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202,794 | 9291ea2c14bb6892e12e621d0057e7de9ce1cece | Los Angeles (CNN) -- The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is being investigated for alleged "systemic" civil rights violations during routine traffic stops by trying to identify people who live in publicly subsidized housing, federal officials said Friday. The U.S. Justice Department is conducting a civil investigation into the alleged discriminatory policing by the sheriff's deputies in the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, both in the Mojave Desert's Antelope Valley, federal officials said. Deputies from sheriff stations in those two communities also allegedly conducted warrantless searches of African-American families' homes under the auspices of a housing authority compliance inspection, and housing authority investigators based at the two stations allegedly accompanied deputies during the compliance checks, federal officials said. Sometimes, the deputies allegedly approached the home of a recipient of what is known as Section 8 subsidies "with guns drawn and in full SWAT armor," conducted searches and asked questions unrelated to housing programs, Justice Department officials said. The Justice Department inquiry will focus on whether the two sheriff stations "engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination on the basis of race or national origin," federal officials said. "In interviews with affected individuals and community representatives, we heard troubling accounts of allegedly unjustified stops and searches," Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez said in a statement. "We will be investigating whether there is a pattern of racially motivated stops and arrests," Perez said. "We intend to peel the onion to its core, and gain a precise understanding of what is happening in these two areas." Sheriff Leroy D. Baca appeared at the news conference Friday with Perez in downtown Los Angeles and said his department is cooperating with the investigation. "We are not going to enforce the laws on the backs of the poor who are in effect obeying the law," the sheriff said. The Antelope Valley has experienced explosive population growth over the past two decades, and African-Americans and Latinos now make up almost 60 percent of Lancaster and almost 70 percent of Palmdale, Perez said. Justice Department officials will also look at whether leaders in the two communities "adopted a policy or practice designed to drive certain residents out of the community," Perez said. The cities of Lancaster and Palmdale don't have their own police forces, and they contract with the sheriff, Perez said. Federal authorities will investigate allegations of deputies working alongside city officials, Perez said. Palmdale City Hall was closed Friday, and officials there and in the city of Lancaster couldn't be reached immediately for comment. The sheriff stations in those communities show disproportionately high rates of misdemeanor and obstruction arrests in comparison with other stations, federal officials said. Also, the two cities have "unusually high rates of misdemeanor arrests and particularly high rates of arrests of African-Americans," Perez said. The federal inquiry is being carried out under a police reform provision enacted in the wake of the Los Angeles police beating of Rodney King in 1991, and the Justice Department now has the authority to investigate "patterns or practices of the deprivation of constitutional rights or violations of federal law," Perez said. In a recent e-mailed letter to the sheriff, Perez wrote that the Justice Department will conduct its inquiry in conjunction with another ongoing investigation begun in June into allegations that the cities of Palmdale and Lancaster violated the Fair Housing Act. The Los Angeles County Housing Authority is also being investigated for an alleged "systematic effort to discriminate against African-Americans and Latinos," federal officials said. "We've been working with (Justice Department investigators) cooperatively since we were notified on June 16," said Emilio Salas, deputy executive director of the Los Angeles County Housing Authority. His agency looks forward to the inquiry and any recommendations that the Justice Department may come up with, he said. | The Justice Department is looking into an alleged "pattern ... of discrimination"
Two sheriff stations are being investigated, in the cities of Lancaster and Palmdale .
Deputies allegedly sought to identify public housing residents during routine traffic stops .
The two cities have seen explosive growth among Latinos and African-Americans . |
73,047 | cf2345eaed1fba57d3b4fd2f9b4ccf1f215c5a3f | (CNN) -- JetBlue is making the driver's fantasy of levitating above traffic a reality in Los Angeles this weekend. Anticipating the city's impending "Carmageddon," the airline known for its egalitarian seating plans, satellite TV and fancy potato chips offered $4 flights between Burbank and Long Beach. The distance between the two airports is a little less than 40 miles and is the airline's shortest ever flight, JetBlue spokeswoman Allison Steinberg said. For more than 48 hours this weekend, a 10-mile section of Interstate 405 ("The 405" in local vernacular) will be closed for construction, allowing workers to demolish a bridge and add carpool lanes. The freeway, which links the San Fernando Valley to the coast, usually sees about 500,000 cars each weekend on the stretch of road that will be closed. JetBlue announced the deal on its special fares Twitter feed Wednesday afternoon. The deal quickly gained momentum. "405 freeway closure? We're so over it," JetBlue wrote on its blog. JetBlue announced that the flights were sold out three hours after initially tweeting the deal. The fare includes taxes and fees, except for possible unaccompanied minor fees or for checking an overweight or second bag, according to JetBlue's website. There will be two trips from each airport on Saturday afternoon and evening. Steinberg said that this is deal was different from other special offers, which offer discounts on existing routes but don't add new ones. "We've offered different sales and tied them into local events, but I think it's unique in the sense that we literally added a route with two flights for Saturday." | This weekend, a 10-mile section of Interstate 405 in California will be closed for construction .
Anticipating "Carmageddon," JetBlue sold flights between Long Beach and Burbank for $4 .
JetBlue announced that the flights were sold out three hours after initially tweeting the deal . |
120,572 | 27d40557cfb557d17d93132a4cdf9e117c6d2594 | TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- A group of Iranian intellectuals released a public apology this week for what they say is a long history of the country's mistreatment of members of the Baha'i faith. The letter lists 11 reasons why its signatories are ashamed of the past treatment of Baha'is. The apology -- titled, "We are ashamed" -- was published on the Web site Iranian.com and was signed by 42 Iranian professionals, all of whom do not live in Iran. "As Iranian human beings, we are ashamed for what has been perpetrated upon the Baha'is in the last century and a half in Iran," the letter says. In the letter, the group detailed incidents of violence and discrimination that it says the Iranian government has perpetrated against Baha'is. The Islamic republic has been condemned by human-rights activists and governments across the globe for its treatment of members of the Baha'i faith. The Baha'i movement has said that six of its followers were arrested in January in Tehran, including one who works with Nobel peace laureate Shirin Ebadi, the lawyer and activist. Seven leaders of the group arrested in 2008 also remain in jail. Members of Baha'i -- who say they are targeted in the predominantly Shiite nation because of their faith -- have faced arrests and other oppression over the years. They say the persecution is part of a pattern that began in 1979. That's when the monarchy of the Shah of Iran was toppled and an Islamic republic was created. Baha'i -- regarded as the largest non-Muslim religious minority in Iran -- claims to have 5 million members across the globe and about 300,000 in Iran. The European Parliament passed a resolution in January that criticized Iran's treatment of Baha'is. The U.S. State Department also criticized Iran's treatment of Baha'i followers in a report last year. CNN's Roya Shadravan contributed to this report. | Iranian intellectuals publish letter of apology to members of the Baha'i faith .
The apology details alleged offences by the government against them .
Baha'i members say followers have been arrested, jailed for their faith . |
85,986 | f3e14786d025a1ba00ea94735eb56ef5687f0549 | By . Tania Steere . Milly Dowler’s killer has won £4,500 compensation after being attacked in prison. Levi Bellfield, 45, received the payout despite suffering only minor cuts. The triple-killer has told friends that he will give the cash to his mother for rent on a holiday caravan in Kent. Bellfield won the compensation after being attacked by an inmate with a makeshift weapon at Wakefield prison in Yorkshire in 2009. Payout: Levi Bellfield (left), who was jailed in 2011 for the murder of schoolgirl Milly Dowler (right) has won £4,500 compensation after being attacked in prison . The burly former nightclub bouncer suffered minor injuries but took prison bosses to court, claiming they should have protected him. Ministry of Justice lawyers fought for three years to stop Bellfield, jailed in 2011 for 13-year-old Milly’s murder, from receiving a penny off taxpayers. But on Wednesday he was awarded the cash at Durham County Court after the Ministry of Justice was forced to admit full liability. A ministry spokesman said: ‘We are hugely disappointed that Levi Bellfield was awarded £4,500 by a judge following an assault by a prisoner in 2009 at HMP Wakefield.’ A source close to Bellfield’s family told The Mirror: ‘Levi will transfer the funds to relatives. He wants them to use it on the caravan. Attack: Bellfield won the compensation after being attacked by an inmate with a makeshift weapon at Wakefield prison in Yorkshire (pictured) in 2009 . ‘He’s angry that prison guards let him in that part of the prison. He says by putting him in that wing, it was just asking for an attack to happen. Another inmate waited for him outside one of the bathrooms. The inmate went for his eye with a weapon but missed. It was pretty tame.’ Labour MP Ian Austin last night pledged to raise the compensation payout with Justice Secretary Chris Grayling, saying it was ‘disgusting’. He said: ‘This is a complete and utter disgrace. I will be asking Mr Grayling how this evil child murderer could possibly be awarded such a huge sum of money. Every right-thinking person will agree this is distasteful and wrong.’ National Victims’ Association founder David Hines added: ‘It really gets us that murderers claim for being attacked and get rewards. It’s a sin.’ Victims: Bellfield got a whole life term in 2008 for the murders of Amelie Delagrange (left), 22, and 19-year-old Marsha McDonnell (right) Bellfield got a whole life term in 2008 for the murders of Amelie Delagrange, 22, and 19-year-old Marsha McDonnell. He kidnapped Milly in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, in 2002. He lured her back to his flat as she walked home from school, killed her and dumped her body in a remote wood where he used to walk his dog. The body was only found six months later. Police mistakes allowed Bellfield to avoid capture and he went on to stalk and murder two young women and tried to kill a third before he was arrested. The news of the payout is likely to add to the distress of the Dowler family. Speaking after Bellfield’s conviction, Milly’s mother Sally said: ‘The length the system goes to protect his human rights seems so unfair compared to what we as a family have had to endure.’ Mrs Dowler said she hoped Bellfield would be dealt with in jail with the ‘same brutality’ he used against his victims. | Levi Bellfield wins compensation after he was attacked by fellow inmate .
Triple-killer was set upon with a makeshift weapon at Wakefield prison .
MoJ lawyers fought for three years to stop him receiving taxpayer money .
But he was awarded the cash as Ministry should have protected him .
He plans to give the money to his mother so she can rent a caravan .
Bellfield kidnapped Milly Dowler in Surrey, in 2002 and was jailed in 2011 .
He is also serving life for killing Amelie Delagrange and Marsha McDonnell . |
30,157 | 55b4d18840fdddcc7dbcd1dbdb1025fa0e476b67 | Malky Mackay and Paul Jewell emerged as early contenders for the Wigan on Thursday after Uwe Rosler was sacked after 11 months in charge at the DW Stadium. Mackay has been out of work since his acrimonious departure from Cardiff City last December, with Sportsmail later revealing that the Welsh club sent a dossier to the FA accusing him of exchanging ‘racist, sexist and homophobic’ texts and email messages with Crystal Palace sporting director Iain Moody. Mackay withdrew from the running for the managerial vacancy at Palace in August and issued a public apology. Wigan Athletic have sacked Uwe Rosler following a string of poor results at the DW Stadium . Wigan succumbed to a loss at rivals Bolton Wanderers on Friday and sit 22nd in the Championship . Malky Mackay (left) and Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper are early favourites to replace Rosler . Former Ipswich Town boss Paul Jewell is another front runner for the Wigan job . The 42-year-old attended Wigan’s defeat at Brighton earlier this month and it is understood that the club have already made contact with his representatives. Jewell famously led Wigan from League One to the Premier League but resigned in 2007 after keeping them in the top-flight on the final day of the season. The 50-year-old, who has been out of management since leaving Ipswich more than two years ago, held talks with his old club last night over a dramatic return just hours after Rosler was axed. Latics chairman Dave Whelan says he took a long time to come to the decision to sack Rosler . The German took Wigan to the FA Cup semi-finals and the Championship Playoffs last season after succeeding Owen Coyle in December. However, he has won only once in his last 12 games and Friday’s defeat at Bolton saw his side drop to third from bottom in the Championship. Having given Rosler his personal backing last week, it is understood that chairman Dave Whelan sacked him after training yesterday amid concerns that he had lost the support of the dressing-room. Swindon manager Mark Cooper, Blackburn’s Gary Bowyer, Tony Mowbray and Stuart McCall were other names being linked with the vacancy last night. Mark Davies of Bolton (right) is tackled by Wigan's Marc-Antoine Fortune during the game last Friday . | Wigan Athletic have sacked Uwe Rosler as their manager .
Malky Mackay has emerged as the leading contender for the job .
Gary Bowyer and Mark Cooper could also be considered for the role .
Latics lost 3-1 against rivals Bolton Wanderers in Rosler's last match .
Mackay has not managed since his unceremonious exit from Cardiff . |
30,563 | 56ead54832f9dda5d0d6097f4635f567d1701382 | Prince Harry made his first visit to a mosque today on the final day of his whirlwind tour of Oman. The fourth in line to the throne was visiting the breath-taking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in the capital Muscat, which can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers at any one time. Dressed in a smart blue suit, Harry slipped off his shoes in accordance with religious custom as he was given a tour of the spectacular marble-floored complex by a member of the Diwan – or Royal Court - Higher Centre for Culture and Science. Scroll down for video . In accordance with religious tradition, he slipped off his shoes for the tour. The Mosque was a gift to the nation of Oman from its ruler, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, to mark the 30th year of his reig . Harry peppered his guide with questions throughout the half-hour long tour and smiled at pictures of his father, Prince Charles, on a visit to the mosque last year that had been displayed in its library . The prince looked fascinated as he was talked through the history of the mosque and the mammoth effort that it took to build it. The Mosque was a gift to the nation of Oman from its ruler, His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, to mark the 30th year of his reign. Built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone, the main musalla – or prayer hall - has a central dome rising to a height of 164 feet (50 metres) above the floor. Its main minaret, which rises 295 feet (90 metres) and four flanking towers, can be seen across the city. The mosque also boasts the world's second largest hand-woven carpet and chandelier. The mosque was a gift from Omani ruler Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said to his people . Dressed in a smart blue suit, Harry was given a tour of the spectacular marble-floored complex by a member of the Diwan – or Royal Court - Higher Centre for Culture and Science . The main musalla or prayer room has a dome that rises an impressive 300m into the air . The enormous prayer carpet measures 229ft by 196ft and weighs 21 tonnes. It took four years to produce . The prayer carpet measures 229 feet by 196 feet and covers the entire floor of the main hall. It is remarkable not only because it is is made from a single piece of cloth but because it contains 1.7 billion knots, weighs 21 tonnes and took 400 female weavers four years to produce. Its weavers incorporated 28 different colours in a variety of shades, the majority obtained from traditional vegetable dyes. The building's majestic Swarovski crystal chandelier, which hangs above the praying hall, is equally impressive. It is a staggering 45 feet tall, weighs eight tonnes and has 1122 lights inside that take two days to change, twice a year. In all, it took six years to complete the 416,000 square metre site, which opened to the public in 2001. Harry peppered his guide with questions throughout the half-hour long tour and smiled at pictures of his father, Prince Charles, on a visit to the mosque last year that had been displayed in its library. Harry's visit caused great excitement among a group of American tourists who were also visiting . The ever-obliging Harry also stopped to pose for selfies with a group of excited school children . His visit, which was unannounced, caused waves of excitement among a group of American tourists who happened to be there, while a group of schoolchildren squealed with delight each time he walked past and jumped in front of the prince to pose for spur-of-the-moment selfies. Walking out through the spacious gardens bisected by water channels, Harry thanked his guide and headed straight off in his convoy to the international airport to fly onto Abu Dhabi. This afternoon he will play in the Sentebale Polo Cup at Ghantoot Racing and Polo Club attended by celebrities including Geri Halliwell and Dan Stevens. The match is in aid of the charity he set up in 2006 in memory of his late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, following a gap year visit to the tiny southern African kingdom of Lesotho. The name Sentebale means 'forget me not' in the local dialect, Basotho. The trip to the mosque was the final stop on Harry's tour of Oman and he will now fly to Abu Dhabi . The magnificent mosque is one of Muscat - and Oman's - top tourist destinations . Lesotho is a tiny, poverty-stricken country with one of the highest HIV/AIDS rates in the world. Sentebale supports the many thousands of children affected by the epidemic both directly and though losing their families to the disease. Life expectancy for men and women in the kingdom is just 41 years, one in three children are orphans and there are believed to be more than 40,000 adolescents living with HIV. The Sentebale Cup, which is in its fifth year, is helping to support the Mamohato Programme, which address the emotional and psychological needs of children living with HIV as well as working to reduce the stigma linked to the disease and helping to markedly improve their quality of life. Harry, who plans to make a visit to some of the charity's project next month, has said he hopes to expand its work to other countries in Africa. Harry plans to stay on in Abu Dhabi privately after the official elements of the trip have concluded today to watch the Formula 1 Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, which is on this weekend. For more details on the Sentebale Cup see www.sentebale.org . | Fourth in line to the throne was visiting the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque .
Harry slipped off his shoes in accordance with religious custom for visit .
His visit caused great excitement among group of American tourists .
He also stopped to pose for selfies with schoolchildren waiting outside .
Harry will now fly to Emirati capital Abu Dhabi for a charity polo match . |
58,690 | a6791da14c3d6707f8a18a9d013f30bb81acaaae | GCHQ now concentrates on the ‘darkest places’ of the internet inhabited by ‘the plotters, the proliferators and the paedophiles’, its outgoing head stressed yesterday. Its staff are committed to the protection of the public from those who exploited the so-called ‘dark web’, Sir Iain Lobban said. Sir Iain, who retires this month after six years in charge, also insisted Britain’s electronic eavesdropping agency did not engage in ‘anything remotely resembling mass surveillance’. While he acknowledged that tracking down perpetrators online meant accessing the internet ‘at scale’, he said his organisation was committed to delivering security while protecting privacy to the ‘greatest extent possible’. Surveillance: The GCHQ listening post in Cheltenham, where its staff monitor the 'darkest places' of the internet . His comments come after a turbulent year for the intelligence agency, overshadowed by the disclosures of the former US intelligence operative Edward Snowden. GCHQ has also come under criticism after it was revealed earlier this year they are allowed to spy on British citizens’ use of Facebook, Google and Twitter without an individual warrant because the firms are based overseas. Speaking at the Churchill War Rooms in Whitehall, Sir Iain issued an impassioned defence of its work, while paying tribute to his staff, some of whom he said had made ‘the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty’ - although he gave no further details. Referring to his staff, he added: ‘The people who work at GCHQ would sooner walk out the door than be involved in anything remotely resembling ‘mass surveillance’. ‘My staff are the embodiment of British values, not a threat to them.’ GCHQ and its American counterpart, the NSA, came under fire from civil liberties campaigners on both sides of the Atlantic after Mr Snowden leaked thousands of documents revealing the scale of their surveillance activities. After Mr Snowden revealed GCHQ was gathering millions of pieces of data on British citizens, Sir Iain was forced to defend his organisation to MPs in an unprecedented public hearing. In response to whistleblower Edward Snowden's (pictured) claims that GCHQ is spying on British citizens, Sir Iain said his staff would rather 'walk out the door' than engage in mass surveillance . In the hearing before the government’s Intelligence and Security Committee, alongside the heads of MI5 and MI6, he claimed terrorists had started changing their tactics because of Mr Snowden’s revelations. Yesterday Sir Iain sought to underline the scale of the challenge facing the agencies - describing the ‘enormous exodus’ to the internet as ‘the biggest migration in human history’. He said that only a small percentage of all the emails, texts and images sent globally were within reach of GCHQ’s sensors - of which only a small percentage were actually intercepted. But he acknowledged the volumes were still large. He said: ‘We access the internet at scale so as to dissect it with surgical precision. Practically, it is now impossible to operate successfully in any other way. ‘You can’t pick and choose the components of a global interception system that you like - catching terrorists and paedophiles - and those you don’t - incidental collection of data at scale: it’s one integrated system.’ With the ‘vast majority’ of such criminal threats to the UK coming from groups or individuals based abroad, Sir Iain said strong intelligence and cyber capabilities were needed to identify and - where they were beyond the reach of international law enforcement - directly disrupt them. He said: “We all now know that the beautiful dream of the Internet as a totally ungoverned space was just that – a beautiful dream. Like all utopian visions, it was flawed because it failed to account for the persistence of the worst aspects of human nature. Sir Iain said his organisation was committed to delivering security while ensuring privacy to the 'greatest extent possible' 'Alongside the blessings – the comprehensive information, the communities of interest, the commercial opportunities and efficiencies – there are the plotters, the proliferators and the paedophiles. From what we know of ungoverned spaces in the real world, do we really believe that the world would be a better place if the Internet becomes an ungoverned space where anybody can act freely with impunity?” He added: ‘Those who would do us harm don’t want to be found. They use certain routers or applications to hide in the darkest places of the internet. ‘We have to enter that labyrinth to find them. We work to crack their defences. We have to understand what adversaries seek to do to us and dedicate ourselves to preventing them from realising their plans.’ He stressed that the ‘core’ of GCHQ’s mission was ‘the protection of liberty, not the erosion of it’ and that it actively sought to minimise intrusion into people’s everyday lives. He added: ‘By definition, the acquisition, aggregation, usage, sharing and retention of information involve varying degrees of interference with, or intrusion into, the privacy rights of individuals. ‘So those activities can only be undertaken if judged to be necessary in the interests of our statutory purposes - national security, economic well-being or the prevention and detection of serious crime - and proportionate in what we seek to achieve.’ GCHQ was formed in 1919 and employed Enigma code-breaker Alan Turing in the Second World War. | GCHQ hunts paedophiles in the 'darkest places' of the internet, boss claims .
Sir Iain Lobban says his staff track criminals on the so-called 'dark web'
GCHQ does not engage in anything 'remotely resembling' mass surveillance .
His comments come after a turbulent year for the intelligence agency . |
258,895 | db153d860c2823c10309d75454c26aafe6b3c252 | Tripoli, Libya (CNN) -- A battle raged in a strategically located Libyan city Saturday as state television showed a fist-pumping Moammar Gadhafi visiting a school, his first public appearance in days. Rebels fought hard in a back-and-forth war for Ajdabiya, the last stop before their stronghold, Benghazi, further to the east. Witnesses reported three hours of fighting that they said involved explosions caused by NATO aircraft. As the sun set, the rebels appeared to have averted a major setback by maintaining control of the hard-won city -- but it was tenuous at best. Outgunned, they conceded they were facing a formidable foe. In a hospital, witnesses told CNN that three of Gadhafi's fighters who were killed were carrying identification cards from Syria, Algeria and Chad. NATO said in the past 24 hours its aircraft destroyed loyalist ammunition stockpiles east of Tripoli that were supplying troops shelling Misrata and other cities. Attacks also were made on armored vehicles near Misrata and Ajdabiya, it said. Opposition spokesman Shamsiddin Abdulmolah told CNN that rebels flew two attack helicopters from Tobruk to join the fighting in Ajdabiya. "There were some 50 regime pickup trucks with machine guns and rocket launchers that attempted to enter Ajdabiya," Abdulmolah said. "The helicopters destroyed several of the trucks and the rest took off." Abdulmolah did not know what kind of helicopters the rebel forces used in Saturday's attack and could not confirm whether rebel forces coordinated the operation with NATO. Far from the battleground, African leaders were meeting in Mauritania Saturday in an attempt to forge a mediator role in Libya's impasse. The African Union's special committee on Libya -- represented by Mauritania, Congo Republic, Mali, Uganda and South Africa -- will then travel to the Libyan rebel stronghold of Benghazi to meet with the opposition leaders Sunday and Monday, according to the South African government. The South African government also said NATO has granted the committee permission to meet with Gadhafi in the Libyan capital, Tripoli. Gadhafi has been a big supporter of the African Union and has channeled large sums of money its way. Libya also holds a seat on the 15-member Peace and Security Council. As such, opposition leaders in Benghazi did not express optimism over the success of mediation. The United Nations said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will travel to Cairo Thursday to head meetings on Libya at the Arab League headquarters. Among the participants will be Catherine Ashton, the representative for foreign affairs and security for the European Union. Meanwhile, Libyan Foreign Minister Khaled Gaim condemned on state-run television the reopening of key ports in the eastern cities of Tobruk and Benghazi, which he said enables the rebels to resume an oil trade. He accused NATO of violating the United Nations Security Council resolution that mandates the protection of civilians. State TV also aired images Gadhafi visiting on Saturday what appeared to be a primary school in Tripoli. The anchor said the school was a target of international airstrikes and was going to be attacked. Former U.S. lawmaker Curt Weldon visited Libya this week hoping to speak directly with Gadhafi but left without a meeting. He did manage to secure a letter from the strongman to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. "I am disappointed that I did not get to sit down face to face with Colonel Gadhafi as promised, but I may have been able to get something even more significant -- a path to a resolution of this conflict," Weldon said in a statement on his departure. Weldon visited Libya in 2004 when he was a Republican congressman from Pennsylvania and said he was invited this time by Gadhafi. Peace efforts seemed distant Saturday in Ajdabiya, where Gadhafi's forces attacked with a barrage of artillery fire at the city's western gates. Street fighting erupted as the loyalists, aided by sympathizers, entered the city. At one point, opposition fighters appeared to have all but lost again territory that was hard won. At the height of their march toward Tripoli, rebels came within 40 kilometers (25 miles) of Sirte -- Gadhafi's hometown in western Libya. But loyalist forces have steadily pushed the rebels back and now stand poised to run down the highway to Benghazi, the opposition's capital. Burnt carcasses of Libyan army tanks taken out by coalition aircraft three weeks ago litter the road. But it's increasingly harder to distinguish pro-Gadhafi troops. They have changed tactics and have taken to moving about in civilian vehicles. "The troops of Gadhafi have good weapons and have training and have leadership and have experience," one rebel fighter said. CNN's Ben Wedeman, Reza Sayah and Nic Robertson contributed to this report . | NEW: Two opposition helicopters attack in Ajdabiya .
The rebels appear to have averted a major setback there .
An African Union committee plans to meet opposition leaders in Benghazi this weekend .
Former U.S. lawmaker Weldon leaves Libya with a letter but no meeting with Gadhafi . |
8,690 | 18787930b8e562841c0a9a013b3dec21cf9ce932 | Vanessa-Mae was banned from international skiing for four years yesterday after taking part in fixed races to help her qualify for the Winter Olympics. The 36-year-old British violinist competed for Thailand, the country of her father’s birth, at the Games in Sochi last February. She skied under the name Vanessa Vanakorn and said it had been an ‘amazing’ experience despite coming last out of 67 competitors. Scroll down for video . Banned: Violinist Vanessa-Mae, pictured on Monday ahead of a concert in Prague, took part in fixed races in Slovenia in order to qualify for the Sochi Winter Olympic, organised at the request of her manager . But yesterday the Swiss-based International Ski Federation (FIS) said it had found ‘violations’ in her results from a hastily staged event in Slovenia held days before the deadline for Olympic qualification. It said that without the cheating she would not have achieved the points needed to be eligible to ski in the Games. Officials are said to have invented times for skiers who did not race and faked times for skiers who did not finish. They also broke rules by not changing the course design between the first and second runs, and allowing skiers to continue in poor weather which required abandonment. Five officials involved in the event at Krvavec in Slovenia have been banned by FIS. It is unclear if Thai Olympic officials were involved or if they will face IOC sanctions. The FIS said: ‘The competitions were organised at the request of the management of Vanessa Vanakorn, through the Thai Olympic Committee.’ FIS president Gian Franco Kasper said: ‘Those who have been sanctioned have been sanctioned for good reason.’ Cheater, cheater: Vanessa-Mae, who competed for Thailand as Vanessa Vanakorn, finished last of 67 racers in the two-run giant slalom in Sochi, almost a minute slower than the winner . Fake it til you make it: The International Ski Federation ruled that Vanessa-Mae would not have been able to qualify for the Olympic Games without the cheating . The International Olympic Committee declined to comment on details of the case until possible appeals are completed. Last night Vanessa-Mae was unavailable for comment. But if she does harbour dreams of another Olympic appearance, she may be disappointed. It is thought the ban would prevent her from competing at the next Winter Olympics in South Korea in 2018. The classical music star was born in Singapore to Thai and Chinese parents and moved to England at the age of four. Shortly after finishing the Games in February, she said: ‘With my limited experience – I only started training six months ago – I’m just glad I made it down.’ | Vanessa-Mae skied in fixed races to qualify for the Sochi Olympics .
The 36-year-old has been banned from competing for four years .
Fixed races in Slovenia were organised at request of her manager .
Ski Federation ruled she would not have qualified without cheating .
Violinist competed for Thailand in the 2014 Winter Games and came last . |
104,251 | 12811289d306838dbe2a4d126f2f5e6d627653d0 | By . Lauren Paxman . UPDATED: . 14:41 EST, 23 November 2011 . When Cheryl Cole wore a purple and orange outfit at her U.S. X Factor debut, the colour combination was about as popular as her judging. But 'porange' outfits have grown on us. Nicole Scherzinger, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba and Rihanna have all since sported the trend. And next year it will gain 70,000 new followers as all London Olympics volunteers will be kitted out in a 'regal purple' and 'poppy red' jacket. Sparking a trend: Cheryl Cole's orange and purple outfit, which she wore in May, may have inspired the London Olympics volunteer's uniforms . The uniforms, which will be worn by 'Games Makers' at the London 2012 Games, were unveiled yesterday . They were created by a London 2012 and adidas design team and are apparently a throwback to the historic Grenadier Guards uniform - note the epaulettes and the buttons on the sleeves. Classic British sporting events such as the London 1948 Games, Wimbledon tennis championships and the Henley Regatta provided additional inspiration. But the design team also seem to have taken into account the latest fashion trends. London 2012 chief executive Paul . Deighton said of the volunteers: 'They will be high profile in London and in our venues . across the UK at Games time and so it's important they look the part.' The jacket has a turn-back feature to suit different arm lengths and different-coloured epaulettes will . identify specific groups, with white for medical staff, red for team . leaders and green for anti-doping personnel. Games Makers: Volunteers reveal the various uniforms which will be worn at the Olympics . The uniform will be worn by volunteers at both the Olympics and the Paralympics. Only the logo on the jacket, the hat and T-shirt will change depending on which games the person is working at. All will be given the beige trousers and the grey trainers with red laces. The 4,500 technical officials at the . Games will have a formal or casual uniform, depending on the sport they . are helping to regulate. The . formalwear design team, made up of . representatives from London 2012 and the high street fashion chain Next, . also had ideas about British heritage up their sleeves for the . uniforms. Full uniform: Games Makers will get an overall kitbag including a jacket, polo shirt, trousers, trainers, socks, cap, bag, water bottle and an umbrella . They will wear engraved buttons with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament plus embroidered collars featuring the London skyline. Games Makers will get an overall kitbag . including a jacket, polo shirt, trousers, trainers, socks, cap, bag, . water bottle and an umbrella - a vital accessory for the British summer. Each Technical Official uniform will . come with jacket, pair of trousers and skirt for women, a shirt, a belt . and a laptop-sized bag. A trilby hat and a tie tops off the men's kit while there is a scarf for women technical officials. An effort has been made to make the uniforms sustainable to fit in with the Games' ethos. Loud and proud: Kim Kardashian (left) and Nicole Scherzinger are also fans on the colour combination . The polo shirt is made of 100 per cent recycled polyester, as is the jacket shell, while the outer and inner lining consists of partly recycled polyester, along with the trousers. Sustainable materials have also been used in the bag and water bottle. Deighton said: 'What we've come up with is a uniform which celebrates the best of Britain's heritage in a modern and sustainable way. 'Delivering the Games is hard work and so the uniform needs to be functional. However we also want our teams to wear it with pride. We showed it to them this morning and the response was incredibly enthusiastic.' Games Makers will start picking up their uniforms from April 2012. | 'Porange' outfits have also been worn by Nicole Scherzinger, Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba and Rihanna .
70,000 volunteers will wear the uniforms next summer . |
268,870 | e84b94f1069aa6bd3178eb066b51fd2ebe717223 | By . Hannah Roberts . The funeral of a Nazi war criminal has been postponed following security fears, after neo-fascists attempted to highjack the event. There were violent clashes between protesters and far right extremists outside the service for former SS officer Erich Priebke, prompting riot police to set off tear gas canisters. Authorities were forced to remove around twenty extreme right wing activists from the church, in Albano Laziale, a suburb of Rome. Scroll down for video . Violence: Locals and anti-fascist protesters show their disgust as the car with the body of Erich Priebke arrives at the church in Albano Laziale, Italy . Anger: Hundreds of people shouted 'murderer' and 'executioner' jeered the coffin of Priebke as it arrived for a funeral Mass in the Roman suburb . Hatred: Riot police set of tear gas to subdue the crowds outside the funeral for former SS officer Erich Priebke in Albano Laziale, a suburb of Rome . Priebke, a mass murderer who never repented his crimes, died on Friday aged 100 as he was serving a life sentence in Rome for his part in the 1944 massacre of the Ardeatine Caves. Nazi officers rounded up and shot more than 300 Italian men and boys in a reprisal attack for the killing of German soldiers by resistance fighters. It is considered the worst atrocity of World War II on Italian soil. Despite being explicitly prohibited by the Vatican and the mayor, an ultra-conservative Christian sect had offered to conduct the ceremony, although not a burial. The Society of Saint Pius X, which has split from the Vatican gained notoriety in 2009 when a British member, Richard Williamson, denied the Holocaust had taken place. Justice served: The former SS captain at his 1996 conviction . The funeral came on the 70th anniversary of the emptying of the ghetto in Rome from which only 15 Jews returned alive. As . the closed door ceremony was due to begin, demonstrators outside the . church landed kicks and punches on the hearse and set upon the priest . until he was rescued by riot police. Several . dozen skinheads and right-wing extremists dressed in camouflage clothes . and combat boots came to pay their last respects to a man who had . become an icon for the far right. Some, wearing helmets and scarves over their faces, were removed as they were neither friends nor relatives of Priebke. Several . gave fascist salutes, prompting a crowd that included relatives of . victims, anti-fascist protesters and Jewish survival groups to surge . forward chanting ‘Executioner’ and ‘Murderer!’ Protesters . and right wingers clashed, landing punches and throwing bottles, until . armed police in full riot gear stepped in, launching tear gas. Priebke's lawyer Paolo Giachini confirmed that the rites had not taken place. Death: Erich Priebke, who carried out one of Italy's worst massacres, died today aged 100 . Outrage: In the lead up to his birthday Jewish groups called for celebrations to be banned . Earlier in the day the mayor of Albano Laziale, Nicola Marini, had signed an order blocking the funeral from taking place. But he was overruled by the Prefect of Rome who said he had to accede to the family's wishes. Mr Marini said : ‘We tried to prevent it with the all the methods at our disposal. But we have been overruled by higher powers. 'To . have to endure this ceremony so near to the scene of the crime is a . cause of shame for the whole town, which is why we are here to bear . witness to their pain, their shame.’ The residents of Albano Laziale had turned out in force to oppose the funeral. Doctor . Ugo Piccarreta said: ‘It’s a national disgrace. The wounds that Priebke . has left in the hearts of the Italian population mean that he cannot be . compared to any other criminal. He doesn’t even deserve to transit . through this town. ‘I don’t understand how the church can pardon him – he never even repented. ‘ . Local . resident Giuliana Uccino said: ‘We are afraid that our town will become . a symbol or even a place of pilgrimage for neo fascists.’ ‘This is not a fascist town. Priebke is not welcome here and not welcome in Italy. A row has raged for days over the officer's last burial place after because authorities fear the grave could become a site of pilgrimage for his neo-Nazi fanbase . Fascist followers: Italian King Victor Emanuel III, (right) Adolf Hitler (centre) and Benito Mussolini (left) It . is not known when the ceremony will go ahead as Priebke's coffin will . remain in the church overnight. A row has raged for days over the . officer's last burial place after because authorities fear the grave . could become a site of pilgrimage for his neo-Nazi fanbase. Both . his birth town of Hennigsdord, in Germany and his adopted homeland of . Argentina have made it clear that his remains are not welcome. The Jewish Community in Rome threatened renewed protests if Priebke is permitted a tomb in the Italian capital. ‘It would be like killing those victims a second time,’ said Riccardo Pacifici, the Jewish organisation's president. After the war Priebke had fled justice, making a home in San Carlos de Bariloche, a small town at the foot of the Andes. He . managed to escape the Nuremberg Trials and although the Israeli secret . services hunted him for years, he remained at large until 1994, until an . American journalist tracked him down. A . year later he was extradited to Italy and convicted of mass murder. But . because of his age he was allowed to serve his sentence under house . arrest with permission later granted for him to leave the house to go . shopping, go to Mass and to the pharmacy. In . the run up to his 100th birthday in July, Holocaust survivor groups . argued that he should be prevented from celebrating. Violence ensued . when protesters clashed with a neo-Nazi supporter who had travelled from . Germany to bring him a bottle of champagne. | Protesters and Nazi supporters clashed outside funeral of Erich Priebke .
He died serving life for his part in 1944 massacre of the Adreatine Caves .
Police used tear gas and arrested 20 people after clashes outside church . |
199,016 | 8da69317fa4768929154f0aaf5b67f8b8953c470 | By . David Wilkes . Glaring menacingly from the window, a wild cat looks down on shaken pensioner Bruce Gough after going ‘berserk’ and attacking him in his home. The tortoiseshell terror flew into a rage when Mr Gough, 74, tried to eject it with a broom after it had sneaked in through an open window. It bit and scratched him, leaving him needing a tetanus injection at hospital, then raced around, smashing a treasured antique in its frenzy, before climbing up the curtains and refusing to leave. An elderly couple have been left shaken after a wild cat broke into their home, attacked them and smashed valuable antiques - before refusing to leave . The tortoiseshell terror flew into a rage when Brian Gough, 74, tried to eject it with a broom after it had sneaked in through an open window . In desperation, Mr Gough and his wife Eileen, 77, shut it in the bedroom as they struggled to find a way to rid themselves of the feline intruder and avoid further catastrophe. They called the RSPCA, but to their dismay the charity refused help because the demonic moggy was believed to be feral. So, as their ordeal entered a second day, there it stayed, hissing… and probably thinking it had got the better of them. But the creature had not reckoned on the intervention of neighbour Andrew Fox, 58, who came to the rescue - dressed in full motorcycle leathers to protect him from its teeth and claws. After a brief chase Mr Fox managed to catch the animal before releasing it back outside, ending its 48 hour reign of fear in the flat in Chartham, Kent. Retired aerospace engineer Mr Gough told how the drama began as he and his wife were watching television last Thursday. He said: ‘I suddenly saw the cat standing in the doorway. It must have got in through a bedroom window. They called the RSPCA, but to their dismay the charity refused help because the demonic moggy was believed to be feral . ‘When I got up, it dashed off into a spare bedroom and I found it hiding under the bed. I tried to coax it out but it wouldn’t budge, so I got a broom to ease it out. ‘But when I went to pick it up, it just flew at me and sank its teeth and claws into my forearm. ‘It was going berserk and flew around the room, knocking things over, including a Victorian ewer on the mantelpiece, which smashed.’ Retired nurse Mrs Gough said: ‘Unfortunately, the cat defecated and urinated in the room, which now stinks. ‘We shut the door and left it in there. Bruce’s arm was bleeding quite badly and I said he should go to hospital because there was a risk of infection. ‘The cat had clawed its way up curtains and sat on the edge of the sash window, and that’s where it was the following morning.’ It bit and scratched Mr Gough, leaving him needing a tetanus injection at hospital, then raced around, before climbing up the curtains and refusing to leave. But a motorbike-leather clad neigbour soon came to the couple's rescue and removed the cat . After the RSPCA said it could not help, the couple were instead given a cage trap by Canterbury Cats Protection in the hope they could tempt the cat down and catch it. But instead they had to turn to Mr Fox and his unorthodox, but effective, ‘cat-proof’ suit. Mrs Gough said: ‘I was very surprised and a little angry the RSPCA wouldn’t help.’ Yesterday an RSPCA spokesman said: ‘This sounds like a very distressing incident for this couple. ‘The RSPCA is an animal welfare charity and our donors expect us to use our limited resources on animals who are suffering or in distress or danger. So long as a feral cat is healthy, he or she will live happily outside and so when we are busy we have to prioritise other animals who are in greater need of our help. ‘We would advise anyone who finds a feral cat has entered their home to keep a distance and ensure they have a clear and easy exit route - such as an open window or door - so they can make their own way out. The likelihood is a cat like this will be very scared to be shut in an alien environment and pleased to find a way out. ‘We support the trapping and neutering of feral cats where local charities have the capacity to do so.’ | Wild cat held pensioners Bruce and Eileen Gough hostage in their home .
Tortoiseshell cat set up camp and refused to leave - attacking Mr Gough .
They called the RSPCA, but to their dismay the charity refused help .
Couple were eventually saved by neighbour Andrew Fox, clad in leather . |
217,079 | a50dbd6cb5be7ea34179cf38a87e1efe7e429448 | The front-page consisted of 1,000 Russian planes raiding towns in Finland, two royal birthdays and prisoners locking their own guards in cells. Also in the first Boxing Day edition of the Daily Mail in the Second World War was a story about a father accidentally running over his own daughter. And the newspaper on December 26, 1939 carried a feature on George VI's Christmas broadcast to millions of listeners from Sandringham in Norfolk. Scroll down for video . Plane raids and Christmas messages: The Daily Mail's front page on the first Boxing Day during the Second World War, in 1939 . He said of the approaching New Year: ‘If it brings peace, how thankful we shall all be. If it brings us continued struggle we shall remain undaunted.’ The King’s comments came ahead of a Russian raid on Finland, with two attacks on Helsinki and a 'large number of casualties' reported. There was also a report in the newspaper - which cost one penny - of both sides in the war declaring a voluntary and unofficial 'armistice' for Christmas. The article went on to say: 'Turkey and plum pludding were enjoyed by our troops, in ships at sea and in Air Force messes' In the news: Three of the front-page stories were a driver running over his daughter, a prison riot in Northern Ireland and the King's broadcast . Elsewhere, a driver named John Townsley, of Coldstream in the Scottish Borders, was tragically said to have run over his 19-year-old daughter Helen. A report stated that he was 'motoring home with his wife and friends after a dance when he felt his car hit something', before finding it was his daughter. The family had organised the dance for soldiers in the town, and Miss Townsley had been walking along a lane while seeing a friend home in the dark. Meanwhile a jail riot was reported at Londonderry Prison in Northern Ireland, with inmates setting fire to bedding and smashing furniture. Break in fighting: Other articles in the newspaper included a piece on Christmas for troops on the Western Front (left), and two royal birthdays . A report said prisoners 'overpowered five warders, locked them in cells, barricaded a door, and maintained a siege' in a part of the jail. But they eventually surrendered after armed police arrived, plumbers burned through the doors and firemen turned a hose on the prisoners. One of the photographs on the Mail's front-page was of the Duchess of Gloucester celebrating her 38th birthday on Christmas Day. Also pictured was Princess Alexandra, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Kent, who celebrated her third birthday on the same day. | Newspaper edition on Boxing Day 1939 carried feature on George VI's Christmas broadcast from Sandringham .
