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3,560 | 0a4ec4d37683347ca62b53982d2c5f4efb86f444 | (CNN) -- Residents living in single-family homes in some parts of coastal Texas face "certain death" if they do not heed orders to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Ike's arrival, the National Weather Service said Thursday night. Texans sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic Thursday on a highway from Galveston County into Houston. The unusually strong wording came in a weather advisory regarding storm surge along the shoreline of Galveston Bay, which could see maximum water levels of 15 to 22 feet, the agency said. "All neighborhoods ... and possibly entire coastal communities ... will be inundated during the period of peak storm tide," the advisory said. "Persons not heeding evacuation orders in single-family one- or two-story homes will face certain death." The maximum water level forecasts in nearby areas, including the shoreline of Matagorda Bay and the Gulf-facing coastline from Sargent to High Island, ranged from 5 to 8 feet. But authorities warned that tide levels could begin rising Friday morning along the upper Texas coast and along the shorelines of the bays. The advisory summoned memories of the language used to describe 2005's Hurricane Katrina, which devastated parts of the U.S. Gulf Coast. "Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks ... if not longer," an advisory issued at the time said. "The vast majority of native trees will be snapped or uprooted. Only the heartiest will remain standing." The Ike advisory follows comes on the heels of similarly urgent messages earlier Thursday from federal authorities, who warned of a "massive storm" that could affect roughly 40 percent of the U.S. Gulf Coast. "Do not take this storm lightly," Michael Chertoff, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, said Thursday afternoon. "This is not a storm to gamble with. It is large; it is powerful; it carries a lot of water." Chertoff and representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency said their efforts were focused on evacuations as Ike moved northwest at 12 mph across the central Gulf of Mexico with maximum sustained winds of 100 mph. Track the storm » . Chertoff also urged people not to succumb to "hurricane fatigue," referring to concerns that authorities were overestimating Ike's potential impact. "Unless you're fatigued with living, I suggest you want to take seriously a storm of this size and scale," he said Thursday. Houston Mayor Bill White said he's heard that people who live in areas under a mandatory evacuation order say they plan to stay in their homes. He strongly urged against it. "If you think you want to ride something out, and people are talking about a 20-foot wall of water coming at you, then you better think again," White said. At 5 p.m. Thursday, the National Hurricane Center said a hurricane warning was in effect between Morgan City, Louisiana, and Baffin Bay, Texas. A warning means hurricane conditions are likely within 24 hours. Ike's forecast track was through Galveston and the Houston metro area as a Category 2 hurricane with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph. Currently a Category 2 storm about 700 miles across, Ike could make landfall near Galveston Island as early as Saturday morning. Watch CNN meteorologists track Hurricane Ike » . At 11 p.m. ET, the National Hurricane Center said hurricane-force winds extended outward up to 115 miles from Ike's center, and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 275 miles. The storm was centered 445 miles east-southeast of Corpus Christi, Texas, and about 340 miles east-southeast of Galveston, and was moving west-northwest at near 10 mph. Watch: National Hurricane center predicts Ike's path » . Roughly 3.5 million people live in the hurricane's potential impact zone, FEMA Administrator David Paulison said Thursday. In Galveston, Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas told the island's 60,000 people that they should leave. By 7:30 ET, the city had finished evacuating to Austin thousands of residents who needed assistance leaving because of age, disability or lack of reliable transportation. Mandatory evacuations remained in effect for low-lying coastal areas northeast and southwest of Galveston, in Chambers, Matagorda and Brazoria counties. Some Brazoria County residents said they didn't want to leave but realized it was in their best interest to do so. "You don't have a choice when you have kids," Deborah Davis of Freeport told CNN affiliate KPRC-TV in Houston. Farther inland, about 100,000 residents in low-lying areas surrounding Houston began evacuating Thursday afternoon as Ike headed for the Texas coast, officials said. Watch Gov. Rick Perry warn residents of Ike's potential » . But the remaining 4 million residents were told they could stay home, even as government offices and schools prepared to close Friday in Houston in anticipation of the hurricane. "We are only evacuating areas subject to a storm surge," said Harris County Judge Ed Emmett, the county's chief executive officer. "Yes, we know you will lose electricity. But you're not in danger of losing your life, so stay put." Ships in port were told to leave, said Port of Houston spokeswoman Linda Whitlock. The area's two major airports, George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby, also halted all commercial flights. More than 1,300 inmates from the Texas Correctional Institutions Division's Stevenson Unit in Cuero were being evacuated to facilities in Beeville and Kenedy, Perry's office said, and 597 were transferred from the substance abuse Glossbrenner Unit in San Diego, in south Texas, to Dilley. CNN's Mike Mount contributed to this report. | Life-threatening floods expected in parts of coastal Texas, agency says .
Hurricane Ike could make landfall near Galveston Island as early as Saturday .
About 100,000 evacuated from Houston; 4 million more told to stay .
All of Galveston Island ordered to evacuate; special needs evacuations completed . |
7,198 | 1463d0cf6e20212dc745c858e29abfb7307555bb | By . Alex Greig . PUBLISHED: . 18:16 EST, 19 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:15 EST, 20 October 2013 . A Brooklyn building owner has hired security guards and installed a metal gate to protect a work by the elusive British graffiti artist Banksy. The rolling gate went up Friday over a wall in the Williamsburg neighborhood where Banksy spray-painted two geishas strolling over a 'bridge' formed by a basement window arch and a bonsai tree spread beneath them. The security measures were taken after a rogue tagger spray-painted over the work and was tackled to the ground by the crowd. Installation: The owners of the building have installed plexiglass and a roller-door to protect the Banksy stencil on their wall . Opening hours: The owners are exercising some crowd control for the hoards who have gathered outside the south Williamsburg building to view the Banksy piece . Others undertook damage control, removing the offending black scribble with rubbing alcohol. Cara Tabachnick, whose family owns the building, write in New York Magazine that her father sent her a text on Thursday morning saying, 'Banksy painted our building last night and a huge crowd is forming. What should we do?' It's not a question to be taken lightly. Banksy canvases sell for upwards of $1 million and art-lovers collect his work with feverish zeal. Just an hour after the work was discoverd, the tagger defaced it and friends and neighbors urged the family to take measures to protect the work. Tabachnick says that she and her family realized that they had unwittingly become responsible for a piece of public art. Secure: The piece has drawn crowds of people since it appeared Thursday morning . Under guard: Feliciano Perez guards the work by British graffiti artist Banksy today in the Brooklyn borough of New York . Tagged: The work was up for less than an hour before a tagger, seen here in a purple scarf, spray painted over it. Two bystanders tried to stop the vandal . Japanese themed: The work uses a brick window archway on the side of a building in Williamsburgh, Brooklyn, to stand in for a bridge . Thwarted: The building superintendent is seen here throwing the tagger to the ground. He called police, but the rival graffiti artist escaped . By late Thursday morning, word had spread and more than 500 people had gathered to view the stencil. The family hired a security guard to stand watch over the artwork, and several more to cover the night shift. Police . and local councilmen weren't interested in helping the family protect . their new acquisition, so they took matters into their own hands. 'We . still haven’t 100 per cent decided what to do,' Tabachnick told the . New York Post . 'But we do have the instinct - and are trying - to preserve it for . the public so it can be viewed and enjoyed, and not destroyed in any . way.' Although the work is . apparently being preserved for the viewing public, new pictures show the . family has imposed some opening and closing hours. Photos . posted to an Instagram account show a sign over the roller door (which . covers a sheet of protective plexiglass) informing people that the door . will come up for viewing at 3pm. Banksy . has caused quite a stir in the Big Apple, where he's undertaking a . monthlong 'residency.' New Yorkers wake every morning to discover a new . work adorning some corner of the city. Defacing street art: The tagger who scrawled over Banksy's work was tackled to the ground by a crowd who had gathered to see the piece . Other . building owners have also been quick to preserve what could be a big . money-spinner, or less cynically, a piece of art for public enjoyment. A . small stencil of the Twin Towers in TriBeCa was covered in plexiglass . and another Banksy of a heart-shaped balloon is under guard and welded . steel. Mayor Michael . Bloomberg said last week that graffiti ruins property and is 'a sign of . decay,' but said the NYPD is not actively searching for the artful . artist. In . the 19 days since Bansky came to New York City for a so-called . residency, fans of his work have had to race against taggers, who are . intent on covering it with their own marks. Some . of the taggers see Banksy as an interloper intruding on their turf, while some see him as a sell-out. Still others get a thrill out of putting their own mark on work by such a . famous artist. | Banksy spray-painted an artwork on the side of a building in Williamsburg on Wednesday night .
Following a rogue tagger scrawling over the work, the building's owners have taken measures to protect it .
There are now a plexiglass screen, a roller shutter and 24-hours guards protecting the work .
Most recently, the owners have imposed viewing times on the art-loving public . |
187,452 | 7ec2adc4898a52f0e161c8585946f9adcbcc279b | (CNN) -- Ever since the early 1960s when we were glued to the animated sitcom "The Jetsons", whimsical visions of a futuristic space utopia filled our imaginations leaving people asking themselves: "Where's my flying car?" Point taken, but perhaps now, as our childhood dreams move slowly closer to reality, we should also start pondering this: if a flying car was here today, in the real world and not in the realm of science fiction, would we feel comfortable controlling it safely while cruising thousands of feet up in the air? Would we possess the technical skills required to even get it off the ground, let alone land it without a scratch? Before you dash to the door and sprint to your nearest pilot school to sign up for flight lessons, take a moment to meet Carl Dietrich, the chief executive and co-founder of aerospace company Terrafugia. Dietrich and his team are working to bring consumers closer to the prospect of a practical flying car, envisioning a vehicle that does not require its operator to be a trained pilot. Thus, Boston -based Terrafugia announced last May it had started working on the concept of TF-X, a four-seat, plug-in hybrid electric car that can do vertical take-offs and landings. Who makes the calls? Although not driverless, Dietrich says the TF-X could increase the level of so-called "human directed local autonomy," a term he describes as a "big fancy phrase" that essentially means that the vehicle's operator won't need to have the knowledge or skills of a pilot. "They don't need to know those things because the computer is plugged in to a data network that automatically helps them plan the flight path, avoid other air traffic and air space restrictions, things of that nature," says Dietrich. He explains that operators would still have to make high-level, critical decisions, like determining whether it's safe to take off and land or approve the landing zone in advance. "Anything that happens on the ground, the person is going to make a call," says Dietrich. "Once you're flying, the actual operation of all the flight control surfaces is going to be computer controlled because, frankly, the computer can do it better than a pilot." Yet, if you have the vision that the semi-autonomous vehicle would help you escape annoying traffic jams by simply taking off the ground, you'd better think again. "That's science fiction and that will always be science fiction," says Dietrich, explaining that vertical liftoffs require a lot of air to be blown down which is not practical and can cause damages to neighboring vehicles. Instead, TF-X would be able to take off in airports and helipads, as well as specially designed spaces -- the size of a tennis court -- that would be devoid of street lights, road signs and power lines. From dreams to reality . Yet, the TF-X concept is not Terrafugia's first attempt to take to the skies. Founded in 2006, the company made headlines in recent years with Transition, a street legal airplane that can be flown in and out of general aviation airports. More like a driveable plane than a flying car, the two-seat vehicle can fold up its wings -- just like putting the top down into a convertible car -- and fly with a cruise speed of 100 miles per hour; it can also be parked inside a single car garage, driven on the road on a highway speed and run on automotive gasoline. Terrafugia has been flying prototypes of Transition since 2009 and is now very close to getting it to the market. "We have over 100 orders for Transition," says Dietrich, adding that Transition costs $279,000. "We are expecting to ship the first products to customers in the second quarter of 2016." But in order for users to be able to fly the Transition, they would need to have at least a sport pilot's license, which requires 20 hours of flight time -- most sport pilots take 30-35 hours to get their sport pilot certificates. With its new prototype, however, Terrafugia believes that just five hours would be enough for users to learn how to operate the TF-X vehicle, appealing to a broader segment of the population. Dietrich says all operators will need to know is how to interface with the vehicle, how to determine if it's to safe to take off and land and what to do on the event of an emergency -- in those cases, operators would be able to pull a handle which would be able to activate a parachute system for the entire vehicle by pulling a handle. Future is now? So, how far away are we from our first ever TF-X air cruise? "It's hard to say exactly, but we estimate eight to12 years," says Dietrich, who admits that even if Terrafugia had all the capital required to develop TF-X -- which it doesn't -- the realization of the project depends on technological developments as well as regulators changing the way aircraft are currently certified. Dietrich says Terrafugia is "heavily involved" with international committees to write new certification standards that account for some of the new technologies that are increasingly coming to the market for manned and unmanned aircraft, and which also apply to TF-X --- things like electric motors and batteries for general aviation aircraft. "Those sort of things have never been certified before so we don't know how long it will take for regulatory bodies to adapt to the new technology," he says. "The rules are all very old, the rules need to be updated," adds Dietrich. "If the rules are successfully updated then we see the possibility for somebody to get what we call a TF-X operator's permit in as little as five hours." Ultimately, Dietrich says, the goal of the whole TF-X program "is to make the idea of the flying car a reality." "In order to do that, we have to lower the barrier entry to aviation," he adds. "We have to make it easier, we have to make it safer, we have to make it faster than driving your car, and we have to make it significantly more convenient than operating an airplane today," continues Dietrich. "It's going to take a while to get there, but that's the goal." | Aerospace company Terrafugia is working on the concept of a flying electric car .
Called TF-X, the vehicle is designed to be capable of vertical take-offs and landings .
The goal is to make personal aviation accessible to a broader segment of the population .
The company estimates a period of 8-12 years before it's able to develop TF-X . |
36,950 | 68bf08e120209585e8d06f888c0bfd97587636cb | Nick Clegg today admitted that a government crackdown on vile websites will not be enough to protect children from web filth. The Deputy Prime Minister said parents had to police what youngsters were viewing online. And he called for very young children to be taught about the dangers that lurk on the internet to ‘make the child responsible’. Warning: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg, pictured today, said parents had to keep a close watch on what children viewed online . David Cameron has spearheaded a government crackdown on 'poisonous' websites which he says are 'corroding childhood'. In a major speech last week he announced every householder connected to the internet will have their access to online porn blocked unless they ask to receive it. Pornography depicting rape will be outlawed. But Mr Clegg said pop-up warnings would not be enough and parents had to tightly control what their family views on the internet. Speaking on his weekly radio phone-in he said: ‘At the end of the day we are giving our children unparalleled opportunities to access more information than any previous generation's ever had access to. ‘And I don't think there's a simple . push-of-a-button solution. Yes you need to use technology but you also . need at a much earlier age than any of us were used to, to actually . educate kids to kind of take quite mature decisions for themselves. Dangers: The Prime Minister said he was worried about his children's access to the internet, including using his iPad . ‘That's a tricky thing to do,’ he told LBC 97.3. Mr Clegg is the latest senior politician to voice fears about what his children are viewing online. Labour leader Ed Miliband has said that ‘like any parent’ he was concerned about how easy it is for sons Daniel, four, and 2-year-old Sam to see violent adult images on mobile phones or computers. And earlier this week Mr Cameron revealed he will allow his children to have Facebook accounts – but only if he can monitor what they post. The Prime Minister said he was worried that holiday snaps uploaded to social networking sites could stop his three children from securing jobs in future. He also revealed he has started talking to his nine-year-old daughter Nancy about the pressures put on young girls by images of women in the media. Mr Clegg said his three sons, aged 11, nine and four, do not yet have Facebook pages and said the company's lower age limit of 13 for membership ‘feels about right’. The Deputy Prime Minister said his children - particularly eldest son Antonio - ‘spend a lot of time... taking my wife's iPad and playing around on it’. He added: ‘I'm forever kind of sort of peering over his shoulder, making sure that, like any anxious parent, he doesn't stumble on stuff that you don't want your child to see... ‘I can see it with him and his friends and his peer group. They are all incredibly tech-savvy already, particularly on tablets. They spend a lot of time telling each other "Look at this clip, look at that clip" on YouTube. So they're forever dipping in and out.’ Mr Clegg explained how he had tried to ensure his son used the internet safely: ‘Of course I've had to sit down with my 11-year-old and say, `There's stuff that you can get to see on this machine which I don't want you to see and which you want to'. You have to try and make the child responsible.’ | Deputy Prime Minister reveals fears for what sons view on internet .
Calls for web lessons at a younger age to 'make the child responsible'
Cameron said he will let children use Facebook but would snoop on them . |
225,471 | aff5b598dee5109a5cae68110614bd3e72a7f061 | Altering what we eat to conform to dietary guidelines would actually increase emissions of greenhouse gases, a study has found. The researchers found that diet-related greenhouse gas emissions would increase by 12 per cent if dietary recommendations are followed. And while the scientists aren't suggesting we should ignore dietary guidelines, they are suggesting that such guidelines should be made with more environmental considerations in mind. The study is not a recommendation to eat less healthily, however, but rather to highlight the gap between food production and living sustainably. This pie chart from the researchers shows how greenhouse gas emissions of certain foods compare to the USDA dietary recommendations . Dr Martin Heller and Dr Gregory Keoleian of the University of Michigan's Center for Sustainable Systems looked at the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production of around 100 foods. They also looked at the potential effects of shifting Americans to a diet recommended by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). They found that if Americans adopted the recommendations in USDA's 'Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010,' but consumed the same number of calories diet-related greenhouse gas emissions would increase by 12 per cent. Current estimates put the average American's daily calories intake at more than 3,300 calories a day. • Increase vegetable and fruit intake. • Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green and red and orange vegetables, and beans and peas. • Consume at least half of all grains as whole grains. Increase whole-grain intake by replacing refined grains with whole grains. • Increase intake of fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, such as milk, yogurt, cheese, or fortified soy beverages. • Choose a variety of protein foods, which include seafood, lean meat and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, soy products, and unsalted nuts and seeds. • Increase the amount and variety of seafood consumed by choosing seafood in place of some meat and poultry. • Replace protein foods that are higher in solid fats with choices that are lower in solid fats and calories and/or are sources of oils. • Use oils to replace solid fats where possible. • Choose foods that provide more potassium, dietary fiber, calcium, and vitamin D, which are nutrients of concern in American diets. These foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and milk and milk products. If Americans reduced their daily caloric intake to the recommended level of about 2,000 calories while shifting to a healthier diet, meanwhile, greenhouse gas emissions would decrease by only 1 per cent according to Dr Heller and Dr Keoleian. 'The take-home message is that health and environmental agendas are not aligned in the current dietary recommendations,' Dr Heller said. The paper's findings are especially relevant now because the USDA Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is for the first time considering food sustainability within the context of dietary recommendations, he said. In its 2010 dietary guidelines, the USDA recommends that Americans eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat dairy products and seafood. They should consume less salt, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, added sugar and refined grains. The guidelines don't explicitly state that Americans should eat less meat. However, an appendix to the report lists the recommended average daily intake amounts of various foods, including meat. The paper titled 'Greenhouse gas emission estimates of US dietary choices and food loss' was published in the Journal of Industrial Ecology. The recommended amount of meat is significantly less than current consumption levels, which Dr Heller and Dr Keoleian estimated using the USDA's Loss Adjusted Food Availability dataset as a proxy for per capita food consumption in the United States. Researchers at the University of Michigan say following dietary guidelines (stock image shown) could increase greenhouse gas emissions. They say certain guidelines do not have environmental impacts in mind. In the study they found the USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines would increase emissions by as much as 12 per cent . While a drop in meat consumption would help cut diet-related greenhouse gas emissions, increased use of dairy products - and to a lesser extent seafood, fruits and vegetables - would have the opposite effect, increasing diet-related emissions, according to the researchers. In the US in 2010, food production was responsible for about eight per cent of the nation's greenhouse gas emissions. In general, animal-based foods are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions per pound than plant-based foods. The production of both beef cattle and dairy cows is tied to especially high levels of greenhouse gas emissions. For starters, cows don't efficiently convert plant-based feed into muscle or milk, so they must eat lots of feed. Growing that feed often involves the use of fertilisers and other substances manufactured through energy-intensive processes. And then there's also the fuel used by farm equipment. In addition, cows burp lots of methane, and their manure also releases this potent greenhouse gas. In general, animal-based foods are responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions per pound than plant-based foods. The production of both beef cattle and dairy cows (stock image shown) is tied to especially high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, say the researchers . Greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing the US diet are dominated by the meats category, according to Dr Heller and Dr Keoleian. While beef accounts for only four per cent by weight of the food available, it contributes 36 per cent of the associated greenhouse gases, they conclude. The researchers found that a switch to diets that don't contain animal products would lead to the biggest reductions in this country's diet-related greenhouse emissions. But Dr Heller said he's not arguing that everyone should go vegan, and he believes that animals need to be part of a sustainable agricultural system. However, reduced consumption would have both health and environmental benefits. In their paper, Dr Heller and Dr Keoleian also looked at wasted food and how it contributes to US greenhouse gas emissions. They concluded that annual emissions tied to uneaten food are equivalent to adding 33 million passenger vehicles to the nation's roads. | Researchers at the University of Michigan say following dietary guidelines could increase greenhouse gas emissions .
They say certain guidelines do not have environmental impacts in mind .
In the study they found the USDA 2010 Dietary Guidelines would increase emissions by as much as 12 per cent .
It is not a recommendation to eat less healthily, however, but rather to highlight the gap between food production and living sustainably .
They also found that wasted food in the US was equivalent to adding 33 million vehicles to roads . |
45,265 | 7f9d5c8d611185c6613d7be19610a466d411eb23 | It's good news for dads who feared their days of roaring along in a sports car were behind them. Jaguar is building its first 4x4 – and there’s plenty of room for the kids. The British firm today announced 1,300 new jobs to help it create the five-door, five-seater sports utility vehicle, which will cost around £38,000. The Jag for dads: The forthcoming Jaguar F-PACE four-wheel-drive family car . ‘She-Type’ Jaguar: More practical than the sleek saloons and super-charged sports cars the firm is known for, it is also designed to appeal to busy mums on the school run . Firmly aimed at ‘Jag dads’ with children to ferry around, the all-wheel drive car will come with extra grip technology, meaning it’s safe and reliable in all weathers. More practical than the sleek saloons and super-charged sports cars the firm is known for, it is also designed to appeal to busy mums on the school run – for whom it has been dubbed the ‘She-Type’ Jaguar. To keep the youngsters entertained during longer journeys, the car will also feature on-board wi-fi and a Meridian digital audio system. It will officially be called the F-PACE when it goes on sale in 2016, as a British rival to Germany’s Porsche Macan and BMW X4 crossover. Jaguar’s bosses made the announcement in Detroit last night ahead of the North American International Auto Show, which begins today. Design director Ian Callum said: ‘The F-PACE is our family sports car. It will encapsulate everything that Jaguar stands for – beautiful design, precise handling, a supple ride, luxurious interior finishes and cutting-edge technology.’ Speaking in Detroit, Jaguar Land Rover global sales director Andy Goss said: ‘In 2015 we will celebrate Jaguar’s 80th year. We have started it by announcing our first performance crossover which we consider to be the ultimate practical sports car. It builds on the marque’s founding ideals of Grace, Pace and Space. It will be one of the most innovative Jaguars we’ve ever developed.’ 'The F-PACE is our family sports car': Jaguar’s bosses made the announcement in Detroit last night ahead of the North American International Auto Show, which begins today . British jobs: The F-PACE will be powered by a new generation of fuel-efficient two-litre petrol and diesel engines, to be built at the firm’s new £355million plant in Wolverhampton . On sale: From 2016 Built: Solihull, near Birmingham Price: £38,000 to £40,000 . Length: 15ft 6in Width: 6ft 5in Height: 5ft 5in . Top speed: 186mph . CO2 emissions: Under 100g/lm . Fuel efficiency: 70 mpg . Doors: Four plus rear hatch . Style: Jaguar’s first all-wheel-drive crossover with extra all-weather grip technology . Seats: Four sporty lightweight sculpted bucket seats (plus two additional ‘picnic’ seats in boot floor which can swivel out when parked). Engines: New generation of frugal ‘green’ 2.0 litre 4 cylinder petrol and diesel engines built from 2015 at new £355million engine plant Wolverhampton, plus powerful 3.0 litre V6 from new Jaguar F-Type sports car. Target audience: Sporty school-run mums and ‘Jag Dads’. Rivals: Germany’s Porsche Macan and BMW X4 . Features: Sporty leather and milled aluminium seats bucket seats :: Meridian digital audio system :: Fighter-jet style head-up display projects dashboard details onto windscreen :: Panoramic sculpted roof :: On board wi-fi network and console allows car to stay ‘connected’ via social networking:: Sensors monitor cornering and use brakes to ‘redistribute’ power from engine to the wheels to maximise grip. Jaguar Land Rover chief executive Dr Ralf Speth said: ‘Today’s announcements once again demonstrate our commitment to the UK and the advancement of a high-tech, high skilled, manufacturing-led economy.' ‘We want to offer customers greater choice, with even more exciting vehicles, crafted with that special British flair. ‘ . The F-PACE will be powered by a new generation of fuel-efficient two-litre petrol and diesel engines, to be built at the firm’s new £355million plant in Wolverhampton. But drivers who want even more power can opt instead for the three-litre V6 engine used in the two-seater Jaguar F-Type. Global sales director Andy Goss said Jaguar’s aim with the F-PACE was to create the ‘ultimate practical sports car’. It will be built at the firm’s Solihull factory near Birmingham. Recruitment started in the UK today for the 1,300 new employees to help build the car at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull factory near Birmingham. It is the latest step in ambitious expansion plans which could see that company’s total production double to 750,000 cars a year. Jaguar Land Rover today announced its fifth successive year of sales growth, with an annual increase of 9 per cent. Land Rover had its ‘best ever year’ with sales also up 9 per cent to 381,108 on the back of record sales of Range Rovers, Range Rover Sports and Range Rover Evoques. Jaguar sales were up 6 per cent for the year to 81,570 vehicles. Jaguar Land Rover is one of the UK’s largest exporters and generates around 85per cent of its revenue from exports. Globally, exports to China were up 28 per cent to 122,010 in 2014, those to Europe up 3 per cent to 86,310, and up 2 per cent to 74,981 in North America. Sales in the UK were up 7 per cent last year to 82,872. Other strong performers included Australia up 19 per cent to 11,273 vehicles, and Korea up 33 per cent to 6,677. | Jaguar bosses announced the new vehicle in Detroit last night .
Recruitment starts today for 1,300 new workers to build the car in Solihull .
Jaguar Land Rover announces its fifth successive year of sales growth . |
206,274 | 97090845aa8046f0b97aeb6afa8557b68205f5e5 | A cartoonist who survived the Charlie Hebdo massacre has attacked the hypocrisy of world leaders who march in the name of free speech but censor their press. The cartoonist Renald 'Luz' Luzier has given his first on-camera interview about the day of the massacre, how he missed death by minutes and criticised world leaders for hypocrisy over press freedoms. Seventeen people, including journalists and police, were killed in three days of violence that began on January 7 when militants burst into Charlie Hebdo's office during a regular editorial meeting and shot dead five of its leading cartoonists. Scroll down for video . Charlie Hebdo cartoonist Renald 'Luz' Luzier spoke about the day of the massacre in his first filmed interview . The filmed interview took place in his sniper-proof flat in Paris, and throughout the interview Luz becomes visibly more and more distressed. Interviewed for Vice by reporter Milene Larsson, he said : 'There are cartoonists in France who say "we can no longer draw things that could offend someone elsewhere in the world" - but if we take into account the positions and opinions of the whole world, we might as well tear up our drawings. It is over.' He also reflected on the international movement of 'Je Suis Charlie' and criticised the hypocrisy of world leaders marching in the name of free speech while suppressing press rights in their own countries. He said: 'All of a sudden, Saudi Arabia says 'I am Charlie' but it is not.' A general view shows firefighters, police officers and forensics gathered in front of the offices of the French satirical newspaper Charlie Hebdo in Paris on January 7, 2015, after armed gunmen stormed the offices . When asked how he managed to survive the massacre just over three weeks ago, he said: 'How can I put this? I was lucky. 'It was my birthday, the January 7, and I stayed in bed with my wife for a long time.' He explained she had made cakes and coffee and he was running late for the office meeting. When he arrived at the offices of Charlie Hebdo, people told him not to enter the building as two armed men had just gone in. He said: 'We tried to understand what was going on. We could not go in, we felt something was strange. 'And then we heard the first gunshots.' He describes how he walked back up the street and saw two men dressed in black, who started shooting in his direction. When he swiped into the building, he said: 'I walked up the stairs. I started seeing bloody footsteps. 'I understood later this was my friend's blood. 'I saw that there were people on the ground. On their backs. I saw a friend on the ground, his face against the floor.' 'What's strange is that you can never be prepared for this.' He also reflected on the international movement iof 'Je Suis Charlie' and criticised the hypocrisy of world leaders marching in the name of free speech while suppressing press rights in their own countries . Growing more distressed, he said that in the immediate aftermath medics needed belts to make tourniquets, but he was not wearing a belt that day - adding that Paris was not prepared for such events. He said: 'But it happens in Syria, in Africa, in some other places. We're not used to this fear, this terror, but a lot of people are.' Ms Larsson said: 'There are people around the world saying they are Charlie, what do you think Charlie is symbolising and what do you feel about it? He spoke at length about the time their offices were burnt down for depicting the prophet Mohammed. He describe dhow following that event they were called both agitators and white knights defending free speech. 'But then, all at once, everyone was saying 'I am Charlie' and for ourselves becoming a symbol is difficult,' he said. 'Because Charlie fought against symbols. 'How do we burst the bubble of this symbol? The symbol we've become? 'Humour doesn't kill anyone. We can't be prisoners of the sense of humour of others.' French President Francois Hollande is surrounded by heads of state including David Cameron, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu . When asked if he was ever concerned that some of his cartoons offend Muslim communities, he replied: 'I think that most Muslims don't care about Charlie Hebdo. 'Those who claim all Muslims are offended take Muslims for imbeciles, I think. 'We don't take Muslims for imbeciles.' He described how he hugged a Muslim friend of Charb's at the editor's funeral, and how the Muslim man cried and told him he was sorry. Luz told the man he had no reason to be apologising, and the two men cried together. Towards the end of the interview he showed the reporter how they 'had a laugh' making a blank Charlie Hebdo newspaper 'which wouldn't offend anyone.' He said: 'This is the magazine of those saying 'I am Charlie, but.' Luz described how he hugged a Muslim friend of Charb's at the editor's funeral, and how the Muslim man cried and told him he was sorry. Luz told the man he had no reason to be apologising, and the two men cried together . When asked his opinion of the march of millions of people and world leaders that he was a part of, he said that while he is happy that people are supporting them, the hypocrisy of some world leaders 'makes him sad'. He said: 'When I saw Hollande at the march, a pigeon s*** on him. It was great. 'I told him "You're about to have lunch with many heads of state, tell them to allow their people to laugh at them through drawings and newspapers." 'What an irony to see that behind us was a representative from Saudi Arabia, where the blogger Badawi is in jail for 10 years, where they lash him every week. 'All of a sudden, Saudi Arabia says 'I am Charlie' but it is not. 'They are no Charlie when the put a blogger in jail and whip him. That's not being Charlie. 'And it makes me really sad.' Watch the interview from Vice here. | Cartoonist Luz survived Charlie Hebdo massacre because he was late .
In his on-camera interview he speaks at length about that day's events .
Describes how he saw his friends laying dead on the floor of their office .
Also criticises leaders who march for free speech but censor their press . |
266,946 | e5c2c2dcce53766ff553886b210431156bb55c66 | (CNN) -- Internet connections across Syria went down Tuesday night, according to several global monitoring sites. Google reported that its services became inaccessible in Syria around 9:45 p.m. (2:45 p.m. ET). The Renesys, Akamai and BGPmon Internet tracking companies also reported the loss of Syrian Internet connectivity at that time. "It seems Syria has largely disappeared from the Internet," Dan Hubbard, chief technology officer for Umbrella Security Labs, wrote in a blog post about the apparent outage. The website for Syria's state-run news agency and several government websites were not accessible. CNN staff in Damascus could not connect to the Internet. At one hotel, staffers said the Internet was down "in the hotel and all of Damascus." Opposition activists reported widespread power and Internet outages in Damascus and throughout the country, warning that the communications cutoff could be an ominous sign. The opposition Local Coordination Committees of Syria said the activist network would put "all responsibility on regime forces for any violation or massacres against civilians." The cause of the apparent outage was unclear. "Although we can't yet comment on what caused this outage, past incidents were linked to both government-ordered shutdowns and damage to the infrastructure, which included fiber cuts and power outages," Hubbard wrote. After a similar situation in November, U.S. Ambassador to Syria Robert Ford told CNN that Syria had shut down the Internet in the past. "The Syrian government has been monitoring (the Internet) for years," he said. "They have been using the Internet with Iranian assistance to track opposition activists, arrest and kill them." "That is the reason why our nonlethal assistance to the Syrian opposition, we put a special emphasis on communications equipment precisely to help the Syrian people tell the world what is going on inside Syria," he said. Technology has become a key weapon used by both sides of Syria's civil war to fight for their cause, with opposition activists using social media to report violence and a group of pro-Syrian government hackers known as the Syrian Electronic Army targeting major news organizations and activists. CNN's Frederik Pleitgen reported from Damascus, Syria. CNN's Wayne Gray and Luke Henderson contributed to this report. | NEW: Opposition activists report widespread power and Internet outages .
Monitoring sites report the loss of Syrian Internet connectivity at 9:45 p.m.
Web security analyst: "It seems Syria has largely disappeared from the Internet"
Google also reports that its services are inaccessible in Syria . |
258,100 | da0b946ed7471c4cda22dcee71c42f5504b3a29b | For any music fan, meeting their idol is likely to be emotional. But for Ed Buckley, standing side by side with Coldplay singer Chris Martin at a glamorous awards ceremony in London earlier this year was an extremely poignant moment in a long and remarkable journey. Just 17 months earlier, the Leeds University undergraduate, who was training to be a pilot, had been all but written off by doctors after being struck by a speeding taxi as he walked home from a party. His injuries were so profound that he was in a coma for six months, at first suffering life-threatening seizures. His distraught parents were told on a number of occasions to prepare for the worst. Scroll down for video . Dream come true: Ed, who is now able to walk and talk and play the piano again, 17 months after his accident, got to meet his inspiration, Coldplay's Chris Martin, at the O2 Silver Clef Awards in June . Against the odds, Ed pulled through but when he woke, he was unable to speak, walk or carry out even the most basic tasks. The brain damage he suffered also left him with profound memory loss. So it is nothing short of astonishing that today he has recovered all of his faculties – and even manages to crack wry jokes about how it is his parents, rather than him, who struggle to remember details of the past, and that the inside of his head is still ‘like mashed potato’. But more interestingly, Ed, 22, credits his return to health partly to a pioneering form of music therapy that is showing huge promise and is helping those like him recover their memories. Listening to Coldplay, one of his favourite bands, was key to the process. Ddespite being wheelchair-bound and in ‘a fog’ that meant he could barely recall his own name, when Ed sat at a piano, he could play the chords to Coldplay songs which he had learned during music lessons before the accident. He explains: ‘Before I could walk or talk, and while I was still in a wheelchair, I could be pushed up to the piano and I would bang out Let It Be by The Beatles. I remembered the chords for that, but I had no other memory. Family ties: Ed is surrounded by his sisters Emily, far left, Amy, centre, and Alice after emerging from his coma, six months after the accident . ‘Then I started to remember the Coldplay stuff I used to play. Music makes me feel different because I spend most of the week concentrating on walking better and thinking better. When I put my fingers on the keys, I just let it go and concentrate on other stuff. That’s what unlocked my brain.’ He laughs again, describing how Barry Manilow reminds him of his mother Caroline, Dire Straits of his father Matthew, and One Direction of his younger sister Amy. On hearing Ed’s story, Coldplay . frontman Martin and the band’s lead guitarist Jonny Buckland offered to . personally present him with the handwritten signed lyrics to their . chart-topping 2011 single Paradise, at the O2 Silver Clef Awards in . June. The fundraising gala is hosted each year by charity Nordoff . Robbins, which provides music therapy to patients with a range of . illnesses and needs. Martin . was moved to tears by Ed’s plight. ‘Hearing his story and meeting him . was amazing. It was so moving and so powerful,’ he says. The brain comprises billions of nerve cells called neurons. These transmit chemical signals to each other and control every aspect of our bodies. Few cells are added after birth, but existing neurons grow larger and connect with one another in response to external stimulus. This is how we learn. When the brain tissue is injured, cells die and these neural pathways can be broken. Physiotherapy, speech therapy, art therapy and even social interaction can help the pathways regrow. They work by either retraining muscles, stimulating mental processes or finding alternative ways of communicating or moving. Music can recruit new areas of the brain if one part of the network is damaged. Making music uses a huge range of mental functions: memory, sequencing, organising, co-ordinating and movement. Even singing means that memory of speech is stimulated, hormone levels are increased, the heart rate can change and the immune system is boosted. ‘He’s just a good guy and hearing what he’s been through and is still going through, puts things into perspective. It makes everything we do feel worthwhile.’ On stage, Caroline, a 48-year-old nurse, told of the extraordinary power of music therapy, and the role that Nordoff Robbins therapist Jessica Atkinson played in her son’s rehabilitation. Experts believe that listening to and playing music, which involves a complex combination of mental processes including perception and memory, can effectively be used to retrain and re-educate the injured brain. Ed is a striking example of the rehabilitative effect. Three months after his accident, and still in coma, he was transferred from a hospital in Leeds to Addenbrooke’s in Cambridge, then on to Northwick Park Hospital in Middlesex to be nearer his family home in Welwyn Garden City. Then, six months to the day after his accident, he began to wake up. Still in a minimally conscious state, he began an intensive course of rehabilitation, incorporating physiotherapy and speech, occupational and music therapies. Atkinson, a former professional violinist and music teacher, has worked as a Nordoff Robbins music therapist for 15 years in hospices, special needs schools, care homes and now at Northwick Park. She explains how, like many male brain-injury patients, Ed struggled to speak, at first saying the few words he could manage in either a high-pitched whine or flat monotone. ‘I used the piano and my own voice to make a range of noise combinations, which Ed would attempt to mimic,’ she explains. ‘We would begin a musical question-and-answer session where we would try to get him to reregister his voice, then guide him through many chords. You would make a harmony, taking him up and down, so he would regain the inflection in his voice, both for speaking and singing.’ Remarkably, and it is not yet fully understood why, many patients with brain injuries retain the ability to sing even when their normal speech is quite affected, so Atkinson tried to harness the melody of his unimpaired song and attach it to Ed’s speech. She began by freely improvising conversation in song, so that Ed wasn’t concentrating on the meaning of his words but the melodic framework of the delivery. ‘As soon as we went into a conversation about something he had to give some thought to, and he focused on the meaning, he would drop out of melodic conversation and revert to monotone,’ she explains. Inspiration: Coldplay's music played a crucial part in Ed's rehabilitation after the accident . However, using Atkinson’s strategy, Ed was able to go away and practise melodic chat on his own, taking the initiative in his own rehabilitation. When he was ready to come out of his wheelchair, Atkinson – working alongside physio- and occupational therapists – used a drum to help Ed regain a natural walking rhythm that gave him balance and momentum. The simple effect of a marching beat gives the body a natural cadence to mirror. She also dovetailed with other members of the clinical team to work on improving Ed’s finger control, using the piano keys as a tool. As a child, Ed showed a talent for music, reaching grade four on the piano, before abandoning formal lessons to enjoy playing by ear. He was eager to experience this liberating sensation again and with Atkinson’s help, he would go home on weekend leave from the hospital and come back having learned to play a new piece of music. He even attempted to sing along, too. ‘Ed would challenge himself by choosing the most difficult chords, but he had the most incredible determination and could sense the way the process of playing again was affecting his whole life,’ recalls Atkinson. Caroline says it also allowed Ed to give something back to the people around him. ‘He has pushed himself constantly and responded to music in a truly incredible, inspirational way. ‘It normalises him – all youngsters have music as part of their life. They may play in bands or they bond with others because of their musical tastes.’ Ed continues to use music to put memories into context and to help him recall situations and people in his life. It is a recognised strategy that many therapists use to help patients reassemble the jigsaw puzzle of their life. Music has become a focal point of Ed’s ongoing recovery and, although he stopped working with Atkinson when he was discharged from hospital in April, he now has piano lessons and singing lessons at home. ‘If I am improving in walking, that doesn’t matter to me as much as improving my piano. I want to serenade the ladies like Jamie Cullum. He has it all – he is handsome and he has talent,’ he laughs. When he first woke from his coma, Ed had two goals. One of them was fulfilled last month when he celebrated his 22nd birthday by playing beach cricket with his parents, sisters – Emily, 23, Amy, 19, and 18-year-old Alice – and friends during a holiday on Alderney. His second goal is to fulfil a request from his mother – to play A Million Love Songs by Take That. It is something he is working towards every day. ‘It’s the lyrics,’ he says, whispering in my ear. ‘She gets really soppy when she hears the lyrics.’ www.nordoff-robbins.org.uk . | Ed Buckley, 22, was hit by a speeding taxi in 2012 and went into a coma .
Six months later he woke up, unable to walk, talk or remember his name .
However, from his wheelchair, he could still play Coldplay on the piano .
Nearly a year-and-a-half later, Ed has regained almost all his lost abilites . |
95,565 | 06d2fe521a4890b7de212ff0992a776d62ea2c2b | The CIA gave the Intelligence Star to a 14-year-old for her behavior during a home invasion while living with her station chief father overseas in the Congo in 1966. The story of the girl, who was since been identified as Maureen Devlin, is now-publicly viewable in CIA documents, Business Insider reported, which earlier revealed Devlin's actions. The documents, published as 'The Youngest Intelligence Star,' detail how Devlin heard 'three masked burglars' snatching items in her room, and how she faked being asleep. Awarded: The CIA gave the Intelligence Star to a 14-year-old Maureen Devlin (file photo) 'The girl heard the burglars discussing the possibility of harming her,' the documents say. 'She understood their local language, Lingala, but she did not understand the word rape, only that it was a physical threat. They turned on the lights, and one used a butcher knife to cut her nightgown. She managed to roll over and cover herself with the sheet, still feigning sleep. Her greatest fear at the time was that perhaps the men had already killed her mother and father. 'When one robber pricked her head with the knife, she could no longer pretend she was asleep. She started to speak, but the robber made a sign and said in French that she would kill her if she did. He grabbed her arm and tried to pull her from the bed. She wrenched free, jumped out of the other side of the bed, and declared in Lingala that he should keep his hands off her. Pulling on her dressing gown, she faced the armed robbers and warned them not to harm anyone in the house.' The documents say that 'As they walked through the house, she boldly warned them in Lingala that the American Embassy had "secret and magic" ways of identifying people who harmed Americans. She told them that Americans always kill such people.' Devlin eventually took the men into her parents' bedroom under duress, while the robbers pointed weapons both in front of and in back of her. Remembered: Maureen Devlin's father Larry wrote a memoir about his experience working overseas for the CIA . Devlin's parents woke up, and the family had to stand in a corner during the robbery, the documents say - 'All the while, the mother harangued the robbers in French.' The Devlins were later told to go inside a bathroom during the home invasion, according to the documents. 'The daughter entered first, followed by the mother and father,' they recount. 'They slammed the door behind them, threw their bodies against the door and locked it before the robbers could enter. The daughter grabbed two large water bottles to use as weapons and gave one to her father. The family called through the window for help. After a few minutes, their cook's voice could be heard. The robbers had fled. The family unlocked the bathroom door, and the father and daughter armed themselves with handguns and rushed out to hunt for the robbers.' The men were later apprehended and executed, the documents say. They also reveal that Devlin now works inside the CIA's Directorate of Operations. | The CIA gave the Intelligence Star to a 14-year-old Maureen Devlin .
Devlin received the award because of her behavior during a home invasion while living with her station chief father overseas in the Congo in 1966 .
