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49,192 | 8aefcb0d0688bd7f82470e1f1d179ee92f90e402 | By . Nicole Lampert . We've had The Great British Bake Off, now it's what you might call The Great British Rake Off as a new BBC show pits more members of the public - this time gardeners - against each other in the hobby they love. And The Big Allotment Challenge is not for the weak-willed, insist the competitors - there are plenty of tears among the tomatoes and turnips. 'This is the tough end of reality television,' says Edd Curbishley, a Northamptonshire sales manager who competes in the show in partnership with his yoga teacher wife Harshani. Fern Britton with the judging panel of The Big Allotment Challenge, from left to right, Fern Britton, Jim Buttress, Thane Prince, Jonathan Moseley . 'It's nothing like those namby-pamby bakery programmes. This was four months of solid graft, and everyone rose to the challenge.' In the six-part series, presented by Fern Britton and filmed last year during the growing season, nine pairs of gardeners are given a patch of ground in the scenic gardens of Mapledurham House in Oxfordshire. JIM BUTTRESS . A Royal Horticultural Society judge and former head of Royal Parks . Greenwich, Jim’s a huge fan of grow-your-own and is a regular sight . around the country judging allotment produce in his trademark bowler . hat. THANE PRINCE . Cook and author Thane used to appear on Ready, Steady Cook and is best . known for her books on chutneys and jams. She spent ten years running a . cookery school in Suffolk and now lives in London. JONATHAN MOSELEY . A resident of the Peak District and one of Britain’s leading floral . designers, Jim has been inspiring and entertaining audiences with his . demonstrations, workshops and classes for more than 20 years. They each have 15 weeks to work on their allotment for up to 30 hours a week in a bid to come up with prize-winning fruit, vegetables, flowers and herbs. Most of the contestants spend their entire weekends there after a week doing their day job. And not only do they have to be green-fingered - they must also show culinary and flower-arranging skills. Each week the contestants face three challenges, ranging from showing off their radishes and making bouquets from flowers they've grown to coming up with delicious conserves made from their produce. There are three expert judges: the Royal Horticultural Society's Jim Buttress, who looks at the quality of their produce, floral designer Jonathan Moseley, who gives the verdict on their flower arranging, and celebrity cook Thane Prince, who tastes their curds and jams. Silver-haired Jim has already been dubbed the Paul Hollywood of the gardening world, and several contestants go a bit dizzy over him. 'Oh, I'd start a Jim Buttress fan club,' says Michelle Stacey, a mother-of-two from Bexley in Kent. 'He has a way about him you just can't help loving. There's an attraction there that most women will get. He has the highest accolades in horticulture but he's never condescending.' But the real stars are the great British public, as assembled by the producers. Take Edd, 53, and Harshani, 45, who as well as trying to grow produce on a weekly timetable have the extra headache of trying to time their planting in tune with the moon's phases. Contestants - Edd Curbishley and his wife Harshani . 'We've gardened bio-dynamically as a hobby for quite a few years now,' says Harshani. 'There's a two-week window when you can plant every month, and you're meant to plant different things - flowers, fruits, roots - on different days. It's all plotted out with science, looking at the light levels and energy to give them their best harvest.' But that isn't an easy system to follow when you're living more than an hour away from the patch you're tending. 'For the TV series, we only managed to do about 50 per cent of our growing bio-dynamically,' says Harshani sadly. 'We both work so we weren't always able to get there when we needed to.' However, the couple have a secret weapon: Harshani's yoga mantras, which she chants to the plants to give them good energy. 'It's something I do in the greenhouse at home,' she says. 'Plants are living things and they like that energy.' And what did their rivals think of this Prince Charles-like behaviour? 'Erm, they thought it was a bit different,' says Edd. But they aren't the only unconventional allotment growers among the show's contestants. Michelle Stacey and her mother-of-four sister-in-law Sally Green, both 44, are blonde, glamorous and like to wear vintage dresses and heels while gardening. 'We use our heels as diggers and false . nails to scoop up seeds. We're certainly not . stereotypical gardeners - when we first turned up on our allotment we . got some funny looks'Michelle Stacey . 'We use our heels as diggers and false nails to scoop up seeds,' says Michelle, laughing. 'We're certainly not stereotypical gardeners - when we first turned up on our allotment we got some funny looks, but once people got to know us they could see that we knew what we were doing. She continues, 'There are lots of stereotypes about gardeners; on TV they're usually men wearing flat caps. We want to prove a point - that anyone can garden. I get sick of the shows where only middle-class men are allowed to have an opinion on gardening.' Their passion for gardening started when Michelle's parents got an allotment. 'When they first started we all said, “What have you got an allotment for?” But then we fell in love with it. It's a brilliant way of getting organic fruit and veg without paying supermarket prices.' They admit to having been among the teariest of the contestants. 'There were lots of tears, especially when someone had to go,' says Michelle. But she adds, 'We know we look a bit fluffy but we knew we could use the fact that people would underestimate us to our advantage.' Others have secret weapons of their own. For teacher Kate Bennett and her best friend of over 30 years, retired university lecturer Eleanor Waterhouse, it's llama droppings. The pair, from Winchester, Hampshire, both 63, each have a llama: Latimer (named after the character Lumpy Latimer from a Joyce Grenfell sketch) and Llama (pronounced 'Yama', in the Spanish fashion). Sally Green and her sister-in-law Michelle Stacey . 'I found out the properties of llama droppings when I went to a llama farm and the farmer collected some, saying it can sell on the internet for a fantastic price,' says Kate. 'A few years ago my husband and I got the chance to buy a neighbour's field so we thought we couldn't do better than buy an aesthetic lawnmower - a llama. So we bought two boys, and Eleanor and I collect their droppings and use it on our garden. It's good for everything from root vegetables to roses and was our secret weapon; we knew no one else would have it.' Meanwhile, IT specialists and best friends Gary Murdock, 46, and Pete Taylor, 42, have more of a game plan than a secret weapon. The pair, who share an allotment in Hove, East Sussex, admit their main aim is to not come last. 'We specialise in doing as little as possible but having successful results,' says Pete. 'We have our own website which shows our successes and our mistakes; we're open about how rubbish we are.' Rather than working, they enjoyed the social aspect of the show; all the contestants have come away as firm friends after spending so many weekends together. 'The closest we came to hard work was watching everyone else doing it,' adds Pete. The pair are a contrast to the duo the others deemed the most competitive: teacher Ed Bond, 37, and his wife's best friend's father Alex Lomax, who's retired. The Wiltshire pair had never gardened together before the show - Alex, 68, stepped in when Ed's first partner pulled out because of the time commitment needed - but they quickly found a common love in organisation. While other contestants jot their plans on the backs of envelopes, these two have whiteboards. 'Why would you enter a competition and not want to win?' says Alex. 'We were competitive in an open way and if anyone asked us about our plans we'd generally tell them. And we helped another team out when they lost some seedlings. I'd say a few of the teams were probably even more competitive but with a more covert style.' Even these two had their teary-eyed moments, though. 'Erm yes, when we realised we were candidates for elimination and also when some of our friends went,' says Alex. But despite the rivalry and tears, this appears to have been a peculiarly friendly competition. 'Yes, there were 18 of us and we were all very different in many ways, but we had one thing in common,' says Kate. 'We all love growing.' The Big Allotment Challenge starts on 15 April at 8pm on BBC2. The accompanying book is published by Hodder & Stoughton on Thursday, £20. | A new series on BBC2 will put gardeners to the test .
The green fingered contestants will demonstrate skills from veg growing to flower arranging .
Contestants on the show warn that there will be a few tears and tantrums . |
120,095 | 2737dbec3304f3f328808e623248bee3cf78efae | It has been claimed that Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis had a long-running personal vendetta against Channel 7 and in particular their Sunrise program. Monis spent six years lobbying the Australian media watchdog over what he perceived were breaches of broadcasting regulations involving Sunrise news segments. The hostage-taker died along with two of the 17 hostages he took in the Lindt Cafe in Martin Place just metres from Channel 7's Sunrise studio last week. The attack took place so near 7's offices it prompted speculation the Sunrise studio was his target from the very beginning, but that his initial plans went awry. Fairfax revealed that the 50-year-old first complained in mid-2007 to the ACMA about a Sunrise program broadcast on July 4 of that year. Scroll down for video . Sunrise's David Koch consoles fellow presenter Natalie Barr after she breaksdown live on television during the Sydney siege . Monis' dispute with the ACMA and Seven back then apparently was not triggered by 7's current affairs expose of his anti-Afghan soldier letter-writing campaign and online videos in 2008, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. Rather his perceived hatred for the channel and Sunrise was that he alleged a guest on the program had commented about the Glasgow terror attacks and had indirectly provided instructions for terrorism and had therefore breached terrorism laws. Over the next six years he was obsessed with Sunrise and the area it was located in. During this time correspondence associated with the dispute about Seven and the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) that Monis sent to other authorities, contain numerous references to ‘Martin Place’ and ‘acts of terrorism’. Man Haron Monis had a personal vendetta with the Sunrise program since July 2007 . The Sunrise team have proven to be very popular with viewers . Lindt Cafe in Martin Place where the Sydney siege took place is just metres from Channel 7's Sunrise studio . For years afterwards Monis made reference to the Sunrise program. Throughout 2012, he maintained a website on which he posted just one statement which said: ‘That from 2001 I was silent, I was dead. ‘Until 4th July 2007 I was in a deep sleep. Sunrise woke me up! God can awaken a person by many different means even by a terrorist broadcast from the program Sunrise on Channel Seven from the Australian TV! I thank God and I won't give up until the Australian government condemns that broadcast which was instructing terrorism.’ Sunrise's regular hosts Samantha Armytage and David Koch . Monis sent numerous ranting letters to authorities complaining about Sunrise's coverage . In later ranting letters to other authorities about the Channel 7 program he bemoaned the failure’ of it to investigate ‘terrorist acts at Martin Place, Sydney, Australia’. A spokesman for Channel 7 said the station was making no comment on Monis while the siege investigation was ongoing. Sunrise in its current format began in 2002. It’s presented by David Koch and Samantha Armytage and follows Seven Early News. Runing from 6am to 9am, it’s followed by The Morning Show. Like most breakfast shows it delivers segments on news, views, entertainment and humour. | Sydney siege gunman Man Haron Monis spent six years lobbying the Australian media watchdog over Sunrise stories .
The attack took place so near 7's offices it prompted speculation the Sunrise studio was the real target .
Over six years Monis was obsessed with Sunrise and the Martin Place area it was located in .
‘Until 4th July 2007 I was in a deep sleep. Sunrise woke me up!' the gunman said . |
214,539 | a1cb49c2600cbb606f3e20832b8dac68c5904b39 | (CNN) -- An audio message believed to be from al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri sought to halt infighting among jihadist groups in Syria, urging them instead to turn their arms against Shiites. In a 26-minute audio message posted on a jihadist website Friday, al-Zawahiri called on the Syria's al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat al-Nusra, also known as al-Nusra Front, to stop fighting the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). CNN cannot independently verify the authenticity of the message. A voice that appears similar to previous messages from al-Zawahiri ordered al-Nusra general commander "Abu Mohammed al-Joulani and soldiers in al-Nusra front, and all other mujahedeen groups in Syria, to immediately stop fighting and aggression against their brothers and all Muslims, and should focus on fighting the enemies of Islam from Baathists, (Alawites) and their Shiite allies." The al Qaeda leader also passed on orders for ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his followers to focus on the fight in Iraq, where sectarian violence has reached the highest levels in more than five years, often pitting Sunnis, a minority in Iraq, against Shiite Muslims. "Focus on Iraq even if you felt that you have been oppressed and taken advantage of, to stop this bloodshed and focus [on] enemies of Allah and Sunni people in Iraq," the message said. The call for a truce among jihadist groups comes as some 60,000 people have been forced to flee the northern Syrian province of Deir Ezzor in recent days amid clashes between the rival organizations, the London-based opposition group, Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said via Facebook Saturday. At least 62 fighters have been killed in fighting over the past four days, the SOHR said. The clashes pit Jabhat al-Nusra and another group against ISIS, according to the SOHR. Al Qaeda splinter group ISIS this week staged bodies to look like they were crucified in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa. The group said the brutal display served to send a message to anyone who dares challenge its rule. The group carried out seven public executions in Raqqa on Tuesday, but only two bodies were displayed afterward, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The men in Raqqa were shot in the head before being affixed to crosses. The displays of their bodies appear to be largely symbolic acts by ISIS followers against members of their own Sunni Muslim sect for perceived acts of treason. As Syria's civil war creates a power vacuum, groups such as ISIS have stepped in with their own form of radical Sharia law to rule over an exhausted and terrorized civilian population. In a recent long-ranging interview, al-Zawahiri urged Muslims to capture Westerners as pawns that might be used to free prisoners aligned with his movement. Asked what he'd tell "Muslims and the mujahedeen" -- a term used for some Islamist militants -- to do to "fulfill their duty" toward their allies in custody, al-Zawahiri said last week, "I advise them to capture Westerners -- and especially the Americans, as much as they can -- to exchange them for our captives." Al-Zawahiri touched on an array of topics in a question-and-answer session with al Qaeda's media arm, audio of which was published on the radical Islamist website Hanein. CNN could not independently verify the authenticity of the recording. In the first part of the interview, which was posted online two weeks ago, al-Zawahiri insisted al Qaeda is holding strong and, in fact, "expanding" 13 years after the United States launched its "war on terror" following the September 11, 2001, attacks. | Ayman al-Zawahiri calls for truce between Jabhat al-Nusra, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria .
He orders ISIS to focus on Iraq, where violence has reached the highest levels in years .
Some 60,000 people have fled Syrian province Deir Ezzor amid clases between the rival groups . |
67,689 | c000596ff145c9b2c8a16835d954092e0d0e9ce8 | (CNN) -- The first person ever convicted in Idaho of knowingly spreading the HIV virus is facing new charges for the same offense, authorities said Thursday. An Ada County, Idaho, grand jury on Tuesday returned an indictment charging Kerry Thomas, 45, with seven counts of knowingly transferring the HIV virus, Jean Fisher, Ada County deputy prosecutor, told CNN. In 1990, Thomas was charged with four counts of HIV transmission and two counts of statutory rape, Fisher said. As part of a plea agreement, he pleaded guilty only to the rape charges. According to Fisher, Thomas received a 12-year sentence and had to serve three years before being eligible for parole. He was later granted early release. In 1996, however, Thomas was again charged with one count of HIV transmission, and a jury convicted him, Fisher said. He received a 15-year sentence with a seven-year minimum. Now out on parole, Thomas faces possible life in prison on the new charges because prosecutors are seeking his designation as a "persistent violator." It was not immediately known whether Thomas was in custody Thursday. He was not listed online among the inmates in the Ada County Jail. Asked why Thomas would continue to spread the virus, which causes AIDS, Fisher said, "That's the $64,000 question, for a person who has been to prison twice." | Kerry Thomas was indicted for second time for knowingly transferring HIV virus .
In 1990, Thomas was charged with four counts of HIV transmission .
If convicted, Thomas could face life in prison . |
229,796 | b5953e06f967031b17f82b69c49a32b25f59c628 | By . Helen Lawson . PUBLISHED: . 03:35 EST, 2 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:08 EST, 2 August 2013 . Bryan Farrow, 36, confronted his dentist Neil Chapple at his practice with a 3ft scaffolding pole and challenged him to a fight outside . A man who was unhappy with his dental treatment stormed into his dentist's surgery and threatened him with a 3ft scaffolding pole. Bryan Farrow, 36, accused Neil Chapple of 'messing up' his teeth during a confrontation while Mr Chapple was treating another patient. Farrow had asked the receptionist at Halstead Dental Care in Halstead, Essex, if the dentist was at work before leaving the building and returning minutes later armed with the pole. Prosecutor Sarah Vine told Chelmsford Crown Court: 'He walked into the . room where Mr Chapple was treating a patient and went up to Mr Chapple . and said: "You messed up my teeth. You and me outside". 'Farrow was shaking and looked anxious and Mr Chapple said: "What have I done?". 'Farrow replied: “Come outside you smarmy ****. You ****** my teeth up".' Farrow left the room and was heard saying to a receptionist: ‘Look at these smiley teeth’. He said he was going to sue Mr Chapple. Farrow then left the surgery saying ‘sorry’ and put the pole in the boot of his car. He was arrested later by police after the incident at 2.15pm on May 20. Farrow, of Stanway, Essex, has been jailed for 12 months after admitting threatening behaviour and possessing the pole. He also admitted a charge of damage for picking paint off a cell wall while he was in custody. He has also been banned from contacting Mr Chapple or attending his practice. A judge told Farrow, who refused to have legal representation in court, that the incident had been 'shocking, unpleasant and disgraceful'. Farrow asked staff at Halstead Dental Care, pictured, if Mr Chapple was in, then left the building to return moments later armed with the pole . A pre-sentencing report said that Farrow disputed witnesses' account of the confrontation and said the facts had been twisted. Recorder John Gallagher offered him the chance to get a lawyer four times, telling him: 'I’m going to give you one final chance . to get legal advice. 'A lawyer may be able to persuade me to reduce any . prison sentence. Have you got anything to say?' Farrow replied: 'Not really'. | Bryan Farrow confronted Neil Chapple while he was treating another patient .
Farrow told the dentist: 'You messed up my teeth. You and me outside'
He pleaded guilty, was jailed for 12 months and refused legal representation . |
11,113 | 1f95fbfb2411b0601354e44b9ffac35516c1b335 | Cambridge, Massachusetts (CNN) -- In the coming weeks, Congress will attempt to forge a health care bill from proposals developed by five House and Senate committees. The final bill will likely include a mandate that most Americans buy health insurance, subsidies for the purchase of insurance and bans on denial of coverage based on pre-existing conditions. The bill may also include a "public option," government insurance that would compete with private insurance. The underlying presumption behind this legislation is that government health insurance should be expanded to cover the uninsured. This presumption is wrong. Government should not subsidize health insurance -- for the uninsured, the poor, the elderly or anyone else -- or regulate health insurance markets. Here's why. Subsidizing health insurance means that patients and doctors are insulated from the costs of health care, so they utilize too much -- often in the form of unnecessary tests or medical procedures whose value hasn't been proven. This excess demand, along with technological progress, means rapidly growing deficits, so governments limit reimbursements to health providers or ration care. This kills innovation and creates its own inequities. The taxes necessary to fund subsidies are a drag on economic growth. The reason the Obama administration and congressional Democrats are seeking to cover the uninsured is that health insurance is expensive. Without government support, many people could not afford health insurance. The conventional wisdom is that government should therefore subsidize health insurance for those who cannot afford it. This confuses two issues: whether government should help the poor, and how government should help the poor. If society wants everyone to have health insurance, the obvious approach is to give the poor enough money so that individuals can purchase on their own. Just because people want government to help the poor doesn't require it to pay for specific kinds of goods. If some people do not purchase insurance and then become ill, they would have to rely on private charity. Now one possible objection to designing anti-poverty programs in this way -- cash transfers, but no subsidies for health insurance -- is that it would require a lot of cash. That is not a convincing objection. Health insurance is just as expensive if provided as a separate benefit. The cash approach makes clear just how much money is involved, but it does not increase the amount. The other possible objection to the cash transfer approach holds that, if left unregulated, private health insurers would deny coverage based on pre-existing conditions. Thus, some people might get no health insurance at all. This outcome is unlikely, however, assuming health insurance is unregulated. In that case, insurers would set higher premiums for the unhealthy, but they would cover anyone willing to pay a sufficiently high price. Thus, the question is whether society should compensate those who face higher prices because of their health status? The answer is no. Advocates for such compensation would suggest that it is basic fairness for society to insure people against the bad luck of being born with lousy genes. Many differences in health status, however, arise from behavior: heart disease from overeating, lung cancer from smoking, and cirrhosis from drinking, to name a few. If society compensates everyone for differences in their health status, it is often rewarding unhealthy behavior, perhaps even encouraging it. In addition, it is logical for society to treat the differences in financial well-being due to health in the same way it treats differences due to IQ, athletic ability, race, country of origin, family background, and so on. These and other factors mean that some people, through no fault of their own, face hard financial circumstances, whether because of their ability to earn income or because of the higher prices they face for certain goods, such as health insurance. Yet if society tried to equalize all differences resulting from, say, IQ, it would kill the incentive to work hard and destroy the economy's productive capacity. Thus, most people believe society should reduce these differences -- by helping the poor -- but most also recognize that society should not attempt to eliminate all differences. This same tradeoff -- between helping the least fortunate and promoting an efficient economy -- applies in the case of health insurance. A reasonable balance is for government to provide a social safety net that protects the poor and allows them to purchase some health insurance on their own. An alternative is to provide health insurance vouchers, but only to the poorest segment of society. Guaranteeing health insurance for everyone is too costly, and it means worse health care for everyone. That is why Obamacare, and existing subsidies for health insurance, are treatments that are worse than the disease. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Jeffrey Miron. | Miron: Government should not subsidize health insurance .
Public health insurance will increase costs and reduce quality, he says .
Providing everyone with health insurance rewards unhealthy behavior, Miron says .
Miron: Give the poor health insurance vouchers instead of public insurance . |
199,769 | 8e9df7b8fe17dc3e947de9a0c81525d98d769693 | Any move by our national game to bring back football in place of professional wrestling can expect the support of Sepp Blatter. When FIFA’s president revealed exclusively to me in an interview screened at the SoccerEx convention in Manchester that he would be pioneering more new technology, we also discussed the plague of arm-grappling, head-locking, shirt-pulling and body slamming which is infecting and disfiguring the beautiful game. Having disclosed his plans for following up goal-line technology with video challenges by managers and coaches against refereeing decisions, Blatter addressed the epidemic use of arms in challenges, saying: ‘This is the next issue we need to examine.’ Sportsmail has now launched a campaign entitled Hands Off In The Box, which highlights how this abuse of the laws and spirit of the game is at its ugliest from corners and free kicks. This penalty box incident caused controversy in Sunday's Manchester United vs Chelsea clash - on the left, Branislav Ivanovic wrestles with Chris Smalling while on the right, John Terry grapples Marcos Rojo . This reverse angle shows Rojo push Terry to the floor while Smalling can be seen with his arm around the neck of Ivanovic in the background . Proposals are being tabled for a summit meeting between leading referees and officials of the FA, the Premier and Football Leagues and the PFA. Since the laws of the game already prohibit the use of hands and arms, all it will take is for a consensus to be reached. Then club managers can be advised how rules are to be applied more strictly. No matter how draconian the implementation of the regulations, they can act confident of approval from the governing body of the world game. In fact, they can set an example to be followed around the planet, all the way up to World Cups. Blatter added: ‘The name of the game is football and that needs to be respected.’ Stoke's Ryan Shawcross (right) did concede a penalty for this grapple with Swansea's Wilfried Bony last week . Liverpool's Martin Skrtel has also been penalised in the past for penalty area blocking . Similarly, the proper art of defending needs to be revived. Attacking the ball rather than the opponent, clever positioning and well-timed tackling without loss of balance are skills being substituted by primitive tactics more suited to the WWE. There is a revealing sequence of photographs which show Bobby Moore relieving George Best of the ball with an intervention of such immaculate precision that England’s World Cup-winning captain kept his footing throughout. If the most gifted of all British footballers – and one of the greatest of all time – could be dispossessed with such brilliant dexterity while in full flight, it should not be beyond today’s super-fit defenders to deny comparatively lesser forwards without dragging them bodily to the ground. Bobby Moore (right) shows how it should be done, tackling Chelsea's Charlie Cooke in 1970 . Sepp Blatter (left) and Jeff Powell spoke at length about the weighty issues facing the beautiful game . Cynically, the most blatant culprits are those who end to badger the referees to their faces whenever decisions go against them. That is another ill of which the game needs curing. But one step at a time. It is the wrestling which is spoiling our game as a spectacle. So Hands Off In The Box - and all over the pitch for the matter. | Sportsmail has launched a campaign to stop Premier League footballers wrestling, grappling and shirt pulling opponents in the penalty box .
Our campaign is called Hands Off In The Box .
Any efforts to remove wrestling from the professional game can expect Sepp Blatter's support .
'This is the next issue we need to examine,' Blatter exclusively told me .
The Premier League and Football League can start a wave of reform which goes across the globe and will be enacted at World Cups . |
22,983 | 41388e56e32e2fded0d0f0353e8a388a0d7485e2 | Fashion house Lanvin has called upon some of fashion's most iconic style stars for its latest womenswear campaign, which sees the industry veterans posing alongside their equally-photogenic offspring. The Spring 2015 campaign stars the likes of former Karl Lagerfeld muse Pat Cleveland, 62, who poses with her lookalike daughter Anna, 80s fashion icon Violetta Sanchez and her daughter Luz Godin, and Prada model Kirsten Owen, 44, who is featured alongside her daughter Billie Rose. 'I like that the campaign doesn't only have images, it has a story,' Lanvin creative director Alber Elbaz told WWD.com of his decision to feature the fashion-focused family members in his campaign. Like mother, like daughter: 80s fashion icon turned actress Violetta Sanchez poses alongside her 15-year-old daughter Luz . Blonde bombshells: 44-year-old Kirsten Owen and her daughter Billie Rose are the only mother daughter duo not to be featured in all-black ensembles . Spot the difference: Both Pat Cleveland and her daughter Anna have the same high cheekbones . 'Every time we do a family shoot, it feels like we're going to their place; we feel like visitors.' In each of the ad campaigns, the mother and daughter duos are dressed in near-identical ensembles, modeling a variety of bold hairstyles and posing with the kind of intimate familiarity that can only be found among close-knit family members. Speaking to AnOthermag.com, model turned actress Violetta, who also walked in Alber Elbaz's Lanvin 125th anniversary show, explained that her career has been as much a part of her 15-year-old daughter Luz's life as it has her own. 'She has seen me all my life modelling and acting and curating,' she said. 'She knows modelling doesn’t have to be restrictive. She knows it is something she wants to do but not only. It’s also how you survive.' Family ties: Pat and Anna have modeled together in the past when they starred alongside one another in Zac Posen's Resort 2014 lookbook . In good hands: The campaign was shot by renowned fashion photographer Tim Walker . A splash of color: This shot of Kirsten and Billie Rose is the only one to feature some of Lanvin's brighter prints . And while this campaign is thought to be Luz's first fashion campaign, the other two young women featured have both tried their hands at modeling in the past - both with and without their mothers. In Spring 2013, Billie Rose posed in a series of stunning images, some of which featured her mother Kirsten, while others featured her alone, for Flare magazine. Meanwhile Pat and her daughter Anna, 25, starred together in Zac Posen's Resort 2014 lookbook in June 2013. And Lanvin continues its exploration of familial bonds in its menswear campaign, calling on the talents of sibling style stars Callum and Haydn Rockall, as well as DJ partners Joshua Quinton and Andy Bradin. The four men feature both as a group and in a variety on separate ads, which sees them posing as pairs. Let's hear it for the boys! Lanvin's new menswear campaign also explores the idea of family bonds and features sibling style stars Callum and Haydn Rockall, as well as DJ partners Joshua Quinton and Andy Bradin . Music maestros: Josh, 24, and Andy, 22, have previously performed for the likes of Kate Moss, Miley Cyrus and Riccardo Tisci . Budding style stars: Josh and Andy (L) have appeared in a number of high profile fashion publications in the past, while Callum and Haydn are known as some of the industry's hottest up-and-comers . Josh, 24, and Andy, 22, who DJ together under the name Disco Smack, showcase their infamous orange-red hairstyles while modeling a collection of smartly-tailored jackets and trousers. While the duo, who have performed at a number of celebrity events, from Riccardo Tisci's recent birthday party in Ibiza to Kate Moss' 40th, are not thought to have worked on any other fashion campaigns in the past, they boast an impressive amount of posing experience thanks to a series of high-profile spreads in the world's top magazines. Callum and Haydn meanwhile, are thought of as two of the industry's hottest up-and-comers, a label which has no doubt been cemented thanks to their appearance in this campaign. Shot by renowned fashion photographer Tim Walker, who has worked with the likes of Cara Delevingne for Mulberry, and siblings Dakota and Elle Fanning for W Magazine, the campaign is set to debut in print in March. | Style icons Violetta Sanchez, Pat Cleveland, 62, and Kirsten Owen, 44, all feature alongside their daughters .
The menswear campaign features siblings Callum and Haydn Rockall, and DJ partners Joshua Quinton and Andy Bradin . |
179,637 | 7497cd96d166640eacbfe63f92540713b9e4ebf0 | Golden State's Stephen Curry got involved in a rare altercation with an opponent as he helped the NBA-leading Warriors beat Houston 126-113 on Wednesday and stretch their home winning streak to 17 games. The Warriors extended their lead in the Western Conference to 4-1/2 games over Portland, which gave up a big early lead in losing at Phoenix. Elsewhere, Memphis beat Toronto in a clash of divisional leaders, while Oklahoma City won in overtime at Washington. Warriors' shooter guard Klay Thompson (right) dribbles the ball forward against the Houston Rockets . Daymond Green holds back Stephen Curry after he was bumped by Rockets' guard Trevor Ariza (left) Curry finished the game with 22 points and 10 assists, as Warriors secured their 17th consecutive home win . Curry, who finished with 22 points and 10 assists, normally never loses his cool but after being bumped by Trevor Ariza on the way down the court in the third quarter, he confronted the Rockets forward and had to be restrained by teammates. Ariza receive a technical foul after a video review. Golden State had already grabbed control by outscoring Houston 30-13 in the second quarter and led by 30 in the third before the Rockets' reserves made the final margin closer. James Harden had 33 points and six assists for Houston, which lost all four games of the season series against the Warriors; the first such sweep for 41 years. Phoenix built a big early lead, gave it up, then got back in front to edge Portland 118-113. Suns' guard Eric Bledsoe (left) recorded a season-high 33 points against Portland Trail Blazers . Isiah Thomas (centre) also added a season-high 27 points for The Suns during their 118-113 win over Portland . Portland Trail Blazers point guard' Damian Lillard (right) tries to dribble past Phoenix Suns' Brandan Wright . Eric Bledsoe had a season-high 33 points and Isiah Thomas added a season-high 27 points for the Suns, who have won seven consecutive home games. Portland grabbed a 110-105 lead on Nicolas Batum's 3-pointer with 2:22 to go, but Phoenix closed the game with a 13-3 run. Nicolas Batum had 27 points and 10 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who trailed by as many as 25 in the second quarter but hit back to lead by five points with 2:22 to go before the Suns closed it out with a 13-3 run. Raptors' guard Kyle Lowry (right) drives against Grizzlies' Mike Conley (centre) and Kosta Koufos (left) Marc Gasol eyes up a shot during an outstanding performance for the Grizzlies against Toronto Raptors . Memphis' Marc Gasol scored 26 points to lead the Grizzlies to a 92-86 win against Toronto. Zach Randolph had 19 points - going 8 for 14 from the field - and 13 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who broke open a close game with a 13-3 run midway through the fourth quarter. There were 14 ties and six lead changes for the night. Toronto had five players score in double figures, led by Lou Williams' 21 points, but dropped to 3-8 in its last 11 games. The Raptors shot 32 percent (27 for 85) from the field. Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook drove for the winning layup with 0.8 seconds left in overtime to give the Thunder a 105-103 win at Washington. Kevin Durant (left) runs past Washington Wizards' Andre Miller (right) in Oklahoma City's overtime win . Kevin Durant scored 34 points, and combined with Westbrook to score all 13 of the Thunder's points in the extra period. That included Durant's dunk and Westbrook's uncontested layup off of an inbounds play after Oklahoma City had called timeout with 3.6 seconds remaining. Nene scored 24 points for the Wizards, including nine of Washington's 11 points in overtime, but they could not hold on after having led by 12 points at halftime. Atlanta tied a franchise record with its 14th straight win, defeating Indiana 110-91. DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Teague each scored 17 points for the Hawks, who improved to a stunning 35-8 and Mike Budenholzer clinched a spot as the Eastern Conference coach in next month's All-Star game. Atlanta Hawks point guard Jeff Teague scored 17 points during his side's 110-91 win over Indiana Pacers . Indiana Pacers Argentinian forward Luis Scola (right) shoots against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap . The Hawks romped to their 28th victory in the past 30 games, showing the kind of teamwork that has become their trademark in a season that no one saw coming. C.J. Miles' 18 points led the Pacers, who shot just 39.7 percent. A rejuvenated Cleveland won for the fourth-straight game, beating Utah 106-92. LeBron James scored 26 points and Kevin Love added 19 for the Cavaliers, who are 4-1 since James returned after missing eight games with a strained back and knee. Utah Jazz centre Enes Kanter (left) goes up for a shot against Cleaveland Cavaliers' Timofey Mozgov (right) Enes Kanter had 24 points and 17 rebounds for Utah, which has dropped five of six. Dallas hit 11 3-pointers and put in a strong defensive performance to win 98-75 at Minnesota, with Chandler Parsons scoring 22 points. Charlotte held on for a 78-76 win against Miami and notched an eighth win in nine games, holding on as the Heat missed two 3-point attempts in the final seconds. Brooklyn gave up most of a 23-point first-half lead and clung on to win 103-100 at Sacramento. Detroit Pistons guard Brandon Jennings (right) dribbles against Orlando Magic guard Devyn Marble (left) Centre Anthony Davis (right) scored 29 points during the Pelicans' 96-80 victory over Los Angeles Lakers . New Orleans' Anthony Davis scored 29 points and blocked four shots in his return from a sprained toe, leading the Pelicans to a 96-80 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Detroit's Brandon Jennings had 24 points and a career-high 21 assists to lead the Pistons over Orlando 128-118. New York's Carmelo Anthony had 27 points and 11 rebounds, powering the Knicks to a 98-91 win at Philadelphia; their second straight win after 16 consecutive losses. New York Knicks' Carmelo Anthony (right) had 27 points and 11 rebounds,as his team powered to a 98-91 win . Knicks' point guard Langston Galloway (left) surges to the basket with Michael Carter-Williams in hot pursuit . | Golden State Warriors beat Houston Rockets 126-113 .
Memphis Grizzlies beat Toronto Raptors in divisional leaders' clash .
Oklahoma City secure overtime victory at Washington Wizards .
New York Knicks edge Philadelphia 76ers 98-91 to start winning run . |
138,689 | 3f5a752662cff59d656f148cfb9be2ef2b5314f5 | JERUSALEM (CNN) -- Israel's attorney general will indict former President Moshe Katsav on charges of rape and sexual assault of a number of his employees, the country's justice ministry said Sunday. Israel's ex-President Moshe Katsav will face rape and sexual assault charges, Israel's Justice Ministry said. Katsav will also be charged with obstruction of justice, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz said in a statement. Katsav had agreed in 2007 to plead guilty to lesser charges and pay a fine in order to avoid jail time, but pulled out of the deal when it came time to enter his plea. The plea bargain caused a public storm in Israel, mainly because it did not include charges of rape, contrary to what had been suggested by Mazuz in a draft indictment. Watch more on the expected indictment » . Katsav, of the center-right Likud Party, was president of Israel from 2000 to 2007. He was minister of tourism before that. The charges stem from allegations made against him in both jobs. He resigned the presidency in June 2007 over the sexual assault allegations. CNN's Shira Medding contributed to this report. | Justice Ministry: Moshe Katsav will be indicted on rape, sexual assault charges .
Katsav to face obstruction of justice charge, Attorney General Menachem Mazuz says .
Katsav, of the center-right Likud Party, was president from 2000 to 2007 . |
10,748 | 1e8f00fe78d5697bd7b7ebac3be7eb6ce03466f3 | By . Emma Reynolds . PUBLISHED: . 05:01 EST, 13 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:53 EST, 13 November 2012 . A 76-year-old was today ordered to stay away from the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall after planning to throw manure at them on their visit to New Zealand. Sam Bracanov was arrested in Auckland less than an hour before the royals arrived yesterday and has now been hauled in front of a judge and charged with preparing to commit a crime. The anti-monarchist pensioner pleaded not guilty and was ordered to re-appear at Auckland District Court later this month. He was also told to stay at least 500 metres (550 yards) from the couple as part of his bail. Scroll down for videos . Earnest: Sam Bracanov appeared at Auckland District Court today after he was arrested less than an hour before the royals arrived in his country . Sitting outside the courthouse, Bracanov . admitted he would have thrown the manure at Charles and Camilla if he had not been arrested. 'I make it liquid like porridge,' he told reporters. 'I would have done it. I was going to mix it with water, stir it around and make it easy to throw and then throw it at them. 'Royalty smells, so what difference does it make if I hit them?' But he vowed he would not give up on his mission. 'I was not successful,’ said the Yugoslav immigrant in court. ‘I will wait till next time.’ Bracanov was previously convicted and . fined for a sweeter-smelling crime - spraying air fresheners at Prince . Charles to 'remove the stink of royalty' during a previous visit to . Auckland in 1994. Charged: The anti-monarchist has pleaded not guilty to planning to commit a crime . The couple are currently . touring Australia and New Zealand as part of the celebrations to mark . Queen Elizabeth's 60 years on the throne. Others have also heckled the royal couple during their six-day visit to New Zealand, and many were angered by prime minister John Key's confirmation that the British Commonwealth country would pay for Camilla's travelling hairdresser. Most New Zealanders are supporters of the monarchy, however. A poll conducted by Television New Zealand before the royal couple arrived last week found that 70 per cent want to keep Queen Elizabeth as head of state. Strong beliefs: Bracanov has been ordered to stay away from the royals and will have to return to court later this month . Bracanov was arrested after he was allegedly captured on CCTV in downtown Auckland preparing to commit an assault, according to One News. When Charles and Camilla arrived they made their way along the crowds shaking hands and a small group of protesters could be seen holding up placards. One read 'Get a Job Royal Bludgers' - New Zealand slang for someone who avoids work. A statement on the New Zealand Police . website said the man from the Mangere suburb of Auckland was arrested . at 12.40pm - around 50 minutes before the royal couple arrived. It added: 'Arresting officers had identified . the man as a known anti-royalist who was, when arrested, at a royal . itinerary venue although neither of the royal visitors was in the . vicinity at the time.' Entrance: Prince Charles and Camilla arrive at the Diamond Jubilee Trust reception and dinner in Auckland, New Zealand . Royal encounter: Prince Charles meets Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at a Diamond Jubilee Trust reception in Auckland during the last leg of their tour marking Queen Elizabeth II's diamond jubilee . Close enough: The pair have a slightly awkward peck on the cheek at the reception . The Prince and Duchess are on a seven-day Diamond Jubilee tour of New Zealand. Bailed: The elderly man admits he would have thrown manure at Charles and Camilla if he had got the chance . Prince Charles had some . close encounters during the final stop on his and the Duchess of . Cornwall's Diamond Jubilee Tour. He broke . protocol by hugging a female rugby player during a visit to New Zealand's national training centre for high performance sports, in Auckland. As Camilla chatted to Olympic medallists . Charles headed over to the women’s rugby sevens team and held out his . hand to Linda Itunu, but she eschewed the traditional handshake and curtsey to throw her arms around the prince. The 27-year-old sportswoman was delighted when Charles hugged her back, but had to help him wipe his forehead once they let go, and apologised . to the royal for leaving him a little damp. Charles made up for his unconventional behaviour later that evening, showing royal grace as he greeted Dame Kiri Te Kanawa at a reception and dinner for . the Diamond Jubilee Trust in Auckland. Sweaty hug: Rugby player Linda Itunu throws the standard curtsey out of the window and goes for a hug when visited by Prince Charles . Wiped out: Rugby sevens player Miss Itunu wipes sweat off Prince Charles face after their hug during the Royal's visit to the national team's training centre . Good girl: One team member plays by the rules and shakes the Prince's hand during his visit to the AUT Millennium, New Zealand's national training center for high performance sports, in Auckland . The sportswoman, who is a prop in the New Zealand women’s rugby sevens team, said: 'I just saw him and he looked like he needed a hug. 'I said to the Prince, "Can I give you a hug" and he said he didn’t mind.' Before Charles left, the rugby player said she issued an ultimatum to the royal: 'I told him he better be supporting us - not England.' As Charles walked away he joked with the women, telling them: 'If you don’t win I shall be very disappointed.' Final stop: Prince Charles and Camilla visits the Auckland traning centre during the last leg of their Diamond Jubilee Tour . On tape: Charles chats with Manu Vetuvia of the Warriors Rugby League as one of his teammates films the encounter on his phone . Over there: The Prince and the Duchess of Cornwall also visited the swimming pool and chatted to the athletes . The . royal couple toured the sporting complex where the local community and . top athletes alike have access world-class facilities, training and . healthcare services. Charles . and Camilla also tried their hand at netball when they met some of New . Zealand’s top women players who towered over the royals. They . both hit the rim a number of times as they tried in vain to score a . goal and netball player Maria Tutaia, 25, who is 6ft 2ins tall, joked: . 'Let’s just say he’s pretty good with a crown on his head but his . shooting needs some work. But it was good he had a go and nice to see . him speak to all the athletes as he went round.' Ballin': Charles tries to impress Camilla with a netball shot after meeting the New Zealand Silver Ferns netball team at the Millenium Sports Institute . Hit the net: The Royal couple had a ball with the New Zealand Netball team teaching them how to play . After their workout, the Royal pair met . well-wishers in Auckland city centre where huge crowds had gathered . despite the torrential rain, which started soon after the . royals appeared. The hugging . nearly continued when the Prince met a person in fancy dress . wolf costume, arms open wide for a hug, but Charles simply laughed and . walked on. As the royals . made their way along the crowds shaking hands a small group of . protesters held up placards, one reading 'Get a Job Royal Bludgers' - New . Zealand slang for someone who avoids work. Rain or shine: The Duchess of Cornwall escaped the rain as she greeted well-wishers from under an umbrella in central Auckland . Meet and greet: Charles greets well-wishers in Queen Street in Auckland . Big bad wolf: Prince Charles backs away from a man dressed in a fancy dress costume . Charles later wielded a handheld rug-making machine as he learned about a special project to create a wool . rug featuring his coat-of-arms. He . was handed the tufting machine, which resembled an electric drill, by Sam . Maloney, 30, who has been contracted to make the textile artwork. The . half-completed coat-of-arms rug was hung from a large frame and just . outside the border of the piece Charles tried sowing tufts of wool into a . thread mesh. The Prince . joked with Mr Maloney and said 'I’ll write my name', but his first . attempt left a tangled mass of wool. He soon perfected the technique, however, . and wove a couple of straight lines. Charles’s . efforts came as he toured an exhibition showcasing a diverse range of . wool products in his role as patron and founder of the Campaign for . Wool, a project launched in 2010. Bad knit: Britain's Prince Charles struggles with a tufting machine during his visit to the New Zealand Shear Brilliance Event . Right Royal mess: Prince Charles found it difficult to work the tufting gun on a wool carpet . In a speech Charles joked: 'I don’t know if you also realise according to GQ magazine I am a fashion icon.' In an article written for . the December issue of GQ Australia, he admits it’s funny to be back in . fashion at his age, but said it seems to happen every 25 years. He . also unveiled that he does not make an effort to keep up with new . styles, but waits for it to come around and catch up with him again . after . every two decades or so. But he added that one commentator had . recently called him ‘beyond fashion’, which added to his confusion. ‘I . am still not sure if he she meant it as a compliment.' The Prince of Wales and Camilla present a poster to some of the younger cast members of Hairy Maclary after their performance at the Bruce Mason Theatre today . Furry friends: Charles and Camilla met the cast of Hairy Maclary after a performance in Auckland . Royal gift: One of the members of the cast was overjoyed to meet Prince Charles and Camilla as they attended the performance in Takapuna, Auckland . ‘Clothes have to combine style with . sustainability and I find good tailoring more than meets that challenge, . much to the amusement of my staff who are sometimes surprised to find . that what I’m wearing turns out to be as old as or even older than they . are.’ In the GQ piece the Prince laments about being listed on both . the Best Dressed and Worst Dressed lists over the years, but reveals . that it’s his body shape more than anything which dictates his style. ‘I simply had to go my own way and stick to what I felt suited me,’ he writes. ‘As that happens to involve what many . once considered to be old-fashioned double breasted suits, I can only . expect to be considered unfashionable.’ In today's speech he referred to his double breasted suit made from New Zealand wool saying: 'I am a walking demonstration of the ability of New Zealand wool to disguise a rapidly disintegrating and ageing body.' VIDEO: Camilla 1: Charles 0! Watch the royal couple shoot a basket on their Jubilee Tour... | Pensioner arrested after he was allegedly captured on CCTV in downtown Auckland preparing to commit a crime .
Sam Bracanov has been ordered to stay at least 500m from the royals .
He pleaded not guilty to the charge today, but admits he would have thrown manure after mixing it with water to make it easy to throw .
The elderly man has been bailed and will re-appear at court later this month .