Said of New Year: 'If it brings peace, how thankful we shall be. If continued struggle we shall remain undaunted'
Also reported five-hour Londonderry Prison riot, two raids on Helskinki and a father running over his daughter . |
144,965 | 47813d87276cf7edd2803c4c6e37d0f8f1a41949 | Davos, Switzerland (CNN) -- Critics have traditionally had a field day slamming Davos as an event where the elite hop on their private jets to quaff champagne and pat each other on the back. Where nothing of any value (except to those present) ever occurs. And ten, or maybe even five years ago, they were probably right. Watch: Davos Live: All the action from WEF 2013 . But since then, business and governments have had a massive wake up call. And Davos is becoming a very different event. Social media has empowered people to hold business and leaders accountable and to sanction and even remove those who behave in the wrong way. Read more: How Davos can become less self-absorbed and more useful . We are now living in the "age of damage." Every week we see a new example of this -- from BP to News International, from Walmart to Starbucks, from the BBC to Foxconn to Libor. As Unilever CEO Paul Polman -- who chose the 2010 World Economic Forum as the venue to launch his plan to double Unilever's revenue while halving its carbon footprint -- said in an interview recently: "The consumer is able to identify responsible businesses from less responsible businesses. The pressure is higher but if you then deliver you will be rewarded more." The new price of doing well is doing good and Polman seems to have the proof. "Unilever has one of its fastest growth rates now," he said. "We have just passed the €50 billion barrier --since 2011 we have created a Heinz or a Campbell Soup in incremental turnover without affecting the bottom line." Read more: All you need to know to be a Davos delegate . Barclays CEO Antony Jenkins is another leader who understands both the challenges of operating in this era of radical transparency, and the power of social media. At the One Young World Summit in October he told delegates about the screen in his office that carried a rolling Twitter feed of tweets about Barclays. On the day the Libor scandal broke, Jenkins said it became an angry torrent, too quick to follow. Last week, he wrote to the 140,000 Barclays staff telling them: "The rules have changed." He unveiled a new approach for the organization where staff would be assessed on their adherence to a set of values that defines Barclay's overall purpose in society. Read more: Why 2013 could be a game-changer on climate . Jenkins and Polman are both great examples of what I call "green-blooded capitalists". Leaders who passionately believe in the power of business to be a force for good. They will both be attending this week to drive their missions, alongside many other CEOs -- all of whom understand that far from being a place to hide, they will be under more scrutiny than ever in Davos. At a simplistic level, in the last century NGOs and charities had great intentions, but not always great execution. Businesses had great execution, but not always great intentions. This century needs to be about, and can be about, great intentions and great execution. Business can be a major force, in fact, the major force to drive positive change in the world. And Davos, with its unique ability to bring together NGOs and business, can play an important role in that transformation. But at the end of the day, actions speak louder than words. And all of us attending should keep that front of mind. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Jones. | Social media has brought greater accountability to business .
Business can be a major force to drive social good in the world, says Jones .
He says that businesses that do good in the world do well . |
60,056 | aa997522961208a6d16a12f7489caf6d200d32ca | (CNN) -- One deal closed, now two more go: Fox announced today that Demi Lovato will return as a judge for the third season of "The X Factor." Last season, Lovato served as a mentor in the young adults category alongside fellow judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid and Britney Spears. Naturally, Cowell will stick around but Reid and Spears both said they won't return. "I couldn't be happier that Demi wants to come back this year," said Cowell in a statement. "She's a superstar in her own right and was a fantastic mentor last year. Even though she can be really, really annoying -- I truly enjoyed working with her and so did the artists. I'm especially pleased she's back even during her world tour!" 'Boy Meets World' cast reunion set . "I am so excited to return as a judge and mentor on 'The X Factor,'" added Lovato in a statement. "Last season was an unbelievable experience and I really enjoyed developing personal relationships with the contestants and the panel. I look forward to taking my previous experience and applying it to make this season even better!" Lovato's new deal will help maintain some continuity on the show, which will undergo more change before returning this fall. No word yet on who will replace Reid or Spears, and it's unclear whether Khloe Kardashian will return as a co-host. See the original article at EW.com. CLICK HERE to Try 2 RISK FREE issues of Entertainment Weekly . © 2011 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved. | Fox announced today that Demi Lovato will return to "The X Factor"
Lovato will be a judge on the reality show's third season .
"I couldn't be happier that Demi wants to come back this year," Cowell said . |
253,307 | d3deb26e99e4353d658c2baabb42918eed6ea6d8 | By . Ryan Gorman . PUBLISHED: . 00:42 EST, 25 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:06 EST, 25 November 2013 . A quick-thinking six-year-old Utah boy saved his friend from being attacked by a pit bull. Vincent Barrick saved friend Juan Argumedo, also six-years-old, from certain doom by grabbing on the collar of the vicious mutt until their screaming caused startled adults to run and help. The two boys came in contact with the dog while cutting through a neighbor’s yard as they had often done in the past, family members told KUTV. Innocent victim: Juan Argumedo was viciously attacked by the pit bull, but saved by friend Vincent Barrick . ‘We heard some screaming, blood-curdling screams,’ proud grandfather Kevin Barrick said. He ran through his St. George backyard towards the commotion and saw his tiny grandson pulling back the huge dog while another young boy was trapped underneath. ‘I could see Vincent standing there holding up on the dog's collar, pulling, almost standing on his tippy toes, pulling as hard as he could,’ said the family patriarch. Kevin Barrick did not realize the extent of the Mr Argumendo’s injuries until he too tried to pull the cruel canine off him young boy. He's a hero!: Mr Barrick pulled the malicious mongrel off his friend as best he could until adults arrived . Bad dog!: This is the pit bull that attacked an innocent young boy . ‘Juan was being pulled up with him,’ said the grandfather. ‘He still had a hold of Juan's face.’ Kevin Barrick punched the dog in the face, causing it to run away, but the real horror didn’t set in until paramedics arrived – the dog had torn the flesh off the innocent boy’s leg all the way to the bone. ‘When they cut his shorts off from him and revealed his leg his mom about passed out and the paramedics said 'oh, good Lord,’ Kevin Barrick told the station. The innocent child also suffered puncture wounds to his chest, face and head as well. The victim’s father is upset his son spent hours in surgery, and will require several more procedures, but is also grateful that young Vincent Barrick didn’t back down from the malicious mutt. Where it all went down: This is the backyard Vincent Barrick ran through to help his grandson pull the blood-thirsty bully off Mr Argumendo . ‘We got lucky that Vincent made that decision,’ the father told the station. The blood-thirsty pit bull is under a mandatory 10-day quarantine, KUTV reported. It is not clear what it’s ultimate fate will be. Both adults agree the attack could have been deadly had the brave young boy not acted. ‘My grandson said that the dog kept trying to drag Juan underneath the motor home,’ Kevin Barrick explained. ‘If he could have got Juan there he would have shook him back and forth like a rag doll and shredded him.’ Luckily for everyone, Vincent Barrick is a hero. | Vincent Barrick saved friend Juan Argumedo, also six-years-old, from a vicious pit bull attack .
The boy suffered puncture wounds to his arms - but the dog also tore the flesh off his legs to the bone .
Mr Barrick likely saved the life of his friend . |
142,686 | 44899b2fb5a5583ecf753bb7ab3d30e6d666e73b | By . Anna Edwards . Outraged art fans have been bombarding the U.S. auction house handling the sale of a Banksy artwork that was gouged from a wall in North London with abusive calls and e-mails. Details of the backlash emerged after a stencil of a rat holding a sign that reads 'Why?' appeared on the Haringey wall, next to the blank spot where 'Slave Labour' used to be. It is thought the rat could be the reclusive graffiti artist's way of voicing his verdict on the row over his original piece, which depicted a child labourer sewing Union Jack bunting and appeared on the wall ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. New addition: It is thought the reclusive graffiti artist is behind the stencil of a rat that has appeared next to the blank spot where Slave Labour used to be . 'Why?' The artist appeared to vent his feelings on the row . It is expected to sell for around £450,000. Frederic Thut, owner of Fine Art Auctions Miami, insists the sale of the artwork is legitimate, but admitted he had been inundated with angry phone calls and e-mails from the UK. 'It's been said that the artwork was stolen, and that's just not true,' Mr Thut told the Guardian. 'We take a lot of care with our consignors: who they are, what they do, and if there's any illegality we will not touch it.' The street art was stencilled onto the side of a Poundland shop in Wood Green in 2012 and protected by a perspex screen, but disappeared last week. The Metropolitan Police have confirmed they were contacted by authorities in the U.S. regarding the Banksy piece. They were advised that there had been no reports of theft, Scotland Yard said. U.S. officials had waded into the row after the disappearance prompted a storm of outrage by furious Haringey businesses and residents, the Evening Standard reported. Mr Thut claimed it is being sold by a 'well-known' collector who . is not British, but has refused to divulge any more information. He added . that the painting was being stored in Europe. Locals . are furious about the painting being taken from the wall. Councillor Alan Strickland . says the artwork was a 'gift' to his community and has instigated a . campaign to get the artwork returned by urging people to e-mail the U.S. auction website. He said: . 'The Banksy appeared last May and created lots of excitement in the area . - people were coming from across London to see it. 'We were really proud to have a Banksy in . our neighbourhood, so residents were shocked to realise it had been . ripped out of the wall. Not for sale: A Banksy mural which was ripped from the wall of a north London shop has been withdrawn from an auction in Miami . Fury: Locals in Wood Green were left furious that a piece of free art was to be sold for profit . 'The community feels that this art was given to us, for free, and it's now been taken away to be sold for huge profit. I'm very angry about the Banksy going - we want our Banksy back!' Much of the controversial artist's work is believed to have a political message, and Slave Labour is believed to be a statement on sweatshops churning out decorations and memorabilia ahead of the Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics. In 2008 the graffiti artist Banksy revealed that millions of pounds worth of works attributed to him were fakes. A body set up by the artist to verify his work identified 226 falsely attributed pieces in eight months in 2008. He said at the time:'Graffiti art has a hard enough life as it is - with council workers wanting to remove it and kids wanting to draw moustaches on it, before you add hedgefund managers wanting to chop it out and hang it over the fireplace. 'For the sake of keeping all street art where it belongs I'd encourage people not to buy anything by anybody unless it was created for sale in the first place.' | Locals furious after Banksy mural gouged from wall in North London .
'Slave Labour' is being sold by an auction house in Miami, Florida .
Art dealer has been bombarded with angry phone calls and e-mails .
New stencil next to missing piece shows rat holding placard asking 'Why?' |
200,954 | 902aae425430e161c1e49def6c6840ce2402ba1d | ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- More than 1,300 pounds of explosives were packed into a construction truck that detonated outside an Islamabad hotel, killing 57 people, including two Americans and a diplomat, officials said Sunday. A truck burns at the gate to the Marriott Hotel in Islamabad before a larger, deadly explosion Saturday. Pakistani Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the Saturday attack at the Marriott Hotel "is the biggest attack, volume-wise" in Pakistan in seven years. Two American military personnel who worked for the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad were among those killed, the U.S. military said. A Lithuanian and the Czech Republic's ambassador to Pakistan, Ivo Zdarek, also were among the fatalities, police superintendent Sheikh Zubair said. The suicide truck blast injured 266 people, including 11 foreigners, according to Malik. Watch guards scatter after an explosion » . British Airways temporarily suspended its flights to Islamabad as a result of the security situation, according to an airline spokeswoman who did not want to be named. A Sunday night flight has been canceled, and the airline is reviewing its operations for later in the week. British Airways operates at least three flights a week to the Pakistani capital out of London's Heathrow Airport. At a news conference in Islamabad on Sunday, Pakistani authorities released security video of the blast, showing a small explosion inside the truck before the larger, deadly explosion. Watch the truck bomb caught on tape . In the video, a large truck crashes into the security gate, sending one security officer scurrying for safety. Then, as security guards approach the truck, the top of the vehicle explodes and the security guards flee. A small cloud of smoke appears above the truck, which is engulfed in flames minutes later. One of the security guards tries to put out the fire with a hand-held extinguisher, to no avail. The guards then walk away, and the camera freezes on the burning truck. Pakistani officials said the blast apparently disrupted electricity to the area, causing the closed-circuit television camera to malfunction. No arrests have been made in connection with the attack, Malik said Sunday, adding that militants in Pakistan's tribal regions are suspected of orchestrating the attack. "I am not in a position to tell you who has done it, but [in] all the previous investigations, all the roads have gone to South Waziristan," he said. South Waziristan is one of Pakistan's seven tribal areas where Taliban and al Qaeda militants are active. At the bombing site, video showed a deep crater in the pavement where the bomb detonated. More than a dozen cars were reduced to twisted steel. The crater was 24 feet deep and nearly 60 feet wide, Malik said. The blast also caused a natural gas leak that set the top floor of the five-story, 258-room hotel on fire, police said. The blaze quickly engulfed the entire structure. Watch a witness describe walking over bodies » . Most of the fatalities appeared to be drivers, who were waiting with their cars outside the Marriott, and hotel security guards, Geo TV's Hamid Mir said. The hotel, where a standard room costs more than $300 per night, is near the compound that contains the Parliament building, the prime minister's house, the Supreme Court and the presidency. The blast occurred about 7:50 p.m., after the breaking of the fast during the holy month of Ramadan, Malik said. Trees were felled by the explosion, which occurred hours after newly elected President Asif Ali Zardari addressed a joint session of Parliament and promised to root out terrorism. Watch the scene the morning after the blast » . A few hours after the attack, Zardari addressed the nation on television, saying he knows the pain of terrorism after his wife, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, was killed in December on the campaign trail. "My heart cries tears of blood. I can understand your pain. I want to ask you to turn this pain into your strength," he said, describing extremism as "a cancer, which we will finish." "In the holy month of Ramadan, no Muslim can act in this way. These people are not Muslims," he said. "I appeal to all democratic nations to help us get rid of this menace." The Marriott, a Western brand-name hotel, has been the site of attacks in the past. See where the attack occurred » . Malik said authorities had received a threat against Parliament two days ago. "We had taken all security measures," he said. "There was heavy security in the city." Located near the diplomatic section of the city and heavily guarded by police and the military, the hotel is popular among tourists and had been packed Saturday night. Any vehicle entering the facility is searched, its underside checked for bombs, before it is allowed to pass through heavy steel gates. Watch bombing victims rushed into hospital » . The British High Commission in Islamabad said six British nationals -- five adults and one minor -- were injured in the attack, including three commission members. A Pakistani staff member of the commission was also injured, it said. A spokeswoman for the German Foreign Ministry said six Germans in the hotel were slightly hurt in the attack, and that all embassy personnel were accounted for. CNN's Zein Basravi and Reza Sayah, and journalist Tomas Etzler contributed to this report. | NEW: Truck loaded with more than a half-ton of explosives, official says .
U.S. military says two Americans assigned to embassy among dead .
Pakistani president says of perpetrators: "These people are not Muslims"
Police: Ivo Zdarek, Czech Republic's ambassador to Pakistan, died in hotel bombing . |
46,282 | 82648d5c493b3ce7893f611ff36b85667303ab09 | (CNN) -- Former New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, who captured the drama of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 with an "SOS" call to the nation, was indicted Friday on 21 federal corruption charges, including bribery, money laundering, fraud and filing false tax returns. Nagin allegedly defrauded the city through "a bribery and kickback scheme" in which he received checks, cash, wire transfers, personal services and free travel from businessmen seeking contracts and favorable treatment from the city, the 25-page federal indictment says. As part of the alleged bribes, Nagin's family members received a vacation in Hawaii; first-class airfare to Jamaica; private jet travel and a limousine for New York City totaling $23,500; and cellular phone service, the indictment said. Nagin's family-owned granite-business Stone Age LLC allegedly benefited in the corruption, too, the indictment said. Nagin could not immediately be reached for comment. According to the indictment, the bribing businessmen allegedly received city contracts of $1 million for consulting, more than $3 million to build a project at Louis Armstrong International Airport, and $1 million for another airport project, the indictment said. Other contracts were for sidewalk repairs in the French Quarter and professional services, authorities allege. Among the conspiracy charges is an accusation that Nagin awarded "no bid" work to a city contractor who provided "concealed and direct campaign monies" to Nagin, the indictment says. Read the indictment . Nagin allegedly received bribes from city contractors in the amounts of $60,000, $2,250, $50,000 and $10,000, the indictment says. He also is accused of receiving a bribe in the form of granite inventory from a city construction contractor. Nagin faces nine counts of honest services wire fraud, alleging he received nine wire transfers amounting to $12,500 each that were bribes or kickback payoffs from the same city construction contractor in 2010 and 2011, the indictment says. Those bribed totaled $112,500. In his 2005 tax return -- the same year that Katrina hit the Gulf Coast -- Nagin allegedly filed a false tax return claiming his income was $156,278, the indictment says. He is also accused of filing false returns for 2006 listing his income at $170,364, for 2007 with an income of $31,163, and for 2008 with a $143,852 income, the indictment said. The indictment does not detail what the government claims the returns should state. In 2005, as Katrina became the single most catastrophic natural disaster in U.S. history, Nagin took center stage on behalf of victims when he excoriated the slow pace of federal and state relief efforts, even using profanities. Nagin, who is black, urged the reconstruction of a "chocolate New Orleans," adding, "You can't have New Orleans no other way." He later apologized, saying everyone is welcome to the city. In issuing a national "SOS" during Katrina, Nagin expressed the desperation of a battered Gulf Coast: . "I need reinforcements, I need troops, man. I need 500 buses, man. We ain't talking about -- you know, one of the briefings we had, they were talking about getting public school bus drivers to come down here and bus people out here," he told radio station WWL-AM. "I'm like, 'You got to be kidding me. This is a national disaster. Get every doggone Greyhound bus line in the country and get their asses moving to New Orleans.' In 2010: Nagin -- One day New Orleanians will recognize my good work . "That's -- they're thinking small, man. And this is a major, major, major deal. And I can't emphasize it enough, man. This is crazy," Nagin said then. The hurricane slammed the Gulf Coast in 2005 and killed 1,833 people, directly or indirectly, in five states. Damages totaled $108 billion, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Current New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, who won election in 2010 when term limits kept Nagin out of the race, said the charges mark "a sad day for the city of New Orleans." In the 2006 mayoral race, Nagin beat then Lt. Gov. Landrieu, scion of a prominent Louisiana political family. "Today's indictment of former Mayor Ray Nagin alleges serious violations of the public's trust," Landrieu said in a prepared statement. "Public corruption cannot and will not be tolerated." 2010: Nagin remarks on future public office -- 'I have given my pound of flesh' CNN's Zach Cumer and Joe Sutton contributed to this report. | NEW: Ray Nagin's family allegedly received Hawaii vacation, first-class Jamaica trip .
Nagin allegedly took bribes of $60,000, $2,250, $50,000, $10,000 and $112,500 .
Indictment says he filed false tax returns from 2005 to 2008 .
Nagin was the voice of a devastated New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 . |
255,225 | d65dc166be0fb591dbce0ff50e770ca14e548bfc | By . MailOnline Reporter . A 37-year-old man allegedly beat his mother's boyfriend with brass knuckles before shooting him in the stomach for having mixed-race grandchildren. Craig Wilson, 45, was allegedly attacked by Jeff Daniels at a rural Mississippi home on Friday night, two weeks after the older man found a burning cross in his yard - a hallmark Ku Klux Klan intimidation technique. Police went to see the cross but he did not want to press charges. Relatives said that the fight unfolded on Friday because Daniels was angry that Wilson's mixed-race grandchildren were at the home. Yet because the suspect and victim - who survived the attack but remains hospitalized - are both white, police said the assault can't be classified a hate crime under Mississippi state law. Scroll down for video . 'Racist attack: Jeffery Daniels, 37 (left), allegedly beat and shot his mother's boyfriend, Craig Wilson (right), for having mixed-race grandchildren. Wilson survived the attack and is in fair condition . Innocent: Relatives said Jeffrey Daniels was furious that Craig Wilson invited his daughter's mixed-race children (pictured) to stay at his Mississippi home . 'That's the way I read the law,' Smith County Sheriff Charlie Crumpton told The Clarion-Ledger. 'I told my assistant district attorney that the law is very clear that the victim has to be a different race in order for it to be a hate crime.' Wilson has undergone surgery for the gunshot wound to his intestines and has since been . upgraded from a critical to fair condition at the University of . Mississippi Medical Center. The sheriff could not say if the attack and the burning cross were connected, but Daniels has denied being involved in the cross incident. 'I didn't know nothing about no cross,' Daniels, who spent three nights in jail for a charge of aggravated assault, told the Clarion-Ledger at his home in Raleigh on Tuesday. He insisted he was walking his dogs two miles away from their house at the time. But his mother Gaylene Daniels, who has been in a relationship with Wilson for 12 years, told the Carion Ledger that she saw her son's dog, Jack Daniels, as she opened the door and saw the burning cross. She added that she had heard of his anger about the children but never told her about it personally. When she confronted him about it, it caused a row but she stopped it, worried that he would return and hurt them, she said. Just days later, the violent argument erupted in the home. Survived: Craig Wilson has been upgraded from a critical to a fair condition in hospital. He was allegedly viciously beaten with brass knuckles before being shot in the stomach . Threat? Relatives said two weeks before Daniels allegedly assaulted Wilson, someone left a burning cross at the front of Wilson's home - a hallmark Ku Klux Klan intimidation technique . Wilson's relatives told WTOC the violence erupted about 8pm Friday when Daniels and his son stormed Wilson's home shouting racist slurs. They said Daniels was angry Wilson was letting his mixed-raced grandchildren sleep over; Wilson's daughter, Whitney Wilson, is white and has children with a black man. The . men allegedly got into a heated argument before Daniels beat Wilson . with brass knuckles and a stick, and when Wilson went to grab his gun, Daniels grabbed it and shot him. Gaylene Daniels said her son then came up and grabbed her and said: 'I'm sorry. I'm sorry.' But speaking to the Clarion Ledger, Daniels claimed that the fight took place after he heard his daughter was at the home . and he went there to see her. As he . arrived at the home, Wilson approached him with a gun, he said, and a . scuffle on the ground ensued. He said Wilson punched him six times so he . could get the gun off him and shoot. Julie Wilson, the victim's sister, considers the attack a hate crime. 'They called him some severe names and then they told him to leave and they chased him off his porch around his house and beat him with brass knuckles and shot him with his own gun,' she told WTOC. Daughter: Craig Wilson's daughter Whitney Wilson (pictured) has mixed-race children. The children's father is black . Julie Wilson also said the threats to keep the mixed-race grandchildren away have been ongoing. 'He (Daniels) told everybody that he would die for his children and to him the grandchildren are like his and he almost paid the price this weekend,' she said. WDAM reported Daniels had been arrested for assault several times before. According to the Rankin County Sheriff, Daniels was arrested in January for encouraging is son to fight other teens. Daniels was charged with two misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and convicted of one. WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather . | Jeff Daniels, 37, allegedly beat Craig Wilson, 45, with brass knuckles before shooting him in the stomach at a home on Friday .
Relatives claim Daniels was angry that Wilson's mixed-race grandchildren were at the house .
But he has since claimed he was protecting himself when Wilson came at him with a gun during a family row .
Cops say it's not a hate crime because Daniels and Wilson are both white .
Two weeks ago, Wilson found a cross burning in his yard - a Ku Klux Klan intimidation technique - but Daniels claims he was nowhere nearby . |
206,115 | 96d08fcb3ac14b21bbf0365e234072b1ef947c25 | By . Stephen Wright . and James Slack . Madeleine: She was abducted six years ago in Portugal . Scotland Yard is to take control of the Madeleine McCann case from the Portuguese authorities, the Daily Mail can reveal. In a significant development, Home Secretary Theresa May has agreed to fund a full-scale Metropolitan Police investigation into Madeleine’s disappearance in Portugal six years ago. It follows a two-year, £5million Met review of her disappearance. This has identified more than 20 potential suspects and dozens of new leads – but despite the progress made by the review team, the Portuguese authorities have refused to reopen their inquiry. Officials in Portugal say that under the country’s laws they can only reopen the case if there is new evidence, and the new leads do not provide sufficient grounds. But Met detectives insist their leads could, if properly investigated, result in new evidence and perhaps the case being solved. With no sign of the deadlock being broken, the Met asked Mrs May to provide Home Office funding for a Scotland Yard investigation into Maddie’s disappearance. It is understood she has approved the request. It is not known how much additional funding was sought but it is believed it could run into millions of pounds. A statement announcing the Met-led investigation is expected in the next few weeks. It will endeavour not to upset the Portuguese authorities, who – privately at least – are likely to be unhappy about playing second fiddle to British police. Under the plan, Yard detectives will seek the assistance of the Portuguese to carry out some inquiries on their behalf. British police do not have jurisdiction in Portugal but they have the right to investigate and prosecute any British suspects who might be linked to Madeleine’s disappearance. Taking over: Scotland Yard is to take control of the Madeleine McCann case from the Portuguese authorities . Partnership: It is understood that Scotland Yard would ask Portuguese authorities to put any suspect on trial . Sources said that should Scotland Yard gather sufficient evidence to prosecute a foreign national who lives overseas, they will ask the Portuguese authorities to put the suspect on trial. Madeleine was nearly four when she went missing from her family’s holiday apartment in Praia da Luz on the Algarve in 2007 as her parents dined with friends nearby. The shambolic Portuguese inquiry was shelved in 2008 but Scotland Yard began a Home Office-funded review in 2011 following the intervention of David Cameron. He had been lobbied by Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann – who were falsely accused by Portuguese police of being behind her disappearance. Officials said the progress made by the Yard review vindicated Mr Cameron’s decision to intervene. A review by the Met police identified 20 potential suspects and dozens of new leads into the disappearance of Maddy McCann . Last year the officer in day-to-day charge of the review, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Redwood, said his team had identified 195 potential leads. It emerged last month that the review had identified more than 20 people ‘of interest’, including Britons, who have not been eliminated from the case. Detective Chief Superintendent Hamish Campbell, who supervised the Met’s review said there were a ‘good number’ of individuals who should be questioned. Well-placed sources said at least 20 potential suspects – including a number of Britons who were in the Algarve at the time of Madeleine’s disappearance – had not been properly eliminated. One authoritative source said last night: ‘These people include a couple of known child sex offenders who are thought may have been in the Algarve when Madeleine disappeared. More work needs to be done on establishing their movements around the time she vanished. It cannot be disputed that the Portuguese police investigation was very poor. ‘They put all their eggs in one basket in terms of the McCanns being responsible for Madeleine’s disappearance. When they were rightly eliminated, they simply closed the inquiry rather than starting again.’ It is understood that, contrary to some media reports, the Portuguese inquiry did identify everyone who was staying at the Ocean Club when she vanished. Most were British tourists. The Yard is ‘tidying’ up this aspect of the initial inquiry, trying to nail down people’s movements there. The fact that so many investigative opportunities were missed has galvanised British detectives who believe there is a real possibility they could unravel the mystery. Last month, the Mail revealed how as part of the review, Yard detectives had flown to Switzerland to probe the movements of one of the country’s most notorious child snatchers, Urs Hans von Aesch. The 67-year-old was one of many potential suspects dismissed prematurely by Portuguese police. Von Aesch kidnapped and murdered a five-year-old girl in his native Switzerland less than three months after Madeleine was abducted. He took his own life after killing his victim, who looked remarkably like Maddie. | Home Secretary Theresa May has agreed to fund full-scale Met inquiry .
Review identified 20 potential suspects and dozens of new leads .
Portuguese authorities have refused to reopen the investigation . |
143,968 | 462c06dbf7df19c86834464d87d16b017baf2cb2 | The name Joel Campbell isn’t one that was taken altogether seriously until February 25. This was a youngster who had been signed speculatively by Arsene Wenger three years previously and one - via a trio of loan spells largely down to work permit issues - who wouldn’t be knocking on the first team door for a good while. That was until he picked up a ball 30 yards from goal against Manchester United during that night in the Champions League last-16. VIDEO Scroll down for Paulo Wanchope: Joel Campbell wants to impress winger . Rise and rise of: Joel Campbell has launched himself into the public eye in the past few months . Power: The Costa Rican forward has played a vital role in their qualification from Group D . Those along the corridors at London Colney stood up and took rather more notice when the Olympiacos man strode on to a loose ball, made Michael Carrick look less-than-handy by sidestepping him with ease and bent a wicket effort beyond the despairing David de Gea. Eyebrows raised, eyes slightly widened; is this the man - farmed out to Greece after tricky spells with Real Betis and Lorient - Arsenal have been missing? The answer already appears to be yes, given Wenger’s admittance that Campbell would be on his way back to the club for pre-season after three campaigns away. ‘He will definitely come back to us,’ Wenger told Sportsmail after Costa Rica’s drubbing of Uruguay. ‘He is maturing well.’ Campbell has been the Central Americans’ star of this tournament thus far, scoring in that 3-1 win against Edinson Cavani and co while putting in a more disciplined and resolute shift against the Italians on Friday night. And he now has the opportunity to hammer a final nail into England’s coffin when the sides meet in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday. Italian job: Campbell celebrating following their incredible victory . Sandwiched: The 21-year-old being crowded out by Matteo Darmian (left) and Giorgio Chiellini . Finisher: Campbell celebrating his goal for Olympiacos against Man Utd in February . VIDEO Team Profile: Costa Rica . Roy Hodgson’s men are already booked on the first flight out of South America when the whistle is blown on a wretched campaign that began with enthusiastic hope rather than searing expectation. The goodwill shown towards the manager - who rightly, on the whole at least, chose to blood the youngsters in the first two defeats - will be somewhat tempered if they suffer the ignominy of losing all three group games. With Campbell pulling the strings for Costa Rica, that is a very real possibility. While his goal against Uruguay was well-taken - particularly his decision to hang back on the edge of the box to wait for the second ball - there were two other moments that will have Hodgson twitchy. The first saw the 21-year-old, as against United in February, pick up a ball way out, drive at the Uruguayans and send a stinging effort just wide; the second he pulled to the right, checked inside before crafting a beautifully-weighted ball alongside the centre-half for Marco Urena to poke home. Enchanting in its simplicity. It is from those pockets - Robbie Savage would tell you they are ‘between the lines’ - where the Three Lions could suffer. The manager is likely to play Frank Lampard in the middle of midfield, and he could be paired with Jack Wilshere - their primary job to stop Campbell roaming deep and dictating proceedings. A lack of pace and protection in that area has been England’s undoing, although it’s debatable whether that obvious problem will be fixed in time for Tuesday given the personnel thought to be in the XI. And then there is Campbell’s naivety of youth which is likely to trouble the full-backs. He sees no issue in neglecting his central station to go and have a roam wide. It’s refreshing to watch. Shock: Costa Rica players celebrating during their over Uruguay . Baby bump: Joel Campbell celebrating his goal against the South American side . For all of the new-age England we’ve witnessed over the past ten days, those Savage lines and covert rotation, there hasn’t been one man to drop off and purposefully pick holes. Couple Campbell’s innocence with some blistering pace and confidence in possession - see his penalty appeal against the Italians for reference - Arsenal have a real player on their hands. The only potential difficulty will be his ability, or otherwise, to heed strict instructions, although in the first two games he seems adept at tracking back and helping the midfield five. ‘I believe I’m ready to play for Arsenal next season. I have the capacity to play there and I am only waiting for the opportunity,’ he said this week. No kidding, and England could find out to their cost. VIDEO World Cup 2014 Interview: Paolo Wanchope . | Campbell rose to prominence after scoring against Man Utd in February .
Has starred at the World Cup as Costa Rica qualified from Group D .
Set to return to parent club Arsenal next season after Olympiakos loan .
Set to play against England in final Group D game on Tuesday . |
106,282 | 151632549be37807b3c9c3bce34ebfb0869e3138 | By . Laura Cox . Last updated at 7:59 AM on 2nd March 2012 . It is any family man's worst nightmare. His two daughters are dead. His wife is in jail charged with their murder. But Jose Humberto Taque, of Los Angeles, said he doesn't want the mother of his girls to go to jail, nor does he blame her for the tragedy. One week after taking five-year-old Marian off life support, Mr Taque told the LA Times that he wants Lorna Valle to be given psychiatric help for the anxiety she suffers rather than be locked up. 'She felt like she was going to die,' he said. 'Nobody listened to her'. He claimed his wife had been denied the treatment she needed, citing one instance when she waited for eight hours at Los Angeles County-USC Medical Centre but was not seen by a mental health worker. Tragic: Marian (left) and Lindsay died in hospital after their mom allegedly tried to drown them in a bathtub . Mr Tarque's attourney, Luis Carrillo added that he is considering filing a negligence lawsuit against the county. He said: 'She fell into a profound abyss and didn't return, and that ended in the tragedy with the girls.' Lindsay and Marian’s funeral was held on Wednesday afternoon at Funeraria Latino Americana in East Los Angeles. They lay in small caskets wearing matching white dresses and flower headbands, with their hair in curls. Their bodies had been sprayed with the scent of baby powder. Children's lullabies played as Mr Taque approached the caskets. Over and over, he repeated their names as he wept. 'Mi Lindsay, mi Marian.' Relatives and friends watched a slide . show of the sisters: dressed as princesses, driving a play car, swimming . in a plastic pool. They will be buried in Guatemala. Distraught: Dad Jose Humberto Taque said he doesn't blame his wife or want her to go to jail . Mr Taque said he is still trying to get his head around how Valle could have become so desperate that she killed Marian, five, and her one-year-old sister Lindsay. ‘It's inexplicable," he told the LA Times. ‘I don't understand what happened. She always took care of them.’ On Valentine's Day, Valle bought her daughters stuffed teddy bears and balloons. The next morning she allegedly tried to drown them in an infant tub. She was interrupted by Mr Taque who returned to their south Los Angeles home from the grocery store around 7.30am Wednesday morning after going to pick up juice and milk for his daughters. When he arrived in the house, neighbours heard screams of ‘My babies! My babies!’ and police were called.Officers found the scene so distressing that the first responders have been offered counselling to help deal with what they saw. Lindsay was declared dead at the scene. Marian died last week when Mr Taque made the heart-wrenching decision to turn off her . life-support machine. He said he had 'made a humanitarian decision to donate . my daughter’s organs so another person can live.’ Shock: Police suspect that Valle 'snapped' when she allegedly decided to try to drown her daughters Marian, five, and Lindsay, one . Psychiatric: The girls' dad believes their mom suffers from mental health issues and needs help, not locking up . Valle, was charged with their murder and is being held on $1.5million bail. If convicted, she could get 50 years to life in prison. Valle and Mr Tarque met and fell in love in Guatamala as teenagers. The family emigrated to California about ten years ago where Valle worked in a perfume shop and Mr Taque as a gardener. Neighbours described them as hard working and friendly. Now questions are being raised about Lorna Valle’s mental state, and some say that she had appeared depressed in recent weeks. Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health spokeswoman Kathleen Piche told the LA Times the incident was ‘a great tragedy’ but said there was no record of Valle seeking services from the county mental health department. Deputy Public Defender Shelan Joseph, who is representing Valle, said she is looking into whether Valle suffers from mental illness and what services she has received. 'My heart goes out to the family,' she said. Tragic: When police arrived on the scene, both girls were unconscious, and now the officers are being offered counselling to deal with the traumatic experience . | Jose Humberto Taque told of his wife's mental health issues. He said she needs psychiatric help .
He said he came home to find wife Lorna Valle trying to drown his daughters in a bathtub but said he doesn't blame her for what happened .
Considering filing a negligence lawsuit against the county for failing to act . |
206,471 | 974f71e7e7a7320364577136e1c7564b057f4a23 | By . Associated Press . Held: Sgt. Omar Velez is accused of killing a Panamanian woman with whom he had a romantic relationship . A U.S. soldier has been detained on suspicion of killing a Panamanian woman. Sgt. Omar Velez was being held at Fort Bragg in North Carolina on Monday in connection with the murder of a young woman whose body was found in central Panama on June 23. Velez had not yet been charged, but will likely be brought before a U.S. military court, U.S. Southern Command spokesman Kimberly Hanson said. Velez was in Panama conducting training as part of a unit associated with the sale of military equipment when the killing occurred. Local media report that Velez had been romantically involved with the woman and was discovered near her body with a shovel after an apparent crime of passion. The body was found on a farm near a river embankment, close to where a firearms training session was being held, according to Panamanian officials. Some Panamanians are outraged that the soldier's diplomatic immunity protects him from local prosecution. At least one Panamanian organization is calling for a local trial. Relations between Panama and the United States have historically snared over issues of sovereignty, and the incident threatens to stir old resentments. A current of anti-American feeling still runs through the country more than a decade after the U.S. turned over control of the Panama Canal, said Paul Sutter, who teaches history at the University of Colorado at Boulder. A century of U.S. jurisdiction over the canal and its surrounding area struck many in the country as a vestige of colonial days, and the Americans' imperious behavior made the situation worse, Sutter said. The tensions led to riots in the 1960s. The U.S. Army has expressed its 'deepest regret' over the woman's death, and pledged to fully investigate the killing. Killer? Velez is currently being held at Fort Bragg, seen in this file photo . | Sgt. Omar Velez was being held at Fort .
Bragg in North Carolina on Monday in connection with the murder of a .
young woman whose body was found in central Panama on June 23 .
Local media report that Velez had been .
romantically involved with the woman and was discovered near her body .
with a shovel after an apparent crime of passion .
The body was found on a farm near a river embankment, close to where a firearms training session was being held . |
197,051 | 8b0d30167b9a9148e8ca3f9e9af4410f12edfe4b | By . Talal Musa . PUBLISHED: . 09:15 EST, 19 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:21 EST, 19 April 2013 . The worms are back and looking better than ever in Worms The Revolution Collection - and you can see the latest trailer here before anyone else. This latest worms outing contains the most recent release, Revolution, complete with three dlc packs, called Mars, Funfair and Medieval Tales. You also get Worms 2 Armageddon which comes with five expansion packs, including Battle, Puzzle, Forts, Time Attack and Retro. Gaming at its purist: Although many games these days focus on graphics, it's refreshing to see Worms put gameplay before anything else. That being said, art direction remains inspired . Worms Revolution is rendered in 3D and introduces dynamic water effects, exploding physics objects and four different class acts to choose from. Although a multiplayer game at heart, there are a host of single-player missions and puzzles, too. Worms 2 Armageddon has also had a makeover - boasting new visuals and some apocalyptic weapons. These include the Super Sheep, Napalm Strikes, Earthquakes and the Concrete Donkey. Worms The Revolution Collection is out on May 3. For more information visit: www.wormscollectiongames.com . NOW WATCH THE WORMS IN ACTION: . Follow us on Twitter: @DailyMailGames and on Facebook: Daily Mail Games. | Packed with content and dlc bonus material .
Tweaked graphics and new dynamic effects and physics .
New weapons include Super Sheep and Earthquakes . |
223,395 | ad359f68dc761357b6eba4a723d96626bdaa16a4 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:32 EST, 27 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:20 EST, 27 February 2013 . A Romanian gangster leader kept lions and bears at his Bucharest estate to scare rivals and victims, local press reports. Ion Balint, known as 'Nutzu the Pawnbroke', kept four lions and two bears for a decade at his heavily guarded home, which is alleged to have included a torture chamber. Balint, 48, has been indicted for heading a gang controlling the underworld in the Romanian capital, and had his animals impounded by authorities today. Scroll down for video . One of the four lions of arrested gangster leader Ion Balint lies sedated on a stretcher at his Bucharest estate . ‘You said I fed men to the lions?’ Balint is reported to have said, adding: ‘Why don't you come over and I'll give you some lions!’ Balint and his fellow gang members are charged with attempted murder, kidnapping, blackmail and illegally possessing weapons. Balint kept the lions and bears, as well as thoroughbred horses and canaries, at his high-walled and heavily guarded estate in the poorest part of Bucharest. There has been rumours of the estate being fitted with a torture chamber and Balint using the animals to strike fear in his opponents, claims which has been rubbished by his family. ‘Many untruths are being reported,’ Balint's son-in-law Marius said. In the jungle: A sedated lion is carried on a stretcher at the estate of Ion Balint, known to Romanians as Nutzu the Pawnbroker, before it is taken to the zoo . Fearsome: Balint, arrested on charges of attempted murder, depriving people of their freedom, blackmail and illegally possessing weapons, led a gang which controlled the Bucharest underworld . Roar-manian style: Local press has reported Mr Balint used the animals to keep his enemies in check . Earlier today, the lions and bears were sedated, put in cages and taken to a zoo by environmental authorities and animal welfare officers. The animals, which generally appeared in good condition, may be eventually relocated in South Africa, animal welfare officers said. Bystanders and relatives who gathered near the gates of the estate described Balint as a good neighbour and an animal lover, and said they were not bothered by roaring lions. ‘We can hear them every day but only when they're hungry or the female is in heat,’ said Gabriela Ionescu, 36, robed in a dressing gown and clutching her toddler daughter's hand. ‘They don't disturb us at all.’ Animal attraction: Local press gathered to photograph the animals as they were removed from the heavily guarded property today . Roaring trade: Career criminal Balint is said to have kept the animals illegally for more than a decade . Baliunt is has no documentation or health records for the animals, which he has kept illegally for 10 years, Mircea Pupaza, commissioner of the National Environment Guard said. He could face a year in prison and a hefty fine for illegally keeping wild animals. ‘The lions are a status symbol for him,’ welfare authority spokesman Livia Cimpoeru said, declining to speculate whether they were used for threats or torture. Authorities allege that Balint and his brother Vasile headed a criminal network which controlled much of the underworld activity in Bucharest. Some 400 police and detectives were involved in the investigation which led to the arrest last week of 67 suspects, including the Balint brothers. In 2009, Balint was convicted of human trafficking, violence and pimping, and sentenced to 13 years in prison. That was reduced to six years but Balint was freed from prison after a year, and rode away on a black stallion. | Romanian gangster kept lions and bears in his Bucharest mansion .
Ion Balint allegedly had torture chamber and threatened rivals with lions . |
153,370 | 522801f98a84e4cb8abf7e4b79389523592cbd3a | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 22:49 EST, 16 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:24 EST, 18 April 2012 . A private US company is on track to become the first commercial visitor to the International Space Station. Nasa said there is a good chance that Space Exploration Technologies Corp, or SpaceX, will make its April 30 date to launch a cargo ship to the space station. The Dragon spacecraft will be hoisted aboard the company's Falcon rocket from Cape Canaveral. The company's chief executive officer and chief designer, Paypal co-founder Elon Musk, said the Falcon and Dragon are proven vehicles. A private US company is on track to become the first commercial visitor to the International Space Station . Necessary: NASA is counting on the private companies to keep the space station stocked with supplies and science experiments following the retirement of the space shuttles last year . 'In order for space station to be successful, these systems have to be there for us,' space station program manager Mike Suffredini said at a news conference following a NASA review of the upcoming SpaceX mission. 'We're really rooting for the teams to come through,' added NASA Associate Administrator Bill Gerstenmaier. So far, NASA has invested $381 million in the SpaceX rocket and cargo capsule, with the company and investors contributing about another $700 million, SpaceX founder and Chief Executive Elon Musk said. The Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule also are in the running to serve as a space taxi for astronauts. The United States hopes to break Russia's monopoly on flying crews to the station, a service that cost more than $60 million per person, by 2016 under a related NASA program. Costly: So far, NASA has invested $381 million in the SpaceX rocket and cargo capsule, with the company and investors contributing about another $700 million . Mission: The United States hopes to break Russia's monopoly on flying crews to the station, a service that cost more than $60 million per person, by 2016 under a related NASA program . 'This is a test flight and we may not succeed on getting all the way to the space station,' Musk said. 'I think we've got a pretty good shot, but it's important to acknowledge that a lot can go wrong. This is pretty tricky.' If the launch is successful, the Dragon capsule would conduct a series of maneuvers and tests in orbit before NASA clears it for approach and berthing at the station, which is targeted for May 3. It would remain attached to the outpost for several weeks before flying back to Earth and splashing down in the Pacific Ocean for recovery. The capsule will carry 1,149 pounds (521 kg) of food and non-critical equipment and supplies to the station. It is expected to return 1,455 pounds (660 kg) of cargo back to Earth, a capability that far exceeds what the Russian Soyuz capsules can hold. The European and Japanese ships that also fly cargo to the station incinerate in the atmosphere after making deliveries and do not return to Earth. NASA plans a final review of the Dragon mission on April 23 to verify SpaceX flight software. The Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled for launch at 12:22 p.m. EDT (1622 GMT) on April 30, with a backup launch opportunity on May 3. | 'Dragon' cargo ship designed by SpaceX .