Devlin now works inside the CIA's Directorate of Operations . |
8,838 | 18e9d8f37dcfcdfa4632de1b978fab48991660d3 | He celebrated his 22nd wedding anniversary yesterday. Now, President Barack Obama has offered marriage advice to a bride-to-be in Princeton, Indiana. The U.S. politician warned her that it typically takes around 10 years to train a man properly, telling her: 'He'll screw up a bunch.' He added: 'Eventually we learn, but it takes us a little longer because we're not as smart.' Scroll down for video . Wedding: President Barack Obama has offered marriage advice to a bride-to-be in Indiana. It comes as First Lady Michelle Obama has tweeted a photo from the couple's wedding (pictured) on October 3, 1992 . Best wishes: The black-and-white picture was accompanied by the caption: '22 years. #HappyAnniversary . Couple Obama, pictured with his wife last month, warned the bride-to-be that it typically takes 10 years to train a man properly, telling her: 'He'll screw up a bunch.' But the politician added: 'Eventually we learn' It comes as First Lady Michelle Obama has tweeted a photo from the couple's wedding on October 3, 1992, accompanied by the caption: '22 years. #HappyAnniversary.' Obama, who met his wife while working at a Chicago law firm in 1989, commented on their marriage during a visit Millennium Steel Service in Princeton yesterday, according to USA Today. The 53-year-old described the First Lady, 50, as 'very patient', telling workers at the steel plant: 'Twenty-two years she's been putting up with me!' During the visit, held on what the administration dubs 'National Manufacturing Day', he also said the economy is improving, but the benefits are not as widespread as they should be. Visit: Obama commented on his marriage during a visit Millennium Steel Service in Princeton yesterday . Steel plant: The 53-year-old described the First Lady, 50, as 'very patient', telling workers at the steel plant: 'Twenty-two years she's been putting up with me!' The visit was held on 'National Manufacturing Day' Campaign: While Obama met workers at the plant, his wife spoke at a Governor campaign for Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Martha Coakley at the Strand Theatre in Boston (pictured) 'There is a lot of good stuff happening in the economy. But what we all know is there are still some challenges,' he said. While Obama met workers at the plant, his wife spoke at a Governor campaign for Massachusetts Democratic gubernatorial candidate Martha Coakley at the Strand Theatre in Boston. The couple, who have two daughters, Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13, began dating after meeting at Sidley Austin in June 1989 and were engaged by 1991. Their relationship has been subject to great public scrutiny, with a number of books claiming that the couple came close to splitting in their early years together. Twenty-two-year marriage: The Obamas, who have two daughters, Malia, 16, and Sasha, 13, began dating after meeting at Sidley Austin in June 1989. They were engaged by 1991 and married in October 1992 . Family outing: Barack, Sasha, Michelle and Malia Obama walk across Lafayette Park in Washington D.C . In one, Mrs Obama is said to have even drawn up divorce papers after deciding her husband's burning political ambition was ruining their chances of domestic happiness. In 2009, veteran Washington reporter Richard Wolffe claimed that the marriage almost collapsed nine years earlier because of Obama’s political drive and the family’s shattered finances. And earlier this year, under the headline 'Obama Divorce Bombshell!', the National Enquirer claimed the Obamas' marriage had dissolved in a string of ugly fights. It said the disagreements were partly prompted by Obama taking a 'selfie' with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt at Nelson Mandela's memorial. Claims: The couple's relationship has been subject to great public scrutiny. Earlier this year, they were said to have fallen out after Obama took this 'selfie' with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt . It added that Mrs Obama was sleeping in a separate bedroom from her husband and only standing by him until his presidency ends. Obama will then return to his home state of Hawaii, while she will remain with their daughters in Washington, it reported. However, the National Inquirer quoted only anonymous insiders in support of the sensational claims, which the White House refused to comment on. | Barack Obama gave marriage advice to bride-to-be in Princeton, Indiana .
President warned her it typically takes 10 years to train a man properly .
Said: 'He'll screw up a bunch. Eventually we learn, but it takes us longer'
Comes as First Lady, Michelle Obama, has tweeted a photo of wedding .
Couple, who have daughters Malia and Sasha, wed on October 3, 1992 . |
178,204 | 72b4dd3c8429886c09d840cb8a7819f0d2c8bad1 | (CNN) -- Last week, nearly 40 billionaires announced their intention to give half their wealth to charity at the encouragement of bridge-playing buddies Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. This unprecedented action brought to mind Winston Churchill's famous line about the Lend-Lease plan as "the most unsordid act in the whole of human history." There has lately been dark talk of the American Dream and American exceptionalism slipping away, but I believe this billionaire compact shows both are alive and well. The majority of individuals on this self-selecting list are self-made men and women who built their fortunes in their own lifetime. Among them are New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. Separately, it was announced earlier this week that the estate of the late Johnny Carson was also donating more than $150 million to a charitable foundation. It's difficult to imagine any other nation in history whose wealthiest individuals would voluntarily decide to give half their wealth to charity, not only at home, but around the world. And whether the money goes to cure river blindness in Africa or help finance charter schools in this country, it is something that reflects well upon the United States. Those who pledge do us proud. There is another issue raised by the billionaires' compact, beyond the increasing gap between rich and poor in the United States. It is the gap between the "super rich" -- who really do have more money than they know what to do with -- and what might be called the "working wealthy," who are taxed as though they're rich enough to able to give away half their money. These are individuals whose household income might bring them into the top tax bracket of $250,000 a year but who, with two parents working, might still find themselves struggling to stay in the stability of the upper-middle class in the expensive urban areas where they often work. Much of the anger about the scheduled sunset of the Bush tax cuts for the increase in top-bracket taxes comes from this productive group of Americans. The super rich are looking for charitable donations to deduct from their taxes each year, while the working wealthy are still trying to pay all their bills. But they are taxed at the same rate as the private jet set (what a few years ago might been called the Bernie Madoff crowd). The super-rich rule high finance or might have started a high-tech company before the bubble. In contrast, the working wealthy might include someone who owns a small business or works as a mid-level executive in a top-line traditional corporation. But they are the ones most feeling the squeeze of expectations in the Great Recession, while getting lumped in with the super rich. Let's be clear: The working wealthy aren't suffering in any objective sense, but they feel they are paying most of the taxes and getting few of the benefits. Small-business owners create almost 70 percent of the new jobs in America, and they are the ones who feel most left out of the current economic recovery. At the same time, the Metro Wealth Index shows that the number of millionaires is increasing in cities across the country. And the bankers who triggered the economic collapse got billions in bailout money and even got to keep some of their taxpayer-subsidized bonuses. The forgotten American middle class saw no real gains in income over the past decade despite the tax cuts because of rising health care and energy costs. Big business and big government seem indifferent to the struggles of small businesses, and it's got small-business owners feeling angry and alienated, like forgotten American citizens. Meanwhile, politicians slobber over the super rich for campaign donations while they pander to voters with class-warfare populism. The billionaires' compact is worth viewing with uncynical eyes. It is an historic and selfless attempt to leave the world a better place. And if the charitable contributions are directed carefully, funding innovation and fostering independence (like Andrew Carnegie's public libraries did a century ago), rather than dependence, then they can help more people to achieve their own American dreams. But the stark fact is that such largess in a time of recession also highlights the growing gaps in our society, not just between the rich and poor, but between the super rich, the working wealthy and the forgotten middle class. America remains a meritocracy with long odds and high-payouts -- and is infinitely better than any alternative. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of John Avlon. | John Avlon says 40 billionaires' pledge of fortune is inspiring act of U.S. exceptionalism .
But he says it points up gap between the "super rich" and "working wealthy" couples .
These $250k couples may be in Buffett tax bracket, but struggle to stay in upper-middle class .
Avlon: Working wealthy aren't suffering, but they pay high taxes, get few benefits . |
83,104 | eba106a788786dae8196046efec6c26298722575 | (CNN) -- History, we are told, is immutable. What has happened cannot be changed and, when lessons are not heeded, is doomed to repeat itself. The entertainment industry, however, has been known to tamper with our historical memories, changing them to fit a story or to create an entirely alternate version of history. Developers at Ubisoft decided to leave real history alone but explore its gray, murky areas where creative license can still exist in their upcoming video game, "Assassin's Creed III." (It's set for release October 30 in North America.) The latest game in the action-adventure series is set during the tumultuous times of the American Revolution. The young nation that would become the United States is just forming and trying to establish itself as independent from the British monarchy. With redcoats on one side and a wild frontier on the other, colonists want the ability to determine their own fate without the crown taking its pound of flesh (or, for that matter, tea). Stepping into this historical arena for a video game could be problematic since the time period is so well-known and the men and women of the time are revered for their accomplishments. Steven Masters, lead game designer for "Assassin's Creed III," said there was a lot of pressure to make sure they got the history right. "We're treating these characters with respect," he said. "We have so much information about how these people were thinking, what they were thinking, what they were feeling, how they felt about the Revolution. We were able to portray these characters accurately and give the history the service it deserves." Masters said the abundance of knowledge about the era actually creates problems for game makers. Instead of rehashing what has already happened in a simulation-type game, "Assassin's Creed III" aims for the gray areas of history and focuses on events that may not have a clear-cut explanation. With Wikipedia and online searches, it wouldn't take much effort to pinpoint historical inaccuracies in the game. What developers aimed for were moments in time that are less clear or perhaps have conflicting histories. Masters gives an example of a soldier who died on the battlefield. "Was he shot? Was he stabbed? Was it friendly fire? That sort of thing allows us to go in and insert our version of the history and tell our story," he said. That's not to say major historical events won't be represented in the game. Players will be involved in such iconic events as the Boston Tea Party and the battle at Bunker Hill. Masters credits having a historian on staff during the development process for keeping them on track and not letting them take too many liberties. Historian Maxime Durand worked with UbiSoft for more than three years to include and accurately represent key elements of history. While his expertise was Canadian history, his knowledge of the time period in American history was exactly what they were looking for. Because the main character, Connor Kenway, is of mixed heritage (half American Indian, half British), he also looked into the Native American culture from that time to help develop the character. "We took a look at all the different tribes that were close to New York and Boston in the period," Durand said. "We decided to choose Mohawk because they were the most interesting that appeared during the Revolution. We worked with members of the tribe because we wanted to be appropriate, be respectful as well as be historic." Masters said it was important to be accurate with the Mohawk history because it serves as the basis for Connor's motivations. There is an entire sequence of the game spoken in the Mohawk language, and Connor's village is represented as well. "Considering the general treatment of Native Americans in video gaming, I think we've got one of the strongest and most accurately portrayed characters that has ever been created," he said. "I'm really excited to let people see that and bring that to the front." Durand worked on making Boston and New York, two of the major locations in the game, as accurate to the period as possible using old maps and building drawings from the era. He thinks players could just wander around in those cities and be amazed at all the detail in the look and feel of the areas. People in those cities also react to in-game events that have recently transpired. "If you've just played the Boston Massacre sequence, in the next sequence people are already talking about that event and offering a point of view about that," Durand said. Besides offering historical knowledge to help build the story, Durand also had to keep in mind the game franchise's back story -- a never-ending battle between the Templars and Assassins. "We wanted to explain events in our own way," he said. "The outcome was always the way history showed it, but how it got there may be a bit different." "We're about reliving history," Masters added. "We're about going to those moments and seeing them happen through the history behind the known history." To bring such a vast, historically rich time period to life, the team needed to have something with more power to represent the huge battles during the Revolution from the perspective of Connor. The game features a new engine called AnvilNext, which allows for greater resolution and more elements on screen at one time. "To re-create Bunker Hill, that was going to take a completely different technology," Masters said. "You want to be there and experience it. You want the grandeur of that massive battle happening around you." AnvilNext also helped them accurately represent naval battles (which are new to the series) in the Chesapeake Bay and dynamic weather conditions, both of which played critical roles in history and could not have been done with their previous game engine. Masters said his team really wanted to do everything possible to immerse the player in the era as fully as possible so they could feel like they were taking a "historical vacation." "It's a chance for people to go and experience the history in a way you can't from just reading a book or listening to a lecture," he said. "The power of interactivity allows us storytelling potential for an interesting and compelling way to hear these stories." | "Assassin's Creed III" puts American history on center stage .
Designers built a Revolution-era America without changing the big picture .
Creators consulted Mohawk tribe for info on the game's main character .
The game will be released October 30 in North America . |
224,854 | af27da9d8242cd77514b7252b931eb0fefcd3870 | (CNN) -- Rory McIlroy has played down comments made by Australian golfing legend Greg Norman that his emergence as the world's most dominant golfer is intimidating Tiger Woods. Norman's comments have led to Woods jokingly referring to the Northern Irishman as "The Intimidator," says McIlroy. But it's a nickname he neither deserves, nor takes seriously, he says. "No. How can I intimidate Tiger Woods? I mean, the guy's got 75 or whatever PGA Tour wins, 14 majors. He's been the biggest thing ever in our sport," he added. "How could some little 23-year-old from Northern Ireland with a few wins come up and intimidate him. It's just not possible. I don't know where he got that from, but it's not true," he added. But Norman, a two-time major winner, believes a changing of the golfing guard is underway. "When have you ever seen him intimidated by another player? Never. I think [Tiger] knows his time's up and that's normal; these things tend to go in 15-year cycles," Norman told Foxsports.com. Woods and McIlroy have been paired together in the opening round of the Tour Championship -- the final playoff in this year's FedExCup -- which starts at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta on Thursday. McIlroy will guarantee himself $10 million if he wins the tournament and has a good chance of taking the prize with a top-five finish, according to PGATour.com. PGATour.com FedExCup winning scenarios . Victory in the Tour Championship would also see McIlroy complete four wins from his five most recent tournaments on the PGA Tour -- a sequence which began at the U.S.PGA Championship. "It would just cap off a great year," McIlroy said. "It's hard to compare [the playoffs] to a major championship because it's a year--long thing and it's about being consistent. "You have to play well at the right time like I have the last couple of weeks. It would be nice to have something to recognise that you have played the best golf the whole way throughout the year." "If I win [the Tour Championship], I win [the FedExCup]," he said. "That's the mindset I'm coming in with. I feel like I'm playing well enough to win. I know if I do that, everything else takes care of itself." Meanwhile, McIlroy has revealed he will reconsider his decision to compete for Team GB at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. McIlory, who was born in Northern Ireland, received funding from the Golfing Union of Ireland before turning professional in 2007. His comments that he would rather represent Team GB were criticized in some quarters, but McIlroy says he will make a decision nearer the time. "After everything that happened last week it definitely makes me reconsider my position and reconsider a lot of things," he added. "I think it just really hit home with me how important it is for a lot of people and how important my success has been to them." "Obviously, I've had a lot of support from all sides - from people that call themselves Irish, from Northern Irish, to the whole of the UK, to people over here in the States. "It just hit home with me at how my success is welcomed by everyone. It would be terrible for me to nearly segregate myself from one of those group that supports me so much. "It's four years away - I still have a bit of time to decide. But, I'm very, very appreciative and very grateful of the support that I get from everyone." | World No.1 Rory McIlroy plays down suggestion that Tiger Woods is intimidated by him .
Comments made by Australia's Greg Norman have been made light of by both Woods and McIlroy .
Woods aiming to beat McIlroy to $10 million prize for coming top in FedExCup overall standings .
Tour Championship in Atlanta which starts Thursday will decide winner of $10 million jackpot . |
231,483 | b7b7b2601995f2fb93d8fead99fd9d7d402e51b3 | Fast food chain In-N-Out Burger may only have outlets in five states but its reputation for fine hamburgers is known throughout the land. The chain is notoriously . strict about what products it sells and for over 65 years its menu has . consisted of three burger varieties: hamburger, cheeseburger, and . ‘Double-Double’ (double meat/double cheese), plus French fries and . drinks. Now a new innovation has been uncovered, but don't expect it to appear on the menu at In-N-Out any time soon. 'Monkey Style' burgers: In-N-Out employees won't admit to its existence, but that doesn't have to stop you from simply creating your own . Inspired by chat on Twitter about the emergence of a new 'Monkey Style' burger, the food blog Foodbeast took a trip to an In-N-Out Burger to see what all the fuss was about. The 'Monkey Style' burger is a hamburger but with addition of a portion of 'Animal Style' fries (that's french fries covered with spread, cheese and grilled onions) sitting alongside the patty in between the buns. The Foodbeast crew couldn't get an In-N-Out employee to admit on camera to the existence of the 'Monkey Style' burger, but that didn't stop them from simply creating there own. Earlier this year a chef at an In-N-Out Burger revealed some of the secret food experiments that go on in the kitchen after the last customers has left. Since it launched in 1948 the chain's menu has consisted of three burger varieties: hamburger, cheeseburger, and 'Double-Double', plus French fries and drinks . The 'Monkey Style' burger consists of a hamburger with addition of a portion of 'Animal Style' fries (that's french fries covered with spread, cheese and grilled onions) sitting alongside the patty in between the buns . The beauty of the West Coast burger . chain's simple menu is the different tiers of customization you can . accomplish with a simple base of hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries and . drinks. The restrictive . menu hasn’t stopped In-N-Out chefs from experimenting after hours, . coming up with their own combinations and adding other foods to the mix . including bacon. ‘Took bacon in to cook after closing and it really changes everything,’ raved dravila9, the username of an Arizona chef who posted his revelations on the ‘Ask Me Anything’ forum on Reddit.com. ‘Sweet Jesus it was the greatest thing I've ever had!’ he said of his bacon burger and animal fries topped with torn up burger patties and bacon, smothered in Famous Dave's BBQ sauce. Another illicit invention concocted by Dravila9 after closing time were donuts made by squirting milkshake syrup onto buns and dunking them in the fryer. Video: The hunt for the mysterious 'Monkey Style' burger . The 'not-so-secret menu' on the In-N-Out Burger website features several items that can be ordered at the fast food chain . Secret feast: dravila9's special bacon burger and animal fries topped with torn up burger patties and bacon and smothered in Famous Dave's BBQ sauce . A super baked potato was also created by . coring a potato, frying it and then filling it with chopped burger . patties, melted cheese, onions, chiles and tomatoes. However dravila9 reserved his biggest . praise for an item that only gets served at the company's annual family . picnics - chili dogs. ‘OMG if In-N-Out sold the chili dogs they give at the family picnics the world really wouldn't be able to handle it,’ he wrote. Unfortunately these delicious sounding delights are unlikely to be available to eat any time soon. The company’s menu has barely changed since the chain was launched 65 years old in Southern California. The company already has a 'secret menu', which it actually publicizes it on the company’s website and includes the ‘Protein Style’ Burger, which is a burger wrapped in crisp Iceberg lettuce instead of a bun, ‘Animal-Style Fries,’ which has grilled onions, pickles and cheese piled on top of French fries. Healthy option: This 'Protein Style' Burger, which wraps the burger in crisp Iceberg lettuce rather than a bun, is available on the secret menu . Another noteworthy non-menu item is the ‘Neapolitan Shake,’ a creamy blend of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Experts have attributed much of the chains success to the fact that it has focused on . producing a limited number of items very well and hasn’t expanded to include chicken or fish products or launch a breakfast menu. In-N-Out has achieved a glowing reputation by doing things at its own pace. So far it has so far resisted becoming a franchise or a publically listed company. It currently has less than 300 branches across five western states: California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Texas . As well as a highly loyal customer base some of its biggest fans including renowned chefs including Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Keller, Julia Child, Anthony Bourdain, and Mario Batali. Experts have attributed much of In-N-Out's success to the fact that it has focused on producing a limited number of items very well . | Food bloggers have uncovered the existence of a new type of burger from the West Coast fast food chain .
It consists of a burger with the addition of a portion of 'Animal Style' fries between the buns .
Employees refused to make one, but that didn't stop the bloggers from creating their own experiment . |
138,392 | 3efc5e00e55419ce7e449d75dcafb997736cf97f | His legacy lives on: The remainder of Paul Walker's Fast & Furious 7 scenes will be filmed by brothers Cody and Caleb, it has been confirmed . Paul Walker's remains were cremated Thursday ahead of a small family-only ceremony on Saturday. According to RadarOnline, the Fast & The Furious star was transferred from the mortuary at Los Angeles cemetery Forest Lawn Memorial Park to a crematory in Glendale, California. A source told the website the family 'intends on dividing Paul's ashes between an urn and keepsakes.' The funeral will be held on the weekend and only family are invited, though it has been reported some of Walker's Fast & Furious co-stars will attend. The news comes a day after the beloved actor's family toured the Hollywood cemetery, looking for the perfect place to lay their loved one to rest. Walker was killed last month when the Porsche he was traveling in crashed and burned in Santa Clarita. On Wednesday, Walker's father, Paul Walker Sr., brother, Cody Walker, 25, and other family members finalized plans for the actor's funeral service. They also walked around the grounds of the cemetery, choosing a grave site plot. His family will mourn the star in a very private service, though TMZ reported certain cast and crew from the 'Fast & Furious' movies will be invited because he considered them kin. The . Walkers are keen, however, to avoid throngs of media and fans, to . protect the actor's daughter Meadow, 15, who is 'broken up' over her . dad's death. Scroll down for video . Funeral plans: Paul Walker Sr., right, and Cody Walker, center, were at Forest Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday arranging last details for Paul Walker's Funeral . Earlier . this week, the family claimed plastic road markers may have been . responsible for the crash that killed the star after stunt experts . claimed the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT driven by Walker's friend hit the . markers, called Bott's Dots, and careered out of control. According to TMZ, . sources close to his family said that having visited the site, the . experts claimed the bumps may have caused the car to hydroplane, . resulting in the driver losing control. Walker and driver Roger Rodas died on November 30 when their car hit a pole and tree and caught fire in the Los Angeles suburb. The . experts told the family that the car could have lost traction after . hitting the bumps, which are used to separate lanes of traffic, and . skidded off the road. The claims come after question marks were raised over the safety of the car itself following the crash. bott's Dots: Paul Walker's family have claimed that experts have said that road markers called Bott's Dots (circled) may have been the cause of the crash that killed him . Total devastation: There was little left of the wreckage after impact, with investigators ruling that speed and not a mechanical fault was to blame for the tragedy . The Porsche was being driven by the Hollywood star's friend and business partner Rodas. It has since emerged that car experts have long expressed concern about the souped-up model's suitability for the road, due to its ultra light carbon-fiber frame and 5.7 liter race-derived V10 engine. It has a flat out speed of 205 miles per hour and its design is derived from earlier Porsche Le Mans models. Porsche knew of the car's sensitivity . when they launched the model in 2004. According to TMZ, a memo . circulated to sales staff said of the GT Carrera: 'This vehicle cannot . drive over a Foster Beer can that is lying on its side.' 'You need to be aware of what type of road surface you are on (dips; pot holes, seam heights, etc.) 'The Carrera GT is as close to a racecar as we will ever get, this car has all the disadvantages of a racecar. His final moments: The heartthrob is pictured in the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT just moments before it careered off the road and hit a tree and a pole, killing him and driver Roger Rodas in a fiery explosion . Police have revealed that a second man . has been charged with stealing a piece of the wreckage of the Porsche . that Walker was a passenger in when he was killed. Anthony Janow, 25, was released on $60,000 bail following the charges. Prosecutors say that Janow and 18-year-old Jameson Witty stole a roof panel from the wreck as it was being towed away from the site. The pair could face up to four-and-a-half years in prison for the offense. Witty, who is also free on bail, was caught on video stealing the T-top roof of the Porsche right off the tow truck and afterwards he even bragged about the heist by posting pics of the stolen wreckage on Instagram. The wrecked Porsche Carrera GT was being hauled by a flat-bed tow truck hours after the wreck that claimed the movie star and friend Roger Rodas, who was driving the vehicle when it crashed. The tow truck stopped at a red light and a male jumped out of a car following it to grab a piece of the car – he then hopped back into his car and sped away, according to police. The tow truck driver immediately reported the theft. A search warrant was executed on Thursday, and police found the stolen car panel - a part from the sports car's roof. Witty has since taken to Instagram to apologize for his actions. 'I wanted to say my intentions for the piece I took off the two truck were to make a memorial out of it. Paul was a childhood idol to me and many. The investigation into the crash that killed both Walker and Rodas is still ongoing. | The Fast & The Furious star was transferred from the mortuary at Los Angeles cemetery Forest Lawn Memorial Park to a crematory in Glendale, California, for the cremation Thursday .
His funeral will be held Saturday and only family are invited, though it has been reported some of .
Walker's Fast & Furious co-stars will attend .
A source told RadarOnline said his ashes would be split between an urn and keepsakes . |
103,946 | 121fd3cf9ce903f515797dc1a9e7ffe03daf5820 | Beirut, Lebanon (CNN) -- An unintentional fireworks explosion rocked downtown Beirut on Thursday, injuring five civilians who were working with a local non-governmental organization, a Lebanese interior security forces source told CNN. The blast, which occurred around 8 p.m. (1 p.m. ET), left a crater on fire next to Martyr's Square. Those hurt were working with the fireworks for a celebration on Thursday, which is Army Day in Lebanon, when a large firework never launched and instead exploded on the ground, the security forces source said. They'd been working on a grassy area, which is one reason that there was no significant damage to nearby buildings, despite the substantial size of the blast. Ambulance crews and firefighters converges on the scene, the latter trying to put out flames that had spread into the grass. Watch: Fireworks disasters . | An accidental fireworks explosion rocks downtown Beirut .
5 who'd been working with the fireworks are hurt, a security forces source says .
A large firework never launched and exploded on the ground, he adds . |
43,979 | 7c083e5aabf17ec06ac6fe6be29a4338d98b0304 | The family of the man shot dead in full view of his young wife during a violent carjacking at an upscale New Jersey mall on Sunday night today demanded the death penalty for his nephew's killers. Dustin Friedland, a 30-year-old lawyer from Hoboken, New Jersey, and his wife Jamie Schare Friedland, 27, were returning to their Range Rover in the car park at The Mall At Short Hills when he was fatally shot in the head and his assailants made their getaway in the $80,000 vehicle. Jamie's uncle, Mark Schare, told Mail . Online on Monday that he is certain Dustin would have turned over the keys to his . Range Rover to the carjackers to avoid any sort of confrontation. Scroll down for video . Dustin Friedland, 30, was returning with his wife Jamie to their Range Rover at The Mall At Short Hills on Sunday night when he was fatally shot . Friedman's silver Range Rover was recovered in Newark the morning after the attack on December 15 . 'I know him and he wouldn't resist,' Mark Schare told Mail Online. 'It’s not his nature. I know he wouldn't put up a fight.' However reports emerging from local police are that Friedland did apparently struggle with his attackers shortly before his death, reports The Star-Ledger. After shopping, the couple returned to their . vehicle. Friedland had opened the front door of . the Range Rover for his wife, and was trying to enter the vehicle . himself when he was approached by the two carjackers. A . struggle ensued, and several shots were fired, including the one that . killed Friedland. Investigators believe the shooter . used a handgun. One of the attackers then entered the vehicle and ordered Friedland's wife out of the car at gunpoint. Tragedy: Friedland and his wife Jamie, who married in 2011, had been looking forward to starting a family together in the near future . The . two assailants then fled in the 2012 . silver Range Rover. It was followed by a speeding green Subaru that . authorities said may have been the vehicle that brought the robbers . there. Mourning uncle Schare told Mail Online that whatever happens to bring the killers to justice, it won't bring back his nephew. 'It helps bring a conclusion but it's not going to take away the void.' Instead, Friedland's uncle said the killer doesn't deserve to be spared. 'I hope they catch him and kill him. 'I'm not a violent person but this criminal doesn't deserve to breathe.' Schare said he last saw Dustin Friedland at Thanksgiving when he and his wife seemed 'in good spirits.' 'They were starting a life together and they had a bright future. He loved my niece and took good care of her and was a very attentive and very good guy. Everybody liked him. I never heard a nasty thing come out of his mouth.' Dustin Friedland, pictured with wife Jamie, was an intellectual property lawyer who had attended Syracuse University College of Law and Bucknell University . Despite earning his law degree and practicing - Schare said Friedland had selflessly decided to partner with his father's business. 'He studied as a lawyer but he wanted to help her father and work with him. 'That's him,' he said. 'That's the person he was.' According to his LinkedIn social media profile, Friedland was a project manager who analyzed legal claims at a Neptune, New Jersey, contracting firm, Epic Mechanical, which is owned by his father, Wayne. Records show the Range Rover was registered to the company. Friedland and his wife had met while both law students at Syracuse University and had married in October 2011. The couple were described as madly in love and planning to have their first kid, the wife's boss, Adam Leitman Bailey told The Daily News. 'She would just lighten up when he would walk in the room. She was so happy to be married,' said Bailey. The couple's 2012 silver Range Rover was recovered in the southern part of Newark on Monday and authorities are still looking for the two men who shot Dustin Friedland . The silver Range Rover was recovered in the southern part of . Newark on Monday morning and authorities . are still looking for the two men. ‘We do not know why that car (was targeted), but it obviously was a car with some value,’ said Murray. A local anti-crime organization is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to their arrest and conviction. The thugs who shot and killed Friedland may be part of a stolen-car ring that’s targeted the tri-state area in recent months, according to law-enforcement officials. An disclosed source told the New York Post that they weren’t surprised that the car had been ditched. He added that it was ‘rare for a carjacking to end with shots fired and killing someone. This is a violent crew.’ The shooting occurred at about 9:10 . p.m. and the New Jersey man was pronounced dead at 11:45 p.m. His wife . was unharmed, although she was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The . posh shopping mall includes 160-stores and restaurants and is anchored . by Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy's and . Bloomingdale's. Other tenants include Cartier, Chanel, Tiffany & Co, . and Gucci. It was open for extended holiday shopping hours on Sunday. Horrific: Friedland was rushed to a New Jersey hospital on Sunday evening after he was shot in the head during an apparent carjacking in the parking garage of an upscale shopping mall . Panicked authorities briefly placed the . mall on lockdown, which lasted for 30 minutes. Some shoppers could even . hear the terrifying ordeal as it occurred on the garage’s third floor . near Nordstrom. Witness Robert Newman, 55, told the Star-Ledger he heard two gunshots at about 8:30 pm, and then saw a vehicle - though not the victim’s Range Rover - speed away. ‘The . Subaru went out of here at about 100 miles per hour,’ said Newman, who . described the vehicle as green. It was unclear if the Subaru he saw was . connected to the crime. Another man who was in the mall and working in one of its restaurants said he heard multiple shots as well. ‘The table in the back stood up really fast,’ the restaurant worker told CBS New York. ‘They started panicking. I peeked my head out of this door right here, . and I heard a lady screaming on the top of her lungs, screaming some . name.’ Millburn Mayor Sandra Haimoff said the shooting was of grave concern, reports NJ.com. 'Our . police department is out there and I’m sure they’re doing everything . that needs to be done. But it is upsetting and it’s unfortunate that . this happened,' she said. Unthinkable: The shocking crime occurred on the third level of the parking garage at the posh Mall at Short Hills near Millburn, New Jersey around 9pm . Posh: The high end mall is anchored by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and Bloomingdale's . | Dustin Friedland, 30, was shot in the parking garage of The Mall At Short Hills in New Jersey on Sunday night .
He and wife Jamie had been enjoying a late night Christmas shopping trip .
They had just returned to their silver Range Rover when two men approached them .
Local police report that Friedland struggled with the carjackers just before he was shot and they sped away in the car .
The couple's $80,000 car was recovered in Newark on Monday morning and police are continuing to search for the two carjackers .
Jamie's uncle, Mark Schare, told Mail Online on Monday that his nephew's killers don't deserve to be spared .
Anyone with information regarding the shooting or the whereabouts of the suspects is urged to call the tips line at (877) 847-7432. |
257,083 | d8bf5048b0b15b3530de053dd27841dd4d55f86f | (CNN) -- A new report from accountancy firm Deloitte has revealed that English Premier League wages are continuing to rise at a quicker rate than club revenues. In publishing their 20th Annual Review of Football Finance, Deloitte also revealed that revenues broke the two billion euro barrier ($2.9 billion) in season 2009/2010, although this was offset by the fact that wages now take up 68 per cent of that revenue. The exact figures confirmed that the Premier League continues to be the world's richest domestic league, with the 20 clubs earning 2.03 billion euros ($2.94 billion), a figure which is expected to rise to 2.2 billion euros ($3.19 billion) for the season just gone on the back of a new television deal. This shows an increase of 49 million euros ($71m) on the previous year, although that improvement is tempered by a 64 million euros ($93m) rise in wages, taking total payroll costs to 1.4 billion euros ($2 billion). "Cost control remains the biggest challenge facing clubs, at all levels of the professional football pyramid," Paul Rawnsley, Director in the Sports Business Group at Deloitte, told AFP. Rawnsley added: "Premier League clubs should still be well placed to comply with UEFA's new financial fair play regulations, as the Premier League remains the top revenue generating league in Europe. "Clubs have time to make adjustments to their business plans before the new regulations are effective, as well as increased broadcast revenue from 2010/11 to help deliver a better balance between spending on players and revenue generation." The Premier League's revenue far exceeds the other leading European leagues of Germany ($2 billion), Spain and Italy ($1.89 billion) and France ($1.3 billion). The report also confirmed that Chelsea have the largest individual wage bill, with total spending of $252 million, followed by Manchester City ($193 million) and Manchester United, who spent $191 million on players' wages in the 2009-2010 season. | Premier League wages are continuing to rise faster than club revenues .
A new finance report shows players wages take up 68 per cent of club revenues .
Chelsea topped the table, followed by Manchester City and Manchester United . |
155,845 | 5574e530df3a5b802a219f7c5bd0fd086a671aed | 'Oiling the wheels of terror': Former home secretary David Blunkett has accused the Gulf kingdoms of not doing enough to stop terrorist funding . Gulf States must take action against citizens who are funding terror across the globe, former home secretary David Blunkett has said. Countries including Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are tolerating and even protecting funders of the so-called Islamic State insurgent group, Mr Blunkett claimed. Writing in the Sunday Telegraph he said: 'It is the money made through the sale of oil in what are substantially oil-rich fiefdoms which is oiling the wheels of terror. 'It is being used to purchase the armaments and facilitate the sophisticated communication of Isil (Islamic State) militants and others.' The Gulf states had long handed money and weapons to Sunni Islamist factions in the rebellion against the largely secular Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in the hope that his overthrow would lead to a Sunni state. It was thought such a reordering of power break Shia Iran's link to the Mediterranean. But althought it is claimed that they have not officially funded Islamic State terrorists, there are deep religious and political sympathies between the group and powerful figures in the Gulf states. And Qatar and Saudi Arabia, in particular, are notorious for using their vast oil wealth to support and promote hardline Islamic teachings known as Wahabbism . Now however they face a potential backlash from the very doctrine they have helped create, with hardline Islamists decrying what they see as corruption in the royal families of the Gulf states. Last week Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi called for attacks against the rulers of Saudi Arabia, saying his self-declared caliphate was expanding there and in four other Arab countries. Baghdadi urged supporters in Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, to take the fight to the rulers of the kingdom, which has joined the U.S.-led coalition in mounting air strikes against the Islamic State group in Syria. 'O sons of al-Haramayn...the serpent's head and the stronghold of the disease are there...draw your swords and divorce life, because there should be no security for the Saloul,' Baghdadi said, using a derogatory term to refer to the leadership of Saudi Arabia. Haramayn is a reference to the two holiest places in Islam - both of them in Saudi Arabia. Direct donations are understood to be only a small part of the IS income stream now. U.S. Treasury official David Cohen, who has investigated the group's finances, last month estimated it was earning about $1million a day from black market oil sales alone. It also generates cash from criminal enterprises such as extortion, bank robbery and kidnapping for ransom. Only a small amount of its funding is believed to come from outside donors. Saudi defense minister Prince Salman bin Abdel-Aziz: Saudi Arabia is one of the countries taking part in military action as part of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria . Recalling his time as home secretary after the September 11 terror attacks on New York's Twin Towers, Mr Blunkett said he had been surprised to learn that names which appeared on US sanctions lists, subjecting those suspected of funding terrorists to asset freezing and travel bans, did not feature on UK lists. While Mr Blunkett welcomed David Cameron's recent announcement on a Bill which would include powers to cancel the passports of UK nationals who travel abroad to fight for IS, he said preventing money reaching 'our deadliest enemies' is an even more important matter. Mr Blunkett said: 'Pressure needs to come not just from the UK and the US, but from all those nations committed to providing a stable and secure world in which trade can flourish, poverty can be reduced and freedom from fear can be secured.' | Oil-rich states are 'oiling the wheels of terror' says Mr Blunkett .
U.S. experts have estimated Islamic State makes $1million a day from oil .
Gulf states initially funded hardline Sunni Islamist groups in Syria civil war . |
233,493 | ba421791f65de23caaf68910d3587499efeb1808 | Urban Outfitters has been forced to apologize for designing a Kent State sweatshirt splattered with fake blood in what appeared to be a reference to the massacre of 1970. Four students were killed and nine severely wounded in the shooting after the Ohio National Guard opened fire at a protest against President Nixon's Cambodian Campaign. But 44 years later it seems the tragedy has served as fashion inspiration for the high street store which released a 'vintage' sweatshirt covered in red blotches with holes by the left shoulder. 'Tasteless': Urban Outfitters has come under fire for stocking this 'vintage' Kent State University sweatshirt that appears to be covered in blood stains in an apparent reference to the May 4 Massacre in 1970 . Horrific: The Ohio National Guard fired 67 shots in 13 seconds at unarmed students during a protest in 1970 . The Ohio university blasted the item as 'beyond poor taste', while survivors of the attack accused the retailer of exploiting tragedy for publicity and profit. The company has now pulled the sweatshirt from its website, and issued an apology. A spokesman for the store said: 'Urban Outfitters sincerely apologizes for any offense our Vintage Kent State Sweatshirt may have caused. 'It was never our intention to allude to the tragic events that took place at Kent State.' The original listing described the sweater as: 'Washed soft and perfectly broken in, this vintage Kent State sweatshirt is cut in a loose, slouchy fit. Excellent vintage condition. We only have one, so get it or regret it!' The Kent State shootings, also known as the May 4 Massacre, tore through a peaceful protest held by unarmed students at the university in Kent City, Ohio. Officers fired 67 shots in 13 seconds, killing four and wounding nine - one of whom was left permanently paralyzed. Some of the dead and wounded had not been involved in the demonstration, held four days after President Nixon announced the Cambodian Incursion - despite pledging to end the Vietnam war in 1968. A statement published on the Kent State University website read: 'We take great offense to a company using our pain for their publicity and profit. 'This item is beyond poor taste and trivializes a loss of life that still hurts the Kent State community today.' Outrage: The jersey with stains and holes appears to mock the shooting, which left one student paralysed . Tragic: Four students died at the protest against the Cambodian Incursian announced days before by Nixon . Statement: Kent State University in Kent City, Ohio, has condemned the design as 'beyond poor taste' Alan Canfora, one of the nine people wounded at Kent State in 1970, said on Monday he had spoken to family members of the victims and they are very upset at Urban Outfitters and do not accept the company's apology. 'This was a crass attempt at free publicity and a very morbid offering to stir up controversy,' Canfora said. People took to social media in outrage to condemn the 'disgusting' Urban Outfitters design, which is now listed as 'sold out' on the website. One wrote: 'Can't believe Urban Outfitters new Kent State sweatshirt with blood stains, who was sleeping when that design was approved?!' Another said: 'Urban Outfitters Red-Stained Kent State Sweatshirt... VERY BAD TASTE' And one commented: 'Ugh. @UrbanOutfitters celebrates my alma mater with a Kent State shooting blood-soaked vintage sweatshirt' Anger: Twitter users, including this Kent State alumnus, blasted the retailer's new controversial design . Disgusted: One user wrote 'VERY BAD TASTE' in response to the $129 sweater, which is now sold out . Confusion: Many expressed their disbelief that senior management allowed the design to be released . Controversy: The store has previously come under fire for allegedly glamorizing eating disorders with an 'eat less' t-shirt (left) last year and mental health issues with a 'depression' crop top (right) in January . The incident is the latest in a series of controversial Urban Outfitters designs. In June, critics blasted the retailer for stocking pens shaped like heroin-filled needles. Earlier this year, the store was accused of mocking mental health disorders by stocking a crop top printed with the word 'depression' - described on the site as a 'super depressing tee from Depression topped with an allover logo graphic.' It came just two years after the firm was forced to pull a t-shirt printed with the words 'eat less' that critics claimed glamorized eating disorders. The cotton v-neck top was modelled by a slim, gaunt young woman and paired with a black mini-skirt. Youth retailer Urban Outfitters operates under the slogan: 'Because living life the conventional way is depressing.' Urban Outfitters did not respond to Mail Online's request for a comment. | Teen retailer has released 'vintage' sweatshirt with red blotches and holes .
Item on sale for $129 sparked outrage 44 years after shooting at Ohio college .
Four killed and nine injured when Ohio National Guard opened fire at protest .
Design comes weeks after store released pens shaped like heroin needles .
Kent State blasted item as 'beyond poor taste' for 'trivializing loss of life' |
183,666 | 79e91e700396868c26ab0e126bea53908b25969c | Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been left red-faced after a video shot by a celebrity home designer depicting his modest lifestyle was revealed to be recorded in his servants' quarters. The 15-minute film by Moshik Galamin showed Mr Netanyahu's wife Sara guiding the viewer around the couple's home, where run down parts of the property such as creaking doors and frayed carpets, are detailed. But it has now emerged Galamin was not granted access to the couple's upstairs living quarters, and Israel's Channel 10 TV claimed the kitchen in question was not even the one the Netanyahus use, but rather a secondary administrative kitchen. Netanyahu's wife Sara bemoans the state of their kitchen in a home remodelling show. However, it has emerged the kitchen is used by administrative staff, not the the Netanyahus themselves . Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (pictured) has become embroiled in an expenses controversy after an official watchdog criticised his spending of taxpayers' money on food, furniture and gardening . The embarrassing video forms just one of a series of damaging developments in Netanyahu's expenses controversy after an official watchdog criticised his spending of taxpayers' money. In the clip, Sara Netanyahu unveils to interior designer Galamin a simple home with creaking doors and windows, frayed carpets, dusty lamps, cracked light fixtures and paint peeling off neglected walls. She bemoans how they didn't have the budget to fix upholstery before the 2013 visit of President Barack Obama and says he was forced to sit on a coffee-stained couch. 'I don't notice the details because I don't dare think about it,' she says as she points to mildew in a courtyard. 'When you walk out, make sure the door handle doesn't break off,' she said with a giggle as he parted. Galamin, who hosts a popular home remodeling TV show, said he funded the shoot - which opposition lawmakers say violated Israeli campaign finance laws. A former chief of the Shin Bet security service called the film a 'severe security breach' and said terrorist groups would have been willing to pay a hefty sum to acquire such an inside look at the prime minister's home. Netanyahu's office had no immediate comment on the TV report. Sara Netanyahu - a former member of the couple's housekeeping staff has filed a lawsuit claiming he was mistreated and verbally abused by her . The video, perhaps ironically, is set to catchy background music that includes the theme song from the Netflix series 'House of Cards' and Justin Timberlake's hit 'Cry Me a River.' 'It was like a horrific traffic accident-something that you can't bear to watch but at the same time you can't tear your eyes away,' wrote Sima Kadmon, a frequent critic of the Netanyahus, sarcastically adding outrage over 'the shameful quality of life the royal family has been forced to live in during its years in power.' Netanyahu's rivals pounced on the material. The centrist Yesh Atid party, which has made corruption a centerpiece of its campaign, said the report and video reflected how disconnected Netanyahu was from real problems of average Israelis, who just three years ago took to the streets en masse to protest the country's high cost of living. 'What matters are the citizens, not the carpets,' it said. Meanwhile, the government's state comptroller has found 'excessive' amounts of public funds have been spent by Mr Netanyahu and his wife Sara, on food, furniture and gardening at their state residence and private home. In a report by the official watchdog, it was claimed cleaning expenses in the home on the coastal city of Caesarea averaged more than £1,370 a month in taxpayer's money even though the couple only spent the occasional weekend there. It was also said they pocketed proceeds from recycling bottles that had been purchased for entertaining official guests. It said the bottle returns, and purchases of garden furniture for their private home, may have violated the law. The watchdog's findings have ramped up tensions between the premier and his opponents in the run -up to elections on March 17 which have focused on the economic woes of middle and lower-class voters. Mr Netanyahu promised to follow the recommendations to curb spending but he also criticised the 'ongoing media campaign' surrounding the report, which he said was aimed at toppling him. Netanyahu's opponents have tried to portray him as enjoying a lavish lifestyle and being out of touch with the struggles of average Israelis. Netanyahu's allies angrily dismissed the allegations as part of a campaign to deflect attention from important national security issues. Mr Netanyahu and his wife are no strangers to such scrutiny. The prime minister has long been saddled with an image as a cigar-smoking, cognac-drinking socialite, while his wife has come under fire for her own expensive tastes and alleged abusive behavior toward staff. The Netanyahus accuse the Israeli media of a longstanding witch hunt against them. In a statement, Netanyahu said he respected the findings of the comptroller and pledged to implement recommendations to curb wasteful spending. Two days before the state comptroller released its report, Netanyahu posted a 15-minute video on Facebook that appeared aimed at countering his hedonistic image ahead of March 17 elections . At the same time he lashed out at the 'ongoing media campaign' that he said is aimed at toppling him. 'There is absolutely no indication of any assault on the public's integrity and certainly no indication of any criminal transgressions,' he said. A former member of their housekeeping staff has filed a lawsuit claiming he was mistreated and verbally abused by Sara Netanyahu. In one instance, Meni Naftali alleged she called him at 3am to complain that he had bought milk in a plastic storage bag instead of a carton. In another, he claimed that she chastised him because some flowers in a vase were a day old. Netanyahu said expenses have dropped significantly in the two years since the departure of Naftali, a man he described as 'an embittered former public employee.' Over the years, reports have been released about the high cost of the Netanyahus' catering, housekeeping, furniture, clothing and makeup. In one case, the premier was chided for spending $127,000 in public funds for a special sleeping cabin on a flight to London. Even their costly purchases of scented candles and pistachio-flavored ice cream have been derided. Two days before the state comptroller released its report, Netanyahu posted a 15-minute video on Facebook that appeared aimed at countering the hedonistic image ahead of March 17 elections that have focused on the economic woes of middle and lower-class voters. | Benjamin Netanyahu has become embroiled in an expenses controversy .
