French-led intervention . |
51,410 | 91892640e3c4d9ae1580be0caa1cebaab75f45ff | (CNN) -- Planning to dress as a plain old witch or scarecrow this Halloween? Sorry, that's not going to cut it anymore. In the age of Internet memes, creative and punny costumes are becoming the norm. Dressed as Mitt Romney? Boring. Dressed as "binders full of women?" Now that's more like it! At CNN iReport, we asked for your best photos of Internet-inspired costumes. From "The Most Interesting Man in the World" to "dog shaming," you didn't disappoint. Click through the gallery above to see the cleverest costumes we received. CNN's Jareen Imam and Rachel Rodriguez contributed to this story. | Internet memes are becoming increasingly popular as Halloween costumes .
Among the most popular meme costumes this year was "binders full of women"
Click through the gallery above to see clever and creative meme costumes .
CNN iReport: Dressing as a meme this Halloween? Share a photo . |
106,970 | 15fb1d74201fee665a464caa518067b95b416f16 | (CNN) -- A New York man was ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation after allegedly beating his girlfriend and her daughter to death with a hammer, claiming they were witches, prosecutors said Thursday. Carlos Alberto Amarillo, 44, allegedly called 911 early Wednesday and said "two females are dead, they were assassinated, hurry, they are dead," the Queens district attorney's office said in a statement. "I killed them because they are witches," Amarillo reportedly said on the 911 call, according to the statement. "I want the police to kill me. I killed them with a hammer." A neighbor told CNN he heard the banging, apparently from the hammer blows, but no screaming. When police arrived at the home where the 911 call was made, Amarillo was walking from the doorway to the street carrying a Bible. He allegedly told officers: "I killed them, I killed them," according to the statement. Police found the body of his girlfriend, Estrella Castaneda, 56, face up on a bed with a pillow over her face, the statement said. The rubber grip of a hammer was next to her body. On the floor in a rear bedroom, police found the victim's daughter, Lina Castaneda, 25, with injuries to her head, prosecutors said. The hammer was next to her body. Lina Castaneda's 7-year-old daughter was found unharmed on the bed in her mother's room, authorities said. "The defendant is accused of the violent beating death of his girlfriend and her daughter -- who in fact was herself the mother of a young child," Queens District Attorney Richard A. Brown said in the statement. "Thankfully, that child ... was not harmed." In statements to police, Amarillo allegedly said that he believed the victims were witches and were "performing voodoo and casting spells on him," Brown said in the statement. Camilo Alvarez, 23, who lives two houses down, said that about midnight Wednesday he heard a loud banging sound. He thought it might be his mother moving things around upstairs. Then, police officers arrived in front of his neighbor's house. "As awful as it sounds, I think that was the hammering," Alvarez said. "Nobody heard screaming -- that's the weird part -- so nobody called the police." Still, Alvarez wondered if a call to police at that point could have made a difference. "It was mind-blowing," he said. "You never expect that right next door. They seemed like normal people; it just makes no sense." Amarillo was arraigned Wednesday night on two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder and one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. If convicted, he could face life without parole. His attorney, Anthony Battisti, declined to comment on Thursday. | Carlos Alberto Amarillo, 44, allegedly killed two women he said were "witches"
A 7-year-old girl, daughter of one of the victims, in the home was not harmed .
Amarillo was arraigned on murder charges and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation . |
230,580 | b6977a54521bd7fc82b017545a146f89c7f70f64 | Armed men attacked the Tripoli headquarters of a privately owned Libyan television channel early Wednesday, causing extensive damage to the building, al-Asema TV reported. At least seven masked men attacked the station just after midnight with small arms and rocket-propelled grenades, causing heavy damage to the building and broadcasting equipment and setting part of it on fire, the station reported. The gunmen made the staff leave the building first, the station said. Al-Asema TV is a privately owned channel affiliated with Mahmoud Jibril, the country's interim Prime Minister during the 2011 revolution, and his National Front Alliance (NFA), the liberal political bloc in the General National Congress, Libya's parliament. The channel is viewed as critical of Islamist parties in Libya especially now, during a time of heightened political polarization in the country. The attack was the latest in a wave of violence targeting Libyan media. Earlier this month, an armed attack on Libya al-Ahrar TV in the eastern city of Benghazi damaged the building and broadcast equipment. And this week, four Libyan journalists were kidnapped in two separate incidents in Tripoli, said Reporters Without Borders (RSF). One, the editor of a state-owned newspaper, was released on Tuesday. He had been abducted from outside a cafe in central Tripoli a day earlier. The other three -- all of them state television employees -- remain missing. It's not clear who is behind the kidnappings. In a statement Wednesday, RSF condemned what it described at "the steadily mounting violence against media personnel in Libya." "Reporters Without Borders is extremely worried by the situation in Libya three years after the start of the uprising against the Gadhafi dictatorship and urges the authorities to do everything possible to improve the environment in which the country's journalists work," the group said. "It is in every Libyan's interest to ensure that media personnel can work safely, without fear of being threatened, attacked, kidnapped or murdered." The security situation has been deteriorating in the North African country, with Libya's weak central government unable to rein in militia groups with different regional, tribal, ideological and political loyalties. The government has been struggling with its plans to build an army and police. According to RSF's 2014 Press Freedom Index, Libya dropped six places and is now ranked 137th out of 180 countries. "In Libya, freedom of information is under threat from the violence that continues to rock the country," the group said. "Working as a journalist is still very arduous nearly three years after the February 2011 uprising against the Gadhafi regime, which used strict media control to hold on to power for more than four decades. The enthusiasm generated by the Libyan 'media spring' is running out of steam." Blast at Libyan school injures six children . | Reporters Without Borders condemns mounting violence against journalists .
The gunmen made the staff leave the building first .
The attack is the latest in a wave of violence targeting Libyan media .
This week, four journalists were kidnapped . |
209,766 | 9babcb56f881f258fcd890063b24d8247409d92a | Ozzy Osbourne has described how he felt excited after the 9/11 terrorist attacks saying it was 'my kind of craziness'. The Black Sabbath frontman was in New York the day two airliners hijacked by militants from al Qaeda crashed into the World Trade Centre's twin towers. The attacks caused the deaths of 2,753 people in what was one of the deadliest attacks on American soil. Scroll down for video . Ozzy Osbourne, who has said the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York made him feel 'excited' In a new interview, the 65-year-old recalled how he was in the city the day of the terrorist atrocities. He explained that he was standing on the steps of his hotel in the city, describing the scene as, 'f***** weird.' And when asked by Shortlist magazine if he was frightened, he replied: 'I wasn't scared, I was excited! It was my kind of craziness, y'know.' He then went on to describe the usually bustling streets of New York City as like an old cowboy film with newspapers floating around the streets. He added: 'It was so f****** weird. Everybody just backed off Manhattan because they didn't know if it was an all-out thing or what.' However, he also spoke of his concern about the current threat of terrorism saying he hopes that ISIS 'don't get going'. He explained: 'I think sooner or later one of these crazy f****** is going to get a nuclear weapon and f*** a lot of people up.' The singer was in New York the day two airliners hijacked by militants from al Qaeda crashed into the World Trade Centre's twin towers . The singer's comments came after he described meeting former president George W Bush after he was invited to the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2002 with wife Sharon. He said he had drank three bottles of wine before the dinner and admitted that he 'never quite got' the former US leader. The couple attended the event shortly after their reality TV series starring the couple and children Kelly and Jack began to air. Mrs Osbourne explained at the time: 'We were sitting at our table and George Bush started his speech, thanking 'members of the Press, movie stars, TV stars and Ozzy Osbourne'. 'Then he started talking about how his mother loved Ozzy's music. At this point, Ozzy stood up on his chair and the President was saying, 'Get down, Ozzy. Ozzy, get down!' | Black Sabbath frontman was in New York the day of the terrorist attacks .
Said he stood on the steps of his hotel and described the scene as 'weird .
Added that he wasn't scared but excited as it 'was my kind of craziness'
Also spoke of his fears of terrorism saying he hopes ISIS 'don't get going' |
267,845 | e6e2054c3c7820adc19db89d5aeeb70027192b08 | A community of Orthodox Jews have been expelled from their homes in a bitter conflict with hostile villagers. Just a few months after fleeing from Canada amid allegations of child abuse, members of the Lev Tahor community were forced to leave San Juan La Laguna in Guatemala yesterday. The village Elder's Council voted to kick them out because the group refused to greet or have physical contact with the community, according to a member of the council. Members of Jewish community, Lev Tahor, with their belongings before boarding buses in San Juan La Laguna . The village Elder's Council voted to kick them out because of growing tensions with locals . A young boy looks out of a window while sitting on a bus on Friday as the community is forced to leave . Lev Tahor is a radical strain of Hassidic Judaism that believes television and computers are bad and must be avoided. The group rejects the state of Israel because it views the Jews as a people who must remain in exile. Verbal abuse, threats to cut off power and eject them by force were the last straw for the Jews, some of whom have been there for six years. A leader of the Lev Tahor sect in San Juan, Rabbi Uriel Goldman, said that most Guatemalans were friendly towards the Jews but an aggressive minority chose to push the group out. 'I don't understand why they don't want us, we're doing nothing bad here. They also warned us they would remove us from the village by force.' He said that the council in San Juan issued an ultimatum to Lev Tahor, saying water and electricity would be cut off if they did not leave. Around 230 members of the Jewish community were living in San Juan La Laguna, Guatemala . Misael Santos from the Lev Tahor community said: 'We decided to leave because the Council does not want us' They left Canada amid allegations of child abuse and suspicions they were carrying out underage marriage . Misael Santos of the Lev Tahor community said: 'We decided to leave because the Council of Elders does not want us. 'It's sad to leave, and there are people who like us here because when we left there were people who cried.' Around 230 members of the Jewish community were living in the lakeside village, the majority moving over from Canada in March this year. They left Canada amid allegations of child abuse and suspicions the group was carrying out underage marriages. Rabbi Shalom Pelman, who leads the Chabad Lubavitch congregation in Guatemala's capital city, has denounced the move. Verbal abuse, threats to cut off power and eject them by force were the last straw for the Jews . Rabbi Shalom Pelman, who leads acongregation in Guatemala's capital city, has denounced the move . Lev Tahor is a radical strain of Hassidic Judaism founded by Rabbi Shlomo Helbrans in Israel . He said it is the type of activity that brings to mind the treatment of Jews in Nazi Germany. 'This is not typical in the world I live in. Even in Iran, Jews are not expelled,' he said. Miguel Vasquez Cholotio, a member of the elders' council, said the villagers decided to expel the group because they refused to greet or have physical contact with the community. 'We felt intimidated by them in the streets. We thought they wanted to change our religion and customs,' he said. Antonio Ixtamer, who lives in the community, said that several members of the group had upset residents because of their 'arrogant' attitude. He said they would go into stores and pay whatever they wanted for the products rather than the marked price and that they bothered tourists. 'On one occasion there was a tourist taking pictures of a hill and the Jews thought he was taking photos of them and they clashed,' Ixtamer said. Lev Tahor means 'Pure Heart' in Hebrew and the group practices an austere form of Judaism and believes that technological trappings such as television and computers must be avoided. It was founded by Rabbi Shlomo Helbrans in Israel and flourished after he moved the group to the U.S. in the early 1990s. The community, which believes the Jews must remain in exile, has won the admiration from some for its devoutness but others condemn it to cult-like sect. It flourished and spread after Rabbi Helbrans moved the group to the U.S. in the early 1990s . The group was accused of going into stores and paying whatever they wanted for the products . Lev Tahor means 'Pure Heart' in Hebrew and the group practices an austere form of Judaism . The group believes technological trappings such as television and computers are bad and must be avoided . People in the Guatemalan village said that they felt 'intimidated' by the highly-religious Jewish sect . | Members of the Lev Tahor sect forced to flee from Guatemalan village .
Left Canada in March amid allegations of child abuse and forced marriages .
Elders at the San Juan La Laguna council voted to kick them out .
More than 230 people were expelled from their homes yesterday .
Radical strain of Hassidic Judaism was founded in 1980 by Rabbi Helbrans . |
248,841 | ce0027682dc2f555304d1737441544f14b5764fc | Los Angeles (CNN) -- A California judge denied Thursday a request from an actress who, claiming she was a victim of fraud who'd been caused irreversible harm, wanted an inflammatory anti-Islam video in which she had appeared to be removed from YouTube's website. Cindy Lee Garcia, who was among those in "Innocence of Muslims," had sued the producer of the film, Nakoula Basseley Nakoula -- who authorities say has numerous aliases -- alleging she is a victim of fraud, invasion of privacy and misappropriation of her likeness. In her complaint, filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court, Garcia also sued YouTube, the video-sharing website on which the film's trailer is posted, and its parent company, Google. She alleged the company caused her irreparable harm by not removing the video from its site and asked a judge to order the trailer be taken down immediately. YouTube attorney Timothy Alger, meanwhile, argued that federal law protects forums such as YouTube from abiding by such orders, from third parties, to remove videos. Actress in anti-Islamic film files lawsuit against filmmaker and YouTube . On Thursday, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Luis Lavin ruled the company can leave the video up online, denying Garcia's request for a temporary restraining order. Last week, the actress told CNN she had been unaware the filmmaker dubbed over dialogue in the movie and had inserted anti-Islam sentiments. The producer's representations that he "intended to make an 'adventure film' and that (the) plaintiff would be depicted as a concerned mother, were false," Garcia alleges in her lawsuit. The defendant "made an anti-Islam propaganda film, in which plaintiff is falsely made to appear to accuse the founder of the Islamic religion of being a sexual deviant and child molester," says the complaint. The lawsuit claims Garcia lost her job and her privacy since the film, on September 11, went from being an obscure Internet video to a target of Muslim protests worldwide. The film mocks the Islamic Prophet Mohammed as a womanizer, child molester and killer. From Morocco to Malaysia, demonstrators in more than 20 countries have railed against the "Innocence of Muslims" and the United States, since the film was (privately) produced and disseminated in the country. Some of these groups have targeted U.S. diplomatic missions, including those who breached the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, and those who killed four Americans during an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Garcia said that, since the video got widespread attention, she has received death threats and has not visited her grandchildren out of fear that they will be harmed. Calls to representatives of Nakoula were not immediately returned. Actor: Filmmaker 'was playing us along' | Actress in "Innocence of Muslims" filed complaint alleging she was a victim of fraud .
She'd sued the filmmaker and YouTube's parent company, saying she had been harmed .
A judge denies her request that YouTube be ordered to take the video down from its site .
The trailer for the film has stirred protests by Muslims worldwide . |
103,657 | 11b48ae4348090399abd09c8332669fcd60caa86 | Men accused of date rape must be quizzed by police over the ‘steps they took’ to establish that a woman agreed to sex, the country’s top prosecutor said yesterday. Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders said detectives should question a suspect about ‘what assured him’ the alleged victim had consented. New guidelines would guarantee a ‘more balanced consideration’ of the accounts of both the suspect and the alleged victim, she said. Director of Public Prosecutors, pictured, said she wants police to question date-rape suspects over what measures they took to make sure that any sexual contact was consensual between all parties . During a keynote speech in Manchester yesterday, she said: ‘The law states that if a suspect can show that they had reasonable belief that the other party consented then the offence of rape is not made out. ‘Logic dictates that in order to establish what the suspect’s reasonable belief might be then investigators will want to question the suspect on what it was that assured him the sexual activity was consensual. ‘The new toolkits on consent make this clear, highlighting that when considering consent issues, in addition to examining the actions of the complainant, we will also examine the steps taken by a suspect.’ Mrs Saunders spoke out in the wake of the furore over footballer Ched Evans, who was released from prison in October halfway through a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman in a Welsh hotel. The player has always professed his innocence, saying the sex was consensual, but the woman said she was too drunk to agree. Last month Mrs Saunders announced a major shake-up of investigations into sex offences and spelled out situations where victims would not be in a position to agree to sex, such as if they were incapacitated through alcohol or drugs or were unconscious or had mental health problems or learning difficulties. At a special conference, she said new guidelines would for the first time move well beyond the idea of ‘no means no’. Campaigners described the move as a ‘huge step forward’ in ensuring fewer rapists escaped justice. But critics said the measures threatened to shift the burden of proof by moving towards making rape suspects prove they were innocent. Ms Saunders was speaking in the aftermath of the scandal involving shamed footballer Ched Evans, pictured, who was jailed for raping a 19-year-old woman in a Welsh hotel room . Tory MP Philip Davies said at the time: ‘It is not clear how anyone is supposed to prove that consent was given. Is the CPS really suggesting that you have to get a signed statement off someone before they have sex?’ But, defending the guidelines yesterday, Mrs Saunders insisted she had ‘welcomed’ the furious debate, adding: ‘If the law had changed and the burden of proof for sexual offences now lay with the alleged offender to prove his or her innocence, I would have been among the first to stand up and oppose such a move. ‘I would have agreed that to imply that people must get a time-stamped signature on a bedroom contract before disrobing was not only misguided but utterly unrealistic.’ She also hit out at the findings of research by the Office for National Statistics earlier this month which showed a quarter of the public say that victims of rape or sex attacks are at least ‘a little bit responsible’ if they were drunk at the time. She said: ‘There are many people who do believe that women who drink are guilty of, at the very least, putting themselves in danger; that a man has a green light to sex unless he is explicitly told “no” or physically pushed away. That is not what the law says. | DPP Alison Saunders wants a 'balanced consideration' of both accounts .
She said police should question men over 'what assured him' on consent .
Ms Saunders was speaking after the scandal involving rapist Ched Evans . |
281,557 | f8b9c288c6e046c9100f8e28a5144e42ee3084d9 | By . Daniel Miller . PUBLISHED: . 22:45 EST, 14 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:55 EST, 15 June 2012 . A birdwatcher feared he was going to be beheaded by a scythe-wielding 'lunatic' after being mistaken for a prowler. Scott Cullen, 22, had set up his camera to photograph woodpeckers in the Welsh countryside when he was confronted by angry local Leslie Bickley. Bickley, 63, accused him of being a prowler and pulled out the garden scythe from under his coat. A jury heard Bickley then made Mr Cullen kneel like in a 'terrorist execution'. Weapon: Bickley accused the photographer of being a prowler and pulled a garden scythe from his coat . Birdwatcher: Scott Cullen had set up his camera to photograph woodpeckers . Mr Cullen told the court: 'He said he’d sharpened the blade and told me to feel how sharp it was. 'He said he was going to cut off my limbs one by one. 'I just curled up into a ball on the floor - he was holding the blade to me as if he was going to go for me. 'He swung it past my ears. I could feel the wind, that’s how I know it was close.' Postman Mr Cullen was headbutted by Bickley but he managed to run into a nearby river to escape. Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court heard Mr Cullen was an 'innocent and well-mannered young man' who enjoyed birdwatching and wildlife photography. He was sitting on his rucksack, dressed in camouflage trousers and jacket when Bickley attacked him. Prosecutor Ieuan Morris said: 'Bickley . frightened the life out of a young man who was doing nothing more than . taking photographs. 'He produced a hand scythe, commanding Mr Cullen to get on his knees and threatening to chop off his limbs. 'He obeyed his command and went down on his knees as if facing execution. He was behaving like a lunatic.' The court heard retired builder Bickley, who has previous convictions for violence, lived close to the woods where Mr Cullen was birdwatching. 'He said he'd sharpened the blade and told me to feel how sharp it was.' Eugene Egan, defending, said: 'He had been beset by a problems from unknown people and thought Mr Cullen was a prowler. 'He was a man who had reached the end of his tether, snapped and lost the self control he should have exercised. 'His patience had simply run out. He overstepped the mark.' Bickley, of Merthyr Tydfil, was jailed for 12 months after being found guilty of causing actual bodily harm and having an offensive weapon in a public place. Judge Richard Twomlow told him: 'This was an extremely unpleasant incident. You make Mr Cullen kneel down in a terrorist execution style.' Bickley was found guilty at Merthyr Tydfil Law Courts and sentenced to 12 months in prison . | Victim, 22, was photographing woodpeckers when he was attacked by angry local resident Leslie Bickley, 63 . |
91,758 | 020b8f48ee05f4423c90dd2f79ce26b66d723a5a | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its protocols to better protect healthcare workers treating Ebola patients, the institute announced Monday. Three updated guidelines have been established as the United States looks to be gaining an upper hand on the virus that has infected three and led to hundreds being put under observation. The CDC now stipulates that medical personnel coming in contact or treating Ebola patients must cover all skin and hair. Scroll down for video . Cover: Medical staff were previously required to only don a face shield, leaving some skin exposed, as shown by a nurse transporting a Texas deputy who had visited the apartment of Thomas Eric Duncan. New guidelines require all skin to be covered. The previous set of guidelines—based on those from the World Health Organization—only required a mask and goggles. Use face shield, gown or coverall, boot cover and double gloves . Wear hood to completely cover the head and neck . Use respirator, not goggles . Put on waterproof apron if patient is vomiting or has diarrhea . Designate area for putting on and taking off gear . Have trained monitor supervise the putting on and removal of gear . Use disinfectant wipes on contaminated gear before removing . Disinfect gloved hands between steps while taking off gear . Conduct repeated training for using protective gear . The new guidelines also require healthcare workers to have hands-on training putting on and taking off protective equipment and to be supervised while suiting up before treating a patient. Personal protective equipment, or PPE, for treating patients of the virus now includes a gown or coverall, disposable hoods, a respirator with face shield, boot covers and double gloves. The CDC is strengthening its protocols in the wake of two nurses contracting the virus, which is spread through direct contact with bodily fluids and tissue, after treating Thomas Eric Duncan, who died of the virus on October 8. 'Even a single healthcare worker infection is unacceptable,' Director Tom Frieden told reporters during a teleconference on the new guidelines. 43 people were declared risk free on Monday after being monitored for having come in direct or indirect contact with Duncan, who was diagnosed with Ebola after flying from Liberia. Some of those declared free of the virus were four people living with him in an apartment, including Louise Troh, Duncan's fiancee. As of October 17, WHO reports the hemorrhagic fever has infected around 9,000 and killed more than 4,500 people in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea in West Africa. Protection: Updated guidelines also require nurses, doctors and medical technicians to receive repeat hands-on training and be supervised when putting on and taking off equipment . Lapses: The National Nurses Union have said nurses at Texas Presbyterian Hospital reported that protective suits left their necks exposed below the face mask . Exposed: Gloves were not taped to protective suits, as protocol required, exposing wrists and hands to exposure from bodily fluids . The CDC has drawn criticism for its handling of Ebola cases diagnosed in the United States. Amber Vinson reportedly spoke to a CDC official who cleared her to fly on a commercial flight with a fever of 99.5 degrees after having treated Duncan. | Old guidelines required goggles and a mask covering the face, but allowed some skin and hair to show .
Other updated guidelines require hands-on training and requires supervision for suiting up .
