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23,564 | 42e8e9054da2de1092a9958a778a770931168290 | (CNN) -- Prepare a pot of damn fine coffee and enjoy a slice of cherry pie: "Twin Peaks" is coming back. The offbeat TV series, created by David Lynch and Mark Frost, will be returning to television in 2016, according to a strange (of course) video posted on Showtime's YouTube channel. The original show ran on ABC in 1990 and 1991 and spawned a 1992 theatrical film directed by Lynch, "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me." "Dear Twitter Friends... it is happening again ... #damngoodcoffee," Lynch tweeted. According to a press release from Showtime, "Twin Peaks" will be a limited series of nine episodes. Lynch and Frost will write and produce each one and Lynch will direct all nine. When it debuted, "Twin Peaks" was like nothing else that had ever aired on television. Lynch (then best known as the director of "Eraserhead" and "Blue Velvet") and Frost -- who had written for "Hill Street Blues" -- created an eerie story starring Kyle MacLachlan as FBI agent Dale Cooper, who had come to the Pacific Northwest town of Twin Peaks to investigate the murder of a high school girl named Laura Palmer. The murder mystery was only the entry point into a bizarre world, one that was alternately drily witty and brutally violent. The straight-arrow Cooper was fond of a diner's "damn fine coffee" and pie to an almost absurd degree. The show featured a one-armed man, a dancing dwarf, rumblings at the local lumber mill and a malevolent spirit named BOB. The tone was set with Angelo Badalamenti's ghostly theme music. In addition to MacLachlan, the show starred Ray Wise, Lara Flynn Boyle, Peggy Lipton and Joan Chen. "Twin Peaks" started off a huge hit, but as the plot became more obscure and the mood became darker, the audience dwindled, especially in the second season. However, those who stayed with it were a hardcore bunch, enough to prompt the theatrical film so Lynch could tie up some loose ends (or not, being Lynch). Despite diverse reviews, the show remains one of the most influential in television history, with its involvement of a noted movie director, its willingness to take audiences to far-out places, its deliberate pace and its obsessed-about plot points and character tics. In many ways, it was ahead of its time. Showtime plans to show the entire run of the TV series before the premiere of the new "Twin Peaks" episodes. "What more can I say -- 'Twin Peaks' with David Lynch and Mark Frost on Showtime in 2016!" said Showtime President David Nevins. "To quote Agent Cooper, 'I have no idea where this will lead us, but I have a definite feeling it will be a place both wonderful and strange.'" | David Lynch, Mark Frost bringing back "Twin Peaks"
Groundbreaking show will return in 2016 .
Original series aired on ABC in 1990-91 . |
36,508 | 677a027bda971affaa4f518e1b684a0b9cdffbfa | Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has been charged with misconduct over comments that allegedly implied bias on the part of referees. The 76-year-old is also accused of bringing the game into disrepute, but a statement issued by the FA on Thursday did not identify the specific incident for which he is being charged. Coates attracted controversy earlier this month when he backed manager Mark Hughes' criticism of referee Chris Foy after he failed to punish West Ham's Alex Song for an apparent two-footed challenge on Mame Biram Diouf. Peter Coates has been charged with misconduct over comments he made regarding referee Chris Foy . Coates (right), pictured watching Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium with chief executive Tony Scholes . 'There does seem to be a bias towards other teams,' Coates was quoted as saying at the time. 'You always feel that because we have a good crowd that gets behind the team, referees seem to think "I will show them who's in charge here". 'Perhaps it's a macho thing.' Coates also alleged defender Ryan Shawcross was receiving unfair treatment from officials, and criticised television pundit John Hartson for comments the former Wales international made regarding a perceived dive by Victor Moses in Stoke's 2-1 win over Swansea City in October. Coates has until November 24 to appeal the charges. | Peter Coates attracted controversy earlier this month when he backed Mark Hughes' criticism of referee Chris Foy .
The 76-year-old has been accused of bringing the game into disrepute .
Coates has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association .
He also alleged defender Ryan Shawcross was receiving unfair treatment from officials . |
144,285 | 4699620153259e4f76cdb50be6f1b26762aca67d | By . Sara Malm . A Norwegian Air flight heading to Denmark to Norway has been forced to land in Sweden after a passenger claimed to have placed a bomb on board the plane . The Boeing 737 was on its way to Oslo from Copenhagen on Friday afternoon when it made an emergency landing in Gothenburg, south east Sweden. It has now been confirmed that all passengers have been allowed to leave, but police have ordered a 1,000 metre (3,300ft) safety distance while they wait for a specialist bomb team to arrive. Bomb threat: The Norwegian Air Boeing 737 from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Oslo, Norway, was forced to make an emergency landing in Sweden after a passenger claimed he had hidden a bomb on-board (stock image) The plane had taken off from Kastrup when a man told staff on the plane that he had hidden a bomb in the cargo hold, police told Aftonbladet. After the threat was made, the Norwegian Air flight made an emergency landing at Landvetter airport in Gothenburg around 3.30pm GMT. At 4pm GMT, police confirmed that the man who has made the threat is 'secured' and had been removed from the plane in handcuffs. Air traffic to and from Landvetter airport was temporarily suspended, but is now back to normal since the affected Boeing has been moved, airport management confirms. Grounded: The Norwegian Air flight made an emergency landing at Landvetter airport in Gothenburg around 3.30pm GMT (stock image) ‘It is a man who has said that he put a bomb in the cargo hold,’ Björ Blixter at Gothenburg Police said. ‘The plane has just landed and we are investigating.' The . Swedish Flight Safety Authority confirmed that a threat had been made . on the plane and that the plane had landed this afternoon. This follows the dramatic events in . Bali earlier today when a Virgin plane was forced to make an emergency . landing after an Australian man attempted to enter the cockpit. Matt Christopher Lockley, 28, was arrested by Indonesian police when the plane touched down on Denpasar airport. Lockley . is accused of hammering on the cockpit door, forcing the pilot to send a . mayday message that he feared the plane was being hijacked. | Flight from Copenhagen to Oslo forced to land in Gothenburg .
Male passenger told staff he had hidden bomb in cargo hold .
Plane landed in Sweden at 3.30pm GMT Friday afternoon . |
229,144 | b4b48e7472b02d11de54ad47e7b9def0e7a94524 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:53 EST, 29 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:22 EST, 29 January 2014 . A football club admin worker who sent racy pictures to a player is also rumoured to have had a fling with the goalkeeper who went on to become a WWE wrestler, a tribunal has heard. Kerry Miller, 46, is accused of repeatedly barging into the changing rooms at Burton Albion FC while players were getting dressed after post-match showers. A tribunal heard how she entered the dressing room on 15 occasions and also sent pictures of herself wearing underwear to striker Billy Kee, 23. Allegations of rumours of a fling between Kerry Miller (left) and former Burton Albion FC goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson (right) have emerged today on the third day of her employment tribunal . Ms Miller was rumoured to have been seeing 28-year-old Mr Tomlinson (pictured) between September and Christmas 2012, the tribunal heard . She confessed to having a 'casual' relationship with former defender Ryan Austin, 29, who has since left the League Two club. On the third day of her employment tribunal today, the hearing heard of allegations of rumours she had been seeing 28-year-old goalkeeper Stuart Tomlinson between September and Christmas 2012. Leicester Employment Tribunal heard she posted a picture on Facebook of herself with the model on a night out just hours after a crucial match. The following year Tomlinson turned his back on football after suffering a bad knee injury to pursue a career in WWE wrestling in America. Giving evidence the club’s chairman Ben Robinson said Mr Tomlinson was a part-time male escort while he played for the team. A tribunal heard how Ms Miller (left) entered the dressing room on 15 occasions and also sent pictures of herself wearing underwear to striker Billy Kee (right) Asked if he was aware there were rumours of a relationship between the pair by her barrister James Bruce, Mr Robinson said: 'I was aware that it was suspected. I was aware of the discussion that Kerry might have been having a relationship with Stuart Tomlinson between September and Christmas. 'He was a male model and a male escort. I’ve had no problems with that.' Burton Albion’s club secretary and commercial director Fleur Robinson said she had spoken to Ms Miller after she posted an image of the pair together in a Chester night-club . Giving evidence Ms Robinson, who is also the chairman’s daughter, admitted she had 'raised an eyebrow' when the picture emerged on October 27, 2012 - just hours after a crucial game. Ms Miller has confessed to having a 'casual' relationship with former defender Ryan Austin (pictured), 29, who has since left the League Two club . She told the tribunal: 'It was a Saturday and we had a home game against Bradford. 'Kerry had asked if she would be able to leave earlier than expected because she had to go out in Manchester. 'I said that was fine as long as everything was done by that time. I had no issues with her leaving an hour early. 'I remember sitting at home on the Saturday evening with my partner. I had a message off my brother saying have you seen this on Facebook? 'I thought it was a bit strange she had asked to go early to go to Manchester and seeing that picture I admit I raised an eyebrow. 'Kerry came to see me on the Thursday and said she wasn’t very happy about the way things had been dealt with over the weekend. Ms Miller, pictured in a bikini, has appeared at a tribunal claiming constructive dismissal . 'I said being seen out in a nightclub with an injured player probably wouldn’t be perceived very well by our supporters and sponsors and people connected with the club. 'I know Kerry was friends with other colleagues and one of the second major sponsors was a friend of hers on Facebook at the time. 'I asked her to be careful in future as to what she was doing in terms of any connections with any staff that could be in the social arena. 'I think we regret that we didn’t deal with things in a more formal manner.' Giving evidence the club's chairman Ben Robinson (pictured) said Mr Tomlinson was a part-time male escort while he played for the team . Ms Robinson, who has worked at the club for 18 years and was Ms Miller’s line manager, also told the hearing she warned her after manager Gary Rowett complained about her bursting into the dressing rooms. She added: 'I had a conversation with Kerry and I said I had a conversation with the manager and a phone call with the chairman that a complaint had been made by a senior player about her entering the dressing room. 'I asked her if this was the case and she said it wasn’t. 'As the conversation developed Kerry admitted she had entered the dressing room. 'It was certainly on more than one occasion and the manager said to me it was on several occasions. 'It’s something I’ve never had to deal with in 18 years at the club. 'A female member of staff or any member of staff entering the players’ dressing room when they were in states of undress is completely unheard of. 'I was told by the manager that she had gone in unannounced.' The widow started working in a sales and support role at the club’s Pirelli Stadium in Burton-upon-Trent, Stafforshire, in September 2011 before she quit in February 2013 after a row with the chairman. Ms Miller, who lives in Marchington near Uttoxeter, denies bursting into the players’ dressing rooms before knocking. She is claiming constructive dismissal, sexual discrimination and harassment against the club who she is accusing of forcing her to quit. Burton Albion deny all her claims. Burton Albion players celebrating after beating Middlesbrough 2-1 in January 2011 . The tribunal today heard how Ms Miller was a 'desperate' flirt who thrived on male attention and was viewed as a threat by Burton Albion's WAGs. Veteran defender Aaron Webster, 32, told the hearing Ms Miller would be constantly around the players on a daily basis and at one time was 'all over' the club chairman. Giving evidence, Mr Webster - who made 589 appearances and scored 101 goals for the club in 16 years before he left last summer - said: 'Kerry likes male attention. In my opinion she would flirt very directly with male staff and players on a regular and daily basis. 'She came around the dressing room and the physio room in the morning. During lunchtime she would be around the players. The tribunal today heard how Ms Miller was a 'desperate' flirt who thrived on male attention and was viewed as a threat by Burton Albion's WAGs . 'At one period we did see her quite frequently. I'm not 100 per cent sure why she would be there. 'Some of the girlfriends saw Kerry as a bit of a threat. She was all over the chairman on one occasion. 'If I'm honest I felt it was a little bit desperate from her at times. According to me I think she liked the male attention so if there was any whistles or noises from the players she would like it. 'That's why I personally think we saw her on a daily basis. I thought she thrived on that. I've seen pictures on two players phones - Ryan Austin and Billy Kee. 'I heard she had a thing for him [Stuart Tomlinson] but I never heard a rumour they had slept together.' Burton striker Billy Kee told the tribunal yesterday afternoon how Ms Miller sent him pictures in which she was topless. The 23-year-old, who still plays for the club, admitted he also sent two naked pictures of himself to Ms Miller after a night out in 2012. He told the hearing he didn't remember how they started texting but he remembered the messages started getting sexual after he 'drank a few pints'. Asked if he had sent two naked pictures, both not including his face, to Ms Miller by the club's barrister Sarah George, the striker simply answered 'yes'. And then asked if he received one snap of Ms Miller in her underwear and then another of her topless Mr Kee again replied 'yes'. Giving evidence he told the hearing: 'I remember I was on a night out and I don't know how we got texting but we ending up exchanging pictures. I think it was two from each side. 'I don't remember what words were used but if I was going to do it with someone else I would say "you send me one and I'll send you one back". 'I know it started as just innocent chit-chat. I think after a few pints it may have got sexual but I honestly don't remember. The next day I received a text from her. 'I think she said "I'm silly for sending them and I would appreciate it if you deleted them because it could cost me my job". 'I showed them [the photos] to a few players, four including the physio. A couple of other players said "come on mate, you shouldn't be doing that".' Burton Albion's accounts manager Angela Lawley also told the tribunal Ms Miller was texting another married player from another professional club. She said the player - who was not named - also had children and would keep the phone he used to text Ms Miller hidden in his car's glove-box. The hearing, which is expected to last another two days, continues. | Kerry Miller, 46, is claiming constructive dismissal against Burton Albion FC .
Admin worker is also claiming sexual discrimination and sexual harassment .
She has been accused of repeatedly barging into changing rooms .
Rumoured to have been seeing Stuart Tomlinson between September and Christmas 2012, tribunal hears . |
65,128 | b8ebec3c14cbeccd31d7d7630aa0bcd5bd041831 | MUMBAI, India (CNN) -- The last gunmen in a standoff at the Taj Mahal hotel in Mumbai were killed early Saturday, the city's police chief told CNN sister station CNN-IBN, but another official said more attackers could be inside the hotel. "It's completely over, except for the fact that now we will start searching the hotel and sanitizing it against any explosives and against any other things that may have been left behind," police Chief Hussain Gafoor said. The announcement coincided with the end of intermittent gunfire from the historic Taj, which has been the scene of a violent and drawn-out standoff resulting in numerous deaths and injuries since Wednesday. It also signaled a potential end to two nights and three days of terror attacks targeting several high-traffic landmarks in Mumbai known to be frequented by tourists. The casualty toll from the attacks reached 160 dead and 327 wounded Friday, officials said. However, J.K. Dutt, director-general of the national security guard, said there could be more terrorists and that the operation was still ongoing. Dutt also differed from Gafoor on the number of gunmen involved, saying three, not two, had been killed. He appealed to guests hiding in their rooms to open their curtains to signal their presence to security officials, saying it would help police snipers determine whether someone in a room was actually a terrorist with a weapon. The announcements came shortly after a fire swept through the ground floor, enveloping much of the historic building. By 8:30 a.m. local time, the fire was under control, CNN-IBN reported. Dutt said the fire had been set by the attackers as a diversionary tactic . CNN-IBN also reported that someone had jumped from the hotel during the fire and appeared to be dead. It broadcast a picture of the body taken with a cell phone. On Friday, scores of hostages trickled out of the Taj and the nearby Oberoi hotel; some had spent as many as 48 hours huddled with strangers in guest rooms, closets or darkened banquet halls. It is still unclear who is behind the attacks, but the gunmen were men in their 20s who "obviously had to be trained somewhere," a member of the Indian navy's commando unit said Friday. Watch the commando talk about the attackers » . They fired at guests "with no remorse" and knew the layout of the hotels well enough to "vanish" after confronting security forces, the commando said. British Parliament member Sajjad Karim was in a herd of people running from gunfire in the lobby of the Taj when another gunman appeared before them and opened fire. "From the very brief glimpse that I got of him, he was fairly young man of south Asian appearance, and he was wearing a smile on his face as he started to spray the bullets," Karim told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Watch Karim describe the gunman » . Karim said he spent eight hours barricaded in a room at the Taj with 40 to 50 people before commandos rescued him. But many did not make it out alive. The 160 who died included Westerners and Asians of all walks of life, including Indian police and military, five Americans and a British yacht magnate. Watch survivor say gunmen were targeting Brits and Americans » . Maharashtra state official Bhushan Gagrani said the death toll is expected to rise further. Eleven terrorists have also been killed. Earlier, police said they found 36 bodies during a sweep of the Oberoi hotel; they killed two militants and freed hundreds of trapped guests. Americans Alan Scherr, 58, and his daughter Naomi, 13, of Virginia died at the Oberoi. They were visiting India with a meditation group. Read more about those killed in the terror attacks . The bodies of five hostages were found at the Chabad House Jewish center, which houses the Mumbai headquarters of the Chabad community, a Hasidic Jewish movement. Commandos stormed the building through a hole blasted in the wall. Watch another day of terror in Mumbai » . After several hours of gunfire and explosions from inside, all went quiet, and CNN's senior international correspondent Nic Robertson said it appeared that the operation was over. Mumbai Police Commissioner Hasan Gafoor told CNN-IBN that the gunman at the Taj was shooting and throwing grenades at security forces. Gafoor said most of the attackers had been heavily armed. "They were carrying an AK assault rifle, one or two handguns and grenades." Throughout the day, there were explosions, some blowing out windows at the 105-year-old landmark. Some guests have been able to get out of the building. Watch CNN's exclusive access to some of the wounded » . The identity of the attackers remained a mystery. Police said they came by boats to the waterfront near the Gateway of India monument and the two hotels. Indian naval and coast guard investigators have determined that two vessels recently seized in the Arabian Sea have no links to the Mumbai attacks. A fishing trawler, however, remains in custody. The Press Trust of India, citing Union Cabinet Minister Kapil Sibal, reported that the gunmen had worked for months to prepare, even setting up "control rooms" in the two luxury hotels that were targeted. Indian authorities said no one had claimed responsibility, although the Deccan Mujahideen took credit in e-mails sent to several Indian news outlets. Interpol said it would send a delegation to India, and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation wants to send a team, but India has not officially asked for its help. Pranab Mukherjee, the external affairs minister for Maharashtra state, said the preliminary investigation "indicates that some elements in Pakistan are involved." "Until the investigation is complete, it will be difficult to say where they came from and how they came," he said. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also indicated that the gunmen came from Pakistan's largest city, Karachi, in a call with his Pakistani counterpart Friday. In response, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said he would send a representative from his country's intelligence agency to help with the investigation. A British security source told CNN that British security officials are investigating why two bodies believed to be those of terrorists were found with British identification documents. "Not everybody can fire the AK series of weapons; not everybody can throw a grenade like that," a commando said outside the Taj hotel. "It is obvious that they were trained somewhere." Watch an analyst says attackers had 'combat experience' » . The shell-shocked city woke Friday to television images of Indian soldiers rappelling down ropes from military choppers on to the roof of Chabad House. The Chabad-Lubavitch International group said Rabbi Gavriel Noach Holtzberg, 29, made a phone call to the Israeli Consulate to report gunmen in the house. "In the middle of the conversation, the line went dead," the organization said. His wife, Rivka, 28, was also killed. The couple's toddler son, Moshe, escaped with his nanny, the organization said in a written statement. Watch a Rabbi vow that the community will raise victim's son » . The bodies of three other hostages were found in the building. Two gunmen died in the battle at Chabad House, CNN-IBN reported. CNN's Andrew Stevens, Mallika Kapur, Harmeet Singh, Sara Sidner, Alessio Vinci, Reza Sayah and Paula Newton contributed to this report. | NEW: Police chief says last gunmen in Taj killed, authorities "sanitizing" hotel .
NEW: National Security Guard head says more attackers could be inside .
NEW: News coincides with end of gunfire at Taj, signaling potential end of siege .
Death toll at 160 civilians, police and military, including 5 Americans . |
31,958 | 5aea4cb70f12e248263dbcf1a8813f0f791c1019 | Middle-class parents are to be forced to pay hundreds of pounds a year into pensions for their nannies. Tens of thousands of families will see the cost of their childcare rise by as much as £600 a year from 2015, it has emerged. Under the Government scheme, they will also have to fund pension contributions for cleaners, gardeners and home helps whose pay exceeds £9,440 a year. Squeezed middle: The cost of childcare could rise by as much as £600 a year for a family paying for a nanny as they are auto-enrolled in the new scheme . Parent groups say this will add to the burden on the already-squeezed middle, with mothers accusing the Government of treating parents ‘like a profitable business’. There are an estimated 111,484 nannies working in the UK, according to the National Careers Service. And soaring numbers of families employ domestic help, including cleaners and gardeners. More than six million people were employing domestic help in 2011, a rise of a million compared with a decade earlier. Now, under the Government’s auto-enrolment scheme – the biggest shake-up to pensions for a century – every employer will have the responsibility of enrolling their staff into a pension scheme. The rules, which came into force for big businesses last October and are gradually being extended to smaller firms, will see more than 11million workers enrolled into a company pension for the first time, with both employee and employer paying contributions, initially at 1 per cent. Empty pram: Parent groups such as Mumsnet say the enforced pension-enrollment will mean families will not be able to afford childcare . From as early as June 2015 it will be rolled out to those who might not consider themselves employers, such as families who take on help with cleaning, childcare or gardening. They will be legally bound to offer a pension to anyone aged over 22 but below the state pension age who they pay above the tax threshold – currently £9,440 a year. By the time the rules are fully implemented by 2018, contributions will rise to 3 per cent. For someone who employs a full-time nanny earning £25,000 a year, this would push up their childcare bill by £48 a month. Mumsnet . website founder Justine Roberts said childcare issues were an ‘enormous . problem’ and a rise in costs could prevent parents going back to work. ‘The high cost of childcare is one of the most frequent concerns of Mumsnet users,’ she said. Parents have been told by the head of Revenue and Customs to ‘get off their backsides’ and register for tax self-assessment. Lin Homer said hundreds of thousands of people could be caught out by the changes to child benefit. Families receiving the benefit where one person earns £50,000 or more are meant to register by today. Households where one person earns more than £60,000 will have to pay back all their child benefit in income tax if they have not already opted out of receiving it. Mrs Homer told Radio 5 Live: ‘We think there’s about 200,000 people who need to get off their backsides and do something.’ People who do not register could face fines of between 10 per cent and 100 per cent of the child benefit paid. However, it is unlikely that anyone who registers and pays the tax by January 31 will be penalised. ‘HMRC is committed to helping people pay the right amount of tax and urges parents who have been affected by the changes to child benefit to register for self-assessment,’ said Mrs Homer. She advised anyone unsure whether they are affected by the change to go to the HMRC website, adding: ‘We know that lots of people leave it until the last minute.’ Many of those affected had already opted out, she said. Anita Monteith, of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, said: ‘This adds considerable complication to the tax system for ordinary people, particularly for those brought into the self-assessment system for the first time.’ TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said some parents who are not affected had still received letters from HMRC telling them to register. ‘The changes to child benefit are a mess,’ she said. ‘The coming requirement to contribute towards pension as well as to cover tax and National Insurance will only make it harder for parents. ‘On Mumsnet people often cite the cost as a barrier to returning to work – for many once you’ve paid tax and contributed to a pension it will simply not be worth it.’ There are also fears that many families will try to duck the extra payments by paying their nannies ‘under the table’ or making them self-employed. Dawn Kirenli, director of the Association of Professional Nannies, said: ‘We are already seeing a growing problem of parents trying to cut costs by paying nannies cash in hand or illegally forcing them to become self-employed. 'It is highly likely we will see those same people trying to get round the pensions changes as well.’ On Mumsnet, mothers attacked the new pension scheme. One wrote: ‘It will tip me over the edge and put one nanny out of work. ‘People will put their nanny on the books for some £500 per month, call her an au pair and then pay the rest in cash. Proper on-the-books nannies will become a privilege of the rich. Treating parents like a profitable business is outrageous.’ Tory MP Mark Field said: ‘£600 may not seem like a lot of money to some people but in hard-pressed families it could well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. They may be forced to take on full-time childcare themselves.’ Colleague Jacob Rees-Mogg, who has paid into a pension for his family’s nanny for years, said: ‘I imagine very few people are aware of the scheme.’ Some families could be forced to sack their nannies, he said. ‘It is a question of balancing between the need to provide for people in retirement and the need to provide now.’ As well as a financial strain, setting up a pension is likely to prove a time-consuming and laborious process for families with domestic help. First they must register with the Pensions Regulator and find out what date they need to comply with the rules by. Then they must find a scheme, open an account and write to their employee telling them they are going to be signed up. Failure to stick to the rules can result in penalties of up to £50 a day or even prosecution. Families who have employed their nanny prior to April 2012 will have to pay into the pension scheme from as early as June 2015. Those who have enlisted a nanny since then will not have to pay until 2017. Elaine Clarke, of tax consultancy Cheapaccounting, said: ‘I know it really sticks in people’s throats. We’ve got a pensions time-bomb ticking away and somebody has to pay for it.’ 'Automatic enrolment is the biggest change to the pensions system in a century - aimed at addressing a culture of serious under-saving for later life,' Department for Work and Pensions spokesperson said. 'Over the next five years more than 1 million employers will provide their staff with the chance to save for their retirement, many for the first time. 'Nannies, as employees, will also be able to benefit from the reforms, and we would encourage families hiring them to look into how to prepare. 'Reliable and affordable childcare is vital for parents who want to stay in or return to work, which is why from 2015 the Government will introduce new tax free childcare which will be worth up to £1,200 per child annually.' | New Government scheme sees employees auto-enrolled on pension .
This includes home-help such as nannies, gardeners and cleaners .
Parent groups attack scheme saying it 'targets the squeezed middle' |
12,068 | 223f76c16de22d8f8defa1f8b5994c168cd4ac40 | Officials evicted several people from the opening match of the cricket World Cup at Hagley Oval on Saturday after they were suspected of being involved in illicit gambling. The people were all evicted for the practice known as 'courtsiding', New Zealand Police said in a statement. Courtsiding involves people at a game relaying information via smartphones or mobile communications devices to gambling syndicates to take advantage of broadcasting time delays. New Zealand won their opening game of the cricket World Cup by 98 runs against Sri Lanka . Corey Anderson blasted 75 off of only 46 balls as the co-hosts begun the tournament with a victory . The practice is different from match-fixing, which was made illegal under New Zealand's Crimes Act last year, where a pre-determined outcome has been assured. Local media had reported witnessing several people being escorted out of the ground in Christchurch and police later said they had been in breach of the ticketing regulations under suspicion of the practice. 'We know what to look for,' the New Zealand Police's officer in charge of the World Cup, Superintendent Sandy Manderson said in a statement. 'We're aware that people are attempting to operate at venues and they will be detected, evicted and trespassed from all venues.' A streaker enters the field of play during the 2015 Cricket World Cup opener in Christchurch . New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 98 runs in the game, which was largely incident free, though two naked men, known as 'streakers' in New Zealand and Australia, had stormed the field in the final moments of the event. Both were brought down by security staff before they got close to any of the players and were escorted out of the venue. | New Zealand won the opening World Cup game against Sri Lanka .
But several people evicted for 'courtsiding', New Zealand Police said .
The people had been in breach of the ticketing regulations . |
261,382 | de850effa25554ddf2939cc9d1141e08d0b0e6e8 | A fast food takeaway has been forced to reprint its menu after it accidentally offered its customers Aborigines as a pizza topping on its vegetarian option. The blunder happened due to a production error when somebody mistook Aborigine for aubergine and unfortunately, thousands of flyers were distributed with the embarrassing typo to houses across Southend-on-Sea, Essex. Super Pizza, who produced the leaflet admitted that the inclusion of the unusual antipodean ingredient was 'a mistake'. The popular takeaway was forced to reprint thousands of menus after the unfortunate typo was spotted . Super Pizza, pictured, in Southend-on-Sea mistakenly offered baked Aborigine as a topping following a typo . The flyer offered customers the chance to buy a 19-inch pizza which they claimed was the largest on offer in town for £10,99. A spokesman for the shop said: 'It was a mistake. We don't want to comment any further.' Following the embarrassing blunder, the shop has reprinted a new version of the menu with the correct spelling of aubergine - which, despite being a type of fruit, is commonly used as a vegetable. One diner Richard Coombes, 27, from Rochford, Essex, said: 'I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. 'I’ve heard of typos but this takes it to another level. 'I had to ask my girlfriend to check if I was seeing things.' The Aborigines, also known as Aboriginal Australians, were the original inhabitants of Australia before the British colonized the country in the late 18th Century. The new version of the menu has replaced Aborigines with aubergines making it acceptable to vegetarians . Mr Coombes added: 'We definitely steered clear of the vegetarian option after that. 'I love the Aussies but I wouldn’t want to eat them on a pizza.' Staff at Super Pizza, in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, have since explained the odd topping had been an innocent typo and should have read aubergine. A spokesman for Super Pizza Ltd explained individual branches are responsible for their own leaflets. JUST EAT, which provides access to the company for online orders, declined to comment. | Super Pizza in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, offered baked Aborigine topping .
The takeaway delivered thousands of leaflets with the embarrassing typo .
Staff said the leaflet should have offered baked aubergine instead .
They have since produced a new leaflet offering the correct ingredients . |
260,740 | ddaa50af611c909a3fc9c4f1c211c58bf6be7a07 | By . Fiona Roberts . UPDATED: . 16:21 EST, 26 July 2011 . A married couple allegedly murdered the husband's ex-girlfriend then drove her body 1,200 miles across the country where they hacked her apart and dumped her dismembered remains in a creek. Laura Ackerson, 27, vanished from Kinston, North Carolina almost two weeks ago. She was reported missing after she failed to pick up her two young sons from her ex-boyfriend's house for a weekend visit. The beautiful young mother had been involved in an acrimonious custody battle with Grant Hayes, the father of her two children, who it emerged had a new baby girl with his wife barely a month ago. Scroll down for video of Grant Hayes . Gruesome murder: Police found the dismembered remains of Laura Ackerson, pictured here with her sons Grant and Gentle, 12 days after she went missing. She was last seen dropping the boys off with their father . Miss Ackerson's head, torso and limbs . were all found separately in the creek in what one police officer . described as 'one of the most gruesome scenes' he'd encountered in his . entire career. Police have now charged Hayes and his wife, Amanda, with murder after Miss Ackerson's dismembered body was found in Oyster Creek, Texas, close to where Mrs Hayes's sister lives. Hayes, a musician, had married Amanda Perry in March last year. They had a baby daughter, Lillian, on June 9 - just over a month before the murders. Chief Deputy Craig Brady of the Fort . Bend Sheriff's Office alleges Hayes murdered Miss Ackerson in North . Carolina, and hacked her body apart using a saw and a machete. Charged: Grant and Amanda Hayes allegedly murdered his ex-girlfriend, . Laura Ackerson, and drove her body to Texas where they dumped it in a . creek. The couple had a baby girl, Lillian, on June 10 . Murdered: The dismembered remains of 27-year-old Laura Ackerson were found in a creek in Texas, 1,200 miles away from her home in North Carolina/ She had just started her own marketing business . Records show the couple bought several . ice chests and a U-Haul trailer just days after Miss Ackerson . disappeared, and police claim they used them to transport her body to . Texas, a drive of more than 1,200 miles. The couple then allegedly went out . into the creek on a small 10-foot boat, dumping Miss Ackerson's body . piece by piece into the water - before driving back to North Carolina to . see their newborn baby daughter. On Sunday detectives found pieces of Miss Ackerson's torso in Oyster Creek, and the next day they retrieved her head and leg from the hot, swamp water. Officers also recovered a machete from an outhouse near where her body was found. Chief Deputy Brady told the Houston . Chronicle: 'It's one of the most gruesome scenes I've seen in . 30-something years of law enforcement.' The couple were arrested in the early . hours of yesterday morning. Today they both appeared in court briefly, . in separate hearings. Charged: Grant and Amanda Hayes make their first appearance at a court in Wake County today . Idyllic? Grant Hayes posted this photograph on his Facebook page of him with his wife, Amanda, his two sons and their new daughter Lillian, who was born on June 9 this year . Happy couple: Grant and Amanda Hayes, who married last March, pictured with their new daughter. They have now both been charged with murder after the dismembered body of Hayes's ex-girlfriend was found in a creek . The judge ordered them to be held without bail, and and scheduled their next hearings for August 16. Police today positively identified the remains in the creek as belonging to Miss Ackerson. When the body was found yesterday officers said they were '99 per cent certain' it was hers. Hayes's Facebook page is full of seemingly idyllic family photographs of him, his new wife and the boys at their upscale home in Raleigh, North Carolina. He works as an artist and a pop acoustic musician, with the stage name Grant Haze. He even posted a song on YouTube in tribute to his baby daughter soon after she was born. Today it emerged the couple might have been planning a new life in the Virgin Islands, where he lived with Miss Ackerson while they were dating. New life: Laura Ackerson in a photo from her professional Linkedin page, left, where she described herself as a freelance graphic designer and marketing consultant. Right, pictured several years ago with a friend . Loving mother: Laura Ackerson, 27, on holiday with one of her sons . Mark Gierth, one of Hayes's friends, said he had a conversation with the musician the day before Miss Ackerson went missing about his plans to move back. July 13 - Miss Ackerson last seen dropping off her two boys at the home of Grant Hayes in Raleigh. July 15 - Miss Ackerson fails to show up to collect the boys from a gas station in Wilson. July 18 - Friend and business partner reports Miss Ackerson as missing. July . 20 - Miss Ackerson's car found in parking lot of apartment complex. July 24 - Texas police find dismembered body in Oyser Creek, Fort Bend County. July 25 - Raleigh police arrest Grant and Amanda Hayes. He told NBC17: 'He said it looks like the only way he’d get joint custody is if he lived in North Carolina. 'He can’t make any money there doing what he’s doing, so he’s going to let Laura have the kids and he was going to move back to St. Thomas.' Miss Ackerson was last seen on July 13, when she dropped the boys off with Hayes. She was reported missing on July 18, three days after she didn't show up to collect her sons Grant, three, and Gentle, aged one, for a weekend visit. In an interview shortly after Miss . Ackerson went missing, Hayes's mother Patsy told ABC News: 'They [the . boys] get over things a lot faster and they could probably not be . affected by things as much as adults are. 'You know because they are small and they're very resilient so they probably figure they're just staying with dad now.' New mother: Amanda Hayes with Lillian and her eldest stepson Grant . A judge granted Hayes temporary custody of the boys in June, after an acrimonious custody battle stretching back to March 2010. Musician: Grant Hayes is an acoustic pop singer who goes by the stage name of Grant Haze . He ruled Miss Ackerson was unfit to look . after her children because at the time she was unemployed and still . living with Hayes's parents. She had the boys at weekends and they stayed with their father and his wife during the week. She met him at a gas station in Wilson every Friday at 5pm to pick them up - until July 15. According to her friend, Jo Jackson, Miss Ackerson was doing her best to get the boys back. She started her own marketing business from home and had been taking online courses at Lenoir Community College. She had also started going to church, and the congregation of the Grace Fellowship . Church in Kingston had been praying for her safe return every day after . she went missing. Miss . Jackson said: 'We know that Laura would not just not show up to pick up . her children. That is not Laura. That is not Laura at all.' She was due to attend a court hearing on August 15, at which she planned to ask for joint custody of the boys. She as reported missing by her . friend and business partner Chevon Mathes, who said she was happy and . had been finding new clients for the company. She said: 'She always had her little boys and she seemed like great mother.' | Head and torso found separately in 'one of most gruesome scenes' of sheriff's career .
Husband and wife 'hired ice chests to transport body 1,200 miles to Texas'
Former couple in acrimonious year-long custody battle over two young sons .
Ex-boyfriend had baby girl with wife just weeks before former ex died .
Friend says he was planning to move to Virgin Islands . |
74,885 | d44d883893eaeb2a31c4897377e85c76462a1845 | Secretary of State John Kerry is postponing a visit to the Middle East to give Egyptian efforts at negotiating a cease-fire between Israelis and Hamas a chance to take root, several senior U.S. officials tell CNN. Kerry was to travel from Vienna -- where he was negotiating a deal with Iran and world powers over Iran's nuclear program -- to Egypt and Qatar in the coming days to lay the groundwork for a possible cease-fire between the two sides. On Monday, Egypt called for a cease-fire to stop the bloodshed and to project the innocent. "Egypt shall receive guarantees from both sides of their commitment to implement what has been agreed upon, and shall follow up on its implementation and engage with either side in the case of any action that impinges on its stability," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. One official said the United States wants to give Egypt a chance to reassert itself as a power broker the Middle East, as it did during the 2012 cease-fire. The United States sees the election of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as a positive development in terms of Egypt playing a constructive role in the conflict, because Obama administration sources say that North African nation now is viewed as less conciliatory towards Hamas than it was under former President Mohammed Morsy. Kerry will allow a few days for diplomatic efforts to lay any groundwork, officials said, and is still prepared to either travel to the region if any cease-fire does not take hold, or to help support it if it does. Israeli officials tell CNN their military operations have made inroads to degrade Hamas' capability, now see some potential in the Egyptian proposal, and are willing to test it and see if a cease-fire can be reached. By Monday, the death toll from about a week of Israeli airstrikes had reached 186 -- all of them Palestinians -- with at least 1,390 wounded, according to Palestinian health authorities. No Israelis have been killed in the rocket attacks, though there have been some injuries. If a cease-fire takes hold on Wednesday, the Egyptians have called for Israeli and Palestinian delegations to travel to Cairo for negotiations in the coming says. The cease-fire talks are not expected just to address just a cessation of hostilities and related security issues, but also the humanitarian situation and Palestinian concerns -- such as addressing re-opening the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza, Palestinian fishing rights, salaries for Palestinians in Gaza and the eventual disarmament of Gaza. The goal, officials from Egypt, the United States and Israel said, is to put the pieces in place to a cease-fire that endures and includes preventing Hamas's inability to re-arm and continue rocket fire. Israel has made clear that it will only consider a cease-fire if the pieces are in place to make sure that it is a lasting and durable calm. The Egyptian cease-fire proposal calls for "Palestinian factions" to negotiate with Israel. American, Egyptian and Israeli officials say those factions are to include members of the Palestinian Authority in an effort to empower President Mahmoud Abbas as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people. The officials say they don't want Hamas to be the ones gaining politically from a cease-fire, as it has in the past. Senior Israeli officials say the Egyptian proposal is being taken very seriously; however, a Hamas spokesman described it as a "joke." "We did not receive this declared paper from the Egyptians ... which means it's an initiative for the media. It's not a political initiative," said Osama Hamdan. Speaking on CNN's "The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer," he continued: "It's not really an initiative. It's not really an idea, what they are trying to do is to corner the Palestinians and to help the Israelis more." Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erakat was more optimistic, saying he is hopeful that "we may see some real, real serious signs of a possible cease-fire in the next 12-24 hours." "I know that some other leaders in Hamas have said we are not closing any doors for any initiative for a cease-fire," he said. President Barack Obama Monday welcomed Egypt's proposal, saying he hoped it "will restore the calm that we've been seeking." One of the goals of the cease-fire is to address some of the issues surrounding the lack of Palestinian unity, with the ultimate goal of having the Palestinian Authority be the ruling authority over Gaza. One complication is the regional rivalry between Egypt and Qatar, which has close ties with Hamas and is looking to play a role negotiating a cease-fire. While U.S. officials say they think that Qatar could play a helpful role given their close ties to Hamas, they need to balance that role carefully so as not to alienate others in the region, including Egypt, who are wary of Qatar. Qatar can also help pay Palestinian salaries, but the U.S. officials say they don't want Qatar propping up Hamas financially. | On Monday, Egypt called for a cease-fire to stop the bloodshed, protect the innocent .
Kerry was to travel to Egypt and Qatar in the coming days .
His goal was to set groundwork for a possible cease-fire .
An official says the U.S. wants to give Egypt a change to reassert itself in the Mideast . |
16,823 | 2fb2788ab57cc30b53e65fd46d9655c0d6506f0d | By . Rob Waugh . PUBLISHED: . 04:56 EST, 13 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:56 EST, 13 April 2012 . Human stem cells can be genetically engineered into 'warrior' cells that fight HIV - and the new cells can attack HIV-infected cells inside a living creature. The breakthrough, by UCLA scientists, is hoped to be the first step towards a treatment that can eradicate HIV from an infected patient. Much HIV research focuses on vaccines or drugs that slow the virus's progress - but this new technique could offer hope of a 'cure'. HIV virus: The UCLA researchers found that genetically engineered stem cells can attack infected cells within human tissue . Budding of HIV virus from cell tissue: The new trial tested genetically engineered 'fighter' cells in 'humanised' mice - mice with human tissue . The study, published April 12 in the . journal PLoS Pathogens, demonstrates for the first time that engineering . stem cells to form immune cells that target HIV is effective in . suppressing the virus in living tissues. 'We believe that this study lays the groundwork for the potential use of this type of an approach in combating HIV infection in infected individuals, in hopes of eradicating the virus from the body,' said lead researcher Scott G Kitchen. The scientists took CD8 cytotoxic T lymphocytes — the 'killer' T cells that help fight infection — from an HIV-infected individual and identified the molecule which guides the T cell in recognizing and killing HIV-infected cells. However, these T cells, while able to destroy HIV-infected cells, do not exist in great enough quantities to clear the virus from the body. So the researchers cloned the receptor and used this to genetically engineer human blood stem cells. They then placed the engineered stem cells into human thymus tissue that had been implanted in mice, allowing them to study the reaction in a living organism. Current medical treatments use antiretroviral drugs to slow HIV's progress. Daily ration of a person sick from HIV . The engineered stem cells developed into a large population of mature, multi-functional HIV-specific cells that could specifically target cells containing HIV proteins. The researchers also discovered that HIV-specific T cell receptors have to be matched to an individual in much the same way an organ is matched to a transplant patient. In this current study, the researchers similarly engineered human blood stem cells and found that they can form mature T cells that can attack HIV in tissues where the virus resides and replicates. They did so by using a surrogate model, the humanized mouse, in which HIV infection closely resembles the disease and its progression in humans. In a series of tests on the mice's peripheral blood, plasma and organs conducted two weeks and six weeks after introducing the engineered cells, the researchers found that the number of CD4 "helper" T cells — which become depleted as a result of HIV infection — increased, while levels of HIV in the blood decreased. 'We believe that this is the first step in developing a more aggressive approach in correcting the defects in the human T cell responses that allow HIV to persist in infected people,' Kitchen said. | Genetically engineered cells 'hunt' HIV within living tissue .
Trials in mice grown to have human tissue in their bodies .
Offers hope of 'eradicating virus from body', says researcher . |
266,964 | e5c736176bffcb7d8bf936049fa02de4fdbc28bc | Alex Rodriguez is denying any connection to a Miami man who a South Florida newspaper and ESPN reported provided the New York Yankees star with performance-enhancing drugs. The Miami New Times published a story Tuesday saying more than a dozen professional baseball players, including Rodriguez, and other athletes were named in records kept over several years by the Biogenesis clinic. "The purported documents referenced in the story -- at least as they relate to Alex Rodriguez -- are not legitimate," a statement from his public relations agent said. CNN has been unable to independently obtain the documents the newspaper said it based its reporting on. Meanwhile, ESPN.com published a story Friday quoting unidentified sources as describing how the man who ran Biogenesis allegedly would go to Rodriguez's waterfront mansion when summoned and inject the star player with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). That brought this response from a Rodriguez spokesman: "In regards to the new allegations made in today's ESPN Outside the Lines story, we can say that they are not true," Terry Fahn of Sitrick and Company communications said Friday. "Alex is working diligently on his (physical) rehabilitation and is looking forward to getting back on the field as soon as possible." Major League Baseball expands testing for HGH, testosterone . Rodriguez, 37, has admitted in the past to using performance-enhancing drugs, but he also has denied taking any after 2003. He has never been suspended by the league for a drug violation. The Miami New Times report identified other players in addition to Rodriguez as being named in handwritten notes of Anthony Bosch, chief of the Biogenesis clinic. The records, according to the report, detail the selling of banned supplements such as human growth hormone, testosterone and anabolic steroids. Major League Baseball released a statement following the newspaper report, acknowledging "that three of the players allegedly involved have already been disciplined under the Joint Drug Program." While the league did not list which of the previously disciplined players it was referencing, the newspaper report did name Oakland A's pitcher Bartolo Colon, San Francisco Giants outfielder Melky Cabrera and San Diego Padres catcher Yasmani Grandal. All three served suspensions for violations of baseball's performance enhancing drug rules last year. Washington Nationals pitcher Gio Gonzalez, also named by the paper, posted a response on his Twitter account Tuesday morning. "I've never used performance enhancing drugs of any kind and I never will," Gonzalez tweeted. "I've never met or spoken with Tony Bosch or used any substance." A statement from Rodriguez's representatives followed the Miami New Times report, declaring, "The news report about a purported relationship between Alex Rodriguez and Anthony Bosch are not true ... Alex Rodriguez was not Mr. Bosch's patient, he was never treated by him and he was never advised by him." The newspaper said its article was mostly based on handwritten notes believed to have been kept by Bosch. The notebooks were give to the paper by a former employee of the clinic, which recently closed. ESPN's report Friday focused on Rodriguez and what unidentified sources described as a personal relationship between the player and Bosch. Baseball writers balk at Hall of Fame class of '13 . "Only Tony handled A-Rod," one source was quoted as saying. The ESPN report recounted a purported scenario in which Bosch would make visits to Rodriguez's home "every few weeks." On one occasion last spring, an ESPN source said, Bosch told his associates he had been kicked out of Rodriguez's home after he had trouble locating a vein and the player became infuriated. ESPN quoted Bosch as terming the allegations against him "bull----" and "all wrong," and cited a statement from his attorney in which Bosch denied the allegations. Major League Baseball, meanwhile, said after the initial newspaper report, "We are always extremely disappointed to learn of potential links between players and the use of performance-enhancing substances ... These developments, however, provide evidence of the comprehensive nature of our anti-drug efforts." The league said its investigations department was "actively involved in the issues in South Florida." "We are in the midst of an active investigation and are gathering and reviewing information," the league said. "We will refrain from further comment until this process is complete." Contacted by CNN Friday and asked whether the organization had a response to the ESPN story, MLB spokesman Patrick Courtney responded, "There is not. We issued a statement on Tuesday saying we are investigating. This would fall into that. Thank you." A CNN crew went to the Coral Gables, Florida, address of the Biogenesis clinic Tuesday and found its offices vacant. CNN has been unable to reach Bosch, who headed the clinic. Opinion: Time to allow doping in sport? | ESPN follows Miami newspaper with story of alleged PED distribution and use in Florida .
Stories, days apart, name pro baseball players, including Alex Rodriguez .
Newspaper story is "not legitimate," rep for Rodriguez said Tuesday .
Another rep says of Friday ESPN story allegations: "They are not true" |
13,622 | 269aa7f1af96f1f84def5ab7ac5fafd58cb82ad2 | (CNN)It turns out that it isn't just the players who let the tension of the Australian Open get to them. Kim Sears, the fiancee of finalist Andy Murray, was caught on camera mouthing off -- apparently about his semifinal opponent, Czech player Tomas Berdych. The outburst, which came during Murray's ill-tempered four-set (6-7 (6) 6-0 6-3 7-5) win against Berdych, has been making the rounds. While exactly what Sears said is up for debate, the general consensus is that it was more than a little blue. The match was a tense one from the beginning, with much of the pre-game narrative focusing on Murray's ex-coach, Dani Vallverdu, who is now in Berdych's corner. The Scot, who is not above unleashing a torrent of curse words on court, downplayed his intended's outburst after the victory. "In the heat of the moment you can say stuff that you regret," he said. "When there's a lot of tension surrounding something, which you created, it's completely normal that the whole first set everyone was tight," he told media following the match. "Even Tomas, who very rarely says anything on the court... there was tension there for him as well." He added that the tension came at the beginning of the match, and settled down as it progressed. While some Twitter commentators poured opprobrium on the tennis star's significant other, much of the social media reaction downplayed press coverage of Sears' outburst. Murray's opponent dismissed talk of bad blood between him and the Scot, saying he was simply trying to pump himself up after winning the first set. "I say to myself, 'Well done, Tomas.' That's it," Berdych told reporters. "I think I'm allowed to do that when I win a set." Murray will play Novak Djokovic in the final on Sunday. It will be the fourth time he has made the final in Melbourne, where he is yet to be crowned champion. | Andy Murray's fiancee, Kim Sears, caught on camera, mouthing off -- apparently about Murray's opponent .
