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129,577 | 3380bf4fc75580048cc59d197ebe35fe705bdf8f | By . Chris Paine . One cheeky Los Angeles band has pulled the wool over Spotify's eyes with a cheeky if not brilliant stunt that netted them $20,000 for uploading nothing but dead air to the popular streaming service. The indie outfit Vulfpeck managed to raise some much-needed recording funds without so much as producing a single genuine second of music after figuring out a way to game Spotify. Vulfpeck uploaded an 'album' called Sleepify - 10 silent tracks that all run just over 30 seconds, the required threshold from Spotify to classify something as a song. And here's where the money comes in: for every song streamed by a user on Spotify, the artist earns 0.007 cents. Hoorah! Vulpeck managed to score $20,000 from Spotify in silent streams . The band explains the maths behind the stunt, which nets $0.007 in royalties for each stream . Spotify eventually shut down the band's prank but laughed it off saying: 'We prefer Vulfpeck's earlier albums' Apparently Vulfpeck have some loyal fans, because they 'listened' to Sleepify by the thousands and followed the ban's instructions to stream it - on repeat - while they slept. Fans were even promised free tickets to 'The Sleepify Tour'. Cheeky, indeed - but the so-called album brought in $20,000. Until Spotify clued in. Vulfpeck were forced to pull the album, obviously, and Spotify seemed to take the incident in fairly good spirits. 'It's a clever stunt but we prefer Vulfpeck's earlier albums,' Spotify spokesman Graham James told Billboard. According to Vice the band hasn't been paid yet but they're optimistic because Spotify's payments usually come through after two months. Vulfpeck bandmember Jack Stratton said: 'My guess is we will.' There's a tour? The band promised fans a free ticket to their tour if they participated in the stunt . Considering they're $20,000 better off for doing nothing, you'd think they'd look a little happier . In the meantime they may have stumbled upon another brilliant idea. Vulfpeck have issued an 'apology' album entitled Official Statements, CNN reports. The track lengths? Just over 30 seconds. 'The gist of it was that, while they enjoyed Sleepify and thought it was funny and clever, that it violated their terms of content,' Stratton says on the first track. 'So I don't know what's going to happen with it - it's very uncertain at the moment. 'And in light of that uncertainly I want to take 30 seconds silence to ponder the uncertainty.' | Vulfpeck released silent album 'Sleepify' and earned $0.007 per stream .
Indie band asked fans to stream the dead air on repeat while they slept .
Spotify laughed off the stunt but banned the album . |
179,897 | 74eb904f385f19fd324e1b74afe36f136fb0f7e6 | England saw their Champions Trophy title hopes extinguished by Germany after suffering a 2-0 quarter-final defeat at the tournament in India. Olympic gold medallists Germany scored late in the second and fourth quarters, through Moritz Furste and Christopher Ruhr, to set up a semi-final against Australia in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. Bobby Crutchley's England side had decent second-half chances to get back on level terms, but an equaliser was beyond them, and Ruhr killed off the match with a 57th-minute close-range finish. German player Benedikt Furk dives to stop the ball as England's Nick Catlin watches on . Alexandre de Paeuw of Germany is challenged by Ashley Jackson of England . Germany took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Furste struck home into the top right of the net from a penalty corner. They had an opportunity to double their advantage midway through the third quarter but Pilt Arnold's driven cross from the left sped across goal, with Mats Grambusch unable to cash in. England looked like levelling in the 49th minute but amid a scramble somehow Germany kept the ball from crossing the line, with goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi saving from Barry Middleton and Adam Dixon also lurking. Germany's Tobias Hauke dribbles past England's Ashley Jackson at Kalinga Stadium . Ashley Jackson could not drill in from England's first penalty corner, with Jacobi making a solid save, which he repeated later on in the match. England were pressing Germany hard but in the 58th minute their hopes were finally dashed. A sharp turn from Grambusch bought him space to send in a cross that Ruhr converted, skilfully lifting the ball high into the net. | Olympic gold medallists Germany scored late in the second and fourth quarters .
Bobby Crutchley's England side had decent second-half chance .
Moritz Furste and Christopher Ruhr scored for Germany . |
82,436 | e9b870affb47e287f25e859b793ae19ffed4acef | By . Sara Nathan . PUBLISHED: . 14:52 EST, 17 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:44 EST, 17 May 2013 . Facebook pioneer Sean Parker's extravagant wedding to Alexandra Lenas is in jeopardy after California planning officials launched an investigation into the elaborate construction for the nuptials. The 33-year-old billionaire has been planning an extravagant ceremony based on HBO hit, Game Of Thrones, at the Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur on June 1. However, the wedding - estimated to cost upwards of $10 million - is being investigated by Monterey County planners and the state Coastal Commission, the Carmel Pine Cone reported. And today, a source admitted to MailOnline that because of all the fuss, Sean was 'considering various options.' Getting hitched: Sean Parker, the founding president of Facebook, is marrying singer-songwriter Alexandra Lenas this summer . Brace yourselves: One observer said the wedding could turn into a 'Game of Thrones' fantasy re-enactment . Parker is marrying Alexandra, a . singer and songwriter with whom he has a two-month-old daughter, Winter . Victoria, after a two-year engagement. He had . reportedly hired a landscaping company to build fake ruins, waterfalls, . bridges and a gated cottage in the surrounding woods at Ventana Inn in . Big Sur, California. And the wedding was meant to be no holds barred as the price tag for plants and flowers is believed to be $1 million, while a $350,000 dance floor is also being built. The construction, however, appears to have drawn the ire of California Coastal Comission. “We have opened a code enforcement investigation on Ventana Inn,” Monterey County planning director Mike Novo told the Pine Cone. Neither the Ventana or Parker or his people have applied for permits, . Novo said. One of the wedding’s contractors told county officials . everything would be torn down after the wedding. Associate county planner Joseph Sidor said the state coastal commission is investigating as well. Parker, the founder of Napster, has hired “Lord of the Rings” costume designer Ngila Dickson to create outfits for the guests, he said on Facebook. The New York Post reported that the save-the-date cards for the June 1 wedding look like wizard scrolls. However, this week, a source told MailOnline that because of a string of leaks, the couple arenow 'strongly considering an alternate plan which would happen at . a different location in pebble beach'. And the source added today: 'Sean is considering various options.' Playing dress-up: For Halloween, Parker dressed as Justin Timberlake, who played him in the movie 'The Social Network.' Lenas went as Britney Spears . In 2011, the pair dressed as victims from the Alfred Hitchcock film 'The Birds' Game of Thrones is a popular Medieval fantasy TV show on HBO that features knights and dragons and sorcery. Parker . is worth an estimated $2billion after becoming the founder of Napster . and other tech start-ups and working with Facebook creator Mark . Zuckerberg during the early days of the social network. He was portrayed in the 2008 movie 'The Social Network' by Justin Timberlake, though he has taken issue with how his character was portrayed. Parker proposed to Lenas, a singer-songwriter, in February after she gave birth to the couple's daughter, Winter Victoria Parker. The fantasy wedding won't be the first time the the couple has played dress-up together. They have been pictured during previous Halloween parties dressed as Justin Timberlake and Brittney Spears and as a gruesome duo from the Alfred Hitchcock film 'The Birds.' Meanwhile, this week it was revealed Sean and Alexandra are now living at the Plaza hotel in New York while their Greenwich Village townhouse is being renovated - and will be there for more than a year. A spokesman for Sean declined to comment. | Billionaire's opulent plans being investigated by Monterey County planners and the state Coastal Commission .
He is now 'considering various options' amid leaks and planning chaos .
Landscape company was hired to build fake ruins, bridges and waterfalls .
'$600k on a gate, $350k on dancefloor and $1m on plants and flowers'
He is due to marry Alexandra Lenas at Ventana Inn in Big Sur, California, on June 1 . |
272,297 | ecb29eaaae50f8bad750da812141e68bbf8994b2 | By . Sarah Griffiths . PUBLISHED: . 06:31 EST, 27 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:29 EST, 27 November 2013 . He might look like an extra member of Daft Punk, but Russia’s robot humanoid is set to be joining astronauts aboard the International Space Station as early as next year. Scientists at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Centre in Star City Centre, just outside Moscow, have shown off their creation, called SAR-401. Russia is working on its own version of Nasa’s Robonaut, which is already lending a hand on the International Space Station – so the two robots might work together in the future. Russia's SAR-401robot humanoid could be joining astronauts aboard the International Space Station as early as next year . A slightly earlier model called SAR-400 is scheduled to be blasted into space in 2014. Russia’s robonaut is similar to Nasa’s as it is not designed to be completely autonomous but is operated remotely from the ground, Spectrum reported. A Russian scientist demonstrated how by putting on a pair of specially designed gloves, he is able to control the robot’s arms and hands, which are based on a human’s and can perform delicate tasks. Scientists at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Centre in Star City Centre, just outside Moscow, have shown off their creation, which has human-like hands to perform dextrous tasks demanded of astronauts . The robot can lift up to 10 kilograms on Earth, though it will be able to lift more than that in a zero-gravity environment. It is capable of operating inside or outside the space station. Oleg Gordiyenko, science directorate deputy head at the Gagarin Cosmonauts' Training Centre Research Institute, said: ‘It's to perform operations both aboard the ISS and outside. ‘Scientists' plans envision introducing robots in manned cosmonautics. This is a promising avenue of research for coming years.’ A Russian scientist demonstrated how he is able to control the robot's arms and hands by putting on a pair of specially designed gloves . The robonaut's hands are capable of manipulating small items and lifting heavy objects . The robot has been built by Android Technics and the company’s executive director, Vladislav Sychkov, said: ‘We have completed R&D for the development of the robot’s new key assembly unit, which is a "shoulder" with three degrees of freedom. ‘We’re also working on a new pickup and gripping system. All this is expected to result in the creation of a prototype of a multifunctional space robot.’ He told Russian publication RIA Novosti (via Marchmont Innovation News) there is no need for the robot to have legs and it focuses on a torso and two ‘manipulator arms’ as well as a head module. Nasa's Robonaut 2 also has hands, upper body and a head, which has cameras that work like eyes . SAR-400 is planned to join Nasa’s Robonaut 2 at the International Space Station, which has also been built to look a little like a person. Robonaut 2 also has a head, upper body and hands. Its head has cameras that work like eyes, as well as moving fingers that can manipulate the same tools as astronauts. The robot can lift up to 10 kilograms on Earth, but this translates into lifting objects that weigh more in space, as the robot is designed to be able to work outside the space station too . Its upper body can be placed on different lower halves, including a set of wheels. The robot works in two ways: It either receives a simple job to do and uses an onboard computer to work out how to perform the task, or can be run by remote control by a person wearing a headset, who can see what the robots sees and then control it from Earth. Robonaut is a humanoid robotic development project conducted by the Dextrous Robotics Laboratory at Nasa's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. It is designed to work alongside astronauts and has dexterous hands to use space tools and work in similar environments suited to astronauts. Robonaut 2 is capable of speeds more than four times faster than the first model, is more compact, more dexterous and includes a deeper and wider range of sensing. There are over 350 sensors and 38 PowerPC processors in the robot. Station crew members can operate R2, as well as controllers on the ground using 'telepresence,' which is a set of technologies that allow a person to feel as if they are present at a place other than their true location, using telerobotics. The robot doesn't have to be fully supervised and can carry out tasks autonomously with supervision checks. While not all human range of motion and sensitivity has been duplicated, the robot's hand has 12 degrees of freedom as well as 2 degrees of freedom in wrist. The R2 model also uses touch sensors at the tips of its fingers. The robot arrived on the International Space Station on August 22, 2011. Further upgrades could be added to allow R2 to work outside in the vacuum of space, where R2 could help space walkers perform repairs, make additions to the station or conduct scientific experiments. There are over 350 sensors and 38 PowerPC processors in the Robonaut 2 robot . | Scientists at the Gagarin Cosmonauts'
Training Centre near Moscow have shown off .
their humanoid robot called SAR-401 .
The robot can perform delicate tasks with its hands and is operated by a person on Earth wearing special gloves .