Company headed by PayPal co-founder .
Nasa says 'good chance' company will make April 30 launch date . |
110,037 | 19dc257c946d0bdfb4235c25c542036f2721b5f6 | By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:52 EST, 7 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:23 EST, 8 September 2013 . Prim and proper: Miss America 2011, Teresa Scanlan, is now attending the ultra-conservative Patrick Henry College in Purcellville, Va. The contrast is startling: from a bikini-clad 2011 Miss America, Teresa Scanlan has transformed into a prim and proper student at the ultra-conservative Patrick Henry College. The school requires students to dress modestly and ‘seek parental counsel when pursuing a romantic relationship.’ But the match has been a good one. Scanlan returned to campus in late August to begin her sophomore year. Among the things she loves about her classmates and her campus is her relative anonymity. ‘I've never had to sign an autograph, and I've never had to take a picture. Here, I can be just another student,’ she said. Blending in is not always easy for Scanlan, who won the Miss America Contest at 17, representing Nebraska. The youngest Miss America in more than 70 years, she spent a year fulfilling her duties and enrolled at Patrick Henry in 2012. She says the school's workload matched the grueling schedule as Miss America. The school was established in 2000 with the goal of giving home-schooled Christian conservatives a foundation to help them effect change in government, the law and journalism. The school started with 90 students and a single major - government. It is still a tiny campus in the outer suburbs of Washington, D.C., but now has 320 students and five majors, including journalism, literature and history. The SAT scores of its students are comparable to top-tier state universities. Then and now: Teresa Scanlan, pictured left during the swimsuit portion of the Miss America pageant in 2011, and now as a sophomore (right) at Patrick Henry College, which boasts a strict dress code . Wholesome image: Home-schooled Christian conservatives attending Patrick Henry College are expected to dress modestly and 'seek parental guidance before entering into romantic relationships' Dream come true: Scanlan said she had wanted to attend Patrick Henry since she was 8 years old . Scanlan, who came from a homeschooling family, says she wanted to go to Patrick Henry ever since she was 8. She . said she's frustrated by stereotypes that some hold about Patrick Henry . students. She recalled a recent photo essay published about the school . that she felt went out of its way to depict students as cloistered . weirdos. The reality, she said, is that while the students are Christian, they come from a variety of backgrounds. ‘There's . this idea that we don't struggle with the same problems, that we don't . understand real world problems ... that everyone comes from wonderful, . happy families, that we're close-minded and brainwashed. That kind of . pushes my buttons,’ she said. The degree to which some people are willing to make snap judgments about her has occasionally taken her aback. As . a teenager, she admits her schedule as Miss America and some of the . accompanying expectations, wore on her. The negativity she faced from . anonymous Internet critics was hurtful. Beauty queen: When then-17-year-old Scanlan won the Miss America crown in 2011, she became the youngest woman to do so . Backlash: Teresa has been criticized for taking part in the Miss America competition and parading on stage in a bikini, but the college student insists that she has never compromised her morals . ‘To have someone look at a picture of you and decide just based on that picture that they hate you, and that they're going to tell the world that they hate you - that takes some getting used to,’ she said. During her year as Miss America, Scanlan began to feel depressed and, at times, even suicidal. The depression continued during her freshman year, she said, when she found her coursework overwhelming. She earned a 3.75 grade-point average, but was disappointed because she had set a goal of a 3.9 or higher, which she feels she needs to get accepted into Harvard Law School. Scanlan reached out to her parents for help during her spring semester, and she's now taking fewer classes and worrying less about others' expectations. ‘I'm finally starting to let go of some of the stress, some of the responsibility,’ she said. While she loves her school, she said she has occasionally received criticism from some there who feel the Miss America pageant, particularly the swimsuit competition, is not compatible with a Christian lifestyle because it shows too much skin or objectifies women. Scanlan respectfully disagrees. Haters: Scanlan, pictured during the 2011 Miss America pageant playing the piano, said she was upset to see people who did not know her personally criticizing her online . ‘I have never violated my conscience. I was never compromising my morals,’ Scanlan insisted. ‘For myself, I have never believed it's wrong for a female to wear a swimsuit that would show the same amount of skin a man. It's a bit of a double standard.’ The school's founder and chancellor, Mike Farris, also said he received sporadic complaints that Scanlan's status as a Miss America was supposedly contrary to the school's code and values. ‘I don't view getting into the pageant world to be incompatible with Christian values,’ said Farris - who made his name as a lawyer defending homeschooler families. Farris never had any doubts that Scanlan would be a good ambassador for the school. Farris sensed she could be a starter on Patrick Henry's Moot Court team, which Farris coaches and regularly wins national championships. ‘She's very bright, a great communicator,’ Farris said, noting she placed third in a regional in Moot Court championships as a freshman. ‘Yeah, no doubt I expect a national championship out of her.’ Kira Clark, a Moot Court teammate of Scanlan's and now a roommate, described Scanlan as ‘a caring, incredibly ambitious, smart, compassionate person who puts her friends first.’ Personal struggles: Scanlan, seen in her moment of triumph in 2011, had to overcome depression caused by stress due to grueling coursework . On the small campus, she said students don't dwell on the fact that Scanlan was Miss America.‘We see her as a sister we can be proud of, rather than a celebrity we can be taking advantage of,’ Clark said. Despite her plans to reduce stress, Scanlan remains ambitious. On her LinkedIn profile, she lists herself, among other things, as ‘2028 presidential candidate.’ She would be 35, the constitutional minimum to serve as president. Farris, who designed the school with the idea of launching Christian conservatives into the public sphere, said Scanlan and many other Patrick Henry students set such goals and he encourages them to aim high. ‘If they mess up and only get to be governors and senators, I'll live with it,’ Farris said. | Teresa Scanlan won Miss America in 2011, at age 17 becoming the youngest woman to do so .
Now she is a sophomore at Patrick Henry college in suburban Washington DC .
School founded in 2000, offering home-schooled Christians education in fields of government, journalism and law and . |
80,613 | e47a6623ce2e0ce27ff77e75e1884a88fa30fcfb | It's one of the home cook's fiddliest chores. Attempting to deseed a pepper as the little pips ping across work tops and onto the floor is a messy job - and just one rogue seed can leave a bitter taste in the mouth. But now the chore could be a thing of the past as the world's first seedless pepper has gone on sale. Marks & Spencer is to be the first retailer to sell the pepper, which has been created as the result of a 15 year project with Melrow salads and seed house Syngenta. Groundbreaking: Grown in Southern Spain, Israel and the Netherlands, the new seedless Angello¿ baby pepper is a completely new variety that is extra sweet and extra crunchy . Convenient: The pepper has been naturally bred to have no seeds at all . The natural breeding programme - not a trace of GM here - resulted in a completely seed-free fruit that, in a happy coincidence, also has a sweeter taste than any other pepper currently on the market. The trademarked Angello pepper is not only seedless, but also contains a 25 per cent higher level of brix (commonly used to measure sweetness in fruit and vegetables) than ordinary peppers. The combination makes the Angello ideal not only for cooking, but for snacking, picnics and children's lunchboxes. Seed-free and sweet: The new peppers were 15 years in the making and are said to be perfect for snacking and lunchboxes . Zeina Orfali, M&S peppers expert, comments: 'We know that seeds in . peppers can be a real pain for our customers who want to enjoy them . straight from the pack or cook speedy suppers with them, so we decided . to develop the first seedless pepper so our customers can enjoy this . delicious vegetable on the go – no need to deseed.' The store's grower, Bernard Sparkes, said it was a pleasure to work with M&S on such special projects. 'It’s really exciting to introduce an . amazing new variety of vegetable to the high street,' he said. 'Not only does it . save time, but it tastes delicious, better than any other pepper on the . high street. 'We hope M&S customers enjoy the pepper as much as we . have developing it.' Luciano Fioramonti, Syngenta Business Manager added: 'We hope that we’ll . be able to convert people who don’t normally like peppers with our . delicious Angello™, it’s the ultimate healthy convenience food!' Grown in Southern Spain, Israel and the Netherlands, the new sweet . seedless Angello™ baby pepper is a completely new variety of pepper, . that is extra sweet and extra crunchy. Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, and just one pepper contains the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamin C. M&S seedless Angello™ pepper will be £1.79 per pack (100g) and available from 4th December. | To be sold at M&S, the naturally bred pepper is result of 15 years of research .
Fruit is 25 per cent sweeter than ordinary peppers and has extra crunch . |
168,420 | 65d7d62c666fde04f1895a9c8476adb56cdce150 | By . Deborah Arthurs . PUBLISHED: . 11:05 EST, 22 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:32 EST, 22 November 2012 . When Cheryl Cole stepped into Japanese restaurant Zuma last night for Kimberley Walsh's birthday party last night wearing a skintight leather dress, it was a wonder one of the sushi chefs didn't chop off his finger in shock. The Girls Aloud singer and former X Factor star looked jaw-dropping in the stretch mustard number, a £1,800 piece from Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's luxury label The Row. But for those of us without an A-list bank account, is it possible to get a flash of that Cole magic in our wardrobes? Getting leathered! Cheryl Cole looked stunning last night in a light tan leather dress for bandmate Kimberley Walsh's birthday party at Knightsbridge restaurant Zuma . The short answer is yes. Leather brand Kaliko have a lookalike tan leather dress, which is available at House of Fraser for £150, and currently discounted at £115 at Debenhams. Of course, the High Street version is less likely to cling in all the right places in the way that Cheryl's does. Leaving aside for a moment the fact that most of us could only dream of having the body of the petite yet curvy star, the leather on the designer version is stretchy and buttersoft - making it comfortable and flattering to wear. CREDIT: £1,800 (LEFT) Cheryl Cole's leather dress cost £1,800 from the Olsen's brand The Row. CASH: £150 (RIGHT) Kaliko's version is on sale for £150 at House of Fraser and has been reduced to £115 in the sale at Debenhams . The High Street version likely does not have the same element of stretch (it is very costly to create buttersoft leather with decent stretch, hence why J Brand's leather jeans sell for upwards of £800 and Sandro's stretch leather leggings are a credit card-scorching £645.). But for the price and the overall appeal of the look, the bargainista's leather dress can't be beaten. Surprisingly enough, a leather dress is a more versatile garment than you'd think too. Glam up with glossy hair, a slash of red lipstick and bare legs for a high maintenance look, or dress down with tights, boots and a chunky cardigan for weekend wear. | Cheryl's stretch leather dress is by Olsen twins' brand The Row .
Debenhams and House of Fraser both stocking lookalike Kaliko dress .
Cheryl wore the dress for bandmate Kimberley Walsh's birthday dinner at Knightsbridge restaurant Zuma last night . |
238,321 | c07b5f76ba818aa9b1af2506d0375765f064eef7 | The company who provides and maintains the faulty scaffolding that left two men dangling 69 stories in the air at the World Trade Center on Wednesday afternoon has had two other major incident in just the past six years. The Tractel Group, the U.K. based company that is responsible for the equipment at the $3.9 billion skyscraper, even had one worker fall to their death using their equipment. This in addition to an incident just last year that is remarkably similar to what happened on Wednesday. Scroll down for videos . Problem company: The Tractel Group, the U.K. based company that is responsible for the scaffolding at One World Trade Center (above), has had three life-threatening incidents in seven years . Stuck: In June 2013, two workers were stuck at the Hearst Tower in New York City when their scaffold buckled (above) On December 9, 2007, Alcides Moreno and his brother Edgar plummeted 500 feet down the Solow Tower in New York City when the mechanical system on their rig failed. Edgar died immediately, while Alcides somehow managed to hold on, this despite bleeding in his brain, a collapsed lung and broken bones throughout his body. Death scene: The Solow Tower (above), where one worker died and another was critically injured . He could not speak for weeks, and initially even the slightest movement could have been deadly. He miraculously managed to recover, and never again washed windows. On June 12, 2013, an incident unfolded at Manhattan's Hearst Tower that was almost exactly like what happened at One World Trade on Wednesday. Two scaffold-maintenance workers got caught between the forty-fourth and forty-fifth floors of the building. These two men, Stephen Schmidt and Victor Carballo, had their scaffolding buckle on them, and were waiting 90 minutes for firefighters to cut through the glass in the building and pull them in. And, as AOL points out, both of these incidents occurred with equipment from The Tractel Group. There is no word yet if the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will attempt to get out of their contract with Tractel following this latest incident. The two men trapped outside and almost 1,000 feet high for 90 minutes yesterday, Juan Lopez and Juan Lizama, suffered no injuries, but were immediately rushed to New York City's Bellevue Hospital where they were treated for minor hypothermia. Lizama revealed in an interview that he was so certain that the rig was not going to hold up that he even called his wife to say goodbye for the final time, expressing how much he loved her and asking that she look after their children. They were saved when firefighters cut through the building's glass and pulled the men in to safety. Getting them safe: At the Hearst Tower (above), firefighters cut through the glass to get the workers in and safe . Weighing options: Firefighters considered numerous options at One World Trade Center (above), but eventually decided to cut through the glass . One World Trade Center, at 1,776 feet and 104 stories, is the tallest building in the Western hemisphere. It stands on the same spot the Twin Towers stood, and tenants just began moving in earlier this week. When reached for comment, a woman who would not give her name said, 'We have no comment at this time,' before abruptly hanging up the phone. | The Tractel Group, the company responsible for the scaffolding at One World Trade Center, has had three life-threatening incidents in seven years .
In June 2013, two workers had their scaffold buckle at the Hearst Tower in NYC, and were stuck for 90 minutes before being saved by firefighters .
Just like Wednesday's One World Trade rescuse, at Hearst the firefighters cut through the glass to bring the men ti safety .
In December 2007, a malfunction caused two workers to plummet 500 feet to the ground at the Solow Tower in New York City .
One of the men, Edgar Moreno, died on the scene, while his brother Alcides somehow managed to survive .
The Tractel Group still has 'no comment' about Wednesday's incident . |
135,981 | 3bf06568cb1bf559ddbe6c71a090ef816e7a512b | By . Associated Press . The recession and the slow recovery have sharply widened the gap between the wealthiest Americans and everyone else, according to a new study. The richest 5 percent of Americans had 24 times the wealth of the median household in 2013 - up substantially from 16.5 times as much in 2007, according to the report by University of Michigan researchers. Substantial gains in the stock market have enabled richer Americans to regain much of their wealth. Stock prices had plunged by nearly half during the recession but have recovered all their losses and set new highs. And roughly 10 percent of households own 80 percent of stocks. By contrast, middle-class Americans remain further behind because whatever wealth they have is derived mainly from home equity. Home prices have only partially recovered from the housing bust. Growing disparity: Every income level took a hit in the recession, but the richest households have recovered faster than the median . In the first quarter of this year, 18.8 percent of homeowners with a mortgage still owed more on their homes than they were worth, according to real estate data provider Zillow. An additional 18.1 percent have so little equity that it wouldn't be enough to cover closing costs and make a down payment, Zillow calculates. Fewer Americans even own homes: The home ownership rate fell to 64.8 percent in the first quarter of this year from a peak of 69.2 percent in 2004. The University of Michigan study found that households at all levels lost wealth during the recession and that not even the top 5 percent have fully regained it. The study suggests one reason consumer spending growth has been weaker since the recession than before: When people feel wealthier, they're more likely to spend. Most Americans may still feel poorer than before the recession and so may still be restraining their spending. The losses weren't evenly distributed. For the top 5 percent, net worth fell 16 percent from 2007, just before the recession began, through last year. The net worth of the median household fell much further - 43 percent. Growing disparity: In 2007, the difference between the top 5percent of home and the median was 16.5 times. In 2013 it had grown to 24.2 times . Stocks have roared back after the recession, leading to the rebound in wealth for the richest Americans. Pictures are the NASDAQ Composite Index (red) and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (blue) The study paints a bleaker picture of U.S. household wealth than do official figures from the Federal Reserve. The Fed's quarterly report on household wealth has concluded that the nation as a whole regained all the wealth it lost from the recession by the first quarter of 2013. But the Fed report doesn't break out that data for households at different wealth levels. Its overall figures are lifted by big gains among the wealthiest Americans. Fabian Pfeffer, assistant research professor at the University of Michigan, said the new study might have found less of an overall wealth recovery than the Fed did because its sample size wasn't big enough to fully capture the richest 2 percent of Americans. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | The top 5 percent of richest Americans were worth 16.5 times as much as the median household in 2007 .
By 2013 the richest families are were worth more than 24 times the media household .
Disparity is because stocks and corporate profits have recovered, but home values have not .
Median household wealth declined 43 percent between 2007 and 2013 to $56,355 .
Wealth in the richest 5 percent of families dropped by only 16 percent, $1.4million . |
21,237 | 3c3632e771332502cce8a4418dd6ece2a845103a | A 95-year-old retired headteacher will become the oldest person to stand trial in Britain after he denied a string of sexual offences dating back over half-a-century. Jack Mount, who was born in 1919, faces 50 counts of abusing children over a 25 year period, between 1953 and 1979. The former head of the privately-run Brookside School, near Craven Arms, Shropshire, faces nine charges of rape, seven of indecency with a child, 20 of indecent assault, and 14 other serious sexual assault charges. Retired headteacher Jack Mount, 95, has denied 50 historic sexual offences dating back over half a century . The alleged offences involve 17 victims, both boys and girls, in South Shropshire, Barnsley, and Birmingham. All the complainants were aged between seven and 13 when they claim they were abused by Mount, who lives in South Molton, Devon. Mount, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday afternoon for a plea and case management hearing. The pensioner, wearing a tweed jacket and green jumper with a brown tie, pleaded not guilty to all 50 counts which were put to him during the 25-minute hearing. The OAP was released on bail by His Honour Judge Melbourne Inman QC, the Recorder of Birmingham, but a date was not set for his next court appearance. 'In my judgement the case should be tried nearer to where Mr Mount resides. The alleged offences were said to have taken place at the privately-run Brookside School, near Craven Arms, Shrops, between 1953 and 1979 . 'I put a full account together before Christmas but I haven't been told where it will be tried. 'So I am not setting a date now. Adjourning this case, unusually, I can't give a specific date but will try to get a trial date set as soon as possible.' Mount, who will be 96 by the time a trial is expected to start in the summer, was allowed to sit at the back of the court, rather than in the dock, since he is hard of hearing. Prosecutor Maria Karaiskos said: 'There is to be a total of 17 complainants for the trial.' Benjamin Williams, defending, said: 'It is expected that the trial will last eight weeks. The defendant may only be able to sit for half a day at a time.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Jack Mount was the head of privately-run Brookside School, Shropshire .
The 95-year-old has been accused of 50 counts of historic sex offences .
There are a total of 17 complainants, who were aged between seven and 13 .
The alleged offences were said to have taken place between 1953 and 1979 .
He is set to stand trial later this year after entering not guilty pleas .
Britain's oldest convicted paedophile Frederick Smith, who was jailed for 12 months last June at Ipswich Crown Court for sexually abusing a schoolgirl over a 10-year period in the 70s and 80s, died last month at the age of 94 after falling out of his bed in Norwich Prison. |
158,480 | 58e4c567acedf740e8883c2efe06e656308f17fb | By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 13:05 EST, 13 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:16 EST, 14 May 2013 . Premier League champions Manchester United are celebrating their 20th league title with a victory parade through the city. Fans have been lining the streets of Manchester throughout the day, spending hours in the rain awaiting their heroes. Sir Alex Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have all joined the team on a bespoke open-top bus thanking Sir Alex for his 27 years as manager, to revel in the glory of their win. Scroll down for video . Celebrations: The bespoke Manchester United team bus on the streets of Manchester during the Barclays Premier League winners parade through the city as their fans cheer them on . Waiting for a hero: United fans gather at Albert Square in central Manchester as they wait for the team to arrive . Pride: A child shouts, throwing his fist in the air as the crowd grows impatient at Albert Square in Manchester City Centre . Flaring up: Albert Square was filled to the brim and tensions were high as the excited crowd began climbing he walls and setting off flares as they waited for the bus with the players and manager Alex Ferguson . A reported 20,000 fans stood outside Old Trafford as they waited for the players to get on the bus. Shortly after 6pm, Manchester United . defenders Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic raised the Premier League . trophy as they got on the bus before Sir Alex Ferguson addressed the . crowds. The retiring manager challenged the team to make it a hat-trick in the next two seasons. The 71-year-old spoke to the . thousands who gathered to watch the bus leave, setting his players a . challenge they last achieved between 2007 and 2009. 'We have a young squad, with a lot of good young players, who are going to get better. 'The big test is to win it three times in a row. I hope the boys can do it.' Final speech: Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson addresses the thousands in Albert Square who turned out to celebrate with the team and Britain's most successful football manager . Lucky number 38: Manchester United players and manager Sir Alex Ferguson raise the manager's 38th trophy and 13 Premier League cup . Roar of the crowd: The Manchester United team travelled from Old Trafford through Manchester to their final destination in the city centre, cheered on by thousands . Turning to the crowd he said: . ‘Yesterday was a day I'll never forget. On behalf of all my players, . thanks for all your support.’ 'Fergie' also made a dig at arch-rivals Liverpool FC ahead of tomorrow's tomorrow Under-21 game at Old Trafford. ‘We play that mob across the road - I hope some of you cheer the young lads on.’ As . the players celebrated Sir Alex's 13th league title and the club's . 20th, the manager sang with them from the double-decker, which had been . emblazoned with the hashtag #ThankYouSirAlex and the manager's face in . honour of his achievement. Ryan . Giggs, who has played a part in virtually all trophies won under Sir Alex, . said he was happy the boss was leaving with yet another piece of coveted . silverware to his name. ‘It has been tough, especially for the players who have known him for a long time,’ he said. ‘We are delighted that we were able to end on a high and won the league in his last season.’ Red mist: Fans climbed trees, waived flags and cheered as the bus approached Albert Square for Manchester United's victory parade . High ground: Fans climbed onto the branches of a tree and a statue of Oliver Haywood to get the best view of the closing ceremony in Albert Square . Legacy: Young fans clamber onto the sign for Sir Matt Busby Way, named after another legendary Scottish manager of Manchester United Football Club . Waving flags: Many fans had made banners to thank Sir Alex Ferguson for this 26-and-a-half years as manager of the football team . Clear message: Although a majority of signs and banners were in honour of Sir Alex Ferguson, others taunted rivals, left, or vented their feelings about Wayne Rooney . In honour: Manchester United fans with banners for Sir Alex Ferguson, who is retiring nearly 27 years after he was appointed manager in November 1986 . Mad-chester: Fans show their appreciation outside Old Trafford as the parade went underway tonight in Manchester, running from Old Trafford to Albert Square on Sir Matt Busby Way . Player Robin van Persie won the title in his first season with United and was serenaded by teammates. ‘It . feels absolutely amazing. It's been worth the wait,’ the striker and . top scorer said, adding: ‘I've had to wait quite a long time.’ The . win marks the team's 20th Premier League title and also marks the end . of Sir Alex Ferguson's 26-and-a-half years as manager for the football . team. The trophy was presented to the team after their final home game of the season on Sunday when they beat Swansea City by 2-1. Hours . before the parade began, the city center was awash in red with fans . draped in United flags singing songs and blaring hooters. Car . drivers honked their horns as scarf- and flag-sellers did a roaring . trade on the Deansgate thoroughfare where the bus will make its way . down. Dozens of supporters . scrambled up scaffolding adjacent to a building to get a better view, . and businessmen poured out of offices to join the celebrations. Celebrations: Thousands of fans cheered as players Patrice Evra and Nemanja Vidic lifted the trophy on the open-top bus outside Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester . End of an era: Sir Alex Ferguson waves to the crowd as he arrives onboard the champions' bus adorned with his own face outside Old Trafford Stadium . Sing and rejoice: Robin Van Persie holds the Barclays Premier League Trophy aloft on the open topped bus outside Old Trafford during the Manchester United Premier League winners parade . Victorious: Manchester United players celebrate their 20th league title ahead of Sir Alex's address to the crowds outside Old Trafford . Appreciation: Manchester United's Dutch striker Robin van Persie takes pictures of the roaring crowd form the top of the bus . In wait: Manchester United fans gather in Albert Square to view the closing ceremony of the Barclays Premier League winners parade . Alex's angels: A group of female United fans donned Alex Ferguson masks as they wait for the parade to reach its final destination at Albert Square . Fergie's fans: After a rainy day, the sun came out for the Manchester United fans who had gathered to give Sir Alex his big sendoff . A spot of bad weather earlier in the day threatened to ruin Sir Alex's big send-off, but by the time the team entered the bus, the skies were dry. Ferguson's last game in charge is on Sunday against West Bromwich Albion and it promises to be a week-long celebration in honor of Britain's most successful manager, who has won 38 trophies for United since joining the club in 1986. Roads have been closed in Manchester throughout the day to make way for the parade. Sir Matt Busby Way, Deansgate, Liverpool Road to Bridge Street, Lloyd Street from Deansgate to Southmill Street, Southmill Street from Peter Street to Albert Square, Cross Street from King Street to Princess Street and John Dalton Street from Deansgate to Princess Street will also be closed during the parade . Manchester City Council said that other roads listed will close as required depending on the number of people along the route on Chester Road. Wet: A Manchester United wipes rain from her face as she waits for the parade to begin . Fourlegged footballer: A dog shows its support for the team wearing a Manchester United coat . Here, there, everywhere: Fans had gone to great lengths to show their appreciation for the retiring manager Alex 'Fergie' Ferguson . Legend: A fan displays a tribute shirt to outgoing manager Sir Alex Ferguson . Time to celebrate: United fans were undeterred by the weather earlier in the day and began filling the streets of Manchester, closed for traffic for the parade, from early in the morning . Dampening the mood? Stewards brave heavy rain and hail stones in Manchester earlier in the day . Soaking it up: Manchester United fans wait for their champions parade at Old Trafford in the pouring rain . | Manchester United celebrates their 20th league title with a victory parade from Old Trafford to Albert Square .
Thousands of fans lined the streets of Manchester and waited outside Old Trafford for players to board bus .
Bespoke bus designed to thank Sir Alex Ferguson for his time as manager for the football team .
Sir Alex is retiring after nearly 27 years leading Manchester United FC to 38 trophies and 13 league titles . |
149,424 | 4d3b2415eb68860bdf96fb606ff28288fba249f2 | The Australian Open is in full swing with home-grown talent getting off to a great start but it’s not just the game that everyone’s eyes have been fixed on – the fluorescent fashion is simply unavoidable. The world’s top players are making the most of the tournament’s relaxed dress regulations and donning bright yellow, greens, oranges, pinks and purples on the court as the year’s first grand slam gets under way. When playing at Wimbledon players are required to wear all-white, a rule that was initially introduced in 1890 and updated in 1995 to clarify that players must wear ‘almost entirely white’ but are allowed a coloured trim of 1cm width. But at the Australian Open pros can ‘express themselves’ in any colour they - or their sponsors - choose. Scroll down for video . Eugenie Bouchard of Canada (left) donned a bright pink top and skirt combo while Victoria Azarenka of Belarus (right) wore high-vis yellow from her shoes to her sweatbands . Rules simply stipulate that players can only have two commercial logos on their clothing which must be 'clean and customarily acceptable tennis attire'. Pros view the fun summer tournament as a chance to stand out on the court. But are they also donning the brightest colours as some kind of distraction technique against their opponents? Or are they purely making fashion statements? Roger Rasheed, a former Australian tennis player turned coach, ruled out the colours had anything to do with stunning opponents. He told Daily Mail Australia ‘coaches don’t get involved’ in what players wear. Meanwhile, former model and fashion expert Kate Peck said the stars ‘look great’ and their outfits are all about ‘adding another dimension to the game’. ‘It’s hard to be in a bad mood or get too serious when you are wearing outfits such as those, it’s a nice thing to have at the Australian Open to add some flair and fun and that vibe in such a serious environment,’ Peck told Daily Mail Australia. Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis entertained crowds on the first day of the Australian Open in his bold head-to-toe fluoro . The prize for the brightest outfit on day one of the Australian Open went to Kokkinaki who sealed an astonishing win against the world’s No.13 Latvian Ernests Gulbis . Spanish player Rafeal Nadal dazzled in a bright pink t-shirt and fluoro yellow sweatbands when he won his first match at a Grand Slam since Wimbledon following injury and illness on Monday. While Swiss star Roger Federer stood out in a high-vis t-shirt, along with Andy Murray in a fetching lime green top. But the prize for the brightest outfit of all went to Australia’s rising star Thanasi Kokkinaki who sealed an astonishing win against the world’s No.13 Latvian Ernests Gulbis while wearing eye-popping, head- to-toe fluoro. The 18-year-old from Adelaide, who is ranked 147th in the world, stunned the crowd and served his way out of an early exit of the tennis tournament in a pink and yellow outfit. Peck advised that while neon colours are on trend in sports fashion at the moment, ‘too much colour blocking can be a little heavy on the eye… but some of their details and patterns are pretty cool.’ Roger Federer (left) of Switzerland celebrates match point in his first round match against Yen-Hsun Lu of Chinese Taipei at Melbourne Park and Rafael Nadal of Spain (right) plays a backhand in his first round match against Mikhail Youzhny of Russia . Rafael Nadal was pictured adjusting his fluoro headband that matched his yellow 'Rafa' trainers in the first round of his match . Fellow Aussie star Nick Kyrgios wore a fluoro yellow and white kit at Melbourne Park on Monday, as he beat off his opponent, Argentina's Federico Delbonis in a gruelling five-set test that lasted three hours and eight minutes. And it wasn’t just the men who illuminated the courts, Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic and Croatia's Petra Martic stood out in pink, while Eugenie Bouchard of Canada also added a touch of yellow to a very bold but feminine outfit. Russia's Maria Sharapova – always one to lead the way in the tennis fashion stakes – opted for a slightly more subtle burnt orange dress and sun visor on the first day of the Australian Open. ‘Sharapova was my favourite design definitely. It’s wearable not just for tennis players and not too intimidating for a normal person,’ Peck said. Maria Sharapova (left) of Russia wore a burnt orange dress for her marriage, choosing a more subtle tone than her fellow pro players. Kristina Mladenovic of France (right) combined an orange headband with a purple vest . Sloane Stephens of the United States plays a forehand in her first round match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus during day two of the 2015 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 20 . Celeb stylist and style expert Kai Aiyub added that the clothes they are wearing are ‘very full on fashion wise’. ‘With all these bright colours, I think players are trying to be bold and… it’s a great brand extension for them. ‘Depending on their skin tone, I think it all comes down to white being pretty boring and a very neutral colour. There’s not much you can do to stand out with it,’ Aiyub said. ‘The bright yellow makes you feel good and is quite pleasing to watch in general…Good on the guys for doing it too – Aussies have finally embraced fashion in sport,’ he added. Britain's Andy Murray dazzled in green (left) and Alexander Kudryavtsev (right) of Russia was on fire in orange . Australian Bernard Tomic's top was the same colour as the tennis ball at Melbourne Park . Marinko Matosevic of Australia celebrates winning his first round match against Alexander Kudryavtsev of Russia during day one of the 2015 Australian Open at Melbourne Park in an orange and purple outfit . | Players are donning the brightest colours for the Australian Open at Melbourne Park .
First Grand Slam of the year gives men and women pros the freedom to wear bold ensembles .
There are no strict all-white rules like at Wimbledon so players are keen to 'express themselves'
The prize for the boldest outfit so far goes to Australia's rising star Thanasi Kokkinaki who wore head-to-toe fluoro .
'Aussies have finally embraced fashion in sport,' one celebrity stylist commented . |
62,411 | b14a4e1ade09381f35e0e8d781b8a927de7d917c | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday that it is investigating an incident in which a panel separated from the wing of a Boeing 757 while it was in flight last week. iReporter and Flight 1250 passenger Paul Shepherd took this photo of the damage through the aircraft's window. The incident occurred Saturday on US Airways Flight 1250 from Orlando, Florida, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the NTSB said in a statement. The separation occurred over Maryland. The aircraft landed in Philadelphia about 30 minutes later, and none of the 174 passengers or six crew members aboard was injured. The panel, on the trailing edge of the upper side of the left wing, broke loose and struck several windows toward the rear of the aircraft, causing the outer pane of one window to crack, the agency said. Pressurization of the cabin was not compromised. The wing panel has not been located. NTSB investigators are using a computer program to pinpoint the area where it might be and will notify local authorities that an aircraft part may be there, the statement said. The plane's cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder have arrived at the NTSB laboratory in Washington, the agency said, and are being evaluated. E-mail to a friend . | The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating US Airways flight .
Plane was en route from Orlando, Florida, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania .
Wing panel struck several windows, cracking the outer pane of one .
Plane landed in Philadelphia about 30 minutes after the incident with no injuries . |
284,117 | fc1bafef7e8aab0cba545d8535ed255df4533479 | By . Hugo Gye . PUBLISHED: . 10:10 EST, 24 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:23 EST, 24 December 2013 . A man has died after he jumped into a fast-flowing river in a bid to rescue his dog. The 46-year-old was rushed to hospital this morning with serious injuries after jumping into the water in Newton Abbot, Devon. The dog escaped without injury after being rescued from the water by members of the public. The man is the sixth victim of the extreme weather which has swept Britain over the past two days, after two others drowned and three people died in crashes. Accident: A man has died after trying to rescue his dog from a river in Newton Abbot, Devon while his family were shopping in a nearby branch of Asda . The man had apparently been visiting Asda with his family and their three pet dogs when one of the animals went in to the River Lemon near the store. Witnesses called 999 after seeing him in difficulty in the river. He was found by police some distance downstream of the site where he entered the water, and flown to the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. The man was fighting for life for several hours, but lost his battle this afternoon. No other family members were hurt in the incident, while all three dogs were unharmed. A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: 'The man has been pronounced dead at hospital. His next-of-kin are aware.' Tragedy: The south-west of England has been one of the worst-affected parts of Britain during this week's storms and flooding . South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust said the man had suffered 'serious' injuries in the incident. The south-west of England has been particularly badly affected by the storms and flooding which started yesterday and continued into this morning. Many rivers are believed to have swollen by the heavy rainfall, leading police to urge members of the public to stay away from fast-flowing bodies of water. In the wake of the storms, a man died in Cumbria yesterday when he fell into the River Rothay at Ambleside while a woman was pulled out of the water dead at Nant Ffrancon, Bethesda, Wales. In addition, three people died in separate crashes linked to the dangerous conditions on the roads. | Man was shopping with his family at Asda in Newton Abbot, Devon .
Jumped into river to retrieve his dog but quickly started struggling .
46-year-old was airlifted to hospital but died hours later .
The dog was rescued by members of the public and is unharmed . |
168,715 | 66414e04654ad93f34e4acd7a651fc030a306490 | We could soon be able to design cells or entire organisms using computer software and 3D printers, a scientist has claimed. The cells could be used to create biofuels, combat global warming, develop new healthcare and medicines and even recreate alien lifeforms on earth, if alien DNA is ever found. J.Craig Venter - who helped map the . human genome and created the world's first synthetic life form in 2010 - . details the theory in his new book Life at the Speed of Light: From the . Double Helix to the Dawn of Digital Life. J.Craig Venter - who created the world's first synthetic life form in 2010 - believes we could soon be designing cells and organisms using computer software and 3D printers. The cells could be used to create biofuels, combat global warming, develop new medicines and even recreate alien lifeforms . 'The day is not far off when we will . be able to send a robotically controlled genome sequencing unit to other . planets to read the DNA sequence of any alien microbe life that may be . there,' claimed Venter. 'If we can beam them back to Earth we should be able to . reconstruct their genomes. The synthetic version of a Martian genome . could then be used to recreate Martian life on Earth.' This could even be reversed, and if . aliens pick up digital transmissions of human DNA they could recreate . humans on their planet. Talking to The Sunday Times, Venter claims the synthetic cells could be designed using specifically designed software. Venter, pictured, is the president of . the J. Craig Venter Institute, which conducts research into synthetic . biology. He is seeking to patent the first . lifeform created by humans, dubbed Mycoplasma . laboratorium. In 2000, Venter and Francis Collins from the National Institutes of Health and U.S. Public Genome Project claimed they had mapped the entire human genome. A DNA molecule - shaped similar to a spiral staircase or ladder - is made up of chemicals that link together and form the rungs of this ladder shape. The sides of the ladder are made of sugar and phosphate. Human bodies have around 3 billion base pairs, but only 4 per cent of those pairs are said to influence how genes react and behave. The finished sequence was completed, with 99.99 per cent accuracy in 2003. In May 2010, Venter was part of a team that became the first to successfully create 'synthetic life.' They did this by adding a long DNA . molecule containing a bacterium genome into another cell. The team analysed the . genome of a microbe and reconstructed it from laboratory . chemicals before inserting the finished DNA into a bacterial . cell, which began to grow and reproduce. Scientists would then be able to manipulate and modify the DNA by adding certain features to create tailor-made microbes. These advances in genome technology will form part of a 'genetic revolution', according to Venter, and 'could give humanity crops resistant to . drought and disease and artificial animals that could yield both food . and drugs.' The cells could also be used to increase intelligence, or even extend human life. By designing the cells on a computer, they would become digitised, making it possible to send the sequencing around the world over the web. Venter is seeking to patent the first . lifeform created by humans, dubbed Mycoplasma . laboratorium. | Theory suggested by J. Craig Venter who helped map the human genome .
Venter claims scientists could soon design cells using computer software .
This data could then be digitised, sent over the web and 3D printed .
The synthetic cells could be modified to use as biofuels or in medicine .
Venter claims technology could be used to recreate alien lifeforms on earth . |
115,037 | 2075a2fccc3a53af0dd555020c47bf1478c5a2ae | The General Medical Council planted ¿spies¿ who listened to the private conversations of the mother of a rape victim who made a complaint against a doctor, it has been claimed (file photo) The General Medical Council planted ‘spies’ who listened to the private conversations of the mother of a rape victim who made a complaint against a doctor, it has been claimed. Plainclothes security guards were employed to shadow the woman at the fitness-to-practice hearing, where she accused the doctor of missing signs that her disabled daughter had been raped at a boarding school. During the hearing, the guards told the woman they were on ‘work experience’ for the GMC. They followed her into meetings with lawyers and even into the lavatories, . Ministers last night demanded an urgent investigation into the doctors’ regulator, which has now admitted hiring non-uniformed guards during fitness-to-practice hearings where doctors are charged with serious professional misconduct. The GMC said that it did so only to ensure ‘there was no risk of disruption to proceedings’. It added that an unnamed security firm had signed a confidentiality clause to ensure information was not inappropriately shared. But while the doctor, his solicitor and the GMC panel of experts were all told about the covert arrangement, neither the mother nor her legal team were informed. Last night, MPs and lawyers expressed dismay at the GMC’s secret policy, which, they said, could have potentially prejudiced this and other cases. Health Minister Norman Lamb said: ‘It is very hard to understand how it can be right to have security guards present, known about by everyone except the complainant. ‘That doesn’t sound like proper justice and inevitably raises the concern that privileged information is reported back to the other side.’ The GMC said the covert policy had been used since 2007 and 16 times in the last three years – meaning tens of cases have been potentially prejudiced. The mother, identified only as JXS under a High Court ruling, attended a four-day hearing in December when two non-uniformed people walked into the room where she and a female lay representative were discussing the case. She said: ‘There was a young girl and an older man. They said they were on work experience with the GMC and following people in different departments. I believed them, we spoke to them casually and thought no more of it. ‘When I spoke to my barrister on the phone, one of them was there and one of them overheard a conversation I was having with my GP. Last night, MPs and lawyers expressed dismay at the GMC¿s secret policy, which, they said, could have potentially prejudiced this and other cases (file photo) ‘I actually feel violated. It is unforgivable and inexcusable. How many other people has this happened to?’ JXS, who only discovered the deception last month during disclosure in another aspect of the case, added: ‘They spied on us. They listened to conversations we would never have had if we had known.’ Melinda Nettleton, JXS’s barrister, said the GMC could face a misfeasance in public office charge and that the policy might have breached the Human Rights Act, adding she and JXS were followed under the same ruse at a one-day hearing in the same case last August. She said: ‘The guards were constantly hanging about whether we were going to the loo or the coffee machine, and while I wasn’t present at the December hearing, my client was calling me with a lot of privileged information. I am astounded I was lied to and can’t believe anybody behaved like that. ‘What message does it give to the adjudicating panel that it is necessary to police the victim’s mother?’ GMC chief executive Niall Dickson said it had written to the mother to apologise and will ‘reflect on lessons to be learned’. He added: ‘We will report back to her on the actions we have taken to make sure this does not happen again . | Plainclothes guards were employed at the fitness-to-practice hearing .
The guards said that they were on ‘work experience’ for the GMC .