Tirade appears to be peppered with expletives .
Twitter mostly dismisses outburst, defends Sears' passion . |
64,683 | b7b54a72c0f314c39d826275768631c2d225977d | The former Army psychiatrist who killed 13 people in the 2009 shooting spree at Fort Hood has said it would be 'an honor' to join the caliphate in a letter to ISIS, it has been reported. Nidal Hasan has apparently requested to be made a 'citizen soldier' of the caliphate in the letter to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Hasan opened fire on his fellow servicemen and women on November 5, killing 13 and injuring 30 others. Scroll down for video . Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan (pictured) has apparently requested to be made a 'citizen soldier' of the caliphate in the letter to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi . Hasan has reportedly said it would be 'an honor' to become a citizen of the caliphate. Pictured are ISIS militants marching in Raqqa, Syria . He was shot and paralyzed from the waist down in the resulting gunfire and was sentenced to death last year. Earlier this year FBI Director James Comey testified that he believed the shooting carried out by Hasan at Fort Hood in Texas was inspired by al-Qaeda. The federal government has termed the attack an incidence of 'workplace violence,' saying that the home-grown Hasan didn't meet the legal definition of an international terrorist. In an undated letter, obtained by Fox News, Hasan reportedly requests to be made a 'citizen' of the Islamic State. He goes on to say it would be 'an honor for any believer to be an obedient citizen soldier to a people and its leader who don't compromise the religion of All-Mighty Allah to get along with the disbelievers.' It is unclear at what point the letter was intercepted after it was sent to al-Baghdadi. Hasan walked into a Fort Hood medical readiness building in November 2009 carrying two guns and several magazines of ammunition. He shouted 'Allahu Akbar!' - Arabic for 'God is great!' - and opened fire on soldiers awaiting medical tests and vaccines. First responders prepared wounded for transport and pronounced the casualties' deaths outside Fort Hood's Soldier Readiness Processing Center on November 5, 2009 . Fort Hood mourned as one during a memorial service the day after Hasan opened fire on his fellow servicemen and women . Hasan described himself at trial as a soldier who 'switched sides' in a supposed war between America and Islam. Government lawyers also said Hasan did not want to go on an impending deployment to Afghanistan. In August, a military jury sentenced Hasan to death for the shooting rampage at Fort Hood, delivering the only punishment the Army believed fit for a massacre of unarmed fellow soldiers that killed 13 people and injured 30. A second American reportedly killed while fighting for the Islamic State in Syria was yesterday identified as a father-of-nine from Minneapolis who had vowed to 'give up this worldly life for Allah'. Abdirahmaan Muhumed, 29, is believed to have died last week in the same battle as U.S. rapper Douglas McArthur McCain, who grew up in the same city. Two sources confirmed Muhumed's identity and said a picture of his body had been sent to his family from Syria, according to Fox News. State Department spokesman Jen Psaki said the U.S. has no independent confirmation of the reports, but added that officials were 'looking into it.' Radicalised: This picture tweeted earlier this year by journalist Mukhtar Ibrahim shows Abdirahmaan Muhumed who is believed to be the second American killed last week while fighting for the Islamic State . Muhumed was identified earlier this year as one of a host of disillusioned young Somali-Americans from the Twin Cities lured by ISIS fighters in a sinister new phenomenon dubbed 'Jihad Cool'. NBC cited an anonymous member of the opposition Free Syrian Army as saying two Americans were killed in a battle last week with Islamic State fighters. The U.S. confirmed the death of McCain, who grew up outside Minneapolis in the town of New Hope and most recently lived in San Diego. A relative, Kenneth McCain, told The Associated Press that the State Department called to tell his family that Douglas McCain had been killed in Syria. 'We do not know if he was fighting anyone,' he said. Investigators were aware that McCain was in Syria to fight with the militant group, said a U.S. official who was not authorized to discuss by name an ongoing investigation and spoke only on condition of anonymity. Surveillance flights have begun over Syria on the orders of President Barack Obama, a move that could pave the way for airstrikes against the Islamic State group. | Nidal Hasan claimed it would be 'an honor' to join ISIS caliphate in letter .
Hasan killed 13 and injured 30 in 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood, Texas .
Earlier this year FBI chief testified that he believed the shooting carried out by Hasan at Fort Hood in Texas was inspired by al-Qaeda . |
163,533 | 5f753c0ebd5bec1468a620f8fbe0c14a2d7e4905 | Washington (CNN) -- The IRS paid him $104 million for providing information as a whistle blower to prosecute banking giant UBS AG, and upended centuries of storied Swiss bank secrecy. But for want of a cheap cab ride, former UBS banker Bradley Birkenfeld could end up back in prison after being arrested for driving while intoxicated in New Hampshire. Birkenfeld, 48, was arrested July 20 by Portsmouth police conducting a sobriety check point. Birkenfeld, who listed a Rye, New Hampshire, address, is scheduled for trial on Nov. 12. His federal probation officer told CNN that he is aware of the arrest and that if Birkenfeld is convicted it would be a violation of terms of his supervised release after serving 30 months in prison. He was originally sentenced to 40 years after pleading guilty to defrauding the United States, but was released early for good behavior. Under terms of his release, Birkenfeld is barred from "excessive use of alcohol." Federal prosecutors are monitoring the DUI case and are weighing whether to recommend Birkenfeld be found in violation of those terms, according to a person familiar with the matter. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment. An attorney representing Birkenfeld didn't respond to a request for comment, and Birkenfeld couldn't be reached. Justice Department prosecutors used documents and other information provided by Birkenfeld to prosecute UBS and some of its top bankers for aiding tax evasion by U.S. offshore banking customers. Birkenfeld claims to have provided U.S. authorities hundreds of confidential UBS documents on about 19,000 customers. UBS paid $780 million in 2009 under a deferred prosecution agreement with the Justice Department to settle the charges. Birkenfeld's probation officer said if he is convicted a judge could order that he be sent back to prison or be subject to additional supervision requirements. The probation office hasn't decided what course to take. "Despite this being a high profile case, we'll treat this like any other case," said the probation officer, who asked not to be identified by name. | Birkenfeld paid $104 million by IRS for information on banking giant UBS .
Bank agreed to massive settlement with government, and Birkenfeld went to prison .
Terms of his release required that he avoid excessive alcohol use .
He was arrested in New Hampshire on DUI charge, faces trial in November . |
149,422 | 4d3b09ec22e7789a3f472a12d646268f13b83fff | London (CNN) -- Queen Elizabeth II pledged to rededicate herself to the service of her people Tuesday, as she addressed both houses of Parliament as part of celebrations of her Diamond Jubilee, or 60 years on the throne. Dignitaries including present and former government leaders gathered for the speech in Westminster Hall, in London, in which the Queen reflected on the landmark. "We are reminded here of our past, of the continuity of our national story and the virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance which created it," she said. "I have been privileged to witness some of that history and, with the support of my family, rededicate myself to the service of our great country and its people now and in the years to come." She was presented with a stained-glass window specially commissioned by members of the House of Lords and House of Commons to commemorate the occasion. Made up of 1,500 pieces of glass, it was paid for by personal contributions from the lawmakers and peers and will be on permanent display in the grand environs of Westminster Hall. Queen Elizabeth commented that she is the second British monarch to mark 60 years on the throne, with Queen Victoria the first to do so in 1897. "So, in an era when the regular, worthy rhythm of life is less eye-catching than doing something extraordinary, I am reassured that I am merely the second sovereign to celebrate a Diamond Jubilee," she said. Queen Elizabeth previously addressed both houses of Parliament when she celebrated her Silver and Golden Jubilees, in 1977 and 2002 respectively. She also opens the new session of Parliament each year. Addressing the packed hall, the British monarch recognized the "remarkable courage and sacrifice" of the armed forces, and the many people who serve the public good by volunteering. During her many years on the throne, the support of her own family had been "beyond measure," she said. She paid special tribute to the contribution of her husband, Prince Philip, who accompanies her on many of her official visits and suffered a health scare at the end of last year. "Prince Philip is, I believe, well-known for declining compliments of any kind. But throughout he has been a constant strength and guide," she said. She also praised the efforts of the younger generations of royals and commented on the family's "close affinity" with the Commonwealth nations, which together encompass about a third of the world's population. "My own association with the Commonwealth has taught me that the most important contact between nations is usually contact between its peoples," she said. Prince Harry, the 27-year-old son of Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana, traveled through the Caribbean and Brazil earlier this month on a 10-day tour to mark his grandmother's Diamond Jubilee. Celebrations marking six decades on the throne for Queen Elizabeth II officially began last month and continue through June, when London will mark the anniversary of her coronation with festivities including up to 1,000 boats sailing up the River Thames. Though the 85-year-old monarch has no real political power, she is officially the head of state for the Commonwealth of Nations, an association of 16 countries that used to be part of the British Empire. CNN's Max Foster contributed to this report. | Queen Elizabeth II praises her people's "virtues of resilience, ingenuity and tolerance"
She spoke to both houses of Parliament as she marks 60 years on the throne .
A stained glass window was presented to the monarch by Parliament .
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will culminate in June . |
43,392 | 7a606425753d9c09a312b9701027ab494356ab8a | A talented cricketer with 'the world at his feet', Phillip Hughes is being mourned in Australia and around the world following his death from a brain injury two days after being struck in the head by a bouncer. The son of banana farmer from the northern New South Wales town of Macksville, he was dropped from the Australian Test team five times but never gave up and is being remembered for his defiant attitude in the face of adversity. 'Hughesy' or 'Hugh-dog', as he was nicknamed, was an immensely likeable and also humble, understated and hardworking team mate for the Australian, South Australian and Adelaide Strikers. Scroll down for video . Phillip Hughes died three days before his 26th birthday and a week before he was due for a possible Test recall . Hughes made his Test debut, aged 20, with the stunning score of back-to-back centuries in Durban . Tests . Matches: 26 Runs: 1,535 . Highest score: 160 Average: 32.65 . Centuries: 3 Half-centuries: 7 . One-day internationals . Matches: 25 Runs: 826 Highest score: 138* . Average: 35.91 Hundreds: 2 Fifties: 4. Twenty20 . Matches: 1 Runs: 6 Average: 6. First-class . Matches: 114 Runs: 9,023 . Highest score: 243* Average: 46.51 . Hundreds: 26 Fifties: 46 . As cricketers, friends and family gathered around his bedside at St Vincent's Hospital for the 48 hours following his injury, the prayers and tributes for Hughes - as a cricketer, a mate and a great bloke - poured in. His achievements as a young cricketer - he was due to celebrate his 26th birthday this Sunday - include making 26 first class centuries; as Western Australia coach Justin Langer pointed out this week while flying back to Sydney to see Hughes, at his age, Langer had only made one. Hughes made a total of 15,789 runs in his first class career and many of those were ones or twos - as he laughingly recalled some years ago, he wasn't a big scorer of fours or sixes. The left-handed opener was the son of Greg Hughes, who cleared a patch on his farm for young Phil to practise cricket, and mother Virginia, who is of Italian origin. Growing up with sister, Megan, and brother, Jason, as a teenager he often helped out hauling heavy bunches of bananas for the family business. Hughes (centre, front), photographed by his father Greg in his whites at a match as a junior player . A young Hughes grew up on his parents' banana farm in Macksville, northern New South Wales . Hughes with fellow Test debutantes Marcus North and Ben Hilfenhaus after receiving his first baggy green cap . Hughes in 2008 during the Under 19s World Cricket Cup in Malaysia, and in 2013, playing for Worcestershire . Rugby star Sonny Bill Williams (left) and boxing trainer, Khoder Nasser were friends of Hughes . As a schoolboy, he was also a talented rugby league player who played alongside another Macksville kid, the future South Sydney Rabbitohs star Greg Inglis. Seven years ago almost to the day, just before his 19th birthday, Hughes made his debut in first-class cricket, securing a spot in the NSW side. As a 20-year-old, he won the the Bradman Young Player of the Year, accepting the award in Melbourne during the Allan Border Medal presentations in February 2009. Since Hughes' stunning 2009 Test debut at the age of 20 in South Africa, he had been dropped five times, which might have defeated a less determined player. But despite controversies over his style, technique and his off-field activities with the friends he keeps, Hughes always plugged on, taking on the verbal bouncers along with those on the field. Hughes stands before the Australian flag for a portrait during a Cricket Australia players' camp in 2010 . Hughes poses with his award after being named Bradman Young Player of the Year in Melbourne for 2009 . Hughes waiting to take his turn to bat in the nets at a practice session at the WACA in Perth in 2010 . Cricket players embrace at St Vincents Hospital after visiting Hughes following his tragic head injury . He was friends with Anthony Mundine, the controversial boxer's colourful manager, Khoder Nasser and rugby league player Sonny Bill Williams, who attended his matches. In return the cricketer sat ringside at Mundine's fights. Hughes walks out of the SCG dressing room on Tuesday to open the batting for South Australia . Prone to periodic run droughts due to a perceived inability to deal with the short ball, Hughes test average was 32.65. In 2009, after being presented with the Australian Baggy Green cap No 408, he stepped up to the crease for his first Test match, in South Africa. In that Test series, Hughes became the youngest Australian player in cricketing history to score back-to-back centuries in his debut, which he achieved in the Durban Test, his second. Hughes was selected to play the 2009 Ashes Test series in England, but was dropped when the English bowlers pitched short balls to him in an effort to exploit his weaknesses. But what he may have lacked occasionally in technique, he made up for with heart and drive. In the 2010/2011 Ashes series, selectors ignored him except as an injury replacement for Simon Katich in the final test; he toured Sri Lanka in late 2011 and scored 126 in the third test. But in the New Zealand tour that summer, poor performances saw him dropped and he signed a contract to play county cricket for Worcestershire in England and work on his technique. In January 2011, Hughes was stunned to be accused of 'cheating' by English cricket legend Sir Ian Botham after being bowled a bouncer in the Sydney Test by Alastair Cook and staying on the field after what was initially thought to be a catch. That year, Hughes decided to move away from his friends and his family in New South Wales to South Australia for the good of his game - and it paid off. Sonny Bill Williams, Anthony Mundine and Khoder Nasser (left to right, pictured) were good friends and supporters of Test cricketer, Phillip Hughes, who has died two days after he was struck in the head by a bouncer during a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG . In 2012, he was the Sheffield Shield's highest run scorer and was selected for the 2012-2013 Sri Lankan tour of Australia. He was rumoured to be up for a $1million Cricket Australia contract and in January last year he became the first Australian batsman to score a debut century in one-day international cricket. Last October, Hughes made his Twenty20 international cricket debut for Australia in the United Arab Emirates, in the same match as Sean Abbott made his. Before his injury at the SCG on Tuesday, he was up for selection in next week's Test against India at the Gabba in Brisbane. He had played 26 Test matches and Australian selector and cricketing legend Rod Marsh described Hughes as 'a hell of a good batsman'. As cricketers, legends of the game and mates said after the news came on Thursday afternoon of Hughes' death: 'his time was just around the corner ... he was about to come into his own'. | Phillip Hughes has died in hospital two days after being struck by bouncer .
He passed away from brain injury just days before his 26th birthday .
Hughes was on the verge of Test selection to play in Brisbane next week .
The left-handed larrikin batsman had a career of ups and downs .
He was friends with boxer Anthony Mundine and Sonny Bill Williams .
Hughes is son of a banana farmer from Macksville, New South Wales .
He always showed heart and determination despite career setbacks . |
93,736 | 04858fd2dee35aa3e635bcb7e87ebf0458dbdc13 | Mick Jagger’s age could help him win him an £8 million insurance payout over the death of L’Wren Scott, a legal expert has claimed. The Rolling Stones singer, 71, is not as spritely as he was and could have become overcome with grief more easily after discovering his girlfriend killed herself. Contracts expert Zev Eigen said that the bar that would stop Jagger performing would be ‘much lower’ than if he were a younger man. Scroll down for video . L'Wren Scott's death prompted the Rolling Stones to postpone a concert tour of Australia and New Zealand, but their insurers are battling with the band to not pay out for losses. But Jagger's age may affect the case . He described Mr Jagger’s age as an ‘interesting wrinkle’ in the case that could hand him victory. The Stones are locked in a bitter legal battle with the 12 underwriting companies who say Scott’s death is not covered by their policy because she took her own life. Lawsuits have been filed at the High Court in London and in New York and Utah and Miss Scott’s entire medical history could be made public if the cases go to trial. The papers also revealed for the first time that Mr Jagger was diagnosed with acute traumatic stress disorder, an extreme mental reaction, when told Miss Scott, hanged herself on March 17. The Stones say he was told by his doctor not to perform for at least 30 days whilst he dealt with the condition, which can cause nightmares and flashbacks, meaning they had to put off shows in Australia and New Zealand. Mr Eigen, a visiting professor at NYC Law School, told the New York Daily News: ‘The insurance contract is for his performance, not hers. Jagger was 'diagnosed as suffering from acute traumatic stress disorder' after Scott's death . ‘And given his advanced age, there's a greater range of things that reasonably could affect his stamina, stress-level and ability to perform. The bar is much lower than it would be for a 21-year-old. ‘This contract was about his ability to get on stage and perform demanding physical feats. ‘Sure he's spry and awesome for a 71-year-old, but there's simply a greater range of things that could prevent someone his age from performing’. An autopsy confirmed Miss Scott’s death was ruled a suicide after she was found in her luxury Manhattan apartment. The designer’s fashion business was £4.6 million into debt and there was speculation she and Mr Jagger had broken up, though his spokesman denied this. The Stones’ insurance policy was for up to £15 million and the tour was expected to make £28 million. A clause says that if they extended it by another 14 shows to include Europe, which they did, then the total revenue would rise to £61 million. In the High Court papers, however the insurers argue that because Miss Scott’s death was not ‘sudden and unforeseen’ or ‘beyond her control’ they should not pay up. They suggest that she could have been suffering from a mental condition beforehand that played a part in her actions. Professor Elgin told the New York Daily News that he thought the Stones would settle as the band would be ‘loath’ to hand over more personal information to the insurers’ lawyers. Lawyers for the insurers, who are based in London, did not return calls for comment. Nobody for the Stones was available for comment. The disclosure is the most revealing insight yet into Jagger’s feelings. He has so far given only one brief interview about Miss Scott’s suicide. In a statement, he said he would ‘never forget her’, adding: ‘I am still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way.’ The eight insurers are led by Cathedral Capital and Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Limited, both based in London. They responded by claiming that Miss Scott’s death was not ‘sudden and unforeseen’ or ‘beyond her control’ and so did not qualify for a payout. They also claimed it was ‘reasonable to infer Miss Scott had been suffering from a mental illness’ that was ‘traceable to, or accelerated by, a condition for which she had received or been recommended medical attention’. A pre-existing condition of this kind could affect any payout. The insurers appeared to dispute the idea that Jagger was so deeply upset, and claimed that the doctor who diagnosed him had not actually carried out an examination. They wrote: ‘It does not appear that Sir Mick Jagger was assessed at any time by a qualified psychiatrist or anyone else suitably qualified with sufficient expertise to make a diagnosis of acute stress disorder.’ Court documents revealed that Jagger has 18 people on his insurance policy, including Ms Scott, Jerry Hall, seven children and four grandchildren . The Rolling Stones frontman published a statement on his website soon after L'Wren Scott's death saying he was struggling to understand why she would end her life . The only proof they had seen was a letter from a doctor, who was not a psychiatrist and did not actually see the patient, the papers state. Last month, the insurers filed a lawsuit in New York’s Federal Court, and subpoenaed Adam Glassman, the executor of Scott’s will, the New York City medical examiner, and Brittany Penebre, her British assistant, in an attempt to gain access to any emails or messages about an ‘actual or alleged attempt at self harm by Miss Scott’ as well as her general mental health, or an ‘actual or alleged suicide attempt’. Meanwhile in Utah, where Miss Scott grew up, a judge has ruled that the insurers will be allowed to seek documents and testimony from Miss Scott’s brother, Randall Bambrough, to find out more about her mental state. However, Mr Bambrough told a local newspaper that he had yet to receive a summons. Miss Scott, a fashion designer and model, was 49 when her body was found in her Manhattan apartment by Miss Penebre. An autopsy confirmed her death was suicide. Her fashion business had been £4.6million in debt and she had abruptly cancelled her show at London Fashion Week, supposedly due to technical difficulties. There were also reports she and Jagger had split up, leaving her ‘devastated’, although Jagger’s spokesman denied this. Documents filed at the district court in Salt Lake City, Utah, reveal Miss Scott was on a long list of family on the Stones’ insurance policy. Also on Jagger’s list were his ex-wives Jerry Hall and Bianca Jagger, former girlfriends, seven children and four grandchildren. The documents give a fascinating insight into how the insurance policy worked. The revenue for the tour was expected to be £28million, and this could have gone up if 15 extra European dates were added. The insurers agreed to pay out up to 50 per cent in case of tragedy. A spokesman for the Rolling Stones declined to comment. Lawyers for the insurers did not return calls for comment. Hell-raisers: Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards . The Rolling Stones may still be going strong, but their court documents reveal that their disgruntled insurers are well aware of the toll taken by years of the rockstar lifestyle. Hidden among the fine print of their tour insurance policy is a long list of exceptions – health issues for which each member of the ageing band is not covered. For example, and perhaps not surprisingly, the insurers say they will not pay out if anything happens to guitarist Keith Richards related to ‘alcohol abuse, liver failure and/or disease and osteoarthritis’. More unusually, anything to do with the injury that he suffered in 2006, when he was hit on the head by a coconut, will not be covered either. For Ronnie Wood, anything to do with ‘alcohol abuse’ is also not covered. The exemptions for drummer Charlie Watts include any conditions related to the cancer he was diagnosed with in 2004 or his sciatica. The documents show the band expected to receive £28million for their tour. Just three shows in Japan were worth £9million. | Jagger diagnosed with traumatic stress disorder after L'Wren Scott died .
Lawyer says the veteran rocker's age could aid his case against insurers .
Doctors warned him not to perform for a month, according to court papers .
The Stones were forced to postpone Australia and New Zealand leg of tour .
But their insurers refused to pay out as policy did not cover suicide . |
173,220 | 6c2ee65347f313dc9fe7a10bea8c757a74fd5bd5 | (CNN) -- The sports world was shaken this past year by violence at the Boston Marathon, reminding us of the fragility of peace no matter the place and time. However, marathons in the United States, and the world for that matter, rallied -- bouncing back as they defied fear through running. The drive to keep moving forward is at the very heart of marathon running, and nothing is better than large-scale sports events when it comes to helping people to overcome insecurities and fears together. Peace is an emotionally charged word. It is something that everyone wants, and it is so elusive to so many. I come from Lebanon, a country that has seen more than its share of conflict and war, but it is also a country that embraces life and peace. Many underestimate the power of sports to create real change in society. But in Lebanon, we have seen how sports, and especially running, can have a positive impact on individuals and ultimately on communities and countries. I founded the Beirut Marathon Association 11 years ago and had a firsthand look at how people can unite if given the right platform and a safe, inclusive environment where every individual feels that he or she is a true partner -- a stakeholder -- in the event. TED.com: The art of bow-making . I used to be a marathon runner; running to me came naturally and helped me stay balanced and focused mentally and physically. That all ended on a day in 2001 when I was training with my husband and some friends in Lebanon to participate in the Dubai Marathon. As our run took us to a street filled with traffic, I was hit by a truck and pinned to the pavement. The accident left me hanging between life and death for a while: I was in coma, and came out of it only to spend two years in the hospital. After 36 surgeries, I was able to walk again, but running was no longer possible. As I convalesced in the hospital, the only thought that kept me excited and hopeful was the idea of creating an international running event for Lebanon. If I was not to run again, I wanted others in my country to know the rush of being part of a large-scale running event, to share all the inspiration and positive feelings that result from such an experience. TED.com: Why privacy matters . This was my big dream -- to bring my country together, to concentrate on something much bigger than myself and my pain. The Beirut Marathon Association was created while I was still in the hospital, with the help of supportive family and friends, and the first international Beirut Marathon was held in 2003. That year over 6,000 runners took to the streets of the city and its surrounding area. It was the first time that Lebanon witnessed such a large-scale running event. People took notice. That first race showed that everyone was looking for a way to participate in a national event that did not fall under any specific political affiliation. People were willing to leave their differences behind and to come run together through the culturally diverse neighborhoods of the city and its vicinity. My vision and that of the Beirut Marathon team grew, and we resolved to continue, no matter what the circumstances, because we were excited. We also realized that we were setting an example. This kind of harmony created through sport could extend even further, to other places and to other times. TED.com: An ode to envy . Organizing such an unprecedented running event in Lebanon was not easy. We confronted political and cultural obstacles, among others. We had to build trust and interest little by little. We had to coordinate closely with parties all over the country; we worked with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, with the Lebanese Internal Security Forces, with the Lebanese army, and with all political parties, many private organizations, like municipalities, the Lebanese Red Cross, and others. Through it all, we got a surprising amount of support from public and private institutions and individuals. Many troubles have plagued Lebanon over the past 11 years of our work, but on Marathon day we always managed to bring people together in spite of their differences. We ran for peace after the former prime minister of the country was assassinated. We ran for peace through a government shutdown, protesters' barricades in the city, an Israeli offensive on the country, and internal armed conflicts. Of course organizing our events during those times of conflict required a lot of flexibility and contingency planning. In one instance, we turned protesters who were sitting in protest tents in the heart of the city into spectators who cheered the runners on and who offered them refreshments and water. We were only able to do it because we had earned the trust of all parties in the country and had the support of all the Lebanese. The lesson we learned from all of this is that peace is possible! This year the slogan of our Banque du Liban Beirut Marathon, which will take place on November 10, is "Run for Lebanon." It is an affirmation of the power of sport to create a better country, one where differences are tossed aside and similarities are embraced for a more prosperous future. This has been as challenging a year as any other, with the whole region around us going through war and turmoil and with internal political conflicts unresolved. In times of such uncertainty, it is more important than ever to remind people of what is good, and what is important: healthy competition, unity, prosperity, growth, joy, and most of all peace. As in previous years, people responded, and our registration for this year's races has reached more than 36,600 participants from all over Lebanon and the world. Peacemaking is not a sprint, it is more of a marathon. We cannot expect any major change to happen overnight. Strength, stamina and resolve are needed to finish long runs, but the human spirit is capable of great things. I have seen the elusive peace, and I believe that it can become evident to all, one steady step at a time. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of May El-Khalil. | May El-Khalil: Boston Marathon reminded us of fragility of peace, but marathons bounced back .
A former runner, she organized Beirut Marathon while recovering from an accident .
That first Marathon in 2003 drew 6,000; for years they've run through conflict, she says .
El-Khalil: Sport, especially running, has power to bring people together . |
49,398 | 8b81c7a83e9d88de9b7ecb470fe56b4ef94f6418 | This image show attendees at a conference in Saudi Arabia on the topic ‘women in society’ – and not a single one is female. The conference, reportedly held at the University of Qassim last year, was attended by representatives from 15 nations, apparently all men. The seats in the hall are filled with men in traditional Arab dress apart from one wearing a blue chequered shirt. No girls allowed: A 'Women in Society' conference in Saudi Arabia which judging by this picture had an all-male attendance . The photograph was published in a Saudi newspaper last year, and has since been making the rounds on social networks. Twitter users have branded the image ‘absurd’, ‘the height of misogyny’ and ‘astonishing’ as the internet responded to what is only the latest proof of the gender gap in the Middle-Eastern nation. Segregation between men and women in the oil rich country is widespread due to the ultra-conservative Wahhabi sharia law. Restrictions mean they are not allowed to drive, they must use separate entrances at banks and offices, and a plan to build a city for female workers only has been announced. Restricted: Although they are now allowed to ride bikes and motorcycles, women in Saudi Arabia are still very much controlled by their fathers, brothers and husbands . They also need permission from a male relative or their husband to work, travel, study or marry and a woman's testimony counts for less than that of a man in a court of law. Small steps towards gender equality has been made in the past year. Earlier this year, King Abdullah appointed women to 20 per cent of the 150-member Shura Council, an unelected body which advises the Government. In April, Saudi Arabia lifted the ban preventing women from riding motorbikes and bicycles, but only if they are accompanied by a male relative and dressed in full veil. | Conference on 'women in society' held at Saudi Arabian university .
Judging from picture of the audience - not a single woman attended .
Image shows a sea of men in traditional Arab dress but no females . |
258,972 | db2d4ce6ae4ef6ecf2f68d95e10b253436cd1b87 | (CNN) -- With frizzy hair still standing to attention, North Korea's Kim Jong-Il drops dead, narrowly missing the nuke button as he slumps face-down onto his desk. Welcome to the world of Patrick Chappatte -- a cartoonist whose knack for summing up major global events in a few simple brush strokes this week saw him become the first ever non-American to win the Overseas Press Club of America's international cartoonist award. Chappatte will be familiar to regular readers of the International Herald Tribune, the global version of the New York Times, which prints his works of satire, slapstick and political comment on a daily basis. But while his day job is producing illustrations to match the headlines, Chappatte is one of a new breed of cartoonists who do their own reporting; taking their sketchbooks and pens on to the front line of news gathering. Such "graphic journalism," says Chappatte, is often the most effective way of telling a story in a digital age where people are bombarded with information from all directions. "Cartoons in their simplicity can help tell news stories and I think we will be using them more and more because they have a very special effect on people," he told CNN by phone from Geneva, shortly before flying to New York to accept his prize. See a high-res gallery of Chappatte's prize-winning cartoons . "I personally feel the need to report and I feel that cartoons will help us in a world that is overwhelmed with videos and images where we're dealing with so much information every day." Among the dozen or so cartoons for which Chappatte is being honored is "Ground Zero of the Revolution," a striking example of graphic journalism for which he traveled to Tunisia to record the story of Mohammed Bouazizi, the man whose suicide sparked the Arab Spring uprisings. Chappatte also recently completed "Death in the Fields" a powerful animated film, produced with the International Committee of the Red Cross, that documents victims of cluster bombs in southern Lebanon. It is a project he hopes will lead to other similar work. "People react very strongly in an emotional way in that kind of storytelling, so I see a lot of hope for that genre in the future," he said. Born in Pakistan to a Swiss father and Lebanese mother, Chappatte says he became an international cartoonist because he was an avid reader of newspapers in the numerous countries he grew up in. After placing his first cartoon (about a man who broke out of jail for the seventh time) in a local Swiss newspaper at the age of 20, he worked his way to America, where he was employed first by the New York Times as an illustrator, then by Newsweek, which hired him to write a comic strip. Chappatte then landed the IHT job in Geneva just a few days before the attacks of September 11, 2001, an event which tested his ability to "convey the feeling of America and the sense of the moment." He must have done something right because, as he points out with typical deadpan humor: "They kept me." Chappatte puts his own success down to the ability to "translate into a simple idea and a few brush strokes the gravity or the reality of things... to show things as they are. "When you look at it and say, that's exactly it! That's the best compliment people can give me." This is no easy task, particularly when the internet exposes cartoons to global scrutiny, as was the case in 2005 when the Danish newspaper Jyllens-Posten sparked controversy and demonstrations throughout in the Muslim world by printing a cartoon of the prophet Mohammed. "That was the 9/11 of editorial cartooning," says Chappatte. He says he is wary about causing outrage with his own work. "We don't all agree where the line is or where the balance is," he adds. "I have a simple rule for myself. When I do a cartoon that can be seen as shocking for people, I want to be able to defend that cartoon eye-to-eye with the person that feels offended." While he describes the Jyllands-Posten episode as a "controversy of the internet age," Chappatte -- who has just returned from a graphic reporting assignment on urban violence in Guatemala -- remains enthusiastic about the potential of cyberspace. "The internet is full of possibilities in the language of cartoonists. You can do animated stuff and you can do multimedia stuff -- a whole new range of creativity." | Patrick Chappatte is the first non-American to win Overseas Press Club international cartoonist award .
Chappatte a pioneer of cartoon reportage, or graphic journalism .
Swiss-Lebanese cartoonist has also produced an animated film about cluster bombs . |
211,551 | 9df321088e49c851940752bd9c8eec42da386163 | Tokyo (CNN) -- Engineers will need six to nine months to bring the damaged nuclear reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant to heel, the plant's owners said Sunday in their first public timetable for ending the crisis. It will take three months to reduce the levels of radioactivity in the plant and restore normal cooling systems in the reactors and spent fuel pools, the Tokyo Electric Power Company announced. Another three to six months will be needed before the reactors are fully shut down and new shells are built around their damaged housings, the company said. Meanwhile, Japan's government said it would try to decontaminate "the widest possible area" in that period before deciding whether the tens of thousands who have been forced to flee their homes will be allowed to return, said Goshi Hosono, an adviser to Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan. "We have to go step by step in order to resolve the problems one by one," Hosono said. The timetable was released five days after Kan called for Tokyo Electric to show Japanese a pathway to ending the worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster. A day earlier, the company would not comment on an industry group's estimate that restoring normal cooling would take two to three months -- a period comparable to the first stage of Sunday's plan. Tokyo Electric spokesman Hiro Hasegawa acknowledged that public pressure helped speed the company's decision to release a plan and warned that the outline remained tentative -- "but we will do our best" to stick to it, he said. Because of the still-unknown volume of highly irradiated water flooding the basements of units 1-3, where the cooling equipment is normally housed, the utility is working toward building a separate cooling system. That system would remove heat from the water being pumped through the reactors and decontaminate it before circulating it back through them. Currently, engineers have improvised by pumping roughly 170 metric tons (45,000 gallons) of water a day into each reactor, an unknown portion of which is leaking out. The leaking water comes out full of such particles as radioactive iodine and cesium, the byproducts of the reactors. At the plant on Sunday, workers used remote-controlled robots to record radiation, water and temperature data in the building that houses reactor No. 3. Photos released by the utility showed the devices, provided by the U.S. company iRobot, opening the inner door to the reactor and entering the darkened building. "Everything is a high-radiation area inside the reactor buildings," Hasegawa told reporters at a briefing for international news outlets -- another first for a company that has been sharply criticized for its handling of the crisis. Meanwhile, Tokyo Electric Chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata fended off nearly a dozen questions from Japanese reporters about whether he or other top executives planned to resign as a result of the disaster. "At this point, we do not have any decisions or discussions about resigning, as all our efforts is towards resolving the situation," Katsumata said. "We are not sure if resigning is the best way to take the responsibility or to stay in position to resolve the situation." Any decisions may wait until the company's general shareholders meeting in June, he said. The 5-week-old crisis began March 11, when the plant was swamped by the tsunami that followed northern Japan's historic earthquake. The 14- to 15-meter (45- to 48-foot) wave knocked out the plant's coolant systems, causing the three reactors operating at the time to overheat. The results included two spectacular explosions that blew apart the housings of the No. 1 and No. 3 reactors and the release of a massive amount of radioactivity that has shrunk considerably, but continued Sunday. The wild card in the utility's plan may be reactor No. 2, where another suspected buildup of hydrogen is believed to have ruptured the suppression pool -- a doughnut-shaped reservoir at the base of the reactor. That may make it more difficult to carry out one of the first stages of their planned cooling process, filling the concrete primary containment shell around the reactor pressure vessel with water, Hasegawa said. Unless that damage is repaired somehow, that part of the plan may be unsuccessful, he said. Tokyo Electric also plans to build a new structure to support the No. 4 unit's spent nuclear fuel pool, around which fires -- the cause of which has yet to be determined -- severely damaged a nearby building. Hosono said there is no indication this pool is compromised or leaking highly radioactive water or fumes, calling the planned structure a protective measure given concerns about considerable damage to the main No. 4 nuclear reactor building. Japan's government declared Fukushima Daiichi a top-scale nuclear disaster last week, warning residents of several towns outside the current 30-kilometer (19-mile) danger zone around the plant to evacuate or prepare to leave their homes. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano visited the stricken area Sunday, including a brief trip into the 20-kilometer radius from which all residents have been ordered out. Clad in a white protective suit and face mask, Edano got within about 15 kilometers of the plant as he met with police who are still searching the area for victims of the March disaster. "Ensuring people's livelihoods and security is our foremost priority," Edano said after meeting with the governor of Fukushima Prefecture, Yuhei Sato. Radiation levels in the area are not high enough to cause immediate health effects, but prolonged exposure could cause an increased risk of cancer, according to government data and reports from outside researchers. In Iitate, a village Edano visited Sunday, government figures released Sunday show cumulative doses of radiation since the accident are already more than half the 20-millisievert limit the government . set for long-term evacuations. Iitate is about 40 kilometers northwest of the plant, outside the danger zones drawn in the early days of the crisis. Hosono said the government does not yet know how much of the contaminated areas can be cleaned up, but added, "We will try to decontaminate as much of an area as possible." Workers stopped a severe leak of contaminated water into the Pacific Ocean on April 6, but elevated levels of the short-lived nuclear waste iodine-131 recorded over the weekend could indicate a new problem, a Japanese safety official announced Saturday. Iodine concentrations sampled Saturday around the No. 2 water intake were 6,000 times Japan's legal standards, up from 1,100 times on Thursday and down slightly from Friday's figure of 6,500 times. That number is far below the levels recorded when the earlier leak was spewing radioactive iodine into the ocean at 7.5 million times the limit. Authorities have built a silt and placed steel plates around the intake fence to corral the contamination since April 6. Iodine-131 has a radioactive half-life of eight days, and the increase could be either from a fresh leak or from sediment stirred up while placing steel panels around the intakes, said Hidehiko Nishiyama, the top spokesman for Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. "They will continue to monitor this carefully," Nishiyama said. "At this point, they have not visually found any leakage of any water into the ocean, and it is hard to check the conditions around (reactor) No. 2 due to high radiation levels." Susan Olson, Hiroo Saso, Yuki Arakawa, Asuka Murao and CNN's Junko Ogura contributed to this report for CNN. | NEW: Tokyo Electric plans a new structure to support the No. 4 unit's spent nuclear fuel pool .
Robots probe darkened reactor No. 3 .
Radiation readings in one town are halfway to the government's evacuation threshold .
Tokyo Electric says it will take 6 to 9 months to wind down the nuclear crisis . |
225,888 | b07fc05c28572141f36bea1e3ee794ef51fdef8d | By . Ashley Clements for MailOnline . Follow @@Ashley_Clements . Jenson Button has been soaking up the sun with fiancee Jessica Michibata in Ibiza as he takes a break from the Formula One season. The 34-year-old will be back in action at the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, but looked to be enjoying his time away from the track. The McLaren driver is currently eighth in the Formula One standings and will be looking to improve on that in Spa-Francorchamps. Scroll down for video . Holiday! Jenson Button and fiancée Jessica Michibata took a romantic getaway in Ibiza earlier this week . Jenson, who lives in Monaco with his fiancee, recently spoke to MailOnline Travel about his passion for holidaying with loved ones. He said: 'My friends and family are the most interesting people I travel with, because I love spending time with them and they are the people who know me best so we always have a great time together, whether travelling for work or pleasure.' Jenson also revealed that his travels around the world have led to some strange encounters - including a mistaken identity. Beach bodies: The displayed their toned bodies as they relaxed together at a local beach club . Going for a dip: As temperatures soared, the couple cooled down by taking a refreshing dip in the sea . Cold burst? Jessica appeared to have trouble initially adjusting to the temperature difference . Everything's going swimmingly: The love birds enjoyed some alone time as they swam in the water . Swift departure: After enjoying their swimming session, the couple soon re-emerged from the water . The glamorous life: The couple spend much of their time Monaco, where Jenson owns a home . Walking the plank: Jenson and Jessica were openly affectionate as they enjoyed their trip . Just the two of us: They chatted enthusiastically as they soaked up the sun and the lively atmosphere . 'I was once in the lounge at Heathrow waiting to fly, and someone mistook me for Chris Martin from Coldplay,' he said. 'An . American family came up and told me they’d been big fans for years, so I . signed a few autographs for them before they then told me they had all . my albums! 'When I told them who I really was, they said they were still big fans... although I actually don’t think they knew who I was!' Affectionate: Jenson cradled his fiancée in his arms as they enjoyed the view from their cabana . Shower time! The couple rinsed off the salty seawater at one of the beach club's outdoor showers . Getting clean together: Jenson and Jessica got playful as they showered together . All awash with love: They had eyes only for each other as they enjoyed their sun-kissed vacation . Rinse and repeat: Jenson kept a watchful eye on his belle as she continued to rinse off the salt . Sun-kissed: Jenson spends much of his time travelling to exotic destinations, thanks to his F1 gig . Making a splash: The couple appeared to be very thorough in their efforts to get cleaned up . At the controls: Jenson was intent on mastering the controls of the shower for Jessica . Waterworks: The couple were finally done with the shower as they prepared to enjoy the rest of the day . Al fresco dining: A day earlier, the couple were seen spending the afternoon lunching at a local restaurant . In good company: The couple spent their time with a small group of pals . Strolling along: They also enjoyed a wander through the town as they tried to remain incognito . Stunning: Jessica looked stylish in her colourful choice of sun dress, which showed off her shapely legs . Girl about town: The Argentinian-Japanese beauty opted for a pair of rose-tinted sunglasses . Taking the next step: The couple looked cautious as they prepared to board a boat . Giant leap for mankind: Jessica made a big jump for it as she got on-board . Reunited: Jenson was next to board the vessel, joining his stunning fiancee . We're back: The love birds soon made their way to their seats on the boat . Quick chat: The couple chat as they wait in the shade, away from the scorching sunshine . Chilling out: Jenson and Jessica appeared to be concentrating as they prepared to sail off . Letting her hair down: Jessica looked glamorous as she loosened her bun and let her tresses flow . We are sailing! The group take to the waters as they prepare for an afternoon at sea . | Jenson Buttons enjoy Ibiza holiday with fiancee Jessica Michibata .
34-year-old relaxes ahead of Belgian Grand Prix this weekend .
McLaren driver is currently eighth in the Formula One standings . |
69,297 | c47f6e8c0765b6b582dcd207885866cfbf6ad93d | By . Jason Groves . PUBLISHED: . 19:47 EST, 14 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 19:47 EST, 14 September 2012 . New Culture Secretary Maria Miller will today call on television bosses to broadcast more women’s sport in the wake of the success of stars such as Jessica Ennis, Victoria Pendleton and Ellie Simmonds this summer. In a letter to broadcasters, Mrs Miller says that female athletes serve as ‘incredibly powerful role models’ for women and young girls. But she adds that outside of the Olympics and Paralympics women’s sport has been ‘woefully under-represented on television’. Mrs Miller is summoning executives at the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5 and Sky to discuss the issue with her. Role model: TV bosses have been told to broadcast more women's sport in the wake of success of athletes including Jessica Ennis . She will urge them to broadcast less men’s football and devote more time to sports such as women’s cricket, football, rugby and netball which, she says, ‘end up buried pretty deep within the TV schedules, if shown at all’. A source at the Culture Department said: ‘There is a real risk that, as we head towards winter, football will dominate again and the names of our female Olympic and Paralympic stars will fade.’ Letter to broadcasters: New culture secretary Maria Miller says female athletes serve as 'incredibly powerful role models' for women and young girls . Studies have suggested that women’s sport accounts for as little as 2 per cent of televised sports coverage outside Olympic periods. The Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation recently found that 80 per cent of women and girls do not do enough sport. A study last year found that just 0.5 per cent of commercial sponsorship in sports goes on women’s events. In her letter, Mrs Miller, who succeeded Jeremy Hunt as Culture Secretary in the recent Government reshuffle, says: ‘Across the Olympic and Paralympic Games, female athletes have had incredible success. ‘British women have stood proudly atop the medal rostrum. ‘The success of these athletes has been truly inspirational and now we must make sure we keep that momentum going.’ | New Culture Secretary Maria Miller wrote to broadcasters .
She called on TV bosses to broadcast more women's sport in the wake of successful female Olympians and Paralympians .
Women are 'woefully under-represented on television', Ms Miller said . |
247,205 | cbeaad0bc5a356697342ddd85740afa1b549bb26 | By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 04:52 EST, 6 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:03 EST, 6 November 2013 . Child killer Mark Bridger - convicted murderer of schoolgirl April Jones - has reportedly launched a bid for compensation after he was attacked in jail . Child killer Mark Bridger - convicted murderer of schoolgirl April Jones - has reportedly launched a bid for compensation after he was attacked in jail by another inmate. It has been revealed he could be paid as much as £15,000 after he was slashed with a razor. The parents of the murdered five-year-old look set to receive just £11,000 in compensation for their daughter's death. Juvinai Ferreira, 22, pleaded guilty to wounding Bridger, 47, with a makeshift knife in Wakefield Prison, in July. The Sun reports that Bridger has informed his lawyers he wants a payout for the 'emotional and physical distress' he suffered after the attack. He is not believed to have outlined a set amount, but similar cases have been awarded £15,000 in compensation. But April's parents Paul and Coral Jones can expect a maximum of £5,500 each for their own distress. Mrs Jones, 41, told the paper: 'It's disgusting that Bridger could get money after what he has done. Where's he going to spend it anyway?' Father-of-six Bridger snatched . April near her home in Machynlleth. He was given a whole-life tariff by a . judge in May at Mold Crown Court. The five-year-old's body has never . been found. A Prison Service spokeswoman said it 'robustly defends' all compensation claims from prisoners. Ferreira attacked the 47-year-old just months after Bridger was jailed for life for abducting and murdering April, in Machynlleth, Wales last year. It has been revealed he could be paid as much as £15,000 after he was slashed with a makeshift knife. The parents of the murdered five-year-old look set to receive just £11,000 in compensation for their daughter's death . April's parents Coral Jones (second left) and Paul Jones (second right), can expect a maximum of £5,500 each, for their own distress . According . to reports at the time of the attack, which happened on July 7, Bridger . needed hospital treatment to a face wound after he was slashed with the . makeshift knife. Juvinai Ferreira used a makeshift knife to attack the 47-year-old at Wakefield Prison, West Yorkshire, in July . He was returned to Wakefield after his injury was stitched. Judge Batty told Ferreira he needed a pre-sentence report to assess his level of dangerousness and decide whether a second life term was appropriate. Ferreira was found guilty at Norwich Crown Court in 2009 of murdering Elaine Walpole in Dereham, Norfolk, in April 2008. At the time police said Ferreira moved to Dereham in 2007 with a relative after escaping civil war in Africa. He befriended 47-year-old Miss Walpole, an alcoholic who lived alone, after they met at a shop and she bought him cigarettes. Post-mortem tests showed that Miss Walpole, a former hotel worker who had three children, had been stabbed three times and bitten. Detectives and forensic experts spent nearly a year carrying out checks to show Ferreira was an adult as he said he was 16. Once it was proved he was an adult, Ferreira was given a life sentence and told he must serve at least 22 years before being considered for parole. | He could be paid as much as £15,000 after he was slashed by inmate .
April's parents look set to receive just £11,000 in compensation .
Juvinai Ferreira, 22, pleaded guilty to wounding Bridger with razor .