Russia is working on its own version of Nasa’s Robonaut 2, which is already lending a hand on the International Space Station . |
40,181 | 7163f76a33b892496b60c7e29b9d8a23fc31d0e1 | Washington (CNN) -- As Congress debates the size and scope of defense budgets in a looming age of austerity, one senator is seeking to resolve a much older question about the president's ability to exercise military power without the consent of the House and Senate. Sen. Jim Webb, D-Virginia, has introduced legislation requiring explicit congressional approval of future U.S. humanitarian or peacekeeping operations involving the military and likely hostilities. The measure would not apply to instances where there's an imminent threat to the United States, U.S. allies or American citizens. Under the terms of the bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, both chambers of Congress would be required to vote within 48 hours of a presidential authorization request. "The question is simple," Webb said last week. "When should the president have the unilateral authority to decide to use military force, and what is the place of the Congress in that process? Year by year, skirmish by skirmish, the role of the Congress in determining where the U.S. military would operate, and when the awesome power of our weapon systems would be unleashed, has diminished." Webb, a former Navy secretary and assistant defense secretary, was strongly critical of President Barack Obama's decision to intervene militarily in Libya in 2011 without congressional authorization. He has also expressed concern about the possibility of American intervention in the Syrian crisis. Last summer, a sharply divided Congress was unable to pass any legislation explicitly endorsing or rejecting America's involvement in NATO's Libyan intervention. The matter was never voted on by the full Senate. Deep congressional divisions over the mission stemmed in part from a belief among some representatives and senators on both sides of the aisle that Obama violated the War Powers Resolution. Passed in 1973, the law gives a president 60 days to get congressional approval for sending U.S. forces to war, followed by a 30-day extension to end hostilities. While the combined 90-day period ended before hostilities concluded, White House officials insisted the mission -- backed by the United Nations -- did not violate the War Powers Act because it failed to meet the law's definition of combat. Previous administrations also resisted the law's restrictions. "The (Obama) administration, which spent well over a billion dollars of taxpayer funds, dropped thousands of bombs on the country, and operated our military offshore for months, claimed that 'combat' was not occurring, and rejected the notion that the War Powers Act applied to the situation," Webb recently said on the Senate floor. "I am not here to debate the War Powers Act. (But) I am suggesting that other statutory language that covers these kinds of situations must be enacted." Webb's proposal notwithstanding, a number of political analysts question the ultimate willingness of Congress to oppose any U.S. military action -- particularly in the post-9/11 era. "These attempts by Congress to restrict the president's authority as commander-in-chief are almost always symbolic, because presidents rarely enter conflicts without some expectation of public support," said Brown University political scientist Wendy Schiller. CNN polling showed a slight majority of Americans in favor of the Libyan intervention in the spring of 2011, though public sentiment quickly turned against the conflict. | Legislation would require explicit congressional OK for military humanitarian missions .
Sen. Jim Webb, D-Virginia, questioned Obama's commitment of forces in Libya last year .
Congress was unable to explicitly endorse or reject U.S. role in the NATO intervention .
Political scientist: Congress's efforts to restrict war powers "are almost always symbolic" |
263,792 | e1a054d2aa7773fe700154c10d3ea50892cbb224 | A heartbroken mother has been ordered to get a DNA test carried out on her dead partner - so his name can be put on their baby daughter's birth certificate. Sarah Dixon, from Little Hulton, Salford, lost her partner David Broome in a car smash last month, just weeks after their baby Shenayah was born. But, because the couple were not married, she has been told that his name cannot be added to their nine-week-old baby's birth certificate unless she pays for a DNA test to prove that he was the father. David Broome (pictured with his newborn daughter Shenayah) was fatally injured in a car accident in north Wales in October before he was able to sign his baby's birth certificate . The couple had planned to register the birth together just days before David's tragic death . The law states that unmarried parents need to sign the birth register together or get a court order proving you a parent. Sarah will now have to pay in the region of £4,000 to take the fight to court and to pay for DNA to be analysed by a court appointed testing service. Sarah, 25, said: 'We planned to register her together on the Monday and he died on the Wednesday before. I went to Salford register office and they said 'we need the father here to register the birth.' It broke my heart. They told me they couldn't register the birth because we were not married.' A happy family: David Broome with Sarah Dixon and Shenayah before the tragic car crash . Sarah will now have to pay in the region of £4,000 to take the fight to court and to pay for DNA to be analysed by a court appointed testing service . David's family have asked for toenail clippings and tissue samples to be taken from the coroner in north Wales, where the accident happened, as evidence that 26-year-old David was the father. A petition signed by more than 1,500 people and a Facebook page Give Shenayah Broome Her Father's Name On Her Birth Certificate has now been launched. Sarah added: 'We were together for three years so it was like we were married. 'He was at the birth, he went to all the scans and we were together for three years. He even cut the cord following the birth. Sarah, 25, said it 'broke her heart' when she was told by Salford registery office that they would need the father present to register the birth . The loving father, from Salford, also leaves two sons Cayden, six, and Harley, five . 'I feel that this is punishing our baby.' David died following the crash which also left his 18-year-old nephew Norman Gregory with leg and chest injuries. The postman and DJ, from Irlams o' th' Height, Salford, also leaves two sons Cayden, six, and Harley, five. David, a former pupil at Buile Hill Visual Arts College, was a passenger in a Ford Ka driven by his nephew when it was in collision with a Skoda Octavia on the Nant Y Garth pass near Felinheli, in Gwynedd. His funeral was held at St Thomas' Church, Pendleton and Agecroft Cemetery last Monday. Sarah was told she needs a DNA test to register her deceased partner David on their daughter's birth certificate as they were unmarried . All births in England must be registered at the local registry office or hospital within 42 days of the child being born. Within married couples, just one parent is able to register the birth and include both mother's and father's details. But for unmarried couples, the law demands that mothers must provide proof of parentage unless both parents are present. This can be in the form of a signed declaration of parentage form, or a court document, such as an order giving the father parental responsibility, or court ordered DNA test. If these cannot be provided, the father's details won't be included on the birth certificate. It can be possible to add the father's details at a later date by completing an application for the re-registration of a child's birth. Where neither parents are able register the birth, a member of the administrative staff at the hospital where the child was born or someone present at the birth, are allowed to register on their behalf. | David Broome was killed in a car smash in Gwynedd, Wales last month .
His death came just weeks after his partner Sarah Dixon gave birth .
David, 26, attended the birth, all the scans, and even cut the cord .
But he can't be added to his daughter Shenayah's birth certificate .
As the couple were unmarried, the law demands proof of parentage .
Sarah must now pay £4,000 for DNA test to prove that he was the father . |
208,353 | 99bdc4f14524cb697ed84d6d30e1fc9ba2021cfe | Former Everton midfielder Andy van der Meyde rates Zlatan Ibrahimovic alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the world's greatest players. The Dutchman, who had a troubled stay on Merseyside after being signed by David Moyes in 2005, played with Ibrahimovic during the Sweden striker's time at Ajax between 2001 and 2003. Although Messi and Ronaldo are widely regarded as the game's standout players, Van der Meyde insists that the Paris Saint Germain forward deserves to be recognised in the same company. Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be recognised as one of the world's best players, says Andy van der Meyde . Lionel Messi (L) and Cristiano Ronaldo (R) are widely regarded as the best two players on the planet . The Paris Saint Germain talisman arrives for training at his former club Ajax's Amsterdam ArenA . 'Ibrahimovic is one of the best players in the world with Messi and Ronaldo,' Van der Meyde told Goal.com. 'He is such a big and strong guy. He can be an intimidating figure. Plus he has amazing technique as well for someone with a big body like his. 'He's the type of player who wants to win at all costs. He is arrogant, but that's him. It's a positive sort of arrogance if you ask me. He is a true great.' Van der Meyde (L) spent a troubled time at Everton, making just 20 league appearances between 2005-09 . Van der Meyde was stunned by a young Ibrahimovic's talent during their time together at Ajax . Despite retiring from football in 2011, Van der Meyde still recalls how Ibrahimovic's feats in training left him and his teammates breathless. 'We didn't need long to realise that he was going to be a great player. He did things on the training pitch where we could only look on with our mouths open out of admiration. 'The kind of actions he makes now as well, with his acrobatic backheels. Although he didn't really managed to perform during games early on.' The 32-year-old will head back to Ajax when PSG travel to the Amsterdam ArenA for their opening Champions League group game on Wednesday. Ibrahimovic will lead PSG against Ajax in their Champions League opening group game on Wednesday . | Zlatan Ibrahimovic is as good as Barcelona's Lionel Messi and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, says Andy van der Meyde .
Former Holland international played with Swede during time at Ajax .
PSG striker returns to Amsterdam for Champions League opener . |
64,574 | b764aee3dd9429d5045126a734c23d1344c3664a | Moscow (CNN) -- Three suicide bombings Tuesday night in Grozny killed nine people and wounded 20, Russian officials said Wednesday. The Russian Investigative Committee said the bodies of two of the attackers have been identified. They were both Chechens, born in 1989 and 1990, the committee said. In an emergency video conference with the country's top police officers Wednesday, Russian Interior Minister Rashid Nurgaliyev gave the casualty figures for what he called the "cruel terrorist act." President Dmitry Medvedev instructed Nurgaliyev to conduct a thorough investigation and render all possible assistance to the families of the dead and the injured, the Kremlin reported on its website. The first blast occurred when police tried to arrest a suspect, who then triggered a bomb, Chechen police said. Two more blasts occurred shortly thereafter, almost simultaneously, when police and onlookers had gathered at the scene of the first blast, police said. Among the dead were seven policemen, one person from the Emergencies Ministry and a civilian, Russia's state-run RIA Novosti news agency reported. The wounded included 16 police, one person from the Investigative Committee and three civilians. Rebels in Chechnya started out fighting for independence in the 1990s, but in recent years the fight has been aimed more at imposing Islamist rule and asserting their authority in the area. The standard of living in the southwestern republic is poor compared with the rest of Russia. Unemployment is rampant and infant mortality is high. In addition, the Chechen population of about 1 million is mostly made up of Sunni Muslims, who maintain a distinctly separate cultural and linguistic identity from Russian Orthodox Christians. CNN's Maxim Tkachenko contributed to this report. | NEW: Two blasts took place almost simultaneously shortly after the first, Chechen police say .
Russia's interior minister calls it a "cruel terrorist act"
Nine were killed, 20 were wounded, Russian officials say . |
18,475 | 3442e814e8de43a25c2c47c6bc23a9b5efb8ced9 | By . William Turvill . A man was arrested after mistaking a female police officer for a stripper while in a pub with friends . A man was arrested after mistaking a female police officer for a stripper, mirroring a scene from comedy Only Fools and Horses. Paul Harbord, 27, was in a pub in Old Shotton, County Durham, with friends after an all-day drinking session when the officer walked in to investigate their ‘rowdy’ behaviour. After one of his friends had told him to expect ‘entertainment’, Harbord wrongly identified the officer as a stripogram, started dancing in front of her and whipped her with a bar towel, a court heard. The man, who works as a rigger, was then arrested but refused to believe she was a real officer until they arrived at a police station. Harbord, of Peterlee, County Durham, admitted obstructing a police officer and was given a six-month conditional discharge. He was also told to pay £85 and a £15 victim surcharge at Peterlee Magistrates Court. Harbord’s mistake echoes the plot of an episode of Only Fools and Horses, Dates, broadcast in 1988, in which Del Boy mistakes a female police officer for a stripper in the Nag’s Head pub. Jaxon Taylor, mitigating, said: ‘The defendant and a large group of friends were celebrating together. Some were dressed in pyjamas, some in Christmas jumpers. ‘They consumed a quantity of alcohol throughout the day. A number of the party became rowdy.' He added: ‘One of the defendant’s friends had suggested some entertainment had been booked for later. ‘When a lone female police officer attended he waved a beer towel from the bar in her face. ‘He honestly didn’t believe it was a . police officer until he got to the police station. He was quite . embarrassed by the whole situation. ‘His friends have had a good laugh at him but he realises how serious it is. It was an honest and genuine mistake.’ The situation mirrors this scene from the Only Fools and Horses 1988 Christmas special, Dates . Harbord, a rigger, made his mishap as he drank with friends in the Black Bull, in Old Shotton, County Durham, on December 29. Vicky Wilson, prosecuting, said: ‘He was part of a large group dressed up. At 9.30pm a female police officer arrived at the pub, following concerns that the group was rowdy. ‘Harbord shouted “look, here is one of the strippers” as he flicked a bar towel in the officers face.” Chairman of the bench David Carr described it as an ‘unfortunate affair’. Harbord was drinking with friends in the Black Bull, Old Shotton, County Durham, when he made the mistake . | Paul Harbord, 27, was in a pub on an all-day drinking session with friends .
Police officer had walked in to investigate the group's 'rowdy' behaviour .