43 people were declared risk free for the virus after being monitored because they came into contact with Thomas Eric Duncan . |
129,644 | 339967677ca2c453269cb4688449618efa4e3fb9 | A talented writer, keen cook, and a doting mother-of-two, Sophie Dahl is back in the very first role that found her fame in a new campaign for Debenhams. The 37-year-old British blonde channels grown-up glamour in her first high-profile modelling job in years as the face and body of the Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi brand. Marking a comeback into the world of fashion for Sophie, the first imagery to drop from her venture with the High Street retailer oozes relaxed sophistication. Scroll down for video . Modelling for Debenhams marks a comeback into the world of fashion for Sophie . She was catapulted into the limelight after being discovered by Isabella Blow almost 20 years ago when she was just 18. Sophie went on to front campaigns for Versace, Alexander McQueen and YSL before taking a step back to focus on writing, cooking and motherhood. But she's now back as the face of one of Britain's best loved brands. It the new photos Sophie's hair is styled into a honey blonde highlighted relaxed bob and her make-up is fresh and feminine albeit a slightly smokey eye. The London-born model, who has written extensively for Vogue and authored two books, exudes the beauty of a young Debbie Harry with her still-razor sharp bone structure. Sophie, who has two daughters with her husband of five years, jazz singer Jamie Cullum, says: 'The collection is all about ease - for the shoot we really mixed and matched it, in a way that felt true to the way I dress.' The mother to Lyra, three, and Margot, who turns two next month, adds: 'Within this collection there are some gorgeous muted pastels, soft slouchy trousers and grown-up "meet the parents" dresses. 'A weekend bag packed for many an eventuality.' The London-born model exudes the beauty of a young Debbie Harry with her still-razor sharp bone structure . Principles Weekend is a casual addition to the Principles brand and launches in 60 stores nationwide this week. Ben de Lisi says; 'I'm thrilled to be further building on the Principles by Ben de Lisi brand with a fresh and exciting casual collection.' 'The range is for a modern, stylish woman who has an eye for quality, cut and detail.' 'Sophie Dahl embodies everything that the collection represents - a beautiful, modern, sophisticated working Mum who always looks fantastic.' The 75 piece Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi launches in 60 stores nationwide and online at Debenhams.com today, prices start at £12 in sizes 8-20. Sophie is married to jazz singer Jamie Cullum, and the pair have two daughters together . Sophie looking chic in black and a coloured coat for GQ magazine's Christmas lunch in December . | Mother-of-two, 37, makes modelling comeback for High Street brand .
Author and cook models new Principles Weekend by Ben de Lisi range .
75 pieces launch in 60 stores and online, prices start at £12 in sizes 8-20 . |
16,185 | 2dd92ced6ba8a0d147720977110817a97af112ff | Meanwhile Prime Minister David Cameron said the Games would change people's views about disability . By . Richard Hartley-parkinson . PUBLISHED: . 05:57 EST, 29 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:32 EST, 29 August 2012 . Thousands of spectators poured into the Olympic Park this evening ahead of the Paralympic Opening Ceremony. The excited fans were clad in patriotic outfits including Union Jack suits as home fans dominated the walkways that lead to the east London venue which looked ready to burst into life as designers laid the finishing touches ahead of the show. And as Games fans geared up for the extravaganza, organisers insisted the Paralympic flame would arrive at the stadium at the scheduled time of 10pm, after severe delays during the torch relay. A Locog spokesman said: 'We are still hoping to get there. We have been cutting out breaks and things like that on the way so we are making up time.' First view: Spectators pour into the Olympic Stadium today ahead of the Paralympic Opening Ceremony . Patriotic: This pair of excited spectators are kitted out in Great Britain suits on their way to the ceremony . Excitement: Spectators who arrived by public transport at Stratford Station head towards the Olympic Park . Who are you supporting then? Britons wave the flag with the spectacular Orbit sculpture in the background . Volunteers carrying the torch which . was to be used in the ceremony fell as far as two hours behind schedule, . forcing organisers to cut timings to get it back on track. This . afternoon they were forced to 'split' the flame by lighting a separate . lantern and taking it directly to the Olympic Park as a contingency . measure. The delay was . caused overnight when an event at the birthplace of the Paralympics, . Stoke Mandeville Hospital, overran and there were problems when . transferring the flame. The flame arrived in London today when . it reached the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu temple in Willesden, Brent, . amid cheers and traditional prayers. From . there it set off on its journey through six host boroughs in the . capital on its way to the Olympic Stadium and has already gone past the . iconic Abbey Road. Worrying weather: Rain drenches people walking at Westfield shopping centre in Stratford, east London, next to the Olympic Park today ahead of the Opening Ceremony . Torchbearers carry the Paralympic Flame on the Torch Relay past Big Ben ahead of the start of the 2012 Paralympic Games in London . A Paralympic torchbearer carries the flame into Trafalgar Square . Hundreds . of people waved Union flags and drums played uplifting rhythms in the . morning sunshine as Antony Eames, 32, from Wokingham, held out a torch . on a red carpet at the top of the temple's staircase. Lighting up London: The Mayor of the capital Boris Johnson greets Paralympic Torchbearers (from left) Jan Wilson, William Noble, Esther Weber, Jim Nuirhead and Francesca Porcellato as the Flame stops off at City Hall . Pride: Britain's greatest Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson (centre) leads a team of torchbearers at Piccadilly Circus . Wave: Dame Tanni greets the cheering crowds who showed up in their thousands to line the route . Spirit: Brain damaged former boxer Michael Watson, who was injured by Nigel Benn, carries the torch in Trafalgar Square . Tribute: Wounded servicemen from charity Walking with the Wounded carry the torch past the Cenotaph . Although the relay was about two hours behind schedule when the torch was lit from a miner's lamp just before 8.30am, organisers said they hoped to claw back the delay. A Locog spokesman said: 'A lantern lit by the unified flame will be carried by Paralympian, Chris Holmes, to City Hall for a celebration event this lunchtime. This flame will then travel to the stadium. 'Should the torch relay run late, this flame will be used to light the cauldron during the Paralympic Opening Ceremony this evening. The torch relay will continue to Stratford Park for the planned celebration. 'From there the relay flame will be transferred to a lantern and used as the back up flame during the Games.' Meanwhile Prime Minister David Cameron said the Games would change people's views about disability. He told Channel 4 News: 'I think they are going to to make the whole country incredibly proud. The Olympic Games made us proud but I think this will make us prouder still because you are going to see an extraordinary display of sport. 'We can be very proud that more Paralympians are taking part in more sports, in more stadia, watched by more people than at any time in the past. 'It's been a sell-out and that is, I think, a great story for our country and it will inspire a lot of people and change people's views about disability and that is absolutely crucial.' While temperatures will struggle to . get above 15C during the evening, the rain clouds will have disappeared . by 8.30pm, when the Games officially get under way. Helen Rossington, a forecaster for . MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: 'There . will be rain and showers throughout the day but it should be dry by the . time the ceremony starts. 'It might be chilly though compared to . how it was for the Olympics opening ceremony and there will be a brisk . south-westerly wind. But it won't be raining, which is the important . thing. There is only a very slight chance of a shower.' Cheers: Crowds included many disabled people keen to support the Paralympic relay . A group of Torch bearers carried the flame across the iconic Abbey Road pedestrian crossing near the Beatles former recording studio . The flame was exchanged between torchbearers at Lords cricket ground this afternoon . The Flame has been greeted by hundreds of people even throughout the night . Although the relay was about two hours behind schedule when the torch was lit from a miner's lamp just before 8.30am, organisers said they hoped to claw back the delay . The torch was two hours late when it left the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple in north-west London this morning . Speaking of the torchbearers, she . added: 'Some of them will definitely get wet. There could be quite heavy . rain throughout the morning, with the whole of the UK being unsettled.' Thousands of members of the Armed Forces will receive free tickets to the Paralympic Games. Over 5,000 will be able to watch fellow troops who have been injured on the front line thanks to the charity Tickets for Troops and the London 2012 Ticketshare scheme. Army personnel were drafted in after security firm G4S was unable to provide enough staff for the Olympic Games. Today the company admitted it had delivered just 83 per . cent of contracted shifts and that it was confident the Paralympic Games . - starting tomorrow - would be fully staffed with a security workforce. It was also revealed that G4S will play a bigger role in the Paralympics with an extra 3,000 workers available for the Games. This means the company will have up to 10,000 workers despite only needing 5,000 on the ground to prevent a humiliating repeat of the Olympics security fiasco. Nick Buckles, head of the firm, told the Daily Mirror: 'We are holding a buffer of staff every day to make sure that we can fulfil the contract.' The security company has also reported a £50million loss on the contract for both the Olympics and Paralympics. The band of rain will travel east, bringing showers behind it, with the most persistent downpours happening in the morning. During the day, temperatures will . reach a high of 20C in the south of England as the torch relay takes . place, with some sunshine between the showers. Despite much of the relay taking place under cover of darkness, thousands of people turned out on a clear and chilly night to watch its journey and cheer on the proud torchbearers. Working in teams of five, the torchbearers, both disabled and non-disabled, carried the flame from the stadium to the National Spinal Injuries Centre in the village, before bearing it through Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire to Watford and then on to London. The Paralympic relay made a pop stop off to visit Abbey Road in St John's Wood, north-west London. Five torchbearers took the flame across the zebra crossing and recreated The Beatles' famous pose for the cover of their 1969 album Abbey Road. Crowds lined the street, cheered and . waved Union flags as Graham Helm, 38, from Lancashire, paraded the flame . back across the Fab Four landmark on his own before walking it up the . road. Mr Helm, registered blind four years ago, was nominated as a torchbearer for his work with young people. Ria Amiraly, a special needs teacher from St John's Wood, said the atmosphere at the relay had been 'buzzing'. The . 28-year-old said: 'You don't get to see people talking every day to . each other like they did today, it was fascinating to be part of it. The torch, carried by William Parkinson, Steven Randerson, Sonia Allen, Nicola Roesch and Jane Loder between Watford and Bushey, carried on through the night . Young spectators line the streets late into the evening in Tring, Hertfordshire, for the Paralympic Torch Relay . 'The Paralympics are more important to me because I work with special needs children, I think it's great that people with disabilities are going out there and taking part in sport, it's really important,' she added. Arvind Devalia, a 41-year-old writer and life coach, said: 'I had to be here, I live just round the corner. 'I have been waiting since 7.30 this morning and the torch went by fast, but it was well worth waiting for three hours. 'For me it was about the atmosphere and the camaraderie, people were so friendly and chatty and it was such a great vibe.' Five torches are being carried to the Olympic Park by teams of five . | Volunteers carrying the torch - which .
was to be used in the ceremony - fell as far as two hours behind schedule, .
forcing organisers to cut timings .
This .
afternoon organisers 'split' the flame by lighting a separate .
lantern and taking it directly to the Olympic Park .
They insisted the flame would still arrive at scheduled time of 10pm, despite severe delays during the torch relay .
The flame has been travelling through London today after arriving at the Shree Swaminarayan Hindu temple in Willesden, Brent .
Meanwhile Prime Minister David Cameron said the Games would change people's views about disability . |
13,623 | 269aea04e82143ff578b823adf06d918b71c26ee | (CNN) -- Imagine an icy cold day, Arizona. A chilly breeze, southwest California. Snow drifting slowly from low slate clouds, Las Vegas. Now, keep those images close at hand. You're going to need something to help keep you cool as Mother Earth pours a big bucket of brutal heat on your head. "I'm not worried as much about the people who have lived here a while," said Sgt. Troy Stirling, spokesman for the Lake Havasu police in that Arizona city along the California border. "It's more the tourists coming into the area, even from Southern California, who aren't used to this kind of heat." Civic and emergency officials throughout the Southwest say that if there was ever a time to worry, this would be it. The reason isn't just the oppressive heat that plagued the region: It's the fact it is expected to hang around, and possibly even get worse, over the next few days. Many of the excessive heat warnings issued by the National Weather Service extend through Tuesday night, with advisories from northern California, including Sacramento, all the way to southern Arizona. Forecasters say temperatures through the weekend could rival a 2005 heat wave that killed 17 people in the Las Vegas area. The culprit is a high pressure dome that's blocking cooler air coming down from the Pacific Northwest, CNN meteorologist Indra Petersons explains. That system won't begin to break up until early next week, she said. As a result, Phoenix residents should see a high of 118 degrees on Saturday. That's the temperature the National Weather Service expects the thermostat will reach in Las Vegas both on Sunday and Monday. It should max out at 115 in the coming days in Palm Springs, California. It's not like sunset will provide much respite, as temperatures may not drop below 90 degrees in many places, even in the middle of the night. Yet all those conditions are practically wintry compared to what's expected in Death Valley, where temps could climb to 129 degrees. The high temps come just a couple weeks before the 100th anniversary of what the National Weather Service calls the "highest reliably recorded air temperature on Earth" -- 134 degrees on July 10, 1913, in Death Valley's Greenland Ranch. It likely won't get that bad, but that doesn't mean it won't be dangerous. That's why Stirling said authorities in Lake Havasu City are making sure every police officer on the beat has cool water or Gatorade handy, why waters at the city's aquatic center are being chilled, and why fire stations are offering free cold water to passers-by. Precautions are also being taken in the case of a worst-case scenario -- a power outage that knocks out air conditioning that people need to get through the intense heat. But barring such a calamity, Stirling said, "Most people know, 'We're going to stay indoors.'" Of course, there will be those who don't do that -- perhaps because they have to be outside, or maybe because they're convinced they can beat the heat. Those fighting fires -- like a blaze that ripped through a Phoenix salvage yard Friday evening, torching vehicles, sending huge plumes of black smoke into the air and triggering several explosions -- don't have much choice to stay inside. In California, the so-called Mills Fire in San Bernardino County was still raging at 5:45 p.m. (8:45 p.m. ET) Friday, having more than doubled in size to 200 acres over the course of the day, according to California's Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. In addition to firefighters, police pitched in by going door-to-door asking people to evacuate. But the weather wasn't, and won't, be much help at all: Forecasts for the area call for sunny skies and temperatures topping out at 109 degrees both days this weekend. Crissi Zito is one of those people in the heat-drenched zone who ventured outside, even if she didn't have to. Still, when she went out for a run Friday in 100-plus degree heat in Sacramento, Zito was equipped with a water bottle in her hand and the understanding in her mind that now is not the time to push your limits. "Listen to your body," she told CNN affiliate KOVR. "If your body says, 'I don't feel good, I don't feel right,' go inside, get some shade, get some water." | NEW: Those fighting wildfires and other blazes must battle extreme heat as well .
Excessive heat warnings extend from northern California to Arizona and beyond .
It could reach 129 in Death Valley -- five degrees short of the all-time record .
Temperatures may not fall below 90 at night in some areas . |
115,280 | 20c5632d98e93b08758385a0b5803643ad656190 | A swinging couple sprayed a can of bear repellent into the face of a man after a weekend sex session arranged on the internet went wrong. Stephen Barclay, 36, and his lover Leanne Reid, 31, had spent a drug-fuelled weekend with total stranger Owen Greenan at their home. The couple had arranged for him to stay at their isolated property for the orgy after they contacted each other online. Swingers: Steven Barclay, left, and Leanne Reid, right, (both pictured outside court) are jointly accused of assault by spraying bear mace at Owen Greenan when their consensual sex session turned nasty . The pair, of Glespin, Lanarkshire, had picked Mr Greenan up and taken him back to their secluded cottage on the Friday evening and he was supposed to spend the weekend with the couple. However in the early hours of Sunday morning the romp turned ugly when Mr Greenan refused to let Barclay take a picture of him on his mobile phone. Reid handed her partner a can of Sabre Wild Max Bear Attack deterrent spray and he released the chemical into Mr Greenan's face. He fled the house in agony and was found running down a road by a lorry driver and the police were called. Officers later arrested Reid and Barclay and charged them with a string of offences. A hearing at Lanark Sheriff Court heard Barclay and Reid both admit assaulting Mr Greenan on March 27 last year. Isolated: The couple invited Mr Greenan to their cottage in Glespin, Lanarkshire, for the weekend for sex after meeting him online . Prosecutor Gary Dow told the court that the weekend 'had gone well' before matters escalated. He said Mr Greenan had been woken up on the couch at 4am by Reid who invited him into the couple's bedroom for a smoke. But on arriving there he found Barclay sitting in a hot tub drinking a can of beer. Bear repellant is similar to the pepper spray sold as 'mace' in the United States, used for fending off attackers. Sabre Wild Max – one of the most popular Canadian brands – uses hot pepper plants as an ingredient and is extremely powerful. The manufacturers warn that it is not for use on humans, as it can cause intense pain if sprayed into the eyes. A normal canister is designed to spray a heavy fog up to 40 yards away – so if it is fired too close to a human eyeball, the force of the discharge can cause pressure injuries. The spray itself also works by irritating the mucous membranes of the eyes, causing pain and the production of tears. It also causes coughing and sneezing. The only treatment is to seek fresh air immediately and blink repeatedly to cleanse the eye. Mr Dow said: 'The complainer sat on the toilet seat and Mr Barclay held a phone out to take a photo. 'He told the complainer, "smile for the camera." 'He went to get up and Leanne Reid said "f****** smile". She also had said that she was going to get a knife to stab him. 'Mr Barclay then said to the complainer, "Do you think you can come here all weekend, **** my wife and nothing will happen?".' Barclay then instructed Reid to give him the repellent, which he told police he had bought in Canada, before he sprayed it on his victim. Mr Dow added: 'The complainer then ran out of the house leaving his belongings.' Mr Greenan was later taken to Wishaw General Hospital where he was treated for his injuries and held in a contamination room before being released. Representing Barclay, defence agent Neil McShane told the court that drugs had played a part in the weekend's events. He said: 'This occurred at a time when parties had been taking ketamine. 'Mr Barclay had been up with very little sleep from Friday to Sunday.' Archie Hill, who represented Reid, described the attack as 'an unfortunate turn of events'. Sheriff Nikola Stewart deferred sentence on the pair until next month for a full range of reports. She said: 'I'm intrigued to what's going on. 'It's a concern that I see people taking advantage of someone that was a guest in their remote home.' Barclay and Reid admitted assaulting Mr Greenan by ordering him to sit on a toilet seat, threatening to stab him, ordering him to remove his hands from his face and discharging the bear repellent in his face. Barclay also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cannabis worth up to £7,650 and the canister of the Sabre Wild Max Bear Attack deterrent. Reid's not guilty plea to a charge that she had wasted police time by alleging that Mr Greenan had raped her was accepted by prosecutors and the charge was dropped. Charges that Barclay and Reid had possessed and supplied amphetamine and ketamine on the same date were also dropped. Both refused to comment as they left court. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Stephen Barclay, 36, and Leanne Reid, 31, recruited total stranger on the internet for weekend-long sex session .
Owen Greenan was sprayed with bear repellent couple bought in Canada .
After fleeing in agony, Greenan was picked up on a remote rural road by a lorry driver .
Arrangement turned nasty after two days of consensual romping when Greenan objected to having his photo taken on mobile phone . |
127,486 | 30c849c00118b77cb17cb878c3a76379c9fdd0c6 | Craig Burley was forced to get a tattoo of Fernando Torres after insisting the Atletico Madrid striker had no chance of finding the net against rivals Real in the Copa del Rey last week. Following Torres' nightmare spell at Chelsea, former Blues midfielder Burley was so confident the Spaniard's barren run would continue with his new club that he promised to get the striker inked on his arm should he hit the target. Unfortunately for Burley, 'El Nino' took just a minute to prove him wrong - sweeping Antoine Griezmann's cross into the top corner to give Atletico the lead. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Craig Burley get a Fernando Torres tattoo after losing bet . Craig Burley stands outside a tattoo parlour having claimed Fernando Torres would not score for Atletico . Burley grimaces in the chair as he prepares to have Torres' face inked on to his arm after losing the bet . The outline of the 'El Nino' tattoo is revealed after Burley doubted the striker's scoring abilities . A man of his word, Burley was soon off to the nearest tattoo parlour to undergo his forfeit after losing the bet. 'I need a soccer player tattooed,' said Burley to the American tattooist behind the counter at the shop in Bristol, Connecticut. 'He's a Spanish guy and he's let me down badly in a bet. Fernando Torres?' Asked if he is a fan of the striker, 43-year-old Burley gave a firm: 'No.' 'I think I've made a humongous mistake,' a fearful Burley admitted as he sat down in the tattooist's chair before the former Scotland international insisted he won't be making any more 'bold, stupid' predictions in the future. After some more grimacing, the tattoo was complete leaving Burley with a permanent Torres reminder inked on his arm. However, some skeptics may have their doubts as to whether the imprint on Burley's arm is the real deal - you can judge for yourselves by watching the video below. The former Scotland international admitted he'd made a 'humongous mistake' The final tattoo is revealed - but some skeptics may have their doubts as to whether the imprint is the real deal . Torres, meanwhile, scored a brace for Atletico at the Bernabeu as Diego Simeone's men claimed a 4-2 aggregate victory in the Copa del Rey clash. The current La Liga champions face Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the competition on Wednesday night. Torres struggled for form during his three years at Stamford Bridge - perhaps the main reason for Burley doubting his capabilities in front of goal - finding the target just 45 times in 172 appearances for Chelsea. Torres celebrates after scoring for new club Atletico Madrid against rivals Real in the Copa del Rey last week . Torres had a nightmare three years at Stamford Bridge following his £50million transfer from Liverpool . Former Scotland international Burley spent eight years with Chelsea before playing for Celtic and Derby . | Fernando Torres scored brace for Atletico Madrid in Copa del Rey .
Craig Burley insisted the striker would not score against Real Madrid .