Prince Charles and Camilla are on the final leg of the Diamond Jubilee Tour . |
18,144 | 335fc38898ae586a25c12a7c11702ad280c2cc11 | This is the poignant last official picture of movie legend James Dean taken on the day of his fatal car crash. Dean is pictured looking relaxed and happy in the driver's seat of his beloved Porsche 550 Spyder with mechanic Rolf Wutherich sitting alongside him on a sunny California morning. The photograph was taken on September 30, 1955, by Sanford Roth who was following Dean to do a photo feature on a race he was attending. The photograph will be auctioned by Julien's Auctions in Beverly Hills this week. Poignant: This is the last official photograph of movie legend James Dean snapped on the morning of his fatal car crash on 30th Sept 1955. Dean is in the driving seat with mechanic Rolf Wutherich alongside him . Roth took the picture just before the party headed out of Los Angeles to the road races at Salinas. The 24-year-old star crashed his car on Route 466 near Pasa Robles later on the same day. Dean was killed in the crash and his friend Wutherich was seriously injured. Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien's Auctions, said: 'James Dean . is quite the icon today yet he was only in Hollywood for five years. Icon: Dean made just three films before he died in a head-on car crash at the age of just 24 . 'He made three movies and two of those came out after his death. It's amazing that in 2013 he is still such a memorable icon. 'This is a candid photo and was taken by the photographer from Dean's station wagon in front. Dean was on his way to a car race and it looks like they were all having fun. 'It is a forever powerful and compelling image, with Dean clasping his mechanic's hand in a gesture of anticipation and triumph. As it is one of the last photos ever taken of him, it is most poignant.' Photographer Roth first met Dean on the set of the 1956 film Giant and the pair became friends. Roth took some iconic pictures of Dean both on the set of that film and afterwards in Los Angeles. Dean was the first ever actor to receive a posthumous Academy Award . nomination for Best Actor, for his role in East Of Eden in 1955. He is also the only actor to receive two posthumous Academy Award . acting nominations, as he had a second one the following year for Giant. The photograph, which is being auctioned alongside other images of Dean . taken by Roth, is set to fetch £500 when it goes for sale on April . 5. James Dean is buried in Fairmount, Indiana, near his uncle's farm where he grew up. In 1977, a Dean memorial was erected in Cholame, California. The sculpture was made of stainless steel around a 'tree of heaven' growing in front of the former Cholame post office building. Image: Some claim this photo of Dean at a petrol station with his Porsche is the last one taken of him before his death . Debated: This image of the back of Dean's car as he was driving is also claimed by some to be the last picture taken of him before he died . Tragedy: The wreck of Dean's car is removed from the scene of the crash in which the star was killed . The sculpture features a handwritten description by Dean's friend William Bast of one of Dean's favorite lines from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's The Little Prince: 'What is essential is invisible to the eye.' Dean was born in 1931,in Marion, Indiana. His father had left farming to become a dental technician, and Dean and his James family then moved to Santa Monica, California. His mother, to who he was close, died of cancer when Dean was just nine years old. Doomed: The actor gives the thumbs-up sign from the car while parked on Vine Street in Hollywood. Dean, who had taken up racing the year before, owned the car only nine days when he lost his life in the crash . Silver screen: Dean shot to fame for his starring role in the film Rebel Without A Cause (1955) alongside Sal Mineo (left) and Natalie Wood . Loss: The actor died before two of the three films he starred in were released. He is seen here in one of those films, 'East Of Eden' alongside Lois Smith . He was sent by his father to live with his aunt and uncle on a farm in Fairmount, Indiana, where he was raised in a Quaker background. His acting career took of after he graduated from high school and moved back to Los Angeles to live with his father. While studying at UCLA, he was picked to play Malcolm in Macbeth. He dropped out of the university in January 1951, to pursue an acting career full-time. Work: Another of Dean's films, 'Giant' was released in 1956 (seen here). Dean started acting after joining UCLA . Resting place: Dean was buried in Park Cemetery in Fairmount, Indiana, close to the farm where he grew up with his aunt and uncle . | The star, 24, crashed car on Route 466 in California later the same day .
Was on way to race at time with mechanic and friend Rolf Wutherich .
Dean became screen legend despite starring in just three movies . |
163,400 | 5f4577368a454af74cf2ebc4fa456d698b9341bf | John Carver will remain in caretaker charge of Newcastle until the end of the season – and could yet land the role on a permanent basis. The 50-year-old has been told by managing director Lee Charnley to take control of United’s final 16 matches of the Premier League campaign. Charnley and chief scout Graham Carr – the men tasked with finding the new head coach by owner Mike Ashley – will now wait until the summer before making a permanent appointment. John Carver, searching for his first win, will remain in charge of Newcastle for the remainder of the season . The 50-year-old will take control of Newcastle's last 16 matches and could land job on full-time basis . Carver was on Newcastle's books as a youngster in the early 1980s but never made the breakthrough . That could yet be Carver should he impress between now and May 24, although he is still searching for his first win since taking over from Alan Pardew at the beginning of January. Derby’s Steve McClaren had been the club’s preferred choice to replace Pardew, but he wants to see out the season with the Rams as they bid for promotion to the Premier League. Following the announcement that Carver would be staying at the helm, Charnley said: 'At the beginning of this process it was my desire and intention to appoint an individual to the position of head coach who would be available to start immediately. 'Having now explored at some length the options available to us at this time, the decision has been taken to defer the appointment of a permanent head coach until the end of the season. 'The head coach will be a long-term appointment that will play a major role in shaping the future on-field progression of Newcastle United and it is vitally important that we get the right individual. Alan Pardew, left Newcastle earlier in January, and has made an immediate impact at Crystal Palace . Ajax manager Frank De Boer is among the contenders to be appointed the next Newcastle manager . Steve McClaren is Newcastle's No 1 target . 'John has a long history with the club and has the full support of the board. Our goal for the season of a minimum top ten finish remains unchanged and we are confident that John, supported by the backroom staff, will be able to deliver this.' Carver added: 'This is a proud day for me. 'I have worked with, and learnt from, the best manager that this football club has had in Sir Bobby Robson. I know what this club means to this city and its people. I believe in my players and the staff I have around me. "I am confident that we can deliver exciting successful football and look forward with relish to my role as head coach of this great football club.' Other candidates include Ajax boss Frank De Boer and Christophe Galtier at St Etienne, although Sportsmail understands McClaren is their No.1 pick. The former England manager has a close relationship with Carr and has connections with the club’s hierarchy. His availability could depend on the success – or otherwise – of Derby’s promotion chase. Carver, meanwhile, would have to enjoy a winning end to season to enhance his chances of managing his hometown club on a full-time basis. | John Carver will remain in charge of Newcastle until the end of the season .
He has been handed control of the club's final 16 Premier League matches .
Carver could be given permanent job, but club will decide in summer .
Carver waiting for first win since Alan Pardew left at beginning of January .
Sportsmail understands Steve McClaren is Newcastle's No 1 target .
Click here for more Newcastle United news . |
245,843 | ca32d1520ba4640d6de4057bf7c72a9271f7596f | Zlatan Ibrahimovic has extra motivation to hit the ground running as Laurent Blanc's Paris Saint-Germain prepare for their friendly against Inter Milan in Morocco on Tuesday. The 33-year-old Ibrahimovic has scored 12 goals already this season and will want to show that a three-week winter break has not frozen his scoring form when he faces his former side. The Ligue 1 champions are holding a training camp in Marrakech as they look to make sure the team retains match fitness. Zlatan Ibrahimovic appeared focused and determined during a Paris Saint-Germain training session . Ibrahimovic (right) warms up with his team-mates ahead of a training session in Marrakech . The 33-year-old will hope he can continue his goalscoring form in a friendly against former club Inter Milan . PSG coach Laurent Blanc (second left) addresses his squad during preparations for the game . Blanc won Ligue 1 with PSG last season, but his team are currently third in the table this year . And Ibrahimovic looked focused on making sure his form continues into the second half of the season. PSG are currently third in Ligue 1, a point behind Lyon in second and three behind leaders Marseille and will need the enigmatic Ibrahimovic fit and firing if they are to overturn the difference. Inter coach Roberto Mancini, whose side is languishing in 11th in Serie A, believes the game will provide an enticing encounter as PSG have an array of players who used to ply their trade in Serie A. Speaking to Inter's club channel, Mancini said: 'There are Italians at PSG, as well as Ibrahimovic and Maxwell. PSG return to competitive against Montpellier on January 5 after a three-week winter break in France . Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini said he is looking forward to taking on PSG in Morocco . David Luiz posed for a picture with some young supporters during the team training session . The youngsters were allowed on to the training pitch and Luiz signed autographs for them . The Brazil international defender Luiz (right) also took them on in a small sided game of football . 'I don't have any particular memories of facing PSG, as our paths never crossed but we know there are many former Serie A players.' PSG will resume competitive action when they take on Montpellier in the French Cup on January 5, before playing Bastia in the league five days later. | Paris Saint-Germain are holding a training camp in Marrakech, Morocco .
The French champions will play Inter Milan in a friendly there on Tuesday .
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has scored 12 times for PSG already this season . |
62,004 | b025b6a3b0ebcc4798b67a1578577e7fd6dd726a | Australia captain Mile Jedinak has returned from injury to lead a revamped Socceroos team in Thursday's Asian Cup quarter-final against China at Brisbane's Lang Park. Jedinak missed Australia's last two group matches after injuring his ankle in the opening match of the tournament but was passed fit to rejoin his side for the knockout phase. The inclusion of Jedinak was one of the seven changes Australia coach Ange Postecoglou made to the team that started in Saturday's 1-0 loss to South Korea. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Australia 2-0 China: Tim Cahill overhead screamer and header . Australia captain Mile Jedinak (left) has returned from injury to face China in the Asian Cup quarter-final . Jedinak (right), who also captains Crystal Palace, has missed two games with an ankle injury . With centre back Matthew Spiranovic suspended for the match after picking up two yellow cards in the group phase, Postecoglou tightened up the defence by recalling Jason Davidson and Trent Sainsbury. He also brought back his three key attackers, Tim Cahill, Robbie Kruse and Matthew Leckie, after they all started on the bench for the last game and named midfielder Marco Bresciano in the run-on side for the first time at the tournament. 'We'll be ready for anything; normal time, extra-time or penalties or whatever it is,' Postecoglou said. Ange Postecoglou, Australia coach, has made seven changes to his starting line-up for the quarter-final . Tim Cahill was rested for the final group game against South Korea but has now returned to the starting XI . 'There's a game of football to be won and that will be our objective.' China coach Alain Perrin made four changes to his team that started in Sunday's 2-1 win over North Korea. Defender Ren Hang was recalled after sitting out the last match because of suspension while striker Wu Lei was brought back to lead the attack. Wu Xi and Ji Xiang were also recalled to the midfield. 'I've been very satisfied with our performances. We won all three games and we deserved the results. If we keep it up I think we will do well,' Perrin said. 'They (Australia) are at home and have quality players like Cahill who are tough and have technical ability. But if our players play with the spirit they have had so far, I think we're in for a very good result.' | Mile Jedinak has missed Australia's last two group matches .
The Crystal Palace captain has now returned from an ankle injury .
Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou has made seven changes to his team .
Tim Cahill also starts for Australia after being rested against South Korea . |
181,428 | 76df9e5d4012264672fe8d38d94704d222dadf28 | Four years after the mysterious shooting death of his mistress, former Mobile County, Alabama Commissioner Stephen Nodine, 51, is a free man. Nodine was released from jail Monday morning, two years after pleading guilty to a perjury charge in exchange for prosecutors dropping their murder case against him in the death of girlfriend Angel Downs, 45. The disgraced public official held a press conference Monday afternoon, where he took partial responsibility for Downs' death while continuing to insist he's not a murderer. 'My actions were wrong,' said Nodine. 'I should not have carried on an affair. This was my moral fault and I take full responsibility for the things that I've done.' Scroll down for video . Freed: Former Mobile County, Alabama Commissioner Stephen Nodine (left) was released from prison on Monday after pleading guilty to charges surrounding the 2010 shooting death of his mistress Angel Downs (right) Making up for lost time: Nodine spent his first day of freedom bonding with his 18-year-old son Christoper (the two pictured hugging on his release, above) 'I think about [Angel] every day of my life. I know my actions contributed to her death, unfortunately, and I have to take responsibility for that.' But Downs' family is still not buying Nodine's story, and issued a statement of their own on his release Monday morning. 'Our family still believes 100 per cent that Stephen Nodine murdered Angel,' Downs' sister Susan Bloodworth said. 'While we may not see justice for Angel here on earth, we know that justice will be served in the end, by God!' Suspicion: Downs' family issued a statement on Nodine's release on Monday, saying they still believe he's guilty of her murder. 'Our family still believes 100 per cent that Stephen Nodine murdered Angel,' her sister Susan Bloodworth wrote . Nodine was the primary suspect in Downs' death when she was found shot in the head in the driveway of her Gulf Shores home on May 9, 2010. He was initially charged with Downs' murder, but that trial ended in a hung jury in December 2010 when experts testified that Downs could have been murdered or committed suicide. On the eve of his retrial in 2012, Nodine struck a deal with prosecutors, agreeing to plead guilty to a perjury charge in exchange for the murder and stalking case being dropped. The perjury charge stemmed from his attempt to get a public defender, when he could afford to pay his own attorney. He entered jail shortly after he was sentenced in October 2012. Overall, Nodine served two years of the 10-year sentence on the perjury charge. Nodine also served time for harassment and an ethics violation related to use of his county-owned car. Another year was served for owning two guns while taking illegal drugs. He says one of the most beneficial parts of jail time was that it helped him get sober. Nodine was released from Bay Minette jail shortly before 7am and he spent his first day of freedom bonding with his 18-year-old son Christopher. Father and son reunited: Nodine's son Christopher was just 14 years old when he was first arrested in connection to Downs' murder. He says he regretted not getting to teach his son how to drive, or see his recent high school graduation . Christopher was just 14 when his father was initially arrested for Downs' murder and Nodine says he regrets not being around to teach his son to drive and see him graduate from high school. 'He's never wavered,' Nodine told AL.com. 'Some kids might have gone in a different direction.' He talked little of Christopher's mother, who divorced him after Downs was found death. He called her a 'super person'. On Monday, the father and son went golfing and Nodine got the opportunity to eat 'real food for the first time in a long time' when he chowed down on a black-and-blue burger. Nodine also took the time to pray at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for everyone he 'hurt' including Downs' family. Nodine will remain on federal and state probation for the next three years. He plans to stay in the Mobile-Baldwin area, and is working on a book about the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. 'I have to find a job,' said Nodine. 'I hope people realize that people make mistakes in their lives and have forgiveness as I forgive those who wrongfully prosecuted me.' | Former Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine was considered a suspect when his mistress Angel Downs was found shot to death in 2010 .
He struck a plea deal with prosecutors in 2012, which resulted in the murder charge being dropped in exchange for Nodine pleading guilty to perjury .
The 51-year-old was released from jail on Monday, and spent the day with his 18-year-old son Christopher, golfing and eating burgers .
The disgraced politician held a press conference that afternoon where he admitted comments he made to Downs may have led her to commit suicide . |
272,484 | ecf0c84748b126d617a5af3757808d7a811310f2 | After a dour first half, Everton and Leicester City shared four goals between them after the break in a pulsating final half hour at Goodison Park. Steven Naismith fired the Toffees into the lead in the 57th minute with a scuffed effort. Everton's opening goal forced Nigel Pearson into action with the Foxes boss springing Jamie Vardy and David Nugent from the bench. The duo made an immediate impact as Vardy set up Nugent for the equaliser. Esteban Cambiasso pounced from close range to put the visitors in front but Matthew Upson's own goal earned Everton a late draw. Click here for the full match report. Host commentator . A frantic finish at Goodison as Everton clear the lines. The Foxes looked on course for victory after Nigel Pearson's inspired double substitution of Jamie Vardy and David Nugent. Romelu Lukaku put a tough afternoon behind him to salvage a point for his side. The Toffees stay in 12th in the table as chorus of boos rings out at Goodison. Atsu has a go but Schwarzer saves well as Everton get a corner. Lukaku gets onto the end of Baines' delivery but Upson makes a superb block . It's been a torrid half for Lukaku but he makes amends with a wonderful finish. Atsu latches onto McCarthy's inviting pass and crosses for Lukaku who heads home from close range to even the scores once more. A fine finish from him after a difficult outing at Goodison... Baines fires in a low driving shot into the Leicester and Lukaku directs it goalwards but his placed ball drifts just the right of the goal. Three days ago, the Everton striker was scoring for fun. Today, he has never looked likely in front of goal. The Foxes are shutting up shop and are inviting Everton onto them as the home side chase an equaliser. Atsu gets free inside the box but he can't get a shot away with Coleman firing over from close range moments later. Fascinating final 10 minutes in store here... The game now has a realistic scoreline and Nigel Pearson’s double substitution, injecting the pace of Jamie Vardy and the poaching of David Nugent, has reaped dividends. They have been given a considerable helping hand, however, by Tim Howard. The normally assured American goalkeeper has fatally blundered twice and the mood around Goodison is boiling. Roberto Martinez will not be dissuaded from searching for goalkeeper cover in the summer. Howard makes a mess of Simpson's cross from the right with Vardy latching onto the loose ball and firing goalwards and it's the Argentine veteran Cambiasso who pounces to give Leicester the lead here with 20 minutes remaining. Just to compound matters for Everton, Lukaku botches another chance on goal soon after. McCarthy plays a great pass to Lukaku but the striker blazes over the bar with just Mark Schwarzer to beat. It's been that kind of an afternoon for the Belgian today. Nigel Pearson sends on Jamie Vardy and David Nugent and the duo make their presence felt almost immediately! Riyad Mahrez and Jeff Schlupp were called ashore as Pearson went looking for an equaliser. Vardy makes a storming run down the right and strikes for goal. Howard did well to save his shot but Nugent shows great instincts to fire the ball in from close range. It's taken almost an hour, but this game has suddenly come to life. Did not see that coming. Everton in front with a scruffy goal from Steven Naismith but it was against the run of play. Leicester had looked much the likelier side to score in the opening 12 minutes. Everton have made two substitutions, with Ross Barkley and Mo Besic being replaced by Darron Gibson and Christian Atsu. The Besic replacement was unpopular with home fans, who booed the sight of his number being raised. Not Steven Naismith's cleanest strike, but the Toffees won't be worrying too much about that. Lukaku showed great strength to hold off Upson and Morgan in the box before passing to Naismith. The Scottish forward fired a low shift which took a slight deflection off Huth to sneak in at the left post as the Goodison faithful finally find their voices. Roberto Martinez freshens up his midfield early on the second half . Schlupp tees up Matty James on the edge of the Everton box who drives a low shot which is parried away by Howard. Schlupp seizes on the rebound but he delivers an awful shot with the goal at his mercy. That was a gilt-edged chance for Leicester to take the lead here. Will it come back to haunt them later on? A dour day on Merseyside so far. Roberto Martinez's side have looked dangerous on the break but have failed to create enough goal-scoring opportunities despite dominating for long periods of that first half. Nigel Pearson has set up us Leicester side to contain the Toffees and save for a few hairy moments , they have just that. Cambiasso has looked a class apart for the visitors but Lukaku needs to up his game in the second half... Leicester play their way out from the back with Upson, Simpson, Cambiasso and Matty James all getting plenty of touches before Barkley intercepts and clears for a Foxes throw-in. Kramaric shows good strength to hold up posession in the Everton box but Besic disposesses the Leicester striker before laying the ball onto Barkley whose deft pass releases Lennon down the right. Lennon plays the ball to Lukaku but Upson blocks his effort before Barkley smashes the rebound high and wide. Coleman causes havoc down the right again and drives into the Leicester box before squaring the ball to Lukaku who fires over the bar. After his hat-trick heroics on Thursday, he'll be disappointed with that effort. Wes Morgan clatters into Steven Naismith and referee Phil Dowd reaches for the yellow card immediately. The Leicester centre back will need to be on his best behaviour for the rest of the contest. Not an ideal situation when you're marking Lukaku mind. Everton are awarded a free-kick on the edge of the Leicester area but Barkley blazes his effort over the Foxes wall and into Row Z. Great feet from Barkley there in a crowded midfield. The young Toffees midfielder drives forward and frees up Lukaku with clever, disguised pass but the Belgian is caught marginally offside with the Leicester goal at his mercy. Another let-off for Leicester. After a shaky start, Everton are looking far more assured here at Goodison with Besic, McCarthy and Barkley getting plenty of touches between them. Baines and Coleman are looking threatening and are getting forward with far more regularity. Coleman and Baines are being afforded acres of space by Leicester on the flanks. Baines gets free on the left and fires in a trademark cross and Lukaku beats Upson but his header goes high and wide. Ross Barkley picks up a loose ball outside his box and bombs forwards before playing a great pass to the onrushing Aaron Lennon on the right. The former Tottenham winger shows great pace down the right but his cross is snuffed out by the Leicester defence. An early warning for Leicester as Everton look dangerous on the break. Everton right back Seamus Coleman drives forward for the first time in the game and plays a lovely through ball to Steven Naismith but Huth is alive to the danger and clears well. Coleman gets free on the right again and plays the ball into the Foxes box but Morgan does well to intercept. Esteban Cambiasso does well to steal to steal possession from John Stones and lays the ball onto Jeff Schlupp who plays a lovely one-two with Riyad Mahrez before launching a strong right-footed shot which Tim Howard parries away for a corner. Everton clear the danger but the visitors will be happy with that early attack. Wes Morgan and Phil Jagielka are leading out their sides at Goodison. A huge clash awaits. Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, McCarthy, Besic, Barkley, Naismith, Lennon, Lukaku Subs: Joel, Gibson, Kone, Mirallas, Atsu, Garbutt, Alcaraz . Leicester City: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Morgan (c), Upson, James, Huth, Schlupp, Simpson, Cambiasso, Mahrez, KramaricSubs: Hamer, Vardy, King, Hamer, Ulloa, Wasilewski, Nugent . Schwarzer, Konchesky, Morgan (c), Upson, James, Huth, Schlupp, Simpson, Cambiasso, Mahrez, Kramaric. Howard, Baines, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, McCarthy, Besic, Barkley, Naismith, Lennon, Lukaku. Leighton Baines replaces Bryan Oviedo in the Everton team while Muhamed Besic and Aaron Lennon come in for Kevin Mirallas and the suspended Gareth Barry. Rock-bottom Leicester make one change, with Robert Huth coming in for Marcin Wasilewski at centre-back. Good afternoon and welcome to Sportsmail's live coverage of Everton vs Leicester City at a gloomy and wet Goodison Park. Roberto Martinez's men will be buzzing follwing their 4-1 demolition of Young Boys in Europe on Thursday with Romelu Lukaku's hat-trick proving just the tonic for the Toffees. Martinez will be hoping Lukaku can bring his cup form into the league. The Belgian strike has scored just once in 11 Premier League outings. The last time he scored? Everton's 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace which was the Merseysiders' sole victory in nine league games. This is a must-win game for Nigel Pearson's side who have been bottom of the league since November. Leicester have been bottom of the table since November and are now five points from safety. An intriguing contest awaits... | Steven Naismith's scuffed shot fired Everton into the lead .
Nigel Pearson sent on Jamie Vardy and David Nugent from the bench .
Vardy set up Nugent for the equaliser .
Esteban Cambiasso pounced to give the Foxes the lead .
Romelu Lukaku pounced late on to salvage a draw for the Toffees .
The Belgian forced Matthew Upson to concede a late own goal .
Everton starting XI: Howard, Baines, Jagielka (c), Stones, Coleman, McCarthy, Besic, Barkley, Naismith, Lennon, Lukaku .
Everton subs: Joel, Gibson, Kone, Mirallas, Atsu, Garbutt, Alcaraz .
Leicester starting XI: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Morgan (c), Upson, James, Huth, Schlupp, Simpson, Cambiasso, Mahrez, Kramaric .
Leicester subs: Hamer, Vardy, King, Hamer, Ulloa, Wasilewski, Nugent .
Barclays Premier League match at Goodison Park to kick off at 2.05pm .
Click here for more pre-match team news, odds and stats . |
260,355 | dd26bb3b43d1779003d55754533bba33ba591cca | Amir Khan has added to his collection of top-of-the-range cars with a brand new white Mercedes S63, which he has shown off on social media. The boxer posted three images to his Twitter account of himself stood in front of the new motor, wearing his brand of clothing and posing with a trademark clenched fist. Khan took to his social media account to show how pleased he was with his new purchase, writing: 'Finally got my hands on the #S63'. Boxer Amir Khan poses with his new car, a Mercedes S63, and posted this picture on his Instagram account . Top speed: 186mph (250km/h) Acceleration: 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.2s . Horsepower: 577 bhp . Torque: 664 lb-ft . Miles per gallon: 23 mpg . Khan is a known car enthusiast and the new addition to his garage will accompany a Bentley Continental, a Mercedes CLS63, Audi R8 and two Range Rovers. The S63 retails at around £100,000 and is capable of reaching 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Khan is looking for a fight later this year against Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who last month posted a picture with his eight supercars and £30m private jet for good measure. Khan shook hands with the saleswoman who sold him the car, which is capable of reaching 100km/h in 4.2s . Khan was keen to show off his new ride, posing next to his new Mercedes S63 car on Tuesday . Khan recently caused a stir after claiming that he thought the proposed fight between Manny Pacquiao and Mayweather will never happen. 'Honestly that fight will never happen, in my opinion,' he told BT Sport. 'I spoke to Manny Pacquiao and, obviously, we speak to Mayweather and his team . 'I can't really see that fight happening, there is too much politics with that fight. There's different promotions teams and different management teams - I don't think they will let that fight happen.' Mayweather poses with his fleet of cars (from left to right): Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, Porsche 911 Turbo S, Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 458 Spider, Ferrari 458 Spider. Bugatti Grand Sport, Bugatti Veyron, Bugatti Veyron... and a private jet worth a staggering £30m . | Amir Khan posted images posing in front of his new car on social media .
The boxer is a car enthusiast and boasts a strong collection of motors .
Khan posted images of himself in a Lamborghini on Friday .
CLICK HERE for all the latest from the boxing world . |
35,349 | 647caf918f3443b278b168fbaaab9b75087ce54e | New York (CNN) -- In a recent piece by prominent Iranian cartoonist Mana Neyestani, we see one of his favorite characters -- a cantankerous grandfather who along with his two grandchildren is a solid supporter of the Green Movement against the regime in Iran -- having managed to tie up Larry King inside a closet and trying to disguise himself as the world renowned talk show host in order to get to interview Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Sporting his thick moustache and holding a list of tough questions in hand, the grandfather is charging out of the closet yelling at a CNN producer, "Get out of my way! The language of this Mr. President only I understand," while the producer is baffled by the thick moustache that "Larry King" has suddenly grown. The point of the cartoon is a deep and pervasive sense of frustration that Iranians all over the world have with the inability of prominent American journalists and talk show hosts to handle the slippery Ahmadinejad. Christiane Amanpour, Charlie Rose, and Larry King in particular are being criticized for providing Ahmadinejad with a global forum to say whatever nonsense he wishes without enough of a serious challenge to his statements -- some of which are flat-out lies. Since the massively contested presidential election of June 2009, scores of peaceful demonstrators have been arbitrarily arrested, tortured, and murdered; prominent human and women's rights activists, reformists, and labor union leaders have been arrested and subjected to Stalinist show trials and given long and punishing prison terms; the leaders of the opposition Green Movement have been systematically harassed and intimidated; the universities have gone through yet another round of ideological purges; yet another cultural revolution to silence and suppress non-conformist ideas is well under way; an entire cadre of independent-minded journalists have been forced into the indignity of exile -- and yet few of these atrocities manages to gain much attention in the conversations that these prominent American journalists have with Ahmadinejad. That sense of frustration is not limited to Iranians. Jon Leyne, the distinguished senior BBC correspondent has written a wonderful essay discussing the difficulties of interviewing Ahmadinejad. Mr. Leyne points out how Ahmadinejad succeeds "in moving the agenda onto a ground of his own choosing, and few, if any, of the Western journalists who have interviewed him have scored many points off him." The former USA Today correspondent Barbara Slavin has also written an article, "How not to get played by Ahmadinejad," in which she too testifies that the "Iranian president has perfected the art of slipping and sliding around even the most seasoned interviewers." Perhaps the best example of how Ahmadinejad manages to slip away from hard questions is when Christiane Amanpour asked him about the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a woman charged with murder and adultery and originally condemned to death by stoning. In response to Amanpour's question, Ahmadinejad point blank said that this report is false and Ashtiani has not been condemned to death by stoning -- which was a plain lie. In anticipation of Ahmadinejad's trip to New York, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran had in fact prepared a full preparatory list of atrocities perpetrated under the administration of Ahmadinejad's for American journalists -- with key facts and crucial issues that they might raise when interviewing him. To be sure, Amanpour did ask Ahmadinejad about executions increasing fourfold since he took office, as well as about the Iranian regime taking action against opposition leaders, including raiding their offices. And in Larry King's case, after interviewing Ahmadinejad he had a follow-up conversation with Fareed Zakaria, the host of CNN's "Fareed Zakaria GPS," in which the evasive answers of Ahmadinejad were put in proper context with more detailed attention to the internal atrocities in Iran. But still the balance of the result tipped heavily in favor of Ahmadinejad's rhetorical one-upmanship. Slavin has suggested that "reporters need to be armed with in-depth knowledge of Iran's economy, politics and society -- and even then, they may have difficulty getting Ahmadinejad to admit the truth." But that is not the modus operandi of a journalistic culture that is conceptually geared towards geopolitics and "international" politics rather than domestic matters. Ahmadinejad always wins in these encounters because he points to other atrocities by redirecting the question at the questioner, and there are plenty of atrocities around the globe. The other factor is the language barrier between Ahmadinejad and his interviewers, which he strategically uses to his advantage. "Mr. Ahmadinejad's technique," Leyne points out "is aided by the fact that most of the foreign interviews are carried out in translation -- leaving the journalist less scope for jumping in, and less time to cross-examine." Leyne's young colleague, Bahman Kalbasi of BBC Persian has now become a Facebook phenomenon because he accosted Ahmadinejad in a hallway at the UN and shouted a succession of questions at him: "Mr. Ahmadinejad why don't you talk to Iranian journalists? Why do you just talk to foreign journalists? Why do you run away from Iranian journalists?" Ahmadinejad left his real surprise for after all his interviews, when during his official address to the General Assembly he effectively accused the United States government of direct involvement in the atrocities of 9/11. But in this case, President Obama had an opportunity during his subsequent interview with Kalbasi to respond to Ahmadinejad. "For him to make the statement here in Manhattan," President Obama said, "just a little north of Ground Zero, where families lost their loved ones, people of all faiths, all ethnicities who see this as the seminal tragedy of this generation, for him to make a statement like that was inexcusable," Obama said. Still, too many of Ahmadinejad's statements went unchallenged last week --particularly those that had to do with the vast array of atrocities in his own country. These are not problems that can be solved by handing to journalists a list of questions to ask a head of state with just too many skeletons in his closet to count. These are problems that American journalism as an institution faces as it tries to cope with and cover a far more globalized planet than we've ever seen before. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Hamid Dabashi. | Mahmoud Ahmadinejad presides over regime that commits atrocities, says Hamid Dabashi .
He says American television interviewers aren't sufficiently challenging in their questions .
Dabashi says Ahmadinejad lied in denying Iranian woman was sentenced to stoning . |
132,845 | 37c8ecd5f84040d88b5cc56d970669fd75f6dcd1 | An arbitrator Saturday upheld most of New York Yankees slugger Alex Rodriguez's 211-game doping suspension, keeping him out of the 162-game 2014 regular season and the postseason. The ruling by Major League Baseball arbitrator Fredric Horowitz will not only cost Rodriguez $25 million in salary, it also further clouds the groundbreaking career of a player who will turn 40 during the 2015 season. The 162-game suspension -- which is the most severe punishment in baseball history for doping -- highlights baseball Commissioner Bud Selig's recent high-profile crackdown on performance-enhancing drugs. Rodriguez, one of the best players of his generation who was once considered an automatic Hall of Fame candidate, was defiant in a statement released Saturday. He will likely appeal in federal court. "The number of games sadly comes as no surprise, as the deck has been stacked against me from day one," said Rodriguez, who has struggled with hip injuries in recent years. Alex Rodriguez Fast Facts . The former Seattle Mariner, Texas Ranger and now New York Yankee player then took a swipe at Selig, whom he has claimed in the past had an unjustified vendetta against him. "This is one man's decision that was not put before a fair and impartial jury," Rodriguez said, "does not involve me having failed a single drug test, is at odds with the facts and is inconsistent with the terms of the Joint Drug Agreement and the Basic Agreement, and relies on testimony and documents that would never have been allowed in any court in the United States because they are false and wholly unreliable." When the suspension ends in 2015, Rodriguez will be owed $61 million in a contract that runs through 2017. Major League Baseball did not release details of the arbitrator's decision, which the players union said it "strongly disagrees" with. The Yankees said in a statement that they "respect Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, the arbitration process, as well as the decision released today by the arbitration panel." Saturday's ruling stemmed from Rodriguez's appeal of a his suspension by MLB, which accused him of taking performance-enhancing drugs and having ties to the now-shuttered Biogenesis clinic in South Florida. Biogenesis was a former anti-aging clinic that MLB said supplied steroids to at least a dozen baseball players. Rodriguez, one of 14 players suspended in the Biogenesis scandal, was the only one who appealed his suspension. Though he was suspended in August, Rodriguez played out the 2013 season because of the appeal. Rodriguez, 38, is fifth on MLB's list of all-time home run leaders, just six behind Willie Mays. Rodriguez, who has claimed he was the target of a MLB "witch hunt," probably will appeal Horowitz's decision in the courts or to seek to delay the suspension. "No player should have to go through what I have been dealing with, and I am exhausting all options to ensure not only that I get justice, but that players' contracts and rights are protected through the next round of bargaining, and that the MLB investigation and arbitration process cannot be used against others in the future the way it is currently being used to unjustly punish me," Rodriguez said in a statement. | The New York Yankees say they "respect" the decision .
Alex Rodriguez suspended for 2014 regular season and postseason .
Decision will cost slugger $25 million .
Rodriguez plans to appeal . |
94,887 | 05efb2e4e09ae818a50c7a32396d1806630e8361 | By . Eddie Wrenn . PUBLISHED: . 03:03 EST, 6 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:47 EST, 7 August 2012 . Last time he invaded Christmas, most of us were still figuring out our first email address, and tablets were something you took when you had a headache. But when Furby attempts to dominate this time round, he will not only come with LED eyes, but also an iPad app in a bid to appeal to a generation growing up in the new digital landscape. The bestselling toy from 1998 will come with a price-tag to match its new technology, with pre-orders opening in Walmart in the U.S. this week for $54 (£34). Scroll down for video . The next generation: Hasbro will release the new Furby sometime this fall; the new toy can interact with an iPad and iPhone app . Kaleidoscope eyes: The new Furby will feature LED eyes that convey a multitude of expressions . Nostalgia: The Furby of the 1990s came in a multitude of colours and retailed for about $35 (batteries not included) The makers of Furby, Hasbro Toys, cited the opportunities of the digital age for the 21st century makeover. Kenny Davis, the marking director for the company, told ABC News: ‘The original Furby was more than an animatronic toy; it was the first toy that appeared to have a brain. ‘We have been thinking about ways to give Furby a real personality.’ Among the changes are more sensors, so the new, Furby can respond better to touch. There are also apps for the iPhone and iPad that allow you to ‘feed’ the creature and translate what it says. One thing that hasn’t changed – both versions of the furry toy speak the made-up language Furbish, a made-up language that sounds more like baby talk than anything. The 1990s Furby could eventually be taught some English phrases, though the sentiment that most owners tried to teach it was only three words – ‘Me love you.’ The new Furby will cost nearly double the price of the original, but Hasbro thinks $60 is not too steep a price, especially for the new features. Flying off the shelves: Two women among a crowd of several hundred reach for a Furby at the opening of the FAO Schwarz in October 1998; it was one of the hottest toys for Christmas that year . 90s craze: The Furby craze had several franchises; children are seen surrounding a display of the Furby Buddies at FAO Schwarz in New York City in 1999 . ‘People are looking at $60 video games; we thing people will play with Furby for longer than some of those video games,’ Mr Davis explained to ABC News. When the toy was originally released in the 90s for the price of $35, people across the nation lined up for hours, sometimes camping overnight at toy stores. Around the holidays, Furbies could sell for two to three times their sticker price. The new Furby, available in up to ten colours, will hit shelves in the U.S. in September, according to Walmart. The toy will also be released worldwide. Time will tell if they will be as popular as their antiquated cousins. | New version of popular 1990s toy to be released this autumn .
New Furby to feature LED eyes, more sensors, and respond to iPad and iPhone app .
But furry toy will still speak Furbish, the language of Furbies . |
278,327 | f48bd5d64e478950c60ad480d7e1e4eed0ed8264 | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 19:40 EST, 12 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:49 EST, 12 June 2013 . A man was executed on Wednesday for the murder of a guard during a botched 1987 prison van ambush intended to free an imprisoned friend. William Van Poyck, 58, of Florida, was pronounced dead at 7.24 pm, 23 minutes after the injection process began at the State Prison. 'Set me free,' were his final words. Executed: William Van Poyck, 58, of Florida, was pronounced dead at . 7.24pm, 23 minutes after the injection process began at the State Prison . Van Poyck declined a final meal and was visited on Wednesday by his sister, four friends and a spiritual adviser. Van Poyck's case garnered international attention because he published three books and maintained a blog while on death row. He even wrote recently about his pending execution. The family of the slain guard, Fred Griffis, has said in interviews that they were frustrated that news stories focused on Van Poyck, the crime and his writings - and not Griffis. Van Poyck and accomplice Frank Valdes ambushed a prison van outside a West Palm Beach doctor's office in a failed attempt to free James O'Brien - with whom they'd served time. Griffis was fatally shot after he threw the van's keys into the bushes to foil the escape. Van Poyck and Valdes were captured following a car chase. Grief: Lisa Van Poyck, sister of William Van Poyck, who was executed on Wednesday, is comforted by her boyfriend Alan L. Robinson outside the jail . Support: Van Poyck, pictured with his sister Lisa, who proclaimed his innocence of the shooting and published her brother's writings on his blog . In his appeals, Van Poyck argued that . Valdes fired the fatal shots and that if the jury had known that, he . wouldn't have been sentenced to death. The Florida Supreme Court last week rejected Van Poyck's latest appeal involving Valdes' widow, who says her husband told her he was the shooter. Protest: An anti-death penalty demonstrator outside the state prison in Florida today . The justices noted that Van Poyck planned the escape attempt and that he and Valdes carried loaded weapons. In 1999, Valdes was stomped to death in prison. Seven guards were charged with his death, but none were convicted. Following Valdes' death, Van Poyck was moved to Sussex State Prison in Virginia for his safety. That's where he wrote a 324-page autobiography, A Checkered Past: A Memoir, saying his purpose was not to elicit sympathy but 'to put a human face on me and convicts in general'. Van Poyck went on to write two novels. He won awards for his writing and kept a blog since 2005 by writing letters to his sister Lisa Van Poyck, who posted them online. 'He is deeply remorseful for the ending of Fred Griffis' life,' Lisa Van Poyck told The Associated Press on Tuesday. 'He is guilty of a crime of trying to break somebody out of a prison transport van - he had no intention of hurting anyone.' | William Van Poyck, 58, of Florida, was pronounced dead at 7.24 pm in Florida State Prison .
Van Poyck and accomplice Frank Valdes ambushed prison van outside a doctor's office in a failed attempt .
to free James O'Brien, a former jailmate .
Poyck declined a last meal and spent time with his sister and spiritual advisor . |
258,763 | daeb0ca56ab6083ce5a2eb47979cf8491460ce54 | By . Ap Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 23:37 EST, 30 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 23:37 EST, 30 August 2013 . Bottles of Tylenol sold in the US will soon bear red warnings alerting users to the potentially fatal risks of taking too much of the popular pain reliever.The unusual step, disclosed by the company that makes Tylenol, comes amid a growing number of lawsuits and pressure from the federal government that could have widespread ramifications for a medicine taken by millions of people every day.Johnson & Johnson says the warning will appear on the cap of new bottles of Extra Strength Tylenol sold in the US starting in October and on most other Tylenol bottles in coming months. Scroll down for video. Starting in October Extra Strength Tylenol bottles will have a new warning label on the cap alerting users to potentially fatal risks of taking too much of the pain reliever . The warning will make it explicitly clear that the over-the-counter drug contains acetaminophen, a pain-relieving ingredient that's the nation's leading cause of sudden liver failure. The warning will alert consumers to the presence of acetaminophen in the drug, which is taken in high quantities can lead to liver failure . Acetaminophen can be found in more than 600 common over-the-counter and prescription products used by nearly one in four American adults every week, including household brands like Nyquil cold formula, Excedrin pain tablets and Sudafed sinus pills. Tylenol is the first of these products to include such a warning label on the bottle cap. McNeil says the warning is a result of research into the misuse of Tylenol by consumers. The new cap message will read, 'CONTAINS ACETAMINOPHEN' and 'ALWAYS READ THE LABEL.'The move comes at a critical time for the company, which faces more than 85 personal injury lawsuits in federal court that blame Tylenol for liver injuries and deaths. At the same time, the Food and Drug . Administration is drafting long-awaited safety proposals that could . curtail the use of Tylenol and other acetaminophen products. Advocates for the warning believe the Americans use the pain reliever too casually without really known what it contains . Much is at stake for McNeil and its parent company. Johnson & Johnson does not report sales of Tylenol, but total sales of all over-the-counter medicines containing acetaminophen were more than $1.75 billion last year, according to Information Resources Inc., a retail data service. Safety experts are most concerned about 'extra-strength' versions of Tylenol and other pain relievers with acetaminophen found in drugstores. A typical two-pill dose of Extra Strength Tylenol contains 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen, compared with 650 milligrams for regular strength. Extra Strength Tylenol is so popular that some pharmacies don't even stock regular strength. Most experts agree that acetaminophen is safe when used as directed, which generally means taking 4,000 milligrams, or eight pills of Extra Strength Tylenol or less, a day. Each year, some 100 million Americans use acetaminophen, but liver damage occurs in only a fraction of 1 percent of users. Currently the warning about the acetaminophen dosage in extra strength Tylenol is just on the back of the pill bottles . Still, liver specialists say those cases are preventable. They say that part of the problem is that there are sometimes hundreds of pills in a bottle, making it easy for consumers to pop as many as they please. For example, McNeil sells Extra Strength Tylenol in bottles containing up to 325 tablets . 'The argument goes that if you take acetaminophen correctly you will virtually never get into trouble,' said Dr. William Lee of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, who has studied acetaminophen toxicity for four decades. 'But it's the very fact that it's easily accessible over-the-counter in bottles of 300 pills or more that puts people in harm's way.' Overdoses from acetaminophen send 55,000 to 80,000 people to the emergency room according the FDA . Lee applauded the new warning, but said McNeil's marketing has contributed to the 'freewheeling' way that Americans take the drug. For decades, McNeil has advertised Tylenol as 'the safest kind of pain reliever' when used as directed. 'That has been their standard ploy in the past, and I would argue that safest it is not,' he says.McNeil's Kuffner stands by the company's safety claim: 'When taken as directed, when people read and follow the label, I believe that Tylenol and the acetaminophen ingredient is one of the safest pain relievers on the market.'McNeil is the only major drug maker adopting the bottle cap warning at this time, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, a trade group for over-the-counter medicine companies.'While this is not an industry-wide initiative at this time, it fits squarely within the many ongoing industry-wide educational initiatives to further acetaminophen safe and responsible use by consumers,' said Emily Skor, a Vice President with the trade group, which represents McNeil, Bayer Healthcare, Procter & Gamble and other nonprescription drug makers. | In October Johnson & Johnson will put warnings on the top of Tylenol bottles alerting consumers to the presence of acetaminophen .
Acetaminophen, a pain relieving ingredient, is one of the leading causes of liver failure in the country .
Drug makers hope that the warning will stop consumers from accidentally overdosing on the household pain reliever . |
72,014 | cc239f16a601c1dc673e9337aefed6bb74073c67 | Al Gore's youngest daughter has gotten remarried under a historic tree in Santa Barbara. Sarah Gore has a very casual outdoor service on Good Friday outside a coffee shop with her famous father walking across a patch of grass that served as the makeshift aisle. Wearing a loose, off-white lace dress with bell sleeves, Sarah made her way towards her groom, realtor Patrick Maiani, who was waiting for her beside the outline of a heart in the shape of rose petals. Down the grassy aisle: Sarah Gore was accompanied by her father, former Vice President Al, for the Friday morning wedding service near Santa Barbara, California . Up close: The wedding was attended by a handful of invited guests (including the bride's mother Tipper seen taking a picture in the foreground) as well as onlookers who realized what was going on . The brief service was officiated by a female religious leader and attended by about a dozen invited guests. The rest of the crowd was made of up onlookers- including Larry Nimmer who video taped the ceremony and uploaded it to his story Everyone Has A Story- who realized what was going on as soon as they spotted the service going on. This is the 35-year-old's second marriage, though it is unclear when exactly she and her first husband Bill Lee split. Sarah, a Harvard graduate who enrolled in medical school at the University of California-San Francisco before dropping out to become an artist, keeps a relatively low profile in spite of her father's fame and the latest articles written about her in 2012 noted that she was still married to Lee, a surfer and tech investor. Her new husband, Patrick Maiani, is a realtor at 1 Percent Real Estate Group. Rather than imply something about the wealth of their clientele, the name apparently comes from the realtor's agreement to only take one per cent of a commission per transaction. Symbolic: There was no altar involved in the outdoor service but the couple stood inside a heart-shaped ring of rose petals . Keeping with tradition: The biggest symbol of the ceremony was that the couple married underneath the Wardholme Torrey Pine, a historic tree that is the oldest of its kind in the world . She is now the only married member of the Gore family, as her two sisters- Karenna and Kristin- both split from their respective first husbands and their parents Al and Tipper announced their divorce in 2010. Both the former vice president and his ex wife were spotted at Sarah's wedding, standing side-by-side as they watched their grown daughter say her vows. Sarah's first wedding was dramatically different from the low-key affair that took place on Friday morning in Carpinteria, California. In 2007, Sarah opted for an opulent affair with hundreds of guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Happy: Sarah, who went to medical school but now is an artist living near Santa Barbara, split from her first husband sometime between 2012 and this weekend when she married Patrick Maiani (pictured), a local realtor . Theatrics: In keeping with the 'hippie' feel of her dress, Sarah opted for wooden wedges . Loving it: Gore was seen laughing at the big dip alongside his daughter Kristin . Instead of a multi-course, sit-down meal that guests were treated to at the first go around, the close friends and family had some coffee and snacks at Crushcakes, a coffee shop opposite the wedding site. Coffee shop manager Alyssa Murphy told People Magazine that the couples dozen or so guests dined on huevos rancheros, scrambled eggs and lattes. The former Vice President must have opted for some of the restaurant's baked goods instead, since he is famously vegan and does not eat animal products. 'It was a fun little intimate reception. They came in, had breakfast with their wedding party and cut their cake,' Ms Murphy said. Light hearted: Maiani goofs around with a flower in his mouth as Sarah cuts the cake . On the house: The manager of the coffee shop said that they gave her a strawberry blush cupcake . Opting for a public venue and a local coffeeshop also has another added benefit: a much lower final bill. The cost was likely not a determining factor, however, since the former Vice President's net worth is estimated to be more than $200million, a figure that shot up following the eight-figure sale of the TV network he launched, Current TV. The location of the wedding also makes sense when looking at the Gore family's shared interest in environmentalism, as the ceremony took place beneath the Wardholme Torrey pine tree, which is the oldest of its kind in the world. The fact that the wedding took place two days before Earth Day may just be a coincidence. Peace and love: The happy couple posted a photo of themselves holding up 'peace signs' in front of a peace symbol that adorns the wall in the coffee shop where they had their 'reception' Free spirits: Sarah and Patrick posed for a photo near the surf following the ceremony . Only one of Sarah's siblings- her sister Kristin- was spotted in the video that was shot by one of the onlookers. Neither her sister Karenna nor her brother Albert III were seen. Karenna Gore married Manhattan doctor Drew Schiff in 1997 and had three children before splitting in 2010, just months after her parents Al and Tipper announced their own separation after 40 years of marriage. Kristin Gore was the first of the family to file for divorce, splitting from her husband Paul Cusack in 2009 after four years of marriage. Introduction to the world: The Gore children (left) were on stage with the Clintons and Chelsea (right) when Al and Bill were nominated to the Democratic ticket in 1992 . Earlier break ups: Karenna and her husband Drew Schiff (left) separated in 2010 and Kristin and her husband Paul Cusack (right) split in 2009 . The marital status of their brother Albert III is unclear, but stayed out of the spotlight since his father left the White House, making news only on the two occasions when he was arrested for marijuana possession. The world was introduced to the Gore children in the early 1990s, and the then-teenagers' appearance at the 1992 Democratic Convention led to national crushes for many like-minded youngsters. They have kept much further from the spotlight in recent years, and the low-key style of Sarah's wedding is reflective of that change. | The former Vice President's youngest daughter has remarried in a low-key ceremony in California .