Accused doctor, his solicitor and the GMC .
panel were told about guards, but not complainant or legal team . |
131,899 | 368ae1b78cc80bac075c8421816d8af219d61fd1 | By . Ian Fletcher . PUBLISHED: . 20:41 EST, 21 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:41 EST, 21 February 2013 . Popular: Three in five adults now drink cider, significantly up from the previous year¿s total of 47 per cent . The sweet success of cider looks set to continue as soaring numbers of Britons switch to the popular drink sending sales up to £2.7 billion last year, a new report shows today. With lager companies now also looking to capitalise on the growth in the UK cider market, the nation’s desire for the fruity drink shows no signs of losing fizz just yet. According to latest research from market analysts Mintel, three in five adults now drink cider, significantly up from the previous year’s total of 47 per cent. This progress means that in 2012, a greater share of adults drank cider than spirits. Cider is even closing in on beer in terms of usage, a market which has struggled to retain its base of drinkers in recent years, standing at 70 per cent in 2012. While its recent successes have helped a number of cider producers to grow rapidly, Mintel research shows that the market’s future prospects could be equally positive as, even among cider drinkers, 23 per cent state that it does not always occur to them to drink it. Chris Wisson, Senior Drinks Analyst at Mintel said: 'Cider continues to stand out as one of the star performers among alcoholic drinks markets. 'Usage has flourished in recent years as the market has improved its image, with strong growth at the premium tier. 'The market has also performed well on the back of its accessibility, with its accessible flavour profiles helping to attract new users such as women and 18-34 year-olds. 'While many drinks markets are struggling to grow in real terms and are also hampered by the government’s tax escalator, cider is one of the anomalous success stories which is also showing underlying volume growth.' Cider is in fact one of the few success stories in the alcohol market, achieving steady growth despite the economic downturn. Success: Cider is in fact one of the few success stories in the alcoholic drinks market, achieving steady growth despite the economic downturn. Big business: Drinkers spent £2.7billion on cider in the UK last year . Over the last five years sales of cider have increased by 32 per cent to reach £2.7 billion in 2012, up from £1.8 billion in 2007 and with sales increasing 5 per cent in the last year alone. Meanwhile volume sales have posted slower growth, although the market still managed overall growth of 18 per cent between 2007 and 2012. The success of cider looks set to continue in the coming years, with new producers continuing to build momentum and with strong consumer demand leading to a better range of ciders in both the on- and off-trade sales channels. Over the next five years, Mintel forecasts that the market will reach sales of £3.7 billion, driven partly by duty increases but also growing user numbers. While apple remains the nation’s favourite flavour of cider, drunk by 47 per cent of adults, there are striking signs of growth coming from the pear and flavoured segments. Pear has grown to be a firm favourite amongst cider drinkers, and is drunk by almost four in ten adults, buoyed by the emergence of brands such as Strongbow and Stella Cidre. Scrumpy: Apple remains the nation's favourite flavour of cider though pear is becoming increasingly liked . Meanwhile, almost a quarter of Brits have drunk any other type of fruit-flavoured cider, with flavours in this adventurous segment ranging from cloudberry to toffee apple. 'Pear cider is now a highly profitable segment of the market and one which producers should almost be prioritising on a par with apple cider,' Chris continues. 'While apple continues to drive most of the sales, pear can also be an effective gateway into the market, with a particular appeal to female drinkers. 'However, pear is still underperforming in terms of appealing to older drinkers and operators may be well served in highlighting features such as a British heritage and ingredient quality to appeal to these more traditional cider drinkers.' While the cider market continues to make great strides, there are still a number of challenges for producers to overcome. Many of these relate to its image as amongst lager, wine and RTD drinkers, just 8 per cent think that cider is sophisticated while 14 per cent think that it is worth paying more for, both of which are significantly behind associations with wine. | A greater share of UK adults now drink cider than spirits .
The drink is even closing in on beer as the tipple of choice for drinkers . |
255,183 | d65004605397fcf07dced5200465b66a3eba1b90 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:49 EST, 3 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:05 EST, 6 September 2012 . A budding British entrepreneur has high hopes for a piece of unique artwork he spectacularly created on the outskirts of space. Josh Taylor, 22, from Guildford, Surrey, created his world-first artwork by using a helium-filled weather balloon with attached canvas and dripping paint tubes to float the project to an incredible 100,810ft. The freelance media technician sent . his contraption soaring towards space from a field . in Worcester, West Midlands, with it crashing back down to earth when the balloon popped two hours later some 40 miles north of the launch site. Scroll down for video . Josh Taylor's artwork pictured at the edge of space . The artwork just after the weather balloon had popped. The fragments of the balloon can be seen in the left of the photo . He said: 'I did it really to push boundaries. It's a world first thing, I wanted to do something that nobody has done before. It was a great feeling to achieve something like that.' He continued: 'I try and do creative, . science and technology projects in order to inspire other people, . entertain and educate them.' Josh's contraption was made up of a large helium-filled weather balloon, attached at the bottom to a payload which consisted of a parachute, small GoPro HD camera, four paint pots with hanging tubes and the canvas, attached by wires. Josh, right, preparing the weather balloon prior to its launch in Worcester, West Midlands . As the project floated up to the edge of Earth's atmosphere, paint dripped down from the tubes onto the canvas, creating the artwork. Once the project reached an incredible 100,810ft, the weather balloon popped, causing it to fall at incredible speeds back down to earth. After an automated parachute was deployed, the artwork touched down about 2 hours after it had been launched. Josh was able to track the artwork because he added a tracker to the payload. Josh Taylor examines his art project after it had crashed down to earth . He said: 'Within the payload we had a tracker which allowed us to track it using radio telemetry. After we launched it, we kept on having it relay data back to the computer and that allowed us to see where it was in relation to the car.' He continued: 'We drove about 40 miles north to find it. The tracker worked so well that within 15 minutes of it landing we had picked it back up. 'I'd like to exhibit it in an art . gallery somewhere, purely for others to see it and for it to hopefully . inspire others to be creative.' The budding entrepreneur's artwork was created right on the edge of the Earth's atmosphere . 'I'd like to exhibit it in an art . gallery somewhere, purely for others to see it and for it to hopefully . inspire others to be creative.' In 2011, Josh completed a project which saw him send a camera up into space to record the curvature of the Earth. Josh's next project, which was a challenge laid down for him on social networking site Twitter by Virgin boss Richard Branson, is to discover the depths of the ocean. | Josh Taylor, 22, hopes to exhibit his work in a gallery .
He also hopes to take on Richard Branson's ocean depths discovery challenge as his next project . |
190,062 | 8212a4b132b4f6cfbbf37f05643139847a640907 | Russian president Vladimir Putin chose to stay away from an outpouring of public adoration and celebration by spending his 62nd birthday in the remote Siberian wilderness. For a man who has hugged a polar bear, flown with migrating cranes and shot a tiger with a tranquiliser gun, Putin celebrated his latest birthday unusually quietly. For the first time in years, he took the day off and retreated to the remote forested taiga in Siberia - some 300-400 kilometres (185-250 miles) from the nearest populated area - for a private celebration. However, despite him shying away from any public celebrations, thousands of people up and down the country chose to honour is birthday with an array of festivities. Scroll down for video . Putin as Atlas, holding up the world, in this painting from the 12 Labours of Putin exhibition . A woman snaps a photo of a painting showing Putin taming an ox bearing the symbol of Crimea . Here Russia's beloved president is depicted battling Western nations disguised as serpents and monsters . Despite nationals celebrations, Putin chose to spend his birthday in a remote part of the Siberian Taiga forest . Nationalist Russians snapped up Vladimir Putin T-shirts, before attending a number of choreographed shows of support staged across the country in honour of the long-serving statesman. In Moscow, a bizarre one-day exhibition dubbed the '12 Labours of Putin' was held, in which the president was depicted as Hercules - battling Western nations disguised as serpents and monsters or taming an ox bearing the symbol of Crimea, the Ukrainian region annexed by Russia in March. In Putin's hometown of St Petersburg, wide-eyed children dressed mostly in white sang 'Happy birthday, President of Russia' 'His life is like a hundred milestones crucial for our country,' the children, part of a singing group called HITryushki, sang in a school classroom with a map of Russia on the wall. At one point, footage shot of their performance spanned from above to show the children standing in the form of a heart. A humorous banner was also unfurled from a Moscow bridge showing U.S. President Barack Obama wearing a T-shirt wishing Putin a happy birthday. In Grozny, the capital of the restive republic of Chechnya, thousands carried a 650-yard Russian flag through the streets alongside an equally massive Chechen flag. Others dressed in the red, white and blue of the Russian tricolor walked through the streets as an enormous human flag, many of them holding portraits of the Russian leader over their heads. Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya's president, who also celebrated his birthday this week, wrote on his official Instagram account that there were 100,000 participants. In Grozny, the capital of the restive republic of Chechnya, thousands carried a 650-yard Russian flag through the streets alongside an equally massive Chechen flag. Others dressed in the red, white and blue of the Russian tricolor walked through the streets as an enormous human flag, many of them holding portraits of the Russian leader over their heads. Ramzan Kadyrov, Chechnya's president, who also celebrated his birthday this week, wrote on his official Instagram account that there were 100,000 participants. A column of people forming the Russian national flag march along a street in central Grozny during a rally in honour of Russian President Vladimir Putin . Putin's always-high ratings have skyrocketed this year as he responded to a pro-European coup in Ukraine by seizing Crimea, and reacted defiantly to Western sanctions. His approval rating remains at 86 percent according to the independent Levada Center, which conducted a poll in September with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percent. The support comes despite serious problems for Russia's economy, with Moscow's central bank today forced to prop up the beleaguered rouble. As the Russian economy shuddered due to Western sanctions over the Ukraine crisis, £1.1 billion was thrown at keeping the currency afloat over two days, reported Bloomberg. The IMF gave a strong warning over the Russian economy saying growth would sink to 0.2 per cent for 2014, with a bleak outlook for next year, while analysts warned the rouble was under 'permanent pressure' and inflation was rising. The currency has lost 14 per cent against the US dollar in three months. Muscovites Jana and Albina (R) pose with Vladimir Putin t-shirts outside the GUM department store in Moscow . Albina puckers up next to the image of the Russian president stretched across her friend's bust . Hoodies and sweatshirts with an image of president Putin cuddling a dog on sale at the GUM department store . The men's version shows an ice-cool looking Putin with his shades on . Putin's always-high ratings have skyrocketed this year as he responded to a pro-European coup in Ukraine by seizing Crimea, and reacted defiantly to Western sanctions . Nevertheless, souvenirs decorated with Putin's face have become best-sellers on Red Square, while Russian designers have made him the theme of pricey T-shirts and sweaters. Patriarch Kirill, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, congratulated Putin on his birthday and said his tenure in office had become 'an integral part of national history.' However, as the value of the ruble sinks under pressure from sanctions, some online commentators were less enthusiastic. 'The dollar is 40 (rubles), the Euro is 50 (rubles), and Putin is 62,' was one joke that spread across the web. | Russian president chose to spend his special day in the Siberian wilderness .
Huge choreographed display in Grozny, Chechnya, draws 100,000 people .
Nationalistic Russians snap up Putin-branded T-shirts in Moscow stores . |
167,322 | 64668de255a0b6579fbab71a20b86d6defe44d41 | (CNN) -- A federal judge determined Wednesday that Shannon Richardson, an actress accused of sending ricin-laced letters to President Barack Obama and New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, is a "flight risk" and thus must remain behind bars. The Texas woman, also known as Shannon Rogers and Shannon Guess, was arrested in June. She was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation, and late last month, she was found competent to stand trial. The actress has pleaded not guilty on all counts. Richardson was in a federal court in Texarkana, Texas, for a roughly 30-minute detention hearing Wednesday morning. According to a court document, her lawyer and prosecutors both presented their arguments as to why she should be allowed to go free on bail or, conversely, why she should remain in custody. Judge Caroline Craven concluded that, although Richardson probably isn't "a danger to the community," she is "a serious flight risk, and no conditions will ensure her appearance." As a result, Craven ordered the 35-year-old to remain detained pending her trial. Three envelopes containing the natural, highly toxic compound derived from castor beans were mailed from Shreveport, Louisiana, in May. They were discovered, before causing any injuries or fatalities, with what the FBI described as "very low concentrations" of ricin. What is ricin? Richardson -- who has had minor roles in television series including "The Walking Dead" and "The Vampire Diaries" -- initially told FBI agents that her now-estranged husband Nathaniel had sent the ricin-tainted letters. But, authorities have said, Richardson was found to be "deceptive" in a polygraph exam. Investigators found that her computer storage devices contained the text of threatening letters sent to the president. But the couple's computer records show that her husband couldn't have printed them out because he was at work at the time, according to an FBI arrest affidavit. Eventually, Richardson admitted to investigators that she'd mailed the letters, though she claimed her husband had typed them out and forced her to print and mail them, the affidavit said. Actress first accuses husband, then is arrested in ricin case . Nathaniel Richardson denied doing any such thing, telling investigators that his wife was "intentionally misleading" them and that she'd wanted to end their marriage and leave them, court papers said. He filed for divorce in June, and court papers indicated that Shannon Richardson was pregnant. | A federal judge says Shannon Richardson isn't a danger to the community .
But the judge says "no conditions will ensure her appearance" again in court .
She's pleaded not guilty to sending ricin-tainted letters to Obama and NYC mayor .
Richardson has had minor roles in TV series including "The Walking Dead" |
166,937 | 63de59bbd84c4e7ffecc46ea267a166c46c2d927 | By . Michael Gadd for MailOnline . Americans get the least paid vacation time in the world, research of developed nations has revealed. While employees in other countries enjoy as many as 40 days off a year, U.S. workers are legally entitled to no paid vacation, although many get 10 days of national holidays, the studies found. A map compiled by Thrillist combining data from Mercer's Worldwide Benefit And Employment Guidelines and the Center for Economic and Policy Research shows the stark differences in vacation allowances across the world. The results cover 64 countries with the figures based on entitlements for employees with 10 years of service who work a five-day week. Give us a break: This graphic shows that Brazil, Bolivia, the U.K. and others parts of Europe lead the world in paid vacation time - whereas American workers are not legally entitled to any paid days off . According to the data, the U.S. is the only country out of all those featured that does not require employers to give their workers paid leave. By comparison, Brazilians get 30 paid vacation days plus 11 national holidays, for a staggering total of 41 days off each year, according to research by Mercer in 2009. The map shows that the UK is also among the world's leader when it comes to annual paid leave with 28 days. The catch for Brits, however, is that public holidays can be included in workers' 28 days. The rest of Europe also does quite well when it comes to getting paid to take time off. The report says Poland boasts 26 compulsory days while Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Greece, Luxembourg and Sweden all get 25 days off as standard. Austrians also get 13 public holidays each year, giving them a massive total of 38 days off. Stark differences: A chart compiled by the Center for Economic and Policy Research shows that workers in the U.S. get zero paid vacation days, while countries in Europe fare much better . Hot spot: US workers have some of the world's iconic attractions on their doorstep, including the Grand Canyon and Las Vegas, but have to work their socks off to enjoy them . In other parts of the globe, French workers get 31 days including public holidays, Bolivians get a 37 days when 10 public holidays are included, while Sweden and Luxembourg both get 25 days statutory leave and a total of 36 altogether. With a single year of service in a job, workers in Finland are entitled to 30 days off. At the other end of the spectrum comes India with 12 days (28 with public holidays), China (10 days and a total of 21), Thailand (6 days compulsory leave and 22 in total) and the Philippines (20 in total including just five compulsory). | Employers in the US don't have to give their staff any paid leave - although many are paid for the 10 national holidays .
By contrast, Brazilian workers get as many as 41 days off while Austrians get 38 days, including paid leave and national holidays . |
12,308 | 22e318767a7998a6e46276b15c741ecbae11959b | Early risers across much of Arizona were treated to pink skies as a Nasa research rocket launched into the atmosphere. The rocket blasted off from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico at 5:26 am local time (12.26 GMT). A bright pink cloud was visible for the next 20 minutes as sunlight hit the rocket's vapour trail. Early risers across Arizona were treated to pink skies as a Nasa research rocket launched into the atmosphere. A bright pink cloud was visible for the next 20 minutes as sunlight hit the rocket's vapour trail . News outlets in Arizona reported that residents in Phoenix, Tucson, Lake Havasu City and Flagstaff reported seeing the pink cloud. The Terrier-Black Brant rocket carried an atmospheric-research payload designed by scientists and engineers at a space-vehicles research lab at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque. The white 'tracer cloud' was made up of trimethyl aluminum, and the red cloud, consisted of lithium vapour. White Sands officials said the rocket's release of vapour into the near-vacuum of space was intended to help study processes responsible for the formation of the Earth's ionosphere. This photo shows a Nasa Terrier-Black Brant research rocket that launched from White Sands Missile Range . White Sands officials said the rocket's release of vapour into the near-vacuum of space was intended to help study processes responsible for the formation of the Earth's ionosphere . That's a region of space where electrons naturally separate from molecules and float separately to create an ionised gas. The ionosphere is a crucial layer of charged particles surrounding our planet. This layer serves as the medium through which high frequency radio waves – such as those sent down to the ground by global positioning system (GPS) satellites or, indeed, any satellite communicating with Earth – travel. The ionosphere begins about 60 miles above the ground and is filled with electrons and ions. After releasing the rocket, researchers then visually observed the movement of the vapour as it traces the motions of background environment. This will help scientists better understand and predict the electrical storms in Earth's upper atmosphere. GPS signal delays caused by activity in the ionosphere are measured in metres, with large delays being on the order of 40 metres, says Lawrence Sparks, senior technologist with the Ionospheric and Atmospheric Remote Sensing Group at JPL. While it doesn't take long for signals traveling at the speed of light to cover 40 metres, he says, even a delay of a small fraction of a second can make a significant difference in determining the position of a fast-moving plane. 'It is crucial to bound the positioning errors accurately for landing an aircraft safely in fog, for example,' he said. Nasa likens this technique to injecting a small, harmless dye into a river or stream, to study its currents, eddies, and other motions. The rocket was provided under a Department of Defense test program at Kirtland, while a Nasa rocket program provided technical expertise for its assembly and other parts of the mission. The launch was postponed from Monday because of weather. A similar experiment took place last year over the Marshall Islands (pictured). After releasing the rocket in space, researchers then visually observed the subsequent movement of the vapour as it traces the motions of background environment . The rocket blasted off from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico at 5:26 am local time (12.26 GMT) When high frequency radio waves, such as those used for the Global Positioning System (GPS) travel through a disturbed layer of Earth's electrically charged atmosphere, the ionosphere, they can be disrupted . | Clouds seen in Phoenix, Tucson, Lake Havasu City and Flagstaff .
Rocket blasted off from White Sands Missile Range this morning .
Rocket's release of vapour was intended to help study ionosphere .
This is a crucial layer of charged particles surrounding our planet .
Launch could explain how ionsphere affects technology such as GPS . |
232,511 | b911e57d3e2be6b15017f54c9c0708973548abcb | By . John Hall . and Emma Innes . A Polish woman who was disfigured by a huge facial tumour has revealed her new face at a press conference. The 26-year-old, identified only as Joanna, underwent Poland's second ever facial transplant after neurofibromatosis – a genetic condition causing benign tumours - left her unable to chew, talk or swallow. During a press conference yesterday, Joanna thanked doctors and the family of the person who donated their face, and told journalists: 'I have nice eyebrows now'. Transformed: The 26-year-old, identified only as Joanna, underwent Poland's second ever facial transplant after neurofibromatosis – a genetic condition causing benign tumours - left her unable to chew, talk or swallow . Grateful: During a press conference yesterday, Joanna thanked doctors and the family of the person who donated their face, and told journalists: 'I have nice eyebrows now' Difficult: Before the operation, Joanna struggled to chew, swallow or speak. Following the surgery she can now do all these things again . New life: Joanna has reportedly told doctors that she hopes to return to education, possibly studying psychology 'as she would like to help others' Speaking at the conference, Dr Adam Maciejewski, who performed both Joanna's surgery as well as the only other facial transplant in Poland, said: 'Joanna feels very good. She's getting better.' He added that, once she has gets through the long-term rehabilitation programme she's still facing, Joanna hopes to return to education, possibly studying psychology 'as she would like to help others' Earlier Dr Maciejewski, who led the 23-hour surgery last week, said he hopes the transplant of 80 per cent of the skin on her face will give her the ability to chew, talk or swallow. Joanna was severely deformed by neurofibromatosis – a genetic condition that causes benign tumours to grow along the nerves. The condition can also cause bone problems, pressure on the spinal nerves, severe pain, learning disabilities and vision and hearing problems. There is no cure for it. Although many people who have the condition inherit it from one of their parents, up to 50 per cent develop it randomly from a gene mutation before they are born. On the mend: Speaking at the conference, Dr Adam Maciejewski, who performed both Joanna's surgery as well as the only other facial transplant in Poland, said: 'Joanna feels very good. She's getting better' Joanna was severely deformed by neurofibromatosis – a genetic condition that caused benign tumours to grow along the nerves (right). The tumours will not grow back on her new face as it has different genes . Fresh start: Dr Maciejewski, who led Joanna's 23-hour surgery last week, said he hopes the transplant of 80 per cent of the skin on her face will give her the ability to chew, talk or swallow . Joanna had 23-hours of surgery to give her a new face. During the operation, 80 per cent of the skin on her face was replaced . Joanna (pictured during surgery last week) was severely deformed by neurofibromatosis - a genetic condition that causes benign tumours to grow along the nerves . Despite their alarming appearance, the . growths and swellings - called neurofibromas and caused by a growth of . cells - are not cancerous or contagious. The facial tumour will not recur because the skin on her new face is from different genes, genetics expert Dr Anand Saggar told MailOnline. In May, Dr Maciejewski and his . colleagues performed Poland's first face transplant on a man whose face . was torn off by a stone mason's machine. His recovery is said to be . progressing. The man's operation took 27 hours and was carried out just weeks after his accident. It was thought to be the first face transplant to be carried out so soon after the damage had occurred - previous transplants have taken months, or even years, to prepare. Joanna is currently in serious but stable condition after the operation at the Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology in Gliwice, Poland. Image shows her parents at a press conference . The man had to have his jaw, palate and eye sockets reconstructed. The world's first full-face transplant was carried out on a Spanish farmer in March 2010. Oscar had blown most of his face off with a gun during a hunting accident and was left unable to breathe, swallow or talk properly. | Joanna, 26, struggled to chew, swallow or talk before the massive operation .
It took 23 hours and involved replacing 80 per cent of the skin on her face .
She suffered from neurofibromatosis - a genetic condition causing tumours .
The tumour will not grow back because skin on new face has different genes . |
228,677 | b417d022ab75a59cd8a2338ebcbe0cd81895822d | (CNN) -- Confession: I've fallen asleep while operating on patients. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. No, I've never passed out and face-planted into a patient's open belly. Nor have I fallen asleep in the operating room as a plastic surgeon in practice. But as a resident, I performed the dreaded head-bob several times. Here is a typical scenario: . The OR is silent, except for the rhythmic beep from the anesthesia machine. My surgical scrubs feel warm, like a pair of comfy pajamas. I sit, holding two tiny retractors, while the hand surgeon meticulously dissects the patient's carpal tunnel. It's a surgery I've assisted on dozens of times before. I blink and try to remember what day it is. It seems like forever ago that I arrived at the hospital. In fact, it's been more than 32 hours since my shift started. During this past day and a half, I've logged more than 15 hours in the OR and exactly zero minutes of sleep. My eyelids feel heavy, as if being pulled down by an invisible force. I begin shaking my knee up and down, an attempt to keep myself awake. "Stay still!" the attending surgeon growls. My knee stops. Heaviness returns to my eyelids. I'm dancing on the edge of sleep. Five minutes later, I lose the battle. My head briefly bobs down, then back up. I immediately look around. Has anyone noticed? Apparently not the surgeon. I look at the scrub technician, sitting to my right. She nods her head at me, knowingly. Then she digs her heel into my foot. Hard. I suppress a yelp. I'm awake now. Residency, the training to become a real, practicing physician, is brutal. During my surgical residency back in the late '90s, I was routinely expected to work up to 36 hours straight, without sleep or a designated break. Sure, I occasionally caught a few zzz's in the call room, but many nights were spent wide awake taking care of patients. I was one of the lucky ones. Although often overworked, I never considered myself abused. Some residents had it a lot worse. Things aren't quite as bad today as they were 14 years ago. In July 2011, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education implemented new resident work hour standards, instituting a maximum 16-hour shift for postgraduate first-year residents, aka interns. These new rules have created concern among residents regarding their education. A survey published in the June issue of Archives of Surgery found that surgical interns believed the new regulations would decrease their time spent operating, acquisition of medical knowledge, development of surgical skills and overall educational experience. So what's the real benefit to reducing resident work hours? The Archives of Surgery survey also found that the majority of interns believed the new regulations would improve the quality and safety of patient care. As physicians, this should be our primary concern. Proper residency training shouldn't necessitate working young doctors so hard that they're forced to make patient care decisions or perform medical procedures while excessively fatigued. Studies show that impairment in cognitive and motor performance when sleep-deprived for 24 hours is equivalent to having a blood-alcohol level of 0.1%. This is considered legally drunk. Do you want a drunken doctor operating on you? As a physician, my patients expect me to be at my best when treating them. Part of being at my best includes being well-rested. Since my residency days, I've never fallen asleep in the operating room. Not even close. But it often disturbs me when I think about how sleep-deprived I was as a resident. My patients deserved better. More from Dr. Youn: Seriously? Doctors say they're underpaid . The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Anthony Youn. | Many medical residents work long shifts and their sleep suffers .
Last year new standards were implemented with a 16-hour maximum shift .
Archives of Surgery survey finds surgical interns believe new regulations inhibit education . |
216,570 | a4616f87ac9fa93c62aee141c6fc771276729f5a | By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 05:22 EST, 2 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:54 EST, 2 December 2013 . A husband has said he shot his wife dead when she threatened him with a knife because he wouldn't take his shoes off. Patricia Cothran, 59, was still breathing when police arrived at the home in Moore Lane, Culleoka, Tennessee, but later died on Thanksgiving Day. The woman's husband, James Cothran, 70, told officers he had been watching TV alone in the living room when his wife asked him to remove his shoes. The scene of the shooting in Moore Lane, Culleoka, Tennessee, where Patricia Cothran died . According to the police report, the shoes had belonged to her father who died 30 years ago. When her husband refused to remove the shoes, Mrs Cothran grabbed a knife and began walking towards him 'with a crazy look in her eyes'. He claims that, in self-defense, he grabbed a .22 Magnum revolver which was lying on the floor next to his chair before he fired it at her. Mr Cothran was questioned by police but later released because of his self-defense claim. Police found both a gun and knife at the home where Mr and Mrs Cothran lived . Mr Cothran said he grabbed a .22 magnum revolver (similar to one pictured) when his wife threatened him with a knife because he didn't take his shoes off . No charges have been filed. Officers discovered both the knife and the gun according to the report. Officers said they had been called to the couple's home at least a dozen times over the past year due to domestic incidents but no arrests were made or injuries reported. An investigation will now be carried out and information passed over to Maury County District Attorney's office. | Patrica Cothran, 59, died at her home in Moore Lane, Culleoka, Tennessee .
Her husband James Cothran, 70, refused to take off his shoes .
The shoes belonged to Mrs Cothran's father who died 30 years ago .
When he refused to take them off 'his wife came at him with the knife'
Mr Cothran claims he fired the gun at her out of self-defense . |
164,381 | 608e24319e56977e66d36dbc144ef93620497dc7 | By . Michael Zennie . and Associated Press Reporter . A Virginia dad has massacred his family on Father's Day - shooting dead his wife, his 9-year-old step-daughter and a 2-year-old son in his crib before turning the gun on himself, police say. Police say Barry C. Jernigan, a 35-year-old electrician, called his employer and made disturbing and suicidal comments before the shooting Sunday night. The employer called officers, who arrived at the home in Chesterfield, Virginia, outside Richmond, in time to heard gunfire inside, but too late to save the family. Officers say Jernigan shot dead his 30-year-old wife Renotta, her daughter from a previous relationship Alexis Kellas, 9, and the couple's son Seth, 2, before committing suicide. Neighbors described heroically running toward the sound of gunfire in the quiet neighborhood and finding toddler Seth dying of a gunshot wound in his bloody crib. Tragic: Barry C. Jernigan, 35 (right) shot dead his wife Renotta (left), step-daughter Alexis Kellas, 9, (lower right) and baby son Seth (left) before killing himself . Tragic: Medical examiners wheeled a stretcher in the Chesterfield, Virginia, home where a Father's Day massacre left a family of four dead . Gary Nguyen, a retired U.S. Marine, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch he and a nurse pulled the child out and performed CPR. The little boy died after being rush to the hospital. Barry Jernigan and Alexis were found inside the small, white, ranch-style home with a plastic play set on the front porch and trampoline in the backyard. They and the mother died at the scene. A police spokeswoman Elizabeth Caroon told MailOnline Barry Jernigan legally owned the gun he used used in the shootings. Police had never been called to the house for domestic violence reports. However, court records show Jernigan was found guilty in 1999 of reckless driving and involuntary manslaughter. The details of that case were not immediately clear. On Monday morning, neighbors tried to cope with the tragedy while standing near the house with two cars in the driveway that was surrounded by yellow police tape. 'It saddens me to think, Father's Day, of all days.You go home and shoot your kids, really?' said next-door neighbor Cindy Nguyen, 29, whose husband tried to save Renotta and little Seth. Mrs Nguyen said Renotta had stumbled out of the front door Sunday before collapsing on the lawn. Nguyen said that she didn't know the family too well but that the father worked nights, 'seemed fine,' and typically made small talk with neighbors since the Jernigans moved into the home about two years ago. Tragic: Neighbors say Renotta, pictured here with her two children, stumbled outside and collapsed on the lawn after the shooting . Neighbors say they had no indication that anything was wrong on Sunday - Jernigan even wished them a happy Father's Day . Barry Jernigan even wished her husband, 30-year-old Harry, a happy Father's Day as he walked along the street Sunday afternoon. The Jernigans recently installed a fence after complaining about items being stolen from their backyard, she said. Nguyen called the youngest of the victims a 'sweet baby boy' and said her son played with the 9-year-old, who was known by her nickname, Lexi. Jernigan's 67-year-old father, Barry, said he last spoke with his son - who went by Chris - on the phone shortly after 1pm Sunday. He said his son wished him a happy Father's Day and told him he planned to hang around the house until he left for work that evening. While he had helped the family financially, Mr Jernigan said his son didn't talk to him much about family business, adding that he had been in and out of jobs since graduating from Dinwiddie High School in 1997. 'He was the type of person that he figured he could do everything ... he could deal with it. Over the years, that was his attitude,' Mr Jernigan said. 'I just wish he would have called me.' Jernigan said he couldn't understand what would've led his son to kill his family and then himself, saying he sounded normal when they last spoke. 'I don't know why he took that little baby, that little baby was the world to me,' he said. 'Seems like something you'd seen on TV, you'd never think it would happen personally.' Police continued their investigation Monday, with investigators carrying paper bags out of the home. Officers on the scene declined to comment. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Police say Barry Jernigan, 35, killed wife Renotta, 30, step-daughter Alexis Kellas, 9, and son Seth, 2, in a Father's Day rampage .
Jernigan, who wished his neighbors a happy Father's Day earlier that afternoon, then committed suicide as police arrived .
Neighbors described pulling toddler Seth from his bloody crib and trying to save him .
Killer's father says he talked to son just hours before shootings .
Previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving, but police say there was no history of violence at the home . |
180,441 | 7596a84853408e564242917aa380fc4bca0510bf | In the run-up to the Israel elections, two pieces of conventional wisdom were making the rounds among analysts, diplomats and experts: First, Benjamin Netanyahu would win big, and second, the victory would propel him on a collision course with Barack Obama, a second term president seeking to do something serious on the peace issue. The first proved to be dead wrong. The second will probably follow suit. "Bibi" Netanyahu has just been re-elected prime minister, no less for the third time. But don't get out the popcorn and turn out the lights just yet. The sequel to the Obama-Bibi wars isn't about to begin. Sure, their relationship has been perhaps the most dysfunctional in the history of U.S.-Israeli ties. And there are bound to be plenty of downs in the next several years, particularly if Netanyahu is forced to form a narrow right-wing governing coalition. But the U.S.-Israeli relationship is simply too big and important to fail, particularly now. Netanyahu's party wins but centrists flex muscle, polls show . Indeed, given the real prospects that the new Israeli coalition will include Yair Lapid's centrist party (whose surprise showing of 19 seats may make him a coalition lynchpin) and maybe another moderate faction if Lapid won't sit with other right-wingers in the coalition, the two leaders may have less reason to fight and more reasons to cooperate. Here's why. Second term illusion . The notion that a second-term president freed from the constraints of re-election will now hammer an Israeli prime minister with a big peace initiative just doesn't add up. First, there's no precedent for such a thing in American policy toward the Arab-Israeli negotiations. Bill Clinton's push at Camp David in July 2000 -- the precedent most often cited -- came not from Clinton, but at then-Prime Minister Ehud Barak's urging. Second, it's the presence of opportunity, not the absence of political constraints or the desire to get even and settle scores, that leads a U.S. president to act. A quick look around and any sentient human being would see that a grand deal between Israelis and Palestinians isn't possible now. Lapid's presence in the coalition may restrain some of the Israeli right's ambitions to expand settlements, but it isn't enough to support a full-scale push toward a comprehensive peace. Indeed. Lapid's focus was on economic issues and national service, not on negotiations with the Palestinians. The suspicions between Israelis and Palestinians are too deep, the gaps on the issues too big, and the political houses on each side too divided. More likely, the new Netanyahu government will focus on some kind of interim accord with the Palestinians. And that leads us to the second reason that a big fight is likely not in the offing. Why fight about nothing? Fighting with an Israeli prime minister (and the Arabs, too) is a part of the job description of serious American mediators. But the fight needs to be productive and worth the effort. Right now, there's nothing to fight about because there's no conceivable Israeli-Palestinian agreement in the offing. You fight when you think there's a way to produce an agreement that would justify the risks of a confrontation, not when you're certain to fail. For Obama, whose domestic agenda will require an enormous expenditure of political capital at home, neither fighting with Republicans and Democrats over pressure on Israel nor launching an initiative that fails is smart politics. John Kerry needs a friend . We are going to have a new secretary of state who will have responsibility -- assuming he can convince the president to let him handle the issue -- for dealing with the Israeli-Palestinian problem. The last thing Kerry wants is a worsening of ties between Obama and Netanyahu that makes it impossible for him to do his job on such a key issue. If Kerry wants to have a chance of succeeding -- even to manage the problem -- he'll need a relationship with Netanyahu based on some measure of confidence and trust. This is even more important given the absence of such trust between Obama and the prime minister. Bush 41 and then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Shamir didn't get along. James Baker managed to hammer out a working relationship with Shamir, tense at times but functional. Without it, there would have been no Madrid peace talks. If Kerry is smart, he'll keep the door to Netanyahu open and try to see if he can't reach some understanding with the prime minister. If he can't, there will be plenty of time to fight later. The Iranian Issue . The big reason why Bibi and Obama will likely have a stake this time around in more cooperation and less friction is Iran. The fact is neither Obama, the mullahs, nor Netanyahu wants a war over the nuclear issue. But avoiding one will require the closest of cooperation between Jerusalem and Washington. There's an expectation that 2013 will be the year of decision on the Iranian nuclear issue. Maybe yes, maybe no. But that expectation alone will require intimate coordination to prevent a unilateral Israeli strike, to see whether diplomacy can produce an Iranian-American deal and to determine whether it can be sold to Israel. If not, and no diplomatic fix to the nuclear issue is possible, American-Israeli understandings will be required on a military option. Either way, neither the United States nor Israel can avoid a public falling out over Iran or a major split over how to manage the problem. Simply put, the U.S.-Israeli relationship is too big to fail. That doesn't mean there won't be real differences over settlements, for example, that won't cause friction. But on the two biggest issues of the day, how to manage Iran and the Palestinians, there can't be solutions without close Israeli-American cooperation. It's legacy time. This is Obama's last term as president and perhaps Netanyahu's last term as prime minister. Obama doesn't want to be the U.S. president on whose watch Iran crossed the nuclear weapons threshold and certainly neither does Bibi want to be the Israeli prime minister held responsible. It would be nice to imagine that the two can sit down and reach a broad strategic understanding -- first we deal with Iran, and if we succeed through diplomacy or even war, then let's find a way to preserve the two-state option for Israel and the Palestinians. But even if this doesn't happen, these two leaders are inexorably bound together. They're never going to love each other. But I'm betting they'll find a way to get by without a major fight neither wants. The fact is the protection of Israeli and American interests and regional stability in a volatile, turbulent Middle East depends on it. | Benjamin Netanyahu is headed for third term as Israel's prime minister .
Aaron Miller: Results of election mean he will likely ally with moderate faction .
He says that dynamic will reinforce need for close cooperation between Obama, Bibi .
Miller: The two leaders may not like each other, but they need each other now . |
80,350 | e3caa8b641c92c9185591b93a9a79eb6a124f39e | Impact substitute. It sounds such an all-action role. Often it is. Impact is one of those words that just conjures excitement in the brain. And in the cinema. There is Impact, a 1949 crime drama involving a cheating wife and a duplicitous husband. Impact, a 2008 television mini-series in which an asteroid sets the moon on collision course with earth. Deep Impact, 1998 film, same thing but with a seven-mile wide comet making a pest of itself. And Sudden Impact, the fourth Dirty Harry movie and the one in which Clint Eastwood actually says 'Go ahead – make my day.' Will Roy Hodgson's impact substitute be making anybody's day in Brazil? That is the question. On his bike: Raheem Sterling appeared in good spirits after England touched down in Rio on Sunday . Flying the flag: Sterling was forced to watch Saturday's game from the stands as he was suspended . By popular consent the brightest spark in England's pre-World Cup friendly matches has been Ross Barkley. Mention his name, however, and the phrase impact substitute rolls off an informed tongue by way of reply. In training, Raheem Sterling is said to have excelled. Again the clever money is on his late introduction, when he can have the greatest effect on tired legs, certainly in tropical Manaus on Saturday against Italy. This always presumes there is a contest to have impact on by that time. If England were losing by a slender margin, Sterling or Barkley could snatch a handy point. If they were losing by two goals or more, to claw England's way back against any reasonably competent Italian side would be tough. And if England were drawing? That is where the impact argument falls down. Italy 0 England 0, 20 minutes remaining. Is Hodgson seriously going to gamble on attack-minded substitutions, just at the point when his opponents are quite possibly settling for honours even? Impressive: Ross Barkley has been the brightest spark in England's pre-World Cup friendly matches . The creatives play from the start or, more than likely, they remain spectators if the game is at stalemate long into the second half. Nobody would blame Hodgson for caution in those circumstances. If he gambled and lost the whole dynamic of the World Cup campaign would change. So the idea of impact substitutions is bunk, unless specific circumstances dictate. The theory that England will play a game of containment for 75 minutes and, if that works, metamorphose into thrilling cavaliers for the final 15 minutes is so far-fetched it should be a film script. In the Hollywood version, the hero of Impact Substitute comes on and scores four goals in the last ten minutes; in real life he looks glumly on as England and Italy play out time and shake hands. Hodgson sought not to lose in the tight match away in Ukraine last year, too. The score was 0-0 going into the final 30 minutes in Kiev. On the bench were Barkley, Sterling and the form man of the moment, Andros Townsend. Hodgson brought on Ashley Young for Jack Wilshere, who was having a poor game, and Tom Cleverley for Theo Walcott very late. Early bath: Sterling was sent off during England's clash against Ecuador and was subsequently suspended . To the surprise of nobody he did not go for broke as the referee began checking his watch. He made one like-for-like replacement and another intended to shore up midfield. That is what managers do. They play the percentages. These warm-up matches have been a missed opportunity, sadly. One of two primary aims has been unfulfilled and that was Hodgson's fault. He needed to find out about the best two youngsters in English football - Barkley and Sterling - and yet on one count remains very much in the dark. Barkley impressed in a cameo against Peru, was even better when starting against Ecuador and made a very good impression coming on at half time against Honduras. In charge: But has Roy Hodgson missed a trick by not starting with Sterling against Peru or Ecuador? Sterling, who knows? Hodgson rejected the chance to start him against Peru or Ecuador and was faced with a young man so desperate to make an impression in that second game that he got sent-off and missed the final match in which he was ear-marked to start. And there is the folly of the impact substitute. By delaying Sterling's involvement, Hodgson lost the chance to see him to any degree of usefulness. In the 1991 FA Cup semi-final with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur manager Terry Venables was told by the club doctor that Paul Gascoigne would not last much more than 30 minutes. He had the choice of starting him, or bringing him on. Venables chose to start him. His logic was simple. 'What if we were 3-0 down after an hour? We would never know what difference he could have made.' Tough draw: England were frustrated not to have beaten 10-man Honduras in their final warm-up match . He told Gascoigne to see what he could do in 30 minutes: and he won the game in ten. The myth of the impact substitute eschews another, more logical, tactic. Get ahead and then consolidate. Defend that lead. Why can't the impact substitute be the diligent worker whose care sees out the game, once the most dangerous players have done the hardest part? There is a reason the order of play for the singles matches on the final day of the Ryder Cup is so key to the captain's art. Front-load the team too heavily and there is a risk of rookies in the tail not being able to get over the line. Put all of your best players down the order to finish the job and there is a chance they could be stranded out on the course, the competition over and their match an irrelevance. Tiger Woods was furious when this happened to him at The Belfry in 2002 when Curtis Strange kept all of his strongest golfers in reserve and Sam Torrance of Europe did the opposite. We know that football is about 14 players, not 11, these days, but it seems almost perverse to concede that a player is a match-winner - and that is what an impact substitute equates to, after all - then keep him on the bench. It may be that Hodgson is gearing up to spring a surprise with Sterling, as he did by selecting Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for the first game of the 2012 European Championships against France. It may be that he thinks a slower tempo is the only way a fixture in Manaus can be approached and young attacking players in a first World Cup may run themselves out. Yet it is always harder to work without the ball. England invariably tire in the heat of tournament competition because they do too much hurrying and scurrying, while their opponents keep possession. The greatest impact would involve addressing that historical flaw, a change that would be as startling as any seven-mile wide comet. | Hodgson needed to find out about Raheem Sterling but has failed to do so .
Sterling said to have excelled in training but Hodgson did not start with him in the games against Peru and Ecuador and he was suspended for Honduras .