Coral Jones: 'It's disgusting Bridger could get money after what he's done' |
266,876 | e5aa58c5b20e8f720afe5c02387f7a00a0a93128 | (CNN) -- The U.S. Park Police is failing to adequately keep track of its firearms, creating an environment in which weapons are vulnerable to theft or misuse, according to a government report released Friday. Due to "a lackadaisical attitude toward firearms management" by commanders, investigators said they found "credible evidence of conditions that would allow for theft and misuse of firearms, and the ability to conceal the fact if weapons were missing." In a force of approximately 640 officers, the report says, hundreds of weapons were not properly accounted for. The auditors also allege that the agency has more than 1,400 extra weapons, including 477 military-style automatic and semiautomatic rifles. The head of the Park Police officers' union, Ian Glick, said there are shortcomings in the "antiquated system of weapon tracking," but public safety was never put in jeopardy. "None of these weapons were ever seized in a crime, or found on someone who shouldn't have one," he said. While the tracking system has its failings, he said, "all the weapons are accounted for. Every weapon, every stick of ammo, everything is accounted for. But it's not accounted for in the National Park Service weapons inventory computer system." The National Park Service declined to respond to Glick's specific assertion. But it said it has immediately ordered a complete weapons inventory, to address the "significant, systemic firearms management problems" identified in the report. "I have no tolerance for this management failure," said Jonathan Jarvis, director of the National Park Service. He pledged to implement the report's recommendations on record-keeping, and went on to praise the police officers. "The brave men and women of the U.S. Park Police are professionals who put their life on the line every day," he said, "protecting our parks for millions to enjoy." The report cited several examples of mishandling of weapons, including two officers it says brought their rifles home with them. But at least one example has come into dispute. The audit asserts that a former chief of the Park Police never turned in his handgun, and 10 years after his retirement it was taken from him by an instructor at a qualification course for retired law enforcement officers, who happened to notice the former chief still had government property. But the former chief, Robert Langston, rejects the claim, saying he never kept a handgun, he never had one taken away, and he was never asked by auditors about the allegation. The first he heard of it was when he got a call from CNN on Friday morning. "Nobody ever confiscated a gun of mine. I would recall that," he said. "Where did they get that?" He said he turned in his weapon when he left government service, and showed CNN his paperwork. When asked about the contradiction, the inspector general's office said its report was based on Park Police records, and the discrepancy just shows the extent of the agency's record-keeping problems. The National Park Service did not respond to an inquiry about the former chief's paperwork. 7 ways budget cuts will hit national parks . | National Park Service orders inventory .
Public safety never at risk, police union says .
Union says all weapons accounted for .
Alternative tracking is being used, union says . |
209,996 | 9bf62d9ab63623a63bbfc7613a78be601d0b1020 | By . Snejana Farberov . PUBLISHED: . 21:58 EST, 24 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:06 EST, 25 October 2013 . A stray pit bull puppy has been rescued from the streets of Detroit with a metal link used for mountain climbing wedged in his mouth. The 10-month-old male pup nicknamed Boulder was spotted October 14 wandering around the area of Interstate 94. The brown American pit bull was walking around with a metal ring clamped tightly around his jaw, with a length of thick metal chain hanging from his mouth. Scroll down for video . Caught in a bind: A 10-month-old male pup nicknamed Boulder was found in Detroit with a metal link used for mountain climbing stuck his mouth . Guardian angels: Boulder was rescued from the streets of Detroit by employees of the Michigan Humane Society . Starving: The carabineer and metal chain were clamped tightly around the pup's jaw, preventing him from eating and drinking . The carabineer prevented the animal from eating, drinking or barking, according to the Michigan Humane Society, which ended up taking him in. When Boulder arrived at a Humane Society shelter, volunteers gently removed the metal ring and the links. ‘As soon as they got the clamp off of him, he was immediately running around and licking people,’ Humane Society spokesperson Ryan McTigue told the Detroit Free Press. Happy pooch: A video of Boulder's rescue shows the puppy licking his chops after being liberated from the carabineer . Happy end: Ten days after his rescue, Boulder was adopted by the woman seen in this picture . A video of Boulder's rescue recorded by the Humane Society shows the skinny pooch happily licking his chops after being liberated from the carabineer. On Thursday, the rescue group announced that Boulder has found a new permanent home. | Boulder, a 10-month-old male pit bull, was found wandering the streets of Detroit with a mountain climbing carabineer around his jaw .
Boulder was rescued by Michigan Humane Society and adopted 10 days later . |
241,460 | c48ab839b5a92141f72ef4c21e713e92f36e9541 | Donetsk, Ukraine (CNN) -- Pro-Russian separatists in the eastern Ukraine city of Donetsk dug in Friday despite an international deal aimed at being a key first step in resolving a crisis that has threatened to devolve into civil war. The separatists' self-declared leader, Denis Pushilin, said it is those aligned with the Kiev-based national government who should vacate all public buildings, not the militants in Donetsk. Pushilin, the head of a group called the Donetsk People's Republic, addressed reporters on the heels of an agreement Thursday between officials from Ukraine, the United States, the European Union and Russia. Among other things, that deal calls for amnesty for anti-Kiev factions provided they give up their weapons and leave government buildings. But separatists in eastern Ukraine have not signed on nor indicated they intend to, unless the pro-Western government in Kiev steps down. "Lavrov did not sign anything for us, he signed on behalf of the Russian Federation," Pushilin said Friday, referring to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Instead of any such agreement, Pushilin has pushed for a referendum by May 11 to ask residents whether they want sovereignty from Ukraine. This step may be popular with those who view Ukraine's interim authorities -- who took power in February after the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych, who some saw as too closely aligned with Russia -- as illegitimate. Ukraine President Olexander Turchynov on Friday criticized the "factions of communists (who have) refused to sign or even vote on the document" agreed to in Geneva, Switzerland. He and Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk urged them to do so, saying in a joint statement, "We have to do everything possible not to take this treasure of (Ukrainian unity) from our children." "We are calling on our compatriots to (reach out) to each other and give up actions aimed at hatred, and come back to (work toward) rebuilding a united Ukraine," the two leaders said. In addition to groups disarming and returning seized buildings to their legitimate owners, Yatsenyuk and Turchynov spoke of plans to change the constitution, provide "more powers" and "necessary financial resources" to the regions and allow for Russian and other languages in addition to Ukrainian. "We are all different, but we all have one thing in common: We are all citizens of a sovereign and independent Ukraine," the leaders said. But the key to the Geneva agreement is whether Russia can and does use its influence to persuade protesters to comply. Acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Deshchytsia told reporters Friday in Kiev that Russia still must prove its intentions in Ukraine are sincere. "I don't know the Russian intentions, but Minister Lavrov did promise that they want to de-escalate, so we will see in a few days if it was (a) sincere promise and sincere participation," he said. Deshchytsia said the Ukraine government's "anti-terrorist operation" against the pro-Russian protesters who have taken control of key sites will continue, but its intensity will "depend on the practical implementation" of the pact. So far the show of force has done little to bring the eastern region back under Kiev's control. Monitoring mission . All sides agreed on Thursday to ask for monitors from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, which has a mission in Ukraine, to help implement the measures aimed at easing the crisis. Deshchytsia said there would be a meeting later Friday at the Foreign Ministry with leaders of the mission to discuss the process by which occupied buildings will be handed over. He noted OSCE had "over 100 monitors" in the country. The European organization released a statement Friday describing the situation in western and central Ukraine as calm, whereas the Lukansk and Donetsk districts were "tense due to the activity of armed opponents of the central government and Ukrainian special forces conducting a 'counterterrorist operation.'" The OSCE noted, for example, that the state security service building in Luhansk was occupied. Observers saw evidence of blood, gunfire and Molotov cocktails at a military base in Mariupol. A hospital official indicated five people had been treated for gunshot wounds, and local government officials reported three dead, according to OSCE. This unsettled situation speaks to the drama, tension and challenges for those hoping for a speedy, peaceful resolution. Even as he announced the pact Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry stressed that the proof of the agreement would be in its swift implementation on the ground. "The job will not be done until these principles are implemented and are followed up on," he said. Kerry warned Russia could face "further costs" if the situation does not de-escalate in line with the concrete steps set out in the statement. Ukraine's leaders must also play their part in calming the situation, he said. Caution, skepticism greet deal . His boss, U.S. President Barack Obama, said the hope is that "diplomacy may de-escalate the situation," but admitted that is not a given. "I don't think we can be sure of anything at this point," he said at a news conference Thursday. The President added the United States and its allies "have to be prepared -- potentially -- to respond" to continued efforts by Russia to interfere in southern and eastern Ukraine. Already, he signed off on more nonlethal aid to Ukraine's military and state border guard service. At the same time, Obama said U.S. military options are still not on the table "because this is not a situation that would be amendable to a clear military solution." Rear Adm. John Kirby, the Pentagon press secretary, told CNN's "New Day" that the focus now was "appropriately on diplomatic and economic pressure" rather than military might. "We're hopeful about the agreement. Now it's time for Russia to meet the obligations under that agreement and to help disarm, and to remove from those buildings, those armed militants," he said. Anti-Semitic fliers in eastern Ukraine denounced . Putin: Intervention still an option . The emergency talks in Geneva were called amid the spiraling crisis in Ukraine that has seen East-West relations at their most strained since the end of the Cold War. Even as the negotiations in Geneva were under way, Russian President Vladimir Putin made clear in his annual televised call-in session with the Russian people that military intervention in Ukraine remains an option. Moscow denies it has any intention of invading but says it reserves the right to protect Russian speakers in eastern Ukraine. It has warned in the past week that Ukraine is "on the brink of a civil war." NATO says Russia has about 40,000 troops assembled near Ukraine's eastern border. In a story posted Friday on the website of Russia's state-owned Rossiya 1, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov acknowledged additional Russian troops were moved close to the Ukraine border "due to the instability of the political situation." "It is a country where they just had a coup," he said, referring to Yanukovych's ouster, "and any country would take measures to provide security. And also we should remember that Russia is an absolutely free country and has a right to move their military." Putin recently ceded that Russian forces had been active in Ukraine's Crimea region to support local defense forces, the first time he has acknowledged the deployment of Russian troops on the Black Sea peninsula. Peskov explained that Putin made this decision only after citizens in the majority Russian-speaking peninsula voted last month to align with Russia. "Crimea was an act of protection of Russian people and their right to have a referendum," he said. The spokesman defended Moscow and sharply criticized the United States and European Union for their "hypocrisy" for siding with "illegal, armed groups (who) won a so-called revolution." Putin won't back down in the face of Western demands and under the threat of sanctions, he said. "Russia should not be addressed or treated like a schoolgirl with a checklist of things to do," Peskov said. Ukraine military push appears to lose momentum in the east . Diplomats agree on steps to de-escalate tensions in Ukraine . Opinion: Is Ukraine about to go nuclear again? CNN's Phil Black reported from Donetsk, Laura Smith-Spark wrote and reported from London, and Greg Botelho wrote and reported from Atlanta. CNN's Frederik Pleitgen, Kellie Morgan and journalist Azad Safarov, all in Kiev, contributed to this report, as did Tim Lister and Arwa Damon in Donetsk, and Anna Maja Rappard and Tatyana Drotenko in Atlanta. | NEW: Kremlin spokesman: Troops near Ukraine border due to political instability .
NEW: He blasts West for hypocrisy, says Russia won't be "treated like a schoolgirl"
Protest leader in Donetsk, Ukraine, says Russia did not speak for his group with pact .
Russia is under pressure to use influence to persuade protesters to leave seized buildings . |
16,250 | 2e188e3ea7133196d18f0c996cc4768ff31e5886 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:09 EST, 11 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:09 EST, 11 June 2013 . Residents in a rural Texas neighborhood have expressed their outrage over a shooting range that allows gunmen to fire hundreds of bullets while dangling from a helicopter near their homes. Homeowners in Denton County, North Texas said the helicopter and gunfire disrupts the tranquil area and they fear that a bullet could ricochet into one of their homes, causing serious damage. Helicopter Sniper Adventure offers customers the chance to shoot targets on land and water as they fly through the sky on a helicopter. 'It's like the ultimate video game,' Dan Claassen from the company told WFAA. Fears: A gunman is seen shooting from a helicopter at a shooting range that has concerned neighbors . Customers pay $795 for the game and use as many as 500 rounds as they navigate the course. But neighbors do not consider it quite so enjoyable - and have captured cell phone footage of the noise of the helicopter as it hovers over the area. 'The first time they were hovering . right over our two acres, shooting at whatever,' neighbor Michael Lauer told WFAA. 'You really . didn't know - were they shooting at me?' He added: 'You just know, some day, one of them is going to hit the house or do something.' 'Challenge': Gun lovers board a helicopter in Denton, Texas and shoot targets from the sky . Taking aim: Gunmen shoot balloons and moving targets - but neighbors worry bullets could ricochet . 'Like a video game': Another shooter takes aim at target as he zooms over the range, which is entirely legal . But Claassen shrugged off their concerns. 'It's not like we're endangering anybody's life with our flight patterns or our techniques,' he said. The company insists it is safe, adding that the helicopter is the quietest that has been developed. They add that the helicopter only flies over the shooting range and only goes out every other week. 'It's not like we're hitting this every . day,' said Claassen. 'So it's not noise pollution.' The company details the course on its website. Worry: Neighbor Michael Lauer said that at first he thought the gunfire was going to hit him . 'As you depart in the helicopter with your safety officer, you will be flown through and around various target opportunities,' it explains. 'Targets will fall away, rotate and even explode when hit - be prepared for any and everything! Your score will depend on your ability to adapt to air assault challenges.' Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration and Denton County said the practice is legal. The neighbors said they may take the issue to court. See below for video . | Helicopter Sniper Adventure in Denton, Texas holds day-long shooting challenges where people fire at targets while flying over driving range .
But neighbors say they fear ricocheting bullets and noise pollution . |
243,286 | c6dac4a87eb72c976b861db35cb611f68cbf5b31 | Within hours of becoming a national hero, a viral video star and the top topic on Twitter, Charles Ramsey talked about having trouble getting sleep. It wasn't because of all the excitement that followed his knocking down a Cleveland neighbor's door, freeing three women and a girl who police say were held hostage for years. Instead, Ramsey told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Tuesday, it was about knowing he had lived for a year near the captive women on the city's West Side. "Up until yesterday the only thing that kept me from losing sleep was the lack of money," the restaurant dishwasher said on "Anderson Cooper 360." "I could have done this last year, not this hero stuff," said Ramsey. "Just do the right thing." Ramsey recounted Monday night's drama, when he heard a girl scream "like a car had hit a kid." He ran from his living room, clutching a half-eaten McDonald's Big Mac, to the house and helped free a woman identified as Amanda Berry. "Amanda said, 'I've been trapped in here. He won't let me out. It's me and my baby." Who are the three women freed in Cleveland? Ramsey and a man named Angel Cordero broke down the door, CNN affiliate WEWS reported in an earlier interview heard around the world. Ramsey told CNN he had never seen Berry before Monday, and at first, he could not place the name. "Berry didn't register with me until I was on the phone, like wait a minute, I thought this girl was dead." "She's like, 'This (expletive) kidnapped me and my daughter,'" he told the 911 operator, according to WEWS. Why the Web loves Ramsey . After police arrived, Berry explained there were other women inside. When police came out with them, Ramsey told the station, "it was astonishing." Berry was last seen after finishing her shift at a Burger King in Cleveland in 2003 on the eve of her 17th birthday. The other two women are Georgina "Gina" DeJesus, who disappeared at age 14 in 2004, and Michelle Knight, who vanished in August 2002, at age 21, according to police. Ramsey told CNN he is no hero and should not receive any reward. "You've got to put that being a coward and 'I don't want to get in nobody's business,'" he said. "You got to put that away for a minute." 'I barbecue with this dude' While Ramsey's quick action in the largely rundown neighborhood made him a hero, his colorful descriptions to WEWS helped make him dream fodder for the Twitterverse. Explaining that he had no idea Ariel Castro, his neighbor, may have had other people inside his home, Ramsey said, "I've been here a year. You see where I'm coming from? I barbecue with this dude. We eat ribs and whatnot and listen to salsa music... "He just comes out to his backyard, plays with the dogs, tinkers with his cars and motorcycles, goes back in the house. So he's somebody you look, then look away. He's not doing anything but the average stuff. You see what I'm saying? There's nothing exciting about him. Well, until today." Castro "got some big testicles to pull this off, bro," Ramsey told WEWS. "Because we see this dude every day. I mean every day." He added, "I knew something was wrong when a little, pretty white girl ran into a black man's arms. Something is wrong here. Dead giveaway." In one of the top tweets about Ramsey, comedian Patton Oswalt wrote, "Dear Charles Ramsey: I am not a little pretty white girl, but I totally want to run into your black arms. #hero." Hodge's restaurant in Cleveland posted a message on Facebook saying, "we're extremely proud of our employee Charles Ramsey for not turning his back on the young women. He's a true Cleveland hero. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the women, their families and their friends." Restaurant owner Chris Hodgson told CNN that Ramsey goes above and beyond in his duties. "You give him something to do, and he'll do more," he said. "We always look forward to seeing him, because you know he's gonna bring a smile to your face." Hodgson said people have offered to raise money for Ramsey, but the employee would end up giving it to the victims and their families. The company is working with other restaurants to plan fund-raisers for the families, Hodgson said. For its part, McDonald's Corp., on its Twitter account Tuesday, said, "Way to go Charles Ramsey -- we'll be in touch." Despite his assertions, Ramsey and Berry were praised as heroes by John Walsh, former host of TV's "America's Most Wanted." At an awards dinner for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Walsh said he called Ramsey on Tuesday to tell him that. "You are the guy who decided in 30 seconds to go up and spring a woman from a house of hell that she's been in and was desperate to get out that door with her 6-year-old daughter," Walsh recalled saying. Ramsey said he was raised to help women in distress, said Walsh. Ramsey interview goes viral, gets autotune treatment . Breathless 911 call . Ramsey's demeanor comes across clearly in his 911 call. "Hey bro," Ramsey tells the 911 operator. "Check this out. I just came from McDonald's right? So I'm on my porch eating my little food, right? This broad is trying to break out the f-----g house next door to me, so there's a bunch of people on the street right now and s--t. So we're like, 'What's wrong, what's the problem?' She's like, 'This m--------r done kidnapped me and my daughter ... She said her name is Linda Berry or some s--t. I don't know who the f--k that is, I just moved over here, bro. You know what I mean?" He then answers the 911 operator's questions about the woman, what she looks like, and what she's wearing. Ramsey tells the operator an address which he says corresponds to Berry's location, not Ramsey's home address. "I'm smarter than that, bro. I'm telling you where the crime was, not my house," he says. "Are the people that she said did this, are they still in the house?" the 911 operator asks. "I don't have a f-----g clue, bro. Like I said, I just came from McDonald's." The operator then asks him to check whether Berry needs an ambulance. "She needs everything. She's in a panic, bro. She's been kidnapped, so, you know, put yourself in her shoes." "We'll send the police out," the operator responds. | I'm no hero, Charles Ramsey tells CNN .
Charles Ramsey's 911 call: "She needs everything. She's in a panic, bro."
His quick action freed three women and a girl allegedly held captive .
Ramsey works as a dishwasher at a local restaurant . |
121,214 | 28b7c72403a3a49a1e3bb62148db57e8b2a745e0 | More than 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. Among 16 to 19-year-olds, this leaps to one in three who believe people are partly to blame if they have been drinking. It then falls to fewer than one in four for people over the age of 25. Research by the Office for National Statistics also revealed that a fifth of victims of sexual assaults were unconscious or asleep. Three out of ten were ‘under the influence’ of alcohol. One in three teenagers said a rape victim's drunkenness made them 'completely', 'mostly' or 'a little' responsible . The study comes at a time of huge controversy over rape laws in the wake of the Ched Evans case. The Welsh international footballer was released from prison in October, halfway through a five-year sentence for raping a 19-year-old woman. Jurors had decided that a woman he had sex with was too drunk to consent. Last month, the row intensified further when the head of the Crown Prosecution Service, Alison Saunders, said society must ‘challenge’ the view that rape victims should be blamed if they had been ‘drinking’. Footballer Ched Evans was convicted of raping a 19-year-old after a jury found she was too drunk to consent . However yesterday’s ONS report – based on the Crime Survey for England and Wales, which questions thousands of people – found a sizeable minority did think that people who had consumed alcohol before they were attacked should shoulder some responsibility. Some 6 per cent said the victim is ‘completely/mostly responsible’ if they were drunk. A further 20 per cent said they were ‘a little bit responsible’. Two-thirds of respondents said the victim was ‘not responsible’ and 7 per cent didn’t know. Among those aged 25 to 44, around 23 per cent felt that a person who was drunk was at least partly responsible. For those aged 16 to 19, the figure was 33 per cent. Sarah Green, from the campaign group End Violence Against Women Coalition, said: ‘We already know that a significant minority of the population are inclined to blame women for being raped, but what should be a cause of great concern in these figures is the fact that younger people are more likely to blame women and girls for rape. ‘Young people today are bombarded with confusing messages about men and women and sexuality – women are constantly portrayed as sex objects and it is implied that it is ‘natural’ for men to pursue women to the point of coercion.’ The figures also showed that for over half of victims – 57 per cent – physical force had been used by the offender to try and make them have sex. One in ten victims reported that the offender had choked or tried to strangle them. A quarter reported that they had been frightened or threatened. Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders suggested people accused of rape should have to prove how their alleged victim had consented . Overall, sex offences recorded by police rose to 64,205 in 2013/14 – the most since 2002/03 – and the ONS said there was a ‘greater willingness’ to report abuse. Experts added that the rise in reports was ‘thought to reflect’ better recording. At a special conference on rape last month, CPS head Mrs Saunders said people accused of sexual crimes must be able to show they had the person’s consent. ‘For too long society has blamed rape victims for confusing the issue of consent – by drinking or dressing provocatively for example,’ she said. ‘It is not a crime to drink, but it is a crime to target someone who is no longer capable of consenting to sex through drink.’ | Shock findings published by the Office for National Statistics today .
Teens and those in their late 50s are the least sympathetic to rape victims .
It will trigger further debate about the role of consent in rape cases .
Issue thrown into spotlight after rape conviction of footballer Ched Evans .
Evans convicted of rape after a jury found victim was too drunk to consent . |
61,020 | ad55385e6126535fdfb3cdacb53f7d775c8e72b0 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A high school student who suffers from multiple sclerosis has turned the condition into an advantage on the track field - because she cannot feel pain in her legs. Since Kayla Montgomery, 18, from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was diagnosed with the condition three years ago, she has gone on to become one of the fastest high school runners in the country. The condition blocks nerve signals from her legs to . her brain, meaning she cannot sense pain as she maintains a fast pace - giving her a bizarre athletic advantage. But exercise also causes her to go numb below the waist, meaning that she must continue moving or she will lose control of her body. At the finish line, her coach has to get ready to catch her. Scroll down for video . Fighter: Kayla Montgomery, 18, is one of the fastest high school track athletes in the country despite having multiple sclerosis. The condition blocks nerve signals from her legs to her brain so she cannot feel pain . In action: Exercise makes her legs numb so Kayla must keep momentum to stop from falling over . 'When I finish, it feels like there's nothing underneath me,' Montgomery, a senior at Mount Tabor High School, told the New York Times. 'I start out feeling normal and then my legs gradually go numb. I've trained myself to think about other things while I race, to get through. But when I break the motion, I can't control them and I fall.' After she falls at the finish line, her coach scoops her up and takes her to the side of the track where her teammates ice her legs until she can feel them again. It is a bizarre routine that has seen great success in a short time. When she first began running, she was one of the slowest on her team. But whereas a five-kilometer race used to take her 24:29, by last November, she had completed it in 17:22. Welcoming committee: At the end of every race, her coach and teammates catch her and carry her off . Pained: Teammates ice Kayla's legs until she regains feeling and can get back on her feet on her own . Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system. MS affects the brain and the nervous system and destroys myelin sheath layers between the nerves in the brain and spinal cord which stops impulses being carried around the body. It can cause blindness, slurred speech, muscle weakness and a loss of coordination. There is no known cause or cure for MS, which is twice as common in women than men. Between two and five per cent of cases are discovered in children under 16. It typically worsens during a 'flare' in symptoms - what doctors call an exacerbation. These can last anywhere from a couple days to a couple months and quicken the disease's progress in destroying the protective barrier around a person's nervous system. It is not known what causes MS. Environmental factors, exposure to infections and viruses and genes are all thought to play a part. And last month, the teenager won the North Carolina state title in the 3,200 meters. She completed the route in 10 minutes 43 seconds, placing her 21st in the country. Next week, she hopes to break 17 minutes as she competes in a five-kilometer race at the national indoor track championships in New York. Her coach said that he was immediately struck by her determination. 'When she was diagnosed, she said to me, "Coach, I don’t know how much time I have left, so I want to run fast - don't hold back",' said Patrick Cromwell. 'That's when I said, "Wow, who are you?"' Montgomery was diagnosed with the condition when she could not feel her legs following soccer practice and track meets three years ago. Her coach initially dismissed her numbness as normal but when it remained, he said he knew it wasn't usual fatigue and Montgomery visited a doctor, who discovered lesions on her brain and spine. But following treatment, she returned to the track. Support: Her coach, Patrick Cromwell, said he had been stunned by her determination after her diagnoses . No giving up: Kayla, pictured saying a prayer before a meet, left, says she forces herself to fight on . She knows that it's only a matter of time before MS - which does not have a cure - puts her in wheelchair. But until then, she's not giving up. Sometimes she has been particularly tested, such as during a state cross-country meet last year when she tripped on another runner's foot while leading and fell to the ground. She was unable to get back to her legs and have to crawl to a nearby fence to help her get back on her feet - and she ran into 10th place. 'I make myself do it,' she said. 'I tell . myself, "I know you're tired and you can't feel anything and it's hard . but you're going to finish this." And then I do.' While she claims that some universities never called her back after she told them she had MS, Lipscomb University in Tennessee offered her a scholarship and she will start there this fall. | Kayla Montgomery was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 3 years ago and decided to run track while she still could .
The condition blocks nerve signals from her legs to her brain, meaning she cannot feel pain in her legs as she runs .
But the exercise also makes her numb so her coach must get ready to catch her as she crosses the finish line .
She won the North Carolina state title last month and ranks 21st in the country . |
123,987 | 2c47c16341996ec012c7648e4f2cc6a9043ac404 | Barack Obama's administration has cut the budget nearly in half for preventing domestic bombings, MailOnline can reveal. Under President George W. Bush, the Department of Homeland Security had $20 million allocated for preventing the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by terrorists working inside the United States. The current White House has cut that funding down to $11 million. That assessment comes from Robert Liscouski, a former Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection, in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings on April 15 that killed three Americans and injured at least 173 others. He told MailOnline that the Obama-era DHS is, on the whole, about as well-positioned as it was during the Bush administration to handle the aftermath of the April 15 bombings in Boston, 'but the Obama administration has continued to cut the budget for offices such as the Office for Bombing Prevention from $20 million started under Bush, to $11 million today.' Robert Liscouski was the first Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection, and was responsible for creating the Office of Infrastructure Protection Directorate. That sub-agency's job included protecting U.S. sites from improvised explosives, and it later spun off the Office for Bombing Prevention . President Obama received an updated briefing on the Boston Marathon explosions during an April 16 meeting. OBP was represented by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, at far left . 'Comparatively,' he added, 'the Defense Department's Joint IED Defeat Organization had a budget of $1 billion per year focused on preventing IEDs in the Iraq and Afghanistan theaters.' 'Clearly more money needs to be focused on countering domestic IEDs,' Liscouski concluded. He is now a partner at Edge 360, a security and intelligence consultancy. The Office for Bombing Prevention (OBP) was created in 2003 when the Department of Homeland Security was founded. Its original name was the WMD/Bombing Prevention Unit, and it was part of the department's Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate. The sub-agency was renamed the Office for Bombing Prevention in 2006, according to a 2009 DHS briefing booklet obtained by MailOnline and marked 'FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.' Today the OBP describes its mission as 'enhanc[ing] the Nation’s ability to prevent, protect against, respond to, and mitigate the terrorist use of explosives against critical infrastructure, the private sector, and Federal, State, local, tribal, and territorial entities.' Its website says it works to 'coordinate national and intergovernmental bombing prevention efforts' and 'enhance counter-IED capabilities.' In February, President Obama issued a National Policy for Countering Improvised Explosives that now governs OBP. 'We must not become complacent,' he wrote . Patrick Starke, an accomplished security expert, runs the Office for Bombing Prevention. He has managed security operations in the Navy, and was also an explosive ordnance disposal officer . But little is known about what role OBP actually plays in attempting . to prevent bombings at public events that could be considered . target-rich environments . Patrick Starke has headed the office since August 2012. He has lengthy security management experience with a defense contractor, in the Navy, and as an explosive ordnance disposal officer. On February 26 the Obama White House issued a lengthy National Policy . for Countering Improvised Explosive Devices. Obama wrote in an . introduction to that document that 'we have no greater responsibility . than providing for the safety and security for [sic] our citizens, . allies, and partners ... The use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) threatens these interests by killing, injuring, and intimidating . citizens and political leaders around the world.' 'We must not become complacent,' he wrote. The policy document included statements about 'enhancing our focus on protecting American lives' and 'screening, detecting, and protecting our people, facilities, transportation systems, [and] critical infrastructure.' Obama's effort followed President George W. Bush's 2007 Homeland Security Presidential Directive-19, which established a national policy on 'the prevention and detection of, protection against, and response to terrorist use of explosives (and IEDs) in the United States.' President George W. Bush (L) created the Department of Homeland Security in 2003 as part of a broad response to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon. Former Pennsylvania Governor Tom Ridge (R) was the cabinet-level agency's first secretary . White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary Joshua Earnest didn't respond to a question about whether there were any failures in the president's National Policy for Countering Improvised Explosive Devices, or whether it was too soon to judge the February 2013 policy's effectiveness. He referred MailOnline's questions about the president's February policy statement to DHS, where public affairs officer Brian Hyer didn't immediately provide answers to questions. Earnest also didn't respond to a question about how much money Obama's current budget proposal, delivered to Congress on April 10, allocates for domestic prevention of terrorist bombing attacks on American soil. But the February White House policy document acknowledged that 'the threat from IED use is likely to remain high in the coming decade and will continue to evolve in response to our abilities to counter them.' 'A whole-of-government approach ... will best position the United States to discover plots to use IEDs in the United States, or against U.S. persons abroad, before those threats become imminent. The Boston-area Joint Terrorism Task Force did not respond to questions about whether an OBP representative was an active member. Homeland Secretary Janet Napolitano is responsible for overseeing the federal government's efforts to prevent bombings like the ones that claimed three lives on April 15. Her press office did not answer questions about why the agency had cut funding for preventing improvised explosive devices . | $20 million budget under Bush became $11 million under Obama .
Both administrations neglected domestic bombing prevention, devoting a tiny fraction of the $1 billion earmarked for IED prevention overseas .
Obama issued a lengthy 'National Policy for Countering Improvised Explosive Devices' in February but a spokesman won't say if it failed . |
216,553 | a45cf1a7aad891bab7c4d33dc67b6ece88a0f0c4 | (CNN) -- Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will join the judges' panel on "American Idol" for the show's ninth season beginning in 2010, a Fox spokeswoman confirmed Wednesday. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience to her role. "I'm thrilled to be the new judge on American Idol," DeGeneres said Wednesday. "I've watched since the beginning, and I've always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote." The popular comedian and entertainer will fill a seat left vacant by Paula Abdul, who announced she was leaving the show in August after eight seasons. Was DeGeneres the right replacement? DeGeneres will sit alongside Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi after auditions are completed for the popular talent show, which starts in January. Until then, guest judges including Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris will fill the empty slot, Fox said. Watch Jackson discuss what DeGeneres brings to the show » . "We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres join the "American Idol" judges' table this season. She is truly one of America's funniest people and a fantastic performer who understands what it's like to stand up in front of audiences and entertain them every day," said Mike Darnell, president of Alternative Entertainment for Fox. "We feel that her vast entertainment experience, combined with her quick wit and passion for music, will add a fresh new energy to the show." DeGeneres brings years of experience in front of a live audience as the host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," now in its seventh season, and the host of the 79th Annual Academy Awards. In her new role, the Emmy Award-winning talk show host faces the task of winning over Abdul's supporters, who lamented that her departure would irreparably alter the show. The singer-dancer turned "Idol" judge was known for her positive comments to the singers participating in the shows. She was also known for her on-camera run-ins with Cowell and other judges in the show. "With sadness in my heart, I've decided not to return to Idol. I'll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day 1 become an international phenomenon," a statement on Abdul's verified Twitter account said last month. | The popular talk show host will fill seat on judges' panel left empty by Paula Abdul .
DeGeneres will will join the judges' panel after the auditions, which begin in January .
"Think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote," DeGeneres says . |
31,889 | 5abf64e09cbb37156d1d0b3594c974b2c52a66af | By . Sami Mokbel . Follow @@SamiMokbel81_DM . Arsene Wenger has hit back at Steven Gerrard after the Liverpool skipper revealed he told Luis Suarez to snub a move to Arsenal. The Gunners tried to sign Suarez last summer and Gerrard, who is on tour in the USA with Liverpool, said he advised the Uruguay striker not to join Arsenal because he was ‘too good’ for them. But Wenger insisted: ‘You’re never too good for Arsenal and Steven Gerrard knows that but I can understand completely that he asked him to stay because he wanted him [Suarez] to play with him and have a chance to win the Premier League. But it didn’t happen, and anyway, Suarez left.’ VIDEO Scroll down to watch Arsene Wenger say no player is too good for Arsenal . Defended: Wenger has hit back at Steven Gerrard's claims that Luis Suarez is too good for Arsenal . Close relationship: Suarez and Gerrard share a close friendship due to their time together at Liverpool . Meanwhile, Barcelona look to be in pole position to land Thomas Vermaelen; they will make a £10million offer for the Belgium central defender next week. Manchester United are also interested in signing Vermaelen, who is attracting other European clubs, but Sportsmail understands Arsenal prefer to sell their captain abroad. Vermaelen knows his playing time will be limited next season with Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker established as Wenger’s first- choice central defensive pairing and the manager said: ‘If he goes we have to replace him because he’s an important player in our squad. I expect him to stay but he, of course, did not play enough games last year. For me he’s a very important player but I couldn’t guarantee him the games he wanted last year.’ Wenger, who says he also wants to kept Costa Rica forward Joel Campbell despite interest from AC Milan, has backed Alexis Sanchez to emerge from Lionel Messi’s shadow to become Arsenal’s main man. The £30million signing from Barcelona is set to make his debut in the Emirates Cup this weekend and, in comparing Sanchez to his former Nou Camp team-mate Neymar, Wenger says the Chilean can become a global star in his own right. Barca bound? Wenger admitted Thomas Vermaelen could leave this summer, with the La Liga side interested . Quality: Wenger hopes Alexis Sanchez can give Arsenal an extra dimension this season . ‘He’s a good finisher who made a great impression in Italy (with Udinese), I saw him there and he was really outstanding. And then at Barcelona it was a bit more difficult,’ said Wenger. ‘But it’s like you could see with Neymar at Barcelona, because there you have Messi. You see Neymar with Brazil and Neymar with Barcelona and it’s not the same. ‘I like the fact he can play left, right, up front and that’s why I went for him. But I took him because he is a player who has the qualities of Walcott, he goes behind the defenders off the ball. ‘And with the quality of his runs he can be very important for us. Will he give us an extra dimension? Yes, I think so, and I hope I’m right.’ Dream move: Suarez sealed a move to Barcelona earlier this month after Liverpool decided to cash in . David Ospina will miss the Emirates Cup this weekend with a thigh injury but Calum Chambers is set to make his debut. He is one of seven high-profile exits from Southampton this summerand Wenger reckons the Saints would be a major European force had they not sold their top talent. ‘I respect first of all the quality of work they have done because you look at Southampton and you think the team they had last year, plus Walcott, Oxlade-Chamberlain, plus Gareth Bale who came out from there. They could have won the European Cup had they managed to keep everybody together. ‘But unfortunately the modern game has changed and the smaller clubs with less potential are not in a position any more to keep their players.’ | Steven Gerrard said he told Luis Suarez he was too good for Arsenal .
But Wenger has responded: 'Nobody is too good for Arsenal'
Suarez moved to Barcelona from Liverpool for £75million last month .
Wenger insists Arsenal are close to winning the Premier League . |
226,944 | b1de5d24c4232e8324fb096066fc8b47e45413a3 | By . Kimberley Dadds . PUBLISHED: . 05:29 EST, 2 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:59 EST, 3 June 2013 . Police cars were spotted arriving at Tulisa Contostavlos's house today just hours after she was exposed as an alleged drug fixer and was caught arranging an £800 cocaine deal through a friend. An undercover reporter from The Sun . newspaper revealed the scandal and unveiled how she helped arrange the . drug deal through introduction. The publication also revealed it had handed over a dossier of information on the scandal to the Metropolitan police - and this morning a police car was seen turning up to the singer's home. On camera: An undercover reporter from The Sun newspaper revealed the scandal and unveiled how Tulisa helped arrange the drug deal through introduction . Probe: Referring to grams of cocaine as 'white sweets', she is said to have given out a mobile number for her friend - a rapper known as Mike GLC (pictured) - who later allegedly sold journalists £800 of cocaine . In a bag: Tests were said to have revealed the half an ounce of powder contained a mixture including the class-A drug . Holiday: Tulisa and Mike GLC leaving Marbella last week . The report claimed that the former X Factor judge even boasted . to a tabloid reporter about her links to drugs and claimed to be able to . get hold of 'whatever you want'. During . one meeting with the reporter, Tulisa told him: 'Half my phone book . sells it. Of course I can get it for you. Half the guys I know are drug . dealers.' The N-Dubz star also revealed her best friend is a 'massive cocaine dealer'. And . that brag was proved correct when her pal - Mike GLC - allegedly sold . £800 worth of the Class A drug to the undercover reporter after Tulisa . had sent text messages to him to sort the deal out. Held: Former X Factor judge Tulisa has been arrested on suspicion of supplying class A drugs after a newspaper sting. She is pictured with rapper Mike GLC who allegedly sold £800 of cocaine to a reporter . Visit: On Sunday morning, hours after the newspaper expose, a police car was seen arriving at Tulisa's house . Being questioned? The N-Dubz star opened the gates for the car but has so far made no comment about the scandal . Back to Blighty: Tulisa in shorts and a vest at the patrol station in North London on Friday . During an evening out with the . undercover reporter from The Sun, the singer was asked if she could hold . of some cocaine, to which she replied 'yes, definitely'. She then gave him a number and gave the reporter instructions to call him and say he was her friend and he 'will sort you out'. The . reporter then spoke to Mike, who said he only supplied wholesale . quantities of the drug and eventually agreed to sell half an ounce for . £800, with an added £20 for delivery costs. 'Half my phone book sells it' The popstar is said to have bragged about her ability to get drugs . Best friends: Mike was recently spotted partying with Tulisa as they jetted off to Marbella together . In pictures revealed in The Sun he is . then seen handing over a plastic bag of white powder during their . arranged meeting at The Dorchester Hotel in London. Mike was recently spotted partying with Tulisa as they jetted off to Marbella together. Tulisa, . who has previously claimed she turned her back on drugs when she was . 14, also revealed during one chat that she has developed a special . 'lingo' for when she wants to arrange narcotics. She revealed that she refers to drugs . as 'sweets' - with 'green sweets' meaning cannabis and 'white sweets' referring to cocaine. Party lifestyle: The star showed off her love of partying on a recent holiday to Marbella . Although . she did reveal that she doesn't take cocaine herself, although later . freely admitted that she loves to smoke weed to help her fall asleep . every night. And she also boasted of her previous drug dealer roots. Tulisa revealed that she used to deal drugs when she was young because 'she was pretty and female, no one suspected me'. She also used to date a drug dealer when she was 16 and would hide his drugs in lottery tickets. The singer, who recently left The X Factor line-up, has previously revealed all about her troubles growing up. Pictured: Mike, pictured above, is said to have done the deal with the undercover reporter . But . in recent years she has made an effort to reinvent her image to make . herself a good role model for her millions of young fans. In . her autobiography, she said: 'Why am I a role model? Because I have . been myself. I'm an inspiration for Broken Britain. I didn't want to be . seen as a negative role model for young kids. I felt like I had a . responsibility to behave in a certain way.' A . spokesperson for the Metropolitan police said: 'We have received . information concerning the alleged supply of illegal drugs at a central . London location. We are considering the information.' A representative for Tulisa declined to comment when contacted by the MailOnline. Allegations: The report claimed Tulia allegedly boasted to a tabloid reporter about her links to drugs and claimed to be able to get hold of 'whatever you want' | Reporter allegedly shows how Contostavlos helped arrange drug deal .
Report claims former X Factor judge even boasted about links to drugs .
N-Dubz star also revealed her best friend is a 'massive cocaine dealer' |
106,608 | 15830c014dba03d31c314ab76f455ee9ae6ed600 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 02:13 EST, 6 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:52 EST, 6 February 2013 . The 26-year-old husband of Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes is to run for Congress, it was revealed today. Sean Eldridge, a Democrat activist who heads an investment firm, filed the papers on Tuesday to challenge the Republican seat in New York's Hudson Valley. The district is currently held by Representative Chris Gibson - a two-term Republican and decorated war hero. Power couple: Sean Eldridge (left), the 26-year-old husband of Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes (right), is planning a run for Congress . Gibson was re-elected at the November elections winning 53 per cent of the vote. Eldridge and Hughes, who has a fortune of an estimated $500million, have positioned themselves as something of a gay power couple since tying the knot last year. Facebook co-founder, Mr Hughes, 28, married Mr Eldridge, then 25, last July at the couple's $5 million estate in Garrison, New York. The wedding was attended by Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his new wife Priscilla Chan. Along with Mr Zuckerberg, whose presence was leaked by insiders, guests including Ivanka Trump, Arianna Huffington and Senator Chuck Schumer partied into the night. Mr Hughes, who bought a majority stake in The New Republic last April appointing himself publisher and editor-in-chief, and his new husband, have emerged as a significant force in New York's political circles. Challenged: The Hudson Valley seat is held by Representative Chris Gibson, a Republican who won 53 per cent of the vote in November . Hughes was played by Patrick Mapel, far right, in the 2010 film The Social Network . The pair are keen fund-raisers for progressive issues including gay rights and have held several events at the $5 million 4,000-square-foot loft they own in Crosby Street in SoHo. Last year, the young men hosted a reception for New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, attending by House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, who, according to Twitter, was getting down to 'All The Single Ladies' by Beyoncé at their wedding. 'In a short period of time, Sean and Chris have had a big impact on the political life of New York,' Richard Socarides, a Democratic political strategist and former White House aide during the Clinton administration, previously told The Times. A force to be reckoned with: The couple have become influential in Democratic circles and throw lavish fundraisers . | Sean Eldridge is a well-known campaigner and investment fund manager .
Couple married in 2011 at $5million estate in Garrison, New York .
Eldridge challenges Republican Chris Gibson for Hudson Valley seat . |
52,988 | 964e6b0c2d0f0deb7f9a8a243c90e7e55d01d196 | By . Deborah Arthurs At London Fashion Week . There is one word to sum up Julien Macdonald, and it's an obvious one, given that it's his favourite: fabulous. And that, as ever, is the best way to describe the Welsh designer's catwalk show. This is a man, after all, who has crystal balls in his kitchen and wears gold kaftans to Tesco (probably). His show today was a feast of glitter and glamour: gold gowns sprinkled with shimmering paillettes; chiffon dresses in palest oyster with sparkling silver mesh; backless pieces with sweeping trains and sheer cut-out sections revealing a glimpse of (beglittered) skin beneath. Scroll down for video . Showstoppers: Julien Macdonald's collection was, as ever, all about . metallics, high shine and unapologetic glamour. 'The people who buy my . clothes don't worry about money,' he said. 'They buy the best, they love . diamonds, jewellery.' CENTRE: Stand out: The leotard Pixie Lott was . eyeing up, saying, 'it would look amazing in a music video'. RIGHT: The collection was incredibly intricate and had taken hours to finesse . Hard work: Welsh designer Julien Macdonald says creating a collection is 'painful' - with hours of embroidery and sewing on beads - but the results are stunning . Feminine: Inspiration came during a friend's 40th birthday party in Marrakech, where Julien says he dressed in gold kaftan, gold slippers and wandered through the Souk, disregarding the laughter. 'I'm on my holidays, and if I want to wear a gold kaftan I will,' he said today . Spectacular: Delicate lace and shimmering embellishment on chiffon were the order of the day . I loved a silver gown with crackled mirror finish; a long-sleeved, space-age sequin beauty with centre split and a chiffon dress with intricate blue and silver embroidery that looked to have been stitched by elves. Pixie Lott, who sat front row, loved a rather daring leotard made of nothing more than chiffon and some judiciously placed beads and sequins. 'It'd be amazing for a music video,' she said. Abbey Clancy, wearing Macdonald, said the entire show was 'amazing', but in particular she adored a long black macro-crochet dress. 'But if I go out in it I'll definitely wear underwear,' she says. After the show, which also saw Paloma Faith, Eliza Doolittle, Laura Whitmore, Pixie Lott and Melissa Odabash perch front row in JM designs, Julien said the show was inspired by a recent trip to Morocco. 'We all went to Marrakech for my friend's 40th birthday party,' he says, holding court among his Strictly pals - none of whom can rival him in the body glitter stakes. 'I was so inspired by the colours, the textiles, the flowers, the femininity. 'But I was even more inspired in the evening when people went home and changed into the most glamorous outfits they wanted and they partied the night away under a very exotic sky.' Glamour: A red carpet ready dress on the runway . Exotic: Macdonald says he was inspired by a trip to Morocco . Magical: The fairytale collection included lashings of silver mesh . 'Fabulous': Abbey Clancy said from the FROW that this black crochet dress was her favourite - but she'd be wearing it with underwear - while right, metallic embroidery elevated gowns into the spectacular . Recession proof: Julien says his customers are the sort who buy diamonds - they're not phased by the poor economy . Make-up, by Val Garland, was ethereal, like a tribe of exotic fairies on a big night out.Models' skin dazzled with a layer of gold glitter, their hair (by Martin Cullen at Streeters) slicked back. Shoes were by Gina (models were slipping on sliding on the Perspex floor: 'Whatever! They looked fab-u-lous', said Julien afterwards). Julien, being Julien, wore a showstopper, of course. 'I was actually wearing - you're going to love this - a gold kaftan, with a gold belt, a gold Moroccan slipper, and a little pochette. 'And I walked through the Souk to my friend's birthday party. They all thought I was mad and everybody laughed at me. 'But I thought, you know what? I don't care. I'm on my holidays, I'm in Morocco. If I want to wear a gold kaftan... and I did actually wear a gold kaftan. I did it. And I loved it.' So when can the rest of us get away with wearing showstoppers like Julien's? 'You know what?' he says with typical enthusiasm. 'Any time, any place, anywhere. Just have fun with fashion, enjoy it. Enjoy yourself and be a woman. So what?' For Julien though, while he may be the very embodiment of mischievous devil-may-care once the work is done, nothing about the planning for his show is 'so what'. The preparation and backbreaking work that goes into creating such an extravagant show is no mean feat. Indeed, Julien has one word for it: Pain. 'It's a painful, arduous task of embroidery and sewing,' he laughs. 'It is a total nightmare that looks like a total dream at the end. It's a lot of hard work. We were doing the hair and make-up test in my kitchen at half past four this morning. 'In the end I was like, "guys, it's half past four, I'll see you at the venue tomorrow. If it's not working, we'll start all over again."' Take a bow: Julien enjoys the applause at the end of his enjoyable (and incredibly glamorous) show . The FROW: Model Abbey Clancy, actress Anna Kendrick, and singers Paloma Faith and Eliza Doolittle . | One of LFW's highlights, Macdonald showed at London's Guildhall .
Preparing for show is 'arduous' - was up till 4.30am testing make-up .
As always, S/S14 collection was a feast of glitter and glamour .