Sarah, an artist, married Patrick Maiani, a local realtor .
Her divorced parents attended the small ceremony and only one of her three siblings .
Wore a lacy, loose off-white dress and exchanged vows under the world's largest Torrey Pine tree .
The Friday ceremony was decidedly less opulent than her 2007 wedding to her first husband Bill Lee at the Beverly Hills Hotel .
This time around, guests dined on vegan cupcakes and huevos rancheros . |
137,766 | 3e27063310ec04f0fb11862841eca3ce597fdf05 | By . Simon Tomlinson . PUBLISHED: . 06:08 EST, 14 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 09:20 EST, 14 December 2012 . 'Sending strong signal': U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta gave the go-ahead today for two Patriot missile batteries and 400 troops to be sent to Turkey to defend against the threat of Syrian rocket attacks . U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta gave an order today to send two Patriot missile batteries to Turkey with 400 American personnel to operate them in a move by NATO members to bolster Turkey's defences against the threat of Syrian rockets. The go-ahead was signed shortly before Panetta arrived on an unannounced visit to Turkey to meet American troops stationed at the Incirlik Air Base, the last stop on a week-long trip that took him to Afghanistan and Kuwait. 'The purpose of this deployment is to signal very strongly that the United States, working closely with our NATO allies, is going to support the defense of Turkey, especially with potential threats emanating from Syria,' spokesman George Little said. NATO-member Turkey has repeatedly . scrambled jets along the countries' joint frontier and responded in kind . when shells from the Syrian conflict came down inside its borders, . fanning fears that the civil war could spread to destabilise the region. The widely expected U.S. move follows . similar steps by Germany and the Netherlands, which also said they will . send two Patriot batteries. The three countries are the only NATO . nations with the most modern type of Patriots. Little declined to say where the U.S. batteries would be located and said the systems would be deployed to . Turkey for an unspecified amount of time. 'We expect them to be deployed in the coming weeks,' Little said. NATO approved Turkey's request for air . defence batteries on December 4, in a move meant to calm its fears of . coming under missile attack, possibly with chemical weapons, from Syria. The Patriot system is designed to intercept aircraft or missiles. NATO says the measure is purely . defensive, but Russia, Syria and Iran have criticised the decision, . saying it increases regional instability. The decision comes days after the Syrian government escalated hostilities with rebel forces by firing more than six scud missiles. Scroll down for video . Rising tensions: The decision to send Patriot missiles (seen here during the Iraq war in 2003) to Turkey comes amid fears the civil war could spread to destabilise the region . Escalating conflict: The decision comes days after the Syrian government escalated hostilities by firing more than six scud missiles (like these Iraqi ones seen in 2003) at rebel forces . The . attacks are thought to have been the first time President Bashar . Assad's military has used missiles to attack insurgents during the . two-year conflict. U.S. officials said Assad's troops fired several missiles over the last few . days, suggesting the embattled president's forces are attempting . new ways to stop opposition fighters. The missiles were fired from the city of Damascus towards northern Syria on the same day . that more than 100 countries recognised a . new Syrian opposition coalition. The political move will further alienate Assad's . regime and will allow more humanitarian assistance to be given to the . forces battling to oust him. Carnage: Syrian cities, such as Homs (pictured), have been left in ruin by the two-year conflict between President Assad's government forces and rebel fighters . Escalating violence: The use of Scud missiles are thought to have been the first time President Bashar Assad's military has used missiles to attack insurgents during the conflict . The . bloody battle in Syria has already resulted in 40,000 deaths and the . conflict has threatened political stability in the Middle East. The U.S. official who revealed the missile use said there was no indication . that chemical weapons were aboard the missiles. There had been fears . over the past week that rebel advances were prompting Assad . to consider using chemical weapons. The official said that more than six missiles had been fired so far - believed to be scud missiles. Violence: Smoke rises after an air strike apparently carried out by the Syrian Air Force in Erbeen near Damascus . Scuds are most often used as a defensive weapon and were often employed by Saddam Hussein's forces during the Persian Gulf War. Meanwhile, Russia's foreign ministry has denied reports that a top diplomat said Syrian president Bashar Assad is losing control of his country. It said in a statement today that deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov 'has not made any statements or special interviews recently' on Syria but was simply citing the stance of the Syrian opposition while giving a speech yesterday. Russian state-owned news agencies had quoted Mr Bogdanov as saying that rebels might win the civil war, a comment that appeared to dramatically shift Russia's stance on Syria. The US later commended Russia for 'waking up to the reality' by acknowledging the regime's impending fall. Analysts viewed the diplomat's statement as Russia's attempt to begin positioning itself for Assad's eventual defeat. | Two Patriot missile batteries and 400 personnel to bolster NATO operation .
Panetta wants to send 'very strong signal against potential Syrian threats'
Germany and the Netherlands will also send Patriots 'in the coming weeks'
Comes after President Assad's forces fired Scud missiles at rebel fighters .
Russia denies report its diplomat said Assad was 'losing control of country' |
164,666 | 60efb912ebb8c397ab330a6f8bc50f4146717712 | Madrid (CNN) -- Catalonia's November 9 independence referendum will not be held as planned due to the suspension of the vote by Spain's Constitutional Court, Catalan President Artur Mas announced Tuesday in Barcelona. Mas said the decree he recently signed authorizing the referendum "now has no effect," given that the Constitutional Court has accepted the Spanish government's appeal for study, automatically suspending the vote. The Spanish government, in appealing to the Constitutional Court, said the Catalan vote as planned for November 9 was unconstitutional because the constitution holds that all of Spain, not just one region such as Catalonia, must decide on the country's future. Scottish independence vote closely watched . Hundreds of thousands of Catalans have demonstrated in recent years for an independence referendum, and they closely watched the recent independence vote in Scotland. Even after Scotland voted to remain a part of the United Kingdom, many Catalans said the key issue was being able to vote in Catalonia on independence, which the Spanish government has opposed. Mas said there will still be a vote on November 9, but it will be organized by the Catalan government under Catalan legislation that has not been blocked by the court. It will be called a "consultation," and will be conducted by volunteers, not the usual electoral officials. And the polling places will be only in Catalan regional government buildings, not at numerous other sites, such as at city halls, many of which had opposed the referendum. Unity in question . Mas said the Catalan political parties -- including his nationalist Convergence and Union party -- that had favored the referendum and independence are no longer as united as they recently were on the issue. Leftist pro-independence parties have insisted that the November 9 referendum be held as planned, despite the court's ruling, and some have called for a unilateral declaration of independence. On September 11, Catalan national day, hundreds of thousands of people took to the streets of Barcelona for the third year in a row, demanding a vote on independence be held. Self-governance . But Madrid argues that Catalonia, which represents one fifth of Spain's economy, already has broad home-rule powers, including its own parliament, police force and control over education and health. And it insists that the Spanish Constitution does not allow any of Spain's 17 regions to unilaterally break away. Catalonia is a region of northeastern Spain, with Barcelona -- the second-largest city in Spain -- as its capital. If there is eventually a referendum, voters are expected to be asked a two-part question: "Should Catalonia be a state?" And those who vote yes to that can then vote on the second question: "Should that state be independent?" Polls indicate that a majority of Catalans want to have a chance to vote but that less than a majority would vote for independence, given the chance. | There will be no independence referendum in November, Catalan president says .
Spain's Constitutional Court suspended the vote to hear government's appeal .
Catalonia, in northeastern Spain, already has its own parliament, police force . |
273,717 | ee8d2e662f8ec5ef2144af63b92e739a36053b4d | By . Lizzie Parry for MailOnline . A four-year-old was diagnosed with leukaemia when her worried mother researched her symptoms on the internet, having been told by a doctor the toddler had an ear infection. Alia-Grace Birch is now facing two years of gruelling chemotherapy and radiotherapy after tests confirmed she had the blood cancer last month. Her mother, Michelle, first suspected something was seriously wrong when her daughter kept falling asleep at nursery. The 23-year-old took her daughter to a local GP, who diagnosed the toddler with a viral infection and sent her home with antibiotics. After being told her daughter Alia-Grace was suffering a viral infection, Michelle Birch felt it was something more serious and took to Google to research the four-year-old's symptoms . After taking Alia-Grace to A&E, tests revealed the four-year-old had an extremely high white blood cell count, leading doctors to diagnose her with leukaemia . But Ms Birch, from Bentilee in Staffordshire, was convinced there was something more to Alia-Grace's condition, and turned to the internet to research her symptoms. Days later she rushed her daughter into A&E where tests revealed the four-year-old was suffering an aggressive form of leukaemia. She was admitted to the University Hospital of North Staffordshire before being transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where she started chemotherapy. Ms Birch, who has shaved her head in support of her daughter, said: 'It's horrible, you never expect something like this to happen to your baby girl. 'We're all in this together and we just hope my little girl will get better. 'I took her to the GP because she had been falling asleep at nursery and she said she had earache. 'I kept taking her to the doctors who gave her antibiotics as they thought it was a viral thing. 'I went onto the internet and put her symptoms into Google and a number of medical websites suggested it could be cancer. 'Then when she fell asleep at nursery again, I knew I had to bring her to the hospital - but you still don't expect to be told your baby has cancer. 'It still feels like a dream but, if I am strong, then Alia is strong. I didn't want her to feel left out, or feel like the only person, so I shaved my hair. 'I don't think she fully understands. She knows she's poorly but not how serious it is. 'She was always having bruises and wasn't herself.' Alia-Grace first fell ill at the beginning of July, suffering an ear and throat infection. Ms Birch and her daughter pictured before Alia-Grace fell ill . Alia-Grace first fell ill in July with an ear and throat infection. But when she kept falling asleep at nursery, her mother became really concerned . Ms Birch, who has shaved her hair to support her daughter, said Alia-Grace is facing two years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy as doctors try to treat her disease . Blood cancer is an umbrella term for cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow and lymphatic system. The diseases can be life-threatening, partly because they stop the immune system working properly. When a person's immune system is badly damaged, they can die from an infection their body could normally fight off. Every 20 minutes, someone in the UK is told they have a blood cancer - that is 70 people a day, or 25,000 people a year. Many more live with debilitating – and sometimes life-threatening – blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and thalassemia. Some types of blood cancer are more common than others: . Source: Anthony Nolan . Two weeks later, on July 15, Ms Birch took the four-year-old to hospital where tests revealed an extremely high white blood cell count and she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The next day, she was transferred to Birmingham Children's Hospital where she was given steroids, antibiotics and started chemotherapy. Alia-Grace has now been allowed home but she needs drugs every day and a lumbar puncture - where a needle is injected into her spine - once a week. Alia's grandmother Joanne Horton-Birch, 42, said: 'At first she wasn't happy when we said she's going to lose her hair, because it was really long and she thought she was Rapunzel. 'Bits had been coming out, then the day it all came out in a big clump she looked in a mirror and said, 'it's okay, it will grow back'. 'If it hadn't been for Alia, how she's coped, I think we would all be in bits. 'Seeing how strong she is with everything she's going through, she still smiles. She makes us strong. 'Getting the diagnosis was devastating. Michelle had been putting the symptoms into the internet, as a lot of parents do, and that was one thing that came up. 'I told her to shut up, it's not going to be that. It's going to be a viral infection as the doctor thought, or she's anaemic. So we were all devastated. 'Usually when children are diagnosed with leukaemia, they do a lumbar puncture to confirm it. 'Alia's white blood count should be between eight and 10 but it was 300 so they knew straight away. 'It was fortunate Michelle took her to hospital when she did because it meant they could start treatment straight away. We are keeping positive for Alia's sake.' | Alia-Grace Birch fell ill with an ear and throat infection in July .
But when the four-year-old kept falling asleep at nursery her mother Michelle Birch, 23, became concerned and took her daughter to see a GP .
They diagnosed a viral infection and prescribed Alia-Grace antibiotics .
But convinced there was something more serious wrong, Ms Birch researched her daughter's symptoms online .
She rushed her to A&E where tests revealed she had blood cancer .
Alia-Grace now faces two years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy . |
132,271 | 37100eb361146a7941d69cc63082cd61084b4251 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 03:28 EST, 29 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:28 EST, 29 September 2013 . The Duke and Duchess of Bedford have been accused of greed after entering tax avoidance schemes . An aristocrat Tory donor has been branded 'greedy' after investing in two tax avoidance schemes used by the wealthy to cut their bills. The Duchess of Bedford, a director of Woburn Safari Park on the family’s country estate, is exploiting loopholes which allow people to write off 'losses' against tax, according to the Sunday Mirror. Husband Andrew, the 15th Duke of Bedford, is reportedly worth £630million in art and property. He and his wife have given £49,300 to the Conservatives and a company which lists the duke as a director has donated £69,500. Documents reveal the duchess is a member of Cobalt Data Centre and Twofold First Services. A financial expert said: 'It is interesting to see the Duchess on the list of members. 'You often associate them with the new money of footballers and celebrities rather than old aristocracy money. 'The Government has been critical of these schemes, yet the couple are Tory donors.' High-profile figures including comic Jimmy Carr and footballer Wayne Rooney are also known to have joined such schemes. The . duchess became a member of Twofold First Services on March 1, 2012. The . scheme takes advantage of farming tax reliefs and is run by a company . based in the Cayman Islands. The Treasury branded it 'abusive' and . 'artificial'. She joined . Cobalt Data Centre 3 on April 3, 2011. It exploits enterprise zone perks . to give its 674 investors income tax relief at the top rate against . the £264million cost of building a storage facility near Newcastle. Their £79million investment is topped up by a loan. But members are entitled to tax relief on the full cost of the project' Labour . MP and Public Accounts Committee chairwoman Margaret Hodge said: 'It is . deeply depressing to find greedy individuals exploiting a perfectly . proper Government objective to line their pockets.' A . spokesman for the duchess said: 'Following professional advice, an . investment was made in the two companies. In light of the concerns . raised, these investments are being reviewed.' The Duchess, who is a director of the Woburn Safari Park in Bedfordshire, pictured, has, along with her husband, donated more than £100K to the Tory Party . | Duchess of Bedford exploiting loopholes which write off 'losses' against tax .
Government has criticised schemes, calling them 'abusive' and 'artificial'
Duchess and husband Andrew have donated more than 100K to Conservatives . |
93,229 | 03ebd38b800c47fb06d51e0b34b41bf64742f7e4 | By . Charlie Scott . Cristiano Ronaldo will miss Portugal’s penultimate warm-up game ahead of the World Cup as he continues to struggle for fitness. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo has been ruled out of the clash against Mexico in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Saturday, along with defender Pepe and midfielder Raul Meireles. The Real Madrid forward has been struggling with tendinosis in his knee and a muscle injury in his left thigh since the end of the domestic campaign and there are serious fears he may miss Portugal’s opening game of the World Cup against Germany on June 16. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Ronaldo train for the first time with the Portugal squad . Out: Cristiano Ronaldo is struggling with a knee injury and will miss Saturday's friendly with Mexico . Raising the bar: Ronaldo still has a little way to go before confirming his fitness for the finals . ‘The situation is evolving and our expectations are evolving constantly,’ Portugal boss Paulo Bento told reporters in Foxborough, when asked when the 29-year-old would be fit. ‘When he’s ready to play is a decision that will be made just like any other player, regardless of who it is. As soon as he is ready to train, we will make that announcement. ‘We have to prepare for Germany regardless. The decision of if he will play and when is up to me, the player and the doctors. Ronaldo is not the only good player we have.’ Portugal will play their final warm-up game on Tuesday against Republic of Ireland before flying from the United States to Brazil. Despite his injuries, Ronaldo has spoken of his desire to win the World Cup with his national side. And while the national team captain admits Portugal are not favourites for the World Cup – they have been drawn in a group with Germany, Ghana and the United States – he said he would like to win a title with the national team ‘one day’. Relaxed: Ronaldo missed the friendly with Greece but was in jovial mood alongside Real Madrid team-mate Fabio Coentrao . ‘We aren’t favourites but we will try to perform our best as always. We know we have a difficult group stage,’ he told sportlobster.com. ‘In my opinion, we have the strongest group of the World Cup, but we should take it one step at a time. ‘We have an important opener against Germany, before we face Ghana and finally the United States. Our goal is obviously to pass the group stage and then we’ll see. ‘It fills me with pride, satisfaction, pleasure and honour to represent and captain the Portuguese national team but it is also a big responsibility. ‘I hope I win a title with the national team one day.' | Real Madrid forward is struggling with knee injury .
Portugal face Germany on June 16 in Salvador .
Ronaldo could return for final warm-up match against Republic of Ireland next Tuesday . |
120,126 | 274170d28ca2ef0e9dd370bbdace5cb8687e41d2 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:32 EST, 16 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:33 EST, 16 July 2013 . Indian police filed the death of a five-year-old girl as a dog attack, until further investigations found she was viciously raped and murdered. The five-year-old victim, Radhika Devi, was found with multiple injuries on July 8, near a highway in Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh, northern India. But a postmortem examination report – demanded my family members – concluded she was viciously raped and stabbed before she died of shock and blood loss. Justice: Rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in Lucknow, northern India is latest to expose police negligence when investigating such cases. Indian protesters came out in force in New Delhi on December 30, 2012, pictured, following the cremation of a horrific gang rape victim that shocked the world . Further protests led by poet Sankha Ghosh hit the streets of Kolkata in June to campaign against the gang-rape and murder of a college student in Kamduni village . Senior superintendent of Lucknow Police, Ravinder Goud, said: ‘We have suspended two officers for negligence and formed a special team to investigate the rape and murder of the girl. 'We are yet to find the murderers but we're working on some leads and expect a breakthrough soon.’ The little girl was from a nomadic community. She lived with her mother, Geeta Devi, 34, and two siblings after her father died three years ago. Her mother works selling grinding stones on the highway. Geeta had reported her daughter missing to Gomtinagar Police Station when she couldn’t find her anywhere near her home on the night of July 8. Four hours later passers-by found the little girl's dead body 500 meters away from her slum home with a pack of stray dogs nearby. Local police concluded the girl had come out of her home to go to the toilet and was subsequently attacked by dogs and dragged 500 meters away, towards the highway. But the family was not satisfied and was determined for the girl’s death to be investigated thoroughly. The family claimed the police officers tried to dissuade them from ordering a post-mortem examination, which later confirmed she was brutally raped and murdered. The report found she had 80 stab wounds, 72 of those near her genitals and eight deep wounds on her upper body. Ashamed: An anti-rape protest in Gauhati, India, last December. The attack of the five-year-old is the latest of a string of shocking rape cases that have sent shockwaves through India in recent months, raised serious questions across the international community over the treatment of women in the country . Horrific: It comes a week after a young woman (whose face we have . blurred to protect her identity) was allegedly gang-raped and then set . on fire in Etawah, the hometown of UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav . (left) The report concluded the cause of the death was shock and excessive blood loss. They found no dog bite injuries. Following the medical report and protests by family members and angry locals, the two senior officers were suspended for neglect of duty by local authorities. The case is further controversy to the fear in India that local police do not take rape cases seriously. Since a 23-year-old student was gang raped and killed on a bus in New Delhi, in December last year, people are reporting rape cases more than ever in India. Mothers and daughters are no longer hiding away in shame, they are demanding action by their police force. In the capital Delhi it emerged last . week that there have been 806 cases of rape reported in just the first . six months of this year, equalling more than four a day, compared to 706 . cases recorded in all of 2012. This latest report is one of a number of appalling rape cases that have sent shockwaves through India in recent months, raised questions across the international community over the treatment of women in the country and led to a swift overhaul of sexual assault laws. Yesterday, a nationwide manhunt was been launched in India after four young girls were abducted from a care home in Lawada village in Pakur district and gang raped by up to 20 men. The girls, aged between 12 and 14, were being treated in a nearby hospital after detectives said a group of armed kidnappers raided the hostel and snatched them. Just days earlier, a 20-year-old college student was gang-raped and set on fire in Etawah, in Uttar Pradesh, the hometown of the region's Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav. In that case, shockingly, the police not only initially refused to register a case but also appeared to have abdicated their responsibility to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, an Indian juvenile court will hand down a verdict later this month in the now infamous gang rape of a young woman on a New Delhi bus who was dumped and left to die by the side of the road last December. The defendant was one of six people accused of tricking a young woman and her male companion into boarding an off-duty bus December 16. Police say the men then raped and brutalized the woman and savagely beat the man before dumping them on the roadside. The woman died from her injuries two weeks later in a Singapore hospital. Four of the defendants are being tried in a special fast-track court in New Delhi and face the death penalty. The fifth accused was found dead in his jail cell in March and the sixth, who was 17 at the time of the attack, faces a maximum sentence of three years at a reform centre. He will learn his fate on July 25. | The victim was found covered in injuries near a highway in Lucknow .
Police claimed she was attacked and killed by wild dogs seen nearby .
Examination found she was raped and stabbed 80 times, and no dog bites .
Further example of police negligence with regard to rape of girls in India . |
166,019 | 62ade397d8967ea6984e5ffcde9945b57999d343 | By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 10:47 EST, 22 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:54 EST, 22 February 2013 . It could be the end of the keyboard - but also the pen. German researchers have revealed a hi-tech glove that lets people simply write in mid air. Dubbed the 'airwriter', the system is able to work out what is being written simply by monitoring the position of the user's hand. The airwriting glove can recognise letters drawn in mid air using sensors. Its inventor claims it could one day even be woven into clothing so people can type anywhere . The system could be combined with Google Glass to let owners of the wearable computer type in mid air - and the project recently won funding from the search giant . Acceleration sensors and gyroscopes are attached to the thin glove, and track the movement of the user's hand. During writing, the airwriting system . decodes the letters by a pattern recognition method. For every letter of . the alphabet, a statistical model of the characteristic signal pattern . is stored - this allows the system to spot letters and build up words easily, and learn a user's writing style over time. Its inventors say it could be used to enter text messages and write emails. 'The airwriting glove is used to write letters into air, as if using an invisible board or pad,' said doctoral student Christoph Amma, who developed the system at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. She believes the technology could eventually be woven into clothing so it can be used anywhere. 'The interaction is embedded seamlessly in everyday life,' she said. Sensors attached to a glove record hand . movements, then a computer system captures relevant signals and . translates them into text. The sensors are also able to tell when a user is actually writing, rather than simply moving around normally. 'All movements that are not similar to writing, such as cooking, doing laundry, waving to someone, are ignored. 'The system runs in the background without interpreting every movement as computer input,' says Amma. The system can recognise complete sentences written in capital letters and presently has a vocabulary of 8,000 words. 'The system has an error rate of 11 per cent, . but when it is adapted to the individual writing style of the user, the . error rate drops to three per cent,' Christoph Amma says. To . help develop the idea, Amma received the 'Google Faculty Research . Award', worth $81,000, raising hopes it could be used with Google's . Glass wearer. The prototype glove is packed with sensors. However, it is believed future versions could be small enough to be simply woven into clothing . 'When such a system is combined with the . possibility to input commands and texts by gestures, you do not even . need a hand-held device,' she said. Scientists are now working on further refining the method to filter out writing, and making the system smaller. 'This can be achieved with commercial components. An unobtrusive wrist band might be feasible, for example,' says Amma. | Sensors allow the system to track hand movements, and work out what letters are being written .
System could be used for computers and mobile phones to allow easy text entry .
Could be combined with systems such as Google Glass - and the project has recently won funding from the search giant . |
264,799 | e30110de6c5f70624a8047d932b698fdc2876f4e | By . Snejana Farberov . A Pennsylvania man is facing animal abuse and drug charges after police say he tormented his pet kitten and injected him with heroin, prompting a quick-thinking veterinarian to use a human overdose medication on the cat. The 8-week-old, 2-pound black cat was rushed on Sunday to Hope Veterinary Specialists clinic in Malvern Sunday bleeding from his face, missing several teeth and with a rope tightly tied around his neck. A doctor at the center determined that the animal had been exposed to heroin and decided to administer an unusual remedy, giving the kitty the drug Narcan commonly used to treat human victims of drug overdose. Scroll down for video . Nine lives: Hope the kitten is lucky to be alive after allegedly being beat up, choked and injected with heroin by his owner over the weekend . 'Drug fiend': James Paul Myers, 24, faces charges including animal cruelty and drug possession . Police in West Whiteland Township say at around 4.40am Sunday, an officer spotted James Myers' car parked in the middle of Dunwoody Drive with the driver's door ajar, according to a press release put out Tuesday by the Chester County District Attorney's Office. The officer says under the door he saw an injured black kitten with a rope around its neck and several teeth knocked out. Myers allegedly tried to choke his pet, slammed his face into the ground and then painted the message 'SLAM IT YOU PU$$Y' on the pavement. 'This is a two pound kitten that would fit in the palm of my hand. He would take a kitten, a defenseless kitten, and torture it this way,' District Attorney Tom Hogan told the station 6ABC. Police say they also seized nearly two dozen bundles of heroin, hundreds of used baggies and 46 of needles in the 24-year-old's car. Authorities say at the veterinary clinic, Dr. Jennifer Magilto was able to revive the injured cat with an antidote for opium-based drug overdoses. Savagery: The kitty had some of his teeth knocked out in the beating, and the 8-week-old pet also suffered head trauma . Obscene: Myers allegedly painted the words 'SLAM IT YOU PU$$Y' on the pavement . Initially, there was talk of euthanizing the animal because of his injuries, but when the veterinarian learned the facts of the case, she concluded that the kitten must have been injected with heroin and decided to try and save him. Within 24 hours, the kitty, appropriately named Hope after the veterinary clinic, was purring, eating with appetite and playing. The tough little guy is expected to make a full recovery, according to the doctors. He will then be transferred to the Chester County SPCA, which will help find Hope a foster home before putting him up for adoption. Quick-thinking vet: The doctor treating little Hope determined that he must have been injected with heroin and used the overdose reversal antidote nalaxone, trademarked as Narcan, to revive the pet . Getting better: The kitty is expected to make a full recovery, after which he will be put up for adoption . James Myers has been charged with animal cruelty and drug possession. He is being held in jail on $25,000 bail. ‘The abuse of this kitten was a singularly depraved act,’ stated District Attorney Hogan. ‘Heroin addicts abuse themselves, animals, and children without remorse or regret. What punishment is severe enough for this type of evil?’ | A black 8-week-old kitten dubbed Hope was saved by a doctor at Hope Veterinary Specialists clinic in Malvern, Pennsylvania .
The veterinarian gave the bleeding, lethargic kitten the overdose antidote Narcan .
Owner James Myers, 24, charged with animal cruelty and drug possession .
Myers is accused of trying to choke the cat with a rope, slamming his face into the ground and shooting him up with heroin Sunday . |
90,436 | 00567158011683186f7a905ee4f3fcf83d661635 | Legal aspects surroundings Scotland's bid to host games at Euro 2020 'may have to be re-assessed' if the nation becomes independent following next week's referendum, according to UEFA's report into bidding countries. The Scottish FA has submitted a bid for Glasgow's Hampden Park to host three group games and one match in the knock-out rounds of the tournament, which is being held in 13 countries around Europe. Cardiff's Millennium Stadium and the Dublin Arena are also bidding for group matches, while Wembley is the favourite to host the final with only one rival in Munich. UEFA's executive committee will vote on the host cities on September 19, the day after the Scottish referendum. Transformed: Glasgow's Hampden Park (pictured here with the athletics track used during the Commonwealth Games) has bid to host four Euro 2020 matches but independence could raise legal problems . Special moment: Scotland winger Ikechi Anya places the ball past Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer . The evaluation report carried out by UEFA into the bids says of the Scottish bid: 'Scotland being part of the UK, the legal situation is mostly - but not entirely - identical to that of England and Wales. 'The situation may have to be re-assessed should Scotland become independent of the UK following the referendum.' The evaluation report also criticises the commercial part of the Scotland bid as being 'inadequate' and 'lacking clarity'. It says: 'The commercial sector of the bid is inadequate, as the information provided lacks clarity. The amount of advertising space offered is vague.' Glasgow's transport links and hotel accommodation are praised however, as is its plans for fan zones. Cardiff's bid gets a generally favourable evaluation report, but inspectors point out that fans would have to use airports in Bristol or even London. Fans: Scotland supporters will hope they are still able to host Euro 2020 matches if independence happens . Dublin receives one of the best evaluation reports among all 19 bidders, with hotel accommodation praised as 'very impressive'. The evaluation report of the FA's Wembley Stadium bid is generally positive and similar to that received by Munich, although the proposed fan zone outside of central London is rated as only 'satisfactory' and plans for fan zones in other English cities as 'very weak'. Munich's fan zone proposal is rated as 'attractive' but plans for fan zones in other German cities also rated as 'weak'. Wembley is regarded as the favourite after the German FA announced it may not push hard for Munich in order to concentrate on a bid to host the entire Euro 2024 tournament. UEFA's report also raises concerns about the political situation in Israel and Russia, who are also bidding with Jerusalem and St Petersburg respectively. The political situation in Israel is described as 'complex' due to the recent Gaza conflict and Russia's as 'increasingly complex', following its involvement in the Ukraine crisis. Captain fantastic: Scotland skipper Darren Fletcher (left) in action against Germany in the Euro 2014 qualifier . | Scotland's bid to host Euro 2020 games may be affected by independence .
UEFA's report into bidding nations says it could affect nation's legal status .
Scottish FA has bid for Hampden Park to host three group games in 2020 .
Glasgow's Hampden Park has also bid for one knock-out round match .
UEFA's executive commitee will vote on host cities on September 19 .
Scotland will vote in referendum for independence on September 18 . |
282,408 | f9c5263e53c6af7e344990af41056bdac225745e | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:40 EST, 23 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:24 EST, 24 May 2013 . A suicidal man who jumped from an 11th-floor flat killed a five-year-old girl on the pavement below when he landed on her. The 39-year-old man died instantly after he jumped from an apartment in the south-eastern port city of Busan in South Korea. The girl, who had been walking with both her parents outside the building, died later in hospital from brain damage and multiple broken bones. A police official said it remained unclear why the man decided to jump. Witnesses saw him preparing to leap but he did not appear to have left a suicide note behind. South Korea has the highest suicide rate among members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, with an average of nearly 50 deaths a day. The man, only identified as Mr Jang, is said to have jumped from his flat on Wednesday evening. Double tragedy: The seven-year-old died after a man committing suicide by jumping from the tenth floor of a building in Busan, pictured, landed on her . In what is being reported as a suicide, Mr Jang hit his neighbour’s daughter as she emerged from the apartment building, SBS TV reports. The girl, who was with her father at the time of the incident, was taken to hospital but pronounced dead soon after arrival. Mr Jang died immediately at the scene. Mr Jang had long been treated for mental illness and depression before the accident, SBS quoted an area police official as saying. Police in the southern port of Busan, pictured, said Mr Jang had been treated for mental illness and depression before the incident on Wednesday . South Korea has the highest suicide rate among members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. The country has an average of 33.5 people per 100,000 taking their lives, a figure which equates to nearly 50 suicides a day. For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details. | South Korean man jumping off building kills girl after landing on her .
Seven-year-old died after her neighbour's body hit her on the street . |
72,460 | cd68bec54e0966f61eb6d7be0552ec5ac28de5c2 | Going public: Joanna Shields will create an international hub for technology in London . A senior executive from Facebook is joining the public payroll – and will be paid almost as much as the Prime Minister to try to turn London into a rival to Silicon Valley. The appointment of Joanna Shields comes at a time when the social networking site has come under fire for paying hardly any tax despite its huge profits. She will earn £115,000 a year in her new role as chief executive of the Tech City Investment Organisation, plus a £25,000 performance-related bonus, meaning her total pay is just short of David Cameron’s £142,500 salary. Miss Shields, 50, Facebook’s vice president and managing director in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, defended the company against allegations of tax avoidance. Last year it paid tax of only £200,000 on estimated UK revenues of £175million. ‘What’s missing from the story is why people do it,’ she said. ‘The reason those companies make those decisions is because of the investment environment and the tax environment.’ Miss Shields takes up her post in January. It was set up by the Government body UK Trade and Investment to encourage investment in a technology hub around Shoreditch in East London known as Tech City . Around 3,000 digital companies already operate in the area. Miss Shields said London was the . perfect international hub for digital innovation and should not be the . ‘stepchild’ of Silicon Valley in California and Bangalore in India. Miss Shields (pictured left at a press conference) will leave her position at Facebook. She received critical emails after the revelations of the company's tax affairs . 'Delighted': David Cameron is pleased Joanna is joining the Tech City Investment Organisation . Her role is to help secure investment for start-up companies and to lessen the red tape associated with starting a business. It also involves working as a business ambassador promoting the UK around the world. Meanwhile, two more foreign companies were yesterday accused of paying minimal tax in Britain despite big sales. The American internet auction giant . eBay paid only £1million of corporation tax on sales of £789million and . estimated profits of £181million in the UK during 2010 after channelling . cash through foreign companies to slash its bill legally from . £51million. Ikea paid £8.1million of corporation . tax on sales of £1.2billion and profits of £23.6million in the year to . August 2011. The Swedish flat-pack furniture giant uses a legal . accounting method to lower its UK profits. | Joanna Shields will be paid almost as much as the Prime Minister .
Said she was ready for 'public service' at this stage in her career .
Also defended Facebook who paid £200,000 tax on revenues of £175million . |
56,146 | 9f21c991063b223a28cf6ba9ca25ae3cbeb38868 | Malaysia Airlines has offered to waive fees for any passengers wanting to make changes to their flight itineraries with the carrier in the wake of the tragic MH17 disaster. The airline said that passengers who wished to postpone or cancel their travel plans could have a refund, including for non-refundable tickets, but would have to do so by Thursday. The concessions are restricted to travel up until December 31, 2014. Scroll down for video . Money back: Malaysia Airlines has offered refunds to travellers who want to cancel flights after the MH17 tragedy . Devastation: A man looks at debris of the Boeing 777 flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, claiming the lives of passengers from 13 countries . A spokesman said: 'Our Enrich passengers will also receive fee waivers for any changes to their travel itinerary, as well as refunds of miles should they choose to cancel their redemption tickets. 'These waivers are only applicable from July 18, 2014 until July 24, 2014, for travel between July 18, 2014 until Dec 31, 2014." Those who wish to change their travel plans are urged to contact their nearest Malaysia Airlines ticket office or call the global call centre on 1 300 88 3000. The spokesman added: 'Malaysia Airlines deeply regrets the loss of MH17, and is very much appreciative of the support from our passengers.' Contact: Passengers are urged to contact Malaysia Airlines before Thursday if they wish to change flights . Wreckage: The world is mourning the loss of 298 passengers . Experts from the UK are to join those from the US and other nations in the Ukraine on Saturday to assist a Ukrainian-led investigation into how the flight was brought down. Downing . Street said six investigators from the UK Air Accidents Investigation . Branch would join the growing international probe into exactly how the . plane came to crash, killing 298 people, including 10 Britons, nearly . 200 Dutch passengers and 80 children. The . Foreign Office has also sent extra consular staff to Ukraine and the . Metropolitan Police is liaising with international partners to send . specialist officers to the country to assist with the recovery, . identification and repatriation of those killed. | Malaysia Airlines plane flight MH17 crashed near Shaktersk, Ukraine .
298 passengers were on board, travelling from .
Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur .
The airline has offered refunds and to waive fees for passengers wanting to change their flight plans .
Requests must be made by Thursday and only for flights up to December 31 . |
33,251 | 5e83b20cb05de4ca07fc442d782540c2d379218d | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:02 EST, 31 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 15:04 EST, 31 October 2012 . An airline magnate told a court today how he paid for crooked tycoon Asil Nadir to live in luxury as he defended himself against £29million theft charges. Turkish . businessman Hamat Bagana, gave 70-year-old-Nadir a total of £4.5m, which was . used to rent a Mayfair townhouse, pay lawyers’ bills and buy a £44,000 . silver Range Rover Vogue for his 28-year-old wife Nur. The 71- year- old, said it had been an ‘honour and a . privilege’ and his ‘moral duty’ to support Nadir, who was a ‘hero’ to . his generation. Facing charged: 70-year-old-Asil Nadir with his 28-year-old wife Nur . Nadir, now 70, claims he has been penniless since the collapse of his Polly Peck business empire in the early 1990s and has not had a bank account or credit card since. Prosecutors say this represents a ‘straightforward sham’ designed to hide his true wealth from the authorities. Nadir is fighting attempts to reclaim nearly £29m he was convicted of stealing from the firm earlier this year following a mammoth seven-month trial. He was originally due to stand trial over the missing millions in 1993, but fled to his native norther Cyprus before the case against him began. Mr Bagana, who owns Turksih airline Onur Air, claims he handed over £4.5m to the former Polly Peck boss as a gesture of generosity for promoting business in Turkey and northern Cyprus. Mr Bagana, who first met Nadir around 25 years ago, said: ‘When Mr Nadir made the decision to return to London he asked me a question. Respect: Airline magnate Hamat Bagana said he paid for crooked tycoon Asil Nadir to live in luxury because he was a 'hero' ‘He said this is going to be a long and expensive process. ‘He said, “I don’t have the resources to provide for that process." ‘Then he asked me whether I would support him, help him in that respect and I answered him by saying I would do that. ‘A second matter was related to the living standards in London. ‘Because I was going to provide the finances for that purpose he asked me this question, not quite so directly but in a way. 'I answered him by saying, “When you return to London you must live by the standards that you had in the past when you used to live in London, that you have been used to. ‘”I will provide the finances to make sure you are able to do that.' 'However, I was personally against his idea of coming back to London.’ Asked what had expected to get out of giving Nadir the money, he replied: ‘He didn’t give me anything other than his friendship.’ Questioned further about his motives, he said: ‘Mr Nadir is a hero to my generation. ‘The initiatives he started in both northern Cyprus and Turkey in his time have been responsible for the current economic success of both countries, which he did under the umbrella of his company PPI.’ Mr Bagana told the court he had visited Nadir’s northern Cyprus home several times and had found it to be ‘tastefully furnished but chiefly economical.’ The two discussed wine and champagne, business and politics, he added. Nadir claims the only work he has done since 1993 is to work as a modestly-paid consultant for the Cyprus Today newspaper. At the conclusion of his trial in August this year, Nadir was convicted of 10 counts of theft relating to the disappearance of £28.89m - around £61.6m in today’s money - between 1987 and 1990. He was cleared of three counts alleging he stole £6.5m. Nadir, of Eaton Square, Belgravia, central London, denied 13 specimen counts of theft. Prosecutors said the specimen represented the theft of £146,050,000 and US$6,424,724 through 64 transactions. Mr Bagana is trying to retrieve the £250,000 security he paid for Nadir’s bail on his return to the UK. Later, Nadir’s sister Bilge Nevzat gave evidence by videolink from Northern Cyprus. She said Nadir had not worked while in exile. She said: 'He was stuck in half an island that was not recognised by anyone.' The hearing was adjourned to Friday. After the case, Nadir’s wife Nur, 28, said reports that she was in Jordan were untrue. She said: 'I am in Cyprus and I am thinking of moving to Istanbul.' Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | The money helped the 70-year-old live in the manner to 'which he was accustomed' with his 28-year-old wife .
Nadir claims the only work he has done since 1993 is to work as a modestly-paid consultant . |
173,641 | 6cb5f87d3a73966ab61111d51f766cfc2b3de13c | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 1:21 PM on 20th January 2012 . Britain's beleaguered retail sector saw slight respite last month as sales grew 0.6 per cent, but experts warned shoppers are set to 'close their wallets and hunker down' after their pre-Christmas splurge. Retail sales volumes grew 0.6% month-on-month in December, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said, compared to a revised 0.5% decline the previous month. This was slightly below the 0.7% growth forecast by the City. The figure boosted hopes that the total economy would avoid contraction in the last months of 2011 but economists expect retailers to struggle in the new year as cash-strapped consumers rein in spending. Bargain hunting: Retailers slashed prices in the run-up to the festive season in a bit to lure cash-strapped customers . The slight increase in sales was not sufficient, however, to save high street names like Peacocks and Past Times, who have both fallen into administration recently despite posting positive Christmas sales. The increase in sales volumes was driven by clothing chains and department stores and came as store-price inflation dropped to its lowest rate for 16 months, the ONS said. There was evidence that spending on big-ticket items was still being held back as sales at household goods stores fell by 2.4% month-on-month, the biggest drop since April 2010. Economists have warned the sector is set to struggle this year, despite the growth in sales last month, as shoppers continue to cut back on non-essential spending and the economy teeters on the edge of recession. A graph from the Office of National Statistics shows that while the volume of sales has only increased slightly compared with last Christmas, the value of sales has increased more due to the increased price of goods . Data from the Office of National Statistics shows that non-food stores fared the best over December, while automative fuel sales and non-store retailing remained roughly the same . ‘The risk remains that pressurised and worried consumers will put away their purses and wallets, and hunker down for an extended period after a late flurry of spending in the run-up to Christmas and then taking advantage of the best of the bargains in the clearance sales,’ said Howard Archer, chief UK and European economist at IHS Global Insight. The ONS said consumers spent £42.1billion in the retail sector last month, compared to £29billion in November and £39billion in 2010. Clothing and footwear stores posted a 1.8 per cent month-on-month volumes growth while department stores such as John Lewis recorded 1.2 per cent monthly growth. Data shows the value (in £ millions) spent in different retail sectors over the past two years in Britain . Too little, too late: Peacocks stores saw like-for-like sales go up 17 per cent over Christmas but it wasn't enough to save the chain . Looking for a buyer: Past Times went into administration . Sales at household goods store dropped by 2.4 per cent month-on-month, while food store sales saw weaker growth, with volumes rising month on month by 0.4 per cent and 1.2 per cent year on year. Profit margins across the entire retail industry have been hit by big discounts, putting further pressure on companies struggling to stay afloat. A host of household names have run into severe financial trouble recently, including fashion retailer Peacocks, lingerie firm La Senza and outdoor specialist Blacks Leisure. | Seasonal increase didn't stop Blacks, Peacocks, Barratts and Past Times from nearing collapse .
Economists warn economy will struggle again this year . |
61,886 | afcd9435e9d498f875ce7e878279fc623dcff249 | A woman who tortured her teenage brother to death after accusing him of witchcraft was jailed for life yesterday. Magalie Bamu and her boyfriend Eric Bikubi inflicted more than 130 injuries on 15-year-old Kristy Bamu over the course of a horrific four-day attack. Bamu, 29, a former Marks & Spencer worker, was told she will spend at least 25 years behind bars for the barbaric killing. Her boyfriend, 28, a former football coach, was jailed for at least 30 years after a jury heard that he had caused the teenager the most suffering. Jailed: Eric Bikubi, left, and his partner Magalie Bamu, right, were both jailed for life today for the horrific torture of Magalie's brother Kristy, which led to his death . Victim: 15-year-old Kristy Bamu, pictured left with a friend, suffered 130 injuries after being hit with an arsenal of weapons including broken ceramic floor tiles . Sentencing the Congolese pair at the . Old Bailey, Judge David Paget QC said Bamu must have realised her . sibling was going to die in an attack that ‘surpassed belief’. He added: ‘I am aware of the . controversy of the meaning of the word sadistic in this context. I am in . no doubt this murder involved a sadistic element. The intention was to . rid Kristy Bamu of witchcraft. ‘To do that both of you brutalised and physically abused him until eventually he died. It was prolonged torture. ‘A belief in witchcraft, however genuine, can never excuse an assault on another person or the killing of another human being. ‘I find it impossible not to conclude . that there was an intention by you, Eric Bikubi, to kill, perhaps not . at first but certainly at the end of the ordeal inflicted on Kristy. In court: Kelly Bamu, pictured on the witness stand, said Kristy asked for forgiveness. 'He asked again and again,' she said, adding 'Magalie did absolutely nothing. She didn't give a damn' ‘You, Magalie Bamu, must have realised . that might happen, why else say to your mother: “If you do not collect . the children, Eric would kill Kristy”.’ After the convictions, Kristy’s father . Pierre said: ‘Kristy was a delightful child with a promising future – . we will miss him terribly. ‘The fact Kristy died at the hands of . those who were expected to look after him and his siblings during their . visit to London, makes it all the more difficult for us to come to terms . with.’ Detective Superintendent Terry Sharpe, . of the Metropolitan Police, warned that crimes linked with witchcraft . remained ‘hidden and under-reported’. WARNING: Graphic images below . Violent evidence: Kristy Bamu suffered 130 injuries after being tortured for four days with weapons including broken ceramic floor tiles . Witchcraft: These weapons were found at the scene in what officers called an 'unprecedented scenario' Evidence: Officers found a whole array of weapons in the flat, including pliers, a pole, and a piece of wood . Terrible death: Kristy's last words were 'I just want to die now' before he slipped underneath the water in the bath . He added: ‘It is difficult to see how . the verdicts will bring much comfort to the Bamu family but I do hope . that it will allow them to move on with their lives.’ The court previously heard that Bamu and Bikubi, like many Congolese nationals, were obsessed with kindoki, or witchcraft. The couple accused Kristy of trying to . bewitch a child in the family after he arrived from Paris for . Christmas 2010 with four of his siblings at their council flat in . Newham, East London. The pair beat him with a metal . weightlifting pole, a curtain rod and a wooden plank, knocked out his . teeth with a hammer and smashed heavy floor tiles over his head. Meanwhile his siblings, aged between . 11 and 22, were forced to fast and pray throughout the night and at some . points goaded to join in and clear up the pools of blood. Kristy drowned in the bath on Christmas Day after begging to die as Bikubi hosed him down to ‘cleanse’ him of evil spirits. The sentences mark the end of a court . case that has sparked calls for police to do more to tackle crimes . fuelled by such medieval beliefs. There have been at least 83 cases of children attacked in London for ‘sorcery’ over the past decade. Shocking: This was the squalid and bloodstained scene police were confronted by when they discovered the killing of Kristy Bamu by his sister and her partner in Newham, east London . Scene of the crime: Kristy was forced to pray for deliverance for four days and deprived of food and water . Christian fundamentalist pastors in Britain are fuelling the belief in witchcraft, experts have warned. Dr Richard Hoskins, a police adviser, said he has spoken to many immigrant Londoners gripped by the potential power of malicious ‘spirits’ threatening to damage their families. Traditional methods of exorcism include wearing a charm, fasting or sacrificing an animal and are controlled by the Church. The university lecturer warned that Christian extremists and evangelists have begun taking advantage of vulnerable families and perpetuating beliefs in witchcraft by offering expensive ‘deliverance services’. Dr Hoskins said: ‘What seems to happen is that there is this dislocation and, in this case, something feral and wild. It is completely out of control.’ The issue was first highlighted by the case of eight-year-old Victoria Climbie in 2000. Victoria, who travelled to Britain from the Ivory Coast, died at the hands of her aunt and her boyfriend after being branded a witch. A year later the torso of a Nigerian boy, named Adam by police, was found in the Thames after he was ritually sacrificed. Police believe he may have been killed by someone with a terminal illness who believed his murder would save them. In 2005, three people were convicted of beating, cutting and rubbing chilli peppers in the eyes of an eight-year-old Angolan girl to ‘beat the devil out of her’. VIDEO: Squalid scenes inside the flat where Kristy Bamu's body was discovered . | Eric Bikubi ordered to serve at least 30 years and Maglie Bamu a minimum of 25 years .