Ross Barkley has been the brightest spark in England's warm-up matches . |
92,000 | 025779b99d6af029fe10f3c4258e626ccb837dfe | (CNN) -- Tree houses -- from the luxurious and modern to the basic and cubbyhole-like -- sum up one of the best things about a vacation: getting away from it all. As for room service ... start hoisting. 1. Treehotel, near Luleå, Harads, Sweden . Each of the five "tree rooms" making up this hotel deep in Sweden's arboreal forest, just south of the Arctic Circle, is designed by a different Swedish architect, and each is suspended up to six meters from the ground. The Bird's Nest is camouflaged with sticks and accessed by a retractable ladder; the Mirrorcube has reflective surfaces that blend into the landscape. The Cabin is a capsule-like room with a viewing terrace; the Blue Cone resembles a giant red Lego block. The UFO, built over two floors, looks a bit like a spaceship. Each stylishly furnished room sleeps two to four people and -- this is Sweden, after all -- has access to the site's Treesauna. Treehotel, +46 928 104 03; from $690 a night . 2. Walnut Tree Farm, Aljezur, Portugal . This back-to-basics wooden tree house perched atop a 100-year-old walnut tree overlooking a mountain stream is a short drive from some of the Algarve's best beaches. It sleeps two people, with a huge bed taking up almost the entire space. Down below is a kitchen unit, lounging space, compost toilet and solar shower, plus room to pitch a tent if you want to bring friends along. Walnut Tree Farm, +351 2829 91904; from $540 a week . 3. Cap Cabane, Gironde, France . Resembling nibbles for a giant squirrel, these three pine cone-shaped wooden rooms blend into the trees in a small forest an hour south of Bordeaux. Decked out in simple furnishings, each room sleeps between two and four people -- each also has its own wooden terrace, a transparent roof for star gazing and compost toilet at ground level. The showers and cooking facilities are located in a communal hut a short walk away and there's a pond to cool off in after a romp through the woods. Cap Cabane, +44 1275 395 447; from $131 a night . 4. Red Kite Tree Tent, near Builth Wells, Powys, Wales . Suspended from trees within a 32-hectare private wood and reached via a small bridge, this wool-insulated orb makes for a romantic retreat-for-two. Inside you'll find a double bed that converts into a sofa, a log-burning stove and desk with a power socket. An en-suite deck has a shower, toilet and sink, plus there's a fire pit next to a stream for alfresco dining. Red Kite Tree Tent, +44 1865 764 087; three nights from $479 . 5. Sjunde Himlen, Falköping, Sweden . Built seven meters up an old oak tree, 90 minutes north-east of Gothenburg, Sjunde Himlen translates as "Seventh Heaven." Sleeping two people, it has a cottagey feel -- lots of pastel colors and floral prints. There's also a big balcony for guests to lay out sleeping bags under the stars. In the morning, you hoist a breakfast basket up by rope. Sjunde Himlen, +46 515 720 384; from $389 a night . 6. Justino's tree house, Fuentes, Castile-La Mancha, Spain . Resembling an old cabin stuck halfway up a tree, this ramshackle-looking structure looks like it might have been hurled here by a typhoon. Situated on a private estate, it sleeps up to four people with two bedrooms, a kitchenette and bathroom. The Bilbo-Baggins-cum-Unabomber aesthetic might suggest otherwise but there's even heating and a TV. It's unlikely you'll spend much time in front of the box, though, considering guests have free use of the estate's grounds, including a swimming pool. Pets are welcome -- assuming they're not afraid of heights. Fuentes tree house, +44 203 463 0087; from $126 a night . 7. Tree Top Hut, Brumunddal, Norway . These three cabins located eight meters up in the Ringsaker woods 90 minutes north of Oslo are named Spruce, Pine and Larch -- a helpful botanical reminder if you can't identify the kind of tree you're in. Sleeping between six and eight people in a cozy mezzanine area, each cabin also has a small kitchen, wood-burning stove and lounge area filled with candles, cushions and books -- there's a balcony outside. The cabins also come equipped with binoculars -- moose and reindeer are often seen roaming the area. Tree Top Hut, +47 9093 3356; from $165 a night . 8. Nid d'Aigle, Mézidon-Canon, France . Purportedly Europe's tallest tree house is 22 meters up a 250-year-old oriental plane tree above a small waterfall. Inside Nid d'Aigle ("Eagle's Nest") is a small, simple bedroom with a double bed -- though you'll probably spend most of your time on the south-facing patio, which has predictably wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. Fresh croissants and homemade apple juice are delivered to your tree house each morning. Nid d'Aigle (French site only), +33 2 31 90 94 49; from $260 a night . 9. Cabanes Als Arbres, Sant Hilari Sacalm, Spain . Deep in the Guilleries Forest, 80 kilometers north of Barcelona, are 10 individually designed tree houses, suspended up to eight meters high in the trunks of Douglas firs and beech trees. Accessed via suspended bridges and ladders, each tree house, sleeping between two and four, is beautifully decorated with proper beds, sink-into sofas, candles and paintings. Some of the cabins have views of the Pyrenees from their balcony. There are showers and a pool at the nearby homestead. Cabanes als Arbres, +34 625 411 409; from $150 a night, including breakfast . | Some tree houses are slick and modern, such as the Swedish Mirrorcube .
Others are little more than a hut with a bed -- but still cozy .
Croissants are delivered daily at Europe's tallest tree house, 22 meters up . |
163,579 | 5f8593ebd4f66791d3c34dd9f31b68c11cc4313a | By . Jason Groves and Emily Allen . PUBLISHED: . 07:51 EST, 26 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:13 EST, 26 March 2012 . David Cameron today faced demands for an independent inquiry into 'cash . for access' allegations after he confirmed he had wined and diners wealthy individuals - who had between . them donated millions of pounds to the Conservative Party - at Downing Street and Chequers. The Tories released a list of 12 donors who were invited with their . wives and partners to four dinners in Downing Street since Mr Cameron's . election in 2010. A second list of five donors invited for informal . lunches at the PM's country residence Chequers was released later. On the list were Lord John and Lady Sainsbury, secretive tycoon David Rowland - once branded a 'shady financier' - and billionaire City businessman Michael Spencer. Scroll down to hear David Cameron's reaction . Close relationship: Tory treasurer Peter Cruddas, left, boasted that he could give donors private access to David Cameron, right . Today Mr Cameron - who sometimes cooks at the dinner parties - pledged to publish a quarterly register of any . future meals at official residences with people who have given more than . £50,000 to the Tories. Mr Cameron had come under intense pressure after former Tory . co-treasurer Peter Cruddas was caught on film telling undercover . reporters that 'premier league' gifts could secure meetings with . ministers and influence policy. He denied Mr Cruddas's claims that big donors' concerns were fed into . a policy committee at Downing Street, and insisted that none of those . who dined with him had been recommended by the former treasurer - who . quit his post on Saturday, hours after the Sunday Times revealed his . comments. 'None of these dinners were fundraising dinners and none of these . dinners were paid for by the taxpayer. I have known most of those . attending for many years,' said the PM. Invited: David Rowland in an early picture and right, Telegraph Media Group chief executive . Murdoch MacLennan, who is not listed by the Electoral Commission as a . donor to the Tories . He announced that eminent lawyer and Tory peer Lord Gold would conduct a . party inquiry into the affair. But Labour leader Ed Miliband dismissed the Gold inquiry as 'a . whitewash' and called for an independent probe by the PM's official . adviser on ministerial interests Sir Alex Allan. Billionaire city boss Michael Spencer went for dinner at Number 10 in February . 'This scandal speaks to the conduct and character of this Prime Minister and his Government,' said Mr Miliband. 'Anything short of an independent inquiry will leave a permanent stain . on the reputation of this Government and this Prime Minister.' The 12 dinner-party guests at Downing Street had between them given . almost £18 million to the Conservatives since Mr Cameron became leader, . he said. And in a clear reference to last week's announcement of a cut from 50p . to 45p in the top rate of income tax on earnings over £150,000, he . added: 'I bet they did alright out of last week's Budget.' Mr Miliband accused the PM of showing 'utter contempt' for the Commons . by failing to attend the House to address MPs about the affair, instead . sending Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude. Mr Maude was almost drowned out by Labour shouts of 'Where's Cameron?' as he delivered a statement to MPs just hours after he had dismissed the . Cruddas allegations as 'a bit of a nonsense' in a radio interview. He accused Labour of a 'shameful' role in the party funding saga, . telling MPs that union barons who bankroll the party were able not only . to influence policy but also to choose the leader. Declaring that he will lead the Tory team in revived cross-party talks . on party funding, Mr Maude said that Conservatives were ready to accept a . cap on donations, but only if it applied not only to individuals and . companies but to unions too - something Labour has resisted. Dinner date: Sir Anthony Bamford of JCB and right, Lord Sainsbury who attended dinner at Downing Street on July 14 2010 . The Conservative Party said that Mr Cameron hosted a post-election . 'thank-you' dinner at 10 Downing Street on July 14 2010 attended by a . number of 'significant' donors who had given the Tories at least £50,000 . each. 'Business deals': Mr Cruddas was secretly filmed telling undercover reporters he could arrange private meetings with senior Conservatives . They included JCB chairman Sir Anthony Bamford, who has personally . donated £70,000 since Mr Cameron became leader while his company has . given almost £1.7 million; financier Michael Farmer, who has given . around £2.5 million; hedge fund tycoon Michael Hintze, who gave more . than £1.2 million; Tory peer Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover, who . gave £1 million; property developer Michael Freeman, who gave £380,000; . and hedge fund chief executive Sir Paul Ruddock, who gave £520,000. On February 28 last year, property tycoon and donor of more than £4 . million David Rowland attended a dinner in the flat, along with party . co-chairman Lord Feldman. On November 2 2011, Mr Cameron held a 'social dinner for strong and . long-term supporters of the party, with whom the PM has a strong . relationship', including Mr Farmer, the banker and Tory donor Henry . Angest and oil company boss Ian Taylor. And on February 27 this year, he held a social dinner with former . treasurer and major donor Michael Spencer, who gave more than £3 million . through his company IPGL and £200,000 personally. Mr Rowland and his wife had lunch at Chequers on August 8 2010, while . businessman Fares Fares, who has donated almost £60,000 to the Tories, . had lunch in the Buckinghamshire country house on November 7 that year. Secretive tycoon David Rowland and billionaire City businessman Michael Spencer, are among the people who have been invited to either Number 10 or his country residence Chequers (pictured) Current or former Tory treasurers who have had lunch with Mr Cameron at . Chequers included Mr Spencer on May 31 2010, Lord Ashcroft on June 6 . 2010 and Howard Leigh on February 6 2011 - all of whom have donated . significant sums to the party - while party co-chairman Lord Feldman has . visited the house on several occasions, said the Conservatives. May 31, 2010 - Chequers - lunch . - Michael Spencer and his partner . June 6, 2010 - Chequers - lunch . - Lord Ashcroft and his wife . July 14, 2010 - 10 Downing Street. Described as a 'thank-you dinner' inside Number 10 itself, while flat was being refurbished . - Anthony and Carole Bamford . - Michael and Dorothy Hintze . - Murdoch and Elsa MacLennan . - Lord John and Lady Sainsbury . - Andrew Feldman . - Jill and Paul Ruddock . - Mike and Jenny Farmer . - Michael and Clara Freeman . August 8, 2010 - Chequers - lunch . - David Rowland and his wife . November 7, 2010 - Chequers - lunch . - Fares Fares and his wife . February 6, 2011 - Chequers - lunch . - Howard Leigh and his wife . February 28, 2011 - Downing Street flat. - David Rowland and his wife . - Andrew Feldman also attended . October 15, 2011 - Chequers - A charity fundraiser in aid of Mencap and three smaller charities in aid of disabled children, attended by a large number of people, including donors to both the Labour Party and the Conservative Party. November 2, 2011 - Downing Street flat. Described as a 'social dinner for strong and long term supporters of the party, with whom the PM has a strong relationship'. - Henry and Dorothy Angest . - Michael Farmer and wife . - Ian Taylor and wife . February 27, 2012 - Downing Street flat. Said to have been a 'social dinner' - Michael Spencer and partner . Lord Feldman is said to have visited Chequers on 'several occasions' as Conservative Party co-chairman. Labour former Cabinet minister Jack . Straw said that today's announcement was 'symptomatic of the pandemonium . that has broken out in the Conservative Party and in the higher reaches . of the Government.' He told BBC Radio 4's World at One: 'I think that . we will still need an independent inquiry.' Deputy Prime Minister Nick . Clegg also released a list of major Liberal Democrat donors who had lunch or . dinners at his official residence Chevening today. The party released four dates in April . and June last year where he entertained former Lib Dem party treasurer Richard Duncalf and his . partner, entrepreneur Rumi Verjee, co-founder of Ministry of Sound James Palumbo and Sudhi and Anita Choudrie. A party spokesman said: 'These were . not paid for by the taxpayer. This list is based on party records and . diaries and is complete to the best of our knowledge.' The Prime Minister renewed calls for . Labour to agree on a cap of £50,000 on donations to parties, but . insisted that this limit must apply not only to individuals and . companies but also to unions - something Labour has always resisted. News Corporation chairman Rupert . Murdoch, whose own meetings with politicians have come under intense . scrutiny as a result of the News of the World hacking scandal, called . for an independent inquiry into the 'cash for access' affair. Writing on Twitter today, Mr Murdoch . said: 'Of course there must be a full independent inquiry on both sides. 'In great detail, and with consequences. Trust must be established. Without trust, democracy, and order will go.' Sir Christopher Kelly, chairman of the . Committee on Standards in Public Life, last night warned that the . revelations were ‘not an isolated incident’. He . added: ‘As long as we have a system in which the main political parties . are reliant on very large donations from very rich individuals – or . organisations, in the case of the Labour Party – then events of this . kind are almost bound to happen. ‘It . is a cancer which needs to be addressed.’ The . revelations are deeply embarrassing for Mr Cameron, who pledged two . years ago to crack down on the shadowy world of lobbying. The . existence of secret dinners with donors also undermines the Coalition’s . much-vaunted transparency drive, which allows the public to see who . ministers have met in their official capacity. Downing Street insisted that the Government had been 'more transparent' than any previous administration. Asked about the actions of Mr Cruddas, the spokeswoman said: 'We are just as flabbergasted as you guys.' Appalled: Sir Christopher Kelly, Chair of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, said the revelations were 'not an isolated incident' while Labour leader Ed Miliband called the news 'disturbing' | Billionaire City businessman Michael Spencer among the 26 invited along with secretive tycoon David Rowland and his wife .
Mr Cameron said most of the guests were long standing acquaintances .
Vows to publish details of all meals with party donors on quarterly basis .
Tory treasurer Peter Cruddas offered access to PM in return for cash .
He suggested donors who agreed to .
give £250,000 a year would have their ideas 'fed in'
to Downing Street . |
25,215 | 476e9cbfb5c32cbaf4f900c7bf60533fb70e44e9 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:35 EST, 7 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:39 EST, 7 January 2014 . An ex-Marine in Southern California jailed in 2012 for smuggling a chrome-plated Iraqi AK-47 into the US and saw his conviction overturned last month has been released. Joel Cleve Miller, 42, won an appeal that said he should have been allowed to present testimony supporting his claim he'd been framed by another Marine. Miller claims fellow soldier Christopher Bruce was having an affair with his former wife Melissa Miller and, when Miller threatened to reveal the adultery, Bruce concocted a scheme to blackmail him. Gaudy gun: Prosecutors at Joel Cleve Miller's trial got the former Marine a two-year jail sentence after claiming he smuggled this chrome-plated AK47 they say belonged to Saddam Hussein's royal guard out of Iraq in 2005 . Freed: Now the 42-year-old Hemmet, California man has been released following an appeals court decision that he should have been allowed to present evidence that he'd been framed . During Miller's four day trial, prosecutors claimed the Marine smuggled the illegal machine gun out of Iraq in 2005 after a two-year tour in the country. Miller testified that the gun actually belonged to Bruce, a married fellow Marine. Miller said that Bruce and his ex-wife were involved and in the military such adultery is considered a crime. But when called to testify, both Melissa Miller and Bruce declined to appear in court, citing their Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate themselves, according to the Press-Enterprise. 'The district court abused its discretion by precluding Miller from calling two witnesses to testify about their alleged extramarital affair,' the appeals court's opinion read. Troubled history? Miller was dishonorably discharged in 2011 for reasons unrelated to the machine gun. He also may have been part of the controversial scout sniper unit that posed in front of a flag that looked similar to the Nazi SS flag . Hot potato: Miller (pictured) claimed his ex-wife was having an affair with a fellow Marine. Miller claimed the gun was actually smuggled by former fellow soldier Christopher Bruce . 'Their testimony about the affair would have corroborated Miller’s testimony and bolstered his defense that he was framed in retaliation for threatening to report the alleged affair to military authorities.' As of Tuesday, there was no word from prosecutors as to whether they would be seeking a retrial. During Miller's original trial, the prosecution claimed that not only was the gun Miller's but that he'd bragged about owning it and even took pictures of himself holding it. According to Miller, it was just one gun among others that Bruce had given to him to hold during some marital issues he was having. The firearm was seized by the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after a 2007 call Melissa Miller made to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service to report her impending divorce from the Marine. She told them she wanted the guns taken away from her home and children. Miller was discharged from the Marines in 2011 for 'bad conduct' unrelated to the firearm. The Marine Corps accused him of making thousands in fraudulent travel claims to a medical facility. He also may have been part of a controversial scout sniper unit that posed in front of a flag that looked similar to the Nazi SS flag . Miller had spent over 20 years in the service. | Joel Cleve Miller of Hemet, California had served nine months of a 2-year sentence when an appeals court ruled to throw out his 2012 conviction last month .
The court ruled Miller should have been allowed to present the testimony of his ex-wife and the man Miller claims framed him .
Miller says his ex wife and fellow Marine Christopher Bruce were having an affair and Bruce framed him when he threatened to reveal the relationship . |
197,250 | 8b4d2d6c28a4bde1fd77477fad4aa0fc1bdff908 | (CNN)June ushers in the busiest season of air travel, which typically means snaking security lines, thunderstorm delays and cabins packed to the gills with vacationing families. But take heart fliers, we dug up some bright spots that can make sitting in coach more bearable on long-haul flights. Snacks on demand . When your blood sugar is plummeting or you're craving that cup of joe that eluded you in the rush to get to the airport, the food and beverage cart can take an eternity to make its way down the aisle to your seat. Enter Red, Virgin America's entertainment system. Passengers enter their choice from a menu of cold snacks and drinks on their personal screen, swipe their credit card, and hello artisan cheese box! "Ordering food from your seat is incredible," says Bob Albert, founder and CEO of new flight rating and review site Routehappy.com. "You feel totally empowered." 14 outstanding airport amenities . Family friendliness . Traveling with children on long flights can be an ordeal at best. Luckily, more and more international carriers are offering kid-friendly perks designed to keep tots -- and those seated around them -- content. British Airways has a "Feed Families First" policy, which can do wonders to keep peace in the cabin. Lufthansa provides baby food and special menus for children developed by German Chef Stefan Marquard, with appetizing and nutritious meals like fish fingers with potato and cabbage puree, as well as games, puzzles and coloring books that feature the antics of airline crane mascot Lu. But nothing can top the specially trained sky nannies aboard Bahrain carrier Gulf Air, who make sure kids are fed and occupied so mom and dad are free to enjoy the flight. Amazing first-class air cabins . A civilized way to fly . Forget the VIP pass, Canadian airline Porter invites all passengers to enjoy its lounges in Toronto and Ottawa, where free cookies, Starbucks coffee, Tazo tea, Wi-Fi and newspapers await. Onboard, Canadian craft brews and wine are served gratis, in real glasses. Bonus: no middle seats. JetBlue also deserves kudos for its roomier leather seats, snooze kits on red-eye flights and Dunkin' Donuts coffee. Saving knees everyday . Few things can make a flight more uncomfortable than the passenger in front of you reclining into your precious space, crushing your knees and likely your mood. Hong-Kong-flagged carrier Cathay Pacific, however, has come to the rescue with its "fixed-back" economy class seat that reclines six inches within its own space and cradles your head and neck with adjustable side wings. Tasty airline fare . "Can you imagine there is airplane food that people love?" asks Albert. Indeed, Routehappy reviewers rave about nasi lemak, a Malaysian rice dish, sold aboard Kuala Lumpur-based AirAsia flights for $5. "The airline's become famous for this dish." Kudos also go to Turkish Airlines for the national dishes -- shish kebab, karniyarik (stuffed eggplant) and manti (dumplings) -- served in coach class, earning it a "Best Airline Food" nod from Skyscanner recently. Hire a guide, business travelers . Top-notch entertainment . With 1,200 channels of on-demand entertainment, including 200 movies, 500 audio channels and 100 video games, Emirates Airlines has you covered for in-flight entertainment. The much-lauded system has recently been upgraded with a new "graphical user interface," making it easier to navigate the vast collection by swiping and scrolling, as well as send SMS and e-mail messages. Starry, starry night . Your flight is cruising at 35,000 feet above the Atlantic, the lights in the cabin dim, and as you settle in for the night, constellations of stars appear on the ceiling. This evening phenomenon occurs on United Arab Emirates-based Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline and Egypt Air. Gentle wake-up . Is a burst of harsh florescent lighting any way to wake up? Virgin Atlantic doesn't think so. The airline employs soft lighting to wake passengers gently before landing. Complimentary eye masks, blankets and pillows don't hurt either. "It was definitely the best I felt waking up on a red-eye," says Lauren Sullivan, travel expert for Cheapflights.com. "I went straight to the office because I felt perfectly refreshed." Do you remember the best flight you ever had? Why was it so good? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. | These amenities make air travel a little nicer .
Some airlines have services to keep kids entertained (and their neighbors happy)
AirAsia serves a Malaysian rice dish that passengers rave about . |
119,846 | 26e5849ac00c496c64c98a3c3777f8121be666c7 | (CNN) -- From the workshops of Rome to the catwalks of Paris, this month icon delves into the world of fashion. From the capital of couture, Myleene Klass goes back stage at Paris Fashion Week to find out what it takes to turn a clothing item into an icon. Valentino . For almost half a century at the head of his eponymous label, Valentino dressed the most glamorous women in the world, from Jackie Kennedy to Julia Roberts. His name has become synonymous with elegance and his fashion house remains just one of just fifteen that are officially allowed to call themselves "haute couture." Valentino invited icon to his home, a 17th century French chateau outside Paris, to take a look at some of his greatest designs. Anna Dello Russo . Paris Fashion Week -- a mecca for style watchers, trend surfers and the high priests of design. Between fashion shows, Myleene Klass goes to meet the fashion director of Japanese Vogue, Anna Dello Russo -- a self-confessed fashion addict who has 4,000 pairs of shoes to prove it. Her blog is visited by 25,000 users daily, who log on to see the latest outfits she is wearing. Myleene gets an exclusive look inside the closet of this modern-day style icon at her room in the Ritz. Louboutin . Fish scales, spider webs and the columns of buildings -- for Christian Louboutin, inspiration comes from the most unlikely of sources. The high priest of the high heel has transformed footwear into fantasy and the wearers into wonder women who walk tall. Louboutin prefers not to divulge his client list but his shoes aren't so discreet. They speak volumes as they flash their iconic red soles on the feet of pop stars and princesses -- from the First Lady of France, Carla Bruni, to Lady Gaga and Madonna. The styles of his shoes have changed over his 20-year career but one thing has remained the same -- the heels are always high. Icon went to the master cobbler's atelier in Paris to discover the sources of his inspiration and to see how a pair of stilettos are made. Watch the show at the times below: Thursday 24 March: 1130, 1730 Saturday 26 March: 0630, 1500, 2230 Sunday 27 March: 0330, 0730, 1830 (All times GMT) | Designer Valentino Garavani talks to icon about some of his most memorable creations .
Anna Dello Russo, editor-at-large of Vogue Japan, on her passion for fashion .
Plus, icon meets acclaimed shoe designer Christian Louboutin in his Paris atelier . |
198,996 | 8da0b79d01fbbea06a2e3192904cf63ec1ae9c6a | (CNN) -- A prosecutor is dropping a charge against prominent Harvard University professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. after Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the city's police department recommended that the matter not be pursued. Harvard Professor Henry Louis Gates Jr. was arrested last week on a charge of disorderly conduct. In a joint statement, Cambridge and the police department said they made the recommendation to the Middlesex County district attorney and the district attorney's office "has agreed to enter a nolle prosequi in this matter," meaning that it will not be pursued. Gates was arrested last week on a charge of disorderly conduct after a confrontation with an officer at his home, according to a Cambridge police report. Charles Ogletree, a professor at Harvard Law School who is Gates' lawyer in this case, told CNN on Tuesday that Gates -- the director of Harvard's W. E. B. Du Bois Institute for African and African American Research -- had returned from China on Thursday to his Cambridge home and discovered his front door jammed. He opened his back door with his key and tried unsuccessfully from inside his home to open the front door. Eventually, Gates and his driver forced the door open from the outside, Ogletree said. The professor was inside for several minutes when a police officer, Sgt. James Crowley, appeared at his steps and asked him to step outside, the lawyer said. According to his lawyer, Gates told the officer he lived there and showed him his Massachusetts driver's license and Harvard University identification card. The officer followed him into his house and said he had received a report of a possible break-in, the lawyer said. Gates grew frustrated that the officer was continuing to question him in his home and asked for the officer's name and badge number, Ogletree said. The police report offers a different account of the incident. Gates refused to step outside to speak with the officer, the police report said, and when Crowley told Gates that he was investigating a possible break-in, Gates opened the front door and exclaimed, "Why, because I'm a black man in America?" the report said. "While I was led to believe that Gates was lawfully in the residence, I was quite surprised and confused with the behavior he exhibited toward me," he said, according to the report. The report said Gates initially refused to show the officer identification, but eventually produced a Harvard identification card, prompting Crowley to radio for Harvard University Police. Gates followed the officer outside and continued to accuse him of racial bias, the report said. After Crowley warned the professor twice that he was becoming disorderly, the officer wrote he arrested Gates for "loud and tumultuous behavior in a public space." Ogletree said the professor was "very frustrated" but never touched or pointed at the officer. He was released from police custody Thursday evening after spending four hours at the police station, Ogletree said. | NEW: Police ask for disorderly conduct charged to be dropped .
African-American scholar Henry Louis Gates Jr. had confrontation with police .
Cambridge officer came to his home last week after report of break-in .
Police report: Gates refused to ID himself, accused officer of racism . |
153,455 | 5249da49219acfebda7878acf7700faf66e673e2 | (CNN) -- Citing inaction by city police, some residents in a Detroit neighborhood attacked and beat a man they suspected of raping a teenage girl. Authorities confirm they investigated a reported rape in July, that the alleged victim -- a 15-year-old girl with Down syndrome -- was taken to a hospital and evidence was collected, including a rape kit. Authorities also confirm that processing in the case was delayed in the days and weeks after the alleged incident. Despite questioning of a man identified by the girl's family and area residents as the suspect, no charges have been filed. On August 5 -- more than two weeks after the alleged rape was reported -- some residents of the Hubbard Farms neighborhood in southwestern Detroit decided they weren't going to wait for police and prosecutors to act. They recognized the man -- a resident of the area -- from handbills posted around the neighborhood that included the man's picture, and some residents went into action, chasing the man when he ran and hitting him with blows that including baseball bat strikes to the knees. While only a few residents took part in the beating, sentiment was strong that the man was a threat to the community and that police were not proceeding on the rape case, according to resident Angel Garza, also known by his artist name, Anjoe Block. "It was way too long for (authorities) to do something. All we wanted to do was get him away from our neighborhood," said Garza, who did not participate in the incident involving the man, but told CNN he knew people who did. Garza, an artist, had taken to Facebook to grab community attention, posting online the neighborhood flier that identified the man by name and picture, and that said in all-capital letters the man "HAS RAPED A YOUNG ... WOMAN IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD ... PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THIS MAN IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS." The physical condition and whereabouts of the man, who had been arrested and released by police before the beating, could not be determined Tuesday. He has not been charged Tuesday. The 15-year-old alleged victim is with her family and is getting support from relatives and neighbors, according to a family friend. The Wayne County prosecutor's office confirmed that the alleged rape was reported to police on July 17. Police sent crews to the crime scene and took in evidence. But then processing of the rape kit was delayed, according to Jerome Warfield, a member of Detroit's civilian commission that oversees police. Detroit police e-mails reveals weight, bra sizes of female officers . The community learned of the incident from a family member's post on the community list-serve. An e-mail by the relative of the alleged victim outlined the incident, gave purported details about the man, and told how the family tried to contact police. Police issued an arrest warrant request on July 30, 13 days after the alleged rape, according to the Wayne County prosecutor's office. The man named on the neighborhood flier was taken into custody and questioned, but police could not formally charge him because the prosecutor's office didn't sign off on the warrant, according to Warfield. The man was then released. A few days later, the beating occurred. People in the community simply believe that law enforcement is not acting in any expedient way in the case, according to Garza. A spokesman for the Detroit Police Department told CNN this week, "We are aware of the situation." "This is an ongoing investigation. We cannot confirm any details," said Sgt. Eren Stephens of the department's public information office. Not everyone in the community approves of the vigilante action. "So it's OK to take the law into your own hands?" said one user on the community forum on Facebook. "And the people who beat him up weren't arrested?" "When are they going to arrest the people that beat him like they did," said another user on the forum. "They are every bit as guilty as they believe he is." According to a case record in the Wayne County Probate Court, the man is 43 years old and described as "an individual with a developmental disability." "Because the victim and suspect, being significantly handicapped, there are rules and guidelines that we have to follow that we cannot treat the situation as a normal assault," said Police Commissioner Warfield. "To that end, there is special questioning and steps to go through to make sure that their rights are protected. We are mandated by American Disabilities Act to take special precaution. That process can go a little bit slower." According to Warfield, the processing of the rape kit was delayed some seven to 10 days for unknown reasons. "If there was anything that the police could have done better, it would've been issuing the rape kit more quickly," said Warfield. Detroit files for bankruptcy . Following the beating of the man last week, vandals painted the word RAPIST in large letters five times on an apartment building, just below the man's unit, Warfield said. They broke in and ransacked the man's home, according to Warfield. "I think people are hurt and scared, and certain people respond to that in an immediate and violent way," said Megan Heeres, a close friend and longtime neighbor of the 15-year-old and her family. "But that's not the response the family wants." Heeres said the family has been focusing on restorative justice more than anything, and helping the girl start living her life again. She said the victim is doing well with the support from her family. "They want to see some changes from the Detroit Police Department. It hasn't been about vigilante justice. There should be a clear-cut process or protocol when responding to sexual assault to minors, so people can feel secure that there's movement (with their case)," said Heeres. "It's been such a tragedy," said John Van Camp, president of Southwest Solutions, an agency involved in neighborhood revitalization, counseling services, and economic development in the community. "I've known the victim and family for many years. We provided as much support as we could. The fact that it's continuing to unfold is unfathomable." Van Camp believes since the situation is still unfolding, all parties, including the 15-year-old girl, the people within the community and the man who was beaten, have now all become victims. Another police investigation is now under way for those responsible for beating the man and breaking into the home, according to Warfield. No arrests have been made in the beating of the man and, "He has not been seen," according to Garza. "We do understand that the neighbors were enraged," said Warfield. "Detroit police understand how this is emotional. But vigilantism cannot be accepted when you're impeding upon somebody's rights." In 2010: Stoning death a case of 'citizen justice' | The victim of the alleged rape is a 15-year-old girl with Down syndrome .
A man was identified in a neighborhood flier that included his picture .
The man was beaten last week when he was spotted by residents .
Detroit police say only that the investigation of the reported rape is ongoing . |
7,392 | 14ee16d218943c45aa6a6c5705012b3d2411593c | By . Katherine Faulkner . Last updated at 1:21 AM on 14th December 2011 . Celebrations: Corey Brown, 20, escaped being tagged so he can go out for his 21st birthday and over Christmas . A judge agreed not to fit a criminal with an electronic tag because of his 21st birthday plans – and that only a ‘tyrant’ would impose such a punishment. Corey Brown had been ordered to do 150 hours of community service for his role in the theft of a pensioner’s car, but when he failed to turn up for the work sessions five times he was hauled back into court to be given a curfew and an electronic tag. But he was spared after complaining that the punishment would ruin his plans for a night out on his 21st birthday. Recorder David Hall told a stunned courtroom: ‘It would be a tyrant who tagged someone on their 21st birthday and at Christmas.’ Turning to Brown– who had sat smirking throughout the hearing at Warwick Crown Court – Recorder Hall then said: ‘If I give you seven more hours [of community service] to do, and you keep out of trouble, is that a fair deal?’ Brown, from Bedworth, Warwickshire, simply nodded, and then walked free from court. Yesterday, victims’ groups reacted furiously to the decision, saying it would ‘undermine confidence in the criminal justice system’. In March, Brown was given a 36-week jail sentence, suspended for two years, and 150 hours’ community service after he was caught with the keys of a Lexus that had been stolen from a 70-year-old woman. The £30,000 car had been used in a series of raids on shops in the Coundon area of Coventry in November last year. When police raided Brown’s home, they discovered the keys hidden in his bedpost. Brown admitted handling stolen goods. Punishment: Corey Brown, 20, escaped with seven hours additional unpaid work after repeatedly missing probation sessions . But after failing to turn up for his . community service placements on five occasions, on Monday he was brought . back into court – which could have seen him sent straight to prison to . carry out his original 36-week sentence. The court heard that Brown, who lives . with his grandmother, had also missed three sessions of a ‘Thinking . Skills’ programme that he had been ordered to complete. Despite this, . his lawyer asked the court to be lenient, because Brown was about to . celebrate his birthday. Annabel Hamilton, defending, told the . court: ‘He is very reluctant to have a curfew because of his 21st . birthday and Christmas coming up.’ To the astonishment of court staff, . Recorder Hall agreed to go easy on Brown, and told him he would not be . fitted with a tag – which alerts police if offenders leave their homes . during curfew hours. And Brown – who has already been to prison three times – admitted that even he was surprised he had been let off. He said: ‘I was expecting to get a . tag for missing my probation dates. Technically, they should have . activated my prison sentence. But the judge told me I’d done well so . far. He said he didn’t see the point. ‘Thanks to the judge, I can enjoy a few drinks for my birthday, instead of being stuck in with my gran or in prison.’ When asked why he had not turned up . to do his community service, he replied: ‘I don’t know; just didn’t . think about it. I didn’t care. ‘I suppose I did see the whole thing as a bit of a joke.’ As he prepared to celebrate his 21st . birthday yesterday, Brown added: ‘I’ve been to jail three times and I . haven’t learned a thing. ‘I’ve already told the judge that . jail doesn’t work for me. What’s the point of sending me to prison now?’ Javed Khan, chief executive of Victim Support, said: ‘Tough community . sentences can work in stopping reoffending, but there need to be . consequences if offenders repeatedly break them. ‘If that means disrupting a criminal’s enjoyment of the festive season, then so be it. ‘Otherwise decisions like these could undermine victims’ confidence in the justice system.’ A court insider said: ‘It was obvious the judge was feeling warm-hearted in the run-up to Christmas. ‘But it did leave the solicitors a little surprised, considering the defendant’s record.’ | Corey Brown, 20, who was caught with the keys to a £30k car, repeatedly failed to turn up for unpaid work .
Recorder David Hall refuses to give him an electronic tag - and instead adds an extra seven hours to his community punishment .
Brown says he saw punishment as a 'bit of a joke' |
203,463 | 9361f411882a588d58d4e74626c6e808db9b41f6 | By . Martin Robinson and Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 02:32 EST, 12 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:40 EST, 14 February 2013 . Britain's icy blast of wintry weather will melt away to more balmy conditions today with temperatures rocketing into double figures. Much of the UK was covered with a thick blanket of snow yesterday as a weather system from the Atlantic brought in up to 6in (15cm) in places. The Met Office issued severe weather warnings for much of Scotland and northern England for, advising people to be careful in the icy conditions and low temperatures. Scroll down for video . Ice smash: At least seven cars and lorries were involved in this accident on the A96 Huntly to Inverurie road in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, but thankfully there were no serious injuries . The Met Office issued severe weather warnings for much of Scotland . and northern England yesterday, advising people to be careful in the icy . conditions and low temperatures. Above, the famous Antony Gormley . sculpture stares out over the snowy landscape . A man pulls grit along on a trolley in Ramsbottom in Bury, Greater Manchester . Many roads were impassable as winter . bites Britain yet again, while a number of crashes occurred in Scotland . and the North due to the icy conditions. But after yesterday's snowfall the UK will see much milder weather today, forecasters said. The mercury could rise as high as 12C . (54F) in the South West, 11C (52F) in London and 9C (48F) in the North, . the Midlands and Scotland. There will be no more snow this week, . but instead dry, sunny weather, according to Sally Webb, a forecaster . with MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association. Unable to use their delivery van, florists Margaret Knowles and Claire Foster brave a blizzard in Buxton, Derbyshire, to deliver Valentine blooms . Traffic on the M62 outside Huddersfield . A stream runs down between snow-dusted hills outside Aberystwyth, Wales . Stranded: Two men help push a vehicle stuck on hill during snow in Blanefield, Scotland . No way through: A police officer issues advice to a motorist on a snow-covered road in Blanefield, Scotland . Fun for some: A man pulls a boy on a sledge in Blanefield, Scotland (left), while a driver attempts to grit the road beneath his lorry in the same town (right) Helping hand: A police officer shovels salt onto the road in Blanefield, Scotland. Weather forecaster have issued a yellow weather warning of up to 10cm of snow on higher routes . A car left abandoned by the side of the road in Blanefield is taken away . 'Heavy rain falling across much of . England and Wales this morning will clear through the South East around . noon, leaving a largely dry and sunny day,' she said. 'There will be isolated showers along western fringes, particularly in Scotland. 'It will stay dry overnight, with . clear spells and widespread frost, and temperatures getting down to 0C . in most places, and minus 2C (28.5F) in places like Cheshire. Blanket of snow: A gritter clears the road after heavy snowfall near Tomintoul in Scotland . Prepared: A snow plough is on stand-by on A66 in Cumbria as the next bout of snow arrived across northern England . Dawn dusting: Early morning snow falling on Johnshill in the village of Lochwinnoch around 20 miles west of Glasgow . 'Tomorrow there will be sunny spells, . though Scotland is still likely to see some showers overnight into . Saturday, but elsewhere it will be largely dry and sunny throughout the . weekend. 'Temperatures are going to stay fairly . mild, with 10C (50F) or 11C (52F) in western areas, 8C (46.5F) or 9C . (48F) in other areas and into next week.' But the warmer weather may just be a blip - forecasters suggest it will become cold again at the end of next week. The Environment Agency has eight flood . warnings in place - three in the Midlands, three in East Anglia and two . in the South West, and 132 less serious flood alerts, mainly in the . South East. However, forecasters say there is further proof that spring could . still be a long way off as forecasters warn Britain faces another month . of Arctic conditions. The snow is caused by a band of rain moving in from the Atlantic early today will turn into snow across much of England and . Scotland. Nick Prebble, a forecaster with MeteoGroup, said: 'There will be snow across much of England and . Scotland, and it will settle through the Midlands, the North and . Scotland. Ready: Police are on stand-by on the Cumbria and Durham border as today Met Office has warned of disruptive snow to spread . across Scotland and northern England . Warning: The Met Office has issued severe weather warnings for much of . Scotland and northern England for. In this picture a gritter is . busy clearing the road after heavy snowfall near Tomintoul in Scotland . this morning . Difficult commute: Gritters have been out in force near Tomintoul (left) after snow hit Scotland again bringing traffic to a standstill on the M90 Northbound in Fife (right) 'The Midlands will see up to 4cm (1.6in), further north in England will . have up to 6cm (2.4in) while lower ground in Scotland could have 8cm . (3.2cm). But on higher ground that is likely to be more than 10cm (4in), . possibly up to 15cm (6in), with significant falls of snow.' But the freeze is likely to be short lived, and the snow will thaw and . melt away overnight as milder air comes in from the west, Mr . Prebble said, paving the way for dry, sunny spells until Friday. On Monday the heaviest snowfall was . in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire with nearly 5inches - 12cms - falling . overnight while much of London and the south-east saw several . centimetres overnight. Bird footprints in the snow, and leaves, at Maurice Lea Memorial Park in Swadlincote, Derbyshire . A deer pictured in a snowy field in the Highlands near Aviemore . Donkeys stand in snow-covered fields at the Hope Sanctuary near Leeds . Still busy working: As snow hits Scotland again, a farmer tends to his horses in a field outside Kingseat in Fife . Snow day: Rebecca Taylor Gibbs, two, from Glasgow, and mum Bethany Taylor (left), 26, play in the snow in Kelvingrove Park, Glasgow, while a woman nearby clears a car of snow following the snow shower . | Mercury could rise as high as 12C (54F) in the South West .
Forecasters say London could see 11C (52F) and 9C (48F) in the North .
However, Environment Agency still has eight flood alerts in place . |
108,026 | 1747573a5eb98083fc1592de6460ad2e63a3ee57 | By . Associated Press and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 22:57 EST, 24 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:00 EST, 25 August 2013 . New York's attorney general has sued Donald Trump for $40 million, claiming the real estate mogul helped run a phony 'Trump University' that falsely promised to make students rich. Instead, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said that the university steered them into expensive and mostly useless seminars, and even failed to deliver promised apprenticeships. After the lawsuit was filed on Saturday, Trump shot back that it is false and politically motivated. Schneiderman says many of the 5,000 students who paid up to $35,000 thought they would at least meet Trump but instead all they got was their picture taken in front of a life-size picture of him. 'Trump University engaged in deception at every stage of consumers' advancement through costly programs and caused real financial harm,' Schneiderman said. Beleaguered: Donald Trump, pictured with his university emblem in May 2005, has been sued for $40 million after a lawsuit claims the classes were mostly useless and failed to live up to their promises . 'Trump University, with Donald Trump's knowledge and participation, relied on Trump's name recognition and celebrity status to take advantage of consumers who believed in the Trump brand.' State Education Department officials told Trump to change the name of his enterprise years ago, saying it . lacked a license and didn't meet the legal definitions of a university. In 2011 it was renamed the 'Trump Entrepreneur Institute', but it has since been . dogged by complaints from consumers and a few civil . lawsuits claiming it didn't fulfill its advertised claims. Schneiderman's . lawsuit covers complaints dating to 2005 through 2011 and it claims that students paid . between $1,495 and $35,000 to learn from the mogul. Complaint: New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman brought the suit against Trump . He said the . three-day seminars failed to teach consumers everything they . needed to know about real estate, as the 'university' had promised. The Trump University manual tells . instructors not to let consumers 'think three days will be enough to . make them successful', Schneiderman said. At the seminars, . consumers were told about 'Trump Elite' mentorships that cost $10,000 to . $35,000 in which students were promised individual instruction until they made . their first deal. Schneiderman said participants were urged to extend . the limit on their credit cards for real estate deals, but then used the . credit to pay for the Trump Elite programs. The attorney general said . the program also failed to promptly cancel memberships as promised. The lawsuit added that many of students were unable to land even one real estate deal and were left far . worse off than before the lessons, facing thousands of dollars in debt. But . Trump's attorney accused Schneiderman of trying to extort campaign . contributions from the real estate mogul through his investigation. Attorney Michael D. Cohen told The Associated Press on Saturday that Schneiderman's lawsuit was filled with falsehoods. Cohen insisted that Trump and his university never defrauded anyone. 'The attorney general has been angry . because he felt that Mr. Trump and his various companies should have . done much more for him in terms of fundraising,' Cohen said. 'This . entire investigation is politically motivated and it is a tremendous . waste of taxpayers' money.' Angered: Trump accused the attorney general of being politically motivated with his lawsuit and said it was a way for Schneiderman to try to extort campaign contributions from him . State Board of Elections records show Trump has spent more than $136,000 on New York campaigns since 2010. He contributed $12,500 to Schneiderman in October 2010, when Schneiderman was running for attorney general, records show. An outspoken conservative, Trump himself flirted with a presidential run last year. 'Donald Trump will not sit back and be extorted by anyone, including the attorney general,' Cohen said. Schneiderman is suing the program, Trump as the university chairman, and the former president of the university in a case to be handled in state Supreme Court in Manhattan. He accuses them of engaging in persistent fraud, illegal and deceptive conduct and violating federal consumer protection law. The $40 million he seeks is mostly to pay restitution to consumers. He dismissed Trump's claim of a political motive. 'The fact that he's still brave enough to follow the investigation wherever it may lead speaks to Mr. Schneiderman's character,' Schneiderman spokesman Andrew Friedman told AP. | Attorney General Eric Schneiderman has accused university of encouraging students to pay for expensive, useless seminars .
Students paid as much as $35,000 to attend the university .