FROW included Abbey Clancey, Anna Kendrick, Pixie Lott, Paloma Faith . |
222,298 | abc26019ba0849e430eaa3561f2149993d506b71 | By . Oliver Todd . Follow @@oliver_todd . RZ Pellets: Kofler, Seebacher, Weber, Baldauf, Zulj, Ynclan, Trdina, Putsche, Standfest, Sollbauer, Drescher. Goal: De Oliviera, 55. Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Luis (Ake 60), Van Ginkel (Romeu 60), Matic (Chalobah 82), Salah (Swift 85), Baker (Boga 46), Brown (Christensen 79), Bamford (Solanke 60). Goal: Boga, 83. Host commentator . Thanks for joining Sportsmail's coverage of this pre season friendly. Keep an eye on the site for more of the same as Chelsea and the rest of the big clubs prepare for the big Premier League kick off next month. 'It was pretty physical because they've started the season already so we had to work even harder. 'Today I think I was good and I got a goal. I started near the half time and played a good one-two with Iva (Branislav Ivanovic) and it's a decent finish.' 'To play 90 minutes for the first time is demanding but I've been working hard towards fitness. 'The shoulder is good - if we didn't know that I'm safe to play I wouldn't but we made the decision to go ahead.' It ends 1-1 in Klagenfurt. Jeremie Boga superb equaliser cancels out Silvio de Oliviera's opener that may or not have crossed the line. Three minutes of added time. Looks like this is going to end a draw. 89 mins: Pellets make two substitutes with a minute left...is this time wasting in a pre season friendly?! Here's a Vine of Jeremie Boga's equaliser: . 85 mins: Boga looks on fire. This time he hits a free kick which skims off the top of the small and out for a corner. He's only 17, you know. 83 mins: Wonderful play from Jeremie Boga - he goes on a great run through and even despite losing balance he finishes brilliantly into the bottom left hand corner. 80 mins: Another substitute from Mourinho, Nathaniel Chalobah replaces Nemanja Matic deep in midfield. 78 mins: Talk of the devil...Ivanovic has gone up front. Also, a sub: Andreas Christensen comes on for Izzy Brown. 77 mins: Chelsea threw Branislav Ivanovic up front at the weekend and now it's John Terry's turn to make some advancing runs. The Chelea skipper wins a corner after finding his way into the penalty area, but the dead ball is wasted. 69 mins: Cech won't be giving up his No 1 shirt for Thibaut Courtois without a fight - here he makes a good reaction save and tips the ball over the bar from a close range header from de Oliviera to keep the score at 1-0. 67 mins: Chelsea have won a series of corners but they're still not creating a huge amount and Petr Cech has to beat away a strike from range as Pellets try to counter. 59 mins: Bamford, Luis and Van Ginkel come off for Dominic Solanke, Oriol Romeu and Nathan Ake . 55 mins: A cross gets knocked back across the box and it comes to Silvio de Oliviera whose shot comes off Petr Cech and hits the bar. It's deemed to be over the line by the linesman after some protests and the Austrians lead. 49 mins: Kurt Zouma shows off his reckless side. He gave away a penalty against Wimbledon at the weekend and now he goes in for a big challenge on the right hand touchline but takes all of the man and none of the ball. Off we go again in Klagenfurt as the referee gets us underway. Jeremie Boga is coming on for Lewis Baker. Good news: Marco van Ginkel has looked excellent in midfield for Chelsea - sharp passing, snappy challenges and generally looking very impressive. A quick screenshot of one of those big tackles is on show below... Bad news: This game is fairly dire. Chelsea haven't created any clear cut chances and when they have had a sight of goal it's been wasted with Pellets 'keeper Alexander Kofner only having to make easy saves so far. Where are Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa when you need them? Half time whistle goes in Klagenfurt and it's 0-0. Jose Mourinho will no doubt ring the changes at the break. 34 mins: Patrick Bamford does really well to hold off a defender and puts Izzy Brown, but the 17-year-old can't convert and his shot hits the 'keeper. 27 mins: Salah goes down in the area looking for a penalty under Rene Seebacher's challenge but he went down easily and it's certainly not a spot kick. Easy decision for the referee. 'Crowd bored here already at the Worthersee Stadion. The Mexican waves have begun.' 22 mins: Best chance of the half. Izzy Brown's ball comes to Mo Salah on the edge of the box and he goes for it first time - doesn't connect well enough though. It's tame and well saved. 21 mins: Pellets try to launch a counter attack down their right hand side but Filipe Luis shows he'll be a solid option for Chelsea on the left by dealing with it well. It's not the most exciting game so far - the crowd in Klagenfurt are already onto the Mexican waves... 15 mins: Patrick Bamford runs onto a ball from Nemanja Matic but he's too far wide really to shoot, but he gambles from a tight angle and hits the side netting. 12 min: Mo Salah dinks a ball over the top for Baker but it's slightly too long for him and he can't wrap his boot around it to knock it across the box. 11 mins: Marco van Ginkel is keen to impress... He's threw himself into a few big tackles so far. No holding back which is perhaps surprisingly for someone who spent most of last season out with injury. Mo Salah, by the way, has changed shirt number. He's switched from sporting the No 15 shirt to No 17. That former, of course, was Didier Drogba's number when he first joined Chelsea. Is Salah leaving it open for the legendary centre forward's return? 8 mins: Good chance for Chelsea as Baker makes a run down the right flank and plays the ball to Patrick Bamford - he slips it through for Mo Salah but the Egyptian (now not off to join the military) gets tackled as he hesitates on the edge of the area. 6 mins: Bit of a slow start here with no real chances but Lewis Baker has the first shot on target with a free kick - well struck but easily saved by the goalkeeper. And we're off, Chelsea are in all blue tonight with white socks after sporting their yellow strip against Wycombe and Wimbledon. Strong starting line-up from Chelsea there - even if Jose Mourinho is yet to trust his World Cup players with the chance to come back into the side. Diego Costa, Gary Cahill, Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas all crashed out of the group stage and are all left out. Filipe Luis does get a start though - he had the summer off after not being picked by Brazil, so it will be the first chance to see him in a Chelsea shirt. Hopefully we'll be seeing something like this: . Chelsea subs: Mitchell Beeney, Matej Delac, Nathan Ake, Oriol Romeu, Nathaniel Chalobah, Andreas Christensen, John Swift, Jeremie Boga, Dominic Solanke. Here's tonight's starting line up for Chelsea: . Starting XI: Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, Kurt Zouma, John Terry, Felipe Luis, Marco Van Ginkel, Nemanja Matic, Mo Salah, Lewis Baker, Izzy Brown, Patrick Bamford. So, Cech returns to the side after recovering from the dislocated shoulder he suffered in last season's Champions League semi final against Atletico Madrid. Filipe Luis makes his debut on the left hand side while youngsters Baker, Bamford and Brown all get a chance to impress. Expecting team news soon from Klagenfurt where Chelsea take on RZ Pellets. The Blues opponents finished seventh in the Austrian top flight this season and have already started their new campaign. They won 4-1 at the weekend so it should be a decent test for Jose Mourinho's side tonight. Returning . from the World Cup, Chelsea are back in action with their new recruits . in tow and you can follow their first game of their European pre season . tour . live with Sportsmail. The Blues are in action in Klagenfurt, Austria to kick-off their preparations for the . 2014/15 season, and Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis could all make their debuts. Jose . Mourinho will continue to give some of his squad's youngsters a chance . too - with Patrick Bamford, Lewis Baker and more joining the senior . players on tour. | Chelsea youngster's brilliant finish denied the home side .
He ran from his own half via a one-two to score .
Chelsea went behind in controversial circumstances as ball may not have crossed the line .
Filipe Luis made his debut in drab first half .
Petr Cech made his return from his dislocated shoulder injury . |
25,758 | 49007f94462e5cc71e8ce3297412bcabf48452b7 | San Bruno, California (CNN) -- At first, residents thought it was an earthquake. Or maybe a big airplane had crashed. San Bruno, after all, is adjacent to the San Francisco airport. They heard the booms. Then they saw the giant fireballs, some leaping 80 feet high. The flames were so hot, so intense, that the roar could be heard far away and the heat sucked up the air. They did not know then that a gas line that had ruptured and exploded, triggering a fire that would leave their town in apocalyptic hues. They would only find out later what had happened. But in the middle of the chaos, they simply tried to survive. Homes, lawns, cars -- everything burned. At least four people died. Many others gasped their way to hospitals, four of them fighting for their lives with excruciating third-degree burns. Read latest on California fire . Judy Serresseque felt her whole house shake as though a mighty quake was about to swallow northern California, her living room filled with an orange glow. "When I went to my front door, I looked out and everything was just flames," said Serresseque, who fled with her husband. "The heat was intense, and you could hear it, you could hear the hiss." A "big rumbling sound" sent Bob Hensel's cats into hiding. He looked long and hard for them before he pried open the garage door to escape the flames. As he drove off, he could see the bumper of his wife's car melt away. The explosion occurred Thursday evening, sending concrete chunks flying through the air. The heat from the blaze melted tail lights on cars parked blocks away. In daylight Friday, 15 acres of San Bruno resembled more a war zone than a quiet suburban California neighborhood. "I was standing next to a police officer who'd been in Baghdad, and he said he had never seen anything quite so bad as this," John Hampton, a freelance photographer who witnessed the fire, told CNN affiliate KGO. "It looks as if this area was firebombed." Another photographer, Bryan Carmody, documented the tragedy with his camera lens. He said the actual gas fire was contained to a small area, but houses just started catching fire, one after another. And the blaze turned into one continuous fireball. "The fire would just move from one house to the next because the fire was burning so fast and so big and so intensely," he said. "It was definitely a sight to see." Residents under evacuation orders fled to shelters. Others spent a panicked night in darkness after electricity was cut off. They feared for their friends, families and themselves, not knowing the path and scope of the fire. On Friday, cadaver dogs were still searching as authorities feared more than four people had perished in the blaze. Sergio Campos was on his way to class at Skyline College when he saw the fire and pulled over. Even from a distance, he could hear the roar. But he, like so many other confused San Bruno residents, didn't know whether to run toward the inferno to try to save people, or drive as far away as he could. CNN's Moni Basu contributed to this report. | At first, residents thought blast was a quake or a plane crash .
They heard the fire's roar and felt its intense heat .
The fire left 15 acres of San Bruno looking like a war zone . |
22,609 | 402bd5dfd32caa7f9a829e50323b8274ae8e14a2 | (CNN) -- Just days after giving birth to her second child, Dr. Jane Dimer drove herself home from the hospital to find her then-husband in bed with another woman. He threw Dimer down the stairs, and she never saw him again until court. Rihanna was allegedly attacked by her boyfriend, singer Chris Brown, before the Grammys on February 8. Dimer, now an obstetrician-gynecologist at Group Health Cooperative in Seattle, Washington, had been in an abusive relationship with her husband in Germany for 4½ years until he pushed her out 11 years ago. "Emotionally, the remnants of that stay for a long time," she said. Domestic violence is the most common cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44, according to the National Institutes of Health. With the entertainment world buzzing about pop sensation Rihanna, whose boyfriend Chris Brown has been formally charged with assaulting her, public interest in domestic violence has been reinvigorated. Abuse can influence a victim's future behavior in relationships and even in friendships, depending on whether the victim stays or leaves, said Mark Crawford, a clinical psychologist based in Roswell, Georgia. Those who stay are likely to stop trusting their own perceptions and become passive in both romantic and nonromantic relationships. Victims who do leave -- which is the healthier choice, Crawford said -- often become over-accommodating because they want to avoid conflict, even verbal disputes, at all costs. Some women won't trust people easily, if at all, and won't be able to handle even normal expressions of anger. Visit CNNHealth.com, your connection to better living . "What they need to do when they get out of the relationship is make sure they're aware of their own anger, and then they can learn how to freely express it in a healthy, normal way," he said. "If somebody's still having issues 10 years later, they just haven't worked through it. They haven't healed; they need to do that." New research shows that abuse victims feel the impact of violence long after it occurred. A recent study in the Journal of Women's Health found that older African-American women who were exposed to high levels of family violence at some point in their lifetimes -- whether by a partner or family member -- are at a greater risk of poor mental and physical health status. "Not just ongoing violence, which everybody thinks about, but even when it's over, there's something about what happens that seems to have a lingering effect that we don't quite understand yet," said Dr. Anuradha Paranjape, co-author of the study and associate professor at Temple University School of Medicine. It makes sense that abused women would report worse health, given that people in stressful situations have higher levels of stress hormones, which interfere with immune function, Crawford said. Other studies show a clear connection between depression and abuse. Adult women who have been abused in a relationship in the past five years have rates of depression 2½ times greater than women who have never been abused, according to a different study of more than 3,000 women. They are also more likely to be socially isolated, said author Amy Bonomi, associate professor at The Ohio State University. Women who have been abused prior to, but not during, the past five years had depression rates 1½ times greater than those without abuse experience, said Bonomi, who has collaborated with Dimer on research on abused women. "People like to sort of think that, 'Well, abuse is just when you have a black eye, you sustain a broken bone,' " Bonomi said. "But we see lots of different effects in other areas, like depression and social isolation, and we've actually proven that with the data." Women who have suffered violence also seem to have a greater likelihood of substance abuse, but it's unclear how the two are related -- one doesn't necessarily cause the other, and there could be other factors involved, Bonomi said. A 2008 study of 3,333 women, which Bonomi worked on, found that middle-aged women who suffered child abuse, sexual or other physical abuse, had a greater likelihood of depression, as well as a higher body mass index. These women also spend up to one-third more than average on health care costs. About 34 percent of women in the sample said they had been abused. While Paranjape's study found that women with the highest levels of abuse reported having poor health, the same number of diseases were reported among those women as the women in the sample who had less or no abuse. This indicates that there is something else that makes abused women report feeling unwell, she said. "When your patient says they don't feel so good, you might want to think about asking what other issues may be going on," she said. People who have gotten out of a relationship should go through the work of learning what issues set them up in that situation, and reflect on the warning signs, Crawford said. Experts recommend finding a counselor and other means of support, but people who have been abused should think twice about revealing too much in online support groups, because their abusers could discover what they're saying, Dimer said. Research has also shown that violence escalates in abusive relationships among couples who go to marriage counseling, she said. Some women do feel stronger having been through the experience of abuse, Dimer said. She herself found healing through advocacy and research on the subject, she said. Calling a domestic violence hot line is a good first step for anyone who is experiencing abuse, Dimer said. "Whether you're a pop star or somebody that's working front lines -- an employee at a grocery store selling the pop star magazine -- you're at equal risk for having this," she said. | NIH: Domestic violence is the most common cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44 .
Study: Abused women more likely to have depression, anxiety, joint pain .
Calling a domestic violence hot line is a good first step for a victim . |
83,823 | edbfbfd525a9fb97f6b0b9a4b71f3ff0ecd8dc6c | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 2:04 PM on 3rd March 2012 . Syrian forces have continued to relentlessly shell its own people in Homs after claims more than 14 people had been slain in front of a Co-op in the rebel city. Thousands of Syrians are stranded in a district overrun by regime troops, with a Red Cross aid convoy blocked from the area due to booby traps and mines. Syrian government forces took control of the western Homs neighbourhood of Baba Amr, where conditions are said to be 'catastrophic' due to food, water and medical care shortages. Relentless: A vehicle in the Baba Amr neighbourhood of Homs lies destroyed after repeated shelling from Syrian security forces . War zone: Smoke and flames rise from shelling by regime forces in the Baba Amr neighbourhood of the central city of Homs . Local media reports today said up to 14 people had been executed outside a government cooperative building selling subsidised food. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said it had received reports people had been killed in front of the Co-op, which was also reportedly being used as a prison. Butcher: Syrian President Bashar Assad . The latest reported slayings come as activists claim President Bashar Assad’s troops have been going from house to house in a scorched-earth campaign, backed by relentless shelling. The Red Cross said it had received permission from President Bashar Assad's government to enter Baba Amr. A convoy of seven trucks with 15 tons of humanitarian aid including food, medical supplies and blankets left Damascus on Friday, taking several hours in heavy snowfall to reach Homs. But once they neared Baba Amr, the government prevented them from entering. The Syrian government has not offered its explanation for revoking the permission. The Local Coordination Committees activist network said mortars slammed into the districts of Khaldiyeh, Bab Sbaa and Khader. Abu . Hassan al-Homsi, a doctor at a makeshift clinic in Khaldiyeh district . of Homs, said he treated a dozen people who were wounded, most lightly. 'This . has become routine, the mortars start falling early in the morning,' he . said. Several homes were damaged from the morning shelling, which he . described as steady but intermittent. U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called . on Syria to give humanitarian workers immediate access to people who . desperately need aid. His calls came after David Cameron . accused President Assad of 'butchering his own people' in a scathing . attack on the Syrian regime. In other violence Saturday, a suicide car bomb exploded in Daraa, killing at least two people and wounding 20, activists said. The . state-run news agency said the blast occurred at a roundabout in an . area known as Daraa al-Balad and said there were casualties including . civilians and security forces. Protest: Syrian demonstrators march through Idlib as ill-feeling towards President Bashar Assad continued to rise . Fighter: A pro-Syrian government soldier with the national flag in the background which has 'God, Syria and Bashar Assad' written on it . Deadly: The soldier holds a machine gun as he wears night-vision goggles (left) and a rocket launcher (right) Happy at work: The gunner aims his weapon down onto the streets of Homs in this picture . Daraa is the birthplace of the nearly year-old uprising against Assad. The revolt has killed more than 7,500 people, according to the most recent U.N. estimate. Syria has seen a string of suicide bombings, the last on Feb. 10, when twin blasts struck security compounds in the government stronghold city of Aleppo, killing 28 people and bringing significant violence for the first time to the city. The capital Damascus, another Assad stronghold, has seen three suicide bombings in the past two months. The regime has touted the attacks as proof that it is being targeted by 'terrorists.' The opposition accuses forces loyal to the government of being behind the bombings to tarnish the uprising. Flashpoint: A satellite image of Baba Amr last Saturday shows smoke rising from a recent aerial bombardment . Last stand: A lone resistance fighter in the . embattled neighbourhood of Baba Amr hours before government troops . stormed the district yesterday . | Up to 14 'executed outside government cooperative building'
'Catastrophic' food and water shortages in Homs after latest shelling .
David Cameron attacks Bashar Assad for 'butchering' his own people . |
168,762 | 6651b5e6340a27431c4edee33759aea92d827efd | By . Wills Robinson for MailOnline . Jockey Johnny King was on his way to the start of the race during a meeting at Laytown, County Meath, when Arbitrageur suddenly threw its head back. The jockey held on as the horse flew mid-air while groom Aidan Wall cowered in fear underneath. Despite the dangerous reaction, the rider escaped unhurt and led the horse to seventh in the race. Since 1868 the village on the eastern coast of Ireland has hosted the only annual meet in the British Isles held on a beach under the so-called Rules of Racing. Jockey Johnny King was on his way to the start of the race during the meeting at Laytown in County Meath, Ireland, when Arbitrageur violently jerked its head back . Despite the dangerous reaction, the rider escaped unhurt and went on to finish seventh in the race, during the only meet that his held on a beach in Britain . The horse (far right) managed to remain calm during parts of the meet, including moments where it trotted past families watching on the beach . Since 1868 the village on the eastern coast has hosted the single annual meet held on a beach under the Turf Club rules of racing . Two spectators walking their dogs along the eastern Irish coast watch as jockeys compete during the O'Neills Sports Handicap . Crowds line the track and watch as the horses head towards the finish line during the only meet held on a beach in the British Isles racing calender . Horses splash across the beach in County Meath as an ambulance follows them in the background. In the 1950s, the legendary owner the Aga Khan would visit the meet . It used to be held in conjunction with the Boyne Regatta - the rowing would take place at high tide while the horses would compete when the water had receded. Racegoers from all over the globe have attended the September event, including musicians, film stars and royalty. In the 1950s, the legendary owner the Aga Khan and his wife the Begum were in attendance. | Jockey Johnny King was nearly jerked off the horse before the race started .
Arbitrageur left groom Aidan Wall in danger as he cowered away .
The horse was participating in a race which has been held annually since 1868 . |
166,559 | 635f7af7b30a717625282070c13ebb60adeb001e | By . Leon Watson . A newly-released tape has revealed the incredible moment a pilot realised Somali stowaway Yahya Abdi had been hiding on his plane. The tape runs from about an hour after the 15-year-old was discovered on a Hawaii runway in April. Incredibly, the pilot seems completely nonplussed. He is preparing to depart when he tells air traffic controllers he will be a bit delayed because 'a guy is seeming to have stowed away in the landing gear from San Jose to Maui.' Scroll down for video . Surveillance video provided by the Hawaii Department of Transportation, shows a California teen, left, after hopping from a jet's wheel well in Maui, Hawaii . The pilot was referring to Abdi, a Somali immigrant who ran away from his Santa Clara, California, home. He then claimed to have hopped a fence at Mineta San Jose International Airport and climbed into the wheel well of the closest plane. The jet took off a few hours later for a five-and-a-half-hour flight to Maui on April 20. Abdi improbably survived the flight at 35,000 feet despite low oxygen and freezing temperatures. Video footage from the Maui airport shows him dropping to the tarmac about an hour after the jet landed. But when it was time for that same jet to leave, the pilot, who was a different pilot than the one who had landed the jet there, said security and mechanics were holding him up, according to a 10-minute Federal Aviation Administration audio recording. 'Um, we have a little gate delay here. A guy is seeming to have stowed away in the landing gear from San Jose to Maui, so we have security in there looking for evidence of the guy being up there for more than, you know, ha, five minutes on the ground. Captured on camera: Hawaii transportation officials have released video of a California teen hopping from a jet's wheel (pictured) well after stowing away for a 5 1/2-hour flight to Maui . 'So we'll let you know when we're ready to push,' says the pilot of outbound Hawaiian Airlines Flight 24, heading for Oakland. 'All right, 24, have your roger,' says an air traffic controller, confirming he received and understood the message. 'You need any assistance with that or, er, you guys got it?' 'Nope, plenty of security here, mechanics, it's all good, we just kind of waiting for clearance to go,' says the pilot, explaining that once the crews agree the plane is undamaged, they'll give him the go-ahead. The controller is calm, routine, in his response, telling the pilot he can back away from the ramp when he's ready, because the tower doesn't have jurisdiction over that part of the airport: 'Roger, thanks, well it will be push back at your discretion.' Incredible: Yahya Abdi (pictured left and right) miraculously survived a more than five hour flight from California to . Hawaii hidden in a plane's wheel well . Pilot: 'Um, we have a little gate delay here. A . guy is seeming to have stowed away in the landing gear from San Jose to . Maui, so we have security in there looking for evidence of the guy being . up there for more than, you know, ha, five minutes on the ground. 'So we'll let you know when we're ready to push.' Controller: 'All . right, 24, have your roger. You need any assistance with . that or, er, you guys got it?' Pilot: 'Nope, . plenty of security here, mechanics, it's all good, we just kind of . waiting for clearance to go. Controller: 'Roger, thanks, well it will . be push back at your discretion.' Pilot: 'Okey doke, thanks.' Hiding place: Yahya Abdi climbed into the plane wheel well of Hawaiian Airlines jet (pictured) and lost consciousness after the plane took off . 'Okey doke, thanks,' says the pilot. The boy was hospitalized in Hawaii for two weeks, then flown back to California where he was placed in custody of Santa Clara County Child Protective Services. A county spokesman said yesterday he cannot disclose the boy's whereabouts. His father did not respond to an interview request. Hawaiian Airlines spokeswoman Alison Croyle said the crew of the departing flight had been told about the stowaway and the activity going on around their aircraft. She said the pilot contacted the controller because once an aircraft has received the en route clearance, there is an expectation from the air traffic control tower that the aircraft is prepared to depart and will push back shortly. 'In this instance, the pilot was advising Air Traffic Control of the delay and providing an explanation to the best of his knowledge,' said Croyle. The FAA planned to provide a public link to the audio today. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Tape runs from that about an hour after Yahya Abdi was discovered .
The pilot appears nonplussed as he tells controllers he will be a bit delayed .
Abdi had improbably survived the flight at 35,000ft despite low oxygen . |
1,007 | 02d9b3f7fd88fdd44be974cb8d72a916d346ad14 | A video has captured the moment a bride who thought she was wearing a wedding gown for a photoshoot discovered that she was actually dressed up for her big day. The bride-to-be, Christina, thought she was only at the Mall of Georgia in Buford with a photographer friend to pose for a bridal project but wept as she learned that her loved ones were there as well - and waiting for her to walk down the aisle. The start of the video shows Christina wearing a wedding dress and with her hair and makeup finished perfectly as she is led through the mall and outside to a large Christmas tree. Scroll down for video . Stunned: Bride-to-be Christina was shocked when her father, Michael, told her that rather than taking part in a bridal shoot, she was actually at the Mall of Georgia to be married to her fiance, Brian . Shock: Her father broke the news to her as she waited to have her pictures taken by a photographer . As she prepares to pose for photographs, she is led around the tree - and is stunned to see her father Michael waiting for her, dressed in a tuxedo and with a bunch of flowers. He tells her: 'You're getting married today.' Overwhelmed, she hugs him and wipes away tears, before he whisks her back around the tree to see her crowd of waiting guests and her fiance, Brian - the man behind the plan. Her father walked her to the end of the aisle, which was marked by the standing crowd, and led her towards the man she was about to marry as her bridesmaids cheered. With Christina still wiping away her tears, the couple were married and celebrated with their friends. Hectic: As her father broke the news to her behind the tree, friends and family ran into position . Surprise! Christina and her father appeared from behind the tree to see the wedding guests waiting . Big day: Her father walked her down the aisle as her bridesmaids cheered her along . The video, which was shared to YouTube on Tuesday, also contains footage taken by a drone above the crowd. It shows the crowd rushing into place in the square before she is pulled back around the tree. 'Meet Brian and Christina and their Surprise Flash Mob Christmas Wedding,' the video's creator, Chris Green, wrote on YouTube. 'Christina, who is engaged, got in her wedding dress because she thought she was at the mall to do a favor for a photographer friend working on a special bridal project.' Celebration: Christina kisses her husband Brian after he masterminded the flash mob wedding plan . | A video shows the moment a bride, Christina, learned that she was at the Mall of Georgia for her wedding - not for a photoshoot .
As her father broke the news to her, her friends and family ran into place .
The plan was the idea of her fiance, Brian . |
45,086 | 7f1d111c683f96dbac9db82ad5038cb16fb3efcb | A young woman born with no ligaments is suffering a condition so rare doctors have not been able to diagnose it. Lucy Foran has launched a worldwide search, desperate to find others born with a similar condition. The 20-year-old has no ligaments, the connective tissues that hold joints together. All her joints are either partially or fully dislocated, leaving her unable to run or jump. Scroll down for video . Lucy Foran, 20, is a medical mystery. She was born with no ligaments, the connective tissues that hold joints together. This is so rare that doctors are unable to diagnose her . All of Miss Foran's joints are either fully or partially dislocated, leaving her unable to run or jump. She endures gruelling physiotherapy sessions with Melissa Loche (the pair are pictured left and right) to strengthen her muscles . And she also experiences problems with her lungs, feet and eyes, 7 News reported. Doctors have been unable to diagnose the condition, so her family, who she lives with in Queensland, Australia, have dubbed it the 'Lucy syndrome'. Every day she completes a gruelling physiotherapy routine to strengthen her muscles. Her physiotherapist Melissa Loche said the fact Miss Foran is able to walk with her condition is remarkable, and credits her hard work in her daily sessions. All her joints are dislocated either fully or partially, she said. She told 7 News journalists: 'Lucy's tolerance to pain is quite remarkable. She goes above and beyond what many people would be able to do.' Now Miss Foran has began a global hunt find out if there is anyone else with her condition. Miss Foran lives with her parents in Queensland, Australia. She is now searching for others like her. 'I would be the happiest girl in the world just to know that someone out there is like me,' she said . Her physiotherappist Melissa Loche says Miss Foran has a higher pain threshold than most people. The fact she is able to walk is down to her own hard work during physio sessions, she said . 'I would be the happiest girl in the world just to know that someone out there is like me,' she said. Her doctors said it would help them to see how the condition develops, and the journey someone else is on. Despite her mysterious condition, Miss Foran manages to stay positive, and is grateful for her family's love and support. She considers herself 'lucky', she said. She added: 'I've got a family that loves me regardless of what's going on with my bones.' A father desperate to prevent his children suffering has launched gave up his job to find a cure for his children's rare degenerative disease. Daniel and Julien Sireau, aged 10 and 12, have black bone disease – also known as Alkaptonuria (AKU) – which will cause them to develop severe early-onset osteoarthritis unless a cure can be found. The genetic disease causes the bones, cartilage, urine and earwax to turn black. It also results in brittle bones and heart disease. Desperate to prevent his children suffering, in April this year he launched a clinical trial into a treatment he believes could stop their rare disease progressing. If the drug trial is successful, the pill could be offered to all patients with the same genetic condition. | Lucy Foran, 20, was born with no ligaments leaving all her joints dislocated .
Physiotherapy session means she can walk, but she can't run or jump .
She also experiences problems with her lungs, feet and eyes .
Doctors say she is a medical mystery and cannot diagnose the problem .
Her family have dubbed it the 'Lucy syndrome' after discovering it's so rare .
She is now searching for others suffering similar symptoms . |
83,718 | ed78be69d9faf30ae27dfd3d61a797bbe0decb1c | (CNN) -- China's space program has really taken off in the last six years. Back to Earth: Yang Liwei faces the cameras on returning to Earth in 2003. In 2003 Yang Liwei became a national hero when he became the first Chinese man in space, followed five years later by Zhai Zhigang who became the first "taikonaut" to make a spacewalk. "The moment I stepped out of the hatch and entered space, the sensation of completely becoming one with space was a feeling I had never felt before on Earth," Zhai told CNN. "I deliberately looked into outer space, looking past my toes and deep into outer space. The differing brightness and distances of the celestial bodies really brought out the deepness of outer space. The vast , boundless expanse of outer space stirred my soul." View the photo gallery to learn more about the history of China's space program. From out of this world moments to their place in Chinese history, these two pioneering spacemen tell CNN's John Vause about their missions, how they had prepared for the worst should things go wrong and if China and other nations with the moon in their sights are creating a new international space race. | Chinese "taikonauts" Yang Liwei and Zhai Zhigang talk to CNN .
First Chinese man in space and first Chinese to conduct a spacewalk, respectively .
Talk about their historic moments to international space race . |
189,983 | 81f81c7fc73bc3c8b87e84809cf631b6868507d9 | Pizza is the second-highest source of calories for kids ages 2 to 18, researchers have found. They say America's love of pizza has meant about 20 percent of youths eat pizza on any given day. They say the food must be curbed, and made healthier. Because it is eaten so frequently - its nutrient content should be improved, say the researchers . On days when children ate pizza, they took in an additional 84 calories, 3 grams of saturated fat, and 134 milligrams of sodium than they did on no-pizza days. Adolescents took in an extra 230 calories, 5 grams of saturated fat and 484 milligrams of sodium. In 2009-2010, on days pizza was eaten, it made up 22 percent of total caloric intake among children and 26 percent of total caloric intake in adolescents. On days they eat pizza, children and adolescents take in significantly more calories, fat and sodium than on days they don't, the new study has shown. Because it is eaten so frequently - its nutrient content should be improved, say the researchers, whose report is published in the journal Pediatrics. 'Curbing pizza consumption alone isn't enough to significantly reduce the adverse dietary effects of pizza,' says lead author Lisa Powell, associate director of the Health Policy Center at the Institute of Health Research and Policy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. 'It's a very common and convenient food, so improving the nutritional content of pizza, in addition to reducing the amount of pizza eaten, could help lessen its negative nutritional impact.' Kids should not eat more than one or two slices of pizza for a meal, and should pair that with salad, rather than with another high-calorie food, the researchers concluded . The researchers examined dietary recall data from youths ages 2-19 who were participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2003 and 2010. They found that caloric intake from pizza among children ages 2-11 dropped 25 percent between 2003 and 2010. Among adolescents who ate pizza, calories from pizza fell, although the prevalence of pizza consumption increased slightly for this age group. 'Children and adolescents do not adequately compensate by eating less of other foods on days when they eat pizza,' said Powell, who is professor of health policy and administration in the UIC School of Public Health. For adolescents, the additional fat and sodium intake on days that pizza is eaten represents 24 percent and 21 percent, respectively, of the recommended daily values for those nutrients, she said. Pizza had the largest impact on diet when eaten as a snack between meals. Children took in an additional 202 calories, and adolescents an extra 365 calories, on days they ate pizza as a snack compared to days they did not. For adolescents, the additional fat and sodium intake on days that pizza is eaten represents 24 percent and 21 percent, respectively, of the recommended daily values for those nutrients . The researchers also looked at where and when pizza was eaten. They found that from 2003 to 2010, calories from pizza at dinner fell, but pizza consumption at lunch and from school cafeterias did not change. However, overall caloric intake was similar on days when pizza from school cafeterias was and wasn't eaten, possibly because non-pizza lunch offerings were similarly high in calories, Powell said. Pizza's contribution to excess calories was generally consistent across race, gender and income, except it was significantly higher among African American children as compared to Hispanic children. 'Because when pizza is consumed, it increases the total daily calories that children and adolescents take in, it could be an important contributor to the obesity epidemic,' says study co-author Dr. William Dietz, director of the Sumner M. Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. 'Moderating pizza consumption should become another goal in our efforts to reduce obesity in U.S. youth.' The authors also suggest that because of its prevalence and impact on diet, pizza should be addressed specifically in nutritional counseling. | 20 percent of youths in the US eat pizza on any given day .
Team call for curbs on pizza eating among youth .
Kids should not eat more than one or two slices of pizza for a meal .
Say healthier alternatives should also be developed to stop obesity crisis .
Pizza had the largest impact on diet when eaten as a snack between meals . |
243,316 | c6e5abc70b5efaf92e859d449b3f2b28d0c09c5b | It was the picture-perfect holiday island, blighted by the tragedy of the Costa Concordia shipwreck. But now romance has returned to the Mediterranean isle of Giglio- with many of the salvage workers striking up relationships with local girls- causing residents to rename their home ‘Love Island’. And as the giant cruise liner prepares to leave Giglio forever, one British ‘wrecker’ and the local beauty he fell for, are expecting a baby set to heal the wounds of the tragic isle. Scroll down for video . Picture perfect: After meeting him while he was working to salvage the Costa Concordia, Virginia D'Elia, 22, has followed handsome welder Simon Jackson, 36, back to his home in Kent . Virginia D'Elia, 22, has followed handsome welder Simon Jackson, 36, back to his home in Kent and is set to give birth to his baby boy, in mid August. The baby will be named Filippo, after his grandfather, who lived on Giglio and died around the time of the shipwreck. Relatives on the island say it is 'wonderful' that something good has emerged from tragedy. Meanwhile other local girls are preparing to say goodbye to their salvage worker lovers today, as they will depart along with the ship tomorrow. For the past two years, the older . residents of Giglio say, there has been an almost wartime atmosphere on . the island, as some 2000, predominantly male, salvage workers moved in, . with money to spend and testosterone galore. Romance: Virginia and Simon are now expecting a baby boy in mid-August. The baby will be named Filippo after Virginia's grandfather who lived on Giglio and died around the time of the shipwreck . Brooding: The operation to prepare the Costa Concordia to be towed away from the island of Giglio were hampered by heavy rain this morning . Simon’s boss on the island, South African salvage master Nick Sloane, now a national hero in Italy, is renowned for his lewd jokes and for taking nude showers in the garden of his villa every day. The island has only a permanent population of 800 in winter so local girls had their pick of the uniformed muscular foreigners. Virginia’s aunt, Liliana Fanciulli, who owns the hotel on Giglio where her niece was working when she met Simon, said: ‘ The baby is due in mid August. It is a boy-they are going to call him Filippo. ‘ . ‘They are so in love -they are a beautiful couple. There are no plans to marry at the moment but he is a great guy, she loves him and now they are having a baby together. That is enough.’ ‘The family are very happy. It’s wonderful that this has happened, that something good has come out of this tragedy. It helps you go on.’ Happy couple: Simon Jackson - a salvage expert who runs a family welding business in Sussex - is Virginia D'Elia's first serious boyfriend, according to her relatives . Happy: Virginia's relatives on the island say it is 'wonderful' that something good has finally emerged from the Costa Concordia tragedy . Simon, a salvage expert who runs a family welding business in Sussex, was her niece’s first serious boyfriend, she said. The pair met in a bar and soon began taking romantic walks around the island together. At first they could barely communicate as she spoke only a little English and he only broken Italian. When Simon was not on shift they would go out with friends and his colleagues to the nightspots in the port. On the night of the parbuckling operation last September, in which the ship was wrested from the rocks in an unprecedented engineering coup, the couple were seen clinging to each other with emotion, before Simon had to board the wreck in a dangerous mission. Soon after, mission accomplished, the couple moved to the UK where Virginia began an English course. A group of tourists have their picture taken in front of the wreck of the Costa Concordia as it is re-floated. The cruise liner is expected to be towed away from Giglio tomorrow . Romance: Three young people sit on a stone wall on the island of Giglio while work to re-float of the wreck of the Costa Concordia cruise ship continues in the early hours of this morning . She quickly became pregnant. The pair have since been back twice to visit relatives but decided not to visit for the removal of the ship given Virginia is due in a few weeks. But the other couples will be soon saying their goodbyes. One of Simon’s former colleagues at salvage company Titan said: ‘We will be sad to go. There have been at tens if not dozens of romances, not all of them serious of course. All the single lads have had a local girlfriend pretty much.' Donatella Botti, a friend of Virginia’s, who runs a local bar in the town of Castello, said : ‘All over Giglio the girls are weeping today because the salvage workers are leaving. ‘Here on this island we know every single person by name. So they have become part of our family. They have changed our lives. ‘We don’t want them to leave. That night of the wreck was a tragedy but it changed all our lives forever. ‘ . | Virginia D'Elia fell in love with welder Simon Jackson as he worked on wreck .
Couple now expecting a son in August and plan to move to Kent together .
Baby will be named Filippo, after Virginia's father, who also lived on Giglio .
Filippo D'Elia died around the time the Costa Concordia disaster occurred .
Romance between salvage workers and local women is common on island .
Locals say it is 'wonderful' that some happiness has emerged from tragedy . |
162,571 | 5e2ec058b4036b23138a977a5900713d59ebcf31 | By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 04:03 EST, 17 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 04:03 EST, 17 April 2012 . Oracle yesterday accused Google in court of knowingly stealing a key piece of technology to build into the search giant's Android smartphone operating system. Michael Jacobs, for Oracle, drew an unflattering portrait of Google's top executives regard for intellectual property in a battle over the mind-numbing minutiae of computer coding. 'We will prove to you from beginning to end ... that Google knew it was using someone else's property,' Mr Jacobs told the San Francisco, California court. Key witnesses: Oracle CEO Larry Ellison (left) and Google CEO Larry Page (right) are expected to testify in the early stages of the eight-week trial . The showdown centres on allegations . that Android infringes on the patents and copyrights of Java, a . programming technology that Sun Microsystems began developing 20 years . ago. Oracle, a business software maker . based in Redwood Shores, acquired the rights to Java when it bought Sun . Microsystems for $7.3billion (£4.6billion) in January 2010. Google, the Mountain View, . California-based Internet search leader, has steadfastly denied Oracle's . allegations since the lawsuit was filed seven months after the Sun deal . closed. The impasse has left it to a 12-member jury to resolve the dispute in a trial scheduled to last as long as 10 weeks. U.S. District Judge William Alsup . devoted most of yesterday's session to picking the jury, leaving only . enough time for Oracle to lay out the framework for its case. Oracle is seeking hundreds of millions . of dollars in damages and an injunction to force Google to pay . licensing fees or find an alternative to Java to keep its Android system . running. At one point in the lawsuit, Oracle estimated it might be owed as much as $6.1billion (£3.8billion). But Judge Alsup has whittled the case . down in a way that has substantially lowered the size of the potential . payout if Google loses. In a sign of how far apart the two . sides are, Google last month said it would be willing to pay $2.8million . (£1.8million) plus a tiny percentage of its future revenue if the jury . decides Android infringed on two Java patents. Google hasn't publicly estimated what . it thinks its liability might be if the jury decides Android violates, . as Oracle alleges, 37 Java programming copyrights. The copyright disagreement - the most . important point of the case - will be covered in the first phase of the . trial followed by the patent dispute. If necessary, a third phase will be devoted to how much money Google owes Oracle. Search giant: A Google logo is displayed behind the head of its Android robot mascot. The smartphone system forms a significant part of the $38billion-a-year business . Much of the evidence presented during . the trial will delve into highly technical matters likely to only be . comprehensible to programming geeks and patent-law specialists. However, there may be dramatic . interludes that lift a veil on the inner workings of two of the world's . most influential technology companies. The intrigue will include testimony . from the two companies' multibillionaire CEOs, Oracle's Larry Ellison . and Google's Larry Page. Oracle indicated yesterday that it could call Mr Ellison to the stand as early as today. Several other Silicon Valley . luminaries, including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and former Sun . Microsystems CEO Jonathan Schwartz, are also on the list of potential . witnesses. Mr Jacobs focused much of his opening . statement on excerpts from internal emails suggesting Google knew it . needed to pay licensing fees to use some of the Java technology that . went into Android, a project that began in earnest in 2005 when Google . bought a startup run by Andy Rubin. The first phone running on Android . didn't go on sale until October 2008, about 15 months before Oracle . bought Sun Microsystems and stepped up the attempts to make Google pay . up for the Java technology. Dispute: A screenshot of Google's Android software, which Oracle claims infringes on its copyrights . Oracle cited an October 2005 email . from Mr Rubin to Mr Page as an early sign that Google realised it . probably would have to pay Sun for using Java in Android. Mr Rubin wrote: 'My proposal is that we take a license that specifically grants the right for us to Open Source our product.' Mr Jacobs pointed to a May 2006 email . from Mr Schmidt to Mr Rubin as an indication Google knew it might need . to find other solutions for Android if an agreement with Sun was not . reached. 'How are we doing on the Sun deal?' Mr . Schmidt asked in his message. 'Its (sic) it time to develop a non-Java . solution to avoid dealing with them?' By August 2010, Google still hadn't . been able to find any satisfactory alternatives to Java, according to an . email from Google engineer Tim Lindholm to Mr Rubin. 'We have been over a bunch of these, . and think they all suck,' wrote Mr Lindholm, who worked at Sun . Microsystems before joining Google. 'We conclude that we need to negotiate a license for Java under the terms we need.' The lack of a licensing agreement . ultimately didn't deter Google, Mr Jacobs told the jury, because the . company realised it needed a mobile software system to preserve its . digital search-and-advertising empire as more sophisticated phones . enabled people to surf the Internet away from their desktop computers. Java provided Google with a . springboard into mobile computing because 6million software programmers . were already familiar with the technology and could easily create . applications that would run on Android, Mr Jacobs said. Although Google doesn't charge device . makers to use Android, the company makes money from some of the mobile . advertising and mobile applications sold on the system. Google has said its mobile advertising . revenue now exceeds $2.5billion, but it hasn't specified how much of . that money comes from Android-powered devices. | Oracle alleges that Google chiefs knowingly stole its intellectual property while developing mobile OS .
Google denies the claims . |
47,945 | 87551c5dae6cf82f2f9414e8ce49968f6854abd5 | (CNN) -- With their nation under high security alert, South Koreans mourned a former leader at a funeral ceremony Friday morning. The hearse carrying Roh Moo-Hyun's coffin heads for Seoul at Roh's hometown village of Bonghwa in Gimhae. Officials and dignitaries gathered in Seoul's Kyungbok Palace to honor former President Roh Moo-Hyun, who committed suicide last week. South Koreans poured into the streets to catch a glimpse of the black Cadillac making a five-and-a-half hour journey from Roh's home in the village of Bongha to the capital. Some bowed their heads or wept openly. Others, still stunned from the loss, stood quietly in black as the hearse drove by. Scores of Roh's supporters handed out yellow balloons, the color associated with Roh's political campaign. Other supporters had posters of Roh's image that read, "President in my heart" and "You are my president." A person who walked by Roh's memorial site said, "Roh understood the difficulties of normal people. We feel he acted like a shield for people with no power. He was the people's president." One woman on her way to work in Seoul said: "He was the first president South Koreans picked with their own hands." She was referring to the fact that Roh didn't have a big political machine behind him. He won the election in 2002 by razor thin margin and his appeal was that he related to the common person. This week has been marred by grief and tension for South Koreans as they grappled with Roh's sudden death and renewed threats from North Korea. Following the official ceremony, Roh's body will be taken to the plaza in front of Seoul's city hall, where large crowds are expected to say goodbye to a beloved leader. He will be cremated later Friday and the remains carried back by hearse to Bongha. Roh, who served between 2003 and 2008, jumped from a hill behind his house last Saturday, government officials said. His death came amid an investigation into a bribery scandal that had tarnished his reputation. However, tens of thousands of people have visited memorial shrines for Roh, laying white chrysanthemums in a traditional show of grief and leaving cigarettes on the altars to remember a man who was reported to have taken up smoking during the investigation. In a suicide note given to the media by his lawyer, Roh wrote: "I am in debt to too many people. Too many people have suffered because of me. And I cannot imagine the suffering they will go through in the future." Prosecutors were investigating the former president for allegedly receiving $6 million in bribes from a South Korean businessman while in office. Roh's wife was scheduled to be questioned by prosecutors Saturday, and Roh was planning to answer a second round of questions next week. Why some South Koreans are angry about Roh's death » . The investigation has now been suspended. The debate over Roh's suicide has occupied as much column space in South Korea's press as the recent aggressive behavior shown by the North. On Tuesday, the conservative Chosun Ilbo urged South Koreans to remember the words of the former president's suicide note. "Roh's abrupt death brings home how vain the rise and fall of power is and how futile it is to nurse hatred and conflict in pursuit of them. Roh himself said in his will, 'Aren't life and death both part of nature? Don't blame anybody.' He would not have wished his own death to cause more political confusion and social conflict," the newspaper wrote in an editorial. It also criticized prosecutors who "seem to have worried about public consensus rather than focusing on principles." The left-leaning Hankoryeh called Roh's death "political murder," echoing the widespread feeling that the former president paid too high a price for his alleged crime. "The case of late President Roh was the most unfortunate in South Korean history, brought about by the Lee Myung-bak administration, which despised the person more than the crime," the newspaper wrote in an editorial. The mood on South Korea's influential blogs and message boards was somber and split between messages of comfort, dismay at Roh's decision to end his life and angry accusations against prosecutors and the government. "President Roh's perseverance to provide Korea with a true democracy has come to a sudden end. We saw the grief of his demise in the eyes of millions of Koreans," read a message posted on the popular Daum Agora Web portal. "Prosecutors and the police! Are you the people of the Republic of Korea?," asked another. Just before he left the presidency, Roh became the first South Korean leader to cross the demilitarized zone and meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. He believed in the "sunshine policy" of his predecessor, Kim Dae-Jung, that sought to engage the north, and Roh also promised aid. CNN's Pauline Chiou and freelance journalist Nicolai Hartvig contributed to this report. | NEW: Motorcade accompanying Roh's body on way to the capital, Seoul .
NEW: Grief-stricken S. Koreans pour out onto the streets to pay final respects .
Roh Moo-Hyun took his own life amid an ongoing corruption investigation .
Roh was in office between 2003 and 2008 . |
215,347 | a2c1a233fdd246ccd5866e1796d6ce5f0dd62723 | (CNN) -- Same-sex marriage will be the law of the land -- inevitably but not immediately. That's the message of the Supreme Court's decision today to let stand five federal appellate court rulings that recognized a constitutional right for gay people to marry. The practical effects of today's non-decision are considerable. At a minimum, it means that the five states whose cases were before the court -- Utah, Oklahoma, Virginia, Wisconsin and Indiana -- should allow same-sex marriage immediately. In addition, the states covered by the circuit courts that include these states will almost certainly now allow same-sex marriages as well. This includes the Fourth Circuit, covering Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina; the Seventh Circuit, including Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin; and the 10th Circuit, which covers Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming. So for a non-decision, today's non-ruling has a big impact. The justices never explain why they decline to take a case, but it's possible to offer some informed speculation. It takes only four (of nine) votes for the court to hear a case. So why didn't four justices vote to hear the challenges to the same-sex marriage ban? The court is polarized, with four conservatives (Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito) and four liberals (Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan), with Anthony Kennedy holding the balance of power, especially on gay rights issues. It's possible that neither the liberal nor the conservative bloc felt confident enough of Kennedy's vote to risk letting him decide the case. So better to kick the can down the road. The conservatives have a special reason for delay. Ginsburg, at 81 the oldest justice, will probably leave during the next president's term. A Republican president would replace Ginsburg with a solid conservative vote and make Kennedy's vote irrelevant. So waiting might be an appealing option for them. The liberals had their own reasons for delay. Same-sex marriage has marched with great speed across the country. Today's non-decision means that more than half the states, with well more than half the population, have marriage equality. Those facts create their own momentum. More time equals more states, which might (the theory goes) make Kennedy's vote easier to get a year from now. But for now, the state-by-state battles continue. As a result of today's decision, there will not be a 50-state resolution any time soon. But the direction of the country, if not the court, is clear, and that's more important than any Supreme Court decision. | Jeffrey Toobin: Decision to let same-sex marriage rulings stand has big impact .
5 states with cases before court will allow same-sex marriage; others likely will, too, he says .
Toobin: Liberal, conservative blocs couldn't count on Kennedy swing vote, perhaps .