Bikubi told Kristy and siblings to jump out of the window to see if they could fly during abuse .
Judge says the belief in witchcraft, however .
genuine, could not be an excuse .
Judge agrees the couple also attacked Kristy’s sisters but would not pass separate sentences .
Kristy's father Pierre said his son died in 'unimaginable circumstances at the hands of people he loved and trusted' |
257,068 | d8b9d4d1a4d8a2358812ab9453d0b94564f42f8a | (CNN) -- When Eman al-Obeidy approached journalists last week at Tripoli's Rixos Hotel, she did more than accuse Moammar Gadhafi's men of rape. She also became the face of the anti-Gadhafi movement. Since the highly publicized incident, which ended with a hysterical al-Obeidy being whisked away by government minders, the 29-year-old lawyer from Tobruk has been celebrated as a symbol of Libyan defiance. "Many Libyans I know online on social media are holding up Eman al-Obeidy as a hero," said Mona Eltahawy, an Egyptian-born journalist who writes columns on Arab and Muslim issues. "And many people across the region -- Egyptians, Syrians -- (are) demanding to know where she is and fearing for her life." A day after al-Obeidy was taken into custody, a spokesman for the Libyan government said she had been released. He also said her report -- that she was kidnapped and gang-raped by 15 of Gadhafi's men -- would be investigated. But nobody close to al-Obeidy, including her family, has heard from her since her reported release. Even if she is soon confirmed to be safe and sound, one could say the damage has already been done to Gadhafi's regime. Al-Obeidy's capture and detention added fuel to the Libyan opposition by garnering global sympathy for its cause. Facebook pages and Twitter feeds from around the world have continually paid tribute to al-Obeidy and made her a rallying cry for revolution. "Everyone can see the expression, almost in real time, of the face of this woman being yanked by Gadhafi's security and alleging rape, which is very powerful," said Jamal Dajani, vice president of Middle East and North Africa for the Internews Network. "And they can relate to how brave she was to ... put her story forward." Al-Obeidy might be the latest symbol of Arab unrest, but she is far from the first. Iconic figures have also emerged in other countries: . -- In Egypt, Wael Ghonim helped mobilize Egypt's youth and force out President Hosni Mubarak, who had led the country since 1981. Ghonim, a 30-year-old Google executive, played a key role in organizing the anti-government protests in January. He was detained for 10 days by the government, but when he was released he became even more vocal, sitting down for media interviews and addressing thousands of demonstrators at Cairo's Tahrir Square. -- Before Ghonim in Egypt, there was fruit vendor Mohammed Bouazizi in Tunisia. Bouazizi, 26, kick-started the entire Arab upheaval after he lit himself on fire, protesting his humiliating treatment at the hands of the local government. Less than two weeks after his death, Tunisian President Zine el Abedine Ben Ali had resigned in the wake of massive public protests. "Everyone tells me when I go there, 'If there were no Muhammed Bouazizi, none of this would have happened,' " Dajani said. -- And even before the recent wave of unrest, there were the 2009 protests of the Iranian election. Neda Agha-Soltan, 26, became the rallying point of the protesters' struggle when she was fatally shot during the government's crackdown. Her death was captured on video and aired worldwide. "When we look back, we tend to associate specific causes and struggles with individuals and particular moments," said Nader Hashemi, an assistant professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver. "In the case of Egypt, for example, Wael Ghomin represents ... the core of the Egyptian democratic revolution that toppled Mubarak. When we think of him, details are not required. His name tells the story of an entire people and political cause." The importance of having a 'face' The mass media and new technologies have played a tremendous role in creating these icons, Dajani said, and their influence cannot be overstated. "If this would have happened 20 years ago, when we did not have satellite TV, when we did not have Facebook, when we did not have Twitter -- when we were dependent on the government-controlled media to report on the story -- then Mohammed Bouazizi would have died in vain and hardly anyone would have heard about him," he said. Dajani said that when he first started working in journalism, there were fewer than 100 satellite television stations in the Arab world. "Now there are 750," he said. "Three years ago, there were 400. So the governments ... they've lost control [of the message] pretty much all over the Middle East." The exception to that might be in countries that heavily restrict foreign media, such as Iran and Syria. The death of Neda Agha-Soltan wasn't caught on television cameras -- it was captured by a cell phone. And despite the impact of her death in inspiring protest, the Iranian government was eventually able to quell the dissent. Nick Roberts, an assistant professor of history at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, said "having someone as a face of a revolution is nothing new." He pointed to historic figures such as Maximilien Robespierre in France, Vladimir Lenin in Russia and Che Guevara in Cuba. "But the importance of having an immediate face for the revolution seems to be increasing in an age of 24-7 internet and television media coverage," he said. It also helps mobilize the public quickly and efficiently, Hashemi said. "Successful revolutions require some form of mass mobilization to challenge established power," he said. "These stories and individuals can inspire millions of people to sacrifice themselves and to take the necessary risks that are needed to push forward a political cause. "Authoritarian regimes remain in power due to fear and political apathy. If this can be overcome, change becomes possible." The power of one story cannot be underestimated, said John Robertson, a professor of Middle Eastern history at Central Michigan University. He experienced it himself when he was a student protesting the Vietnam War. "I remember that one of the things that got us even more loudly into the streets was what we really saw as the martyrdom for Kent State students who were shot down in 1970," Robertson said. "I remember so many of us walking around just infuriated and determined to work even harder to oppose (President) Nixon. ... In our minds, (these protesters) became sort of symbols for us of the need to be willing, if need be, to sacrifice yourself for a greater cause." Robertson has been paying close attention to the "Arab spring," discussing the latest developments on his blog and analyzing the politics in play. With civil unrest festering in countries such as Bahrain, Syria and Yemen, he expects more new faces to come to the forefront. "It's going to be a very, very different era about to open up," he said. "And there may be, as part of that, new heroes who are going to be emerging. "People need heroes, and people often seize upon very unlikely heroes like Mohammed Bouazizi. You never know who it's going to be next." | Alleged rape victim Eman al-Obeidy has become the public face of Libyan defiance .
The revolution movements in Egypt, Tunisia and Iran have also had their own iconic figures .
Experts say that all it takes is one powerful story to mobilize the public and inspire change .
The growth of satellite TV and the internet has had a major role in creating recent icons . |
112,367 | 1cf232206efe4dbb9395b4515a278456b1a32347 | Britain faces a legal challenge over its alleged role in supplying information to an American military ‘kill list’ in Afghanistan. Targeting Taliban leaders and drug traffickers plays a key role in Nato’s strategy in Afghanistan. The existence of the ‘kill list’ was first revealed in a US Senate report in 2009 detailing a new task force linking US and British military with the Drug Enforcement Agency and Britain’s Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca). Shock: After an attack on an Al Qaeda in the North Waziristan tribal region of Pakistan . An Afghan man who lost five relatives in a missile strike has started proceedings against the Soca and the Ministry of Defence, demanding to know the UK’s involvement in the target list. Solicitors Leigh Day & Co have asked Defence Secretary Philip Hammond and Soca to provide assurances about Britain’s participation, and whether it complies with UK and international law. Kabul bank worker Habib Rahman lost two brothers, two uncles and his father-in-law in a missile attack on their cars in September 2010. He launched the legal challenge because . he believes his relatives were unlawfully killed in a case of mistaken . identity during one ‘kill list’ operation. Under attack: Soldiers from the 1st Armored Division pursue insurgents who fired rocket propelled grenades into trucks hauling fuel on Afghanistan's main highway . At the time of the attack, the Inter-national Security Assistance Forces said it was a ‘precision air strike’ which killed ‘eight to 12 insurgents’, including a Taliban commander. Mr Rahman says the deadly strike happened while they were helping a cousin who was campaigning in the run-up to Afghanistan’s elections. Leigh Day & Co acknowledge they do not know whether information provided by the UK contributed to the attack but say they hope the legal challenge will force officials to be more open about the British contribution to the ‘kill list’. Destruction: Afghan villagers stand outside a house hit by a Nato airstrike in June that claimed 15 lives . Rosa Curling, from Leigh Day & Co, said: ‘At a time when the UK Government is arguing that our presence in Afghanistan is needed to bring stability to the country and to establish and maintain the rule of law, ensuring that the UK Government and its agencies themselves are operating within their legal obligations could not be more important. Deadly: A US army Kiowa Warrior helicopter fires a rocket in Afghanistan . ‘Our client’s case suggests that the establishment and maintenance of the “killing list” is not in line with the UK’s duties under international humanitarian law. ‘Our client lost five of his relatives in an attack by the international military forces as a result of this list. ‘It is important that the MoD and Soca provide us with the reassurances sought, to make sure that others do not suffer the tragic loss of life as experienced by Mr Rahman.’ The MoD said it could not discuss the case in detail but stressed it worked ‘strictly within the bounds of international law’. A Soca spokesman said: ‘Soca does not discuss intelligence. Soca works strictly within the bounds of international law.’ ■ Three US special forces soldiers were shot and killed by a follower of the Taliban dressed in an Afghan uniform after he lured them to a breakfast meeting yesterday in the Sangin district of Helmand province. A fourth man was injured in the attack, the latest in a series by Afghan soldiers or police who are supposedly taking over responsibility for security once Nato forces go in 2014. The Taliban claimed the killer – who invited the soldiers to his checkpoint for a pre-dawn Ramadan meal – had been helping US forces to train police, but was now working for them. | Habib Rahman lost five relatives in a rocket attack .
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond asked to confirm Britain complies with international law . |
123,849 | 2c1dc5ec537ee7758ec7fa04dd5d89b4d35500b4 | (CNN) -- Trains are as intrinsic to life for India's billion-plus people as cars for Americans. Think, then, what it means that the Railway Ministry has been accused of ignoring "massacre" on the tracks. About 15,000 people die each year simply trying to cross India's mammoth network of railway lines, much of it left over from colonial days. That according to a scathing new safety report that blames the government for a lack of safety on a railway system used by 20 million Indians each day. Often, vast slums hug tracks and people live lives synchronized with the rhythms and noises of the trains roaring by. They walk the tracks every day as though it were their backyard. The report by the safety panel, set up in September after a series of rail accidents, said many of the deaths resulted from outdated technology and a lack of infrastructure. "Reluctance of Indian Railways to own these casualties, which do not fall under the purview of train accidents but are nevertheless accidents on account of trains can by no means be ignored," said the report issued recently by the High Level Safety Review Committee. "No civilized society can accept such massacre on their railway system," it said. The panel said 6,000 of the deaths occurred in Mumbai's commuter system alone. "We feel the grim situation on the Mumbai suburban system has to be tackled on a different war footing," it said. People are dying, it said, because of unmanned train crossings and a lack of barricades, fences and pedestrian bridges. Or the platforms are too narrow and stations lack facilities such as elevators for the disabled. Another 1,000 people die because they fall off crammed compartments or in train collisions, the report said. It said accidents of a minor nature and near misses were not included in the data. The report made a host of safety improvements and recommended a budget of about $20 billion over the next five years to implement changes. "The demands on the system are rapidly growing without commensurate investments for upgradation of technology and modernization consistent with modern times," the report said. | 15,000 people are killed trying to cross train tracks every year .
A safety panel said almost half of the deaths were in Mumbai .
It said 'no civilized society can accept such massacre'
It blamed outdated technology and lack of infrastructure . |
33,887 | 6055c6c94616e596e74c9b6ceefc5a2a35a5cfb1 | By . Louise Cheer . A bottle of red wine is usually associated with a splitting headache the next day, but this time it caused a different kind of headache for a man who attempted to rob a Canberra supermarket. About 6.40pm on Thursday, a man brandishing a bladed weapon made threats to staff at a supermarket in Cook – north-west of Canberra – when a bold customer struck the offender on the back of the head with an unopened bottle of red wine. In CCTV footage, a customer is seen standing by a shop display when they take up a bottle and walk up behind the offender, and comes to the rescue by knocking him with the makeshift weapon. Scroll down for video . CCTV captured the moment when a brave customer helped stop a robbery by hitting the thief with a bottle of red wine on Thursday . The glass bottle shatters and sends red wine all over the offender and on the floor. In shock, the offender is seen stumbling forward before running off without taking any cash or property. Police have described the offender as 174cm tall and wearing a dark-coloured hoodie jacket. But the Cook crime was one of three incidents that happened on Thursday night. The offender was threatening staff with a knife, demanding money at a Cook supermarket in Canberra's north-west . The thief appears to be in shock as he stumbles forward during the incident, which happened about 6.40pm . About 20 minutes after the first incident, a Caucasian man of normal build in his 20s who was between 165cm and 170cm entered another supermarket in Scullin – also in Canberra’s north-west – with a knife and made threats to staff. He fled from the scene when a car pulled up in the parking lot outside. The same knife-wielding offender struck again about 10 minutes later at a business in Higgins – almost 2km from Scullin – again he demanded money and threatened staff. When staff refused to meet the demand, the offender ran off. Police are urging anyone with information about the trio of incidents and have not yet spoken to them to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report via the website at www.act.crimestoppers.com.au. The offender, who has been described as 174cm by police, turns around to look at his attacker . He then runs away without any money or property - the first of three attempts that night to rob Canberra supermarkets . | The incident happened about 6.40pm on Thursday in Canberra's north-west .
In CCTV footage, the offender looks shocked by the customer's move .
He stumbles forward and runs away from the supermarket in Cook .
This was one of three attempted robberies that happened on the night . |
89,672 | fea6d9dc69182f2b6c50d11d258ab7727e418627 | London (CNN) -- On July 1, 2013 the 27-nation European Union will become 28. With a low credit rating of junk and a political class stained by accusations of endemic corruption, the Balkan state of Croatia is soon to become the EU's latest addition. Brussels is embracing recession-marred Croatia, three years into a debt crisis that is plaguing countries across southern Europe. Leading economies such as Spain and Italy are struggling to cope with high borrowing costs and many EU nations are suffering from chronic unemployment. But for Croatia, joining Europe's elite club will mark the end a 10-year campaign to enter the region's single market. As one of the Balkan countries to emerge from the ruins of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, Croatia will be only the second country to join the EU after Slovenia in 2004. James Ker-Lindsay, a senior research fellow in South East European politics at the London School of Economics, says to some extent Croatia "got lucky" and its imminent membership is down to having "friends in the right places." He told CNN: "There's always been this sense that Croatia has had a strong champion in Germany and Austria. They have always taken a very strong position on Croatian membership." Read more: The eurozone's reluctant leader . Ker-Lindsay said he believes some EU member states are turning a "blind eye" to a number of Croatia's problems in favour of the political symbolism that enlargement in the Western Balkans represents. He added: "It's mission accomplished... The time for conditionality has gone." Economy . One of the challenges facing Croatia is its growth prospects. The financial crash of 2008 brought about a harsh double-dip recession that left the country's economy lingering in the doldrums. Forecasts for 2012 project the economy contracted 1.9%. Unemployment peaked at 17.3% which is behind only Greece and Spain, according to Eurostat - the European Commission's data archive. Croatia relies heavily on its sun-kissed Adriatic coast to draw tourism and its state-run shipyards for revenue -- which will either face privatization or bankruptcy under the EU's accession treaty. Read more: Europe's 10 hottest destinations for 2013 . The country's economic strife echoes the problems compounding many southern European nations. A high budget deficit, rising national debt and a lack of competitiveness has resulted in stagnating growth. Will Bartlett, a senior research fellow in the political economy of South East Europe at the London School of Economics, told CNN: "The EU will not be a panacea for Croatia's economy." Bartlett says that at the turn of the century, Croatia's banking industry became largely foreign-owned by European banks. Despite not being in the single currency, many small businesses in Croatia have debts denominated in euros rather than in kuna - the country's domestic currency - exposing them to exchange rate risk. Bartlett added: "It's very similar to Greece because it's a highly euro-ized economy... Unlike Greece they don't have access to any of the eurozone bailout funds. They're very much on their own." Read more: Greece: When anger goes beyond despair . In December, Standard & Poor's - one of the three big credit rating agencies - downgraded Croatia to the lowest investment status known as "junk." This led to the Prime Minister Zoran Milanović rebuffing suggestions that Croatia would need a bailout from the International Monetary Fund. Political corruption . Croatia is also in the midst of cleaning up a political class that is rife with corruption. Since the country's inception in the early 1990s, it has struggled to choke off profiteering from those in positions of power. Transparency International - an organization tackling corruption -- ranked Croatia below Rwanda, Jordan and Cuba in its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2012. But the country still came in above Italy - Europe's third largest economy. Zorislav Petrovic, head of Transparency Internernational in Croatia said: "The country's evolution has been very slow since 1990." But the current government - led by Milanovic - is taking steps to clean up the country's act under close supervision from the European Union. In November last year, the country's former Prime Minister, Ivo Sanader, was jailed for 10 years after being found guilty of taking pay-offs from foreign companies. Sanader - who was premier from 2004 to 2009 - had fled the country but was arrested in Austria. Kristof Bender, deputy chairman of the policy institute, European Stability Initiative, says Croatia's progress to the "doorstep of the European Union" is quite remarkable. He told CNN: "We mustn't forget how bad it [Croatia] was in the 1990s. The darkest moments of war, occupation, mass killings, ethnic cleansing, and autocratic leadership and crony capitalism were all there." Bender recalls a conversation he had two years ago with Vesna Pusić, now Croatia's foreign minister. She told him that "no one dares to engage in corruption because everyone is so scared now... no one is immune." Croatia joining the EU will be "highly beneficial" for the accession process, according to Bender, as it will inspire other "young democracies" in the Balkans and beyond to join the European movement. | Croatia will be only the second ex-Yugoslav country to join the EU after Slovenia in 2004 .
Croatia relies heavily on its Adriatic coast to draw tourism and its state-run shipyards .
The country's economic strife echoes the problems hitting southern European nations . |
266,467 | e522dbe306074bfc08a63b430381161d4bb0cb99 | The family of a woman who went missing from Texas two weeks ago after returning from a two-year trip around the world revealed Thursday that she may have left voluntarily. Leanne Hecht Bearden, 33, was last seen January 17 when she told her in-laws in Garden Ridge near San Antonio that she was going for a walk. She has not been heard from since. The woman and her husband, Joshua Bearden, were staying with his parents after returning from their travels earlier this month. Missing: Leanne Hecht Bearden went for a walk in Texas and never returned . In a statement released on a Facebook page dedicated to Bearden's search, her relatives suggested that the 33-year-old woman may have left on her on accord because she was struggling to adjust to life in the U.S. ‘The pressure of transitioning from her two year trip back into what we consider "normal" life seems to have left her very anxious and stressed,’ the statement read. ‘As a result of this investigation there is evidence that Leanne may have voluntarily left the area, and we understand this is a strong possibility.’ The local police, sheriff's deputies, the Texas Rangers, a group of friends and volunteers have spent the past two weeks scouring Garden Ridge and its vicinity in search of Bearden, but to no avail, the station KENS5 reported. The theory that the 33-year-old globetrotter took off voluntarily has been supported by evidence found on her computers by private investigator Charlie Parker. Cracked under pressure? Bearden's family said the women may have left on her on because she could not handle the stress of adjusting to a normal life in the United States after her travels . Adventure: The couple pose on a Goa beach during their two-year round the world trip . Garden Ridge police reached a similar conclusion, adding that they have found nothing to suggest that Bearden was the victim of a foul play. Her husband, Josh Bearden, said that while his wife is fit and athletic, she is small in stature. The fear is that the woman may have been bitten by a snake or got injured. ‘Her mental and physical status is uncertain. We fear for her greatly,’ her relatives said. ‘If Leanne has indeed fled the area, she is extremely vulnerable. She left with only a few assets and is traveling very light.’ On Wednesday, the private investigator hired by the family released photos of two diamond rings worn by Mrs Bearden in hopes that someone might recognize them, Houston Chronicle reported. ‘If she's running, she might try to pawn them,’ Parker said. ‘And if someone else has them, they might try to pawn them.’ Earlier this week, Mr Bearden offered a message of hope for his missing wife. Heartbroken: Joshua Bearden made an emotional plea to try to find his wife. Her body was found Thursday . ‘Baby, don’t be scared. We’re looking . for you. And we’re never ever going to stop looking for you,’ Joshua . Bearden told Leanne through a TV camera lens. Bearden . was speaking out in hopes continued public interest in his wife’s . strange disappearance would help his cause, since police have now called . off the official search. ‘As far as any sort of search in the area, we’re on our own on that,’ he . said on Fox & Friends, one of several interviews he’s now done. ‘If . you see Leanne, let somebody know. Call the police. If you live in the . area… could you do me a favor and check out your property and see if . there is anything unusual out there?’ Bearden said he's still looking for his wife in the area of Garden Ridge, Texas where she disappeared and not just for her sake but also for his own. 'The second I lose my hope, Leanne is gone,' he told KSAT. 'My biggest fear is that I lose hope.' Travels: The couple had just returned to the U.S. after their journey around the world . Police and family members are . desperately searching for the 33-year-old woman recently returned from a . two-year, around-the-world trip who disappeared during a visit to . relatives in Texas. Leanne . Hecht Bearden and her husband Joshua traveled the world . for 22 months without a mishap but after returning to the U.S. Leanne . Bearden has gone missing. The . couple was staying with Joshua Bearden's parents near San Antonio last . week after returning from their trip abroad when she went out for a walk . and never returned. Bearden, a marketing graduate, left the house in Garden Ridge on January 17 wearing jeans and hiking boots and carrying about $60 in cash and some credit cards. She also had a red backpack with her that reportedly contained several energy bars. 'We're very concerned,' Bearden's brother Michael Hecht told WSBTV. 'She left of her own free will to go for a walk and that's all we know. We're wondering what's happened. Maybe she went for a hike, saw a nice place somewhere she could hike and maybe is hurt, or has fallen over. We don't know.' The couple had intended to stay briefly in Texas before flying to their home in Denver to begin searching for work. According to CNN, the couple has been married for four years. Grief: Leanne's family are devastated by their loss and thanked the many people involved in trying to find the 33-year-old . 'Her husband is devastated right now and is extremely worried. We're just trying to help out the Police Department as much as we can canvassing the area, even going father out than we think she may be. But we have absolutely no idea where she is,' Hecht told WBSTV. According to My San Antonio, Bearden was planning to return to the home within an hour in order to take a phone call about a job in Denver. She was reported missing by her husband after she had been gone about four hours. At about that time, Bearden's parents returned home from an out-of-town trip. Search: Facebook pages and leaflets were set up to try to find Leanne . 'We could draw up scenarios that range from the sublime to the ridiculous,' Will Bearden told My San Antonio. 'I just stick with what we know. What we know is she was seen leaving our house Friday, and no one has seen her since.' Right now police say there is 'no indication at this time that this is criminal in nature.' Family friend Chris Busch told the Huffington Post that all leads are being followed. 'The area out there is surrounded by very rocky and rugged terrain,' Busch told The Huffington Post. 'There are caves, cliffs and all sorts of other things.' 'The options go from a twisted ankle to a snake bite,' he said. 'Is . it possible she was abducted? Yeah. There were two attacks on women . recently in the area. The police are looking into those. From our . standpoint, we are just out there trying to cover as much ground as . possible.' New life: Leanne and her husband were planning to return to their home in Denver and find work after their trip . The family organized 50 volunteers to search for Leanne Bearden on Wednesday and hired two helicopters, with the help of donations, to scour the area. 'Although we did not find her, we did cover a rather large area where we now know she is not,' her family said on a Facebook page started in her name. | Leanne Bearden, 33, left her in-laws' Texas home on January 17 for a walk, planning to return in an hour .
When she didn't return for four hours, her husband called police .
Bearden has not been seen since and now her husband is speaking out to say he'll search for his wife for as long as it takes to get her home .
She and her husband Joshua Bearden had just returned from a two-year world trip .
They were staying with Joshua Bearden's parents before returning to their home in Denver to find work .
Searches of the Garden Ridge area have turned up no sign of the marketing graduate . |
195 | 009bc4ed85ee998f320502ab3138d5f18bec0f90 | Acid attack victim turned TV presenter Katie Piper has announced her engagement. The 31-year-old shared her happy news on Twitter this morning where she told fans her carpenter boyfriend James had got down on one knee. She tweeted: 'So excited to tell you all.............. I became someone's fiancé last night! I'm engaged to be married :)'. Scroll down for video . Katie Piper has announced her engagement to carpenter boyfriend James on Twitter this morning . She posted the tweet on Saturday morning where she told fans she is due to be married after proposal last night . It is thought the pair dressed up for a romantic evening and a three-course dinner at their home in London yesterday. She posted a picture on Instagram last night of her meal of baked cod capers, cooked by her now fiance and father of their baby daughter, Belle Elizabeth, who was born in March this year. Alongside the pictures she wrote: 'Pretending we are going out for dinner! Cooking 3 course meal, dressed in our best clothes- all taking place at our kitchen table! Parents night in/out #nobabysitterneeded.' With her second snap she posted: 'I think my boyfriend has potential as a chef! Baked Cod with Capers,' before making the big announcement on Twitter today. The presenter posted this image on her Instagram last night where she told fans she was enjoying a three course meal at home with her boyfriend . Katie gave birth to baby daughter Belle Elizabeth in March this year. Her due date was Thursday, March 27, 2014 - the date of the six-year anniversary of when she was raped by her ex-boyfriend Danny Lynch . The couple met after being set up by friend Juliet, who gave James her number. They shared their first phone call, which Katie admits was 'nervous and stilted' but they soon started to relax, telling each other about their jobs. The pair arranged to meet up for a drink and a trip to the cinema. 'I figured that if he did turn out to be a starer, at least going to the cinema would keep his eyes elsewhere,' Katie said. 'James was chatty, witty and looked me squarely in the eye. He never once mentioned my burns, and because he didn’t, I didn’t either. 'He didn’t even stare at them, so I didn’t feel self-conscious. He had me relaxed and buzzing with confidence.' Katie, pictured at the TV Choice Awards in September, left, and at the Pride of Britain Awards in October, right . The couple soon started dating and became official before finding out they were expecting a baby in March, this year. Katie was just 24 when her ex-boyfriend Danny Lynch organised for a man to throw industrial-strength sulphuric acid in her face. At the time, her modelling career was taking off and she had recently been crowned Miss Winchester in a beauty pageant. She had also begun presenting on small digital television channels, primarily shopping channels, and decided to leave her parents' home in Hampshire for the capital. It was here she met Lynch - a martial arts enthusiast - who had been tracking her media and modelling career closely. In October, the acid attack survivor was awarded an honorary degree at Anglia Ruskin University, in Chelmsford, Essex (left) and right pictured earlier this year . He approached her on Facebook and the pair decided to meet up in person in Reading, where Katie was working at the time. But two weeks into the relationship, the couple booked into a hotel in Bayswater following a meal out, where Lynch raped, beat her and stabbed her several times in the arms. After eight hours in the hotel they drove back to her flat in Golders Green and she later sought medical treatment, though she was too scared to tell doctors what had really happened. Two days later, he persuaded her to go into an internet cafe to read an email he had sent to her Facebook account, where outside her flat she was approached by a man in a hoodie. She thought the man - Stefan Sylvestre, who Lynch hired to carry out the attack - was going to ask for money but instead he threw the liquid in her face. Katie, pictured before the attack left, and right during her recovery after she had acid thrown in her face . Katie has gone on to present television programmes, while her ex Danny Lynch has been jailed for 12 years . Writing in the Daily Mail after the attack, she said: 'When the large cupful of acid hit my smooth, soft, line-free skin, trickling down my throat and partially blinding me, he almost succeeded in extinguishing the last of the old Katie. Almost. 'In the aftermath, I was horrified by my own reflection, barely recognising the image of myself in the mirror. I would play back memories of all the relationships I’d ever had, trying to ingrain in my mind what it felt like to hold hands, to kiss. 'I was sure I’d never be attractive to anyone again, never be intimate. Never be loved.' The attack was caught on CCTV and both Lynch and Sylvestre were arrested and given two life sentences - Lynch will serve a minimum of 12 years. She has since endured more than 100 operations to rebuild her face and set up the Katie Piper Foundation to raise awareness of the issues facing burns victims. Katie has also taken part in a number of documentaries and written her autobiography. | Katie Piper made her 'exciting' announcement this morning on Twitter .
James is believed to have proposed at their London home last night .
She posted pictures of a three course meal and her dressed up yesterday . |
284,651 | fcd334bf069e1391b83afaf1b5a2de7f0ab8eec2 | (CNN) -- Tiger Woods' former coach Butch Harmon has revealed his fears for the former world No. 1's future, after injury forced the American out of the opening round of the Players Championship at Sawgrass on Thursday. Harmon believes a huge question mark now looms over Woods' career after the 14-time major winner forfeited his round after playing just nine holes in a six-over-par total of 42, which included a triple-bogey at the par-four fourth. "I think his whole future is up in the air," Harmon told reporters. "Does it mean he needs more surgery? If he does who knows what is going to happen." Speaking to reporters after pulling out, Woods added: "I felt good this morning and fine during warm-up and then as I played, it got progressively worse. The knee acted up then the Achilles followed after that, then the calf started cramping up." The 35-year-old's career has been marred by four knee operations and the Players Championship was his first tournament since injuring his knee and Achilles heel during a difficult stroke on the 14th in the third round of The Masters in April. Woods was then forced to withdraw from the Wells Fargo Championship earlier in May and his latest injury has compounded worries for his career, which has not seen a victory in 18 months and a major title win in three years. Woods' withdrawal mirrors his showing at last year's Players Championship, where a neck injury brought an end to his bid on the seventh hole in the final round. He now has just over a month to get fit enough for the U.S. Open, but medical experts are doubtful that he will be able to recuperate in time for the required practice rounds ahead of the championship tournament at Bethesda on June 16-19. Meanwhile, England's Chris Wood mastered tricky conditions to open up a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Iberdrola Open in Majorca on Friday. The 23-year-old carded a five-under-par 65 to move to eight-under-par after 36 holes -- ahead of compatriot Matthew Nixon and Northern Irishman Darren Clarke, who both hit level 70s. Wood is eyeing his maiden European Tour victory after losing a playoff to British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen at the Africa Open in East London in January. Overnight leader Gregory Bourdy of France, who set a course record 63 on Thursday, slumped to a seven-over-par 77 to leave him on level par 140. | Coach Butch Harmon reveals fears for injured Tiger Woods, who pulls out at Sawgrass .
Woods forfeited Players Championship after a leg injury in the opening round .
Woods, who has had four knee operations, has not achieved a victory in 18 months .
Doctors are doubtful Woods will be fit enough to prepare for the U.S. Open in June . |
130,339 | 34842d1ae2ef0a31da52f7029977a46af182368e | By . Mark Prigg . PUBLISHED: . 14:17 EST, 20 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:08 EST, 21 March 2013 . Amazon's billionaire boss Jeff Bezos has recovered what he believes could be the historic rocket motors that took man to the moon. Bezos funded the expedition to use a robotic submarine to recover the engines from an Apollo mission from three miles below the surface of the sea. The team found and recovered engines - but have so far been unable to confirm which mission they were used on. Scroll down for video . One of the the corroded F-1 engines from Apollo's Saturn V rocket, which sat more than 4 kilometers below the surface of the Atlantic Ocean . The engines were discovered on the seabed using a robotic submarine - and were today recovered . Jeff Bezos also has his own exploration firm, Bezos Expeditions, which made the discovery. He also runs Blue Origin, a rocket firm . Revealing the find, Bezos hailed the discovery as an incredible discovery. 'What an incredible adventure,' he wrote on the Bezos Expeditions site. 'We are right now onboard the Seabed Worker headed back to Cape Canaveral after finishing three weeks at sea, working almost 3 miles below the surface. 'We found so much. 'We’ve seen an underwater wonderland – an incredible sculpture garden of twisted F-1 engines that tells the story of a fiery and violent end, one that serves testament to the Apollo program. 'We photographed many beautiful objects in situ and have now recovered many prime pieces. 'Each piece we bring on deck conjures for me the thousands of engineers who worked together back then to do what for all time had been thought surely impossible.' However, much to the teams disappointment, they have so far been unable to identify which mission the rockets were used on. It is hoped they could be the F-1 engines on Apollo's Saturn V rocket dropped into the Atlantic minutes after they launched astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on their historic voyage to the moon. The turbine from one of the F1 rocket motors found by Amazon's billionaire boss . A battered heat exchanger from one of the 1969 missions . A rocket nozzle on the seabed, surrounded by fish . More than 40 years later, the Saturn V remains the largest and most powerful engine ever built. Each . of its five 12-foot F-1 engines is capable of generating about 32 . million horsepower, burning 6,000 pounds of rocket grade kerosene and liquid oxygen every second. 'Many of the original serial numbers are missing or partially missing, which is going to make mission identification difficult,' admitted Bezos. 'We might see more during restoration. 'The objects themselves are gorgeous.' The team used a Remotely Operated Vehicles worked at a depth of more than 14,000 feet, tethered to the mothership ship with fiber optics for data and electric cables transmitting power at more than 4,000 volts. 'We on the team were often struck by poetic echoes of the lunar missions. 'The buoyancy of the ROVs looks every bit like microgravity. 'The blackness of the horizon, the gray and colorless ocean floor. 'Only the occasional deep sea fish broke the illusion.' The team hope to eventually display the motors. A gas generator and manifold from one of the rocket motors . One of the Saturn V Stage Structures used to hold the components together, pictured on the seabed . 'We’re bringing home enough major components to fashion displays of two flown F-1 engines,' Besoz claimed. 'The upcoming restoration will stabilize the hardware and prevent further corrosion. 'We want the hardware to tell its true story, including its 5,000 mile per hour re-entry and subsequent impact with the ocean surface. 'We’re excited to get this hardware on display where just maybe it will inspire something amazing.' Nasa hailed the find as historic. 'Nearly one year ago, Jeff Bezos shared with us his plans to recover F-1 engines that helped power Apollo astronauts to the moon in the late 1960s and early 1970s,' said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. Groundbreaking: NASA's mighty Saturn V rocket was used to launch the historic Apollo 11 . 'We share the excitement expressed by . Jeff and his team in announcing the recovery of two of the powerful . Saturn V first-stage engines from the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean. 'This is a historic find and I . congratulate the team for its determination and perseverance in the . recovery of these important artifacts of our first efforts to send . humans beyond Earth orbit. 'We look forward to the restoration . of these engines by the Bezos team and applaud Jeff's desire to make . these historic artifacts available for public display. 'Jeff and his colleagues at Blue . Origin are helping to usher in a new commercial era of space exploration . and we are confident our continued collaboration will soon result in . private human access to space, creating jobs and driving America's . leadership in innovation and exploration.' The F-1 engines on Apollo's Saturn V . rocket dropped into the Atlantic Ocean minutes after they launched . astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on their . historic voyage to the moon. More than 40 years later, the Saturn V remains the largest and most powerful engine ever built, according to space.com. Each . of its five 12-foot F-1 engines is capable of generating about 32 . million horsepower, burning 6,000 pounds of rocket fuel every second. Bezos . says on his website that as a five-year-old he watched in amazement as . Apollo II launched into space, but a short time ago did he begin to . wonder about the rockets. 'A . year or so ago, I started to wonder, with the right team of undersea . pros, could we find and potentially recover the F-1 engines that started . mankind's mission to the moon?' Bezos wrote on his website. Bezos . acknowledges the engines belong to NASA and hopes that one day they . will be displayed at the Smithsonian and perhaps at the Museum of Flight . in his native Seattle. His statement concludes: 'NASA is one of the few institutions I know that can inspire 5-year-olds. 'It sure inspired me, and with this endeavor, maybe we can inspire a few . more youth to invent and explore.' The Apollo 11 Saturn V launched Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins on their historic voyage to the moon . Exhibit: A Saturn V like the one used in the launch of Apollo 11 draws crowds to the Kennedy Space Center . The Apollo 11 is Bezos' second space-centred project. Blue . Origin, his spaceflight company partially funded by NASA, is developing . a commercial spaceship capable of flying people to and from the Earth's . orbit. This mission is just the latest in a long line of exploration attempts launched by deep-pocketed adventurers. Last . week film director James Cameron dived to the furthest depths of the . Pacific, while Virgin founder Richard Branson is hoping to start the . world's first commercial 'space airline'. Inspiring: Bezos says the Apollo programme was an inspiration to him when he was a child . | Expedition funded by Jeff Bezos has found and recovered 2 engines from an Apollo mission .
Serial numbers are obscured so team have been unable to confirm which mission they were used on . |
137,588 | 3df0393a23e050d3ef546ab324f2275e21435045 | By . Sami Mokbel . Follow @@SamiMokbel81_DM . Norwich defender Martin Olsson is back on West Ham manager Sam Allardyce's radar. The Sweden international is likely to leave Carrow Road this summer following the club's relegation in the Championship. Allardyce has identified left-back as key position to strengthen this summer and is eyeing a move for Olsson. Eyed up: Sam Allardyce is hoping to be reunited with Norwich defender Martin Olsson . Free fall: Norwich were relegated from the Premier League after a terrible run towards the end of the season . The 26-year-old worked under Allardyce during his time at Blackburn Rovers, while the manager tried to sign Olsson in January 2013. Allardyce was waiting for concrete information regarding his job before pressing ahead with a swoop for Olsson. But after yesterday being told his job as Upton Park boss is safe, Allardyce is keen on pursuing his interest in the Scandinavian. Allardyce is also tempted by a move for Manchester City's out of contract defender Joleon Lescott. The 31-year-old will officially leave the Etihad Stadium next month when his contract expires. Allardyce was keen on taking the central-defender in January, but a deal collapsed towards the end of the transfer window. But the Hammers boss is keen on adding Lescott to his ranks this season, though his current £90,000-per-week wages could prove a stumbling block. Targeter: Olsson used to play under Allardyce when they were both at Blackburn . Pricey: The West Ham manager was also after Joleon Lescott, but his £90k per week wages proved too much . | Olsson hoping for Premier League stay after Norwich were relegated .
The left-back played under Allardyce at Blackburn Rovers .
West Ham manager also wants to add Joleon Lescott to his squad . |
53,403 | 97795922bcd3739b9e8b18ad14d28ee79e729431 | The FBI has been handed a potentially crucial recording that allegedly contains audio of the moment that Officer Darren Wilson opened fire and killed unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, earlier this month. Revealed by CNN's Don Lemon on Monday, at least ten shots are heard to ring out during the background of the recording, with a brief but significant pause between the first seven shots and the last volley of four. The unidentified man who has given the unverified tape to authorities claims to have coincidentally recorded the fatal shots that killed Brown in broad daylight on August 9, and experts who have listened to the audio have said it could prove damning for Officer Wilson. Scroll Down for Audio . Attorney: Lopa Blumenthal is legally representing the man who claims to have coincidentally recorded the shooting of Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson on August 9 . 'There sounds like a pause in it (the audio). And when you hear that pause it brings some concern,' said retired Chief Deputy US Marshall Matthew Fog after listening on CNN. 'It is very significant, because if you have a pause there it means somebody had time to think and then fire again.' In the audio, the unidentified man is heard telling someone, 'You’re so pretty' then 11 gunshots can be heard to cackle in the background — seven in one volley, followed a pause and then a final burst of four. Lopa Blumenthal, the attorney for the unidentified man who recorded the alleged gunfire nearby said that she believed the audio shows, if it is authentic, that Officer Wilson had a clear 'point of contemplation' while pulling the trigger and aiming at Brown. 'He was in his apartment, talking to a friend on a video chat,' said Blumenthal. 'He heard loud noises, and at the time he didn't even realize the import of what he was hearing until afterwards, and it just happened to have captured 12 seconds of what transpired outside of his building.' Lemon cautioned that 'CNN cannot independent verify the authenticity of this tape' but did say that the FBI have interviewed both Blumenthal and her client. 'We had been told that at least six shots were fired at Michael Brown. In the tape that you have, which is alleged to be of the shooting—we can't independently authorize it, as CNN, because we did not shoot it, but there were more than six shots,' Lemon said. Nightly . scenes of unrest have erupted in Ferguson since Officer Darren Wilson . fatally shot Michael Brown, an unarmed black 18-year-old, more than two . weeks ago . Officer Darren Wilson (right, collecting a commendation) has claimed that a confrontation sparked by a scuffle with Michael Brown led to the Ferguson teens fatal shooting on August 9 (left, Wilson paces around the body of Brown in the aftermath of the shooting) while witnesses claim the officer continued to shoot at an unarmed man with his hands up who had surrendered . Funeral: The casket containing the remains of Michael Brown awaiting the start of his funeral inside the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, St Louis, Missouri, USA, on 25 August 2014 . Grief: Dorian Johnson, who is one of the key witnesses in the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown, leaves Brown's funeral at the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, on Monday, 25, August . If indeed the audio is genuine it calls into question the version of events that Officer Wilson and the Ferguson police force have claimed occurred on that Saturday afternoon. At least two autopsies performed on Michael Brown have concluded he died after being shot six times by Wilson after being pulled over by the officer, including a fatal 'kill shot' to the top of his head. Numerous witnesses, including Brown's friend Dorian Johnson, claim that Wilson opened fire after bungling opening his squad car door, causing the teen to run before turning back to face the officer with his hands raised saying 'don't shoot'. Johnson then alleges that Wilson continued to fire. Ferguson police and friends of Officer Wilson contend that Brown engaged in a scuffle with Wilson when the officer pulled him and Johnson over, tried to grab his weapon and then run towards him, leaving him no choice but to fire. Anguish: Michael Brown Sr., yells out as the casket carrying his son is lowered during the funeral service of Michael Brown in Normandy, Missouri on Monday, August 25, 2014 . Too much: Lesley McSpadden, Michael Brown's mother, cries during her son's funeral at the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, St Louis . Overcome: Lesley McSpadden appears overwhelmed with grief during the service . Laid to rest: A horse-drawn hearse carries Michael Brown to his gravesite at St. Peters Cemetery in Normandy, Missouri on Monday . Indeed in recent days reports had emerged stating that Wilson, 28, was badly beaten and left with serious facial injuries following the fatal shooting in the St Louis suburb, including an eye socket fracture. On Tuesday, The Gateway Pundit reported that the officer had suffered an 'orbital blowout fracture'. But CNN reported on Thursday that although the officer was taken to a hospital with a badly swollen face following the shooting on August 9, x-rays came back negative for any serious injury. Earlier reports had claimed that the officer was almost knocked unconscious by Brown's blows, according to the source. A police source told Fox: 'The Assistant (Police) Chief took him to the hospital, his face all swollen on one side. He was beaten very severely.' Demonstrators protest the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, last Thursday night . The source continued: 'They ignored him [Wilson] and the officer started to get out of the car to tell them to move. They shoved him right back in, that’s when Michael Brown leans in and starts beating Officer Wilson in the head and the face.' A police source has confirmed to MailOnline that Wilson was taken to hospital and treated for facial injuries sustained during the Brown incident but would not elaborate on the severity or nature of those injuries. Last week, Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson said Wilson had suffered swelling to the side of his face but gave few details of the injuries. Wilson, a six-year veteran of the Ferguson force with a clean record, has not been arrested or charged with any crime. He is on paid leave pending the outcome of the investigation and is under 24-hour guard after death threats were aimed at him. Wilson is 'traumatized, scared for his life and his family' along with being deeply concerned that a grand jury, which met for the first time on Wednesday, will make an example out of him, the source told Fox. Earlier reports had claimed that Officer Wilson was almost knocked unconscious by Brown's blows . Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has come under fire after calling for the 'vigorous prosecution' of Wilson despite the fact that the officer has not yet been charged with any crime. His deputy, Missouri Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder said: 'It's really heartbreaking to see a man elected to an office that high in our state government... come out with a statement like that, that does prejudge the case.' St Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch said on Wednesday he estimated it would be the middle of October before the grand jury reached a decision on whether Officer Wilson will face charges over Michael Brown's death. Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday ordered the Missouri National Guard to begin withdrawing from Ferguson. Since the guard's arrival Monday, flare-ups in the small section of town that had been the center of nightly unrest have begun to subside. About 100 people gathered Thursday evening, walking in laps near the spot where Michael Brown was shot. Some were in organized groups, such as clergy members. More signs reflected calls by protesters to remove the prosecutor from the case. | Newly released audio allegedly records the moment that Officer Darren Wilson opened fire on unarmed Michael Brown .
At least ten shots can be heard - in two separate volleys of gunfire .
Experts have said this indicated a 'moment of contemplation' for Wilson .
FBI has confirmed it has interviewed the man who recorded audio .
Is another tantalizing piece of evidence collected in the ongoing case .
Officer Wilson claims he felt his life was threatened on August 9 .