Trump has claimed that the suit is politically motivated . |
161,669 | 5d099f88b09e503ed837d89c893a29226cf0017a | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:12 EST, 31 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:08 EST, 31 October 2013 . Dozens of high school students in San Diego could face criminal charges after texting sexually explicit photos of teenage girls. Schoolgirls, some as young as 13, had sent naked pictures of themselves to their boyfriends, which were then circulated to students at seven schools. Some of the students who received and sent on the photos could now be charged with possession and distribution of child pornography. Investigation: Schoolboys at seven San Diego schools could be charged with child pornography after sharing pictures of naked girlfriends . 'The individuals took pictures of . themselves in very compromising positions, exposing various parts of . their bodies, and very, you know, unflattering,' Lieutenant Chuck Haye of the San Diego Police Department said. He told 10 News about 30 students at six high schools and one middle school were involved and that many of the girls had no idea their pictures were being distributed. 'We have several hundred photographs to . look through. We have a much smaller number of pictures that actually . have a face shot that will provide us an opportunity to identify who it . is,' Lieutenant Haye added. The San Dieguito Union High School District told ABC News it was cooperating with the investigation and that it encouraged parents 'to consistently monitor teen-use of cellular phone and other technologies'. Parents in the school district have also said the case has prompted them to think about the way their children use phones. Gordon Cooke, whose 14-year-old daughter attends Canyon Crest Academy, one of the schools allegedly being investigated, said: 'What I tell my kids all the time is you’re really just one screen shot away from ruining your lives.' 'I think a lot of the kids don't realize and they think it's funny and innocent,' he said. San Diego police plan to file criminal charges but have not said when that will happen. All of those being investigated are minors. | Boys face child pornography charges for sharing naked photos .
San Diego police investigating six high schools and a middle school . |
186,382 | 7d734823e5488e9891211c0fc61270725729d0ec | LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- The controversial auction of Michael Jackson's property from his Neverland ranch has been canceled, and all of the items will be returned to Jackson, the auction organizer said. The property will return to Michael Jackson's control, the owner of an auction company says. The singer sued the auction company last month, claiming he did not authorize the sale of items that were removed from Neverland after he sold the ranch. "We resolved everything with Michael Jackson," Julien's Auctions owner Darren Julien said. "We came to a resolution that both sides are very happy with." Details of the settlement are confidential, Julien said. The public can still "get a glimpse at Neverland and the life and career of Michael Jackson" because the items will remain on exhibit in Beverly Hills, California, until April 25, Julien said. The exhibition was a prelude to the planned auction. After April 25, the items will go back to Jackson's control, Julien said. The items, including the iconic Neverland gates, the singer's famed white-jeweled glove and a stretch Rolls Royce, were removed by the auction house last year at Jackson's request, the auctioneer told CNN. Jackson's lawyer did not immediately respond to calls for comment. Jackson sold Neverland ranch, his former home, last year. Since his 2005 acquittal in the United States on child molestation charges Jackson has spent much of his time living in Bahrain. Jackson is set to perform 50 "final curtain call" concerts in London, England, starting in July. The shows sold out in four hours last month, the events' organizers said. "These will be my final shows performing in London," he said. | Singer had filed suit last month to halt sale of items from Neverland ranch .
Auctioneer: Items, including jeweled glove, will be returned to Jackson .
"We came to a resolution that both sides are very happy with," organizer says .
Jackson sold ranch last year, claims he didn't authorize sale of items . |
145,230 | 47d574a4d9a74c484dea9a33054784d173b7d1fe | By . Ruth Styles . He's spent weeks surviving on nothing more than cow's blood and milk, faced down great white sharks and lived for months in the Amazon jungle. But despite his dark good looks - and impressive survival skills - TV explorer Hazen Audel, 40, says none of it is anywhere near as difficult as finding lasting love, even if he does admit that his constant travels don't always help. 'A great white has the ability to tear your arms off,' chuckles Hazen, who is currently starring in National Geographic's Survive the Tribe. 'But I understand sharks a lot more than women!' Scroll down for video . Shark hunt: During his trip to the Solomon Islands, Hazen hunted Great White sharks in a flimsy canoe . Nevertheless, he says he is ready to find someone new - even if things haven't always gone to plan in the past. 'I’ve been giving this love stuff a . pretty good shot - my last relationship lasted for six years,' explains Hazen. 'And I loved . being crazy in love. The problem was, it was crazy - it had an uncanny . resemblance to Fatal Attraction! 'I barely came out of that alive and I was lucky my cat didn’t get boiled! At least I . know where never to venture again.' While boiling cats is a definite no-no, Hazen, a regular consumer of gruesome foods, says cooking is a sure way to his heart, although you don't have to be good at it. Don't hurt my cat! Hazen says he likes a girl who can cook, although he'd prefer that his cat doesn't get boiled . Tough guy: Hazen spends much of his time travelling, in this case in the Kalahari with the Ju/'hoansi San people . 'I rarely complain about the cook’s abilities,' he explains. 'Being able to cook is a major turn on but she doesn’t have to a good one.' Being able to put up with a night in a tent and a penchant for travel to off-the-beaten track destinations also help, as does being able to shin up a tree - a favourite first date test of Hazen's. 'I have been known to assess a date on whether they climbed a tree with me or not,' he confesses. 'But the best dates I have had are . the ones where there are sparkles by the end and that just . plain doesn’t happen that often.' Part of the reason for that, of course, is Hazen's passion for travelling. Filming Survive the Tribe took him to six different countries and he's currently in Costa Rica working on his other career as a biologist. Survival skills: Hazen says he likes a girl who doesn't mind roughing it in a tent in the wilderness occasionally . Holiday trip: Hazen says he would take a girl to the Solomon Islands - definitely not Canada's chilly wilderness . Nevertheless, . he says he would eventually like someone to come home to - and in . return, would occasionally swap remote wildernesses for 'sand and palm . trees type places' for the right girl. 'Of course I enjoy travel but if I know it wouldn't be the sort of trip that would be a recipe for . disaster, then I'd love to share my experiences with the girl of my dreams. 'For this type of travel I prefer beaches with palm trees, white sand . and tropical fish. Even better would be with a hut in the village I filmed in the Solomon Islands. Regardless of the sharks, I’d like . to go back there, hopefully with a lovely girlfriend.' So what else does it take to impress the intrepid explorer? According to Hazen, looking good and smelling nice are important, although you don't necessarily need to brave tribal living. 'I need a woman that is certainly strong . enough to rough it camping and loves getting dirty,' he adds. 'But a girl who is . feminine and smells really nice - yeah! I like that!' Helpful: If you're looking for a man who knows how to see off a (gigantic) spider, Hazen is the one for you . British beauty: Hazen admits to a fondness for 'smart and feminine' British women - ideally from Bristol . British . women get the thumbs up too, although it's to the West Country rather . than London that Hazen is looking to for a British love. 'Some of those British women have stolen . my heart,' he chortles. 'One of the main things that impresses me about British . women is that they embrace being smart. 'They celebrate being intellectual . and are not afraid of having educated original thoughts and . conversation but they also have a refined femininity which I like. 'The problem is, I don’t know many well enough . to know if they like getting dirty and embracing the rugged. I think I . need more experience to give a better assessment. 'London . is amazing,' he continues, 'but in all honesty, it’s too big and crazy for me. I love it when I visit but I love the smaller towns and countryside too. Comfort zone: While he is happy to be in remote Mongolia, he says he can only handle small doses of London . Tough guy: Hazen's travels have included a stint with Kenya's blood-drinking Samburu people . 'As . far as cities go, I'm in love with Bristol. I can't wait to get . back to the UK and I'm hoping to get back as soon as possible.' In . the meantime, smart British girls looking for a rugged adventurer will . have to content themselves with watching Survive the Tribe for Hazen is, . for now, deep in the Costa Rican jungle. 'I . help lead trips over there whenever possible,' he explains. 'This time, . I'm on a two-week adventure with biology teachers from all over the . world to teach them about the . tropical rainforest and to discuss new ways of teaching . science. 'It’s like camp for a bunch of adventurous, science-obsessed, nerdy, adults - we all have quite a blast.' When he returns, he says it might be time to start his search for love in earnest, although he adds that he has no intention of putting up with a girl with plans to play games. 'I’m not interested in . playing games,' he sniffs. 'I am impressed by a woman that does what she says she is . going to do and knows how to be a good person for herself and others. 'Those are the only kind of women that know a good man when they see it.' Presumably, you imagine, one like Hazen himself. Survive the Tribe, tonight at 9pm on National Geographic . | Explorer Hazen Audel, 40, stars in National Geographic's Survive the Tribe .
Says he is looking for a girl who likes the great outdoors and smells nice .
Admits that his love of travel has made it harder to find the right woman .
Says he likes 'smart and feminine' British women, especially Bristolians .
Has lived with many tribes, including the blood-drinking Samburu of Kenya .
Says he understands great white sharks better than women . |
280,041 | f6cac9badf089cba566d9dbf1838901dc169bfc1 | Hong Kong (CNN) -- Tens of thousands of people are fleeing violence in Myanmar only to be robbed, beaten and starved on boats helmed by human traffickers, according to a new report from the United Nations Refugee Agency. In the 12 months to June, around 53,000 people left ports in the Myanmar-Bangladesh border area -- 61% more than the previous year -- many with the hope of reaching family in Malaysia, according to the report "Irregular Maritime Movements." They paid between $50 and $300 to board boats carrying up to 700 passengers, some manned by armed guards, many of whom doled out verbal abuse or beatings to prevent their human cargo from moving around. Some passengers were fed rice and noodles, while others received nothing at all on journeys lasting anywhere from seven days to two months, the report said. More than 200 people are thought to have died making the trip so far this year, due to illness, heat, lack of food and water, and severe beatings. However, the number of people who have perished at sea appears to have fallen over the past year, the report noted, after people smugglers hired bigger, more seaworthy vessels. Persecution in Myanmar . That so many people, the vast majority Rohingya Muslims, are rushing to flee the country is a scathing indictment of the conditions they're being forced to endure in Myanmar, or Burma, as it's also known. Of around 800,000 Rohingya Muslims living in Rakhine State, violence has pushed around 140,000 into temporary camps, while another 40,000 are effectively detained in isolated villages, according to Human Rights Watch. "It's a humanitarian disaster," said HRW's Phil Robertson, who said conditions had worsened, especially since February, when the government barred international aid group Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) from working in Rakhine State. The ban was lifted in late July but aid is yet to reach tens of thousands of people, many who are hungry and suffering preventable illnesses in crowded, unhygienic camps. "What you're seeing is people who are leaving Rakhine State with very frail health to start with; people who have been in these camps and face the slow deprivation of food and basic medical services to the point that they're already weakened," Robertson said. "They're getting on these boats, and these boats are landing in Thailand, and they're being put in jungle camps where they're on starvation rations unless their relatives can find exorbitant fees that the traffickers are demanding to release them and send them onto Malaysia." The U.N. report said upon arrival in Thailand, new arrivals said they were driven through the night in pickups with 15 to 20 other people who were forced to sit or lie on top of one another. They were then taken to camps where hundreds of people, including women and children, were held while smugglers phoned family members abroad, demanding more money for their loved ones' safe passage to Malaysia. Demands "were accompanied by threats or, when payment was not immediate, severe beating and prolonged detention in a smugglers' camp for up to six months," the report said. Malnourished in Malaysia . As many as 38,000 people had registered as Rohingya in Malaysia, the report said, noting that since 2013, many had arrived with serious medical conditions. In the first half of this year, more than 140 people had been diagnosed with beriberi, a condition caused by severe malnutrition and vitamin B deficiency, which can cause paralysis and death. That's 12 times the number diagnosed in the previous 14 months. "They have faced deprivation, abuse and suffering every step of their way as they try to flee the predations of the Burmese government, and the local state government and the Rakhine state government," Robertson said. Myanmar doesn't recognize the Rohingya as citizens or as one of the predominantly Buddhist country's ethnic minorities. "I think the international community really has to push very hard on the Burmese government to accept the reality that these people should be considered citizens of Burma. "For the government of Burma to maintain this fiction that somehow these are recently arrived migrants from India or from Bangladesh is absolutely unconscionable," Robertson added. In a statement following their five-day visit to Myanmar last week, two commissioners from the U.S. Commission on Religious Freedom said they were "deeply troubled by reports we received of abuses against the Rohingya Muslim community in Rakhine State." "No impartial observers question reports of systematic, large-scale and egregious abuses of human rights of this community involving acts and omissions resulting in deaths, injuries, displacement, denial of basic health and other services, denial of freedom of movement, and denial of the right to a nationality, among other violations," said Commissioners M. Zudhi Jasser and Eric P. Schwartz. In the past few years, Myanmar's new leadership under President Thein Sein has won praise for its efforts to open the once reclusive country to foreign influences and trade. However its treatment of the Rohingya continues to cloud its stated commitment to improving human rights. | More than 50,000 people have fled Myanmar-Bangladesh border ports .
U.N. report details abuse, starvation and cramped conditions on boats .
Many fleeing are Rohingya Muslims who are being persecuted in Myanmar .
Around 140,000 are living in camps where supplies have run out . |
3,634 | 0a7c9a1a8f20cd3a36f3137b0ac835cf15eed5ba | Alex Zane may be a well-known music-lover, but he is happy to avoid Ibiza's sprawling nightclubs . He may be a well-known music-lover having hosted high-profile shows on MTV, XFM and NME Radio. But Alex Zane reveals he more than happy to shun the masses of Ibiza's hard-partying tourists, booming beats and sprawling nightclubs to take a trip to the north of the island, which is littered with breath-taking beaches. The 35-year-old presenter says the Spanish island has 'two characters' explaining the tranquil villages and peaceful orange groves are just a bike-ride away and offer the opportunity to 'live like a local'. Read our Q and A with Alex to find out how he spends his time on the island. Many people are cautious of visiting Ibiza as they think it's all about clubbing and rowdy youngsters. But what else has the island got to offer? 'Ibiza is an island of two characters; the south which is devoted to the mega clubs and party-goers and the other, lesser known Northern side of the island, which is peaceful, tranquil and full of unspoilt beauty. Of course, the boundaries aren't as clear cut as this, but for every all-night DJ session there is an early morning sunrise at one of the many breath-taking little coves that litter the Island. The nightlife may have gained a reputation for the island amongst tourists, but it's this other side to Ibiza that the locals rave about. If you are one of the 50 per cent of Brits who, according to research by American Express, are after the authentic experience of 'living like a local', then the best way to explore this quieter side of the island is to hop on a bike and get off the beaten track to explore the many villages, peaceful orange groves and quaint little restaurants that tourists don't usually get to experience. I guarantee you won't hear a baseline the whole time you are there.' Alex Zane recommends escaping Ibiza's crowded clubbing areas and visiting the island's northern coast. Beaches such as Cala de Sant Vicent (pictured) can be found on the North East of Ibiza . Best restaurant? 'My favourite restaurant on the island is a little family owned place called Sabores Naturales in the centre of the small town of San Juan. It's got a quiet courtyard outside where you can just sit, relax, eat, drink and let time pass you by without a care. All the food is vegetarian and organic with fresh fruit juices and, in my opinion, the best homemade pizza on the island.' Best beach? 'Picking my favourite beach in Ibiza is a bit of a tricky one. If I did have to choose though, it would probably be Cala Xuclar. It felt like I was on a tropical beach without the long-haul flying. With great views and white sand, combined with a few fisherman's huts and a tiny kiosk serving food, it was the perfect place to escape from it all.' Great outdoors: Alex Zane loves the party side of Ibiza but also enjoys going out exploring . Best place to stay? 'If you are going in search of sunset bike rides and early morning strolls around the old towns, then I'd advise staying in any one of the boutique hotels in the north of the island, like the Hotel Hacienda Na Xamena, with its series of spa pools and waterfalls built into the cliff face. We stayed in Can Curreu and it's safe to say that that the view from the breakfast table made the early starts much better.' Your favourite thing about Ibiza and why? 'My favourite thing about Ibiza is discovering the hidden gems of the island. When you say to people you are heading on holiday to Ibiza, they immediately imagine rows of sun beds on the beaches and overcrowded bars blasting out music. Yet you only need to venture a little off the tourist trails and, even in peak season, you can find stunning, empty beaches and relaxing places to sit for a drink. Perhaps the island's reputation has meant less people visit Ibiza in search of a rejuvenating holiday. For whatever the reason, they're missing out.' The ultimate island guide: Alex produced his quick guide to what is great about Ibiza . What are your packing essentials? 'Packing light is the key if, like me, you enjoy moving around a lot. There's nothing worse than heaving a giant case jammed full of clothes to lug on and off various forms of transport. As long as you've got one smart outfit in there and the facilities to clean it you'll be fine. And if you don't have the facilities to clean it, you're probably not in a place you're going to need it in the first place.' Which destination is top of your wishlist? 'I'd like to explore more of South America. I've seen a lot of Brazil: Rio, Sao Paulo and up to Manaus and then deep into the Rain forest, but that's it. I'd really like to go further south to Argentina.' What is your earliest travel memory? 'Scotland. I remember being in Scotland so much as a kid. My mum often took myself and my brother to stay on the West Coast. We spent time on Skye, around Oban and Arisaig and then on the banks of Loch Awe. It is still one of my favourite places in the world to spend time… stunning scenery, wild weather and fascinating history.' Amex Insider Alex Zane is taking a sneak peek behind the scenes of some of Europe’s most popular destinations, uncovering hidden gems and telling you a few things you might not already know. Visit youtube.com/AmericanExpressUK to watch Alex get more insider information from other exciting destinations . | DJ and presenter says the island is the perfect place to 'escape from it all'
'Even in peak season, you can find stunning, empty beaches'
35-year-old says Spanish island has 'two characters' |
116,897 | 22e848f3735395ea5108a68c6cfccee460cd2321 | (CNNGo.com) -- Globe-trotters know what it's like trying to sleep coiled up on a hard plastic airport seat for hours while they await their next flight. But it doesn't have to be that way. Transit hotels are making long, multi-flight trips tolerable. These short-stay hotels are located within security checks in airports and close to terminals. Passengers can walk off the plane and check into a room to refresh between long flights. No visa is required to stay over in a given country. Read more on CNNGo: World's biggest airport planned . Rates at transit hotels vary but are often cheaper than at regular hotels. Minimum required stays average about six hours. Standard amenities include a bed, desk, toilet, shower and Internet access, but many premium transit hotels include gyms and spas, as well. Transit hotel hot spots . Because business depends on a heavy flow of onward-bound passengers, transit hotels are nearly exclusive to busy transfer hubs, especially in Asia. One of the most popular transit hotels is at Singapore's Changi, one of the world's busiest airports and a frequent layover spot for flights to and from Asia. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the busiest airports in Europe -- its compact and clean "Yotel" hotel pods do good business. Read more on CNNGo: Singapore's Changi Airport the world's favorite . You won't find in-airport transit hotels in Melbourne Tullamarine Airport or Sydney Airport's international terminal -- Australia is not a common midway point for journeys. Good for business, but good business? Nigel Summers, director of the world's largest hospitality consulting firm, Horwath HTL, says that transit hotels can be a tricky investment for hoteliers. "You don't have to give people much [because it's a very short stay], but it can be difficult to predict the flow of people," Summers says. Read more on CNNGo: 15 spectacular swimming pools . "For example, if there is a major closure at an airport, it can be hard to plan how much food to prepare and how much staff to keep on." The success of transit hotels also depends on the efficiency of the airport, with more efficient airports being less suitable for hotel business. "If it is easy to clear customs, say at Hong Kong, people are probably less likely to stay inside the airport for their layover," explains Summers. Read more on CNNGo: World's 15 most expensive hotel suites . "But if it's harder, somewhere like New Delhi, people are more likely to find accommodation inside the airport." Here are a selection of transit hotels around the world that could make your next journey a little more comfortable: . Transit hotels around the world . Ambassador Transit Hotel, Singapore Changi Airport, Singapore . Single rooms from S$58 (US$48) before tax, for six hours. TV, en suite bathroom, complimentary tea and coffee, wake-up call. Located at Terminals 1, 2 and 3, Changi Airport, Singapore; 75 Airport Blvd., Singapore; +65 6542 5538; www.harilelahospitality.com. Kuala Lumpur Airside Transit Hotel, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Malaysia . Standard rooms from MYR140 (US$45). Includes: fitness center, shower, sauna. Located next to the Satellite building, next to Gate C5, KLIA Sepang, Selangor; +60 3 8787 4848; www.klairporthotel.com . See Boeing's luxury offices in the sky . Incheon Airport Transit Hotel, Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea . Standard rooms from US$45 for six hours. Includes: Internet, air con, TV, phone. Located opposite boarding gate 10. Incheon International Airport, 43 272 Gonghangno, Jung-gu, Incheon; +82 32 743 3000; www.airgardenhotel.com . Louis Tavern, Day Rooms and CIP lounges, Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok, Thailand . Standard single room 2,200 baht (US$65) for four hours. Internet access, television, telephone, flight-information monitor, mini-bar. Located on Level 4 Concourse G of Suvarnabhumi Airport; +66 2 134 6565 6; www.dayrooms-ciplounges.com . Airport Hotel, Abu Dhabi International Airport, United Arab Emirates . Standard rooms start at US$185 for day use between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. High-speed Internet, king-sized bed, separate living room, massage chair, gym, shower. Located in Sheikh Rashid Terminal of Terminal 1 and Concourse 2 of Terminal 3; +971 2 5757 377 ; www.dih-dca.com . Yotel, Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, The Netherlands . Standard cabin €45 (US$61) for four hours. Large single bed, monsoon-power shower with body wash and towels, TV, work station, free Wi-Fi. Located in the main terminal in Lounge 2 near Pier D. Vetrekpassage 118, Schiphol Airport. Amsterdam, The Netherlands; +31 20 7085 372; www.yotel.com . Hotel Tranzit 2, Prague Airport, Czech Republic . Standard cabin one night (24 hours) from €119 (US$162) for double room. Also available for day use. Packages for three, six or 10 hours -- single use three hours, €35 (US$48). Shower package -- €24 (US$38). Includes: Free high-speed Internet, satellite TV. Located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. Prague Airport, Letiste s.p., Praha, Czech Republic; +420 236 161 222; www.pragueairport.co.uk . Dayrooms Flughafen Zürich AG, Zurich Airport, Switzerland . Standard room CHF$49 (US$55) for three hours or less. Includes: Wake-up service, TV, shoe-cleaning machine, Internet access, air conditioning. Located in Transfer zone D. Postfach, Zürich-Flughafen, Switzerland; +41 43 816 21 08; www.zurich-airport.com . Evergreen Transit Hotel, C. K. S. International Airport, Taoyuan, Taiwan . Standard room rates NT$2,800 (US$92) for one night. Includes: Parking, baby-sitting, pool, gym, sauna, hair dryer. Located in Terminal II.; Taoyuan County, Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal II 4th Floor; +886 (0)3 383 4510; www.evergreen-hotels.com . Eaton Smart, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, India . Standard room rates five hours at Rs 3,000 (US$65). Includes high-speed Internet access, LCD TV with cable satellite channels and in-room dining options. Located in Terminal 3, Level 5, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi; + 91 11 452 52000; newdelhiairport.eatonhotels.com . © 2011 Cable News Network Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved . | Transit hotels are short-stay locales in security checks in airports and close to terminals .
Rates at transit hotels vary but are often cheaper than regular hotels .
One of the most popular transit hotels is at Singapore's Changi, one of the world's busiest airports . |
50,496 | 8edfdc6093ff3a3d64e790511588f01a18af7757 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:33 EST, 1 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:36 EST, 1 August 2013 . Hundreds of thousands of wooden coffins are left to slowly rot away in dank Chinese caves in the belief it will let the souls of the departed ascend into heaven. The curious tradition, which sees the caskets stacked in caves on the steep cliffs of Anshun, in southwest China's Guizhou Province, is believed to have been practised since ancient times. In one of cave alone there are more than 500 coffins stacked, layer upon layer in various stages of decay. It's been the ‘coffin cave’ for residents surnamed Liu from the neighbouring five villages since ancient times. Final journeys: Some of the hundreds of thousands of wooden coffins which are left to rot away in Chinese caves in the belief it will let the souls of the departed enter heaven . In one of cave alone there are more than 500 coffins stacked, layer upon . layer, of residents surnamed Liu from the neighbouring five villages . According to local folk stories, the . people who live in the area moved from the plains in central China to . mountainous Guizhou Province many centuries ago to avoid war. One legend maintains that because . they hoped to one day move back to their homeland they didn’t bury their . dead but instead stacked their coffins in the caves. According . to other stories the tradition started because the area is often . subject to floods and the coffins were stored in caves to prevent them . from being affected. Being in caves also means that the coffins are closer to the sky and therefore closer to heaven. Custom: The coffins are left in the caves to rot, which, according to belief, allows the souls to go to heaven . Legend: According to local folk stories, the people who live in the area moved from the plains in central China to mountainous Guizhou Province to avoid war . According to local belief, by letting the coffins rot away over many years the departed souls will be allowed to ascend into the heavens . The tradition is also believed to have started because the area is often subject to floods and the coffins were stored in caves to prevent them from being affected . Some of the thousands of wooden coffins slowly rotting away in the cave in China's Guizhou Province . Some locals believe that by being in caves, the coffins are closer to the sky and therefore closer to heaven . The coffins are stored in caves in the steep cliffs in Anshun, southwest China's Guizhou Province . | Curious tradition is believed to have been practised since .
ancient times in southwest .
China's Guizhou Province . |
30,626 | 571a8023d0deed8c667dd41fed88290309e56927 | Data has revealed one police officer in London used stop and search 54 times, almost entirely against young black men, but made no arrests (file image) Police stop-and-search powers are often blamed for causing racial tensions in communities, but now the true scale of the problem has been laid bare. In London, one police officer used stop-and-search powers 54 times in just six months, almost entirely on black men aged between 10 and 19, but didn't find enough evidence to make a single arrest. A second officer with the Metropolitan Police used the same powers 33 times, with 29 stops targeting young black men, but again none of the searches lead to an arrest. Nine officers with the London force were responsible for 312 searches between them, but again failed to arrest anyone, figures released under Freedom of Information laws to Channel 4 show. Of those 312 searches, almost half were on young black men, while another 44 per cent were on black or ethnic minority Londoners. The figures seem to suggest that a small but persistent number of officers are using stop-and-search legislation to disproportionately target ethnic minorities. Nationally black and ethnic minority members of the public are up to six times more likely to be searched than white people. The data was revealed after Home Secretary Theresa May launched an overhaul of the controversial powers this week. Across the UK 35 police forces have opted in to the voluntary code of conduct with immediate effect, with the remaining eight phasing it in over the coming months. The new system means that officers must have a specific reason for searching an individual, whereas under the previous system police only needed 'reasonable suspicion' that a crime had taken place . Forces will also have to record the outcomes of all stop and searches, and reveal whether the ground for the arrest and the reason for the search are linked. The aim is to drive down the use of stop-and-search powers, which are seen by detractors are largely ineffective. Nine police officers were responsible for 312 uses of stop and search powers in just six months, but none of them made a single arrest. Almost half of those stopped were black (file image) Dianne Abbot, Labour MP for Hackney, told Channel 4 News: 'There is not a black family in London who cannot tell you of these stories happening to them or someone they know. 'I give credit to Theresa May for being the first minister in 20 years to tackle the problem of stop and search powers.' Stop and search has long been accused of causing racial tensions in communities, especially in London where they were one of the main catalysts for the 1981 Brixton race riots. As part of Operation Swamp 81, around 1,000 people were stopped and searched in Brixton in just five days, with just 82 arrests made. | Nine officers carried out 312 stops without making one arrest, data shows .
Data revealed as Theresa May launches overhaul of controversial powers .
Police can no longer use age, race, or religion as grounds for a search . |
3,365 | 09b86c66134e3090cf79993cec64c1b1d90c73b4 | By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 11:10 EST, 5 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:51 EST, 5 May 2012 . A widower fulfilled his wife’s dying wish of having a traditional viking funeral - by burning and sinking her ashes on a replica warship. Devoted Francis Mulcahy, 50, took his wife Karine’s ashes two miles out to sea on a replica Viking longship which he built himself. He then set fire to the 3ft-long vessel and watched it sink - just like the traditional funeral services conducted by the Vikings hundreds of years ago. Mark of respect: The replica Viking ship containing the ashes of Karine Mulcahy burns two miles out to sea, off the coast of Plymouth . Devoted husband: Francis Mulcahy, left, makes the final adjustments to the replica viking ship which will carry the ashes of his wife. Karine's grandparents were Scandinavian and she always celebrated her Nordic roots . Bookkeeper Karine insisted on the unusual send-off because her grandparents were Scandinavian and she always celebrated her Nordic roots. Proud Mr Mulcahy, 50, said: 'She would have loved the way we did the funeral for her. We always spoke about what each other would want to do if one of us died. Tragic: Karine Mulcahy, of Tavistock, Devon, died from a blood clot which spread to her lungs on September 15 last year and her funeral and cremation took place on September 23 . 'I loved her very much, she wished for that sort of funeral, so that’s what she got. I wanted to give her everything I possibly could in my power.' Karine, of Tavistock, Devon, died . from a blood clot which spread to her lungs on September 15 last year . and her funeral and cremation took place on September 23. Mr Mulcahy then . set about fulfilling her dying wish and bought a £120 flatpack replica . Viking longboat - intended as a collector’s model - which was made of . timber. He then spent five days building the boat and added a Scottish Saltire flag to reflect Karine’s birthplace. Her ashes were carefully placed into two small cabins on the boat’s deck. On April 28 Francis was joined by around 70 mourners who packed onto a friend’s fishing boat and sailed out from Plymouth Sound. When they were two miles out to sea he used a blowtorch to ignite a number of firelighters on the deck. He said: 'We put it into the water after sailing out on a friend’s boat and we put fire-lighters on the top of the boat. 'We used a blow torch to set it alight and just watched it as it burnt. 'After . that we turned the boat around and went to a pub where we had a good . eat and a good drink together and just simply celebrated her life. We . had a great send off for her.' Getting ready so sail: On April 28 Mr Mulcahy was joined by around 70 mourners who packed onto a friend¿s fishing boat and sailed out from Plymouth Sound . Mr Mulcahy chose the specific date to burn the boat as he wanted to do it as close to Karine’s 60th birthday, on May 2, as possible. Paying tribute to his late wife, he said: 'She was the most beautiful, sweetest person that I have ever met. 'She . was kind, she always thought about others before herself, she was . absolutely beautiful and will be greatly missed by her family and . friends.' Labour of love: Mr Mulcahy bought a £120 flatpack replica Viking longboat - intended as a collector's model - which was made of timber. He then spent five days building the boat and added a Scottish Saltire flag to reflect his wife's birthplace . Skilled build: Mr Mulcahy spent five days building the boat and added a Scottish Saltire flag to reflect Karine's birthplace . | Francis Mulcahy bought the flatpack replica Viking longboat for £120 and spent five days building the boat before setting sail from Plymouth . |
263,624 | e170db35e24a108929d4cb84d990d0c38bd084a9 | Washington (CNN) -- Humanitarian assistance from the United States began its journey to Japan Friday, as President Barack Obama extended a helping hand to the nation after it was hit by a devastating 8.9-magnitude earthquake and ensuing tsunami. There are eight warships either near Japan or headed for it. All are attached to the U.S. 7th Fleet, which is headquartered in Yokosuka, Japan. Navy personnel began loading tons of disaster relief supplies aboard the U.S. 7th Fleet command flagship, the USS Blue Ridge, currently in Singapore The vessel and its crew were scheduled to depart for Japan Saturday morning, according to a statement from U.S. 7th Fleet public affairs. The USS Essex was scheduled to leave Malaysia Friday evening carrying about 2,000 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary movement. The USS Harpers Ferry and the USS Germantown are en route to Japan from the Philippine Sea. The USS Ronald Reagan, a nuclear-powered carrier, has been pulled from a long-planned exercise off the Korean Peninsula and is now headed for the earthquake area, accompanied by USS Chancellorsville and the USS Preble. And the USS Tortuga has left its base at Sasebo, a port city in far southern Japan. The ship already has several landing craft on board, but it's heading to South Korea to take delivery of MH-53 cargo helicopters, which it will then carry to Japan. In addition to the 7th Fleet ships that have already received orders to head to the island nation, all ships in the fleet that can carry helicopters or aircraft have been ordered to be ready to deploy within 24 hours, if necessary. Fleet vessels not designed to carry aircraft must be able to deploy within 48 hours. The fleet is also undertaking a full accounting of all personnel in Japan, as well as the condition of their family members. However, no reports of injuries among 7th Fleet personnel have been received and no major damage has been reported among fleet assets, according to the public affairs statement. The public affairs statement pointed out that the 7th Fleet is not conducting full-scale disaster response operations, which would only come after a formal request from the Japanese government. It's not just the military that is taking steps to get help to victims of Friday's earthquake. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and its partner agencies are on standby in case their assistance is needed, the agency said in a news release. In addition, six Los Angeles County canine disaster search teams have been activated. The dogs were trained by the Search Dog Foundation and are now getting health clearance from their veterinarians to ensure they are ready to deploy. They will be part of a Los Angeles task force mobilized along with one from Virginia by the U.S. Agency for International Development. Each team will come with more than 70 personnel and approximately 75 tons of search and rescue equipment, in addition to the search and rescue dogs. "On behalf of the American people, I wish to convey our sympathy, thoughts and prayers to the people of Japan who have been affected by this devastating earthquake and tsunami," said Rajiv Shah, the administrator for USAID, in a written statement. "We are working with the government of Japan to provide any assistance needed in the rescue effort as quickly as possible." The agency also is dispatching a disaster assistance response team. California Gov. Jerry Brown said in a news release that he has "directed California's Emergency Management Agency to make state resources available to the Japanese government." Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig even promised assistance from Major League Baseball. Citing "our shared love of baseball for more than a century," Selig said in a statement that Japan is "a particularly special place to us" and that MLB will provide aid in the coming days and weeks. The American Red Cross is communicating with the Japanese Red Cross Society and its global partners, according to a statement from the agency. So far, the American Red Cross has not received any requests for blood from its Japanese counterparts, or from the U.S. or Japanese governments. The organization is encouraging people with loved ones in Japan to use the Red Cross "Safe and Well" website, an online tool which helps families connect during natural disasters and emergencies. Earlier in the day, Obama described his country's assistance priorities at a news conference. "I offer our Japanese friends whatever assistance is needed," he said. "Today's events remind us how fragile life can be." He said the main U.S. assistance to Japan would probably be "lift capacity" in the form of heavy equipment to help clean up damaged infrastructure. The U.S. government is taking inventory of how many military personnel are in Japan to provide help, he said, adding that American citizens in Japan will also receive assistance. Obama called the earthquake and tsunami "a potentially catastrophic disaster," saying the images of destruction were "simply heartbreaking." At a session of the President's Export Council on Friday morning at the Old Executive Office Building, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton pledged "immediate disaster relief assistance" and said, "We are working closely with the government of Japan to provide additional help," according to a State Department statement. The State Department on Friday said there were no immediate reports of casualties among the tens of thousands of U.S. citizens -- tourists, military personnel and others -- in Japan. The State Department issued an alert against nonessential travel to Japan because of the earthquake and tsunami. The alert said that Tokyo airports were closed and others also may be closed or restricted, and that public transportation in Tokyo and other areas has been interrupted. The alert also said strong aftershocks are likely "for weeks" and included instructions for what to do if caught in an earthquake or aftershock. It urged U.S. citizens in Japan to contact family and friends to let them know of their well-being. American Airlines told CNN that it would resume flights into Japan on Saturday. Both American and Delta Airlines canceled flights into Tokyo Friday. It was unclear if flights to other Japanese airports also were affected. In addition, Delta, United and Continental airlines announced they were waiving change fees for people whose travel plans involving Japan were affected by the disaster. The Yokota Air Base, a U.S. Air Force facility in Japan, accommodated 11 commercial planes carrying more than 500 passengers, after the flights were diverted to the base when the earthquake closed Tokyo's Narita International Airport, according to a news release from the Air Force's 374th Airlift Wing. Volunteers from various organizations brought food, water and cots for the stranded passengers and helped them register with the Red Cross. At the State Department, Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Janice Jacobs said a 24-hour consular task force has been set up to help Americans affected by the earthquake. Americans in Japan who need help, or people seeking information about a loved one in Japan, can send an e-mail to [email protected], Jacobs said. Americans outside Japan but in tsunami-affected areas who need help, or people seeking information about an American in affected areas outside Japan, can e-mail [email protected], she said. A telephone information line also has been set up at 1-888-407-4747, said Jacobs, who encouraged people to use the e-mail options if possible. When seeking information about Americans in Japan or other affected areas, Jacobs said, people should provide the full name, birth date and location of the person, as well as any pre-existing medical conditions, and if they are elderly or a child. CNN's Kim Hutcherson, Michael Martinez, Ed Henry, Barbara Starr, Elise Labott, Larry Shaughnessy, Dave Alsup and Bonney Kapp contributed to this report. | NEW: The U.S. 7th Fleet takes the lead regarding delivery of aid to Japan .
Eight major U.S. warships are ordered to Japan .
U.S. federal agencies coordinate search and rescue teams .
Bud Selig promises aid from MLB, citing a "shared love of baseball" |
177,773 | 72245bbaf743b8bb67f1fb2aaea4774a1516b20e | Her husband remains in . a secure hospital, receiving treatment for a mental . breakdown and drugs withdrawal . By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:35 EST, 17 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 03:45 EST, 18 July 2012 . Billionaire Hans Kristian Rausing's in-laws have vowed to stand by him as he's charged with preventing 'the lawful and decent burial' of his wife Eva, insisting they love the Tetra Pak heir 'unconditionally'. After initially arresting him on suspicion of murder, Scotland Yard announced yesterday that Rausing, 49, had been charged with preventing Eva Rausing's burial after it . emerged he may have lived with his wife's body in their £70 million Belgravia . mansion for a week or more after she died of a suspected drugs overdose. But Mrs Rausing's father Tom Kemeny is refusing to blame his son-in-law. In a statement he has paid tribute to 'a beautiful, . generous, and fun daughter, wife, mother, sister and aunt' and described Mr Rausing as his 'son'. Grim discovery: Police found the badly decomposed body of Eva Rausing, right, several hours after arresting her husband Hans Kristian Rausing, left . Family photo: Eva and Hans Kristian Rausing photographed during happier times . Investigators believe American-born Eva may have been lying dead in an upstairs bedroom for . days when her body was found on July 9 . Mr Rausing, who has been recovering . in a secure hospital after being stopped by police driving erratically . in Wandsworth last week, will now appear before magistrates today. Eva and Hans were married in London¿s Swedish Church by the Archbishop of Sweden in 1992 . Last night a spokesman for the . Metropolitan Police said: 'Hans Kristian Rausing, of Cadogan Place, SW1, . was today charged with preventing the lawful and decent burial of the . body of Eva Rausing on or before 9 July 2012. 'He will appear in custody at West . London Magistrates' Court on Wednesday 18 July.' Police are treating the . death of Mrs Rausing as 'unexplained' and a post-mortem examination . held last week failed to establish a formal cause of death. An inquest into the mother-of-four's death opened at Westminster Coroner's Court on Friday. Mrs Rausing's body was only . discovered after officers stopped her husband on suspicion of driving . under the influence of drugs or alcohol and after finding drugs in his . car, they searched the couple's home . Yesterday Mrs Rausing's devastated . father, Tom Kemeny, said his daughter had interrupted her own drug . treatment to help her husband, who is heir to a £5.4 billion fortune. He wrote: 'At the time of her death . her overriding concern was for the safety of her beloved husband, for . whom she interrupted her own treatment to return to London in an attempt . to take him back with her to California, but tragically to no avail. Eva with her father Tom Kemeny on her wedding day. Mr Kemeny said: 'Eva and Hans Kristian were a devoted and loving couple for the 21 years they spent together.' Family event: Eva's family said they hoped her death would raise awareness of drug addiction and financial support for those blighted by it. 'Eva and Hans Kristian adored each . other and their four beautiful children. When not in London they would . have family holidays with their cousins and extended family, without any . glitz or glamour. 'Eva and Hans Kristian were a devoted and loving couple for the 21 years they spent together. 'They benefited thousands of lives through their personal involvement and philanthropic activities. 'They bravely battled their demons . and supported each other and Eva will be a devastating loss to our . beloved 'son' Hans Kristian, whom we love unconditionally with all our . hearts.' The couple's drug problems have been widely reported. Eva as a teenager: Her parents described her as a 'philanthropist' who was dedicated to helping others . In 2008 they were investigated by police over drugs but the prosecution was formally discontinued. In a joint statement, Mrs Rausing's . family said they hoped her death would raise awareness of drug addiction . and financial support for those blighted by it. They said: 'The Kemeny family is . deeply distressed by the tragedy of their daughter Eva's death and have . seen the widespread worldwide media coverage of her difficulties over . the last few days. 'Eva would have wanted the memory of . her life to be used to benefit others facing similar addiction . challenges in their lives. The Kemeny family hopes this tribute will be . used to draw attention to the tragedy of drug addiction and to generate . awareness and financial support for this cause in the future. In due . course they will launch a foundation.' In a statement released alongside the . tribute, he said: 'We believe her tragic death highlights the scourge of . drugs and that it does not matter how rich, intelligent or beautiful . you are, you can still be impacted and overcome by this terrible . disease.' The tribute also went into great detail about Mrs Rausing's childhood, before paying tribute to her sharp wit and intelligence. It also quotes Nick Barton, chief . executive of Action on Addiction, as saying: 'Eva worked tirelessly for . years, without any desire for public recognition and despite her own . health issues, to help people and charities in the addiction field . through her wonderfully generous support.' Prelude to a tragedy: Eva and Hans Rausing at a Windsor polo match with her sister Be and her fiance polo player Jack Kidd in 2000 . £70 million home: Police outside the Rausing's London mansion in Cadogan Place where Eva was found dead . Billionaire Hans Kristian Rausing may have lived with his wife Eva's dead body for up to four days before it was discovered by police . Investigators were alerted to Mrs . Rausing's body by a strong smell of decomposition after arriving at the . sprawling £70million Georgian mansion several hours after arresting her . husband. They now suspect Mrs Rausing, 48, may have died as long as four weeks before the grim discovery a week ago. They are studying CCTV, banking and . phone records, as well as statements from friends and neighbours, to try . to identify her last movements. Hans Kristian Rausing, 49, remained in . a secure hospital last night, receiving treatment for a mental . breakdown and drugs withdrawal. Mr Rausing, whose fortune came from . the £4.5billion Tetra Pak packaging empire, remains under arrest on . suspicion of murdering his wife but cannot be interviewed until declared . fit by medical staff. The advanced decomposition of her body . has made the task of identifying how she died more difficult for police . and pathology staff. An initial post-mortem examination . last week failed to find a cause of death and a second may take place . this week on the instructions of her husband’s legal team. Young Eva: Mrs Rausing pictured as a young toddler in the arms of her mother Nancy Kemeny in Sydney, left, and Eva, with her little sister Be, right, at the Garden House School in London . Smile: Internet pictures from her Myspace page of Eva Rausing who was found dead in her home in Belgravia . Meanwhile . investigators are waiting for the detailed results of a battery of . toxicology tests that could indicate what role was played by drugs and . alcohol. The sensitive tests will also help pinpoint exactly when she . died by measuring levels of chemicals produced naturally after death. The news came as unsent emails composed by Mrs Rausing emerged showing her desperate battle with drugs and fear of death. In . one, written in January 2010 and published in a Sunday newspaper, she . appealed for help to her husband’s father Hans, who built the family . fortune. Glamour: The couple leave a party thrown by Tatler Magazine and Daimler Chrysler in Portman Square, London in 2003 . Life of privilege: The Rausings at a society . ball eight years ago (left) and at The Grosvenor House Arts And Antiques . Fair in London in 2003 . She said: ‘I . realise that I will die and there is a part of me that desperately does . not want to die and wants to fight, fight, fight but I am sliding and I . am desperately calling to you for help. 'If nothing changes I will die, . Hans. I just felt that I did not want to die without trying everything . that I possibly could to reach you and to ask you to please help me. ‘Your son feels very, very hopeless. Although I stick close to him, I am losing my grip because I am weakening.’ Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Hans Kristian Rausing, 49 was arrested for murder, but police announced new charges yesterday .