The situation mirrors an Only Fools and Horses scene in which Del Boy mistakes a female police officer for a stripogram . |
154,189 | 5348f94395e38cbddd3c6327a7993123069721e5 | (CNN) -- As one of the most anticipated games of 2011, "Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds" (Capcom) doesn't disappoint with new characters, a story line with uber-villain Galactus and a new mode designed to make it easy to get involved in the action. After a 10-year hiatus, the popular fighting game brings the battle zones into the third dimension. While action remains in two dimensions, the characters are generated in 3-D and provide for a more robust visual image of the fighting. Each fight can be one-on-one or tag-team, with three characters on each side. One of the biggest question marks as the game's release neared was who would be in and who would be left off of the Marvel and Capcom casts. Seth Killian, special combat adviser for Capcom, said the company wanted to achieve a balance between Japanese and Western characters. "We wanted to include the fan faves [from Japan] as well as the key characters from Marvel," he said. "But we also wanted to include some fringe characters that haven't been featured before to appeal to each audience." Thirty-six characters are playable right away, with two more available as downloadable content. Signature characters like Spider-Man and Ryu make their return, but only comic book fans may recognize some of the other characters. "We included the Super-Skrull because we couldn't have the Fantastic Four and we wanted to have them represented somehow," Killian said. "We chose Marvel characters that Japanese fans would think were cool." Killian said each character has unique and special fighting abilities, so one character doesn't feel or act like another. Capcom characters are defined by their moves, he said, while the Marvel characters are defined by their powers. That structure helped balance out the game and make it fun. "With so many moves and abilities, it becomes more strategic," he said. "Which characters can I choose to cover up some weaknesses, or do I just play to my strengths? It is up to the player to figure out how to use them." The fighting system, while criticized in past versions for the complex button mashing and joystick gyrations required to achieve moves, has also been retooled. In an effort to gain fans and reach out to more casual players, the game can be played in simple mode, where only three buttons are needed to attack an opponent. This affords new fans who may be familiar with the characters, but not the game, the ability to get into the action right away. "We really wanted to make the game easy to get into," Killian said. "Simple mode gives you three attack buttons: light, medium and heavy. There is also one 'hyper combo' and two special attacks. That's it. By contrast, [Capcom character] Dante has 35 different attacks in the normal mode." A "mission mode" helps players learn the normal attacks, if they want to. The missions take characters through different stages where they work on a particular attack to get its sequences right. Using attacks in particular combinations increases the player's power bar, which grants hyper combos and team combos in three-on-three action. Killian said designers added a behind-the-scenes feature called hit-stun scaling that prevents infinite combo loops. "It took us three years to develop the game, and a lot of that time goes into balance and technical," he said. "We've designed it for the long term and really think fans are going to enjoy how it plays." Arcade mode is where the story line comes in. Each universe's top bad guy -- Dr. Doom for Marvel and Albert Wesker (from "Resident Evil") for Capcom -- decides to join forces to beat the good guys and rule their respective domains. However, as big, evil plans often turn out, their efforts are recognized by someone even more powerful than they are: the world eater Galactus. Galactus decides he wants both worlds, and the heroes and villains from each must unite to defeat him. Teams of three characters each do battle against each other to determine who will be strong enough to take on the galactic titan. Killian said a unique ending sequence plays out for each character after the final battle, and each has alternate uniforms and dialogue that are unique to the character's persona. Nonplayable characters will also make appearances during the story line to add flavor and interest in the mission. Characters also have powers and abilities that come out only during specific times in a battle. For example, Marvel's Phoenix will transform to Dark Phoenix after her life bar runs down. This includes more powerful attacks but costs Dark Phoenix in life points as time goes on. "Marvel vs. Capcom 3" doesn't fail to impress. The way difficulty can be scaled down should win over new fans while allowing more advanced fighting players to jump right in. Simple mode took me through the battles quickly and let me get familiar with some of the new abilities and characters. Jumping into mission mode helped me learn moves that I utilized in normal mode and made the action even more vibrant. Capcom also hit the mark with interesting voice and movement additions for each character that really heighten enjoyment of the game. Deadpool's taunting and breaking the fourth wall to speak directly to the player were unexpected and very funny. Sure, some are going to quibble over which characters were included and which were left out. But with 36 to choose from, it will be hard for players to not find a character from either universe they'll enjoy playing. It all works and will provide hours of enjoyment, even after Galactus is defeated. And with more downloadable content promised, we won't have to wait 10 more years to use Hadouken (for the uninitiated, that's a special attack) on new opponents. "Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds" is rated T for teens. It was released this week for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 consoles. This review was done with the Xbox 360 version. | "Marvel vs. Capcom," the popular fighting game, returns after 10 years .
Revised fighting system allows beginners to start playing right away .
Thirty-six characters are playable, with others available for download . |
108,367 | 17bce5665e9bab960bccc9e51625220250df5a3f | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 06:24 EST, 28 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:43 EST, 28 December 2012 . Putin's signing of the bill has angered Americans and Russians who argue it victimises children . President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill banning Americans from adopting Russian children, less than 24 hours after his office received it from Parliament. The bill has angered Americans and Russians who argue it victimises children to make a political point, cutting off a route out of frequently dismal orphanages for thousands of children. The measure is retaliation for an . American law that calls for sanctions against Russian officials deemed . human rights violators, after Russia imprisoned lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who later died, after uncovering a £143million fraud. The signing comes hours after a Moscow court acquitted the only official charged with his death. The Russian-language hashtag 'PutinEatsKids' was trending on Twitter just minutes after Putin signed it. Unicef estimates that there are about 740,000 children not in parental custody in Russia while about 18,000 Russians are on the waiting list to adopt a child. The law also blocks dozens of Russian children now being adopted by American families from leaving the country. The US is the biggest destination for adopted Russian children - more than 60,000 of them have been taken in by Americans over the past two decades. The . U.S. State Department says it regrets the Russian Parliament's decision . to pass the bill, saying it would prevent many children from growing up . in families. Amnesty International Europe and . Central Asia director John Dalhuisen said: 'This bill is frankly a . childish response to the Magnitsky Act. 'The Duma should be focusing its efforts on how it can strengthen Russian civil society, not weaken it.' Putin said the U.S. Act had 'poisoned relations' between the two countries . Children's rights ombudsman Pavel Astakhov says that 46 children who were about to be adopted in the US would remain in Russia if the bill comes into effect. Mr Putin has said that US authorities routinely let Americans suspected of violence toward Russian adoptees go unpunished. The passage of the bill followed weeks of a hysterical media campaign on Kremlin-controlled television that lambasts American adoptive parents and adoption agencies that allegedly bribe their way into getting Russian children. A few MPs claimed that some Russian children were adopted by Americans only to be used for organ transplants and become sex toys or cannon fodder for the US Army. A spokesman with Russia's dominant Orthodox Church said that the children adopted by foreigners and raised outside the church will not 'enter God's kingdom.' Loggerheads: Putin's actions are seen as a political move against the U.S. for its recent law which allows sanctions against Russians accused of human right violations . | It is seen as a tit-for-tat response to U.S. bill that will freeze assets of Russians accused of human rights abuse .
Amnesty International criticises 'childish' response . |
258,628 | dab8da1d0c7120406ec69dbecc8df6004b764904 | Beijing (CNN) -- Furious anti-Japan protests erupted in Chinese cities Sunday after a Japanese group landed on an island that both countries say is theirs. Protesters toppled Japanese-made cars, burned Japanese flags, and shouted that the island is Chinese territory and that Japan should get out, according to the state-run China Daily newspaper. There were protests in Shenzhen, Shenyang, Hangzhou, Harbin and Qingdao, China Daily reported. In Guangzhou, demonstrators staged a loud sit-in in front of the Japanese consulate, it said. Chinese protesters carried Chinese flags and banners during a march in Hong Kong. The group of 10 Japanese landed on the island Sunday. They waved Japanese flags and draped one over a lighthouse. "As a Japanese citizen, and as a local lawmaker, I went onto the island to show clearly that this is Japan's territory," Eiji Kousaka, a parliament representative from Tokyo, told the Reuters news agency after landing on the island. TIME: Maritime disputes not just about China . He said he "had" to go to the island after a group of Chinese nationals landed there Wednesday. Japan arrested 14 of them and deported them Friday. "I can't just shut my eyes and go and just fish," Kousaka told Reuters. The island is part of an uninhabited chain in the East China Sea claimed by both countries. China calls them Diaoyu and Japan calls them Senkaku, and ownership of the islands would allow for exclusive oil, mineral, and fishing rights in surrounding waters. After Japan arrested the Chinese group Wednesday, there were anti-Japan demonstrations in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Beijing. China warned Japan not to allow Sunday's landing, urging it not to "undermine China's territorial sovereignty," according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency. The islands have been the center of dispute for decades. Japanese nationalists traveled to the islands in 1990 and 1996. In 2010, tensions rose to a boiling point when a Chinese fishing trawler rammed into a Japan Coast Guard vessel on patrol in the islands' waters. Japan detained the crew members but later released them under Chinese diplomatic and trade pressure. The dispute boils down to where lines can be drawn in the ocean for commercial use. International law allows for a nation to claim exclusive economic rights to fish, oil and mineral reserves up to 200 nautical miles from the shore. One question hanging over territorial claims is whether the disputed islands are islands at all, according to maritime law. If they're not islands, then territorial claims don't apply. Both sides say they have a history of economic use of the islands. China points to a 1893 decree by Dowager Empress Cixi, giving the island to a Chinese medicine-maker for use in cultivating herbs. Japan points to 19th-century use on the island to collect seabird feathers and guano. Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara says a Japanese family claims to own four of the five disputed islands, and that it has documents showing the islands' Japanese ownership dating to 1890. The Wednesday incident coincided with the 67th anniversary of Japan's official World War II surrender. On the same day, two Japanese Cabinet ministers visited the controversial Yasukuni shrine in Tokyo, which honors Japan's war dead as well as war criminals. China and South Korea, given their respective wartime occupation and colonization by Japan, have condemned such visits. A commentary published by the Japan Times on Friday cited diplomatic experts in Japan as saying both nations would benefit from resolving the dispute quickly, with China facing a leadership change later in the year and Japan facing separate territorial fights with Seoul and Moscow. Adding to the regional tensions before the anniversary was South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's visit Tuesday to what the country calls Dokdo, a small group of islands in the Sea of Japan that Japan claims as Takeshima. The move prompted Japan to recall its ambassador to Seoul and warn South Korea that it will take the issue to the International Court of Justice -- a proposal rejected by Seoul. Japan's finance minister has also said he will cancel a trip to South Korea because of the dispute. Japan has long claimed the islets as its territory, but Seoul said all Korean territory was returned after the country won independence from colonial rule by Japan in 1945. CNN's Elizabeth Yuan, Ben Brumfield, Kyung Lah and Kevin Voigt contributed to this report. | NEW: Protesters toppled Japanese-made cars and burned Japanese flags .
NEW: A Japanese activist who went to the islands says they belong to Japan .
Both China and Japan claim sovereignty over the uninhabited islands .