An official watchdog has criticised his spending of taxpayers' money .
Found 'excessive' amounts of public funds has been spent by PM and wife .
But video at his home revealed to have been filmed in servants' quarters .
In it, his wife Sara bemoans the state of their kitchen and frayed carpets .
She said there was no budget to fix upholstery before Obama's 2013 visit . |
11,661 | 2121dbe837097c1ac8662c7b92f4ec22b0680444 | This was the shocking moment a ute driver took his life into his own hands when he did a dangerous u-turn in the middle of a busy road into oncoming traffic. What the Gold Coast driver didn't know was that he was pulling out in front of an unmarked police car. The heart-stopping 15 second video was posted on YouTube by Wazza722 on Saturday and has already been viewed more than half a million times. Scroll down for video . This was the heart-stopping moment the ute driver pulled out in front of the speeding unmarked police car . The ute driver escaped getting smashed into by a just a second or two when it pulled out . The driver of the ute and unmarked police car escaped serious injury in the stunt . The video starts with the empty road in the shot and then the unmarked police car quickly appears on the right hand side of the frame. The black car goes through the green traffic light and then the white ute quickly turns the corner at the intersection and misses being in a head on crash by just a second. The policemen in the unmarked car is seen putting on their breaks very quickly which helps avoid an accident. The unmarked police car slowed down and then turned on its sirens to pull over the ute driver . Gold Coast Police wouldn't comment on the issue but said the driver would probably have been given a $341 fine for failing to give way. After the white ute turned the corner the unmarked car turns on its police sirens and pulls over the driver of the truck. Gold Coast Police said they couldn't comment on the video but told Daily Mail Australia the driver was probably given a $341 fine for failing to give way. | Driver of white pick up trucks escapes a head on crash by seconds .
The white ute did an illegal u-turn at an intersection in the Gold Coast .
The unmarked police car had to break at high speed to avoid a collision and then turned on its blue lights to pull over the dangerous driver .
The shocking 15 second video has been viewed more than half a million times on YouTube . |
251,907 | d20a41c360b0de0a8b4cbaaeb553f6f30d55a5d0 | Daniel Sturridge is on course to make his first appearance for Liverpool since August later this month after completing his rehabilitation in the USA. The 25-year-old has been out for more than four months with thigh and calf problems but Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the striker could return to action in January. Sturridge landed at Heathrow airport on Thursday afternoon after spending time across the pond working with medical staff from the Boston Red Sox and personal trainer Scott Schrimscher in a bid to get his season back on track. Daniel Sturridge touched down at Heathrow airport on Thursday (right) after posting a selfie while flying . Sturridge was absent as Mario Balotelli (left) and the rest of Liverpool's squad trained on Thursday . Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Sturridge could return to first-team action later this month . Alberto Moreno (right) attempts to block a pass from Rickie Lambert at Melwood on Thursday . And Rodgers, who was speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, is hopeful his star forward will make a successful return. He said: 'He [Sturridge] will be back in the country over the next 24 hours. The work he has done has been fantastic. 'His rehabilitation has been great and we hope that he will be available at some point in January. 'He is a top class player with wonderful idea of the game. His pace is frightening and he is at a great age. If he can sustain that and stay fit, we hope he will lead the charge for many years.' Steven Gerrard trains at Melwood after confirming his move to LA Galaxy at the end of the season . Sturridge poses with personal trainer Scott Schrimscher in Arizona before leaving to return to the UK . Lucas Leiva (left) and Fabio Borini prepare for Saturday's game with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light . Sturridge took to Instagram on Thursday to tell fans that he was leaving the USA and returning to Liverpool to continue his battle for fitness. But Rodgers is in no rush to get the former Chelsea striker back in his starting XI after a number of injury setbacks this season. He added: 'There is no date [for his return]. We just need to assess. A lot of great work has gone on and hopefully he won't be too far away. 'We have taken our time on this one. We are trying to look after the medium and long term.' Rodgers delivers instructions to his players as striker Lambet watches on in the background . Midfielders Philippe Coutinho (left) and Jordan Henderson tussle for the ball in training . Sturridge, pictured scoring against Southampton, has made three Premier League appearances this season . Liverpool have been linked with a move for Manchester City midfielder James Milner, whose contract at the Etihad runs out at the end of the season. But while admitting he is a fan of the midfielder's talents, Rodgers refused to confirm whether or not he will try and bring the 29-year-old to Anfield. 'James is a wonderful player and has been ever since I saw him at Leeds,' Rodgers said. 'Players get linked here all the time. I would never speak about player at another club.' Rodgers is an admirer of Manchester City midfielder James Milner, who is out of contract this summer . | Daniel Sturridge has been out for over four months through injury .
The England striker has been completing his rehabilitation in the USA .
He landed at Heathrow on Thursday afternoon after flying back to the UK .
Brendan Rodgers hails Sturridge as a 'top class player' at a great age . |
192,309 | 84fd7b33db23dd031e418989c9ed6fb90c5d62ab | Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert has revealed that a move for Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has not progressed. Lambert, speaking following Villa's impressive 2-1 win over Hull City, was honest in admitting that Cleverley is no nearer to joining the West Midlands side. 'There’s no update on that at the minute to be honest. He’s still Man Utd’s player. There’s nothing went forward on that,' Lambert revealed. En route? Aston Villa are interested in signing United outcast Tom Cleverley for £7 million . Win: Andreas Weimann celebrates his Villa goal against Hull on Sunday afternoon . The Scot went on to confirm that Karim El Ahmadi is close to sealing a move back to former club Feyenoord. 'El Ahmadi looks like he's going to sign for Feyenoord. He's been great for me since he's been here. It's a chance for him to go back, he's in his last year. 'We'd obviously lose him in the African Nations Cup so it'd make sense going back home. If we can do one or two lads to come in, then I'd look to do it.' Away from the transfer window, Lambert believes owner Randy Lerner's honesty over his desire to sell the club has contributed to their best Barclays Premier League start in eight years. Villa's 2-1 win over Hull, a scoreline that does not quite do justice to their dominance for the first hour, took them to seven points from a possible nine heading to the international break. That is their best opening three-game return since 2006/07 and a far cry from the embattled atmosphere that shrouded the club towards the end of last season. Some expected another year of struggle after American businessman Lerner put the club on the market in the summer, a move that has yet to lead to any concrete interest, but Lambert feels the transparency has helped everyone. 'I think what has helped is the chairman coming out and saying what he said,' explained the Scot. 'That's given people a clear picture of what is happening. 'Everybody knows the situation with the football club now, the way it is, it's out there. 'The chairman's being great, he's done everything he can here. Positive: Villa's win over Hull on Sunday afternoon made it seven points from a possible nine for Lambert's side . Gaffer: Lambert is very happy with the start that his side have made this season . 'The crowd have galvanised as well. They've realised if they stick with it and get right behind it I'm pretty sure we'll win more than not.' Villa endured a slightly nervy finale against Hull as Nikica Jelavic's deflected header halved a two-goal deficit created by the electric Gabriel Agbonlahor and Andreas Weimann inside 36 minutes. The hosts should have been home and dry by the hour mark, but saw Fabian Delph and Ashley Westwood denied by the woodwork. Lambert, whose side were dire at home last season, was content to focus on the positives of Villa's early dominance. 'I thought in the first half we were outstanding. If we'd scored another couple I don't think anyone could have begrudged us that and that would have made the second half a little more easy,' Lambert said. 'Gaby, especially in the first half, was unplayable today. Excellent. 'The movement of the midfield was terrific, the passing was so sharp, our willingness to go and win the game was excellent.' | Aston Villa are looking at signing Tom Cleverley for a fee around £7 million .
The West Midlands side beat Hull City 2-1 on Sunday afternoon .
Post-match, Villa boss Lambert admitted Cleverley deal hasn't progressed .
The Scot also revealed that Karim El Ahmadi is close to joining Feyernoord .
Lambert believes Randy Lerner's honesty has contributed to success . |
151,254 | 4f929fd67a8437e3ab8b6d08b868b54b263ea4ae | Sixty-three women and girls kidnapped by Boko Haram last month in Nigeria escaped from their captors and have returned to their burnt village, a security source and a local vigilante fighting the militant group said. The hostages were seized from the Kummabza village in northern Borno state on June 18 after a four-day invasion of the village by Boko Haram insurgents. The militants killed 30 men and burned the entire village. Their escape is good news, but the Islamist terrorist group is still believed to be holding about 200 schoolgirls abducted April 14 from their hostels in the town of Chibok -- a case that drew international outrage and prompted a global campaign for their release. Boko Haram has been active as a violent group since 2009 and has killed Nigerians, both Christian and Muslim, at rates frequently exceeding 100 people weekly. The name "Boko Haram" translates to "Western education is sin" in the local Hausa language. The militant group is trying to impose strict Sharia law across Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa. The group especially opposes the education of women. Under its version of Sharia law, women should be at home raising children and looking after their husbands, not at school learning to read and write. 'Rare opportunity to escape' The female hostages escaped Friday while their captors left their camp to launch an attack against the military and police in the nearby town of Damboa, said Bukar Kyari, a local vigilante fighting Boko Haram in Maiduguri. Soldiers overwhelmed the insurgents, forcing them to mobilize all their men and leave the abducted women in the camp, Kyari said. "The women seized that rare opportunity to escape when they realized they were alone in the camp," Kyari said. "But we still have five women, including a nursing mother, missing." News of the escape was slow to emerge due to trouble with telecommunication towers in the area damaged by previous Boko Haram attacks. Boko Haram has recently intensified abductions of women in northeastern Borno state, where its five-year insurgency is largely concentrated. When a group of women and girls abducted in November was later rescued from Boko Haram, some were pregnant. Others had been forcibly converted to Islam and married off to their kidnappers. #BringBackOurGirls . The April kidnapping galvanized international opinion against Boko Haram and inspired the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls. The terror group abducted an estimated 276 girls April 14 from a boarding school in Chibok in northeastern Nigeria. Dozens escaped, but more than 200 girls are still missing. Since then the insurgents, seemingly galvanized by the attention, have stepped up the frequency and brazenness of the attacks on villages in the region. Other girls have been kidnapped, but in lesser numbers. The Nigerian government has come under fire for not doing enough to find the girls. About a month ago the government tried to stop organized protests for the abducted girls, then backtracked and allowed the protests. Deadly battles rage on . Meanwhile, the group continues battling Nigeria's military. Its ambitions have apparently expanded to the destruction of the Nigerian government. On Friday, at least six soldiers, five police officers and 53 Boko Haram fighters were killed after the militants launched an attack in the town of Bama, the Nigerian Defense Ministry said. Local residents said half the town was burnt, including the police station. Many of Boko Haram's attacks take place in the northern part of the country, despite the fact that Nigeria's northern half is mainly Muslim and the south is mainly Christian. But the radical militant group does not consider all Muslims as supporters and allies. Boko Haram has allegedly killed Muslim clerics who have dared to criticize the group. And there have been suggestions that it attacks certain mosques because members have spoken out against it and helped federal officials with their crackdown. Analysts say attacks are aimed at instilling fear in the local population to prevent cooperation with the government. Mohammed Yusuf, a charismatic young cleric, founded Boko Haram 12 years ago as part of his push for a pure Islamic state in Nigeria. He was killed in 2009, but his group lived on. Boko Haram became more violent after his death as his supporters vowed to strike back. Human Rights Watch estimates that in the past five years, more than 3,000 people have been killed in the violence. Nigeria: Arrested women recruited for Boko Haram . | The women and girls escaped while militants left to launch an attack .
Hundreds of girls abducted in April are still believed held hostage .
Boko Haram has recently increased abductions of females .
Boko Haram is trying to impose strict Sharia law across Nigeria . |
88,364 | facd56d84ca2376f066844ac575f4d5bda95bdd8 | Juventus have claimed they will not have to pay Chelsea compensation in the Adrian Mutu case after having an appeal upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Governing body FIFA ruled in 2013 that Juventus and Livorno had to contribute some of the £14million owed by Mutu to Chelsea for a breach of contract. The London club released Mutu in 2004 following the Romanian striker's positive drug test and sought compensation, which they were granted by FIFA in 2013. Juventus have claimed they will not have to pay Chelsea compensation in the Adrian Mutu case . Mutu joined Juve after being let go by the Blues, with Livorno also involved in the transfer, and both Italian clubs immediately appealed the FIFA ruling. A statement from Juventus on Wednesday read: 'Juventus Fooball Club announces today that the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne has notified us of the decision made by the arbitrators in the dispute that pitted Chelsea against Juventus regarding the signing of Adrian Mutu. 'The arbitrators have completely dismissed the demands made by Chelsea FC, ordering them (the London club) to play the legal costs of the case. 'This ruling has no effect on the financial balance of Juventus Football Club because the club, fully aware of being in the right, chose not to allow for any risk in funds over the developing litigation.' Chelsea released Mutu in 2004 following the Romanian striker's positive drug test . Mutu signed for Juventus in January 2005, but could not immediately join the Italian giants because they had their full quota of non-EU players. Instead, Serie A club Livorno reached an agreement with Juve to sign the Romanian on a free transfer until Juve could offload one of their non-European players. Mutu never played for Livorno and made his first appearance for Juve in May of 2005 having served a seven-month ban from football. He played at Juve until July 2006 when he was sold to Fiorentina for eight million euros. Mutu, now 36, lost all of his appeals in a legal battle with Chelsea which has lasted more than 10 years. The former Parma star announced his retirement from football earlier this month having played last season with Romanian club Petrolul Ploiesti. | Juventus signed Adrian Mutu after he was released by Chelsea in 2004 .
Mutu failed a drug test and Chelsea wanted compensation .
Juventus insist they will not have to pay the London club anything . |
51,564 | 91ff236d094dfc08dec2ecf5e5d4762087795d5a | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 05:55 EST, 28 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:38 EST, 28 September 2012 . Falling out: James Pepe allegedly tried to hire a hitman to kill a former colleague he believed was spreading vicious rumours about him . A teacher tried to hire a hitman to kill . a former co-worker after he suspected him of spreading a rumour that he . was a child molester, police have said. James J Pepe, of Brandon, Florida, allegedly tried to hire a contract killer to kill Robert Meredith, of Plant City, who he blamed for his troubles at work. But the police were made aware of Pepe's plan, and brought in the FBI who set up a sting operation where the 55-year-old allegedly told an officer he was willing to pay $2,000 to have Meredith killed. Police say the two teachers fell out while working at Strawberry Crest High School, in Dover. The rift saw Pepe transfer to another school, according to reports, while economics teacher Mr Meredith, 49 remained at Strawberry Crest. Mr Meredith has said the news had come as a 'complete shock' to him as the pair had never socialised or fallen out. But Officer Tray Towles, a Plant City Police Department spokesman, told the Tampa Bay Times that police understood Pepe felt Meredith was behind anything negative which happened to him at work. He said the breaking point came when 55-year-old Pepe suspected his colleague was spreading rumours about him. Officer Towles said: 'Meredith was allegedly telling everybody (Pepe) was a child molester.' Police have said officers worked with the FBI to set . up a sting operation following a tip-off, where a Plant City . undercover officer played the role of a hitman. They allege during a call on . September 13 Pepe told the undercover officer he 'had an issue he might . need take care of' and was willing to pay $2,000. They have said during a second call the officer attempted to arrange a meeting, which Pepe refused, but still allegedly said he wanted Meredith killed. Arrest: Pepe was arrested at the school at the of class by police and now faces a charge of solicitation of first-degree murder . Officers arrested the history teacher - known by students as Dr Pepe - at the end of school on Thursday outside the school. He faces a charge of soliciation of first-degree murder and was being held without bail at the Hillsborough County jail. Meredith meanwhile has said he knew of Pepe but never socialised with him. He told ABC Action News he never exchanged words with Pepe or engaged in a scuffle. He said: 'This came as a complete shock.' Pepe started working for the Hillsborough County School District 28 years ago. Former student Dee Dee Cardenas, 22, of Dover, who was in Pepe's government class at Durant High in 2007, said she was stunned to hear her former teacher was behind bars. She said: 'I just remember him being really good teacher. It is a little disturbing to hear this.' | Teacher James Pepe allegedly tried to hire hitman to kill former colleague after falling out .
Police allege Pepe, 55, offered $2,000 to have Robert Meredith killed .
Meredith, 49, has said he had never exchanged words with Pepe .
Arrested following police sting operation with FBI . |
283,330 | fb05a2ae6bb6a534d12d022569876fe13a18088d | By . Sara Smyth . PUBLISHED: . 12:02 EST, 24 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:09 EST, 24 August 2013 . Survivor: Phil Woodbridge came through the potentially fatal accident unscathed thanks to his quick reactions and sturdy car . A 25-year-old man has survived a 40 tonne truck falling onto the roof of his car after it smashed into a bridge. Phil Woodbridge, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, swerved onto the pavement and escaped through his passenger door as the HGV landed on his roof directly above him in Brinnington. The sales manager was travelling to work by an unusual route because of the huge fire at the recycling plant nearby in Bredbury. Miraculously the roof of his Audi A3 - which he bought last month - only gave way slightly under the lorry’s weight and Phil was able to jump out of the passenger side uninjured. He said: 'It was a horrible situation. I heard the lorry hit something and it started to topple over, I dropped it into second gear to get some speed up and swerved onto the pavement. 'As it hit I ducked my head down and undid my seatbelt and jumped out as quick as I could. The whole thing was in slow motion. The instinct was to swerve and the car saved me. 'I only bought it four weeks ago, afterwards I just stood staring at it. If I’d stayed on the road I would have been crushed. It started to hit me that night when I began thinking about it. 'But I’ve not got a single mark on me. Hopefully I’ll get another Audi, the police said the picture of the lorry on it would be a great advert for them.' The lorry driver, a 34-year-old man, was also able to climb out of his cab, also uninjured after the crash on Thursday morning. Trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield were also delayed while the bridge was inspected and passed as safe. Firefighters were called to the accident at 10.50am. Close call: The lorry fell onto the driver's side of the car. Mr Woodbridge swerved onto the pavement and escaped through his passenger door and the full force of the vehicle smashed his windscreen . Rescue: Miraculously, the lorry driver was also unhurt. Trains were delayed while the bridge was inspected . Watch manager Steve Johnson, from Offerton fire station, said: 'The man ducked out of the way when he saw the lorry falling. 'It landed above his head but because the car is sturdy it held up to the weight. 'A 40 tonne lorry falling onto a car could have potentially been fatal.' | Phil Woodbridge jumped out of the passenger door as the lorry fell above his head .
Roof of his four-week-old Audi only gave way slightly under the weight .
34-year-old lorry driver was also unhurt in the potentially fatal crash . |
12,609 | 23bc27e75c91c9c52431b6163fffe73e98d0adad | Leaves on the line, signal failures and tracks buckling in hot weather - disgruntled train passengers thought they had heard every excuse. But rail commuters faced two hours of delays in the when a cow wandered onto the tracks and brought rush hour services to a standstill. The escaped heifer was caught on camera walking on the line at Nailsea and Backwell station, in north Somerset. Scroll down for video . Cattle class: A cow walks along the train track at Nailsea and Backwell station, in Somerset, bringing services to a halt yesterday . Delays: The cow stopped services between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, Somerset until it could be cleared out of the way yesterday . Cow on the line: The animal can be seen walking down the line as a train approaches it yesterday morning . Bemused commuters watched from the platform as the cow trotted along the line, oblivious to the delays that it was causing. Train . services between Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, Somerset, were delayed . between 7am and 9am yesterday while workers tried to catch the animal. Aimee Ramsay, who caught the cow walking through the station on camera, wrote on Twitter: 'Trains are delayed. Kamikaze cows everywhere #yolo.' She added later: 'It's not so funny when you have to be in work! It's a real life Country File here.' Twitter user Bea Lilley added: 'Reason I am late into work this morning!' Rail delays: The cow walks in front of the train on the track - causing rush hour chaos for commuters in the south west . Trot along: The cow later wanders off along the track - oblivious to the railway chaos it was causing in Somerset yesterday . One witness, who was standing on the . platform at Nailsea and Backwell station, described the chaos caused by . the cow on the train tracks. Plasterer . Jack Wait, 18, from Backwell, said: 'I got to the train station to . catch the train to work and there was just a cow wandering down the . middle of the tracks. 'I . couldn't believe it - it was huge. What it was doing on the train . tracks, I'll never know. Maybe it wanted to go to the seaside. 'We were waiting for ages and all the trains were forced to stop. 'The . cow ran off down the line to greener pastures and the train was . eventually able to get to the platform, but by then there were so many . people waiting that not everyone could fit on the train. 'I . was late for work, but I feel a cow being on the train tracks is a good . enough excuse. It's certainly an excuse my boss had never heard . before.' Disruption: Train services in Somerset ere delayed for two hours until the animal could be removed from the tracks . Cow on the line: Aimee Ramsay who videoed the cow on the line wrote on Twitter: 'Trains are delayed. Kamikaze cows everywhere #yolo. It's not so funny when you have to be in work! It's a real life Country File here.' Delays: The cow was later removed from the line and First Great Western services were running as normal again later . | Cow was filmed on the line at Nailsea and Backwell station, Somerset .
Twitter user Aimee Ramsay wrote: 'Trains are delayed. Kamikaze cows everywhere' |
249,926 | cf73c40f8c061489780f4041c4c77f1274e06132 | By . Simon Tomlinson . PUBLISHED: . 05:57 EST, 29 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:02 EST, 29 April 2013 . 'His memory has gone': Dr Prana Das (pictured) suffered brain damage and can no longer remember his children's names after he was attacked by two burglars at his home . A doctor has been left brain damaged after being struck with a hammer in a brutal attack by two heroin addicts who raided his home. Dr Prana Das, 67, needs constant care, can no longer remember his children's names and will never practice medicine again because of his head injuries. He suffered a terrifying assault at the hands of Rhiannon Gibbons, 27, and Edward Donovan, 51, who were today jailed for a total of 25 years over the robbery. Dr Das and his wife Nishebita, also a doctor, were asleep when the pair broke into their country home. Prosecutor David Elias said: 'Mrs Das was woken by a man covering her mouth with his hand, saying: "I won't hurt you, don't shout." 'He asked her where her husband was and in complete terror she said he was in another bedroom. A pillowcase was put over her head and her hands were tied. 'She heard the sound of her husband being attacked in his bedroom before he was brought into her room. 'The pillowcase was lifted and she could see her husband - his face was covered in blood and there was a knife held to his throat.' The mother-of-two, 64, heard her husband screaming: 'Don't beat me,' as the burglars demanded to know where their valuables were hidden. Mr Elias said: 'She heard him crying out in pain. It was clear he was being assaulted and she thought he was taking his last breaths.' Mrs Das was also forced to watch as Donovan threatened to cut her husband's throat with a knife. The two doctors were left tied to furniture at their home at Catsash, near Newport, South Wales, while Donovan and Gibbons fled in the couple's BMW. The proceeds of their 'horrific' crime was foreign currency, a mobile phone, a gold plated ornamental eagle and jewellery worth in total £100,000. Cardiff Crown Court heard Dr Das suffered bleeding to the brain and is unlikely to recover from his injuries. 'Callous disregard for Dr Das': Rhiannon Gibbons, 27, (left) and Edward Donovan, 51, (right) were jailed for 10 years and 15 years respectively after being found guilty of robbery, wounding and assault . A victim impact statement by Mrs Das said her husband would never be able to practice medicine again. She said: 'He needs constant care and has become a recluse. He is nothing like the man I have lived with for many years. 'He walks with a shuffle and has limited sight. His memory has gone. 'He cannot even remember the names of his two children or his grandchildren. The children get very upset when he asks them: '"Who are you?"' Judge Eleri Rees . Donovan and Gibbons were arrested after a hammer found at one of their homes was stained with the doctor's blood. CCTV cameras also caught the haul from the house being unloaded from the stolen . BMW into one of the accused's flats before it was abandoned and torched. Police also seized Gibbons' mobile phone which showed that inquiries had been made about foreign currency rates and the price of gold. Donovan, and Gibbons, both from Newport, were found guilty of robbery, wounding Prana and assault. Donovan was jailed for 15 years and Gibbons for 10 years. The court heard Donovan has 29 previous court appearances for 87 offences including robbery and aggravated burglary and had recently served a five-and-a-half year sentence. Gibbons had appeared in court 12 times for 29 offences including robbery and had served terms of imprisonment. Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Eleri Rees, said: 'This was a carefully planned robbery carried out with ruthlessness and no regard for the victims. You showed no remorse. 'You showed a callous disregard for the life and health of Dr Das. 'I have no doubt the public need protection from you for a considerable length of time.' | Prana Das, 67, and his wife Nishebita attacked while asleep at their home .
He was struck with hammer by heroin addicts and had knife held to throat .
Wife heard him crying out in pain and feared he was 'taking last breaths'
He screamed 'don't beat me' as burglars demanded where valuables were .
Dr Das needs constant care, has limited vision and is now a recluse .
Intruders fled with BMW along with money and jewellery worth £100,000 .
Rhiannon Gibbons, 27, and Edward Donovan, 51, jailed for total of 25 years . |
39,995 | 70dacadfa64681c2fe1a0c23589d788391c5b6ad | By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 07:41 EST, 18 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:52 EST, 18 February 2014 . Humans might be wowing the world with their icy stunts and blistering speed on snow at the Winter Olympics. But Britain’s only arctic animal is perfectly built for racing down snowy slopes and leaping long distances, without any expensive sporting equipment. The hardy mountain hare is a natural athlete native to Scotland and is built to cope with cold weather. Alert: Britain's only arctic animal - the mountain hare (pictured) - is perfectly built for racing down snowy slopes and leaping long distances . The mountain hare (Lepus timidus) is adapted to polar and mountainous habitats. It lives in the Scottish Highlands and England's Peak District in the UK. It can reach 65cm in length and can weigh up to 5.3kg. In the summer, the mountain hare has a brown coat but in preparation for winter it moults into a white pelage. However, its tail stays white all year round, distinguishing the species from the European hare. Most active in the evening and at night, mountain hares rest with their backs to the wind, sheltered by rocks and heather in the day time. Some wildlife experts are concerned that as global warming reduces the amount of snowfall in parts of the UK, the survival of mountain hares could be threatened as they risk being exposed in the wrong colour coat. They are preyed upon by foxes, stoats, birds of prey and cats. The animals live in arctic conditions in countries from Scandinavia to eastern Siberia, as well as in Britain. In addition to powerful legs which allow them to leap long distances and race across snowy slopes, mountain hares have the ability to turn their fur white during colder months to blend into their surroundings and avoid predators. Photographer Tim Stenton, 49, who regularly travels to Scotland to take wildlife pictures, spent two days in the Highlands photographing the hares. ‘It was incredible to be so close to these amazing creatures and watch them go about their business,’ he said. ‘To avoid predators they have learned a . trick of standing completely still for long periods of time - eagles . can't spot motionless prey. ‘Then, suddenly, they will run away . really fast. They take off, getting air as they leap over the hillsides - . this is the best of Britain's animal winter Olympians,’ he added. Bouncy: The hardy mountain hare is a natural athlete native to Scotland. It is built to cope with cold weather and has powerful legs which allow it to leap long distances (pictured) Photographer Tim Stenton, 49, who . regularly travels to Scotland to take wildlife pictures, spent two days . in the Highlands photographing the hares, which played in the snow, made noises (pictured right) and looked out for predators (left) Some species of hares can reach top speeds of 45mph - roughly equivalent to the average course speed for an Olympic downhill skier. They can also leap three metres in a single bound. Earlier this month, Mr Stenton, from Wirksworth in Derbyshire spent between four and five hours a day photographing the hares. Snow white: The hares have the ability to turn their fur white during colder months which allows them to blend into the environment and avoid predators . ‘It was a great experience. I was surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the world. The Scottish Highlands look incredible covered in the recent snow,’ he said. ‘I have never followed hares around before and I now think they are fascinating creatures. They are not hard to photograph once you know where they are.’ He added. Ben Hoare of BBC Wildlife magazine, said: ‘Mountain hares are Britain's only truly arctic mammal. They are unbelievably tough animals and thrive on our wildest mountainsides even in the depths of winter. Speedy: Some species of hares can reach top speeds of 45mph - roughly equivalent to the average course speed for an Olympic downhill skier. They can also leap three metres in a single bound . Secretive: The hares need this to blend in with their surroundings because their main enemy - the golden eagle - has eyesight up to eight times sharper than a human's and can spot its dinner from hundreds of metres away . ‘They're brilliant escape artists, moulting into pure white coats to blend in with the snow. When they hunker down against the ground, only their black ear tips give them away. In spring when the snow and ice melts, they grow back their brown coats. ‘The hares really do need this amazing camouflage because their main enemy - the golden eagle - has eyesight up to eight times sharper than ours and can spot its dinner from hundreds of metres away.’ Mountain hares are native to Britain - unlike brown hares in the lowlands, which the Romans probably brought here. But you'll have to go to the Scottish Highlands or England's Peak District to see them.’ Hardy: Mountain hares are Britain's only truly arctic mammal. They are tough and thrive on our wildest mountainsides even in the depths of winter . | Mountain hares live in the Scottish Highlands and England's Peak District .
They are Britain’s only Arctic animal and they thrive on wild mountainsides even in the depths of winter .
Mountain hares live in many northern European countries with freezing conditions, including Scandinavia and eastern Siberia .
The creatures turn their fur white during colder months which allows them to blend into the environment and avoid predators, such as eagles . |
246,567 | cb1757e3b9b71f1fefdbb8784c900798a3068f7a | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:01 EST, 29 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:04 EST, 30 September 2013 . The Toluca Lake home of Bob and Dolores Hope is up for sale with an asking price of $27.5 million for the five-acre property, which includes a 15,000-square-foot mansion, a one-hole golf course, and an indoor pool. A guest house and an adjoining 4,000-square-foot office space also make up the sprawling estate on Moorpark Street, where Bob and Dolores Hope lived and entertained Hollywood celebrities and presidents from 1939 until their deaths in 2003 and 2011, respectively. In addition to its proximity to the Lakeside Golf Club, the estate’s new buyers will have at least one celebrity neighbor: singer Miley Cyrus is reported to live nearby, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Robert Finkelhor-designed traditional main house was updated in the 1950s by John Elgin Woolf to add more contemporary elements . Although mature trees surround the property, the sun bathes the outdoor swimming pool . The property in the San Fernando Valley property has an extensive rose garden . The announcement of the listing comes on the heels of an auction that included golf memorabilia and mementos from the couple’s homes in Toluca Lake and Palm Springs that was estimated to bring in more than $500,000. The Hopes commissioned Robert Finkelhor to build their beloved English traditional house on a former walnut grove in 1939. It was later remodeled 'in a more contemporary style' in the 1950’s by architect John Elgin Woolf, who also designed homes for Cary Grant, Errol Flynn, Judy Garland, Ricardo Montalban and Katharine Hepburn . The estate grew considerably over the years as the Hopes acquired surrounding properties; it now consists of four parcels totaling 5.16 acres. A one hole golf course complete with green and sand bunker lay just beyond the rose garden . The compound has a main house and a front office building . The library features wood paneling and a fireplace . A curved wall of glass adds dimension in the formal dining room . A main house of 14,876 square feet, as well as a two-bedroom guest house, a two-bedroom staff quarters and additional offices can be found on the storied compound. Leading through a reception area, the home opens to a handsome foyer with hardwood flooring and curving spiral staircase. Interior amenities include an office, billiard room, chef's kitchen and a formal living room lined in floor-to-ceiling glass that looks onto a patio and grounds. The upstairs houses four bedroom suites, including a master wing with his-and-her bedrooms, baths, closets and a shared study. Lifelong residents: Bob Hope lived at the property from 1939 until his death in 2003. Dolores Hope (pictured right) passed away in 2011 . A wall of glass sits on one side of the indoor swimming pool and spa, while mirrors on the other side reflect the outdoor views . Among the home's features is a polished wood wet bar, whilst a sweeping spiral staircase connects the upper and lower floors of the house . The living room features a stone fireplace and several seating areas . The Hopes' longtime house is staged with contemporary furnishings . Outside, the home rounds out with sports facilities, including a one-hole golf course, a pair of pools (one indoor and one outdoor), numerous patios and a massive stone motor court. Bob Hope lived at the property from 1939 until his death in 2003. Dolores Hope passed away in 2011. The Toluca Lake estate is the last of the late Hopes' impressive real estate portfolio to come to market. In December 2012, a pair of Palm Springs properties that had been owned by the couple listed for $659,000 and $469,000, respectively. The compound in Toluca Lake is a massive 14,876 square-feet and sits on more than 5 acres . Sliding glass doors open to terraces and outdoor seating areas . A large dressing room with vanity has a view of the garden . The main house has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms . Bob died in 2003 at 100 and his long-running career saw him meet presidents, star in films and tour the world firing his famous one-liners. His second wife Dolores, who he married back in 1934, died in 2011 at 102. The entertainer was often cited as the biggest private landowner in California. Last year his daughter Linda sold her late parents’ Toluca Lake estate, near Los Angeles, along with some of its contents, in a well-publicized garage sale. The upstairs houses four bedroom suites, including a master wing with his-and-her bedrooms, baths, closets and a shared study . One can almost visualize regular family dinners at this more modest kitchen table . 'It screams Hollywood,' says Jade Mills, estates director and international ambassador . A wide terrace connects the home's interiors to the gardens and lawn . Richard Nixon's helicopter once landed on the back lawn so the president could play a round at the nearby Lakeside Golf Club . The expansive lawn doubles as a golf fairway . Bob Hope collected real estate and at one point was one of California's largest individual property owners, holding some 10,000 acres in the San Fernando Valley alone . The Hopes left many belongings for their heirs to sort and distribute, a process that has taken years . The six-bedroom, seven-bathroom main house has been staged for sale with contemporary furnishings . When Bob Hope traveled, often on one of his 57 tours to entertain the U.S. military, Dolores liked to add a room or two . | The legendary comedian's 5-acre Los Angeles home is on sale .
Estate evolved over the decades to fit the needs of the star and his family .
It’s considered to be among the most historic - and expensive - estates in all of Southern California . |
126,860 | 2fff9c9d65c90db429f44f9bfdf706b7359cfa7b | (CNN) -- Hundreds of people attending Comic-Con in San Diego, California, will transform into zombies on Thursday. A "zombie walk" at Comic-Con will promote the upcoming "Zombieland" movie. They'll converge in a "zombie walk" through the San Diego Convention Center to promote Woody Harrelson's upcoming post-apocalyptic comedy, "Zombieland." Comic-Con is an annual gathering of 125,000 people whose interests include comic book and science fiction film and TV, anime, toys and video games. Major movie studios and TV networks use the convention to launch their latest productions. Zombie movies have been on the rise in recent years, and the type of zombies on the big screen has been evolving with the times. George Romero's 1968 film "Night of the Living Dead" -- followed by "Dawn of the Dead" -- popularized zombies "based on the original Haitian voodoo kind of zombie, the supernatural being, the walking dead or the undead," said "Zombieland" director Ruben Fleischer. Zombie films made "a seismic shift in zombies with Danny Boyle's film '28 Days Later,' where it became a more viral-based thing, a diseased population, as opposed to from the grave," Fleischer said. In "Zombieland," living people are infected by a fast-spreading virus that turns them into "this other being" that is fast, ferocious and flesh-eating, he said. "These modern zombies are reflective of some of the perils of what can happen with overpopulation and disease control and how quickly things can spread and become a problem." iReport.com: Going to Comic-Con? Fleischer, along with screenwriters Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, consulted a disease expert "to get to the bottom of what the modern pandemic would be," he said. "When swine flu happened, it was after we finished shooting, but it just really reminded me of how these things can spread so quickly and a whole population can be devastated," he said. While about 500 extras were hired to be zombies in Fleischer's movie, even more Comic-Con participants could take part in Thursday's zombie walk. Sony has hired professional makeup artists to get them ready. Fleischer said those portraying a modern zombie should think like "a rabid dog." Don't lumber along like Frankenstein's monster, but move with "a real furious anger and intensity" and "a lot of grunting and snarling and growling," he said. "Zombies don't talk." Hunger is a modern zombie's chief motivation, he said: "I think that they're definitely cannibalistic. They want to eat people." What does a modern zombie wear? Fleischer's zombies come as they are, whether in a work uniform or dressed for the mall. "It's as if you were at the mall and some zombies attacked and everyone there got turned into a zombie," he said. "They'd be wearing the same clothes that they had before. They'd be dressed in the same way." Fleischer developed a list of 150 types of zombies for his film, including construction workers, moms, a punk rocker and preppie zombies. "They're just people who got infected, like a modern pandemic," he said. "Zombieland" -- which hits theaters October 9 -- brings out the humor in killing zombies, which is Harrelson's specialty. "They're not easy to kill, so sometimes you've got to get them more than once," Fleischer said. "You've got to make sure you get them because they'll keep coming if you don't." Harrelson blamed post-traumatic stress from filming for his scuffle with a TMZ photographer at an airport the day after shooting wrapped in Georgia in April. "With my daughter at the airport I was startled by a paparazzo who I quite understandably mistook for a zombie," Harrelson said. While Harrelson will be at Comic-Con to promote the movie, it was not known if he would be kept away from Thursday's zombie walk. | Some Comic-Con attendees will become zombies to celebrate new film .
"Zombieland," starring Woody Harrelson, to debut in October .
Comic-Con draws more than 100,000 fans annually . |
238,864 | c137a951901882b6595c6f37b50845130d7e6153 | (CNN) -- The Obama administration wants to keep the International Space Station open for another decade, keeping the orbital research platform open through 2024, the White House and NASA announced Wednesday. The decision extends U.S. support for the station by four years. In a joint statement Wednesday afternoon, White House science adviser John Holdren and NASA administrator Charles Bolden said the station "offers enormous scientific and societal benefits." NASA hopes to use the station to study the effects of long-duration space flight on astronauts in preparation for new missions beyond Earth in the coming decades. The ISS is also needed for studies of long-range space flight, as a platform for Earth science studies and to boost a growing private space industry, Bolden and Holdren said. Funding for the space station must go through Congress. The 15-year-old station currently houses six crew members, including three Russian cosmonauts, two U.S. astronauts and one Japanese astronaut. NASA currently contributes about $3 billion a year to its operations, which are also supported by Russia, Canada, Japan and members of the European Space Agency. "With a partnership that includes 15 nations and with 68 nations currently using the ISS in one way or another, this unique orbiting laboratory is a clear demonstration of the benefits to humankind that can be achieved through peaceful global cooperation," Holdren and Bolden said. "It is important to keep this partnership intact, with America as its leader." | Obama administration extends support for the ISS for another decade .
Station "offers enormous scientific and societal benefits," officials say .
ISS currently houses a crew of six, including two Americans . |
118,375 | 24d6e36261c21b2f7bae7d492f33b882c61dc13b | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Target Corp is crying foul on insiders who recently told the media that encrypted PINs were stolen along with more than 40 million credit and debit card numbers in the retail behemoth's catastrophic data breach. The hackers who attacked Target Corp and compromised more than 40 million credit cards and debit cards also managed to steal encrypted personal identification numbers, according to a senior payments executive familiar with the situation told Reuters. However, Target spokeswoman Molly Snyder insisted that 'no unencrypted PIN data was accessed' and there was no evidence that PIN data has been 'compromised'. She confirmed that some 'encrypted data' was stolen, but declined to say if that included encrypted PINs. Denied: Target says there is no evidence PINs were compromised as part of the retail behemoth embarrassing and worrisome Christmastime security breach . One major U.S. bank fears that the . thieves would be able to crack the encryption code and make fraudulent . withdrawals from consumer bank accounts, said the executive, who spoke . on the condition of anonymity because the data breach is still under . investigation. The hackers who attacked Target Corp . and compromised more than 40 million credit cards and debit cards also . managed to steal encrypted personal identification numbers, according to . a senior payments executive familiar with the situation. 'We continue to have no reason to believe that PIN data, whether encrypted or unencrypted, was compromised. And we have not been made aware of any such issue in communications with financial institutions to date,' Snyder said by email. 'We are very early in an ongoing forensic and criminal investigation.' 'To date, there is no evidence that unencrypted PIN data has been compromised,' Target said in a statement . The DMV revelations come at a time of heightened concern about data breaches following revelations of a massive theft of payment card records from Target Corp . The No. 3 U.S. retailer said last week that hackers stole data from as many as 40 million cards used at Target stores during the first three weeks of the holiday shopping season, making it the second-largest data breach in U.S. retail history. Target has not said how its systems were compromised, though it described the operation as 'sophisticated'. The U.S. Secret Service and the Justice . Department are investigating. Officials with both agencies have declined . comment on the investigations. The news comes as the retailer says it has learned of some incidents of scam emails related to its recent data breach. The company says it is aware of 'limited instances' of scam emails, but does not have specific information. The Minneapolis retailer says it is creating a section of its website for Target's official communications so customers can verify the authenticity of notes from the retailer. The attack could end up costing hundreds of millions of dollars, but it is unclear so far who will bear the expense. CBS News reports the company faces at least 15 lawsuits . seeking class action status as a result of the cyber-attack. The suits were filed by people who claim their information . was stolen, and they allege Target either failed to properly secure the . customer data, did not promptly notify customers of the breach or . both. But so little information disclosed so far about the breach, . it is unclear whether the plaintiffs will be able to prove their allegations. Hacked: The hackers who attacked Target and compromised more than 40 million credit cards and debit cards also allegedly managed to steal encrypted personal identification numbers . Denial: Target says 'no unencrypted PIN data was accessed' and that there was no evidence that PIN data has been 'compromised' Meanwhile, Democratic U.S. Senators, Richard Blumenthal of . Connecticut and Chuck Schumer of New York, have asked the U.S. Federal Trade . Commission to investigate the breach. 'If Target failed to adequately protect customer . information, it denied customers the protection that they rightly expect when a . business collects their personal information,' Blumenthal said in a letter to . FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez today. 'Its conduct would be unfair and . deceptive.' While . bank customers are typically not liable for losses because of . fraudulent activity on their credit and debit cards, JPMorgan Chase . & Co and Santander Bank said they have lowered limits on how much . cash customers can take out of teller machines and spend at stores. The . unprecedented move has led to complaints from consumer advocates about . the inconvenience it caused from the late November Thanksgiving holiday . into the run-up to Christmas. But sorting out account activity after a . fraudulent withdrawal could take a lot more time and be worse for . customers. JPMorgan has said it was able to reduce inconvenience . by giving customers new debit cards printed quickly at many of its . branches, and by keeping branches open for extended hours. A Santander . spokeswoman was not available for comment today. Security . experts said it is highly unusual for banks to reduce caps on . withdrawals, and the move likely reflects worries that PINs have fallen . into criminal hands, even if they are encrypted. 'That's a really . extreme measure to take,' said Avivah Litan, a Gartner analyst who . specializes in cyber security and fraud detection. 'They definitely . found something in the data that showed there was something happening . with cash withdrawals.' Litigation: Target reportedly faces at least 15 lawsuits seeking class action status . While the use of encryption codes may prevent amateur hackers from obtaining the digital keys to customer bank deposits, the concern is the coding cannot stop the kind of sophisticated cyber criminal who was able to infiltrate Target for three weeks. Daniel Clemens, CEO of Packet Ninjas, a cyber security consulting firm, said banks were prudent to lower debit card limits because they will not know for sure if Target's PIN encryption was infallible until the investigation is completed. As an example of potential vulnerabilities in PIN encryption, Clemens said he once worked for a retailer who hired his firm to hack into its network to find security vulnerabilities. He was able to access the closely guarded digital 'key' used to unscramble encrypted PINs, which he said surprised his client, who thought the data was secure. In other cases, hackers can get PINs by using a tool known as a 'RAM scraper', which captures the PINs while they are temporarily stored in memory, Clemens said. The attack on Target began on November 27, the day before the Thanksgiving holiday and continued until December 15. Banks that issue debit and credit cards learned about the breach on December 18, and Target publicly disclosed the loss of personal account data on December 19. On December 21, JPMorgan, the largest U.S. bank, alerted two million of its debit cardholders that it was lowering the daily limits on ATM withdrawals to $100 and capping store purchases with their cards at $500. On Monday, the bank partly eased the limits it had imposed on Saturday, setting them at $250 a day for ATM withdrawals and $1,000 a day for purchases. (The usual debit card daily limits are $200 to $500 for cash withdrawals and $500 for purchases, a bank spokeswoman said last week.) On Monday, Santander - a unit of Spain's Banco Santander - followed suit, lowering the daily limits on cash withdrawals and purchases on Santander and Sovereign branded debit and credit cards of customers who used them at Target when the breach occurred. Santander did not disclose the new limits, but said it was monitoring the accounts and issuing new cards to customers who were affected. The largest breach against a U.S. retailer, uncovered in 2007 at TJX Cos Inc, led to the theft of data from more than 90 million credit cards over about 18 months. | Target hackers allegedly stole encrypted PINS in 'sophisticated' operation .
The retailer says it has learned of some scam emails related to breach but doesn't have specific information as to how it happened .