Witnesses and a friend of Brown, 18, claim he had surrendered .
Brown was buried on Monday in a ceremony attended by thousands . |
205,551 | 96168777ab86475197c9cd8d34899846b1324baa | Police are hunting a man suspected of abducting and killing an elderly Ohio couple and believed to have committed armed robberies in three states over the weekend. The FBI said a $20,000 reward was being offered for information about 29-year-old Robert Clark, who is wanted on a charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. Agents also are looking for Jeffrey Caley Jr., 28, and Tabatha Hazel, 26, who are suspected of participating in the robberies. Dangerous: Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office have released this photograph of Robert Clark, who is suspected to have abducted and killed Doyle Chumney, 88, and his wife Lillian, 79, in northeast Ohio . Clark has been charged with one count of murder in last month's killings of 88-year-old Doyle Chumney and his 79-year-old wife, Lillian, of Strasburg, a village 20 miles south of Canton. The couple's remains were found inside their torched car on January 22, a day after they were reported missing. A second suspect in the slayings, 21-year-old Jeffery Stewart, was arrested on Saturday. He is also charged with one count of murder and is being held on $2 million bond. Authorities have said Stewart implicated himself and Clark in the killings. Clark, Caley and Hazel are suspected of being involved in the armed robberies of gas stations and convenience stores in West Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia on Saturday and Sunday. No one was hurt in the robberies. A Coshocton County sheriff's detective said Tuesday that authorities believe the three might be headed to Jacksonville, Florida. "Someone who knows Tabatha said she had plans to go to Jacksonville," Detective Tom Couts said. On the run: Coshocton County Sheriffs Department released this picture of suspect Tabatha Hazel. Officers believe she and the two other suspects have fled to Jacksonville, Florida . The trio was last seen during a robbery in Donalsonville, Georgia, on Sunday night. Surveillance video shows Clark holding a sawn-off shotgun and Caley holding a pistol as a clerk walked in front of them, the detective said. Hazel is believed to have gone inside the store before Clark and Caley entered. Caley and Hazel were not involved in the Chumney slayings, Couts said, adding that it appeared Clark and Stewart knew each other through a landscaping service where they had worked, . Clark was released from prison in May after serving a 4 1/2 -year sentence for robbery and other charges. Mugshot: Robbery suspect Jeffrey P. Caley in a picture released by Coshocton Jr County Sheriffs Department. CCTV captured him holding a gun during a robbery in Donalsonville, Georgia, on Sunday night . Detectives got a break in the investigation after surveillance video was released publicly showing Clark's van at a gas station where Stewart bought a gas can and filled it . After seeing the video, Stewart called police and was arrested on a traffic warrant, before providing statements implicating himself and Clark, Couts said. | Robert Clark, 29, allegedly abducted and killed an elderly couple in Ohio .
Remains of Doyle Chumney and wife Lillian were found in their torched car .
Clark is also believed to have committed armed robberies in three states .
FBI are offering a $20,000 reward for information about his whereabouts .
Agents also looking for two other robbery suspects who are on the run . |
21,865 | 3e1c3c7c257be53cde1ced16197a0fe8414a1e8c | By . Associated Press, Rachel Quigley and Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 03:29 EST, 30 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:31 EST, 30 July 2013 . The groom whose fiancee died in a boat . crash has 'lost his whole world', his mother said, as they prepare for . her funeral in the church where they were set to be married. Lyndsey Stuart, 30, was killed on . Friday on the Hudson River when the speedboat she was riding in with . other members of the wedding party smashed into a construction barge . near the Tappan Zee Bridge. Brian Bond, 35, her fiance, and the . boat's driver Jojo John, who was allegedly drunk at the time, remain in . hospital. Mr Bond's best man Mark Lennon also died in the crash. Heartbroken relatives of Lindsey Stewart, arrive at the boatyard near to the Tappan Zee Bridge to see the wreck of the speedboat that she and Mark Lennon perished in . Ring: Brian Bond, 35, and Lyndsey Stuart, 30, were planning to get married on August 10 . Investigation: Chief William Barbera of the Rockland County Sheriff's Office addresses the media with the wreckage of the speed boat behind . Heartbreak for Fiance: Miss Stuart will be laid to rest on Thursday after a service at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pearl River . Grief: Carol Stewart dressed in blue (left), mother of deceased Lindsey Stewart, hugs a family friend at her house while other distraught relatives of Stewartmeet at the boatyard where the speedboat wreck is being examined . The powerboat 'Stingray' with six people on board struck a barge in the Hudson River just south of the Tappan Zee Bridge at about 2240 on the night of Friday July 26th, 2013 . None of the passengers in the boat were wearing life jackets. It emerged last night that Miss Stuart . will be laid to rest on Thursday after a service at the Good Shepherd . Lutheran Church in Pearl River. Mr Bond's mother Jean was yesterday at . the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, on hand as her son went . into surgery to repair a broken eye socket. 'We have two wakes and two funerals to . go to,' she told the New York Daily News. 'We have our son in the . hospital and we really lost a daughter at the same time. Plus a really . good friend.' Breaking down in tears, she added: 'He just lost his whole world.' Tragic: Jojo John, who was operating a boat that crashed on the Hudson River, has been charged with vehicular manslaughter and three counts of vehicular assault . The driver of the boat, Jojo John, has . been charged with vehicular manslaughter and vehicular assault. It is . alleged that he had been drinking before the crash . It emerged yesterday that the . 35-year-old JP Morgan Chase employee, a long-time friend of Mr Bond, has . previous convictions for drugs and a reputation as a 'party boy' Wall . Street banker. A friend of Johns said that he would often go speeding around local waterways with friends after first having several drinks. The body of Mark Lennon was pulled from the Hudson river on Sunday, one day after bride-to-be Miss Stewart. Mr Bond, who was knocked unconscious . and suffered a fractured eye socket, was said to be inconsolable when . told the news about the deaths. John is in Westchester Medical Center . recovering from his injuries and is said to be devastated and 'stunned . into silence' at the news his friends are dead. A source told the New York Post: 'He’s . pretty messed up right now. He knows he’s in trouble with all the . charges, but right now he’s more devastated that his friends are dead.' Though authorities have said he was . drunk at the time of the crash, they are still waiting for toxicology . reports to discern how much alcohol he consumed and if he had taken . drugs. The Mr Lennon's parents described . their son as a lover of the outdoors who had recently hiked the . Appalachian Trail and traveled in Africa. 'He’s at peace,' his mother, Dympna . Lennon, told The Journal News. 'He was a very joyous, happy person, and . he’d want us to celebrate his life, and that’s what we are going to do.' Scroll down for video . Tragic: Best man Mark Lennon's body was found in the Hudson River after days of desperate searching . Shocking: Mark Lennon's body was discovered by a person on a recreational watercraft a mile downstream from where Stewart's body was found . Tragic: The body of Lindsey Stewart (left) was pulled from the Hudson River on Saturday after a horrific boat accident on Friday night. She was due to be married to Brian Bond (right) in two weeks time . Powerboat: Officials remove the 21-foot Stingray boat involved in the accident on the Hudson River on Friday night . Happy couple: The pair were due to be married in two weeks time . Mark's body was discovered yesterday by someone on a jet ski a mile downstream from where . Lindsey Stewart's body was found. He wasn't wearing a life vest. Lindsey's body was pulled from the Hudson River on Saturday afternoon, floating with no life vest near the Tappan Zee Bridge, around 25 miles north of New York City. The crash . happened shortly after the 21-foot Stingray left the village of Piermont . for a short trip across the river to Tarrytown, authorities said. NBC . reported the other victims - whose names have not been released - have . head trauma and broken bones, but they are awake and are giving . information to investigators. Bond was knocked unconscious in the crash but later woke and was able to call 911, Stewart's mother Carol said. The bride-to-be's mother told ABC: 'She's supposed to be married two weeks from today. It just can't end like this.' Lindsey Stewart's stepfather, Walter Kosik, said the couple have known each other since they were 10 years old and used to go to church together. 'They have been friends the whole time, and they fell in love about 3 1/2 years ago,' Kosik said. Accident: The powerboat crashed into a barge on Friday night . Scene: The accident happened near the Tappan Zee bridge, around 25 miles north of New York City . They were to be married at the Good . Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pearl River, with a reception at a Hudson . Valley winery, he said. Rockland County Sheriff's Department . Chief William Barbera said the barge, one of several loaded with . construction material for an . upcoming replacement of the bridge, was equipped with lights, but it . was still difficult to see on the water so late at night. Desperate: Authorities conducted a three-hour search for the two people on Friday night and the hunt resumed on Saturday morning . The New York State Thruway Authority, which is overseeing the bridge project, said it was reviewing safety procedures. 'Our . thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during . this difficult time,' the authority said in a statement. It added that . the lighting on the barges appeared to be functioning normally. Pile driving that had been scheduled to take place Saturday was suspended because of the accident. Efforts: The bride-to-be's mother Carol Stewart (center) speaks to an official during the search for her daughter's body . Fearing the worst: Rescue workers are seen on boats near a barge on the Hudson River south of the Tappan Zee Bridge during the search . Anthony Apolito, 18, a restaurant valet, saw the survivors being carried ashore by emergency services. He told the New York Post: . 'There was a lot of people that didn't look too conscious and a lot of . people in neck braces. One guy, his face was covered in blood. 'They were still stunned from the crash, they didn't know what was going on,' Apolito added. There are a number of barges located both north and south of the Tappan Zee bridge as construction begins on a replacement for that aging structure that is scheduled for completion in 2017. Fears: Miss Stewart's mother (center) told reporters: 'It can't end like this' Horror: Bond (left) suffered a fractured eye socket in the incident. When he woke up he called 911 . | Body of Lindsey Stewart, 30, discovered in Hudson River on Saturday .
She was due to marry fiancé Brian Bond, 35, in just two weeks time .
She will now be laid to rest in the church where they were set to wed .
Bridal party had horror speedboat crash on Friday night .
Body of best man, Mark Lennon, 30, found in Hudson River yesterday .
Jojo John, 35, charged with vehicular manslaughter and vehicular assault .
Four survivors hospitalised with serious injuries, one now released .
Surviving passengers now 'witnesses to the crime' |
72,563 | cdbd2287e0db94f4008f944b335a414f13f73c52 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:45 EST, 30 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:19 EST, 30 May 2013 . Two speedboats on their way to deliver huge shipments of drugs to the United States were stopped short by U.S. Customs patrols this past Memorial Day weekend, and their combined cargo came to an astounding 13,000 pounds of cocaine. That’s about $1 billion worth, if you’re keeping track. The first interception came on Friday when an airborne Jacksonville, Florida-based Customs and Border Protection crew spotted a speedboat north of the Galapagos Islands, west of the country of Ecuador, in the Pacific Ocean. Big bust: A helicopter sits alongside part of the 13,000 pounds of cocaine seized in two U.S. Customs and Border Protection interceptions over Memorial weekend . Crewmen on the 30-foot boat began to throw the goods overboard once they’d been spotted and officials and began ‘washing the boat to eliminate traces of cocaine,’ according to an official release. A customs helicopter was called to intercept the vessel and shots were fired, disabling the boat and its passengers, who were taken into custody. Around 7,000 pounds of cocaine were on the boat, worth about $500 million. Then, on Saturday, another boat was spotted, this time on the Caribbean side near the border of Panama and Columbia. Poorly hidden: One boat was intercepted near the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean on Friday and smugglers tried camouflaging themselves with a blue tarp . Huge burden: One shipment was found to be carrying 7,000 pounds of cocaine, while the other held 6,000 pounds . The driver attempted to hide the three-engine boat, weaving in and around shoals at the shore. To intercept, the Corpus Christie, Texas-based Customs and Border Protection officers contacted the Panamanian authorities, who apprehended the boat and its crew. The second boat was carrying 1,000 bundles of cocaine weighing around 6,000 pounds. Estimates put the worth of the May 25 haul at $445 million. Both sightings were made by crews flying so-called CBP P3 aircraft, a Lockheed manufactured long-range tracker plane. Expensive habit: The high speed boats carried a combined $1 billion worth of narcotics . ‘These disruptions are indicative of how successful a counter-narcotic asset the CBP P-3 program is,’ said Tom Salter, CBP Director of National Air Security Operations in Corpus Christi. ‘It’s the right asset to support the Joint Interagency Task Force – South in its efforts to disrupt the transport of illegal narcotics to the U.S.’ According to the release, the airborne fleet seized or disrupted more than 117,765 pounds of cocaine, valued at over $8.8 billion, in fiscal year 2012. The aircraft patrol a 42 million square mile area of the Western Caribbean and Easter Pacific in search of drugs in transit toward U.S. shores. On patrol: Both shipments were spotted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection's fleet of CBP P3 aircraft, one out of Jacksonville, Florida and the other from Corpus Christie, Texas . | U.S. Customs intercepted two narcotics shipments over the holiday weekend, one off the coast of the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific and one on the Caribbean off Central America near the Panama and Columbia border .
The cocaine shipments weighed a combined 13,000 pounds . |
126,835 | 2ff5876da369733214e5e50eda21558fe78263bc | (CNN) -- Justin Bieber is counting on "the truth" to set him free. In a series of tweets lamenting all the "rumors" he's facing, the 20-year-old pop star seems to have responded to allegations that he attempted to rob a woman of her cell phone in Los Angeles earlier this week. "It is hard to defend myself and my privacy every moment of the day ... The truth will set u free," he tweeted Wednesday, linking to a TMZ report that quotes an eyewitness saying Bieber never tried to rob his accuser. News of an alleged attempted robbery began on Monday, when a woman reportedly accused Bieber of trying to take her phone while he was with friends at a batting cage on L.A.'s west side. The woman told TMZ that the singer didn't want her taking pictures of him, and demanded she give him her phone. She alleged that when she refused, Bieber reached into her purse to take it. Bieber's rep declined to comment to CNN about the allegations, but a source close to Bieber downplayed the situation, saying "this is another example of someone making an issue where there isn't one." "Justin was just enjoying hanging out with friends at the batting cage and playing mini-golf," the source told CNN. "This just wasn't a big deal." Bieber echoed that sentiment on Twitter Wednesday, telling his 51 million followers, "don't believe rumors." "My mom raised me to be kind to others. I get judged, harassed, and I try to take the high road," he said. "Sometimes it isn't easy. But we keep trying ... I will continue to be the man my mother raised. I love people and I will try to be kind even when things are not fair. ... I'm human. I feel. I hurt. But I got thick skin too. I can handle it." Ed Payne, Michael Martinez, Jane Caffrey and Dave Alsup contributed to this report. | Justin Bieber seems to have responded to allegations of an attempted robbery .
The pop star was accused of attempting to rob a woman of her cell phone on Monday .
He tweeted to his fans: "don't believe rumors" |
134,160 | 397805c4d5f0dd11147da694a1683ff7647c7ecf | By . Christine Lavelle . PUBLISHED: . 18:01 EST, 7 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:02 EST, 7 October 2012 . From historic army barracks to a century-old dam, these aerial shots show the extraordinary impact man has made on Scotland’s beautiful scenery. The bird’s-eye view of how human interaction has shaped landscapes will be published in a new book from The National Collection of Aerial Photography. They include Talla Reservoir in the Borders, and Fort George army barracks, near Inverness. Other shots feature the Almond Valley railway viaduct, which runs through West Lothian to the outskirts of Edinburgh, Balmoral Castle, and Hadyard Hill wind farm at Knockgerran, South Ayrshire. Impressive scene: A photo from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland of Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, taken from above . Stunning landscapes: Photos of Kings Pass (left), River Tay, and the Almond Valley railway viaduct (right), which runs through West Lothian to the outskirts of Edinburgh . Looking chilly: An aerial photograph of Talla Dam, Tweedsmuir, is among aerial shots which archivists say show how human interaction has shaped today's landscapes . Edinburgh-based James Crawford, 34, author of Scotland’s Landscapes, said every inch of the country had been moulded by its people. In his description of the book, Mr Crawford said: ‘One picture can tell a story which spans thousands of years, and it is often perceived in many different ways depending on who is looking at it. ‘There’s so much more to our landscapes than bits of rock and water and hills. I think it’s hugely important to record it because, ultimately, the landscapes we see now are not going to be that of the future.’ The book is the third in a series published by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland, showcasing changing landscapes. Cloudy outlook: Robin Rigg wind farm in the Solway Firth. James Crawford, 34, author of Scotland's Landscapes, said the country had been moulded by its people . Coastal views: Cove Harbour in Berwickshire (left) and Fort George army barracks (right) near Inverness are also in the book, which showcases changing landscapes . Fortified: Kinnaird Castle, Montrose, is pictured. Most of the photos were taken by David Cowley, of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments . Most of the pictures were taken by David Cowley, aerial survey projects manager at the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments. 'There’s so much more to our landscapes than bits of rock and water and hills. No part of the land is without its human story' James Crawford, 34, author of Scotland’s Landscapes . Mr Crawford added: ‘No part of the land is without its human story. From Orkney's immaculately preserved Neolithic villages to Highland glens stripped of 19th century settlements, from a Skye peninsula converted to an ingenious Viking “shipyard”, to a Hebridean cliff top used as the site of a spectacular lighthouse, Scotland's history is written into the land in vivid detail.’ In the book, which is being published this month, the images are broken down into the four chapters of Islands, Highlands, Lowlands and Coastlines. | Bird's eye view of human interaction shaping landscapes in book from The National Collection of Aerial Photography .
Photos taken include Talla Reservoir in the Borders, and Hadyard Hill wind farm at Knockgerran, South Ayrshire .
Also featured is Almond Valley railway viaduct, which runs through West Lothian to the outskirts of Edinburgh . |
87,435 | f80c6414be5fd914f54dc8f1a2e4de13aec01778 | (CNN) -- Last summer, Jessica Rodriguez didn't want to go outside, or even open the door. She didn't want anyone to see she had lost her hair during breast cancer treatment. Rodriguez, 39, said she found strength from the support of her husband and children, and through an organization called Nueva Vida, a support network for Latinas with cancer based in Washington. At support meetings, she met other women who had lost their hair in cancer treatment and realized she was not alone. "They were going through the same," said Rodriguez, who moved to the United States from Peru 12 years ago and now lives in Germantown, Maryland. "I say: They're OK. It's only the hair. It's going to go grow back." Some Latina breast cancer survivors such as Rodriguez have found comfort and assistance from organizations geared toward Hispanics. Nueva Vida and other groups are trying to address needs such as breaking language barriers, paying for treatment and finding support from others going through similar challenges. Rodriguez said she didn't know how she could have paid for treatment without Nueva Vida. It introduced her to a Maryland state program that covered her surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. "I may be not talking to you," she said. "I don't know. I don't think I could have made it without all the help." What the statistics say . Cancer remains a major health problem among Hispanics, but statistics show they are at a surprising advantage compared with some other ethnic groups. Researchers are trying to figure out why. In the United States, the death rate from all cancers among Hispanics is about 129 per 100,000 people per year, compared with 191 per 100,000 for whites and 239 per 100,000 for African-Americans/blacks, according to the National Cancer Institute. Breast cancer incidence and mortality specifically are also lower among Hispanics than whites or blacks, according to the American Cancer Society. The figures are puzzling, given that Hispanics have a lower socioeconomic status on average than whites. Data from the Pew Research Center suggests the typical Hispanic household had $6,325 in wealth in 2009, while the typical white household had $113,149. Even more curiously, a 2013 study in the International Journal for Equity in Health found that, among Hispanics in Texas, mortality rates for several cancers, including breast cancer, tend to be lower among those with more socioeconomic deprivation. A low mortality rate does not correspond with low socioeconomic status in whites and African-Americans, the study found. More research needs to be done to confirm these findings. The phenomenon associating Hispanics with better health outcomes despite lower average income and education rates is called the "Hispanic paradox." A possible explanation for this trend is that smoking is much less common among Hispanics than non-Hispanic whites or African-Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Another theory is that people who immigrate to the United States tend to be healthier than those who stayed in their home countries. It's also possible that some who get sick return to their home countries. Mentally ill Latinos struggle to seek help . Despite slightly better statistical odds of not getting cancer than whites or blacks, Hispanics are not immune to these conditions, and breast cancer kills more Hispanic women than any other cancer. More often in Hispanics than whites, breast cancer is detected at an advanced stage, according to the American Cancer Society. A 2013 study in the journal JAMA Surgery focusing on young women with breast cancer, ages 15 to 39, found that the time between diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer differed significantly depending on the ethnicity of the participants. Researchers found that about 15% of Hispanic and African-American women waited more than six weeks for treatment, compared with 8% of non-Hispanic white women. Longer waiting periods are linked to shorter survival time, the study found. Dr. Mariana Chavez MacGregor, breast oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, said she believes that access to health care is partly responsible for the later detection of breast cancer in Hispanic women. "If people have no health insurance, doing a test for something you don't even have, it's really at the bottom of the list," she said. There are also, she said, "probably cultural reasons in which we may have more difficulty dealing with this and seeking medical attention." What survivors say . Research is ongoing to narrow down the best ways to improve the quality of life among Hispanic breast cancer survivors and their caregivers. Nueva Vida is participating in a research project led by Kristi Graves at Georgetown University to figure out the best approaches. The issues that tend to arise among Hispanic women who have breast cancer aren't unique to Hispanics, and it is impossible to generalize across individuals; there are also many cultures that fall under terms such as "Hispanic" and "Latina." Nonetheless, Graves and researchers have picked up on some themes that often arise. "Breast cancer isn't always talked about in Latino families," Graves said. "In some of these families, when you mention cancer it's considered synonymous with death." Some survivors Graves has spoken with didn't tell their families about the cancer diagnosis until they had to start chemotherapy, because they didn't want to worry them. "For some of the women, when they did start talking about cancer, they were really pleasantly surprised at the amount of support and information that they received," Graves said. For women whose first language is Spanish, translation may be an issue. They may have a hard time finding a physician with whom they feel comfortable, and who can adequately explain treatment options and procedures. When family members step in to translate to doctors, some women hold back important details. For instance, one woman Graves met didn't tell her doctor about the problems with sexual functioning she was having during treatment, because her daughter was translating for her. Let's talk about sex ... and cancer . In her study, Graves will be testing an intervention in which survivors and caregivers share their concerns separately, in different groups, led by a facilitator, and then everyone comes together to talk about the topic. When tried on a smaller scale, "(facilitators) delivered information separately to the survivors and caregivers; it seemed that each group could open up further and talk about their own specific needs," Graves said. Getting help . Another community organization supporting Hispanic breast cancer patients is called Comadre a Comadre in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A comadre is a "non-biological close female kinship" in "the Hispanic/Latino extended family unit," the website explains. This group was founded by six survivors and director Elba Saavedra, who is also an assistant professor for research at the University of New Mexico College of Education. The organization works with women in a nonclinical setting, giving them resources and support during their breast cancer treatment. A grant from the Susan G. Komen for the Cure helped jump-start Comadre a Comadre in 2003. The organization offers support groups and classes in Spanish and English, one-on-one support and financial assistance. Comadre a Comadre is trying to get out positive messages about screening and break down some of the cultural barriers. For instance, many women put the needs of the rest of their family before their own. "We need to be there for children and grandchildren; it's important we get in there and get those mammograms," Saavedra said. Dalila Romero, a co-founder of Comadre a Comadre, had breast cancer in her mid-40s. At the time, she had recently lost her mother to pancreatic cancer. The support group she tried didn't resonate with her; she couldn't connect with the women there, who had different backgrounds and life stories from her own. "Not knowing the resources in the community, I had to basically support myself because I didn't know what the outcome was going to be," Romero said. Now she goes with women with recent diagnoses to their initial appointments for chemotherapy, radiation and surgery to help them navigate the system. Helping patients navigate health care system . Some women are private about their struggle with cancer, so much so they don't want to sit around other women who have it. Romero knows of one woman who moved because she didn't want anyone in her town to know she had cancer. When she learned about Nueva Vida, Rodriguez immediately liked the idea of finding support in other women who also had cancer, but she held back at first in telling her parents in Peru until doctors were sure of what it was. "I didn't want my mom to get sad because she's over there and I'm here," she said. "I didn't want to worry them. I took time to tell them." Clear of cancer, Rodriguez is currently a Zumba instructor through Nueva Vida, and loves teaching. The women in this organization have a lot of need, she said. They are, she said, her "sister survivors." | Hispanics have a lower cancer incidence and mortality than whites and blacks .
This phenomenon is part of what is called the "Hispanic paradox"
Financial and linguistic barriers in the Hispanic community can hinder treatment . |
127,650 | 310212a7e9049e5674c024e10581aee500efd1b6 | This unfortunate mug shot belongs to Gabriel Harris, a 33-year-old blue-haired man who was arrested at a Taco Bell restaurant in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, just after 3 a.m. on Sunday. According to his arrest report, Harris got into an altercation at the drive-through after staff refused to take his order because he wasn’t in a car. Harris and a woman, named as Sarah Haliburton, then entered the restaurant but were again refused because it was after 3 a.m. and the restaurant had closed. Gabriel Harris, 33, got into an altercation at the drive-through after staff refused to take his order because he wasn't in a vehicle, according to his arrest report . When Harris refused to leave because he had already placed an order, employees called the cops. An employee told Aron Tobler told police that he refused service to Harris and Haliburton because 'they placed an order on bicycles.' Police found Harris on a bicycle by the menu speaker, reports The Daytona Beach News-Journal. When police arrived they asked Harris to leave, but then spotted a red Swiss Army knife on his belt loop and tried to reach for it. Harris then grabbed the officer's wrist and was wrestled to the ground and handcuffed. Police say he suffered a scraped forehead as a result of the scuffle. Harris was arrested at this Taco Bell restaurant in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, just after 3 a.m. on Sunday . Harris was booked into jail and charged with resisting arrest with violence. He was later released on $1,000 bond. Haliburton was not charged. Sunday's incident is Harris’ second arrest in the past four months. He was arrested for resisting an officer without violence in early August, reports the Miami Herald. | Gabriel Harris, 33, got into an altercation at the Taco Bell drive-through in Florida .
Staff refused to take his order because he wasn't in a vehicle, according to his arrest report .
Police were called and a scuffle ensued during which Harris scraped his forehead .
He charged with resisting arrest with violence and then released on $1,000 bond . |
9,193 | 1a0a2682c0933b74438a01cabef13eff67ce2180 | By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 11:12 EST, 11 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:48 EST, 11 July 2013 . Female athletes believe the development of breasts could seriously hinder their careers - and could even prevent them from reaching Olympic standard. And some are going to drastic lengths to remove them - or even to stop them developing in the first place. According to ESPN magazine, gymnasts push themselves to the 'brink of starvation' to avoid developing breasts and a host of professional athletes have spent a lot of money to surgically reduce them. 'For the modern athlete, the question isn't whether breasts get in the way -- it's a question of how to compete around them', the magazine reports. While there's no suggestion that U.S. gymnast Alicia Sacramone has any qualms, many gymnasts are pushed to be as breastless for as long as possible to help their career . ESPN writer Amanda Hess cites female Ultimate Fight Championship competitor Ronda Rousey's fight in February as a perfect example of a female athlete being hindered by her breasts. As soon Rousey flipped her opponent to the floor, she notes that she quickly rushed to adjust her sports bra straps - a move that ended in disaster. 'I got kicked straight in the chest right as I was trying to adjust my bra,' Rousey told Hess. 'You don't see big titties in the Olympics, and I think that's for a reason,' she added. Joan Ryan, author of the 1995 expose . of gymnastics and figure skating, Little Girls in Pretty Boxes, wrote . that elite gymnasts would undereat and overtrain to delay menstruation. 'You can't afford to have a woman's body and compete at the highest level,' she said. Dominique Moceanu, who at 14 was the youngest competitor on the 1996 gold medal USA Olympic team . added: 'The sport pushes us to be breastless little girls as long as . possible. But though breasts were forbidden, privately we longed for . them.' Legends surrounding women's breasts affecting their sporting prowess have circulated for years. One such legend suggests that female Amazons cut off the right breast to hurl spears and shoot arrows more efficiently. In 1995, a controversial CBS golf analyst called Ben Wright told a newspaper that 'women are handicapped by having boobs. It's not easy for them to keep their left arm straight. Their boobs get in the way.' And Wright may have a point. Judging by the latest research, women do seem to be held back - especially by larger breasts. A third of women taking part in the 2012 London Marathon with cup sizes ranging between . AA-HH reported breast pain from exercise; eight per cent even said the pain . was 'distressing, horrible or excruciating'. A typical A-cup breast weighs 0.43 of a pound and every additional cup size adds another 0.44 of a pound, according to research. It has also been found that the nipples of a woman who has C- or D-cup breasts can accelerate up to 45 mph in one second: faster than a Ferrari. Ronda Rousey (left) has spoken out to say: 'You don't see big titties in the Olympics, and I think that's for a reason' Paul Banwell, Consultant Plastic Surgeon, McIndoe Surgical Centre, East Grinstead, has treated a number of elite athletes and sportswomen with this very problem. He says that large breasts are associated with a whole host of health issues including back and neck pain, skin rashes and bra straps digging in. It can also lead to poor posture and low self-esteem, which can affect an athlete's performance. 'Over the years I have treated many elite athletes in a variety of sporting disciplines including hockey players, runners and female footballers'. 'Breasts can weigh a lot so they really can physically get in the way. 'Many athletes want to maintain their womanly figure but also reduce discomfort so it is a compromise and this must be discussed carefully with every patient,' he adds. It has been found that a woman who . has a C- or D-cup breast's nipples can accelerate up to 45 mph in one . second, which is faster than a Ferrari . Dr Puneet Gupta, Cosmetic Doctor at The . Private Clinic of Harley Street, the first doctor in the UK ever to . offer a non-surgical technique for breast reductions said: 'For professional athletes who maintain intense training regimes, these problems will of course be felt far more heavily. 'Training for long hours each day will only intensify the discomfort, meaning the size of their breasts won’t just get in the way of them exercising, but it can also affect their downtime away from sport, because it may take longer for them to rest and recover if they are still in pain in the back and breast areas. 'Over the years the inability to exercise or take part in sport has certainly become a more commonly cited reason for patients I see who are seriously considering undergoing a reduction. Dr Gupta says that medical advancements may also have contributed to the growing number of female athletes undergoing breast reductions. 'Now there are non surgical breast reduction methods that exist, which can allow women to undergo a reduction with very limited downtime. 'For females who train regularly or are actively involved in sport, but are being prevented from doing so because of the size of their breast, a minimally invasive reduction technique could be a feasible solution, reducing the amount of time they would need to take away from sport to recover. Protest: South African beach volleyball player Alena Schurkova launched a big-boob-pride campaign after Simona Halep (pictured) announced she was having her breasts reduced from a 34DD to a 34C because they were slowing her reaction time . He does, however, warn of the dangers of breast reduction in young athletes, many who are under the age of 25. 'It’s important to note though that a breast reduction won’t be suitable for everyone. It is actually a procedure which is most suited to post-menopausal women, so a very young athlete, for example, might not be suitable for treatment,' he adds. South African beach volleyball player . Alena Schurkova launched a big-boob-pride . campaign after Romanian tennis player Simona Halep, 18, announced she was having her breasts reduced from a 34DD to a 34C because they were slowing her reaction time. Schurkova argued: 'If she does this, it sends out the message that girls with . big boobs can't play sports, and that is just wrong. 'I . am 32E, and I have never found them to be a problem. I could be double . what I have and I would still be okay to . perform.' 'I can't ever imagine my lacrosse coach . telling me to starve myself in order to shrink my boobs in case they get . in the way of my lacrosse stick! What a ridiculous notion' One international lacrosse player agreed with Schurkova. She said: 'To hear that some women are trying to stop themselves from developing breasts altogether is horrendous! 'We work so hard to ensure that our bodies are kept in peak physical condition and there are of course different considerations to take on board depending on the sport that you do. 'Gymnasts need to be smaller and more agile, but they also need to be strong and athletic in order to do all of the stuff that they need to - starving themselves in order to get rid of their boobs is not going to help their career in the long term. 'I can't ever imagine my lacrosse coach telling me to starve myself in order to shrink my boobs in case they get in the way of my lacrosse stick! What a ridiculous notion. 'Your boobs are your boobs. It's the body that you've been given and any athlete should know that you have to look after it and care for it in order to reach the top of your game.' | Female's breasts threatening their sports career .
'You don't see big titties in the Olympics,' female martial arts competitor says .
Cause back pain, rashes and discomfort .
Many hockey players and runners having breast reductions .
Elite gymnasts would undereat and overtrain to delay menstruation .
Siberian tennis player Simona Halep had breast reduction . |
108,340 | 17b1c6d5ddcabc8581bccc9b5cdfbacc0eb28824 | Apple will unveil the latest version of its iPhone on September 10, according to a new report. The news comes from All Things D, the Wall Street Journal-affiliated tech blog that has a solid track record for reporting inside Apple information. Apple is believed to be working on a smartwatch and a TV, but neither of those products are expected to be ready for rollout at next month's event. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Likely to be called either the iPhone 6 or iPhone 5S, the phone's release date would fit the schedule Apple has established since the first iPhone was released in 2007. The company has released a new iPhone model every year, and the release dates have all been in the summer or fall. The iPhone 5 came out in September 2012, the iPhone 4S in October 2011, and the three versions before that in the summer months. The release date is the most recent, and probably one of the most accurate, rumors that precede this Apple release. The upcoming Apple event will come at a unique time for the tech giant, which has dominated the smartphone and tablet markets for almost as long as they have existed. Android-based phones like Samsung's Galaxy S4 have put a dent in iPhone sales, while some critics have said the latest updates to the iPhone and iPad lack significant innovation. READ: How Samsung is out-innovating Apple . The new iPhone will run iOS 7, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system, which includes new typography, redesigned icons and a new color palette. Here's a roundup of some of the speculation swirling around the next iPhone. As always with such things, take it all with a grain of salt. Leaks along Apple's supply line have become more frequent, but that doesn't mean all of them turn out to be accurate. --The new phone will likely be the iPhone 5S and keep the same design as the current iPhone 5. The iPhone 4 was followed by the 4S, which maintained the same form. --The company will also roll out a cheaper version of the iPhone, largely for sale in emerging markets. Reuters reported that it will cost $99 and come in five or six different colors. It may or may not be called the iPhone 5C. Apple Senior Vice President Phil Schiller has tossed cold water on this idea, though Apple is known for misdirection in advance of new product releases. --Since there will be a cheaper iPhone, Apple will discontinue production of older models. --There will be at least one larger iPhone model, with a 4.7-inch screen, a 5.7-inch screen, or both to compete with big-screen rivals from Samsung, HTC and other makers. --The new phone will have a fingerprint scanner for added security and other uses. --As usual, it will have a faster processor, longer battery life, and an improved camera. Not much of a stretch there -- all of these upgrades are typical of any gadget update. Again, it remains to be seen which of these rumors and reports pan out. And Apple can be counted on for at least a few surprises. | Report: New iPhone coming on September 10 .
Phone could be called the iPhone 5S .
Leaks have also suggested a cheaper iPhone could be coming .
Apple looks to respond to unprecedented competition from Android . |
192,175 | 84d26f09c9f434365310062d1e120cfdefba1c95 | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 10:27 EST, 9 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:23 EST, 10 May 2013 . Unfair dismissal: Dental receptionist Rachel Carr has successfully sued her old bosses after she was threatened with the sack for eating an apple at her desk . A dental surgery receptionist has sued her former boss after she was threatened with the sack - for eating an apple at her desk. Rachel Carr, 28, was disciplined by managers at the Smile By Smile dental surgery in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, for snacking on the fruit while she worked. She claimed that she was hounded out of her job, leaving last September after her health deteriorated as a result of 'double standards' at the practice where she said that her manager would snack on chocolate nearby. She received a written warning for her eating habits and was accused of hiding in the equipment sterilisation room at the surgery and packing her bag to leave too early before the end of her shift. But Ms Carr is now likely to be paid thousands of pounds in compensation after she successfully claimed constructive and unfair dismissal at an employment tribunal in Birmingham. Rachel, who now works at another practice and represented herself in court, said: 'It was ridiculous. 'The apple was cut into slices and in a beaker and I just took a bite now and then. 'I wouldn't mind, but one of the partners used to eat Cadbury mini-eggs in reception. 'I'm just glad the system works. I represented myself, was not sure how it worked, but went in there and told the truth. 'They were gunning for me, hopefully, I've shown others they don't have to sit there and take it. They can do something about it. Miss Carr said that she rarely left on time and that the allegations that she packed her backs too early were untrue. Claim: Ms Carr sued the Smile By Smile dental clinic in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, where she had worked for five years . She says that the situation eventually forced her to quit her job when she became ill and collapsed. 'I walked out because the situation was making me feel ill and I could not take it anymore,' she said. 'I was on medication from my doctor, I was on sleeping tablets. I just collapsed in the doctors. Day job: Ms Carr, pictured in her role as a dental receptionist, has since started work at another practice . 'I don't want to bad-mouth anybody because I'm a private person and worried about my career. 'But I could not stand by and watch them get away with this. She added: 'It has made my life hell and I just want it to blow over now so I can concentrate on my new job. 'Most people would think dentists would approve of eating apples, after all as the saying goes 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away' but in my case it cost me my job.' Rachel told the tribunal that she had never received any complaints about her conduct in the five years she had worked at Smile By Smile. But she said that the situation changed when new bosses came in and brought their own rules with them. The private dental surgery claimed that they had concerns about Ms Carr's ability to 'follow procedure', and gave her a final warning for misconduct after they alleged that she was taking personal calls on her mobile and looking at Facebook during working hours as well as eating an apple. It was also claimed that Ms Carr had forgotten to turn off the X-ray machine. Smile for Smile are appealing the decision. Smile to Smile dental surgery last night said they were planning to appeal the tribunal decision. Spokesman Dr Peter Patel said: 'Smile by Smile puts patient's needs and clinical excellence at the heart of the service they provide. 'The partners have read the judgment and are taking legal advice for an appeal. 'At this stage it would be inappropriate for us to comment on the judgement and issues regarding employment and conduct of Rachel Carr at Smile by Smile in view of the fact that the case may go back to the Tribunal for an appeal.' | Rachel Carr had worked at the Smile By Smile surgery for five years .
She left the Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, practice after a final warning .
She said that she was hounded out of her job and quit last September .
Ms Carr has successfully sued the practice after a six month legal battle . |
229,487 | b529fb7c3a3af6dde029ff448f297b22dcb86631 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 18:06 EST, 10 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:18 EST, 11 September 2013 . If you've ever looked to the skies and studied the clouds, you may have made out a shape or two. But the shape of this formation above a beach near Sunderland is easy to spot. The unusual wave like clouds were spotted above Roker Lighthouse on Seaburn beach this afternoon by photographer Paul Kingston. The crest-shaped cloud formation is caused by a series of water, damp and windy conditions coming together at the same time at about 5,000 meters in the air. The Kelvin-Helmholtz cloud wave above Roker Lighthouse, Sunderland, today . A Met Office forecaster explains: 'It looks like a Kelvin-Helmholtz wave. 'When you have different layers of . air travelling at different speeds, along with changes in temperature . and density, then it can lead to this wave-like formation. 'The air higher up overlaps the slower-moving air below - but it is the changes in temperature and density which creates the shape. 'It is fairly uncommon to see such a clear example of it.' The wave clouds are not uncommon, as seen in Sunderland today, but says a Met Office forecaster: 'It is fairly uncommon to see such a clear example of it' Photographer and weather buff Mr Kingston, who lives in . the north of England, and who took these pictures, added: 'I was photographing the sea and the surfers . off Seaburn Beach when I looked up about 40 degrees and saw the waves in . the clouds. 'I knew what they were, and that they're fairly rare, caused by turbulence about 5,000 meters up in the air. 'I'd seen them on TV before, but not in real life. They weren't there for very long - only about 30 seconds and then they were gone.' | The Kelvin-Helmholtz wave take shape when layers of .
air travel at different speeds and are impacted by changes in temperatures .
and density .
Met Office: 'The clouds are not uncommon, but it is rare to see such a clear picture of them' |
16,420 | 2e986ece6f4e1ea1dc444fa0a50fde4405c79a40 | A new German football shirt bearing four stars for Germany's four World Cup wins had sold out on Monday within hours of the team's triumph in Brazil. The German team snatched victory against Argentina late on Sunday with a goal in extra time in Rio de Janeiro. It was the first time Germany has been champion in the soccer tournament since the country reunified in late 1990. German sportswear maker Adidas - who had made a small batch ahead of the final in case Germany won - is already seeing the benefits, with customers flocking to its Frankfurt store on Monday in a bid to get one of the new white shirts. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Germany's best World Cup moments animated by adidas . Champions of the world: Manufacturers Adidas revealed Germany's new kit with four stars above the badge . Quadruple: The four stars above Germany's badge commemorates their four World Cup triumphs . Revealed: Katja Schreiber of the Adidas Group tweeted a picture of the new kit with the four stars . We are the champions! Germany captain Philipp Lahm (front, second right) holds the World Cup aloft . Superb stretch: Mario Gotze volleys in the winner with his left foot after taking a cross on his chest . Commemorative: The German World Cup victory has been commemorated in a stamp designed by Lutz Menze . Andre . Langer was one of the customers lucky enough to get his hands on a . replica of the number '19' shirt worn by Mario Gotze, who scored the . winning goal. 'My son will get this shirt - which of course has four stars on it - for his 18th birthday. He's one-year-old now,' he said. On Monday morning Adidas' website was already displaying a 'sold out' sign next to the new shirts. Germany . were crowned world champions on Sunday night and Adidas . wasted no time in commemorating the achievement - by revealing a kit . with four stars above the badge. Joachim . Low guided Die Mannschaft to their fourth World Cup triumph with a 1-0 . extra-time victory over Argentina at the Maracana Stadium. And . to rub salt further into La Albiceleste's wounds, the first time that . Low's side will wear the new kit will be against Argentina in a friendly . on September 3 at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf. Lighting up the world: Four stars are projected on to a rock as Germany celebrate their triumph . Celebration: Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski holds the trophy after Germany's 1-0 extra-time win over Argentina . VIDEO Argentine fans in tears as Germany clinch title . German . manufacturers Adidas were quick to ensure that their national football . team's success was clearly embroidered on their jersey as they tweeted a . picture with four stars on the shirt. The sportswear giant also revealed that the new jerseys will be available for Germany supporters to purchase later this week. Katja . Schreiber of the Adidas Group tweeted a photo accompanied by the . caption: 'Spotted at adidas HQ: first #GER jerseys with four stars. New . jersey will be available later this week. #allin.' Substitute Mario Gotze's superb 113th-minute strike was enough to defeat Lionel Messi and Co in Rio de Janerio. Die Mannschaft previously won three World Cups as West Germany in 1954, 1974 and 1990. | Shirt emblazoned with four stars sells out within 12 hours of release .
Adidas tweet picture of new shirt with four stars above Germany badge .
The stars commemorate Germany's four World Cup triumphs .
Die Mannschaft won World Cup as West Germany in 1954, 1974 and 1990 .
Germany beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in World Cup final at Maracana .
First time Germany will wear new kit is in friendly with Argentina in Dusseldorf on September 3 . |
19,108 | 361864a24f139d975cb02736e81d106b6b50de37 | Abu Dhabi (CNN) -- All indications are that sanctions against Iran are really starting to bite and this time it is coming from the oil ministry in Tehran, which for months has denied that oil production was suffering due to international pressure. In an interview with the Iranian Student News Agency (ISNA), Gholam Reza Kateb a member of the national planning and budget committee in Parliament referenced a report from Iran's oil minister Rostam Qasemi. In that report, the minister suggested that oil revenues in the country plummeted 40 percent, while gas and gas products' export revenues fell by 45% compared to the same period last year. Read more: Official: Iran, nuclear watchdog group deal close . This is a hot button issue in Iran, where the currency due to sanctions has dropped 80 percent from its peak in 2011. The Iranian people are faced with spiralling inflation and job layoffs within the state sector. I spoke with a source in Iran's representative office to OPEC who declined to comment and referred all matters to the Oil Ministry. A spokesman at the state oil company Iran Petroleum would only say "in this political climate it is difficult to confirm these statements." Read more: Iran steps up uranium enrichment, U.N. report says . Hours later, a spokesman from the Ministry told another Iranian news agency, Mehr, that the numbers quoted about revenue and production drops are not true, although he offered no specific numbers. Until this report to the Iranian Parliament, Minister Qasemi has maintained that Iran's production was hovering around four million barrels a day, where it was two years ago. Read more: Opinion: Time to defuse Iranian nuclear issue . Back at the OPEC Seminar in June 2012, the minister told me that sanctions would not have any influence on plans to expand production and investment, shrugging off questions that suggested otherwise. This despite analysis to the contrary from the Paris based International Energy Agency and Vienna based OPEC of which Iran is a member. The IEA back in July suggested that Iraq surpassed Iran in production for the first time in over two decades and production in Iran dipped to 2.9 million barrels a day. OPEC in its October 2012 survey said it slipped to 2.72 million at the time Minister Qasemi said output remained at 4 million barrels. Minister Qasemi was recently quoted at a conference in Tehran that Iran needs to invest $400 billion over the next five years to maintain production targets and to play catch up after years of under investment. Iran is a land full of potential. According to the annual BP Statistical Review, Iran sits on nearly 10 percent of the world's proven reserves at 137 billion barrels. The South Pars field which it shares with Qatar is one of the largest natural gas fields in the world -- but Iran, due to sanctions, cannot expand development. This is a highly charged period. With elections in mid-June, it remains unclear how energy policy will evolve after the era of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad passes. It has been eight years of his tough line against Washington, Brussels and other governments that put forth sanctions against Iran. It is not clear if a new President will usher in a new nuclear development policy to ease the pressure on Iran's energy sector and the country's people. | The IEA has suggested Iraq surpassed Iran in output for the first time in over 20 years .
The Iranian people are faced with spiralling inflation and job layoffs within the state sector .