A Chinese group traveled to the islands last week and was deported . |
214,948 | a24556a74f91631398b8e4d469736ac013ababe1 | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 10:51 EST, 27 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:56 EST, 27 February 2013 . A science teacher who was fired for keeping a Bible . on his desk has is taking his battle to the Supreme Court today to prove that his dismissal is against the constitution. John Freshwater says the Mount Vernon school board in central Ohio . violated his constitutional free speech rights and did not make it clear . what was acceptable in his classroom before firing him two years ago. Investigators say he preached . Christian beliefs in class when . discussing topics such as evolution and homosexuality and kept a Bible . on his desk even after the school district told him not to. Making his case: John Freshwater addresses a crowd on Mount Vernon's public square in Mount Vernon, Ohio. The public school science teacher who kept a bible on his desk and was accused of preaching religious beliefs in class. Freshwater also was accused of using a piece of science equipment to burn students' arms with the image of a cross. Parents complained and filed lawsuits. Two lower courts previously upheld Freshwater's dismissal, but the . state Supreme Court has now agreed to hear a portion of his claims over his . firing. The hearing was to be held on Wednesday. Freshwater can argue it is unconstitutional to fire . someone without clear guidance on what teaching materials or methods are . acceptable. Freshwater also can argue it is unconstitutional to fire . someone over the mere presence of a religious text such as the Bible in a . classroom. As an eighth-grade science teacher, Freshwater tried to encourage his . students to examine facts, theories and hypotheses and then question . them and differentiate between them, his attorney said in a court . filing last year. A voluntary discussion of creationism or 'intelligent design' as part . of the mandatory discussion of evolution is unquestionably part of a . secular education program, attorney Kelly Hamilton wrote. 'Freshwater did not engage in religious proselytization - he . discussed a scientific theory that happens to be consistent with the . teachings of multiple major world religions,' Hamilton wrote. The board's actions, he concluded, were nothing less 'than the censorship of ideas'. Freshwater is getting legal backing from the Charlottesville, Virginia-based Rutherford Institute, a civil liberties group. A town divided: The main street in Mount Vernon, Ohio where science teacher John Freshwater taught pupils science before his dismissal in 2011 . Attorneys for the school board countered that Freshwater had long tried to push religion in the classroom. As far back as 1994, a middle school principal told Freshwater to . stop distributing an 'Answers in Genesis' pamphlet with information . about a creationist organization's upcoming seminar, according to a . filing by board attorneys asking the court to uphold Freshwater's . firing. Freshwater also used a handout titled 'Survival of the Fakest', to . teach his students to doubt science, the board's attorneys said. 'Whenever Freshwater was told by a superior to cease using an . inappropriate handout in class, he would simply find another one to . use,' the board's attorneys said in a filing last fall. Science education and humanist and secular groups have joined the side of the school board. The board once concluded Freshwater had used a high-frequency . generator, which other teachers have used to demonstrate electrical . current, to burn a cross onto a student's arm. The cross lasted a few . weeks. The student's family settled a federal lawsuit against the district in an effort to move on. | John Freshwater was dismissed after he discussed evolution and homosexuality in the classroom .
Teacher says actions by school are equivalent to censorship .
Freshwater also accused of burning students' arms with image of a cross . |
93,037 | 03b221904c382f0901bf0d1149e93d9fd9115063 | By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 05:26 EST, 17 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:19 EST, 31 January 2014 . With her immaculate, glossy makeup, lustrous hair and daring style choices, Nicole Schzeringer has been the sartorial star of this season's X Factor, looking 'shamazing' week after week. As well as her X Factor judging and mentoring duties, the singer has been working on a brand new campaign for Herbal Essences and we can bring you an exclusive first look, as well as a sneak peek inside her make-up bag. Rocking a 60s beehive, the singer showcases her toned body, shiny hair and flawless skin in a monochrome outfit in the retro campaign. Shamazing! Nicole Scherzinger rocks a monochrome dress and 60s beehive in her new campaign for Herbal Essences . But what's her secret to looking so good? The 35-year-old revealed her inspirations, as well as her tips and tricks when it comes to achieving that polish. 'I rocked a beehive for this shoot but I love to mix it up. When I'm doing hair, I'm always like: "I . want Brigitte Bardot or Sophia Loren hair. When I do updos I want . Vivien Leigh's hair, I am inspired by the movie star look.' Her range of hairstyles even got #ScherzingHair trending on Twitter, so what was Nicole's favourite look from the ITV series? 'Not the sha-bob,' she laughs. 'Not the forward ponytail that I tried out either! But really, I do like them all because at least I'm trying. Retro: Nicole shared her beauty secrets with FEMAIL and says she swears by coconut oil, lots of moisturiser and illuminator . Behind the scenes: At Nicole's shoot, she said that she cites old school movie stars as her hair inspirations . 'Louis was giving me hell for my hairstyles. He said "You look like Barbara Bush!" and I was like: "That's what I was going for, the first lady! 'You know what, I was born with this hair alright. I get to try new things in life. Just have fun with your hair, don't be safe. 'I love all the looks because they're daring. One week I've got Mohawks and braids and another week I have it just down. 'My favourite everyday look is the big bouncy 'lady curl' waves, as I like to call them. 'It isn't quite the beachy girl look, it is . something special. It's as if you have had heated rollers in. 'You . blow it out, and wrap a heated tong around your hair like a . ribbon. You then pop it up to set and let it drop out,' she explained. Spot the difference: Louis said that when Nicole rocked the 'sha-bob', as she calls it, she looked like former first lady Barbara Bush (R) Hawaiian-born Nicole, who was ranked VH1's Sexiest Artist of All Time this year, opened up her beauty bag - and fans will be pleased to hear that she loves a good budget buy. 'I love Dr Murad toner and I really like the Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energising Eye Masks, they're really tingly and I use them every other day. 'I love the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask too, it is yummy! 'I love my creme blushes, illuminator, and moisturiser is everything to me because it keeps your skin fresh and dewy and not too cakey.' Sharing her budget beauty tips, she said: 'My family makes it on coconut oil so I get that for free! 'It's so healthy for the skin, it's anti-bacterial, it is everything. You can use it for your hair and skin. She's got the X Factor! Nicole, pictured with fellow judge Sharon Osbourne, says she is obsessed with glitter beauty products for the festive season . 'Whatever lip gloss you have, use it on your cheeks too, I do that a lot. I also love the Boots eye make-up remover pads and No. 7 has good face wash.' Speaking about her go-to festive look for this year's Christmas parties, Nicole advises: 'If you're going to wear your hair down, tease the roots and brush through the curls to make it really soft and full of volume. 'If you're going to wear your hair up, just rock a really dope textured top knot. 'When it comes to make-up, add a little bit of shimmer to your cheeks so you're glowing like a snowflake. 'I love lip glosses with tonnes of glitter, it's the holidays so you can't go wrong with glitter, right?.' Nicole Scherzinger is the Herbal Essences Global Ambassador and the face of the relaunched Classic range of shampoo and conditioners - now back by popular demand! Ben Cooke, Herbal Essences Ambassador and Celebrity Stylist said: 'Last night, Nicole took her favourite ‘lady curl’ one step further, she roughed up the texture to give a classic Nicole look with a harder, sexier edge.' On doing her own hair, Nicole Scherzinger said: 'If you’re going to wear your hair down tease the roots and brush through the curls to make it really soft and full of volume.My favourite everyday look would be big, bouncy, lady curls, as I like to call them!'1. Wash hair with Herbal Essences Moisture Balance shampoo and conditioner2. Apply a good amount of volumising mousse, I like Sebastian Mousse Forte3. Blast hair upside down to achieve maximum volume4. Using a large barrel tong randomly tong hair away from the face, leaving a few ends out for a more undone finish5. Finally, shake it out to give that sexy undone finish . Get the look: Ben Cooke, who works with Nicole, shows you how to get the 'lady curl' | Nicole, 35, swears by coconut oil, lots of moisturiser and Bliss eye patches .
Says her hair inspirations are Sophia Loren and Brigitte Bardot . |
61,808 | af8e17f35f3274492a4da83fc1f5c99ecd5cda5e | An obese woman left devastated when doctors said she was infertile has defied the odds by losing half her body weight - and giving birth to a baby boy. Cassie Collings, 24, went to the doctors after years of trying for a baby, suspecting her 24 stone body was the reason she couldn't conceive. Despite years of dieting she was unable to shift the excess weight, and ballooned to a size 26. But tests revealed she was suffering with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which causes weight gain and fertility problems. Cassie Collings, 24, was devastated to be told she was infertile due to polycystic ovary syndrome and obesity. But after losing half her body weight she fell pregnant and gave birth to son Harvey in October 2013 . Mrs Collings had ballooned to 24 stone, making her a size 26 (left). After a gastric bypass operation in 2012 she lost 12 stone in just six months (right). Despite signing up for IVF treatment she fell pregnant naturally . After undergoing gastric bypass surgery in July 2012, Mrs Collings, who works in a bingo hall, lost an incredible 12 stone - half her body weight - in just six months. Desperate to be a mother, she signed up for IVF treatment immediately, even though doctors said it would be risky so soon after her operation. She was stuneed when she fell pregnant naturally in February 2013, and gave birth to her 'miracle' son Harvey in October. Mrs Collings, from Redcar, North Yorkshire, said: 'I went to my GP initially because I was concerned that I hadn't fallen pregnant. 'He ordered a scan and sat me down to tell me I had polycystic ovaries and was infertile. 'I was devastated. When I asked what I could do he suggested IVF, but said I wouldn't be eligible because I was so fat. 'I was a vicious circle. I couldn't lose weight because of my condition, but I couldn't have treatment because I was fat. Mrs Collings is pictured with husband Graeme, 27, before her weight loss. The pair had been trying to conceive a baby for 18 months before Mrs Collings went to the GP and was diagnosed with PCOS . Mrs Collings said before she was diagnosed she had battled with her weight for years, trying every diet under the sun. Here, she is pictured with husband Graeme before she underwent gatric bypass operation . Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition affecting millions of women in the UK. The three main features are: . Polycystic ovaries contain a large number of harmless cysts, up to 8" in size. They are under-developed sacs in which eggs develop. Often in PCOS, these sacs are unable to release an egg, meaning ovulation does not take place. It is estimated one in five women in the UK have the condition. Symptoms include: . The condition is linked with an increased risk of other problems later in life, including type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol levels. PCOS is associated with abnormal hormone levels in the body, including high levels of insulin. There is no cure, but it can be treated. Losing weight and maintaining a healthy diet can help reduce some symptoms. Medications can also help combat hair growth, irregular periods and fertility problems. Source: NHS Choices . 'I tried slimming tablets and they didn't work. 'I tried everything and finally I was recommended for surgery. 'I went to a seminar about the options and chose to book for a gastric bypass.' Mrs Collings underwent surgery in June 2012 at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough. She lost a massive two-and-a-half stone in the first month and by the beginning of 2013 she had dropped a stunning 12 stone - half her body weight. Prior to surgery doctors warned Mrs Collings that she couldn't go for IVF for two years following the operation as it would put her at high risk of miscarriage or further complications. But shockingly she fell pregnant naturally in February 2013 - just seven months after her operation. She was taken into hospital and monitored three times a week throughout her pregnancy. She said: 'When I found out I was pregnant I was so happy and excited but at the same time worried sick. 'The doctors said that of all the women who had fallen pregnant after having the surgery at the hospital, none of the babies had survived. 'I was told to expect the worst and put on consultant-led care. 'I was in hospital at least three times a week and constantly scared I would lose my baby. 'Each week I got past was a miracle.' In order to force herself to eat, she would set an alarm every hour, waking up to eat tiny portions including a handful of peanuts or a bite of toast. On October 24 2013, at 38 weeks, Mrs Collings went into labour. After six hours, son Harvey was born weighing a healthy 7lb 10oz. She said: 'Holding Harvey made everything I went through worth it. 'He was our miracle baby we never thought we would have. He beat all the odds.' Mrs Collings was advised not to go for IVF treatment for two years after her gastric bypass operation she risked miscarriage. She was stunned to fall pregnant naturally in February 2013. Here, she is pictured with her father before the weight loss . | Cassie Collings, 24, was desperate to become a mother but struggled to become pregnant after 18 months of trying with partner Graeme .
She suspected her 24-stone weight was the reason she couldn't conceive .
Diets didn't work and the bingo worker struggled to shift her excess weight .
Tests found she was suffering polycystic ovary syndrome .
It caused her to gain weight, reaching a size 26, and affected her fertility .
She had gastric bypass surgery in 2012 and shed half her body weight .
After signing up for IVF she became pregnant naturally in February 2013 .