Details of 40 million credit and debit card accounts stolen between November 27 and December 15 .
Target claimed Wednesday that encrypted personal ID numbers were not accessed by hackers .
Target faces at least 15 lawsuits seeking class action status . |
83,973 | ee3243615365a2a5e92b1f79680ecad763814b80 | By . James Rush . PUBLISHED: . 11:17 EST, 7 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:05 EST, 7 February 2014 . Thieves are cashing in on the devastating floods by stealing warning signs to sell for scrap metal, it has been claimed. The theft of the signs in the past month has led to dozens of motorists driving into flooded areas unaware and getting stuck in their cars after their engines conked out. One car which may have been a victim was a £60,000 Audi which was stripped bare by thieves after the driver abandoned it after driving into floodwater in Chertsey, Surrey, last month. A BMWs which attempted to cross Trescott Ford near Wolverhampton appears to have been abandoned and looted . The abandoned car near Wolverhampton was left with smashed windows, as councils across the country reported incidents of alleged looting . The BMW 5 series was left in over two ft of water as the country was battered by floods and gale force winds . Council chiefs in Surrey said the 600 signs - stolen from all over the county, but particularly in Spelthorne and Runnymede - would cost £23,000 to replace. Local Grant Garvey, 36, said: 'Whoever is taking the signs should know they are the worst kind of thieves. 'They are removing important safety signs to sell on for just a few quid in scrap metal - they have no thought at all for other people.' A Surrey County Council spokesman said: . 'We have been appalled during the flooding by the theft of warning . signs, which are there for the safety of our residents and motorists. Stuck in the mud: This £60,000 sports car was abandoned by its owner when its engine stopped on a flooded road and within a fortnight was 'ripped to shreds' by thieves . Vanished: All of the car's plush fittings have been taken and its remains have been left to rust on the roadside . 'In Spelthorne and Runnymede, about 600 signs have disappeared at a total cost to our contractor of about £23,000. 'This theft is a cynical and dangerous act at a time when many people are in difficult and distressing circumstances.' In the flood-stricken Somerset Levels meanwhile, three more alleged fuel thieves have been arrested. Police stopped the trio at 4am today near the flooded village Muchelney and found drums and an electric pump in their 4x4. Flood-hit: Residents in parts of the Somerset Levels have been urged to evacuate their homes, but some were refusing to leave for fear they will be looted by thieves . 'Thefts': The latest arrests follow the theft of 600 gallons of domestic heating oil from a farm in Moorland overnight last Friday . The men, aged 51, 35 and 24, are now being held at Yeovil police station. This follows the theft of 600 gallons of domestic heating oil from a farm in Moorland overnight last Friday. Two fire service quad bikes were also taken from Burrowbridge on the same night. Avon and Somerset Police said: 'We arrested three men overnight on suspicion of going equipped to steal fuel on the Somerset Levels. 'Officers stopped their 4x4 vehicle, containing large drums and an electric pump, at 4am in Kingsdown, just to the east of the flooded village of Muchelney.' | Motorists have driven into flooded areas unaware following theft of signs .
Surrey council chiefs say theft of 600 signs would cost £23,000 to replace .
Three more alleged 'fuel thieves' arrested in flood-stricken Somerset Levels . |
169,851 | 67d2efef23cd0f458b0e4eb74b9d377ed4773ebf | By . Deni Kirkova . PUBLISHED: . 09:03 EST, 10 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:03 EST, 10 June 2013 . They faced harsh reviews when they dropped the Yves and the calligraphy-style font during a major rebrand. And now French giant Saint Laurent come under fire again - this time for extraordinarily high pricing. First it was revealed last month that the luxury fashion house reportedly priced a jacket at £40,420. And now it has been discovered that the embellished babydoll dress Cara Delevingne wears in its latest Fall 13 campaign is being sold for an eye-watering £48,830. The mindboggling price was reported by Style.com in an article about the opening of a new Saint Laurent store in New York's Soho. The jacket cost £43,000, and the cut is based on the Le Smoking suit style form the 1960s . A photograph of an original vintage Le Smoking Look suit - approximately sold for £349 altogether at the time . The jacket was available to buy on . the British Saint Laurent site up until three weeks ago before it disappeared. After the price was reported on multiple fashion sites, reporters from the Fashion Spot say that they made contact with YSL's . personal shopper service and were told the jacket was not in stock . anywhere in Europe. They were not able to find a record of the garment . ever having been sold in the US, and it was not known whether the jacket was removed, or had simply sold out. The item description for the expensive leopard print jacket calls it an 'open jacket in grain de poudre wool' - the luxe wool Saint Lauren use to make their Le . Smoking suits. But the item contains only 10 per cent of this fabric. The rest is made up of 80 per . cent polyester and 10 per cent satin. Saint Laurent Paris currently sells Le Smoking tuxedo trousers made entirely from grain de poudre wool for less than £1,000. The jacket, while composed of fancy sequin embroidery in Saint Laurent's signature babycat leopard print, is made almost entirely of synthetic fibres. One web user, named fashionista-ta said in the Fashion Spot's forum thread: 'I can understand needing to cut costs on this piece, but what about non-virgin wool instead of polyester?? Even (perhaps especially) filthy rich people sweat.' Cara Delevingne, wearing the £40,000 dress, lets out her inner grunge rock chick in the new campaign . Showing off the embellished dress, the three minute advert focuses on this item in particular . Recent reports say prices at luxury . brands are determined by analysts whose interest lies in creating giant profit margins, sometimes even against a designer's . wishes. They decide on costs to consumers according to what they think customers are willing to spend on high fashion, not what it . costs to produce it. And with shoppers willing to pay the price, it looks as though these kinds of high price points might just be the new norm at the fashion house. ShopStyle fashion expert Sian O'Flaherty told the MailOnline: 'Obviously, the average person could never afford a £43,000 dress (are we sure those 000's aren't a typo?!). 'That said, the artistry that has been put into high-end designer pieces is what makes them so unique, and is why I am so inspired by the fashion that comes out of the high-end designer labels.' The Fashion Spot enquired with the . Saint Laurent press office for information on the production of the . jacket and how the brand determined the price, but have not heard back. We contacted Saint Laurent this morning with similar questions and are yet to hear back from them. Dana Thomas, the journalist who wrote Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster, an exposé about how luxury became a global, multibillion dollar industry, answered some of the Fashion Spot's questions about how brands determine price: . 'When it comes to brands in major groups, the sole motivating factor is profits. The designers can dream up beautiful designs, but the number crunchers will cut costs wherever they can to raise the profit margin. 'I also know that at times, designers like to use cheap fabrics not because they don't cost much but because of the effect they cause creatively. But even if the fabric costs $2 a metre, and the dress costs $50 to produce, the number crunchers will price it at $3,000 retail. Because they can. 'One designer told me a case where this happened and he even protested the high price. And the number crunchers didn't care. Their argument: consumers will pay it. And they did.' | Jacket made of 80% polyester has price of £40,420 .
Item is based on iconic Le Smoking 60s suit - but has only 10% wool .
Was sold on British website in May but now 'unavailable' everywhere .
Floral baby dolldress sold for extraordinary £43,830, says Style.com .
Cara Delevingne, 20, wears the flippy dress in Fall 13 advertising images .
Analyst says number crunchers raise profit margin because 'people will pay' |
137,454 | 3dc3cad99e34732361923c276cf562164006297c | (CNN) -- The oil spill on the Gulf Coast has states and visitors bureaus working hard to keep the public updated and reassure beach-bound travelers. Here are some of the latest updates from destinations affected by the oil disaster: . Northwest Florida . A no-swim advisory has been lifted for Fort Walton Beach, Destin and Okaloosa Island, according to the Emerald Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau, which represents the three destinations. "While crews continue to work to remove any remaining tar balls that may have floated ashore, visitors and locals alike are invited to enjoy the beaches as they normally would," the visitors bureau website said. iReport: See photos from Okaloosa Island . Dime-size to 5-inch tar balls continue to wash up in widely scattered areas of northwest Florida, but all of the state's beaches remain open, according to Visit Florida, the state's tourism corporation. "There have been no reports of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill-related oil products reaching the shore beyond the Northwest Florida region," Visit Florida's website said. iReport: Share your photos of affected beaches . Scattered tar balls and oil patches have affected Panama City Beach. "The beaches are open and the swimming is still safe," the area's visitors bureau website said. The water at Pensacola Beach is also open for swimming and fishing, according to the Pensacola Bay Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. "On Pensacola Beach there are reports of tar balls and sheen on less than 1 percent of the entire beach," the bureau's website said. Due to heavier oiling on Perdido Key, a health advisory has been issued for beaches stretching from the Florida-Alabama line to the entrance of Johnson Beach on Perdido Key, the Pensacola Bay Area visitors bureau said. Swimming and fishing in the affected waters are not advised. Gulf Islands National Seashore . All of the Gulf Islands National Seashore sites, which are in Florida and Mississippi, are open, the National Park Service's website said. Fort Pickens, Florida, has experienced tar balls on shore, and skimming boats have been collecting oil offshore at Petit Bois Island, Mississippi, and Perdido Pass. "Surveillance for oiling continues throughout all park areas on a daily basis. Cleanup operations continue throughout the park," the website said. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama . Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama, have experienced significant oiling, according to the Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The beaches are open and visitors are still welcome to sunbathe and walk the beach, but we strongly suggest they swim in a pool or enjoy our many off-beach activities," the site said. The Alabama Department of Public Health has issued an advisory against swimming in waters off Gulf Shores, Orange Beach and Fort Morgan or in bay waters close to Fort Morgan, Bayou St. John, Terry Cove, Cotton Bayou and Old River. Grand Isle, Louisiana . Oil is affecting more than 45 miles of Louisiana coast, according to a state emergency website, although most of the coast is unaffected. "The primary affected area is from the mouth of the Mississippi River extending east. Over 75 percent of Louisiana's coastal waters extend westward from the mouth of the Mississippi River," according to the Cajun Coast Visitors and Convention Bureau website. Grand Isle has closed its public beach, the site said. | All of Florida's beaches are open, including tourist hot spots Panama City and Pensacola .
Swimming, fishing not advised in waters from Florida-Alabama line to Perdido Key .
Health officials have issued advisory against swimming in Alabama Gulf waters .
Oil affecting more than 45 miles of Louisiana coast, but most of its coast is unaffected . |
201,156 | 906bf86f5af90ee7f09f20ea4f620ccd47b33ed6 | (CNN) -- A Lance Armstrong representative tried to make a donation of about $250,000 to the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency before the agency launched the investigation that led to the cyclist being stripped of his Tour de France titles, the chief of the USADA said. "I was stunned," Travis Tygart, the head of the anti-doping agency told "60 Minutes Sports'' about the alleged 2004 offer. ''It was a clear conflict of interest for USADA. We had no hesitation in rejecting that offer.'' Armstrong attorney Tim Herman said there's no truth to the story. "He never made any such contribution or suggestion," Herman said in a statement e-mailed to CNN Wednesday. Annie Skinner, a spokeswoman for the USADA, told CNN that Tygart's quotes, released by "60 Minutes Sports,'' were accurate. The new accusation is another chapter in the twisting tale of Armstrong, a one-time hero to many who has now fallen in disgrace. Armstrong will give his first television interview since being stripped of his Tour de France titles to Oprah Winfrey, her network announced Tuesday. A news release from the Oprah Winfrey Network said the 90-minute "no-holds-barred" interview will air at 9 p.m. ET January 17 and will be simulcast on Oprah.com. Winfrey will ask the cyclist to address the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency's report, which said there was overwhelming evidence Armstrong was directly involved in a sophisticated doping program, the statement said. The International Cycling Union, which chose not to appeal the USADA's lifetime ban, stripped Armstrong of his record seven Tour victories in October. Armstrong's lawyer: No talks with anti-doping agencies . The World Anti-Doping Agency also agreed with the sanctions, which means Armstrong may not compete in sports governed by WADA code. Before the ban, he was competing in Ironman triathlons and had won two of the five events he had entered. Since the ban he has entered two non-sanctioned events. According to his Twitter feed, Armstrong has been biking, running and swimming in Hawaii. The Winfrey interview will take place at Armstrong's home in Austin, Texas. The New York Times reported last week that Armstrong, 41, was contemplating publicly admitting he used illegal performance-enhancing drugs. Such an admission might lead toward Armstrong regaining his eligibility. One of his attorneys denied Armstrong was in discussion with the two anti-doping agencies. Dan Wuori, a writer at cycling publication Velo Magazine, said Armstrong may reveal a lot during the Oprah interview. "I think what we are seeing here is the beginning of Lance's effort at redemption," Wuori said. "More and more continues to come out about Armstrong. This seems like an effort of Armstrong to get ahead of the story and control the narrative." The gain game: Why do sports stars cheat? Armstrong has repeatedly and vehemently denied that he used banned performance-enhancing drugs as well as illegal blood transfusions during his cycling career. Armstrong has been an icon for his cycling feats and celebrity, bringing more status to a sport wildly popular in some nations but lacking big-name recognition, big money and mass appeal in the United States. He fought back from testicular cancer to win the Tour from 1999 to 2005. He raised millions via his Lance Armstrong Foundation to help cancer victims and survivors, an effort illustrated by trendy yellow "LiveSTRONG" wristbands that helped bring in the money. But Armstrong has long been dogged by doping allegations, with compatriot Floyd Landis -- who was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title after failing a drug test -- making a series of claims in 2011. Armstrong sued the USADA last year to stop its investigation of him, arguing it did not have the right to prosecute him. But after a federal judge dismissed the case, Armstrong said he would no longer participate in the investigation. In October 2012, Armstrong was stripped of his titles and banned from cycling. Weeks later, he stepped down from the board of his foundation, Livestrong. It is unclear whether Armstrong would face criminal prosecution for perjury should he confess. Armstrong was involved in several cases where he gave sworn testimony that he never used banned drugs. Silence falls awaiting Armstrong's 'last word' CNN's Jillian Martin contributed to this report. | NEW: Armstrong's attorney says the cyclist never tried to make such a donation .
USADA chief says donation offer was a conflict of interest .
Lance Armstrong has agreed to 90-minute interview, Oprah Winfrey's network announces .
Release says Armstrong is expected to talk about doping allegations . |
247,599 | cc684d21c0f5ad0428611de3a094d5307502408a | (CNN) -- By July 20, a historic deal may be reached to resolve the Iranian nuclear standoff. The choice America will face at that point is whether to lift sanctions on Iran in order to extract valuable and irreversible nuclear concessions from Tehran. Any debate over whether to exchange sanctions for limitations to Iran's nuclear program, however, would be incomplete at best and misleading at worst if it does not address the cost of this policy. Surprisingly, the U.S. government has not conducted any study to assess the cost of its two decades-long policy of sanctioning Iran. According to our study, based on an econometric gravity model that commonly is used to measure trade patterns, the United States is by far the biggest loser of all nations enforcing sanctions on Iran. From 1995 to 2012, the U.S. sacrificed between $134.7 and $175.3 billion in potential export revenue to Iran. These are astonishing numbers. But the human cost is even more surprising. Based on the Department of Commerce's annual report on jobs supported per billion dollars of exports, this lost export revenue translates into between 51,043 and 66,436 job opportunities lost per year on average. In 2008 alone, as many as 214,657 to 279,389 job opportunities were relinquished. Texas and California are likely the biggest losers in terms of lost job opportunities, due to their size as well as the strength of their industries in areas attractive to the Iranian economy -- oil and gas, automobiles, green energy, and telecommunications to name a few. Yet, these are conservative numbers. The model only captures lost export revenues and does not take into account secondary effects of sanctions such as higher oil prices to the broader U.S. economy. Nor does it account for how lower Iranian GDP and imports -- as a result of sanctions -- further suppresses Iran's ability to absorb exports from the sanctioning countries. Consequently, the full cost to the U.S. economy is likely even higher than the numbers listed here. America is not alone in losing export revenue and job opportunities as a result of the Iran sanctions. Sanctions cost the EU states more than twice as much as the United States in terms of lost trade revenue between 2010 and 2012. Germany was hit the hardest, followed by Italy and France. It is not uncommon that cost becomes a secondary factor when devising national security policy. But as American and Iranian diplomats try to negotiate nuclear deal in Vienna together with their EU, Russian and Chinese partners, the question is not whether sanctions have been justified. Rather, the question is whether sanctions should be exchanged for blocking Iran's uranium and plutonium pathways towards a nuclear weapon. These are pathways, incidentally, that cannot be bombed. As former IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei famously said, "You can bomb their facilities, but you cannot bomb their knowledge." Opponents of a nuclear deal argue that intensified sanctions provide a more effective route to halting Tehran's nuclear activities. They also fear that sanctions relief will give Iran a get-out-of-jail-free card and enable it to restart its nuclear program at a later stage. The arguments in favor of sanctions, or against a deal that entails sanctions relief, are debatable. In the words of U.S. President Barack Obama, the idea that Iran would simply surrender to American demands due to the economic pressure of sanctions "does not reflect an honest understanding of the Iranian people or the Iranian regime." In addition, continuing sanctions may break the international coalition against Iran. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill have heard directly from Europeans that if a reasonable deal is reached, the EU will not accept the cost of sanctions even if Congress rejects the nuclear deal. It will be Congress, not Europe, that will break the transatlantic coalition by clinging on to sanctions at the expense of a nuclear resolution, the Europeans have said. If the Obama administration in the next few days manages to secure a deal over Iran's nuclear program, some in Washington will ask whether the deal is good enough to "give up sanctions." But the American public must also ask themselves if the cost of sanctions to the U.S. economy is worth shouldering if other options exist. | A July 20 deadline to reach a permanent deal on Iran's nuclear program is looming .
If a deal is reached, the U.S. will have to decide whether to lift sanctions, authors say .
They say the U.S. is the most negatively impacted of the nations imposing sanctions .
The EU will likely end sanctions if a reasonable deal is reached, regardless of the U.S., they say . |
210,101 | 9c14a7eff4a5bd62561bfc9efceff0af87d5509f | Travellers feared their lives were in danger when a passenger plane was jolted by a lightning strike as it flew through a storm near the US east coast. Shaken passengers said a loud thud and bright flash of light were followed by a burning odour aboard their United Airlines flight when the frightening incident occurred Monday night. After the lightning strike, the captain decided to abort the journey and make an emergency landing in Columbia, South Carolina, as a precaution. Electrifying: A United Airlines plane was struck by lightning as it travelled from Chicago to Charleston . Flight 4613 was carrying nearly 50 passengers and crew as it travelled from Chicago to Charleston, South Carolina. Passenger Brian Cooper told WCSC: 'It was definitely scary. We all knew that it was lightning. 'There was a bright flash of lightning that jolted the plane. I think most of us felt it, then definitely smelled some burning.' Despite the odour, passengers said they didn't see flames or smoke aboard the Embraer ERJ-145XR. After the plane diverted to Columbia Metropolitan Airport, it was inspected by technicians who found that the plane's air conditioning unit had been damaged. People on board the plane, similar to the one pictured, said a flash of light was followed by a burning odour . Because the airline decided to ground the plane for repairs, passengers were forced to complete the rest of their journey to Charleston with a coach ride that lasted more than two hours. John Cane, a former Marine Corps harrier pilot who now runs his own aviation investigation firm, said lightning strikes are rare and passengers should not feel unsafe, even though they are capable of disrupting a plane's instruments. He told WCBD: 'In all likelihood it's not going to knock the aeroplane out of the sky.' Perfect timing: A cargo plane was struck by lightning near Leipzig, Germany in August . Photographer Birk Mobius captured one of those rare moments in August when a cargo plane was struck by lightning near Leipzig, Germany. Mr Mobius' once-in-a-lifetime photo, taken from the ground at a small airfield, shows a streak of lightning hitting one end of the plane and shooting out of the other end. The lightning bolt continues to the ground with a rainbow in the background. The cargo plane continued its journey to Frankfurt, where it landed safely. | Passengers said a bright flash of light was followed by a burning odour .
Frightening incident occurred on a United Airlines flight to South Carolina .
Plane was grounded and passengers continued their journey by coach . |
61,917 | afe434d9dcf0caec286c6d248d79046f1f99a360 | British forces have left their last frontline outpost in Afghanistan, leaving Camp Bastion as the only UK-controlled facility in the war-toen country. The closure of Observation Post Sterga 2 means the UK will no longer have a base in the Taliban-occupied river valley of Helmand province, where so many troops have been killed and wounded . Bastion itself is being rapidly dismantled and the last soldiers will leave in December. Sterga 2’s closure after eight years . marks a major milestone in the winding down of a campaign that has cost . the lives of 453 British personnel. Soldiers carry equipment towards a helicopter during the closure of Observation Post Sterga 2 in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. The UK will no longer have a base in the Taliban-occupied river valley . A helicopter airlifting artillery during the closure. At the height of the war, Britain maintained 137 bases ¿ and now all but the HQ, Bastion, have been closed . At the height of the war, Britain maintained 137 bases – and now all but the HQ, Bastion, have been closed or handed to the Afghan National Security Forces. Troops from the 4th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland and 9th/12th Royal Lancers were joined by Defence Secretary Philip Hammond last week for a ceremony at Sterga 2 to mark the closure. The post, which is perched on a clifftop hundreds of feet above the River Helmand, remained occupied until this late in the campaign because of its strategic significance. Soldiers close the gates for the last time as British military leave Sterga 2 . The same position was previously occupied by Russian troops in the 1980s and, it is believed, by British soldiers during the Afghan wars of the 19th Century . It offered panoramic views of the desert and fields below, where so many bloody engagements between British soldiers and the insurgents took place. Long-range cameras mounted on balloons tracked Taliban movements night and day, monitored from the base’s operations room. The same position was previously occupied by Russian troops in the 1980s and, it is believed, by British soldiers during the Afghan wars of the 19th Century. Analyst Peter Quentin, from the Royal United Services Institute said: ‘The closure of Sterga 2 is an inevitable and necessary step.' British military vehicles driving across the desert. The base saw many bloody engagements between British soldiers and insurgents . Long-range cameras mounted on balloons tracked Taliban movements night and day, monitored from the base's operations room . He added: 'The base has ensured situational awareness and a platform for denying insurgents freedom of operation. 'As planners work towards B-Day – the final withdrawal from Camp Bastion – choreography of packing up Britain’s largest operational base since the Second World War is daunting.’ Last night, the Ministry of Defence declined to comment, but the closure of Sterga 2 will be officially confirmed today. Mr Hammond has said: ‘The closure and handover of bases underlines the progress UK forces have made to increase security and stability across the province.’ | Armed forces announce imminent closure of observation post Sterga 2 .
It means UK no longer has outpost in Taliban-controlled Helmand valley .
Last UK-controlled base in now Camp Bastion, which is being dismantled . |
257,355 | d913b8a34933fe2f361dfc0bf9332728b0bbbee4 | By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 08:08 EST, 22 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:09 EST, 22 March 2013 . A man has admitted faking his own death after being caught out when he got a speeding ticket four days later. Raymond Roth, 47, had been reported missing in the waters off Jones Beach, New York, while swimming in July last year. Officers . combed the water near the beach during a massive rescue effort but, . days later and 730 miles away from home, Roth was stopped by police for . speeding in South Carolina. Arrested: Raymond Roth is escorted by law enforcement officers after being arrested after he faked his own drowning at a New York beach in a scheme to collect on a life insurance policy . Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced yesterday he has now admitted a conspiracy charge in exchange for a sentence of 90 days in jail and five years' probation. He also must pay restitution for the cost of the search -- $27,445 to the U.S. Coast Guard and $9,109 to the Nassau County Police Department. Raymond Roth wanted his wife and son to collect at least $410,000 in life insurance benefits while he started a new life in Florida, Rice said. The day before Raymond Roth was pulled over, his wife, Evana, showed authorities e-mails she had discovered that appeared to detail a plan between him and his son to fake his death. State police arrested both men in last August on charges of insurance fraud, conspiracy and filing a false report. Evana Roth told CNN in August she thought her husband devised the plan after he was fired from his job in July. Her attorney, Lenard Leeds, said she had been unaware of the ruse before she uncovered the e-mail correspondence. The son's case is still pending, the district attorney said. Jonathan Roth's attorney, Joey Jackson, defended his client after his arrest, saying, 'There was abuse here, manipulation here, coercion here' from the father. But Raymond Roth's attorney, Brian Davis, denied in August that Roth had involved his son in the scheme. 'We had issues concerning the facts people had whether (Roth) had an agreement with his son,' Davis told CNN on Thursday. 'He's admitted it now. He's accepted responsibility.' Davis added that his client has been under treatment for bipolar disorder in recent weeks. During plea negotiations, Raymond Roth asked the district attorney's office not to give his son jail time, Davis said. On the advice of both their attorneys, father and son have not been in contact since their arrests, Davis said.'He would like to straighten things out with (Jonathan) when the time comes,' he said. Scrum: He was arrested at a hospital where he was receiving psychiatric treatment for depression . Charges: Roth was arraigned on charges of insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud and falsely reporting an incident . 'Scheme': Roth's son Jonathan, left, and his attorney Joey Jackson after his appearance in court on charges that he helped his father to fake his death. Jonathan claims he was coerced . Days after his disappearance, Raymond Roth was reported to be at a resort in Orlando, Florida and on August 2, he was stopped driving at 90 mph in Santee, South Carolina. When police ran his name, they saw he was listed as missing, but Roth said he was driving back to New York and the officer let him continue. But he failed to show up to a scheduled . meeting with police and his attorney claimed he had in fact been . admitted to hospital with depression. Cost: Tens of thousands of dollars were wasted searching for Roth at Jones Beach, Long Island . Found: Roth left his shoes, wallet, clothing and phone on the beach when attempting to fake his death . Caught: More than a week after his disappearance, Roth was pulled over for speeding in South Carolina . Jonathan Roth, 22, is free on $10,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty to conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, filing a false report and other charges. Court papers show he 'was fully aware that his father never walked into the water and had in fact driven off in his own personal vehicle'.. He faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. The younger Roth's attorney, Joey Jackson, said his client and his father had a 'strained' relationship and claims he was coerced into going along with the scheme - which Davis has denied. He also claimed he feared for his life after his father left him a threatening voicemail when the scandal went public. Hurt: Roth's wife Evana said she has received numerous phone calls from him despite court order of protection . Up for sale: Roth had put his Long Island home on the market days before he faked his death and was allegedly calling about the sale . 'Listen, tough guy. You say you’ve been to the Marines and you can kill and everything else. When I get back, you are gonna do just that. One of us is going to die,' Mr Roth allegedly said. Raymond Roth's wife, Evana, said her husband had not told her of the scheme, and handed over emails she found on the family computer that implicated her stepson. In one dated the day before he vanished, the elder Roth told his son to contact him at an Orlando resort to update him on developments following his disappearance. 'This is a terrible nightmare that I just want to wake up from,’ said 43-year-old Evana last week. 'Why did he do this? I think I’m just numb.’ Raymond Roth had put the family's home up for sale just days before he vanished, and Evana Roth also said her husband had recently been fired from his job in New York City. Police estimated that an air and sea search for Roth cost tens of thousands of dollars. | Raymond Roth disappeared on last July during swim with son in Long Island .
Stopped by police for speeding four days later in South Carolina .
Wife Evana said she found emails between men detailing scheme .
Tens of thousands of dollars wasted on police search . |
283,966 | fbe53f96d5c05febf538b05f68f490bd831ef8fb | Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has turned to Twitter to help find an earring she lost on Monday morning before doing a live TV interview. Ms Bishop appeared live in the Sky News studio in Sydney's Martin Place with one pearl earring noticeably missing. Later on Monday morning she tweeted: 'Hi Twitter I lost earring in Martin Place today - if found grateful contact me 02 62777500.' Scroll down for video . Julie Bishop appeared live in the Sky News studio in Sydney's Martin Place with one pearl earring missing . Ms Bishop appeared on Sky to talk about the Bali Nine members on death row in Indonesia and an asylum seeker hunger strike on Manus Island. Ms Bishop may be one of the most powerful women in Australia but she often uses her Twitter account to show a more personal side. The Foreign Minister took to Twitter on Christmas morning to wish everyone a happy holiday with the help of a few emojis. Her message included Christmas trees, presents, Santa Claus, family and music. Many humorously opted to relate Ms Bishop's tweet to same-sex marriage equality after she included emojis of two women and two men holding hands. The earrings are a favourite pair of the foreign minister's - she has been seen wearing them numerous times . Ms Bishop may be one of the most powerful women in Australia but she often uses her Twitter account to show a more personal side . At work and play: Julie Bishop arriving at the House of Representatives (left) and in Melbourne for Cup Day channelling Carrie Bradshaw . The Foreign Minister took to Twitter on Christmas morning to wish everyone a happy holiday with the help of a few emojis . '@JulieBishopMP I like how you have included same sex couple emojis in your Christmas tweet #marriageequality #auspol,' one person tweeted. 'Nobody tell Julie that these aren't brothers and sisters,' another wrote. It wasn't the first time the politician took over Twitter with emojis. She spent three hours replying to her thousands of Twitter followers using nothing but the small pictures last year. Ms Bishop's popularity has doubled in recent months ranking her on par with the prime minister as preferred Liberal leader and she was named 'Woman of the Year' by Harper's Bazaar magazine in November. Julie Bishop leaving a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra . Prime Minister Tony Abbott (left) and Minister for Foreign Affairs Julie Bishop in Canberra . The surge in support for Ms Bishop could be a result of her strong performance in relation to foreign diplomacy and national security last year. Ms Bishop fiercely confronted Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit in Italy to question him over the MH17 disaster over the Ukraine. The Foreign Minister was further regarded for pushing the resolution the United Nations Security Council passed back in July to allow Australia and other countries access to the Malaysian Airlines crash site to retrieve the bodies. Ms Bishop was also listed as one of the 50 most powerful women in Australia of 2014 by the Australian Women's Weekly. She told Daily Mail Australia last month she was 'living then dream and loving the job'. 'I am in the best job I could ever wish for,' she said. 'It's the job I wanted to do when I went into politics.' The 58-year-old politician is a fan of ‘investment pieces’ such as Armani suits . Ms Bishop accessorises with brooches in a look inspired by US politician Hilary Clinton . She's a big fan of Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin heels - particularly the red stiletto kind . Ms Bishop revealed due to high demanding job, she only gets four hours sleep a night but still manages to fit in a workout each day. While she famously wears Giorgio Armani suits and has a love for pearl necklaces, a departmental document reveals many of the other requests that follow Ms Bishop all over the world in her role as Foreign Minister. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade document contains insider information on her non-stop professional life and personal preferences when travelling. The note shows that Ms Bishop leads a healthy lifestyle, saying that she is a 'non-smoker', and 'prefers to eat healthily but not a fussy eater and open to try local foods. The document also makes note of her love of running, saying under 'Personal Time' that she requests '1 hour (early morning) for exercise.' Ms Bishop, seen here with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, believes it's her duty to dress in a way that promotes the best image of Australia . Julie Bishop arrives looking glamorous at the Midwinter Ball at Parliament House in Canberra . During her treasured half an hour 6km daily run she dons 2XU and Asics sports gear . Her morning jogs have become known among other foreign staff, who often join her in her precious sole hour of 'alone time' in her hectic day. The minister is also not a coffee drinker, despite only sleeping for four hours a night, noting that 'We don't have time for that'. She prefers 'English Breakfast tea with skim milk or peppermint tea', but isn't demanding, noting that there is 'no need to provide in hotel room.' Ms Bishop 'Prefers sparkling water, however will drink wine or Champagne at appropriate functions,' the document states. The Foreign Minister also likes to be prepared for small talk as well as large issues, with the document revealing that she likes to be given a 'snippet' of local information 'to start conversation with interlocuters', and gives the example of meeting New York Mayor as 'Yankees scraped into the finals this week'. It is also important for her to have gift wrap, scissors, and tape on hand, in order to wrap presents she might need to present to hosts or other leaders. Julie Bishop thanked her staff with this emoji-filled tweet earlier this month . The Foreign Minister is a big fan of brooches like those worn by Hillary Clinton . The Foreign Affairs Minister spent three hours entertaining her 85,000 Twitter followers by replying in nothing but emojis . The requests continued to roll in, pushing the Foreign Affairs Minister to see just how far she'd take the online joke . The jokes continued on until just after 11pm when the Foreign Minister, clearly knackered from keeping up with today's youth, wrote the following Tweet . | Foreign Minister Julie Bishop turned to Twitter to find a lost earring .
Ms Bishop appeared on Sky News at Sydney's Martin Place on Monday .
She gave an interview with one pearl earring noticeably missing . |
208,575 | 9a104ff1cdebe7e269b11a32d278283443df798e | Paris, France (CNN) -- No matter whatever else happens in tennis' clay-court season, Rafael Nadal is almost an automatic at the French Open. Nadal won an unprecedented ninth title at Roland Garros and now only trails Roger Federer on the men's grand slam ladder after seeing off Novak Djokovic 3-6 7-5 6-2 6-4 on a third consecutive day of steamy weather in Paris, which did no favors for the Serb -- who appeared to vomit slightly in the last set. Their tussle couldn't compare to last year's five-set classic in the semifinals or their six-hour duel at the Australian Open in 2012 but the final outcome, to Nadal's delight, is that he tied Pete Sampras on 14 majors, three behind the 32-year-old Federer. "You are a great champion, Rafa," Sampras said in an email sent to CNN. "Congratulations on number 14." Nadal was supposed to be vulnerable here. He merely won one European clay-court title this year before Paris, his lowest haul since 2004 -- and that year the Spaniard skipped the campaign's second major. There were upset defeats in Monte Carlo and Barcelona, and Nadal's coach, Toni Nadal, admitted he only won in Madrid because his opponent, Kei Nishikori, was hurt. With every passing encounter against Djokovic at the French Open, the Serb had won more games and kept Nadal on court for longer. He was getting closer. His victory over Nadal in the Rome final in May, his fourth straight overall against the left-hander, gave his backers greater hope. "My best wasn't (like it was) against him in Rome," Djokovic told reporters. Nadal, however, stormed into this year's finale in record time -- for him -- playing a near flawless three final sets against 2013 finalist David Ferrer, crushing Andy Murray in the semis and lifting his game when it mattered against Djokovic, minus a rare hiccup late in the fourth set. "Mentally I was so strong," said Nadal, 28. "I really wanted to defeat him. When there were problems cropping up, I managed to find the solutions." Yes, if Djokovic needed any reminding, Nadal at the French Open -- in a best-of-five format -- is a different character to the one that competes in prep tournaments in a shorter format. He's 66-1 at the French, with those nine titles alongside. Despite that, the notoriously tough Toni Nadal said his nephew was "not special." "If Rafa has done it, I'm sure another can do it," he told reporters. "Rafael is not special ... another can do the same. But it's not easy. To win nine in 10 years is for me, unbelievable." Djokovic, in tears during the trophy presentation, will have to wait to complete his grand slam collection. He missed out, too, on reclaiming the No. 1 ranking from Nadal. While Nadal's knees have constantly troubled the Mallorcan throughout his career, the heat has never been Djokovic's friend. He suffered against Ernests Gulbis on Friday, the first time high temperatures were a factor this fortnight, but had enough to see off the rejuvenated Latvian in four sets. On Sunday -- unlike two days ago -- he donned a cap from the outset in an attempt to lessen the effects of the sun. Djokovic said in his post-match news conference it was "normal that you have ups and downs" physically against Nadal at the French Open but his influential co-coach, Marian Vajda, blamed his two-match dip on a "stomach problem." He lamented his charge's normally splendid return game. "I was not happy with his return today," Vajda told reporters. But he added, "Rafa changed his serve very good, mixed it up and caught him a bit off balance. He served very smart, where to serve and Novak was a bit unsure." As popular as Djokovic is for his dance moves, humor -- and chatting to ball kids during rain delays -- it was Nadal who received the louder applause as they walked on court. Djokovic is always playing catch up when it comes to matching Federer, Nadal, and even Murray, in support, at least at the start of proceedings. Both players were untroubled on serve until the eighth game, when Nadal's forehand -- uncharacteristically -- went off. He missed three inside-out forehands to gift Djokovic a 5-3 lead. For the first time in six tries at Roland Garros, Djokovic claimed the opening set against Nadal. A more aggressive Nadal broke for 4-2 in the second, yet he didn't cruise thereafter. A double fault contributed to an immediate break back and the set went on serve until 6-5. Serving to stay in the second set for a second time, Djokovic crumbled. Nadal let out a large roar after pummeling a forehand winner for 7-5. The tennis was hardly scintillating but by the end of the second, Nadal's forehand returned. The points and games were becoming extended, exactly the type of battle that favored Nadal. The outlook shifted. "Without that second set, I don't know if I have this trophy with me now," said Nadal. A fired-up Nadal, the crowd still on the defending champion's side and the issues with his body all seemed to weigh down Djokovic. He dumped a simple looking backhand volley into the net on a serve-and-volley to trail 2-0. Djokovic's frustration boiled over when he slammed his racket to the court after erring on a cross-court backhand at 2-4. That seventh game would be pivotal. Nadal couldn't convert a handful of game points but slammed the door shut when Djokovic suddenly found himself with a break point. He sealed the 10-minute game with the aid of trademark defense -- and an unforced backhand error from the Serb. It was a matter of "when" not "if" Nadal would break in the fourth and it came in the sixth game. But what happened next wasn't in the script: A shaky Nadal forehand, double fault and errant smash handed Djokovic a lifeline, 4-3. Such a nervy game from Nadal in a grand slam final is almost never witnessed. Wanting more tennis, the fans, for the first time, began chanting, "Novak, Novak." A re-energized Djokovic obliged to make it 4-4. Djokovic's time to pounce was now, but he let Nadal off the hook. Allowing Nadal to convert a forehand winner down the line, Djokovic pounded his head with his racket. Djokovic blew a 30-0 lead in the final game, undone by a double fault on match point after a fan called out during his earlier service motion, forcing him to start over. "I was happy with (Novak's) performance" in the tournament, said Vajda. "Maybe he had these problems a bit, he was fighting himself. It's always tough to lose in the final but I think he's a fighter. He will move to the (next) grand slam." Nadal sunk to his knees, and like women's champion Maria Sharapova on Saturday after her victory over Simona Halep made the trek to the players' box. The outcome was even sweeter for Nadal after a back injury rendered him less than 100% in January's Australian Open final against Stan Wawrinka. Before turning his thoughts to Wimbledon, where Nadal has been upset the previous two years, you can be sure he'll be doing some celebrating Sunday night. And it's in southwest Paris, again. | Rafael Nadal wins French Open for record ninth time .
Beats Novak Djokovic in four-set final .
Victory confirms Nadal in world number one spot .
Djokovic still searching for first French Open title . |
223,625 | ad883cb2ec380bb3d76f1c43f6b3729c45003f38 | Washington (CNN) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao arrived in the United States on Tuesday for a state visit that will include high-profile talks with President Barack Obama on trade, currency, North Korea and other issues. The three-day trip includes a state dinner on Wednesday and the eighth face-to-face meeting between Obama and the Chinese leader, which administration officials say illustrates the importance of relations between two global powers at a time described by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as a "critical juncture." Chinese state media has reported that Hu will stress how a constructive, comprehensive partnership between the two nations could be mutually beneficial and help ensure stability in Asia and worldwide, despite differences between Beijing and Washington on issues such as human rights and currency controls. In addition to Obama, Hu is also scheduled to meet with top legislators and business executives. After Washington, Hu will make a stop in Chicago on Thursday. Vice President Joe Biden greeted Hu when the Chinese leader arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Tuesday afternoon. A military honor guard saluted Hu and a military band played the national anthems of both countries as Hu and Biden stood on a red carpet on the air base tarmac. Hu later arrived at the White House for what officials called a small dinner gathering with Obama, Clinton and National Security Adviser Tom Donilon. "This provides a bit of an informal setting in which to have some of these discussions," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said earlier Tuesday about the dinner. On Wednesday, the two leaders will hold bilateral talks followed by a joint news conference, and Hu will be the guest of honor at a formal state dinner in the evening. Before Hu's arrival, U.S. legislators and demonstrators criticized China's human rights record, including political repression, and called for Obama to press the issue in his talks with the Chinese leader. "It is more important to honor and remember those who cannot attend this State Dinner rather than those who will be in attendance," said a statement by the Rev. Patrick Mahoney, director of the Christian Defense Coalition. "While the guests are dining on expensive and extravagant food there will be scores who will be oppressed and placed behind bars by the Chinese government because of their faith and political beliefs; people like Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Liu Xiaobo who is in prison," and others. Gibbs said that Obama would raise human rights concerns with Hu. "Obviously that is a topic of some significance that the two leaders will talk about," Gibbs told reporters. "We will continue to have difficult conversations" with China on the subject. This week's meeting between the leaders of the world's two largest economies also put the spotlight on criticism that the government-controlled People's Bank of China artificially undervalues the yuan, bringing down the cost of Chinese exports, which would give it an advantage in the international market. Last week, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said China must do more to address its undervalued currency and dependence on exports, adding that such a move is in Beijing's best interest because it will control inflation. Senate Democrats this week renewed their push to crack down on countries that manipulate their currencies, with China clearly in their crosshairs. A bill introduced Monday by New York Sen. Charles Schumer and two other Democrats would impose penalties, including possible tariffs, on nations that manipulate their currencies. The senators told reporters in a conference call that China's currency and trade polices undercut U.S. manufacturers and are costing American jobs. "China's currency is like a boot on the throat of America's economic recovery," Schumer said. But Hu dismissed the argument that price stability is a reason for yuan appreciation, telling the Washington Post and the Wall Street Journal that Chinese inflation is "moderate and controllable." In an apparent attempt to smooth relations ahead of this week's meeting with Obama, the Bank of China last week began providing the yuan directly to U.S. traders for the first time. The Chinese president has complaints of his own, particularly with Federal Reserve policy aimed at stimulating the economy. The policies especially affect China, given that it holds billions of dollars in government debt. The Federal Reserve policy makes U.S. bonds a less attractive investment for the Chinese. In a speech Friday at the State Department, Clinton said China must assume the responsibility of being a world power, rather than basing policies on its own self-interest. Clinton acknowledged that relations between Beijing and Washington were at a "critical juncture," noting persisting tensions on economic and security issues and accusing China of discriminatory practices that put American firms at a disadvantage. Still, insisting that the United States doesn't view China as a threat, she said, "our economies are intertwined and so are our futures." One hot-button issue that Beijing addressed on Sunday was the Korean peninsula, days after Clinton urged China to use its "unique ties" with North Korea to tamp down tensions there. Urging an early resumption of long-stalled six-party talks committed to reining in North Korea's nuclear program, Assistant Foreign Minister Hu Zhengyue told Xinhua that "the peninsula's denuclearization and the normalization of relations" was in all parties' interest. "China will continue to work with all the parties concerned and the international community to ensure peace, stability and prosperity," he said. CNN's Ben Rooney, Tom Cohen and Aaron Smith contributed to this report. | Obama hosts Hu at a small White House dinner Tuesday evening .
Hu is greeted by Vice President Biden on his arrival .
China's human rights record will be a topic of the Obama-Hu talks .