Former Chelsea midfielder lost bet and had to get Torres tattoo on his arm . |
66,925 | bdd703d65a14d5abaf9faa0049e3182efcfa50c7 | A car mechanic has been revealed as the mystery winner of last week’s £108million EuroMillions jackpot. The identity of the man, who is also an amateur racing driver, is expected to be unveiled today. The massive win on Friday gives him Britain’s fourth biggest National Lottery scoop – and catapults him straight into the world of the mega-wealthy. Scroll down for video . The identity of the man who won £108million on EuroMillions will be revealed tomorrow. So far, all that is known about the winner is that he is a mechanic and racing driver from Surrey . The lucky winner's wealth now exceeds that of musicians Robbie Williams, left, and George Michael, right, who both have reported fortunes of £105million . The winner, from Coulsdon, Surrey, is taking home £107,932,603.20, making him the 745th wealthiest person in the UK. It . also means he is worth more than celebrities such as George Michael . and Robbie Williams (who both have £105million) and David Bowie . (£100million), according to the latest Sunday Times Rich List. Coulsdon was abuzz with speculation about his identity last night. One local mechanic said: ‘I wish it was me. We’re all desperate to know who it is – that’s a life-changing amount of money.’ Affordable: The mystery man could soon be behind the wheel of a a Lamborghini Veneno, one of the world's most expensive cars - a snip a just £2.4 million . Peter . Davy, steward at the Victoria working men’s club in Coulsdon, said: . ‘We’re calling every mechanic we know. We’re desperate to know who it . is. If he’s got any sense, he’ll be long gone, booking a flight to the . Bahamas by now.’ The winner . used numbers 6, 24, 25, 27 and 30 and lucky stars 5 and 9 to become the . first Briton to win the EuroMillions jackpot this year. All . he has to do now is decide how to spend his new-found wealth. It would . enable him to buy the 1,100-acre Greek island of Omfori, which is on the . market for just over £41million, as well as a Lamborghini Veneno, one . of the world’s most expensive cars at £2.4million – and still have . £64million left over. However, . if he wants to blow nearly all his money in one go, he could buy one of . the world’s most exclusive homes – a 21-bedroom house in London’s . Mayfair, which would set him back £90million. He joins an elite club of British Lottery winners who have each banked more than £100million. Top of the rich list are Colin and Chris Weir, from Largs in Ayrshire, who won £161million on EuroMillions in July 2011. But . winning more than £148million in August 2012 created difficulties for . Adrian and Gillian Bayford, from Haverhill in Suffolk. They split up . months later. The third biggest British winner scooped £113million in October 2010, but decided not to go public. The winning ticket-holder of last night's EuroMillions has shot to sixth place on the National Lottery Rich List. So far, nobody has come forward to claim the bumper prize, Camelot said. Here are the official top 10 biggest winners since the lottery began: . 1. Colin and Chris Weir: £161,653,000The . husband and wife, from Largs in Ayrshire, said they were 'tickled pink' after becoming Europe's biggest lottery winners in July 2011. Married . for 30 years and with two children, the life-changing £161 million . prize catapulted them into the Sunday Times Rich List above Beatle Ringo . Starr and Sir Tom Jones. Psychiatric . nurse Mrs Weir, 55, and Mr Weir, 64, who worked as a TV cameraman and . studio manager for 23 years, have reportedly bought a fleet of cars for . friends since their win as well as a mansion. 2. Adrian and Gillian Bayford: £148,656,000Children's . nurse Gillian, 40, and record seller Adrian, 41, from Haverhill, . Suffolk, said they planned to fork out on luxury holidays and cars when . they won in August last year. Adrian . joked to his wife that he had not bought any tickets, before she told . him to be quiet as she was trying to get their children to sleep as he . celebrated the win. The couple have since separated. 3. Anonymous: £113,019,926One British ticket scooped the massive prize in October 2010 but decided not to go public. 4. Anonymous: £107,900,000 . Last night's winner who is yet to come forward: . 5. Dave and Angela Dawes: £101,203,600Dave . Dawes, 47, a shift supervisor for Premier Foods, and Angela Dawes, 43, a . volunteer for the British Heart Foundation, hit the EuroMillions . jackpot in October 2011. It was only the third time the couple, from Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, had played the lottery. 6. Anonymous: £84,451,320The haul was won in May 2010 but the winner kept their identity secret. 7. Anonymous: £81,381,673 . A winner from 2013, who is yet to come forward: £81,381,673 . 8. Nigel Page: £56,008,113 . Self-confessed white van man Nigel Page, 43, scooped a cool £56 million in February 2010. The . skydiving enthusiast, who lived in a three-bedroom semi near . Cirencester, Wiltshire, married his girlfriend Justine, 42, and moved . into a mansion in the Cotswolds. It . was reported that he paid ex-wife Wendy, 43, £2million after she made a . legal claim for £8million. The pair had separated 10 years before his . bumper win. 9. Anonymous: £46,432,285 . One British ticket scooped the massive prize in February last year but decided not to go public. 10. Les and Sam Scadding: £45,570,835Unemployed . mechanic Les Scadding, 58, and his wife Samantha Peachey-Scadding, 38, . from Caerleon, South Wales, bought one of two winning tickets which . shared a £90million jackpot in November 2009. Grandfather . Mr Scadding was £68 overdrawn on his bank account on the day he bought . his lucky ticket and had also beaten testicular cancer. The other £45million-winning EuroMillions ticket was bought by a syndicate of seven office workers based in Merseyside. The winners - dubbed the Magnificent Seven - were employed by Hewlett Packard to carry out IT work at a BT office in Liverpool. John . Walsh, 57, James Bennett, 28, Sean Connor, 32, Alex Parry, 19, Emma . Cartwright, 23, Ceri Scullion, 35, and Donna Rhodes, 39, each banked . £6.5million. Sunseeker superyacht . If a life on the ocean waves appeals then yesterday's winner should get hold of the latest Sunseeker catalogue. The Dorset company's brand new 155 model would be a ideal choice but at a cool £32million it would take a large chunk out of their new found fortune. Boasting five bedrooms, enabling then to host up to 10 guests at once, the four-deck yacht also has space for 11 members of staff. Other perks include a nightclub, day room, 'beach club' and a panoramic viewing platform - which could allow guests a perfect view of the Monaco Grand Prix if Mr Jordan decides to attend the society event. The yacht is 155ft long and weighs a total of 200 tonnes, with a maximum speed of 22 knots (25mph), and can travel 4,000 nautical miles in a single journey. Filling up the boat's 60,000-litre engine with diesel will cost £30,000 every time. Rolls Royce Phantom . Lottery winners and Rolls Royce are the perfect match and a top of the range Phantom model is easily within budget at £300,000. The Phantom is a classic choice for the super rich, and they are all assembled by hand at the Rolls-Royce factory in Goodwood, West Sussex. A-list celebrities David Beckham, Simon Cowell, Jennifer Lopez, Sylvester Stallone and Eddie Murphy have all been spotted riding in the car. It is also a favourite of the royal family and heads of state worldwide – an earlier version of the Phantom was presented to the Queen as a gift on her Silver Jubilee. However, to get the full experience they would need to add a chauffeur. Private Island . Flashy cars, superyachts and private jets are all very well, but to really join ranks of the super rich you'll need a private Island. And they could do a lot worse than the stunning Greek Island of Omfori. The uninhabited island located in the Ionian Sea covers some 4 500 000 sq metres (1112 acres) and is currently up for sale for £40million. Widely considered one of the most beautiful islands in the region, it features a beautiful beach surrounded by tranquil turquoise waters. Private jet . First class just doesn't cut the mustard when you've got £100 million burning a hole in your pocket so a private jet is really the only way to fly. Learjet are the market leaders and we think their 60xr model would be the sensible choice. With a range of 2,405 nautical miles it shoud be easily capable of taking then and three passengers wherever they want to go. The cabin is decked out with leather and walnut veneer and it's easily within budget at £8million. A flat at One Hyde Park . It is the most expensive block of flats in the world with entry level apartments starting at £5million and the penthouse going for eyewatering £65million. Buyers will join a roll call of billionaire residents, including developer Christian Candy, who owns two properties at One Hyde Park. The property tycoon, who built the apartments with his brother Nick, owns two separate flats worth £31m and £26.2m on the 10th floor.Two other apartments were sold for a combined £136 million to Ukrainian mining tycoon Rinat Akhmetov, who is thought to be investing a further £50 million to knock the properties together and refit them. - Do you know the EuroMillions winner? Email [email protected] . | Winner of the £107,932,603.20 EuroMillions will be announced tomorrow .
Player is a car mechanic and racing driver from Coulsdon, Surrey .
Won with numbers 6, 24, 25, 27 and 30, plus lucky star numbers 5 and 9 .
Man will be one of the top five on the National Lottery Rich List .
The winner has automatically become the 745th richest person in the UK .
UK's biggest ever winners are Colin and Chris Weir, who scooped £161m . |
36,776 | 6834a14a4cc70ff16420f25ae965e6fc8eb3664b | (CNN) -- Google Glass is crazy fun, but don't worry if you missed your chance to buy a pair on Tuesday, when it went on sale to the public for $1,500. While the current generation of Google Glass is doomed to become a clunky eBay collectible, it's nonetheless a leading indicator of a vast wearables revolution poised to sweep into our lives. That is, if it can get past some hurdles as we speak. There's been anti-tech backlash against Google Glass. Not everyone is down with it -- for reasons such as privacy -- but when these challenges are overcome then we're in for some interesting times. Eyeglass companies are already designing sleeker, less pricey versions of wearable displays, and developers are busy creating better apps. Simply put, the information revolution is moving from personal to intimate. It is just the latest chapter in a long trend that began in the 1980s when computers arrived on our desktops. Then in the 1990s, the gizmos shrank into laptops and disappeared into our backpacks and briefcases. Google Glass targeted as symbol by anti-tech crowd . With the arrival of smartphones a decade ago, our computers now fit into a pocket, becoming constant companions. At each stage of this evolution, our devices insinuated themselves ever deeper into our lives, performing ever more essential tasks and becoming ever more important info-companions. Now our devices are poised to disappear. They will disappear into our lives as small, absolutely essential tools that we will notice only when we lose them. Info-glasses today are like PCs in 1984 -- they look cool but perform a few functions that aren't all that useful, such as taking pictures or surfing the Web while sitting in a bar with friends. But just as PCs quickly became vastly more useful than mere word processors, new info-glass apps will allow us to perform more essential tasks. Professionals from surgeons to surveyors are already prototyping apps that help them work in smarter ways. On the personal front, imagine an app that uses face recognition to tell you the name of the acquaintance walking toward you and your spouse at a cocktail party, sparing everyone the embarrassment of a fumbled introduction. This is just one example of what is coming. Just as we have been surprised by search and social media, we are certain to be astonished by the capabilities of the device sitting on the bridge of our nose. The scale of surprise is certain to be huge because info-glasses are just one of a zoo of wearable devices that are coming into our lives. Health-centered devices such as the Fitbit are already wrapping themselves around our wrists, competing for space with a new generation of smart watches. Other devices will live in our pockets and eventually will be woven into the fabric of the clothes we wear. Some devices are destined to become yet more intimate, living under our skin. Some will be serious medical devices. Others will be for sheer whimsy -- imagine a subdermal display that is in effect a changeable electronic tattoo. Hobbyist hackers today can buy an implantable RFID chip kit complete with injector for less than $100. Implant it in your hand and use it to talk with electronic door locks. All of these devices will communicate with each other and info-glass successors to Google Glass are likely to become an important control panel for communication between wearables and their human owners. Bicyclists will use info-glasses as a heads-up display for everything from road speed and map route to heart rate and glucose levels. Our new wearables will, with very few exceptions, also be in constant communication with cyberspace and real-time information systems. Parents who are out to dinner will be able to discretely listen in on the baby monitor back home or view streaming video off a bedroom webcam. The arrival of Google Glass has resulted in a debate over where and when info-glasses can be worn. Just like similar debates over pagers, cell phones and smartphones in years past, wearables will likely be everywhere. Besides, unlike smartphones, info-glass hardware is going to quickly shrink into near-invisibility. Within a few years, smart glasses will be indistinguishable from an ordinary pair of vintage 2014 specs. And after that? How about info-contact lens that can check your vital signs? And privacy? Forget about it. We are destined to become like tagged bears, constantly tracked, but too addicted to the data stream to switch our intimate devices off. | Paul Saffo: Current Google Glasses are doomed to become eBay collectibles .
Saffo: But Glass signals a wearables revolution poised to sweep into our lives .
He says similar devices are moving from personal to intimate spaces .
Saffo: Info-glasses might be made obsolete by info-contact lens in the future . |
17,818 | 327b66e7a3e569b5637dc2d6d9e001b98d1d769a | New York (CNN) -- A "pocket dial" mistake can result in an unwanted phone call, annoying for the recipient and potentially embarrassing to the caller. But a new study found a staggering number of those apparently accidental calls in New York City are made to emergency responders, jamming up 911 lines in a city that has prided itself on its ability to respond in a crisis. Nearly 4 million of those calls were made to the city's emergency call centers in 2010, according to a recent Winbourne Consulting report, commissioned by the city after a massive blizzard delayed first responders and left Mayor Michael Bloomberg open to criticism. That's more than one-third of some 11 million emergency calls made in New York each year, the study found, which was released Friday. Those calls were 19 seconds or less. Authorities determined that they were likely accidental and say unnecessary communications add an increased burden on emergency response systems. "The increased proliferation of cellular telephones has caused a dramatic increase in the number of accidental 911 calls made," the report said. In 2011, the Federal Communications Commission issued a report estimating that 70% of all 911 calls -- intentional or mistaken -- were made from wireless devices. The consulting firm recommended implementing a citywide information campaign to alert the public of the issue and to streamline systems between the police and fire departments, among other recommendations. | Nearly 4 million apparently accidental calls were made to emergency call centers in 2010 .
That's more than one-third of some 11 million emergency calls made in New York each year .
Authorities say it is an increased burden on emergency response systems . |
241,364 | c46dfb5cd287b3aeb4c23b865238a638a92a0275 | By . Jack Doyle . Judge Martin Joy, sitting at Maidstone Crown Court, in Kent, had three of his sentences increased following complaints they were too lenient . A judge who handed out unduly short sentences three times in a single year was yesterday branded ‘Britain’s softest’. The prison terms handed down by Judge Martin Joy to two child rapists and a drug dealer were deemed too lenient by the Court of Appeal and were increased by as much as five years. He was the only judge in England and Wales to have more than one sentence altered by the Attorney General in 2012, official figures revealed. The statistics also showed that record numbers of cases are attracting complaints about ‘unduly lenient’ sentences. A total of 435 cases were referred to the Attorney General last year, compared with 377 in 2011 and 342 in 2010. Cases may be highlighted by victims or their relatives, the Crown Prosecution Service or members of the public. They are sent to the Court of Appeal if it is thought the judge got it seriously wrong. In November last year Judge Joy, 65, who sits at Maidstone Crown Court, sentenced a 36-year-old child rapist to ten years in jail on three counts of rape, three of indecent assault and one other indecency charge against a six-year-old girl. The man had a previous conviction for indecent assault against a girl of eight. The court heard his victim was ‘severely traumatised’. He denied the charges, forcing the child to give evidence. The Appeal Court increased the jail term to 15 years. Judge Robert Juckes QC (left), at Worcester Crown Court, and Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC (right), at Hereford Crown Court, both had two separate referrals each . Earlier this month, the Attorney General received complaints about the 15-month jail sentence handed to presenter Stuart Hall for a series of sex attacks, and his term is to be considered for referral to the Court of Appeal . Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC said he was pleased a record number of offenders were referred as possibly unduly lenient and said he had no concerns about any particular judges . In a separate case, Judge Joy sentenced a 69-year-old serial sex offender to ten years for repeated sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl. The Appeal Court imposed an indefinite sentence for public protection with a minimum term of seven years, the equivalent of a 14-year jail term. The third sentence was given to Henrik Vriezen, who was caught importing a class-B drug known as 4-MEC, cannabis and amphetamine worth more than £3million. He was jailed for three years and six months, but this was increased on appeal to six years. Peter Cuthbertson, director of the Centre for Crime Prevention, said: ‘Martin Joy wins the title of Britain’s softest judge, and the Court of Appeal was absolutely right to toughen up his soft punishments. ‘When passing down punishments, judges should always bear in mind how often criminals serve only a fraction of their sentences.’ Of the cases complained about, 82 were heard by the Court of Appeal and 62 offenders had their sentence increased. The Attorney General, Dominic Grieve QC, said there were ‘not particular judges’ he was concerned about. ‘It may just be that all judges at various times get a reference made in respect of their work and it may be purely coincidental that it’s happened more than once to a judge in a particular year,’ he said. | Judge Martin Joy had the most complaints and three sentences increased .
Overall number of sentences flagged up hit record high last year .
Attorney General says there are no particular judges he had concerns about . |
35,681 | 6561116882048e58d1c2a3cb6f9023dd94d65aed | By . Sadie Whitelocks . A New York woman has told how she got a piece of platinum jewelry inserted in her eye to set herself apart from the crowd. Lucy Luckayanko visited Dr Emil Chynn at Park Avenue Laser Vision to get a 'cute' heart-shaped sequin, measuring 3.5mm, placed on the white of her of right eye ball. She told Fox5 before the $3,000, one minute-long procedure: 'It's going to be a conversation maker. I will be able to tell people. It will be unique. It will be sort of my unique factor.' A permanent twinkle! Lucy Luckayanko got a piece of platinum jewelry inserted in her eye . According to Harvard and NYU-trained Dr Chynn the eye jewelry procedure has been done hundreds of times in Europe and in Los Angeles, but never before in New York. Ms Luckayanko was one of his first clients. To start the process he injected anesthetic into her eye to numb the area. Then he made a small incision to make room for the piece of jewelry. 'I'm . going to take scissors and make a little incision and try to divide a . pocket in between the sclera - the white part of your eye - and . conjunctiva clear part of your eye,' he explained. Using forceps he positioned the tiny flat stud into position on Ms Luckayanko's eye membrane. She wanted it set pointing diagonally. Minutes later she was handed a mirror to admire her new accessory and given the go-ahead to go home. 'It will be sort of my unique factor': The blonde appeared happy with her new eye jewel . Though it may sound scary, Dr Chynn insists the procedure, which was invented by a Dutch eye surgeon and introduced in 2004, is actually pretty safe. 'It's . a very thin piece of platinum that's designed for insertion on the top . of the eye, it's not in the eye so there's no risk of blindness or . anything at all,' he says. 'She . could have a little bit of local bleeding. That could go away in a . couple days or couple weeks. She could have an infection but we'll . prevent that with antibiotics.' But the jewelry has not been FDA approved and the American Academy of Ophthalmology is warning consumers about the dangers. Steady-handed: First Dr Emil Chynn at Park Avenue Laser Vision injected anesthetic into her eye to numb the area, then he made a small incision to make room for the piece of jewelry . Nearly over: Because the piece of jewelry is so tiny - 0.13 of an inch - it can't be inserted with an instrument - instead, it is placed in a drop of water on the eye membrane and floated into position . In a statement to Fox 5, the medical body said there is not 'sufficient evidence to support the safety or therapeutic value of this procedure.' It urges consumers to 'avoid placing in the eye any foreign body or material that is not approved by the FDA.' Wayne Bizer, D.O., a comprehensive ophthalmologist from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida previously warned: 'My concern would be that it might cause foreign body granuloma or scar tissue. 'The implant could also allow bacteria to . get beneath the conjunctiva causing a serious vision-threatening . infection or possibly erode the sclera, the white part of the eye.' Advocate: Dr Chynn insists the procedure, which was invented by a Dutch eye surgeon and introduced in 2004, is safe - but other professionals are warning against it . A few days after her procedure, Ms Luckayanko said she had no issues or pain and loved her new designer accessory. '50 percent of my friends are like: "What is it? Why do you need it oh my god are you crazy?"' she exclaimed. 'But 50per cent of my friends are like: "Oh my god, it's super cool."' And if she gets bored of her heart-shaped implant it can be swapped it for something different. 'You can switch from a star for Christmas, for example,' Dr Chynn states on his website, adding that each swap incurs a $1,000 fee. | The eye jewel procedure has not yet been approved by the FDA .
The platinum sequin, measuring 3.5mm, is inserted into the eye with forceps . |
21,422 | 3cd7109e829c692a006c439e448f3577ca09a1ff | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 22:43 EST, 31 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:09 EST, 1 February 2013 . An Applebee's waitress has been fired after a bizarre handwritten note from an annoyed customer turned into the latest internet sensation. The waitress in St Louis, Missouri, identified as Chelsea Welch, was shown the door two days after she posted the passive aggressive memo on the popular site Reddit.com. Next to the line indicating that an 18 per cent tip had been automatically added to the bill, the customer, a local pastor, crossed out the tip total, replaced it with a 'zero' and wrote: 'I give God 10 percent, why do you get 18?' Scroll down for video . Ill will: Applebee's waitress Chelsea Welch was shown the door two days after she posted Pastor Alois Bell's passive aggressive memo on Reddit . She then signed the bill 'Pastor Alois Bell.' Befuddled, Ms Welch posted a photo of the bill on Reddit with the headline: 'My mistake sir, I'm sure Jesus will pay for my rent and groceries.' Ms Welch said she was not the waitress who received the note, and posted it on behalf of a fellow Applebee's worker. But as the posting took on a life of its own on the internet this week, Ms Welch was fired. She said that she's a dedicated employee and was shocked to hear the news. Ms Welch told The Consumerist: 'When I posted this, I didn’t represent Applebee's in a bad light. In fact, I didn’t represent them at all. I did my best to protect the identity of all parties involved. I didn't break any specific guidelines in the company handbook - I checked. Speaking out: Pastor Alois Bell says the note was a 'lapse in judgment' She went on: 'But because this person got embarrassed that their selfishness was made public, Applebee’s has made it clear that they would rather lose a dedicated employee than lose an angry customer. That's a policy I can't understand.' In a statement to The Smoking Gun, Applebee's spokesman Dan Smith said: 'Our franchisee has apologized to the guest,' and that the employee who posted the bill to Reddit 'is no longer employed by the franchise.' Speaking to KTVI-TV on Thursday, the pastor said she should have thought better of the message she wrote. Ms Bell, who preaches at the Truth in the Word Deliverance Ministries, told the station: That was a lapse in my judgment. I should've have did that. I apologize for that. I'm human. I did that.' She also said that despite reports, she didn’t stiff the waitress. In fact, she left two tips - the 18 percent automatic tip and an additional $6 she left on the table. Also on Thursday, a 'Boycott Applebees for Chelsea Welch' page sprung up on Facebook, with users venting their outrage against the chain and one user even offering Ms Welch a job. Uproar: Ms Welch was fired from her job at this St Louis Applebee's after the note went viral . Watch video here . | Chelsea Welch loses her job after photo of bill became latest internet sensation .