She gave birth to her 'miracle' son Harvey in October 2013 . |
88,623 | fb88df8e0291ee69351d13815cf35d6d302fc297 | By . James Rush . PUBLISHED: . 03:13 EST, 11 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:20 EST, 11 July 2013 . A two-year-old girl has been scarred for life after she fell face-first on to a barbecue left in a park which became stuck to her skin. Luii Duncan suffered serious burns and is likely to need a skin graft following the horrific accident in Beddington Park, in Sutton, south London. The toddler was among a group of children playing near to the metal barbecue when she fell on to the red hot coals. Accident: Luii Duncan, 2, suffered serious injuries after she fell on to a barbecue which had been left in a park . Injuries: Luii received burns to her face, arms, chest and hands following the horrific accident in Beddington Park, Sutton . The child's parents and their friends managed to pull the barbecue off Luii, after it became stuck to her stomach, by dousing her with water. She received burns to her face, arms chest and hands. The barbecue had been left smouldering despite the owners reportedly being asked by friends of Luii's parents to put it out before they left. She was taken by ambulance to St Helier Hospital, Sutton, following the incident at about 5pm on Sunday, before being transferred to a specialist burns unit at Chelsea Children’s Hospital. Incident: Luii was among a group of children playing near to the metal barbecue when she fell on to the red hot coals . Scene: The incident happened after the barbecue was left in Beddington Park, Sutton, on Sunday (file picture) Her mother, Rosemary Duncan, from Morden, said she cannot get the image of the barbecue being stuck to her youngster’s stomach out of her head. She said: 'I’m trying to block it out, but I want to warn people about the dangers of leaving hot barbecues in parks. 'It’s horrifying to see a man holding up your child and seeing her with a barbecue stuck on her stomach. Everyone was throwing water on her and trying to pull it off.' Action: Luii's mother Rosemary Duncan has said more needed to be done to stop such accidents . The child remained under observation in hospital until Tuesday when she was able to return home. Mrs Duncan said: 'It’s a long journey to recovery for her, We’re just thankful she is going to be OK. 'She will have a scar for life on her stomach, and burns on her arms. She is still having trouble sleeping.' Self-employed Mrs Duncan said more needed to be done to stop such accidents. She said: 'There need to be more wardens around to enforce the rules. Next time a young child might be killed.' Luii’s father, Nathan Duncan, said: 'Our daughter has been subjected to untold agony and trauma due to negligence, inconsideration and a deep lack of care for others. 'These individuals’ enjoyment and entertainment was far more important to them than the health and safety of those around them.' Council by-laws state it is illegal to have a barbecue in Sutton’s parks, but police have said after investigating the issue there were no criminal charges to answer. But police have said they will increase patrols in parks by PCSOs while the hot weather continues. A council spokesman said: 'We are sorry this unfortunate incident occurred and we wish the little girl a speedy recovery. 'Sutton is proud of its parks and open spaces and we do all we can to make sure they are safe for residents to enjoy. 'We would like to draw attention to the park by-laws which forbid anyone from lighting a fire for a barbecue or any other reason unless it is in a designated area on one of the stands provided. 'In this incident the barbecue was not on a stand.' Request: The owners of the barbecue had reportedly been asked to put it out before leaving (file picture) | Luii Duncan suffered serious burns after falling on to barbecue left in park .
She was playing with a group of children when she fell on to the hot coals .
Barbecue owners had been asked to put it out before leaving . |
275,176 | f07921194b520180e5883e5aacadca36f8586c5e | (CNN) -- Teenage England international midfielder Jack Wilshere has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the Premier League club confirmed on Monday. The 18-year-old, who made his full international debut against Hungary in August, has been a revelation in the Gunners' midfield this season, making eight league appearances and featuring in all three of Arsenal's Champions League matches. "It's such great news that Jack has committed his long-term future to the club," manager Arsene Wenger told the London side's official website. "Jack is a fantastic footballer with a huge amount of potential, and we have all seen with his performances so far that he is a very gifted player, who could be an extremely influential player at the top level of the game. "At only 18 years of age, there is still so much more to come from him and we're all excited by the fact that Jack Wilshere will be an Arsenal player for years to come." Wilshere became the youngest-ever player to represent Arsenal in the Premier League, aged 16 years and 256 days, when he played against Blackburn in September 2008. He said the Emirates was the perfect place for him to be at this fledgling stage of his career. "I have perfect teammates, perfect fans, perfect backroom staff and most importantly, the perfect manager to help continue that," he said. "I've got a long way to go before I can become the player I dream of becoming, and I'm sure I'll keep making the odd mistake. "But it is a massive help for me having a special manager like Arsene Wenger and so many quality teammates and the unbelievable Arsenal fans around me. I believe there is a lot more to come from me." | England midfielder Jack Wilshere signs a new long-term contract with Arsenal .
The 18-year-old made his senior England debut against Hungary earlier this season .
Wilshere is the youngest player to ever feature for Arsenal's first team . |
165,557 | 6218349fd988c88bdf28422ce3d149e789c97d9f | (CNN) -- The father of a 9-year-old boy who hopped a flight from Minnesota to Las Vegas last week tearfully told reporters Wednesday that he'd previously asked for help to address the boy's behavior problems, but no one responded. "Somebody help me, please," the father, who did not reveal his name, told reporters between sobs at a news conference hosted by the MAD DADS fathers' organization in Minneapolis. The boy "wasn't listening. (He does) what he wants to do." A MAD DADS spokesman said Wednesday that Hennepin County officials are now offering to step in with services and programs. Authorities have been trying to figure out how the boy slipped past security and airline gate agents at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport last Thursday and boarded Delta Flight 1651 to Las Vegas without detection. The boy, who had left home the day before, went through security with other passengers, the Transportation Security Administration said. Patrick Hogan, a spokesman for the airport, said that surveillance video shows the boy briefly talking to a Delta gate agent before the flight. A short while later, the video shows that the agent became "distracted," and that's when the boy was able to sneak through and board the plane, he said. Hogan said the crew later "became suspicious of the child's circumstances." Crew members got in touch with authorities in Las Vegas and turned the boy over to Child Protective Services, Hogan said in a statement. Detained in Nevada, the boy will be returned to Minneapolis because that is "where issues will be addressed," a source with knowledge of the situation told CNN. It was unclear when he would return to Minnesota; the MAD DADS spokesman said he believes it could happen Friday. Drawing a sweatshirt's hood tightly to his face to obscure his identity, the father said Wednesday he tried to ask assistance from police and social service officials because of his son's previous indiscretions, including allegedly stealing a vehicle just days before the flight. He turned his back to television cameras. "I've been asking for help. No one stepped up to help," the dad said, head bowed. Social workers reportedly are no strangers to the boy. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported this week that Janine Moore, area director of the Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department, wrote in an e-mail to agency officials that child protective workers investigated the boy's family life four times. "The reports have been inconsistent and there have been no injuries to the child; however, there is a pattern of behavior," the newspaper quoted her as saying in the e-mail. The "pattern of behavior" included sneaking into an area water park and a recent arrest on suspicion of stealing a vehicle, she wrote, according to the newspaper. The agency did not immediately return a CNN telephone message seeking comment on the Star Tribune report. The newspaper reported there is an investigation into whether the boy's mother, who works at the Minneapolis airport, helped him fly to Las Vegas. The paper didn't report who was conducting that investigation. The father said Wednesday that his son left home October 2 after indicating he was going to take out the trash. From that North Minneapolis neighborhood, it appears he rode a train to the airport, said the MAD DADS spokesman, sitting next to the father during the news conference. "I'm not perfect. We assumed he was at a friend's house," the father said of that night. The boy's mother, noticing he hadn't come home, took Thursday off to call around and report him missing. Authorities told the family later that day that the boy took the flight to Nevada, the father said. Police detained the boy on October 1 on suspicion of stealing and driving a truck, the father said. He said his son didn't fully understand what he'd done. "He told the police officer he thought he was playing 'Grand Theft Auto,'" the father said. The MAD DADS spokesman added that the family does not own the video game. The truck had keys in the ignition and was stolen out of a business parking lot, according to a police report. Officers received a tip that its driver appeared to be a child. When police drove the son home after the truck incident, the dad asked whether he could discipline the boy by "whupping" him. The officer replied that if he did, the father would be put in jail, the father said. "If I whup my son, I get locked up. If I let my son keep on doing what he's doing, I get in trouble. Somebody please help me. Please," he said. The boy also was suspended from school in September because of a fight, according to the dad. The father -- who said he's tried "working side by side" with his son, including helping with homework and taking him to the father's workplace -- added that agencies told him previously there wasn't much they could do because the boy is a minor. MAD DADS -- Men Against Destruction, Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder -- said it would offer the dad support, including possibly mentoring the boy. CNN's Bill Kirkos and Paul Vercammen contributed to this report. | Boy sneaked past a "distracted" gate agent .
'Somebody help me, please," dad says, referencing son's behavior problems .
The boy hopped a flight from Minnesota to Las Vegas last week .
Dad: The boy stole a truck and was suspended from school for fighting . |
85,085 | f151251b8458a1f9f16621f1eeb43b24041cb1e5 | By . Deborah Dooley . Soap bad boy: Actor Jeff Hordley has played Cain Dingle in Emmerdale since 2000. He realised his lifestyle had to change after he was hospitalised due to Crohn's disease . When actor Jeff Hordley first developed stomach cramps and intermittent diarrhoea his GP blamed Irritable Bowel Syndrome and prescribed drugs to tackle the painful gut spasms. For five years Jeff, best known as bad boy Cain Dingle in Emmerdale, dutifully took the drugs, although they didn’t seem to have much effect. Then Jeff moved from his home in Oldham to Manchester and his symptoms worsened abruptly. He started also suffering from episodes of vomiting - within just a couple of months, he lost over three stone, plummeting to under nine stone, terribly thin for his 6ft frame. ‘I was weak and I looked terrible,’ recalls Jeff, ‘I remember looking in the mirror and thinking grimly that even if I survived, this was not a good look for someone trying to carve out an acting career.’ His new GP referred him for tests at Manchester Royal Infirmary – there a consultant broke the news that Jeff had Crohn’s disease, an auto-immune condition which causes the gastrointestinal tract to become inflamed, triggering symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhoea, vomiting, abcesses and even arthritis. It was a shocking diagnosis – not least because when he was nine, Jeff’s mother had died following a long battle with the very same disease. ‘I was absolutely terrified, ‘ admits Jeff. ‘I was very close to my mum, and her death left a big gap in my life. Now all I could think of was that I was going to die too.’ An estimated 120,000 Britons suffer from Crohn’s. It’s thought to occur when the immune system mistakes bacteria normally found in healthy intestines for invading substances. It sends white cells to attack the ‘rogue’ bacteria – these white cells also cause inflammation which damages the surrounding tissue. Although Crohn’s can involve any area of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus, it most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon. Unfortunately it’s not unusual for Crohn’s disease to go undiagnosed for some time, explains Helen Terry, director of information and support at the charity Crohn’s and Colitis UK. ‘Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis, which both come under the umbrella term of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD,) share a few characteristics with the much more common Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) such as diarrhoea,' she said. ‘However, anyone whose bowel symptoms are accompanied by unexplained weight loss, or who is experiencing rectal bleeding should be referred to a hospital for further investigation. A simple blood test can flag up indicators of Crohn’ s such as anaemia, or inflammatory markers. A family history of irritable bowel disease is also significant, as there is a known hereditary element.’ As soon as Jeff was diagnosed, his father - also called Jeff - made a point of explaining that his mother’s death was actually caused by complications following an operation for her Crohn’s rather than the disease itself. Jeff Hordley is a heated scene from Emmerdale: He goes running three times a week and eats healthily to manage his relapsing and remitting condition . Indeed Jeff’s consultant reassured him that his condition was treatable – in many cases, patients manage with steroids, which prevent the destructive inflammation. However Jeff needed surgery immediately to remove the diseased part of his bowel. The bowel is 6m long, and so can still function normally with a small section removed however Jeff was warned that depending on what surgeons found and how much of the tract was affected, he might need a colostomy bag, perhaps permanently.Jeff, then 25, was stunned. ‘Having a colostomy bag at any age is a big deal, but at that age, it’s almost impossible to contemplate,’ he says. He also felt nervous about telling his partner Zoe Henry, who also now stars in Emmerdale as Rhona Goskirk. ‘We’d met two years previously, at drama college. I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her. But naturally, I was scared that the idea of a colostomy would put her off.’ However, Zoe, who’d previously worked as a nurse, was unfazed. ‘She was brilliant,’ remembers Jeff. ‘She just hugged me and said whatever happened, we’d cope with it, together.’ After surgery lasting several hours, Jeff came round to discover that surgeons had successfully removed the scarred part of his bowel - and there was no colostomy bag. ‘I was so relieved I could have cried,’ he says. Jeff was in hospital for 12 days, and given steroids and an anti inflammatory drug. He spent the next few months regaining his strength, and for the next few years, lived a normal life, with only very mild stomach cramping and occasional brief bouts of diarrhoea - going back to the hospital for regular checkups. Jeff felt so well that he allowed himself to think that his condition had somehow disappeared. However, Crohn’s is what’s known as a ‘relapsing and remitting’ disease, meaning that symptoms can die down for long periods of time and then flare up again. And in 2002, six years after Jeff’s operation, things took a sudden and dramatic turn for the worse.‘Zoe was appearing in a play at The West Yorkshire Playhouse, and I’d taken my dad and step mum to see it. I’d been feeling off colour for a couple of days, and during the interval, as I went to get some drinks, I suddenly felt dizzy and collapsed.’ Jeff was rushed to hospital with severe haemorrhaging from his back passage. The bleeding stemmed from the original operation site in his bowel, although doctors couldn’t say why it had happened. After more treatment with steroids, he again recovered well - but Jeff describes that episode as something of an epiphany. ‘I realised that Crohn’s would always be with me. And that I owed it to myself, as well as to Zoe and everyone who loved me, to start really taking care of myself. I knew that smoking and drinking alcohol – both of which I’d been doing - are both inflammatory, and can exacerbate the symptoms of Crohns.’ Jeff with his wife, actress Zoe Henry, who he says has been a huge support . With Zoe’s support, Jeff stopped smoking, cut right down on his alcohol intake and tried to eat as healthily as possible, completely avoiding convenience and processed foods. But despite this, he was hospitalised again, a few months later, with a blocked bowel. A five day stay in hospital and some . medication sorted this out; then doctors suggested putting Jeff on a . drug called Azathioprine, which helps keep symptoms at bay by . suppressing the immune system. But he and Zoe were concerned by the . possible side effects which range from a cough and fatigue to shortness . of breath and muscle pain. They were also starting to think about having . a family, and worried that the drug might impact on Jeff’s fertility - . although there’s currently no evidence that this is the case. ‘We decided to look into other ways of managing my Crohn’s,’ says Jeff. With . the help of a nutritionist, Jeff discovered that going on a wheat, . dairy sugar and alcohol free diet for short periods at a time helps his . symptoms and energy levels - he avoids coffee and monosodium glutamate, . which he says aggravate his condition. He . is no longer on any medication but takes aloe vera juice (said to ease . digestion), pro-biotics (to restore the good bacteria in the gut) and a . herbal supplement called Simba, derived from the African potato plant . (said to support the immune system). Jeff, . who has been working on Emmerdale since 2000, doesn’t have much free . time, but makes sure he goes running three times a week. ‘It’s a great stress reliever,’ he says. ‘Which is great, because stress is known to make Crohn’s symptoms worse.’ In August 2003, Jeff and Zoe married, and are now the proud parents of Violet, five, and Stan, three. The family live in Leeds. ‘I know Crohn’s has a hereditary link, and of course I’ve thought about the possibility of my children having it’, says Jeff. ‘But I prefer not to dwell on it, and rather think positive.’ ‘It took me a while to accept that I had a lifelong condition, and the same illness my mum had,’ says Jeff. ‘But I know that Mum wouldn’t have wanted me to dwell on it, rather to be strong and get on with my life. Now I feel that I manage it well. ‘I’d say to anyone newly diagnosed with Crohn’s: educate yourself about the condition, and understand that although it’s not curable, it is treatable. And then find what works for you.’ Crohn’s and Colitis UK nacc.org.uk, telephone 0845 1303344 . For further information on Simba go to www.littleherbal-int.com . | Actor Jeff Hordley was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was just 25 .