Iranian oil revenues in the country plummeted 40 percent, while gas export revenues fell by 45% . |
87,976 | f99c8fc46bcac00c2c9dd3536978aea38086a9e5 | Life lessons: Author Elizabeth Kesses wasn't confident growing up . The pressure of trying to achieve an unrealistic 'ideal body' is one that has long plagued girls through their teenage years and beyond. It's something author Elizabeth Kesses is familiar with having struggled with her own appearance and self confidence growing up in Athens and London. After graduating from Oxford and establishing a successful career in advertising, it's only now at the age of 40 she is finally feels more secure in her own skin. As a result, she has overhauled her life by moving to France and becoming a writer. She has written three self-esteem books for young girls called The Ugly Little Girl Trilogy and is supporting Body Confidence Week, which culminated in the Body Confident Awards at the House of Commons last night. Here, she reveals the six things she wishes she had known when she was a young girl struggling to make her way in the world... 1. If others say you're ugly, a loser, a swot... it's only because they are somehow threatened by you . I went to a bitchy girls school and I realise now when I talk to some of the girls in my year that they actually remembered me as the clever one who got to date the nice boys. But at the time, I believed any bad words that were said about me. Somehow their vision of me was more important than my own. I know now that everyone brings their stuff, their jealousies and insecurities - so take everything with a huge pinch of salt. 2. If you please others the whole time you'll never end up pleasing yourself . As a teenager, I chose to go to Oxford University in part for my parents. I loved it there but I felt constantly under pressure in such an academic environment. I then chose advertising as a career as I needed a proper job with money and status, so that others thought I was 'doing well'. Pressure to look good: Elizabeth advises young girls to focus more on their personality than their appearance . I married my boss because he was older, established and my friends/family would think he was a good catch. Deep down none of these decisions were right for me. I had no idea what I wanted, so I chose what everyone else wanted for me. In the end you'll rebel. I did at the age of 35. I'm now doing what I believe in - I write, I moved to France to be with my French husband and I chose not to have kids. None of these are particularly popular choices but they are who I am and that's more important. 3. Laughter lights up a room, not fake eyelashes and hair extensions . I used to obsess about being fat, ugly, short, frizzy-haired, and I thought everyone was horrified when I walked in a room. I couldn't flick through a teen mag without feeling inadequate. The pressure for girls today is even greater with websites dedicated to 'thinspiration', the obsession with image on social media and the relentless pursuit of perfection in the fashion world. Now I know that most people aren't looking at that one spot or unkempt eyebrow or thighs that touch. Most normal nice people don't care - they worry about what's on the inside. Feelings of inadequacy: Teens should talk to someone if they feel down . 4. If there is something you really want to do... then just do it . Never give up, if it's your true passion, your gift will happen. I loved ballet, I had the chance to do it professionally but reason prevailed and I focused on my academic studies. I'm sure it wasn't my vocation but denying myself the chance to explore it has left a pain, a form of nostalgia. Every time I go to see the Nutcracker at Christmas I get a twinge in my heart. I also loved writing as a little girl but the path to doing that seemed complicated and uncertain - yet now I'm a published author. 5. If someone's bullying you or if you're feeling down... talk to someone . I used to bottle up a lot of my feelings, pretending all was OK and I carried on smiling so I didn't disappoint or worry anyone. Having been through therapy I appreciate the well worn phrase 'a problem shared is a problem halved'. Issue needs to be taken seriously: More should be done to help young people with low confidence . 6. Low self-esteem IS a serious issue . From the age of ten to about fifteen I went through a gawky stage. Like most other teens, I believed I was so much uglier, so much geekier than everyone else. It made feel very alone and miserable. I suffered from lack of self esteem in my late teens becoming anorexic and I still struggle with bouts of low confidence. It's time for the nation to take seriously the issue of low self-esteem as it is one of the biggest threats to a woman's well-being. It is time confidence-building and self-belief were formally incorporated as part of the school curriculum, that media changed the beauty conversation and that girls are given every chance in the world to be happy. I'm glad this is now being addressed with the launch of Body Confidence Week. Education in schools and colleges Winner: The Self Esteem Team . The Self Esteem Team has worked with about 40,000 teenagers, both boys and girls, as well as parents and teachers delivering tailored body confidence lessons focused on self-esteem and good mental health. Education outside schools and colleges winner: Girlguiding . As the biggest membership organisation for girls and young women, Girlguiding was praised for a long-term commitment to developing girls’ body confidence, training up 250 peer educators to deliver their 'Free Being Me' programme. Healthy eating winner: The Jamie Oliver Foundation . The Jamie Oliver Foundation was selected for its pioneering approach to improving the UK's relationship with food through focused work with schools and communities. Physical activity winner: Youth Sport Trust . Youth Sport Trust was selected for its Girls Active programme, which used sport to not just increase girls' participation in P.E but in doing so, improved their body image and self-esteem. Responsible media and advertising winner: The Guardian . Chosen for its Body Image column on the website. Responsible beaut winner: Lancôme and the partnership with Lupita Nyong'o . Judges said it was 'inspiring to see a big beauty brand working with a non-westernised, dark skinned, African American woman'. Responsible fashion winner: ASOS Curve . ASOS Curve was commended for enhancing women's confidence through their affordable, fashionable clothes that they can feel good in. Dove self-esteem award winner: Breast Cancer Care and Jill Hindley, Heather Shekede and Ismena Clout . This campaign featuring Ismena and Jill showing their mastectomy scars and Heather posing with a letter to her body written on her back was praised for being an inspirational, honest, self-esteem boosting campaign for women experiencing breast surgery. Body confidence campaigner winner: Susie Orbach, psychotherapist, writer and UK convenor of www.endangeredbodies.org . Susie Orbach was selected for igniting the debate on body confidence and was regarded as a pioneer of the whole movement. Body confidence individual award: 'People's choice' winner: James Partridge, CEO Changing Faces . James Partridge was selected by the public for his ongoing advocacy on the subject of accepting one's appearance both as an individual and as founder of charity 'Changing Faces' which supports and represent people with disfigurements of any cause. | Elizabeth Kesses struggled with self confidence growing up .
She thought she was ugly and developed an eating disorder .
Made decisions to please other people instead of herself .
Now she has learnt the error of her ways .
Written Ugly Little Girl Trilogy to help others .
Is supporting Body Confidence Week . |
89,341 | fd961690abb777b0c1a711c5721b3c7d12b6ddb6 | London (CNN) -- All eyes in show business will turn to London on Sunday, as the stars of films from Steven Spielberg's political drama "Lincoln" to the Bond extravaganza "Skyfall" gather for the British Academy Film Awards ceremony. The Baftas, as the awards are known, are seen as one of the indicators for success in the Oscars. "Lincoln" leads the field with 10 Bafta nominations, while Tom Hooper's film version of the long-running stage musical "Les Miserables" and Ang Lee's "Life of Pi" each have nine nods. All three are in the running for best film in the British movie awards, along with "Argo," (seven nominations) a thriller set during the Iran hostage crisis, and "Zero Dark Thirty," (five nods) directed by Katheryn Bigelow -- the only woman to win a best director Oscar -- about the hunt for Osama bin Laden. "Argo," a thriller centered on the 1979 Iran hostage crisis, last month landed the best film award at the Screen Actors Guild Awards and the Golden Globes. Daniel Day-Lewis is nominated for best actor for his role as the U.S. president who led his country during the civil war and worked to end slavery. Having already won the Golden Globe and SAG best actor awards for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln, he is strongly tipped to win an Oscar later this month. If he succeeds, Day-Lewis would be the first male actor to win three best actor Oscars. He won previously for "My Left Foot" in 1989 and "There Will Be Blood" in 2007. In the Baftas, Day-Lewis is up against "Argo" star Ben Affleck, "Hathaway" co-star Hugh Jackman, Bradley Cooper for "Silver Linings Playbook" and Joaquin Phoenix for "The Master." Oscar winner Helen Mirren is nominated in the best actress category for her role in "Hitchcock," playing the wife of the British suspense filmmaker. Mirren is joined by "Amour" star Emmanuelle Riva, Jennifer Lawrence for "Silver Linings Playbook," "Rust and Bone" star Marion Cotillard and Jessica Chastain for "Zero Dark Thirty." Quentin Tarantino is nominated for best director and original screenplay for his slavery action-drama "Django Unchained." Affleck is also recognized for directing "Argo," along with Bigelow, Lee and Michael Haneke. Javier Bardem was nominated as best supporting actor for his role as the villain in the latest and most commercially successful James Bond movie, "Skyfall," but that film was overlooked in the best film category. Bardem was among eight "Skyfall" Bafta nominations that also included best supporting actress for Judi Dench who plays spy boss M and best British movie. The awards ceremony takes place at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, central London. CNN's Peter Wilkinson and Alan Duke contributed to this report. | The British Academy Film Awards ceremony takes place Sunday .
Political drama "Lincoln" leads the field with 10 Bafta nominations .
Oscar hopeful Daniel Day-Lewis is nominated to win a best actor award .
Helen Mirren is nominated in the best actress category for her role in "Hitchcock" |
194,543 | 87d54977e3bcc53fcc1cdae0a7b90d53c2867d81 | New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is calling for calm amid a back-and-forth of finger-pointing between activists, police leaders and elected officials following the execution-style murder of two New York City police officers this weekend. Cuomo called for a "societal deep breath" and a "cooling off period" this week in a radio interview Monday on New York's WNYC, calling the heated, inflammatory rhetoric that engulfed the city this weekend unproductive. "Sometimes with high emotion you stop hearing and processing. And I think that's where we are now. It's not productive, it's potentially destructive," Cuomo said. "People have strong feelings. I understand that, I respect that, but I ask people to join me to bring a period of calm this week." Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani tied the police murders to "intense, anti-police hatred" among leaders and activists reacting to the non-indictment of two white police officers who killed two unarmed black men in separate instances this summer. And the leader of the city's largest police union directly blamed New York Mayor Bill de Blasio for the murders, saying the officers' blood is "on many hands," starting "on the steps of City Hall in the office of the mayor." When asked if de Blasio had the governor's full support, Cuomo said the mayor, union leaders and community activists have his "full support." Cuomo insisted several times he would not get dragged into the divisive business of assigning blame to anyone. "I think that is the negative cycle that we are in. I don't want to point fingers, I don't want to cast blame," Cuomo said. "I think Mayor de Blasio is doing the best he can under very difficult circumstances to hear all sides of the matter. You have polarization in this city and that's the fundamental issue. You have two different points of view that right now are seemingly irreconcilable." Cuomo said he was interested in starting a dialogue on reforms to address both Eric Garner's killing by a police officer this summer and the murder of the two police officers this weekend, but only after a "cooling off period." Those reforms would build off of concerns he said he's heard that range from grand jury secrecy to survivors' benefits for police officers and whether police car windows should be bulletproof. Cuomo also said the grand jury decision in Garner's chokehold death at the hands of a police officers "was seemingly wholly incongruous with what you saw in that video." Garner's death was captured on camera, and Garner can be heard saying "I can't breathe" in the video. Cuomo added that "there are legitimate points" in Garner's case. | Cuomo called for leaders to calm the rhetoric after two NYPD officers were murdered this weekend .
Cuomo said he favored a productive conversation after a "cooling off period" and wouldn't point fingers .
Cuomo said the jury decision in the Eric Garner case "was seemingly wholly incongruous" with the video of his death .
He added that there were "legitimate points" in the Garner case . |
284,026 | fbf7bd20a997fba5bbaf128a88254cd321c93ded | By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 07:49 EST, 7 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:29 EST, 7 November 2012 . The parents of a four-year-old girl raped by a teenage babysitter who was never sent to jail for his crime are in despair after their appeal against his paltry sentence was blocked. The unnamed mother and father had demanded a tougher sentence for the 14-year-old who tricked their little girl into being abused when he was meant to be looking after her. During the sickening attack he blindfolded their daughter with a Hello Kitty apron and promised her a 'chocolate' but then raped her. The teenager walked free from Cambridge Crown Court earlier this year and still lives a few doors away from the child he abused. Devastating: The young girl, who was raped by a 14-year-old boy (pictured being held by her parents) - whose appeal to get the attacker's sentence changed has failed . The victim’s parents understood he would . receive a three-year custodial sentence – but he was let off with a . community order instead after a judge blamed 'the world and society' for . his porn addiction. Judge Gareth Hawkesworth sparked outrage by deciding he should not go to prison, instead giving the rapist a three-year community order. The girl's devastated parents claimed the judge's comments had 'cheapened' their daughter's ordeal and said they would appeal. Spared jail: Judge Gareth Hawkesworth (pictured) warned the boy that he . would have been jailed for six and a half years if he had been four . years older - but blamed 'the world and society' for his porn addiction . But the Attorney General has now confirmed the appeal will not be allowed to go ahead because the case was 'difficult to sentence'. It concluded that the Court of Appeal would not regard the sentence as 'unduly lenient' and the case will not progress further. The victim's mother - who cannot be named for legal reasons- said they are 'angry' and 'disappointed'. She said: 'It is coming up the anniversary of the attack we don't wish to drag it all up again. 'Now the decision has been made, we can not appeal, we are now going to move on with our lives. 'It is disappointing, but as ever our priority is our little girl and her happiness - we just have to move on. 'We want to keep her life normal, we don't want to reinforce the memory and we want her to remain as content as she is now. 'We hope it doesn't effect her relationships in later life.' The abuse took place at the girl's Cambridgeshire home in December last year - the first time her parents had let the teenager babysit the girl alone. They trusted him to watch her for a couple of hours in return for £10 pocket money and said he was a quiet but 'normal kid' who they completely trusted. But when they got home the victim's Dad was getting her ready for bed when she revealed the babysitter had played a game, promising to reward her with chocolates. She explained how he had covered her eyes with her Hello Kitty apron and 'put his willy in her mouth'. The victim's tearful mum blasted Cambridge Crown Court for letting the attacker walk free - when he lives just a matter of doors from their family home. Professionals who dealt with the sick teen advised the Attorney General that the best way of addressing his behaviour was by educating him within the community. Walking free: The teenage rapist's addiction to porn led to the judge giving him a community order . His progress and whereabouts will continue to be monitored by police for the next two and a half years. A sex offences prevention order was also made for five years, stating he must not access or seek to access pornography of any kind and must not use any mobile devices or computer without suitable filters to prevent the viewing of pornography. The offender - who at the time of the case appeared in the dock in his school uniform - was told he had only been spared six-and-a-half years in jail because he was still a minor. The Solicitor General may have concluded against appeal but he did promise that the babysitter's period of supervision will be 'tough' and 'challenging' and will 'force him to address his behaviour'. A spokesman for the AGO said: 'Following complaints from the victim's family as well as members of the public, the former Solicitor General, Edward Garnier QC MP asked the Crown Prosecution Service to send the case papers to him for review. 'After very careful consideration of all the factors in the case, he decided not to refer it to the Court of Appeal as he did not believe they would increase the sentence.' Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | The teenager blindfolded her with a Hello Kitty apron and used chocolate to lure her into the sex attack .
He was let off with a .
community order as the judge blamed ‘the world and society’ for .
his porn addiction .
The child's parents appealed to the Attorney General, who says a new hearing will not be allowed because the case was 'difficult to sentence' |
80,754 | e4dd5d9d301ea57b7d549ad9b83b1aa41b08a4b7 | The U.S representative for Alaska alarmed students and teachers at a school assembly after making 'hurtful' and 'insensitive' comments about suicide days after a student killed himself. While speaking at Wasilla High School yesterday, Don Young - the longest serving Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives - said people often committed suicide because they had a lack of support from friends and family. The comments stunned his audience of about 120 English and government students as they were still mourning the loss of a student who died last Thursday. U.S representative for Alaska Don Young has been accused of making 'hurtful' comments about suicide during a talk with students at Wasilla High Schooldays after a boy had killed himself . Principal Amy Spargo told the Alaska Dispatch News: 'When I heard 'a lack of support from family' and I heard 'a lack of support from friends,' I felt the oxygen go out of the room, but I gasped as well. 'It just isn't true in these situations. It's just such a hurtful thing to say.' She said the remarks were 'hurtful' and 'insensitive'. The encounter occurred after teacher Carla Swick asked Mr Young about Alaska's high suicide and domestic violence rates and what his office was doing to address it. Ms Spargo and Ms Swick say a friend of the victim, shouted at Young that the deceased, 'Had friends. He had support.' And that he went on to say the cause of his death was depression, 'a mental illness'. Ms Spargo said Mr Young replied, 'Well, what, do you just go to the doctor and get diagnosed with suicide?' The congressman is said to have gone on to use the words '***hole or 'smartass'. About 120 students attended the talk and question and answer session which was ended by school principal Amy Spargo after Mr Young made comments against same-sex marriage . The politician's views on same-sex marriage also caused a stir when he compared to men getting married to bulls having sex. He was asked by junior student Zachary Grier why it was 'so bad in your eyes?' Ms Spargo said Mr Young, 81, answered by saying: 'You can't have marriage with two men. What do you get with two bulls?' Mr Young was then said to have said something about a lot of 'bullshazzle' or some word resembling the swear word. The principal said: 'At that point I was heading for the microphone. 'It was time to be done.' Ms Spargo said she talked briefly with Mr Young on his way out and he asked her who the boy was that shouted at him. She said, when told it was a friend of the boy who died, Mr Young replied: 'That boy needs to learn some respect.' Mr Young was also accused of using profanity and and telling stories not appropriate for a high-school audience. Mr Young's office later issued a statement about his talk at the school, saying he was 'serious and forthright' when discussing the issue of suicide. His spokesman, Matt Shuckerow said: 'He discussed what he believes are leading causes of youth suicide in our state and shared some suggestions for helping family members and friends who are dealing with suicidal thoughts. 'In no way did Congressman Young mean to upset anyone with his well-intentioned message. In light of the tragic events affecting the Wasilla High School community, he should have taken a much more sensitive approach.' The statement went on to say Mr Young had become frustrated by one student who had 'deprived their fellow classmates by talking throughout the presentation'. But the congressman, the statement said, had expressed 'his regret for any offence taken during the honest and spirited discussion' to the school. Ms Spargo was meeting with staff today to discuss the incident, and was unsure if she would take the matter further. | Congressman Don Young spoke at Alaska's Wasilla High School yesterday .
People who commit suicide lacked support from friends and family, he said .
Comments came just days after a pupil at the school killed himself . |
156,385 | 562d3ed170b7e43ee030214984b14c72525a081e | Struggling French side Bastia have fired Claude Makelele after less than six months in charge. The former midfield general, who was part of the France team that lost the 2006 World Cup final to Italy, took over this season after a two-and-half year spell as assistant coach at Paris Saint-Germain. But after just 12 games in charge of the French side and them lying second bottom of Ligue 1, Makelele has been relieved of his duties. An anxious Claude Makelele looks on during his final game in charge of Bastia - a 1-0 defeat to Guingamp . Makelele and assistant Didier Tholot walk away from Bastia's training ground after being alerted of the news . Makelele talks to reporters after leaving Bastia's training ground after being sacked on Monday . The midfield general was a hugely popular figure for Chelsea during his time at the club . Makelele oversaw just two league victories in charge of Bastia, with their sixth defeat of the campaign against Guingamp on Saturday the final nail in the coffin of the former Chelsea midfielder's reign. An official statement on the club's official website read: 'Bastia board advise all supporters and partners that Mr Claude Makelele is no longer the coach of Sporting Club de Bastia.' Makelele is the first coach to be fired in the French first division this season, and has been replaced on a temporary basis by Ghislain Printant and Herve Sekli. | Bastia are second bottom of Ligue 1 after 12 games .
France legend Claude Makelele has been relieved of his duties at the club .
The 41-year-old took over as manager in the summer after a two-and-a-half spell as assistant coach at Paris Saint-Germain . |
144,150 | 4665cfab81632228c1c79f80928c705ab46d2561 | One of Britain's best-loved buildings turns 50 this week. A point of reference for cab drivers and a memorable mark on the skyline for tourists, the BT Tower has stood strong for the past five decades despite changing name no less than three times. Construction was completed on July 15, 1964, and the £9 million building was named the Post Office Tower, and later, London Telecom Tower. The BT Tower, then known as the Post Office Tower, was the tallest building in Britain when it was completed on July 15, 1964. This year the country celebrates its 50th anniversary . It formed part of the British Telecom network and its primary purpose was to support the aerials then used to carry telecommunications traffic from London to the rest of the country. The tower provided 40 channels with black and white or colour television. Prime Minister Harold Wilson, who came to power in 1964, marked the opening a year later on October 8, 1965. At 189 metres, it was known as Britain’s highest building at the time. During the first year the Tower was open to the public it was visited by nearly one million visitors, 105,000 of whom dined in the revolving restaurant. The cost of visiting the Tower was four shillings (20p) and half price for children. Men at work: Construction of the iconic BT Tower began in 1961 and was completed four years later . Head for heights: Crane operator Jimmy Wheelan balances 635ft above London on July 16, 1964, for the ceremony marking the completion of structural work . Two workmen are suspended from the BT Tower during its construction in May 1963 . Youngsters play in front of the Post Office Tower, later the BT Tower, in 1965. Entry to the viewing gallery cost four shillings and was half price for children . The BT Tower as it stands today. This week it celebrates its 50th birthday . A view of the new Post Office Tower taken from below in London in June, 1964 . A view from the top of the Post Office Tower, later known as the BT Tower, over London . In 1964, the Beatles took on America, and won. Their single ‘I want to hold your hand’ claimed number one spot in the US charts in January. After a send-off from Heathrow involving thousands of screaming fans, the Beatles arrived in New York on February 7, 1964. They were welcoming by equal fervour in America. Five thousand fans crowded the airport’s arrivals building, waving placards and banners to welcome the group. While the Beatles took over America, the struggle for apartheid was about to suffer a serious blow. In 1964, its leader Nelson Mandela was jailed for life for plotting to destroy the South African state by sabotage. With his fist raised in the air, Mandela was transported to Robben Island, seven miles off Cape Town, sparking international protests. He would later tell the Larry King Live Show in 2000: ‘I was called a terrorist yesterday, but when I came out of jail, many people embraced me, including my enemies, and that is what I normally tell other people who say those who are struggling for liberation in their country are terrorists. I tell them that I was also a terrorist yesterday, but, today, I am admired by the very people who said I was one.’ Blast: The BT Tower sustained damage after a bomb was planted by the IRA. No-one was hurt but the restaurant at the top was closed off to the public. Here journalists examine the damage . Six years later and the BT Tower would be dealing with a terrorism problem of its own. Unfortunately the Tower’s prowess on London’s skyline proved an inevitable attraction to terrorists. In 1971, the country was in shock when a bomb placed by the IRA exploded on the 31st floor of the Tower. No-one was hurt by the device, which was believed to have been planted in a toilet on the lowest of the public viewing gallery. While the building sustained damage, it wasn’t irreparable and unknown to the public, the tower was secretly designed to withstand a nuclear attack on London, and to serve as part of a military microwave communication network. Years later the Tower withstood the 1987 hurricane which took the roof off the Old Bailey, and remained the tallest building in London until the NatWest Tower was built in 1981. The original purpose of the Tower, designed and built by the Ministry of Public Building and Works, was to transmit high frequency radio waves which would allow for the rapid expansion of the telephone network without the crippling expense of tunnelling under the capital to lay cables. The system could only work if the tower remained stable. To this day, the BT Tower remains as iconic as ever, relaying signals between broadcasters, production companies, advertisers, international satellite services. | Construction on the BT Tower, then known as the Post Office Tower, was competed on July 15, 1964 .
That year the Beatles took over .
America with their single 'I want to hold your hand' which claimed .
number one spot in the US charts .
Prime Minister Harold Wilson marked the opening of the £9 million building a year later .
on October 8, 1965 .
At 189 metres it was known as Britain’s highest building at the time .
Its purpose was to support the aerials used to .
carry telecommunications traffic from London to the rest of the country . |
280,185 | f6f965c1e4e5fe8e4cd101071cf93a65375ac385 | MEXICO CITY, Mexico (CNN) -- A killer bug is spreading like wildfire. Armed guards stand outside the Mexico City Respiratory Hospital to control the flow of people. Streets of one of the world's biggest cities are eerily empty. Bars and restaurants have been shuttered for days. The president goes on TV to tell workers to stay at home for their own safety. Those who venture outside are clad in surgical masks. Once healthy people are suddenly falling sick and dying from a new disease, H1N1 swine flu. The government swears the situation is under control. But down at the hospital, medics scurry around behind the glass door of an isolation ward. They're clad from head to toe in biohazard suits, goggles and two pairs of gloves. At the airport, officials set up a barrage of thermal imaging machines. If the picture flashes up red or orange, would-be passengers are whisked off to medical facilities. See where the virus has been confirmed » . It may sound like a sci-fi movie. It's not. Welcome to Mexico City. It's a nightmare scenario and despite twice-a-day news conferences featuring Mexican Health Minister Jose Angel Cordova, people on the streets fear the virus may be out of control and that the real death toll may be greater than anyone is letting on. Watch how the city has been shut down » . "The measures we're taking are working and are helping us to slow the spread of the virus. But the situation continues to be serious," Cordova said at a news conference this week. Government orders to its citizens are clear: wash frequently, don't shake hands or kiss, and stay away from crowded places. That's easier said than done. The doors on the subway car snap open at Hidalgo station. Dozens more passengers clad in surgical masks stream on. It's rush hour deep below the streets of downtown Mexico City. The subway system is the veins of the capital, ferrying millions of people from all social classes to and from work. It's hot and humid down there and there's little fresh air. It's just the kind of crowded place that Mexican authorities say could be a prime breeding ground for swine flu. "I'm pretty nervous of this whole virus thing," welder Frontino Valdez mumbled through one of the masks. Watch passengers packed onto trains trying to protect themselves » . Sitting one carriage down, Berta Hernandez, a product demonstrator, tries not to show her panic and applies eyeliner like any other morning. But today she has a problem, she has no intention of lifting her mask to paint on lip gloss. "I'm nervous of those people who aren't wearing masks. Maybe they will suddenly sneeze or cough," she said. In these days of swine flu paranoia, just coughing, or worse sneezing, in the subway, or "metro" as they call it here, brings black looks from fellow passengers. This has been a strange epidemic since the outset. So far, the Mexican government has been unable to pinpoint where or when this outbreak started. Authorities admit there was an outbreak of influenza in a village in the Gulf Coast state of Veracruz in early April. But only one patient -- 5-year-old Edgar Hernandez -- was diagnosed as having swine flu. Watch Dr. Sanjay Gupta ask the boy about his symptoms » . The international media have taken to calling him "Patient Zero." He made a full recovery. So far there's no evidence a pig farm near his home reported any problems with its livestock. The family hasn't explained how little Edgar could have infected a capital city let alone the world. The authorities haven't drawn up a genetic map of Edgar's illness nor compared it to the lethal strain that swept through Mexico City and other parts of the country. Lethal it is. But getting to the truth of who has really died from the virus is tough. Since midweek, the government abandoned its initial reporting and began to speak only of confirmed swine flu cases and confirmed deaths due to the H1N1 virus. Previously it had also tallied suspected cases and others under observation. In practice, it is taking days for the government to get test results from autopsies and tests. By the time a case is confirmed the patient may be long buried. One afternoon this week, at a cinder block home perched on a hillside in a poor northern neighborhood of Mexico City, a coffin was mounted on the living room table. A steady stream of neighbors filed in to pay their final tribute to a dead 24-year-old. Biting back tears, a young man said his brother had died of "respiratory problems." When asked what kind of a person his brother was, he said simply: "He was an honest man. He never got in any trouble." The man seemed to be feeling an underlying sense of shame. Suddenly there was a huge stigma attached to swine flu -- like in the early days of AIDS-related deaths -- and Mexican families were keen to dispel notions their loved ones had died of the mutant virus. They didn't want the prying eyes of the media near their home. We wanted to tell their story, observe the wake and follow the funeral. But death is a rite of passage. They had a right to mourn in private. The following day came a tip-off that a 5-year-old girl, Maria Fernanda Garcia, had died. The modest side street outside her home in eastern Mexico City was swarming with police, health workers and civil protection officials. Watch how armed guards were part of Maria Fernanda's funeral » . Little Maria Fernanda's father appeared briefly and told us we weren't welcome. He was curt when he told us his daughter had died from pneumonia. A medic confirmed the specific cause of death was indeed pneumonia. But he added the hospital was still waiting for test results to confirm whether the underlying cause was swine flu. He conceded that process could take days. But judging by the heavy security, local authorities certainly feared this was another case of the virus. "These are the prevention measures we must take. This case is still not confirmed but we must take these steps to protect citizens," said Victor Luna, a member of the public security detail for this district of Mexico City. A few minutes later, the hearse with Maria Fernanda's body pulled out of the housing complex where she lived. Her dad was clutching a Winnie Pooh cuddly toy as he rode up front. Police and health officials shadowed the funeral cortege to the graveyard. Police guards only permitted immediate family and close friends through the iron gates. Through the bars silent, tearful mourners could be seen weaving through a labyrinth of headstones. Later that afternoon, the family had left Maria Fernanda's grave -- a tiny patch of newly dug dry earth, not much more than 3 feet long. It was covered with sweet-scented white flowers. The plaque on the grave was a simple hand-painted affair: . "Maria Fernanda. 2004 to 2009. We love you." | Every aspect of life has been hit by the spread of H1N1 in Mexico City .
Citizens told not to shake hands or kiss .
Even a tragic death of a child brings suspicion, paranoia . |
223,996 | ae0b477b1f18639dd6fcbacde47193bbf31ab985 | Amazon sold more than three million items last Monday, making it the firm’s busiest day ever. The first Monday in December has earned the nickname ‘Cyber Monday’ as it is the busiest day for internet shoppers keen to ensure their order arrives in time for Christmas. Amazon’s British arm beat last year’s Cyber Monday total of 2.3million items, as the Christmas rush finally got started. Christmas rush: Amazon took orders for more than 3million items on 'Cyber Monday' The online retailer’s bestseller was its own Kindle e-reader, which costs £89. Christopher North, managing director of Amazon.co.uk, said: ‘This year, Cyber Monday saw the most items ever ordered in a single day with Kindle being the stand-out product.’ Christmas web sales are expected to rise 15 per cent this year, accounting for £7.75billion in sales. But there was also some relief for traditional retailers as millions of shoppers hit the High Street this weekend. It comes as chains across Britain slash their prices to lure Christmas shoppers into their stores, with many starting ‘panic sales’ long before Boxing Day. Boxed up: Amazon workers pack goods ready for shipping at the distribution centre in Swansea, Wales . Their takings are tipped to fall 2.1 per cent to £55.7billion. Top gadget: Kindle e-readers were the best-selling product that shoppers snapped up . More than 1.5million shoppers spent £180million in Central London on Saturday alone, according to the New West End Company, which represents around 600 traders in Oxford Street, Regent Street and Bond Street. The company said it expected a further £100million to be spent yesterday (sun), and said technology and winter fashion had proved to be the best sellers. Chief executive Richard Dickinson said: ‘Based on past experience we were confident that despite the slow start to seasonal spending, shoppers would get the tills ringing over the next two weeks, but this weekend has exceeded expectations.’ Capital Shopping Centres, which operates 14 malls across Britain, including the Trafford Centre in Manchester and Lakeside in Thurrock, said more than eight million shoppers had visited its malls in the last week. Retail sales figures for November, out on Thursday, are expected to show that consumers have been forced to economise. High inflation has forced up the price of food, leaving shoppers with less money in their pockets. Unseasonably warm weather in October and November also meant there was low demand for winter fashion until the last two weeks. Oxford Street: More than 1.5million shoppers spent £180million in Central London on Saturday alone . Ongoing fears of a double dip recession and the possible collapse of the Eurozone are also expected to have hit High Street sales. Forecaster Capital Economics suggested there would be a last-minute rush for presents, but that it would probably lead to a very weak start to spending in the New Year. The success of e-readers, which can store between 1,000 and 10,000 e-books, has bucked the trend for dwindling sales figures. Kindle’s maker Amazon reported earlier this year that it was selling 105 e-books for every 100 printed books. The gadget is now facing increased competition from rivals Kobo, Sony and Apple’ s iPad. | Kindle e-readers best selling product snapped up .
More than 1.5million shoppers spent £180million in Central London . |
250,402 | d0112a9e859228aa566c9607e23da830f12ff366 | This is one way to watch your favourite telly programmes on the go. For those who didn’t blow their budget on Christmas gifts, this pimped-out 2015 Cadillac Escalade available for purchase has been taken to a new level of luxury. The sport utility vehicle’s rear passenger compartment has been converted into an extravagant private office and cinema, complete with a 48in television mounted against the driver’s partition. Mounted to the driver's partition, the curved 4K smart TV is the most alluring feature in the vehicle . Lexani Motorcars, based near Los Angeles, can add armoured protection to the Cadillac Escalade . While the curved 4K smart TV is the most alluring feature, the Escalade boasts a TracVision satellite TV system, iPad, Mac mini computer, 24-karat gold-plated hardware, tables stowed in the seats, and connections for video conferencing for high-flyers who need to work on the go. It also has a higher ceiling with LED lighting, two leather captain’s chairs and jump seats, and window shades – and everything can be controlled with the push of a button. For those who are concerned about security, surveillance cameras are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle and the images are displayed on monitors inside the vehicle. The rear passenger compartment has been converted into an extravagant private office and cinema . The Escalade boasts a higher ceiling with LED lighting and two leather captain’s chairs that recline . For those who work on the go the vehicle has an iPad, a Mac mini computer and retractable tables . A touchpad controls two jump seats which can fold up and down, in addition to window shades and lighting . Lexani Motorcars has not disclosed the price of its ultra-luxurious SUV – known as the Concept One Curve. But a basic 2015 Cadillac Escalade retails for nearly £73,000 in the US (approximately £47,000). The company, based in Corona, California, near Los Angeles, can also customise the vehicle with armoured protection. | Rear passenger compartment converted into mobile office or cinema .
Surveillance cameras have been mounted on the exterior of the vehicle .
California's Lexani Motorcars has not disclosed the price . |
234,878 | bc0cb9b7f212bbe9801d9df376d3181b591e903b | By . Freya Noble . An Australian Olympian who has struggled openly with depression and recently pleaded guilty to drug charges has broken her silence and spoken about some of the darkest days of her life including taking drugs. In an exclusive interview with Channel Nine's A Current Affair, former diver Chantelle Newbery, who claimed the first Australian gold medal in 80 years at the 2004 Athens Olympics, opened up about her drug use following her mother's death to breast cancer. 'I have experimented with a couple of things but I wouldn't say I was a drug user,' Newbery told the Nine Network. 'On and off, perhaps every now and then, since then but there's been no period of time where I have been using drugs or anything like that.' Scroll down for video . Former Olympic champion Chantelle Newbery has spoken out for the first time in detail about her drug charges and battle with mental health . The mother-of-two said she resorted to trying drugs - on and off - around the time of her mother's death 18 months ago. Her mother spent her final year living with her. Newbery said her experience with drugs was that 'it doesn't help' and it was behind her now. 'Mum fought a pretty good fight, she was diagnosed with breast cancer three years before she passed away and she lived with me in the final year and she passed away in our home,' she said. The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs and failing to properly dispose of syringes earlier this month. She was placed on a drug diversion program and no conviction was recorded. She also spoke of the time she tried to take her own life. 'I had never faced anything like that before, I had never in trouble with the law before... So it was a little bit overwhelming for me,' she said. At the peak of her career Newbery broke records but after 2004 she struggled with mental illness and personal demons . The former darling of the diving platform relived the moment eight police officers raided her home looking for drug paraphernalia, searching her house, car and through all of her belongings. 'I was asleep at the time, The police came to my house and told me they were searching for drugs... They did find drug paraphernalia,' she said. However, the former Olympian insisted that they did not turn up any actual drugs, and the used needles and plastic zip-lock bags discovered did not actually belong to her. Refusing the name the actual owner of the items, Newberry described how overwhelmed she was by the situation as the reason she took the blame. She welled up as Tracey Grimshaw asked her whether she had pleaded guilty to the to protect someone she cared about. 'Yes that is fair,' she responded. On why she pleaded guilty, Newbery revealed 'I was overwhelmed on the day, I was hysterical'. At the peak of her career in the pool, the golden girl broke records when at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games she became the first Australian in 80 years, and the first Australian woman ever, to win gold on the diving board. The mum-of-two has previously spoken publicly of her battle with depression, and said she struggled again with her mental health after her mother died. The mum-of-two told the program the drug paraphernalia found in her house did not belong to her, but admitted to experimenting with substances in the past . And though she did experiment with drugs during tumultuous times in her life, Newbery said at no point would she have described herself as 'a drug user'. Since then she has battled with grief, financial difficulty and finding a permanent place to live. All this combined with the breakdown of her marriage with fellow diver Robert, the father of her two boys, saw Newberry plunge into a dark place again. Five years ago she attempted suicide, but said despite the ongoing hardship she has faced since she has never resorted to that again. Newbery revealed that she has struggled financially, had trouble finding a place to settle down but her focus now is on providing a stable life for her two sons . Newbery has come up against many challenges over the past decade, but revealed her focus has now shifted to rebuilding her life and focusing on her two sons, Ryder and Jet. 'I feel pretty bulletproof when I'm at home being a mum ... I'm a mum and I've got a job to do, and you've just got to get on and do it,' the gold medallist said. She also revealed she regualrly sees a psychologist, and insisted that no one would ever find drug paraphernalia in any home she was living in again. Newbery, who revealed in 2009 that she suffered depression, said while she hoped to work with divers in the future, her main priority was being a mother to her two sons. 'At the moment I just want to spend time just being a mum.' | Chantelle Newbery revealed she took drugs following her mother's death .
The mum-of-two pleaded guilty to drug charges earlier this month .
She claims drug paraphernalia found in her home did not belong to her .
Avoided conviction but fined $300 and made to attend a diversion program .
The 37-year-old broke records at the 2004 Olympics when she became the first Australian to win a gold medal for diving in 80 years . |
181,705 | 7741bc5f454edb672e5dd7a728486dd4508059da | Australian journalist Peter Greste has been released from Egyptian prison and is on his way back to Australia after more than a year behind bars. Mr Greste was freed by order of Egypt's president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, under a new law that allows foreign prisoners to be deported. His brother Andrew Greste confirmed the Al-Jazeera reporter 'has left Egyptian airspace' and will arrive home in Brisbane on Monday. His overjoyed sibling wrote on Twitter: 'Hard to believe but YES @PeterGreste is a free man. His butt has left Egyptian airspace yippeeeeee!!!!! Think I'll go and get drunk :):):).' Mr Greste arrived in Larnaca, Cyprus, on Sunday night after flying out of Cairo on an EgyptAir flight alongside one of his brothers. The family was ecstatic and called for the world to respect his brother's privacy and to give him time to appreciate his freedom. A Canadian journalist also being held in Egypt will also be released 'within days', security officials have revealed. Al Jazeera journalist Peter Greste stands inside the defendants' cage in a courtroom during his trial on terror charge in Cairo, Egypt . Baher Mohamed (left) Canadian-Egyptian acting Cairo bureau chief Mohammed Fahmy (centre), and Mr Greste (right) appear in court . Mr Greste's Canadian-Egyptian colleague Mohamed Fahmy is set to be released after officials negotiated for him to be deported to North America. The pair were jailed for at least seven years alongside Baher Mohamed for fabricating the news, despite no evidence of this ever being shown to a court. The officials who confirmed his release spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media. Sunday marked the 400th day since Mr Greste's arrest and imprisonment, along with his two colleagues. The trio were convicted of fabricating news footage on behalf of the Muslim Brotherhood of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi, despite no evidence being produced. Australia's Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said Mr Greste is desperate to return to Australia. 'I spoke to Peter Greste shortly after his release and before he departed Egypt,' she told reporters in Sydney on Monday. 'He was immensely relieved and he was desperate to come home to Australia and reunite with his family.' Ms Bishop confirmed he was now in Cyprus and had been met by Australian consular officials. 'From my discussion with him, he was very keen to be back on a beach and lying in the sun in Australia,' she said. His brother Andrew Greste confirmed the Al-Jazeera reporter 'has left Egyptian airspace' The overjoyed sibling sent a message of thanks to all of their support in fighting for Greste's release . Events moved very quickly overnight with the minister saying Greste was given short notice he would be released 'unconditionally'. 'We moved as fast as we could to make arrangements for his immediate departure,' Ms Bishop said. 'He will make his way home in his own time. 'He wants a bit of rest and recreation and to be re-united with friends and family as soon as possible.' Ms Bishop said Greste had gone through a long ordeal and she was relieved and delighted he was finally on his way home. 'Australia has been at the forefront of calling for his release,' she said. 'We have worked very hard behind the scenes, working directly with the Egyptian government.' Ms Bishop also thanked a number of other governments around the world who had supported his cause and, at Australia's request, made representations on his behalf to the Egyptian government. 'I personally spoke with the foreign minister in Egypt and made a number of representations, oral and in writing, and spoke to President al-Sisi,' she said. Mr Greste's Canadian-Egyptian colleague Mohamed Fahmy is also set to be released . 'I particularly mention the government of Latvia, given Peter's family background - the Latvian government were also of great assistance.' Ms Bishop also paid tribute to the role of consular staff in his release, noting that Greste had thanked the Australian government, the public and journalists who has rallied to his cause. 'He told me that it had sustained him through the very long time that he spent in jail.' A statement from Al Jazeera welcomed the news that Mr Greste had been freed, but said it would continue to fight for his colleagues' release. 'We're pleased for Peter and his family that they are to be reunited. It has been an incredible and unjustifiable ordeal for them, and they have coped with incredible dignity,' the statement said. 'Peter's integrity is not just intact, but has been further enhanced by the fortitude and sacrifice he has shown for his profession of informing the public. 'We will not rest until Baher and Mohamed also regain their freedom. The Egyptian authorities have it in their power to finish this properly today, and that is exactly what they must do.' Earlier this month Egypt's Court of Cassation ordered a retrial of Mr Greste and his colleagues. At the time, his family said they were pinning hopes for their son's freedom on his chances of being deported before a second trial. Mr Greste (centre) manages to smile during his trial in Cairo . Andrew (right), Lois (centre) and Juris Greste, parents and brother of Australian journalist Peter Greste, are pinning hopes for their son's freedom on his chances of being deported before a second trial . Greste, Egyptian-Canadian Mohammed Fahmy and Egyptian Mohammed Baher were sentenced to at least seven years in prison on terrorism-related charges last year in a trial described as a sham by rights groups. There was no immediate word on the other two journalists. The three were arrested over their coverage of the violent crackdown on Islamist protests following the military overthrow of President Mohammed Morsi in 2013. Egyptian authorities accused them of providing a platform for Morsi's Muslim Brotherhood, now declared a terrorist organization. Rights groups and several media outlets condemned the verdicts as political, saying the three were doing their job during a tumultuous time. According to a law passed late last year, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi has the power to deport foreign defendants or convicts if it's considered to be in the interest of national security. The law was seen as providing a potential legal instrument with which to free the journalists. El-Sissi had repeatedly said he wants to end the case, which has prompted a storm of international criticism. | Al-Jazeera reported Peter Greste released and deported from Egypt .
Greste spent more than a year in prison with two journalist colleagues .
One - Canadian Mohamed Fahmy - will also be released 'within days'
But Egyptian journalist Baher Mohammed is still being held behind bars .
The trio were convicted of fabricating news footage - despite there being no evidence of this happening . |
136,362 | 3c64803006d2c0f117021d9c73b0885580018b3d | A Boston man has been indicted in the brutal killing of a 24-year-old woman and in three unrelated non-fatal attacks. Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley and Acting Police Commissioner Bill Evans announced the indictments Friday against 29-year-old Edwin Alemany. Alemany has pleaded not guilty in the death Amy Lord, a Wilbraham native living in South Boston. He is held at a state psychiatric hospital for evaluation. Scroll down for video . 'Serial attacker': Edwin Alemany, 29, pictured here in August, was indicted in the July murder of 24-year-old Amy Lord and attacks on three other women, one of which took place in September 2012 . Much-loved: The 24-year-old was a high school cheerleader and Bentley University graduate . The indictment also charges him in two . attacks on women the same week Lord was killed, and in a 2012 attack in . which the alleged victim grabbed his wallet and told police, according to Boston.com. Police officials have demoted a detective they said failed to pursue the 2012 case, and reprimanded three supervisors. Lord's body was found in July in a wooded area of Hyde Park in Boston . after the woman was kidnapped, viciously beaten, forced to withdraw . money from several ATMs, and ultimately stabbed to death. She . was one of the three young women attacked in the same area in a 24-hour . period. Alemany is suspected of carrying out all three. During a press conference Friday announcing the indictment against Alemany, District Attorney Conley insisted that the 29-year-old man was of a sound mind when he savagely murdered Lord. ‘The level of violence visited on her shocked the entire city of Boston, including hardened police and prosecutors with decades of experience,’ he said. ‘But it was not the beginning or the end of Alemany’s violent sprees.’ After Alemany was identified as the prime suspect in the killing, it was revealed that Boston police may have had the chance to arrest him a year earlier after he allegedly attacked another woman. The incident happened September 28 at around 2.30am in the Mission Hill section of Boston, where Alemany allegedly assaulted a 20-year-old woman from behind and tried to choke her, according to the station NECN. However, the victim put up a fight and managed to snatch her attacker's wallet containing his ID card and knocked off his baseball hat before he fled. The attack was reported to police, but Alemany was never questioned. Today, Conley said that the DNA evidence collected from the cap was 'strongly consistent' with Alemany's DNA. In the aftermath of the revelation that Boston police had failed to do their due diligence while investigating the 2012 attack, a detective was demoted and three other law enforcement officials were punished. Alemany has been suffering from mental health issues since he was a teenager and has had multiple run-ins with the law, mostly for minor property crimes like trespassing and theft. Conley said it is unclear at this time what triggered Alemany to turn violent and launch random attacks on young women walking alone in the afterhours. Alemany is being held on $3million bail. He will be formally arraigned on all the charges in December. Suspect: Edwin Alemany is led from district court in Boston after he was arrested on July 25. He was put on suicide watch in jail . Court appearance: Video surveillance from the day of Amy's death shows someone - . purportedly Alemany - pacing back and forth in front of Amy's building . and then forcing her back inside when she came out . Amy Lord, a digital marketer, left her Dorchester home at 5.30am . to take a bus downtown to go to the gym with a friend, The Boston Globe reported. But she never made it to the gym. Alemany is accused of beating her inside her home, forcing her into her . jeep and taking her to five different ATMs to take money out before . brutally murdering her. Video surveillance shows someone - . purportedly Alemany - pacing back and forth in front of Amy's building . and then forcing her back inside when she came out. After the murder, officials said Alemany spent $400 in cash on a cellphone and paid some . cellphone bills. His defense attorney Jeffrey Denner . told the judge today that his client had tried to kill himself by tearing open . arteries with his bare hands, leaving him with self-inflicted scratches . to his neck and arms. Not guilty pleas to the murder and . kidnapping charges were entered on Alemany’s behalf and he was ordered to be . held without bail. Friends: Amy Lord, center, was abducted by two men at knife point and stabbed repeatedly before her body was dumped in a wood . Police released this picture of Amy Lord, taken by one of the ATM surveillance cameras as she stepped out of her black Jeep the day she was killed . Last respects: Friends and residents of Wilbraham gather at Gazebo Park for a candlelight vigil for Amy Lord after she died . In the other incidents, a 22-year-old woman was attacked at Andrew Square at . 5am on the same day. Conley said Alemany knocked her to the ground and dragged her by the legs to a parking lot. 'He allegedly told her he wasn’t going to rob her – he was going to kill her,' the district attorney said. Just after midnight the following day - about 18 hours after . Amy Lord was killed - the 29-year-old suspect allegedly attacked a 21-year-old . woman outside her home and began stabbing her. The woman cried for help, . prompting her attacker to flee. She was rushed to Tufts Medical Center with wounds to her . neck, face and torso. Once there, the victim gave a detailed description of her . assailant. In an ironic twist, Alemany badly cut his hand on the knife . used in the attack, Conley said, and went to the same hospital as his victim. Paramedics instantly recognized Alemany as the suspected thug . and called police. Scene: The body of Amy Lord, 24, from South Boston, was found in Hyde Park by a man riding a bicycle in the thickly-wooded area . Woods: Hyde Park's Stony Brook Reservation is a popular place for joggers . Leah Cameron, Amy's former . cheerleading coach at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, . said: 'She was this beautiful angel who came from a small town and went . to the big city.' Lord . was a 2011 graduate of Bentley University in Waltham with a bachelor’s . degree in marketing, quantitative perspectives, the university said in a . statement. | Body of Amy Lord was found in July by man riding bicycle in Hyde Park .