Pastor Alois Bell admitted to a lapse in judgment, but claims she actually left two tips . |
42,832 | 78cda6922f28cfaf6ea3f202a3140774eecd8cf6 | Tottenham's imminent hiring of Southampton’s head of recruitment Paul Mitchell could hasten the demise of Spurs’s technical director Franco Baldini. But Spurs have been warned that instead of operating a revolving door policy for staff and attempting a ‘short-cut route’ to success by poaching people from better-run clubs, they need a coherent plan, boardroom consistency and to back a single manager long term to achieve the progress their fans crave. Mitchell, 33, a former defender and midfielder at Wigan and MK Dons, has been at St Mary’s since 2012 and is credited with a key role in the scouting and hiring set up that helped Saints emerge from a troubled summer with an upgraded squad and a £37million profit to boot. Tottenham sold Gareth Bale to La Liga giants Real Madrid for £86million in 2013 . Paul Mitchell's task is to overhaul Tottenham's scouting system and have the success he did at Southampton . Tottenham technical director Franco Baldini could be heading for the White Hart Lane exit door . Roberto Soldado Spanish, 29, F, £26.4m . Verdict: Underwhelming. Six goals and six assists in 33 Premier League games is a costly return. Erik Lamela Argentinian, 22, AM, £25.7m . Verdict: Nearly-man. Lavish talent but no goals in 20 PL games. Paulinho Brazilian, 26, M, £17.4m . Verdict: Miss. Far from the best midfielder in north London, let alone Brazil. Etienne Capoue French, 26, M, £9.7m . Verdict: Jury out. Patchy form and injuries have disrupted his season. Christian Eriksen Danish, 22, M, £11.5m . Verdict: Mercurial. Brilliant last season, less so this. 10 PL goals, eight assists. Ben Davies Welsh, 21, D, £10m . Verdict: Miss. One PL game is a poor return. Vlad Chiriches Romanian, 25, D, £8.5m . Verdict: Middling at best. Solid early but unreliable. Federico Fazio Argentinian, 27, D £8m . Verdict: Miss. Error-prone, two red cards already. Nacer Chadli Belgian, 25, AM, £7.2m . Verdict: Hit. Best value of all, PL goals (seven) and assists (four). Eric Dier English, 20, D, £4m . Verdict: Promising. Early goals (two in PL) and shows potential. Ben Stambouli, French, 24, M, £4.7m . Verdict: Miss. Just one sub PL appearance. DeAndre Yedlin (US, 21, £2.5m) & Michel Vorm (Dutch, 31, £5m) Yedlin on loan. Vorm yet to play in PL. Tottenham lured manager Mauricio Pochettino from Southampton in the summer, will add Mitchell when his notice period expires in the new year and have coveted Saints players included Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin. Baldini, 54, has been in his job since summer last year and oversaw player departures including Spurs’ best player and talisman Gareth Bale for a world record £86m. But the jury has been out on many of the 13 faces brought in partly with the cash raised, from Paulinho to Roberto Soldado to Erik Lamela and, more recently, Federico Fazio and Ben Stambouli. ‘Franco is pretty relaxed about the situation but he knows in football that people come and go and that he’ll be moving on at some point, whenever that is,’ said a source. Another insider familiar with the workings at both White Hart Lane and St Mary’s said of Spurs: ‘It doesn’t appear that they have a strategy of any ilk, it seems to be a case of seeing Southampton do things well so let’s take a short cut and hire their people. ‘It will work sometimes and others won’t go near them but ultimately it’s a naive approach. Sustainable success is not about individuals, it’s about a culture.’ Many fans believe Spurs’ managerial merry-go-round has hurt the club, with Pochettino the fifth permanent boss in seven years since Juande Ramos joined in 2007. The turnover of players has exacerbated the situation and Pochettino has been left with a squad that cannot or will not function in the high-tempo pressing system he used to such effect at Southampton. Results have suffered, with Spurs losing three of their last four league games before Sunday's trip to Hull. The home capitulation to Stoke last time out has been described as the worst performance many have seen in a long time. Tottenham fan Martin Cloake, an author, whose latest book Taking Our Ball Back looks at discontent within the wider game. ‘It’s clear that there has been too much change in personnel recently,’ he says of Spurs’ dilemma. ‘There’s not much sense of team spirit evident when we play and no real leaders stand out. Paulinho and Roberto Soldado are among the players who have failed to impress since joining the club . Tottenham's Harry Kane has said his team-mates need time to adapt to Mauricio Pochettino's style . ‘There are lots of players with potential flair, perhaps fewer of the type who will dig in and help to hold a team together — therefore letting the flair players express themselves. ‘Off the pitch, the phrase ‘I’ve never felt so disconnected from the club I support’ keeps coming up. That’s partly because of the discontent with the top level of football in this country but it’s also because those running the club too often come across as aloof and as treating the fans as cash cows. 'Fixing things on the pitch will take time and the vast majority of fans want Pochettino to be given time. There has been too much chopping, changing and blaming. Off the pitch the club just needs to show goodwill, talk to the fans more, resolve some of the uncertainties around the stadium and generally demonstrate that we’re seen as supporters and not just customers.’ Striker Harry Kane acknowledges a lengthy transition period could lie ahead. ‘We haven’t won as much as we’d have liked.’ he said. ‘But there is a long way to go. We are adapting to the [manager’s] style each game and we are learning. Hopefully we can pick up some momentum and then who knows? ‘[The manager] has come in with his style and it has only been four months. That’s not long when you are changing the way you want to play. We are getting used to it and we will only get better.’ Tottenham go into their fixture against Hull in 12th spot - having started slowly under Pochettino . | Spurs technical director Franco Baldini could be heading for the exit door .
Tottenham sold Gareth Bale to Real Madrid for a world record £86m .
The north London side have brought in 13 faces with the money raised from Bale's move to the Spanish capital .
Roberto Soldado and Paulinho are among the players who have failed to impress since sealing a move to White Hart Lane . |
55,497 | 9d50705ebf85e13fa78ad8ae39b1c1b8d0917d07 | With President Barack Obama set to lay out his strategy to deal with ISIS on Wednesday, Secretary of State John Kerry left for the Middle East on an urgent new diplomatic drive with a single sales objective: Shore up support from Sunni Arabs to defeat what Kerry calls ISIS' "genocidal agenda." Kerry has said the United States will build "the broadest possible coalition of partners around the globe to confront, degrade and ultimately defeat ISIS." "Almost every single country has a role to play in eliminating the threat and the evil that (ISIS) represents," Kerry said Tuesday before leaving on the trip that will take him to Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The Obama administration has already gathered about 10 countries as part of a global coalition to beat back ISIS. But the strength of the coalition could hinge on whether it includes members from the Middle East, where ISIS poses the biggest threat. Obama laid out Kerry's marching orders during an interview last weekend with NBC News. "I think that it is absolutely true that we're going to need Sunni states to step up, not just Saudi Arabia, our partners like Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey. They need to be involved. This is their neighborhood. The dangers that are posed are -- are more directed at them right now than they are us," Obama told NBC's "Meet the Press" on Sunday. "And that's part of the conversation that John Kerry's going to be having this week" Americans want efforts to dismantle ISIS to be undertaken by a coalition, according to a CNN/ORC poll released Monday; 60% said Washington should undertake military action against ISIS "only if other countries participate." Kerry's Middle East strategy . In order to get a buy-in from Arab states, Kerry will take specific arguments to different countries. One key to his effort will be the new Iraqi government announced on Monday, which Kerry called a major milestone. Kerry hopes the new government will attract Sunni Arab help as it fights ISIS and bolster Sunni opposition to the group. The needs in any effort to defeat ISIS are great: military support, including air power, arms, training, and intelligence. U.S. officials say Arab partners will be asked to contribute what they can. The effort was given a boost on Monday when the Arab league agreed to take urgent measures to combat ISIS and other extremist groups, reflecting a new sense of urgency in the region. Obama looking for for congressional support on ISIS . Kerry's coalition-building tour will first take him to Jordan, which borders both Iraq and Syria and is likely to play a major but discreet role in the coalition. Jordan is already hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighboring Syria. In Saudi Arabia, Kerry will hold talks in Jeddah with the foreign ministers of six Gulf Arab states, Iraq, Egypt and Jordan. Kerry must also convince the Gulf allies to dry up funding to ISIS, which comes from many of their own nationals and stop the flow of foreign fighters into Iraq and Syria, considered the lifeblood of the group. Another critical aspect to this will be driving a wedge between Sunni Arabs and ISIS, and delegitimizing the group's ideology. Saudi Arabia, in particular, is seen as having a critical role to play in convincing other Sunni Arabs that ISIS is the enemy. The kingdom has been very effective in beating back al Qaeda in its territory, and officials and analysts say it has a unique religious credibility and legitimacy to combat ISIS now. There are already efforts within Middle East countries to root out extremists. Last week, Saudi Arabia arrested more than 80 extremists suspected of planning to carry out terrorist attacks both in the kingdom and abroad, and the UAE issued a statement last week saying it was ready to "join the international community in an urgent, coordinated and sustained effort to confront a threat that will, if unchecked, have global ramifications for decades to come." The UAE statement also called for a "clear plan for direct intervention against ISIS." Support, but slim chance for military intervention . But don't look for countries in the Middle East to join specifically with the United States and Western partners on a military campaign. Officials have downplayed suggestions of Arab military involvement, although have privately suggested even some minor participation from countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia would be important symbolic gestures about the need for Sunni Arab states to take responsibility in fighting extremism within their own region. What is unclear is whether Kerry, who visits the region the day after Obama delivers his speech laying out his strategy for combating ISIS, will make specific requests this week for a military campaign to combat the group in either Iraq or Syria. Arab diplomats say without concrete details on what type of military campaign the U.S. envisions, it will be hard for their leaders to sign up, no matter how badly they may want to. Another question is what happens after the campaign against ISIS. Arab diplomats say similar extremist groups are operating in Libya, the Sinai in Egypt and Yemen that pose a threat to the entire region and about which Washington and its Arab partners must have a conversation. With its laser focus on ISIS, Arab diplomats complain the United States is not connecting the dots about the alarming trends in the region. "Without a tacit understanding of how we are going to work at extremism in general, it's going to be tough to move ahead," one Arab diplomat said. "You want us to join you in Iraq and Syria and then when we see a problem in Libya or Yemen or Egypt and you say forget it? I don't think that is how it's going to go. You can't be with us on one issue and be against us on another." Which is why Kerry must carefully balance the concerns of a region nervous about a multitude of threats with the narrow U.S. interests in combating ISIS. U.S. officials say a series of airstrikes last week against armed Islamist factions in Tripoli, Libya, were conducted by Egypt and the UAE. While neither country has acknowledged the action publicly, the move sent an important message to Washington that the region is ready to take measures into its own hands if the United States does not take their concerns into account. The U.S. saw competing Arab interests in aiding the Syria opposition contribute to the growth of extremists groups like ISIS. A similarly uncoordinated effort against the group could give birth to new, and potentially equally frightening, problems. Terror fears could help GOP in midterms . Senator apologizes for invoking names of slain journalists in policy argument . | John Kerry is off to the Middle East to shore up support in the fight against ISIS .
The trip will take Kerry to Saudi Arabia and Jordan just after Obama lays out strategy .
By shoring up Sunni support, the U.S. looks to delegitimize ISIS' caliphate claims .
Kerry will look to win what support he can, but military involvement will be a tough sell . |
102,953 | 10b1de1544e22d5fcd84af4a7dc861973ee7fbd1 | By . Simon Jones . Manager Brian McDermott has left Championship side Leeds United by mutual consent. The former Reading boss had been in charge since April 2013, having signed a three-year contract. McDermott helped keep the club in the Championship last season, during which time they were taken over by Italian businessman Massimo Cellino. Exit: Brian McDermott has left Leeds United by mutual consent . Strugglers: Leeds eventually finished 15th in the Championship . McDermott's future at Elland Road had looked increasingly uncertain following Massimo Cellino's takeover of the Yorkshire club earlier this year. In a statement, Cellino said: 'Brian is a great manager and a great guy. He has been unfortunate to work in such difficult circumstances. 'I did not fully understand the mess he had to work in, and the broken promises he had to deal with, until I have got involved trying to turn Leeds around. 'He has been a gentleman to deal with in our discussions and has been very understanding of my wish to implement a new structure. His main concern and priority at all times has been the welfare and protection of Leeds United. 'I wish him well for the future where I am sure he will continue to have more success and thank him for his efforts in being a stabilising and unifying figure behind the scenes in very difficult circumstances. Uncertain: Since Cellino's arrival, McDermott's position has seemed increasingly under threat . 'His honest efforts to guide us to the safety of mid-table when faced with many difficulties is appreciated by us all. He will always be a friend of Leeds United.' In the same statement, McDermott said: 'It has been my great privilege to manage this great club and I have enjoyed the challenge immensely. 'However it is clear that Massimo wishes to implement a new structure and feels he will work more successfully for Leeds with a coach rather than a manager. 'I respect that Massimo must be fully supported in putting together his vision for the club so he can bring us the success we all want. It is my belief that when truly United we are stronger. 'Massimo wants to bring a new energy to the club so that we can return to where we belong as a healthy football club. Goodbyes: McDermott said 'thank you' to players and staff on the club's website . 'To my players for their efforts I say a big thank-you. To all the staff and especially my great assistant manager Nigel Gibbs and my great friend Patrick Dolan I am especially grateful for their support. 'Finally to the incredible force that is the Leeds United supporters, I offer my heartfelt thanks. 'Your support of me and the players was always an inspiration and I urge everyone to get behind the team and the new owner next season to get us back to where we need to be, fighting for trophies and competing at the top-table of English and European football. 'It won't be easy, but Marching On Together we can get there. 'I wish Massimo and all my friends at Elland Road every success in the future.' McDermott leaves Leeds after guiding them to 15th place in the Championship in the 2013-14 season. | Skybet Championship side Leeds United have announced that manager Brian McDermott has left the club by mutual consent .
The former Reading boss has been in charge since April 2013 .
McDermott helped keep the club in the Championship last season .
They have a new owner, Italian businessman Massimo Cellino . |
37,943 | 6b633a765a797410449ef84125f2d59cf1dd4d79 | By . Graham Smith . PUBLISHED: . 04:18 EST, 11 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:41 EST, 11 October 2012 . They were greeted by a small army of young, smiling faces. Ninety-one soldiers from 19th Regiment Royal Artillery, known as The Highland Gunners, were yesterday given a heroes' welcome by family and friends at Tidworth Barracks in Wiltshire. Chief among those gathered were children patiently waiting for their fathers to greet them after six months apart. Welcome home: Sergeant Craig Hill kisses his daughter Keira, two, as soldiers from 19th Regiment Royal Artillery are reunited with their families at Tidworth Barracks after returning from Afghanistan . Home at last: A young girl holding a Union Flag hugs her father as soldiers from The Highland Gunners fall-out on the parade square and are reunited with their families . To loud cheers, the soldiers first marched onto the parade square led by a lone piper. Once dismissed, they then rushed to embrace their loved ones. The regiment was returning home after a six-month tour of duty across Helmand Province. The Highland Gunners played a . significant role in mentoring and monitoring the Afghanistan National . Police and the Afghan National Army. Its efforts have assisted the country to make significant progress in achieving security for its people, Army chiefs said. Warrant officer Chris Hay, 37, from Forfar, was met by his wife Ami, 27, and son Aidan, three. He . said: 'To come home to a welcome like this is amazing. It makes it all . worthwhile with this kind of support that they give us. 'It has been a long hard six months but the support you get from the guys around you at work makes it a successful tour.' Dressing up: Courtney Evans, ten, makes her way to her family's car wearing father's helmet and body armour . Emotional reunion: Rachel Haines, holding her one-year-old son Morgan, watchers as her daughters, Elise (left), five, and Amelie (right), three, hug their father Major Ross Haines . Not long now: Families and friends hold flags and balloons as they take photographs of the parading soldiers . Also marching onto the parade square was Lieutenant Jessica Hinton, 27, from the Isle of Wight. She said: 'It is brilliant to be back, cold, but awesome to see family and friends, loved ones and little ones. 'Throughout the tour families have sent out parcels and it is great to have a proud family waiting for you when you get home. 'I . am very proud to have served in Afghanistan, the comradeship has been excellent and there has been a real support . network and friendships made that will last a lifetime.' The regiment will now be taking a . well-earned period of leave, before gathering again at its barracks in . Wiltshire for an Operational Medals parade next month. Lance Bombardier Scott Campbell makes his way to the car with his kit, helped by his four-year-old son Taylor . Catching up: Major Haines and his family are all smiles as they look forward to some quality time together . Sweethearts: An unnamed soldier embraces his partner following the fall-out parade . Patriotic: Keira Hill, two, plays with a Union Flag as she waits for her father Sergeant Craig Hill . | 19th Regiment Royal Artillery returns to Tidworth Barracks in Wiltshire .
Regiment has just finished six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan . |
83,248 | ec0bdda5db6acfa6d165873c1f8abb51cdc4ee8e | (CNN) -- Former child star and radio personality Danny Bonaduce is nursing a nasty bite mark after a fan latched onto his face at a Washington state casino Friday night. Bonaduce, who hosts a morning show on KZOK in Seattle, was making an appearance at the casino when a woman asked for a kiss. "The first lady in line ... says 'I love your radio show. I loved you on the "Partridge Family." Can you kiss me?' And I said, 'Sure,'" Bonaduce told CNN affiliate KIRO-TV. That's when, according to Bonaduce, the woman wrapped both arms around his head and sunk her teeth into his check, near his left ear. "They were tiny little Chucky teeth. Man, they just gnawed like piranhas," Bonaduce said. "People are trying to pull her off me ... I'm screaming like a baby." Chucky is a reference to the villain in the "Child's Play" horror film series about a murderous, possessed doll with a bad attitude and a mouth full of sharp chompers. "It was so painful," said Bonaduce, who was also at the casino to serve as master of ceremonies for a concert by Hells Belles, an all-female AC/DC tribute band. "It was ... as if someone wadded up 10 lit cigarettes and stuck them on your face, but they didn't go out, they just stayed that hot." Bonaduce said his first thought after the attack was "bath salts." Bath salts are a class of designer drugs that contain amphetamine-like chemicals and were initially blamed in a May attack in Miami in which a naked man chewed off part of another man's face. Tests later showed the man had smoked pot. Bonaduce said he won't file charges in the attack, saying he's certain the woman had lost her grasp on reality. "I think she was truly, truly delusional. I don't think she had any idea what she did." CNN's Maggie Schneider contributed to this report. | A fan asked for a kiss and then bit him on the cheek .
Bonaduce starred on the 1970s TV show "The Partidge Family"
His attacker had "tiny little Chucky teeth," he says . |
88,998 | fc92da3b77ab90db7e6701384f32b697265d0edc | Dried tomato skins left over from the making of Heinz ketchup are to be used inside Ford cars as a plant-based alternative to plastic. The tinned-food giant known for its '57 varieties' is looking at how it could use its bio-waste to create a 'green' replacement for petroleum-based plastic inside the cars such as the Mondeo, Fiesta, Focus and Galaxy. Ford scientists are testing the durability of tomato fibre – made largely from waste peeled tomato skins, stems and seeds – for potential use in making wiring brackets and storage bins. Innovative: The dried remains of tomatoes from Heinz tomato ketchup factories will be used to develop compartments for the inside of Ford cars in a bid to cut down on petroleum-based materials . The firms say it will reduce the use of . petrochemicals used in the manufacture of plastic and so reduce the . harmful impact on the environment. Ford plastics research specialist Ellen Lee said: ‘Dried tomato skins could become the wiring brackets in a Ford vehicle or the storage bin a customer uses to hold coins and other small objects. ‘We are exploring whether this food processing by-product makes sense for an automotive application. Project: How Ford and Heinz intend to work together . ‘Our goal is to develop a strong, lightweight material that meets our vehicle requirements, while at the same time reducing our overall environmental impact.’ It is part of a project begun nearly two years ago when Ford began collaborating with Heinz, Coca-Cola, sports clothing firm Nike, and Procter & Gamble. The scheme is a bid to accelerate development of a ‘plant-based plastic’ to help reduce use of petroleum-based materials currently in use. Heinz’s research and development associate director Vidhu Nagpal said: ‘Our researchers were looking for innovative ways to recycle peels, stems and seeds from the more than two million tons of tomatoes the company uses annually to produce its best-selling product, Heinz Ketchup. ‘We are delighted that the technology has been validated. 'Although we are in the very early stages of research, and many questions remain, we are excited about the possibilities this could produce for both Heinz and Ford and the advancement of sustainable 100 per cent plant-based plastics.’ Ford said its commitment to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ is part of the company’s global ‘green’ strategy to lessen its environmental footprint while accelerating development of fuel-efficient vehicle technology worldwide. A Ford spokesman said: ‘Ford has increased its use of recycled non-metal and bio-based materials. 'Rice is used to make electrical cowl brackets introduced in the last year, Ford’s bio-based portfolio now includes eight materials in production. 'Other examples include coconut-based composite materials, recycled cotton for carpeting and seat fabrics, plus soy foam seat cushions and head restraints.' Ford employs 183,000 employees at 65 plants worldwide, including Britain. | Tinned food company developing car material using dried tomato skins .
Part of two-year Ford project to reduce amount of petroleum-based material .
Firm is also developing soy foam seats and coconut-based compartments . |
167,691 | 64e11567920e4525cc8d6a4ca565ea932289b45f | By . Alexandra Klausner . A 23-year-old Louisiana woman with a DWI charge beneath her belt was arrested again on Thursday for claiming she was an 18th Judicial District Court employee and attempting to destroy her 'incriminating' toxicology report. Not only did she call the crime lab from her own cell phone, she wrote them an email from her personal account claiming to be an employee of the court saying that the toxicology sample should be destroyed 'because the case had been dismissed and was not going to be prosecuted.' Just before 11:00 am on April 12, Jana L. Pourciau of Maringouin lost control of her Lexus RX350 as she was driving northbound on LA Hwy 977, south of LA Hwy in Pointe Coupe Parish. Jana L. Pourciau, 23, who was charged with DWI on April 12, created a fake name and called the crime lab from her own cell phone and told them to destroy her toxicology report . Jana Pourciau told the crime lab to destroy a toxicology report from her April 12 crash 'because the case had been dismissed and was not going to be prosecuted' 'The Lexus ran off the roadway, struck the fence of an elementary school and overturned,' said Louisiana State Police officer Jared Sandifer. The young woman was arrested for a DWI, not wearing a seat belt, and careless operation after police thought she may have been drinking and driving. Nola.com reports that when Pourciau was taken to Baton Rouge Medical Center for her injuries, staff also grabbed a toxicology sample. 10 days later on April 22, Pourciau called the Lousina State Crime Lab from her own cell phone number under a psuedonym. She also contacted them from her personal email account using a fake name. Detectives caught wind of Pourciau's fake phone call and email and they brought her to the station for questioning. Pourciau confessed that she called and emailed the crime lab in order to destroy the toxicology report from her crash. She was arrested for false impersonation and forgery and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. When police caught wind that Jana Pourciau was trying to destroy toxicology evidence related to her DWI charge, they called her in for questioning . Jana Porciau confessed to pretending to be a court employee in order to destroy her toxicology report and was arrested for false impersonation and forgery . Jana Pourciau was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison after faking the identity of a court employee and trying to destroy a toxicology report related to a DWI charge from an April 12 crash . | Jana Pourciau claimed she was an 18th Judicial District Court employee in attempt to destroy her toxicology report from a crash days before .
She used a fake name to contact the crime lab but was caught because she used her personal cell phone and email account .