His mother had died after a long battle with the same condition .
In 2002 he was hospitalised after haemorrhaging from his back passage .
He realised he would have to quit smoking and drinking to manage condition . |
286,190 | fed882e449cc196c793efa8b674ceae97b80f032 | Miranda Kerr ensured all eyes were on her earlier today when she turned up to the Louis Vuitton SS15 show as part of Paris Fashion Week. The model wore a simple black dress with a neckline that plunged to just above the navel for the event. This isn't the first time that Miranda, 31, has bared half her chest for a crowd of photographers though. Scroll down for video . Miranda Kerr today at the Louis Vuitton SS15 Womenswear show at Paris Fashion Week. The model has a penchant for wearing dresses that expose large parts of her chest . As a Victoria's Secret model for six years, the mother-of-one was used to flaunting her figure in just a bikini or skimpy lingerie in front of crowds of people. And she was clearly good at it - Miranda replaced supermodel Gisele Bundchen as a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2007, keeping the job until 2013. But although the Australian no longer represents the American underwear firm or models their items for the catalogue, she is still seen baring her chest on regular occasions. Femail takes a look back at some of Miranda's most eye-popping outfits: . Miranda Kerr at the Stella McCartney show, Spring Summer 2014, Paris Fashion Week in September, 2013 . iranda Kerr at Narita International airport, Japan on 18 July, 2013 . Miranda at the 85th Annual Academy Awards Oscars, Vanity Fair Party in Los Angeles on 24 February, 2013 . Miranda at the 86th Annual Academy Awards Oscars, Vanity Fair Party in Los Angeles on 02 March, 2014 . Miranda at the 2009 Espy Awards at the Nokia Theatre Live in Los Angeles on 15 July, 2009 . Miranda at 'A Bid to Save the Earth' Auction at Christie's, New York on 22 April, 2010 . Miranda out and about in New York on 12 July 2012 . Miranda launches the 'New Dream Angels Push Up Bra' at the Victoria's Secret Store in New York City on 07 April, 2009. Miranda at the G'Day USA: Australia Week Australia Day Black Tie Gala at the Waldorf Astoria, New York on 26 January, 2008 . | Miranda Kerr ensured all eyes were on her at the Louis Vuitton fashion show .
The supermodel has a history of wearing plunging dresses to big events .
Femail take a look back at her most eye-catching outfits . |
203,289 | 932a5c7bc1c5e9ab6778e50a966ebe415e6ae3e3 | By . Ryan Gorman . PUBLISHED: . 14:41 EST, 7 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 16:08 EST, 7 March 2014 . A man knocked unconscious after being randomly punched in the head early Sunday morning claims he was a victim of the knockout game. Kyle Rogers, 23, of Rockvile Centre, was punched in the back of the head while walking down the Bowery on Manhattan’s Lower East Side and surveillance video back up his claims. Footage made public by the New York Police Department shows a man walking up behind Rogers and sucker punching him while another films the attack that left him with a broken jaw. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Knocked out: Kyle Rogers was left unconscious on a Manhattan sidewalk after the early Sunday attack . ‘I had no defense at all,' Rogers told WABC through his wired-shut mouth. ‘It’s one thing if he was looking me in the face, like squaring up, but, come on, from behind? It’s like a coward move,' he additionally told WCBS. The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, authorities admit they have little leads and are asking for the public’s help. Rogers said he had just left a bar on Spring Street and was walking north on Bowery when attacked. ‘Putting on my jacket at the one bar, that’s the last thing I remember,’ Rogers told WCBS. He was in an ambulance when he woke up. He landed face first on the sidewalk, causing the broken jaw and a couple of facial lacerations. Caught on camera: Rogers' attacker can be seen rushing up behind him and punching the back of his head . Moment of impact: Rogers doesn't remember being punched, but does remember waking up in an ambulance . ‘I guess when I fell and hit the ground, I split this open, my eyebrow, and my chin from the punch,’ he told WCBS. The knockout game has become controversial after going viral last year. It involves people approaching other from behind and punching them in the head 'for fun'. No money or valuables are stolen in the attacks, people just hurt random strangers seemingly for sport. ‘I live in this neighborhood and people can be crazy, but it doesn’t make me nervous to be out and about,’ one person told WCBS. Another person chalked it up to the dangers of living in a densely populated city. Wired shut: Rogers is barely able to speak after the attack forced doctor to wire his broken jaw shut . ‘It’s the middle of the city, there are crazy people running around everywhere, and when you’re walking around late at night, you just have to keep your head on a swivel and keep an eye on your surroundings,’ said another. Similar attacks have been happening across the city in recent months, and Rogers’ father is pleading with people to bring them to an end. ‘I just want these kids to stop,’ Michael Rogers told WCBS. ‘I want them to understand that it’s not a game. That’s the whole thing. They call it a game, and it’s not a game. ‘People get hurt real bad.’ | Kyle Rogers, 23, was attacked at 2:30am Sunday after leaving a Lower East Side bar .
The last thing he remembers before waking up in an ambulance is putting on his jacket to leave .
He was left with a broken jaw, which doctors had to wire shut, and multiple facial lacerations .
Police have no suspects in the case and are asking the public for help finding the attacker . |
193,116 | 86066ffca91d036d116f16b560ffb2187bd66356 | By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 12:11 EST, 22 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:13 EST, 22 April 2013 . The state governor Luis Durnwalder said he was not aware of any laws ruling what language can be spoken on the football pitch . A footballer who was sent off for speaking German in a match in the South Tyrol region of Italy has won a discrimination case against the referee. Referee Fabio Schirru told St. Georgen-Montichiari defender Gabriel Brugger: 'If I hear you speaking German one more time you will be sent off.' The use of language is controversial in the region as it used to be part of Austria but was handed over to Italy after the war and although technically now Italian, most people in the region still speak German. The state governor Luis Durnwalder said: 'The local government is not aware of any laws ruling what language can be spoken on the football pitch. 'There are no such rules in place which govern sport.' The South Tyrol Amateur Footballers Association said that players should be allowed to use their mother tongue language amongst themselves. 'Nobody can stop them doing that,' he added. The referee association in South Tirol also backed the player and said that Italian should be the language used with the referee but the use of German is allowed on the pitch among players. An official complaint has been made against the referee. Durnwalder said: 'I have made it clear that the referee's actions were out of order.' South Tyrol is regarded as Italy's richest province and was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire but was annexed to Italy in 1919 at the end of the First World War. South Tyrol was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire but was annexed to Italy in 1919 at the end of the First World War . Many are native German speakers. In the 1920s and 1930s, fascist dictator Benito Mussolini encouraged Italians from the south to settle in the region. German was banned in schools, courts and public offices and place names were 'Italianised'. In 1939 Hitler and Mussolini agreed to give the German speakers a choice - to stay in South Tyrol and become integrated into Italian language and culture or emigrate to the German Reich. Relations between the two nations improves in the 1970s. The Schuetzen, who organise marches in Tyrolean national dress and feathered hats, have long campaigned for reunification with North Tyrol in Austria. | Referee Fabio Schirru told defender Gabriel Brugger he would be sent off if he spoke German .
South Tyrol was once part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire but was annexed to Italy in 1919 .
Although the region is technically Italian many speak German . |
231,836 | b82926f83f2aaa8630323d106089d724b8ed9cc3 | By . Mia De Graaf . Some could spend all day walking among extinct, wild and giant animals in a natural history museum. But for this man, that doesn't quite cut it. Abraham Poincheval is going to climb inside the carcass of a grizzly bear - and stay there for 13 days. Isolation: Abraham Poincheval climbed into the grizzly bear at the Hunting and Wildlife Museum in Paris today . Crammed inside a space measuring just half a square metre, he will eat, drink, sleep and relieve himself while being filmed by two cameras. The project, Dans La Peau de l'Ours (Inside the Skin of the Bear), is a visual performance designed to make visitors to the Hunting and Wildlife Museum in Paris think about 'rebirth and the rite of passage'. Inspired by carcasses he encountered in the Alps, Mr Poincheval's bear is partly reconstructed to accommodate for his needs, and then covered by the original skin and fur. Director of the museum Claude D'Anphenaise is delighted by the exhibition, which started when Mr Poincheval climbed inside at 11am this morning. Mr D'Anphenaise told Mail Online: 'It is very interesting and our visitors are very excited. He has just half a square metre of space, and will only eat food a bear would such as insects and worms . For exercise, he has two rubber exercise bands and some space near his feet where he can stretch out . 'He had to work for a long time perfecting his menu to work out what could be kept in there, and working out a way he can get some exercise. 'He has to live in total isolation and be totally self-sufficient in a space not dissimilar from what an astronaut would experience in a rocket. It will be very very difficult for him. 'We have worked with him as well to come up with books for him to read while he is in there. 'Inside he has some more light-hearted books, a bit of escapism. On a table outside, we have a set of books relating to his experience like Walden by Thoreau. The abstract artist was inspired by carcasses he saw in the Alps, and wants visitors to think about rebirth . Necessities: Two of the legs will store water to sustain him until April 13, the other two will act as his toilet . 'Visitors can hold it up to the eyes, and he can read it from inside. 'It is very exciting.' Having excavated the bear structure, Mr Poincheval has filled up two of the legs with enough water to sustain him until April 13. The other two legs will be his toilet. Alongside a kettle, he has a selection of foods that a bear would eat, including dried fruits, insects, and worms. Claude D'Anphenaise, director of the museum, described Mr Poincheval as a man 'familiar with extreme situations' Visitors will be able to sit by Mr Poincheval and hold books to the bear's eyes which he can see through . The abstract artist, who has previously lived in a hole underground for a week, will spend the entire time sat semi-upright in a chair. For movement, he has rubber exercise bands and some room by his feet to stretch. Describing Mr Poincheval as a man 'familiar with extreme situations', Mr D'Anphenaise said: 'He has already attracted a crowd of people. Everyone wants to go near a big grizzly anyway, and this is even more intriguing for them.' | Abraham Poincheval climbed into grizzly today, will stay until April 13 .