She was kidnapped, beaten and forced to withdraw money from five ATMs .
She was one of three young women attacked in same area in less than 24 hours .
Edwin J. Alemany, 29, will be formally charged in the attacks next month .
He is suspected of carrying out another attack on a young woman in September 2012 that was not investigated .
Boston police detective was demoted and two officers were reprimanded for failing to question Alemany .
His defense attorney said he hears whispers in his head . |
58,055 | a488beb6df98672a55d8cd8e19001c8e80b0101a | Watch or record "Eyewitness to Murder: The King Assassination" when it airs on CNN on Sunday, April 3 at 7 p.m. ET. By recording the documentary, you agree that you will use the program for educational viewing purposes for a one-year period only. No other rights of any kind or nature whatsoever are granted, including, without limitation, any rights to sell, publish, distribute, post online or distribute in any other medium or forum, or use for any commercial or promotional purpose. (CNN Student News) -- Don't miss "Black in America: Eyewitness to Murder: The King Assassination" airing Sunday, April 3 at 7 p.m. ET on CNN . Program Overview CNN's Soledad O'Brien retraces the steps of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., James Earl Ray, the FBI and Memphis police, and she explores alternative scenarios of who may have been responsible for King's death. Grade Level: 9-12, College . Subject Areas: U.S. History, Criminal Justice . Objectives: Black in America: Eyewitness to Murder: The King Assassination and its corresponding discussion questions and activity challenge students to: . 1. Examine the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Earl Ray; 2. Analyze evidence from King's assassination; 3. Evaluate the effect King's death had on the civil rights movement. Discussion Questions . 1. Who was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.? How would you describe his approach to bringing about social and political change? What were some of King's contributions to the civil rights movement? 2. What were some of the challenges faced by activists in the civil rights movement? What acts of violence did King personally experience? Why do you think King continued to lead the civil rights movement after these experiences? 3. According to the program, what was King's relationship with each of the following individuals: President Lyndon Johnson, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover, and Attorney General Robert Kennedy? 4. According to the segment: Why did the FBI investigate King? What actions did the FBI take in its investigation of King? 5. Why do you think Andrew Young considers it a compliment that the FBI labeled King "the most dangerous Negro"? Why do you think that, according to author David Garrow, the FBI "wanted Martin Luther King out of the civil rights movement"? 6. What was King's and his supporters' reaction to the FBI surveillance? What is your opinion of the FBI surveillance? Explain. 7. Why did King travel to Memphis in March 1968? Why did his supporters consider this trip to be a distraction? Why did he return to Memphis in April? 8. Who was James Earl Ray? What are some aliases he may have used? According to the program, what are some crimes he may have committed? 9. According to Ray: Who is Raoul? What did Ray say was Raoul's role in King's assassination? According to the program, what evidence either establishes or refutes Raoul's identity? Do you think Raoul exists? Why or why not? 10. According to the program: What evidence exists that James Earl Ray committed a bank robbery in Alton, Illinois? How is this robbery possibly linked to King's assassination? 11. After the assassination, where did Ray go? How and where was he eventually caught? 12. Who were Ray's lawyers in his original trial? Why do you think Ray chose them? 13. Which actions did Ray admit to regarding King's assassination? Did Ray ever confess to killing King? 14. What court cases emerged because of King's assassination? What were the results of these legal actions? 15. How did Ray respond to Dexter King when he asked, "Did you kill my father?" How did King respond? What is your reaction to Dexter King's response to Ray? 16. Where was Andrew Young when the King assassination occurred? Does Andrew Young think Ray killed King? According to Young, why was King assassinated? 17. What are some opinions expressed by people in the documentary regarding Ray's intelligence? What is his brother's opinion? What is your view of Ray? 18. In your view, what actions, if any, could have been taken to prevent King's assassination? 19. What other theories about King's murder are presented in the program? In your opinion, which one is most likely? Why do you think King was assassinated? 20. In your view, what events since King's death demonstrate that the civil rights movement succeeded? What aspects of life, if any, still need to be improved? Suggested Activity: Weighing the Evidence . Copy and distribute the King Assassination Theories worksheet (PDF). Using the graphic organizer, have students take notes on the various theories of King's assassination while they watch the program. After the program, divide the students into six groups, one for each side of each theory. Using evidence from the documentary, challenge each group to present a closing argument supporting one of the theories in a court of law. Conclude the activity by polling the class to see what they believe after they have seen evidence and heard the arguments. Ask these questions for discussion: Did James Earl Ray kill Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.? If so, did he act alone? If not, who committed this murder? Related Resources . • Eyewitness to Murder: The King Assassination • Black in America • Behind the Scenes: 'Eyewitness to Murder: The King Assassination' • King's final crusade: The radical push for a new America • Scholar: FBI wiretaps show MLK's selflessness • Weighing the Evidence (PDF) Curriculum Connections . National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies: The Themes of Social Studies . 2. TIME, CONTINUITY, AND CHANGE . Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of the past and its legacy. 3. PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of people, places, and environments. 5. INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS, AND INSTITUTIONS . Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of interactions among individuals, groups, and institutions. 6. POWER, AUTHORITY, AND GOVERNANCE . Social studies programs should include experiences that provide for the study of how people create, interact with, and change structures of power, authority, and governance. The National Curriculum Standards for the Social Studies are produced by the National Council for the Social Studies. Keywords Martin Luther King, James Earl Ray, civil rights, assassination, FBI, surveillance, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Robert Kennedy, Coretta Scott King . | "Eyewitness to Murder: The King Assassination" airs Sunday, April 3 at 7 p.m. ET .
Examine the lives of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and James Earl Ray .
Analyze evidence from King's assassination .
Evaluate the effect King's death had on the civil rights movement . |
194,671 | 87fd16566dbb63764cc849b6a99e88dd6ad5c37d | Dozens of mourners gathered in Egypt's second largest city Alexandria for the funeral of a female political activist who was allegedly killed by police during a peaceful demonstration in central Cairo on Saturday. Shaima al-Sabbagh, 32, was hit in the head as police fired birdshot ammunition, a supposedly non-lethal alternative to shot gun pellets, into the crowd to disperse the march. Ms al-Sabbagh, the mother of a five-year-old boy, was shot while she marched towards the Tahrir Square to lay a commemorative wreath on the eve of the anniversary of the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak. Scroll down for video . Tragedy: Mourners carry the coffin of Shaima al-Sabbagh, an Egyptian protester who was killed in clashes with the police, during her funeral on in Egypt's second city Alexandria on Sunday . Hit: This is the moment when Ms al-Sabbagh, 32, a Socialist Popular Alliance Party activist, was shot and killed when police fired into the crowd to disperse the demonstration in central Cairo on Saturday . Life lost: Ms Al-Sabbagh, a member of the Socialist Popular Alliance party was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead . Ms al-Sabbagh, from Alexandria was taken to a hospital where she was declared dead on Saturday. Videos posted online show Ms al-Sabbagh in a group of protesters carrying placards and chanting 'bread, freedom and social justice' - the chief slogan of the 2011 uprising. She and others carried wreaths of roses they intended to place at nearby Tahrir Square, the birthplace of the uprising, in memory of the fallen protesters. In the videos, two masked, black-clad police officers point their rifles in her direction before gunshots ring out and Ms al-Sabagh falls. Tragedy: Ms al-Sabbagh leaves a five-year-old son . Ms al-Sabbagh, a member of the Socialist Popular Alliance Party who organised the peaceful march on Saturday, was photographed the moment she was hit. Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab said al-Sabbagh's death was being investigated and vowed that 'whoever committed a mistake will be punished, whoever he may be.' The prominent Hisham Mubarak Law Center said in a Facebook post that five of Ms al-Sabbagh's fellow protesters who had given investigators their account of the incident were charged with assaulting police and taking part in an illegal demonstration. The interior ministry said it was investigating the death, but suggested Islamist 'infiltrators' were to blame. The Socialist Popular Alliance Party released a statement on Sunday, blaming Cairo police for Ms al-Sabbagh's death. Today marks the fourth anniversary of the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak as part of the Arab Spring. By Sunday afternoon, Egyptian security officials said clashes between police and Islamist protesters in an eastern Cairo district have left nine demonstrators dead, taking the total death toll to 11. They say the Sunday clashes in the Matariyah area also injured 13. Authorities had tightened security in Cairo and other cities ahead of today's anniversary after Islamists called for protests against the government of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, the former army chief who ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013. Sunday's anniversary of the uprising against Mubarak is a test of whether Islamists and liberal activists have the resolve to challenge Egypt's U.S.-backed government once again. As mourners gathered for Ms al-Sabbagh's funeral, police shot and killed 'an armed pro-Muslim Brotherhood protester' in Alexandria. The man has been 'shooting randomly with an automatic rifle while marching with a number of pro-Muslim Brotherhood supporters in Alexandria's Al-Awayed district,' Egyptian media reports. Police also arrested another man with an automatic rifle, also in the march, along with two men who had Molotov cocktails,according to an interior ministry statement. Security forces have been stamping out dissent since the army ousted president Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in July 2013 after mass protests against his rule. Dozens of protesters were killed during last year's anniversary of the revolt centred in Cairo's Tahrir Square. Separately, a bomb targeted policemen stationed outside a Cairo sports club, the sources said. In the Nile Delta region of Baheira, about 170 km (104 miles) from Cairo, two militants were killed when bombs they were planting exploded, state television reported. In Cairo, riot police backed by soldiers in armoured vehicles sealed off strategic roads, including ones leading to Tahrir Square. In her honour: The funeral cortege shout slogans during Ms al-Sabbagh's funeral in Alexandria, carrying a flag with her likeness . Police claim Ms al-Sabbagh was killed by an Islamist infiltrator, but the socialist Popular Alliance Party say she was killed by police shooting into the crowd . Tears: Large crowds of mourners ghathered in Alexandria to join the funeral cortege for the 32-year-old mother-of-one . Ms al-Sabbagh was a political activist and a well-known member of the left-wing Socialist Popular Alliance Party . The mother-of-one was shot during a non-violent protest as she visited ahrir Square to lay a commemorative wreath on the eve of the anniversary of the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak . Mursi supporters gathered near Tahrir and held up photographs of him, a witness said. Security forces rounded them up. They also used teargas to disperse a protest in Cairo's Ramses Square, officials said. In the Cairo suburb of Matariya, security forces fired teargas as around 900 people protested. Security forces were also dispatched to Rabaa Square in northeast Cairo, where hundreds of Mursi supporters were killed in August 2013 at a protest camp. Islamists have been calling for protests today, to revive what they say was the 'revolution' that overthrew Mubarak. It also briefly brought to power Islamist president Mohamed Morsi who was toppled by the then army chief Sisi in July 2013. Morsi's supporters often hold small rallies that police quickly disperse. On Friday, an 18-year-old female protester was killed in clashes in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria. Police had warned they would confront protests 'decisively.' Authorities have cracked down on the Islamists since the military overthrew Morsi after a year in power, and hundreds have been killed in clashes. Scores of policemen and soldiers have also been killed in militant attacks. Shots fired: Ms Al-Sabbagh can be seen, right, hitting the ground as a fellow protester comes to her aide . Fellow protesters said Al-Sabbagh was shot by police trying to disperse those involved in the protest march . Arab Spring: Ms al-Sabbagh was shot and killed during a protest held on the eve of the anniversary of the 2011 uprising against Hosni Mubarak . A fellow protester carries the injured Ms al Sabbagh from the scene after she was shot . In mourning: The coffin of Shaimaa el-Sabagh is carried out of the Zenhom morgue in Cairo, early Sunday . Bird shot is designed to be used in shotgun shells and consist of spheres of metal, or bb's, that can be packed into a shell and which separate when fired. It was originally made from lead, but is now made from steel, tungsten and other materials. The amunintion was designed for shooting birds but it can injure larger animals. In 2006 American Vice-President Dick Cheney accidentally shot a fellow hunter with it. His victim was not severely injured. Birdshot is used by law enforcement as a non-lethal alternative to shot gun pellets and is often used in riot and protest situations. Police also replace the slugs with rubber bullets. The crackdown has also extended to leftwing and secular dissidents who initially supported Morsi's overthrow but have since turned against the new authorities, accusing them of being authoritarian. Yesterday's central Cairo protest was organised by the Socialist Popular Alliance party. Party member Adel el-Meligy said: 'The party decided to hold a symbolic protest to commemorate the anniversary of the January 25 revolution.' He said police fired tear gas, birdshot and arrested the party's secretary general and five other young members. The 18-day anti-Mubarak revolt had been fuelled by police abuses and the corruption of the strongman's three decade rule, but the police have since regained popularity amid widespread yearning for stability. Activists, including those who spearheaded the anti-Mubarak revolt, have accused Sisi of reviving aspects of the former autocrat's rule. Sisi and his supporters deny such allegations, and point to his widespread popularity and support for a firm hand in dealing with protests, which are seen as damaging to an economic recovery. The anniversary will be marked just days after a court ordered the release of Mubarak's two sons, Gamal and Alaa, pending a corruption retrial along with their father. Another court had dismissed charges against Hosni Mubarak over the deaths of protesters. Violence: A female supporter of Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, attacks a lone pro-Morsi supporter who had been protesting near Tahrir Square, Cairo, on Sunday . Egyptian policemen detain a supporter of the People's Alliance Party during a demonstration in Cairo's Talaat Harb square, near Tahrir square . Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood movement leave as security forces arrive to disperse the demonstration in the Cairo district of Heliopolis . A supporter of the Muslim Brotherhood movement flashes the four finger symbol known as 'Rabaa' during Saturday's demonstration . Supporters of the Popular Alliance party demonstrate in Cairo's Talaat Harb square on Saturday . | WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT .
Shaima al-Sabbagh, a 32-year-old mother-of-one, was shot in the head by police in Cairo on Saturday .
Ms al-Sabbagh was shot during a peaceful march on the eve of the anniversary of the 2011 uprising .
Political activist was hit by birdshot ammunition, a supposedly non-lethal alternative to shot gun pellets .
Witnesses and Socialist Popular Alliance party blame police, while police say an 'infiltrator' is responsible .
Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab vowed to 'punish' whoever is responsible for killing of Ms al-Sabbagh . |
207,431 | 98953adf1e7d7d3a92d947d561934cd4f0885d95 | By . Tom Kelly . PUBLISHED: . 18:28 EST, 1 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:43 EST, 2 August 2013 . Phillippa Williamson: Received £464,905 pay-off from the Serious Fraud Office . Bosses at the Serious Fraud Office secretly negotiated ‘irregular’ pay-offs for executives worth £1million by using personal email accounts to cover their tracks, the Daily Mail can reveal. The clandestine deals for senior civil servants were arranged by a handful of managers at the fraud-busting agency – in part through messages sent from private addresses – to prevent other staff from finding out. Sending emails from non-official accounts also made it far harder for them to be scrutinised by the public under the Freedom of Information Act, experts say. Details of the shocking attempt to cover up how public money was squandered by the fraud-busting agency comes after the BBC was accused of failing to keep proper records of excessive severance payments to senior managers, which MPs likened to ‘corporate fraud and cronyism’. The bumper payouts to the SFO’s former chief executive Phillippa Williamson and chief operating officer Christian Bailes were negotiated at the end of 2011 and approved by its then boss Richard Alderman without authorisation from his Whitehall supervisors. MPs later condemned him for showing a ‘disregard for the proper use of taxpayers’ money’ and described it as ‘a case study in how not to run a public body’. The Commons’ Public Accounts Committee also condemned the ‘astounding’ working conditions afforded staff at the body after it emerged that Mrs Williamson was allowed to run up huge travel bills commuting to London from her home near the Lake District. The PAC report said: ‘Mr Alderman’s decisions and actions were based on a culture where external advice and scrutiny was to be avoided wherever possible, and with an apparent need for secrecy.’ It criticised the SFO’s ‘poor quality record-keeping’. After agreeing the payouts, Mr Alderman sent a message to Mrs Williamson saying ‘please do not mention the severance agreement’ before an SFO audit meeting, the PAC was told. Matthew Sinclair, of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: ‘It’s deeply worrying that discussions about the spending of vast sums of taxpayers’ money were conducted in such a clandestine manner. ‘The serious questions about the value of these payouts will only be compounded by the fact that these emails were exchanged through such informal channels. ‘Taxpayers deserve complete transparency when it comes to public bodies, and those responsible for these payouts must be clear as to exactly what happened and be held to account for their decisions.’ The SFO said last night that the agency’s new director had now issued strict rules banning the use of private emails for official work. A spokesman said: ‘The current director of the SFO is clear no private emails should be used to conduct SFO work and has issued guidance to that effect, in line with Government policy.’ The residential home of Phillippa Williamson, the now-former chief executive officer of the Serious Fraud Office in the village of Arkholme in Cumbria . Information held in private email accounts can be subject to Freedom of Information law if it relates to official business.But official guidance from the Information Commissioner says occasions when staff are requested to search personal email messages are ‘expected to be rare’. Maurice Frankel, of the Campaign for Freedom of Information, said: ‘Private emails are covered by the Freedom of Information Act but they are harder to get out. ‘It is more difficult for the Freedom of Information team in an organisation to say “We’re going to have a look for what’s there” if the information is on a private email account. It’s obviously very difficult for them to go to a senior person in their organisation and say to them, “We want to look at your private email”. ‘They are usually reliant on the individual admitting that there are some relevant emails and putting them forward.’ Echoes of the BBC scandal . He said that if staff in public bodies had to send emails from personal accounts because of difficulties logging on to official accounts while away from the office, they should always cc the emails they send into their work account.He added: ‘If they are not doing that there will be a question mark about why not.’ Education Secretary Michael Gove fought a long legal battle to try to avoid disclosing an email he sent to a civil servant and two special advisers through his wife’s email account. The Department for Education had a two-year dispute with the Information Commissioner that related to private emails before finally abandoning their opposition to making them public last year. The PAC found that Mr Alderman had agreed to payouts for three senior civil servants who were taking voluntary redundancy without the required approval being sought from the Cabinet Office or the Treasury. Mrs Williamson received £464,905 and Mr Bailes £437,167. The head of technology, Ian McCall, later received £49,885. 80 per cent oppose golden goodbyes . Mrs Williamson was also allowed to work from her Lancashire home and rack up travel and hotel bills of £98,946 for visiting the London office three days a week. She had previously worked at the Inland Revenue with Mr Alderman, who described her as an ‘exceptionally talented civil servant’. MPs on the PAC said Mr Alderman, 60, who retired as director of the SFO in April last year, days after Mrs Williamson left, had ‘failed to follow due process’ or ‘to comply with the rules that should underpin the use of public money’. Mr Alderman’s successor, David Green, found out about the unapproved payouts a month later only following a ‘chance comment by a junior member of staff’ and after making some further inquiries quickly arranged for an investigation, the committee heard. PAC chairman Margaret Hodge told Mr Alderman: ‘You had chats here and there. You decided the packages yourself. ‘You decided yourself that you did not need written agreement, you had had a natter with somebody on the phone. It is all indicative of a culture that you led.’ In a subsequent letter to the PAC, Mr Alderman issued a ‘deep and unreserved apology’ for the way he handled the exit agreements. Mrs Williamson and Mr Bailes both declined to comment yesterday. Mr Alderman could not be reached as he is on holiday. | Messages sent to personal accounts to keep deals off the radar .
Non-official accounts also kept details from Freedom of Information requests .
Serious Fraud Office was blasted by MPs for 'disregard' of taxpayers' money . |
66,813 | bd807447e97e966558def77f798f113f1c8e4072 | By . Martin Domin . Follow @@martin_domin . Curtis Woodhouse has retired from boxing just weeks after losing his British light welterweight title. The . former Premier League midfielder lost to Willie Limond in Glasgow, . having won the belt from Darren Hamilton earlier this year. Champion: Curtis Woodhouse shows off British light-welterweight belt at Sheffield United, his first professional football club . Woodhouse, 34, hangs up his gloves with a record of 22 wins from his 29 fights. ‘I've had an unbelievable ride, for eight and a half years I've been in with some of best Britain's got to offer,’ he told Sky Sports. ‘After my last fight and losing my British title I realised not long after that that it was time for me to step away from the game. ‘I didn't want to stay in there and take unnecessary punishment. I just believe I got in and achieved everything I wanted to achieve and believe now is the perfect time for me to walk away with my head held high and my chest out and pride to my achievements.’ Great story: Woodhouse completed his journey from Premier League footballer to British boxing champion . Woodhouse played almost 400 games for 10 clubs including Sheffield United and Birmingham City before making the transition to boxing. He made his debut in 2006 and won the English title six years later only to lose two of his next four fights. But two low-key points wins set him up for a shot at Hamilton in February and he stunned the champion in Hull. Woodhouse . initially retired after that bout having picked up £250,000 from a . £5,000 bet he placed on himself becoming British champion when he turned . professional. But . he went to the well one more time in a bid to add Limond’s Commonwealth . title to his collection, only to be knocked down twice en-route to . defeat. Tough night: Curtis Woodhouse (right) lost his British title to Willie Limond in Glasgow . Down: Woodhouse was knocked down twice on the way to losing his title in Glasgow . Enthralling: Woodhouse and Limond traded blows throughout their exciting title fight . | Former professional footballer switched to boxing in 2006 .
The 34-year-old finished with a record of 22 wins from 29 fights .
Woodhouse collected £250,000 from a £5,000 bet he placed on himself being British champion . |
225,954 | b0998d180f5a3625d27dffb8d16ccd83294fbf91 | An ESPN anchor suspended for making an offensive remark when referring to New York Knicks star Jeremy Lin has defended himself on Twitter. Anchor Max Bretos has been taken off-air for 30 days for using the phrase 'Chink in the armor' when talking about the basketball player who is of Asian descent. ESPN writer Antony Federico was fired after using the same phrase in a story headline on their mobile website after the Knicks lost to New Orleans on Friday. New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin filed for trademark protection over the word 'Linsanity' this week . On Twitter Bretos said: 'My wife is Asian, would never intentionally say anything to disrespect her and that community. 'Wanted 2 apologize 2 all those I have upset. Not done with any racial reference. Despite intention, phrase was inappropriate in this context.' Bretos said he had learned from the gaffe and that he would make 'every effort' to avoid something like this happening again. Federico also apologised for his blunder - and said he was not trying to be offensive. 'This had nothing to do with me being cute or punny,' he told the New York Daily News. 'I'm so sorry that I offended people. I'm so sorry if I offended Jeremy.' The headline appeared on the ESPN mobile website between 2.30am and 3.05am on Saturday morning. He added that he had used the same headline on stories at least a hundred times before and did not think anything of it. Anchor Max Bretos has defended himself after using the phrase 'Chink in the armor' saying that his wife is Asian . Apology: Anchor Max Bretos apologised on Twitter for using the phrase 'Chink in the armor' when talking about Lin's poor performance in New York's loss to New Orleans . The American basketball star said after . leading the Knicks to a 104-97 win over Dallas yesterday that he did . not think the commentator or headline writer meant to offend. Gone: ESPN writer Antony Federico was fired after using the same phrase in a story headline on their mobile website after the Knicks lost to New Orleans on Friday . 'I don't think it was on purpose or whatever, but (at) the same time they have apologised,' he said. 'And so from my end I don't care . anymore. Have to learn to forgive, and I don't even think that was . intentional. Or hopefully not.' In a statement released yesterday, ESPN apologized . for the headline and also said they are aware of other ‘offensive and . inappropriate’ comments on ESPN outlets. ESPN says a similar reference was made on Friday on ESPN Radio New York, but the commentator was not one of their employees. Lin is the NBA's first American-born . player of Chinese or Taiwanese descent. He has captivated fans by . leading the Knicks to seven straight wins before Friday's loss against New Orleans. This is not the first time that his ethnicity has sparked some racial taboos. Fox Sports columnist Jason Whitlock . played on an Asian stereotype after a very successful game by Lin when . he tweeted 'Some lucky lady in NYC is gonna feel a couple inches of pain . tonight.' Though he was not fired, Mr Whitlock . later apologized for the comment after pressure from the Asian American . Journalists Association. Another incident occurred during . Wednesday’s game against the Sacramento Kings, the Madison Square Garden . television network flashed a graphic of the player’s face over a . cracked fortune cookie that had a message which read ‘The Knicks Good . Fortune’. The news . comes after the 6ft 3in athlete made an application to hold on to his . 'Linsanity' trademark to appear on t-shirts, action figures and other . merchandise. Two other organisations tried to get hold of it. Max Bretos said he had learned from the gaffe and that he would make 'every effort' to avoid something like this happening again . Back in action: New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin drives to the basket past Dallas Mavericks guard Dominique Jones yesterday . Without ownership of 'Linsanity,' others would be unable legally to use the word without consent. Speaking to the Huffington Post, Washington D.C. trademark . attorney Josh Gerben said that the multiple claims for Mr Lin's word . - by the athlete as well as the two men who are both from California - will most . likely turn into a procedural air ball. That would cost the two competing men time and money for the . win, he notes. The first man to apply for the trademark on February 7 - six days before Mr Lin - is a . man named Yenchin Chang of Taiwanese descent, like the athlete. His word: Fans of Mr Lin spelled out his word 'linsanity' in New York's Madison Square Garden Wednesday which according to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's online database, more than one have applied for ownership of . Competition: A rising start for the Knicks who just ended a seven-game winning streak, Mr Lin's clashing trademark filing is expected to take extended time and money to settle with him against two others . 'I wanted to be a part of the . excitement,' he said in a phone interview with Bloomberg News. 'I'm very proud of Jeremy.' While also knowing the lucrative business opportunity before him, Mr Chang admits . potential willingness to sell the ownership to Mr Lin or any other if gained. 'I'll think about it when that time comes,' he said. 'Right . now, I just want to have some fun with it.' The second man to file trademark rights is Andrew W Slayton . who filed on February 9. Mr Slayton said he once coached Mr Lin in high school but . now works as a physical education teacher at a Los Altos high school. Profit: One of the two men who have filed for the word's trademark owns a website that sells t-shirts carrying the athlete's name in various adaptations for slogans like 'born to Lin' In 2010 he purchased the domain Linsanity.com, selling men’s . and women's t-shirts that carry such slogans as 'Lin your face,' and 'born to . Lin.' Some also carry Mr Lin's number 17. 'It's clear that he is trying to sell merchandise using the . New York Knicks brand,' Mr Gerben said after seeing the t-shirt's blue and . orange colours and references to the 'Garden,' or Madison Square Garden where . the Knicks play in Manhattan. 'He should be very careful,' he said. The US Trademark and Patent Office reports it has not . granted 'Linsanity' to any one applicant pending a review of all who have . applied. | 'Not done with racial context,' claims Max Bretos .
ESPN writer Anthony Federico apologises after being fired over using the phrase in a headline .
New York Knicks star Jeremy Lin said he doesn't think the comments were made maliciously . |
136,905 | 3d17b67cde13be5444804ff3a63e33f944fbbe13 | Towering 4,478m above the pretty town of Zermatt below, the Matterhorn is a formidable challenge for any mountaineer. So spare a thought for Jamie Andrew, 44, from Edinburgh, who not only scaled the mighty peak but, incredibly, did so 15 years after losing his hands and feet to frostbite during a mountaineering accident. Now Mr Andrew says he hopes his feat will prove an inspiration to others struggling with disabilities - as well as those who fight shy of challenges. Scroll down for video . Long haul: Mr Andrew spent two years training for his attempt on the mighty 4,478m Matterhorn . 'I've wired my brain so when I come across an obstacle, my first instinct is to think how to get round it,' explains the father-of-three. 'When I see a failure, all I can think about is how to overcome it.' Mr Andrew's story began 15 years ago, when he and his friend Jamie Fisher were trapped half way up a mountain by a storm. Mr Fisher and Mr Andrew had climbed the north face of Les Droites in the Mont Blanc massif but found themselves beset by deep snow and winds of up to 90mph. So bad were conditions, the pair were marooned on Les Droites for four days and nights; a length of time that proved too much for Mr Fisher who died of hypothermia on the last night. Formidable: The Matterhorn, seen here from the banks of Lake Riffelsee, has claimed the lives of 500 climbers . Stunning: Despite its beauty, the Matterhorn is one of the hardest peaks to climb anywhere in Europe . Ready to climb: Mr Andrew in a photograph taken ahead of his attempt in August 2013 . Although rescuers eventually managed to come to Mr Andrew's aid, his hands and feet had been so badly affected by frostbite, he was forced to have them amputated. But incredibly, just a few years later, Mr Andrew was back on the mountainside. 'It took a while before I started getting back into the idea of wanting to climb again but it was always such a passion,' he explains. 'I knew that flame hadn't been extinguished. I also knew that if Jamie had survived he'd be doing the same thing. To me, it's always been such an enriching experience.' A visit to the French Alps and to the spot where Mr Fisher lost his life proved cathartic and it wasn't long before Mr Andrew began climbing again - starting with a small Edinburgh hill. 'It was quite poignant going back and seeing our old haunts and the mountains again,' he says of his trip back to the French Alps. 'It was just the same, even though I'd had this huge experience; it was all the same. I knew then, that it wasn't the mountains that were to blame and it helped me to come to terms with what happened. 'I just started to take it one step at a time, I didn't think about mountains to begin with; it was just about climbing up a hill in Edinburgh. 'Even that was hard to begin with but it was about getting stronger, fitter, improving my balance through practice, finding new ways around the difficulty. He adds: 'It was a big learning curve but every step was really rewarding. Every new thing I learned, every peak, however small, was a victory and a rewarding experience.' But while climbing the peaks of Scotland is no easy task, even the lofty heights of the 1,344m Ben Nevis pale beside the Matterhorn - a peak so dangerous that an estimated 500 climbers have died on it since the first attempt in 1865. Tough: Scaling the Matterhorn required hours of training and specially adapted prosthetic limbs . Intimidating: During training for his epic challenge, Mr Andrew hiked up peaks in the Alps and Grampians . 'It's a famous peak, it's iconic,' says Mr Andrew of his decision to attempt the formidable mountain. 'It's that classic chocolate box pyramid and even from a mountaineering perspective its difficult, even today. 'Compared to most mountains in Alps, it's difficult and I'd never climbed it even before my accident, so it was an obvious challenge. But it took a long time for that to be possible.' Making it possible included hours of training and having his prosthetic limbs adapted to cope with the rigours of the climb as well as the Matterhorn's quirks, which include sheer cliff-faces and paths strewn with slippery stones. 'Physically, it's such a big mountain,' adds Mr Andrews. 'The climb is 1400m - that's just exhausting and it's tricky the whole way. 'You have to concentrate the whole way because one stip could be disastrous. Finding new ways of using my prosthetics was key.' Despite the challenge facing him and the agonising muscle pain that he endured on the way up, Mr Andrew says that the experience was a wonderful one. Incredible: Jamie Andrew and his climbing partner Steve Jones during their ascent of the Matterhorn . Next: Mr Andrew hopes to scale El Capitan; a 2,308m escarpment in California's Yosemite National Park . Inspiring: Mr Andrew has trained himself to find ways around every obstacle in his path . 'When you're up there and heading for summit or on the way down, it's hard to appreciate your surroundings because you're focused and your thoughts are about getting job done,' he explains. 'It was only afterwards that I began to look back and appreciate the experience. When you're up there, there's this incredible panoramic view and you've earned it. You've earned every inch that you've gained and that is a terrific feeling.' Although his wife Anna had been worried about his safety, Mr Andrew says she and his friends supported him every step of the way and he hopes that they'll do the same for his next challenge - scaling El Capitan, a 2,308m sheer rocky outcrop in California's Yosemite National Park. 'For that kind of climbing you use a lot . more equipment,' he explains. 'It's just a case of planning it and getting round the . obstacles, although it's not to be taken lightly.' When Mr Andrew isn't conquering peaks that would strike fear into the hearts of the able-bodied - let alone those missing limbs - he spends his time mentoring people who've lost their hands or feet and are trying to come to terms with their new lives. 'There's not many people who lose their . hands and feet but when they are, I go and visit, . and while I would never tell anyone how to live their lives, I do tell them that whatever . you're trying to achieve in life, if you give it a go, then you really can do it. 'People can do great things if they get their mindset right.' See Mr Andrew's incredible feat in The Limbless Mountaineer, now available to watch on Demand 5. For more on the Matterhorn and Zermatt, see myswitzerland.com . | Jamie Andrew, 44, lost his hands and feet in a mountaineering accident .
The incident, 15 years ago, claimed the life of his friend Jamie Fisher .
Now a quadruple amputee, Mr Andrew attempted the 4, 478m Matterhorn .
The peak, in the Swiss canton of Zermatt, is one of the deadliest in Europe .
Has claimed 500 lives since the first climbing attempt in 1865 .
Mr Andrew hopes that people will be inspired by his incredible feat . |
284,979 | fd46f3baa59137fdfd829bdfa12dca8ca3459136 | By . Meghan Keneally . PUBLISHED: . 16:27 EST, 21 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 00:56 EST, 22 March 2012 . Police were called to a Texas highway early on Sunday morning because concerned citizens saw a young boy riding his bike alongside cars and trucks. They then discovered that the boy was running away from a very dysfunctional home. The seven-year-old boy, whose name has not been released, eventually told police where he lived and they escorted him back to his home where they spoke with his mother, Tamara Ruth Whitt, and her father, Edgar Dale Whitt. Not only were they allegedly abusive to the boy and his two siblings, but they were also believed to be involved in an incestuous relationship with each other. Father and daughter: Edgar Dale Whitt, left, is the father of Tamara, right, and he also allegedly fathered a child with Tamara . During their talk with the responding officers, the Whitts said that the seven-year-old, along with his five-year-old and two-year-old siblings, had all been in straitjackets. ‘They didn’t know how he got out,’ the police report states. A continued investigation into the family suggested that Edgar, 54, and Tamara, 26, had a sexual relationship and were the parents of the two-year-old boy found in the Howard County home. Sheriff Stan Parker confirmed to MailOnline that while Tamara was the mother of all three children, Edgar was the father of only the 2-year-old. ‘I've really never seen anything like this before in Howard County,’ Mr Parker said. Dangerous at night: Concerned citizens called police after they spotted a 7-year-old boy riding his bike on Highway 87 at 1.36am on Sunday . The . Whitts have lived in the Big Spring area, about five hours drive . west of Dallas, for just two years. This makes it difficult for police . officials to collect a detailed family history. The children have all been taken into the custody of Children's Protective Services. Both Tamara and her father were charged with child endangerment, and he was also charged with prohibited sexual conduct with a descendant, which is a second-degree felony. They are now in Howard County Jail and the case has been handed over to the District Attorney’s office. | Texas boy found biking down highway at 1.36am .
Running away from abusive home where his mom 'made young children wear straitjackets'
Two-year-old boy 'was result of mother's incestuous relationship with her dad' |
211,716 | 9e2a0f963f912553f770228a7059db62d10e4ae8 | (CNN) -- A man who worked as a civilian military contractor at an air force base in Florida faces federal charges for improperly getting military housing and failing to report the weapons he had at the location. The U.S. attorney's office in Tampa said Scott Allan Bennett hasn't been indicted but has been charged by criminal complaint for actions last year at MacDill Air Force Base, the headquarters of both Central Command and Special Operations Command. The complaint -- dated December 16 in U.S. District Court in Tampa and unsealed two days ago -- said Bennett made a false statement and violated a defense property security regulation. A statement from MacDill Air Force Base said Bennett legally possessed the weapons but he had failed to register them as the base required. Bennett had an initial court appearance in Washington on Wednesday and was released on his own recognizance, and his preliminary hearing will be next Friday at U.S. District Court in Tampa, the attorney's office said. An affidavit from an air force detective laid out this timeline: . Early on April 23, Bennett was selected for random screening when he entered a gate at the base. Two knives and an empty gun holster were found in the inspection of the man's car. When Bennett was asked if there were more weapons in the car, he said there weren't any. Officers "noticed that Bennett appeared dazed and confused" and they called in Tampa police, who ran a field sobriety test and then arrested the man for driving under the influence. Bennett was searched and authorities found a "concealed, loaded handgun." Police also searched his vehicle and found another loaded handgun, three more knives, a box of throwing stars, a machete, a collapsible baton, Mace and a slingshot with BBs. After he was released by police, he returned to the gate at the base. Authorities read him his rights and Bennett asserted his right to remain silent and asked for a lawyer. Military officials wanted Bennett's permission to search his home at the base but Bennett denied it. After a military judge OK'd a search warrant, weapons and ammunition were found at Bennett's residence, including seven loaded firearms, about 9,389 more rounds of ammunition, several knives, brass knuckles, an electric stun gun, and a collapsible baton. MacDill required him to register any weaponry he intended to keep in his residence but he had not reported any of the items. Also, he was not permitted to carry concealed weapons on base. During the probe, the affidavit continues, investigators learned that Bennett "obtained housing on MacDill Air Force Base by subterfuge." Active duty orders are required to live on the base. While Bennett is a member of the Army Reserves, his commander said he "has not been on active duty orders at any time relevant to this complaint and has only been on active duty orders one time during his membership in the Army Reserves to attend a week-long training session." Bennett was employed as a contractor by Booz Allen Hamilton "during some time periods relevant to the complaint," and his supervisor at that company said he "was operating strictly as a civilian." The affidavit says Bennett "repeatedly held himself out to officials in the Housing Office" at the air base as being on active duty and eventually was approved for the on-base living quarters. Bennett said his "incoming unit assignment" was Central Command and he was transferred from "11th PSYOP Battalion." which was his "assigned unit in the Army Reserves." And, he visited the base housing office "dressed in a military uniform" and said he was working as "Admiral Olsen's aide and that Admiral Olsen had directed him to obtain government housing as quickly as possible," the affidavit says. David Chalela, Bennett's attorney, said the DUI case has not been resolved. As far as the accusations made in the affidavit, he said Bennett was just following his orders. Regarding the charge concerning the weapons, Chalela said Bennett had moved on base "just a few days" prior to the April 23 incident. He said Bennett hadn't completed all the paperwork required of him, including the form telling the Air Force what weapons he had in his home. At present, Bennett is no longer living on the base; he is in a Tampa condominium, Chalela said. The attorney said Booz Allen Hamilton had let Bennett go and his client is looking for work. The company said Bennett "no longer works" there, but "the incident was not in any way related to his employment with us." Chalela said he has been working with the Air Force to settle the matter. A statement from MacDill Air Force Base mirrors the information in the affidavit. It said Bennett "was apprehended by base security forces during a random base entry vehicle check." It said "the security forces members followed established procedures and discovered legal weapons in his vehicle, but the weapons were not properly registered with the 6th Security Forces Squadron.'' Later, authorities determined that Bennett "falsely presented himself on active duty status to gain residence on the installation. Once his status was verified, his eligibility for base housing was revoked." CNN's Larry Shaughnessy contributed to this report . | The alleged violations occurred at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida .
The man is accused of using "subterfuge" to get housing .
He's also accused of not reporting his possession of weapons . |
161,485 | 5cc64e006e6bef4b9d6fb71ac783ded6e5598aee | By . Andy Dolan . PUBLISHED: . 07:24 EST, 9 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:41 EST, 9 April 2013 . A newborn baby was mauled to death by his grandmother’s pet Jack Russell as he slept in his cot, an inquest heard yesterday. Harry Harper suffered a fractured skull and brain damage after he was bitten by the terrier in his table-top carry cot when grandmother Teresa Bell’s back was turned. Mrs Bell had taken the eight-day-old infant downstairs to give his parents, Mikayla Bell, 19, and trainee electrician father Tom Harper, 19, a lie-in. 'Tragic': Week-old baby Harry Harper died of head injuries after he was bitten by his family's 'mild-mannered' Jack Russell, an inquest heard . 'Devastated': Baby Harry's mother Mikayla Bell, 19, is seen (left) leaving the inquest yesterday with his father Tom Harper, also 19 . In a statement read out to the inquest, she told how she had gone into the kitchen to see her twin 16-year-old daughters off to school and ‘assumed’ seven-year-old terrier PJ had followed her. She then heard Harry cry out and went into the living room to discover the infant covered in blood in the cot with the dog sitting by his feet. Harry was pronounced dead in hospital about 90 minutes after he was attacked in the family home in Ketley, near Telford, Shropshire, last November. The dog, which had never bitten anybody before and was usually placid, was put down. A Jack Russell owned by baby Harry's mother Mikayla Bell at the time of the incident . Mrs Bell said she left the sleeping infant in the carry cot ‘on a table against the wall’ as she waved goodbye to her daughters. She discovered the dog in the cot after rushing back into the living room when the baby cried. She said: ‘I heard Harry cry. I went straight into the front room and could see PJ sat inside the carry cot at a space by Harry’s feet. ‘He had something that looked like sick on his head. I pulled the dog out and carried Harry to the kitchen. ‘I remember he was bleeding at the back of his head. There was a lot of blood on his head and in the carry cot. ‘I realised straight away that PJ must have bit Harry. I was in shock at what had happened, thinking it was my fault.’ Harry’s mother, Mikayla, described PJ as ‘mild-mannered’. Miss Bell, a sales assistant and part-time model, said she heard screams and ran downstairs to see ‘Mum holding Harry over the sink’. She added: ‘Mum was repeatedly saying “I’m sorry, I’m sorry” and I heard Mum say “He’s been bitten”. 'Tragic accident': Harry's grandmother Teresa Bell, seen right outside the inquest with daugher Mikayla Bell and husband Gordon, had taken the eight-day-old infant downstairs to give his parents a lie-in . Miss Bell, a sales assistant and part-time model, said she heard screams and ran downstairs to see 'Mum holding Harry over the sink' ‘I think at some point Mum said it was PJ that had bitten him.’ Dog attack law changed . Miss Bell said she didn’t blame anybody for her son’s death, which she described as a ‘really tragic accident’. Her . 40-year-old mother told the coroner, sitting at Wellington Civic . Centre, near Telford, that she would ‘always wonder whether I could have . done something differently that morning’. Detective . Inspector Phil Shakesheff, of West Mercia Police, told the inquest that . the family had an ‘unblemished history of caring for and controlling . many dogs over a period of many years’. He added: ‘There is no evidence . to suggest that the death of Harry is anything other than a tragic . incident that can’t be ruled out from occurring in any other dog-owning . household where children are present.’ Since . 2007, the inquest heard, dogs have killed eight people in Britain, . including six children. Recording a verdict of accidental death, . Telford’s assistant deputy coroner, Andrew Barkley, urged dog owners to . recognise the dangers posed to small children by their pets. After . the hearing, the family said in a statement: ‘We remain absolutely . devastated by Harry’s death. Although Harry was only with us for eight . days, he had brought enormous happiness to us all and his loss is a . tragedy that we will all carry with us forever.’ At . the time of the tragedy, an animal behaviour expert said the dog may . have attacked the infant after becoming jealous at his introduction to . what the animal considered to be its territory. 'Devastated': Baby Harry was pronounced dead in hospital 90 minutes after being bitten by the dog at his grandparents' home in Telford last November . | Harry Harper was bitten by 'mild-mannered' family pet PJ, inquest told .
Coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death in Telford yesterday .
Baby boy's family had unblemished history of caring for dogs .
Loss of week-old baby is 'tragedy we will carry forever', family say . |
118,731 | 254edaebf98921d574f8ebb5e12daa311cc14229 | A boxing commentator and radio host has been suspended from his job with ESPN-LA Radio following a conversation he had on-air. Max Kellerman was on the Mason and Ireland show which leads into his afternoon drive program when the subject of Ray Rice's domestic abuse of his wife arose. Kellerman admitted on-air that he hit his girlfriend many years ago. On-air admission: Max Kellerman told listeners that he once hit his girlfriend during a discussion of Ray Rice . The New York Daily News reports that ESPN suspended Kellerman following the 'inappropriate' comment. ESPN issued a statement Friday afternoon neither confirming nor denying that Kellerman had been suspended. 'Max Kellerman will return to ESPN-LA Radio and SportsNation on Thursday,' it read. The startling admission occurred as Kellerman related a story about his then-girlfriend, now wife Erin Kellerman. Married father: Kellerman with his family on a shopping trip . Suspended: The ESPN boxing commentator and radio host has reportedly been suspended for the comments . Sensitive issue: Stephen A. Smith was roundly criticized by Max Kellerman's (right) SportsNation co-host Michelle Beadle (center) for his comments about domestic abuse . According the the Daily News, he said that the pair were at a college party and both had too much to drink. The situation escalated and his girlfriend hit him. He hit her back, he said, but the incident was a one-off and they have been happily married for 20 years. While Kellerman's admission of having hit a woman was upsetting, the reason for his suspension is for discussing Ray Rice's domestic abuse, which is extremely controversial after Stephen A. Smith's recent debacle. 'Egregious error': The subject of Ray Rice's (left) domestic abuse has also gotten ESPN's Stephen A. Smith suspended . Kellerman's suspension comes three days after Smith was suspended for comments he made while discussing the same case. Smith condemned domestic violence but advised women not to 'provoke' men to it. 'Let's make sure we don’t do anything to provoke wrong actions,' he said, presumably to his female viewers. '...I think that just talking about what guys shouldn’t do, we got to also make sure that you can do your part to do whatever you can do to make, to try to make sure it doesn’t happen.' He later issued a taped apology calling his comments the most 'egregious error' of his career. | Max Kellerman has been suspended from his ESPN positions .