Pourciau was arrested for false impersonation and forgery and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison . |
49,560 | 8c10cc70de9d4defff899a8a04a5ed7432aef6b8 | The first case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome believed to be transmitted within the United States has been identified in an Illinois man who was infected and is no longer sick, a doctor with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Saturday. The unidentified Illinois man had "extended face-to-face contact" during a 40-minute business meeting with an Indiana man who was diagnosed with MERS after traveling from Saudi Arabia, Dr. David Swerdlow told reporters during a telephone briefing. A blood test confirmed the Illinois man had been previously infected, and he reported suffering only mild cold-like symptoms and did not seek or require medical care, Swerdlow said. "We think that this patient was likely infected with MERS. But technically he doesn't count as an official case of MERS," he said. The case does not meet the World Health Organization definition of an active case, which requires evidence of a live virus, according to Swordlow. Even so, U.S. health officials appear to be treating it as one. MERS: 5 things to know . U.S. investigation . The case was discovered as part of an investigation by U.S. health officials to track people who came in close contact with the Indiana man, who became the first person diagnosed with MERS in the United States. He was diagnosed with the virus on May 2. MERS, first found in the Arabian Peninsula in 2012, is a coronavirus -- the same group of viruses as the common cold. It attacks the respiratory system. Symptoms, which include fever and a cough, are severe and can lead to pneumonia and kidney failure. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea have also been seen, according to the WHO. There is no vaccine or special treatment, and it can be fatal in up to one-third of cases, Dr. Anne Schuchat, assistant surgeon general for the U.S. Public Health Service told CNN recently. To date, there have been more than 570 confirmed cases of MERS, including 171 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. The number of countries with confirmed cases expanded to 18, with a case in the Netherlands, according to the WHO. Many of the cases are in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. No one knows exactly how the virus originated, but evidence implicating camels is emerging. In a recently published study in mBio, researchers said they isolated live MERS virus from two single-humped camels, known as dromedaries. They found multiple substrains in the camel viruses, including one that perfectly matches a substrain isolated from a human patient. 2 health care workers exposed to MERS patient . Indiana case . The Illinois case was discovered as part of an investigation by U.S. health officials who tracked the movements and contacts of the Indiana man, who was an American health care provider who had been working in Saudi Arabia and was on a planned visit to Indiana to see his family. He traveled April 24 from Riyadh to London, then to Chicago, and took a bus to Indiana, officials said. The Indiana man "had extended face-to-face contact with a business associate (Illinois man) on April 25, and then another brief contact on April 26," Swerdlow said. The Indiana began experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, and fever on April 27, the Indiana State Department of Health has said. He was admitted to Community Hospital in Munster, Indiana, on April 28, the same day he visited the emergency department there, the health department said. The man was released from the hospital last week. Health officials tested 53 health care workers, six family member and an additional business associate. The MERS virus appears to have presented differently in the Illinois man, who reported only mild-like cold symptoms. "There is a broader spectrum of MERS than first thought... you can have no symptoms," Swerdlow said. There are no travel restrictions to the Arabian Peninsula; however, the CDC suggests that people who visit there monitor their health and watch for any flu-like symptoms. If you do feel unwell after such a trip, be sure to tell your doctor about your travel. Second MERS case confirmed in Netherlands . Outbreak becomes more urgent, WHO says . | An Illinois man has tested positive for a past MERS infection, a doctor says .
It is not being counted by the World Health Organization as an official MERS case .
WHO requires a live active infection be present to be counted . |
215,894 | a378e949da6312615081ae63374ef5ef2ab269d4 | By . Harriet Arkell . PUBLISHED: . 07:11 EST, 14 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:37 EST, 14 January 2014 . A teenager who jumped on his ex-girlfriend's head after she criticised the size of his penis has been jailed for five years. Callan Redshaw, 19, from Hartlepool, kicked Kirsty Robinson 'like a footballer taking a penalty' and jumped on her head repeatedly, leaving her with serious injuries after they had a row outside a pub. Teeside Crown Court heard that Miss Robinson, the mother of Redshaw's one-year-old daughter, told him: 'You can give me a f****** baby, but you can’t pay for the keep of her. You’ve got a little penis, I don’t know how you managed.' Callan Redshaw, 19, was jailed after beating up his ex-girlfriend when she ridiculed the size of his penis . Redshaw then kicked her legs from underneath Miss Robinson who fell to the ground 'like a sack of potatoes', Teesside Crown Court heard. Redshaw punched and kicked her, leaving her lying motionless 'like a ragdoll' with two head fractures and bleeding in her brain. Prosecutor Sue Jacobs said: 'He started to kick her by running up like a footballer taking a penalty, taking his leg right back and really booting her. 'They were the witness’s words. He did this about four or five times in her back. She described the victim as being like a rag doll, and said it looked like she was unconscious. 'Then she said he stamped on her head. His left foot was coming off the floor to put his full weight on his right foot, and she said her head was bouncing. 'After that he walked away. The girl was still lying there, not moving.' Court: Judge Simon Bourne- Arton, QC, told Redshaw: 'Anyone who takes a shod foot to anybody' can expect jail . Miss Robinson and Redshaw, who have a one-year-old daughter, split up at the start of last year. After the attack, which happened in Hartlepool, Miss Robinson was taken to hospital where a CT scan confirmed she had a fractured skull and cheekbone and some bleeding in her brain. In a victim statement she said: 'This incident has left me totally devastated and feeling very emotional.' Redshaw, who admitted grievous bodily harm with intent at a hearing on May 12 last year, was jailed for five years. Recorder . of Middlesbrough, Judge Simon Bourne-Arton QC, said: 'You have . obviously got a temper. On the night of this your ex-partner was clearly . drunk. 'She was therefore . vulnerable because a drunk woman can’t handle herself in any way, and . you knew she was essentially helplessly drunk. 'Worst . of all you stamped on her head. That can very often result in very . serious injury, if not death, and it will not be overlooked. 'Anyone who takes a shod foot to anybody, particularly a female, can only receive a substantial period of imprisonment.' | Callan Redshaw, 19, attacked Kirsty Robinson during row outside a pub .
Robinson said she didn't 'know how [he] managed' to conceive their baby .
Redshaw kicked her to the floor and jumped up and down on her head .
Teesside Crown Court heard she looked like a 'rag doll' lying on the street .
Teenager admitted causing GBH with intent and was jailed for five years .
Judge told him: 'Anyone who takes a shod foot to anybody' can expect jail . |
199,527 | 8e4aefa54320d8280ae03d4139e7bad80facf5a8 | By . Daniel Bates . PUBLISHED: . 12:51 EST, 14 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 17:20 EST, 15 September 2012 . Suicide: Robert McKeon, the founder and chairman of Veritas Capital, committed suicide on Monday . One of America’s most highly respected private equity bosses has been found dead after he apparently killed himself, leaving those on Wall Street and beyond asking why. The death of Robert McKeon, who was in charge of Veritas Capital, was ruled a suicide by a coroner who revealed that the cause of death was ‘asphyxia due to neck compression’. McKeon's body was discovered at his $5m mansion in Darien, Connecticut, where he lived with his art expert wife and their children. Mr McKeon, 58, was a well known figure on Wall St who managed the $2bn Veritas fund. He was also a passionate art collector and a philanthropist who supported a number of charities, including the New York Police & Fire Widows & Children's Benefit Fund. In a statement Veritas said: ‘Bob was an extraordinary person, a consummate professional, and a cherished friend and colleague. ‘We are all deeply saddened by this tragic loss and have his family in our thoughts.’ Mr McKeon was born to a working class family in the Bronx, and was the son of a cake deliveryman. He went to Fordham University and Harvard Business School before joining now shuttered investment bank First Boston. He helped found Wasserstein Perella & Co. in 1988 as head of private equity and then later chairman - the company’s successes included turning around cosmetics firm Maybelline. Family man: McKeon was married to Clare, an Oxford graduate who works at Christie's in New York . In 1992, he and legendary Wall St . colleagues Joseph Perella and the late Bruce Wasserstein then founded . Veritas - with Mr McKeon only in his 30s at the time. In . a profile Crain’s Business said it would be surprised if the . ‘boyish-looking’ financier ‘will ever be one of those archetypal, . ruthless corporate raiders everybody loves to hate.’ Veritas went on to buy stakes in military and defence companies like Lockheed Martin and Raytheon, but it was not without controversy. Mr McKeon has been described as a hard-nosed ‘corporate cleaner’ which means he took over troubled companies, removed them from the stock market and implemented painful cuts to make them profitable. In 1999, a Veritas consultant admitted paying off an official in Connecticut so the company would get approval for an $125million investment. Despite requests to refund the investment, Mr McKeon refused. Veritas: In 1992, McKeon and legendary Wall St colleagues Joseph Perella and the late Bruce Wasserstein founded Veritas - with Mr McKeon only in his 30s at the time . Veritas bought defence contractor DynCorp even though it had been linked to a sex trafficking scheme in the 1990s. It also purchased MZM Inc, a military contractor which was probed by federal investigators over . But, as the New York Observer reported, McKeon acquired each of the respective companies after their scandals had subsided. Now an extremely wealthy man, Mr McKeon’s 1929 Connecticut home is a five-bedroom, six bathroom mansion set on three acres. He is also thought to have properties in The Hamptons and Telluride, Colorado. His wife Clare works at Christie’s in New York where she is an expert on 20th Century British Art and Victorian & British Impressionist Pictures. A graduate of Oxford University and the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, she is also Vice President in the Department of Sporting Art. In a statement Darien Police said that the death was not being treated as suspicious. A spokesman said: ‘The incident is under investigation pending the results of the scheduled autopsy.’ | Robert McKeon, the boss of Veritas Capital, committed suicide on Monday .
He was found dead at the $5million Connecticut mansion he shared with his wife and children .
McKeon, a Harvard Business School graduate, co-founded Veritas in 1992 .
Veritas acquired several scandal-ridden businesses, including defence contractors .
Leaves behind wife Clare McKeon, who works at Christie's . |
189,690 | 81a4895d790ced34ecee28a7cc3e868e191e49aa | Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has former driver Sebastian Vettel to thank for their 'camouflage car' in testing this week. The black-and-white livery design is visually refractive, ensuring rivals face a tough time trying to ascertain the car's aerodynamics. Horner has conceded the idea was spawned by Vettel's helmet design seen over the course of the Italian Grand Prix weekend last year. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Unleash the CamoBull. The RB11 takes to the track in Jerez . Red Bull driver Daniel Ricciardo drives the camouflage car during testing on Sunday at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain . Red Bull mechanics surround the livery designed car in the garage as Ricciardo waits to get out on the track on Sunday . The black-and-white livery design is visually refractive, ensuring rivals face a tough time trying to ascertain the car's aerodynamics. Although four-times champion Vettel has moved on to Ferrari, Horner said: 'Seb's helmet was quite fun, so we thought it would be interesting to extend that concept to the rest of the car. 'Dietrich (Mateschitz, owner) liked it when he saw it, and it epitomises Red Bull that we like to do things a bit differently. 'To see a Red Bull in a different livery is striking and it makes it difficult to get detailed photographs of the car, as it confuses the eyeline, at a time of year when we're all trying to be as secretive as we possibly can. 'But it's obviously had a great reaction. Team principal Christian Horner revealed the design of the test car was inspired by one of Sebastian Vettel's helmet designed last season . The design is meant to make it difficult for rivals to get detailed pictures of the car as they hope for secrecy during testing . Horner admitted the car is likely to return to its traditional colours for the first race of the but will feature a stronger livery design . 'It's been extremely well received.' Fans, in particular, are keen for Red Bull to run the livery over the course of the season. Horner has conceded that will not be the case, he added: 'The fans won't be disappointed because the livery will be even stronger.' There was little sign, however, of the car in action on the morning of the second day of the test at the Circuito de Jerez. That was due to the fact new recruit Daniil Kvyat, promoted from Toro Rosso to fill Vettel's shoes, damaged the one-and-only front-wing available to the team on an early installation lap. New Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat damaged the car's only front wing during the testing session on Sunday . The 20-year-old Russian driver has replaced Vettel for the 2015 season after being promoted from Toro Rosso . Despite lacking a spare, Kvyat still ran on track without a wing for a handful of laps before deciding to pit and wait for the new part to arrive from the factory in Milton Keynes. Horner said: 'Unfortunately Daniil very lightly touched the tyre wall with the front wing, causing damage. 'It's the only front-wing assembly we have in Jerez at the moment, which is relatively usual for this time of year when you are not abundant with spare parts. 'There are more components coming down later today, this evening and over the next two days. We'll certainly have a new front wing by tomorrow morning.' | Red Bull's test car at the Circuito de Jerez in Spain was emblazoned with a black and white livery pattern designed .
The design is meant to make it difficult for rivals to get detailed pictures of the car's set up during testing .
Team principal Christian Horner revealed the design was inspired by one of Sebastian Vettel's helmets last season . |
273,101 | edc1b47c457b462b88c4d0955197d86de30c8f27 | Atlanta (CNN)Almost three weeks after she was found unresponsive in a bathtub, Bobbi Kristina Brown is still fighting for her life. Doctors have removed her breathing tube, two sources close to the family told CNN on Thursday, one day after the procedure supposedly took place. Brown, daughter of late singing star Whitney Houston, will now be ventilated through a hole in her throat. "This is an indication that the patient will need this for weeks and months to come, as opposed to hours and days," said CNN's chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta. He said the move lowers the risk of infection and is standard procedure. Brown, 21, remains in a medically induced coma at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Doctors are attempting to slowly lift her coma, according to sources close to the family. The extent of her injuries is not known. Police have said they're treating Brown's case as a criminal investigation. She was found in a bathtub full of water on January 31 at her Roswell, Georgia, residence. Her mother, who died in 2012, was similarly found in a bathtub, just hours before she was to attend a pre-Grammy Awards party. A coroner ruled Houston's death an accidental drowning, with heart disease and cocaine use listed as contributing factors. Brown is her only child. CNN's MaryLynn Ryan, Sunny Hostin and Carolyn Sung contributed to this report. | Brown, daughter of late singing star Whitney Houston, will now be ventilated through a hole in her throat .
"This is an indication that the patient will need this for weeks and months to come," says CNN's Sanjay Gupta . |
167,587 | 64bc138312a01a191248645adb3403aa8b9f4211 | Neil Redfearn's first game as the permanent Leeds manager ended in a 3-1 defeat as Cardiff continued their revival under Russell Slade. Bruno Manga's first Cardiff goal and Federico Macheda's strike put the Bluebirds in control. Alex Mowatt gave Leeds hope by pulling one back 13 minutes from time, but Kenwyne Jones made the points safe when he pounced on a defensive mix up to slot home his sixth goal of the season. Cardiff's Bruno Ecuele Manga (right) leaps to open the scoring for his side against Leeds in the Championship . Ecuele Manga of Cardiff celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Championship win over Leeds . Cardiff: Marshall, Brayford, Ecuele Manga, Morrison, Fabio, Pilkington (Ralls, 45), Gunnarsson, Whittingham, Noone, Macheda (Jones, 75), Le Fondre (Morrison, 81) Goals: Ecuele Manga (61), Macheda (67), Jones (83) Unused subs: Connelly, Maynard, Moore, Gabbidon . Leeds: Silvestri, Berardi (Byram, 85), Bellusci, Pearce, Warnock, Cook, Bianchi (Sloth, 76), Mowatt, Doukara, Morison (Dawson, 69), Antenucci . Goals: Mowatt (77) Unused subs: Taylor, Tonge, Montenegro, Cooper . Referee: Andy Woolmer . Attendance: 24,220 . Redfearn's full-time appointment was confirmed prior to kick-off, with the 49-year-old handed an initial 12-month contract with an option for a further year or a return to his academy duties once that period is over. He is already the third manager to take the helm of the Yorkshire club this season, and Leeds fans will hope he can have the sort of stabilising effect Slade has had at Cardiff. Bluebirds fans will have some sympathy with the current plight of their Leeds counterparts given the headlines their club has had to endure under Vincent Tan's ownership. But they are back on track after three wins out of four under Slade, moving them to the brink of the play-off places. While United showed no lack of fight, Cardiff had the better of the opening exchanges and rarely threatened to relinquish control. As early as the 11th minute Marco Silvestri had to get down low to his left to keep out Peter Whittingham's free-kick, with the keeper also clawing away Anthony Pilkington's header from under his own bar. An error between Marco Silvestri (left) and Giuseppe Bellusci (right) allows Kenwyne Jones to score . Substitute Jones (pictured) celebrates after wrapping up three points for Cardiff . Goalscorer Federico Macheda (left) of Cardiff evades the challenge of Stephen Warnock (right) The visitors should have led in the 20th minute, but their best chance of the game was spurned by Steve Morison. The Wales striker powered a header over the bar from 10 yards out after being found by Stephen Warnock's superb centre. Souleymane Doukara struck an effort straight at David Marshall from distance, but the better opportunities were coming at the other end. Anthony Pilkington (left) of Cardiff holds off the challenge of Leeds' Jason Pearce (right) Adam Le Fondre twice failed to make the most of good deliveries from Whittingham, glancing two headers well wide of the target, while Macheda's shot was well blocked by Guiseppe Bellusci after John Brayford had led a sharp Cardiff break. The second half settled into the same pattern and it was no surprise when Cardiff took the lead. Leeds failed to clear a cross and when Sean Morrison headed Craig Noone's cross back across goal, Manga was there to direct the ball into the bottom corner. Leeds chairman Massimo Cellino looks on during the Championship match against Cardiff . Six minutes later and the points looked secure when Macheda drove forward and powered his third goal in four games into the top corner, with the help of a deflection off Jason Pearce's boot. But Leeds found a way back into the game when Doukara got away from Fabio and picked out Mowatt for the midfielder to fire an angled drive across Marshall. However, any hope of a comeback was sunk when a mix-up between Silvestri and Bellusci allowed Jones a simple finish. | Bruno Ecuele Manga gave Cardiff the lead with half an hour to play .
Federico Macheda doubled the lead six minutes later .
But the visitors got one back through Alex Mowatt 15 minutes from time .
Before Kenwyne Jones made sure of the three points for the home team . |
244,982 | c9117b9605259d26b6302296d30dded4e0d62942 | Barry Eichengreen is George C. Pardee and Helen N. Pardee Professor of Economics and Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of "Golden Fetters: The Gold Standard and the Great Depression, 1919-39" and "Financial Crises and What to Do About Them." Barry Eichengreen says Barack Obama will have to fix the credit crisis, the auto industry and trade policy. BERKELEY, California (CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama has been holding his economic cards close to his vest. He did not participate in person at last weekend's meeting of G20 leaders. He has been reluctant to encourage the lame-duck Congress to adopt a major fiscal stimulus package. He may be right in saying that the U.S. has only one president at a time. But this makes it all the more important that he hit the ground running on January 20. This will mean, first of all, addressing the credit crisis. Despite all the actions of the Fed and the Treasury, the banks are still not lending. In some cases this is because their own finances are weak. But in others it is because they have other more convenient uses for their funds, ranging from acquisitions to dividend payments. This reflects a flawed bank recapitalization scheme that gives the government no voting shares in the banks into which it is injecting public funds and hence no say in their decisions. Fortunately (as it were) there will be an opportunity to correct this, since as the recession deepens there will be more loan losses and the need for more capital injections. The next round of public money should come with voting rights so that taxpayers' interests are protected. Then there is the need for increased public spending on infrastructure and federal grants to state and local governments to offset the collapse of private spending. Candidate Obama spoke of $150 billion of fiscal stimulus. But if this recession turns out to be the deepest since World War II, as now seems certain, the appropriate figure will be at least four times that large. Anything less would fail to cushion the downturn. A trillion-dollar deficit will excite fears of government out of control if not accompanied by a plan to balance the budget once the recession ends. The new president therefore will need to offer not just a stimulus package but also a multiyear budget. Then there is the problem of the auto industry. The best course normally would be Chapter 11 bankruptcy. This would allow the Big Three to shed bad management and contracts, both of which would be thrown out in the bankruptcy process. If GM, Ford or Chrysler is then able to come up with a viable business plan, they should be able to obtain the new money, known as debtor-in-possession financing, needed to implement it. Admittedly, the credit crisis makes new money difficult to obtain. But if this is a problem, then the government can provide the debtor-in-possession financing. In other words, it can make its aid conditional on the Big Three first going through bankruptcy workouts. A further complication arises from the fact that cars last for years and when they break down are expensive to repair. Warranties matter, in other words. If a producer was undergoing bankruptcy reorganization, from which it might or might not emerge, consumers would question whether its warranties were worth the paper they were written on. But if this is the problem, then the government can guarantee the warranties. It could reimburse the cost of major repairs subject to terms and conditions. It is not as if our government has been reluctant to guarantee other products, ranging from bank deposits to money market mutual funds. And this guarantee should be provided only to auto companies that undergo bankruptcy reorganization. Finally, it will be important for the new president to reassure our foreign partners about his economic intentions. There may be jubilation in Kenya and Indonesia over the election of a candidate they may view as a native son, but there is trepidation in Asia and Latin America about his protectionist rhetoric. President Obama will need to reassure Mexico that while he believes in labor and environmental standards, he also believes in NAFTA. He should encourage the Congress to ratify our free trade agreements with Colombia and Korea. He should reassure the Chinese, who now have economic problems of their own, that he will not bash them over their exchange rate policies. If Obama wishes to help Americans impacted by import competition there are better ways. He can expand trade adjustment assistance for displaced workers. He can propose wage insurance -- partial compensation for a limited period for workers moving to lower-paid jobs. He can ramp up spending on education and training. He can address concerns over the environment by proposing a carbon tax rather than allowing blame for global warming to be shifted to Mexico and China. That should be enough to keep the new president occupied for his first 100 days. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Barry Eichengreen. | Barry Eichengreen: Obama will have daunting agenda on economy .
He says government must take a voting stake in banks getting public money .
Eichengreen: Economic stimulus package must be large, at least $600 billion .
Obama should take steps to show he is committed to free trade, he says . |
88,748 | fbe2a714f7045038e0119f183c89d34530529bdc | (CNN) -- When New York City Marathon organizers announced that the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Sandy would not cause the cancellation of Sunday's prestigious race, few people will have been as relieved as Adam Chataway. The Londoner is a man on a mission -- he ran five marathons on five continents before making it to the Big Apple, and cycled the last leg of the journey from Boston. Sunday's race will be his sixth in less than 30 days, all run to honor the memory of his late fiancee and provide an education for Ethiopian children. "There are fallen trees, electricity poles and stuff like that," the 34-year-old told CNN from the roadside after the hurricane had caused widespread disruption along the east coast of the U.S. "It has certainly made it more interesting. I imagine the fine people of New York will show their character and come out and represent. I'm sure it will be a special occasion." The superstorm has claimed more than 140 lives across North America and the Caribbean, but that has not deterred Chataway as he moves closer to the final 26.2 miles of his task. "I think people thought we were daft when we said we were going to cycle from Boston to New York, but now they know why, as we couldn't have flown to New York," he said after arriving in the U.S. on Tuesday. "There hasn't been too much of a chance to get a sense of people. Obviously it is all over the news and I think people, especially here on the eastern seaboard, are a little bit shellshocked." His global quest began in South America on October 7 with the Buenos Aires marathon. He has since completed a punishing schedule which included races in Australia, Jordan, Kenya and the Republic of Ireland. The long road Chataway has traveled began in 2006 when his bride-to-be Vicky was killed in a cycling accident on her way home from work in London. Adam established "Vicky's Water Project" in her memory to help bring clean water to a region of Ethiopia. "I was fortunate enough to get a lot of time off work and I wanted to do something worthwhile with it," explains Chataway. "I worked with the charity ActionAid to establish a project in Ethiopia, which is now up and running. As a result of that being set up, children no longer need to spend all day collecting water. So there's now a shortage of classrooms." The shortage gave birth to Chataway's latest fundraising venture, which he hopes will generate enough money to build four classrooms in the Lera Town area of Ethiopia. He set off with the aim of raising £10,000 ($16,000), but he is close to doubling that figure. To date, Chataway has collected around £18,000 in his "adventure of a lifetime." Chataway comes from a family with running pedigree -- his father Christopher is a former 5,000 meters world record-holder and was a pacemaker when fellow Briton Roger Bannister became the first man to run one mile in under four minutes in 1954. "I wanted to do every marathon close to the three hours and 45 minutes target," Adam said. "I thought it was pushing myself close to the limit while also being able to sustain it. All of them have been there or thereabouts, my legs have held up to the rigors of it." Chataway might not have met that target -- clocking four hours and 45 minutes for the Nairobi marathon in Kenya -- but he did achieve something even his father and the great Bannister would have struggled with. In his schedule, the Nairobi and Dublin Marathons were numbers four and five respectively, which presented a problem. The two races were on consecutive days and being staged on different continents. "The Nairobi marathon was at seven on Sunday," he explains. "I went to the start line in the knowledge I was up against the finest marathon-running nation on the planet, so knew I was on a bit of a hiding to nothing. "I daubed myself down with a wet wipe, much to the disappointment of my fellow passengers on the five-hour flight from Nairobi to Abu Dhabi. "I had six hours on the ground there and just tried to get as much water as I could and some food inside me and stretch my legs. I took off from there at 2:30 a.m. and landed in Dublin at 6:45 a.m. "I got changed at the airport, met friends and family at the start line and I managed to get around the Dublin marathon in three hours and 38 minutes on slightly weary, but thankfully forgiving, legs." So with just New York left to tick off on this testing trip, what is next for this Running Man? "Sleep and beer," he replies. "In London." | British man is running six marathons on six continents in less than 30 days .