Will eat, sleep, relieve himself inside bear at Wildlife Museum in Paris .
Only has food a bear would eat including worms, insects and dried fruit .
Visitors can sit next to him and hold books to bear's eyes for him to read . |
271,375 | eb840709b8228b5c788f65b77307b27278f8e0d8 | By . Chris Pleasance . PUBLISHED: . 06:41 EST, 24 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:12 EST, 24 February 2014 . Ann Harrison was kidnapped and murdered almost 25 years ago by Michael Taylor and Roderick Nunley. Controversy around Taylor's execution on Wednesday threatens to overshadow her memory . Friends of murdered schoolgirl Ann Harrison have expressed frustration that the debate over lethal injections threatens to overshadow the 25th anniversary of her death. Ann was kidnapped while on her way to school in Kansas City in 1989, raped and then stabbed to death by Michael Taylor and Roderick Nunley, who were both sentenced to death. On Wednesday Taylor is due to be killed by lethal injection, but last-minute legal appeals over the type of drug to be used have threatened to forestall the execution. Tina Thomasee, who was in Ann's class at school, has said the focus should be on remembering the 'wonderful spirit' of Ann, not debating the fate of her killers. In an interview with the Kansas City Star, she said: 'We would rather the world focus on Ann, and who she was, instead of controversies over death penalty drugs and the death penalty itself. 'Ann deserves to be remembered for the wonderful spirit that she was, and continues to be, for her family, friends and community.' On March 22, the date of Ann's disappearance, Ms Thomasee plans to hold a ceremony to commemorate Ann's life along with other former friends and her parents. However the national debate caused by Taylor's legal appeal over the drugs to be used in his execution mean the event could be overshadowed. Due to difficulties in obtaining pentobarbital, a powerful sedative used in lethal injections, from a licenced drug supplier, Missouri officials have been forced to seek out smaller compounding pharmacies to make the drug. But the use of compounded pentobarbital is controversial as it has been linked to at least one prolonged, painful execution in the case of of Michael Lee Wilson, 38, in Oklahoma. Wilson, who was executed on January 9, said he felt his 'whole body burning' before he died after being injected with compounded pentobarbital. Taylor's lawyers argue that the use of the chemical would cause their client 'severe, unnecessary, lingering and ultimately inhumane pain', violating the constitutional guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment. Michael Taylor (left) has argued that injecting him with compounded pentobarbital would cause him 'inhuman pain and suffering'. In January Lee Wilson (right) said he felt his 'whole body burning' after being given the drug . The Apothecary Shoppe, a pharmacy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which was due to supply the lethal chemical for Taylor's execution, has now refused to do so. Missouri state officials say the execution will go ahead as planned as they have found another supplier, though they have refused to name the company for fear that bad publicity would drive them away. Both Taylor and Nunley have faced execution once before and have been granted last-minute reprieves. Taylor was just hours from death in 2006 when a judge ruled the procedure should not go ahead. But despite the controversy Ann's parents, Bob and Janel Harrison, say they are determined to see the punishment through. Speaking to the Kansas Star, Janel said: 'People talk about closure. There’s no such thing as closure. What we want is justice for Ann.' While the Harrison's have so far avoided the executions, Bob has vowed to be there on Wednesday if Taylor is put to death. He said his drive to see the case through to the end is the thought of what Ann went through during her last few minutes of life. 'That’s the part I can’t stop thinking about,' he said. 'That’s the part that makes them need to have this punishment.' Lethal injections rely on three chemicals which have been in short supply since an EU ban on exports in 2011 . Introduced in Oklahoma in 1977, the lethal injection is by far the most commonly used method in executions in the United States. Standard procedure sees IV drips inserted into both arms of the prisoner - one for the injection and another in case the main line fails. The convict is then given three chemicals in order to kill them. The first is a barbiturate, a heavy sedative which puts them to sleep and will eventually stop their breathing even if the second two drugs are not administered. The second is a paralytic, usually pancuronium bromide, which causes complete paralysis of all muscles, including the diaphragm, and would again cause death by asphyxiation if administered alone. However in order to achieve the most painless death a third drug, potassium chloride, is then administered which stops the heart and causes death by cardiac arrest. But following a ban in the EU in 2011on exporting drugs to be used in lethal injections, a shortage developed. Licensed US manufacturers have also been refusing to supply the chemicals required, due to fears over bad publicity. Now authorities have been forced to seek out small compounding pharmacies which are not licensed by the Food and Drug Administration, but can produce the drugs on a case-by-case basis. Some states have also started experimenting with different combinations of lethal drugs due to the scarcity of those commonly used. However, this has left officials open to legal challenges, the most common of which is based on the constitutional guarantee to a death free from cruel or unusual punishment. Lawyers argue that untested drug combinations, or contaminated drugs from smaller pharmacies, will lead to lengthy, painful and ultimately inhumane deaths. In January, Lee Wilson was executed using compounded pentobarbital and said he felt his 'whole body burning' before he died, which his lawyers agreed was the result of contamination. Later the same month Dennis McGuire was put to death in Ohio using an untried combination of drugs, but appeared to gasp and snort during the procedure which took an unusually-long 25 minutes. | Ann Harrison was kidnapped, raped and murdered in 1989 .
Michael Taylor admitted his part in crime and was sentenced to death .
Anniversary of Ann's death will be next month when a ceremony is planned .
However controversy over Taylor's execution threatens to overshadow it .
Taylor is due to be executed Wednesday, but has issued a legal appeal over the drug to be used, saying it will cause him 'inhuman pain and suffering'
A shortage of lethal injection drugs in the US has seen authorities use new chemicals and those made by smaller suppliers .
This has meant a spate of legal challenges due to several prolonged and apparently painful deaths during executions .
Taylor was almost executed once before but got a last-minute reprieve . |
248,761 | cde02fac16118f98e1c2b3dccfc88900f76517bd | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Britain's most extravagant house boat has gone on the market for £250,000 - the same price as the average UK home. The 85ft abode comes complete with a modern fitted kitchen, sitting room with vaulted ceilings and a Victorian-style bathroom. It has three bedrooms and a rare permanent mooring spot, with running water, central heating and electricity, making it the height of luxury compared to most other houseboats. All mod cons: The 85ft boat comes with a fitted a kitchen and will all the facilities any discerning cook would expect . Splendour: The boat has three-bedrooms and a rare permanent mooring spot, with running water, central heating and electricity, and is the height of luxury compared to most other houseboats . It even has an oil-fired central heating system and a wood burning stove. The proud owner of the historic Dutch barge has worked tirelessly to turn the boat into an upmarket and stylish home with one of the most convenient addresses in the whole in Bristol. The floating home, built in 1923, has gone on the market for £250,000 and has already attracted plenty of interest. Inconspicuous: On the outside it looks like any other houseboat but inside this vessel is luxurious - and on the market for £250,000 . Stairway to heaven: The boat is moored in Bristol and is valued at the same price as an average UK home . Stylish: The dining area of the Dutch barge is sleek and spacious is kept cosy by an ornate wood-burning stove mounted on tiles . Lap of luxury: An extensive selection of books, left, and a delightful bathroom look set to allure potential buyers . From the outside, the barge looks like any typical houseboat complete with potted plants and a deck. But the boat's secrets are exposed as soon as you walk through the front door. Inside the spacious snug, visitors are greeted with stained-glass windows which look out on to the floating harbour. Snug: One of the vessel's three bedrooms, which are all fitted with large double beds . Elegant: The family bathroom has been fitted with a claw-foot Victorian-style roll-top bath and toilet, all balanced with a heated towel rail and elegant wooden paneling . Bargain: The new owner will have to pay just a £1,800 mooring charge per year and would not have to pay council tax . The place is kept cosy by an ornate wood-burning stove mounted on tiles. The centrepiece of the barge is the grand living room which features polished wooden floorboards, skylights and exposed beams. The three bedrooms all come with double beds. Two of the bedrooms have skylights. Sought-after address: The boat overlooks Bristol's floating harbour . And the family bathroom has been fitted with a claw-foot Victorian-style roll-top bath and Victorian-style toilet, all balanced with a heated towel rail and elegant wooden panelling. The new owner would have to pay just a £1,800 mooring charge per year and would not have to pay council tax. | Historic, three-bedroom Dutch barge is moored in Bristol .
Looks like any other houseboat from the outside but inside it's luxurious . |
245,606 | c9e7770c3c5b937d5fefbbf43ec936fd78acdccf | Barcelona presidential candidate Agusti Benedito has revealed that Lionel Messi has received 'really big offers' from top European clubs and even believes the club's board have thought about selling him. Reports that Messi was unhappy and was considering leaving the Catalan giants surfaced earlier this season after the player fell out with manager Luis Enrique. The Argentina forward was even linked with Jose Mourinho's Chelsea after Messi followed the club's Instagram account. Lionel Messi has received big offers from other clubs, says Barcelona presidential candidate Agusti Benedito . Messi was linked with a move away from Barcelona earlier this season after falling out with Luis Enrique . Barcelona forward Messi steps out for training at the Etihad Stadium on Monday ahead of the Champions League last-16 clash with Manchester City on Tuesday night . Current president Josep Maria Bartomeu has always maintained that Messi wants to end his career at Barcelona and the club would not comtemplate selling their star player, but Benedito claims his comments should not necessarily be taken at face value. 'They have shown in the recent past that their public quotes don't always correspond with their ideas,' the 50-year-old told Goal.com. 'Sometimes they say things and then their actions go in the opposite direction. I hope in Messi's case that their words and their actions correspond. The Argentina international jokes with defender Gerard Pique during Monday's session . Messi tries to keep himself warm on a chilly night in Manchester as players prepare for City showdown . 'Perhaps they had other ideas, despite what they have said publicly. And it's a worrying issue because at times it has seemed like they are really not concerned with keeping Messi happy. 'Some of their decisions, their quotes and their actions make me believe they were contemplating other possibilities. 'Messi has had really big offers from teams in different countries,' Benedito added. 'But I believe he genuinely wishes to end his career at Barcelona.' | Lionel Messi has been linked with a move away from Barcelona .
Argentina international fell out with manager Luis Enrique this season .
Presidential candidate Agusti Benedito says Messi has had big offers .
Benedito believes the club have considered selling Messi . |
61,179 | adc35ea32363e7e458604e7435c53e2a12d14f45 | Jose Mourinho has said Holland international Arjen Robben ‘tries to get an advantage’ by winning free-kicks and penalties when he plays. The attacker has come under fire for the number of times he appealed for a penalty during Holland’s win over Mexico on Saturday. It was a spot-kick that won Holland the game, after the referee Pedro Proenca adjudged Rafael Marquez to have clipped Robben inside the Mexico box. Penalty: This foul from Rafael Marquez resulted in a penalty which Huntelaar scored to put Holland through . Theatrical: Arjen Robben's tendency to go down against Mexico led to their manager criticising him . ‘He was my player and I know better than many what a fantastic player he is’, said Mourinho, who coached the Dutch winger at Chelsea. ‘I also know that because of his speed and because of his creativity he is punished a lot with fouls by opponents who cannot stop him,’ the Portuguese boss told Yahoo. ‘I also know that sometimes he tries to get an advantage and he tries to get a free-kick or he tries to get a penalty. ‘I think it’s important for the players to help the referees by being honest on the pitch, to try to win the right way. ‘But the reality is that not every player behaves that way and referees have a difficult job.' Analyst: Chelsea boss Mourinho is Yahoo's Global Football Ambassador . Mourinho added that he thinks video technology is something referees would welcome in the game, to help them make correct decisions when a player might have dived. ‘If you have technology you can have a chance to have a fourth official watching on the video or screen situation. ‘So I think the referee should also be happy to have the chance in case of doubt, the chance to clear every doubt and the chance to make the right decision. VIDEO 'Honest' Arjen has clear conscience . Flying: The Dutchman throws himself into the air after a sliding challenge from Brazil's Michel Bastos . ‘When one country feels that one bad decision influences its future in the competition I think it’s hard and I think it’s important for coaches, for players and also referees. ‘I think technology is something the referees would welcome.’ Jose Mourinho is an exclusive analyst for Yahoo’s worldwide football coverage, www.yahoo.co.uk/worldcup is the only place to read all his expert opinions during the FIFA World Cup 2014. | Holland international has been criticised for his theatrical performance against Mexico .