Toobin says the decision buys time; it may sway Kennedy if more states get equality . |
263,786 | e19e7dbe34a2b3d97d94b54347baf585ccd5536c | By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 15:19 EST, 9 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:39 EST, 9 April 2013 . Behind bars: Wayne Crompton has been jailed for ten years after he mowed down two police officers . A driver who mowed down two policemen trying to arrest him has been jailed for ten years. Wayne Crompton, 36, was on a six-month driving ban when he knocked over two officers who had stopped him for driving on the wrong side of the road. The officers suffered fractures and are still recovering from the incident which took place in Harpurhey, Manchester, in February this year. PC John McGreggor, 27, sustained three fractures to his skull as Crompton suddenly reversed, knocking him unconscious with the driver’s door. Crompton then shot forward at PC Richard Hayes, 34, who was standing in front of the car, attempting to stop him by using his Taser gun. PC Hayes flew onto the vehicle’s bonnet and was carried for 30 feet before he was thrown off, suffering a broken wrist. Crompton sped from the scene, leaving the two men sprawled on the ground outside a convenience store. Despite his injury, PC Hayes managed to take down the full registration plate of Crompton’s borrowed Hyundai, and was able to call for back-up. The car, belonging to a friend of Crompton’s, could be traced and he was arrested at a house 16 miles away where the car was seized. A warrant had already been issued for Crompton’s arrest in the weeks before the incident after he failed to attend court following a string of other motoring offences. At the time of the incident, Crompton, of Whitefield, Manchester, was serving a six month driving ban which had been imposed in November 2012. Unemployed Crompton, who claims sickness benefits, pleaded guilty to causing grievous bodily harm with intent, dangerous driving, aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance at a previous hearing at Manchester Crown Court. Sentencing him to ten years in prison today, Judge Andrew Gilbart QC, told him: ‘Two police officers doing their job stopped you. You resented that. ‘You reversed suddenly, knocking Mr McGreggor over. Mr Hayes tried to stop you with a Taser. You drove at him. I have no doubt you used the car as a weapon.’ Dangerous driving: Crompton was stopped outside this shop and as one got out, he reversed, knocking the PC unconscious, before speeding forwards forcing the other officer onto his car bonnet . Crompton, who must serve a minimum of six and a half years, has a lengthy criminal record, including many offences of taking vehicles without consent. He also injured himself in a crash in 2006 when he ploughed into an HGV at high speed, which led to the removal of his spleen. He was jailed in 2007 for assaulting his ex-partner and threatening to set her alight after pouring petrol over her body, the court was told. Judge Gilbart said he was satisfied the defendant was a dangerous offender and imposed an extended licence period of three years on top of his ten-year term. Judge Gilbart also banned Crompton from driving for seven years and ordered him to take an extended test before he could get behind the wheel again. Police plea: A note asking for witnesses to the assault can be seen near the scene in Harpurhey, Manchester . PCs McGreggor and Hayes remain off work, but are said to be recovering. PC McGreggor still has short-term memory loss and faces a long recovery. Manchester Crown Court heard the consequences for both could have been far worse. Detective Inspector Mark Tootill from Greater Manchester Police said after the case: ‘Only Crompton knows what possessed him to react in such a dangerous way. ‘He may well have panicked knowing that he was already banned from driving and was wanted by the police, and in a moment of stupidity deliberately drove at these two officers to flee the scene. ‘As a result, the two officers sustained injuries and needed hospital treatment. This clearly caused their families a great deal of anxiety and distress but thankfully they are both now recovering well at home. | Wayne Crompton was stopped for driving on the wrong side of the road .
As officers sought to question him, he mowed both down with his car .
One suffered several skull fractures, the other a broken wrist .
Crompton, 36, from Manchester was on a six-month driving ban at the time . |
266,291 | e4e4e6654aee076983ceee5bd018d995e332758a | By . Ruth Styles . Dressed in a black bra and thong, Charley, 18, from Edinburgh, gyrates her way through a crowd of men, many drunk and leering. But this is one stripper who doesn't live up to the stereotype. Charley spends her evenings taking her clothes off to pay for a degree in sports science - her passport, she hopes, to a better life. 'Stripping is just an escape from everything,' she explains. 'I go in there and I'm a completely different person.' Scroll down for video . Big plans: Charley is using the proceeds of her stripping career to help fund herself through university . Charley, who grew up in one of the less salubrious parts of Edinburgh, adds: 'A . lot of people that I grew up with don't really care and just skive. 'I'm . totally the opposite. Because the place I live in isn't a very good . area, I want to be better and do my family proud. To do that, I am a . stripper.' With universities charging £9,000 a year or more in tuition fees, she's far from being the only student to turn to sex work to survive. A recent study published by the British Journal of Sociology of Education found that as many as one in three strippers are students and blamed the figure on the increasing costs of tuition fees. And it's not just strip clubs that have benefited from students who turn to sex work to pay their fees. Others fund their studies by turning to sugar daddy websites such as Sponsor A Scholar, where girls are paid up to £15,000 a year in exchange for 'companionship'. Determined: Charley says she will do whatever it takes to overcome her deprived upbringing . 'A . lot of people that I grew up with don't really care and just skive. I'm . totally the opposite. Because the place I live in isn't a very good . area, I want to be better and do my family proud. To do that, I am a . stripper.' Experts have also claimed that one of the reasons for the increase in student sex workers is that the work is becoming more socially acceptable. Speaking to the Times Higher Education magazine, sociologist Teela Sanders said that some student strippers saw themselves as 'dancers, not sex workers' because 'selling striptease had become more palatable and socially acceptable.' For Charley, who still lives at home with her father, stripping is the first job she's ever had and she admits she was thrilled when she was told she'd got it. 'I applied for a lot of jobs before and I . kept getting knocked back because I had no experience,' she explains. 'I have no idea . how I had the confidence to walk in here... It's crazy. It just sort of . happened really quickly. 'I was so excited afterwards. I was thinking . "I'm 18 and I've got a job!" I went and had icecream afterwards to celebrate.' She now spends six nights a week working at Baby Dolls, one of three strip clubs that make up Edinburgh's 'Pubic Triangle'. It's not always easy, although Charley, who makes around £100 a night, says the work has given her extra confidence. 'When I was at school, the boys found some girls . attractive but not once did they look at me,' she remembers. Different world: Charley is just 18-years-old and says stripping is the first and only job she's ever had . Relationship: Charley won't allow her boyfriend Connor to see her at work for fear of hurting him . 'They [the other girls] were all really skinny . with nice clothes, and nice hair, and I was a bit chubby. I got into . dancing to prove that I can be . beautiful, I can be sexy. She adds: 'A year ago, I couldn't get on buses without being . really anxious. I feel better about myself, even though dancing maybe . isn't the prettiest job in the world and I know some people would say it's sleazy. 'I walk out with my head held high and it's empowering.' Boyfriend Connor doesn't share her enthusiasm however and says he worries about Charley's safety when she's at work. 'I think [strip clubs] can be seedy places and I'm . worried for her wellbeing,' he reveals. 'I think I might get a bit jealous if I was . to see her doing sexy provocative stuff... I think "that's just for me!" but at the end of the day, I know it's just her job.' New life: Charley hopes to one day swap stripping for a job as a police woman after college . Charley herself has imposed a set of strict rules on Connor and refuses to let him go to the club where she works. 'I don't want him to see me doing this,' she admits. 'I . think it would hurt him too much. He just means too much to me for me . to do that to him.' Ultimately, for Charley, stripping, however distasteful, is a means to an end and a route out of the grim estate where she grew up and still lives. 'I really hate where I live,' she admits. 'It's a horrible, . horrible place. I wouldn't bring my children up here and I kind of hate that I . was brought up here.' Her goal, she says, is to use her sports science degree to become a policewoman. 'I like that you get to be a strong independent woman,' she smiles. 'I like the idea of helping the public and dealing with tough situations.' She's certainly no stranger to the latter. Charley appears on Strippers, tonight at 10pm on Channel 4 . | Charley, 18, from Edinburgh, is funding her studies through stripping .
A study released last week found that one in three strippers are students .
Charley, who grew on a sink estate, hopes to become a policewoman .
Says she has big ambitions and wants to make her family proud of her . |
199,008 | 8da390db5f0281675b15a66c87a03919329b5d8c | By . Lucy Thackray . A group of asylum seekers have been flown to Nauru by the Abbott government overnight. Here they are pictured on July 27, 2014 being flown from Cocos Island to Western Australia after they were detained by customs officials . The Abbott government ordered the 157 asylum seekers, including around 50 children, to be sent to Nauru overnight. Immigration minister Scott Morrison (right) says it comes after the Tamil Sri Lankans 'squandered' an opportunity to be returned safely to India. Three planes flew the 157 asylum seekers to the offshore processing centre at Nauru . Scott Morrison MP has confirmed that the asylum seekers were flown to Nauru on Friday night. Three flights departed Western Australian at hourly intervals from 9.30pm. Here the same 1547 asylum seekers are pictured being flown to Australia from Cocos Island. There are up to fifty children amongst the 157 asylum seekers who were flown to Nauru by the Australian government overnight. A group of asylum seekers arrived at Cocos Island on July 27 before they reached the Australian mainland. The group of 157 arrived at Cocos Island on July 27 after being detained at sea when their boat was intercepted 27 kilometres from Christmas Island on July 7. The asylum seekers were fleeing Sri Lanka. They first travelled to India before boarding a boat, seeking refuge. The boat was intercepted by customs officials and the passengers, including around 50 children, were detained at sea for almost a month. | Three flights flew the group, including 50 children, out of Western Australia .
Media first to inform the asylum seekers' lawyer of the deportation .
The Tamil Sri Lankans arrived on the Australian mainland last week .
The asylum-seekers were being held at the Curtin detention centre .
Customs officials had detained the asylum-seekers at sea for three weeks . |
221,075 | aa2ec3fe8ae9802864b4fa42474d639ff516a7b7 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 12:30 EST, 8 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:49 EST, 9 June 2013 . A husband allegedly bragging about cheating on his wife has been publicly shamed on Facebook, after a train passenger overheard his conversation. The picture of the man, who had been traveling on a train from Philadelphia with friends, has since been shared more than 183,000 times since a Pennsylvania mother posted in on Wednesday. 'If this is your husband, I have endured . a 2 hour train ride from Philadelphia listening to this loser and his . friends brag about their multiple affairs and how their wives are too . stupid to catch on. Oh please repost...' Steph Strayer wrote on . Wednesday. Bragger: This picture of a man on a Philadelphia train boasting of affairs was posted on Facebook . While it is not known if the husband has been identified, the post has opened up the debate about whether it is right to publicly shame a stranger on social media. Anna North writes on Salon: 'It's now possible to use social media to enforce . behavior in public and semi-public spaces in a way it never was before."' Fed up: Steph Strayer was so annoyed at the man's boasts that she put his picture online . She adds that while the post attracted a . lot of attention, it is important for people to remember that the man . may not be married or be having an affair. He could easily have just been showing off to his friends. Earlier this year, a web company fired one of its employees after she took to Twitter to complain about the sexist comments being made by two men sitting near her at a conference. Not only did Adria Richards lose her job, she was also the subject of a vicious online bullying campaign. In a statement, her company SendGrid Inc, said that although it supports the need to report inoffensive behavior, publicly shaming the offenders 'was not the appropriate way to handle the situation'. According to The Washington Post, a San Jose Mercury News columnist argued: 'The chain of events illustrates the worst features of the Internet —- the instant rush to judgment, the ugly personal attacks, the urge to punish a perceived wrongdoer.' Blog sites however, such as Subwaycouture.com provide an outlet to commuters fed up with the inconsiderate actions of fellow passengers. From sloppy eaters and drunks, to shoppers who feel their bags are more deserving of a seat than another person, the site has become a popular place to shame bad behavior. It remains to be seen however, if the passenger sharing Ms Strayer's train carriage will have to face any consequences from his boasts. | Picture of cheating spouse shared more than 188,000 times on Facebook .
Fellow passenger complains of having to listen to his boasts for two hours . |
61,752 | af670882e93e5b71783ee6341ee6f06064eb7ef0 | Basildon mayor Mo Larkin, 66, has ended her relationship with John Handley, also 66, after it was revealed that his illustrious past was a fabrication . A mayor's consort who boasted of a distinguished past serving as a diplomat and in the armed forces is actually a TV repair man turned cleaner, it was revealed today. John Handley, 66, who accompanied Basildon mayor Mo Larkin, also 66, to official functions during their four-year relationship, told people he had helped the peace process in Palestine after being hurt in 'friendly fire' while serving in the Gulf War. But Handley, who was also called 'Dr' on official council correspondence because he said he had a PhD in law, was today exposed as a fantasist - and dumped by his Conservative mayor lover. Rival Labour councillors are now calling on Mrs Larkin to quit and have asked Essex Police to investigate whether the mayor and her grey-haired lover, whom she met in 2006, had committed misconduct in public office. Mrs Larkin, who this summer was criticised after she was pictured looking at her phone during an Armed Services Day ceremony, issued a statement distancing herself from Mr Handley after it was revealed he he had lied about his past. She said: 'Following allegations and rumours that have been circulating for some time about John Handley, I would now like to make it public that I ended our relationship last week. 'I will always put the reputation of Basildon borough and that of the office of the mayor above my personal feelings.' Mrs Larkin insisted that her ex-boyfriend had not influenced her political work for Basildon Council and said it was 'up to him' to deal with any further accusations. Mr Handley, who lives in Southend, said: 'I am just a member of the public. We are not a couple any more so it's not an embarrassment to her. 'I have never been a part of the council or a Conservative. I have only ever driven Mo to places and enjoyed her company. 'I adore the woman, but that's it.' As the mayor's consort, Mr Handley accompanied her to official engagements including meeting the Essex High Sheriff Julia Abel Smith, in white trouser suit, left, and former star footballer Sir Geoff Hurst, right, in jeans . Mr Handley is seen on the far right, with file, accompanying Mrs Larkin to a 2012 Remembrance Sunday parade . As the mayor's consort, Mr Handley drove her to functions where he rubbed shoulders with celebrities, politicians and dignitaries ranging from singer Will Young to football legend Sir Geoff Hurst. At official engagements he boasted of his illustrious past, telling people he served in the Royal Navy before working on the peace process in Palestine. He told a reporter at the Basildon Echo that US President Barack Obama had asked for his help on the Edward Snowden scandal, and boasted that he had worked for Hillary Clinton, helping her fight a smear campaign suggesting she was a lesbian. Nigel Smith, Basildon Labour group leader, said: 'He and the mayor have led me to believe as recently as July he was a naval officer, worked with the United Nations, Foreign Office and Tony Blair and still exchanges Christmas presents with David Miliband.' After the Royal Navy confirmed they had 'no records for this individual', and the UN and Foreign and Commonwealth Office said the same, Mr Smith said: 'It is disgusting he could say he is a distinguished person and war hero.' Mrs Larkin was criticised after being pictured looking at her phone during an Armed Forces Day parade in June . Celebrity engagements: Mr Handley met singer Will Young when he accompanied Mo Larkin to a function . Rumours about Mr Handley's past not being what he said it was began circulating this summer after he posted a tweet in June boasting: 'Saw Obama and Clinton today, legal work in the States is going viral. #hush! butIamricherstill [sic].' A reporter asked him about his work there, and Mr Handley said he had been helping Mrs Clinton on her election campaign and had even been invited to join her team of legal advisers. He also claimed to have worked for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the aftermath of the Kenyan mall shooting, helping to get the bodies of British victims home, although the FCO said there was no John Handley working for them. The mayor's lover told the same reporter he was told he would 'never walk again' after being injured by US bombs in the Gulf War, and implied he had killed in action, saying: 'It's the most unnatural thing to do and you suffer in your heart and mind... 'Each time you kill it gets worse. I have been there, done that, worn the t-shirt. There is nothing glamorous or heroic. 'I don't want anyone to say what a heroic man I am - I don't feel like that at all.' Boastful: Mr Handley's lies were uncovered after a reporter questioned him about this tweet, posted in June . When told the Royal Navy had no record of him, Mr Handley said: 'No, they won't have - that's why I don't go public. 'But I'm not going to go into it. Whose business is it, really?' He said he gained legal qualifications at 'London University', but later admitted his PhD came from an online, unaccredited, company called Camden University USA, which is not recognised as an educational institution. Mr Handley said the institution was accredited when he did the online course in 2007, and hoped his qualification could be transferred to another university so that it could be registered and accepted in the UK. A certificate he produced to back this up bore the name of 'Ashley University' in the US. A former colleague of Mr Handley's in his home town of Ramsgate, Kent, said he had worked for a TV rental repair chain until it folded in 1988, before setting up a cleaning firm. Paul Young, 59, who said he worked with Mr Handley from 1971 to 1981, said: 'If you said you had a Jag, he said he had two and he had got them before you.' A Basildon Council spokesman said: 'Although Mr Handley has no official council position, we recognise as the mayor's partner he has supported her and helped her carry out a very considerable amount of good work. 'Allegations being levelled at him are a private matter. They are not related to council policies and should therefore in no way reflect on its reputation.' | John Handley, 66, boasted he was injured in friendly fire in the Gulf War .
He also claimed he worked in foreign diplomacy, and was a trained lawyer .
Accompanied Basildon Mayor Mo Larkin, 66, on her official engagements .
In fact Mr Handley, of Southend, mended TVs and runs a cleaning business . |
18,724 | 34faa48331854781f986f2f0d8d266e15f63fcfe | (CNN) -- From minibars to pillow menus to 24-hour butlers, today's hotels have turned every indulgence and convenience into a standard necessity. But this wasn't always the case. Not long ago, those little shampoo bottles that people now love to swipe didn't even exist. Nor did in-room iPads or fingerprint recognition technology. Oh, the humanity! Thankfully, over the last 100 years some innovative hotels have helped pave the way for these modern accommodation marvels. Because of their foresight and progressiveness, these ground-breaking properties forever changed the future of the industry, enabling guests to expect -- and demand -- increasingly more. Electric Xmas tree: Hotel del Coronado, San Diego . Currently celebrating its 125th anniversary, this scenic beachside resort made jaws drop back in December 1904 when it unveiled the world's first electronically lit, outdoor Christmas tree. Back then, candles were still commonly used to don yuletide trees and electric Christmas lights were a rarity. Hotel del Coronado's extravagant holiday display amazed guests at the time and set the stage for the lavish hotel light exhibitions we now see today. Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA; rooms from $321; +619 435 6611 . En-suite bathrooms: The Goring Hotel, London . Renowned for having hosted various members of the royal family throughout the years (Kate Middleton even stayed here the night before her wedding to William), the Goring is widely considered one of the top luxury hotels on the planet. However, when it first opened back in 1910, what really wowed the travel industry was that each bedroom was fitted with en-suite bathrooms -- something that had never been seen before at any other accommodation property. Needless to say, The Goring's early guests were delighted not to have to queue up for the toilet any longer. The Goring Hotel, Beeston Place, London, UK; rooms from $455: +44 (0) 20 7396 9000 . In-room radios: Boston Park Plaza Hotel, Boston . When this Boston property opened back in 1927, it was the first hotel to provide guest radios in each room, a feature that had never been offered on such a wide scale before. To put this in perspective, the radio in the late 1920s was extremely popular among Americans and was increasingly becoming a main source for news, entertainment and music -- similar to what the TV and Internet would become for later generations. It wasn't until 1933 that two-thirds of Americans would own a radio set at home, so to have one available in one's hotel room in 1927 was quite a prospect. Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 50 Park Plaza at Arlington Street, Boston, MA; rooms from $100; +617 426 2000 . Room service: The Waldorf Astoria, New York City . The iconic Waldorf Astoria is renowned for many things including its Art Deco motifs, Waldorf salad and plethora of celebrity guests. But what truly revolutionized the hospitality industry was its introduction of room service in the early 1930s. The novelty of such a convenient 24-hour service was an instant hit amongst the Waldorf's high-end guests and it wasn't long before other properties across the globe begin following suit. As a result, lodgers everywhere can now comfortably chow down in their bathrobes without having to do much more than push a button. The Waldorf Astoria, 301 Park Avenue, New York, NY; rooms from $288; +212 355 3000 . Minibars: Hilton Hong Kong . Countless thirsty travelers saved and their wallets thinned -- all thanks to one Hilton executive and Siegas, the German company that invented the refrigerated minibar in the 1960s. In 1974 an executive from Hong Kong Hilton (closed in 1995) was inspired to stock overpriced liquors in all 840 rooms, and lo the loved/hated minibar was globalized. The minibar invention was said to have led to a 500% increase in room-service drink sales and a 5% boost to the company's net income that year, according to the Atlantic. Though the Hilton closed, the company has a presence in Hong Kong with the Conrad. Conrad Hong Kong, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong; rooms from $382; +852 2521 3838 . Air conditioning: Adolphus Hotel, Dallas . Dallas, Texas can get quite hot and humid throughout the summer months, with temperatures often soaring into the high 90s F. So in 1950 when the Adolphus became the first hotel in the world to offer central air conditioning, we can only imagine how thankful its sweaty guests must have been. In-room air-conditioning for warm climate hotels has since become a commonplace comfort. Adolphus Hotel, 1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, TX; rooms from $103; +214 742 8200 . Soap and shampoo: Four Seasons London at Park Lane, London . Forgot to pack shampoo for your getaway? Not to worry -- most hotels these days have plenty of mini toiletry bottles on hand to keep you lathered up throughout your stay. Prior to 1970, however, hotel guests would have been out of luck. It wasn't until the Four Seasons London at Park Lane opened its doors that lodgers were first introduced to the concept of bathroom amenities such as shampoo. And even then, the very first shampoo offerings at the Four Seasons Park Lane were plastic little sachets that were difficult to rip open. Don't take those handy little hotel bottles for granted again! Four Seasons London at Park Lane, Hamilton Place, London, UK; rooms from $639; +44 (20) 7499 0888 . Carbon neutral: Wolgan Valley Resort, Australia . As the first carbon neutral-certified resort in the world, this high-end, multi award-winning getaway in Australia's Blue Mountains single-handedly introduced the concept of responsible luxury travel to the world in October 2009, proving that green, eco-friendly accommodation could also be indulgent. Wolgan Valley Resort, 2600 Wolgan Road, Wolgan Valley, Lithgow, NSW; all-inclusive rooms from $1,652; +61 2 9290 9733 . Kristen McKenzie works for HotelsCombined.com and specializes in hospitality industry trends. The global hotel price comparison site searches rates and availability from all major travel sites, is available in over 40 languages and has a database of 800,000 properties. | The Goring Hotel, known for hosting British royals, introduced the concept of en-suite bathrooms in 1910 .
Central air-conditioning was first offered in Dallas's Adolphus Hotel in 1950 .
Bathroom toiletries for guests were unheard of before the opening of Four Seasons Park Lane . |
198,635 | 8d2018a0172b85f55371d7279efc608ffa050528 | By . Rachel Quigley . Last updated at 6:50 PM on 9th January 2012 . A father who almost died trying to save his son after he fell ten feet down a manhole filled with sewage is outraged the city has not taken steps to ensure it doesn't happen again. Bob Anderson, from Albuquerque, is demanding the city make the necessary changes after his five-year-old son fell down the manhole in the middle of a construction zone a week ago. He said it was dark when he and his family were walking along the street and they did not see that the metal sheets covering it had been removed. Scroll down for video . Danger: Bob Anderson said he and his son could have died had his wife not bee there to pull them to safety . Manhole: Both Mr Anderson and his son, five, were stuck in the hole with sewage filling their mouths . Bob Anderson told KOB.com: 'We could have lost him out here. We could have lost me, could have lost him because there . is no way out of these things.' He said his son was running ahead of him and his wife when he suddenly plunged down the hole. His immediate reaction was to jump in after his son to rescue him. Sewage filled both of their mouths as they began to go under. It was only when they bobbed back up that Mr Anderson's wife was able to grab her son and pull him to safety. She then helped her husband out of the hole. Both of them could have died. But city officials said the manhole covers at the Lead Improvement Project would not change despite the obvious danger. No change: When he went back to check a week later, he was shocked to find the same metal sheets covering the hole and nothing else . Spokesman Mark Motsko said: 'We really want to take some time and thank the family and the father for being brave enough for going in after his little boy . Measures: The city said they cannot place anything heavier there as it would be more hazardous but have increased patrol . Mr Anderson said he has been feeling sick ever since and has had to visit the emergency room on several occasions due to bacteria . He has also been back to check if the city has made any changes after he alerted them to the danger. But he was shocked to find the same sheets of steel just sitting on top of the holes. He said: 'They’re (the city) trying to blame the people for their sloppiness and their job here. I‘m afraid somebody’s going to get hurt before this is all over.' Albuquerque Department of Municipal Development spokesman Mark Motsko said: 'We really want to take some time and thank the family and the father for being brave enough for going in after his little boy and saving him, because this could have been a horrible story.' But he said there is still nothing they can do about the hole as anything heavier placed there would be a hazard to get off if there was an accident. They have instead increased patrol in the area. 'We've added an inspector all weekend from now until the project is complete to go up and down twice a day on the weekends to make sure that the covers are in place and that the barrels are also in place,' Mr Motsko told KOB.com. | Bob Anderson demands city make safety changes . |
235,942 | bd6feaaa89846c55975cc831a67b78b77f6f432d | By . James Chapman . PUBLISHED: . 21:00 EST, 23 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 21:02 EST, 23 March 2012 . David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband and Boris Johnson are backing the campaign to rename the tower housing Big Ben the Elizabeth Tower, to honour the Queen’s six decades on the throne. The Daily Mail yesterday revealed cross-party calls for Parliament to mirror a tribute bestowed in 1860 on Queen Victoria, the only other monarch in history to mark a Diamond Jubilee. The square tower at the south-west end of the Palace of Westminster, previously known as The King’s Tower, was renamed The Victoria Tower to mark her long reign. Tribute: The tower, seen looming over the Palace of Westminster from London's Westminster Bridge, was named in honour of Queen Victoria in 1860 . Senior figures from all three main . parties are calling for the Clock Tower, the official name for the tower . which houses the famous bell nicknamed Big Ben, to be called the . Elizabeth Tower. Around the world the 316-foot tower has become one of the most well-known symbols of London and the United Kingdom. MPs accept it will continue to be known colloquially as Big Ben, but say the tower itself should carry the present Queen’s name in perpetuity. ‘It’s a really great idea and would be a fitting tribute,’ the Prime Minister told the Mail. Deputy Prime Minister Mr Clegg said: ‘The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee is an occasion that the whole country is keen to celebrate, and Members of Parliament are no exception. Address: The Queen last visited the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday. Above, Prince Philip looks on as she delivers her speech in Westminster Hall . 'I think the idea is an excellent one and I hope the House does so.’ Labour leader Mr Miliband said: ‘I want to give my wholehearted support to this idea. It’s a great way of recognising the amazing service the Queen has given to the country.’ London Mayor Mr Johnson agreed the capital’s most celebrated landmark should be associated with the Queen forever. He said: ‘This is an excellent way of honouring Her Majesty, who is arguably this country’s longest serving Parliamentarian, having opened Parliament 56 times at the last count and signed into law over 3,500 bills.’ Parliamentary private secretary at the Foreign Office Tobias Ellwood, the MP who proposed the idea, said he was delighted by the support. He said: ‘Victoria became the mother of the nation in the same way that the Queen has. I believe the idea of a similar tribute to the Queen will be welcomed by MPs across Parliament and people across the nation.’ Commons Leader Sir George Young will next week raise the idea with the House of Commons Commission, which oversees the running of the Commons. He added: ‘This is an imaginative and timely proposal from Tobias.’ Former Conservative foreign secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind said: ‘Our current Queen has celebrated so many years as our successful Monarch that the idea of renaming the Clock Tower as the Elizabeth Tower is an inspired one. It will command a lot of public support and affection.’ Anti-monarchy group Republic struck the only dissenting note, saying: ‘The idea you’re going to turn a major feature of our Parliament into a tribute to an unelected, unaccountable head of state stands against everything democracy’s about.’ But Liberal Democrat grandee Sir Alan Beith, a former member of the Commission, said: ‘The Queen’s dedication for 60 years has been a tremendous support to Parliament and the constitutional monarchy. ‘She has never let us down and it would be fitting to honour her service with a landmark to British democracy.’ | Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband and Boris Johnson are also backing the campaign . |
200,905 | 90181341a380cc71c2a659f10e7eb9079a50d8a6 | (CNN) -- The Missouri man charged in the death of 12-year-old Adriaunna Horton made his first court appearance Monday to answer charges of murder, forceable rape, statutory rape and child kidnapping. Adriaunna was playing with her sisters in a park in Golden City last Monday when two other children saw her climb into a blue SUV. A state trooper arrested Bobby Bourne at a traffic stop in Golden City that night, driving the same SUV, and arrested him for child kidnapping. Though Bourne initially denied having anything to do with Adriaunna's disappearance, he admitted during questioning that he was the one who picked her up and said he merely asked her about her father, Barton County Deputy Sheriff Vernon Ring said. Bourne said Adriaunna ran away from him, fell down, and died from the fall. He led investigators to a wooded area where they found the girl's body, which had evidence of sexual assault and strangulation, Ring said. CNN affiliate KOLR reported the four charges Bourne now faces and said he attended his arraignment in a bulletproof vest, along with nine guards and a K9 unit. It could not immediately be determined if Bourne was being represented by an attorney. Golden City is in a rural section of southwest Missouri, about 25 miles east of the Kansas border. CNN's Jennifer Feldman and Mayra Cuevas contributed to this report. | Adriaunna Horton went missing last Monday after climbing into a blue SUV .
A state trooper arrested Bobby Bourne that night at a traffic stop .
He faces charges including kidnapping, rape, and murder . |
54,348 | 99f6348db0d4efe916b50c4377eb2b48832e6013 | By . Paul Donnelley . It is not just in Pamplona, Spain that people take their life in their hands running alongside bulls. It happens in America too where they have copied the festival in which runners flee down the street in front of the rampaging animals. Justin Triplett took part in the event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California and found himself trampled by a 2,000lb beast. Scroll down for video . Justin Triplett lays stricken after being run over by a bull in Pleasanton, California . Mr Triplett was filming the event over his shoulder on his mobile as he ran when he underestimated the distance between him and the bull. 'I took my phone out to start recording backwards as I was running away,' Mr Triplett told the television station KPIX-TV. 'The next thing I remember is that the crowd that was behind me dispersed, and I looked back and realized the bull was probably 10, five yards away from me.' Mr Triplett came to The Great Bull Run: He saw. He ran. Then he got trampled and ended up in hospital. The crowds watch as the bulls come rampaging down the street at the fair . Mr Triplett is "recording backwards as I was running away". Only he was not running away fast enough . Ouch that's got to hut: the ball slams into Mr Triplett leaving him in a dazed heap on the floor . Then it speeded up and rammed into him, leaving him in a heap on the ground and the crowd gasping. In a posting on Facebook later that day, Mr Triplett wrote, 'Nothing bad happened, just bad cuts on my face and right side. Thank you guys for all the support.' As if being run over by a bull is not bad enough, Mr Triplett is now thinking about participating in the Tough Mudder, a gruelling 10- to 12-mile obstacle course that involves running through mud, icy water and fire. ': Keep them doggies movin': The bulls kick up dust in the arid venue as thet run by . Onwards: The bulls keep running with nary a concern for Justin Triplett . | Event at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, California based on Pamploma bull run in Spain .
Justin Triplett decided to video himself over his shoulder while running .
Was not quick enough to outrun the 2,000lb beast, which slammed into him . |
192,061 | 84b30ac8e545aad1419ed31e05b8f660c944e5dd | (CNN) -- Risking their lives to help disadvantaged Afghans became almost a norm for Tom and Libby Little. "We raised our three daughters through what was, at times, just hell," Libby Little said. "A hundred rockets a day was a good day." Family members lived underground to avoid bombings, she said. Yet they stayed out of a love for the people and a passion for providing eye care for the needy. But violence prevailed on Thursday. Tom Little, a New York optometrist, was among 10 people killed by gunmen in Badakhshan, a remote northeastern region of the country. The mostly foreign members of a medical team were robbed and shot one-by-one on a remote road. Their bodies were transferred to Kabul early Sunday, authorities said. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack. "He died right where he loved to be -- and that was doing eye care in remote areas," Little said from her home in New York. "Our daughters are missing him terribly. But I think their feeling is, too, that this is a real passion that he had." More than 400 people gathered Sunday at Loudonville Community Church in Loudonville, New York, to honor Little. The church supported his trip financially and emotionally. "Four weeks ago, Tom Little stood right here," an emotional Stan Key, senior pastor, told the congregation. The church had printed Wednesday in its weekly worship guide, "Praise the Lord that Tom's ministry in conducting outpatient clinics ... in a remote village was successful. God protected Tom and his team." Key said he decided to leave it in the guide even after hearing the news of Little's death. Dr. Tom Hale, a medical relief worker himself, told the crowd Little's death was not in vain. "This was not a waste," he said emphatically. "This is an enormous loss. Many of us are angry." The British Foreign Office on Sunday confirmed that Dr. Karen Woo was another medical worker killed in the attack. It was the remote areas of Afghanistan, Libby Little said, where the need for her husband's services was often greatest. "Huge populations were in these remote valleys," she said. The Littles would sometimes hike 40 miles one-way -- over mountains -- to access villages to host eye camps. Little said her husband had recently become involved in a program to eradicate preventable blindness by the year 2020. "There's a lot of preventable blindness in Afghanistan -- blinding eye diseases that can be solved with just very small work," she said. Tom Little was heavily involved with training in optometry overseas, "enabling Afghans to start picking up the work of eye care, because it wasn't there," his widow said. His passion for helping Afghans ran deep, she said. "He would come back to the States and get throw-away optical equipment, then refurbished it, then would send it over to set up a little optical manufacturing factory, so they could make their own eyeglasses there." When the couple married, they didn't foresee devoting much of their lives in Afghanistan. "We did feel we wanted to serve God with our lives when we were married. We wanted to serve him. We didn't know what that meant." So the couple decided to make use of tools and specialties they had -- specifically, Tom's optical tools and Libby's teaching skills -- and took part in a program helping disadvantaged Afghans. "We went, and we thought it was going to be two years, and it was 33," Little said. "We loved the people. ... The Afghan people were wonderful, absolutely wonderful to us. And they would be the first ones to protect us. So this is not the usual state of things, where they would murder all these people." Little said warfare in Afghanistan didn't deter her or her husband. "If you're in medicine, I think you feel you can't leave," she said. "If you're propping up a hospital that's the only hospital, then you can't leave when it gets bad." Despite the circumstances, Little kept her composure while reminiscing about her husband. "We had 40 wonderful years together -- of serving together, all those years, doing what we thought we should do. And that's enough for a life." CNN's Holly Yan and Ross Levitt contributed to this report. | Her husband was working to end preventable blindness in Afghanistan .
Optometrist Tom Little and nine others were killed by gunmen in a remote area .
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack . |
109,705 | 19673c6707bcd85e7095b57a5480e932e5cc446f | By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 16:38 EST, 24 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:38 EST, 24 April 2013 . Anthony Weiner's sexting scandal may not have been sufficiently glossed over by his recent PR offensive as the potential New York City mayoral candidate admitted on Wednesday that more secrets could emerge about his online dalliances. The disgraced politician appeared contrite during an interview today where he asked New Yorkers to give him a 'second chance', an even clearer signal that he intends to run in the next campaign. Weiner's apologetic appearance came as it emerged that the former representative earned $496,000 in the past year. Scroll down for video . Contrite: Anthony Weiner, who appears to be positioning himself for a run for NY mayor, said in a lengthy interview today that there may be further revelations from his texting scandal . In returns released on Tuesday, Weiner and his wife Huma Abedin reported $312,146 in business income and $135,266 in wages, according to the New York Times. It has been claimed that Weiner was working in consulting although little information was available as to the nature of this employment. In an interview with NBC4, the former Democrat representative, 47, said that although he had publicly admitted to sending lewd photos of his crotch in 2011, women whom he had been involved with online where free to come forward at any point. He said: 'Basically, New Yorkers know the story. I did it. I did it with multiple people. These things were wrong and inappropriate, and I never should have been dishonest about it. 'They played out in the most public and embarrassing way possible. And that’s it.' Tweet: The 'selfie' pictured Weiner's genitals, and was meant for a female admirer, but he mistakenly sent it as a message that the world could see back in 2011 . Asked whether he would announce a mayoral bid, Weiner told viewers: 'It’s a matter of days - maybe weeks - but not more.' He added that he had retreated from the public sphere for so long because he wanted to focus on rebuilding his marriage to Huma Abedin, a senior adviser to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Ms Abedin was pregnant with the couple's son at the time of the scandal. Weiner has ramped up his public persona in the past few weeks, creating a new Twitter account using the handle @anthonyweiner instead of the doomed @repweiner that led to his demise. Standing by your man: Weiner's wife Huma Abedin was pregnant when his sexting scandal emerged but the couple have remained together . View more videos at: http://nbcnewyork.com. | Weiner said it was a 'matter of days - maybe weeks - but not more' until he reveals if he will run for NYC mayor . |
213,335 | a0452525de6864315de07c7745edf949b10f9afd | Bill Gates vacations exactly like you would imagine the richest man in the world should. First up a relaxing game of tennis in the morning before being helicoptered - not ferried - back to the superyacht you and your family have chartered to the tune of $5 million-a-week. Then, an exuberant jet ski around the $330 million boat with wife Melinda and children Rory, Jennifer and Phoebe, moored off the billionaires playground of Porto Cervo, Sardinia. The Microsoft founder and philanthropist - worth $76 billion - has taken time away from his busy schedule to relax with his family - renting The Serene, the 436ft yacht of Stolichnaya vodka magnate, Yuri Scheffler, as a luxurious base. Scroll down for video . Style: Bill Gates returns to The Serene, the $330 million yacht he has chartered for $5 million-a-week. Currently moored off the coast of Sardinia, Italy . Boating: The helicopter carrying Bill Gates approaches to land on The Serene -the world's 9th largest yacht - this week during the billionaire software pioneers vacation . Tough start: Bill Gates serves in his tennis match in Sardinia as he works up a sweat in the morning as he vacations with his family . Return: Keeping fit allows the 58-year-old to travel the world for his philanthropic ventures - such as working to rid the world of malaria . Smiles: The billionaire, who has a fortune of $76 billion and is the richest man in the world, seemed to enjoy his tennis match in Sardinia . Deft control: Bill Gates was playing to win during his tennis game in Sardinia this week . Beaming as he played his shots during his tennis game, Bill obviously had no need for a more traditional boat to get back to the huge yacht his family is aboard. Walking with his entourage from the courts to his aerial transport, Bill was flown back to his yacht, christened The Serene, where he changed into a wet suit for a jet ski with his entire family. Boasting not one, but two helicopter landing bads, because, let's face it one is never enough, The Serene can play host to 24 guests in 12 staterooms, which includes a master suite, one VIP stateroom, seven double cabins and three twin cabins. See more of The Serene . Stroll away: The billionaire walks away from the tennis courts at the billionaires playground of Porto Cervo, which became a resort when the Aga Khan purchased land along the Sardinian coast in the 1960s . Just bring your racket: Bill didn't need to bring much with him for his tennis match seeing as it was only a short hop from his yacht to court - via a helicopter . Your ride: Bill Gates gets ready to get inside his helicopter that will take him back to his rented yacht. In the past he has said that he does have guilty pleasure purchases - such as his own private plane . Can you take me to my yacht? The richest man in the world would have no problems finding a landing spot on his rented yacht - it has two helipads . Get comfortable: The billionaire prepares to sit down to be helicoptered back to the 436ft long yacht. When asked to reveal a secret about himself which no-one would expect, Gates said: 'Playing Bridge is a pretty old-fashioned thing in a way that I really like. 'I do the dishes every night - other people volunteer but I like the way I do it.' Ready to go: Bill Gates prepares for take-off to be returned to his $5million a week yacht moored of Porto Cervo in Sardinia. In an interview earlier this year, Gates said he oesn't plan to stay at the office for days at a time as he did in his younger days when he had 'energy and naivete' on his side . Approach: This wider shot shows the green-grassed landing pad that the Microsoft billionaire's helicopter waited for him on. Gates held the title of 'richest man in the world' for 15 out of the past 20 years, but he was succeeded- briefly- by Mexican telecommunications magnate Carlos Slim Helu for the past four years . Luxury: While most would settle for a boat to take them back to their yacht, Bill Gates decided to go large . With 52 crew, The Serene also boasts a hanger for the helicopter, a seawater swimming pool, submarine hanger, a cinema and onboard WiFi. The Serene was built in 2011 for the owner of Stolichnaya vodka, Yuri Scheffler. She is 436ft long and comes complete with a sundeck that has a wet bar, a wood fire pizza oven and a Teppenyaki grill. She is capable of traveling 6,000 nautical miles on one tank of fuel, which is the same as traveling from London to New York and at least half way back again. Her most impressive feature are her two helipads, but the luuxrious yacht does not shirk on features. She also has an indoor climbing wall and a dedicated children's playroom to keep infants occupied. She also has a fully equipped spa and club and three external swimming pools and one indoors. Boasting an underwater viewing room, The Serene also has space or a large submarine able to reach a depth of more than 330 ft. The opulent yacht also has a gym, swimming pool and two jacuzzis on deck. The Serene also has a full library, health spa, underwater viewing room, nightclub and indoor climbing wall for the Microsoft billionaire and family to enjoy. It has a cruising speed of 15 knots and is able to travel 6000 nautical miles on a full tank - which is almost the distance from London to New York and back again. Indeed, the Gates family have been vacationing off the coast of Porto Cervo for years. Every August the coastal town off the coast of Sardinia becomes a literal billionaires playground. Originally owned by the Aga Khan, who bought up 50km of coastline almost as a private beach in the 1960s, Porto Cervo is now undergoing a mini-boom since he sold it to a consortium of bankers in the early part of the 21st century, . It is where Princess Diana spent her final days before her fated trip to Paris. Former . Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi and ex-British prime minister . Tony Blair have spent time relaxing in the sun there. Now dotted with Louis Vuitton and Gucci stores, the coastline is the perfect spot for the richest man in the world to unwind. However, . they may be the children of the world's richest man, but Rory, Jennifer . and Phoebe probably should enjoy this vacation while they can - because . their father is not leaving them any of his $76 billion fortune. Back on the boat: Bill Gates aboard The Serene with his wife, Melinda . Which wetsuit? Bill Gates looks for suitable gear to wear for a jetski . Family fun: Bill Gates and wife Melinda prepare to jump in the coast of Porto Cervo . Rested: Melinda Gates walks the decks of The Serene later that day while her husband prepares to head out again for a jet-ski . In a rare insight into his personal life in March, the Microsoft founder and his wife, Melinda, opened up about how they are raising their family. The . couple, speaking at a TED conference in Vancouver, said their children . will be encouraged to make their own way in the world without the help . of billion-dollar trust funds. Gates . said that instead of money, they had given their two daughters and son a . good education so they can learn how to rely on their own abilities . rather than their parents' fortune. 'You’ve . easily got enough money despite your vast contributions to the . foundation to make them all billionaires,' conference organizer Chris . Anderson said. Luxury: The Serene has the ability for two helicopters to land on deck - the circular pool seen in the middle of the boat can be transformed into a helipad . Opulence: The state room of The Serene is capable of hosting huge parties and guests of billionaires . Super: The Serene cost $330million and boasts space for 24 guests and 53 crew and was delivered to its owner, Stolichnaya tycoon, Yuri Scheffler in 2011 . But, according to Wired, Gates responded by saying: 'They won’t have anything like that. They need to have a sense that their own work is meaningful and important.' 'You’ve got to make sure they have a sense of their own ability and what they’re going to go and do,' he added. Anderson . likened raising three children in the world's richest family 'to a . social experiment without much prior art' before asking the couple, who . run the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, how they had decided to raise . their family. 'We . want to strike a balance so they have the freedom to do anything but . not sort of a lot of money showered on them so that they can go out and . do nothing,' Gates said. He . added that they have told their children most of the fortune would be . left to their charity, which tackles poor health and poverty. Beach day: Microsoft founder Bill Gates later made his way to a beach near Porto Cervo, Sardinia, with his wife, Melinda. The husband and wife married in 1994 and now run the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Seattle . Heat: Bill Gates used a boat to get to the beach after earlier transporting himself from his tennis match to his yacht via a helicopter. His foundation has assets worth $37.1 billion, thanks in part to contributions of shares from his mentor, American 'uber-investor' Warren Buffett . | World's richest man is vacationing with his family off the coast of Sardinia, Italy .
Is renting superyacht for $5million-a-week that cost $330million to build .
Was photographed also enjoying jet-skiing with his wife and three children . |
195,700 | 894ebcb1c35e0fb1ae4a9dded905a8770f32f39e | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:06 EST, 1 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:23 EST, 1 August 2013 . Eliot Spitzer has refused to deny claims that he is cheating on his wife Silda - again. The New York City comptroller candidate was given three opportunities this morning to defend himself against allegations he has a girlfriend, but instead chose to dodge reporters' questions. 'I am so tired of the personal attacks and I've answered all those questions,' he said at a Brooklyn campaign stop. Former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has refused to deny that he has a girlfriend . With wife Silda by his side, Eliot Spitzer publicly apologizes to his family after he was linked to a prostitution ring in 2008 . Spitzer spectacularly resigned from politics five years ago after admitting he regularly had sex with prostitutes, including Emperors Club VIP call girls Ashley Alexandra Dupré. While his wife Silda, 55, stood by him, it has been reported she now plans to leave her husband as soon as the New York election is held in November. The couple also reportedly live apart. Spitzer today tried to play down the fresh rumors about a new extra-marital tryst - telling reporters the public doesn't care about his love life. 'The public cares about what I did in government. That's what I'm going to be talking about and that's what the public is going to be voting on - based on what I did in terms of trying to clean up Wall Street, which got a lot more attention than the other things we did,' he said, according to the New York Post. 'But the other things we did was just as important.' When the topic was raised again, Spitzer insisted voters weren't interested in his private affairs. 'We've . said everything we can say about that and these are attacks that are . coming out of left field and frankly, you know, the public cares about . what the public should care about. The public frankly is a lot smarter . in this regard than some folks in the media,' he said. When a reporter gave him a final chance to 'reject' the rumors, Spitzer said: 'I have said everything we're going to say about this.' Spitzer's favorite call girl, Ashley Dupre, met for romps in room 817 of the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, D.C. on several occasions . Ex-New York madam Kristin Davis supplied Spitzer with prostitutes . Spitzer's controversial comeback follows the 2008 revelation he had spent about $80,000 on prostitutes supplied by Emperors Club VIP madam Kristin Davis. The married father of three daughters took call-girls, including his favorite Ashley Alexandra Dupré, to room 871 at the tony Mayflower Hotel in Washington D.C., paying about $1,000 per hour for his sexcapades. Spitzer's extra-marital liaisons were revealed after Davis' illicit operation attracted the attention of federal law enforcement. They then caught Spitzer on a wiretap arranging a sex-for-pay session with Dupré. 'I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my - or any - sense of right or wrong,' Spitzer said in a short speech, after media reports identified him as a man referred to in court documents as 'Client 9.' Spitzer resigned but never faced criminal charges because federal authorities determined he didn't use public money to fund his trysts. Spitzer’s political comeback has been compared to that of New York mayoral contender Anthony Weiner, the married former U.S. congressman who resigned after sending racy photos of himself to several . women, including Sydney Leathers. Serial sexter Anthony Weiner, pictured with wife Huma Abedin, refuses to to withdraw from the New York City mayoral race . Online . mistress: Sydney Leathers embarked on a bizarre affair with married Weiner just months after he was forced . to quit Congress after tweeting intimate pictures of himself . | New York City comptroller candidate Eliot Spitzer has refused to deny rumors that he's cheating on his wife .