Adam Chataway is raising funds to build four classrooms in Ethiopian town .
The final leg of Londoner's challenge is Sunday's New York City Marathon .
Organizers of the race say it will go ahead despite Hurricane Sandy . |
117,808 | 241c9d0a229fbd2dc66af1f47beebe3079811093 | Gough Whitlam once famously said of John Faulkner that he was 'the best Prime Minister Australia never had' but after 25 years serving Labor in the Upper House the senator will officially retire next month. He has also made clear his intention to never reveal, in a conversation or a book, the intimate details of his meetings with Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd during the 2010 leadership battle that ultimately crippled the Labor government. 'It's true that I joined them then and I spoke to them both individually and of course when we met together one of the things that occurred is I gave a commitment to them I would not breach the confidence of that meeting,' Senator Faulkner said. Scroll down for video . Senator John Faulkner has announced his intention to leave politics next month after 25 years in the Upper House . The Senator said his discussions with Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd during their bitter 2010 leadership battle will remain secret . Senator Faulkner said he will remain loyal to both Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard insisting 'I gave a commitment to them I would not breach the confidence of that meeting' Former Labor PM, the late Gough Whitlam, once famously told ALP colleagues that Senator John Faulkner was 'the best Prime Minister Australia never had' 'I hope over my very long parliamentary career that I at least have the reputation of not breaching confidences and I don't intend to start now when announcing my retirement, I gave my word and intend to keep it.' With this decision goes the last minister to have served in the Hawke and Keating Labor governments. Senator Faulkner, a former Defence Minister, will bow out after Australia Day. 'I have been extremely lucky to have such a long and fulfilling career in parliament. It's over and it's time to go,' he stated. 'I owe the Labor Party everything but it's a good time for the Labor Party for a new generation to step up.' The outgoing Senator insisted he will remain an active member at branch meetings and supporting candidates in 'local, state and federal elections'. His position is expected to be filled by Jenny McAllister, who was pre-selected in July to run in his place on the NSW Labor Senate ticket for the 2016 election. Senator Faulkner vowed not to write an autobiography in his retirement as 'there are enough of those sort of books out there'. 'I remain an absolute Labor loyalist. 'I don't have any plans at the moment, I don't have any job offers, I won't be a lobbyist, I won't be a consultant, I won't be a regular media commentator.' The outgoing Senator recalled how he first began working as a fully fledged Labor official in 1980 and was first elected for New South Wales in 1989. He was a minister in three Labor governments and Senate opposition leader for eight years. Senator Faulkner vowed not to write an autobiography in his retirement as 'there are enough of those sort of books out there'. The 60-year-old started out as a teacher and party official before entering politics. His likely replacement, Ms McAllister, has been ALP national president since 2011. She has worked for infrastructure advisory firm AECOM and has previously worked as a public servant and adviser to Labor politicians. And for a politician who won respect from both sides, he remained loyal to the end insisting that he would not reveal the details of the discussions he had during the bitter leadership battles, which beset the Labor Party when it was last in government. However, Senator Faulkner said the ALP should be confident of its chances going forward. 'It has effectively rebuilt its fortune since the last election, it's working hard'. He recalled with fondness his involvement in major national issues including Mabo, Telstra's privatisation, the GST and public service reform. 'Public service may be a favourite whipping boy for some, but in my experience, the men and women of the public service, from top to bottom are committed to the public and the national interest in everything they do,' he added. | Senator John Faulkner will retire after Australia Day 2015 .
He's refused to reveal details of discussions he had with warring former PM's Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd during their infamous leadership battle .
He was called 'the best PM Australia never had' by Gough Whitlam . |
72,924 | cec479173b138b18de23d14b37104ad17c9315f8 | (CNN) -- Two brothers and two of their uncles are among nine people indicted on allegations of distributing cocaine to Italy and trafficking within the United States the same drug as well as methamphetamine, federal prosecutors in California announced Wednesday. The drug-trafficking ring also allegedly laundered money through the Dominican Republic, authorities said. One brother, Rafael Urena, 27, of Rancho Cucamonga, California, was arrested Wednesday morning, but his brother Milton, 29, of the Dominican Republic, is still being sought by authorities, according to a statement by the office U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte Jr. in Los Angeles. An uncle, Francisco Javier Vargas-Oseguera, 51, was already in federal custody in Seattle, Washington, facing a federal charge of allegedly possessing eight pounds of methamphetamine in an unrelated case, authorities said. Another uncle, Leonel Urena-Partida, 49, of Guadalajara, Mexico, is accused of conspiring to transport cocaine to Italy and is being sought by authorities, the prosecutor's office said. Federal authorities used undercover agents and wiretaps intercepting phone calls, text messages and communications through BlackBerry Messenger, the prosecutor's office said. The probe seized about 40 kilograms, or 88 pounds, of cocaine being smuggled into Italy from the Dominican Republic and Mexico, authorities said. The investigation also uncovered the distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine throughout the United States through the use of vehicles with hidden compartments, authorities said. Authorities accuse members of the drug-trafficking ring of laundering drug money from the Dominican Republic to Fontana, California, and Rancho Cucamonga by means of Western Union wire transfers. The indictment accuses eight defendants -- including the two brothers and two uncles -- of conspiracy to distribute cocaine to Italy and accuses the four relatives and two more defendants of conspiracy of domestic distribution of cocaine and methamphetamine, authorities said. The indictment also accuses "various defendants" of the distribution of approximately one pound of methamphetamine, three counts of use of a communication facility in committing a felony drug offense, and conspiracy to launder money, the prosecutor's office said. | One brother is arrested, but the other is still being sought .
One uncle is already being held in an unrelated case, but the other is at large .
The four relatives are among nine people indicted .
The drug ring also allegedly laundered money through the Dominican Republic . |
217,061 | a506c506fcf83059d043c1fe1925f3e6b8cd64e4 | By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . PUBLISHED: . 11:23 EST, 19 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:23 EST, 19 September 2013 . Computer and smartphone users in Sutton, Cleveland and Watford can surf the net faster than anyone else in Britain, a new survey has revealed. Their broadband speeds are around three times quicker than internet users in Llandudno, Galashiels and Carlisle, who experience the slowest service. The speeds were disclosed after an independent speed test carried out in 118 locations across the UK. Speeds were highest in London, the South East, the North East, the North West and Northern Ireland . The study was carried out during the summer on behalf of the broadband information website thinkbroadband. Researchers found computer and smartphone users in the London borough of Sutton experienced the best broadband speeds in the whole country. The average download rate in Sutton is 19.8 megabits per second (mbps) and the average upload rate is 1.9mbps. Llandrindod Wells in Mid Wales has the slowest average download speed of just 2.4mbps and an average upload rate of 0.7mbps. Carlisle was found to have a broadband speed ranging fom 5.3 mbps to 0.6 mbps- one of the worst in the UK . 1. Sutton: 19.8 mbps; 1.9 mbps2. Cleveland:18.7 mbps; 1.6 mbps3. Watford:16.8 mbps; 0.7 mbps4. Manchester:16.5 mbps;1.0 mbps 5. Harrow:16.2 mbps; 1.7 mbps6. Telford:16.1 mbps; 1.1 mbps 7. Ilford:16.0 mbps; 1.6 mbps8. Romford:16.0 mbps; 1.9 mbps 9. Uxbridge:15.9 mbps; 1.7 mbps 10. Enfield:15.8 mbps; 1.8 mbps . Speeds were highest in London, the South East, the North East, the North West and Northern Ireland, the analysis found. They were poorest in Wales, the East of England and Scotland. The survey also found that BT Retail has maintained its dominant hold on the broadband world with its 31.3 per cent market share. It has around 6,780,000 broadband customers in the UK after launching an expansion drive. This includes around 21,700,000 fixed-line broadband connections. Its closest rival is Sky which trails by around 10.5 percentage points. Sebastien Lahtinen, co-founder of thinkbroadband.com, said: 'It is an extremely busy time for broadband in the UK, with criticism around the delayed rollout of superfast broadband, and the recent Government initiative to provide high speed connections for business in cities.' He said that the campaign to boost British broadband speeds was now beginning to succeed. But he added: 'It is still early days and there is long way to go until the 4million target is reached.' A separate survey by 4G revealed that even if you live in a city with fast broadband, the actual speed of your internet will vary dramatically within the city . 1. Llandudno: 5.9 mbps; 0.7 mbps 2. Galashiels: 5.6 mbps; 0.4 mbps 3. Carlisle: 5.3 mbps; 0.6 mbps4. Wrexham: 4.9 mbps; 0.6 mbps5. Shrewsbury: 4.8 mbps; 0.8 mbps6. Dumfries & Galloway: 4.7 mbps; 0.4 mbps7. Inverness:4.4 mbps; 0.4 mbps 8. Hereford: 3.9 mbps; 0.5 mbps9. Kirkwall & Orkney:3.8 mbps; 0.4 mbps 10. Llandrindod Wells:2.4 mbps; 0.4 mbps . Earlier this year, a survey by 4G revealed that even if you live in a city with fast broadband, the actual speed of your internet will vary dramatically within the city. In . the worst case - Birmingham - there is a difference of up to 89 per . cent between the fastest and slowest broadband, the report found. Further swathes of consumers are 'stuck in the slow lane' in London, Bristol, Northampton and Glasgow, the study showed. Data . collected during more than 900,000 speed tests revealed the locations . which benefit from the fastest speeds were not necessarily closest to . city or town centres. In postcode district B42, which . covers the areas of Perry Barr, Great Barr and Hamstead in Birmingham, . broadband download speeds during the past six months have averaged . 20.9Mbps, the study showed. Just a mile and a half away, in B35 (Castle Vale), average speeds were 89% slower, at just 2.2Mbps. At this speed it would take approximately 11 hours to download a Blu-ray film, the report found. | Sutton, Cleveland and Watford were the fastest areas to use the internet .
Llandudno, Galashiels and Carlisle experienced the slowest service .
Results were disclosed after a speed test in 118 locations across the UK . |
253,231 | d3c7acfabbc64268a4cbae502d4cd9348f6010b9 | By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 05:09 EST, 4 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:30 EST, 4 April 2013 . Oscar Pistorius is back at the track for the first time since he killed his model girlfriend on Valentine's Day two months ago. The Olympian is pictured with his hands on his hips wearing his blades as he walks across a running track as his agent said his return to training was imminent. Pistorius, 26, is keen to begin training again - just weeks after he appeared weeping in court charged with the death of Reeva Steenkamp and despite facing a murder trial. Oscar Pistorius pictured on a running track for the first time since shooting of girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp . The Beeld newspaper showed a photo of the athlete on the running track - nearly three months after he shot his girlfriend dead . The Afrikaans-language Beeld newspaper printed the image of what it said was Pistorius on the front page of its Thursday edition. In the photograph, the double amputee is seen from some distance wearing his blades and dark lycra running clothes and is walking on a track with his hands on his hips. The newspaper said the photo was taken on March 24 by a high school student visiting the University of Pretoria, where Pistorius' regular practice facility is. It was the first time Pistorius had put his blades on since he shot dead Steenkamp in his home his agent, Peet van Zyl, said, but it was not a training session. Pistorius was only 'having a jog . around the track,' the agent said, as the newspaper claimed sources had . told it the Olympic 400-meter runner and Paralympic champion had begun . full training on March 21. Mr . Van Zyl disputed that and said neither he nor Ampie Louw, Pistorius' coach and the man who controls his training sessions, were present at . the track on the day the photograph was taken. Reeva Steenkamp, girlfriend of South Africa's Olympic sprint star Oscar Pistorius, was shot dead by the athlete on Valentine's Day . The single photo, a grainy image taken through a metal fence showing Pistorius walking on the far side of the track, was accompanied by a front-page story under the headlines 'Oscar is back on the track' and 'In training with other athletes.' But while Pistorius wasn't yet in a training routine, his return could be any day now, his agent said. 'He was just having a jog around his track on his own accord. He wasn't back at training,' Mr Van Zyl said. 'That picture was taken by a schoolkid on March 24. Myself, Oscar and . his coach had a meeting on Tuesday to discuss him getting him back to . training. 'Based on that he told us he would like to get back in training and we can now look at formulating his training schedule. 'He is finding it very difficult and . he is still coming to terms with the sad loss of Reeva. That is why it . will be better for him to be back at training. It will be great to get . him back to the track and get some routine. That's why we are taking it . day by day.' While a return to training might be . on the cards for Pistorius, who holds several IPC World Championship . titles over 200 metres, 400m and 4x400m, Van Zyl revealed there is . currently no plan regarding his competitive return, if he is invited to . compete. Pistorius appeared at the Magistrates Court in Pretoria and is set to face a murder trial - an accusation he strongly denies . The athlete, who claims he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder, is reportedly keen to begin training . 'We haven't even spoken to him or contemplated him running in a competition,' Van Zyl said. 'He has got to be able to train first . and be in some decent form as a world-class athlete before we would . allow him to run in a competition. 'If he trains well and his mindset is . right then by all means we will look at competitions and options. When . that will be we don't know. It could happen quickly or it could take a . year. 'But at the moment, there is no specific date when it comes to him returning to training. 'In the current state he is in he . might get up tomorrow and give the coach a phone call and say he might . want to train again. He then might not want to train for a few days. 'We are not going to force him. We are going to be guided by him.' Pistorius' family said: 'Oscar is not back on any official training programme. 'This may change . in future, but this will be a decision taken by Oscar, and Oscar alone. At this . point Oscar is still in an extremely traumatized state and has made it clear to . all of us that he is not able or willing to even contemplate this issue at this . stage. 'We can confirm that we did have a meeting with Oscar . yesterday where various family members and his trainer were present. 'We all . encouraged him to get back onto the track to help stabilise him emotionally. 'Oscar has been out running on a number of isolated occasions in the . days following the relaxation of his bail conditions, but each time has been . very difficult and he has "struggled immensely" with the decision to . even leave the house. 'As a family however we encourage him to start exercising as we believe . it is a vital step in helping him deal with the trauma.' Mr Van Zyl insisted Pistorius' desire to start training again did not show disrespect to the family of Steenkamp. 'I can't see there would be any people saying this is disrespectful. This is not disrespectful to Reeva or her family. 'This has been part of his life for . so many years. If it makes things easier for him to work through it and . get some sense back into his life, let him run and let him jog. 'He's a human being and that's maybe an outlet for him.' Pistorius denies murder in the Valentine's Day killing of model Steenkamp, saying he mistook her for a nighttime intruder in his home. His next scheduled court appearance is June 4, when prosecutors say they intend to serve indictments. The athlete is free to compete in Britain this summer after a judge relaxed his bail terms in March to allow him to make money. It is certain to prove controversial as it potentially paves the way for Pistorius, one of the world’s most successful athletes, to earn vast sums of money while he is awaiting trial. Although charged with murder, Pistorius has not been convicted of any crime and would be allowed to enter Britain by the Home Office. | Pictured on track at the University of Pretoria and is keen to start training .
Seen wearing his running blades just weeks after he appeared at court charged with death of girlfriend .
Shot model Reeva Steenkamp dead at his home on Valentine's Day .
'Oscar's finding it difficult to come to terms with loss of Reeva', agent says .
Training could be an 'outlet' for grieving Olympian .
He is struggling to leave his house and run, family say . |
140,225 | 41532a734ddf59d00fdf5703d6f8a90eb96eb507 | The sheriff of Maricopa County, Arizona, has ordered his jails to stop serving meat to inmates in a move he says is meant to cut costs. Joe Arpaio, who has sparked controversy in the past for his treatment of inmates, claims the change will save $100,000 annually. The jails will be replacing meat with soy, Arpaio says. Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who has sparked controversy for his treatment of inmates in the past, claims that turning jails vegetarian will save $100,000 annually . Fox 10 Phoenix reporter Troy Hayden traveled to a prison kitchen with Arpaio to check out the newly altered recipe for a menu item that the inmates call 'slop' Arpaio pours flour and a pot of olive oil into the giant vat of 'slop' as a mechanical mixer stirs the soupy substance . Arpaio explains that his cooking skills are limited, claiming that he has never boiled a pot of water . Fox 10 Phoenix reporter Troy Hayden traveled to a prison kitchen with Arpaio to check out the newly altered recipe for a menu item that the inmates call 'slop.' The soupy, lumpy substance is shown in a giant vat as Arpaio dumps various ingredients into it, including flour, olive oil, peas, carrots and the new ingredient: soy. Hayden points out that the carrots have some unknown brown substance mixed in with them. 'What is that?' Hayden asks. Arpaio laughs and says, 'There's probably a little dirt in it, don't worry about it.' He then dumps the so-called vegetables into the vat. Arpaio is replacing meat with these soy chips. Hayden tested them out and said they are hard and crunchy . Arpaio also dumped these carrots into the mixture. Hayden pointed out there there was an unknown brown substance mixed in with the carrots . Arpaio grimaces after tasting the 'slop' that he just made while inmates look on . 'That's not good. It's not. I don't care what you say,' Hayden, left, says after taking a bite of the soup . Hayden also questions the soy, which he likens to wood chips. When he asks Arpaio if the 'slop' looks appetizing to him, Arpaio responds that it looks 'great' and says he's already getting hungry. 'Your kidding, right?' Hayden asks. Arpaio is later shown eating a small spoonful of the 'slop' while inmates working in the kitchen look on. Arpaio claims aloud that it's tasty, though his grimace says otherwise - and Hayden calls him out. 'That's not good. It's not. I don't care what you say,' Hayden says after taking a bite of the soup. | Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio claims that turning jails vegetarian will save $100,000 annually .
Arpaio has sparked controversy in the past for his treatment of inmates .
Jails will be replacing meat with soy . |
154,881 | 5428ee1f4501939cfbe6108017a0fcaf85908dc9 | By . Jo Knowsley . PUBLISHED: . 17:19 EST, 18 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 17:28 EST, 18 January 2014 . A woman cleared of causing her elder sister’s death in a car crash has tearfully described how she believed her sibling ‘would not have blamed me’. Jennie Stone, 28, died after her Peugeot 206 collided with her sister Rosie-Ann’s Vauxhall Astra in February last year. Both had pulled out of a queue to overtake a slow-moving lorry on a road near Bridlington, East Yorkshire. Jennie’s car was sent careering across the road into a tree. The mother of one, who was studying at the University of Lincoln to become a social worker, died at the scene. Tragic accident: Jennie Stone (right) died after her Peugeot 206 collided with a car being driven by her sister Rosie-Ann (left). They had overtaken a slow-moving lorry at the same time, leading to the crash . Now Rosie-Ann, 21, has spoken of her relief at being found not guilty of causing her sister’s death by careless driving – amid criticism of the Crown Prosecution Service for having brought the case at all. She said that, during her five-day trial at Hull Crown Court last week, she was prepared for a nine-month sentence, but that serving time in jail would not have been as bad as the guilty verdict itself. ‘If I was found guilty, that would have meant Jennie’s death had been my fault. I would not have been able to live with myself,’ she said. ‘I was visualising her as she was when we were growing up together. I was thinking how she looked. How she smelt. Everything about her.’ She added: ‘During the trial, I looked at the jury – every one of them. I felt sorry for them. Some of them looked at me sympathetically. Some looked at me sternly. ‘I had no idea what they were thinking.’ Rosie-Ann said she had prepared for a nine-month sentence during her trial at Hull Crown Court . But the jury ruled that Rosie-Ann was not to blame for the accident. She said that, as she left court after the verdict, a juror told her: ‘We all believed you. Live your life. Be happy.’ In the days following the accident, she had constantly apologised to her parents, Angie and Bob, while replaying the tragic events of that day. ‘I was thinking, “What if I had got up earlier that morning?” These are the type of things that were going through my mind.’ Ms Stone said her sister had been her emotional crutch after their brother, 20-year-old soldier Gregg, pictured below, was shot dead in June 2012 while serving in Afghanistan. She helped her elder sister move to a new house in Bridlington the day before the accident, and says the family was beginning to recover from Gregg’s death. ‘Life was slowly becoming more bearable for us all,’ she said. ‘I leant on Jennie a lot. She helped me cope with losing Gregg. Then it all fell to pieces again when we lost Jennie.’ The case itself was traumatic for the family, who had begged the CPS not to bring it to court. Angie Stone, 56, the girls’ mother, wore a moonstone necklace in the shape of a heart, given to her by her dead daughter, to keep her memory alive. Mother-of-one Jennie Stone had been studying to become a social worker at the University of Lincoln at the time of the accident. She was pronounced dead at the scene after her car ploughed into a tree . The accident occured just months after the sisters' brother Private Gregg Stone died in Afghanistan . ‘Jennie bought it for me when she was just 16 years old. The day she was killed, I pulled it out of the drawer and I have worn it every day since. Just because Jennie is not here, it doesn’t mean she is no longer part of our family.’ Her husband Bob, also 56, wore his son’s regimental tie with a lapel badge showing a tear on a Union Flag – a symbol worn by parents of fallen soldiers. Mrs Stone said grief for Gregg was suspended when their daughter died. ‘We began the grieving process for Jennie. But we felt we were betraying Gregg somehow. ‘Then, when the Crown Prosecution Service announced it was prosecuting Rosie-Ann, we stopped grieving altogether.’ Mr Stone told the Hull Daily Mail: ‘Then we had the fight of our lives on our hands. ‘And we were scared. More scared than we have ever been in our lives. ‘I cannot forgive the CPS for the pain, suffering and distress they put our family through. There have been no winners in this.’ When the verdict was announced, Mr and Mrs Stone stood, weeping, and embraced in the public gallery. The CPS has released a statement defending the decision to prosecute in the public interest, though Judge Simon Jack said after the verdict he had concerns about the case. | Rosie-Ann Stone, 21, had been accused of causing the death of her sister .
Jennie Stone, 28, died after her Peugeot colliding with her sister's Vauxhall .
Both overtook slow-moving lorry at the same time, leading to the accident .
Accident happened just months after the sisters' soldier brother was killed .