Obama and Hu are expected to discuss trade, currency and North Korea . |
169,142 | 66d6775fc2b19038b61100269e611fdf3f3ca429 | By . Ray Massey . PUBLISHED: . 10:28 EST, 20 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:57 EST, 27 September 2012 . Jaguar today unveiled its sexy new two-seater F-Type roadster – the spiritual successor to the legendary E-Type sports car of the 1960s. The uncompromising convertible designed to take on the might and performance of Germany’s Porsche is to have its official unveiling at next week’s Paris Motor Show, some fifty years after the car which inspired it. Jaguar Land Rover bosses say their British challenger will go into direct competition with the likes of Germany’s Porsche 911 – causing some to dub it the ‘Porsche-buster.’ Scroll down for video . The 'Porsche buster': Jaguar's new two- seater F-Type roadster, the spiritual successor to it's iconic E-Type sports car, has been released 50 years after the original went on sale . Shrouded in secrecy: The new F-type as disguised prototype at Goodwood. The official reveal in Paris next week is heralded as a 'truly significant day' by the motoring giant . The scintillating sports car with contemporary styling and a particularly cute rear will offer drivers a choice of two 3-litre V6 or an even more powerful 5-litre V8 engine fitted to an eight-speed gearbox offering blistering performance and superb handling. New Jaguar F-Type . Price: From £55,000 . On sale: Soft top roadster from next SpringHard-topped coupe from 2014Built: Castle Bromwich, BirminghamLength: 14ft 8 inchesWidth: 6ft 4 inchesHeight: 4ft 3 inchesWeight: 1.6 tonnesSeats: 2Engines: 3 optionsSupercharged 5.0 litre V8 (495PS)Two supercharged 3.0 litre V6 (340PS and 380PS)Top Speed: around 190mph0-60: Just over 4 seconds.MPG: circa 30mpgC02: from around 200g/km . The F-Type is being seen as the ‘spiritual successor’ to the E-Type of the 1960s, but is pitched as a truly 21st century car in terms of design, technology and performance. It will sit in size below the larger XK grand-tourer sports car but is expected to give a massive ‘halo’ effect to the whole Jaguar brand. The higher performance F-Type models will accelerating from 0-62mph in less than five seconds and have top speeds well in excess of 155mph and in some cases nudging 190mph. The open-topped roadster will cost from around £55,000 when they goes on sale in Spring. A hard-topped coupe version is expected to follow in late summer 2014. Jaguar released some early official photographs after some of the images and details leaked out. Adrian Hallmark, Jaguar global brand director, said the F-Type's launch in France will be a ‘truly significant day’ as the firm returns to the sports car market. He said: 'As its sporting forebears . did in their era, the F-Type will break new ground by delivering . stunning sports car performance while vividly demonstrating Jaguar's . cutting-edge engineering technologies and world-class design excellence. Ian . Callum, director of design who created the car and has promised to buy . one for his heirs out of his own money , added: ‘A true sports car needs . to be pure in both its purpose and its form; to have the opportunity to . produce such a car for Jaguar has been a privilege both for myself and . for my team.’ Iconic: The original Jaguar E-Type was manufactured by the car giant between 1961 and 1974 . A 'proper' sports car: The original Jaguar E-Type was 'pure in both its purpose and its form' Jaguar confirms that it is has agreed a collaboration with singer songwriter Lana Del Rey as part of launch plans for the Jaguar F-TYPE . Seductive pop songstress Lana Del Rey has been chosen to help ‘collaborate’ in the launch of Jaguar’s sexy showroom-ready F-Type sports car at next month’s Paris Motor show. In a contemporary twist on the traditional girl on the bonnet, the sizzling 26-year-old American singer-songwriter whose concocted stage-name alone (her real name is Lizzy Grant) evokes Hollywood glamour of a bygone era, will play a part in lifting the covers off the two-seater roadster. Her best known hits from the perhaps less aptly titled album ‘Born to Die’ include the melodiously melancholic ‘Video Games’ and ‘Blue Jeans’ . But Lana has shown her automotive credentials with a track called ‘Driving in Cars with Boys’ and has been photographed driving down Hollywood’s Sunset Strip - in a vintage Mercedes-Benz made by Jaguar’s German arch-rivals. Jaguar’s global brand director Adrian Hallmark said: ’Singer songwriter, Lana Del Rey will collaborate with Jaguar on the launch of the all-new F-TYPE, a two-seater sports car that is a vivid representation of the vitality of the Jaguar brand.’ He said: ‘The C-Type, D-Type and E-Type Jaguars were all sports cars that held true to this principle in their era, and the F-Type will hold true to that same principle in its time, a time that is soon to arrive.’ James Blackwell from the Jaguar Enthusiasts' Club described it as ‘gorgeous’ adding: ’Jaguar built its success on proper sports cars and, after the E-Type, all models had rear seats and were designed to be grand tourers. Seductive advertising: Singer Lana Del Rey has been chosen to help 'collaborate in the launch of Jaguar's sexy showroom-ready F-Type sports car . ‘Now they're bringing it back and the F-Type is very exciting. It looks gorgeous and has a lovely presence with its aggressive styling. ‘I'm sure it is going to be an amazing success, everything Jaguar seems to do at the moment turns to gold.’ Disguised version of the F-Type have been on the road and at exhibitions but this is the first time the undisguised car has been seen by the public. A prototype of the car codenamed the C-X16 coupe concept was shown at the Frankfurt motor show 12 months ago. The new Jaguar F-Type roadster will be built at booming Jaguar Land Rover’s Castle Bromwich plant in Birmingham as part of ambition expansion plans for up to 40 new vehicle variants. In July the firm created 1,100 new jobs at the West Midlands where the new F-Type is being built alongside the new Jaguar XF Sportbrake, the mid-range XF saloon, the XK sports tourer and flagship XJ models. It also has factories at Halewood on Merseryside and at Solihull near Birmingham, as well as a design and engineering centres in Coventry and at Gaydon in Warwickshire. Now owned by Inida’s giant TATA group, JLR employs around 24,000 people and in 2011/12 celebrated record profits of £1.5 billion – up £392m on the previous year. Pre-tax profits rose by a third ( 32per cent) to £333 million for the first quarter of the current tax year with more than 85,000 cars sold in the three months to June 30. Jaguar Land Rover has created more than 5,000 new jobs in the past two years, while also supporting an estimated 190,000 jobs with UK suppliers. Sales of all models have soared by 20 per cent in the 2011-12 financial year boosted by exports to major markets such China and Russia. It is a remarkable turnaround for the once-loss making Midlands-based car maker bought by India’s giant Tetley Tea-to –Corus Steel industrial conglomerate TATA from Ford for £1.5billion in June 2008. The oval grille, such a prominent feature of Jaguar sports cars throughout history, has been axed in favour of a more modern four-cornered mouth. The bonnet has a clamshell design, and there’s a prominent power dome as part of its sculpted shape. The headlights are vertical in design and feature a distinctive LED strip that curves from the outside in. Jaguar has previously confirmed the F-type’s engine line-up will consist of its all-new supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and a new version of its familiar supercharged 5.0-litre V8. The former will be available with either 335bhp or 375bhp. Each of the three petrol engine choices will send power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Stop-start technology will also be standard. The F-type is based on a shortened version of the XK’s all aluminium monocoque and body, but the car will be tuned for a greater driver focus. Bosses have previously said that even the entry-level F-type will be ‘a more focused driver’s tool than the XKR-S’. VIDEO: Road test! See all the new features of the Jaguar F-Type... | New Jaguar soft top roadster on sale from next Spring from £55,000 .
Porsche rival is 14ft 8in in length and does 0-60mph in four seconds .
F-Type being seen as 'spiritual successor' to E-Type of the Sixties . |
180,796 | 760acbcef865f09b15b0ce04a83bee7f1fe03484 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Gisele Bundchen poses in boxy blazers and smart menswear tailoring as the new face of French label Isabel Marant. Ms Bundchen, 33, fronts the brand’s fall 2014 advertisements – taking over the helm from previous campaign girl Daria Werbowy. This is not Ms Bundchen’s first time representing the label – she last starred in its spring 2011 campaign. New gig: Gisele Bundchen has been named as the new face of Isabel Marant - fronting the label's fall 2014 ads . Perfect poster girl: Ms Bundchen's trademark hair and good looks make her a more than adequate match for Ms Marant's famously laid-back clothes . The mother of Benjamin, four, and Vivian, one, is seen in the label's newest clothes - like an intarsia sweater, and chic buckled boots. Her appointment as the face of Isabel Marant – a label lauded for its unapologetically louche approach to classic French fare – comes just ahead of her starring moment expected at this summer’s World Cup. On July 13, the stunner is reportedly slated to present the tournament’s winning team with its coveted trophy. That is not the only exciting venture for Ms Bunchen, married to New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady since 2009. Last . week word of her topless campaign for Stuart Weitzman was released, . showing the Brazilian beauty in tapered jeans, boots, and little else. In living color: Ms Bundchen has a lot to celebrate this summer - as she was just named the face of Chanel No 5 and is expected to present the world cup trophy in July . In late May, she was named as the new face of Chanel No. 5 – taking over the iconic fragrance campaign from archival footage of Marilyn Monroe. Ms Bundchen is no stranger to Chanel and is currently the face of the brand's Les Beiges make-up range. Her No 5 campaign is expected to launch at the end of this year. | Only last week, the 33-year-old's topless campaign for Stuart Weitzman was released . |
98,578 | 0aef3edf23aea22ef4e245e918d80e1fd040e3b8 | 60 per cent rise in illicit photography . Apps let users take photos - but only show innocent-looking emails on screen . Silent camera apps already on sale in West . Police say that the number of 'illicit photography' incidents in Japan has shot up 60 per cent - driven by apps designed to let users take stealthy photos . Most smartphone cameras have a built-in shutter noise to prevent the camera being used to take pictures without people's consent. But a new wave of 'silent' apps - some specifically designed for voyeurism - have been blamed for a huge rise in illicit photography in Japan. There were 1,741 incidents last year, according to a report in Mercury News, an increase of 60 per cent on the figure five years ago. The problem is blamed on the rise in 'silent camera' applications - including ones which deliberately conceal what the user is doing by putting an innocent-looking email or text message on screen while he or she photographs. There are dozens of silent camera applications already available on Android Market and iTunes store - and on Android particularly, there are several that appear to market themselves as being for stealthy photography. 'The latest applications include 'upgraded versions' that enable people to silently take photos while an email or website is displayed on the phone’s screen to provide cover for the surreptitious picture-taking,' said the report. Japanese academics have called for regulation of silent photography applications - saying that they are being used for crimes. With Google's 'anything goes' policy on Android, where applications are not vetted before publication on Market, and users can also download apps from elsewhere on the web, it will be very difficult to police. A silent camera app on Android market - it says 'Silent Snap Camera allows u to take photos without the annoying camera click! This setting is disabled on many phones Silent Snap will override this for u to take silent shots or use spy camera style' Most smartphones also include a way of disabling the noise of camera applications even in the built-in apps. | 60 per cent rise in illicit photography .
Apps let users take photos - but only show innocent-looking emails on screen .
Silent camera apps already on sale in West . |
134,574 | 3a0a6ef19b77198af4d04d1271a465d2094d57a7 | Gas prices are falling across the country leading to the lowest prices at the pump in five years. For drivers, shippers, airlines and other consumers of fuel, there's nothing not to like about downward trend. The national average gasoline price has fallen for 81 straight days to $2.55 a gallon, its lowest level since October of 2009, according to AAA. It's $1.15 a gallon cheaper than its high for the year, saving U.S. households $100 a month as they shop for holiday presents. Coming down: Roxana Valverde adjusts the gas price sign numbers at a Tolleson, Arizona convenience store as gas prices continue to tumble nationwide . Good deal: Motorist Jerry Reed fills up his tank at a gas station in Atlanta. The price of oil has fallen by nearly half in just six months, a surprising and steep plunge that has consumers cheering . "Any time gas prices go down that is a good thing," said Randy Daniels, 30, who was shopping recently at the Lenox Square Mall in Atlanta. "An extra 20 or 30 bucks in my pocket goes far." Diesel and jet fuel prices have also plunged, helping boost the profits and share prices of airlines and shippers. The cheapest gas in the country is currently being sold in Missouri, where the average price per gallon is $2.23. It's probably no surprise that Hawaii has the most expensive gas, at $3.69 a gallon . The plunge in gasoline prices that is showing no signs of slowing has dropped the national average price to $2.60 a gallon, its lowest level since December of 2009. It's saving a typical household $60 a month compared to last year around this time, enough for an extra holiday gift or two. Here are the 5 cheapest and 5 most expensive states for gasoline in the lower 48 states as of Friday, according to AAA. LOWEST STATE AVERAGES . Missouri - $2.32 . Oklahoma - $2.36 . Texas - $2.38 . Mississippi - $2.39 . South Carolina - $2.40 . HIGHEST STATE AVERAGES . New York - $3.02 . Connecticut - $2.96 . Vermont - $2.94 . California - $2.92 . Washington - $2.90 . The most expensive gas in the lower 48 states was in San Francisco, where it goes for $3.04 per gallon. Heating oil is the cheapest it has been in four years, reducing home heating prices just in time for winter for many in the chilly Northeast. The price per barrel for crude oil has dropped 41 percent since the end of 2013, from $98.17 to $57.49. Prices are expected to continue to drop – especially in wake of a statement from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries saying that it has no set price for oil. The price of oil has fallen by nearly half in just six months, a surprising and steep plunge that has consumers cheering, producers howling and economists wringing their hands over whether this is a good or bad thing. The price of a barrel of oil is just under $56, down from a summer high of $107, and lower than at any time since the U.S. was still in recession in the spring of 2009. The plunge in prices is being blamed on a global imbalance of supply and demand that is rippling across the world economy, for better and worse. Years of high oil prices, interrupted briefly by the recession, inspired drillers around the world to scour the earth's crust for more oil and they found it. Since 2008 oil companies in the U.S., for example, have increased production by 70 percent, or 3.5 million barrels of oil per day. To put that in perspective, that increase alone is more than the production of any OPEC member other than Saudi Arabia. As U.S. production was ramping up, turmoil in the Middle East and North Africa reduced supplies from Libya, Iran and elsewhere. More to come? Oil prices have dropped sharply around the world, easing gasoline costs for U.S. driver . A balance was struck: Increasing supplies from outside of OPEC and from Iraq's recovering oil industry helped meet rising demand around the world as other OPEC supplies waivered. But now those OPEC supplies look more certain despite continuing turmoil, and those non-OPEC supplies have swamped the market. OPEC estimated last week that the world would need 28.9 million barrels of its oil per day next year, the lowest in more than a decade. At the same time, OPEC countries plan to produce 30 million barrels of oil per day next year. That supply surplus is sending global prices lower. | Gasoline prices plunged in 2014 - and it's possible they still haven't hit bottom .
Oil prices have plummeted to 2009 levels .
The cheapest gas in the country is currently being sold in Missouri, where the average price per gallon is $2.23 .
Hawaii has the most expensive gas, at $3.69 a gallon with California the highest in the lower 48 at $3.04 . |
86,409 | f543917abeac281afa9f1d3a7aafd5c48d23c72d | Mario Balotelli appears to be somewhat of a fans' favourite among the Anfield faithful after joining the Merseyside outfit in the summer - with t-shirts being sold outside the ground with the striker's faced superimposed onto an image of Super Mario. The t-shirt includes the slogan 'Mario Fantastcio! Mario Magnifico! Ole! Ole!' Balotelli, or Super Mario as he also known as, geared up for the Merseyside derby by cheering about his new side after inhaling helium. Super Mario t-shirts are sold outside Liverpool's ground before their derby match at Anfield . Italian international Balotelli looked focused as he prepared for his first Merseyside derby match . Balotelli inhaled helium before blurting out a chorus of 'Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool' on Friday evening . The 24-year-old will be hoping he can finish his first Merseyside derby on the winning side as Everton travel to the red half of Liverpool for Saturday's early kick off. The Italian international is yet to hit the back of the net in the league since sealing a move back to the Premier League. Balotelli has netted just one goal since his £16million move from AC Milan. | Reds fans could purchase t-shirts with Mario Balotelli's face superimposed onto an image of the gaming character Super Mario before derby match .
Balotelli was included in Brendan Rodgers' starting line-up .
The 24-year-old will be hoping to net his first league goal for the Reds . |
52,059 | 9371d7babfddfdd4be3f2ca7534f58bc50df5eb0 | By . Kieran Corcoran . PUBLISHED: . 10:26 EST, 28 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 13:31 EST, 28 February 2014 . 'Unsavoury': Mark Stephenson, pictured outside Birmingham Magustrates' Court, was fined after admitting his offensive behaviour . A football fan who ripped up pages torn from a the Koran at a football match, and told a steward 'we hate Muslims' Middlesbrough fan Mark Stephenson, 25, was at an away game in Birmingham when he was handed pages of the Muslim holy book by a fellow supporter. He proceeded to rip up the pages, and gestured with a lighter as if he were about to set them on fire. The 'through and through fan', part of a group of 20 attending a championship game between Middlesbrough and Birmingham City, was asked by a steward what the book was. Stephenson, who had been drinking, replied: 'It's the Muslim Bible, we hate Muslims.' Stephenson, a season ticket holder, was fined £235 by magistrates, who heard he was 'shocked and appalled' at his own actions. The £22,000-a-year purchasing manager from Shrewsbury, Shropshire, committed the religiously-aggravated public order offence last December. The court heard a female fan handed out the pages from her handbag during the match. Other fans were shouting and chanting at . the time of the offence, and the words 'Koran, Muslims and burning' were overheard by a steward. Stephenson was also ordered to pay £105 costs and a £23 victim surcharge. Prosecutor Jonathan Purser told Birmingham Magistrates' Court that Stephenson, who has no previous convictions or cautions, was seen with a lighter, apparently pretending to set fire to some of the pages. Defence solicitor Ash Mistry told magistrates that his client, who also follows England abroad, had been drinking alcohol before the match and at half-time, and had very little recollection of his 'inflammatory' actions. Scroll down for video . Religious offence: Stephenson and his fellow fans were watching Middlesbrough play Birmingham City at the latter team's home ground (pictured) The lawyer told the court: 'He is in no way racist and he holds no racist views towards Muslims.' Stephenson was deeply remorseful for what was an isolated incident, Mr Mistry submitted. Offensive: Stephenson told a steward that the pages of the Koran (pictured) were torn because the fans 'hate Muslims' Magistrates decided not to impose a football banning order on Stephenson. Passing sentence, chairman of the bench Ronald Healy said: 'The incidents that we have had described to us are extremely unsavoury and extremely regrettable. 'We have looked at the references that have been provided by friends and your employer, and they do appear to confirm that you are generally of very good character, and that this incident is particularly out of your normal character.' He added: 'It's lucky in some respects that nothing occurred as a result of your actions. 'Incidents of this kind are considered extremely offensive to some members of the community. We hope that in the future you will not ever, ever participate in any such incident.' Stephenson, who went to court with company of his parents, was on the verge of tears as he left the building without comment. Two women from Middlesbrough charged in connection with events at the match both pleaded not guilty to a religiously aggravated public order offence. Pub worker Julie Phillips, 50, of Kenmore Road, and Gemma Parkin, 18, of Kimberley Drive, were bailed to stand trial at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on May 1. | Mark Stephenson, 25, was part of a group of 20 watching Middlesbrough .
Was given Koran pages as his side played Birmingham City in December .
Stephenson also gestured with a lighter as if about to set them on fire .
The purchasing manager said: 'It's the Muslim Bible, we hate Muslims.'
He was fined £235, plus £128 other costs, at Birmingham Magistrates' Court . |
160,387 | 5b58ee5d8be14b2f0289e53a25cee4e4bfd030f7 | Archaeologists in Italy have discovered a mummified foetus from the 19th century that is thought to have undergone a destructive operation while it was still inside its mother’s womb. It appears the procedure to break up the foetus was carried out after its death, when the mother’s life was in danger- and the remains were then carefully wrapped up. The mummy is the only case of the surgical practice - which was popular in ancient times - in the central region of Italy, researchers claim. Archaeologists in Italy have discovered a mummified foetus from the 19th century that is thought to have undergone an operation while it was still inside its mother’s womb. The remains were carefully wrapped in cloth and laid to rest in an underground room with other remains . The gruesome find came to light after an earthquake struck L’Aquila, Italy, in 2009, Live Science reported. The 6.3 magnitude disaster killed 300 people as well as damaging buildings including the St. John the Evangelist church in the village of Casentino. It was beneath this church that the mummified bodies, including the foetus, were found in underground rooms. Researchers estimate that the foetus was laid to rest in 1840. They X-rayed the remains to discover that the skeleton was not connected properly, so some of the bones had been moved around. The X-ray is pictured . Embryotomy is the dismemberment of a foetus while it is in the womb. It was practiced when a mother's life was threatened, to aid the foetus' removal when delivery was impossible by natural means. Some experts say embryotomy was used as an extreme method of abortion in medieval times. It was common in ancient Egypt as well as ancient Rome. It is thought embryotomy has been practiced in some places as late as 50 years ago. Researchers estimate the foetus was laid to rest in 1840. They X-rayed the remains to discover that the skeleton was not connected properly, highlighting that some of the bones had been moved around. Experts could not establish the sex of the foetus because the pelvic and jaw bones were damaged, but they think it was 29 weeks into development when it perished. They think the procedure took place because the skull had been dissected in places, and separated from the spine. And the arms were found to be broken at the joints, according to the study, published in the International Journal of Osteoarcheology. These characteristics ‘strongly suggest a case of embryotomy,’ according to Ruggero D'Anastasio of University Museum at University of Chieti, Italy. Other mummified remains (pictured) discovered at the site have undergone radiocarbon dating and are thought to date back to the 19th century or earlier. Some have lesions from autopsy procedures . The gruesome find came to light after an earthquake struck L’Aquila, Italy, in 2009. This image shows the ruined remains of the St. John the Evangelist church in the village of Casentino, where mummified bodies, including the foetus, were found in underground rooms . Some of the bodies discovered beneath a church in the village of Casentino (marked) had lesions from autopsy procedures, showing doctors at the time removed bone from the skull in order to access the brain . Researchers estimate that the foetus was laid to rest in 1840 along with other remains (pictured) Embryotomy is the dismemberment of a foetus in the womb in order to make a delivery possible by natural means. Dr D'Anastasio said that such a procedure was common in Alexandria and Rome in the 1st and 2nd centuries. It was used to remove a foetus from the womb that had already died, or to preserve a mother’s life if she was threatened by delivery complications. Some experts claim that embryotomy was used as an extreme method of abortion in medieval times, but was not thought to be common less than 200 years ago. The remains of the foetus were reassembled into its natural shape, with pieces of skull placed carefully inside a carefully-made cloth. Unlike the brutal procedure, the dressing of the remains suggests compassion for unborn children at the time. Other mummified remains discovered at the site have undergone radiocarbon dating and are thought to date back to the 19th century or earlier. Personal items such as rings, shoes, rosary beads, clothes and shrouds also helped the archaeologists date the remains. Some of the bodies had lesions from autopsy procedures, showing doctors at the time removed bone from the skull in order to access the brain. The mummy that has been discovered is the only case of the surgical practice in this region of Italy. The village of Casentino is shown in this photograph . | Mummy shows signs of embryotomy - the breaking up of a foetus in the womb - which was common in ancient times .
It's the only case of the surgical practice in central Italy from the time .
Procedure was likely done to save a mother's life, after the foetus had died .
Remains were carefully wrapped in cloth and laid to rest beneath a church .
They were discovered after a serious earthquake in 2009 .
X-rays reveal bones were broken and moved from their natural position . |
91,089 | 01270edc509f5f925a2d1bc9b8a57560de4bfd6d | Washington (CNN) -- Two things motivate House Speaker John Boehner in his showdown with Democrats and President Barack Obama, sources close to him say -- one personal, one philosophical. The personal one is evident through how he deals with his caucus of 232 Republicans, especially the unruly tea party group. Boehner originally did not want to tie a contentious effort to defund Obamacare to spending legislation needed to avert a shutdown. He expressed that sentiment as far back as March. "Our goal here is to cut spending. It's not to shut down the government," Boehner said. "I believe that trying to put Obamacare on this vehicle risks shutting down the government. That's not what our goal is." But ultimately, there were enough House Republicans demanding the two issues be linked that Boehner changed his mind. Why? "He has been seen people rise and fall," a source close to him said. In fact, he was one of them. When Boehner was House Republican Conference chairman, he was part of a small group of House Republican leaders who met in 1997 to discuss ousting their fellow Republican speaker, Newt Gingrich. Opinion: No good options for Boehner . The coup failed and Boehner claimed he was only gathering information, not conspiring. But by the next year, his fellow Republicans had ousted him from leadership. Upon hearing the bad news, he told an aide, "We are going to smile, we are going to work hard, and earn our way back." And he did just that -- from exile through various top positions on committees to the leadership of House Republicans and then his election as speaker. "You could never have predicted in 1998 the recovery of John Boehner," said Gingrich, now a host of CNN's "Crossfire." "So I think first of all his discipline, his focus on getting the job done, being a very effective insider, raising resources, campaigning for members. "He managed to recover, which is historically not abnormal -- Speaker Longworth had the same kind of experience, so it happens occasionally. But it takes an unusual amount of willpower to be defeated by your colleagues, and make a comeback with the same colleagues," Gingrich said. The lesson learned? Listen to party members and try to adapt to what they want -- sometimes leading them, sometimes following, sometimes protecting them from themselves, and sometimes -- as with the government shutdown -- letting them learn the lesson that if you touch a pot on a hot stove, you will get burned. "When he was sworn in as speaker, he had 15 rebels vote against him on the House floor. He has this group of 30 to 40 hardcore conservatives who are more than willing to dump John Boehner any chance they can," said John Feehery, a consultant and former aide to Republican leaders. Congress still gets paid . "From Boehner's perspective, he's learned from what happened with Newt Gingrich. That's why he's more disciplined, listening more to his caucus, less likely to freelance than Newt was. Going through this process for him is more of a step-by-step process," Feehery said. Not enough House Republicans yet see that this path is likely one that will hurt them politically. When that changes, Boehner will pursue a path out. But he will not be exiled again. "Listen. We've got a lot of divergent opinions in the caucus and the key to any leadership job is to listen," Boehner said two weeks ago. "You know, I was here during the Gingrich era. He had a little plaque that was in his office. And it was a management model: 'Listen, learn, help, and leave.' We listened to our colleagues over the course of the last week. We have a plan that they're happy with." The philosophical part of this equation is Boehner's concern about the debt and his belief that Obama doesn't get it. "The president told me in the Oval Office back in December, 'We don't have a spending problem, we have a health care problem,' Boehner said in an interview in late March. "And as long as the president continues to cling to the fact that we don't have a spending problem, and clings to the fact that we're not taxing the American people enough, it's going to make it hard to get to an agreement." But it's not like the House Republicans' budget balances. "Our budget is a vision of how we would go," Boehner said. "And clearly we believe that Obamacare is bad for the country, it's going to drive up the cost of health insurance for the American people. It's going to hurt employers building to hire more people. It's not in the nation's interest." Democrats, Republicans and the insane leap into the abyss . | House Speaker John Boehner originally didn't want to tie spending bill to Obamacare .
Boehner was involved in failed coup when Newt Gingrich was speaker after last shutdown .
In the aftermath of failed ouster of Gingrich, Boehner lost his leadership post .
Boehner has learned lessons from that experience, former House leadership aide says . |
193,236 | 862d02fb9020a5631c6bcab2c67d1688413f3318 | (CNN) -- The United States has "deep concerns" over China's newly declared East China Sea air defense zone, Vice President Joe Biden privately told Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to Beijing on Wednesday, according to a pool report citing senior administration officials traveling with the delegation. According to the pool account of a background briefing by the officials, Biden also told Xi that the United States doesn't recognize the zone -- which includes uninhabited islands that have been the site of tense disputes between China and Japan, both of which claim the lands for their own. "President Xi was equally clear in laying out their view of the zone and of territorials disputes in the region," one of the officials said, according to the pool report. "Ultimately, President Xi took on board what the vice president said. It's up to China, and we'll see how things will unfold in the coming days and weeks." Biden had assured Japanese leaders on Tuesday that he would raise the issue with Xi, but it was not mentioned publicly by either leader. In public remarks welcoming Biden that betrayed no hint of the tensions, Xi called the former senator an "old friend" and praised U.S.-China relations. "We're happy to see that in the recent period, our two teams have worked actively to expand coordination and collaboration on bilateral, regional, and global levels," President Xi said in greeting Biden on his latest visit to China, according to a pool report. Biden also made no public mention of the controversial Chinese air defense space declaration, instead focusing on the possibilities of good relations between the two nations. He cited discussions between Xi and President Barack Obama this summer seeking a "new model" in relations between the countries as China seeks to expand its influence worldwide and as the U.S. pivots its attention from the Middle East to Asia. "As we've discussed in the past, this new model of major-country cooperation ultimately has to be based on trust, and a positive notion about the motive of one another," Biden said. "The relationship that you and President Obama have established thus far is full of promise, and real opportunity for us," Biden told Xi, according to a pool report. "If we get this relationship right with a genuine new model, the possibilities are limitless," he said. Asia trip gives Biden chance to show off diplomatic cred . But in a sign the two leaders had much to talk about privately, a scheduled 45-minute private session between Xi and Biden ran two hours. The meeting covered "every single topic in the U.S.-China relationship," including economic issues and North Korea, said one of the U.S. officials who were briefing reporters . "They talked at some length about what the Iran example means for North Korea," the official said, referring to the recently reached deal between Iran and a coalition of international powers to curb the Middle Eastern nation's nuclear program. The official was referring to how the international community came together to pressure Iran to reach a deal, according to the pool report. Biden's visit to China comes about two weeks after China declared an air defense zone over a portion of the East China Sea, including island territories that China and Japan each claim. The dispute over the islands has led to tense situations between ships and planes from the two countries over the past year, raising concerns that an incident in China's newly declared defense zone could spiral out of control. It has also fueled concern among U.S. officials about how far China is willing to go to pursue its interests in the Asia-Pacific region and push back against U.S. influence. China is asking aircraft entering its air defense zone to identify themselves and submit flight plans. It says the zone is similar to others maintained by nations around the world, saying that it is not asserting territorial control over the airspace and that legitimate commercial traffic will continue to move through the region unhindered. China's declaration prompted pushback from the United States and other nations in the region, which rejected the zone and continued to route military flights through the area. Japan has told its commercial airlines not to comply with the new Chinese demands, but the U.S. government has urged American carriers to follow Beijing's instructions. On Tuesday, Biden assured Japanese leaders that he would press China over the issue. "We, the United States, are deeply concerned by the attempt to unilaterally change the status quo in the East China Sea," Biden said at a news conference alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday. "I will be raising these concerns with great specificity directly when I meet with the Chinese leadership," Biden said. Biden promises to press China on airspace dispute . U.S. State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki reiterated this week that Washington does not recognize the air defense zone or China's demand to be notified of plans by jets from other nations to fly into the area. The Chinese action, Biden said, raises the possibility of "accidents and miscalculation." In a statement Tuesday, a spokesman for China's Defense Ministry said the zone is one of "safety, not risks, a zone of cooperation, not competition." Without naming the United States, spokesman Geng Yansheng, warned countries about becoming involved in China's dispute with Japan. "Other parties concerned should also mind their words and actions, and should not do things to undermine regional stability and bilateral relations," he said. "Other parties should not be incited, or send wrong signals to make a very few countries go further on the wrong track, which will follow the same old disastrous road and undermine regional and world peace." China's air defense zone: What you need to know . CNN's Jethro Mullen and Steve Brusk contributed to this report. | NEW: Biden, Chinese leader Xi talk about air defense zone, North Korea, pool report says .
Biden tells China's leader that U.S. has "deep concerns" over airspace, according to the report .
China declared air defense zone over disputed territory, drawing ire of several nations .
Biden assured Japanese leaders he would press China over the issue . |
267,221 | e615d5c67c109db1b0e9ee30bc765c4a8c88df19 | By . Sarah Griffiths for MailOnline . From dangerous driving conditions to slimy clothes and a frizzy hair-do - nobody enjoys cycling in the rain. But now intrepid cyclists can keep dry using an umbrella that has been specially designed to clip onto bikes. A Dutch firm based in Delft has invented a simple clamp that fits a bike’s handlebars and holds a windproof umbrella firmly in place to protect a rider from wind and rain. Easy rider: A Dutch firm based in Delft has invented a simple clamp that fits to a bike’s handlebars and holds a windproof umbrella firmly in place to protect a rider from wind and rain (pictured) The holder can also be used to store the umbrella when the rain stops too. The umbrella's asymmetric design is said to help it withstand high speed wind gusts of up to 70mph (113kph). The aerodynamic design directs wind over and around the brolly, which holds its shape and keeps people dry underneath. Streamlined: The holder (pictured left) it works with the umbrella which has an asymmetric design said to help it withstand high speed wind gusts of up to 70mph (113kph). The device is pictured in action (right) Good for gusts: The aerodynamic design of the umbrella (pictured) directs wind over and around the brolly, which holds its shape. It is sold separately to the holder (also pictured) As an increasing number of people cycle in cities, new bikes and add-ons have been developed to make life easier. Last week, a new bike was unveiled that has handlebars that can be used as a bike lock. The Denny bike lots of safety features, an automatic gear shifter, built-in lights and a motor to help cyclists up hills. A London-based company named Blaze showcased a safety feature called Laserlight, which projects an icon onto the road, helping to ensure that drivers are aware of an approaching cyclist, even if they cannot see them. A green image of a bike is beamed between 16 and 19ft (five and six metres) in front of a cyclist, signalling that a driver should not turn across their path. While its makers, Senz, cautions against riding in high winds, the umbrella design lends itself to coping with the air stream created by cycling. A spokesperson for the Dutch firm said: ‘Ruining your hairdo, ending up with dripping clothes after a quick ride to the shops will be a thing of the past with the Senz umbrella holder. ‘The clamp allows you to attach your umbrella on your bike, while keeping both hands on the handle bars and giving a good sight of traffic. ‘When it is not raining the holder is easily folded back and the brolly attached to the bike forks.’ The clamp costs €39 (£31) while the umbrellas come in different sizes and are sold separately for €25 (£20) and €50 (£40). The aerodynamic and wind-resistant umbrella was invented by engineering student Gerwin Hoogendoorn after storms broke three of his standard umbrellas in a week. A protective shield: While the umbrella and clamp's makers, Senz, cautions against riding in high winds, the umbrella design lends itself to coping with the airstream created by cycling . No more wet clothes for £30: ‘The clamp allows you to attach your umbrella on your bike, while keeping both hands on the handle bars and giving a good sight of traffic,' the firm said. The clamp (pictured) costs €39 (£31) and is sold separately to the umbrella . | €39 (£31) clamp was created by a company in Delft, The Netherlands .
It fixes to a bike's handlebars and holds an aerodynamic umbrella .
Together, the two devices can protect a cyclist in strong winds and rain .
Umbrella design lends itself to coping with the air stream created by cycling . |
68,999 | c3a66c605c20a396c071bf8a72b3c4ed1a7c76b9 | Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Flooding caused by heavy rains killed at least 102 people in three provinces of northern Afghanistan, disaster officials said Friday. Dozens are still missing after the flooding Thursday night in Jawzjan, Faryab and Sar-e-Pul provinces, Afghanistan's Natural Disaster Management Agency said. In Jawzjan province, more than 100 people have been injured and over 30 villages remain underwater, said Gen. Faqir Mohammad, the local police chief. He warned that the number of casualties may rise as the flooding continues. In Faryab province, flooding has killed 40 people, injured dozens and left 10,000 domestic animals dead, deputy provincial governor Abdulsatar Barez said. Witnesses reported seeing people climbing trees to save themselves from the rising water. | Flooding has hit three northern provinces, Afghan officials say .
Thirty villages remain underwater in one province, official says .
Jawzjan provincial police chief warns the number of casualties may rise . |
106 | 0057863e126ceb0f22053aa1570a14977e5803ff | By . Matt Barlow . Follow @@Matt_Barlow_DM . No Neymar means no trophy and no trophy means no escaping the nightmare which has haunted Brazil for 64 years — ever since the last time they failed to win the World Cup on home soil. That appeared to be the consensus as celebrations that followed a 2-1 win against Colombia in a pulsating quarter-final were tinged with sadness. Neymar’s injury had swiftly been confirmed as a broken vertebra, an X-ray was broadcast on television to prove the point and president Dilma Rousseff took to social media to offer her best wishes for a speedy recovery. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch videos of Neymar after his World Cup ending injury . Emotional: David Luiz hugs Neymar as he waits to board an ambulance after Friday's win over Colombia . Cynical: With the ball nowhere near Juan Zuniga smashes his knee into the lower part of Neymar's back . Agony: Neymar clutches his back after going down injured during Brazil's win over Colombia on Friday . Carried away: Neymar was stretchered off the pitch and taken to hospital after Brazil's quarter-final win . ‘Forca Neymar,’ she tweeted, as did others such as model Gisele Bundchen, Miami Heat basketball star LeBron James and German footballers including Mesut Ozil and Lukas Podolski, who must have been secretly delighted to learn Brazil’s best player cannot face them in Tuesday’s semi-final. Hundreds of bright yellow replica No 10 shirts on market stalls and hawked by street sellers seemed to sag in disappointment, crested hairstyles drooped around Brazil and bookmakers, for the first time, decided the hosts could no longer be considered favourites to win. Neymar will not play again in this tournament. The initial diagnosis predicted an absence of about six weeks from football and, while parallels can be drawn with Pele — the original No 10 who also hailed from the Santos club and was fouled out of a World Cup, ending Brazilian hopes in 1966 — others tried to lift the gloom. Leading the campaign was David Luiz, climbing the popularity polls with a statesmanlike air. Get well soon: Thiago Silva hugs Neymar as the Brazil team wish their star man well after his injury . Precaution: Neymar is wheeled into hospital and appears to be on a drip as doctors attend to the injured star . Not only is he scoring precious goals, like the brilliant free-kick against Colombia, but the centre-half has a canny knack for connecting with the masses. ‘To play in a semi-final of the World Cup is a dream,’ said Luiz. ‘When I was young, I dreamed of days like this but I am sad because Neymar is out of the competition. 'He is like my brother. He is a great guy, a great person and a great player who brings the good things to football: happiness and magic. ‘Brazil will suffer a lot from this loss but Neymar will help us with his happiness. We have made a pact to support him. He will grow taller from this moment. It would be great if we could win it and celebrate with him.’ Moving: Neymar was flown to Sao Paulo by helicopter to begin his recovery . Devastated: Neymar is transported from an ambulance to a military helicopter to be airlifted home . Thanks: Neymar managed a wave as he left for Sao Paulo . Inside the squad, Neymar is so much more than an icon of youth culture. You can see that the warmth and affection colleagues reserve for him is genuine when you watch them training, where he laughs if one of his tricks fails and he is teased like anyone else. True, he is their most gifted creative force, capable of lifting Brazil out of the ordinary, but he also grafts and offers more humility than you might expect for a diamond-studded 22-year-old whose image appears at every turn and who is adored by millions. ‘Neymar is a boy who fights a lot,’ said Luiz. ‘He dreamed about playing in a World Cup and now he is out because of a foul the defender probably should have avoided.’ Colombia’s Juan Zuniga is Brazil’s new public enemy, the man who rammed his knee into the base of Neymar’s spine as they contested the ball near the end of the quarter-final. Support: Brazilian model Gisele Budnchen said she was praying for a fast recovery for her compatriot . Team spirit: Leo Messi also took to social media to wish his Barcelona teammate a speedy recovery . Manager Luiz Felipe Scolari claimed his star man had been ‘hunted’ by opponents after his terrific start to the tournament. Neymar suffered a knee injury against Chile when he was cut down in full flight. The Brazil manager, however, swerved the fact that his own side had employed strong-arm tactics on Friday in a bid to silence James Rodriguez, of Colombia. Luiz added: ‘I never crucify players. You do things when you are emotional and don’t think. 'I will just say if he did it with bad intentions because he wanted to injure him, then I think he will feel sad. If he just tried to stop the game that’s natural, that’s football.’ Brazil captain Thiago Silva offered support for Zuniga. ‘I know him from Serie A and he does not have any nastiness in him,’ said PSG defender Silva, who was formerly at AC Milan. ‘What he did was rash but I know it can be difficult to get the ball from Neymar.’ The challenge is to prove there is life after Neymar for a team that have come to rely rather too heavily on his invention and goal threat. Without him, they will fret about how much they can create from open play. National icon: The Barcelona forward is by far the most popular player in Luiz Felipe Scolari's squad . Against Chile and Colombia, the goals came from centre-halves Luiz, who scored twice, and Silva, all from set-pieces. Who wins most of these free-kicks and corners? Neymar, by dribbling at defenders. In his absence, there will be a greater onus on others. Oscar is expected to return to a central role, which he will relish, and his Chelsea team-mate Willian is among the candidates to come in against Germany in Belo Horizonte. Almost as bad for Scolari is the loss of Silva. The captain is suspended after picking up a yellow card for interfering with a kick by Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina. Broken: The x-ray showing Neymar's injured back, highlighting the broken bone . Silva was magnificent in the quarter-final on Friday. He is the team’s strongest and most reliable defender, providing the stability which allows Luiz to step forward and contribute on the counter-attack. The loss will be eased by the return of defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo after a one-match ban but will still be keenly felt. ‘This is the moment to show the strength of the squad,’ said Silva. ‘This moment could mark the start of a revolution for us. 'We have proposed to win the World Cup for Neymar. This could unite us. It could give us more determination to win.’ | Neymar out of the tournament after injury late in the quarter-final .
Brazil players rally round their star forward .
David Luiz pledges to 'win and celebrate with him'
Captain Thiago Silva says It could give us more determination to win.’ |
93,871 | 04b4110237335bf8856af42e4e1d1e6900dfbaf2 | By . Mark Prigg . At 1,200 feet wide, it could have caused an explosion measured in megatons and would have wiped out a city if it were to hit Earth. Just days ago, a huge asteroid nicknamed 'the Beast' passed less than a million miles from us. Today, Nasa revealed it captured these stunning images as it passed by - thankfully at a safe distance. Scroll down for video . Behold the beast: Nasa scientists used Earth-based radar to produce these images of the asteroid designated '2014 HQ124' but known as the Beast as it passed by Earth on June 8, 2014. To obtain the new views, researchers paired the 230-foot (70-meter) Deep Space Network antenna at Goldstone, California, with two other radio telescopes, one at a time. Using this technique, the Goldstone antenna beams a radar signal at an asteroid and the other antenna receives the reflections. The technique dramatically improves the amount of detail that can be seen in radar images.To image 2014 HQ124, the researchers first paired the large Goldstone antenna with the 1,000-foot (305-meter) Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico. They later paired the large Goldstone dish with a smaller companion, a 112-foot (34-meter) antenna, located about 20 miles (32 kilometers) away. A recent equipment upgrade at Arecibo enabled the two facilities to work in tandem to obtain images with this fine level of detail for the first time. Captured on June 8, 2014, the new views of the object designated '2014 HQ124' are some of the most detailed radar images of a near-Earth asteroid ever obtained. The radar observations were led by scientists Marina Brozovic and Lance Benner of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California. The JPL researchers worked closely with Michael Nolan, Patrick Taylor, Ellen Howell and Alessondra Springmann at Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico to plan and execute the observations. According to Benner, 2014 HQ124 appears to be an elongated, irregular object that is at least 1,200 feet (370 meters) wide on its long axis. 'This may be a double object, or 'contact binary,' consisting of two objects that form a single asteroid with a lobed shape,' he said. The images reveal a wealth of other features, including a puzzling pointy hill near the object's middle, on top as seen in the images. The 21 radar images were taken over a span of four-and-a-half hours. During that interval, the asteroid rotated a few degrees per frame, suggesting its rotation period is slightly less than 24 hours. At its closest approach to Earth on June 8, the asteroid came within 776,000 miles (1.25 million kilometers), or slightly more than three times the distance to the moon. Scientists began observations of 2014 HQ124 shortly after the closest approach, when the asteroid was between about 864,000 miles and 902,000 miles (1.39 million kilometers and 1.45 million kilometers) from Earth. Each image in the collage and movie represents 10 minutes of data. The new views show features as small as about 12 feet (3.75 meters) wide. This is the highest resolution currently possible using scientific radar antennas to produce images. Such sharp views for this asteroid were made possible by linking together two giant radio telescopes to enhance their capabilities. To obtain the new views, researchers paired the 230-foot (70-meter) Deep Space Network antenna at Goldstone, California, with two other radio telescopes, one at a time. 'By itself, the Goldstone antenna can obtain images that show features as small as the width of a traffic lane on the highway," said Benner. 'With Arecibo now able to receive our highest-resolution Goldstone signals, we can create a single system that improves the overall quality of the images.' The first five images in the new sequence -- the top row in the collage -- represent the data collected by Arecibo, and are 30 times brighter than what Goldstone can produce observing on its own. The newfound asteroid will safely pass Earth on June 8 from a distance of about 777,000 miles (1.25 million kilometers), more than three times farther away than our moon. Designated 2014 HQ124, the asteroid was discovered April 23, 2014, by NASA's NEOWISE mission, a space telescope adapted for scouting the skies for asteroids and comets. The telescope sees infrared light, which allows it to pick up the infrared glow of asteroids and obtain better estimates of their true sizes. 2014 HQ124 is designated a 'potentially hazardous asteroid,' or PHA. This refers to those asteroids 460 feet (140 meters) in size or larger that pass within 4.6 million miles (7.4 million kilometers) of Earth's orbit around the sun. There are currently 1,484 known PHAs, but none pose a significant near-term risk of impacting Earth. It is tearing through space at 31,000 miles per hour or 50,400 kilometers per hour. It will, however, pass within a million miles on Sunday - equivalent to 3.2 lunar distances or about 716,500 miles. 'There is zero chance of an impact,' said Don Yeomans, manager of NASA's Near-Earth Object Program Office at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. 'In fact, it's fairly common for asteroids to pass near Earth. 'You'd expect an object about the size of 2014 HQ124 to pass this close every few years.' Astronomers say their main concern is that The Beast, or Asteroid 2014 HQ124 was only detected on April 23 before its nearest approach to the Earth despite space surveillance systems scanning outer space for asteroids and other threats. 'HQ124 is at least 10 times bigger, and possibly 20 times, than the asteroid that injured a thousand people last year in Chelyabinsk, Siberia,' Slooh space telescope astronomer Bob Berman said. 'If it were [to] impact us, the energy released would be measured not in kilotons like the atomic bombs that ended World War II, but in H-bomb type megatons.' Berman said that object was 'maybe the size of a movie theatre,' while NASA compared its size to a bus. 'It's not a super-large one. You call it The Beast, but there are much bigger ones,' American physicist Mark Boslough, an expert on planetary impacts, told Slooh.com during the webcast. 'We've discovered most of the ones greater than a kilometre.' Experts say the asteroid would wipe out an entire city and be similar to a nuclear warhead detonating if Earth were to be hit . Boslough said that a planetary strike with an object the size of HQ124 would have a catastrophic effect. 'It's moving at a relative speed of 14 kilometres per second. 'But if it were headed toward us, gravity would speed it up and it would hit the Earth with a speed of 18 kilometres a second,' he said. Based on its size, and assuming it would still be a solid rock at the time of impact, it would lead to an explosion of about 2,000 megatonnes, enough to wipe out an entire metropolitan area,' Boslough said. The Beast was discovered by the NASA Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer. It is tearing through space at 31,000 miles per hour or 50,400 kilometers per hour. The Beast has been classified as a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid. | Impact would have been similar to a nuclear warhead detonating .