He said he's tired of personal attacks . |
230,415 | b662e7c1aa8f2ea3e074ded5c8441bc06f0891c3 | (CNN) -- The stock photo, posted on a Facebook fan page for the accused Colorado shooter, shows two young men in a movie theater turning around to tell the people behind them to be quiet. "If you don't shut up," it says, "we'll James Holmes your a--." It's not new for Facebook pages to pop up in support of accused killers and other distasteful figures, but a few dozen Holmes fan pages -- including one with more than 800 followers that appeared the day Holmes is accused of opening fire on a theater in Aurora, Colorado, killing 12 people and wounding dozens -- are raising new questions about what constitutes free and appropriate speech in the digital age, especially on Facebook. The network, which has 900 million monthly active users, has long been regarded as a sort of brightly lit town square in an Internet that has some dark and seedy corners. People must sign up for Facebook under a real identity, so the trolling habits that anonymity seems to encourage tend to be less tolerated on Facebook than on sites such as 4chan or even YouTube. Still, Facebook can be fairly lenient about what it will let people say on its network. The company has decided not to take down the James Holmes fan pages, although employees are monitoring them closely for types of speech that would violate the social network's community guidelines, spokesman Fred Wolens said. The most popular page, "while incredibly distasteful, doesn't violate our terms," he said. For that fan site to be taken down, it would have to post "credible threats" against specific people or post something that was intended to incite violence, Wolens said. Facebook declined to comment on whether particular messages or comments on that particular page had been removed because they met either of those two criteria. Facebook sometimes will remove comments, posts or photos without taking down an entire page. Wolens added that the Holmes fan pages are not representative of how Facebook users are responding. He pointed to several pages where Facebook users are rallying around the victims of the Colorado shooting by posting memorials, messages of support and by trying to raise money for a victim who was shot and now is in an intensive care unit. "We are heartened that the vast majority of activity on Facebook surrounding this tragedy has been focused on helping the community cope and beginning the healing process in the wake of these events," the company said in an e-mailed statement. In the past, Facebook has been criticized both for leaving up certain Facebook pages and images and for taking down others. Last year, the site sparked outrage when it removed a support page for nursing mothers because it featured breastfeeding photos, but reinstated it two days later. It is now part of the site's guidelines to allow such images to be posted on the site. The social network in March 2011 took down a page calling for a Palestinian intifada after the Israeli government complained. It left up a Holocaust-denial page in 2009, saying that "being offensive or objectionable" does not mean a site can be removed. At the time, Dallas, Texas, attorney Brian Cuban urged the network to set tighter controls, saying: "There is no First Amendment right to free speech in the private realm. This isn't a freedom-of-speech issue. Facebook is free to set the standard that they wish." Facebook's "Community Standards" document, which is posted online, addresses violent and threatening speech in this way: "Safety is Facebook's top priority. You may not credibly threaten to harm others, or organize acts of real-world violence. We remove content and may escalate to law enforcement when we perceive a genuine risk of physical harm, or a direct threat to public safety. We also prohibit promoting, planning or celebrating any of your actions if they have, or could, result in financial harm to others, including theft and vandalism." The site also does not tolerate speech that promotes self-harm, hate speech, bullying or "graphic content," nudity or pornography, according to that online policy. Other technology companies have become embroiled in similar debates about what is and isn't appropriate communication on online platforms. Apple is regarded as running one of the tightest ships, since it pre-approves apps that will be sold in its App Store. It also has been criticized, however, for rejecting apps that would compete with the company's own offerings or that it finds distasteful for one reason or another. In 2010, for example, the company initially rejected an app that featured the work of a Pulitzer Prize winning political cartoonist. The app later was approved by Apple, following pad press. Google+, that technology giant's social network, came under fire for initially requiring its users to sign in using their real names. Some groups protested the policy, saying that political dissidents in authoritarian regimes, for example, couldn't use the service without fear of violence. The company softened the policy in January, allowing nicknames. Twitter bans users from impersonating others, infringing on trademarks, using the service unlawfully and threatening violence, according to its standards document, called "The Twitter Rules." It bans using pornographic images "in either your profile picture or user background," but does not seem to ban users from posting links to such material. Facebook is letting the Holmes fan page saga play out. Many users have commented that they find the page "disgusting" and "sick minded." "You mock the death of these poor people? Seriously?" one wrote. Others are calling for Facebook users to ignore the page in order to avoid giving it more power. "He's just a troll with nothing better to do than to fish for negative attention on the internet. I actually feel sorry for him," one commenter wrote. The page's administrator, who has not revealed his or her identity on that fan page, doesn't seem bothered. "Whatever you have to say to me, I don't care. Whenever you report me. This page isn't affected. (I've been reported over like a billion times and nothing has happened)," the page's administrator writes, adding: "Also, I don't believe in karma, and I don't believe in hell. Please keep this in mind when you post. Unless its something smart or funny, Please know; I'm just going to laugh at you and all you're doing is wasting your time." While the page is whipping some people into a fury, Robert Thompson, a professor of pop culture at Syracuse University, cautioned against reading too much into a tiny piece of the Internet that has little value to the larger public discourse. "Probably the amount of attention that we give to this stuff is totally disproportionate to how most people feel," he said by phone. "But because anybody with the Internet has got an international distribution system at their fingertips, if you start something that is a pro-mass-murderer fan page, it's going to get the attention of people." It's understandable that people would be outraged by the Facebook page, he said, especially since it mocks the victims of a mass murder that is not even a week old. But the page might be written in an ironic tone, he said, and it certainly isn't representative of mainstream views in America -- or anyone's view, other than its creator. "The mistake is made when people say what does this page mean about America?" he said, "This page doesn't say thing about America, besides maybe that there are too many Facebook pages." | Facebook pages backing the suspect in Colorado theater killings have popped up .
James Holmes is accused of killing 12 moviegoers early Friday morning .
A Facebook fan page for Holmes had more than 800 likes on Wednesday .
Professor of pop culture warns against reading too much into a tiny piece of the Internet . |
276,939 | f2c92f0fc2f601f8c039f462584e22519bff3596 | Parents angrily confronted a head teacher after he gave primary children books about tackling homophobic bullying. Police were called after the protest, which had been orchestrated by religious campaigners, became heated. Head teacher Jamie Barry is said to have faced aggression and verbal abuse at the meeting at Welford Primary in Birmingham, one of the schools linked to the ‘Trojan Horse’ scandal earlier this year. Head teacher Jamie Barry (pictured) is said to have faced aggression and verbal abuse at the meeting at Welford Primary in Birmingham, after children were given books on tackling homophobic bullying . It was one of 21 schools inspected by Ofsted amid claims of a conspiracy by hardliners to impose strict Islamic practices. While Welford, which has a large Muslim intake, was given a clean bill of health, inspectors reported some children saying they believed it was wrong to be gay. The protest occurred at a regular parents’ meeting last month. Mr Barry was expecting about 20 attendees to discuss routine matters, only to find around 100 parents there demanding to know about the introduction of teaching materials called Challenging Homophobia in Primary Schools (Chips). The parents had been encouraged to attend by anti-abortion group the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (Spuc), which shares common ground with conservative Muslims on several issues. Welford (pictured) was inspected by Ofsted amid claims of a conspiracy by hardliners to impose strict Islamic practices - while given a clean bill of health, inspectors reported some children saying it was wrong to be gay . An email obtained by the Daily Mail was sent to some parents by Antonia Tully, who coordinates Spuc’s Safe At School campaign. She listed 13 questions she asked to be forwarded to as many parents as possible to support Spuc’s view that young children should not be taught about homosexuality. The email said the head teacher ‘needs to hear the same concerns’– such as ‘teaching children about sexual orientation isn’t making them safe [but] putting ideas into children’s heads’. As a result, the meeting – involving parents from a variety of religious backgrounds – became heated. Some complaints were ‘very personal and very aggressive’, Mr Barry said. Staff called the police and the head was advised to leave the room, although he denies police escorted him from the premises for his own safety. An email was sent to some parents by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children's Safe At School campaign - the anti-abortion group shares some common ground with Conservative Muslims . Mrs Tully said she got involved at Welford after being contacted by parents earlier this year. ‘They told me that someone phoned the police which was a very inflammatory reaction. 'They said nothing that happened at the meeting warranted any police involvement,’ she said. She has helped dozens of parents to complain to Birmingham Council about the school. Chips, which features a series of story books, is being used in about 35 Birmingham schools. Mr Barry said he had not been surprised to hear that some pupils had made anti-gay remarks. ‘We were aware that they might do, because culturally, within the community we serve, we know those views are heard,’ he said. ‘But it made us think that as a school we need to do a little more in terms of teaching children about diversity and relationships. ‘While we respect everyone’s right to a personal view, same-sex marriage is legal and some same-sex couples adopt or foster. 'Our children will come into contact with these people and we don’t want it to be a shock to the system.’ Rob Kelsall, senior regional officer for the National Association of Head Teachers, said the Government must give its ‘full support’ to heads who deliver the Chips programme. Mr Barry said he had not been surprised to hear that some pupils had made anti-gay remarks . | Primary in Birmingham was linked to 'Trojan Horse' scandal earlier this year .
Books introduced after reports of some children saying it is wrong to be gay .
Head teacher Jamie Barry verbally abused at school meeting over materials .
Parents were encouraged to attend by anti-abortion group Spuc .
Spuc says young children should not be taught about homosexuality . |
50,334 | 8e61f1118801599229645457263fd16f802a7c92 | By . Anna Hodgekiss . Feedback: Departing hospital patients will be asked to rate their experience and whether they would recommend their ward . Hospital patients are to be asked whether they would . recommend their ward to friends and family, under new government guidance . issued yesterday. From April next year, every patient in England attending . A&E or admitted to a ward will be able to give the customer service-style feedback. Called the Friends and Family Test, the aim of the . initiative is to help hospitals to identify poor performance and encourage . staff to make improvements where services do not live up to patients' expectations. Upon leaving hospital, patients will be asked: ‘How likely are you to recommend our ward/A&E department to . friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?’’ They will be given the choice of six options from ‘extremely . likely’ to ‘extremely unlikely’. Follow-up questions will be asked where . appropriate. The answers will be made public so that everyone has a clear . idea of which wards, A&E departments and hospitals are providing the best . care. THE WARD: . How likely are you to recommend our ward to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment? A&E: . How likely are you to recommend our A&E to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment? POSSIBLE RESPONSES: . Extremely likely . Likely . Neither likely nor unlikely . Unlikely . Extremely unlikely . Don't know . Patients will be able to register their feedback online, via text . messages, a smart phone app, telephone survey, postcard or ‘voting booth’ in . the hospital. It is hoped that at least 15 per cent of patients from each NHS Trust will respond. Day cases, maternity patients, outpatients, and those under 16 will not be asked to take part. Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, said: ‘We want the NHS . to treat patients as individuals, focus on making services more responsive to . their needs and ensure they have as positive an experience of care as . possible. ‘Patients need to be listened to and their feedback acted . upon. They also need to know that their hospital of choice is driving . improvements to provide the very best care. 'Rolling out the Friends and Family . Test in the wards and A&E departments of every hospital will make this a . reality across the NHS.’ The questionnaire was trialled in hospitals across the Midlands this summer and was generally well received. But the guidance has received a mixed response from Jocelyn Cornwell, who . works on patient experience at the King's Fund think-tank. Discreet: Patients can provide feedback via text message, smartphone app, email, post or phone . She told The Times: . ‘It's a very good thing to ask for patient feedback frequently. But there are . some problems with it. The guidance says that it will empower patients to . see themselves as customers and demand customer service. 'I think the language . of "'customer" is antithetical to how patients feel about themselves when they . are a patient... I don't think it will empower patients in any way because they don't choose . which A&E they go to and they don't choose their wards.’ | From April, every NHS patient in England will be asked to give feedback on their stay .
Government hopes the move will improve standards .
Patients will be able to vote online, by text or by post . |
172,750 | 6b935ff4987a6a5c379e92c9ec57e9217f619704 | By . Belinda Robinson . Texas Governor Rick Perry will not have a warrant issued for his arrest but could be forced to pose for a mugshot. The Republican's fate was decided on Monday when a judge issued a summons after a grand jury indicted him for felony charges. But the governor still faces the unflattering prospect of being booked, fingerprinted and having his mugshot taken at some point. Scroll down for video . Presidential hopeful: Gov. Perry's aides said the case won't derail his busy travel schedule as he continues to eye a second run for the White House in 2016 . According to sources, the governor has . assembled a team of high-powered attorneys to fight the two felony . counts of abuse of power against him. However, leading . conservatives around the country have come out in support of the . longest-serving governor in Texas history. 'This . is nothing more than banana republic politics,' Tony Buzbee a . Houston-based defense attorney who will head a cadre of four lawyers . from Texas and Washington defending Perry, said. 'The charges lobbed against the governor are a really nasty attack not . only on the rule of law but on the Constitution of the United States, . the state of Texas and also the fundamental constitutional protections . that we all enjoy.' Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris . Christie, a potential rival for the 2016 race released a statement . Monday saying he has 'complete faith and confidence in Governor Perry's . honesty and integrity.' This . was echoed by Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and . U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas who may all may seek the GOP White House . nomination. Support: Republican New Jersey Gov. Chris . Christie, left, released a statement saying he has complete faith and . confidence in Gov. Perry's honesty and integrity and Jeb Bush appeared . to agree with his sentiments . Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad said the charges 'could well help' Perry. Gov. Branstad, a Republican said: 'It . is an attack. It also is coming out of a county where you wouldn't . expect even-handedness.' On Monday, Republican Judge Bert Richardson . decided against issuing an arrest warrant and instead a special . prosecutor appointed to the matter was planning a simple legal summons. But that still means a booking is in Gov. Perry's future although it's not known exactly when this will take place. Mr . Buzbee said: 'That's going to be something, that when he goes in to be . booked and take his picture that we're going to let you know about.' Gov. Perry's arraignment — a court appearance to answer the charges — could be held on Aug. 29 at 9 a.m. A . spokesman for Gov. Perry said that date had not been confirmed, adding . that the governor wouldn't need to appear personally at the arraignment. He will, however, have to appear at his booking. A . grand jury in Austin, a liberal bastion in otherwise largely . conservative Texas, indicted Gov. Perry for carrying out a threat to . veto $7.5 million in funding for the state's public integrity unit. Travis . County District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg, a Democrat, refused to . resign following a drunken driving arrest. The ethics unit is housed . under Ms Lehmberg's office. Fightback: Gov. Rick Perry makes a statement in Austin, Texas on August 16, 2014 over the charges he faces . No . one disputes that Perry has the power to veto measures approved by the . Legislature, but his threat to do so before actually carrying it out . prompted a complaint from a left-leaning watchdog. The . grand jury met for months before handing down its indictment, and Gov. Perry's $450 per-hour defense attorney was paid using state funds. Mr . Buzbee said the public will continue footing the bill for the . governor's now pricier legal team, though he said a private foundation . could eventually be established to handle some of the costs. After . Gov. Perry avoided an arrest warrant questions were raised of . favoritism, but legal observers said forgoing an arrest warrant is . common in white-collar cases. On Friday, Gov. Perry became the first Texas governor since 1917 to be indicted and is facing charges of coercion and official oppression that carry a maximum sentence of 109 years in prison. He is also facing allegations of carrying out a threat to veto funding for the state's public integrity unit last summer. But the governor has emphatically stood by his veto and denied all wrongdoing. But Gov. Perry's aides said the . case won't derail his busy travel schedule. He is still on schedule to visit several key presidential battleground states as he continues to eye a . second run for the White House in 2016. He will visit Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina in the next two weeks. He is also due to give a speech on Thursday on immigration at the Heritage Foundation in Washington. The speech is an attempt to re-brand himself to a national audience after stumbling . badly during his short-lived 2012 presidential campaign. Former U.S. Attorney Matt Orwig said that insisting on an arrest warrant for Perry would have been 'grandstanding.' 'He's obviously not a flight risk or danger to the community,' Mr Orwig said. Blackwell Thurman Criminal Justice Center: A judge decided not to issue an arrest warrant for Gov. Rick Perry . Conservatives have also have been quick to note that a video recording made at the jail showed Ms Lehmberg shouting at staffers, kicking the door of her cell and sticking her tongue out at deputies. Gov. Perry's attorneys showed the 'outrageous' video again while addressing reporters Monday. Yet, Gov. Perry has not been backed by everyone. Republican Gov. Tom Corbett's re-election campaign removed a video endorsement by the Texas governor from its website following Gov. Perry's indictment. | The governor has assembled a team of lawyers to fight the charges .
He is facing charges of coercion and official oppression .
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 109 years in prison .
Republicans have shown widespread support for Governor Rick Perry .
Jeb Bush, Gov.
Bobby Jindal and Ted Cruz of Texas have all backed him .
But Gov. Perry is the first Texas governor to be indicted since 1917 .
His aides say he will continue to visit key Presidential battleground states . |
142,341 | 44121a590b1b1ead3178d9aeb3f142295a1ef3b2 | By . Jason Groves, Paul Revoir and Sam Greenhill . PUBLISHED: . 11:59 EST, 15 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:11 EST, 15 October 2012 . A Newsnight investigation into sex abuse allegations against Jimmy Savile, pictured, was 'inappropriately' pulled . Culture Secretary Maria Miller was under fire yesterday as she ruled out a full independent inquiry into the Jimmy Savile scandal. Labour's deputy leader Harriet Harman said the issue had 'cast a stain' on the BBC, and MPs on all sides voiced dismay at the corporation's handling of the affair. Miss Harman said Savile's 'exalted' status within the corporation had allowed him to act with impunity. Tory MP Rob Wilson complained the BBC had still not adequately explained why it dropped a Newsnight report into Savile's crimes last December. In an emergency statement to the Commons, Mrs Miller replied: 'The BBC has launched three separate investigations. The first will look particularly at the allegations with regard to the item on Savile which was inappropriately pulled from Newsnight.' Her aides later insisted she had 'misspoken' and had meant to say 'allegations' that the report was pulled inappropriately. But Mrs Miller's intervention will add to the sense of crisis at the BBC over its handling of the scandal. BBC director general George Entwistle will be grilled by MPs next week over the decision to not air the Newsnight investigation into Saville and also about how much was known at senior levels about the allegations. He will also face questions on whether wider concerns about a culture of sexual harassment at the BBC have been tackled. In an email to staff last night, BBC director of news Helen Boaden said the corporation was confident the investigation had been dropped for 'sound editorial reasons', but acknowledged that 'people have continued to speculate'. She added: 'This is a tough time for the organisation as a whole and for some individuals in particular. A lot of soul-searching is naturally taking place.' Maria Miller, left, said the corporation was treating allegations 'very . seriously' while Harriet Harman, right, said the claims had 'cast a . stain on the BBC' Labour leader Ed Miliband called on . Mrs Miller to launch an independent inquiry into the corporation's . conduct. He said: 'I don't think the BBC can lead their own inquiry... I think we need a broader look at these public institutions – the BBC, . I'm afraid some parts of the NHS, potentially, Broadmoor. BBC Director General George Entwistle has offered to appear before a select committee . 'I'm . open-minded about how it's done but it's got to be independent.' Mr Miliband also signalled he would support 'brave' victims in their fight to get compensation. Tory MP Anne Main said Mrs Miller . should ask Lord Justice Leveson to extend his inquiry into press . standards to investigate the BBC's handling of the Savile scandal. She . said she was not confident the BBC had the 'wherewithal to clean out its . own Augean stables'. But Mrs Miller said she was confident the BBC was taking the allegations 'very seriously'. Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine said . Savile will become known as 'one of the most serious predatory . paedophiles in criminal history'. Speaking at the Cheltenham Literature . Festival, Mr Vine said: 'The fact that a person was using his BBC . prestige and maybe even BBC dressing rooms to attack young children, I . find disgusting.' Police are pursuing 340 leads and . believe twisted Savile claimed more than 60 victims in a reign of child . abuse that lasted until he was at least 79. * Andrew Marr's drunken clinch with a . young female producer was raised in Parliament as MPs debated whether . the 'culture' of the BBC had really changed. The 53-year-old broadcaster was . photographed kissing and fondling the woman last month. Democratic . Unionist MP Ian Paisley Jr challenged Mrs Miller in the Commons by . saying: 'Are you utterly convinced the culture of the BBC has changed . since the revelations of the vile actions of Jimmy Savile? 'Just a matter of weeks ago we had one . of their senior talent caught in photographs in the grips of a young . woman with his hand down her trousers in a public place. He gets away . with it with nothing more than a shrug of the shoulders and a silly . excuse. 'You know this inquiry by the police . will take years and that the BBC will get away in the smoke. Surely now . is the time for an independent inquiry into the BBC?' Mrs Miller said a wider investigation . into allegations of sexual harassment at the BBC was already under way, . but that Mr Paisley was right to call for it to consider recent . allegations. Labour called tonight for the Government to set up an independent inquiry into the Jimmy Savile sex abuse scandal to 'do right by the victims'. Culture Secretary Maria Miller earlier dismissed demands for an independent inquiry, saying she was 'confident' BBC chiefs were taking the claims 'very seriously'. But Labour leader Ed Miliband said the BBC's internal investigations were not enough.Speaking to ITV1's The Agenda, he said: 'These are horrific allegations. In order to do right by the victims I don't think the BBC can lead their own inquiry. 'We need a broad look at all the public institutions involved - the BBC, parts of the NHS and Broadmoor. This has got to be independent.' Labour wants an independent inquiry to have the power to demand documentation and witnesses. It should look into Savile's activities at the BBC, Stoke Mandeville hospital and Broadmoor, the party said. 'I think we now have enough set of allegations and further allegations to know this is not some isolated set of incidents,' Mr Miliband said. 'This seems to be a pattern of activity which spanned a number of institutions. As I say, I just think about the victims in this. This is absolutely horrific and will scar people for life. And I think for them, the BBC - good institution though it is - I don't think they can lead their own inquiry.' Responding to Ed Miliband's call for an independent inquiry, a government spokesman said last night: 'Nothing has been ruled out, however, it would be incredibly premature to pre-judge the outcome of the BBC inquiries and the police investigation.' Savile at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in 2003, where it is claimed he abused patients . | Labour's Harriet Harman said the issue had 'cast a stain' on the BBC .
Maria Miller replied: 'The BBC has launched three separate investigations' |
269,210 | e8b99314041c40e775d1e860dda92da544918549 | Misfiring strikers Emmanuel Riviere and Siem de Jong need 'just one break' in front of goal to kick-start Newcastle's season, according to Alan Pardew. Newcastle eased to a 1-0 Capital One Cup second-round victory at Gillingham on Tuesday - but only courtesy of John Egan's own goal. Newcastle's entire squad have drawn blanks in the first three matches of the new campaign, leaving Pardew admitting his St James' Park stars must quickly sharpen up. Off target: Newcastle's summer striker signings Siem de Jong (left) and Emmanuel Riviere are yet to yield a goal for Alan Pardew's side after three games this season . Optimism: Newcastle manager Pardew says his strikers 'just need one break' Chance will come: Pardew has put faith in Riviere with the Frenchman starting both Premier League games . The Tyneside club's boss believes his new forwards will need a crucial slice of finishing fortune to see off Crystal Palace in Saturday's home Barclays Premier League clash. 'I just think we've shown real solid team performances in the three matches so far, without really getting a break in front of goal,' said Pardew. 'So many times we could have got a break tonight and we could have got a second or third goal and it didn't happen for us. 'I'm hoping to get a break on Saturday, we just need one break. 'It would be nice to score two or more goals on Saturday. 'The way Palace play, how quick they are on the break, you sense that they could score, so it might mean we do need to get two or three goals so that's what our focus must be.' Sky Bet League One side Gillingham never threatened Newcastle's chances of coasting to victory at Priestfield Road, the hosts also toothless in front of goal. Pardew admitted relief at victory but slight frustrations at his side's lack of cohesion. Hard luck: John Egan gets the last touch for Newcastle to score Gillingham's fourth own goal in six games . Summer signing De Jong was unable to forge a flowing partnership with Riviere, despite lively showings from Gabriel Obertan and full debutant Rolando Aarons. 'The scoreline didn't really reflect our dominance,' said Pardew. 'I've been here many times as a manager. I've played here, and done a lot of scouting here too. 'It's a very, very difficult place to come. And yet we controlled the game more or less all the way through. 'I'm pleased but a bit frustrated we didn't score more than the one. 'They gave up a lot of space in midfield to play that extra centre-half. It was difficult to penetrate their three centre-halves. 'But I can't be too disappointed, I thought our application to the game was great. Our two centre-halves typified that, particularly the skipper. Enough to win: Gabriel Obertan (25) celebrates the goal his dangerous cross can be credited for creating . 'Absolute respect we showed Gillingham tonight, and that's how you get wins at places like this.' Gillingham boss Peter Taylor was at a loss to find reason for his side's fourth own goal in six matches of the embryonic season. 'It's absolutely amazing; incredible,' said Taylor of Gillingham's own-goal glut. 'That's the way it goes, hopefully there will be no more. 'It's a little unlucky on John, and being a Sunderland boy as well. 'He's got a great head on him, so he'll be fine. 'I don't think it's anything we're doing wrong. 'There's nothing we're doing to encourage that, it's just one of those things. 'The only thing I'm disappointed with is that we didn't have 90 minutes' belief.' It's not too late to play MailOnline Fantasy Football… There's £1,000 to be won EVERY WEEK by the highest scoring manager . | Newcastle beat Gillingham 1-0 in the Capital One Cup second round .
Toon's first goal of the season came via the boot of Gills' John Egan .
Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is confident his strikers will soon be firing .
Pardew played a strong side with seven of his last Premier League starters .
Pardew said of his side's attacking short-comings: 'We just need one break'
Newcastle face Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday . |
96,684 | 086cb95d69da7bc04184a241f774aa7638eb19c1 | Comedian Dave Hughes has followed up his train-commute reading of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice with a new expletive-filled children's book. Hughes, who has followed in the footsteps of Breaking Bad actor Bryan Cranston, has narrated an Australian version of the book You Have To F***ing Eat by American author Adam Mansbach. The tongue-in-cheek book, which is peppered with profanities, is a sequel to the largely successful Go The F*** To Sleep described as a 'children's book for adults'. Scroll down for video . Comedian Dave Hughes has hilariously narrated an Australian version of the book You Have To F***ing Eat by American author Adam Mansbach . Hughes gives voice to a long-suffering father whose indifferent child will just not eat. 'The sunrise is golden and lovely. The birds chirp and twitter and tweet. You woke me and asked me for some breakfast. So why the f*** won't you eat?' he starts off with. 'The bunnies are munching on carrots, the lambs nimble grasses and bleat. I know you're too hungry to reason with but you have to f***ing eat!' The tongue-in-cheek book, which is peppered with profanities, is described as a 'children's book for adults' 'The sunrise is golden and lovely. The birds chirp and twitter and tweet. You woke me and asked me for some breakfast. So why the f*** won't you eat?' he starts off with . Hughes, a regular host on Channel Ten's The Project, narrated the book for Amazon's Australian arm of its audio brand Audible. Actor Bryan Cranston narrated the same book for Amazon's US version and it has since gone viral. Earlier this month, Hughes treated commuters on a busy morning train to a 'bogan' reading of the classic Pride And Prejudice. Footage shows the comedian holding the book up while standing in between others passengers, before breaking out into narration in his thick Australian accent. Watch Dave Hughes read You Have To F***ing Eat here. Hughes gives voice to a long-suffering father whose indifferent child will just not eat . Hughes, a regular host on Channel Ten's The Project, narrated the book for Amazon's Australian arm of its audio brand Audible . | Comedian Dave Hughes has narrated an Australian version of the book You Have To F***ing Eat by American author Adam Mansbach .
The tongue-in-cheek book, which is peppered with profanities, is a sequel to the largely successful Go The F*** To Sleep .
He gives voice to a long-suffering father whose child will just not eat .
It follows Hughes' reading of the classic Jane Austen novel Pride And Prejudice on a public train earlier this month . |
116,520 | 2263842e01c657e012cb7cb19b6bf055655836d5 | The world's oldest tree has been found on a mountain in central Sweden – and it is still growing. The 9,500-year-old Norwegian Spruce was discovered by scientists at Umeå University during a 2004 tree census in Fulufjällets National Park in Sweden. The age of the tree was established using carbon-14 dating at a laboratory in Miami, Florida after an investigation by the university. Growing old: The 9,500-year-old Norwegian Spruce is believed to be the world's oldest tree, and grows on a mountain in central Sweden . The tree, named Old Tjikko, pictured on a less cold day, was found by a team of scientists during a 2004 census . It has been able to survive so long thanks to the process of vegetative propagation, which means it is able to effectively clone itself. While the visible portion of the 13ft tall tree is relatively new, its root system has been growing for almost ten thousand years. The parts of the root system that were sent to the United States dated back nearly 10,000 years, it is possible that other parts are older, locals told Aftonbladet. Cold and old: The tree's age was established by a laboratory in Florida which analysed parts of the root system . Spruced up: The trunk and firs are significantly younger than 9,500 years, but the root system has been growing underground since the last ice age . ‘During the ice age sea level was 120 meters lower than today and much of what is now the North Sea in the waters between England and Norway was at that time forest,’ Professor Leif Kullman, professor of Physical Geography at Umeå University, said. 'I can imagine that it may be probable that the first firs came from these areas.' Professor Kullman has named the tree Old Tjikko, after his Siberian Husky. He says wind and low temperature have seen the tree end up 'like a bonsai tree' with a lot of firs and a small trunk. 'Big trees cannot get as old as this,' he told Aftonbladet. The tree on Fulufjallet is older than most things we take for granted. It took root as humans had just begun to move north into Sweden and the rest of Scandinavia as the last ice age was beginning to end. Taking root 7,500 years before the birth of Christ, Sweden was still living in the Stone Age... | The fir was discovered on a mountain in national park in central Sweden .
Although the trunk is much younger, root system is at least 9,500 years .
The tree took root at the end of the last ice age, but could be older . |
128,571 | 3223a162ac64746782dfda861b267dd42e9e99ce | By . Australian Associated Press . Katie Foreman was burnt to death in her home in 2011 . Wollongong lawyer Katie Foreman died an 'excruciating' death in a blaze that was lit in her bedroom at the behest of her calculating boyfriend. But exactly why Ms Foreman was killed remains puzzling, the sentencing judge says. The 31-year-old solicitor died in a blaze that engulfed her home in Corrimal in Wollongong's north on October 27, 2011. She had tried to flee but was overcome by smoke and heat. In sentencing the trio for her murder on Monday, Justice Ian Harrison said 'it is difficult to contemplate a more frightening and excruciating way' to die. 'She died alone with no possible chance of escape.' Ms Foreman's one-time friend Wendy Anne Evans pleaded guilty in June 2013 to her role in the murder. The solicitor's sometime boyfriend Bradley Max Rawlinson and a third accused, Michelle Sharon Proud, were found guilty in April. During this trial, the Supreme Court heard Evans' friendship with Ms Foreman turned sour after the 31-year-old solicitor had been intimate with her former lover and convicted criminal Scott Field. But it took the 'cold and calculating' Rawlinson to push Evans' dislike to the next level, Justice Harrison said. From August 2011 Rawlinson sparked an affair with the insecure Evans and began feeding her lies and saying they could never be together while Ms Foreman was alive. The judge said in sentencing: 'She died alone with no possible chance of escape' The 31-year-old had tried to get out of her bedroom, where the inferno was lit, but had collapsed after being overcome by smoke and heat . Evans in turn recruited Proud to assist in the murder scheme. While text messages and evidence reveal how the solicitor was killed, Justice Harrison said he remained at 'a complete loss to understand' why. Whatever 'so-called issues' Rawlinson had with Ms Foreman, they were 'hardly the stuff of revenge or retribution,' he said. 'Scurrilous gossip and meaningless banter can never justify the taking of any person's life,' Justice Harrison said. None of the allegations levelled by Evans at Ms Foreman was ever substantiated, the court heard. And Rawlinson's drive to kill Ms Foreman appeared to be based on 'cold indifference to her right to live her own way, on her own terms'. Katie Foreman's mother Ann told the court earlier this month that she was still haunted by nightmares of her daughter dying . Neil Foreman (centre), father of murdered solicitor Katie Foreman, is pictured outside the NSW Supreme Court at today's sentencing . He gave Rawlinson, who has shown no remorse, the heaviest sentence, setting a minimum of 27 years and a maximum of 36 years. Despite the fact Evans went to Ms Foreman's home to light the fire, Justice Harrison said she was less morally culpable, owing to Rawlinson's manipulation, and he sentenced her to a minimum of 18 years and a maximum of 24. Meanwhile Proud, who Justice Harrison found played a 'passive role' in the murder, was sentenced to at least 14 years. Ms Foreman's family was in court as the sentences were handed down. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Foreman was murdered in 2011 .
Her former boyfriend was sentenced to at least 27 years .
Co-offenders sentenced to 18 and 14 years respectively . |
202,371 | 91ff3df184a05aebe3c5b2dbf5d7ce478063764c | Vladimir Putin cancelled his government's festive holiday yesterday, calling politicians back to the Kremlin to try to save the ailing economy. The Russian president told subordinates they could not afford a long break this year as the country's financial climate was in such a dire state. Last week Barack Obama warned the country's currency was on the brink of collapse after a series of punitive trade sanctions were imposed as a result of the Ukraine conflict. Putin warned the government 'could not afford' to take a long festive break and that they must try to save the flailing economy . Putin is reported to have told ministers via state television that they 'could not afford such extensive holidays, at least not this year.' 'You know what I am talking about,' he said, before insisting he had been 'making efforts to change the structure of our economy.' 'Quite a lot has been done in this direction, however, recent events show that this is not enough,' CNN reports him as saying. Earlier this week the leader discouraged politicians from increasing the price of vodka despite the country's economic woes. He warned colleagues that hiking the prices of strong spirits would provoke bootleg businesses to brew cheap liquor that would be dangerous to the country's health. Meanwhile Siberian senator told women not to indulge in buying expensive, foreign cosmetics to save money. Igor Chernishev suggested women who could not afford expensive imported lipstick could opt for the ‘natural look’ or even use beetroot as an alternative to make-up. American President Barack Obama warned Vladimir Putin that Russia was at the centre of of 'huge economic contraction' following the conflict with Ukraine . Mr Chernishev, who represents the city of Tomsk, wrote on a Russian website: ‘Women can live without imported lipstick, men like a natural look. ‘And if they really must use make-up on the lips – there’s no problem, they can use beetroot. It’s natural and chemicals don’t enter the body.’ The Russian economy is the most damaged it has been since 1998 when the country devalued the rouble and defaulted on its debt. Sanctions imposed by the West and the falling price of oil is likely to push the country into recession in 2015. In Moscow, a man on crutches walks past a shop advertising sales of up to 90 per cent before closing down . | Russian president said politicians 'could not afford' a long festive break .
Called government back to Kremlin to try to save flailing economy .
Country is facing recession following a string of punitive trade sanctions . |
116,613 | 2287277920a5bad1fcfcafe34fd36789b1dac326 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:35 EST, 20 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:55 EST, 21 April 2013 . An avalanche killed five Saturday, some 12,000 feet high in Colorado’s rugged Rocky Mountain back country. The snowboarders were found dead after becoming trapped in Colorado’s White River National Forest. Authorities believe it was the snowboarders, themselves, who triggered the avalanche that occurred around 1pm. Only one member of the back country snowboarding group survived the tragedy on Loveland Pass, which juts to over two miles above sea level. Deadly: Loveland Pass (pictured) in Colorado is a favorite spot for back country snowboarders. An avalanche killed five in the 12,000 foot high pass April 20 . Clear Creek County Sheriff Don Krueger said in a statement that six snowboarders were caught in the slide, but did not release the condition of the lone survivor. The Colorado Department of Transportation closed a highway as many skiers were headed home from nearby Arapahoe Basin ski resort. Tragic: Clear County Colorado Sheriff Don Krueger, pictured, reported that a sixth snowboarder was rescued, but did not reveal the survivor's condition . Lisa Clarke Devore, who was headed back to Denver from the resort, told The Associated Press she saw a fire truck and ambulance on the pass, as well two search dogs headed into the area of the slide. She says she saw several ambulances, including one towing snowmobiles, headed toward the pass. On Thursday, a 38-year-old snowboarder died in an avalanche south of Vail Pass. Eagle County sheriff's officials said the man and another snowboarder likely triggered the slide after a friend on a snowmobile dropped them off at the top of Avalanche Bowl. Nationwide, more than 18 people have died in avalanches this season, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. U.S. avalanche deaths climbed steeply around 1990 to an average of around 24 a year as new gear became available for back country travel. Until then, avalanches rarely claimed more than a handful of lives each season in records going back to 1950. Dangerous beauty: Rustic backcountry of places like Colorado's White River National Forest (pictured) lure more adventurers to their doom each year as avalanche deaths continue to rise . | A sixth member of the group lived through the tragedy on over 2-mile high Loveland Pass, but the survivor's condition has not been released by local authorities . |
227,282 | b24bf5534d545b4a8933c8ad3e143555b8b94fdb | If Cuban intelligence didn't do it, then Sen. Robert Menendez's legal team has a list of other theories about who was behind a prostitution smear that surfaced in 2012 as the powerful senator ran for re-election. An April letter to the Justice Department lists a litany of possible conspiracies -- in addition to the Cuban spy caper -- behind the mysterious tip that alleged the New Jersey Democrat was a sex tourist who flew to the Dominican Republic to meet underage prostitutes. The letter from Menendez attorney Stephen Ryan to the Justice Department's public integrity section asks the department to investigate possible "criminal activity intended" to unseat him "and to prevent him from becoming chairman" of the Foreign Relations Committee." Public integrity prosecutors are leading a corruption probe of whether Menendez violated the law in advocating for campaign donors. Ryan declined to make his letter public. But CNN reviewed a copy of it and verified its contents with three sources who have seen it. Cuban intelligence . The letter begins by raising the allegation, sourced to an unnamed "senior government official," that Cuban intelligence agents may have been behind the smear campaign. But Ryan's letter also suggests the possibility of a conspiracy either -- knowingly or unknowingly -- between Cuban intelligence and Republican enemies of the senator. Among the other theories: That a former U.S. ambassador with a beef against Menendez was the tipster who called himself "Peter Williams" and who shopped the prostitution story to news outlets in Washington, a government watchdog group and to the FBI. New Jersey politics . Another more complicated theory offered in the letter, citing an unnamed witness: That GOP operative Roger Stone offered the story to the conservative news outlet Newsmax, which refused to publish it. The same witness allegedly claimed that Stone had a goal in mind -- to ensure Gov. Chris Christie could appoint Menendez's interim successor in the event he had to resign. "Chris Christie is my ultimate client," the letter says the witness quoted Stone as saying. Ryan suggests ties to other New Jersey political figures who would want to help sink Menendez's campaign and notes: "Governor Christie's connection to the fraud can be explained from a motive standpoint." The letter makes no allegation that the governor was part of or even knew of the smear campaign. Stone denied the allegations in a telephone interview with CNN and called them "patently false." U.S. officials familiar with the matter told CNN earlier this week that the government was aware of the Cuban espionage allegations and had found no evidence to support it. The Cuban government-run website also dismissed any ties to Cuba. Corruption probe . The FBI's foray into the prostitution allegations dovetailed with a federal investigation focused on a Menendez donor in Florida, who for years has fought allegations that he overbilled Medicare. Investigators soon began looking into Menendez's relationship with the donor. Menendez's legal team believes the false prostitution story taints the entire investigation of the senator and wants it looked into further to see where it came from. "This entire matter began with a campaign of lies to smear Senator Menendez to affect his election and the chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and those lies included a fraud against the government," Ryan said in a statement. "The Justice Department has the responsibility to investigate who committed that crime, so when I have received from credible sources information that merited further review, I have sent it to them. We don't know who was responsible for the smear against Senator Menendez, but it is my hope that the Justice Department will demonstrate some urgency in getting to the bottom of it. "Whoever perpetuated this fraud against the government to smear a United States Senator and potentially influence U.S. policy should be held accountable to the full extent of the law," he added. Menendez weighs in . Menendez told CNN earlier this week that the Cuban intelligence involvement was plausible. "Well, let's put it this way, for 22 years, between the House and the Senate, I have had a firm position in opposition to the Cuban regime that violates the human rights - the democracy of the people of Cuba," he said. "I have been outspoken in that regard. And I wouldn't be surprised that the regime would do anything it can to stop me from being in a position that ultimately would impede their hopes of being able to get a different relationship with the United States based upon their interests, but not the interests of the Cuban people," he added. Important development . Additional content from the lawyer's letter matters because it casts new light on the Menendez legal team's efforts to force the government to reexamine the beginnings of their ongoing probe of the senator. The variety of theories offered -- and lack of proof to back them up -- doesn't indicate Menendez's legal team knows what gave rise to the prostitution story. Another letter Ryan sent to prosecutors in January didn't mention the theories. The April letter came at a time when the Menendez probe was intensifying, with investigators using a grand jury to issue subpoenas, according to people familiar with the probe. Any possible charges aren't imminent, according to these people. Should charges ever be brought against Menendez, Ryan's letter offers a glimpse of at least part of the defense team's possible strategy. By raising questions about the beginnings of the FBI probe, the defense could attempt to put the government's own investigation on trial. The letter also shows how a well-funded defense can try to complicate criminal investigations. It's common for FBI investigations to begin with dead ends before finding a viable prosecutable crime. But most defendants don't have money to pay for lawyers who can expose those dead ends, and try to make them a liability for prosecutors. The tipster, media coverage . The episode began in April 2012 when a tipster calling himself "Peter Williams" emailed the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group, offering to supply evidence that Menendez was involved with underage prostitutes. CREW shared the information with the FBI. An FBI agent in Miami exchanged emails with the purported tipster, but the tipster appeared evasive in emails and would never agree to meet or talk with the FBI agent. After months of investigating, the FBI decided there wasn't any merit to the allegation. Reporters at several news organizations in Washington also looked into the allegations, also after receiving emails from a purported tipster, but didn't publish a story. Then in November 2013, the Daily Caller, a conservative website, ran with the story. By early 2013 the story began falling apart, and the alleged prostitutes who had claimed to be involved recanted their story. Menendez, who is of Cuban descent, won reelection and is now chairman of the Foreign Relations panel, which has given him a perch from which to thwart any Obama administration plans to relax economic sanctions to improve ties with the island's communist regime. For good measure, Ryan offers one more suggestion to the Justice Department: that a combination of Cuban intelligence tricksters and U.S. political enemies were behind the smear. He writes: "We encourage the department to show some sense of outrage that a foreign intelligence agency operated by a government that has every reason to harm Senator Menendez to the U.S. has combined with dirty tricks political operatives to successfully use the Department to accomplish its goals." | First on CNN: Possible conspiracies listed in letter to Justice Department .
Sen. Robert Menendez was accused of cavorting with prostitutes in the Dominican Republic .
The alleges surfaced as he ran for re-election, but later discredited by the FBI .
However, federal authorities have launched a federal corruption investigation . |
102,772 | 10772658c2b7f525da7b9e3b2a981764f40146d2 | (CNN) -- Esra'a al Shafei, a recent university graduate in Bahrain, is young, Muslim and frustrated. Young Muslims, pictured here in Afghanistan, are increasingly using technology to engage the world. The 23-year-old says the complexity of who she is as a Muslim is being distorted by extremists and the media coverage of them. Channeling her frustration, she started Mideastyouth.com, a Web site she describes as a place for young people in the region to "show a different side of our religion" and discuss topics big and small, taboo and not. She represents a generation of Muslims who are using technology to express themselves, connect with others, challenge traditional power structures and create an identity in an era when Islamic extremists often grab the headlines. "I think the word that clearly defines the younger generation and also separates them from their parents is 'globalized,'" said Reza Aslan, the author of two books on Islam, including the recently published "How to Win a Cosmic War: God, Globalization and the End of the War on Terror." Access to technology lags in countries with large Muslim populations compared with Europe and the United States. Access also varies between those countries depending on a variety of factors such as governmental control and economic development. But the numbers of people using the Web and cell phones are growing -- and quickly. "The percentage increases of Internet users in places like Iran, Pakistan and Egypt are astronomical during the past five years," Aslan said. A recent study by Forrester Research predicted growth rates for Web usage would continue to soar in the region during the next five years. A battle over interpretation . Al Shafei, who spoke to CNN by phone from Bahrain, said her Islamic identity was partly shaped by a childhood that included Christian classmates and American and British teachers. She also grew up in a country that was relatively progressive enough to appoint a female Jewish ambassador recently. "Islam is much more relaxed here," she said. "But it doesn't mean we're not good Muslims." She discovered blogs, and the more she read, the more she grew frustrated with the nature of the dialogue. "No one was talking to each other," she said. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 was the turning point for her. "I was really annoyed by how the Western and Arab media were covering it," she said. "Both sides were sticking to the extremes." She said she started her Web site that year to provide the world -- and media -- a different perspective on Islam. "We're not as simplistic as the media would often make of us," she said. Al Shafei said the Web site's discussion subjects range from the political to the taboo, including homosexuality, premarital sex and atheism. The anonymity provided by the Web helps foster such discussion, she said. She is, however, careful to avoid talking about some topics, which could get her in trouble. "I always remind myself that I have my limitations," she said. "There are various issues that I am unable to tackle for security reasons." Al Shafei said she hopes that Web sites such as hers could help fight extremist Islamic groups by defeating their arguments through cultural and religious dialogue. But she concedes there's catching up to do. "We have to move faster" because extremist groups are more widespread in traditional media such as newspapers and radio stations, which are still consumed by more people than new media such as Web sites, she said. The extremists' lure . Some extremists are adept at using technology and new media as well. The killings of journalist Daniel Pearl, U.S. businessman Nicholas Berg and Eugene Armstrong, an American contractor working in Iraq, were all recorded and later broadcast on the Web. It's long been a concern that the Web is being used by extremist groups such as al Qaeda to recruit young Muslims to their cause. However, Bruce Etling, who co-authored recent studies of the Arabic and Persian blogospheres at Harvard University's Berkman Center for Internet & Society, said he found little evidence of such activity. "In the Arabic blogosphere we found no specific clusters related to extremism, and when it was discussed, it tended to be in negative terms," he said. "It was a counter-narrative we were surprised to find." There are several possible reasons why, he explained. It's difficult for extremist groups to maintain a static presence on the Web -- they constantly have to move to avoid being found. Additionally, popular sites such as Facebook have strict terms of usage, which make it difficult for extremist groups -- and their sympathizers -- to build a following. Aslan, who is also the executive editor of the social-networking Web site Mecca.com, said that research has consistently shown that the Internet is not an effective recruiting tool for extremists. He said extremist groups use the Web more as a marketing and communication tool. "Nobody, absolutely nobody, straps a bomb on their body because they were recruited from the Internet," he said. "It takes an enormous amount of personal face-to-face contact and time in order to recruit a young person into the cause of jihad." The Web and the streets . Observers say that like other young people around the world, Muslims mostly use technology such as cell phones and the Web for social and recreational reasons, not political. Jared Cohen traveled through the Middle East from 2004 through 2006 for his book, "Children of Jihad: A Young American's Travels Among the Youth of the Middle East." He joined the U.S. State Department in September, 2006. He said his travels showed him that the same tools young Muslims are using to socialize also are helping them organize. While at an underground party in Iran a few years ago, he asked the Iranians how they heard about the gathering. They told him that if he were to go to the marketplace during the day and turn on his Bluetooth, he could receive random messages with details on where to go and at what time. Western-style parties and music are prohibited in Iran, so young people hold them secretly to evade security. Cohen said the partygoers were dismissive when asked if they were afraid of the security forces finding out. "No one over 30 knows what Bluetooth does," the young Iranians told him. That knowledge and tech savviness played a significant role in the recent protests after the disputed Iranian election. Protesters used Twitter, cell phones and other social-networking tools to organize and spread word of what was happening on the streets. The impact on Islam: A new identity? The post-election fallout in Iran is one example that portends a broader generational and hierarchical struggle in the Muslim community, some experts say. There are a lot of young Muslims. By some estimates, about 60 percent of Muslims in the Middle East are under the age of 30. "What the printing press is to Christianity in the 16th century, that's what the Internet is doing to Islam now," Aslan said. "It has opened up the monopoly over the interpretation of Islam that used to solely belong to the religious class." Some clerical authorities, well aware of the challenges posed to their influence by the powers of the Web, are becoming more tech savvy and are building a digital presence, Aslan says. But their interpretations and authority increasingly have competition from sites created by young Muslims such as al Shafei and online communities found on Facebook and Twitter. However, emerging technology also could be a force that helps forge a new, more global Islamic identity. Syrian Muslims can now talk to Muslims in Pakistan, Indonesia, the U.S. or Europe. "During the 20th century, the parents of this generation were struggling to define for themselves some conception of a pan-Arab or pan-Muslim unity," Aslan said. "But that was elusive because there are so many things geopolitically that separate the Muslim world. "With the Internet, those boundaries, those borders are irrelevant." | The number of young Muslims using the Web is rising, experts say .