Rosie-Ann 'relieved' at being cleared of causing death by careless driving .
Jury found she was not to blame and told her to 'live your life, be happy'
Now Crown Prosecution Service criticised for bringing case to trial at all . |
145,666 | 485beb9aa8817bda1bcf38d868514a62dd8af052 | Cristiano Ronaldo will cost a staggering £785million should a club wish to buy him from Real Madrid. That's the buy-out clause placed in the 29-year-old superstar's contract and the astronomical price his agent, Jorge Mendes, insists he is worth. The one billion euro tag underlines why Manchester United and other suitors will find it near impossible to prise him away from the Santiago Bernabeu. Cristiano Ronaldo's buy-out clause is a whopping £785million, a price his manager says he is worth . Ronaldo's manager Jorge Mendes says the figure means it will be impossible to take him from the Bernabeu . Ronaldo in action for Portugal against France on Saturday night in a friendly international . Sportsmail reported last month how, despite their affection for the player, United were not willing to break the bank for such a deal and Mendes said: 'I no longer get calls from anyone asking about Cristiano because they know that it is impossible to get him out of Madrid, so it's not worth them calling to ask for it. 'The price is that stated in his release clause – €1bn (£785m). 'United are in his heart and he is very respectful of people who show him affection but he is in Madrid to the end.' The buy-out clause dwarfs that of Barcelona's Lionel Messi which is set at £331million and Mendes says the valuation is justified due to Ronaldo's standing in the game. 'In addition to being the best footballer in history, he is the greatest athlete of all time. You cannot compare him with anyone,' Mendes told AS. 'He is the best player in the biggest sport in the world, in which there is more competition than in any other. For that reason, he is the best athlete in the world. There will be no-one like him for the next 500 years.' Ronaldo, celebrating a Champions League final penalty, is the 'greatest athlete in the world', says his manager . Ronaldo's rival for world's best player, Lionel Messi (here for Argentina against Brazil in China on Saturday), has a buy-out clause at Barcelona of £331million . Ronaldo got a warm welcome from fans when at Old Trafford in March 2013, but won't go back there . Mendes also believes the Portugal captain will be able to break his own personal record of 60 goals in a single season provided he can stay fit in 2014-15. 'I'm sure that he will beat his personal record if he does not have any physical problems,' he added. 'He is phenomenal. For Cristiano, nothing is impossible. He is going to continue evolving and improving until he is 40. When he finishes it will be impossible for anyone to beat his records. 'Notice how Cristiano is a winger, he's not a striker, and his numbers are outrageous. He plays very far from goal and has to make significant efforts to arrive into the box. For that, he deserves even more credit for what he achieves.' And Ronaldo's next step? 'He always wants more and more. His dreams are short term and his dream is to win another Champions League.' Madrid, meanwhile, are continuing to monitor David de Gea's impressive form at United. There has been increasing clamour in Spain for 23-year-old de Gea to replace the under-fire Iker Casillas in the national side and Madrid are considering a similar move at club level. Real Madrid is looking at Manchester United's in-form Spanish keeper David de Gea . De Gea (centre) is seen as a possible replacement for Spain team-mate Iker Casillas (bottom) United though are planning discussions over an improved contract with their goalkeeper and hope to ratify a new long-term deal soon. De Gea, who was player of the year for the club last season, signed for £17.8m in June 2011 and his deal runs out in 2016. Although initial conversations took place last year, talks had been put on hold as United strengthened their squad in other areas. Louis van Gaal still wants another goalkeeper to provide competition for De Gea with Anders Lindegaard looking for a new club. Meanwhile, Ryan Giggs will be given the Legend of Football Award at the HMV Football Extravaganza on Tuesday at the London Hilton Hotel on Park Lane. Giggs follows last year's recipient Pele while other former winners include Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Alex Ferguson and Eric Cantona. | Real Madrid's buy-out clause for Cristiano Ronaldo is £785million .
The 29-year-old's agent, Jorge Mendes, said that is what he is worth .
Rival Lionel Messi's Barcelona buy-out clause is set at £331million .
Mendes said the difference reflects Ronaldo's standing in the game .
'He is the best player in the biggest sport in the world,' Mendes said .
Manchester United want Ronaldo back but won't break the bank for him . |
198,375 | 8cc9821911d86476fc4734c4fd0981fba0aedaba | By . James Chapman . and Matt Chorley . Angela Merkel made a passionate plea for Britain not to quit the EU yesterday but suggested David Cameron can hope to achieve only limited reform before a referendum. The German Chancellor used a visit to London to back the Prime Minister’s calls for a clampdown on EU migrants’ right to claim benefits and indicated the UK and non-eurozone countries could win concessions as the eurozone integrates further. But she warned she would disappoint British calls for her to commit now to fundamental reform of the EU – and dodged any promise of the full-scale treaty changes. Scroll down for video . German Chancellor Angela Merkel made clear to David Cameron that British demands for fundamental reform of the EU would not be met . Mr Cameron had seen Mrs Merkel as key ally in his hopes of clawing back powers from Brussels . After a speech, lunch and press conference, Mrs Merkel travelled to Buckingham Palace for a meeting with the Queen . Mrs Merkel claimed she was ‘caught . between the devil and the deep blue sea’, with some countries demanding . massive changes and others insisting Europe must not ‘pay almost any . price’ to keep Britain in the union. But . accommodating Britain’s demands could be done, she said. Mrs Merkel was . treated like a visiting monarch as she called on Mr Cameron in Downing . Street. The . government rolled out the red carpet for Mrs Merkel, whose support is seen as pivotal to Mr Cameron’s hopes . of securing reform of Brussels. She was afforded the . rare honour of making a speech to both Houses of Parliament, gathered . together in the Lords, and later visited the Queen at Buckingham Palace. StarterBeetroot and goat's curd salad with citrus dressing . MainRoast fillet of Newlyn stone bass with potatoes, broccoli and beans; . DessertFruit and ice cream dessert. In her address, she suggested Britain could not expect to be treated as . a special case and warned those expecting her to promise a fundamental . shake-up of the EU at this stage would be disappointed. However, . she was more positive when asked in Downing Street whether she would . support Mr Cameron’s attempts to negotiate a looser, more trade-based . relationship with Brussels ahead of a referendum the Tories have . committed to holding in 2017 if they are still in power. ‘I . firmly believe that what we are discussing here is feasible, is . doable,’ she said after a 90-minute meeting over lunch in the Prime . Minister’s Downing Street flat. ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way.’ There was plenty of space between the two leaders as they posed for this photograph, later tweeted by the Prime Minister . German Chancellor Angela Merkel insisted Europe does need to reform but she would disappoint many demands from Britain . Mrs Merkel addressed MPs and peers from both Houses of Parliament in the Royal Gallery of the Palace of Westminster . British Prime Minister David Cameron: 'We need fundamental, far-reaching change.'(January 2013) Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel: 'I have heard some expect my speech to pave for a fundamental . reform of the European architecture which will satisfy all kinds of . alleged or actual British wishes. I am afraid they are in for a . disappointment.' (February 2014) She . also suggested that she agreed freedom of movement rules should be . amended to restrict rights to claim benefits, saying it was wrong that a . new immigrant could claim the same level of handouts as people who had . paid into the system for several years. ‘That . would not be the interpretation of freedom of movement that I would . have,’ she said. ‘That is just as much of a headache for us in Germany . as it is for the British people.’ She . suggested she was ready to agree reforms that would mean new rights for . countries who are not members of the single currency. ‘If . one wants Britain to remain in the European Union – which is what I . want – if one at the same time wants a competitive union... one can find . common solutions.’ However, Mrs Merkel warned Mr Cameron that it would not be a ‘piece of cake’ for changes to be agreed across the EU. She . also said that Germany was grateful to Britain for placing trust in her . country following the Second World War and ‘the break in civilisation’ represented by the Holocaust. Speaking . in the anniversary year of the outbreak of the First World War, she . said: ‘This is a special year of commemoration for Britain, where you . remember your dead, your losses and the untold suffering that Germany . brought through these wars to you. ‘As German Chancellor, I bow my head before the victims of these horrible wars.’ Prime Minister David Cameron smiled during the speech, but there was little sign of a major breakthrough in his demands for reform. Picture (left to right) Foreign Secretary William Hague, Leader of the Commons Andrew Lansley, Labour leader Ed Miliband, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Cameron . Mrs Merkel insisted she wanted Britain to remain in the EU, but would disappoint those wanting fundamental reform . Eurosceptic . Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin said: ‘What Angela Merkel said came as . no surprise. She wasn’t going to suddenly offer a whole load of . concessions. ‘What’s . important is how good relations are between David Cameron and Angela . Merkel. He has vetoed a treaty, promised an in/out referendum, cut the . EU budget against everyone’s wishes, and still Angela Merkel comes over . here and is extremely friendly and positive.’ Tory . MP John Baron, another Eurosceptic, was less convinced, saying: ‘She . made it clear the direction of travel is “more Europe” – closer economic . and political integration.’ The lavish reception for Mrs Merkel was in stark contrast to the welcome given to French President Francois Hollande last month. On . a windswept RAF base, Mr Cameron and Mr Hollande publicly disagreed . about the need for EU reform before heading for a low key lunch at a . village pub. Mr Hollande . said giving the British people a say on leaving the European Union was . 'not urgent' and insisted he would do little to assist Mr Cameron's push . for reform. 'We feel that revising the Treaty is not a priority for the time being,’ Mr Hollande added. French President Francois Hollande insisted reforming Europe was 'not urgent' during an awkward meeting with Mr Cameron. The two men later endured a low key pub lunch but the Frenchman appeared to want a . quick getaway . Douglas . Alexander, Labour’s foreign affairs spokesman, said: ‘Chancellor . Merkel’s remarks have confirmed that David Cameron’s approach to Europe . just isn’t working.’ But Labour MP Austin Mitchell said Mrs Merkel has also created a big problem for Labour. It . was clear, he said, that the choice for Britain was to ‘join the euro . and central group or be relegated to periphery’. ‘Miliband can’t accept . either,’ he added. | German Chancellor delivers major speech to both Houses of Parliament .
Insists she wants UK to have a 'strong voice inside the European Union'
But warns she will disappoint those wanting fundamental reform .
Change will be made 'step by step' in interest of all member states .
But David Cameron wants to claw back powers before 2017 in-out vote . |
267,654 | e6a2e7c57ef1b9444e3cfce32135fcff3fcf2e5a | A British woman dying of cancer faces being separated from her American husband after UK immigration officials say he can only stay in the country if she gets a job. Sally Piasecki, 63, from Wallington in Surrey, fled an abusive relationship in 1996 and moved to Florida in the U.S. where she settled and married master carpenter Walter Piasecki. She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2008 and when doctors told her she had a maximum of 12 years to live, the couple decided to sell their Florida home and move back to the UK in 2012. Cancer sufferer Sally Piasecki, 63, faces being separated from her husband Walter (left) unless she gets a job . But now the couple have been told that Mr Piasecki has no right to remain in the country unless she has a job paying at least £18,600, despite the fact the disease has left her disabled. Mrs Piasecki wanted to spend her remaining years with her family, including her two daughters Nicola, 42, and Joann, 40, but now faces being separated from her husband. She said: 'My parents were both in the navy, I'm a true-blue Brit. But I am disabled, I am losing the use of my left arm with thoracic outlet syndrome, my left side is wasting away. 'I don't have thyroids after I developed cancer. I will be visiting the Royal Marsden [Hospital] for the rest of my life. 'We gave up everything we owned in America, so I could spend my final years with my family. My husband looks after me, I can't even get in the shower on my own. 'I've only got a few years left and they are doing this to me.' The couple sold their home in Florida so they could be closer to Mrs Piasecki's family after she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2008 . A change in immigration rules in 2012 brought in the ruling, which states returning British citizens must have a job that pays more than £18,600 if they wish to bring their partner with them. Last month they were told Mr Piasecki was being denied the right to remain, even though he works as her carer. Since July 2012, the Immigration Rules have contained a financial requirement to be met by a person applying for entry clearance to remain in the UK. The minimum income threshold for a couple is £18,600 - which rises to £22,400 where the application includes sponsorship of a non-EU child. However, the financial requirement does not apply to a child who is a British citizen. Acceptable 'evidence' includes bank statements on official bank stationery, electronic bank statements, building society statements or a letter from a financial institution regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for money in overseas accounts. Source: Home Office . Mrs Piasecki added: 'I have lived away from my children for so long and now we are reunited they want to take my husband away.' She has been told that if she wants to stay with her husband she should return to the States, but with her conditions it is unlikely she will find employment. Without a job she would be ineligible for medical insurance, making hospital bills expensive. A Home Office spokesman said applications were considered on their individual merits, 'including any compelling and compassionate circumstances, and in line with the immigration rules'. Her fight has been taken on by Wallington and Carshalton MP Tom Brake. He said: 'Every now and again there are immigration cases where there is a need for the Home Office to show flexibility and compassion and this is one of those cases. 'This is a couple who have been married for many years and who want to live with their family in the UK and can not return to America for medical reasons. 'I hope it might still be possible to allow them to remain in the UK. I will continue to see what other options might be open in terms of right of appeal.' | Sally Piasecki, 63, moved to Florida, U.S., in 1996 and married carpenter .
She was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2008 and had 12 years left to live .
Couple decided to sell home and move back to UK in 2012 to be with family .
Mr Piasecki has no right to remain unless she gets a job paying £18,600 . |
51,627 | 92287bead88dbfff2f791660f356102e02dfedcd | By . Sami Mokbel for MailOnline . Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo will find out on Thursday afternoon which of them has won UEFA's Best Player in Europe Award. The accolade for Europe's top player in the 2013-14 season will be handed out during the draw for the Champions League group stage. Sportsmail takes a look at the three nominees, and why they are up for the coveted award. Sweeper keeper: Manuel Neuer is the best goalkepeer in the world and is up for the coveted award . Games Played: 16 . Goals Conceded: 11 . Clean Sheets: 6 . Saves: 38 . Saves (from inside the box): 27 . Saves (from outside the box): 10 . Save Percentage: 77.08 . Penalties Faced: 1 . Penalties Saved: 0 . Manuel Neuer . The undisputed best goalkeeper in the world has had quite a year. At club level Bayern Munich swept the board domestically, winning the league and cup double. Of course, Pep Guardiola's side failed to retain their Champions League title - but the Germans were defeated by eventual winners Real Madrid. But it is at international level where Neuer excelled. His performances in Brazil during Germany's World Cup triumph were quite brilliant, merely underlining his position as the planet's best. His 'goalsweeping' style was a feature of Brazil 2014 - in essence acting like a 12th man for his team. He may have left Joachim Low with his heart in his mouth a few times but it was certainly effective. 12th outfield player: Neuer spends so much time out of his box that he often plays like a defender . Games Played: 17 . Goals: 6 . Total Shots: 36 . Shots on Target: 20 . Shooting Accuracy: 56% . Shot Conversion: 17% . Assists: 5 . Chances Created: 30 . Passes: 529 . Passes Successful: 436 . Pass Accuracy: 82.4% . Arjen Robben . Yes, he is a serial diver - but there's no denying the Dutchman is one of the most effective attacking players in Europe. Technically there's not many better, but where he differs from others is that there is almost always an end product - 22 goals from wide is no mean feat. His performance against Manchester United in the quarter-final second leg was breathtaking. His performances in the World Cup weren't bad either - particularly in that 5-1 demolition of Spain in the group stages. Holland finished third in Brazil, and much of their run was down to Robben. He just needs to cut out the diving! Hotshot: Arjen Robben scored 22 goals last season, including three for Holland at the World Cup . Diver? Robben has infuriated opposition managers with his tendency to go down easily in the box . Games Played: 15 . Goals: 14 . Total Shots: 82 . Shots on Target: 47 . Shooting Accuracy: 57% . Shot Conversion: 17% . Assists: 5 . Chances Created: 28 . Passes: 444 . Passes Successful: 353 . Pass Accuracy: 79.5% . Cristiano Ronaldo . There isn't an awful lot more you can say about this guy, who was by far and say the best player in the world last season. 51 goals and 15 assists in a single season tells its own story. Lionel Messi's injury-hit campaign thrust Ronaldo even more into the limelight and the Portuguese thrived on the attention. There wasn't a more potent attacking force than Ronaldo last season - his shirtless celebration following his late penalty in the Champions League final win over local rivals Atletico Madrid was one of the most memorable moments of last season. It was a shame, however, that he couldn't carry that form into the World Cup as Portugal crashed out in the group stages. You can't have everything, though. Unstoppable: Cristiano Ronaldo smashed in 56 goals last season, and helped Real win the Champions League . Fourth time lucky: Ronaldo has finished third in the award's standings for three years in a row . VIDEO Ronaldo double against Athletico secured Supercup . | Manuel Neuer, Arjen Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo are the three nominees .
The award is for the best player in Europe during the 2013-14 season .
Neuer won the Bundesliga and World Cup last season .
Robben scored 22 goals for club and country last season .
Ronaldo bagged 56 goals and made 15 assists for Real Madrid and Portugal .
Franck Ribery won the award last year . |
246,949 | cb92df9bf828f13c8e053156b0957dd7b7ad53a2 | Tens of thousands of middle-aged adults are developing dementia, a report will warn this week. More than 42,000 Britons under the age of 65 are thought to have the illness - twice as many as was previously thought. This includes 2,000 who are in their forties. Charities warn that many adults are coming to terms with the condition whilst still working, looking after children and paying off their mortgage. They are also concerned that doctors are misdiagnosing many younger sufferers as they assume dementia mainly occurs in the elderly. Fears: A new study has found that 42,000 people in the UK are suffering from early-onset dementia . But a report by the Alzheimer’s Society to be published on Wednesday will warn that twice as many adults are developing dementia in mid-life than previously thought. There are now 42,325 cases of early onset dementia in UK – which occurs before the age of 65 – previously there were only thought to be 17,000 cases. This includes 2,010 in their 40s, 7,700 cases in their 50s, 32,000 in their 60s and 707 cases in their 30s. Men are slightly more at risk than women – they account for 21,519 cases compared to 20,806. And overall, the under 65s are believed to account for a third of all cases of dementia. Jeremy Hughes, chief executive at Alzheimer’s Society said: ‘For too long dementia has been perceived as a natural part of ageing which only affects the oldest of the old in our society. ‘Say the word Alzheimer’s and many people picture a frail, elderly person in a care home. ‘The risk of developing dementia does increase with age, but the reality is that dementia is caused by diseases of the brain that don’t discriminate. Worrying: The report will also warn that the numbers of Britons with early-onset dementia will rise by a fifth by 2051. File picture . ‘Many people will be coming to terms with the symptoms while still in work, perhaps looking after children and paying a mortgage. ‘Too often we hear of people reporting memory loss to their doctor in mid-life, but being misdiagnosed because they are considered too young to have dementia.’ The report will also warn that the numbers of Britons with early-onset dementia will rise by a fifth by 2051 to 50,000 cases. Many of those who develop the illness at a younger age have a family history although it is also triggered by alcohol and linked to Down’s Syndrome. The most recent figures show that 850,000 Britons have dementia although the report this week will warn the numbers are significantly higher. Ministers are becoming increasingly concerned at the burden the illness is placing on the health service. And despite decades of research, drug companies have failed to find a cure or even a treatment to halt the illness’s progression. Last year David Cameron promised to double the funding for dementia research in the hope of that there will be a major breakthrough by 2025. Recently there have been a number of setbacks and several drugs which initially seemed promising were later found to be ineffective. Researchers are now focusing their efforts on developing treatments to give to patients very early on possibly before symptoms develop. The few existing drugs only work in people who are diagnosed very early on and they only temporarily halt the disease’s progression. Symptoms include memory problems, confusion, hallucinations and problems with language, speech and moving around. On average patients live for between eight and ten years after symptoms first occur but it varies hugely between individuals. | More than 42,000 Britons under the age of 65 are thought to have the illness .
Many adults have the condition while working and looking after children .
nNumbers of Britons with early-onset dementia 'will rise by a fifth by 2051' |
173,612 | 6cabf9a772e4d68026c4ff2b21780fe9fcb1b79e | Hong Kong (CNN) -- CNN readers had a mixture of admiration and disdain for "Bob," the anonymous U.S. programmer who outsourced his work to a Chinese firm for one-fifth of his paycheck. The incident was investigated by Verizon after a client company noticed the firm's computer system was regularly being accessed from China. Investigators found the employee had "physically FedExed his RSA token to China so that the third-party contractor could log-in under his credentials during the workday," according to Andrew Valentine, a senior forensic investigator for Verizon. "This guy must have read the `4-Hour Workweek' book. He was doing exactly what the book recommends," wrote one CNN reader, a sentiment echoed elsewhere. "Heard this on CNN this morning and thought the same exact thing -- he must be a Tim Ferriss fan!" wrote a reader identified as Sarah Avayou. U.S. programmer outsources own job to China, surfs cat videos . Ferriss, however, isn't a fan of the tactics of "Bob." The author of the blockbuster time management book series -- which advocates personal outsourcing as part of his formula for earning more in less time -- said subterfuge and allowing someone unauthorized access to the company computers is not the way forward. "Productivity should benefit the collective, not put it at risk," Ferriss told CNN by e-mail. "As much as I love cat photos, creating security breaches isn't a good career move. It's also bad karma." An average day for "Bob" included watching cat videos and logging into eBay and Facebook. He would then send an end-of-day report on the work he paid a company in Shenyang, China, to do for him. "The 4-Hour Workweek is about maximizing your per-hour output -- increasing personal effectiveness. It's about creating abundance and not about screwing your employer," Ferriss said. "This is why I work with some of the fastest growing start-ups in Silicon Valley (Evernote, Uber, etc.): they want maximal leverage." Is there a way "Bob" could have done this without jeopardizing his job? "If you want to structure a remote-work agreement, voluntarily work several consecutive Saturdays and measure your output increases (e.g. deals closed, client hours booked, etc.)," Ferriss said. "Use data and a logical argument to show your bosses that you can contribute more while being location-independent." Ferriss also advises: "If you want increased power and negotiating ability within your organization, increase your per-hour output. Focus on the 80/20 Rule: identifying the 20% of activities (also products/services) that produce 80% of the results you or your bosses want. "Track (or create) metrics that allow your supervisors to measure your performance improvements and contributions," he said. Still, many readers admired the unknown -- and now unemployed -- programmer. "It reminds me of a quote from 'The Night Of The Generals' that went something like 'What is admirable on a grand scale is abhorrent on a small scale'," commented another CNN reader known as Davidji, referring to the 1967 movie about a Nazi murder investigation during World War II. "CEO's do this every day and they get stock options and their picture on Forbes front cover." | Strong reader reaction to story U.S. programmer personally outsourced work to China .
Readers cited "The 4-Hour Workweek,' which advocates outsourcing individual work .
Author Tim Ferriss tells CNN that "Bob" went wrong by breaching company security .