Experts say it would wipe out an entire city .
Beast is travelling at 31,000 miles per hour or 50,400 kilometers per hour . |
12,415 | 232c4b61fcd1229f98675574fe6c617cd1b65dfb | A 35-year-old mother accused of murdering her newborn son has appeared briefly in a Gold Coast court. Jodie Tarnawskyj from Paradise Point in Queensland's Gold Coast, was arrested from her home on Friday over the death of her newborn male infant on June 8. The infant was rushed to Gold Coast University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A 35-year-old mother accused of murdering her newborn son has appeared briefly in Southport Magistrates Court in the Gold Coast, Queensland . Detectives conducted a four month investigation into the death of the child. Tarnawskyj's arrest followed a prolonged investigation conducted by detectives from Gold Coast District, the Child Trauma Task Force and the State Crime Command, that resulted in a crime scene warrant at the Paradise Point address on Friday. The accused appeared in Southport Magistrates Court barefoot, wearing a blue tank-top and skirt on Saturday morning. According to Gold Coast Bulletin, an emotional Tarnawskyj acknowledged her partner who sat crying in the public gallery. Jodie Tarnawskyj from Paradise Point in Queensland was arrested from her home on Friday over the death of her newborn male infant on June 8 . Details on the cause of death was not outlined in court. Tarnawskyj has been remanded in custody and her matter was adjourned for a committal mention on February 2 next year. To apply for bail, Tarnawskyj will have to make an application to the Supreme Court. Police are waiting on forensics tests, which are expected to take up to three months. Queensland Police are urging anyone with information on this matter to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Infant son murdered June 8 .
On Friday, detectives conduct a prolonged investigation at a Paradise Point address, in Queensland .
Mother was arrested shortly after and faced court this morning .
Her matter has been adjourned till next year and has been remanded in custody . |
123,697 | 2bec9632dddb99f47f6e8936e46a4129511f9603 | Peter Wright has accused his fellow darts players of being ‘two-faced’ and says he trusts none of them. Since reaching the final of the World Darts Championship last year, Wright has become a scalp for the lesser players on tour and has also been exposed to the Premier League for the first time. And ahead of his second-round match at Alexandra Palace on Saturday against Ronny Huybrechts, Wright said that he has seen a different side to the world’s top players since joining the game’s elite this year. ‘There are a lot of two-faced players around,’ he said. Peter Wright has accused some of his fellow darts players of being 'two-faced' The 2014 World Championship runner-up said that he doesn't trust any of his fellow darts players . ‘They should have the bottle to come and tell you things. It’s sad, but that’s where you’ve got to look after No 1 to make a living. ‘One thing I have learned is never to trust any of the dart players. Look after No 1 because you think they’re friends but all they are are acquaintances. Sometimes you talk to them and that’s it.’ Wright saw off Gerwyn Price in his first-round match before Christmas and takes on the experienced Belgian Huybrechts on Saturday. The 44-year-old has endured a tricky year on the tour since making the final at Alexandra Palace 12 months ago, where he lost to Michael van Gerwen. Wright wore his usual load outfit with an extravagant hair cut during his first-round match before Christmas . Wright hasn’t appeared in the final of a premier event this season and has won just two tournaments. But the 2014 World Championship finalist says his focus is solely on the job in hand and not the mind games being played off the stage. ‘I’m here to earn a living and pay my mortgage and look after my kids. They’re just an opponent in the way and taking the money from you. Wright will take on Belgian Ronny Huybrechts in his second-round match on Saturday . Huybrechts beat Andy Smith in the first round to set up a second-round clash with Wright . ‘My advice to any kids coming up is to look after yourself. ‘I look after myself and my family. Jo (his wife) looks after me and I will set her on them. ‘What I loved about the Premier League is that I upset all the players. I used to get my own board to practice on because nobody would practice with me because I was different and said what’s what.’ | Peter Wright has accused some darts players of being two-faced .
The 2014 World Championship finalist said he trusts nobody on tour .
Wright takes on Ronny Huybrechts in second-round match on Saturday . |
129,249 | 330a003adce535cdd62691db1f1131ea5483a809 | Apprentice contestant James Hill, 27, from Chesterfield, Derbyshire, was convicted of assaulting two men . A contestant on Lord Sugar's Apprentice show who claimed 'I'm very, very aggressive' is a convicted thug who assaulted two men, biting one's ear, it emerged today. James Hill, 27, beat up a bus driver who was talking to his girlfriend, hitting him with 'punch after punch' in an unprovoked attack that left the victim scarred for life. Months later, he was involved in another brawl in which he bit a man's ear. Today the would-be star from Chesterfield, who hopes to win the £250,000 top prize in the Apprentice, said he 'very much regrets' the two assaults, for which he was given an 18-month suspended jail sentence after admitting them at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court. Hill apologised after his first victim, who asked not to be named, told how Hill attacked him after he chatted to his girlfriend in a bar owned by the entrepreneur's father. The victim, who said he knew the young woman as she worked at a local soft play centre, told the Sun: 'Hill stormed over and began throwing his fists - he threw punch after punch.' He said he fell to the floor and looked up, only to see a boot coming towards his face. Hill was dragged off by bouncers who told the victim he should call the police. He said: 'He was always starting fights and they wanted someone to teach him a lesson.' As Hill waited for his court case, he got into trouble again, this time biting a man's ear on Christmas Eve 2008. After the second attack, Hill was arrested and appeared at Chesterfield Magistrates' Court on March 2 2009, where he was charged under his full name of Anthony James Hill and admitted two counts of assault. In July that year he was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended, ordered to pay his victims £300 and £200 respectively, and told to pay £755 costs. Now Hill, who started out in business washing cars, now runs several businesses including selling vending machines and running his own bar and restaurant. He describes himself as enthusiastic and energetic, and said: 'Me and Lord Sugar could build an empire together. I think I am him when he was my age.' A new series of the reality business show launched this week, with 6.6million viewers watching Hill battle it out against 19 other would-be high-fliers to win £250,000 investment from Lord Sugar. However the victims of his attacks are said to be aghast at the prospect of Hill becoming a highly-paid celebrity. The boys' team: Hill, seen second from left in the back row, hopes to win the reality entrepreneur show . Hill, fifth from right in red tie, is one of the hopefuls to be judged by Karren Brady, Lord Sugar, and Nick Hewer . Contestant Hill, seen in the centre pitching his product, believes his is 'Lord Sugar when he was my age' The bus driver he assaulted said he was surprised the BBC had left Hill take part, while the victim of the second attack didn't want to comment on it but his father said he thought Hill's criminal past might make him a less attractive winner from Lord Sugar's point of view. A spokesman for The Apprentice told MailOnline: 'It is a spent conviction under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore James was eligible to apply for the programme.' A spokesman for Hill said: 'James is not proud of what happened. He was young and irresponsible and very much regrets - and has learned from - his actions.' | James Hill, 27, from Chesterfield, is hoping to win Lord Sugar's show .
He has a criminal record after admitting two charges of assault in 2009 .
Hill attacked first victim, a bus driver, in his father's bar in Chesterfield .
Entrepreneur threw 'punch after punch' at man who talked to his girlfriend .
Months later he attacked another man, biting his ear on Christmas Eve .
Chesterfield JPs gave him six-month sentence, suspended, for assault .
Hill, who says he is 'very, very aggressive' also had to pay £1,255 .
A spokesman for Hill says: 'He was young and irresponsible and regrets it' |
152,854 | 5190395c90c0de9e3f78ae8434e0f1941fc27abe | Real Madrid's debts have grown to almost £500m according to the latest financial figures. The club's total debts had grown to £474m at the end of the 2014 financial year, with one financial expert describing the financial situation as 'very bad'. Spanish paper AS reported that the debts have risen from £426 at the end of the previous 12 months. In debt Real Madrid have splashed the cash on world class stars like James Rodriguez . Toni Kross is another big name to head to the Bernabeu . Real recouped some money by flogging Angel di Maria to Manchester United for £60m . Real boss Carlo Ancelotti splashed the cash this summer on Colombian World Cup star James Rodriguez, Bayern Munich's Toni Kroos and Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas although they did recoup £60m by selling Angel di Maria to Manchester United. And the Spanish giants now own three of the four most expensive players in the world - Rodriguez, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo. Carlo Ancelotti has an abundance of talent at his disposal . With Cristiano Ronaldo (left) and Gareth Bale (right), along with Rodriquez, Real Madrid now have three of the four most expensive players in the world . Placido Rodriguez, head of the Observatory for Sports Economics, said: 'The financial situation of Madrid is very bad. 'The debt is fairly high. To grow, Madrid may change to being a limited company.' | Real Madrid's debts rise to £474m at the end of the 2014 financial year .
Up £426 from the end of the 2013 financial year .
Boss Carlo Ancelotti splurged on James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Keylor Navas this summer .
Angel di Maria left the club, joining Manchester United in a British record transfer .
Real have three of the four most expensive players in the world in Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo and Rodriguez . |
123,916 | 2c2fc76a2f128350234005ade6d521db26c01de6 | (CNN) -- Chicago police continued to search Friday for a suspect in the brutal rape of 15-year-old girl who was walking to school near one of the city's Safe Passage routes for children. Meanwhile, as the crime put national attention again on Chicago's violence, police Superintendent Garry F. McCarthy made a surprise visit to a community meeting Thursday night, where residents expressed anger and outrage over the crime. The 15-year-old girl remains hospitalized, with a head injury suffered in the assault. "The young lady is still on the fence, if you will, as far as how she's doing," McCarthy told the gathering of parents and other residents in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood on the city's northwest side. "We're going to make sure that we catch this monster. We're going to make sure that it doesn't happen again in this community or in any other community in the city of Chicago," McCarthy added. The 15-year-old girl was walking to her high school in predawn darkness when an assailant hit her on the head, dragged her between two houses to a yard and raped her, police said, with the assault taking place just a half-block away from one of the city's "Safe Passage" school routes especially for students. Just this fall, local officials pledged that an expanded Safe Passages program -- with its big yellow signs above sidewalks patrolled during key times by paid, trained workers -- would be a sanctuary for children walking to and from school. The initiative came as Chicago became the nation's homicide capital of America in 2012, according to FBI statistics. This school year, city and school officials doubled the number of Safe Passage routes to accommodate more children being forced to walk greater distances because the school system closed a record 48 elementary schools amid a $1 billion budget shortfall. About 12,000 students are attending new schools this year because of the budget crisis, and many of them must walk through some of Chicago's most violent neighborhoods. This week, local authorities noted that the 15-year-old victim was walking to school Tuesday morning a half-hour before her nearby Safe Passage route was staffed with patrols. A resident found the girl half-naked and bleeding from the head on a snowy walkway at the side of his home. She lay for about two hours in the cold before she was discovered. She was conscious but barely moving when she was found, authorities said. "Just opening up the door, and take a morning sweep of the sidewalks and to find something like that is just shocking," said Michael Klockowski, the resident on the city's northwest side who found the schoolgirl. The snow outside his home was still stained Thursday. CNN's George Howell and Bill Kirkos reported from Chicago. | Chicago detectives are still searching for the assailant in a 15-year-old girl's rape .
Police superintendent makes a surprise visit to a meeting of angry parents .
"The young lady is still on the fence ... as far as how she's doing," he says of the victim .
"We're going to make sure that we catch this monster," he tells crowd . |
13,194 | 257b7ca82f50607e46df124f1be500546c8d37b3 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:12 EST, 29 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:44 EST, 29 July 2013 . The parents of a 17-month-old girl have been arrested after she was allegedly strapped in a car seat for 15 hours without food or water and suffocated to death after a blanket was stuffed into her mouth. Toni Maurie Gwynn was found unresponsive at her parents' home in Eden, North Carolina on July 11 after her father, Antonio Gwynn, 22, allegedly forced the blanket into the child's mouth to stop her from crying. Her father, Antonio Gwynn, 22, has been charged with felony child abuse and second-degree murder and her mother, Heather Gwynn, 22, has been charged with felony child abuse. Innocence: Toni Maurie Gwynn died after she was strapped in a car seat and left without food or water for 15 hours. Her father allegedly shoved a blanket in her mouth after 12 hours, suffocating her . Toni's grandparents, Chris and Sue Paul, have told the Greensboro News-Record that they fought to help the girl and her two siblings, but that their daughter would not let them get close. 'She just shut us out of her life,' Chris Paul of Heather Gwynn. 'I think she knew if we saw how bad things were in that house, we wouldn't have put up with it.' The couple said they moved to North Carolina from Maine to help their daughter with her children, but that Heather distanced herself from the family. 'We were afraid for their safety,' Sue Paul said, claiming that family members had called child services to voice their concerns. One relative 'called on numerous . occasions and her cries were left unanswered', she said. The county . would not comment on the case, citing confidentiality. Mrs Paul described how their daughter pushed them away and refused their help. Accused: Antonio Gwynn, left, and Heather Gwynn, right, have been charged with felony child abuse . Worries: Neighbors said Mrs Gwynn, pictured with another daughter, was controlled by her husband . 'We came over here at Christmas with . presents for the kids, just to make sure they had a Christmas,' she said. 'They wouldn't even let us in.' She added that they only met their granddaughter once and were not allowed to take pictures of her - and that they learned about the death on the news. Victim: Relatives said they tried to care for Toni but that her parents did not let them close . Tragically, many neighbors said they suspected that Toni, her five year-old-sister and their five-month-old sister were mistreated and left alone in the house. Neighbor Tina Rogers said she knew that something was going to happen to one of the children. 'And it didn’t have to happen,' she told the News Record. 'If they . needed help they could have given that baby to me, to any one of the . neighbors, and we would have helped.' She added that Antonio Gwynn controlled and beat his wife and that neighbors would hear her screaming during fights throughout the night. Police and paramedics were called to the family's house in Eden by the parents after they said they found her not breathing. The little girl was rushed to Morehead Memorial Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Police interviewed the parents about the details leading up to the girl's death and while investigations were underway, the couple moved out of their home. When authorities went back for a final interview, they found that the parents were missing and arrest warrants were issued after they failed to attend a scheduled meeting with social services. The couple had fled to a relative's vacant trailer in Caswell County and were discovered when the relatives went to check on it. They then contacted authorities. Scene: The little girl was found unresponsive at her parents' home, pictured, on July 11 and later died . Heather Gwynn's bail has been set at $1 million, while her husband's has been set at $3 million. Toni's siblings are now in foster homes but the family said they hope that an aunt will get custody. 'The condition at the house is not good for any of the children,' said Lt. Clinton Simpson with the Eden Police Department. If Antonio Gwynn is found guilty, he could face more than seven years in prison for child abuse and more than 40 years for second-degree murder. The couple's next hearing will be held next week. | 17-month-old Toni Maurie Gwynn found unresponsive on July 11 .
Her parents, 22-year-olds Antonio and Heather Gwynn, have been charged with felony child abuse and second-degree murder in her death .
Family said they tried to help the couple but they cut them out . |
210,770 | 9d00e2f26d1440e5870379658cfa60905510ebca | (CNN) -- A student who videoed a re-enactment of the "Jena 6" incident apologized and said the video was not intended to make fun of the six black students arrested in the beating of a white classmate, according to The News-Star newspaper of Monroe, Louisiana. The incident involving six black students has sparked protests across the country, like this one in Washington. The video, taped by University of Louisiana-Monroe student Kristy Smith, shows students in blackface apparently acting out the beating of Jena High School student Justin Barker. One of the males in the tape runs onto the beach acting as if he is holding a noose, and three others -- covered in river mud -- pretend to knock him to the ground, punch and kick him. At least one racial epithet can be heard. It was unclear when the video was made. Smith said she taped it on the banks of the Red River in Alexandria, Louisiana, and posted it on her Facebook page, according to The News-Star. The page has since been made private, but the video was posted on YouTube and The Smoking Gun. Watch Jena 6 re-enactment » More than 500 people attended a forum held Tuesday night at the university in response to the video, a university statement said. "The majority ... decided not to let the actions of a few define the entire student body." Vice President of Student Affairs Wayne Brumfield told students "there are no words to express the dismay at what happened in that video ... We're here tonight because the action of one or two set our university in motion." In a Tuesday interview with the News-Star, a tearful Smith denied being racist. "This is so not me," she said in the Wednesday article. "It wasn't that we were making fun of the Jena 6 incident. We were just fed up with it ... I have just as many black [friends] as I do white friends." School administrators are reviewing the incident for possible disciplinary action from ULM's Office of Judicial Affairs, university spokesperson Laura Harris said. Smith and another participant in the video are ULM students, Harris said. The beating of Barker followed an increase in racial tensions in Jena, Louisiana, including at least two fights, sparked originally when three white teens hung nooses from an oak tree on the grounds of the town's high school. The six black teens arrested in the beating were initially charged with attempted murder. Those charges, later reduced and moved to juvenile court, focused nationwide attention on Jena and led about 15,000 protesters to the town to participate in a march on the youths' behalf. Smith did not respond Thursday to an e-mail from CNN. Harris said she has left the ULM campus and returned home. Smith told the News-Star she has taken the video off her Facebook page and has apologized to Facebook groups and bloggers. She said she is getting threats that have prompted her to delete her e-mail address and has had to keep her cell phone off. "My dad's back home dying of cancer, and I can't call him," she said. Brumfield told students at Tuesday's forum that Smith "is suffering terrible shame right now." ULM asked Facebook and YouTube to remove the videos, Brumfield said, but it was still available on YouTube as of Thursday afternoon. Brumfield also created his own Facebook account to respond to the video. University President James Cofer has directed that educational materials be developed for students, especially freshmen, on cultural sensitivity and racial diversity, according to a university statement. "We are naturally appalled, and we intend to face this matter directly by gathering our community together and exploring these difficult issues," Cofer said in a statement. Students at the forum offered ideas for strengthening racial unity on the campus of about 8,500 students. "What we're doing here right now is a very important thing," said Ma'ya Blount, a ULM junior from New Orleans, according to a university statement on the forum. "Racism doesn't get resolved when people hush up about it and sweep it under the rug. It only gets resolved when we talk about it in an educated manner ... As long as we continue to do this, maybe 10, 20 years from now, race won't be so much of an issue. We need to talk about it in a positive manner. We can only learn from this." E-mail to a friend . | Student tells News-Star of Monroe, Louisiana, she wasn't making fun of "Jena 6"
Kristy Smith posted tape on her Facebook page; it has since been removed .
Hundreds meet on University of Louisiana-Monroe campus in response to video .
Six black students, dubbed "Jena 6," accused of beating white student . |
279,202 | f5b8eefad433a0a022794588e27f2713e084a2af | Less than 72 hours after retaining his UFC light-heavyweight title, Jon Jones checked himself into a treatment centre having tested positive for cocaine. The failed test, which took place a month before his fight with Daniel Cormier in Las Vegas, will have no impact on his status as champion. Cormier was quick to come out in support of his opponent, as was UFC president Dana White along with new sponsor Reebok. But there was a mixed reaction from his fellow fighters who immediately took to Twitter. Jon Jones on his way to beating Daniel Cormier to retain his UFC light-heavyweight title in Las Vegas . | Jon Jones failed a drugs test on December 4, testing positive for cocaine .
Jones retained his UFC light-heavyweight title by beating Daniel Cormier .
Jones revealed he has checked himself into a treatment centre .
He has been supported by the UFC and president Dana White . |
218,099 | a660004452a0e0eef4df0386a6e473e8a330195e | A 17-year-old cheerleader who had just graduated from high school in New Jersey was shot in the head and killed on Sunday. Cheyanne Bond had been walking down a street in Newark at about 9.45pm when she and her male friend, also 17, were attacked. The teenager, who had planned to study nursing at college, was ordered to get on her knees before being shot 'execution style' a relative said. Scroll down for video . Loss: Cheyanne Bond, 17, was forced to her knees and shot in the head on Sunday . Ambitious: Cheyanne, pictured right at her high school graduation, had been planning to study nursing at college . Police have released security camera footage of two young men seen near the crime scene, who they believe may have witnessed the shooting. A reward of $12,500 is also being offered for help in catching the killer, as Newark mayor Ras Baraka raised concerns over rising gun violence in the city. Cheyanne was the third homicide to be reported in Newark in less than 24 hours at the weekend. Her uncle, Michael Bond, told CBS New York that his young niece never had a chance. 'They told her to get on her knees and they shot her in the head execution style,' Bond said. 'Just happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time.' The teenager, who was described by school friends as quiet and hard working, had graduated from Malcolm X Shabazz High School a week before she was shot. Investigation: Surveillance footage, above, shows two men who police say may have seen the shooting . Crime scene: The shooting took place along this sidewalk on Sunday evening . She had proudly posted pictures of her high school graduation on Twitter, saying: 'We made it ... so proud of myself,' She had also tweeted about her excitement at being accepted for college, which she had been due to start in the fall. Her friend is recovering from gunshot wounds in hospital. Police have not released his identity because he is a witness. The shooting took place next to a park, and opposite a row of houses that included one with security cameras. Surveillance footage taken just moments after the shooting has been released by police. It shows to men walking along the same street. One is in a white short-sleeved shirt that has a long-sleeved shirt underneath, and is wearing brown shorts and a hood. The second man was wearing blue jeans, a white T-shirt and a cap. Tragic: Cheyanne, who had been living with a guardian since her mother's death 10 years ago, had been excited about starting college . Loved: The teenager's guardian described Cheyanne, pictured on her way to prom, as 'an angel and a blessing' Friends of Cheyanne, who knew her as Shay, gathered at the site of the shooting earlier this week to leave candles and messages of support. Her father Walter Ramey declined to be interviewed by TV crews, and said only that he wanted his daughter’s killer caught. The money the family had put aside to pay for her college fund is now being used for funeral expenses. Cheyanne had been living with a guardian in Irvington, but was also registered at her father's address while she was attending high school. She moved in with her guardian and aunt, Samera Newsome, after the death of her mother about ten years ago. Newsome said Cheyanne had left the house at about 6pm on Sunday, and hadn't planned to be out late. She described the girl she had looked after for so long as 'an angel and definitely a blessing', telling NJ.com Cheyanne was 'just a normal teenager living her life'. Tribute: Candles, balloons and messages were left along the sidewalk where Cheyanne was killed . Concerns: Tributes left for Cheyanne. Community groups called for an end to violence at a vigil for the murdered schoolgirl . Her school's principal, Gemar Mills, described Cheyanne as a 'Good kid. Quiet kid. Fun kid' who was part of the school's cheer leading team. 'She had her friends, she loved to laugh, she loved to be at school,' he said, adding: 'She was quiet. She wasn’t a real loud, rowdy type of girl.' During the vigil for the teenager, the Rev Thomas Ellis, of anti-crime group Enough is Enough, called for an end to violence. 'When you lose a young person to gun violence, you have to come together. The violence stops when we stop it,' he said, according to NJ.com. Police have not released a motive for the killing yet, but said they had not ruled out robbery. Anyone with information is asked to call (877) 847-7432 or (877) 695-8477. | Cheyanne Bond was forced to her knees and shot dead on Sunday .
Police have released footage of two men seen moments after attack .
Teenager's friend is recovering from gunshot wounds in hospital .
Money set aside for Cheyanne to study nursing at college will now pay for funeral, family say . |
257,709 | d97e7e82529a71a1682751bd1a067a6982b314be | Harold Morgan, 85, was given a send off to remember today after a social media appeal for mourners to attend his funeral went viral . Hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their respects at the funeral of a former soldier following a Facebook appeal after he died alone. Former Welsh Guardsman Harold Morgan, 85, was given a send off to remember with long lost friends, relatives and total strangers packing out St. Tathan Church in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The church had feared they would struggle to fill a single row of pews for the funeral of Mr Morgan - who had lived in a care home in Barry for the past 14 years. The former railwayman died with little known about his family and officials said it would be 'horrible' if no-one attended his send-off. So the Reverend Rachel Simpson, the curate who led the service, posted a message on the church's Facebook page on Monday which was quickly shared by others. Also at today's service were representatives from the fire service, police and Royal British Legion as well as youngsters from a military college. The funeral was so well attended that there were no spare seats inside the 14th century church - and speakers had to be set up so mourners standing outside in the rain could hear the service. Reverend Rachel Simpson said she had been worried she would be addressing a virtually empty church for the service. She said: 'Two days ago, Harold was known and loved by only a small few and by god. 'But there was an amazing response - bringing people here to pay their last respects even though they didn't know him.' Mourners filled every row at today's service at St. Tathan Church in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales . Mr Morgan, the eldest of five children, was born in Barnsley in 1929. At the age of 17, he left school and joined the Welsh Guards for five years and was posted to Palestine during a 'time of deep turmoil' in the region. Reverend Simpson added: 'It wasn't a happy time for him, but like the reserved gentleman he was, he kept his views to himself.' But one memorable moment from his time there was when the Yorkshireman - whose family were originally from Wales - played a game of rugby in the sand while wearing military boots. Reverend Rachel Simpson had been worried that the church would be empty for the fineral . After returning home, he was discharged from the Army on medical grounds and moved to Reading, where he became a signalman in 1955. When his year long-marriage ended, he moved to Carmarthen, where he later worked as a carpenter and then a book-keeper. While in Wales, the massive train enthusiast co-founded the Welsh Railyway Research Circle and in 1984 saw his book, South Wales Branch Lines, published. Reverend Simspon added: 'The circle now has more than 500 members - which is testament to his dedication. Also at today's service were representatives from the fire service, police and Royal British Legion as well as youngsters from a military college . Although described as a 'very private person', Mr Morgan was renowned for having a wicked sense of humour and always finding the lighter side of life in every situation . 'He was very well respected among his peers.' Although described as a 'very private person', Mr Morgan was renowned for having a wicked sense of humour and always finding the lighter side of life in every situation. He later lived in St Athan, but moved to College Fields Nursing Home in Barry after suffering a stroke. Reverend Simpson told the congregation: 'On November 2, his health problems got the better of him and, in his own words, 'the chief foreman above signalled the closing of his regulator'. 'He departed to that great marshalling yard in the sky.' The service featured a battalion bugler playing the Last Post with two standard bearers in uniform displaying regimental flags . Forces veteran Tony Evans, 67, decided to attend the service after hearing about the story on the news. He said: 'We are a family regiment so once you're a member, you're always a member.' Charlotte Jenkins, of St Athan, said she felt it was important to be there too. The 29-year-old, who stood outside with her ten-month-old daughter, said: 'I work with the elderly so I thought it was important for people in the community to give thanks for this man because he was in the forces.' The small church in south Wales was so busy today that some mourners had to stand outside in the rain . Also in attendance were 30 students from the Military Preparation College in Cardiff . Also in attendance were 30 students from the Military Preparation College in Cardiff. Senior director Brian Edwards said: 'This week has all been about remembering those who gave their lives for their country. 'So we were determined to support the church's appeal.' Mr Morgan will be buried tomorrow at a cemetery in Abermule, Wales. | Church was worried no one would attend funeral of Harold Morgan, 85 .
Mr Morgan did national service with the Welsh Guards in 1940s Egypt .
Reverend posted Facebook message urging people to come pay respects .
Church, in south Wales, was so full today some had to stand outside in rain . |
45,202 | 7f6c86dcdadb782940e1e14738667575914809ba | Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- The guard who killed the half-brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai, had for years worked with International Security Assistance Forces against Taliban militants, according to three local officials with direct knowledge of the dealings. Sardar Mohammed, who authorities say shot and killed Kandahar's provincial council chief Ahmed Wali Karzai, received training from ISAF and participated in intelligence gathering against militants across the region, according to Besmellah Afghanmal, a provincial council member with close ties to the Karzai family. He "was one of the trusted commanders for the Karzais," Afghanmal told CNN. "Sardar Mohammad was working with American Special Forces closely and he was participating in many operations with American Special forces against the Taliban in (the) south." Others, like provincial parliament member Hashim Watanwal, say Mohammad had worked with both U.S. and Canadian forces in Kandahar -- an ethnically Pashtun dominated region long-considered the Taliban heartland. Baz Mohammed, a Kandahar tribal elder with close connections to the Karzai clan, said the guard was "a trustworthy person" who collaborated regularly with ISAF in Kandahar. An ISAF spokeswoman declined to comment on the claims. Though suspected of corruption and opium dealing, Wali Karzai was considered a major power-broker in Afghanistan's restive south and a bulwark for his brother against the Taliban militancy. His death Tuesday sent shock-waves across Afghanistan's political landscape, and prompted President Karzai to weep as mourners gathered for his half-brother's burial the following day. Saidkhan Khakrezwal, a member of the Kandahar provincial council, said he and others were with Wali Karzai when the guard came into the room and asked to talk to him. The guard took "Wali to another room and shoots him with a pistol that he had in his hand," Khakrezwal said. Local authorities say the shooter was then shot dead by other guards. The Taliban soon claimed responsibility for the shooting, saying Mohammed had been working for them. It is not clear whether the guard had been a member of a Taliban sleeper cell or if the killing was motivated by some other factor. On Thursday, in a brazen strike illustrating the power and reach of Afghan militants, a suicide bomber slipped into a Kandahar mosque and killed at least six people, wounding 15 others. The attack occurred as several high-ranking Afghan officials gathered to remember Wali Karzai. CNN's Faizel Reshad contributed to this report . | Sardar Mohammed for years worked against Taliban militants, according to three local officials .
He worked with both U.S. and Canadian forces in Kandahar, an official said .
Sardar Mohammed shot and killed Kandahar's provincial council chief Ahmed Wali Karzai, police say .
Wali Karzai was the half-brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai . |
241,211 | c4444edf3d2d13e1f23275b351758042046d3344 | Photographs of British war hero Field Marshal Montgomery returning to the scene of his greatest victory 25 years later have emerged for sale. The candid images show Montgomery as an old man setting foot at El Alamein in Egypt to mark the anniversary of the Allies' first major triumph against Germans in World War Two. The famous British general, affectionately known as Monty, led an army of more than 200,000 in 1942 and emerged victorious. Historic trip: Field Marshal Montgomery, aged 80, climbs into a Wessex helicopter as he returns to El Alamein, in Egypt, in 1967, 25 years after the famous World War II battle . Famous return: Field Marshal Montgomery led an army of 200,000 in the battle in 1942. The pictures were taken by acclaimed war photographer Don McCullin . The victory marked a major turning point of the war as it revived moral in the flagging troops. In 1967 Montgomery, then aged 80, returned to the desert to visit the scene of the Battle of El Alamein and pay his respects to the thousands of men who died. His trip was covered in a magazine article at the time and appeared in a book about the battle. Decorated: Field Marshal Montgomery, who died in 1980 . A selection of the photos of him taken by acclaimed war photographer Don McCullin have surfaced 46 years after the moving visit. The . images portray Montgomery as an elderly man meeting the top brass of . the Egyptian Army while surrounded by a scrum of photographers. He is also seen having to be helped into a Wessex helicopter. The photos are part of an archive belonging to the late journalist Derek Jewell, organiser of the Alamein trip, which also includes a series of letters from the war general and a signed copy of his memoirs. In the correspondence, Montgomery thanks Jewell for organising the trip, stating 'the way you carried out the preliminary reconnaissance, and then organised and controlled the actual visit, was beyond all praise'. A personal note to Jewell in the front of Montgomery's memoirs said he was 'a chief of staff par excellence under such conditions' and is signed 'Montgomery of Alamein'. The collection was passed down through Jewell's family following his death in 1985. It is expected to fetch £8,000 when it goes under the hammer at auction tomorrow. John Black, of auctioneers Sworders of . Essex, said: 'To mark the 25th anniversary of the Battle of Alamein, . Derek Jewell organised for Field Marshal Montgomery to return to the . site of the battle. 'It was . no mean feat - by that point Monty was a frail old man. He was . incredibly stubborn and he always liked to have his own way. Battle: An explosion at El Alamein whiche ended in the victory of the British Eighth Army commanded by Montgomery over Rommel's Afrika Korps. It proved to be the turning point in the war in Africa . The Battle of El Alamein was widely hailed as one of the turning points in the Second World War. More than 4,000 Allied servicemen lost their lives and almost 9,000 were wounded in the combat that saw General Sir Bernard Montgomery's troops defeat German general Erwin Rommel's Afrika Korps. Under the command of Montgomery, nearly 200,000 British, Australian, New Zealand, South African, British Indian, Free French and Greek forces defeated the Axis powers. At the time of the battle, which began on October 23, 1942 and ended on November 4, the Allies were fighting to keep their vital supply lines open from the Mediterranean to the East. Rommel had inflicted heavy defeats on Allied forces in Africa, forcing them back to the village of El Alamein, about 60 miles west of Alexandria. Finally, on October 23 General Montgomery ordered a counter-attack with almost 900 guns levelled at the German positions to be discharged at once. While previously the Suez Canal was threatened, and with it Allied access to the rich oilfields of the Middle East, now the Allies were able to press their advantage and eventually push the Germans and Italians out of Africa. Recalling the importance of the Allied victory at the Battle of El Alamein, Sir Winston Churchill said: 'Before Alamein we never had a victory. After Alamein we never had a defeat.' The Battle of Stalingrad between the Germans and the Soviets in 1942-43, and the Battle of Midway between the US and Japan, are also regarded as key turning points in the war. Famous British General: Field Marshal Montgomery shakes hands with Winston Churchill in London after the war . Poignant return: The candid images show Montgomery as an old man setting foot at El Alamein in Egypt to mark the anniversary of the Allies' first major triumph against Germans in World War Two . Emotional return: FM Montgomery (left) with Derek Jewell in El Alamein in 1967 . War hero: A signed picture of Field Marshal Montgomery which is set to go under the hammer at auction . Elderly: Field Marshal Montgomery is helped into his helicopter after returning to the scene of his greatest victory at the age of 80 . Handwritten note: This hand written two-page note was produced by Field . Marshal Montgomery to coincide with his 1967 trip back to the . battlefield. It is part of the consignment of pictures and documents . which are being auctioned tomorrow. The whole lot is expected to fetch . £8,000 . Note: FM Montgomery's leter to Derek Jewell about his visit back to the battlefield . Under the hammer: Another letter written by FM Montgomery in 1967 about his visit back to the site where the battle was fought . 'But he and Jewell got on incredibly well and the trip to Alamein started a very dear friendship between them. 'War photographer Don McCullin was the photographer assigned to capture the visit on camera. 'The photos that came out of the trip are quiet poignant. After they returned, Monty wrote a lovely letter to Derek thanking him for organising the trip. 'This collection provides a moving snapshot of one of Britain's best loved war heroes.' After El Alamein, Montgomery went on to help mastermind the D-Day invasion in Normandy in June 1944. He died in March 1976 in Alton, Hants, aged 88. Bloody battle: British soldiers in action at El Alamein, in Egypt, in 1942. The famous British victory was a major turning point in World War II . Confrontation: A German Panzer III crewman lifts his hands in surrender to an advancing British soldier during the battle of El Alamein . War planning: The Allied Supreme Command in Conference during the war. Pictured, left to right, is Air Chief Marshall Tedder, General Eisenhower and Field Marshall Montgomery . Modern memorial: British solders stand guard near wreaths in October 2002 in the El-Alamein cemetery as they marked the 60th anniversary . | Field Marshal Montgomery was 80 when the anniversary visit was arranged .
The British general led an army of 200,000 to victory in the 1942 battle .
Photos expected to fetch £8,000 when they are auctioned tomorrow . |
154,179 | 53459dca0998ca7aa775a8a4a4ad28a940cc2a6d | By . David Martosko . PUBLISHED: . 10:49 EST, 16 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:23 EST, 16 April 2013 . In a short briefing from the White House press room, President Barack Obama called Monday's bombings near the finish line of the Boston Marathon 'a heinous and cowardly act, and given what we now know about what took place, the FBI . is investigating it as an act of terrorism.' With flags across the country flying at half-staff, Obama leveled his sharpest words yet about the attacks that killed three people and left at least 173 injured, some gravely. 'Any time bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terror, he said.' 'What we don't yet know, however,' he added, 'is who carried out this attack or why, whether it was planned by a terrorist organization, foreign or domestic, or whether it was the act of a malevolent individual.' 'We will find whoever harmed our citizens and bring them to justice,' Obama said in closing. 'We also know this: the American people will not be terrorized.' Scroll down for video . President Obama uncorked his strongest words yet about the Boston Marathon bombings, assuring Americans that 'any time bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terror' The hometown Boston Globe called the two bomb blasts, which went off 12 seconds apart near the Boston Marathon's finish line, 'Marathon Terror' He praised the 'exhausted runners who kept running to the nearest hospital to give blood, and those who stayed to tend to the wounded, some tearing off their own clothes to make tourniquets. The first responders who ran into the chaos to save lives. The men and women who are still treating the wounded at some of the best hospitals in the world, and the medical students who hurried to help, saying "When we heard, we all came in." The priests who opened their churches and ministered to the hurt and the fearful. And the good people of Boston who opened their homes to the victims of this attack and those shaken by it.' 'If you want to know who we are, what America is, how we respond to evil,' Obama said, 'that’s it. Selflessly. Compassionately. Unafraid.' On Monday the president avoided using the words 'terror,' 'terrorist' or 'terrorism,' leaving a White House official to tell reporters after his prepared statement that the federal government was, in fact, treating the carnage in Boston as a terrorist act. But less than 24 hours later, the word is firmly in the presidential lexicon. And U.S. lawmakers joined - or perhaps led - the chorus. The second of two explosions rocked the last 1050 yards of the Boston Marathon course, sending shrapnel into the crowd, severing limbs, and ending lives . 'My understanding is that it's a terrorist incident,' California Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein was quick to say on Monday. She chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, that committee's vice chairman and ranking Republican, said that 'as the evidence mounts that this was a . terrorist attack, our intelligence and law enforcement agencies must do . whatever is necessary to find and interrogate those responsible so we . can prevent similar attacks.' One of their counterparts in the House of Representatives, Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, told reporters that the attacks in Boston had 'all the hallmarks of an act of terrorism, but we do not know for sure who did it.' House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Ed Royce offered his sympathies 'to victims of the terrorist attack in Boston as well as to their families.' Maine Senators Susan Collins and Angus King said that initial reports suggests that the bombs 'bear the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.' A victim of the first explosion is helped on the sidewalk of Boylston Street, after two devices were detonated near the finish line of the 117th Boston Marathon . Obama's reticence to refer to attacks . on American soil as 'terrorist' activities was brought into sharp focus . during his 2012 re-election campaign, when Republican challenger Mitt . Romney chastised him during a debate for refusing to call the Sept. 11, . 2012 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya an act of terror. The president, . backed by debate moderator and CNN chief political correspondent . Candy Crowley, insisted that he had in fact called the attack a . terrorist act in a speech during the day following the Benghazi assault. CBS . News correspondent Steve Kroft, however, had interviewed the president . on the day he gave that speech and asked him why he 'went out of your . way to avoid the use of the word terrorism in connection with the Libya . attack.' Obama responded that it was 'too early to know exactly how this came about [or] what group was involved.' CBS . kept the interview out of public view until the night before Election . Day, long after the debate confrontation had cemented in many Americans' minds the idea that Obama never expressed reluctance to declare that . 'terrorists' attacked Americans in Benghazi. As with he Benghazi situation, the White House has promised a continuing series of briefings throughout the length of the investigation. Good morning, everybody. I've just been briefed by my national security team, including FBI Director Mueller, Attorney General Holder, Secretary Napolitano, and my Counterterrorism and Homeland Security Advisor Lisa Monaco, on the attacks in Boston. We continue to mobilize and deploy all appropriate law enforcement resources to protect our citizens, and to investigate and to respond to this attack. Obviously our first thoughts this morning are with the victims, their families, and the city of Boston. We know that two explosions gravely wounded dozens of Americans, and took the lives of others, including a 8-year-old boy.This was a heinous and cowardly act. And given what we now know about what took place, the FBI is investigating it as an act of terrorism. Any time bombs are used to target innocent civilians it is an act of terror. What we don’t yet know, however, is who carried out this attack, or why; whether it was planned and executed by a terrorist organization, foreign or domestic, or was the act of a malevolent individual. That's what we don't yet know. And clearly, we’re at the beginning of our investigation. It will take time to follow every lead and determine what happened. But we will find out. We will find whoever harmed our citizens and we will bring them to justice.We also know this -- the American people refuse to be terrorized. Because what the world saw yesterday in the aftermath of the explosions were stories of heroism and kindness, and generosity and love: Exhausted runners who kept running to the nearest hospital to give blood, and those who stayed to tend to the wounded, some tearing off their own clothes to make tourniquets. The first responders who ran into the chaos to save lives. The men and women who are still treating the wounded at some of the best hospitals in the world, and the medical students who hurried to help, saying “When we heard, we all came in.” The priests who opened their churches and ministered to the hurt and the fearful. And the good people of Boston who opened their homes to the victims of this attack and those shaken by it.So if you want to know who we are, what America is, how we respond to evil -- that’s it. Selflessly. Compassionately. Unafraid.In the coming days, we will pursue every effort to get to the bottom of what happened. And we will continue to remain vigilant. I’ve directed my administration to take appropriate security measures to protect the American people. And this is a good time for all of us to remember that we all have a part to play in alerting authorities -- if you see something suspicious, speak up.I have extraordinary confidence in the men and women of the FBI, the Boston Police Department, and the other agencies that responded so heroically and effectively in the aftermath of yesterday’s events. I’m very grateful for the leadership of Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino. And I know that even as we protect our people and aggressively pursue this investigation, the people of Boston will continue to respond in the same proud and heroic way that they have thus far -- and their fellow Americans will be right there with them.Thank you very much. And you can expect further briefings from our law enforcement officials as the day goes on. When we have more details, they will be disclosed. What I’ve indicated to you is what we know now. We know it was bombs that were set off. We know that obviously they did some severe damage. We do not know who did them. We do not know whether this was an act of an organization or an individual or individuals. We don’t have a sense of motive yet. So everything else at this point is speculation. But as we receive more information, as the FBI has more information, as our out counterterrorism teams have more information, we will make sure to keep you and the American people posted.Thank you very much, everybody. | 'The American people will not be terrorized,' Obama said in a speech that evoked President George W. Bush in Manhattan after 9/11 .
Senators from both sides of the aisle call bombings 'terrorism'
The president makes his first use of the 'T'-word, and says it three times .
Says Americans will respond 'selflessly, compassionately, unafraid' |
183,225 | 7951caf3e003cd1f9e136252876784b65fd909bb | Former Sheffield United striker Ched Evans could be set for a shock return to his old club with reports suggesting that he could be allowed to start training in July. Evans, 25, could be allowed to participate in pre-season training on day-release whilst tagged according to the Mirror. The striker was convicted of rape in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in Rhyl, North Wales. The reports suggest that Saudi Arabian Prince Abdullah bin Mossad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is one of the world's richest men and Sheffield United's co-owner, has given his approval for Evans' return. Sentenced: Evans (centre) seen here playing for Sheffield United was convicted in April 2012 . Return: Evans' return to Sheffield United would generally be well received says the Supporters' club chairman . Pete Whitney, who is the Supporters' club chairman, has said 'Ched is coming back. He has his prime years ahead of him. 'I am sure he will get a good reception but of course thee might be a small minority who will object.' Evans has said he plans to appeal against his conviction and his girlfriend Natsaha Massey told the Sunday People that she still supports him and plans to get engaged saying 'Ched loves the club and supporters. He wants his old job back.' The Welsh striker was a promising player when he moved from Manchester CIty in 2009 for £3 million and during the 2011/12 season scored 35 goals for Sheffield United in League One. Defiant: Evans has said that he plans to appeal against the conviction when he is released . International: Evans (left) made 13 appearances for Wales and scored one international goal . Almost 60,000 have signed a petition addressed to Kevin McCabe, the club's chairman, urging him not to resign Evans. An extract reads: 'For the male leaders of the club to endorse him and "welcome him back" is an absolute humiliation to all women who expect the men who commit gross acts of violence against women to pay for what they have done and part of that is relinquishing the celebrity they attained, and in this case used as a tool to facilitate the violence. 'The clear message to young boys and men is that you will be forgiven for this crime. Women will not be believed when they accuse you of that crime even if a court believes them. 'The message given is that men who commit such atrocious crimes will suffer only a small penance whilst the women they attack suffer for the rest of their lives.' One supporter wrote: 'I want to feel safe in a city that takes a strong stance against sexual assault, not a city that ignores and rewards it.' Nigel Clough (left) is said to have visited Evans in prison whilst Kevin McCabe (right) the club's chairman has received a petition with nearly 60,000 signatures . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Welsh forward was jailed for raping a 19-year-old woman in 2012 .
He is expected to meet officials at Sheffield United in July on day release .