They're using it to express themselves and connect with others .
These tools also are providing a way to organize socially and politically . |
16,096 | 2d9c5916b2dd639bbb5ebccd9a72a3fd80b71f6a | Angela Douglas was convicted of murder at Plymouth Crown Court in April and given a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 12 years . A mother-of-two who cooked Sunday lunch for her family before going upstairs to murder her own mother has had her jail sentence halved on appeal. Angela Douglas, 49, had downed two-and-half bottles of wine when she suffocated Anne Matthews, 73, with a pillow saying she wanted to end her pain. Douglas was convicted of murder at Plymouth Crown Court in April and given a life sentence with a minimum tariff of 12 years. But today, three senior judges at the Court of Appeal in London said the tariff was 'excessive' and reduced it to seven years. The decision means Douglas will be free to apply for parole in 2020, taking into account time served. Lord Justice McCombe said: 'She did have a genuine belief that what she was doing was an act of mercy and there had been no premeditation.' Plymouth Crown Court heard how Douglas and her partner Shane had visited her parents on April 28 last year. She cooked the family Sunday lunch, drank wine and took her mother a cup of tea and biscuits in bed. Her father then went upstairs and found her kneeling and crying over her unconscious mother. An ambulance was called but when paramedics entered her bedroom Douglas told them: 'I don’t want you to do anything, she’s been through enough.' The medics also noted that Douglas was drunk and slurring her words. Further tests found she was heavily intoxicated. The mother-of-two had her jail sentence halved by three senior judges at London's Court of Appeal today . Douglas, a former nursery nurse, claimed she was acting ‘out of love’ after watching her elderly mother struggle with emphysema. But the pensioner, a former smoker who weighed less than five stone, was not terminally ill. Douglas confessed to killing her mother but denied murder on the grounds of diminished responsibility. She claimed a stress-related illness meant she was not in control of her own actions. In April this year, a jury at Plymouth Crown Court found her guilty of murder in less than an hour. In April, a jury at Plymouth Crown Court (pictured) found Douglas guilty - but her sentence has now been cut . Today, her barrister, Paul Dunkels QC, said the 12-year term she had initially been ordered to serve was too long, given the mitigating features of the case. He said: 'She was distressed by the deterioration in her mother's health and had told others that she hated watching her mother die. 'Her character was such that she found dealing with stress and anxiety difficult and that affected her thinking about her mother's condition. 'The killing was not planned or premeditated, with the idea only coming to her as she lay on the bed next to her mother on that evening, the appellant then being in an emotional and intoxicated state.' | Angela Douglas, 49, smothered 73-year-old Anne Matthews with a pillow .
Was convicted of murder and given life sentence with minimum of 12 years .
But Court of Appeal said tariff was 'excessive' and cut it to seven years .
Judges said she had 'genuine belief' what she did was 'an act of mercy' |
70,238 | c7163999085bcf8fca1824729f6fc867517412a7 | (CNN) -- She's been called "America's mom." Strangers stop her for hugs in the airport. And she still dishes up kindly parental wisdom daily in reruns of "The Brady Bunch." "Brady Bunch" actress Florence Henderson founded a service to help older adults learn about computers. Now, actress Florence Henderson, otherwise known as Mrs. Brady, has a new mission: Helping older adults learn to use technology. Her new business, Floh Club, is a "telephone-based technical support service" focusing on people who didn't grow up with computers -- especially grandparents who want to stay in touch with family but are intimidated by webcams, Facebook, instant messaging or even e-mail. Henderson says Floh Club is "like roadside assistance for your computer." She spoke with CNN's Josh Levs about her inspiration, her grandkids and "Brady Bunch" rumors as the show celebrates its 40th anniversary. See more of our chat with Florence Henderson » . CNN: What made you think of this? Florence Henderson: I was terrified of computers, Josh. I didn't grow up with them. And I have four kids, and they were always saying, "Oh, Mom, please get connected." And I would go, "No, I don't have time." But I was really scared. And so, a few months ago I decided that if I felt that way, there must be a lot of older adults that feel the same way, or maybe even some younger ones. I am now sending e-mails, I'm videoconferencing. I'm taking photos off my camera and actually putting them on the computer. Facebook, it is so exciting. I mean, I'm thrilled. CNN: What kinds of calls are you getting? What have people been calling and saying they need help with? Henderson: Things like as simple as learning how to send an e-mail. We have all North American-based technical experts standing by. Eighteen hours a day. Seven days a week. They are all very patient and very caring, and they will access your computer remotely, and they will talk you through any problem you may be having. They'll teach you how to use your computer. CNN: The plans and services range from $25 to up to $250 for an entire year. You have grandkids. Do you stay in touch with them this way? Henderson: You know what, Josh? That's one of the most exciting things for me is to be able to videoconference because I have a son and his wife and two children that live in St. Louis. I have a daughter in Florida. And they have two children. And now I can actually see them. I have a new granddaughter who is just a year old. I can watch her grow, and I can talk to them. To me, that is the most exciting thing. And so I'm encouraging older adults to really stay connected and use your brain. CNN: It's the 40th anniversary of the Brady Bunch. We see sitcom stars come and go. But you, 35 years after the show technically ended, you have stayed out there as an icon. What's your secret? What did you do that no one else figured out? Henderson: You know what, Josh? I think it's because I love what I do. I'm passionate about what I do. I've always kind of felt that my career was my vocation, and I love staying on top of things. Now I'm cybermom! I genuinely love to communicate. And I love people. CNN: I got to tell you, when I said I was going to talk to you today, every person I talked to said I have to get the truth about you and Greg (Barry Williams). You write about this on your blog. Just give everyone the real story. Henderson: The real story is that he always had a crush on me and he asked me to go on a date with him. And so I went. And he only had a driver's permit. And his brother had to bring him to my hotel, and then he could drive my car, you know, he had a permit. But it was so sweet and so innocent. And he's still a very dear friend. | Florence Henderson launches a new service to help seniors learn about computers .
The "Brady Bunch" actress had to overcome her own fear of technology .
Floh Club is a "telephone-based technical support service"
It helps grandparents and others stay in touch with family via e-mail, webcams . |
266,360 | e500b5bc43b9224a339badf181957296fa02c3c9 | At least 200 elephants in Bouba N'Djida reserve killed since January . 20 fresh carcasses found last week . Demand from China driving ivory black market . By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:49 EST, 16 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:51 EST, 16 March 2012 . These heartbreaking photos show the extent of an elephant slaughter in the troubled nation of Cameroon. At least half the elephant population in Bouba N'Djida reserve have been slaughtered because the west African nation sent too few security forces to tackle poachers, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) said on Thursday. In what was described as one of the worst poaching massacres in decades, and at least 200 elephants have been killed for their tusks since January by poachers on horseback from Chad and Sudan. According to The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), poachers slaughtered 300-400 elephants for their tusks in Cameroon since 2012, up to 200 in a single park. Here is just one of the dead . 'WWF is disturbed by reports that the poaching continues unabated,' Natasha Kofoworola Quist, WWF's representative in the region, said in a statement. About 20 fresh elephant carcasses were discovered last week, a spokesperson for the organisation said from Cameroon. The government of the Central African state has sent special forces to track the poachers and end the killing spree in the north of the country, but the WWF said this may be too little, too late. 'The forces arrived too late to save most of the park's elephants and were too few to deter the poachers,' Quist said. She said the organisation regretted that a soldier was killed during a clash with the poachers. Security has been unable to prevent the massacre carried out by poachers on horseback from Sudan and Chad . WWF said at least half the population of Bouba N'Djida's elephants have been killed. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said cross-border poaching was common during the dry season but the scale of the killings this year was unprecedented. 'They move 1,000 kilometers (more than 600 miles) on horseback to get to northern Cameroon because they have already wiped out the elephants of Chad and Central African Republic,' said Richard Carroll, vice president of the U.S. chapter of WWF. According to IFAW, poachers slaughtered as many as 400 elephants for their tusks in Cameroon since the killing spree began. IFAW said it was not clear how many elephants remained in Cameroon but a 2007 estimate put the figure at between 1,000 and 5,000. Growing demand for ivory in China is 'the leading driver behind the illegal trade in ivory today' according to an expert, and most of the ivory is smuggled to Thailand and China . The government had sent up to 150 soldiers into the national park on March 1 - taking action after weeks of pressure from the fund and from the European Union. Wildlife activists blame China's growing footprint in Africa for an unprecedented surge in poaching elephants for their tusks. Most are believed to be smuggled to China and Thailand to make ivory ornaments. Growing demand for ivory in China is 'the leading driver behind the illegal trade in ivory today,' said Tom Milliken, an elephant and rhino expert for the wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC. China has a legal ivory market that is supposed to be highly controlled but tons and tons of illegal ivory has made its way there in recent years, said the Zimbabwe-based Milliken, who spoke in a conference call with several World Wildlife Fund officers. | At least 200 elephants in Bouba N'Djida reserve killed since January .
20 fresh carcasses found last week .
Demand from China driving ivory black market . |
189,036 | 80ce93a671eca7d66d193fa16d322e2fdef22704 | By . David Williams and Steve Doughty . PUBLISHED: . 17:38 EST, 29 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:28 EST, 29 May 2013 . Crusading: The Guantanamo comparison was made by lawyer Phil Shiner, pictured, a long-time scourge of alleged wrongdoing by the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan . Listeners to BBC radio were assured that it was a scandal to compare with Guantanamo Bay and the American detention of terror suspects without time limit and without trial. Breathlessly, reporters revealed that they had been given documents showing 85 Afghans were in a British holding camp near Kabul. This might amount to unlawful detention and internment, they said. A little later a familiar name appeared in the BBC reports. The Guantanamo comparison was made by crusading lawyer Phil Shiner, a long-time scourge of alleged wrongdoing by the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. Indeed, it was Mr Shiner who led the case that ended with a 2010 High Court block on the transfer of detainees from Camp Bastion to the Afghan authorities, which compelled the British military to keep so many prisoners in detention in the first place. In January 2010 he wrote on the Guardian’s website: ‘My firm’s next case focuses on the UK’s detention policy in Afghanistan, where we routinely hand over Afghans to the Afghan authorities in full knowledge of the torture, summary executions and disappearances occurring within their facilities.’ Mr Shiner, 56, was a Birmingham University graduate who became an articled clerk and then a solicitor in the city. He worked for a decade for legal firms, a council estate project, a law centre and the Barnardo’s charity before founding his own firm in 1999. The father of five is also a visiting professor at London Metropolitan University, a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics, and was awarded the title ‘Human Rights Lawyer of the Year’ in 2004. He has repeatedly denied that he is an ‘ambulance chaser’ and calls the idea that he trawls for work‘ laughable’. His firm, Public Interest Lawyers, made its name in Iraq, where Mr Shiner represented alleged victims of abuses by British troops, including relatives of Baha Mousa, who died in 2003 in British custody. Nearly £3million has been paid in compensation to the family of Mr Mousa and other men. Mr Shiner sent a representative to Iraq to find and interview people who claimed to have been harmed by the British, and their claims were brought to the British courts. Public Interest Lawyers says it is currently acting for more than 130 former detainees who allege that they or their family members were unlawfully detained, ill-treated, or killed by UK forces in Iraq. Controversial: The detention facility at Camp Bastion, where the BBC said up to 90 Afghans are held . The firm’s interests are, however, not exclusively abroad. It says its mission is ‘helping individuals like you challenge the unlawful behaviour of those who govern us both nationally and locally’. Its most recent highly-publicised domestic case was last month when it represented a campaign group who objected to the use of unpaid workers in Surrey libraries on the grounds they had not received equality training. It won the case and the county council was barred by a High Court judge from using volunteers to work in its libraries. This was, said Mr Shiner, a ‘fantastic result’. The libraries are now threatened with closure. | The Guantanamo comparison was made by .
crusading lawyer Phil Shiner .
He is long-time scourge of alleged wrongdoing .
by armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan . |
188,171 | 7fab3e93daefc5d05b1d415073e66c71312e1274 | Stock markets staged a rally today after US politicians struck an eleventh hour deal to avoid a catastrophic debt default which had threatened the global economy. The FTSE 100 Index had earlier plunged into the red as the prospect of the world's largest economy defaulting on its debt edged nearer, but by the close of the session updates from Washington had lifted it 22.5 points to 6571.6. In New York, the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 200 points ahead, a rise of more than 1%. Germany's Dax was also up, although France's Cac 40 failed to climb out of the red by the end of the session. Scroll down for video and real-time markets data . Ratings agency Fitch placed America's prized triple-A rating on negative watch and said political brinkmanship risks the US being unable to pay its bills. Above, . Barack Obama discusses the crisis with (from left) House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Representatives James Clyburn and Xavier Becerra yesterday . House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi speaks with reporters outside the White House. The row over the debt ceiling comes amid a partial government shutdown in the US . On currency markets, sterling slipped . against a resurgent greenback, off one cent to 1.59 US dollars, while . it was flat against the single currency at 1.18 euros. There . had been a darker mood earlier in the day as markets fell amid anxiety . about a whether a deal could be reached, and after ratings agency Fitch . warned it could strip America of its prized AAA rating. Democrats . and Republicans have been at loggerheads on Capitol Hill as tomorrow's . deadline approaches. Failure to reach agreement on raising the . administration's £10.5 trillion debt ceiling would risk a catastrophic . US default. But hopes were . raised as senate leaders from the opposing parties agreed to a plan to . avert the looming disaster - although it must still go before the . Republican-controlled House of Representatives to be passed. Miners . were among the biggest hit by the uncertainty on London's top tier. Fresnillo was down 3% during the session but pared losses as hopeful . reports emerged from the US and it closed 1.6%, or 15.5p off, at 937.5p. Meanwhile . luxury goods group Burberry, which yesterday made the shock . announcement that chief executive Angela Ahrendts was leaving for Apple, . fell back earlier in the day to add to the previous session's losses, . but finished flat at 1464p. Royal . Mail lost some of its post-flotation froth, down 3% or 14p to 475p - . although investors are still enjoying a rise of more than 40% on the . Government's price tag last week. Talks: Jim Yong Kim, (left), president, . World Bank Group, and Christine Lagarde, International Monetary Fund . (IMF) Managing Director, talk last Friday before a meeting of the Development . Committee during the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings in Washington . Worrying times: A US Marine holds a flag during a rally at the National World War II Memorial earlier this week in Washington, calling for an end to the partial government shutdown . Russian policy makers had expressed confidence that US lawmakers would resolve the debt impasse, saying they viewed Treasury bonds as the world's safest investment even in the event of a technical default. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told reporters that Russia would not be affected if Congress fails to raise the debt ceiling by tomorrow's deadline because it holds no short-term US government securities. Ksenia Yudayeva, first deputy chairwoman at the central bank, described the risk of a US default as 'very low'. 'U.S. Treasuries will remain the safest asset in the world even in the event of a US technical default,' she said. To deal with any market volatility that may arise, the Russian central bank would roll out its standard range of liquidity provision measures, Yudayeva told reporters after she and Siluanov testified before a parliamentary committee. Russia holds more than two-fifths of its foreign reserves in U.S. Treasuries. The central bank's total gold and forex holdings are just over $500billion. Some blue chips also remained under pressure after star fund manager Neil Woodford quit Invesco Perpetual. Shares . in firms in which he has built up holdings dropped after the . announcement, with BAE Systems initially down again today before closing . up 4.1p to 443.3p on rising hope from Washington. The group has said it . could be hit by the budget wrangling. Capita, another Woodford pick, was down 7p to 963.5p. Engineering . group IMI was one of the biggest top flight risers after striking a . deal to sell its drinks dispensing and merchandising business to US . billionaire investor Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway for 1.1 billion . US dollars (£688 million). The group will return £620 million to its shareholders following the sale, which saw shares rise 29p to 1528p. The . biggest FTSE 100 risers were Hargreaves Lansdown up 50p to 1090p, IMI . up 29p to 1528p, Standard Chartered up 28p to 1499.5p and Aviva up 7.2p . to 435.4p. The biggest FTSE . 100 fallers were Schroders down 74p to 2568p, Fresnillo down 15.5p to . 937.5p, Glencore Xstrata down 4.8p to 331.2p and SSE down 20p to 1423p. Deal done: The Grand Canyon has now re-opened after it was closed during the federal government shutdown . Anger: Steven Ahrenholz, a Federal worker put on temporary unpaid leave, protests outside the Department of Health and Human Services CDC offices earlier this week . Republicans and Democrats are reportedly close to an 11th-hour deal which would avoid a default, and will hold meetings today in the hope of striking an agreement to satisfy both parties. Above, the Capitol, home of US Congress . Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange . World stock markets fluctuated between gains and losses today as a deadline for divided U.S. lawmakers to agree on a higher government borrowing limit drew ever closer. Unless Congress acts by Thursday, the government will lose its ability to borrow and will be required to meet its obligations by relying on cash in hand and incoming tax receipts. That could mean the U.S. is unable to repay holders of Treasury bills that mature in coming days, or that it could miss interest payments on longer-dated Treasurys, and would be in default on its debt. In early European trading, the FTSE 100 was down 0.4 per cent at 6,521.86 and Germany's DAX fell 0.1 per cent to 8,792.94. France's CAC-40 was 0.7 per cent lower at 4,226.88. But U.S. stock futures made modest gains, auguring well for trading on Wall Street. Dow futures were up 0.4 per cent at 15,155 and S&P 500 futures also gained 0.4 per cent, to 1,699.30 . In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 0.2 per cent to close at 14,467.14 while Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 0.5 per cent to 23,228.33. China's Shanghai Composite fell 1.8 per cent to 2,193.07. Australia's S&P/ASX 200 added 0.1 per cent to 5,262.91. Stock indexes in Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and the Philippines eked out modest gains. 'The market is still relatively calm waiting for the storm to hit tomorrow, when the U.S. will reach its debt ceiling and then default will follow and all hell will break loose,' said Francis Lun, chief economist at GE Oriental Finance Group in Hong Kong. 'Everybody is thinking the inevitable now. It is inevitable that the U.S. will miss an agreement before the deadline,' he said. On Wall Street yesterday, stocks were flat or down all day but the size of the losses waxed and waned depending on which politician was giving a press conference about the budget impasse. The market closed with its first loss in a week. Yields on short-term government debt rose sharply as investors worried about the possibility of a default. In the energy markets, benchmark crude for November delivery was steady at $101.21 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The euro rose to $1.3532 from $1.3522 late Tuesday in New York. The dollar rose to 98.41 yen from 98.22 yen. The price of oil has swung back and forth for two weeks as lawmakers attempt to resolve the impasse. Above, oil drillers in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky . Oil steady above $101 as US debt deadline nears . The price of oil held above $101 a barrel today as the deadline for U.S. politicians to raise the government debt ceiling - and avoid a potentially catastrophic default - is only hours away. By early afternoon in Europe, benchmark crude for November delivery was up 3 cents at $101.24 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. The contract fell $1.20 to close at $101.21 on Tuesday. The price of oil has swung back and forth for two weeks as lawmakers attempt to resolve the impasse. 'The uncertain economic conditions in the U.S. have caused further volatility and nervous trading in the oil market, with investors worrying about a slowdown in the US oil demand,' said a report from Sucden Financial Research in London. Government agencies including the Energy Information Administration, which keeps track of US crude and fuel supplies, have stopped many services. The EIA's weekly report on supplies gives an indication about the strength of demand and often pushes the oil price up or down. Also setting a ceiling over prices were talks on Iran's nuclear programme in Geneva between the Islamic Republic and six major world powers. A deal would likely end US-led economic sanctions, which have greatly reduced Iran's oil exports over the past couple of years. 'Progress continues to be made and it seems that Iran is proposing a detailed framework rather than philosophical ideas,' said Olivier Jakob of Petromatrix in Switzerland. Brent crude's December contract, the benchmark used to set prices for international crudes used by many U.S. refineries, was up 10 cents at $109.52 on the ICE Futures exchange in London. | FTSE, Dow Jones and Dax all up after politicians strike 11th hour deal .
Ratings agency Fitch had put America's triple-A rating on negative watch .
US politicians had until tomorrow to raise $16.7tn (£10.4tn) debt ceiling - lifting the cap on how much it can borrow .
Row over debt ceiling comes amid partial government shutdown in the US .
IMF warns that a US debt default threatens to trigger global recession . |
203,205 | 9314d530d707514251a341562b45486bb508e9ee | By . Lucy Waterlow . PUBLISHED: . 08:18 EST, 16 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:28 EST, 16 August 2013 . Next year will be the tenth anniversary of the Boxing Day tsunami that claimed 230,000 lives. It will be a poignant date for brothers Rob and Paul Forkan from Southfields, London, - as it was the last time they saw their parents, Kevin and Sandra. But it is also the date when they hope to open a children's home in Goa, the product of years of hard work to build something positive out of their family tragedy. The family were caught up in the natural disaster while they were staying in Sri Lanka in 2004. Rob and Paul, then aged 17 and 15 respectively, survived by clinging on to the roof of a building when the giant wave hit the coastline. Scroll down for video . Fashion with a purpose: Brothers Rob and Paul sell flip flops to help under privileged children around the world . Target: They hope to have enough money to open their first children's home in Goa at the end of next year . Their . parents had managed to get their younger brother, Mattie, then aged 12, . and sister, Rosie, eight, to safety before being swept away. The orphans were left with nothing and had to hitchhike across the devastated country to make it back to Britain where they would be cared for by their extended family and friends. But rather than being broken by the tragedy, the brothers decided to do something positive to honour the memory of their mother and father and help other orphaned children around the world. Taking inspiration from their philanthropist parents, who had given up their jobs in the fashion industry to volunteer for humanitarian projects, the pair designed flip flops made from natural materials with a woven rope style. Best foot forward: Their initial design, left, used natural materials before they changed to rubber with more vibrant colours . Fan: Sir Richard Branson stocks the flip flops on his island and wears them himself . In style: Michelle Keegan, left, and Binky Felstead have stepped out in Gandys flip flops . Under the brand name Gandys, sales of the flips flops funds their 'Orphans for Orphans' initiative. Their goal is to raise enough money to open their first children's home by the end of next year in Goa. So far their enterprise has also funded a teacher and a nurse in India for a year and bought school supplies for over 100 children in Asia. Rob, now 25, told the MailOnline: 'We travelled the world with our parents as they carried out volunteer work. They wanted to quit the rat race to experience other cultures and make a difference. 'They sold our family home in Croydon and took my brothers and sister and I out of school and we moved initially to India. 'We'd been travelling for three years when we became orphans ourselves and we wanted to do something positive. From humble beginnings: The brothers' bedroom in Brixton where the business started . To Tweets from the stars: Jessie J loves the flip flops and posted this picture . 'We wanted to build a brand based on our beliefs and family values with the target of opening our first children's home in Goa on the tenth anniversary of the tsunami.' Starting out from their bedroom in Brixton, the flip flop design evolved to be made from rubber while still incorporating the distinctive pleated toe bar. They have men and women's styles with vibrant colours and patterns. Thanks to the brothers hard work and marketing skills, the flip flops are now being stocked by Selfridges, Schuh and Topman (where they sold out after first going on sale) among other well-known shoe stores. Trip of a lifetime: Rob and Paul had been travelling the world with their parents and younger brother and sister when they were caught up in the tsunami . 'She would have been proud': Rob and Mattie with their mother Sandra . They have also garnered a celebrity following with Sir Richard Branson (who now stocks them on his island), Jamie Oliver and Michelle Keegan being pictured wearing them. Numerous other stars have Tweeted their support for the brand from Jessie J to Stephen Fry. Rob said: 'We're amazed about how far we've . gotten in such a short time; we really couldn't believe it when we got . told that we'd sold out in Topman.' Paul, 23, added: 'We've . still got a lot of work to do before we can open our first children's . home next year but we know that our parents would be proud of how much . we've achieved already.' For more information visit www.gandysflipflops.com. Television footage courtesy of Sky News . | Rob and Paul Forkan were caught up in natural disaster as teens .
They had been travelling around Sri Lanka with their parents .
Brothers survived but lost their mother and father .
They wanted to do something positive to help other orphans .
Founded brand Gandys with target of opening children's home .
Designed flip flops with distinctive styles .
Footwear worn by Jessie J, Jamie Oliver and many other celebs . |
215,353 | a2c34ee947186ab7f02d65e98136830ad528ed04 | By . James Tozer . PUBLISHED: . 18:08 EST, 21 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:11 EST, 22 July 2013 . Not so super: Philip Clarke, CEO of Tesco, warns that the days of bargain buys are over . The era of cheap food is coming to an end, the boss of Tesco warned yesterday. Philip Clarke, chief executive of Britain’s biggest supermarket chain, said rising global demand meant the low prices could not continue for much longer. He spoke as a new poll indicated that consumers would be prepared to pay more for their groceries if they thought it would benefit British farmers. Tesco’s reputation was badly damaged by the horsemeat scandal at the start of the year and Mr Clarke has promised to rebuild customers’ trust. But it faced accusations of profiteering yesterday after raising the price of its basic bottled water by 40 per cent as the country sweltered in the heat. Food price inflation was 2.7 per cent last month, up from 2.4 per cent in May. Mr Clarke is the second supermarket boss, after Waitrose’s Mark Price, to back experts’ warnings that rock-bottom prices would eventually lead to quality being sacrificed. Last month a UN report predicted world food prices could rise by as much as 40 per cent over the next decade, driven by the demands of a growing middle class in China and India. ‘There was a time when we could go to South Africa to buy fruit and be the only retailer there,’ Mr Clarke said, adding: ‘Not any more.’ And he pledged to fulfil a promise to the National Farmers’ Union, made after January’s scandal, to give British producers a better deal. But he admitted the discovery of . horsemeat in beef products had damaged customer trust. ‘Tesco was big . and Tesco was bad,’ he said. Oh no, Tesco: The chief executive of Britain¿s biggest supermarket chain, said rising global demand meant the low prices could not continue for much longer . His comments came as a poll to mark National Countryside Week, which starts today, suggested a majority of British consumers would pay more for food if farmers benefited rather than supermarket shareholders. The poll, by YouGov for The Prince’s Countryside Fund, also indicated that more than 80 per cent of consumers think it is important to buy British. Donald Curry, a trustee of the fund, said: ‘The public are prepared support British farmers, even if that means paying more for food – provided extra money goes directly to the producer.’ | No more bargain buys during your weekly show, supermarket boss warns .
Due to rising global demand, food prices will rise, say Tesco's Philip Clarke . |
257,823 | d9a6944cbd46857eb44de8bd271daa508ca9e019 | (CNN) -- Britain's phone-hacking scandal has seen former tabloid editor Andy Coulson move from the newsroom into the full glare of its spotlight. Coulson was editor of the News of the World when evidence of illegal eavesdropping at the newspaper first emerged in 2005. As the fallout worsened, accusations of Coulson's involvement put even Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron - for whom Coulson later worked as communications director - on the defensive. On June 23, Coulson was found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones in a trial that opened last October at the Old Bailey in London, the UK's Press Association news agency reported. The trial saw prosecutors sift through Coulson's personal life as well as his professional career, with allegations, by prosecutors, that he and co-defendant Rebekah Brooks carried out a six-year affair being cited as evidence of their level of trust. Coulson began his career in journalism at The Basildon Echo in 1986, moving to the Sun in 1989 and the Daily Mail in 1993. In 1994, Coulson returned to The Sun, editing its "Bizarre" section, which focuses on showbiz news and gossip. Four years later he was promoted to the position of Associate Editor. He joined News of the World as its Deputy Editor in 2000, rising to the position of editor when Rebekah Brooks took the role of Chief Executive at News International. In January 2007, Coulson resigned from the News of the World after its then-royal editor, Clive Goodman, and a private investigator, Glenn Mulcaire, were jailed for hacking into voice-mail messages left for royal aides. Coulson said he knew nothing about the hacking but resigned because he was editor of the paper at the time. In July of that year, then-opposition leader Cameron hired Coulson as his director of communications. Cameron became British prime minister in 2010, and Coulson moved with him to Downing Street. In January 2011, Coulson resigned as Downing Street spin doctor as coverage of the phone hacking scandal broadened. He insisted he was innocent but said he had become a distraction for the government. The original police investigation into phone-hacking had ended with Goodman and Mulcaire's convictions, but reports had continued to surface of the "dark arts" of the tabloid newsroom and a "culture of phone hacking." Police reopened their investigation the same month Coulson stepped down. In April 2011 News of the World officially apologized for hacking into voice mails from 2004 to 2006. The scandal exploded in July with the revelation that one of the hacking victims was Milly Dowler, a 13-year-old British girl whose phone was hacked after she disappeared in 2002. She was later found murdered. Arrest . Days later, Coulson was arrested in connection with allegations of phone hacking and corruption. "I came in today voluntarily as I have been offering to do in the last few months," Coulson told reporters outside Lewisham Police station at the time. "There is an awful lot I would like to say but I can't." The scandal prompted questions over the British Prime Minister David Cameron's judgment in hiring Coulson. Cameron went on the defensive at a Downing Street news conference saying: "The decision to hire him was mine, and mine alone." He said he gave Coulson a second chance after receiving assurances that he had not been involved in wrongdoing at the newspaper. Questioned at the Leveson Inquiry into media ethics the following May, Coulson said Goodman and Mulcaire's phone-hacking convictions did come up in discussions with senior party members before he was offered the job. He told the inquiry he had told them and Prime Minister Cameron that he knew nothing about the practice of hacking under his leadership of the paper. He also denied he was hired because of his links to News International [since rebranded News UK], the British arm of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., which runs the UK's biggest selling daily tabloid, The Sun. Coulson said he had explained to Cameron and then-shadow chancellor George Osborne that his connections would not guarantee the backing of Murdoch's papers, and that they should reach out to a wide range of news outlets. The Sun switched its allegiance from the Labour Party to Cameron's Conservatives ahead of the 2010 election, which resulted in the formation of a Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition government. Coulson said he never witnessed a conversation that was "inappropriate" between members of the government and News International. Cameron at Leveson . The following month, Cameron also told the inquiry Coulson had given him and others assurances that he knew nothing of the phone hacking while he was editor. Cameron said he knew that Coulson's appointment would be "controversial" but that the party felt his experience as a tabloid editor meant he was tough enough for the high-pressure role. The prime minister said he thought Coulson had done "the honorable thing" in resigning. Asked if he regretted the appointment, Cameron acknowledged it had come back to haunt both him and Coulson. "You don't make decisions with 20/20 hindsight," he said. "I made the decision I made," he said. "I don't try to run away from it, I just try to explain why I made it." While in the role, Coulson performed well and behaved entirely properly, he added. In July, 2012, the Crown Prosecution Service announced that eight people - including Coulson - would face charges related to phone hacking. Charges against one of the eight were later dropped. Coulson said he would fight the charges, stressing that he "wouldn't and, more importantly, that I didn't, do anything to damage the Milly Dowler investigation." He said his tabloid, quote "worked on behalf of the victims of crime, particularly violent crime, and the idea that I would then sit in my office dreaming up schemes to undermine investigations is simply untrue." Phone-hacking trial . The trial opened in October 2013. In November, prosecutors alleged that Coulson had a clandestine affair with co-accused Rebekah Brooks from 1998-2004, which they argued showed the pair's level of trust. Referring to a letter she had written to Coulson and which was produced in court, Brooks -- who was later cleared of all charges against her -- said: "Andy and I were incredibly close at the time. He was my best friend. I think that comes across." She denied there had been a long-standing affair but acknowledged there had been periods of physical intimacy. The alleged affair was seized on by UK media covering the case, with one newspaper - The Independent -- headlining its story "The affair they didn't expose," a reference to the tabloid newspapers' history of revealing other people's cheating. The BBC and Guardian newspaper reported that when Coulson gave evidence in April - with his wife watching from the public gallery - he said the affair "shouldn't have happened." But he denied that it meant he and Brooks had shared sensitive stories, the outlets said. In January, a former News of the World journalist told the trial that his phone hacking skills were the main reason Coulson had hired him. Dan Evans testified that even "the office cat" knew about phone hacking at the tabloid. "Coulson knew it," he claimed. However, Coulson has consistently denied any knowledge of phone-hacking. He claims he never heard the name of Glenn Mulcaire, the previously convicted private investigator, until Mulcaire's 2006 arrest for phone-hacking for News of the World. Coulson took the stand at the hacking trial in April. The Guardian reported that Coulson testified that "with hindsight" he had displayed some carelessness. " Having being presented with all of this [as a result] of this very long investigation, I accept that I did not do enough. It doesn't mean I was party to [illegal activity at the tabloid]," the Guardian quoted him as saying. Jurors disagreed, finding Coulson guilty of conspiracy to hack phones between 2000 and 2006. However, they were unable to reach a decision on charges of conspiracy to commit misconduct in a public office and he will face a retrial on those charges. | Andy Coulson left News of The World after its then-royal editor was jailed for phone hacking .
Coulson said he knew nothing about the hacking but resigned because he had been editor .
Then-opposition leader David Cameron later hired Coulson as his director of communications .
Coulson went on trial in October 2013. He was found guilty of conspiracy to hack phones . |
14,237 | 2867c779d3a02dd125997dc01d58b2dac8a0f72f | By . Taylor Auerbach . and Kate Lyons . Erica and James Packer were pictured together for the first time since they separated last year as they attended the funeral of Australian billionaire Paul Ramsay and the couple seemed to be on very good terms. The 36-year-old model and her beleaguered ex-husband, 46, were seen boarding a private helicopter to fly down to Bowral to attend the funeral early on Friday morning. They were accompanied on the 40-minute flight by Seven Network chairman Kerry Stokes, who owns the helicopter, his wife Christine Simpson Stokes, and his son Ryan Stokes. Scroll down for video . James and Erica Packer left the church arm-in-arm after the funeral for Paul Ramsay, which was held in Bowral this morning . James and Erica comforted one another as they were leaving the church after the service for their friend, 78-year-old Paul Ramsay, whose company owns more than 150 hospitals around the world . Erica flew in from LA yesterday to attend the funeral with her ex-husband who is rumoured to be dating model Miranda Kerr . The couple arrived at the funeral service, which was held at the St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Bowral on Friday morning, in a silver hire car and sat beside one another for the duration of the service, occasionally smiling and touch each other's arms. More... Erica Packer to be reunited with ex-husband James for the first time since split after she flies home to Sydney for friend's funeral . Erica Packer's forgotten singing career: Billionaire James Packer's ex-wife dabbled in music... just like Miranda Kerr . Paul Ramsay was a businessman and philanthropist who died at the age of 78. It is believed he suffered a heart attack in Spain in April, though he was flown back to Australia and passed away in Bowral. Also in attendance at St Thomas Aquinas church were Prime Minister Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister John Howard, former cricketing great Brett Lee, former Wallabies star John Kearns, radio host Alan Jones, federal minister Barnaby Joyce and the governor-general Peter Cosgrove. This is the first time the couple have been pictured together since they split last year. Erica now lives in LA with the couple's three children . James and Erica Packer arrived together at the funeral of their friend, billionaire Paul Ramsay in Bowral. This is the first time the couple have reunited in Australia since their split last year . Radio host Alan Jones greeted Erica with a playful punch to the cheek. The greeting was no doubt playful, but came a little too close after her ex-husband's public brawl to pass by unnoticed . Erica and James signed the Book Of Condolence outside the St Thomas Aquinas Church in Bowral before the service began . James Packer's bruised eye was clearly on display. Mr Packer got in a public fist fight with his friend, Nine Network Chairman David Gyngell on Sunday . Paul Ramsay passed away on May 1 at the age of 78 after it was believed he suffered a heart attack while sailing in Spain . Shortly after the Packers took seats in the pews, former prime minister John Howard and wife Jeannette arrived and signed the register. Mr Ramsay was a devoted supporter of the Liberal Party and in 2011-2012 he was its biggest donor, contributing more than $600,000 to the party. Governor-General Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lady Lynne arrived at the chapel just before 11 o'clock and gave a polite smile to the crowd gathered outside. During the funeral Prime Minister Abbott, gave a brief eulogy. 'Here's the thing, Paul built a business empire but he never lost his soul,' he said. 'He was the most un-Scrooge like billionaire Australia has ever seen.' Former prime minister John Howard said the late medical entrepreneur had a 'radiant decency' during a speech he made to the mourners off the cuff. 'He epitomised ethical capitalism,' said Mr Howard. 'His business acumen in not only private health but in media was well respected. He was an inspirational Australian and there is I think no finer epitaph.' Members of the public also turned up to catch a glimpse of the star-studded funeral. 'I hope I get a seat, there's a lot of celebrities in today,' said local Innika. Millionaire hotelier Justin Hemmes was also spotted outside the church with his girlfriend Carla McKinnon and his German Shepherd. Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke at the funeral of the healthcare magnate, calling Paul Ramsay 'the most un-Scrooge like billionaire Australia has ever seen' The Governor-General Peter Cosgrove and his wife Lynne (left), as well as former Prime Minister John Howard and his wife Jeanette (right) were among the mourners . Also in attendance at the funeral were radio veteran Alan Jones (left), cricketer Brett Lee (centre) and his wife Lana Anderson (right) Alan Jones (left) a right-wing radio host and Graham Richardson (right), a former ALP senator who host television show Richo And Jones together, both attended the funeral . (Left) Justin Hemmes, CEO of the Merivale chain of hotels attended the funeral with his girlfriend Carla McKinnon and his German Shepherd. (Right) Prime Minister Tony Abbott also attended the funeral of Mr Ramsay who was the most generous supporter of the Liberal Party in 2011-2012, giving more than $600,000 . Paul Ramsay, 78, was the founder and chairman of Ramsay Health Care, a private hospital operator. Ramsay Healthcare has more than 150 hospitals in Australia, the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia and France. Mr Ramsay was valued at $3.7 billion by Forbes in March. He was an ardent support of the Liberal Party and of former prime minster John Howard. Mr Ramsay was the party's most significant donor in 2011-2012, giving $605,000 one year. It was announced on April 24 that he was admitted to hospital in a serious condition, it was believed that he suffered a heart attack in Spain while sailing. Mr Ramsay was flown back to Australia and died in Bowral on the evening of May 1. He was single and had no children, and is survived by his brother Peter Oscar, twin sister Anne and brother-in-law Brian, as well as nieces and nephews. The company announced Mr Ramsay's stake in Ramsay health, worth $3.3 billion, will be left to his charitable foundation. Neither James nor Erica took communion during the service, remaining inseparable as the prime minister helped himself to the bread and wine. James Packer filed out behind the coffin, with his arm around his ex-wife's waist and appeared to shed tears as he exited the church. Press had gathered outside the church to catch sight of the celebrities inside, and a visibly frustrated James Packer told them: 'Guys it's somebody else's funeral, it's not cool.' When asked by media if he thought his fight with Mr Gyngell last week had overshadowed Paul Ramsay's funeral, he replied tersely: 'Excuse me? I'm here for Paul Ramsay who was a great man.' Erica Packer flew into Australia on Thursday morning with her youngest child Emmanuelle, 20 months so she could attend the funeral of the billionaire. Erica is currently based in Los Angeles where she lives with the couple's three children. According to The Daily Telegraph, Mr Ramsay remained a firm supporter of Erica - who is also known by her maiden name Baxter - following her split from Packer in September. Ahead of the funeral, the former Mrs Packer decided to take the opportunity to visit some friends yesterday - most notably the wife of David Gyngell, Leila McKinnon. The pair met on Thursday afternoon, just days after the brawl between Mr Packer, 46, and Mr Gyngell, 47. The fight followed a heated text message exchange because Packer believed a camera crew from the network run by Gyngell was trying to catch him with rumoured lover, model Miranda Kerr. Gyngell had gone to the $20million property in Sydney's Bondi Beach to reassure casino owner he was not under surveillance by Nine Network television cameras. On Friday, the pair were given criminal infringement notices for offensive behaviour, a penalty which carries a fine of $500 if it goes uncontested by the recipient. The case stalled earlier in the week due to the fact neither Packer nor Gyngell lodged an official complaint over the incident. At the funeral, Mr Packer's left eye was still visibly puffy and bruised from the fight and in a further reminder of the public fight Alan Jones greeted Erica with a playful mock punch to the chin. Police have announced that both Mr Packer and Mr Gyngell will be fined $500 over the incident. Neither Mr Packer nor Mr Gyngell have lodged an official complaint over the incident, yet Mr Gyngell took responsibility for the fight in a statement. '[Mr Gyngell] fully accepts that he was the instigator of the incident. He respects the job police do and will co-operate fully with their investigation,' it said. The incident stemmed from an angry text message exchange between the two men, after Mr Packer thought a camera crew from the network was trying to film him with rumoured flame Miranda Kerr. Ms Kerr was at Sydney airport on Thursday morning at the same time as Ms Packer - while the casino boss's ex arrived, his speculated new love interest was said to be flying to Shanghai. The scuffle does not seem to have affected the relationship between Erica and Mr Gyngell's wife, Leila Mckinnon, whom the model visited on Thursday afternoon. The TV reporter and Ms Packer are close family friends. Mr Gyngell was best man at the Packers' wedding in 2007, and Mr Packer was best man at Mr Gyngell's wedding to Ms McKinnon in 2004. Ms McKinnon's eighteen-month-old son Ted was born just one month after Ms Packer's youngest daughter Emmanuelle. Ms Packer, who has three children with the billionaire casino mogul, looked calm and collected on Thursday when she was spotted meeting up with friends in Sydney. The 36-year-old jetted in from Los Angeles where she is now based, on Thursday morning carrying Emmanuelle as they made their way through the terminal. Erica Packer smiles at her ex-husband James as they arrive back at Sydney airport with Ryan (left) and Kerry Stokes (second from left) after the funeral for Paul Ramsay in Bowral . James and Erica packer were pictured together boarding a private helicopter on their way to the funeral of Paul Ramsay, an Australian billionaire . Erica Packer returned to Australia from LA and was reunited with her husband for the first time since their split last year . The couple travelled to the Bowral funeral in a private helicopter borrowed from friend Kerry Stokes . Erica joined her casino mogul ex-husband and Seven Network Chairman Kerry Stokes and his wife and son on the trip from Sydney to Bowral for the funeral . | James and Erica Packer travelled to billionaire healthcare magnate Paul Ramsay's funeral in Bowral today .
This is the first time they have been seen together since their split last year and the couple seemed very affectionate .
Erica flew in from LA yesterday, where she lives with their three children .
Tony Abbott, John Howard, Brett Lee, Alan Jones and Peter Cosgrove also attended the 78-year-old's funeral . |
274,266 | ef3b23c5631753dc851fbd64685a8bb44847336b | When Amanda Knox was convicted again on Thursday, Americans reacted with bafflement. The appeal was the third round through Italy's grinding, multi-level legal system, with its numerous checks and balances. But the saga is also confusing because, while the crime is simple, the case built around it is a grand spectacle combining aspects of national pride, sexist archetypes and race. Knox and her co-defendant, Raffaele Sollecito, were first convicted by a jury in 2009 for the murder of British student Meredith Kercher in 2007. An appellate judge overturned the conviction in 2011 and Knox returned to the United States after four years in jail. The prosecutor then appealed the acquittal to the Italian Supreme Court, which sent the case to the new appellate panel that reinstated the conviction. It isn't over yet. The defendants will now appeal and the case eventually could be returned to another appellate panel for yet another review. I spent two years researching and writing a book about the Knox case, living in Perugia, attending the trial, interviewing every lawyer involved in the case, reviewing thousands of pages of police documents and court transcripts, interviewing forensic police, coroners, the principals of the case, their family members and associates. Americans like me who believe the case against Knox and her then-boyfriend is fatally flawed have been accused of disliking Italy or disrespecting its judicial system. But what has happened in the Amanda Knox case is not an Italian problem. When prosecutors make mistakes anywhere in the world, they don't like to admit it. It takes an exceptionally brave and wise "Solomon" to reframe a case after arresting the wrong people. The latest Italian proceeding did not involve any new evidence and, sadly, didn't shed any new light on the crime. There is still no proof that Amanda Knox was in the bedroom where someone stabbed Meredith Kercher. The DNA and fingerprint evidence is still entirely linked to a man named Rudy Guede, who is serving a 16-year jail sentence for the murder -- shortened thanks to testimony that put Amanda Knox on the crime scene. After he arrested them, the trial prosecutor proposed that the motive was a post-Halloween ritualistic sex game. But when authorities soon realized the DNA and fingerprints in the murder room belonged to neither Knox nor Sollecito, rather than reframing their case, the small town prosecutors and police in the glare of international media dug in their heels. In the latest proceeding, a new prosecutor abandoned the sex game motive but suggested Knox murdered Kercher after an altercation over Knox's poor hygiene and sloppy housekeeping. In other words, out with Satan and in with the dirty laundry. With no hard evidence and no credible motive, spectators around the world are right to wonder what's going on in these Italian courtrooms. Rudy Guede has never denied watching Meredith Kercher bleed to death, and he left a bloody handprint in the victim's blood on her wall. According to testimony from Italian forensic police, his DNA was inside the victim—although it was not clear whether there was a sexual assault. In his prison writings and in his testimony at his appeal, he talked of how difficult it was for him to get the image of the blood that flowed from Meredith out of his head. Did this garish confession shock the Perugian authorities and courthouse press corps into trying to ascertain just who and what this young man was? On the contrary, he apparently elicited mercy, and had his sentence cut in half. He may well be walking free before the Knox case is settled. In his first comments on the case, before he was captured, Guede was surreptitiously recorded by Perugia police in a Skype conversation with a friend, according to police wiretap transcripts in the trial record, saying that Knox had nothing to do with it. But as soon as he was connected with a defense lawyer, he started to change his story. It's a trope of the case that Knox (and Sollecito) had a P.R. machine, vast amounts of money and great legal defense, while Guede was legally under-served. In fact, his attorney was one of the busiest criminal defense lawyers in Perugia, well-connected with the prosecution, with a career behind him handling hundreds if not thousands of local crimes, often involving drugs and violence. Prosecutors' reluctance to deeply investigate Guede is understandable; they don't want to know. But Guede may be the most interesting character in the story. Born in Ivory Coast, brought to Italy at age 5, he is more Italian than most immigrants, but, like other immigrants, he is legally just a guest in the homogenous country, not a citizen, required to report to the authorities annually (which was why his fingerprints were on file in Perugia). In the months before the Kercher murder, Guede was broke and showing signs of mental illness, and was involved in three and possibly more home invasions, according to police reports, trial testimony and interviews with victims. His apparent modus operandi was to break into what he thought were empty houses and make himself at home. A few weeks before the Kercher murder, someone broke into a Perugia law office through a second floor window, according to trial testimony from the lawyer who practiced there, turned up the heat, rearranged small trinkets, drank an orange soda from the refrigerator and appeared to have slept on the couch before making off with a laptop. At a nursery school in Milan a week later, director Maria Antonietta Salvadori Del Prato, walked in on a Saturday and found Guede sitting at her desk, she told me in an interview. She called police. They found the stolen laptop and a knife in his pack. Del Prato suspected he might have gotten a key to the nursery school from one of her employees who frequented the Milan club scene. Del Prato told me she believed he spent a night on the children's cots and cooked a pot of pasta in the kitchen, then placed it in little bowls around the room. From that interview and many more, I pieced together a picture of a young man who seemed to be acting out some sort of fantasy of a home, a fantasy that perhaps abruptly cracked when Meredith Kercher came home unexpectedly while he was burgling her house, and unwittingly locked herself into the house with him. (Guede has maintained "whoever committed this terrible crime is still free.") I believe one reason for the lack of interest in this young man is that a man killing a woman is mundane and boring, compared with the more titillating image of women fighting and killing each other. The other reason, sadly, is a kind of reverse racism. He's black, and innocent black men are far too often railroaded in white systems, Italian and American. To suggest that this young man might have been the lone killer has a taint of political incorrectness. Male violence against women is a major public health problem worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In the end, in this case, it appears that the commonness of the crime is what the Italian prosecutors—and many others--refuse to accept, searching for something more interesting and unique, in an elaborate, headline-grabbing crackpot theory that, they unfortunately still cannot relinquish. Remove the racial aspect, forget national pride and whether you "like" Amanda Knox, and we can see that this simple tragedy is all too routine. | Nina Burleigh: Guilty verdict-- again--for Amanda Knox baffles Americans for good reason .