Her husband remains in .
a secure hospital, receiving treatment for a mental .
breakdown and drugs withdrawal .
Eva's parents release statement praising Eva and their 'son' Hans . |
81,742 | e7aaf3bd9423f92df11f370c87eb0f96ad44f19b | (CNN) -- Former Williams rookie Nico Hulkenberg believes that the Force India team could be his best chance of driving in the 2011 Formula One championship. The German lost his race seat after being unable to earn a new contract, despite an impressive end to his debut season. Williams instead opted to sign 25-year-old Venezuelan driver Pastor Maldonado to drive alongside Brazilian veteran Rubens Barrichello ahead of the new season starting in March. "Force India is our best shot, but it is also no secret that quite a few drivers are trying to land a seat there. We are talking to them and let's wait and see what develops," the 23-year-old told the official F1 website. Maldonado earns F1 drive at Williams . Force India, Toro Rosso, Virgin, Hispania Racing and Renault have yet to confirm their line-ups for 2011. Hulkenberg finished the season a point above Force India's 15th-placed Vitantonio Liuzzi in the overall standings, but 25 below the British-based team's 11th-placed Adrian Sutil. "The hope is still there and I am not giving up," he said. "We are working very hard to get a deal done, but there are not many good race seats left." Hulkenberg snatched pole position for Williams at the penultimate grand prix of 2010 in Brazil in November, but the driver said he knew this would not be enough for him to stay with the British team. "One lap does not change the course of history. There had been signs before that there was something brewing, because the team repeatedly delayed contract talks. So I was forewarned that something was going on." Rookie Hulkenberg leaves Williams . And Hulkenberg believes that drivers will no longer be able to count on just their ability in securing team spots, with sponsorship being an equally important factor in the economic climate. "The team has not done too well over the last couple of years -- if you cannot produce that performance you eventually have to look for other ways to close the budget gap," he said. "It has become much harder to open doors if your application does not come with a serious sponsor package and you really only rely on your talent This is quite frustrating and somewhat sad." Nevertheless, Hulkenberg remains upbeat about the sport he joined just over a year ago -- and confident about the future, however uncertain it might be. "I would have liked to stay with them," he said of his former employers. "Being teamed up with Rubens Barrichello -- he is a great guy and still a great driver. I really enjoyed working with him. "I don't want to think about a Plan B. My focus is 100% on finding a good race seat for 2011. That is where all my efforts are going right now." | Nico Hulkenberg is without a team for the 2011 Formula One championship .
Rookie driver was dropped by Williams F1 at the end of the 2010 season .
The German says his best chance of a seat next year lies with Force India .
The 23-year-old claimed pole position at the Brazilian Grand Prix in his debut year . |
222,587 | ac2605f7f4e204a76e041d2e5d91a89ae1a157e4 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 22:06 EST, 10 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:38 EST, 11 April 2013 . A severed goat’s head has been delivered to Wrigley Field, addressed to Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts. The horrific prank recalls the team's infamous 'Curse of the Billy Goat' in which a local bar owner said the Cubs would never win the World Series after the team barred him from bringing his goat into a game in 1945. The latest incident occurred Wednesday at about 2:30 p.m. when a man in an unmarked truck dropped off the ‘intimidating package,’ to a security guard. Goats have been part of Cubs folklore since the owner of the Billy Goat Tavern placed a curse on the team during the 1945 World Series . Hate mail: Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts was sent a severed goat's head at the stadium on Wednesday. Ricketts is trying to renovate the historic Wrigley Field and increase the number of night games played . Cubs spokesman Julian Green said an unidentified person dropped off the goat’s head at Gate K of the ballpark. Chicago police are now investigating the incident. The Cubs are in the middle of highly publicized negotiations with city officials and neighborhood interests regarding proposed $500 million renovation plans at the famed and historic ballpark, which first opened in 1914. The proposed renovations include install a Jumbotron-like scoreboard and increasing the number of night games from 30 to as many as 55, reports The Chicago Tribune. The Cubs’ game Wednesday against the Brewers was postponed, but due to rain rather than the goat’s head incident. A spokesman for Ricketts did not comment. Billy Goat Tavern owner William Sianis apparently placed a curse on the team during the 1945 World Series when his pet goat Murphy was denied entry into Wrigley Field. He even asked the owner of the Cubs, P.K. Wrigley for admission. Wrigley replied, 'Let Billy in, but not the goat.' The story goes that Sianis became enraged, threw up his arms and vowed, 'The Cubs ain't gonna win no more. The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field.' Bad call: This is the moment when enraged Cubs fan William Sianis put a curse on the Cubbies, vowing they would never win the World Series again because the team denied entry to his beloved pet . The Cubs went on to lose that World Series - and have never even been back to the Fall Classic since. The Cubs, who became known as 'Lovable Losers,' have since been known as a cursed franchise, known for incredibly bad luck on the field. In 1969, the Cubs jumped out to huge lead and looked like they were headed to their first World Series in 24 years. Curse continues: Fan Steve Bartman reaches out and interferes with Cubs outfielder Moises Alou during the playoffs in 2003. Many Cubs fan blame the team losing this game on the Curse of the Billy Goat . But a late season collapse, combined with the 'Miracle Mets' overtaking them, meant they had to 'wait till next year.' In 1984, then Cubs owners, the Tribune Company, tried to reverse the curse and invited the goat to opening day at Wrigley Field. They won the division that year and were just eight outs away from winning the National League Championship Series and playing in the World Series. But they were unable to claim victory in that game and lost the next two, and the curse continued. The team has only had 15 winning seasons between 1946 and 2003, when they suffered perhaps the most memorable collapse in baseball postseason history. After winning the first round, their first playoff series victory since 1908, they were just five outs away from clinching a World Series birth against the Florida Marlins. When a pop out was hit towards shallow left field, it appeared the team would be one out closer from finally ending the curse. But fan Steve Bartman also reached for the foul ball, and outfielder Moises Alou was unable to make the play. Despite leading 3-0, the team quickly unraveled, losing the game and then the following night, and once again the curse lived on. Bartman became a citywide pariah and was been forced to change his name and leave Chicago for fear of his safety. A goat's head was delivered to the home of the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon, addressed to baseball team's owner Tom Ricketts . | Cubs owner Tom Ricketts has been sent a goat's head in a box .
He is trying to get renovations approved for Wrigley Field including increasing the number of night games .
Local bar owner put curse on team in 1945 after they wouldn't let him bring his goat into a World Series game .
Cubs haven't played in Fall Classic since .
They've gone over 100 years without winning the World Series . |
39,738 | 702cbad8d72b4dd3b5a23b8f955bb53de68f74b8 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Richard Phillips, the cargo-ship captain whose capture by pirates triggered a dramatic U.S. Navy rescue off the coast of Africa, called on the federal government Thursday to provide military escorts for international shipping vessels. Capt. Richard Phillips, left, and John Clancy, the head of Maersk Line Ltd., testify before a Senate committee. Testifying before a key Senate committee, Phillips conceded there may not be sufficient resources to do that. He also said arming vessels' crews could deter pirates, but should only be allowed in limited circumstances. Phillips was in command of the Maersk Alabama when it was boarded by pirates off the coast of Somalia on April 8. Phillips said the optimum situation for cargo vessels would be to have military escorts. He said he realizes there is a limit to government resources that can be deployed in the vast area off the Somali coast and the Horn of Africa. See map of attacks » . Phillips told members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he would not be opposed to having private security forces on a vessel, but "very clear protocols would have to be established and followed. ... In the heat of an attack, there can be only one final decision-maker." Phillips said that, in his opinion, arming a ship's crew "cannot and should not be viewed as the best or ultimate solution to the problem. ... To the extent we go forward in this direction, it would be my personal preference that only a limited number of individuals aboard the vessel should have access to weapons, and they should be specially trained." He warned that "even this limited approach to arming the crews opens up a very thorny set of issues. ... We all must understand that having weapons aboard a merchant marine ship fundamentally changes the model of commercial shipping and we must be very cautious about how it is done." When the Maersk Alabama was seized, Phillips, 53, offered himself as a hostage in exchange for the safety of his crew. He tried to escape the next day, jumping into the ocean in an effort to reach a nearby U.S. Navy ship. He was rescued April 12 when Navy SEAL snipers shot and killed three pirates holding him captive on a lifeboat. John Clancy, the head of Maersk Line Ltd., said arming sailors could potentially worsen the current situation off the African coast. "Arming merchant sailors may result in the acquisition of even more lethal weapons and tactics by the pirates in a race that merchant sailors cannot win," Clancy told the committee. "In addition, most ports of call will not permit the introduction of firearms into the national waters," he noted. Clancy said the solution to piracy must ultimately be an international one. He pointed out that most of the vessels that face a piracy threat do not fly the U.S. flag. He also noted that most of the naval vessels assigned to counter piracy off the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden are not from the United States. Somali pirate attacks in and around the heavily traveled Gulf of Aden have risen dramatically in the past few years. Pirates have been able to successfully demand ransoms for millions of dollars from shipping companies -- for whom it makes business sense to pay in order to free their crews and many millions of dollars more worth of cargo. The attack on the Alabama was the first successful attack on a U.S.-flagged ship during that time. "The renewed threat of piracy demands a multifaceted, multinational effort, one that coordinates the world's naval powers, the United Nations, the international shipping community, and the nations that border Somalia," said Sen. John Kerry, D-Massachusetts, at the start of the committee's hearing. "International law is clear in its condemnation of piracy. This is an opportunity for all nations to come together and work in order to effectively respond." Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar, the ranking Republican on the committee, stated that the "root cause of this problem is the breakdown of law and order in Somalia, which is what allows the pirates to operate from shore with impunity." Lugar warned that "the existence of failed states directly threatens the national security interests of the United States." Meanwhile, the bodies of the three pirates killed by the Navy SEALs were turned over to Somali authorities Thursday, according to a U.S. defense official with knowledge of the matter but not authorized to speak about it. The bodies were being held on the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer until the U.S. State Department could arrange a transfer. The official said the bodies were turned over to police authorities from Puntland, a self-declared autonomous state in northern Somalia. Two police boats from the Puntland town of Bosasso met the Boxer to receive the bodies, the official said. It was unclear if the bodies will be returned to family members. | Capt. Richard Phillips rescued earlier in April from pirates off Somalia's coast .
Arming crews under certain circumstances could deter pirates, he said .
Phillips told Senate committee best solution is military escorts .
Breakdown of law and order in Somalia at root of piracy says Sen. Richard Lugar . |
175,261 | 6ed378e647781eb4d9ae90673661ff49f44dcc61 | By . Lawrence Conway . PUBLISHED: . 08:46 EST, 16 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:34 EST, 17 June 2012 . China has successfully launched its most ambitious space mission yet, sending the country's first female astronaut into space alongside two male colleagues. Female astronaut Liu Yang, 33, is set to become a national hero to a billion people after the successful blast-off on Saturday. The mother of one is on the Shenzhou 9 capsule which lifted off at 10.30am from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch . Centre on the edge of the Gobi Desert. Scroll down for video... Blast off: Shenzhou 9 space capsule (left) being launching from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in China with the country's first female astronaut on board and China's first female astronaut Liu Yang (right) waving googbye during a departure ceremony at the launch centre . It being sent into orbit on a Long March rocket fired to the Tiangong-1 'Heavenly Palace' space station. Shorty after lift off all the space capsules systems were found to be working normally and just over 10 minutes later it opened its solar panels and entered orbit around earth. Ms Yang, a military pilot, is with Jing Haipeng and Liu Wang and the trio will dock with a prototype space lab launched last year. Beaming: Liu Yang, left, smiles with fellow Chinese astronauts Jing Haipeng, right, and Liu Wang on their way to the launch pad from where they were successfully blasted into space . New frontier: A fiery vapour trail is visible against the blue sky over the Gobi desert in China (left) and huge clouds of smoke gathered as the Long March rocket carrying the Shenzhou 9 spacecraft blasted off . Orbit: The astronauts disappear into the sky and are now well on their way to the Tiangong 1 space station which they are expected to reach on Monday . The will work on the space station for about a week in what the Chinese hope will be a key step toward building a permanent space station. Chang Wanquan, a People's Liberation Army general and the space programme chief, declared the launch a success. Two of the astronauts will live and work . inside the module to test its life-support systems while the third will . remain in the capsule to deal with any unexpected emergencies. China hopes to join the U.S. and Russia as the only countries to send independently maintained . space stations into orbit. Anticipation: Crowds of proud Chinese people gathered to watch the country's first female astronaut successfully lift off and journey into space from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre . It is already one of just three nations to . have launched manned spacecraft on their own. China first launched a man into space in a 2003 solo mission. This was followed by a two-man mission in 2005 and a three-man trip in 2008. Another manned mission to the module is . planned later this year, while possible future missions could include . sending a man to the moon. The space program is a source of enormous national pride for China and is seen as reflecting its economic and technological progress. Command: Chinese aerospace scientists and engineers at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre which lead with Shenzhou 9's space mission . The successful of sending the country's first female astronaut into space is giving the program a big publicity boost. Ms Yang, who is described as a brilliant . student with an impeccable service record, has also been selected . because of her 'excellent flight skills and psychological quality', according to . the Xinhua news agency. She . has been praised for her cool handling of an incident when her jet hit a . flock of pigeons, but she was still able to land the heavily damaged . aircraft. Ms Yang and her fellow astronauts are expected to reach the Tiangong 1 space station on Monday and is now orbiting at 213 miles above Earth. China hopes a bigger permanent space station due can be in place by about 2020 and will weigh about 60 tons. In November 2011, the unmanned Shenzhou 8 successfully docked twice with Tiangong 1 by remote control. | New hero for a billion people as China's first female astronaut successfully enters space .
The 33-year-old is with two male astronauts on a mission to the 'Heavenly Palace' space station .
The astronauts are now orbiting at 213 miles above Earth and expected to reach the space station on Monday . |
223,060 | acc4e8409d6bfd391bea43e61a17144a3855e05b | By . Helen Collis . More than a third of patients infected with a new strain of bird flu died after being admitted to the hospital earlier this year, Chinese researchers report in a new study. Since the new H7N9 bird flu first broke out in China in late March, the strain has infected more than 130 people and killed 37. The World Health Organization (WHO) has previously described H7N9 as 'one of the most lethal influenza viruses' it has ever seen and said it appeared to spread faster than the last bird flu strain, H5N1, that threatened to unleash a pandemic. After making some adjustments for missing data, the Chinese scientists estimated the overall death rate to be 36 per cent. Precautions: An employee wearing a protection suit sprays disinfectant on chickens at a poultry market in Hefei, Anhui, China, last month . The outbreak was stopped after China . closed many of its live animal markets - scientists had assumed the . virus was infecting people through exposure to live birds. That makes the new strain less deadly than H5N1, which kills about 70 per cent of the people it infects. Still, H7N9 is more lethal than the . swine flu that caused a 2009 global epidemic. That had a death rate of . less than one per cent. The results were released in two papers on the H7N9 strain, published online Monday in the journal Lancet. One article compared the new H7N9 . strain with the H5N1 strain, using data from confirmed cases of H7N9 . (130 patients) and H5N1 (43 patients) that were reported until May 24, . this year. It found that both viruses were . related to exposure to poultry - 75 per cent of patients infected with . H7N9 and 71% of those with H5N1. New strain: Researchers found that the virus effectively mutated to resist treatment in three of 14 cases (file picture) Though there was little evidence, save for a small cluster, to show that H7N9 transmitted from human to human. The new flu strain appears to infect . older people more. Researchers found the average age of infected . patients was 62 years, compared with 26 for H5N1. Men in urban areas appear to be more prone to infection than women. 'The good news is that numbers of . (H7N9) cases have stalled,' Cecile Viboud and Lone Simonsen of the U.S. National Institutes of Health wrote in a commentary accompanying the . article. However, they warned that the threat . of the virus still 'persists' and predicted that the strain might return . in the winter, when flu viruses are typically most active. Resistant: Three Shanghai sufferers of a strain of bird flu which has killed 36 people in China have shown resistance to antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu (pictured) That assessment echoes the WHO, which earlier this month also warned of the virus adapting and becoming resistant to therapy. Shanghai doctors treating 14 . sufferers of the H7N9 virus recently found that it had become resistant . to Tamiflu in three of the patients. Researchers at the Shanghai Public . Health Clinical Centre said that while the drug reduced levels of the . virus in 11 of the patients, genetic testing of bird flu in the three . who did not respond to treatment showed it was able to effectively . mutate to resist Tamiflu. | Studies of 130 confirmed cases of H7N9 found one-in-three-death rate .
Compares with H5N1 death rate of around 70 per cent .
Death rate of 2009 swine flu epidemic was just one per cent .
Virus has shown resistance to Tamiflu in some sufferers . |
19,997 | 38c72a251ea47e6267f27a5955b20aac55b99c98 | To say that Manchester City and Crystal Palace are teams moving in the opposite direction cannot be denied... especially from a platform at Manchester Piccadilly station. The two Premier League sides passed each other on the concourse with champions City boarding the train to London for their match with QPR while relegation candidates Palace alighted to prepare for their meeting with Manchester United. Players including Sergio Aguero, Joe Hart and Scott Dann smiled as they walked past each other in regimented lines not far removed from their usual pre-match ritual. Manchester City players arrive at the train station just as Crystal Palace players are leaving . Managers Manuel Pellegrini (L) and Neil Warnock (2L) found the funny side of the situation . Argentines Julian Speroni (L), Martin Demichelis (2L) and Willy Caballero (3L) have a chat . City were travelling to London for a meeting with QPR while Palace arrived in Manchester to face United . The players passed each other in lines that resembled a pre-match ritual at a Premier League match . Managers Neil Warnock and Manuel Pellegrini laughed at the situation while Argentinians Julian Speroni, Martin Demichelis and Willy Caballero found time for a chat. City have headed south without their captain Vincent Kompany - who has been ruled out after picking up a calf injury in Wednesday night's Champions League defeat against CSKA Moscow. The Belgian joins David Silva and Aleksandar Kolarov on the treatment table as City try to bounce back from their European embarrassment - giving a rare chance for £32million summer signing Eliaquim Mangala. Vincent Kompany will miss the match at Loftus Road after picking up a calf injury in the Champions League . Yaya Toure is expected to captain the Premier League champions in the Belgian's absence . Either Yaya Toure or Pablo Zabaleta will captain the team at Loftus Road in Kompany's absence. Meanwhile, Warnock believes Wayne Rooney will play a major role in turning Manchester United back into a title-winning force. 'I think he's been a mainstay in Man United and he will be instrumental in them getting right back to the top in the next two or three years,' Warnock said of the England captain - who is set to win his 100th cap next week. Eagles boss Neil Warnock has decided to stop complaining about referee's decisions this season . Palace have been left perilously close to the relegation zone following their previous loss to Sunderland . 'I know he's on a lot of money and so he's open to criticism but, just the way he is, the fans love him and he comes back in and plays in midfield and he'll pop out wide and up front and he just wants to play. 'I think Wayne Rooney would play anywhere you want, he's such a good player. I always used to say about him when he first got started, I could just see him taking his shirt and shoes off and putting goalposts down in the park - he's that kind of player and his enthusiasm.' | Man City and Crystal Palace arrived at Manchester Piccadilly at same time .
Champions were boarding the train to travel to London for QPR match .
Eagles were leaving to prepare for their meeting with Manchester United . |
60,800 | acc6576067efe4b2204b6bd2b2010b59bb819af3 | By . William Turvill . PUBLISHED: . 04:18 EST, 5 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 04:23 EST, 5 January 2014 . Teenagers across the UK are being treated for liver disease usually associated with a decade or more of heavy drinking. Two 17-year-olds, an 18-year-old and two 19-year-olds have been treated for alcohol-related liver disease in UK hospitals over the last three years. Cirrhosis of the liver is normally associated with binge drinking for ten years or more, but experts have suggested it is now occurring over a shorter period. Teenagers of 17, 18 and 19 years old across the UK are being treated for alcohol-related liver disease, which is usually associated with adults who have been drinking heavily for ten years or more (stock picture) According to information obtained by The Sunday Times, an 18 and a 19-year-old have both been treated for alcohol-related liver disease at University Hospitals Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. The two 17-year-olds, meanwhile, were treated at St James's University Hospital in Leeds and Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge. The second 19-year-old was treated at Royal Free Hospital in North London. The paper also reported that at least one patient in their 20s with the condition received a transplant. A doctor from Addenbrooke’s, Dr Alexander Gimson, told the paper the ‘portentous’ figures were in line with research showing that the age at which people suffer and die from alcohol-related liver disease is getting younger. At least one person in their 20s received a transplant after the alcohol-related disease (stock picture) The revelation follows figures released in September showing that 6,580 under-18s – and 293 children aged 11 and under – were admitted to A&E for alcohol-related admissions. Meanwhile, it was reported in The Sun today that cases of foetal alcohol syndrome - where babies are left deformed or disabled by their mother's drinking during pregnancy - rose by 48 per cent between 2009-10 and 2012. Last year, doctors saw 313 cases of the condition, up from 212 in 2009-10. Drinking during pregnancy can affect children's facial features, hearing and numerous diseases. Phoebe Haffenden, from New Milton, Hampshire, would drink an astonishing six litres of cider a day . This week the Mail reported on a . 19-year-old girl who was given months to live by doctors after daily . alcohol binges left her body ravaged. Phoebe . Haffenden, from New Milton in Hampshire, would consume an astonishing . six litres of cheap cider a day, was warned by doctors that her body was . close to shutting down. The . teenager, who is still 19, from New Milton in Hampshire, started . drinking at just 15, but her habit spiralled out of control and she was . soon drinking a litre of vodka at a time. Her . addiction became so extreme she was kicked out of her family home and . would suffer uncontrollable shakes and terrifying hallucinations. After . a four-year battle with alcohol, in July last year, Phoebe spent ten . days in a detox clinic and is starting to get her life back on track. She . was told that she had a kidney infection and her body was so dependent . on alcohol that to go cold turkey could have killed her. Instead she was weaned off gradually, using withdrawal medication. Fortunately . her body is young and will repair itself from any damage caused by the . alcohol, but if she drinks again she could risk overdose. Now Phoebe is back at home and has started an acting course at her local college. | In the last three years, teenagers of 17, 18 and 19 treated in UK hospitals .
Cirrhosis of the liver usually caused by binging over ten years or more . |
223,694 | ada2d3fc034ab39b331af80acac9858dd525e82e | By ERIC SCHMIDT, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF GOOGLE . Google executive chairman Eric Schmidt said the search giant has developed breakthrough technology that will allow illegal videos to be 'tagged' Last week 348 people were arrested in . Canada – and 386 young kids rescued – in one of the largest child sex . investigations ever seen. It defies belief that anyone would sexually . abuse children, especially teachers and doctors entrusted with their . care. But this awful case highlights the depths to which humanity can sink. And . while society will never wholly eliminate such depravity, we should do . everything in our power to protect children from harm. That's . why internet companies like Google and Microsoft have been working with . law enforcement for years to stop paedophiles sharing illegal pictures . on the web. We . actively remove child sexual abuse imagery from our services and . immediately report abuse to the authorities. This evidence is regularly . used to prosecute and convict criminals. But as David Cameron said in a speech this summer, there's always more that can be done. We've . listened, and in the last three months put more than 200 people to work . developing new, state-of-the-art technology to tackle the problem. Cleaning up search: We've fine tuned Google Search to prevent links to child sexual abuse material from appearing in our results. While . no algorithm is perfect – and Google cannot prevent paedophiles adding . new images to the web – these changes have cleaned up the results for . over 100,000 queries that might be related to the sexual abuse of kids. As important, we will soon roll out these changes in more than 150 languages, so the impact will be truly global. Deterrence: . We're now showing warnings – from both Google and charities – at the . top of our search results for more than 13,000 queries. These alerts . make clear that child sexual abuse is illegal and offer advice on where . to get help. Detection and removal: There's no quick technical fix when it comes to detecting child sexual abuse imagery. This . is because computers can't reliably distinguish between innocent . pictures of kids at bathtime and genuine abuse. So we always need to . have a person review the images. Once that is done – and we know the pictures are illegal – each image is given a unique digital fingerprint. U-turn: Internet search results linked to child abuse are to be blocked across the world by Google . This . enables our computers to identify those pictures whenever they appear . on our systems. And Microsoft deserves a lot of credit for developing . and sharing its picture detection technology. But . paedophiles are increasingly filming their crimes. So our engineers at . YouTube have created a new technology to identify these videos. We're . already testing it at Google, and in the new year we hope to make it . available to other internet companies and child safety organisations. Technical expertise: . There are many organisations working to fight the sexual exploitation . of kids online – and we want to ensure they have the best technical . support. So Google . plans to second computer engineers to both the Internet Watch Foundation . (IWF) here in Britain and the US National Center for Missing and . Exploited Children (NCMEC). We also plan to fund internships for other . engineers at these organisations. This . will help the IWF and NCMEC stay one step ahead. The sexual abuse of . children is a global challenge, and success depends on everyone working . together – law enforcement, internet companies and charities. We . welcome the lead taken by the British Government, and hope that the . technologies developed (and shared) by our industry will make a real . difference in the fight against this terrible crime. | We should do .
everything in our power to protect children from harm .
Google has more than 200 people working to tackle the problem .
It actively removes child sexual abuse imagery from our services .
The company welcomes the lead taken by the British Government . |
115,183 | 20a6688ac9da85a314668eea59e70fe3eeb67b33 | By . David Kent . Manchester City have unveiled the kit that Manuel Pellegrini's side will wear on the road as they pursue back-to-back Premier League titles. The champions have revealed their new dark blue Nike away kit with just 16 days to go until they kick off their season at Wembley in the Community Shield against Arsenal. The shirt gradually gets lighter as it reaches the shorts - but doesn't quite come close to City's sky blue home kit. Yellow details stand out across the shirt - including a 'We are City' message on the inside collar. Passion: City right back Pablo Zabaleta poses in the new dark blue shirt, complete with yellow detail . Fans will be pleased to see the return of the dark blue and yellow colours - intended as a nod towards the 2-2 Second Division Play-Off final draw in 1999 that saw City promoted on penalties. The new kit is available for pre order now and hits the shops on July 29. And as if Sergio Aguero and co needed an edge to beat their rivals, the kit even includes socks with 'Elite Match fit' technology that aims to cushion common injury areas, as well as providing a better touch through less material being used. Pride: The shirt features the message 'We are City' on the inside of the neck in yellow text . Fresh new look: City's players will stand out in the dark Premier League winter with the bright yellow detail . In all its glory: The new shirt will be available from July 29, with pre ordering open now . VIDEO Pellegrini predicts United title challenge . | Sky Blues go for darker shade to defend their title on the road .
New Nike kit recognises City's Second Division promotion in 1999 .
Inside of the back of the neck reads 'We are City' in yellow text .
Kit is available for pre order now and goes on sale July 29 .
High-tech socks have less material to improve players' touch . |
272,862 | ed664062f69054451edf9eb724c3f965d91c6a4e | Apple's updated policy means apps on the App Store (pictured) may soon accept approved virtual currencies, as long as they comply with the law . Apple's latest policy changes mean lives in Candy Crush, or the next Flappy Bird, could soon be be bought using Bitcoin. Until now, the tech giant has rejected or removed any apps that allowed the use of virtual currency. But the latest update to the App Store Review Guidelines reveals a change of heart. The policy now claims: ‘Apps may facilitate transmission of approved virtual currencies provided that they do so in compliance with all state and federal laws for the territories in which the app functions.’ This means Bitcoin could be used for downloads or in-app purchases from the Apple App Store. Alternatively, it could mean iPhones will be used to store the currency in virtual wallets. Google's Android platform already accepts the digital money. Jay Karsandas, Digital Manager at Mobiles.co.uk, said: ‘The action that Apple has taken in allowing apps to transmit approved virtual currencies seems like the next natural step in adapting to the ever-growing prominence of cyber-cash systems, such as Bitcoin. ‘We are doubtful that Apple will open the door to Bitcoin mining or significant sums passing through apps; more likely this will be an opportunity for iOS devices to act as Bitcoin wallets for use in online purchases, similar to what the Google Play store already offers.’ Virtual currencies are built around shared software, with users carrying out transactions directly with one another, without having to go through a bank or other company. Users create, or 'mine', new coins by taking part in mathematical operations within the system using cryptography. As a result, Bitcoin is more accurately known as a cryptocurrency. Bitcoin (pictured) could soon be used for downloads or in-app purchases from the Apple App Store and iPhones could be used to store the currency in virtual wallets . In recent months, the value of Bitcoin has fluctuated dramatically. The value of single coins briefly surpassed $1,000 (£600) at the end of last year before plummeting to $350 (£209) in April. The price of Bitcoin now ranges between $650 (£388) and $670 (£400) (pictured) Bitcoin is a piece of data confined to an internet network by an algorithm. Once released it can be traded and used like money online and can be purchased with real cash. Many websites are now taking Bitcoins as a form of currency. As well as digital currency, Bitcoin miners enjoy the competitive nature of unlocking the coins. It has been dismissed by some as a Ponzi Scheme and touted by others as the future of money. It . is not centrally controlled and its unique and complex set-up means the . market cannot be altered or hacked, according to the developers. There . are 21 million coins predicted to last until 2140 and their finite . nature means they perform more like a commodity, such as gold. The coins first emerged in 2008 and launched as a network in 2009. In recent months, the value of Bitcoin has fluctuated dramatically. The value of single coins briefly surpassed $1,000 (£600) at the end of last year before plummeting to $350 (£209) in April. This fall was linked a crackdown on the currency in China. The price of Bitcoin now ranges between $650 (£388) and $670 (£400). It is one of a growing number of cryptocurrencies that are starting to become more popular online, including Dogecoin. The policy changes were announced during Apple’s annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco. They are part of a host of updates to the firm’s iOS 8 and Mac OS X software, unveiled during chief executive Tim Cook’s keynote speech yesterday. In iOS 8, these updates include interactive notifications, a QuickType keyboard, a Snapchat-style self-destruct button for messages, and a new piece of software called HomeKit. HomeKit lets users control lighting, heating and other appliances in their home via their iOS device. As part of the Mac software update, called OS X 10.10 Yosemite, users can search Wikipedia and the web directly from their home screen. The changes were announced during Apple's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) in San Francisco. They are part of a host of updates to the firm's iOS 8 and Mac OS X software, (pictured) unveiled by Craig Federighi, Apple's senior vice president of Software Engineering, during a keynote speech yesterday . The . software has been redesigned to look ‘flat’- to resemble the latest . version of the iOS software seen on iPhones and iPads - in a project . overseen by chief designer Sir Jonathan Ive. It . also has a new mode that lets users easily change the colour scheme, . and comes with a new online storage service called iCloud Drive. This lets users automatically synchronise files across multiple Macs, . iPhones, iPads and even Windows PCs. | Apple previously rejected or removed apps that accepted virtual currency .
During this week's developer conference, the firm updated this policy .
Apps can now accept approved virtual currencies, as long as they comply with state and federal laws .
These laws have to cover all the regions in which the app is available .
Expert claims this means Bitcoin could soon be used on the App Store . |
189,507 | 81674691b01a454edf16a2d2d0939a6c37bdff04 | (CNN) -- Dawn DaLuise's list of celebrity clients featured the Who's Who of the entertainment industry, including Jennifer Aniston and Nicki Minaj. In a Los Angeles market where looks are everything, the self-proclaimed skin-care guru to the stars relished her title and guarded it zealously. So much so that when aesthetician Gabriel Suarez set up shop in the same building as hers, tension ensued, authorities said. Tension that led, police say, to a bizarre plot. DaLuise owned Skin Refinery in West Hollywood, which provided skin care products and treatments. She was arrested in March after she allegedly wanted to have Suarez, whom she considered a competitor, killed. "I came in and I said 'Can I help you?' because she was in my office. And she said, 'Oh good, a Mexican that speaks English.' And that hurt," Suarez said. "She wanted me out of the building." The rivalry created by his new beauty salon called Smooth Cheeks morphed into a crime thriller filled with one twist after another. It had all the bizarre elements of a Hollywood shocker: sex solicitations, an alleged plot to kill and betrayal. Convinced that Suarez was not only ruining her popularity -- but that he was also allegedly posting raunchy Craigslist ads claiming she was seeking a man to fulfill her sexual fantasies -- DaLuise tried to hire a hit man to kill him, detectives said. "The phrase was, at that point, in essence, to find somebody to take out a double-minority Mexican gay," said Steve McCauley of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. But Suarez said he had nothing to do with the cyber postings. In a wild case of betrayal, it later came to light that it wasn't Suarez posting the Craigslist ads. Authorities said it was DaLuise's good friend, Edward Feinstein, who now faces charges in a separate prosecution. Her friend was creating drama so he could be the one who stepped in and saved her, Alexis Tereszcuk of Radar Online told HLN earlier this year. The online entertainment magazine broke most of the developments in the story. Police said Feinstein, who was their informant, is also linked to the case in other ways. He is also the man DaLuise texted to tell that she hired a hit man to take out her business rival. Her text to Feinstein read: "I found someone who is going to take Gabriel out. His name is Chris Geile, and he's an ex-Detroit Lion quarterback," prosecutors said. But DaLuise's lawyer said that it was not a plot to kill. "You will see that she was venting to family, she was venting to friends," said Jamon Hicks, her attorney. "This was not a case she was trying to solicit someone to murder." Geile said the accusation stunned him because he hardly knew DaLuise and had only met her briefly at a pub in Big Bear, California. "I want to clear my name because the mental anguish I've suffered is far more than any football injury I've ever had," Geile said. DaLuise has pleaded not guilty and says she wants to clear her name as well. "She's the victim of a stalker who posted fake Craigslist ads claiming she had a rape fantasy," Hicks said. DaLuise will be arraigned Monday on solicitation of murder charges. Her attorney says she plans to plead not guilty again. | Dawn DaLuise owned Skin Refinery in West Hollywood .
She was arrested in March after an alleged murder-for-hire plot .
It was aimed at a man whom she considered a competitor . |
172,283 | 6af7bf8ea28c43ef1cc8551ee8d8feeb8d0fa80a | By . Lydia Warren . A 16-year-old girl has committed suicide after posting a farewell video to YouTube. Maddie Yates, from Louisville, Kentucky, uploaded the video entitled 'Important' online and then shared it on her Twitter page before taking her life on Monday night. The video, which has now been taken down, was viewed more than 10,000 times in the first 24 hours after it was posted, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported. 'I know that I'm going to hurt everyone who loves me,' she said, explaining that she had been treated for depression and had been prescribed Prozac. Final message: Maddie Yates is pictured in a YouTube video she posted entitled 'Important' before she took her life on Monday. The video, which was viewed thousands of times, has now been removed . 'But I've been like this for so long, and there’s still a . chance that the worst day might still be coming. And I just don’t see . how this is a bad idea.' She continued: 'I don't want anyone to feel like it was their . fault. This was my decision, not yours. I’m the one who messed up, not . you. There's nothing, literally nothing that you could have done.' She added that she had seen no other option than to take her life because 'I am not a good person'. 'You don't even want to know the things that I think... I'm doing literally the whole world a favor. But I love . you, and I'm sorry. And I really, really love you,' she said. There are few further details about the circumstances of her death, but her mother confirmed it on Facebook, saying that moments before her death, her daughter had had the family laughing. 'I want you all to know the this was the worse thing she could have done,' she said, as she urged others to seek help if they felt suicidal. Loss: She said she had been treated for depression and feared that she had not yet seen the worst . Maddie herself had previously tweeted, 'The fact that suicide is an actual option for some people is what really breaks my heart,' and was planning to take part in a fundraising walk for suicide prevention in memory of a friend who passed away nearly one year before Maddie. Last year, she added on Twitter: 'If people who killed themselves could just see how everyone loved them, then maybe they'd take back what they did. But they can't.' Her three-minute video was taken down from YouTube - but by that point it had already been shared by school friends at Louisville Male High School, the Louisville Courier-Journal reported. Before it was removed, Jefferson County Public Schools blocked access to YouTube and Twitter throughout the district in a bid to protect students. Accomplished: Louisville Male High School school paid tribute to Maddie, calling her an 'exceptional student' 'This was an effort to ensure that students who are emotionally impacted could get the help they needed as we worked with officials to address the situation through the most appropriate and efficient channels,' the district said in a statement. But at least one student's father disagreed with the decision, saying that 'trying to ignore what happened isn't going to help anyone'. Male High School also provided 20 grief counselors for students to meet and speak with. 'Male High's thoughts and prayers go out to the Yates' family,' the school tweeted. 'Maddie was an exceptional student and will be missed dearly. #MaleHigh' Her friends have also been sharing tributes online. Yates added that she had seen no other option than to take her life because 'I am not a good person' 'Anyone who knew Maddie knew she always . had the biggest smile on her face!' one wrote. 'Always laughing and giggling. Such a . sweet soul, gone too soon.' 'No Maddie it wasn't a favor at all,' another friend said in response to her video. 'You meant the absolute world to me.' | Maddie Yates, from Louisville, Kentucky, took her life on Monday night after posting the video to YouTube .
'I just don't see how this is a bad idea,' she said in the 3-minute video .
The video has now been removed after being viewed 10,000 times in a day .
For confidential support call the National suicide Prevention Line on 1-800-273-825 .
In the UK, contact the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details . |
239,172 | c1a4e281e42e92fc4f2028a47098cfaa2fc8b5a9 | By . Laura Clark . Learning: Parents are being urged to restrict use of tablets because children are struggling with basic motor skills, teachers claim . Children are not developing the dexterity needed to write and build models because they spend too long on computer tablets, teachers warned yesterday. They also struggle to learn lines for school plays and answer pen and paper exams because they are used to calling up information instantly on their computers or smartphones. Parents are being urged to restrict use of tablets and turn off the wi-fi in their homes at night to stop their children going on the internet. Members of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers warned that growing numbers of young children are able to swipe tablet screens but lack the motor skills needed to play with building blocks. They also struggle to socialise with others or concentrate unless their focus is on computer-generated images. Delegates at ATL’s annual conference in Manchester backed calls for medical experts to help produce guidance for parents as well as teachers on avoiding excessive use of tablets. They passed a resolution warning that computer tablet ‘addiction’ was leading to poor performance at school, irritability, furtiveness and loss of interest in other activities. Colin Kinney, representing ATL’s Northern Ireland branch, said some parents were substituting the development of social skills with tablets. ‘I have spoken to a number of nursery teachers who have concerns over the increasing numbers of young pupils who can swipe a screen but have little or no manipulative skills to play with building blocks or the like, or the pupils who cannot socialise with other pupils but whose parents talk proudly of their ability to use a tablet or smartphone,’ he said. ‘Many of us have seen the brilliant computer skills of some pupils outweighed by their deteriorating skills in pen and paper exams because they rely on the instant support of the computer. ‘They are often unable to apply what they should have learned from their textbooks or class notes.’ One teacher said: 'Young pupils can swipe a screen but have little or no manipulative skills to play with building blocks'. File picture . Pupils were turning up to school exhausted because they had night much of the previous night playing computer games, he added. Their attention spans were ‘so limited they may as well not be there’. ‘We do not want to deprive our pupils of access to computer tablets but we do want to protect them from withdrawal, poor performance and loss of educational opportunities,’ he said. Mark Montgomery, a fellow Northern Ireland delegate, said children increasingly wanted to spend hours playing on tablets instead of ‘playing football outside, building models and learning through playing’. ‘During rehearsals for our school play, the producer complained that the children in lead roles had great difficulty in learning all of their lines,’ he added. Sedentary: excessive tablet and smartphone use can also cause weight gain thanks to a 'lack of movement and exercise' ‘This had not been an issue in previous years and would suggest that because information is always instantly available there is less need to learn and to retain knowledge.’ He warned that over-use of tablets was also having detrimental effects on pupils’ health, such as weight gain caused by ‘lack of movement and exercise’ as well as repetitive strain injuries and posture problems. He added: ‘I have three sons. When they were younger I would go to bed and turn off the wi-fi. Parents need to do that. Turn the wi-fi off. ‘There is the ability to restrict the amount of time they are online for, there are apps to download. ‘Children get obsessed with things and find it difficult to say no. If you take a two-year-old’s teddy away or a teenager’s X-Box they will rant and rave. But an adult will go and do something different.’ Mr Montgomery went on: ‘It is our job to make sure that the technology is being used wisely and productively and that pupils are not making backward steps and getting obsessed and exhibiting aggressive and anti-social behaviours.’ The warning follows research from Ofcom last year which found children’s access to tablets at home has more than doubled from 20 per cent in 2012 to 51 per cent. It has also been claimed that the boom in tablet ownership has led to children as young as four are being treated for ‘iPad addiction’. One girl of four reportedly became so obsessed with playing games on a tablet she was enrolled in therapy by her parents who wanted her treated for compulsive behaviour. The pre-school child, from the south east of England, became hooked on a tablet at the age of three and was using it for up to four hours a day, becoming ‘inconsolable’ when it was taken away. | Teachers say basic skills are affected by children's excessive iPad use .
Access to instant information is also reducing memory and attention span .