He told listeners on ESPN-LA radio that he once hit his now-wife when they were in college .
The admission came during a discussion of Ray Rice's domestic abuse of his wife .
ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has also been suspended for comments he made while discussing the same case . |
3,701 | 0ab92342d8a66208107c6226c3ab0a75ba42445b | Detectives investigating the murder of two British tourists on the Thai island of Kao Tao are hunting for three men - two of whom they say raped the female victim while the third watched. The bodies of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found on a beach on the holiday isle on September 15. A bloodstained garden hoe, believed to be the murder weapon, was found nearby. In the wake of heavy criticism over the investigation into their brutal deaths, police sought to allay fears that the killers had long escaped saying they were 'confident' that a significant breakthrough was on the horizon. The bodies of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found on a beach on Koh Tao on September 15 . The last known picture of the pair, together with a group at the sports bar called Choppers - they also went to the AC bar where a group of amateur footballers were celebrating the end of a tournament . 'Two of the suspects raped and killed Witheridge while another one witnessed the murder,' Pol Lt Gen Panya Mamen, commissioner of Provincial Police Region 8, said yesterday. 'We're confident we have a very high chance of finding the suspects,' the senior police officer said. 'I'm not worried [about high public expectations] because I know how much the probe has been progressing. We just have to follow forensic results.' Police have taken more than 200 DNA samples from men living and working in the area of the crime scene - most of them being migrant workers from Burma. But there have been no matches so far with the victims. Police have been taking DNA swabs and footprints of people on the island in a bid to find the killers . A group of Thai footballers are the latest people to be questioned by police amid fears that the hunt for the killers has stalled. A spokesman for the Royal Thai Police confirmed that DNA samples were taken from 'more than eight' footballers - who reportedly threw a late-night party at the AC nightclub where the victims spent their final hours - and officers were awaiting the results. The amateur footballers were allegedly at the nightclub celebrating the end of a tournament while the British backpackers were there. Police have offered a reward of 700,000 baht - roughly £13,300 - for information which leads to the arrests of the culprits. The murders – and Ms Witheridge's suspected rape – were the work of a group of at least three 'attackers', two of whom are Asian men, police have claimed, citing analysis of DNA and other evidence . Dressed in a pink top and white skirt, Hannah Witheridge looked happy and relaxed as she strolled past fruit stands and in and out of bars on the night before her murder . Investigating officers have said they believe sexual jealousy was the motive behind the murder of 23-year-old from Great Yarmouth in the early hours of September 15. A condom has recently been recovered from the crime scene which has the young woman's DNA on its outer skin. Police have already said that DNA recovered from her body has shown that two men took advantage of her on the morning of her death. 'The discovery of the condom is an important piece of evidence,' said provincial police commander General Kiattipong Kaosam-ang. 'Solving this crime is going to come down to DNA matches and we are working hard on this.' Her recently-met friend David Miller, 24, from Jersey died when he was attacked after - it is believed - he went to her aid when he found her in trouble near a group of boulders on the beach. The movements of David Miller and Miss Witheridge are not known afterwards though some locals claim to have seen them in a bar arguing with an Asian man . DNA found on a cigarette matches a sample taken from Miss Witheridge and police say they are hoping that matching it with a suspect would 'open the door' to finding who else was involved. 'There is no doubt the murder of Miss Witheridge was sexually motivated because none of her belongings or those of the English man were missing,' said General Kiattipong Kaosam-ang. 'Yes, the motivation for the attack is rape.' He said the attackers might have been smoking when they saw Miss Witheridge walking back to her guest house alone along the beach. Miss Witheridge's family said they are 'broken' by her death and revealed several days ago that they have returned to the UK with her body. In a statement, they said: 'As a family we feel enormous relief to have Hannah back at home where she belongs. 'We continue to work closely with officers to assist in the investigation and bring those responsible to justice. 'Our family is broken and require time to grieve in private - as do Hannah's many friends.' | Hannah Witheridge was attacked by three men before being beaten to death .
Police say that two men took advantage of her while one other watched .
The 23-year-old and David Miller were bludgeoned to death on September 15 .
Police take more than 200 DNA samples from men on isle without results .
Royal Thai Police offer £13,000 reward in hunt for killers of British tourists . |
124,589 | 2d0ce1ed87475480220933b6883bd0d5657a6646 | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 04:11 EST, 23 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 04:45 EST, 23 January 2014 . A Lib Dem cabinet minister has dismissed groping claims against Lord Rennard as a ‘scandal without the sex’. Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael is also under fire after warning the party must stop ‘washing its dirty linen in public’. One alleged victim of Lord Rennard condemned the remarks, insisting the ‘smears have to stop’ as the crisis engulfing Nick Clegg’s leadership showed no sign of abating. Lib Dem Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael (left) warned the party against washing its dirty linen in public and called mediation to end the legal stand-off with Lord Rennard . Lord Rennard has begun legal action against the Lib Dems after his party membership was suspended because he refused to bow to Mr Clegg’s call to apologise for his behaviour. An internal inquiry found that four women had made ‘credible’ allegations against the peer, but there was a less than 50 per cent chance they would pass the burden of proof ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. In response, the alleged victims also refused to rule out legal action against the peer, who as the party’s chief executive led the Lib Dems to a string of by-election wins. To add to the Lib Dems’ woes, the party last night finally suspended the membership of MP Mike Hancock, more than three years after a vulnerable constituent first complained about him. As chief executive from 2003 to 2009, Lord Rennard was one of the most powerful figures in the Liberal Democrats. In charge of almost every area of policy, he masterminded a string of by-election wins which built the number of MPs in the Commons. But after he stood down citing ill-health, rumours emerged about his behaviour towards female activists. Four women are known to have made complaints about his behaviour. All of them have described inappropriate touching and advances. Bridget . Harris, a former special adviser to Nick Clegg, said the peer behaved . in a sexually inappropriate manner towards her over a cup of coffee at a . party conference in Swansea in 2003. Lord Rennard was ‘touching my legs and my knees and he did it two or three times’, she said. Miss Harris said he invited her to his room and was ‘clearly not noticing the signals’. Another unnamed alleged victim, a party candidate, was at an event with other Lib Dems when a friend suggested taking a photo. She said Lord Rennard, who was standing next to her, ‘shoved his hand down the back of my dress’. Alison Smith, a former activist, said Lord . Rennard allegedly sat between her and a friend at his house and then started moving his . hands ‘down our backs and places where they had absolutely no business . being’. Susan . Gaszczak, a senior Liberal Democrat who chairs the party’s conferences, . also alleged she had been inappropriately touched. A report by Alistair Webster QC last weekfound that four women had made ‘credible’ allegations against the peer, but there was a less than 50 per cent . chance they would pass the burden of proof ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. However, he recommended Lord Rennard apologise to 'distress' his behaviour caused. Lord Rennard refused, so the party suspended him while it investigates whether he has brought the party into disrepute. The peer denies any wrongdoing and is threatening to sue . the Lib Dems for suspending his membership after refusing to say sorry . to the women. Incredibly, Mr Clegg acted only after an independent report by a QC, who found prima facie evidence that the 67-year-old MP was guilty of ‘serious and unwelcome sexual behaviour’, was leaked online. As the Lib Dems’ reputation becomes increasingly damaged, Mr Carmichael appeared to suggest the party should deal with the Rennard scandal behind closed doors. He told reporters: ‘I think that it is not good for any political party to be seen to be washing its dirty linen in public. Sadly it is happening here.’ Asked how he would characterise the ‘situation’, he said: ‘I would say scandal without the sex.’ Mr Carmichael, a former Lib Dem chief whip promoted to Scottish Secretary in October, called for mediation between Lord Rennard and his accusers to resolved the legal stand-off. He said: ‘We are in a situation where you have effectively got two camps and at a time when you are seeing the economy turning a corner, economic growth taking hold, I think there is a frustration amongst the party activists that we are not able to talk about that because we are talking so much about our own internal matters. ‘What I am quite keen to see is that there is a some sort of mediation set up that will allow both parties to find a way through this because clearly we have got something that now needs an early resolution and the only way I see achieving that is to have some third party involvement in mediation.’ However Alison Smith, who has accused Lord Rennard of groping her, hit back: ‘The linen needs to be washed one way or another, especially when the threat to women is ongoing.’ She stressed that mediation is the best way forward but only if the right preconditions are in place. ‘The smears have to stop and mediation needs to be done by specialists in these sensitive issues,’ she wrote on Twitter. Miss Smith, a former activist, claims that she and a friend were once invited back to the Lord Rennard’s house after dinner in central London. Lord Rennard allegedly sat between the two women and then started moving his hands ‘down our backs and places where they had absolutely no business being’. He then told them not to go home and that there were no taxis. The women discovered that he had locked the front door and he apparently opened it only when they insisted they wanted to go home. Lord Rennard has always denied behaving inappropriately. Mr Clegg yesterday admitted his handling . of the claims against Lord Rennard last year was ‘not ideal’ as he . vowed not to back down in calling for an apology from the Lib Dem peer. The . Deputy Prime Minister also conceded that ‘alarm bells did not go off’ within the party when the allegations were first made several years ago. Admission: Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said the party's handling of the crisis was 'not ideal' Mr Clegg insisted he would not drop his demand for an apology. He . told LBC 97.3: ‘Let me really be open with you, I actually think the . way that we handled it last year wasn’t great, wasn’t ideal. ‘Much . more seriously than that, looking much further back, it is quite clear . that when the women were first caused this distress, many, many years . ago…the Party did not react, the alarm bells did not go off, and there . weren’t procedures, and that’s what I’ve apologised to them in person, . and publically.’ Mr Clegg said he had to demand that Lord Rennard says sorry - even if only for causing ‘inadvertent’ distress to women. Alistair Carmichael was appointed Scottish Secretary to lead the charge against independence . Alistair Carmichael is not a household name, but is incredibly influential in Team Clegg. When . the coalition was formed in 2010 he became the party's chief whip - an . enforcer ion the shadows to keep Lib Dem MPs in line when the going got . tough. It is the whip's job to know the ambitions and darkest secrets and keep them out of the public eye. In October's reshuffle he was appointed Scottish Secretary, to take the fight to Alex Salmond ahead of the independence referendum. Mr . Carmichael, who admits his personality can be 'volatile', is seen as a . sharp, witty, blunt-speaking figure able to take on Mr Salmond. Raised in the Western Isles, he graduated from Aberdeen University with a law degree, later becoming a . procurator fiscal in the north-east. He was elected MP for Orkney and Shetland in 2001. As . the Lib Dem deputy leader in Scotland he accused the SNP leader of . pursuing a 'nationalist witch-hunt' against anyone who opposed . independence. In . 2011 he struck up a friendship with Richard Hughes, drummer with . piano-rock band Keane while visiting death-row inmates in America. Mr Carmichael married Kathryn in 1987 and they have two sons, Sandy and Simon. | Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael under fire from alleged victims .
Lord Rennard suspended from party pending another investigation .
Has refused to apologise to the four activists he is said to have harassed .
He has always strenuously denied behaving inappropriately . |
94,060 | 04ec80e430a6e3351429a3cdb17df2798ca8f5a8 | (CNN) -- Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who will develop a long-term plan for the restoration of the states affected by the massive oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico, is a former governor of Mississippi whom the White House has called a proven leader. The 61-year-old Mabus was selected by President Obama on Tuesday to help draw up the government's plan for recovery efforts in conjunction with officials in the Gulf Coast states. "The plan will be designed by states, local communities, tribes, fishermen, businesses, conservationists, and other Gulf residents. And BP will pay for the impact this spill has had on the region," Obama said in a nationwide address from the Oval Office. Last year when Mabus was selected to lead the Navy, the Obama administration released a statement that said: "The president nominated Governor Mabus to be secretary of the Navy because he has the proven leadership and experience our nation needs to serve in this important position." Mabus was born and raised in Mississippi, attending college at the University of Mississippi. He earned a master's degree at Johns Hopkins University before enlisting in the Navy near the end of the Vietnam War. He served as a surface warfare officer on the USS Little Rock in 1971 and 1972. After the Navy he attended Harvard Law School. The Democrat was elected to office for the first time in 1983, becoming Mississippi's state auditor. Five years later, Mabus became governor at age 39, the youngest state leader in the nation at the time, according to the Mississippi Historical Society. Mabus was named one of Fortune magazine's Top 10 education governors in 1990, according to his biography on National Governors Association website. He was defeated in his re-election bid by Kirk Fordice. In 1994, Mabus was appointed by then-President Bill Clinton as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia where he served for two years before returning to Mississippi to become a businessman. His divorce in 2000 made national headlines because it involved secret recordings of conversations with an Episcopal priest and his first wife, Julie Hines. During the recordings, she revealed an affair, and the tapes helped Mabus win legal custody of the couple's two daughters, according to the New York Times. They share physical custody. Hines sued the priest and the church, citing privacy rights, but the suit was dismissed in 2006, the Times reported. Mabus led Foamex, a maker of cushion products, out of Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2007, according to his biography on the Defense department's website. He was chosen by Obama to be Secretary of the Navy in May 2009. | Ray Mabus was governor of Mississippi from 1988-1992 .
When nominated for top Navy post, he was called "proven leader" by White House .
He also has served as ambassador to Saudi Arabia .
His ex-wife made national news suing church for secret tapes made while couple was going through divorce . |
211,032 | 9d4d4fc52c94d2d639ee7e7f73427b0c89fa28c2 | By . Jack Doyle . Ken Clarke, a minister in the Cabinet Office, claimed the cost of paying for an 11p ruler on his expenses . A cabinet minister claimed the cost of paying for an 11p ruler on his taxpayer-funded expenses, it emerged last night. Ken Clarke, a minister in the Cabinet Office, charged for the item among several other items of stationery used by his office. The 11p ruler claim was published in the latest release of MPs’ expenses claims. He also claimed for a pack of pens costing £21.73, and a pack of adhesive notes for £14.27. The figures also showed that Prime Minister David Cameron claimed for a glue stick costing £4.68 and a box of paperclips costing 8p, and printer cartridges costing £133.57. Vince Cable, the Business Secretary, claimed 43p for a pair of scissors. Justice minister Shailesh Vara found a pair for 24p. The details emerged in the figures for expenses claims made in February and March of this year and released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which processes and monitors MPs’ expenses. Overall, some 32,000 claims were made with a total value of £3.6million. They included costs of accommodation, train and car travel and office costs. Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham claimed £1.74 for Blu-Tac and £2.07 for milk. Around 800 of the 32,000 claims were filed for items costing less than £1. Ken Clarke, a minister in the Cabinet Office, charged for several items of stationery used by his office in February and March, including a ruler costing 11p (left, file picture). Other items claimed for include paperclips worth 8p by David Cameron and scissors worth 43p by Business Secretary Vince Cable (right, file picture) David Cameron claimed for a glue stick costing £4.68 and a box of paperclips costing 8p, as well as printer cartridges. The figures have been released by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority . IPSA rules allow MPs to claim for small items needed to perform their Parliamentary functions, such as running their offices and corresponding with constituents. The Prime Minister, who earns £142,500 a year, raised eyebrows in Westminster by putting in a 7p expenses claim for a bulldog clip in January, even though processing the claim will have cost four times as much as its value. He also claimed 26p for ‘banner bar tags’, and 38p for a staple remover. In April Tory MP Sarah Wollaston called for expenses to be scrapped, describing them as ‘dirty great albatrosses around our necks’. | Ken Clarke claimed for 11p ruler on expenses among other stationery items .
David Cameron claimed for 8p paperclips and pack of pens costing £21.73 .
Business Secretary Vince Cable claimed for a pair of scissors worth 43p .
Figures emerged in expenses claims made in February and March this year . |
260,850 | ddd26402d58f8f500ab0014d94f91b45bc7633a0 | (CNN) -- A 6-year-old boy was found dead in the frigid waters of Oregon's Yaquina Bay after his mother told police she threw him off a bridge Monday evening, authorities said. The body of London McCabe was found in the water about a mile from the Yaquina Bay Bridge about 10:20 p.m., roughly four hours after his mother called 911 to say she'd thrown him from the span, Newport police said. The mother, Jillian Meredith McCabe, 34, was arrested on charges of aggravated murder, murder and first-degree manslaughter, police said. McCabe, of nearby Seal Rock, called police around 6:30 p.m. Monday "saying she threw her child over the side," Newport Police Chief Mark Miranda said. The water of Yaquina Bay is more than 100 feet below the bridge. Chances of survival from a fall that high were "minimal," Miranda said. Even if a person survived the fall, the chief said, one could survive the frigid water for only about 20 minutes. Police have not commented on the cause of the boy's death or a possible motive. McCabe was being held at the Lincoln County jail Tuesday morning with bail set at $750,000. Two boats and a Coast Guard helicopter searched the water for hours before the body was found, Coast Guard spokesman Jonathan Klingenberg told CNN. CNN's Greg Morrison and Tina Burnside contributed to this report. | NEW: The mother has been arrested on murder, manslaughter charges .
NEW: Jillian Meredith McCabe, 34, held with bail set at $750,000 .
The Yaquina Bay Bridge is more than 100 feet above the water .
Woman told police she threw her son off the bridge, police say . |
210,004 | 9bf933cdd9b6ca236b0454cc506fadf8f4d24bc1 | Gaza City (CNN) -- Exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal arrived in Gaza Friday to a hero's welcome, two weeks after a bloody fight with Israel that left the group energized and emboldened. He dropped down and kissed the ground after crossing into Gaza from Egypt at the Rafah border crossing. "We politicians, we owe the people of Gaza, and the entire factions of the resistance, we owe the heroes and martyrs," Meshaal said. "if it wasn't for you we would have not visited Gaza." A jubilant crowd lined the road leading from the border crossing into Gaza City. Among the throng were hundreds of jubilant Hamas fighters, wearing fatigues and balaclavas, hoisting AK-47s and RPG launchers, and cheering Meshaal's first visit to the Palestinian territory. Opinion: With cease-fire, Hamas' isolation has ended . The first appointments on his schedule included visits to the homes of former Hamas leaders and Gaza residents killed in recent years by Israeli's strikes. Among the stops were the home of the Hamas military leader whose targeted killing by Israel in November opened the recent eight-day conflict, as well as the home where 10 members of one family died in an Israeli airstrike. Saturday, he will participate in a rally celebrating the 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas. Meshaal, who has led Hamas from exile since 2004, is making his first visit to Gaza and his first to the Palestinian territories in 45 years. He left the Palestinian West Bank in 1967 at the age of 11 after Israel moved into the territory during the Six-Day War. Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, attempted to assassinate him in 1997. "I say this my third birth," Meshaal told supporters, saying the first was his natural birth in 1956, while the second followed the attempted assassination. "And this moment today, December 7, 2012, this I consider it to be my third birth, Meshaal said. "And I ask God for our fourth birth with the entire liberation of Palestine." Read more: What is Hamas? The goal of Hamas is an Islamic fundamentalist Palestinian state. Its manifesto advocates the destruction of the state of Israel, and calls for the raising of "the banner of Allah over every inch of Palestine." Hamas members, like most Palestinian factions and political parties, insist that Israel is an occupying power, and that the group is simply trying to liberate the Palestinian territories. Israel, the United States and other Western countries label Hamas a terrorist organization. The United States has also listed Meshaal as a terrorist since 2003. Hamas leader tells Amanpour his group wasn't behind bombing . Meshaal has previously said the group would support a Palestinian state based on the borders that existed prior to the 1967 Six-Day War, during which Israeli troops occupied Gaza, the West Bank, the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem. The state would have East Jerusalem as its capital, he said. However, he has stopped short of backing a full two-state solution, including acceptance of Israel's right to exist. He has long advocated a role for the threat of violence in forcing peace with Israel. "You are successful in negotiation and in imposing your conditions on the enemy depending on the number of power cards you have on the ground," the Congressional Research Service quoted Meshaal as saying, citing a Jordanian newspaper. That perspective will be in full view in Saturday's rally. Meshaal will speak to the assembled throng from a platform beneath a replica of the Qassam rockets fired at Israel during the recent conflict, in which 160 Palestinians and six Israelis died. The inscription on the rocket? "Made in Gaza." Read more: Palestinian UN bid explained . CNN's Frederik Pleitgen, Kareem Khadder and Michael Pearson contributed to this report. | NEW: Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal receives a hero's welcome in Gaza .
NEW: "We owe the heroes and martyrs," Meshaal says .
He is in Gaza to mark the 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas .
The visit comes two weeks after the end of a bloody conflict with Israel . |
190,756 | 8300ecb0657254c8ce4d9e1eb7d6a4bcec3697e8 | (CNN) -- Here's where things went wrong: On Tuesday, January 28, 2014, at 1:30 in the afternoon, in response to the sparkle of several snowflakes in the air above Atlanta, virtually the entire adult population of America's ninth most populous metro area stood up, left their workplaces, got into their cars, and created a traffic deadlock of legendary proportions. Good news for New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie that he was nowhere near here at the time, nor could he be linked via administrative assistants to our wintry surprise. But among Great Traffic Jams of the 21st Century, move over Fort Lee, New Jersey. My friend Johanna Norry, a Georgia State University grad student, tried to leave her parking place on a downtown parking deck and traveled -- in one hour and seven minutes -- 23 feet. My friend Elida Baverman posted on Facebook: "Six hours and 18 minutes to get home from Perimeter Mall. Wish my car made it, too." My husband's law partner, Ed Garland, inched along I-75 north toward home from 5 p.m. Tuesday until 1 a.m. Wednesday, at which point his car ran out of gas. He abandoned it and set off on foot through the snowdrifts, reaching his home at 2 in the morning. What other cities can learn from Atlanta's ice debacle . By all accounts -- I wasn't going out there -- the city's throughways on Wednesday looked like parking lots, where cars with empty gas tanks sat frozen in the Arctic air. (It was 16 degrees Fahrenheit Wednesday morning.) Some of the cars had been abandoned; others might have still had people in them. "If you are stranded and cannot get through to 911," announced the Atlanta Police Department, "please send the Atlanta Police Department a message through Facebook or Twitter." One can only imagine: #GetMeTheHellOutofAtlanta. A special Facebook page, "SnowedOutAtlanta," was created to connect the cold, stranded, and demoralized with the warm, housebound, and generous. People in vast traffic jams, with taillights twinkling in endless lines toward every horizon, not only sat in cars steadily running out of gas, they called for help and comfort on cell phones running out of juice. Thus most people seeking help online did so for third parties: "My boyfriend has been stuck in traffic for nine hours now," wrote a woman named Laura. "He has a heart condition and told me he's starting to feel lightheaded." Some posted longingly: "My husband left work yesterday at 4 p.m," a woman wrote in at 9 a.m. Wednesday morning. "Of all days he left his phone at home. ... He had no means of getting in touch with me. If anyone has seen or heard from him, please reply." Scores of people wrote to offer beds and meals to freezing, stranded travelers. Many offered to drive to pickup points to meet the strangers. Home Depot announced all stores would remain open all night, offering warmth and shelter. Photos surfaced of people in their business clothes asleep on the floor in the aisles of CVS drugstores. A bakery owner offered to donate goods to any place stranded people were gathering. "Warm home, food, and phone to anyone who needs it!" posted a woman in Monroe, Georgia. Was Atlanta asleep at the wheel? "My sister has been stuck in her car since 4:30 p.m. yesterday," posted a woman named Valencia on Wednesday, 17 hours after her sister got on the road. "Nothing to eat. She's nearly out of gas. She is diabetic. Does not have her meds. Can someone please help? She's at Memorial Drive by Alonzo Crim School. Please somebody?" "Lawd I'm praying!" was the first response, from a woman named Kye, after which a woman named Keirsten posted: "I can walk to her! Call me. Trying to find insulin!" Then: "Sending people that way now. What kind of car and where?" "Champagne-brown Infinity. She made it to the gas station across from AutoZone." "My friend Jessica is walking that way right now." "Thank you! You found her!" posted Valencia; then, a bit later: "She made it home! Praise God!! ... Good people still left in this world!" The landscapes and language of apocalypse -- many headlines compared Atlanta to a scene in "The Walking Dead" -- bore no relation to the footage, the yardage, the square ... inchage of snow actually dumped on the city. How much snow fell? What quantity of snow do you think it takes to paralyze a metropolitan area of 5,490,000 citizens? What kind of whiteout does it take to halt every artery and interstate of this national traffic hub, this city that is home to a highway intersection known as "Spaghetti Junction" and to a college (Georgia Perimeter) and a former Atlanta Braves player ("Perimeter" Perez) both named after Interstate 285? How much snow did it take to strand thousands of children overnight in their schools, send trucks and buses spinning out of control on surface streets and highways, decree that a baby should be born in a car trapped by traffic gridlock, and inspire Gov. Nathan Deal to declare a statewide State of Emergency and to call out the National Guard? It was 2.6 inches, OK? Or, as some news sources reported, "up to 3 inches," a bit of forgivable inflation that would seem to suggest it might have been quantities up to and including 2.9 inches. Nearly 3! But it doesn't take depth of snow to ice the streets, and it doesn't take a blizzard to panic the citizenry in a city without snowplows, snow shovels, windshield ice scrapers, or even, seemingly, a product known as "salt." Just a sprinkling of snow will do, a delicate frosting, a few curlicues from Jack Frost -- and here we are, immobilized, freezing, turning in desperation to strangers and Home Depot. Opinion: Stranded in Atlanta . I wasn't on the road Tuesday. And I woke up to 46-degree weather, not 16. But the 46-degree weather was in my bedroom because our furnace died during the night. Two weeks ago, when a deep freeze rolled across Atlanta, our pipes burst. We seem to be living in close synchrony with every national weather event. So while tens of thousands of our fellow citizens rumbled nowhere, I screened "How to Fix Your Own Furnace" videos on Youtube. Inspired, I descended into the freezing basement and spent 15 minutes trying to remove the front of the furnace. Then my husband unscrewed a protruding screw and it fell off. I peered deep into the machinery of the still and very cold machine and confirmed by phone that no repair person south of the Mason-Dixon Line could travel the treacherous roads to our house. My husband, children, two dogs, two cats, and I huddled around electric space heaters all day. As I type, my feet are wrapped in a blanket and a space heater is warming a 4-inch stretch on the side of my right leg. My teenage daughter has spent the day wrapped in an electric blanket on the sofa, with the dachshund wrapped inside it, too. But it could be worse. I could be on I-285. The opinions in this commentary are solely those of Melissa Fay Greene. | Melissa Greene: Fort Lee, New Jersey, traffic jam was nothing compared with Atlanta's .
Greene: Everybody tried to go home at once with the first snowflake in 16-degree weather .
Greene: "SnowedOutAtlanta" connected the stranded with help from those at home .
Greene woke up to 46-degree weather, but that was the temperature of her bedroom . |
25,417 | 47f98d741ce66530ce4672d3d3e4f0509236b5e8 | By . Wills Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 09:11 EST, 27 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:03 EST, 27 December 2013 . Suspect: Krysta James stabbed her fiance when he tried to leave their home in Blythewood, South Carolina . A bride to be stabbed her fiance on Christmas Day following a row over the colors for their wedding. Bride-to-be Krysta James, 34, attacked the unnamed victim at their home in Blythewood, South Carolina, when he threatened to leave after the heated row. The pair began shouting at each other over the disagreement, but the verbal dispute soon turned violent when James brandished a weapon. The victim was taken to hospital, but doctors said he was going to survive, according to Fox Carolina. James was arrested and charged with criminal domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature. She remains in jail on a $10,000 bond. Sergeant Curtis Wilson with the Richland County Sheriff's Department said deputies responded to a call at around 8:30pm and found the man had been stabbed in the upper body. He added deputies were able to confirm the verbal altercation between the couple had been over their wedding color scheme. The victim was transported to hospital by witnesses at the scene where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries, Wilson said. Emergency: Witnesses drove the victim from the house in Blythewood, South Carolina, to a hospital . Treatment: The unnamed victim was taken to Palmetto Heath Centre in Colombia, South Carolina, but doctors said he would survive . | Krysta James, 34, attacked the man when he threatened to leave .
He was taken to the hospital from his home in Blythewood, South Carolina .
She was charged with domestic violence of a high, aggravated nature . |
106,154 | 14e819ecda5da98091ac482d113b8de5b47e7eb1 | By . Paul Revoir . PUBLISHED: . 17:29 EST, 9 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:29 EST, 9 May 2013 . The BBC has commissioned a six-part series of Poldark, which originally ran for 29 episodes from 1975 to 1977 and starred Robin Ellis (left) Poldark – the hit 1970s costume drama – is returning to TV screens. The BBC revealed yesterday that it had commissioned a six-part series that will air next year. The original show, which starred Robin Ellis as the dashing squire Ross Poldark, ran for 29 episodes from 1975 to 1977. Its romantic storyline and breathtaking Cornish locations made it a domestic and international success broadcast in 40 countries. Based on the novels of Winston Graham, it followed the fortunes of Poldark, who comes home to Cornwall from the American War of Independence to find his former life in tatters. On his return, he discovers that his father has died, his wife Elizabeth, believing he was dead, is betrothed to his cousin and his home is overrun with livestock and drunken servants. It was originally adapted by the BBC into 29 episodes and was then revived by ITV franchise HTV in 1996 for a two-hour sequel, set ten years after the BBC version with a different cast. The drama is being adapted by Debbie Horsfield, whose other credits include BBC hair salon drama Cutting It. In the story Poldark finds his late father’s estate in chaos and his wife engaged to his cousin Francis. Poldark then sets about repairing the family name but also marries Demelza, the servant girl he has made pregnant. The saga includes Poldark’s on-going feud with the greedy George Warleggan and sees him arrested by the French for spying before he goes on to be made an MP. The BBC unveiled the remake as part of an announcement about BBC1 controller Danny Cohen’s final drama commissions before he takes on a new job as director of television at the organisation. Starring Robin Ellis and Angharad Rees, Poldark's romantic storyline and breathtaking Cornish locations made it a domestic and international success broadcast in 40 countries . Poldark is one of four new shows which also includes Our Zoo - about the man who built Chester Zoo - and From There To Here, which is set in Manchester in the aftermath of the IRA bombing of the city centre. The BBC has also commissioned a new series from EastEnders writer Tony Jordan called Dickensian, which will bring characters from Charles Dickens’s books to life in new stories. Danny Cohen said: ‘It has been a joy and privilege to commission programmes for BBC One. I hope audiences enjoy the range and creative ambitions of these new dramas for the Channel.’ Based on the novels of Winston Graham, the series followed the fortunes of Poldark, who comes home to Cornwall from the American War of Independence to find his former life in tatters . | BBC has commissioned six-part series to air next year .
Original show ran for 29 episodes from 1957 to 1977 .
The drama is being adapted by Debbie Horsfield, creator of Cutting It . |
107,946 | 1729b5cf63f7426f085871dc2fb39c80f20a2ea0 | Washington (CNN) -- Airline pilots who want to skip certain airport screening measures -- saying it's wasteful to search pilots for sharp objects when they can bring down planes with their bare hands -- are finally getting their way. The Transportation Security Administration announced Friday that it is taking steps to streamline screening for U.S. airline pilots. Pilots traveling in uniform on airline business will be allowed to bypass normal security screening by presenting screeners with their airline ID and another form of identification, the TSA said. The screeners will check the information against a secure, real-time airline crew member database, which includes a picture and other information to verify the pilots' employment status, the TSA said. Pilots will be subject to random screening and other layers of security, the TSA said. The TSA said the changes will take effect immediately while it phases in a more permanent system. Pilots have long argued that it is a waste of costly security resources to check pilots for restricted objects. Thousands of pilots, they note, are licensed to carry firearms in cockpits under the government's Federal Flight Deck Officer program. Time spent checking pilots would be better spent checking others, they say. "Airline pilots are the last line of defense against someone who would use an airplane for ill. And we need to be a trusted partner in our security efforts," retired U.S. Airways pilot Chelsey "Sully" Sullenberger told CNN earlier this week. "You know, many pilots are already armed as deputized and trained flight deck officers to defend the cockpit. And so really it's a waste of our limited resources to put airline pilots who are trusted partners in this through this screening." TSA Administrator John Pistole said the change "just makes for smart security and an efficient use of our resources." The change also will likely squelch pilot complaints about going through full-body scanners, some of which emit low levels of radiation. The TSA says the scanners are safe, exposing people to about the same amount of radiation they would get by flying for about two minutes at altitude. But pilots have become alarmed by some doctors who say not enough is known about the machines. Recently, a pilots union encouraged its members to avoid the devices. On Friday, pilots unions called the announcement a welcome change. For the past three years, the TSA has tested an electronic pilot identification screening system called CrewPASS, or Crew Personnel Advanced Screening System. The TSA said Friday that CrewPASS will continue to operate at the test sites: Baltimore-Washington Thurgood Marshall International, Pittsburgh International, and Columbia (S.C.) Metropolitan airports. | Pilots will now present airline ID and another form of identification .
They will still be subject to random screening and other layers of security .
Pilots unions welcome the announcement . |
155,618 | 5526f90b2778f24f59179e54fa202c09b49ce655 | By . Ruth Styles for MailOnline . When Matthew Briggs, 32, from Huntington in North Yorkshire noticed that his father had posted a photo of them together on Facebook, he was initially pleased. But when he opened the photo and saw the image, Mr Briggs was left horrified by the sight of his 31st frame. Now, two years on, he has shed an astonishing 17st and, in November, will complete the New York marathon in memory of his mother Susan who died from multiple sclerosis when he was just 18. Pounding the pavements: Matthew Briggs, 32, has lost an impressive 17st in just two years of slimming . 'In March of 2000, she lost her battle with Multiple Sclerosis,' he says. 'She has always been my inspiration. I am the man I am today because of the woman she was.' Money raised by Mr Briggs' 26-mile run will be donated to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, a charity dedicated to beating the disease as well as supporting sufferers and their families. Mr Briggs, who has dropped from 31st to just under 14st, had piled on the pounds thanks to a diet of ready meals, takeaways and daily two litre bottles of Coca-Cola. But, after seeing the photo posted on Facebook and spurred on by a bet with his father, Mr Briggs joined his local Slimming World group and went on to shed more than 17st over two years. Embarrassing: This snap of a heavyweight Mr Briggs and his father spurred him into losing weight . Looking good: Mr Briggs now weighs just under 14st and has lost a whopping 17st over two years . Along with swapping fatty takeaways for three healthy meals a day, Mr Briggs took up running in a bid to beat the bulge - picking up a new hobby in the process. Having already taken part in the London marathon and a local race, Mr Briggs will now compete in New York and says he is paying for his ticket and accommodation himself to ensure that every penny raised goes straight to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. ''I inherited many of my qualities from her,' he says of his mother. 'She used all her strength and determination until the end to try and fight this disease. The strength and determination is what I used as part of my weight loss journey. 'If you had told me that first night that I would be running marathons in the future I would have laughed myself silly, but here I am - about to compete in my third.' To sponsor Mr Briggs' run, visit justgiving.com/MattBriggsNYC2014/. Unhealthy: Mr Briggs piled on the pounds thanks to a diet of fatty takeaways and ready meals . Inspiration: Mr Briggs says his mother inspires him still and is running the New York marathon in her memory . | Matthew Briggs, 32, from Yorkshire lost an impressive 17st in two years .
Dropped from 31st to under 14 after seeing unflattering Facebook snap .
Is now running the New York marathon in memory of his mother Susan .
She died in 2000 of multiple sclerosis and funds raised will go to charity .
The Multiple Sclerosis Society will benefit from money raised by Mr Briggs . |
157,722 | 57f330fe7520c69242e915c0d109ada988719c09 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . These incredible patterned pictures of a salt plain valley look like they could be a giant garden patio. The bizarre arrangement of salt flats in Badwater Basin, California, covers a vast expanse of 200 square miles. Vehicles are prohibited from the area so not to spoil the delicate arrangement of crystals and plants and animals struggle to survive. These incredible patterned pictures of a salt plain valley look like they could be a giant garden patio. The bizarre arrangement of salt flats in Badwater Basin, California, covers a vast expanse of 200 square miles . Vehicles are prohibited from the area so not to spoil the delicate arrangement of crystals and plants and animals struggle to survive . With no rain for weeks, computer software worker Rob Etzel ventured out to the remote basin to see the patterned basin. The . enclosed basin is 282ft below sea level and doesn't drain away so . leaves behind the salt crystals when water evaporates - leaving cracks . in the dry surface. Mr Etzel, 45, spent several hours hiking his way to Badwater Basin to capture these amazing photographs. He said: 'The hexagon-shaped cracks are formed because of thermodynamics - the heat and the environment is harsh. 'Rare rain events can flood the valley and there are underground springs that can occasionally bring up surface water. With no rain for weeks, computer software worker Rob Etzel ventured out to the remote basin to see the patterned basin . The enclosed basin is 282ft below sea level and doesn't drain away so leaves behind the salt crystals when water evaporates - leaving cracks in the dry surface . 'But when I arrived, there had not been rain for many weeks, nor any significant rain for many months.' Mr Etzel, from Portland in Oregon, described the formation as a 'multi-sided puzzle' or a chessboard. He added: 'I travelled to Death Valley, among many other south west US locations, in search of photographic opportunities. 'To the average person driving through Death Valley, one might never see or encounter the unique shapes and patterns. 'You have to hike quite a way into the basins to find them and once I located them I spent several hours capturing photos. 'I think of the layout as a multi-sided puzzle or a chessboard.' | The bizarre arrangement of salt flats in Badwater Basin, California, covers a vast expanse of 200 square miles .
Vehicles are prohibited from the area so not to spoil the delicate arrangement of crystals and plants . |
60,893 | ad0272bb3c7d99ba7b544b88c61ee4732638e1e4 | By . Sadie Whitelocks . PUBLISHED: . 09:13 EST, 15 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:22 EST, 15 June 2012 . The Duke of Edinburgh will tonight attend his first public engagement since being discharged from hospital . The Duke of Edinburgh will tonight attend his first public engagement since being discharged from hospital almost a week ago following treatment for a bladder infection. Philip will chair the Senior Colonels’ Conference at Buckingham Palace and host a dinner for the high-ranking officers in his role as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards. The Duke was discharged from central London’s Edward VII hospital last Saturday quietly celebrating his 91st birthday with family the following day in Windsor. He emerged after a five-night stay looking in good health and nodded when asked by the waiting media if he was feeling better. But he did not attend the Queen’s visit to Nottingham with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on Wednesday, and missed other Diamond Jubilee-related events during the week. Although this evening will be a private engagement, Philip will make a public appearance tomorrow when he joins the Queen for the traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony. The couple will ride in a carriage procession to the annual event, held in Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall, which marks the Queen’s official birthday. A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman would not comment on the Duke’s health but said: 'The fact he’s attending engagements is an indication he is back to himself and able to carry out engagements.' Philip’s last public engagement was at the height of the Diamond Jubilee weekend celebrations, when he joined the Queen and other members of his family on the royal barge for the spectacular River Thames Pageant on Sunday June 3. He appeared to be in good spirits but the following day he was taken to hospital with a bladder infection. Doctors have suggested that braving the . elements on the deck the royal barge, Spirit of Chartwell, during the River Thames Jubilee pageant in cold and . wet weather might have triggered his subsequent bladder . infection. Tonight’s conference will attended by all the colonels of the prestigious Household Division Regiments, many of whom are members of the Royal Family. Good news: Prince Philip smiled and waved as he headed home to be with his family at Windsor for a private birthday celebration on Sunday . Walking tall: The Duke of Edinburgh looked in good spirits as he left hospital on Saturday . Philip will be joined by the Prince of Wales, of the Welsh Guards, William, of the Irish Guards, the Princess Royal, of the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals, and the Earl of Wessex, of the London Regiment. The Duke will resume his normal duties next week and will attend the annual Order of the Garter service at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, on Monday. He is planning to return to the water on June 25 on a visit to . Henley-on-Thames with the Queen where they will travel on the 130-year-old . steam launch Alaska to witness the annual ceremony of swan upping. The Royal couple will travel from . Hambleden Lock in Berkshire across the river to the Henley Business . School in Berkshire where they will disembark to watch the rest of the . river pageant from the shore. It . is understood Prince Philip is determined to be well enough to attend . the river festivities but it will depend upon his doctors giving him the . all clear to go. Treatment: Prince Philip's bladder infection could have been exacerbated by not taking enough toilet breaks during the Diamond Jubilee River Pageant . | Will chair the Senior Colonels’ Conference at Buckingham Palace .
Seen for the first time in public on Saturday with the Queen for traditional Trooping the Colour ceremony .
'The fact he’s attending engagements is an indication he is back to himself,' said a spokesperson . |
113,491 | 1e76be07d710ce8fcb7cbf8801ad1cae4b301f4e | By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 10:55 EST, 18 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:42 EST, 18 December 2012 . This incredible close-up video shows how life operates on the microscopic level. Ralph Grimm, a teacher from Jimboomba, Australia, captured the fascinating 58-second film showing the super-fast movements of tiny freshwater rotifers, whose hairlike cilia beat constantly to sweep food into their mouths. The movie depicts colonies of the minuscule creatures found on a lily leaf in Mr Grimm's own pond, their spot-like red eyes and internal organs captured through the use of differential interference contrast illumination. For his efforts Mr Grimm was awarded first prize in the 2012 Olympus BioScapes Digital Imaging Competition, which every year celebrates the best in microscopic photography. The first video ever to capture the competition's top spot, it was selected from more than 2000 entries and earned Mr Grimm $5,000 (£3,000) worth of Olympus equipment. Now in its ninth year, the Olympus BioScapes Competition awards prizes of microscopic images and movies of human, plant and animal subjects as captured through light microscopes. Any life science subject is eligible, and entries are judged based on the science they depict, their aesthetics (beauty and impact of the image), and their technical expertise. Second prize: Red algae Scagelia, showing reproductive tetraspores and golden diatoms, by Arlene Wechezak, from Anacortes, Washington . Third prize: A common East-coast fern, Polypodium virginianum, showing a cluster of spore-filled sporangia and protective hairs called paraphyses, by Igor Siwanowicz, HHMI Janelia Farm Research Campus, Ashburn, Virginia . The 2012 winning images and movies reflect the latest advances in neuroscience and cell biology documented by researchers, along with amazing glimpses of life on a microscopic scale captured by hobbyists, students and other photographers. Specimens represent animal, plant and human subjects. For example, Second Prize went to a beautiful image of branching red algae captured by Arlene Wechezak of Anacortes, Washington. Animal subjects are highlighted in vivid colours and rarely seen detail in several winning images this year. Fourth prize: Claw of the crustacean amphipode Phronima sp, with muscles and rows of pigment cells visible, by Christian Sardet, of Villefranchesur-Mer, France, and Sharif Mirshak, of Montreal, Canada . Fifth prize: Unicellular green alga Micrasterias from lake sample. Twenty-two stacked images, captured using differential interference contrast by Rogelio Moreno Gill, from Panama City, Panama . Sixth prize: Close-up of the mouth of live mushroom coral Fungia sp. during expansion. Captured using tungsten illumination by James Nicholson, of the NOAA/NOS/NCCOS Centre for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Charleston, South Carolina . For instance, Christian Sardet and Sharif Mirshak of The Plankton Chronicles Project, Villefranche-sur-Mer, France, and Montreal, Quebec, Canada, respectively, earned Fourth Prize for a glowing image of a crustacean’s claw. James Nicholson of the NOAA/NOS/NCCOS Centre for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Fort Johnson Marine Lab, Charleston, South Carolina, captured a brilliant golden coral’s open mouth for his Sixth Prize honor. Christian Klämbt and Imke Schmidt of the University of Munster, Germany took Seventh Prize for a photo of a fruit fly’s brain. And Charles Krebs of Issaquah, Washington, captured a 10th Prize close-up of gossamer butterfly wings in shades of orange and purple. Plant images also earned Top 10 status. Rogelio Moreno Gill of Panama City, Panama, captured an extraordinary Fifth Prize photo of a one-celled green alga found in a lake. The Eighth Prize image captured by Edwin Lee of Carrollton, Texas, depicts a common weed called henbit in a striking, almost architectural light. A Delphinium flower seed now looks like an intricately crocheted corsage in a Ninth Place image captured by Sahar Khodaverdi of the University of Tabriz in Iran. Seventh prize: Beta-tubulin expression of a . Drosophila third instar larval brain, with eye imaginal discs. Captured with confocal microscopy by Christian Klämbt and Imke Schmidt, . of University of Münster, Germany . Eighth prize: Henbit (Lamium amplexicaule) stamens anthers and filaments. The stamen is the male reproductive part of the flower. Captured using phase contrast illumination by Edwin Lee, from Carrollton, Texas . Ninth prize: Seed of Delphinium. The image was acquired from multiple Zstacked images using epi-fluorescence by Sahar Khodaverdi, of the University of Tabriz, in East Azerbaijan, Iran . Tenth prize: Butterfly 'Prola Beauty' (Panacea prola) wing scales magnified 200x. Image captured using diffused reflected illumination by Charles Krebs, from Issaquah, Washington . 'These fascinating and beautiful images tell important stories that shed light on the living universe around us, showing us the intimate structures and dynamic events of life in ways that we cannot ordinarily see,' said Brad Burklow of Olympus America. 'BioScapes movies and still images remind us of the fascination and beauty of the natural world, and highlight important work going on in laboratories across the globe. 'The BioScapes Competition, with entries from an everincreasing number of countries and very diverse life science fields, allows Olympus to bring amazing images and stories to the attention of scientists and non-scientists alike.' The winners were announced on Sunday night at a grand gala reception in San Francisco. A selection of the 2012 winning and Honourable Mention images and videos will be displayed in a museum tour that will travel the U.S. over the coming year. | Video of bugs in an Australian man's garden pond is the winner of this year's Olympus BioScapes Digital Imaging Competition .
It shows colonies of tiny freshwater rotifers, with spot-like red eyes and internal organs captured by a special technique .
Winner and ten runners up of the competition were announced in San Francisco and will now go on museum tour of the U.S. |
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