She says Italian prosecutors still lack evidence, but unwilling to admit mistake, reframe case .
She says far more ties just Rudy Guede to murder. Prosecutors choose to pursue Knox .
Burleigh: Men hurting women almost banal; Italian prosecutors prefer tale of white women, sex . |
42,380 | 7781cc633994bea761e42fc4d2d04074941ddee6 | By . Matt Roper . PUBLISHED: . 04:18 EST, 30 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:20 EST, 30 September 2012 . A contestant in a Brazilian beauty pageant has allegedly confessed to plotting the murder of the rival who beat her in the competition. The winner of the glamour competition in Cariacica, south-east Brazil, was to star in the music video of a well-known local band. Dark-haired Alini Oliveira, 21, beat Adayane Matias, 20, to first place in the final round of the contest. Dead: The winner of the glamour competition in Cariacica, south-east Brazil, Alini Oliveira (pictured), was to star in the music video of a well-known local band . But she was shot dead in a hotel garden on September 21, just hours before the filming of the video was due to take place. The gunman was allegedly Deivid . Correa, who later turned out to be the boyfriend of Matias, the woman . who came second in the competition. Matias and her dance partner . Juliermeson Baston, 20, later confessed to planning the murder, . according to police chief Adroaldo Lopes. He told Brazil’s Gazeta TV channel: 'They thought that Alini had robbed them of something that was rightfully theirs. 'Adayane became depressed and convinced her boyfriend to kill Alini to prove that he loved her. Contestant: Adayane Matias, 20, (pictured) was beaten to first place in the final round of the competition by Oliveira . 'She believed that once she was out of the way she would be called up to replace her.’ Following the murder Baston is alleged . to have sent a text message to Matias saying 'now you can have some ham . with your breakfast' - 'ham' being Brazilian slang for 'dead body'. 'Adayane became depressed and convinced her boyfriend to kill Alini to prove that he loved her' Adroaldo Lopes, police chief . In an interview with the Globo TV . station, Baston said he and Matias, who danced together as a duo, believed that . if she won a place on the music video it might lead to the break they . always dreamed of. Confessing to the murder, he said: 'It . was a moment of desperation. We wanted recognition as dancers. Our . attempts at making it big never came to anything. Partner: The gunman was allegedly Deivid Correa (pictured), who later turned out to be the boyfriend of Matias, the woman who came second in the competition . 'So Adayane came to a . consensus with her boyfriend. She told him she would be happy if he did . this for her, so he did what he did.' 'It was a moment of desperation. We wanted recognition as dancers. Our attempts at making it big never came to anything' Juliermeson Baston, dance partner of Adayane Matias . Mr Lopes said that Matias . and Baston ordered the death of their rival after reading posts on Oliveira's Facebook page about the video shoot. According to Mr Lopes, . Correa implicated Matias and Baston in the crime after hearing that . Matias had claimed their relationship was over. He said: 'There were clear contradictions in the statements made by all three. 'Involved': Matias and her dance partner Juliermeson Baston, 20, (pictured) later confessed to planning the murder, according to the police chief . 'In a new statement, . Correa told us that his girlfriend didn't only know about the murder, . but also planned the crime with the help of her dance partner.' 'Correa told us that his girlfriend didn't only know about the murder, but also planned the crime with the help of her dance partner' Adroaldo Lopes, police chief . The trio are alleged to have planned . three attempts at killing the model, including opening fire on a bus she . would have been travelling in to the video shoot, but Correa complained . innocent people would also have died. Before shooting her twice in the back . from a motorbike in the hotel garden, Correa is believed to have tried . to find Oliveira at her house and at the gym where she worked out. Correa, Matias and Bastos have all been charged with first-degree murder. | Alini Oliveira, 21, won competition in Cariacica, Brazil .
She beat Adayane Matias, 20, in final round of contest .
But Oliveria was shot dead before music video filming .
Gunman said to be Matias's boyfriend Deivid Correa .
Her dance partner Juliermeson Baston 'also involved' |
97,109 | 08f7ffb9f59cabd9c6453cb8f6dd37d5704f686f | By . Paul Revoir . PUBLISHED: . 14:06 EST, 4 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:42 EST, 5 February 2013 . Channel 4’s Big Fat Quiz has been cleared of wrongdoing despite hundreds of complaints from viewers over obscene jokes about the Queen and singer Susan Boyle. In a verdict which shocked MPs and campaigners, Ofcom yesterday said it would not investigate the show. The programme, broadcast on December 30 last year, led to 180 complaints to the media watchdog and a further 150 to Channel 4. Ofcom started an investigation after Jack Whitehall and James Corden made a raft of vulgar jokes on the broadcast . Comedy . star Jack Whitehall and actor James Corden seemed to be drunk and made . crude remarks about the Queen, Barack Obama, Usain Bolt and Susan Boyle. But today Ofcom decided not to launch an investigation into the programme. Spokesman Rhys Hurd said: 'We assessed the complaints and decided not to investigate for a number of reasons. 'It was a post-watershed programme which started at 9pm and was preceded by a warning of strong language and adult humour. Whitehall, pictured as the furore over the show grew . 'We considered that the issues raised . by the complainants did not warrant further investigation because the . incidence of potentially offensive material was justified by the context . in which it was presented.' He said the material in a programme of this nature met the expectations of its audience. He added: 'We took account of the fact that the programme had been broadcast by Channel 4 since 2007. 'It is a well-established programme and known for its incidence of challenging comments and risque humour.' On New Year's Eve, the day after the . broadcast, Channel 4 issued a statement saying: 'Big Fat Quiz Of The . Year is a well-established comedic and satirical review of the year's . events with well-known guests and was broadcast after the watershed with . appropriate warnings.' It is believed that Channel 4 received hundreds of complaints over the programme. Gavin & Stacey star James Corden dismissed his role in the show as 'good fun' after the outcry. He said : 'It was good fun, wasn't it? It was a laugh and good fun to film.' Conservative MP Conor Burns, who sits . on the House of Commons culture, media and sport committee, said Ofcom should carry out a full review of the show. He added: ‘Decisions like these start to make the case for an organisation like Ofcom being replaced by an organisation with more gumption and sharper teeth.’ Mark Pritchard, a fellow Tory MP, said: ‘I am disappointed that Ofcom has not taken this issue seriously. ‘These comments caused gross offence and went beyond the realms of decency. I’m surprised Ofcom has decided not to investigate a matter that caused offence to hundreds of people through the country. It needs to be far more robust.’ Ofcom said it was not investigating the show, which was also repeated, because it aired after the watershed, was preceded with a warning and was in line with ‘audience expectations’ for a satirical show. Channel 4 executives have made no comment. The Big Fat Quiz of 2012 was far from unusual among programmes billed as 'light entertainment', in the way it revelled in smut and cruel humiliation . Whitehall, who made some of the off-colour jokes, comes from a privileged background. His father is Michael Whitehall, 72, a former theatrical agent turned producer. His clients over the years have included Judi Dench, Colin Firth, Richard E. Grant, Daniel Day-Lewis and Edward Fox. Mother Hilary, 51, is a former actress (stage name Hilary Gish) who retrained as a 'doula' — someone who assists a pregnant woman before, during and after childbirth. Jack has a sister Molly, 23, and 20-year-old brother, Barnaby. His godfather is actor Nigel Havers, an old showbiz friend of both his parents. Last year, the family sold their six-bedroom house overlooking Putney Common for £4.25 million and moved to another house overlooking the Thames nearby, for which they paid £2.55 million. The new property is mortgage-free. He was privately educated at The Harrodian School in South-West London and £24,000-a-year Marlborough College in Wiltshire. Another pupil, the Duchess of Cambridge, then Kate Middleton, was five years his senior. | Ofcom will take no action against Channel 4 for Big Fat Quiz Of The Year .
Watchdog began probe after complaints flowed in about lewd show .
Channel 4 defended the 30 December show as 'satirical' |
240,343 | c32435232d6913a229243ef5a7607efecf8b43d0 | It's the world’s longest-running soap opera and a national institution. Yet celebrity fans of The Archers on BBC Radio 4 have said they fear for its future and complain it is changing beyond all recognition. Former home secretary David Blunkett said the serial, which first aired in 1950, was becoming a ‘disappearing soap’ as characters are killed off and exiled abroad. Mr Blunkett, 67, has listened to the show since he was four, but fears it is becoming a 'disappearing' soap . Meanwhile broadcasting veteran Dame Jenni Murray said a national scandal would ensue if three major characters leave. The central couple, David and Ruth Archer, who live and work on Brookfield Farm in Ambridge, look set to move up North with David’s mother Jill, after it was announced a new road could be built through their land. Writing in the Radio Times, Mr Blunkett, 67, who has listened to the show since he was four, said: ‘I fear that The Archers is on the verge of becoming the disappearing soap. Coronation Street and EastEnders must be rubbing their hands. ‘For as in the Harry Potter books, the cast seem to have an invisibility cloak, and some of them possess the technique of disapparating, which in human speak means magically disappearing.’ Central character David (pictured), who lives with Ruth Archer on Brookfield Farm in Ambridge, look set to move up North with David's mother Jill, after it was announced a new road could be built through their land . Also writing in the magazine, Radio 4 Woman’s Hour presenter Dame Jenni, said: ‘I will kill the editor if he lets David and Ruth and Jill go to Northumberland. Brookfield simply cannot go. It’s just not possible; there will be a national scandal if that happens.’ Mr Blunkett added: ‘I fear for the central family of The Archers. Are David, Ruth and Jill on the edge of being definitively written out?’ Many of The Archers’ five million listeners who tune in every week will share these concerns, following a period of turmoil. Earlier this month, Tom Graham, who has played Tom Archer for 17 years, announced he was being axed, reportedly to be replaced by another actor. In the soap, Tom has been living in Canada after jilting his fiancee Kirsty, which prompted her to leave Ambridge too. And veteran character Nigel Pargetter was controversially killed off in 2011 by falling off a roof. | David Blunkett said the serial was becoming a 'disappearing soap'
Former Home Secretary blamed it on characters being killed off or exiled .
Mr Blunkett has listened to the popular show since he was four . |
272,128 | ec7a16de481da4ddc199e56ae486376e71037c84 | By . Sara Malm . A mother-of-four had told of how she cheated death when a fully grown deer fell through the windshield of her minivan. Heidi Conner was coming to the end of an eight hour road trip with her children when the deer slammed into her car after falling from a highway overpass near Barrington, Illinois. The adult female deer came through Ms Conner’s windshield as she was driving more than 70mph, but miraculously none of her children were hurt. SCROLL FOR VIDEO . Shock: Heidi Conner was driving her four children in a minivan on the interstate, when the deer came in through her windshield, near Barrington, Illinois . Ms Conner even managed to drive across three lines of traffic on the westbound Interstate 90 near Barrington with the dear next to her. She has a sore shoulder and some bruising, but somehow, she is otherwise unhurt. ‘I’m driving, everything was fine. Boom, and I have a deer lying next to me in my car,’ she told CBS2 Chicago. ‘If it had been one inch to the left, it would have been dead center. I wouldn’t have been able to control the car. And one inch to the right, it would have killed my son.’ Ms Conner’s children are completely unharmed, apart from the shock. Lucky: Ms Conner managed to steer though three lanes of traffic on the westbound Interstate 90 near Barrington - with the dead deer in her car . Incredible: Ms Conner's children are all unharmed, and she has a sore elbow, but other than that - the family escaped without injuries despite the unwelcome overpass guest . According to witnesses the deer fell or jumped from the Illinois 72 overpass onto the highway. First on the scene was Illinois Police State Trooper Justin Novarro, who said it was unlike anything he had ever seen before. ‘Never in my career have I seen anything like this,’ he told the TV station. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates there are approximately 1.5 million auto deer collisions per year. Illinois has the third most deer hits per year, only outdone by Pennsylvania and Michigan. | Heidi Conner was driving her four children in a minivan on the highway .
An adult female deer fell onto the car and through the windshield .
All children were unharmed and Ms Conner suffered a sore elbow .
Witnesses say the deer jumped or fell from a bypass onto the interstate . |
153,070 | 51d0f1427d7e4645a5dfdaf0345c65a6cef9d3f3 | Cairo (CNN) -- Hosni Mubarak should be tried by a special tribunal because he is still president of Egypt and did not sign an official resignation, his lawyer said Sunday. "He gave up the presidency orally to former vice-president Omar Suleiman without signing any official document, which is not legal by the constitution," lawyer Farid El Deeb said. The court proceedings were recounted to CNN by civil rights lawyer Khaled Abu Bakr, who attended the hearing. A former head of an Egyptian lawyers' organization said Mubarak is not the president. "The revolution revokes the constitution," Zakaria Abdel Aziz said. "The Egyptian people said their word ... this is a nation that had a vice president at the time and this is an ousted president." The trial was adjourned until Monday, when lawyers will start their defense of the former interior minister, who faces charges with Mubarak and his sons. Last week, El Deeb called for Mubarak to be tried in a military court, saying military law dictates that he is still the head of the Egyptian air force. Mubarak is accused of corruption and ordering protesters killed during the country's uprising that brought his 30-year rule to an end in February. He has denied the charges. Two of Mubarak's sons are also on trial on a variety of charges. The sons, Gamal and Alaa, have pleaded not guilty. Amnesty International had estimated more than 840 protesters were killed and 6,000 injured. A prosecutor's spokesman cited 225 people killed and more than 1,300 injured, saying the number is lower because there is a difference between those killed while attacking police stations and those shot while protesting. | NEW: "The Egyptian people said their word ... this is an ousted president," analyst says .
Mubarak is accused of corruption and ordering protesters killed .
He has denied the charges .
Last week, the lawyer called for Mubarak to be tried in a military court . |
135,289 | 3b01de11f49600224716785675a00b864746104b | By . Alison Boshoff . PUBLISHED: . 20:25 EST, 10 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:50 EST, 11 March 2013 . He has a reputation for lateness, but Simon Cowell excelled himself when he turned up four hours behind schedule for filming on Britain’s Got Talent last week. Sometimes there is an excuse for such shoddy behaviour. For example, he will plead he has had a migraine, as he did last month when he was five hours late. At other times he will say, infuriatingly but truthfully, he was soaking in the bath while everyone was waiting for him. Scroll down for video . Dismal ratings: The Food Glorious Food team (from left) Anne Harrison, Loyd Grossman, Carol VordermanTom Parker Bowles and Stacie Stewart. The show got 2.7million viewers on its first outing - around half of what might be expected in its plum slot . On this occasion, apparently, he didn’t even offer an excuse. As you might imagine, this habit infuriates his fellow judges and the army of producers and technicians who end up working until nearly midnight to accommodate his eccentric schedule. But Cowell, once so insecure he needed a friend to help him walk past the bank of secretaries at the record company RCA, can suffer from curious black moods. His fear of failure is well known — some . friends such as the retail billionaire Sir Philip Green have confided . that they almost nod off during his long introspective monologues about . his career. And, right now, there are lots of reasons for the so-called Dark Lord of popular culture to feel lacking in confidence. He has just seen the worst-ever ratings . for the launch show of any TV programme that he has been behind — with . the painfully derivative format of his latest primetime offering, Food . Glorious Food. Puffed out: Simon Cowell has been cruelly dubbed 'Pieman Cowell' in newspaper headlines after viewers noticed his face appeared puffy . It got a dismal 2.7 million viewers on its first outing on ITV, and 2.4 million on Wednesday night last week. That’s about half what you might expect in a plum slot after Coronation Street. This was particularly galling for Cowell, as he was heavily involved in the concept and execution of the show. He said before it went out that he was ‘really nervous’, and conceded that success or failure in TV was ‘all about ratings in the end’. The past 12 months have seen a succession of failures. Starting with an ‘unauthorised’ biography about him by respected author Tom Bower — with whom he co-operated — it has been an unhappy year. His TV talent shows have started to look tired and lose audiences, his new ideas haven’t taken root, his judges keep on quitting, and he has fallen into a fractious relationship with the TV networks who are his paymasters. On a personal level, he has struggled to get a grip with his weight or his addiction to cigarettes and remains, at 53, single and dependent on ex-girlfriends — some of them on his payroll — for company. One old friend told me: ‘His success has been unparalleled, but in the end he is a victim of it, because it’s fading away and he seems unable to do anything to stop it.’ There are worrying stories of Cowell, long known for his hypochondriac reliance on vitamins and smoothie health drinks, developing serious anxieties over germs. Apparently he throws away teaspoons if they have been used to eat yogurt for fear of bacteria, and has installed gel hand sanitiser units in his dressing room. It’s all a little bit like the infamous American recluse Howard Hughes. More seriously, some media analysts believe his annus horribilis may be the beginning of the end of what has been a promethean career. Steve Hewlett, a former programmes . boss at Carlton, summed up Cowell’s success to me, saying that he ‘was . the right person in the right place at the right time . . . but that . doesn’t mean that he has a tin of fairy dust and can do it again’. So what has gone wrong? Clash: Hiring Gary Barlow as an X Factor judge alongside Nicole Scherzinger, Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh was the decision of ITV and against Cowell's wishes . The publication of the Bower book, Sweet Revenge, seems to have been his first misstep. It featured some headline-grabbing revelations — such as his affair with X Factor judge Dannii Minogue and about him feeling manipulated by a flirtatious Cheryl Cole. Yet Cowell was deeply embarrassed by the revelations and by the schoolboy-ish comments attributed to him when he lusted after Cole and his nights of passion with Minogue. In its immediate wake, there were clashes over the hiring of Gary Barlow as a judge for The X Factor, which was the decision of ITV and against Cowell’s wishes. And his relationship with the network . was soured further last May when Shu Greene, who had been his right-hand . woman since 2004, left his company Syco to work for ITV. In . her new job, she devises and then puts on screen new entertainment . formats for the network, meaning she is in direct competition with her . old boss. He was so rattled he rang ITV executive . Denise O’Donoghue to remonstrate about them taking Ms Greene from him. A . few weeks after that call, Cowell was bedridden with what seems to have . been a near-breakdown. He took six weeks off work. Blow: It is now said that ITV sees Ant and Dec as more important to the success of Britain's Got Talent . Cowell later confided to friends that the long-term pressure of running his empire on both sides of the Atlantic — the time difference is up to eight hours — had turned him into a ‘weird vampire’, answering texts and messages through the night. Within days of returning to work — launching The X Factor USA — he was smoking constantly and working 20-hour days. Nor has the American show been a success. Despite installing Britney Spears on the judging panel, it performed poorly, losing three million viewers compared with the previous year. And viewers noticed something had happened to Cowell’s face. His cheeks were puffy and he seemed to have acquired a double chin. The headlines were cruel. He was called ‘Pieman Cowell’, and one publication asked: ‘What’s happened to Simon Cowell’s face — and is it just for Hallowe’en?’ Cowell didn’t find it funny. The problem, according to a source in Los Angeles, was he had put on 15lb through comfort-eating, while continuing to have Botox injections and plumping face-fillers. He has been seen in the Whole Foods health food store near his LA home spending more than 45 minutes studying vitamins and supplements. Each day he has three ‘super’ smoothies for breakfast (in search of eternal youth). The recipes have been devised by French scientists and ingredients include lingonberry, acerola berry and chokeberry. Once a week, he has an intravenous drip that administers vitamin B12, vitamin C, magnesium, and, in his words, ‘something for your liver’. Last September, he also hired a personal trainer. But he detests training sessions and they haven’t had the desired result of helping him to shift the weight. An old friend told me: ‘He is a real contradiction: he smokes and he can’t sleep, and he lives a completely workaholic bachelor lifestyle, which is very bad for him. But then he has every health fad going. He claims they balance each other out!’ The big question is: would he approach life in quite such an extreme manner if his television shows were all a roaring success? The last series of The X Factor in the UK was the least watched since 2007 and the final had the worst rating in seven years. It was beaten consistently by Strictly Come Dancing on BBC1. Red Or Black, a gameshow with Ant and Dec aired last September, was also a massive and expensive flop. Cowell has also fallen out with some of his star hirings. Gary Barlow, Britney Spears and record producer LA Reid mutter they don’t want to continue, and Cowell has said he doesn’t want Tulisa Contostavlos to return as an X Factor judge. Falling out: There have been mutterings that star hiring Britney Spears does not want to continue on the US version of X-Factor. Cowell is said to be keen on hiring Lady Gaga and Katy Perry to replace her . He is trying to assemble two ‘dream team’ judging panels for The X Factor on both sides of the Atlantic. In America, he is keen to see Lady Gaga and Katy Perry behind the judges’ desk. In the UK, the new series may be presided over by Barlow, Sharon Osbourne, Louis Walsh and singer Rita Ora. In a further blow to Cowell’s ego, it is now said ITV sees Ant and Dec as more important to the success of the UK show, and Cowell could face a pay cut when they renegotiate the terms of his production deal. Steve Hewlett, now a media analyst, says: ‘What happened with The X Factor is that Simon Cowell had his moment. His personality, and his background in the music industry, and his work ethic and his instinct were all perfect. ‘But although The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent have been very successful shows, they are petering out, just like the talent shows that went before them. It is cyclical and you cannot fight it.’ That won’t stop Cowell trying. He has just announced a global talent show, to be screened on YouTube, from the end of this month. He is also working on a family TV concept, an updated Noel’s House Party, which he plans to pitch in the coming weeks to ITV and the BBC. At some point, though, the man who is a tireless perfectionist and puts himself under such tremendous pressure, must be forced to realise it is impossible for anyone to remain the best at everything. | Food Glorious Food receives worst-ever ratings for a Cowell show .
Mogul was four hours late for filming Britain's Got Talent .
TV talent searches losing audiences as judges keep quitting . |
157,954 | 58366659e935c63a7cc84415b471302992528009 | By . James Nye . PUBLISHED: . 09:42 EST, 17 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:24 EST, 17 March 2014 . The mother of the Phoenix teenager shot dead by her school friend earlier this month is imploring parents to 'Hug your kids every day'. At a fundraising event in Arizona on Sunday to pay for the funeral of 15-year-old Ana Greer, mom Diannah Dinsmoor said that spreading her message of love would serve as her tribute to her daughter. 'She always said mom we need more hugs and I'd say Ana honey of course we do we need more hugs; she was a big hugger,' said Dinsmoor about her teenage girl who was shot dead on March 7 by her friend, Matthew Bolton, 15, who then took his own life. Scroll Down for Video . Emotional: Diannah Dinsmoor spent the day raising funds for her daughter Ana Greer's funeral which she wants to take place in her birth state of California . The Sandra Day O'Connor High School student was honored by her friends and Dinsmoor with bows designed in Ana's favorite colors - pink and black. They were sold to help with the donations for her funeral in California in conjunction with the non-profit group Hands Across Anthem. 'In order to accommodate the family's wishes and taking her to California exceeded over thirteen thousand in expenses, and of course there's nobody that plans to lose their young loved ones like this at the age of fifteen,' said Steven Ragan with Hands Across Anthem to MyFoxPhoenix. Protective: Diannah Dinsmoor, pictured with her daughter Anastasia, says that people should hug the ones they love and let them know how they feel . Along with t-shirts sold to help raise money, Dinsmoor said that her daughter loved life and expressing how you feel to your friends and family is what is important. 'The little stuff does not matter, it's that you're there for each other, you love each other, that's what . Anastasia Greer was shot dead by Matthew Bolton in the street outside her friend's home on Thursday, March 7. But contrary to previous reports the two had not recently ended a relationship, and Ana was trying to protect Bolton's unnamed ex-girlfriend, with whom she was friends, when she was shot. Tragic: Anastasia, pictured with Bolton in February, just one month before the 15-year-old shot her and himself dead . Grief: Diannah, left, says when she rushed to . the house after hearing about a shooting she could tell from the look on . the faces of her daughter's school friends that Anastasia was dead . Ana's mother Diannah Dinsmor spoke out as it emerged Bolton had made a series of threats against his ex-girlfriend, and Ana had gone the unnamed girl's house to protect her. When Bolton arrived at the home, Anastasia went out to confront him and was shot dead before he killed himself. Police say Ana had reported Bolton to school administrators on the day she was shot dead, saying he had threatened to beat up his former girlfriend. Officials at Sandra Day O'Connor High School contacted the parents of the girl Bolton is said to have threatened but because he was off school they were unable to speak to him. Attack: Matthew Bolton took a gun from his . brother's room and shot Anastasia after she confronted him about threats . he had supposedly made . The following day, Ana and the girl, who used to date Bolton, returned to school and after class Ana met Bolton to confront him about the threats. Police have said in the hours leading up to the shooting, one of Ana's friends had been so concerned for her safety that he gave her a small knife, and had asked Bolton if he was armed. Too young: Friends remembered Anastasia, pictured here with a gift from Bolton, as kind and outgoing . Bolton had said he didn't have a gun, but a few moments later the same friend saw him chasing Anastasia, before hearing gunshots and later seeing Bolton take his own life. 'We don't know what transpired when the two went outside as far as any type of discussion, other than to say a witness saw Matthew chasing Ana and heard gunshots,' Sergeant Tommy Thompson said. 'About that time the friend that lived in the residence came outside to discover Ana had been shot, he then witnessed Matthew shoot himself.' Ana's mother however, has hit out at the school for not doing more to respond to reports of Bolton making threats. 'I trusted the school to do what they were supposed to do, that's what they were entrusted for. I put my daughter in their care for her to be safe,' she told My Fox Phoenix. Dinsmoor also denied claims that her daughter had been romantically involved with Bolton, saying the pair hadn't spoken for months. She admitted Bolton had bought her daughter a teddy bear last month, but said her daughter had not been allowed to date. Police say the gun used to kill Ana was taken from Bolton's brother, who kept it locked in his bedroom. Bolton is believed to have broken a window to get inside the room and get the gun. Dinsmoor told AZ Central she found out her daughter had been killed after asking the girl's friends where she was. Crime scene: Neighbors reported hearing a girl screaming before gunshots were fired . After hearing about the shooting, Mrs Dinsmoor went to the house where Ana had been shot to look for her daughter. 'I was like, 'I’m looking for my daughter. Where’s Ana?' All their faces drop, and [they] point around the corner, and then I saw an officer ... I already knew what they were going to tell me,' she said. Officers responded to a 911 call of a shooting around noon and found the two teenagers dead in the home's front yard from gunshot wounds. A neighbor, Jim Friel, told The Arizona Republic that he heard a scream and then gunshots and went across the street to the home to see what happened. He found the girl lying on the ground with gunshot wounds to her chest and the boy with a gunshot wound to his face. Classmate Caleb Fleck told the station KPHO that Bolton, who was in his ROTC class, was well-behaved and was never known to be a troublemaker. On his Facebook page, Matthew posted on Valentine's Day a photo of him and Ana smiling and holding a red 'I love you' teddy bear with a heart-shaped nose. Watch Video Here: . | Diannah Dinsmoor spent Sunday attempting to raise $13,000 to pay for the funeral of her daughter, Ana Greer, 15, who was shot dead earlier in March .
Sold bows colored pink and black - her daughter's favorite colors .
The Phoenix teenager was shot dead by Matthew Bolton, 15, after a dispute over a shared friend . |
33,141 | 5e37bb61bd84940334e05f1e242b826f4e9ff9a8 | The bulldog, pictured with owner Hayley Sandiford. She had been ordered to keep her dog under control or have him put down . A dangerous bulldog faces being put down after it terrorised local postmen who then refused to deliver to its owner's whole street - meaning dozens of families have been forced to walk miles to collect their post. The seven stone American bulldog, named Winston, was under threat of a death sentence in court today after his attacks sparked a health and safety enquiry. His repeated attacks on postmen led to a ban on all postal deliveries to the whole of Worcester Street in Blackburn, Lancashire, which came into force in February this year. Residents from the 60 homes affected have had to travel two miles to collect their mail from the Blackburn delivery office. And one disabled neighbour, who feared he had cancer, missed an important letter from the hospital because it remained undelivered due to the ban. Clive Fisher, 69, was waiting for a letter from Royal Blackburn Hospital oncology unit after being referred by his GP because he was exhibiting signs of cancer. He said: 'An appointment letter was left undelivered and at the sorting office for days because of that dog. 'There's only a short time to treat disorders like this and I know there's a lot of people on this road with illnesses or disabilities. 'I'm disabled but I'm lucky I have a car. A lot of my neighbours don't, or are unable to drive.' One postman reported being bitten on the arm and had to kick the dog twice in the head to fend him off. Another said Winston bounded 100 yards towards him before clamping his teeth around the mailbag. He had to cower behind a tree and throw his one remaining letter to distract the animal before diving behind a gate and alerting a colleague to take cover. Winston's owner Hayley Sandiford was ordered to keep her dog under control or face having him put down under a Contingent Destruction Order after one of the postmen told JPs at Blackburn magistrates' court of his ordeal and warned the dog would attack again. Now the dog must remain muzzled and kept on a harness with two dog leads no more than six feet long whenever he is taken out for walks. He must also only be accompanied by a person over 16. Miss Sandiford was also ordered to keep her home securely fenced and locked and must obtain third party insurance for the animal. The mother-of-two pleaded guilty to being the owner of a dog dangerously out of control and was handed a six month community order with a six month supervision requirement. She must pay prosecution costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of £60 and attend dog behaviour sessions. Winston the bulldog's (left) owner Hayley Sandiford was ordered to keep him muzzled and on a leash no more than six feet long when he is taken out for walks. Right, a sign has been put on her door with a warning to check the bulldog can't escape . But after the case, Miss Sandiford insisted her dog is not dangerous but a 'softie'. She said: 'I'm already doing the things the court wants but as far I'm concerned my dog isn't dangerous and not the Devil Dog that some people seem to think he is. Winston is brilliant with my kids and he is just a softie. 'Unfortunately he does have a thing about postmen but it is the mail they carry and not the postmen themselves.' She added: 'If I thought my dog was a danger to any kids or any other people I wouldn't be able to live with myself and I wouldn't put anybody's life at risk. 'If I even had one per cent doubt in my mind that he would turn he would be gone no matter how much I love him. 'Winston did jump up at the postman - but he is a very bouncy playful little thing and he forgets how big he is - although I accept it must have been scary for the postman. 'Anyone who knows my dog will say he doesn't have it in him to hurt anyone. As soon as I shouted 'Winston stop' and pulled him back he stopped straight away. It wasn't a vicious attack because if it was he would not have let go of the postman. People are going to be mad about the post but there is no reason why they shouldn't deliver the post now.' The court heard Winston bit an unnamed postmen on the arm whilst being taken for a walk by the owner's nine-year-old son in February this year. Royal Mail found there was an 'unacceptable level of risk associated with deliveries' in Worcester Road, Blackburn (pictured) and a ban on all deliveries was put in force in February . The postman suffered a bite suffered a bite wound which broke the skin and he received medical treatment in hospital as a result. No action was initially taken against the animal, but on July 9 the 'thick set and stocky built' dog atrtacked postman Paul Warnock while he was on his round. Mr Warnock said: 'Straight away I was worried because it was quite a big dog/ . 'As soon as it spotted me it came running towards me fast, at speed. 'Then it was showing it's teeth and growling at me. It was coming at me aggressively, I was frightened. I was backing off then all of a sudden it went for me it grabbed the bundle of mail. It was in the middle of the street because I was backing off so much.' Mr Warnock ran behind a tree for cover and added: 'When I got behind the tree I saw a gate, I thought if I can get inside the gate it's safe. I was left with one letter. It was still going for me. I had one piece on mail, I threw it to take it's eye off me and ran behind the gate. It would have attacked me in the street.' 'When I got behind the gate the dog was roaming the street. I saw my colleague further up the street coming down, he heard the commotion. I shouted 'get back get back, dog lose on the street. ' His colleague took cover behind a gate and watched Miss Sandiford get hold of the dog. Mr Warnock said: 'I was more worried about the bundle of mail in the middle of the road, that's my job to look after it. 'We got in our van and just drove to safety two streets away because we were that frightened. I don't do around there anymore. The Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced in 1991 as a means of keeping vulnerable people and children safe from animals. Prohibited breeds are so because they have been bred for their abilities to fight. Banned dogs include the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Braziliero and any other considered by the Secretary of State to have been bred for fighting. Banned breeds cannot be kept, bred, sold or exchanged under the law. Anyone who owns a banned breed cannot take it out in public without a muzzle. If a person commits an Dangerous Dogs related offence, they can be disqualified for dog ownership and be ordered to have the animal put down. I believe that dog should be removed from these premises. I think it will attack again, there's no doubt in my mind it will attack again.' Miss Sandiford's lawyer Gareth Price said that since the incident she had been making 'positive steps' to make sure that there was no repeat and was engaging with her landlords at Twin Valley Homes. He added that a dog expert had observed that the dog was 'properly trained' and had 'adequate training'. Passing sentence JP Jan Alcock said of the contingent destruction order: 'You must understand it is like a suspended sentence for the dog. 'It is entirely your responsibility to keep the dog alive. If you break the conditions the police will take the dog and it will be destroyed so it is on your head.' The Royal Mail confirmed a health and safety assessment had been carried out on Miss Sandiford's neighbourhood which highlighted an 'unacceptable level of risk associated with deliveries.' A spokesman said 'Suspending deliveries is a last resort but we take the health and safety of our employees very seriously. We apologise to all affected customers.' Recent figures have said on average nine postmen a day are attacked by dogs - around 3,300 attacks a year. | Winston the American bulldog bit the arm of one postman and ran at another, clamping his teeth on the mailbag .
Attacks led to a ban on all postal deliveries to 60 homes in Blackburn street .
Residents have had to travel two miles to collect post since February .
Clive Fisher, who was exhibiting signs of cancer, missed a letter from hospital because it remained undelivered .
But owner Hayley Sandiford insists her 'dog isn't dangerous' but a 'softie'
She was told to keep her dog under control or he would be put down . |
210,969 | 9d3b0c117e05f0aab0ae9c3f2b9c90878e10659d | (CNN) -- The Arab League, which held an emergency meeting in Cairo on Sunday about the ongoing unrest in Syria, is considering suspending the country from the organization. The Gulf Cooperation Council, made up of six Gulf Arab states, is spearheading the motion, which would need two-thirds of the assembly vote to pass. In his opening remarks, Syrian ambassador Yousef Ahmad blamed foreign influences for the unrest in his country. He cited the influence of Arabic-language news groups, which he said are targeting Syria. The Arab League meeting comes after more than seven months of protests against the government in Syria in which the United Nations says about 3,000 people have died. Also Sunday, Syrian security forces set up barricades and carried out raids, according to opposition sources. Eleven people were killed, said the Local Coordination Committees (LCC) of Syria -- eight in Homs, two in Idlib and one in Zabadani, a Damascus suburb. Security and military forces were conducting raids and arresting people, apparently at random, in the suburbs of Damascus -- where heavy gunfire was heard -- and in villages around Homs, according to two opposition groups. There were also general strikes in the city of Daraa, one of the centers of resistance to the government of President Bashar al-Assad, according to the LCC and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The latter group said security forces fired live bullets at thousands of mourners attending the funeral of activist Ziad al-Obeidi in Dair Elzor on Sunday, which turned into a demonstration demanding the overthrow of the regime. A group allied with the government, meanwhile, named a number of anti-government activists it said were being paid and organized by agents of the United States and Israel. "America is recruiting these weak-minded people to create sectarian fighting to help Israel and weaken Syria," said Elyas Helyani of the Syrian Human Rights Network. "We have evidence of all this and will publish it soon to let the entire world know the reality," he told CNN. CNN cannot independently confirm events in Syria, which restricts international journalists from accessing many parts of the country. The government says it has been making efforts to respond to citizens' grievances about the country's political system, and blames armed groups for stoking the violence. Al-Assad announced the formation of a committee Saturday to draft a new constitution within four months, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported. CNN's Hamdi Alkhshali and journalist Ian Lee contributed to this report. | NEW: Syrian security forces kill 11, an opposition group says .
The Arab League is considering suspending Syria from the body .
The Syrian ambassador blames foreign influences for the unrest in his country .
About 3,000 people have died in months of protests against the government . |
35,056 | 63a1c34dd59fa5a1d19dd004109c5c7407a60390 | Come rain, shine or snow, a military enthusiast has found a way of making sure his children always get to school on time - by dropping them off in his 17 tonne tank. Nick Mead, owner of Tanks A Lot Ltd driving events company, regularly drives around his sons Ashley, 13, and Danny, 16, in one of his impressive fleet of more than 120 military vehicles, worth £2million. The 53-year-old from Helmdon Northamptonshire, said people often did a double take when they saw him driving one of his road legal tanks, many of which weigh more than 17 tonnes, around town at speeds of up to 40mph. Scroll down for video . Nick Mead (right) always makes sure his sons Danny, 16, (left) and Ashley, 13, (centre) get to school on time, by dropping them off in his 17 tonne tank . The surprisingly spacious tank, which comes equipped with its own guns, is part of Nick's fleet of more than 120 vehicles . The 53-year-old said he often saw people do a double take when they saw him approaching in the armoured vehicle which is road legal . 'People often do a double take. They can’t believe it, and when they see the tax disc which verifies it’s road legal, they’re even more gobsmacked,' he said. 'My children love it, the tanks are a bit of a tourist attraction, but I can imagine they're probably even a bit bored of it now, it's just the norm for them.' 'Their friends can't get enough of it though; I just think all the attention is funny.' When taking his sons for a spin to school, the dad-of-two will often drive his 17 tonne FV432 armoured personnel carrier - which MOT exempt - instead of a car, teasing police and stunning follow motorists by revving its eight litre, two stroke engine and intimidating passers-by with its sheer enormity. Danny and Ashley's school friends were blown away by the family's unusual mode of transport to the school gates . Nick said his children love the tanks but admitted they might even be a little bored by the vehicles which the boys simply considered 'the norm' Both of his sons have been driving tanks themselves since the age of eight at the family's private farm . The 17 tonne FV432 armoured personnel carrier (pictured) has an eight litre, two stroke engine and is MOT exempt . Everyone is desperate for a ride in the tanks which make up his fleet of more than 120 military vehicles, especially his sons, who have both been driving tanks on his private farm since they were eight. Tanks are able to be declared road legal once owners de-activate any weapons and fit road-ready rubber tracks. If the armoured personnel carrier is over 25 years old it does not require an MOT. Dependent on size, weight and intended usage, vehicles can also be road tax exempt. A special H driving licence is then required to drive on British roads. Nick said: 'When we drive through town, everyone waves as if their hands are going to drop off. 'The police often grin or look the other way and most of them don't know what to do, it's not every day you see a tank rolling into town. 'All the children love to take pictures. It's sometimes difficult when I drive it down hills, we'd had some close calls, and I took the fuel cap off a bus once when it got too close. 'But in my 20 years driving tanks I've never had one crash, I'm always extremely careful, especially with the kids.' Tank collector Nick bought his first armoured vehicle, a FV433 Abbot for £1750, more than 20 years ago. Since then, he has amassed a fleet of more than 95 operational tanks - the most valuable being a 1948 Centurion worth an estimate £50,000 - which he uses on his off road military fun park at Spring Farm, Helmdon. The armoured vehicles have been used for weddings, funerals, in films, stag and hen parties. Most recently, one full size army tank was driven down Oxford Street as part of the DVD and Blu-ray release of The Expendables 3. But for Nick, running his children to school, or even taking a trip to the shops in an armoured vehicle has become the norm. The military enthusiast admitted he had the occasional close call when driving the tanks but said in 20 years, he had never had one crash . One of those 'close calls' came after he accidentally took the fuel cap off a bus while driving when it got too close but he said he was always extremely careful . Tank collector Nick bought his first armoured vehicle, a FV433 Abbot for £1750, more than 20 years ago, and since then, he has amassed a fleet of more than 95 operational tanks . He uses some of his off road military vehicles in a military fun park at Spring Farm, in the village of Helmdon, in Northamptonshire . He said: 'My partner Debbie and kids are very supportive with all of them getting stuck in and helping out and getting involved on the farm. 'My partner even instructs sometimes, but I think she likes the more glamorous jobs, such as the film shoots and corporate events. 'But despite what people think, I'm not from a military background; my interest in tanks was a spur of the moment fascination. 'I bought my first tank 20 years ago and it just snowballed from there. I feel blessed to have collected so many military relics from around the world.' 1 Challenger Bottle tank . 8 Abbot self-propelled gun . 7 Russian 251 self-propelled guns . 25 432 armoured personnel carriers . 4 434 Reme repair vehicles . 15 Alvis stalwarts . 1 Stormer CVRT . 2 CVRT Shielders . 2 Russian VDRMs . 1 Cech Prada anti-aircraft carrier . 1 Alvis Saracen . 5 Ferret armoured cars . 5 Leyland DAF army lorries . 1 Fox armoured car . 4 Springer All-Terrain Vehicles . 7 Lynx snow vehicles . 2 Haglund snow cats . 5 Lance nuclear missile carriers . 7 Combat Engineer Vehicles . 2 Supercats . 10 military land rovers . 1 Margaret Thatcher’s armoured bus . 1 tank limo – FV432 . 1 tank hearse – FV432 . 1 pink Abbott . 1 Green Goddess fire engine . 1 Volvo 80 tank jeep . Others are used by Nick for his business - Tanks A Lot Ltd - a driving events company in Northamptonshire . The company offers military vehicles for a variety of events including weddings, funerals, stag and hen parties . Certain armoured personnel carriers and other military transport vehicles belonging to the company have also been used in films . Partner Debbie and his children are all very supportive of Nick's passion and will get stuck in helping out on the farm . Surprisingly, Nick isn't from a military background but described his interest in tanks as 'a spur of the moment fascination' He said he felt 'blessed' to have collected so many military relics from around the world for his fleet more than 120 vehicles . The tax disc on Nick's tank proving the vehicle is legal for British roads . | Military enthusiast Nick Mead regularly drives his sons to school in one of his tanks from his £2million collection .
Tank collector Nick bought his first armoured vehicle, a FV433 Abbot for £1750, more than 20 years ago .
Now the owner of driving events company Tanks A Lot Ltd, he boasts a fleet of more than 120 military vehicles .
Both sons Ashley, 13 and Danny, 16, have been driving tanks on their father's private farm since they were eight .
Many of Nick's tanks, which are used for weddings, funerals, films and parties, are tax and MOT exempt . |
49,568 | 8c17dac9d5b1b9bd09543a00c6072839d1071022 | By . Associated Press Reporter . and Daily Mail Reporter . Two Detroit teenagers . were arrested Saturday in an attack on a suburban man who was brutally . beaten by a mob after accidentally striking a boy with his pickup truck. Investigators . believe the 17-year-old and 16-year-old males had a direct role in the . beating of Steve Utash, said Sgt. Mike Woody, a Detroit police . spokesman. Utash remained in critical condition Saturday, three days after the attack on the city's east side. Loving husband: Steve Utash, pictured with wife Starr Utash, was beaten into a life-threatening coma after he accidentally ran over a young boy . He's going to survive: David Harris, 10, suffered only a broken leg after running into traffic . Group of friends: Four individuals are shown . standing by the side of the road at left and Harris can be seen darting . head on into traffic at right . Woody . said no charges would be immediately filed against the teens while . investigators continue their work. Police believe at least six people . may have been involved. 'We still have a long . way to go. I've been reminding people we're still at the very beginning . stage of this investigation,' the sergeant said. The case has outraged the public, clergy and elected officials. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan called the attack 'senseless.' Utash, . 54, of Clinton Township accidentally struck a 10-year-old boy with his . pickup Wednesday. A mob swarmed him as he checked the boy, whose . injuries were not life-threatening. A . prominent black pastor, the Rev. Horace Sheffield III, called on the . public to go block by block to find the 'heartless perpetrators.' It's . important for community members 'to prove that we equally deplore . justice and unbridled brutality no matter what color the victim is or of . the one committing it,' Sheffield said in a statement. Utash is white; Detroit is more than 80 percent black. Utash's family said more than $50,000 has been raised for his medical bills. The tree trimmer has no medical insurance. Family man: Utash is a married father of two children - the relatives pictured are not identified . Moment of impact: Utash hits David Harris just after the boy ran into the street . On the ground: The young boy is crumpled in heap on the ground just after being hit . Released from the hospital: Harris suffered only a broken leg, he has already been sent home . 'I . never expected this. ... The whole nation is rooting for him to wake up . and be OK,' his daughter, Mandi Emerick, told The Detroit News. The gang also stole his wallet before leaving him for dead. 'If it went on any longer, my dad wouldn’t be in the hospital right now, he would be in the morgue,' son Joseph Utash told CBS Detroit. Security . footage from a gas station Harris and friends were standing in front of . shows him inexplicably running into oncoming traffic before being mowed . down by Utash's vehicle. Utash . immediately stops to check on the boy, but several black males from . their late teens to their early 20s quickly descend on the scene. Police quickly ruled the incident an accident. 'It was determined that the driver of the vehicle wouldn't have had any chance of stopping,' Moreno explained. But what happened next is considered by Utash's family to be an act of retaliation. Police . tell MailOnline that about a dozen young males attacked the married . father of three, beating him into a coma that he still hasn't woken from. 'It’s not like he hit the kid on purpose and they were trying to get revenge,' daughter Felicia Utash told WXYZ. 'He literally just tried to stop and help the kid and people came out of nowhere and tried to kill him.' Mob rule: The angry mob that would soon mercilessly beat Utash begins gathering where the boy was struck . Devastated: Daughter Felicia Utash (pictured) insists her father was doing the right thing, that he did not deserve his fate . His son Joseph Utash hinted it might have been a setup to rob his father, perhaps even a hate crime. 'I . think it was all a setup from the gate,' he told CBS Detroit. 'My dad’s . been driving up and down Morang for 15, 16 years working for the same . company... they know he has money and they robbed him. 'As far as a hate crime, it might be,' he continued. 'You go in Detroit and you’re white, you don’t belong.' Police immediately dismissed the notion. 'We have no evidence to suggest it's a hate crime,' Moreno told MailOnline. The . boy's father was arrested after a background check revealed he has an . active warrant, according to the Detroit Free-Press, but police declined to say if he would be charged in . connection with the beating. Witnesses said Utash immediately pulled over to check on Harris after hitting him. ‘David was laying right in front of the . driveway and he had blood coming out of his mouth,’ James Duston Jr., . the boy’s godfather told WXYZ. He couldn’t move his body.’ The crowd ran towards the boy's screams and mercilessly beat Utash. ‘This little boy was screaming,’ a woman told the Free Press. ‘There was a lot of people that came out. It was crazy.’ All hell broke loose. ‘I think it lasted about one minute and . then they let him go,’ a bystander told WXYZ. ‘And then they jumped back . on him again and they did it about three times and finally someone was . trying to help the guy that got beat up.’ ‘He had the biggest gash on his head I . ever seen – he was bleeding from the mouth and he was unconscious when I . first got there,’ Debra Hughes told WWJ. Harris suffered a broken leg, he has since been released from a local hospital, Moreno said. A message left with the family seeking further comment has not yet been returned. Brutal beatdown: The unidentified driver was savagely beaten after stopping to check on the young boy he accidentally hit with while driving this pickup truck . ‘It was sad because I knew the guy was getting out of his car to try and see what damage he did,’ the witness added. ‘He got his,’ another witness to the beating told the Free Press. ‘He got beat up real bad.’Both the driver and the boy were taken to a local hospital. The boy’s family condemned the beating. ‘We don’t condone that at all,’ said Duston. ‘I told his mom and she just was like, no, we wouldn’t want that to happen.’ Doctors are still trying to determine if Utash will need surgery to save his life. Where it happened: The boy ran out into the street at this spot, police said . | Investigators believe the unidentified teens had a direct role in the beating of Steve Utash .
Utash, 54, accidentally hit David Harris, a 10-year-old black boy, with his truck when he .
darted out into the busy street, surveillance footage showed .
Utash stopped to make sure the boy was okay and was instead savagely beaten by as many as 12 people, said police .
Police have ruled out the beating being a hate crime, but are still searching for the attackers, who also stole his wallet .
Utash remains in critical condition .
The family of the young boy have condemned the attack . |
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