Supporters' chairman says that he is sure of a 'good reception'
Chairman Kevin McCabe has received a petition of nearly 60,000 signatures . |
129,061 | 32c679de22942e7154c38da712c22c8d9a0b234d | By . Annabel Fenwick Elliott . An enterprising pair of best friends are launching a range of high-quality unisex watches priced at $95, in hopes of taking on the luxury market. Chris Chon, a recent MBA graduate from the Kellogg School of Management, and his childhood friend Jeff Leung, both based in New York, had the idea to design their own watches after a frustrating hunt through an industry in which they found it standard for retailers and middle-men to mark watches up by 1,000per cent. 'We started Leonard & Church to create a new way to buy a luxury watch,' the company writes on its Kickstarter page, which has already raised $231,000 in launch funding. 'We want to offer meticulously crafted, handmade luxury watches at a radical price point.' Time for a new standard: Entrepreneurs Chris Chon and his best friend Jeff Leung have launched Leonard & Church, a line of high-end quality watches priced at a reasonable $95 each (pictured) According to FastCompany, the founder duo were originally both on the lookout for their own 'first entry-level high-quality watch,' something in the region of $500 to $,1000; from mid-range luxury brands including Movado or Bulova. 'We saw a wide disparity in pricing, even for watches that had the same movement, the same components,' reveals Mr Chon; pointing to brokers, middle-men and high-end retailers as those responsible for the heavy markups. 'The closer we got to the luxury watch industry, the more we were turned off by what we were learning.' Spot the difference: As a point of comparison, a mid-range luxury Movado watch for $450 (left) Leonard & Church's $95 offering (center) and a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Submariner worth nearly $8,000 (right) Affordably priced: Leonard & Church (pictured, other watches from its 15-piece range) hope to stand out with timepieces that are of the same quality as luxury brands, but without the significant mark-ups . Clean design: The idea struck the founders while they were both on the lookout for their own 'first entry-level high-quality watch,' something in the region of $500 to $,1000, but were put off by the senseless pricing . So the team hit the drawing board, and spent a year with high-ranking designers, manufacturers and key influencers, to arrive at a set of 15 watches priced at only $95, that seek to change the face of the market. 'We saw a wide disparity in pricing, even for watches that had the same movement, the same components' And these founders may be fresh out of business school, but their partners are no novices. According to the company, one of the Leonard & Church manufacturers also produces a watch that President Obama wears in office. 'No middle-men. No retail mark-ups. An obsessive focus on the details,' their campaign reads. 'We're so confident in the quality of our timepieces we are offering a ten year limited warranty on all of our watches.' Strong partners: One of the manufacturers that works with Leonard & Church also produces a watch worn by President Obama. Exactly which one is unclear, but it could be this $695 timepiece . Drawing board: The founders spent a year with high-ranking designers, manufacturers and key influencers, with the aim of 'meticulously' perfecting their creations . Design tweaks: The eclectic range of watches are housed in surgical grade stainless steel cases, and are designed to be extremely thin yet durable (pictured, a work in progress) Durable: They boast scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lenses, Miyota Quartz movements, are water resistant up to 50 meters, and come with a ten-year guarantee . The eclectic range of watches are housed in surgical grade stainless steel cases, designed to be extremely thin yet durable, boast scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lenses, Miyota Quartz movements, and are water resistant up to 50 meters. Variations in addition to the smart Chronograph Collection include The Classics; available with leather, tweed or nylon-striped straps, as well as a black-faced option, and the New Classics, which include a stainless steel strap option. 'The closer we got to the luxury watch industry, the more we were turned off by what we were learning' Mr Chon is certainly passionate about his offerings, and based on the success of his Kickstarter campaign - which aimed to raise $75,000, but has raised over three times that amount with nine days left on the clock - Leonard & Church appear well on their way to becoming a storming success. The company remains committed to avoiding certain partnerships, and opening its own retail store for example, in order to keep their price point 'fairly consistent.' 'If you want to buy a Patek Phillippe watch for $50,000, if that item makes you feel good, that’s great,' Mr Chon remarks. 'But... at a certain point, the watch is what the watch is, and all that premium, all that extra you’re paying for, is the brand name.' | Leonard & Church hopes to change the way we buy luxury watches with its transparent pricing .
One of its manufacturers also produces a watch worn by Obama .
The founders have raised over $231,000 on Kickstarter . |
237,152 | beef9487e6aac784d302362a5e1a61b21f82e7a8 | By . Associated Press Reporter and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 04:52 EST, 25 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:56 EST, 25 September 2013 . Police investigating the remains of a Studebaker found in a creek in South Dakota say the rusted car contains skeletons. The remains were discovered on Tuesday afternoon when crews . lifted the mangled hulk from an embankment in Brule Creek near Elk . Point. Other pieces of evidence have also been taken from the scene, but officers won't specify further, and won't even confirm if the bones are human until autopsies and further tests are carried out. Cheryl Miller (left) and Pam Jackson (right) were last seen on May 29, 1971, driving a 1960 Studebaker Lark on their way to a party . The girls were last seen driving a 1960 Studebaker Lark - the same make, model and year of this car . Investigators . are trying to establish whether the car wreck could be linked to the . disappearance of Pam Jackson and Cheryl Miller in 1971. Elk Point isn't far from the South Dakota town of Vermillion where Miller and Jackson were from. The girls were last seen on May 29, 1971, driving a beige 1960 Studebaker Lark on their way to a party. A fisherman who remembered the . 42-year-old case called authorities after noticing one of the car's . wheels sticking out of the creek. In a statement Miller's family said: 'We're hoping this leads to our much desired and overdue closure.' They also thanked the angler who found the car and law enforcement officials for their work on the case. Crews work to excavate a vehicle from an embankment near Beresford, South Dakota on Monday, September 23, 2013 . Authorities work to recover the car from an embankment in Brule Creek, South Dakota . The vehicle will be processed for forensic evidence. Authorities said they could not comment on whether any remains were found inside the car . High spring water levels followed by a . drought this summer helped reveal the old car, and authorities . recovered a Studebaker hubcap and a license plate matching the car once . owned by Miller's grandfather, Jackley said. Dexter . Brock, Jackson's brother-in-law, said the news came to family members . Monday morning just two days after they buried Pamella Jackson's father, . 102-year-old Oscar Jackson. Relatives were just getting ready leave the . Brocks' house in Sioux Falls to head home when the phone rang. 'They called us this morning and said they found the car, and that's about all we know,' he said Monday afternoon. A . man already serving a prison sentence on unrelated charges was indicted . for murder in the deaths of Miller and Jackson in 2007, but the charges . were dropped after prosecutors found out that a supposed confession . given to a fellow inmate was faked. The . disappearance of the Vermillion High School juniors was one of the . initial investigations of South Dakota's cold case unit, which was . formed in June 2004 to focus on unsolved suspicious deaths and . disappearances because there's no time limit on filing criminal charges . in homicide cases. David Lykken is pictured in July 2007. He had been charged with Jackson and Miller in 1971 but charges the were later dropped . A . September 2004 search of a Union County farm turned up bones, clothing, a . purse, photographs, newspaper articles and other items, but not the . car. Authorities have not ever said if the bones belonged to the girls - . or if they were even human remains. In . a warrant authorizing the search, authorities said that David Lykken, . who lived at the farm in 1971, might have been involved in the . disappearance of Miller and Jackson as well as three other unnamed . people. Lykken, 59, is prison serving an unrelated 227-year sentence for . rape and kidnapping. In . July 2007, a Union County grand jury indicted Lykken on two counts of . premeditated murder, two counts of felony murder and two counts of . murder in the disappearance of Miller and Jackson. He was arrested at . the prison and scheduled for a March 2008 trial, but state prosecutors . dropped all six murder charges after discovering a prison snitch made up . a supposed admission. Aloysius . Black Crow pleaded guilty in March 2008 to two counts of perjury for . lying to a Union County grand jury and at a court hearing. He had . conspired with another inmate to tape a fake confession implicating . Lykken. | Pam Jackson and Cheryl Miller were last seen on May 29, 1971, driving a 1960 Studebaker Lark on their way to a party .
Officials have found skeletons inside a car believed to be the girls' but won't release more information until tests have been carried out .
A man already serving a prison sentence .
on unrelated charges was indicted for murder in the deaths of Miller and .
Jackson in 2007 .
The charges were dropped after prosecutors found .
out that a supposed confession given to a fellow inmate was faked . |
104,089 | 124bb8d9a440e2e5e3cbe87ced43a173f111ec99 | KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Florida (CNN) -- NASA said Friday it was going to take immediate action after a report raised safety questions about astronauts drinking before flying missions. NASA allegedly gave the OK to a drunken astronaut to fly on the shuttle, but liftoff was delayed. The space agency said astronauts flew drunk at on at least two occasions, despite warnings from doctors and colleagues that they posed a flight risk. As a result, NASA deputy administrator Shana Dale said new procedures would be put in place immediately, including an internal review and a no-alcohol policy for 12-hours before all missions. With the next space shuttle mission just two weeks away, Dale said NASA has "already had discussions with the crew commander of next shuttle mission and its flight surgeon." Officials have communicated "the allegations in the report and NASA's expectations of alcohol use and getting into a spacecraft." Watch Dale discuss the troubling report » . Dale said the goal was to insure that the flight surgeon and crew commander know that they are "expected and they are empowered to raise any flight safety issues that they have." The report was prompted by the arrest of former astronaut Lisa Nowak, who was accused in February of the attempted kidnapping of a romantic rival. According to the report, released earlier Friday, interviews with flight surgeons and astronauts "identified some episodes of heavy use of alcohol by astronauts in the immediate preflight period." Dale said the agency would act immediately on reports of alcohol use, conduct an internal safety review and then "recommend corrective actions." NASA takes the report's recommendation for an astronaut code of conduct "very seriously," Dale said. The committee report offered no specifics about the drinking episodes and said no attempt was made to confirm information given in interviews. "Until we have more information, NASA cannot determine the veracity of these claims," the report said. However, Air Force Col. Dr. Richard E. Bachmann, head of NASA's Astronaut Health Care System revealed a few more details of the claims Friday. "There were two incidents described to us in more detail as more representative of a larger concern," said Bachmann. "One of those incidents involved both the shuttle and the T-38 [NASA jet aircraft] the second incident involved the Soyuz-ISS." Russian Soyuz spacecraft are used to ferry crew members to and from the international space station. "There were still two incidents but they were structured such so that they involved all three operations," Bachman said, explaining that an astronaut was preparing to launch in a shuttle, but when the mission was delayed, the astronaut was to fly in the T-38. Panelists looked into NASA's medical and psychological screening process and addressed other behavioral issues. "Preparation for exploration class space flight requires NASA to focus much more attention on human behavior," said the report. "Alcohol is freely used in crew quarters," the report said. "Two specific instances were described where astronauts had been so intoxicated prior to flight that flight surgeons and/or fellow astronauts raised concerns to local on-scene leadership regarding flight safety. However, the individuals were still permitted to fly." The panel said certification of astronauts for flight duty has no method to detect drinking episodes. It also recommended NASA develop a code of conduct for astronauts. "In general, astronauts are highly motivated to fly," the report stated. "Opportunities to fly in space are scarce and decreasing. The criteria for flight selection and how they are applied are unknown to the astronauts. Medical and behavioral health issues are perceived as having high potential for use to eliminate astronauts from mission assignment." The drinking allegations shocked former astronauts and came as NASA deals with the apparent sabotage of a computer bound for the orbiting international space station. Earlier two former shuttle astronauts told CNN that the drinking allegations, if true, would be "mind-boggling." One of the astronauts said he was not aware of anyone "unduly using alcohol prior to launch." The other said "not a chance," and added that he would have "thrown the person off the crew." The astronauts asked that they not be named because of the sensitive nature of the allegations. Former NASA flight surgeon Jonathan Clark told CNN he'd never heard such reports in the past, although he said he had seen crew allowed to fly while "extremely tired" from "pre-mission fatigue." "Many of them took sleeping pills to try get some normal sleep state, and there were times when crew were groggy." He said there are traditional pre-flight celebrations and toasting with crew members and their families, "but the times I've been involved ... there was beer and wine but there wasn't any heavy drinking." Clark said he attended many such events as a flight surgeon or as an astronaut spouse. Clark's wife Laurel Clark was killed along with six other astronauts in the 2003 Columbia disaster. NASA's next scheduled space shuttle mission is August 7, for the crew of the orbiter Endeavour. A NASA spokesman said an internal investigation has been launched into the sabotage of the computer and said it would be repaired and ready for next month's liftoff. The computer problem surfaced, NASA said, when a subcontractor who supplied the computer notified NASA. Workers checked the computer and found it was intentionally damaged. The computer is to be installed aboard the station's U.S. laboratory to monitor sensors on the facility's truss, NASA said. It was not designed to be part of any command and control or navigation functions, he said. E-mail to a friend . CNN's John Zarrella contributed to this report. | NEW: Drinking incidents involved aircraft, shuttle and Soyuz spacecraft .
NASA briefs next shuttle crew on new safety policy .
NASA institutes no-alcohol policy 12-hours before flights .
Report commissioned by NASA says astronauts flew drunk at least twice . |
236,922 | bea69a32ae88a795d8424de1d95dce983dd48a1d | (CNN) -- The fertilizer plant that blew up in Texas last week warned state and local officials but not federal agencies that it had 270 tons of highly volatile ammonium nitrate on site, according to regulatory records. The April 17 fire and explosion at West Fertilizer Co. killed 14 people and devastated the small town of West, Texas. Investigators have said they're not sure how much ammonium nitrate was actually on site at the time of the explosion, however, since plant records were destroyed in the blast. Obama tells victims' families that nation will help them recover . The company sold ammonium nitrate and anhydrous ammonia, both commonly used as fertilizers. It had notified state and local emergency management officials of its stock of both in its most recent declaration of hazardous chemicals, filed in February. However, the risk management plan it filed with the federal Environmental Protection Agency in 2011 mentioned only anhydrous ammonia, which produces suffocating fumes and can cause burns if mishandled. The plan listed as a worst-case scenario "the release of the total contents of a storage tank released as a gas over 10 minutes" and did not warn of the risks of explosion. Federal law requires any operation that holds more than a ton of fertilizer-grade ammonium nitrate to report that stock to the Department of Homeland Security. Proposed new rules would cut that to 25 pounds. But Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano told a Senate subcommittee Tuesday that West Fertilizer doesn't appear to have reported its ammonium nitrate stock to federal officials, adding, "We're following up on that." In a statement issued earlier this week, after the first lawsuit against it was filed in connection with the explosion, the company said its focus "remains on the fact finding." "We continue to do everything we can to understand what happened to ensure nothing like this ever happens again in any community," it said. "To that end, the owners and staff of West Fertilizer Co. are working closely with investigating agencies. We have encouraged all employees to assist in the fact finding to whatever degree possible." Among the dead was plant foreman Cody Dragoo, who was also a member of the town's volunteer fire department. The explosion happened about 20 minutes after the first report of a fire there. It registered on seismographs as a magnitude 2.1 earthquake and could be felt 50 miles away. Town devastated by fertilizer explosion is guided by the West way . Last week's explosion damaged numerous houses, a nursing home and the town's high school and middle school, all of which were built within a few hundred feet of the plant. That's raised concern about similar facilities in other towns, both in rural communities like West and major cities like Houston, the heart of the oil industry. Animals become symbols of hope in Texas town . "I know there's hundreds of public schools on the fenceline or very close to these industrial plants," said Neil Carman, a former Texas Department of Environmental Quality inspector now working for the state Sierra Club. "I wouldn't be surprised if it's over 1,000." Zoning restrictions are rare in the state, and Carman said there have been thousands of complaints from neighborhoods in areas like Houston, Beaumont and Corpus Christi, home to numerous oil refineries. West Fertilizer had been twice cited by federal regulators twice since 2006. In 2012, the Transportation Department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration fined West Fertilizer $5,250 for storing anhydrous ammonia in tanks that lacked the proper warning labels. The agency originally recommended a $10,000 penalty, but it was reduced after the company took corrective action. In 2006, the EPA fined it $2,300 owners to correct problems that included a failure to file a risk management program plan on time. The TCEQ also investigated a complaint about the lingering smell of ammonia around the plant the same year. | West Fertilizer reported having 270 tons of ammonium nitrate on hand in February .
The declaration went to state and local officials but not federal agencies .
The company didn't mention the volatile fertilizer in EPA risk plans . |
81,066 | e5bd0d50d6290aeb1b4d129154eb97276c05cb8f | Washington (CNN) -- High-profile diplomatic incidents involving President Ronald Reagan and top world leaders were publicized for the first time Saturday after historian William Doyle got the White House to release the tapes. From discussing troop withdrawals with Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin to discussing tense hostage negotiations with Pakistani President Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Reagan recorded dozens of calls he made from the White House Situation Room. The audio recordings were first published in the New York Post in a story Saturday. The recordings became public after Doyle said he asked for them via a Freedom of Information Act request -- in 1996. One recording with Begin during the 1982 Lebanon War reveals that Reagan asked the Israeli Prime Minister to delay the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon until Lebanese government forces arrived. "It's a call that I have resisted making and did not want to make and I know what has been taking place there," Reagan tells Begin in 1983. "And so, here I am now asking you the one thing you told me not to ask you and that is, could you delay a few more days in that withdrawal until the Lebanese army can free itself from Beirut?" Begin faced heavy political pressure during the Lebanese conflict and would resign just months after his call with Reagan. In a conversation with Pakistan's Zia-ul-Haq, Reagan discusses the sensitive nature of hostage negotiations after a Trans World Airlines flight from Cairo was hijacked by radical Islamists. One recording also reveals that Reagan made Syrian President Hafez el-Assad, the father of President Bashar el-Assad, wait for more than 13 minutes while he returned from horseback riding on his ranch in California. The recordings Doyle shared with the Post also included a conversation with then-British Prime Minister and conservative ally Margaret Thatcher, when Reagan apparently apologized for sending Navy SEALs into Grenada without giving Thatcher a heads up, the Post reported. | Historian William Doyle first requested the recordings in 1996 .
The recordings involve former President Ronald Reagan talking with world leaders .
Doyle's findings were published in the New York Post on Saturday . |
229,736 | b582a77352f98963b88dbf4c2c785c3a98dd94c2 | Roy Hodgson asked his players to fly back and think of England as they returned to their clubs with homework assignments after Monday’s 2-0 win in Switzerland. Hodgson and his coaching team are determined not to lose any positivity from that result before next month’s European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Estonia. Jack Wilshere has been sent back to Arsenal with video clips of Andrea Pirlo and Javier Mascherano, both experts in the midfield holding role he played for the first time in Basle. Tactical battle: Roy Hodgson's decision to set his players up in a diamond formation proved to be a good one . Clear instructions: Hodgson has told his players to study certain players and the diamond formation . Pass master: Hodgson wants Jack Wilshere to play in a similar role to what Andrea Pirlo does for Italy . Others have been encouraged to think about their specific roles in England’s new formation and to stay in touch with Hodgson’s coaching team, who know that some — like Wilshere and captain Wayne Rooney — may fill different roles for their clubs. Wilshere said: ‘We’ve got to do our homework because we don’t get long together. ‘I’ll have to learn in that role but that formation is going to be the way forward and we’ll only get better at it.’ After five winless games and a poor World Cup, spirits have been lifted by two wins in six days — especially by the game in Basle, when Hodgson used a midfield diamond for the first time. The England boss now wants his squad to be more forceful with their opinions and has introduced players-only meetings where the new generation have their say. Rooney said: ‘Players speak who wouldn’t (if) coaches are there.’ Captain fantastic: Wayne Rooney led his side to victory in his first competitive game as England skipper . VIDEO England players stepped up - Hodgson . Second in command: Chelsea centre back Gary Cahill will wear the armband when Rooney is unavailable . Hodgson believes his forums will not only see players take responsibility off the field but encourage them to do so during a match. In Basle, Hodgson’s three most experienced starters — Rooney, Joe Hart and Gary Cahill — all led by example. Chelsea centre half Cahill was told he will be the captain if Rooney is ever unavailable, with Hart third in command. Cahill said: ‘Against Norway was the first time I’d worn the armband. I know it was the last few minutes of a friendly but it still meant a hell of a lot to me.’ Monday’s success also strengthened Hodgson’s hand as he hit out at Harry Redknapp on Tuesday. The QPR manager claimed players no longer want to play for England after the 1-0 win over Norway but Hodgson said: ‘The thing about these players is they all have a burning desire to play for England. That theory that players care more about their club sides is nonsense. They care about both — as they should.’ Unfair criticism: Hodgson has hit out at QPR boss Harry Redknapp for suggesting England players do not care about representing their country . After beating the Swiss — on paper their most difficult opponents — England are already looking at potential training camps in France, for the Euro 2016 finals. Hodgson is determined not to repeat the World Cup blunder of having a hotel 90 minutes away from the training facilities. The FA released a statement on Thursday after England fans in Basle chanted ‘**** off Scotland, we’re all voting yes’ in reference to next week’s referendum. England play Scotland in a friendly at Celtic Park in November and the FA are keen to distance themselves from political issues. Adrian Bevington, managing director of Club England, said: ‘We are working closely with the Scottish FA and taking all usual security precautions. We were pleased that the Wembley fixture in 2013 passed peacefully with over 20,000 Scotland fans adding to the atmosphere of respectful rivalry.’ | England's players returned to their clubs with homework assignments .
Jack Wilshere has been told to watch video clips of Andrea Pirlo .
Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson has introduced 'players-only' meetings .
Gary Cahill has been told he will captain England when Wayne Rooney is not available . |
43,462 | 7a8fbcfe3ee7f4f58fedf655dc6c60de2dedc9fd | Insists Australia should not wait 'till the old lady dies or leaves' before looking to become a republic state . Believes Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall should not eventually replace the Queen . By . Richard Shears . Last updated at 7:32 AM on 16th December 2011 . Debatable: Paul Keating has launched a new tirade on the Monarchy . Former Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating - dubbed 'the Lizard of Oz' after he once put his arm around the Queen's waist - has sparked new controversy in a new attack on the Monarchy. He said Australia should get on with the move to a republic and not wait 'till the old lady dies or leaves.' If Australia hesitated until after the Queen's death, he suggested, 'the next day King Charles and Queen Camilla will be there. And of course they (Australians) will say 'Let's give the new bloke a go.' His comments have sparked outrage among Monarchists living in Australia, one fan of the Queen describing him as 'a bitter, bitter old man living in the past. His enormous ego and hatred still lives on.' Mr Keating, who was Prime Minister between 1991 and 1996 - during which he caused outrage when he put hand on the Queen's waist in 1992- hit out at Australia's failure to start the process of becoming a republic during a tv interview. While acknowledging what he said was the great affection Australians had for the Queen, 'the fact is that Australia can only be a great country when it claims its head of state as one of its own. 'It will for ever have that derivativeness about it while ever our head of state is the Queen of Great Britain and we share her with 16 other countries. 'And by the way, we get around with the British flag in the corner of our flag. Great states to not do these things.' Controversy: Former Australian prime minister Paul Keating (right) sparked outrage when he put his arm around the Queen, during her visit to Australia in 1992 . Mr Keating pointed out that British-born Prime Minister Julia Gillard and former Prime Ministers Kevin Rudd, John Howard and Bob Hawke all believed Australia should not become a republic until the Queen was no longer the Queen. That said a lot about Australians, he said - fundamentally, what a weak nation they were. 'I mean, we are not going to take our republic, we are going to wait till the old lady dies or leaves.' He said the royal family would have been quite happy to kiss Australia goodbye. The Queen, he said, could then visit Australia and receive an even bigger reception as the head of state of Great Britain, not Australia. 'I think the House of Windsor understands that well. It's only the sort of anarchists and dropkicks here who don't get it.' As for the current Labour government under Miss Gillard, he told Sky that they were 'half-baked republicans. 'They don't have the imagination about this. They don't see the importance to the country. 'The republic will say much more to us about ourselves' Writers to a newspaper comment page savaged Mr Keating, one pointing out that even the Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, is British born and adding 'the only old lady I wish would die is Paul'. 'Here we go again - another Labour has been shooting off his big mouth,' said another writer. Another said of Mr Keating: 'Absolutely classless. Then again, do we expect anything less?' | Insists Australia should not wait 'till the old lady dies or leaves' before looking to become a republic state .
Believes Prince Charles and The Duchess of Cornwall should not eventually replace the Queen . |
190,636 | 82d203547052be8b3fcf88de5df26e647519db0f | By . Anthony Bond . PUBLISHED: . 11:00 EST, 5 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:41 EST, 5 June 2013 . Thousands of people have driven past this mansion over the years and looked at its impressive exterior. But few could have imagined the secrets which the 18th Century building holds inside. The mansion, called The Hermitage, in Northumberland, has been described as the house 'that time forgot'. Antiques: Items untouched for almost 100 years were discovered amongst the 28 rooms in 18th Century mansion The Hermitage in Hexham, Northumberland . Secrets: The cellars of the house included unopened Champagne bottles from 1919, some in their original tissue paper, and wine from 1914 . Impressive: Thousands of people would have driven past this stunning house over the years, but few could have guessed about its treasures inside . When auctioneers entered the home recently they discovered a treasure trove of antiques dating back 100 years. Wine from 1914 was discovered along with Champagne from 1919. They also discovered a copy of a 1938 magazine as well as family photographs spanning almost 100 years. Andrew McCoull, managing director of Newcastle based auction house Anderson & Garland, said: 'Time had stood still and the house took on the qualities of a museum. It was a once-in-a-career experience. 'The Hermitage must be one of Hexham's most important and certainly the most hidden home. Thousands will have driven past its entrance, totally oblivious of this fine mansion house. 'The children's toys in the nursery had been left intact. There were christening gowns and rattles sent from London, and charts kept by the children's nanny. 'In the cellars were unopened Champagne bottles from 1919, some in their original tissue paper and packing cases, and 1914 wine. 'Cosmetics and pharmaceutical items, from the 1920s and 1940s, crowded the medicine cupboard. There were diaries and household accounts giving insights into a bygone age of servants, while fishing and hunting records spoke of house parties. For sale: The contents of the house on the edge of Hexham, described as a 'treasure trove' will be auctioned in 1,500 lots in Newcastle . Ancient: Pharmaceutical items from the 1920s crowded this medicine cupboard . 'Clothes, including military uniforms, were hanging up as if they had just been taken off. 'In the library there was a copy of a 1938 edition of The Field magazine in the rack and there were family photographs spanning almost 100 years. 'In the main bedroom there were wash bowl sets and rooms had wallpaper from the 1920s and 1930s.' The house had been let by owners the Allgood family in 1922 to Brigadier General Hubert Horatio Morant, who had married Isabella Helen Coppin Straker in 1914. Their three children, Doreen Shirley, who died earlier this year, Alice Bettine, who died in 2008, and Major John Locke Straker, who passed away in 1971, all remained unmarried. The contents of the house on the edge of Hexham, described by Mr McCoull as a 'treasure trove', will be auctioned in 1,500 lots at Anderson & Garland's Newcastle base from June 18-21. Hidden: This now empty 18th Century building had become a time capsule. This image shows the inside of one of the rooms . Stored away were also Brigadier General Morant's diaries and letters to his wife from the First World War. Historic: Jackie Eltringham tries on a Durham Light Infantry helmet - one of the items discovered in the Hermitage . 'What was striking was the enormity of it all, the sheer quantity of memorabilia . and ephemera which would normally have been thrown out and which told . how a family in the inter-war years lived, and what they did,' said Mr McCoull. 'The Hermitage is a rare survival of a house on a grand scale where the Morant family lived for 90 years and threw little away. 'Items no longer required were neatly wrapped in newspaper, tied with string and stored in the extensive attics. The contents offer us a rare glimpse of life in the inter-war period. 'Only once in a career are you fortunate enough to see a home such as this which has been inhabited but - highly unusually - also left alone to this extent. 'With the sheer scale of the property, the family's possessions could be stored in different cupboards, rooms, lofts and buildings and little was ever disposed of. 'As such, stepping into The Hermitage has been like stepping back in time. The sisters were characters and involved in the community.' Simon Morant, a cousin of the family, said: 'Following the death of Brigadier General Morant and his wife, their son and two daughters stayed at the property until they also died. 'I knew the two Miss Morants, Doreen and Bettine, and had the opportunity to go around the property. That said, even I was not aware to what extent their goods and belongings had accumulated. 'We have taken some of the more poignant things from the estate, including letters from 1840 between my family and theirs, but we very much hope that the remainder of the belongings go somewhere where they will be appreciated.' | Auctioneers discovered a treasure trove of antiques inside The Hermitage .
They discovered wine from 1914 and Champagne from 1919 .
Also discovered family photographs spanning almost 100 years .
Contents of the house will be auctioned in 1,500 lots . |
14,831 | 2a0ecb05b6e447c69811915ae63786d3ff5192a8 | By . Marcus Townend for MailOnline . Kingman’s place in the line-up for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot on October 18 has been thrown into doubt after Khaled Abdullah’s colt picked up a throat infection. The John Gosden-trained four-time group one winner could be re-routed to the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita in California if he is forced to swerve the big mile race on British Champions day which is now a target for Sunday’s Freddie Head-trained Prix du Moulin winner Charm Spirit. Gosden, whose Pomology was second in the Prix Vermeille, said: ‘It is annoying. He is the only horse in the stable affected and has never had a sore throat before. His chances of running depend on how long he is on antibiotics.’ Kingman, ridden to victory by James Doyle at Goodwood in July, is in doubt for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes . Pomology (right) on the way to second behind Baltic Baroness in the The Qatar Prix Vermeille in Paris . Richard Hannon’s Prix du Moulin runner-up could run in the longer Champion Stakes rather than the QE II Stakes if he goes to Champions day after jockey Richard Hughes advised upping the colt in distance. After consulting the Queen on Sunday night, royal racing adviser John Warren could formally announce on Monday that her Estimate will not go for the Melbourne Cup. Brown Panther, trained by Tom Dascombe and part-owned by Michael Owen, won Sunday's Irish Leger by six and a half lengths. Brown Panther, part-owned by Michael Owen (left), was the Irish Leger by six and a half lengths . Gleneagles is 14-1 for next year’s 2,000 Guineas after winning the Group One National Stakes for Aidan O’Brien. | Khaled Abdullah’s colt could miss Queen Elizabeth Stakes through illness .
Kingman picked up a throat infection and being treated with antibiotics .
Trainer John Gosden said Kingman's run in the Stakes will depend on how long the horse is on medication .
The Queen's Estimate is not likely to go for the Melbourne Cup . |
261,353 | de78302264f57cb9c2dfb560f0236c69f9d72648 | By . Paul Bracchi . Almost every morning, Rolf Harris turned up at court arm-in-arm with his family. But behind the show of unity, his wife Alwen and daughter Bindi knew, better than anyone, that his near-saintly public image bore little resemblance to the real Rolf Harris. Devoted husband? He had an affair with his live-in housekeeper-cum-chauffeur back in the Nineties, which had left Alwen ‘devastated’, it emerged during the trial. Scroll down for video . Proud: Rold Harris pictured with his wife Alwn and daughter Bindi at Buckingham Palace in 1969 . Loving father? We now know he abused his daughter’s best friend from the age of 13 in the late Seventies and early Eighties. Harris had told Bindi that the ‘relationship’ started when the girl was 18, not 13. When she went into the witness stand to give evidence for him, Bindi told the court she believed him. But what daughter would want to believe their own father was guilty not just of adultery with her best friend, but of something much worse as well? So Bindi - and her mother - stood by him. From the very start, though, the daily show of ‘family unity’ looked suspiciously choreographed. Under cross examination, the jury learnt that the limousine bringing Harris and his wife to court stopped en route at a local cafe each day to pick up Bindi, so they could all arrive together. It was all for the benefit of the assembled TV crews and photographers. Proof, maybe, that the camera does sometimes lie. Harris’s . complex relationship with his wife and daughter, and their sometimes . unconventional behaviour, was the sub-plot to the case. Alwen, 82, a . sculptress and jewellery-maker in her heyday, sat in the public gallery . with other members of the family, just yards from her husband. She had to listen as his reputation - and, by implication, their 56-year marriage - was dismantled allegation by allegation. Deceived: Rolf Harris pictured with his daughter Bindi . After one especially harrowing day of evidence, she allowed him to step straight from the dock and kiss her on the lips. Only once did Alwen show any visible sign of emotion. When the jury was told about Harris’s fling with the housekeeper, Alwen appeared to wipe away a tear. Her eccentric streak was apparent from the first day, when she brought a novelty cushion (featuring the face of a gerbil-like creature wearing a crown) to sit on. It was as if to say she was the same Alwen who, in her younger days, chose her pet poodle to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. Bindi Nicholls — as she is now — was only allowed to take her place sitting near her mother in court once she had testified (her mother did not give evidence). During his summing up, the judge reminded the jury of the testimony of Mrs Nicholls’ childhood friend by referring to the victim’s statement: ‘He hugged and tickled me. It was creepy’ … ‘He walked his fingers up my back’ … ‘His hand went inside the towel’ … ‘He spat on his fingers’ [before indecently assaulting the girl]. From 50-year-old Mrs Nicholls, herself an artist, there was not the slightest reaction; not a shake of the head nor the hint of an anguished expression. Nothing. She looked like a disinterested spectator, constantly fiddling with her mobile phone on her lap. Indeed, there were times during the trial when Mrs Nicholls appeared to be trying too hard to act normally. Quirky bride: Rolf harris and his wife Alwen - with her pet poodle as 'bridesmaid' - are pictured in March 1958 . Once, she wore a bright red flower in her hair; on another occasion, an almost fluorescent yellow scarf with black polka dots. Before she gave evidence, she could often be found in the canteen with her headphones on. During breaks in the proceedings, Rolf Harris became a ‘father’ and ‘husband’ again, joining his wife, daughter, other relatives and his agent in the waiting room outside Court Two, or in the canteen. At least two private security guards hovered in the background. Alwen and Bindi have always shunned the limelight, so the past few weeks must have been particularly painful. In one way or another, though, they have been victims of Harris’s stardom all their lives. Her husband’s non-stop work schedule left Alwen desperately lonely, particularly during the early years of their marriage, prompting her to confide in her diary: ‘I feel like killing myself, I’m so bored.’ In his 2001 autobiography, Harris says he only discovered how unhappy she was when, many years later, he found her old diary. ‘I had been so absorbed in my own career … that I had totally forgotten about Alwen. I am crying inside now as I write this.’ He recalled how he’d boarded a plane to go on a tour of the U.S. within a few hours of Bindi’s birth: ‘Right up until the last minute, Alwen expected me to cancel,’ he admitted. Rolf Harris leaves Southwark Crown Court, with his wife Alwen, left, and daughter Bindi, right . We now know that his failings went much deeper than merely putting his career first. Even so, his celebrity and long absences had a devastating effect on his daughter. In a rare interview more than a decade ago, Mrs Nicholls spoke about being desperately lonely as a child when her father was away. ‘I would be sitting on people’s doorsteps saying: “Can I play with you?” and, until recently, had never even displayed a picture of him in the house because of the inevitable reaction from visitors. ‘The conversation would go straight to my father and I’d think: “Oh, no, not again.”’ Mrs Nicholls, who has an 18-year-old son from a previous relationship, now lives in north London with her husband, Craig Nicholls. When she gave evidence, she said she was still having counselling to deal with the legacy of her relationship with her father. ‘It is really difficult having to be the daughter of a famous man, having to be the single child and dealing with that all on your own,’ she said. She said she had come to terms with his ‘affair’ with her best friend after finding out about it from the girl herself in 1997. But that was when she — and her mother — thought the relationship began when her friend was a young woman, not still a child. | Shows of family unity outside court looked 'suspiciously choreographed'
Wife Alwen and daughter Bindi knew saintly image of entertainer bore little resemblance to real Rolf Harris .
His affair with a live-in housekeeper in the 1990s left Alwen 'devastated'
He abused his daughter's best friend from the age of 13 in 1970s and 1980s .
Additional reporting: Tom Kelly . |
128,825 | 32706d53f812ecdd432204e0d55def9ddab8c6db | SAN FRANCISCO, California (CNN) -- The parents of a 17-year-old boy killed by a tiger at the San Francisco Zoo said the attack has forever ruined Christmas for them, while police are investigating whether someone helped the tiger escape. The victim's parents, Marilza and Carlos Sousa, express shock at the death of their son. The area of the zoo in which the Siberian tiger killed Carlos Sousa of San Jose has been deemed a crime scene, San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong said. The zoo's director, Manuel Mollinedo, said officials have not determined how Tatiana, who weighed more than 300 pounds, escaped from her exhibit area and attacked three patrons Tuesday before police shot and killed her. Sousa's parents, Carlos and Marilza Sousa, said they were in shock and were having trouble believing what had happened. "It's hard to believe," said the elder Carlos Sousa, who said he and his wife learned about their son's death Wednesday morning. "I had to go identify the body. It's pretty mangled up." Watch the family's reaction to the attack » . Marilza Sousa put a photograph of her son on the family Christmas tree and said she'd never be able to celebrate the holiday again. "Our Christmas is with him," she said. "No more Christmas." Police said Sousa was killed just outside the tiger's enclosure. The two others, who were injured, were about 300 yards away by a cafe. The two survivors were in stable condition Wednesday and doing well, San Francisco General Hospital said. Watch as the tiger's victims are rushed to the hospital » . The head of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums said this was the first-ever visitor fatality due to an animal escape at a zoo accredited by the association. Ron Magill of Florida's Miami Metrozoo told CNN that the Siberian tiger is "the most powerful cat on the face of this planet." Speaking to reporters Wednesday, Mollinedo was asked about an incident last year, in which Tatiana chewed flesh off a keeper's arm during a public feeding demonstration. Mollinedo said that Tatiana "was acting like a normal tiger" at the time, and that the zoo modified procedures to increase safety. California's Division of Occupation Safety and Health determined the zoo was at fault because of hazardous conditions in the Lion House and lack of specialized safety training for employees. The zoo made changes that the state safety division ordered. The Lion House, the zoo's big-cat exhibit, was closed for more than six months after that incident. Sousa's sister Beatrice appeared told CNN Wednesday night that the family has not received information about the investigation. "There's a lot of pain. You know, no words for it. It's just too much," she said. "Our family is very, very hurt." The zoo was closed Wednesday while officials investigated the tiger attack. Mollinedo said the zoo will probably reopen Thursday, but the Lion House will remain closed "until we get a better understanding of what actually happened." Tatiana was held in an exhibit area that included a 20-foot moat and an 18-foot wall, Mollinedo said. The 4-year-old tiger was born at the Denver Zoo and came to San Francisco in 2005. Experts from other zoos will inspect the setup to help suggest modifications to assure safety, he said. "We have deemed the site, as of last night, a crime scene," Fong said Wednesday, and police are working to gather evidence and witness statements. Fong said fire and police responded to emergency calls shortly after 5 p.m. Tuesday. When police arrived, they saw the tiger "sitting next to a person on the ground," and the tiger turned back and began attacking the person again, she said. Officers yelled at the tiger to stop, and did not fire immediately "for fear that they would not be able to contain their fire," she said. "When the yelling was occurring, the animal turned toward the officers," who then shot and killed the animal, Fong said. Watch as animal expert Jack Hanna discusses the attack » . Authorities carried out multiple searches to ensure there were no other victims, she said. The zoo had closed at 5 p.m., and only around 20 people were still there, Mollinedo said. The other victims of the tiger attack have not been publicly identified. Dr. Rochelle Dicker, a surgeon at San Francisco General Hospital, said the two "young men" injured are "in very stable condition." In fact, she said, "they look absolutely fantastic." Doctors are focusing on ensuring that the patients don't develop infections, she said, adding that they "will be on antibiotics for some time. "By the time they got here, they were very, very stable -- not close to death," Dicker told reporters. "Really, it was just a matter of washing out their wounds." Jim Maddy, president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, issued a statement expressing "sympathy to the family of the guest that lost his life, and our deepest hope that the two injured guests will recover." Read about other escapes and attacks by captive animals . Maddy called the San Francisco Zoo "great," and noted that it is accredited by the association. "Until this incident, there had not been a visitor fatality resulting from an animal escape at an AZA-accredited zoo. "AZA mandatory accreditation standards require safety and emergency protocols that go beyond federal, state or local requirements. Regular safety training and annual emergency drills are required by these mandatory accreditation standards." He said association rules "require that the San Francisco Zoo provide a thorough report to its independent accreditation commission, which will review it and determine any actions that need to be taken. We will not speculate on what action might be taken until the facts are fully reviewed." Along with Siberian tigers, an endangered species, the zoo has rarer and smaller Sumatran tigers. E-mail to a friend . | NEW: Police investigating whether someone helped tiger escape .
The parents of mauled Carlos Sousa: There will be "no more Christmas"
Two surviving victims are in stable condition, doctor says .
Sousa was killed just outside the tiger's enclosure, police say . |
67,277 | bedcd8fb8cbda57711812dff52e60dd3202baa22 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A sprawling waterfront Greenwich, Connecticut estate sold for an astonishing $120 million on Friday, the largest sum ever paid for a home in America. That means its 12 bedrooms come in at $10 million each, but the anonymous buyer also gets two of his or her own islands in the Long Island Sound to sweeten the deal. The 13,000-square-foot mansion called Copper Beech Farm also features a 75-foot pool, grass tennis court and stone carriage house. $10M per bedroom: A 12-bedroom Greenwich mansion sold Friday for the record-breaking sum of $120 million--apparently enough dough to buy palm trees even in chilly Connecticut . Posh: The 50-acre waterfront estate features a 75-foot pool, two islands in Long Island Sound, a stone carriage house and a grass tennis court . Seaside: The home once belonged to Andrew Carnegie's niece and originally listed last May for an even more jaw-dropping $190 million . While it's original listing price was . an even more astonishing $190 million, real estate agent David Ogilvy . tells the Greenwich Time he believes the sum is the most ever paid for a . residential property in the United States. 'I'll . tell you a secret,' he said after the historic closing Friday. 'This is . also the most expensive property sold in America. The . next-most-expensive sold for $117 million in California.' That 9-acre Silicon Valley estate featuring an 8,900-square-foot mansion sold in January 2013. Copper Beech Farm was built in 1896 and was once owned by Andrew Carnegie's niece Harriet Lauder Greenway. Like many homes in tony Greenwich, Copper Beech was purchased through a limited liability corporation to protect the privacy of its new owner. Ogilvy would say only that the buyer is not local. Video Source YouTube . Outdated: The house maintains much of its 1896 charm, from speaking tubes to sleeping porches . Re-decorating: Buyers should have enough money in reserve to bring in an interior designer to update the dated decor . According to a July 2013 New York Times . report, the $120 million selling price is actually less than the . mountains of mortgages previous owner John Rudey had on the property. Mr Rudey owns timber companies, and when some of his lands ran into problems producing timber, Copper Beech suffered. Mr Rudey bought the property with his . wife Laurie in 1982 for 7.55million and took out mortgages every so often to . finance the estate. But in 2006 the amounts drastically shot up. Mrs . Rudey took out a $59 million mortgage on the estate in 2006 with Bank . of America, and the loan was personally guaranteed by both Rudeys. Before that mortgage, there was already a $41 million mortgage with M&T Bank. It was around this time that Mr Rudey's timber companies started to hit hot water. Estate: Much of the home's value is in the fifty acres of land and more than a mile of waterfront property . Staff quarters: The main kitchen is located in the basement - an inconvenience for modern families who might want to cook for themselves . Luxury lifestyle: Other amenities include a heated pool, tennis court, solarium and a formal garden . At . the start of the 2000s one of Mr Rudey's companies purchased $60 million . in forest land in Kittias County, Washington, but the area ended up not . producing much timber because of the presence of the endangered Spotted . Owl and an infestation of spruce budworm. The area has become a popular second-home destination, but plans to develop the area into neighborhoods never happened. In 2006 Mr Rudey was hit with another obstacle - one of his companies in Oregon went bankrupt. At . the end of 2010 the Rudey family's $59 million mortgage on a part of . Copper Beech was cross-collateralized with a $79 million mortgage on the . Washington forestland, both with Bank of America. If . the Rudeys fell behind on payments it meant the bank could sell either . property and if they came up short, the Rudey's would be liable. In . addition to that mortgage, they had $65 million in mortgages on another . part of Copper Beech through M&T Bank, bringing the total debt on . the estate to $203 million. Foreclosure . proceedings on Bank of America's portion of Copper Beech started in . 2011, but the Rudey's filed a suit against the bank claiming 'predatory . lending practices,' and the following summer the suits were dropped. Fixer upper: The house was put on the market for a record-breaking $190million, but the interiors could do with an update . Lots of room: The house includes 15,000 feet of living space and 12 bedrooms . Proper garden: The land is maintained by a horticulturalist with the New York Botanical Garden . Privacy: The house is set back from the road and accessed by a 1,800 foot-long driveway . | The Greenwich home called Copper Beech Farm sits on 50 acres and originally listed for $190 million .
The 13,000-square-foot mansion features a 75-foot pool, grass tennis court, stone carriage house and two islands .