They are also struggling to socialise with other children . |
172,968 | 6bd8bcc38af675be3c6ab91a12ba0a863c3380ee | Just four races back into her skiing career, Lindsey Vonn is on the verge of World Cup history. After clinching a second straight win - and third consecutive podium - with a victory in Saturday's downhill, the 30-year-old American now has the chance to secure a 62nd career win in Sunday's super-G and move level with Austrian great Annemarie Moser-Proll for all-time wins. 'I have to get there first. If it happens tomorrow, great,' said Vonn, a four-time World Cup champion. 'I feel like I have been talking about (the record) for a long time now and, if I keep talking about it, I feel like it's never going to happen.' I did it: Lindsey Vonn takes 1st place during the Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Women's Downhill Saturday . Perfect run: Vonn has been out of action for one year after two knee surgeries . Lindsey Vonn in action during the Women's Downhill race in Val d'Isere, France . Lindsey Vonn speeds down the slope during the Women's Downhill race at the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup . Lindsey Vonn of the US celebrates after competing in the Women's Downhill race at the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in Val d'Isere France on December 20, 2014 . It would have been a distant dream one year ago, however, when she re-injured her troublesome right knee on the same Oreiller-Killy course in Val d'Isere and required surgery for the second time. The first knee operation came after she tore two ligaments following a spectacular fall at the world championships 10 months earlier. Aside from one small wobble in the middle of the course, Vonn's run on Saturday was clean and she finished .19 seconds clear of early pace-setter Elisabeth Goergl of Austria and Viktoria Rebensburg of Germany, who tied for second. 'I trusted my body and my knee held up great,' Vonn said. 'No problem, no pain, so all is good.' Swiss skier Lara Gut placed 0.39 behind in fourth place, while overall leader Tina Maze of Slovenia finished half a second adrift in seventh. After nearly two years without a victory, Vonn won a downhill at Lake Louise, Canada, two weeks ago and finished second in super-G the next day. US Lindsey Vonn celebrates her gold medal as she walks toward the podium, after winning the FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Downhill in Val d'Isere, French Alps . US Lindsey Vonn celebrates her gold medal during the podium ceremony after winning the FIS Alpine World Cup Women's Downhill on December 20, 2014 in Val d'Isere, French Alps . The 30-year-old has recently returned to action following a one year break to undergo two knee operations . Lindsey Vonn celebrates on the podium after winning the alpine ski women's World Cup downhill in Val d'Isere . 'It feels amazing. I was a bit nervous today as I made some mistakes in training. It's tough when you only have one training run,' Vonn said. 'I skied aggressively today. It was definitely tough as we had a lot more speed.' Vonn was 0.11 seconds ahead of Goergl on the first time split, up to 0.36 on the second, lost a little time and then sped up again at the bottom. As she crossed the line, Vonn leaned her head back, swung her right pole up in the air and then shook her head in relief, as if scarcely believing she'd won again. She then blew a kiss to the camera. 'In Lake Louise, I won so many times that some people automatically assume that I should win there,' Vonn said. 'I already knew I could win here today. It was for other people to understand that I'm back to where I used to be.' Vonn even had time to take a selfie with a beautifully groomed calf as she stood on the podium after her win . The blonde bombshell couldn't have been happier as she stroked the animal brought on to the podium . Vonn smiles for the cameras as she received a warm hug in the chilly Val d'Isere weather . Lindsey Vonn is one win from matching the all-time women's World Cup record after recording her 61st victory in Val d'Isere, France, on Saturday . Prior to her success at Lake Louise, Vonn's previous World Cup win was a giant slalom in January 2013 in Maribor, Slovenia, - and this was only her eighth race since then. After her injury at the worlds, Vonn then tried to get back in time for the Sochi Olympics - only to tear one of the reconstructed ligaments in a training crash. Then, four days before Christmas, she sprained her MCL in Val d'Isere and needed surgery again. Meanwhile, it was the first podium of the season for both Goergl and Rebensburg - who also secured her first career podium in downhill. 'I think I'm going to keep smiling until I go to bed,' the 25-year-old Rebensburg said. The 33-year-old Goergl had not been on the podium since finishing second in downhill at Lenzerheide, Switzerland, in March. Overall, Maze leads with 596 points; Austria's Anna Fenninger is second with 327, while Vonn moves up to third with 312. | Alpine skier Lindsey Vonn won her 61st World Cup downhill on Saturday .
Vonn, 30, returned from one-year absence following two knee operations .
Former Olympic and world champion skied a near perfect run in Val d'Isere . |
119,950 | 270844f2cfc567e9d3af2148f4900963463de59a | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 05:53 EST, 29 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:53 EST, 29 December 2012 . Almost 6,000 drivers have been banned from the road because they cannot see properly, new figures show. The number of licences revoked or blocked soared by 10 per cent higher in 2011, amid growing fears about the eyesight of thousands of people who climb behind the wheel. Officials tore up 5,285 licences for cars and motorbikes and 685 lorry and bus drivers last year because holders could not pass a standard eye test. In 2011 almost 6,000 people had their driving licences revoked or blocked because of their eyesight, a 10 per cent rise on 2010 . In 2010, 4,906 car and motorcycle licences were revoked or refused, along with 493 lorry or bus applications. Among lorry and bus drivers the increase was a shocking 39 per cent. Transport minister Stephen Hammond revealed the figures for 2011 in response to a series of parliamentary questions from Labour MP Meg Munn. Mr Hammond told MailOnline: 'Licensing rules have an important part to play in keeping our roads safe. We must make sure that only those who are safe to drive are allowed on our roads while at the same time avoiding placing unnecessary restrictions on people’s independence. All drivers must meet certain minimum eyesight standards. There are additional checks for drivers of large goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles, which we strictly enforce. 'This is to protect the driver and other road users given their size, the number of passengers and the likely additional distance and time spent on the road.' Driving with defective eyesight is an offence and a driver who does not meet the required standard could be prosecuted. They may also invalidate their motor insurance. Ms Munn said: 'A recent report showed that in 2010 road accidents caused by poor driver vision resulted in an estimated 2,874 casualties. 'These figures provide information on how many drivers who have come forward and reported problems with their vision to the DVLA had their licenses revoked or refused. 'I will be continuing to seek further information to ensure that robust measures are in place to check drivers’ vision, so we can continue to improve road safety. For most people it is simply a matter of getting their eyes tested to ensure they have glasses or contact lenses if required.' Under Department for Transport rules, all drivers should be able to read a number plate from 20 metres away, with glasses or contact lenses if necessary. They should also be able to pass an eye test with an optician and have an adequate field of vision. The government has ruled out introducing formal eyesight testing whenever a driving licence is renewed. Instead, it is up to drivers to ensure that they are able to meet the appropriate vision standards while driving. Police officers are able to carry out roadside eye tests if they think a driver does not meet the minimum requirements. If the driver fails the roadside test, the police can inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency who will revoke the driving licence. Last month a survey by Specsavers found one in three drivers were putting themselves and others at risk by failing to meet the legal vision standard required for driving. Labour MP Meg Munn said she was worried about road safety . Experts predict the number of older drivers will soar to record levels as the post-war 'baby-boom' generation reaches retirement. By 2032 the number aged over 70 will have risen to 5.8million, and the total will include almost two million over 80, the Institute of Advanced Motorists said. Earlier this month 87-year-old Peter Cole was released from jail on appeal, after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and making a false statement to obtain a driving license after twice lying to the DVLA about his eyesight. Cole of Abridge Homes, Abridge in Essex, ran over and killed war veteran Ambrose Skingle, 86, in January. Cole was jailed for 18 months, but the Court of Appeal said it was ‘wrong in principle’ for the frail pensioner to remain behind bars. The court heard how after the accident Cole was seen using a magnifying glass to use his mobile phone even whilst wearing glasses. It was later found that he could only read a number plate from just eight metres. On appeal Cole’s jail term was quashed and he was handed a 51 week suspended sentence, with a 12-month supervision requirement. Two years ago Raymond Hampshire, 87, escaped serious punishment after fatally injuring a disabled woman while she was riding a mobility scooter. Sheffield Crown court heard he had cataracts in both eyes and was unfit to be on the road because everything appeared ‘foggy’ to him. | Number of motorists banned from driving for poor eyesight jumps 10 per cent in a year .
Labour MP Meg Munn calls for 'robust measures' to ensure road safety .
In 2010 poor eyesight caused 2,874 road accident causalities . |
243,309 | c6e18295faab66248dcd3900d3f22ed372117cb2 | Police sting: A seven metre wasp nest was found by police at an empty house on the island of Tenerife . A seven metre long wasps nest has reportedly been discovered in an abandoned house by police officers in Spain. Officers were called to the empty property in San Sebastian de La Gomera on the island of Tenerife after a series of calls from concerned neighbours. Police sealed off the home when the found the 22ft nest, which is said to have almost filled a room, and millions of wasps in the house, according to UPI.com. Experts believe that the nest was built by an African species of wasp which had migrated to Tenerife. The Canary Islands are located around 100km from the African coast. Police are said to be trying to find out who the property belongs to. The nest may well be the biggest ever found. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest one found to date was discovered in Waimaukau in New Zealand in April 1963 and was an impressive 3.7metres, or 12ft 2ins long, more than 5ft in diameter and 18ft in circumference. Thought to have been created by German wasps, that nest was so heavy that it fell from the tree it was hanging in and broke in two. The size, type and colour of a wasps nest depends on the species of wasp that builds it. They tend to be predominantly made from paper pulp - the wasp gathers wood fibres from weathered wood and softens it by chewing and mixing with saliva. The previous biggest nest in the last 50 years was discovered in the attic of a pub in Southampton, Hampshire, in 2010. Measuring 6ft by 5ft the nest was home to an estimated 500,000 wasps. Another giant nest was found at the Avery Garden Centre in Taunton, Somerset last summer. The average common wasp nest contains around 4,000 to 5,000 wasps - but colonies have been known to reach populations of 20,000. Extraordinary: Experts believe that the huge nest is too big to have been built by common wasps (pictured) and is most likely to have been the creation of a species of migrant wasps from Africa . | The nest was reportedly found at a property on the island of Tenerife .
It is said to have been 22ft long and covered nearly an entire room .
Experts believe wasps migrating from Africa may have created it . |
67,109 | be6198b7c2b641247f945a782755fc1c38fecf80 | Washington (CNN) -- Some foreign students who enroll and graduate from U.S. flight schools are in the U.S. illegally, despite extensive post-9/11 efforts to vet student pilots, congressional investigators said Wednesday. Stephen Lord, an investigative chief with the Government Accountability Office, declined to say how many student pilots he found to be wrongly in the country, saying that the Transportation Security Administration had deemed the number to be "sensitive security information." But, he said, his study showed "weaknesses" in the TSA's vetting process that need to be fixed. The holes are "extremely disturbing," House Homeland Security subcommittee Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers said. "It's completely unacceptable that a decade after 9/11 GAO has uncovered weaknesses in our security controls that were supposed to be fixed a decade ago," Rogers said. Several of the terrorists who carried out the attacks of September 11, 2001, including leader Mohammed Atta, trained at U.S. flight schools before conducting their attack, and government leaders vowed to prevent such a mistake from happening again. For illegal immigrant graduates, a 'leap of faith' answered . Today, the TSA vets foreign student pilots against terror watch lists and conducts fingerprint-based criminal background checks, but it does not vet them against immigration databases, the GAO lead investigator said. Lord said his group downloaded an FAA database of pilots and compared it to TSA's database of student pilots who had completed background checks. "In a perfect world, the two databases would match," Lord said. "But we were surprised to find that some ... of the foreign nationals holding pilots' licenses were not in the TSA's databases, indicating that some foreign nationals had not been vetted before receiving flight training, and ultimately receiving pilots' licenses." The hole first came to public light in 2010 when local police stopped the owner of a Massachusetts flight school for a traffic violation and discovered he was in the country illegally. Federal immigration officials investigated and found that 25 of the foreign nationals at the school had been vetted by the TSA and had been approved to begin flight training. But further investigation revealed that eight of the students had entered the country illegally and 17 had overstayed their visas. Kerwin Wilson, the TSA's general manager for general aviation, said the TSA is taking steps to address the matter. "We do have a plan in place. We're working very closely with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in terms of automating the process to ensure that TSA is also checking for immigration status as well as the Terrorist Screening database," he said. Rep. Chip Cravaak, R-Minnesota, said the government needs a "common-sense solution" to prevent another 9/11-style attack, but said no solution would be perfect. "We will never have 100 percent security. That just won't happen. Somebody that is perfectly normal one day can flip, because of whatever pressures he or she is under," he said. | GAO chief investigator says he found "weaknesses" in the TSA's vetting process .
TSA deems number of pilots in U.S. illegally "sensitive security information," he says .
TSA vets student pilots against terror watch lists and conducts criminal checks .
But the agency doesn't vet them against immigration databases, GAO official says . |
141,726 | 4347b5e18af252007b8632c0bb5d0c451570bfdd | Fight: Vladimir Putin's bodyguards were involved in a punch-up at the BRICS summit in South Africa . Armed guards from Vladimir Putin's entourage were involved in an ugly fight in South Africa after they were ordered to put top secret suitcases - believed to contain the codes for Russia's nuclear arsenal - through a security scanner. The nightmare scenes came as the Kremlin leader arrived in Durban on an official trip to attend the 'BRICS' summit. Angry 'pushing and shoving' broke out after some members of Putin's security detail were prevented from following the Russian president into the conference hall staging the summit, which was hosted by South Africa's president Jacob Zuma and also involved Brazil, Russia, India and China. 'Putin managed to go through their lines, but his closest security detail were ordered to put their small suitcases on the belt to X-ray check them,' Moskovsky Komsomolets revealed. These were the 'very particular suitcases, secret ones, which are always carried right behind the president's back and the guards never let go even for a second,' the newspaper added. 'They tried to literally push out of the building a part of President's security service, part of his protocol service and part of Kremlin's information service.' Scroll down for video . Conflict: A South African security guard pushes Putin's bodyguards out of the convention hall . Stand-off: The two sides argued about the security procedures for the concert . At one point, heavy-handed . South African security also tried to block Russian foreign minister . Sergei Lavrov - one of the world's most senior diplomats - from . entering, it was claimed. Amid . angry misunderstandings, it became physical with 'Putin's security . pushing the Africans out of the away, and the Africans pushing Putin's . back', said Russian journalist Victoria Prikhodko. 'I . must say that the African security man was half the size of the Russian . - but then he had a machine-gun in his hands which in the end helped . him to push both our protocol and our security.' When . they tried to block Lavrov 'our security re-started the fight', she . said. 'Luckily they didn't get into a full-size scuffle, ending up with . pushing and poking each other.' Arrival: Mr Putin after touching down at Durban's airport for the summit yesterday . Dinner: The Russian leader with China's Xi Jinping, Jacob Zuma of South Africa and Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff . A South African colonel was . called and the issue was resolved with the Russians - and their . sensitive suitcases - allowed in. Some were forced to use the back door. Kremlin . officials blamed the embarrassing bust-up on the South Africans, with . Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying: 'They manage football better. A . lot of confusion.' He added: 'The incident happened because of the fault of the inviting side.' Group: All five BRICS leaders, including Manmohan Singh of India, pose for a picture together today . | Russian president was attending BRICS summit in Durban .
Bodyguards ordered to scan suitcase containing nuclear launch codes .
Guards started 'pushing and shoving' after being told to leave summit . |
197,415 | 8b83aaacf87dd5a8186058c35aaa4d0385b26939 | By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 00:32 EST, 23 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:08 EST, 23 May 2013 . A schoolgirl has become the first person with a martial art black belt to muscle her way into the prestigious Royal Ballet School. Ava May Llewellyn, 11, has been awarded the top honour in Taekwondo and scooped a place at the world famous dance academy. She took her first dance steps when she was just two-years-old and packed her first punch at martial art classes aged four. She packs a punch: Ballet dancer and Taekwondo black belt Ava May Llewellyn who has been offered a place at the Royal Ballet School . Ava May was one of the youngest fighters at her club to pick up the esteemed belt when she was awarded the accolade two months ago. She has now beaten 1,000 applicants across the world who were vying for just 24 sought-after places at the Royal Ballet School in London. Ava May, of Downend, Bristol, will begin boarding at the elite Royal Ballet Lower School at White Lodge in the capital's Richmond Park in September. Her mother Michele, said her toe-tapping daughter has been prancing and pirouetting ever since she took her first lesson. Toe-tapping: Ballet dancer Ava May began martial art classes when she was four-years-old . 'Pretty much since she could walk she has been dancing' said Mrs Llewellyn, 42, a council fostering manager. 'Ava doesn't walk anywhere - she dances and pirouettes everywhere. That's just the way she is. 'Dancing really is her great passion and she has always wanted to do it. 'We are so very proud of her because she has worked so hard to achieve both of these things. 'It is such an incredible achievement - particularly the ballet because neither me nor my husband has any background in dance. 'If you had told me a few years ago that my 11-year-old daughter would be going off to boarding school - I would say there was no way. Talented: Martial art Ava beat 1,000 applicants from around the world to win a place at the ballet school . 'But she has done it and we are going to support her. 'It will be strange not having her in the house. She only has the one brother and she does fill the house with her singing and her dancing, but it is her dream to be a world famous dancer.' Ava dances at Dance Station in Fishponds, Bristol, and trains at North Bristol Taekwondo School. She lives with mum Michele, dad John, a store manager at B&Q, and big brother Theo, 13, who also has a black belt in the martial art. Ava May got hooked on the sport after watching Theo during his lessons. Ruffling feathers: Ava May will begin boarding at the elite Royal Ballet Lower School in September . Michele said there were crossovers between the two disciplines. She said: 'There's flexibility and both need core strength. We were delighted but in total shock as well.' Martial arts teacher Richard Thornton added: 'She's a very talented young lady and I wish her all the best.' | Ava May Llewellyn took her first dance steps when she was two-years-old .
She then packed her first punch at martial art classes aged four .
The 11-year-old was one of the youngest in her class awarded the black belt .
She will begin boarding at the elite ballet school this September . |
206,341 | 971ebaee300b33fbaf3ac1c5d9b03fcd8544d623 | By . Sam Webb . A man who has been called Britain's most prolific shoplifter was back behind bars again today after admitting four more offences - bringing his total to 343. A week ago magistrates at Prestatyn in North Wales released David Archer after he had spent two days in custody awaiting his appearance on offences 338 and 339. But today magistrates in the same court remanded the 58-year-old in custody to await sentence at Mold Crown Court on April 11 after he admitted to four more offences, including theft from a charity shop. Serial shoplifter: David Archer has admitted to four offences. He now has 343 and is believed to be Britain's most prolific shoplifter . Archer, of Mostyn, Flintshire, admitted stealing clothes and a camera from the RSPCA charity shop at Colwyn Bay and a collection box from the Co-op store at Llandudno Junction. He also admitted two breaches of an indefinite ASBO imposed in 2006 which, among other things, prohibited him from entering any charity shop in England and Wales and from possessing a charity box. Prosecutor Julie Jones said that he was seen on CCTV burning a piece of string which secured the charity box in aid of carers which was on the counter at the Llandudno Junction store. Defence solicitor Roger Thomas told Prestatyn magistrates that one of the problems facing David Archer in the past was that whenever he was released from prison he was given only £40, which he had to spend on essentials, he had nowhere to live and was not entitled to emergency benefits. 'He is known in every shop in North Wales and there was no subterfuge involved,' he said. 'He is institutionalised and struggles to cope with life.' Target: The RSPCA charity shop at Colwyn Bay, where the 58-year-old stole clothes and a camera . | David Archer admits to four offences, including theft from a charity shop .
58-year-old from Flintshire now has 343 offences to his name .
He also stole a charity collection box from a supermarket . |
267,203 | e612e6bc3e7da99dece9f9f466c8978db6c0ac75 | Antoine Griezmann scored twice and Koke had a hand in three goals as Atletico Madrid cruised to a 4-2 win against Cordoba. Griezmann put Atletico ahead just before the break but Nabil Ghilas grabbed the first of his two goals to level things up shortly after the interval. Griezmann's second restored the home side's lead and further goals from Mario Mandzukic and Raul Garcia put the result beyond doubt before Ghilas scored his second. Antoine Griezmann (left) celebrates scoring during Atletico Madrid's 4-2 home victory over Cordoba . The Frenchman jumps to head Atletico in front and move the defending champions second in the table . Atletico started on the front foot and Arda Turan dragged a shot wide before Koke hit the bar from outside the area. Guilherme Siqueira, Gabi and Turan then all brought saves from Juan Carlos before Atletico took the lead a minute before the break as Griezmann netted his first Primera Division goal. Koke delivered a free-kick from the left touchline and Aleksandar Pantic's headed clearance only went as far as the Frenchman, who brought the ball under control brilliantly with his right foot and fired home with his left courtesy of a huge deflection. Atletico's Raul Garcia is mobbed by team-mates after scoring during the 4-2 victory over Cordoba . Atletico's Diego Godin (second left) and Joao Mirando (right) jump for the ball against Cordoba . The equaliser also came from a set-piece as the visitors levelled things up in the 54th minute. Fidel whipped in a corner and Ghilas was left completely unmarked at the back post to head home. Cordoba were level for just four minutes, though, as Griezmann scored his second. Some good work down the right resulted in Juanfran supplying a cross and Griezmann was on hand to head past Juan Carlos, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out. And just four minutes later it was 3-1 with a Koke free-kick again doing the damage. The Spain international delivered from the left and when Juan Carlos came to punch and missed, Mandzukic hardly had to jump to head into the empty net. Raul Garcia (centre) celebrates with his Atletico Madrid team-mates after they moved second in La Liga . The champions dominated proceedings for the remainder of the half and it was no surprise when the fourth goal arrived nine minutes from time. Koke was again the provider as he crossed from the left and Raul Garcia met the ball with a glancing near-post header which flashed across the face of goal and in. Ghilas grabbed his second in the 87th minute when he capitalised on a poor clearance by Juanfran to hammer home but it proved no more than a consolation. Atletico fans sangs and praise their team during their 4-2 victory over Cordoba to move second in the table . | Antoine Grierzmann scored twice and Koke had a hand in three goals .
Mario Mandzukic and Raul Garcia also netted for Atleti in 4-2 win .
Nabil Ghilas scored twice for Cordoba but they eventually lost the match .
Defending champions Atleti move second behind rivals Real Madrid . |
62,450 | b15f34072265cd1bb854e7577c82815a7affc91d | Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, wants the 1.35million employees to be part of a national effort to highlight its dangers . NHS staff will be urged to join weight-watching groups and take out gym memberships in the fight against obesity crisis, the chief executive will announce this week. Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, wants the 1.35million employees to be part of a national effort to highlight its dangers. He will put forward sweeping changes, including moves to reduce the sale of high-sugar and high-fat products on hospital premises. During the five-year 'forward view' for the health service, he will also say hospital trusts should offer healthy food for their staff 24 hours a day. Only a quarter of hospitals offer healthy food to night staff, which means they have to rely on vending machines and microwave meals. 'For the largest employer in Europe, which is dealing with the health of our people, that is appalling,' an NHS insider told the Observer. A senior NHS source, speaking ahead of Stevens's report, said it was time for the NHS to 'up its game' on obesity. 'We were warned over a decade ago that unless there was decisive action, the NHS would be picking up the tab for a sharp rise in avoidable illness. That warning wasn't heeded and the NHS is now on the hook for 12 years of inaction. 'Obesity has to come off the 'too hard to do' list. The health of millions of children and the sustainability of the NHS depend on a radical upgrade in prevention, starting with the billion-pound problem of obesity.' Mr Stevens hopes that other public institutions, including schools, will take a similar line. One in five young people and one in four adults in the UK now suffer from obesity, which each year causes 34,000 deaths and costs the NHS more than £1billion. Last year almost 11,000 people – 8,000 of them women – were admitted to hospital with a primary diagnosis of obesity. Warnings about its rise, and spiralling costs, were issued in a government-commissioned report by Sir Derek Wanless in 2002. One in five young people and one in four adults in the UK now suffer from obesity, which each year causes 34,000 deaths . | NHS chief executive wants staff to be part of a campaign to tackle obesity .
Simon Stevens plans to reduce sale of unhealthy food in hospitals .
He will say hospital trusts should offer healthy food to staff 24 hours a day .
One in five young people and one in four adults now suffer from obesity . |
247,871 | ccc320911b419023465781b516cb508ea5f94c79 | By . Deborah Arthurs In Shanghai . In a glittering event that will (probably) see Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse take Shanghai by storm (VIP details are as yet unconfirmed, but let’s face it, they HAVE to be there...) Burberry tonight officially launches its largest store in Asia. Despite the fact the brand has kept its celebrity guest list and details of the event a closely-guarded secret, the two arrived in Shanghai earlier this week and have been merrily Instagramming photos of themselves around the city ever since. So naturally, we put two and two together...and decided that they will of course be there (more details to follow this evening when the event begins at around 8pm Shanghai time, 1pm GMT). Scroll down for video . It's coming! Cara Delevingne (left) and Suki Waterhouse are living it up in Shanghai ahead of Burberry's new store opening . The event, entitled London In Shanghai, will be held at a shipping yard in the sprawling metropolis, with VIPs dressed in Burberry’s latest Gold collection (exclusive to the new store) bringing a classic Burberry performance to the guests, a mix of private invitees and competition winners. True to Burberry’s position as global leaders in social media and interactivity, they won’t just leave this one to be Snapchatted by a few crowd members either. They have partnered up with China’s largest and fastest-growing social media site, WeChat, with 600m members and counting. Big hitters on the site, like actors Angelababy, Vicki Zhao, Chen Kun and Dou Xiao have up to 80m followers each, dwarfing even Justin Bieber’s loyal Twitter headcount. The store itself, in the gleaming Kerry Centre mall in Shanghai's Jing An district, pays tribute to the UK Regent Street flagship that opened in September 2012. Glittering event: The event, entitled London In Shanghai, will be held at a shipping yard in the sprawling metropolis, with VIPs dressed in Burberry's latest Gold collection . Party people: While it hasn't been confirmed that the supermodels will be attending, Cara and Suki are the stars of the event's teaser video so one can only presume... It is smaller, but the design echoes that of its London counterpart, with a vast, open ‘landing page’ area (like the London store, the intention is that you feel almost as though you have walked into the Burberry.com website, with the digital experience brought to life in a physical space) that plays host to a free-standing screen beaming out catwalk footage and a sweeping Corinthian stone staircase leading up to two more floors. It is not only the largest Burberry store in Asia to date, but it also carries the largest beauty room, watch room and Prorsum collection. Flagship: The store itself, in the gleaming Kerry Centre mall in Shanghai's Jing An district, pays tribute to the UK Regent Street flagship that opened in 2012 . High-tech: The store has a 'landing page' area (like the London store, the intention is that you feel almost as though you have walked into the Burberry.com website . Anything else? Oh yes - interactive mirrors that respond when you approach with a garment to feed you related content - a catwalk show, perhaps, or information about the fabric. The only thing they don’t do is tell you how awesome you look (Burberry - could you look into that for us please?!). The icing on the cake though is an intelligent glass facade that reacts to the weather and can change accordingly. By night it is lit up with the heritage Burberry check across the building; by day it responds to natural light or rain to present itself in different guises - something that 121 Regent Street, with its beautiful old stone exterior, cannot match. Furniture and fittings are all British-designed, and the window display is given over to the Heritage collection - a celebration of the trench distilled down to its very essence, with three classic takes on the trench for women - The Kensington, The Sandringham and The Westminster (men have four) - each tweaked just slightly to offer a slimmer cut or tapered waist, for example. Interactive: There will be interactive mirrors that respond when you approach with a garment to feed you related content . Swanky: Furniture and fittings are all British-designed, and the window display is given over to the Heritage collection . It is eminently shoppable, and something to satisfy those of us who lust after the python or buttersoft leather trenches that run into the thousands but can’t quite justify buying them. Of course, there are those who will just buy both. Sigh. For your own virtual front row seat at the Burberry event tonight, follow Burberry on WeChat, Vine, Twitter and Facebook. Check back at MailOnline later for details from inside the party. | Opening event tonight in Shanghai .
Thought that Cara Delevingne and Suki Waterhouse will help open store .
Models star in event teaser video and have arrived in Shanghai .
Store, in Kerry .
Centre mall in Shanghai's Jing An district, pays tribute to UK .
Regent Street flagship that opened in September 2012 . |
97,003 | 08d5f0581bd3f7196c90036e40f615c43c97eec5 | North Korea, China's longtime ally, has vexed Beijing for years with its rocket launches, nuclear tests, kidnapping of Chinese fishermen and other erratic behavior. Yet, Beijing has run interference at the United Nations to temper punishments against Pyongyang, and has even helped Pyongyang circumvent sanctions. In the wake of North Korea's third nuclear test in February, its reckless threats to strike the United States, and now -- its decision to scrap the armistice that ended the Korean War -- has China finally had enough? Beijing signed on to sanctions that, in the words of Susan Rice, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, will "bite and bite hard." China's ambassador to the U.N. declared Beijing's commitment to "safeguarding peace and stability on the Korean peninsula." One shouldn't exaggerate the significance of these recent developments. After all, in the U.N. negotiations over sanctions -- this time as before -- the Chinese have consistently played the role of watering down the degree of punishment imposed against Pyongyang. And in the past Chinese firms have helped North Koreans evade sanctions. It remains to be seen whether Beijing intends to enforce the new measures. As rhetoric heats up, North Koreans ready to 'rain bullets on the enemy' Beijing also has good reasons that continue to make it reluctant to crack down on its unruly ally. The Chinese perceive that they have a powerful interest in maintaining the status quo. As hard as it is to live with North Korea, Beijing fears it may be harder to live without it. The Chinese worry that coming down hard on Pyongyang, by cutting off their vital oil or food exports, could trigger a collapse of the North Korean government or other political instability on the peninsula. Beijing's nightmares include a loose nukes problem and a humanitarian disaster. Beijing also has fears about the effects of a North Korean collapse on the strategic balance in East Asia. If North Korea collapsed and the two Koreas unified, China might find astride its border a unified, U.S.-aligned Korea hosting American troops. Chinese analysts also commonly argue that North Korea serves as an important distraction for the U.S. military, which might otherwise train its focus on defending Taiwan. Thus, despite the nuisance that North Korea regularly makes of itself, for all these reasons, it would be sorely missed by Beijing. North Korea declares 1953 armistice invalid . But the days of "lips and teeth" (Mao Zedong's's famous statement about the closeness of Sino-North Korean relations) are clearly over. Chinese scholars and analysts increasingly express open frustration with Pyongyang's behavior. In the wake of North Korean piracy against Chinese fishermen, Chinese microblogs overflowed with outrage. Most recently, in a meeting of an advisory group to the Chinese government -- the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference -- participants openly debated the question: whether to "keep or dump" North Korea? The two countries have evolved from vitriolic BFFs to East Asia's odd couple. When China and North Korea formed their alliance, the countries were both poor, weak, resentful, isolated, and the target of cold-war containment by the United States and its allies. While North Korea is still that country, China is emphatically not. China's remarkable four decades of economic reform and growth have catapulted it to wealth and power -- China is a global power, with global interests. China has a deep stake in maintaining stability in order to sustain its pathway to prosperity. China's relationship with the United States can be tense. But quite unlike in the days of Mao, the two countries are vital trade partners that share a vast array of ties and often overlapping interests. A look at North Korea's escalating rhetoric . Beijing also values its relationship with South Korea, which Pyongyang's provocations seriously jeopardize. Booming trade flows, warm political relations, and deeply intertwined ties have created a relationship that makes it increasingly awkward for Beijing to look away when North Korea murders South Koreans as it did in 2010 (with the sinking of the South Korean vessel Cheonan that killed 46 sailors, and when it shelled Yonpyeong Island). China is a great power that is increasingly concerned with its standing in the world, and with cultivating "soft power." Beijing's support for North Korea's ruthless, bloody regime -- that attacks its neighbors, and brutalizes its people at home -- only draws attention to China's own human rights failings, and undermines China's soft power. Because the specter of North Korea's collapse could potentially destabilize the Korea peninsula, Beijing may continue to shield Pyongyang. But the two countries' increasingly divergent interests suggest that China's dissatisfaction with North Korea is only likely to grow. | North Korean officials said the Korean Armistice Agreement is to be scrapped .
Jennifer Lind: Even Beijing signed on to sanctions against its longtime ally .
Has China finally had enough? But she says China may still prefer the status quo .
Lind: If North Korea collapses, it could potentially destabilize the region, which China fears . |
165,218 | 61a50f4f7fff24048e3947b3e8371d9595d7a065 | By . Beth Stebner . PUBLISHED: . 09:48 EST, 8 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:27 EST, 8 September 2012 . The Brooklyn-based photographer who skyrocketed to fame after his well-timed picture of a couple getting in one last kiss before he was hauled off to court may not be getting the credit he deserves. Self-trained street photographer Mo Gelber, who snapped lovebirds Alexis Creque and Russell Murphy outside Manhattan Criminal Court last month, wants to enter his spectacular photograph in a prestigious competition, but there’s one problem. Neither Ms Creque nor Mr Murphy wish to give their consent, but Canon’s ‘Project Imagina10n’ required it. They found love in a hopeless place: Alexis Creque, 28, leans in to kiss her boyfriend, Russell Murphy, in this perfectly . timed snapshot after they were arrested . Race against the clock: Street photographer Mo Gelber's photo was disqualified after he didn't get the required consent forms . Mr Gelber told MailOnline today that he only had until 5pm tonight to obtain the love-struck . couple’s consent, but now since the time has passed, his photograph is out of the running. 'I have not heard back from Alexis, and she turned off her Facebook page. Maybe she got spooked,' he said over the phone earlier today. The young . woman told him that her boyfriend is expected to get out of jail . sometime Saturday, and had told Mr Gelber earlier that she would be willing to help only after her boyfriend was released. Adding to that was a disparaging note . slid to Mr Gelber from under the door of her apartment. According to the New York Post, he note read: . ‘F*** Off.' He told MailOnline after the 5pm deadline: 'Because of some legal issues, one of the four parties was not comfortable with some of the terms in the release.' But he is far from bitter. ‘I don’t have any hard feelings toward anybody,' he said. 'The fact that a judge in the competition views my photo a candidate for the finals means a lot to me. Being considered a finalist, I already consider myself a winner.’ Mr Gelber is doing all he can to . ensure the couple receives due credit, and has promised to share any . money he makes from the now viral ‘Last Kiss’ photo with them. He then . quipped: ‘I’ll just tell him don’t use (the money) to buy spray paint.’ Canon’s rules clearly state that if the photo depicts or . identifies any person other than the photographer, their written consent . must be obtained, which of course means he must obtain consent from the . two NYPD officers in the frame. One of the police officers has signed a release, but the other, as fate would have it, is on vacation. Even though the deadline passes without the forms of consent submitted to Canon, Mr Gelber said his mission has been accomplished. 'My ultimate goal of entering the contest was to get recognition as a photojournalist,' he said, noting that the image of the two kissing has spread like wildfire across the internet. 'I’ll go with the flow,' he said, adding: 'I’m mostly being realistic, so it’s fine either way. If I put all my cards, I might be setting myself up for disappoint.' Who's that girl? Alexis Creque, pictured, . contacted the photographer to reveal she was the woman in the picture. She said she was arrested in Manhattan on August 16 while watching her boyfriend allegedly spraying graffiti outside an exclusive bar . The story of how Mr Gelber, 42, identified the couple is one of fascination. Ms Creque contacted Mr Gelber through . Facebook to admit she was the blonde-haired woman kissing her . handcuffed beau, identified in a police report as 26-year-old Russell . Murphy, as they were hauled to Manhattan Criminal Court last month. Mr Gelber, who specialises in street . photography, snapped the well-timed smooch as he was walking past the . court. Rules of the road: Canon's Project Imaginat10n requires subjects' consent before the photo is entered . 'One of my specialties,' he told MailOnline, 'is candid street photos that capture the rolling emotions of people. Part of it is predicting what people do and anticipating it.' He happened to be there in hopes of snapping a picture of the . accused Manhattan Madam, Anna Gristina. He was standing next to dozens of other videographers and photographers, but happened to be looking in the right direction. The criminal report reveals Creque, who lives just three blocks from where they carried out their alleged crime, was charged with criminal mischief and making graffiti. Her boyfriend stands accused of criminal mischief, making graffiti, resisting arrest and possession of graffiti instruments. Whether or not they agree to sign, he said he has printed them copies of the picture, which Ms Creque has already admired. In her message, 'she said she loved it,' he told MailOnline. 'Maybe they are proud of what they did. Maybe they think they did something artistic. The photograph captures that moment.' When it came to tracing the lovebirds, he took to social media. 'Help!!!' he wrote on his Facebook page on August 17. 'Does . anyone know who this couple is? It is very important. I took this photo outside Manhattan criminal . court on Thursday August 16th. 'I . entered this photo in a major contest which I am about to win and need . them to sign a release form. When this photo wins the contest, they will . be in a very big movie with famous actors and directors.' The competition is bringing together famous faces who will try their hand at film-making for the first time. Further details will be announced during the results next week, Mr Gelber said. The image is reminiscent of another moment captured in chaos. Last summer in Vancouver, Canada following a disappointing Stanley Cup loss of the Vancouver Canucks, couple Scott Jones and Alex Thomas had a moment of romance amid the riot. Getty Images photographer Richard Lam captured the two kissing on the ground, surrounded by riot police and softly illuminated by flames from burning cars and trash bins. In the mad attempt to identify Mr Jones following the snap, he was dubbed 'Riot Romeo.' Calm in the midst of chaos: Scott Jones embraced his girlfriend Alexandra Thomas during the riots in Vancouver in June 2011, after the Canucks lost the Stanley Cup. The stunning shot garnered global attention . Riot Romeo: The photograph earned Mr Jones the nickname 'Riot Romeo'; the images were captured by Getty Images photographer Rich Lam . | New York .
photographer Mo Gelber launched search on Facebook for couple after he was told to .
get their permission to use the image in competition .
Kissing couple identified as Alexis Creque, 28, and Russell Murphy, 26, who have been dating for five months .
Arrested August 16 for allegedly spraying graffiti outside exclusive bar in Manhattan .
Creque told Gelber to 'F*** Off' after cutting off contact with him .
Gelber was disqualified from competition as he did not have required signatures by cut-off time . |
228,220 | b382782043d7edc1af342c3e63d22a42a60ad746 | (CNN) -- How about a world where we have murderers but no murders? The police still chase down criminals who commit murder, we have trials, juries who judge, and justice is handed out . . . but no one dies. With many forms of cybercrime and hacking, we can just decide, as a society, to take away much of the damage before it happens. Imagine if the hackers had stolen intimate pictures from Jennifer Lawrence, and we all just agreed that, "She didn't want us to see these pictures, so we're not going to look." We don't have a right to her body. If you were over at Jennifer's house, and she left the room to get you a shortbread cookie and cup of decaffeinated tea (this is my fantasy), you wouldn't take that opportunity to search for nude pictures on her computer. If she wanted to change her shirt before you went out to see Dylan together (still my fantasy), and she asked you to turn her back while she did that, even if you were a bit tempted to peek, you wouldn't. You're a good person and you would respect her wishes. If you were visiting Amy Pascal, and she left the room to get . . . um, let's say a nice fig-filled cookie and some hot chocolate, I don't think you would open up her computer and read her company emails to see if you could find something that you could use against her. You just wouldn't do that. I don't even want to know what people are saying behind my back about me, let alone about someone else. If you follow that same morality, if you simply think that people have a right to privacy and that you don't want to see what people don't want you to see, well, there would still be hacking crimes ... but the victims would suffer less. I've been seriously blackmailed. I've had all the information on my computer fall into the criminal hands and the criminal ask for money to not publish that information. Yup, there were sex pictures of me and somehow my criminal thought that me naked was as valuable as Jennifer Lawrence naked. My criminal was a f-----g idiot. There was nothing on my drive that would have really done any damage to my career. It really wouldn't have even embarrassed me that much, but I was still freaked by a bad guy looking at my stuff. My criminal was busted and stopped and the information never got out, but it was still yucky. Jennifer Lawrence and Sony are all going to feel violated and the crime is still real, but we, as a society, can make much of the damage go away. We don't need reporters to team up with the criminals to help them do the damage. The crime is newsworthy, but not the content. It is not our right to see pictures and emails that the owners didn't want us to see. We have no right to stolen goods. Even if someone else stole it first, stealing is still wrong. We can't stop any damage a murder causes just by not reporting it and not looking, but we can do that with hacking. Let's do that. If someone doesn't want us to see something, let's not look. Let's not help criminals. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Penn Jillette. | Penn Jillette: Hacking is a crime that is enabled when we invade others' privacy .
If we don't look at nude photos of Jennifer Lawrence or Sony emails, crime is lessened, he says .
Jillette: I've been hacked but my information wasn't made public . |
263,444 | e1389b170e9bb514becf8d8421e43595063237a6 | The boss of an under-fire hospital department hanged himself after the end of a workplace affair which he would not accept was over, an inquest has heard. Mark Channell, 44, was found dead in a flat 200 yards from the A&E department of North Middlesex Hospital in Edmonton, north London, where he worked as a nurse manager. The married father-of-two had been having an affair with a colleague named Rebecca Mills - but they had split up months before his death, North London Coroner's Court in Barnet was told. Found hanged: Mark Channell was discovered dead in a flat 200 yards from his A&E department in London . Mr Channell - who lived with his wife Sarah, 37, a veterinary surgeon, in a detached two-bedroom house worth £285,000 in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire - was found dead in August last year. Miss Mills told the coroner that that the couple had split up some months before his death, ‘but Mark wouldn’t accept it was over’. She arrived home from a holiday in the U.S. on the day he died. Spouse: Mr Channell, 44, lived with his wife Sarah (above), 37, a veterinary surgeon, in Peterborough . His colleague Sharon King said she became concerned about him and called round to a flat he shared opposite the hospital. She had a key to the property and found him hanging. Recording a narrative verdict, Coroner Andrew Walker said no note had been left and although the dead man had ‘troubles’ there was not enough evidence that he committed suicide. The inquest was told the ‘highly regarded’ Mr Channell wanted to leave the hospital for a job working for the London Ambulance Service, but became distressed when he failed to get this. The A&E department was in the news last year when a Care Quality Commission report found managers were ‘firefighting’ as the hospital was ‘stretched’ due to taking in more patients. However Dr Edward Lamuren, a lead A&E consultant who headed the department with Mr Channell, said he did not know his colleague - who was also as a friend - might harm himself. Mrs Channell declined to comment on her husband's death. An employee at her workplace of the Cromwell Veterinary Practice in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, said she was on maternity leave. A North Middlesex Hospital spokesman told MailOnline: ‘Mark was a much loved and respected NHS professional who worked at North Middlesex University Hospital for over five years as our A&E service manager. Work: Mr Channell was a nurse manager at North Middlesex Hospital (pictured) in Edmonton, north London . ‘He cared deeply about his patients, worked tirelessly and helped lead some important changes to the department. His death last summer was a totally unexpected shock for his family, friends and colleagues.’ The Mail on Sunday told last August how MP David Burrowes feared for his life as he waited almost 36 hours for an emergency appendix operation in the ‘chaotic’ hospital. It was having to cope with 40,000 extra patients a year due to the closure of Chase Farm Hospital’s A&E in Enfield, north London, when only 26,000 were predicted. The Conservative MP for nearby Enfield Southgate described how it took 12 hours to get a CT scan - because overworked staff forgot to enter his details on the system. | Mark Channell was found dead in flat 200 yards from his A&E department .
Worked as nurse manager at North Middlesex Hospital in north London .
Married father-of-two had been having affair with colleague Rebecca Mills .
But they split up months before death of Mr Channell from Peterborough .
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here . |
220,652 | a9a08e59d49da394c09b796f59c4e376f76ed412 | A woman and two men have died following a crash involving three vehicles, police said. Officers were called to a road in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire, at about 9.50pm on Friday. The crash on Debdale Lane involving a black BMW 3 Series Convertible, a Honda . motorbike and a Ford Ranger pick-up van. Scene: The crash, which killed three, happened on Debdale Lane yesterday evening . A 38-year-old woman and a 24-year-old man traveling in the black BMW were killed in the crash. The rider of the motorbike, a 45-year-old man, was also killed. Two more men, who are believed to have been traveling in the BMW, and the van driver were taken to hospital. They remain in a serious but stable condition, the force spokeswoman said. They added diversions have been put in place while officers carry out an investigation. Two volunteer doctors from the East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme (EMICS) helped paramedics on the scene. Any witnesses are being urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police. | Three killed in crash in Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire .
Woman, 38, and man, 24, in a black BMW died and male motorbike rider, 45 .
Two others in car and van driver taken to hospital in serious condition . |
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