Ferriss: "Creating security breaches isn't a good career move. It's also bad karma." |
36,957 | 68c344667f2676609eba50cb421739409fc93534 | (CNN) -- Assertive and bold, strong and courageous. These are the words we use when we think of our leaders -- the characteristics we look for when we elect politicians, vet CEOs or select captains of sports teams. Yet throughout history, these terms have been primarily applied when men have occupied leadership roles. We expect men to lead and assert themselves, and we encourage and reward these behaviors when young boys exhibit them. So why is it when a young girl exhibits these exact same characteristics, we often resort to a different word to describe her behavior? A word that says to young girls: These are not the behaviors we expect from you. Why do we call her "bossy"? It seems like a little thing -- it's just a word after all. Plus, shouldn't we be teaching our children that words matter less than actions or deeds? But words have power and meaning, especially during the critical early grade-school years, when boys and girls alike are developing their sense of self and finding their place in the world. According to the Girl Scouts Research Institute Ban Bossy National Youth Poll 2014, more than a third of girls who are called "bossy" lose interest in leading and stop making decisions or suggestions. Children begin to establish gender role stereotypes as early as 2 years old and generate an emerging career identity by middle school. As early as the third grade, girls report anxiety about taking leadership roles, become overly concerned about pleasing others and aspire to be perfect. By the time they reach middle school, the damage is done. A 2003 study by Simmons College notes that by the early teen years, more boys than girls report that they aspire to leadership roles in future careers, and millennial women are less likely to say they "aspire to a leadership role in whatever field I ultimately work." Whether intentional or not, the message is clear: Society is both actively and passively discouraging girls from exhibiting leadership qualities, and that is translating to a generation of girls afraid to take the reins of leadership for fear of being disliked. And that is a loss for all of us. We can no longer afford to have half the population sidelined, their skills and their insight ignored, because of the messages they received as girls. That is why at Girl Scouts, we have teamed up with Facebook's Sheryl Sandberg and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to launch our "Ban Bossy" campaign: a call for society to stop calling girls who exhibit leadership "bossy" and instead encourage and reward those behaviors the same way we would for boys. Opinion: Sheryl Sandberg wrong on bossy ban . As the premier leadership organization for girls in the country, the Girl Scouts have been doing this for 102 years. We've found that women's leadership journeys begin as girls, and their future depends on receiving the same kind of encouragement and support boys receive when they demonstrate leadership capacities in life. I know how limiting words can be. As a young Latina growing up in small-town Arizona, I watched as my mother tried to break the conventions of her time and place, running for the local school board when it was unheard of for a female, let alone a Hispanic female, to do so. I watched and listened as people, including family and friends, tried to discourage her from running. But I was fortunate, because I also saw my father support my mom and her ambitions. When he was told he had to make sure his wife knew her place, he responded that her place was to lead. Words can hurt or heal; they can shape our perceptions and either encourage our ambitions or limit our understanding of what we can become. When we refer to a girl who demonstrates leadership qualities as "bossy," she receives a message she is doing something wrong, that somehow, the same behaviors we praise and reward in boys are inappropriate for her, and we are limiting the scope of her potential as a result. So the next time you have the urge to call a little girl "bossy," stop, take a breath and say, "She's a leader." It's time to redirect the power of words to girls themselves, so that "girl" and "leader" mean one and the same. It's time to "Ban Bossy." The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Anna Maria Chávez. | Anna Maria Chávez: Leadership traits include being assertive, bold, strong and courageous .
Author: Why is it young girls are called "bossy" when they exhibit these qualities?
By communicating to girls that "bossy" is bad, it limits future leaders, Chávez says . |
80,092 | e302a24163e5f6dcc187f050498bc6c70d068d31 | (CNN) -- American Amanda Knox will not return to Italy for a retrial in the 2007 death of her British roommate, a spokesman for the Knox family said. David Marriott said Knox had never agreed to attend, and there's "no requirement she be there." Still, there remains the possibility that Italy could request her extradition from the United States. In an interview with CNN's Chris Cuomo in May, Knox said she "didn't know" whether she'd return. "It's a really complicated question," Knox said. "I mean, I'm afraid to go back there. I don't want to go back into prison." Knox: Sometimes I can't stop crying . Knox spent several years behind bars in Italy, after she was convicted in 2009 of murdering 21-year old British exchange student Meredith Kercher. Kercher was found stabbed to death in November 2007 in the villa she rented with Knox, then 20, in the central Italian university town of Perugia. The convictions of Knox and her ex-boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito, were overturned in 2011 for "lack of evidence." After her acquittal, Knox returned to her hometown of Seattle, Washington, where she has been living since. Italians ask: Can Americans get away with murder? Italy's Supreme Court decided last year to retry the case, saying the jury that acquitted Knox didn't consider all the evidence, and that discrepancies in testimony needed to be answered. The high court also said evidence could support prosecutors' initial argument -- that Kercher was killed in a twisted sex misadventure game, according to Italian news agency ANSA. Knox says such claims were "a bombardment of falsehood and fantasy." Timeline of the murder case . "No one has ever claimed that I was ever taking part in deviant sexual activity. None of my roommates, none of my friends, none of the people who knew me there. This is simply coming out of the prosecution," she told CNN in May. "I was not strapping on leather and bearing a whip. I have never done that. I have never taken part in an orgy. Ever." Knox and Sollecito's retrial, which is expected to start this fall, should examine discrepancies in testimony, the high court said. These include differing witness accounts of when screaming could be heard from the home, ANSA reported. Knox may be ordered to return to Italy for the retrial. If she refuses, the Italian government could appeal to the United States for her extradition. But even if it does, it's not clear whether the United States would extradite Knox. Opinion: What Amanda Knox can and can't tell us . | Amanda Knox is set for a trial in Italy in the 2007 death of her roommate .
A family spokesman says she won't return to Italy for the retrial .
Italy could appeal to U.S. for Knox's extradition . |
205,926 | 9693ba9c7b33a5142ab843b0021ef0da3122326c | (CNN) -- Google this week unveiled its Chrome Web Store, which aims to do for the Web what Apple's App Store did for mobile devices: It provides a place to explore and "install" Web-based applications. The launch was announced alongside a new netbook running Chrome OS, Google's browser-centric operating system. And the Web Store is part of Chrome, Google's super-fast Web browser. Except that many Chrome apps can run in other browsers, since they're actually just websites. Oh, and don't mistake apps for "extensions," which are add-ons for the Chrome browser. Confused yet? Suffice to say, Google's grand plans are ambitious, groundbreaking and darned difficult to explain to the average computer user. That's why I think it'll be some time before the world embraces Google's vision for the future. Google's grand plan . What is Google's vision? Ultimately, the company anticipates a future in which a Web browser is all you'll need. In an era when much of our time is spent online, operating systems such as Windows and Mac OS are overkill. Instead, Google plans computers that boot up almost instantly and take the user straight to the Web browser. This will be made possible by Google's super-simple operating system, Chrome OS. In this new world of Web-based software, meanwhile, desktop applications are replaced with Web applications -- all of your data and applications are stored on the Web rather than the device. Hence the launch of the Chrome Web Store. Missing pieces . Google's Chrome ambitions are hard to explain because these pieces of the puzzle are yet to be combined. While the Chrome browser is growing in popularity, with nearly 10% market share, the only Chrome OS computer launched so far is a test model available to a select few developers and journalists. In short, Google has essentially launched an app store for a series of devices that are yet to debut. Yes, you could use the Chrome Web Store as your starting point each day and jump into this new paradigm with both feet. But this is less intuitive when using a computer with existing desktop apps, browser bookmarks and other hallmarks of the existing paradigm. It's a move that some early adopters may make, but a step too far for the mass market. Slow progress . In truth, I don't see the Chrome Web Store gaining steam until we have devices in stores running Chrome OS -- expected sometime next year. Only then will consumers truly grasp this new approach to computing: A super-simple operating system linked to a Web-based app store. Until that day, color us confused. | Google this week unveiled its Chrome Web Store .
The company anticipates a future in which a Web browser is all a computer user will need .
Google has essentially launched an app store for devices that don't exist in public yet . |
17,917 | 32c0e91b2da05e8a88741d0bb909cee15752e309 | (CNN)After it became apparent there was a problem with the launch of the NASA-contracted Antares rocket, the company that operated the flight hit the destruct button, a spokesman said Thursday. The flight termination system was engaged, confirmed Barron Beneski, vice president of corporate communications at Orbital Sciences Corp., in an email. Mark Kelly, retired NASA astronaut and SpaceX advisory board member, said it was the right call. "They commanded the destruct system to make sure it didn't wind up in a populated area when they knew it wasn't going to make it to orbit," he said. The unmanned rocket was destroyed shortly after launch on the Virginia coast on Tuesday night. The crash caused a spectacular fire and scattered debris over a large area. The cargo module was carrying 5,000 pounds of supplies and experiments meant for the International Space Station. | Orbital Sciences Corp. confirms that the flight termination system was engaged .
Retired astronaut Mark Kelly says it was the right call .
The rocket was destroyed shortly after launch on the Virginia coast on Tuesday night . |
242,038 | c53ed6967463f19ce69032118a0647fe34b38515 | France's World Cup preparations face a major blow with news that star midfielder Franck Ribery could miss this summer's showpiece due to injury, according to reports in France. The 31-year-old has an ongoing back problem that has plagued the Bayern Munich ace for most of last season. Ribery, who made just 18 Bundesliga . starts for the German champions, missed his nation's 4-0 warm-up victory . over Norway at the Stade de France on Tuesday. Au revoir: Franck Ribery is set to miss the World Cup due to injury, according to reports in France . Major blow: Ribery (left) missed France's 4-0 World Cup warm-up win against Norway on Tuesday . However, he has been named on the bench ahead of Les Bleus' friendly against Paraguay on Sunday night. Speaking on Saturday about Ribery's fitness, France coach Deschamps was hopeful that he would travel to Brazil. ‘Backache, it means everything and nothing,' he said. 'I do not go into the medical field, but we will do everything to get him back in the best conditions.’ France's 1998 World Cup winning left-back Bixente Lizarazu also voiced his concern over Ribery. 'We're worried about Franck Ribery because we don't know what he has,' he told French reporters. Deschamps' side begin their World Cup campaign in Group E against Honduras on 15 June, before . facing Switzerland five days later and Ecuador on 25 June. Sitting pretty? Ribery has been named on France's bench for their warm-up friendly vs Paraguay on Sunday . | Franck Ribery set to miss World Cup, according to reports in France .
Ribery has an ongoing back problem that plagued him last season .
Last campaign Ribery made just 18 Bundesliga starts for Bayern Munich .
Ribery missed France's 4-0 win against Norway on Tuesday .
31-year-old has been named on the bench for Sunday's friendly vs Paraguay .
France begin their World Cup against Honduras in Group E on June 15 . |
253,600 | d43cff4830d94abc2acf0646daf4d0c7beb8f947 | By . Daily Mail Repoter . and Ap . A 27-year-old man who was allegedly at an illegal marijuana plot is suspected of starting a wildfire that has burned about 6 square miles of forested land in Northern California. Freddie Alexander Smoke III was arrested Saturday and accused of recklessly causing a fire and with marijuana cultivation, both felonies, according to the California Department of Fire and Forestry Protection. The agency said he was delivering material to the pot site in Shasta County when the exhaust from his truck ignited dry grass. Smoke: Freddie Alexander Smoke III is accused of starting a wildfire while tending to marijuana plants he'd been growing in northern California . The so-called Bully fire has since grown to 3,700 acres and destroyed six structures, CalFire officials said. The blaze, which is burning in steep terrain, was just 10 percent contained Sunday morning. More than 1,000 firefighters, aided by aircraft, are battling the blaze in hot, dry conditions. The wildfire had prompted evacuations and road closures, but CalFire said all residents have been allowed to return home and all roads have been open to them. Massive: The fire already has burned 3,700 acres of forest and destroyed six structures . Still, the fire is threatening 15 homes and about 50 other structures. In Solano County, a grass fire prompted evacuations in Fairfield and temporarily shut down Highway 12 in both directions. By 4 p.m. residents were allowed back to their homes and most lanes had reopened, officials said. In Central California, a wildfire has burned nearly 2 square miles (1,200 acres) of a remote wilderness area of the Sequoia National Forest and was just 5 percent contained as of Sunday afternoon, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Officials said more than 600 personnel are involved in fighting the Nicolls fire, which broke out Friday afternoon south of Sequoia National Park. Danger: The fire is threatening 15 homes and an additional 50 structures if fire crews can't get it under control soon . No homes were evacuated or in danger. The forest where the fire started is south of and separate from the Sequoia National Park east of Fresno, which is famous for its giant Sequoia trees. | Freddie Smoke III is accused of starting the blaze when the exhaust from a truck he was driving ignited some dry grass .
Authorities say Smoke was delivering soil to marijuana plants he was tending to in northern California .
The 'Bully Fire' already has destroyed six structures and burned 3,700 acres .
Smoke has been charged with recklessly causing a fire and marijuana cultivation, both felonies . |
46,664 | 837a1d718c6c244ad2bf6ccfd87944a9efdcb86b | A likeness of Jesus Christ appeared in front of a stunned photographer during a northern lights display in Iceland. Seen high in the sky, the shape of the aurora borealis resembled the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Captured during in a rare show containing vibrant colours of red, green and even purple, the deity's head, shoulders and outstretched arms were seen hovering near the Icelandic town of Akranes. Scroll down for video . Heavenly: The photographer could not believe his eyes when an image of Jesus Christ appeared in the northern lights over Iceland . Uncanny? The shape of the aurora over Iceland resembled the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil . The supposed appearance of Jesus was captured by Jón Hilmarsson, 48, who was prompted by his ten-year-old son to take photographs of the vivid skies. Jón said: 'This was the most beautiful and vivid northern light display I have ever seen. 'We usually see green auroras but that night I saw bright green, red and purple colour, which is very unusual. Many people see the shape of Christ but also an angel formation. 'It made me a little bit stressed and also excited to be there and witness this natural phenomenal in the sky, it was a unique night even though we have very often bright and beautiful northern lights in Iceland. 'It was wonderful to photograph, the lights were dancing through the sky and constantly exploding, giving me all kinds of different formation to follow and admire.' Magical: Northern Lights Display over an abandoned farm near the Icelandic town of Akranes . The display was captured by Jón Hilmarsson, 48, who was prompted by his ten-year-old son to take photographs of the vivid skies . Rare display: Green auroras are not uncommon, but these photos show unusual red and purple colours . | Likeness of Jesus Christ appeared in a northern lights display over Akranes in Iceland .
The shape of the aurora borealis resembled the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil . |
67,128 | be713eeefddcf5cde34f9fbeb22e2a48b98e0ac5 | PUBLISHED: . 14:26 EST, 10 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:11 EST, 11 March 2013 . Thespians are well-known for their diva-ish demands, but when the actress in question has four legs and a tail, directors expect them to get along with their co-stars. Not so Lizzie the corgi, seen here for the first time, who has been sacked from smash West End show The Audience after refusing to work with the Oscar-winning star, Dame Helen Mirren. The doggy diva was replaced by theatre bosses just days before opening night at London's Gielgud Theatre because she would not obey Dame Helen, who portrays the Queen as she meets various prime ministers over her 61-year reign. Resting: Lizzie the dog is now resting at home after refusing to work onstage with Dame Helen Mirren . Dame Helen, portraying the Queen in The Audience, has a new doggy co-star after one of the play's corgis refused to follow stage directions. Pictured with Paul Ritter as John Major . In a scene set at Balmoral with former PM Harold Wilson, the 67-year-old actress, who also portrayed the Monarch in the 2006 film The Queen, has to lead a dog onto the stage. The corgi, a breed beloved by our monarch, is then led off stage left, but at the end of the scene she was meant to run back across the stage when called by Dame Helen. Unfortunately, Lizzie ignored her commands and eventually producers, tired of her obstinacy, instead appointed understudy Katie to take her place. Stephen Daldry, the director, said Lizzy was spot on for the first three shows but began misbehaving soon after. He told The Sunday Telegraph: 'She was excited the first three times, and then I think she decided she didn't want to be an actress anymore. 'She decided to retire from the British stage. Now she's at home, a resting actress, resting by the fire.' Dave Jordan, of Animal Actors, the agency that provides the thespian hounds, said homesickness was behind Lizzie's sudden change of heart. The Queen with her beloved corgis. The animal actors that portray them appear in a scene with former PM Harold Wilson . He said: 'She was in the wings and and the exit was there and she decided it was her time to go home. 'Once it's in a dog's head it's difficult to stop it. It is slightly diva-ish behaviour. 'The understudy is doing OK, touch wood, but we've got another one just in case.' Lizzie has been used numerous times by Queen look-a-likes keen on an extra touch of authenticity. She lives at home with her owner Mrs Davey, who has five other corgis. The use of the corgis in the play has resonated with audiences, who often sigh with delight when the animals come on. Mr Daldry, who directed Oscar-nominated films Billy Elliot and The Hours, added: 'People seem to think corgis nip and yap, but all the ones we work with - including dear old Lizzy - have been gorgeous. Producers, unfazed by Lizzie's behaviour, are planning to add a scene with a live pony. It is being put in by the play's writer Peter Morgan, who also wrote the screenplay for The Queen. Fond of corgis since she was a small child, Elizabeth II has owned more than 30 since she became Queen . | Lizzie the corgi refused to obey the Oscar-winning actress's commands .
Panicked producers of The Audience have now stepped in .
The canine's understudy will now tread the boards in Lizzie's place . |
274,116 | ef0cd03d9e73d2211bba5373cc424311eed55c18 | A gang staged a Christmas Day robbery at a convent that the Pope uses as his summer retreat, assaulting the Mother Superior during their rampage. Three men made off with €5,000 (£4,000) after the raid at Castel Gandolfo, 15 miles from Rome. The gang broke through a window at 12.30am as the nuns of the Pius XII institute were at prayers as part of their Christmas vigil. The raiders made for the Mother Superior’s office, and began to search it for cash. A gang staged a Christmas Day robbery at a convent that the Pope uses as his summer retreat. Pictured, the front facade of the Papal Summer Palace in Castel Gandolfo . Hearing noises, she went to investigate but was grabbed, threatened and pushed to the floor. The men then made her lead them to her bedroom, and forced her to hand over a cashbox containing money for the convent’s bills. After confiscating her mobile phone, the robbers locked her in the room. As the gang fled through a hole cut in a fence, the other nuns called police, but the raiders escaped in an accomplice’s car. Police are now checking CCTV footage from outside the convent to try to identify the crooks, who were not wearing masks. Last night the nuns were said to be in a state of shock. Castel Gandolfo has for centuries provided a summer escape for the Popes from the heat of Rome. Three men made off with €5,000 (£4,000) after the raid. Pictured, a view of Lake Albano in Castel Gandolfo . | Gang staged robbery at a convent Pope uses as his summer retreat .
Three men made off with €5,000 (£4,000) after the raid at Castel Gandolfo .
Raiders made for the Mother Superior’s office, and searched for cash .
She went to investigate but was grabbed, threatened and pushed to floor . |
118,873 | 2582d19b8636c15984e178c9e1f650767f2e87af | With bold colours and long trails, these photographs look more like a painting of the night's sky by Dutch post-impressionist painter Vincent van Gogh. But in fact photographer Vincent Brady managed to capture these dazzling images using a custom rig of four cameras - each with a fish eye lens attached to give a 360 degree view. He managed to achieve a series of images that show the paths that the stars etch through the sky above some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States. Vincent Brad's Planetary Panoramas, like this one of Devils Tower in Wyoming, resemble Vincent van Gogh's masterpiece Starry Night . By combining the images taken by the four cameras together he has been able to create pictures that take on an almost surreal quality. The technique has also enabled him to produce real pictures that bear a striking resemblance to van Gogh's masterpiece Starry Night. Mr Brady said: 'The Earth is rotating at a steady 1,040mph - I created a custom rig of four cameras with fisheye lenses to capture the entire night-sky in motion. 'I created them on a number of cold, dark, sleepless nights under awe-spiring skies.' Mr Brady had to obtain special permission from the resident Navajo to photograph this image of Monument Valley in Arizona overnight . Mr Brady has also used his innovative technique to show how the colours of the Northern Lights fill the sky above Iceland in the picture above . Mr Brady hiked two miles into the Utah desert at night to capture this picture of the huge Landscape Arch, which has a span of 290 feet . Mr Brady set each camera to take photographs continuously for around three hours with exposures of around one minute. Each camera produces between 100 and 200 images. Mr Brady then edits the images of from the four separate cameras to combine them into startrails. He then stitches the resulting four images together to make seamless star trails that he calls Planetary Panoramas. He hit on the technique in 2012 while experimenting with shooting 360 degree views of landscapes. He said that he wanted to capture the entire night-sky in motion as the Earth rotates at 1,040mph. The strange swirls in the sky that appear in Starry Night by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh have been greatly debated. The artist created the masterpiece between 16 and 18 June 1889 from the view out of an asylum window. Some have claimed that the shapes in the night's sky were extensions of van Gogh's fragile mental state at the time. But a recent claim suggests that the spirals actually depict galaxies and may have been inspired by drawings of the cosmos at the time. The claim was made by American artist and photographer Michael Benson in his new book, Cosmigraphics. Of particular interest, he says, is a drawing of the Whirlpool Galaxy - official designation M51a - by Anglo-Irish astronomer William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse, in the mid 19th century. To observe the night sky, Lord Rosse built the largest telescope at the time - one with a mirror six feet (1.8 metres) in diameter - with which he observed the galaxy and made his drawing. The Starry Night now hangs in New York's Museum of Modern Art. The swirls in Vincent van Gogh's masterpiece Starry Night, one of his most famous paintings, are thought to depict galaxies drawn at the time . Each image shows how the stars appear to rotate around the north star. Among the locations he has taken photos are the Delicate Arch in Utah - a 65 feet freestanding archway of rock, Devils Tower in Wyoming, Monument Valley in Arizona, and Logan Pass at Glacier National Park. Mr Vincent said: 'I find the best results when scoping out locations in the daytime before going out into the pitch blackness. The custom camera rig used by Mr Brady (above) allows him to capture a 360 degree view of the landscape and sky over several hours . Trails left by the stars in the sky above Delicate Arch in Utah appear to mirror the layers in the orange sandstone beneath in the image above . Mr Brady has also used his technique to produce globe like 360 degree views of places like the one above of Sleepy Hallow in Michigan . The brief flashes of light produced by fireflies also intrigue Mr Brady and he has used his technique to capture them like in the photo above . 'I typically but not always setup just before sundown and take a few photos while sunlight is still present and blend in these shots with the night scene to bring out some details in the elements. 'My rig has taken me to firefly parties in Missouri, dark eerie nights at Devils Tower and through Logan Pass at Glacier National Park. 'I've been up the mountains of British Columbia and around the amazing arches and sandstone monuments in the Great American Southwest.' The planet seems to revolve around the tip of this totem pole shaped rock in Arizona thanks to the 360 degree photography technique . | Photographer Vincent Brady set up four cameras on a special rig to capture hundreds of pictures for each image .
The pictures, which he calls Planetary Panoramas, show a 360 degree view of landmarks around the United States .
He left the cameras to take pictures for up to three hours at a time, exposing each shot for around one minute .
The result is a series of beautiful pictures that show the path taken by the stars through the sky as the Earth rotates . |
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