Built in the French Renaissance style in 1896, the home once belonged to Andrew Carnegie's niece . |
208,160 | 997d2e4bd6e2b29818b756615ed9b95a0e1d7cf7 | Tuscaloosa, Alabama (CNN) -- Dazed Southerners on Thursday comforted one another and began the process of rebuilding after a barrage of storms claimed nearly 300 lives and reduced once-familiar neighborhoods to piles of bricks and lumber. The grim death toll from the 24-hour storm period continued to rise, with 294 counted in six states. Among them were two university students in Alabama. Nearly 1 million customers were without electricity. The vast majority of fatalities occurred in Alabama, where at least 207 people perished, according to state and local officials. Gov. Robert Bentley and other officials stood Thursday afternoon in the bright sunshine in Tuscaloosa, the epicenter of the state's misery, to detail the damage and recovery effort. "People's lives have just been turned upside down," Bentley said. "It affects me emotionally. When I fly over this, it is difficult." The South endured the second deadliest tornado outbreak in the nation's history since 1950. Weather experts said humidity, cooler temperatures and vertical wind shear made for a deadly concoction. Live blog: Death toll rises in Southern storms . The death toll in the hard-hit city of Tuscaloosa, in west-central Alabama, was at 38 as of Thursday, said Mayor Walter Maddox. Infrastructure losses are hurting recovery efforts, he said. "My heart is broken," Maddox told CNN late Thursday. "We have a resilient spirit here and it will be on display for the world to see." A breakdown provided by Bentley's office showed that violent weather claimed lives in 19 Alabama counties, with Tuscaloosa County at the top of the list. Thirty-two people perished in DeKalb County in northeastern Alabama, and 14 died in Jefferson County, home to Birmingham. The death toll for Franklin County stood Thursday evening at 27. Thirty-three people died in Mississippi since Tuesday, all but one on Wednesday and Thursday, emergency officials said. Tennessee emergency officials said 34 people died in that state. Fifteen were dead in Georgia, five in Virginia -- where authorities revised an earlier count down from eight -- and one in Arkansas. The outbreak officially started Monday, and Arkansas officials said they have lost 13 residents since then. See hi-res photos of the devastation . CNN iReporter Thomas I. Carroll Jr., 47, who grew up in Smithville, Mississippi, took photos of the town, which suffered at least 13 deaths. He said at least half the city was gone. "It looks like something out of Kansas. It's not expected in Mississippi," said the dentist, who rushed over Wednesday afternoon to check on his parents, whose house was damaged but they were uninjured. Search crews were looking for the missing in the city of about 900. Entire neighborhoods were leveled and hundreds of thousands of people were without power in the affected regions. As of 6 p.m. (7 p.m. ET), Alabama Power said about 297,000 customers had no electricity. The Tennessee Valley Authority reported 641,000 customers were without power as of 8:30 p.m. ET, at least half of them in northern Alabama. Thursday evening, about 49,000 people in Georgia were without power, according to Georgia Power and the Georgia Electric Membership Corp. "This could be one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in the nation's history by the time it's over," CNN meteorologist Sean Morris said. Outbreak could set tornado record, experts say . It wasn't just the incredible winds and funnel clouds that made conditions miserable for millions. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency in preparation for the Mississippi River cresting well above flood level. In Mississippi, Gov. Haley Barbour advised residents to prepare for levels 3 feet higher than in 2008. Long before the death toll mushroomed, governors in Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia had declared states of emergency within their borders. Virginia followed suit Thursday. Barbour said he was asking for a statewide emergency declaration. "Our efforts are to put lives and businesses back together," Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal said. President Barack Obama on Thursday called the loss of life from storms in the South "heartbreaking," especially in Alabama. The "federal government will do everything we can to help (people affected by the deadly storms) recover," he said. Storms leave trail of destruction across South . Obama announced late Wednesday he had approved Bentley's request for emergency federal assistance, including search and rescue support. The White House said Obama will travel to Alabama on Friday. Bentley said Thursday he is asking Obama for a major disaster declaration. According to FEMA, such declarations are made when "an incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond state and local capabilities and that federal assistance is necessary." In the DeKalb County, Alabama town of Rainsville, 25 bodies were recovered near a trailer park, said Police Chief Charles Centers. Many people are unaccounted for, Centers said. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission said it was monitoring the Browns Ferry nuclear power plant near Athens in north Alabama, about 32 miles west of Huntsville, after it lost off-site power Wednesday night due to the storms. The three units at the plant shut down automatically when power was lost, it said. TVA spokeswoman Barbara Martocci told CNN no radiation was released as a result of the shutdown, and the plant is currently in a safe shutdown mode. At least one strong tornado swept through Tuscaloosa, leaving dozens of roads impassable and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses. Resident James Sykes said the massive twister was "like a silent monster. It was just moving at a steady rate and just demolishing everything in its path." Read the stories of tornado survivors . "It literally obliterated blocks and blocks of the city," Maddox, the Tuscaloosa mayor, said. He told CNN Thursday morning the devastation was "unparalleled ... the city's infrastructure has been absolutely decimated." The University of Alabama, located in Tuscaloosa, escaped mostly unscathed, but two students died. "From my understanding, these were two separate incidents," spokesman Bill McDaniel said. "The students are not believed to have been together." McDaniel did not have details on who the students were or where they were at the time. The university will not conduct final exams as scheduled next week and commencement has been rescheduled from May 7 to August 6, according to the school's website. Bentley activated 2,000 National Guard troops Wednesday night and said he will activate more if necessary. In Mississippi, Barbour said he had also activated the National Guard. National Guard spokesman Maj. Tom Crosson in Washington said about 120 troops were in Mississippi and 50 more in Arkansas. Witnesses recount tornado encounters . More than 1,700 people were treated for injuries at trauma centers and hospitals in Alabama, including those treated and released. A Facebook page was set up for users to claim photos and documents found strewn by the storms. "House mortgage from Tuscaloosa found in Rainbow City," said the caption on one photo. The two cities are 116 miles apart. Several meteorological conditions combined Wednesday to create a particularly dangerous mix, CNN's Morris said. "It is tornado season, but an intensive event like this only will occur maybe once or twice a year," he said. "It's very rare to have all these ingredients come together." Eight people died and 28 were hospitalized in the agricultural community of Apison, east of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Is severe weather affecting you? Share stories, photos and video . "We have an overabundance of volunteers and donated food," said county emergency services spokeswoman Amy Maxwell. Animals were among storm victims in Apison, Maxwell said. "We had to put down a horse that had a broken leg and another was killed when a barn collapsed on it." The town of Ringgold, Georgia, about 17 miles southeast of Chattanooga, was hit particularly hard, officials said. The storm also unleashed as many as 80,000 chickens in Pickens County, Georgia, after four huge coops were destroyed. A tornado severely damaged Reba Self's Ringgold home in a matter of seconds. For a time, she thought she had lost much more than just a place to live, as she frantically searched for her mother, who also lives in the house. Impact Your World: How to help . "I'm screaming for her, 'Answer me, Mom -- please, Mom, answer me.' I didn't hear anything. It turns out she had gotten out of the house and walked around to the basement door, and she asked me if I was OK." Self told CNN Radio she believes her mother is still in shock over what happened. The storms are being compared to the "super outbreak" of tornadoes April 3 and 4, 1974, Craig Fugate, the FEMA administrator, said Thursday. In that period, 148 tornadoes were reported in 13 states, and 330 people died. States affected were Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. CNN's Reynolds Wolf, Martin Savidge, Vivian Kuo, Devon Sayers, Dave Alsup, Phil Gast, Lesa Jansen, Ashley Hayes, Kevin Conlon, Barbara Starr, Ben Smith, Matt Cherry, Susan Candiotti and Wayne Drash contributed to this report. | Virginia revises death toll downward .
Two University of Alabama students are killed .
Nearly 1 million customers without power .
Death toll nears 200 in Alabama . |
175,483 | 6f1e4ae739831e63f2cb5ec086967f53a942c28e | By . Richard Hartley-parkinson . PUBLISHED: . 05:20 EST, 28 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:26 EST, 28 February 2013 . A royalist great-grandmother has died on her 100th birthday meaning she missed out on receiving a card from the Queen by six hours. Clara Asquith was looking forward to receiving the card which arrived at her home in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, at lunchtime, but she passed away at dawn. Her daughter, Maureen Hepplestone, 79, said her mother's health had been failing but she was determined to reach the milestone age on February 20. Clara Asquith (left) died on her 100th birthday hours before the postman arrived with a card from the Queen . She said: 'My mother wanted to reach her 100th birthday but also wanted to see the card from the Queen which would have meant so much. 'It is sad she died just a few hours before the card arrived and never saw it. She died at about dawn and the mail came at midday. 'She was looking forward to it and talked about it and would have been disappointed that she never got to see it. She had gone downhill the final week. 'My mother had a very long life and it is amazing to think she lived through two world wars and so many prime ministers. She must have seen so much. 'She just used to say I'll live to be 100 and to get my letter from the Queen, but she didn't go on about it. 'My mother was a staunch royalist and used to write letters to the Queen Mother about all sorts. It's a shame she never got to see her letter but I am going to frame it.' Clara was a royalist but she never got to see the message that was sent to her from the Queen (left) A farmer's daughter from Slaithwaite, she was married to Herbert Henry Asquith, who died on the eve of his 70th birthday. The pair met at a local skating rink and he worked for the family meat business. The mother-of-two was a committed Christian and worshipped at St Peter's Parish Church in Huddersfield for most of her life. Clara always took care of her appearance and rarely went out without hat and gloves. Mrs Hepplestone, from Golcar, said: 'She was known by all the staff in Peter's, the Huddersfield department store, and Boots, where she was always found at the beauty counter. 'She was very involved with the church, likes her gardening and liked visiting but had to stop that when she was 97.' Clara, who had nine grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters, lived independently until she was 97, after that she moved to Knowle Court care home in Golcar. Mrs Hepplestone has a sister Sylvia Schofield, 78. | Clara Asquith was born on February 20, 1913, and died on February 20, 2013 .
Died at dawn on her birthday and postman delivered card at lunchtime .
Daughter vows to frame the card from the Queen anyway . |
141,326 | 42bf26508baade25a30484cee86caa42ce4898cd | By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 05:56 EST, 31 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:08 EST, 31 October 2012 . Nine new species of colourful, tree-climbing tarantulas have been discovered in Brazil, including four from a mysterious, ancient genus once thought to have been extinct. The finds highlight how little is still known about the fauna of the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, a habitat which is under serious threat from human encroachment. 'Instead of the seven species formerly known in the region, we now have sixteen', said Dr Rogério Bertani, a tarantula specialist at the Instituto Butantan in Sao Paulo, who carried out the study. Pretty in pink: This shows the newly found Typhochlaena amma, from the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest mountain range in the state of Espirito Santo, Brazil . The so-called arboreal tarantulas are known from a few tropical places in Asia, Africa, South and Central America and the Caribbean. They generally have a lighter build, thinner bodies and longer legs than other kinds of tarantulas, which makes them better suited for their habitat. Increased surface area at the ends of their legs makes them better equipped to clamber across different surfaces, while their light build makes them more agile. Their core area is the Amazon, from where most of the species are known and normally very common, living in the jungle or even in domestic surroundings. 'Resurrected genus': A Typhochlaena costae specimen from from Brazilian cerrado in the state of Tocantins. Spiders of this genus are the smallest arboreal tarantulas in the world . Highlander: A specimen of the newly discovered Iridopelma katiae, which was found living inside bromeliads at the top of table mountains where trees are rare . Dr Bertani's findings have been . published in the open-access journal Zookeys, where he has described how . four of the new discoveries belong to the Typhochlaena genus that had . once thought to be extinct. Whether it's a shark or a tiny spider, there are many things out there that scare us. But we may not be in as much danger as we think as our fears can make objects seem much closer than they actually are. For fear can skew our perception of approaching objects, causing us to underestimate the distance of a threatening one, according to researchers from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and the University of London. The findings, published in Current Biology, show that emotion and perception are subtly intertwined in the mind. 'In a resurrected genus with a mysterious single species known from 1841, we have now five species,' he said. 'These . are the smallest arboreal tarantulas in the world, and their analysis . suggests the genus to be very old, so they can be considered relicts of a . formerly more widely distributed taxon'. Other discoveries include new species, . Pachistopelma bromelicola, which lives inside bromeliads, a type of . flowering plant which often contains water in overlapping leaf bases. 'Only a single species had been known to live exclusively inside these plants, and now we have another that specialized in bromeliads as well,' Dr Bertani said. A further species, Iridopelma katiae, was found living inside the same kinds of plants at the top of table mountains where trees are rare. 'This species also inhabits bromeliads, one of the few places for an arboreal tarantula to live that offer water and a retreat against the intense sunlight' he said. The discovery of all these new species outside the Amazon was unexpected and illustrates how little we know of the fauna surrounding us, even from hot spots of threatened biodiversity like the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest and the Cerrado (a kind of savannah vegetation). These species are highly endemic and the regions where they live are suffering high pressure from human activities, according to the research. Worse still, all these new species are colourful, which could attract the interest for capturing them for the pet trade, constituting another threat. | All discovered in the Brazilian Atlantic rainforest or nearby grasslands .
Finds illustrate how little we know about fauna in that biodiversity hot spot . |
229,568 | b545a21d2354faa8ab84ca6231b1784774b183cc | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 08:50 EST, 16 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 21:50 EST, 16 January 2013 . More than 8,000 New York City school bus drivers and matrons went on strike over job protection this morning, leaving some 152,000 students, many disabled, trying to find other ways to get to school. Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott said the strike started at 6 a.m. Wednesday. About 200 bus drivers and bus matrons were assembled on picket lines in the Queens section of the city. 'The first days will be extremely chaotic,' Walcott told 1010 WINS radio. 'It hasn't happened in New York City in over 33 years.' On strike: School bus drivers in New York City are taking industrial action today, no talks are planned . Taxi! Various methods of transport were employed by parents trying to get their children to school this morning as bus drivers went on strike. An unidentified woman, pictured, drops her children by taxi . The union did not immediately return calls and emails seeking comment. Most of the city's roughly 1.1 million public school students take public transportation or walk to school. Those who rely on the buses include 54,000 special education students and others who live far from schools or transportation. Parents have made plans to use subways, carpools and other alternatives, hitting slippery roads as sleet turned to rain around the city and temperatures were at or above freezing. The city has put its contracts with private bus companies up for bid, aiming to cut costs. The Local 1181 of the Amalgamated Transit Union says drivers could suddenly lose their jobs when contracts expire in June. School run: Alex Ndoka, left, accompanies Henry Ndoka, who usually rides school bus to his New York school. City officials have warned the strike could last for weeks but they will not negotiate with the union . The city plans to distribute transit cards to students who could take buses and subways and to reimburse parents who would have to drive or take taxis. 'We will get our children to school,' Walcott said. To do that, some parents had pieced together a patchwork of plans, such as a driving one child to one school and arranging a carpool to take a sibling to another school. The union announced Monday it would strike amid a complicated dispute. The city doesn't directly hire the bus drivers and matrons, who work for private companies that have city contracts. The workers make an average of about $35,000 a year, with a driver starting at $14 an hour and potentially making as much as $29 an hour over time, according to union President Michael Cordiello. Out of action: School buses were held in the depot this morning as bus drivers went on strike. Around 8,000 children have been affected . Negotiations: The City says it won't talk to union members as there is nothing they can do to placate their fears over putting the service out for private tender. The bus drivers want job protection which the City claims is impossible . Mayor Michael Bloomberg has said the city must seek competitive bids to save money. The union sought job protections for current drivers in the new contracts. The city said that the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals, has barred it from including such provisions because of competitive bidding laws; the union said that's not so. Asked if the city is prepared to go as long as the last school bus strike in 1979 which lasted 14 weeks, Walcott said on WINS Radio, 'This will go however long it goes. We have systems in place to support our parents and students.' Deadlock: Mayor Bloomberg says City will push ahead with plans to put school bus service contract out to a new competitive tender. The Schools Chancellor says there will be talks with the union on strike over the move . Walcott, who was making the rounds of radio and television news shows Wednesday morning, told WNBC-TV there were no talks scheduled. 'We're not negotiating. They want us to do something illegal. We can't do that at all. We're always open for communication ... It's not our responsibility and job to negotiate. They work for private companies.' 'How is it illegal to provide the most experienced drivers and matrons in the school buses?' Cordiello asked Tuesday.The contracts expire June 30. | Bus drivers begin their strike today leaving thousands, including disabled children, without transport to school .
City refuses to negotiate as Mayor Bloomberg says they must continue in plans to put bus contracts out to private tender - the move opposed by striking drivers .
Fear strikes will go on for weeks like a similar walk-out in 1979 which lasted for more than three months . |
74,671 | d3af17ef1f203241c1624dde20de496b2654f38e | By . Sean O'hare . PUBLISHED: . 05:34 EST, 2 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:20 EST, 2 January 2013 . Indian police have arrested a man who tried to blow up the house belonging to the driver of a Delhi bus on which a 23-year-old was gang-raped, as lawyers refuse to defend the accused rapists. A man was arrested on Monday after he was found with two homemade bombs outside the house of bus driver Ram Singh in south Delhi's RK Puram area. Two other men escaped arrest. Hearings are expected to begin on Thursday at the Saket district court . in south New Delhi, where police will formally present a 1,000-page . charge sheet against Singh and five others accused of raping the victim on December 16. Scroll down for video . Anger: Protests continued in Delhi on New Year's Day as it was revealed that the victim was thrown under a bus by her attackers, police sources said . Message: An Indian man arranges posters on a road during a protest to mourn the death of a gang rape victim in New Delhi . 'We have decided that no lawyer will stand up to defend the rape accused as it would be immoral to defend the case,' Sanjay Kumar, a lawyer and a member of the Saket District Bar Council, told AFP. It comes as the Indian government proposed to name a revised anti-rape law after the victim, a move her family referred to as an 'honour'. The father and brother of the girl said that 'if the government names the revised anti-rape law after her, we have no objection and it would be an honour to her'. Kumar said the 2,500 advocates registered at the court have decided to 'stay away' to ensure 'speedy justice', meaning the government would have to appoint lawyers for the defendants. Five men are expected to face charges including rape, murder and kidnapping in the Saket court, with the prosecutor likely to seek the death sentence. A sixth suspect is believed to be 17 years old, meaning he would be tried in a juveniles’ court, but police are conducting bone tests to determine his age. The rape victim died at the weekend after 13-day struggle to survive . injuries so severe that the majority of her intestines had to be removed. She . was gang raped and violated with an iron bar on a bus before being thrown from the moving vehicle at the end of a . 40-minute ordeal. Tense: The body of a young woman who was gang-raped and brutally beaten on a bus in India's capital was cremated but her family say she could have survived . Aware: The body of the tragic student victim was cremated amid tight security, police said . As protests about violence against women grow . louder in India, a 17-year-old school student has come forward to claim . she was sedated and raped by two men in the upscale south Delhi colony . of Safdarjung Enclave on New Year's Eve. The two men in their late 20s were arrested and sent to Tihar Jail. The . men, identified as Rajesh and Naveen Jain, work in IT companies, police . said. They were arrested Monday night and sent to Tihar after they were . produced at the Saket court. The victim had met one of the accused on a social networking site. She . met the man on Dec 31 at a south Delhi market and then asked her to . accompany him to a flat in Safdarjung Enclave. There he was joined by . his friend, police sources said. The two are then said to have . sedated her and took turns in raping her. They also warned her of dire . consequences if she revealed anything. Poignant: White lilies could be seen in the back of the ambulance as the body was transported through the city . | Lawyers refuse to defend six men accused of raping victim, 23, on Delhi bus .
Indian government prepares to name revised anti-rape law after victim .
Bus driver questioned over claims he tried to run victim over .
17-year-old claims two Delhi men sedated and raped her on New Year's Eve . |
63,663 | b4c52d0ebb152f8797ba21d95a6640a64970e8fb | Washington (CNN) -- Iraq is open for business, and American companies should make an effort to invest there, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said Friday. "President Obama and I and our government believe strongly that expanding economic opportunity is as essential as building democratic institutions," Clinton said while surrounded by executives from companies as far-ranging as Occidental Petroleum, JP Morgan Chase, General Electric, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin, in a round-table discussion aimed at getting companies focused on commercial opportunities in Iraq despite its current "tough environment." The meeting comes as the United States transitions from a military-led to a civilian-led partnership with the Iraqi government by the end of the year. The State Department is leading an inter-agency effort to support American companies in their efforts to secure commercial opportunities in Iraq. With one of the largest customer bases in the Arab world, along with one of the best-educated work forces in the region, Clinton said, Iraq poses significant opportunities for American companies. The International Monetary Fund has projected for Iraq to grow faster than China over the next two years, she said. The United States, through its embassy and consulates throughout the country, stands ready to assist American companies "to help create the conditions for investment and growth that will be broadly spread and create a ladder of economic opportunity for those willing to work hard," Clinton said. "Iraqis are looking to rebuild every sector of their economy, not only their oil sector but agribusiness, transportation, housing, banking and many others." With additional help from the Departments of Treasury, Energy and Agriculture, among others, the United States will actively support efforts of American businesses to set up operations to compete with Turkish, Chinese, French, Jordanian and Iranian companies already seeking business opportunities in Iraq. James Jeffrey, the U.S. ambassador to Iraq, is also working to establish an American Chamber of Commerce in Iraq to serve as an advocate for American businesses. Despite the opportunity Iraq offers, Clinton said, she would "not sugarcoat" the difficulties posed by the current working environment in Iraq. "There are still significant security challenges, bottlenecks in infrastructure, unclear regulations and, unfortunately, corruption. But as our Iraqi colleagues will tell you, they are working hard to make it easier to do business in Iraq for Iraqis and foreign investors alike." Clinton said the United States would also make it a priority to support the integration of women into the Iraqi work force. "I know that a lot of the best students in Iraqi universities happen to be women, and I hope that Iraq takes full advantage of half the population, ready to work, ready to roll up their sleeves to assist in the transformation of their country," she said. Thirty companies were represented at the event in the Benjamin Franklin room at the State Department. The Iraqi ambassador to the United States, Samir Sumaidaie, attended as well. | "Expanding economic opportunity" as essential as democracy, she says .
Federal agencies join forces to support U.S. companies in Iraq .
IMF says Iraq's growth will outpace China in two years, Clinton says . |
212,638 | 9f5661de449c00774785f1becfcea5c591f0ae94 | (CNN) -- The alleged "Barefoot Bandit" entered a not guilty plea during a federal court appearance Thursday, but a lawyer representing him said attorneys were working on the details of a plea agreement. Colton Harris-Moore gained notoriety and earned his nickname for allegedly leading police on a two-year manhunt while eluding capture in stolen boats, cars and planes -- usually while barefoot. In May, a federal judge added bank burglary to an indictment that contains five other federal charges stemming from Harris-Moore's dramatic July 2010 capture in the Bahamas. Four of the charges are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. His attorney, John Henry Browne, told reporters a draft of a plea agreement could be finished by the end of the day Thursday. Negotiations for a restitution amount are still under way, he said, adding that the amount will likely be about $1.3 million. Browne stressed that his 20-year-old client wants any money generated from likely book or movie deals to go to the victims. "There's a lot of interest, there's active negotiations," Browne said. "He really doesn't want publicity, but regardless of whether Colton cooperates or not, there is going to be a movie made about (him), there will be other books written about him. That's going to happen no matter what." Harris-Moore limped into court Thursday, but Browne noted that his client was smiling and joking. Browne said Harris-Moore is in "segregation" because officials are concerned about how he was injured. Browne attributed the limp to an injury Harris-Moore sustained during a volleyball game. As the "Barefoot Bandit," Harris-Moore garnered a loyal and outspoken fan base on Facebook -- at one point amassing more than 50,000 fans. He was arrested in July 2010 after allegedly crashing a stolen plane in the Bahamas and then trying to escape on a stolen boat. He'd been on the run from police since escaping from a Washington group home in 2008. Harris-Moore's trial is scheduled to begin July 11. | Colton Harris-Moore pleads not guilty to six federal charges .
Lawyer: A draft of plea agreement is expected soon .
Harris-Moore is accused of stealing boats, cars, and planes while eluding police capture .
Possible book and movie deals are in the works . |
149,603 | 4d6e3056ff7cba834ad91d860acf10c08bec2e7a | Zintan, Libya (CNN) -- Forces loyal to Moammar Gadhafi have unleashed their biggest attack yet against a rebel stronghold in the mountains of western Libya, one of the Libyan leader's former generals said Friday. The attack began at dawn Thursday, the former commander said. He now commands rebels in Zintan, using the name Hajj Usama. The attack began Thursday when about 150 of Gadhafi's infantry troops began firing on three fronts near Zintan, he said. They were supported by about 40 vehicles, including long-range "Grad" rocket launchers and 14.5 mm heavy machine guns with a range of 6 kilometers. Zintan lies about 90 miles southwest of the capital, Tripoli. Zintan, population 40,000, is at the eastern tip of a 170-mile ribbon of rebel-held mountains that stretch westward from the Tunisian border. After decades in the Libyan army, including a tour of duty in neighboring Chad, Hajj Usama said he now despises his former commander in chief, whom he called a terrorist. "He's never used infantry like this," said the trim, gray-bearded rebel commander. In previous battles, Hajj Usama said, Gadhafi's artillery forces had taken over nearby civilian housing in Zuwail al Bagul and shelled from a distance. Gadhafi's forces simultaneously attacked Thursday on three fronts, Hajj Usama said -- to the north of Zintan, firing Grad rockets into the eastern part of the nearby town of Rayayna, and attacking to the southeast and to the east of Zintan. In response, he dispatched hundreds of fighters to cut off Gadhafi's advance, Hajj Usama said. As of Friday night, one rebel was dead and three were wounded, one of them critically, he said. Fresh trenches cut deep in the stark, red sand here underscore the rebels' readiness to continue defending the town. The absence of Gadhafi's forces has buoyed the confidence of the rebel fighters. Some of the fighters who returned late Friday from the front lines -- crammed into the backs of pickup trucks -- appeared to be school-age. They carried only a handful of weapons, a few hunting rifles and old, bolt-action shotguns. Nevertheless, Hajj Osama said, "they are keen and determined to fight for their freedom." The attack that began Thursday, he speculated, was intended to regain control of Rayayna, population 12,000. Residents east of the town had "declared their support for the rebels a month ago," he said, while the rest of the town remains loyal to Gadhafi and his former head of internal security, Nasar al Mabout. Hajj Usama said al Mabout lives there. Since the raids began, Hajj Usama said, he has lost contact with rebels in Rayayna with the exception of one commander who managed to make the dangerous journey to Zintan after his house was destroyed in the shelling. As dusk fell Friday the shelling visible earlier from the roofs of Zintan abated. But shortly before 10 p.m., the attack resumed with sporadic barrages of gunfire. The rebels said the night shelling may have been intended to terrorize Zintan's residents so they would flee. Some have, but most were staying to brave out the battle they fear is far from over, Hajj Usama said. Early Friday, NATO jets pounded Libyan ports, destroying eight of Gadhafi's warships, an alliance spokesman said. NATO targeted the ships in Tripoli, Al-Khums and Sirte after it was apparent that Gadhafi's forces were increasingly using naval vessels to launch attacks on civilians, said Mike Bracken, NATO's military spokesman. Gadhafi was indiscriminately mining waters in Misrata and hampering the flow of humanitarian aid, Bracken said. "He was using maritime forces to lay mines. These were legal targets," Bracken said at a briefing in Brussels, Belgium. He did not say whether crew members were aboard when the ships were hit. The NATO campaign is progressing and Gadhafi's combat power had been severely curtailed, Bracken said. But the Libyan leader's forces continued their heavy shelling of Dehiba, on the Tunisian border, where thousands of refugees have amassed in recent weeks. The border crossing, through which humanitarian aid is often trucked in, was closed Friday. Along the southern borders, rebels had gained control of border crossings between Libya and Sudan and Libya and Chad and had regained control of Kufra in the southeast, according to a report by the International Medical Corps, which has teams in Libya and Tunisia. The global medical organization said rebel control along the Chad border was significant because supplies flow through there to Gadhafi's forces. "While control of the entire border will be difficult, the rebels are reported to have a large force in the region," it said. "The Niger and Morocco border crossings remain under Gadhafi control." Meanwhile, the African Union announced it will hold a two-day meeting of heads of state in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa next week to address the conflict in Libya, as well as other security issues in Africa. In another development, the family of South African freelance photojournalist Anton Hammerl, who has been missing in Libya since April, said late Thursday they believe he was killed by Libyan government forces. The statement was posted on the "Free photographer Anton Hammerl" Facebook page and followed interviews given in The New York Times, Global Post and The Atlantic by two journalists who said they were with him when he was shot. "On 5 April 2011, Anton was shot by Gaddafi's forces in an extremely remote location in the Libyan desert. According to eyewitnesses, his injuries were such that he could not have survived without medical attention," according to the Facebook statement. Hammerl was last reportedly seen in a remote region of the Libyan desert. He was reportedly captured by Gadhafi's forces near the town of al-Brega, a key oil town in eastern Libya, that has been the site of intense fighting. | NEW: The attack on Zintan began at dawn Thursday and continued through Friday .
African Union leaders to meet May 25-26 on Libyan conflict .
Overnight airstrikes target ships in three Libyan ports . |
138,658 | 3f4e2873d543dfab7f3f1ffe5852fb95c84b2989 | (CNN) -- The stubborn Beaver Creek wildfire has 1,200 firefighters toiling tirelessly in Idaho to keep it from spreading. The wildfire scorching Sun Valley, Idaho, has already consumed more than 100,000 acres, and threatened 5,000 homes. Sun Valley is home to many pricey spreads, including second homes reportedly owned by actors Tom Hanks and Bruce Willis. Lightning ignited the fire more than two weeks ago. Over the weekend, firefighters benefited from cloud cover and higher humidity. But they only managed to establish 9% by early Monday morning. Photos: 'Wall of fire' threatens homes . The forecast for the next couple of days brings both good and bad news. The rain from thunderstorms could help quench the flames, while lightning might spark new fires. Gov. Butch Otter had nothing but praise for the crews. "They look the worst for wear but you see that smile come across their face and their attitude about how they're being treated and how they're being supported by our local folks, by the county folks, the city folks (and) the state department of lands," he said. Academy Award-winning actor Richard Dreyfus was among those expressing gratitude. "The #beavercreekfire is ravaging my family's hometown, Ketchum, ID," Dreyfus posted on his official Twitter account. "Thank you, firefighters, and be safe. Houses aren't worth lives." The fire isn't the only one burning up Idaho. At least nine large fires have scorched 407,883 acres across Idaho, which is experiencing the most wildland fire activity of any state, according to the Boise-based National Interagency Fire Center. Meanwhile, a brush fire in Polk County, Oregon, destroyed a family's private vineyard. Its cause? Fire officials believe the owner hit rocks witha lawn mower sparking it. "That ignited the area around him, and before they could contain it, it started spreading, and as you can tell by the wind up here, it didn't take long for it to spread," Bill Hahn, fire chief of Southwest Polk, told CNN affiliate KOIN. Soggy South . Meanwhile, a stalled front stretching along the Gulf and Southeast Coasts will bring heavy rain through early this week, fueled by abundant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Flood watches and warnings are in place from the Florida panhandle to the Carolinas. Soils in this region are saturated, creating a potential for flash floods. Six inches of rain soaked southern Mississippi Sunday, leaving First United Gospel Assembly church in Gulfport surrounded by waist-deep water. "We were in service and we came out and it was flooded out here," Bishop Otis Rankin who told CNN affiliate WLOX, looking across the church parking lot. The only worse flooding, he said, was Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The flood waters hit William Harold too. "We're in a low lying area, so it floods from time to time, but I got up and there was actually two inches of water in the den," he said. "So we grabbed all the towels we could and started sopping up what we could." Rip currents . In South Florida, strong onshore winds and choppy surf stirred up rip currents throughout the weekend in South Florida, drowning an elderly couple off Miami Beach. Police said it was one of 50 incidents where swimmers had to rescued from the rough waters. The couple were swimming with a red float, appearing fine one minute and under water the next, witnesses told CNN affiliate WSVN. Beachgoers along with Ocean Rescue guards rushed to pull them from the water, according to WSVN. "They were in cardiac arrest when fire rescue arrived," said Capt. Adonis Garcia, spokesman for Miami Beach Fire Rescue. "We worked them all the way to the hospital at Mount Sinai when they were pronounced dead." CNN's Dave Alsup, Jessica Jordan, Paul Vercammen, Indra Petersons and Dana Ford contributed to this report. | Beaver Creek Fire has scorched more than 100,000 acres .
Half a foot of rain soaks southern Mississippi, floods Gulfport .
Rip currents drown elderly couple, rescue official said . |
268,550 | e7da726b36a455b6be4e0e52935bfcddea8548c0 | (CNN) -- A man fatally injured one person, then burst into a Wyoming college class Friday morning to kill another person and, ultimately, himself, police said. According to Casper police, "there were no firearms involved in the crime(s), and the (victims') injuries were caused by a sharp-edged weapon." It was not immediately clear how the three people -- one of whom was a Casper College faculty member -- were killed. "I've been a college administrator for about 40 years, (and) I can say without a doubt this is the worst day of my career," said college President Walter Nolte. Police Chief Chris Walsh did not immediately identify the three dead but said one was a woman and two were men, including the suspect. All of them knew each other, he added. Authorities got their first call shortly after 9 a.m. MT (11 a.m. ET) about "a traumatic injury on the campus of Casper College." About 33 law enforcement officers from various agencies arrived within minutes, according to Walsh. Casper College subsequently went on lockdown, as did the Natrona County Schools, as authorities tried to ascertain what happened. As they canvassed the Wold Physical Science Center building, officers found two dead bodies in a third-floor classroom, the police chief said. Meanwhile, two minutes after that first call, police learned of another "traumatic injury" at a site off-campus. Police are working under the assumption that this death is related to the other two and that the man behind all the violence is dead. "There is no one at large, and there's no threat of violence or anything like that," Walsh told reporters early Friday afternoon. The police chief said the suspect was not a current Casper College student, although he didn't elaborate or explain how the three dead knew each other. Walsh did say "the suspect appeared to be completely alone." | 3 are dead at two separate, but related crime scenes, according to police .
They were killed by "a sharp-edged weapon," though authorities did not elaborate .
The suspect "appeared to be completely alone," Casper's police chief says .
"This is the worst day of my career," the Casper College president says . |
24,677 | 45f64cde22659eb69d0f03716ec31e05378d2ce0 | A respected bishop was assaulted just weeks before his death by a carer who forced him to have cold showers and slapped his bottom, a court heard. The Rt Rev John Satterthwaite was suffering from dementia when he was 'subjected to unnecessary humiliation and degradation' by carer Kate Rogowski. The former Bishop of Gibraltar, known around the world for his past roles in the Anglican church, died aged 88 just weeks after the assault. Rogowski, 25, was found guilty of assaulting the Reverend after a trial at Preston Magistrates Court and was given an eight-week jail term. The Rt Rev John Satterthwaite died a month after his treatment at the hands of Kate Rogowski came to light . The vulnerable clergyman did not live to see justice done and died in Chorley Hospital in May last year - though his death is not related to the assault. The court heard he was a resident at The Lodge care home within the Buckshaw Village Retirement complex, near Chorley, Lancashire. Magistrates said Rogowski, of Buckshaw Village, 'acted in direct contravention of his care plan, causing him unnecessary humiliation and degradation by cold showering him and slapping his bottom' and had shown no remorse. It is understood a member of staff raised the alarm. Rt Rev Satterthwaite was Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe from 1980 to 1993 and had held previous roles as Bishop of Fulham and General Secretary of the Church of England's Council for Foreign Relations. He is considered to have played a major role in strengthening his church's relations with other denominations and in establishing an Anglican presence on the continent. He retired in 1993 and lived in Carlisle before moving to the rest home. The former Bishop of Gibraltar was suffering from dementia and living the Lodge care home within the Buckshaw Village Retirement complex, near Chorley, Lancashire at the time of the assault . DC Carl Matthews, who investigated the case, said: 'This victim was a vulnerable member of the community who has been subjected to ill treatment at the hands of one of the people who were entrusted to care for them. 'Rogowski showed total contempt for his well-being, displaying shameful behaviour that should never be tolerated. Thankfully this behaviour is not a true reflection of the majority of the care staff.' The Diocese of Carlisle and the Diocese of Blackburn have issued a joint statement saying: 'We are really shocked to discover this sad end to the very distinguished life of Bishop John. 'He was a tremendous character with a huge fund of interesting stories about his time as Bishop of Europe. 'Bishop John was much loved by the very many people who knew him. All people deserve respect, but especially the most vulnerable in our society. We pray for all those who work for older people.' Preston Magistrates Court heard Rogowski caused the clergyman 'unnecessary humiliation and degradation' A spokesman for HICA, which manages The Lodge, said: 'We are gravely saddened for the resident that this situation occurred and we appreciate how distressing this is for the person and their family members and the team currently working at the home. 'At HICA we have a zero tolerance approach to any forms of abuse and our safeguarding policy and training ensures that any issues such as these are reported immediately and action taken. 'As a not-for-profit organisation our only objective is to provide, safe, caring, responsive, effective and well-led care services and we are proud to be working with both safeguarding departments and the police across all areas of our operation to ensure that poor practice such as this is stamped out in the care sector.' | Former Bishop of Gibraltar was known around the world for church role .
He was suffering from dementia and living in a care home in Lancashire .
Carer at home slapped him and forced him into cold shower, court heard .
The clergyman tragically died a month after the incident came to light .
Carer is now jailed as church demands respect for the elderly . |
171,276 | 69ad47476885f729ccdcc8f31387011a03b41a26 | By . Becky Evans . PUBLISHED: . 05:24 EST, 29 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:30 EST, 29 January 2013 . Oceanographer Dr Tim Boyd, 54, died after being hit by a bolt of lightning on Sunday as he walked his dog . A scientist has died after apparently being struck by lightning as he walked his dog. Internationally respected oceanographer Dr Tim Boyd, 54, was found by a passer-by after being hit by a bolt on the Jubilee Bridge, near his home in Port Appin, Argyll, on Sunday. Emergency services were called but they were unable to save the American-born scientist. The father-of-two worked at the Scottish Association of Marine Science (Sams) in Oban. It is the second tragedy to hit the association in just over a week. Christopher Bell, 24, a PhD student who worked at Sams, was one of four people killed in the Glencoe avalanche on January 19. A spokesman for the association said they are 'grief-stricken about the tragic death' of Dr Boyd. He said: 'We suffer deep pain and confusion to lose such a lively and warm friend and colleague. 'Our . hearts go out in particular to his wife and his two talented daughters . he was so very, very proud of. Our thoughts are with his family.' Dr Boyd joined Sams in 2007 from Oregon State University and was a well-respected physical oceanographer 'with internationally recognised expertise in Arctic oceanography'. The association spokesman added: 'Thanks to his outgoing personality and easy-going nature he established himself quickly as a key researcher at Sams. 'Tim was also a talented lecturer who will be sorely missed by his students. A passer-by alerted emergency services after finding oceanographer Dr Boyd on Jubilee Bridge, near Port Appin, Argyll, pictured . 'Tim Boyd pursued his research work with . passion and integrity and was always willing to advise and support . colleagues. 'He truly enjoyed his science and we will all miss our . discussions with him. Tim was a man of energy and generosity who will be . deeply missed by friends and colleagues near and far. 'We all feel loss and hurt, and will always remember the contributions he made to oceanography, Arctic science and Sams.' Another colleague said last night that about 200 people work at the association but that it is a 'tight-knit group'. The . colleague told the Daily Record: 'We were just trying to get to grips . with the news of the death of Chris in the avalanche and now Tim has . died as well. 'It's two awful tragedies - and our thoughts obviously go out to the families of both Chris and Tim.' A large storm in the area at the time knocked down power and phone lines and it is understood he was struck by lightning. Dr Boyd's colleague at the Scottish Association of Marine Science Christopher Bell, 24, pictured, died in the Glencoe avalanche last weekend . A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said: . 'Police were called to a report of the sudden death of a 54-year-old . man in Port Appin, Argyll, around 1.25pm on Sunday. 'There . would appear to be no suspicious circumstances; however, a post mortem . will be carried out in due course to establish the exact cause of death. A full report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.' Dr Boyd pioneered the development of the Autonomous Underwater Vehicle technology programme at Sams. Sams director Professor Laurence Mee told staff in an email that Dr Boyd had been killed by a lightning strike, according to The Record. It read: 'We are all very shaken by this and we will do everything possible to help Tim's family, for whom this is devastating.' On average, about three people die from lightning strikes in the UK each year, and between 30 and 60 people are hit. | Dr Tim Boyd was walking his dog when he was hit by a bolt during a storm .
The father-of-two worked at the Scottish Association of Marine Science .
It is the second tragedy to hit the association in a week .
Last weekend PhD student Christopher Bell died in the Glencoe avalanche . |
141,430 | 42e164b38470bcf8eb3092a0881c6567ff9ed95a | By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 07:55 EST, 31 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:36 EST, 3 April 2012 . The mother of a Blackpool teenager who died after falling into the sea, has paid a tribute to her 'perfect boy'. David Sagar, 17, fell backwards from the sea wall into the water near Gynn Square, in the North Shore area of the resort, on Friday afternoon. His friends alerted emergency services who launched two lifeboats and the teen was pulled out of the sea. Tragic: David Sagar, 17, right, was sitting on the sea wall opposite Gynn Square, North Shore, on Friday when it is believed he fell backwards into the water. His mother Anne-Marie Sagar, left, today paid a heartbreaking tribute to her 'perfect boy' But despite frantic attempts to resuscitate him, David was pronounced dead on the shore. Police said they were treating the death as a tragic accident. But it is still unclear what led to David's death - he may have had difficulty keeping his head above water in the cold sea after the shock of falling, -or if he hit the wall as he fell, this may have impacted his ability to stay afloat. Speaking from her home in Blackpool, David’s mother, Anne-Marie Sagar, 34, said her son was 'loved by everyone'. She said: 'David was the sweetest boy and everybody only had the best things to say about him. 'He was with two close friends who he had known for a long time when it happened. 'I can’t believe I’m not going to see him again. I keep looking up the street thinking he is going to walk down it. Police say they are treating David's death as a tragic accident . 'I just want him back and I wish I could turn the clocks back and have him here.' Flowers and messages have been laid at the spot where David died at 4.25pm on Friday. His mother has written a touching . tribute in chalk which reads: 'David, my perfect boy. I love you more . than words can describe.' Ms Sagar, a trainee teacher, added: 'David made everyone laugh and smile and he was sunshine to everybody. 'He was loved by everyone because he was funny, cool, sweet and never did anything bad. 'He was a handsome boy. He never smoked or drank alcohol and he only ever went out with his friends and played video games. 'He used to tell me he loved me all the time.' David, who passed his GCSEs last . summer, was looking for work before he started a college course in . September. It had been his dream to work with children. His sister Alicia, 15, added: 'He was my idol and my best friend.' David’s grandmother Christine Sagar, . 57, added: 'He was a wonderful lad and . it’s wrong he should be taken from us. 'There’s nothing bad anyone can say about him because he was awesome.' Danger: The seas off Gynn Square are notorious and more than a dozen people have died there in the last 30 years . David’s best friend from school Joe . Wrigler, 16, from Blackpool, said: 'He never did anything . wrong - this is not fair. 'He always used to try and make something funny that wasn’t and make the best out of it.' Police said they were treating David’s death as a tragic accident. The seas off Gynn Square are notorious and more than a dozen people have died there in the last 30 years. Two school friends from Blackpool died there in 2005 when they were swept to their deaths. And police officers Colin Morrison, . Gordon Connolly and Angela Bradley died when they tried to save a . holidaymaker in the sea in January 1983. | David Sagar, 17, was sitting on the sea wall opposite Gynn Square, in Blackpool, on Friday afternoon when he fell backwards into the water .
Police said they were treating David’s death as a tragic accident . |
110,529 | 1a7ce2f2ed5f356e3b71c91101858cd3bad86a54 | (CNN) -- Super Bowl fans in Tucson, Arizona, caught a different kind of show during Sunday's big game. Just as Cardinals' superstar Larry Fitzgerald watched himself sprint into the end zone on the stadium's Jumbotron during Sunday's Super Bowl, 10 seconds of eye-popping pornographic imagery "flashed" across the screens of those watching at home. "We are mortified by last evening's Super Bowl interruption, and deeply apologize to our customers for the inappropriate programming," Comcast Cable said in a written statement. "Our initial investigation suggests this was an isolated malicious act," the statement added. Comcast, and several local television stations that carried the signal, say they are currently investigating what caused the interruption. "It appears this material was only viewed by some Comcast customers," local Tucson television station KVOA-TV said in a written statement. Television station KVOA added "when the NBC feed of the Super Bowl was transmitted from KVOA to local cable providers and through over-the-air antennas, there was no pornographic material," KVOA President and General Manager Gary Nielsen said in a separate statement. | Tucson, Arizona, viewers see 10 seconds of porn during Super Bowl .
Snippet apparently seen by viewers with cable .
Comcast Cable and local stations looking into the interruption . |
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