He appealed for a number of penalties, one of which was given late on .
Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored the spot-kick to put Holland through .
Mourinho believes Robben plays matches with intention to win set pieces . |
82,923 | eb2585a219969286b96ff1d9e6449303c5234292 | (CNN) -- Who says we can't strike a balance between energy exploration and wildlife protection? For years, a false either/or argument has stalled progress in Washington on energy development. But now we have a chance to both develop and protect one of our nation's natural treasures. Lying west of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, and roughly the size of Indiana, the nearly 23 million-acre National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska supports a stunning diversity and abundance of wildlife considered globally significant by scientists. The region also contains hundreds of millions of barrels of oil. Given today's polarized politics, is it possible to protect these lands while tapping their resources? Emphatically yes. For proof, look no farther than the August 13 announcement by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar of a strategic plan that provides a responsible and equitable approach to managing the reserve. Opinion: Next global warming worry: Thawing tundra . The new guidelines would make 11.8 million acres -- roughly half the reserve -- available for oil and gas leasing, while protecting important wildlife and waterfowl habitat in the remaining half. As Salazar said, the plan "will provide a road map to help facilitate the transition from leasing and cautious exploration to production and smart development" and "builds on efforts to help companies develop the infrastructure that's needed to bring supplies online." This plan is great news for the caribou, grizzly bears, wolves and dense populations of peregrine falcons, golden eagles and other nesting raptors that live and breed on these lands. The offshore and coastal areas also provide important habitats for seals, beluga whales and polar bears. The Teshekpuk Lake area is one of the most important goose molting habitats in the circumpolar Arctic, used by tens of thousands of Pacific brant, white-fronted, snow and Canada geese. Rare yellow-billed loons, spectacled eiders and millions of other migratory birds from the Pacific, Central, Mississippi and Atlantic flyways, and from as far away as South America, journey each year to the wetlands, ponds, lakes, streams and rivers on the reserve's coastal plain. The region has also sustained Alaska Native communities for thousands of years. The reserve was originally established by President Warren G. Harding in 1923 when the U.S. Navy was converting its fleet from coal to oil, and has been managed by the Bureau of Land Management since 1976. Opinion: Why we should look to the arctic . Although this spectacular area was set aside as a "petroleum reserve," the secretary of interior was given the legal authority and responsibility to ensure the protection of the environmental, fish and wildlife, and historical or scenic values there. About 1.5 million acres is already leased for oil and gas development. Salazar has publicly committed to pursuing a policy of accelerated development by offering annual lease sales in the reserve, the next in November, while also protecting ecologically important and sensitive areas. Beyond protecting these irreplaceable lands, this plan demonstrates that energy and environmental policy need not be in conflict. We see this balanced, responsible approach unfolding around the world, from the protection of the vast Canadian Boreal forest to the creation of the Coral Sea marine reserve off the coast of Australia, both of which preserve critical but fragile resources while strengthening standards for sustainable use. But this way of thinking is not really new. It harkens back to President Theodore Roosevelt's vision for sustainable and achievable conservation to protect the environment while still enjoying the economic benefits of our natural resources. The proposed National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska plan is an important step in the right direction for all Americans, including Alaska natives, sportsmen and other conservationists who want to balance energy exploration with wildlife protection. But it's not a done deal; a final decision is expected in December. By dropping the old debate, Washington can demonstrate that a new era of compromise over conflict is possible. Instead of either/or, this is a win-win. Join us on Facebook/CNNOpinion. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writers. | Rebecca Rimel, Dale Hall: National Petroleum Reserve has abundant wildlife and oil .
New plan would open half the Alaska reserve (11.8 million acres) to oil, gas leasing .
Writers: Wildlife such as caribou, bears, eagles, whales, polar bears would be protected .
They say the plan balances energy exploration needs and conservation concerns . |
219,644 | a8543508aa3f2575019bb6713039fb3b984a9556 | By . Wills Robinson for MailOnline . Miami Dolphins' defensive end Dion Jordan has been given another suspension for breaching the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs - meaning he will miss the opening six games of the season . The 24-year-old, who was the first pick in the 2013 draft, had a previous four-game ban for violating the NFL's drug policy lifted after two matches. However, he was handed another four game ban, meaning he will miss six games in total without pay and won't be back on the active roster until October 20. Dion Jordan has breached the NFL's drug policy for the second time. He will now miss six games and will not be available for selection until October 20 . The former University of Oregon player tested positive for banned substances in July, but it is currently unknown as to what prompted the most recent violation. According to the Miami Herald, the suspension will cost him $1,653,358.50. His annual salary is $5,143,077. He has already missed games against New England and Buffalo, but will now not be able to play against Kansas City, Oakland, Green Bay and Chicago. Jordan will be eligible again when the side play the Jacksonville Jaguars in five weeks time. The player has said he is 'undergoing treatment' in an attempt to overcome his 'situation' and has hoped he can become a 'better man'. A spokesman for the NFL said: ' Per the terms of the Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances that took effect on Wednesday, the four-game suspension previously imposed on Dion Jordan of the Miami Dolphins has been lifted. The 24-year-old, who was the 13th pick of the 2013 draft, has said he is 'undergoing treatment' in a bid to combat his 'situation' 'However, Jordan now has been suspended without pay for the next four games of the 2014 NFL season for violating the NFL's Policy and Program on Substances of Abuse. 'He will be eligible to return to the Dolphins' active roster on Monday, October 20 following the team’s October 19 game against the Chicago Bears.' In a statement, Jordan said: 'I am currently undergoing treatment to address my situation. I am working hard to become a better man and to make better choices in the future. The defensive end has already missed two games against New England and Buffalo, but will not be eligible for a further four . 'I am especially looking forward to returning to the team. I also want to thank my family, Coach Philbin and the Miami Dolphins organization for their support.' Head Coach Joe Philbin added: 'We were informed that Dion’s suspension for performance enhancing drugs was lifted, however, we also learned that he has been suspended four games for violating the Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances. 'While we were disappointed to learn of this result, we support Dion for proactively taking steps to voluntarily seek treatment to better himself. We will continue to support and work with him as he takes advantage of all available resources during this time.' | The 24-year-old had a previous ban for violating drug regulations lifted .
However he was given another four-game ban for breaking the same rule .
He will now not be available on the active roster until October 20 .
Jordan said he is 'currently undergoing treatment' to address the situation . |
109,137 | 18adc687700daba92e0fa53836def232532e356d | Lewis Hamilton made British Formula One history as he won the United States Grand Prix for the second time in three years and took another significant stride towards this season's title. The gap between Hamilton and Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg is now 24 points after the 29-year-old claimed the chequered flag in front of a 100,000-strong crowd at the Circuit of the Americas. It was the 32nd victory of Hamilton's career, making him the most successful Briton in F1 in terms of race wins, edging him ahead of 1992 champion Nigel Mansell. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Lewis Hamilton vs Nico Rosberg: Head-to-head stats . Lewis Hamilton lifts the US Grand Prix trophy after his impressive win in Austin, Texas . Hamilton also becomes the first non-German to win 10 races in a season, with Sebastian Vettel and Michael Schumacher both having won 11 and 13 apiece in past years. In addition, Hamilton is now only the seventh driver in F1 to win at least five in a row, with the others being Alberto Ascari, Vettel, Schumacher, Jack Brabham, Jim Clark and Mansell. It is an historic season for Hamilton, although it will only count for anything if he goes on to add to the championship he won in 2008. Hamilton sprays champagne in celebration with Daniel Ricciardo (right) who finished in third . Over the radio, Hamilton said: 'Thank you so much for all the hard work back at the factory and here. I'm so grateful for the all the effort you have put in.' After the podium ceremony, Hamilton acknowledged his achievement, adding: 'I've been so fortunate. 'This is an incredible team, I've an incredible car ,and I'm really grateful to be up front. 'I'm also so proud to be representing my country, and to be top of the driver wins is quite special.' The moment Hamilton (right) goes on the inside of Nico Rosberg to claim first position . VIDEO Hamilton closes in on title . | Lewis Hamilton wins US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas .
Mercedes driver thanks 'incredible' team following fifth straight victory .
Team-mate Nico Rosberg finishes in second . |
214,133 | a1517f242c8219c7456052c2bd6f4297159cace1 | (CNN) -- Sherlock Holmes is back, and it's more than elementary my dear Watson. Eighty-one years after the death of his creator, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, and more than 100 years since the last original story, the world's greatest detective returns in a new novel, "The House of Silk." The novel may be the peak of what's been recent Holmes renaissance, including "Sherlock," a successful, modern adaptation for the BBC. There's also a Hollywood film starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law which re-imagines Holmes and Watson as steampunk action heroes, it was a hit with movie-goers, even spawning a sequel this holiday. Bookstore shelves are loaded with tributes, pastiches, spinoffs and repackaged versions of the "sacred 60," Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's 56 original short stories and 4 novels, but "The House of Silk" stands apart. It's the first new Holmes novel authorized and written with the endorsement of the Conan Doyle estate. Picking up the Meerschaum pipe is Anthony Horowitz, a bestselling novelist and television producer from Britain. Horowitz penned the extremely popular, Alex Rider series, about a teenage super-spy. He's also written and produced several popular television dramas, including "Foyle's War," and "Midsomer Murders" both seen on PBS. Horowitz says he didn't tinker much with Conan Doyle's creation, hoping to preserve the flavor and tone of the original stories while giving the new novel a modern sensibility and pace. "The House of Silk" is set in 1890, a London shrouded in fog and shadow, where Hansom cabs still roam the streets. Watson now lives in a retirement home, Holmes is dead a year. Watson recounts one of their earlier cases, so shocking; the pages of its telling have stayed in his solicitor's safe for 100 years. Now, the usual cast of characters is reunited; Mrs. Hudson, Inspector Lestrade, the Baker Street Irregulars, Holmes' brother Mycroft, even the evil Professor Moriarty. There's a train robbery, a prison break, a carnival freak show, a high-speed chase by horse drawn carriage and a criminal gang that leaves a strip of white silk as their calling card. Once again, the game is afoot. CNN recently spoke with Horowitz about continuing the Sherlock Holmes canon; the following is an edited transcript. CNN: How long have you been a fan of Sherlock Holmes? Do you remember reading your first Holmes story? Horowitz: I was given a complete collection of Sherlock Holmes short stories and the four novels when I was 16. I remember reading "The Sign of Four" first and loving it. The book has a wonderful story with the tentacles of imperial India spreading all the way to suburban London. It has great characters, a macabre murder and a terrific chase down the River Thames. From that moment, I was hooked. CNN: This is the first time the Conan Doyle estate has authorized a new Holmes novel, how did you get involved? Horowitz: An agent approached me, but in the end I had very little to do with the estate. It was important to me that I should be allowed to work on my own so nobody gave me notes, I didn't have to show my manuscript to the estate, I wasn't told what I could or couldn't do. To be fair to the estate, they put their complete trust in me and I hope I've repaid it. CNN: With so many fans worldwide, how daunting a challenge was this? Horowitz: To be honest, I wouldn't have accepted the assignment if I didn't think I could do it and in the end I found the process, if not exactly easy, then remarkably stress-free. In fact, I loved every minute of the writing. It was a huge privilege to inhabit 221b Baker Street for four months in the company of two great literary figures. CNN: Much about "The House of Silk" has been kept top secret until now. What can you tell us about the book? Horowitz: It's set in the winter of 1890, in London and begins with an art dealer who believes he is being followed. He has come into contact with a vicious American gang and it seems that one of their number is out for revenge. But very soon the story spirals out of control and Holmes finds himself drawn into a much wider and deadlier conspiracy that could destroy the entire fabric of British society. CNN: Do you have a favorite Holmes story? Horowitz: "The Dying Detective" is my favorite story. It has no murder and very few characters but it's wonderfully ingenious and shows Holmes at his best. "The House of Silk" starts three days after "The Dying Detective" ends. CNN: Why do you think Holmes has remained arguably the world's most popular detective for more than 100 years? Horowitz: Well, he was the first, the father of all modern detectives. But I think what makes him so unforgettable is his relationship with Watson. He is austere, irritating, aloof. Watson is warm, loyal, affable. Together, they have the greatest friendship in literature. CNN: You have a hugely successful career in books, film & TV, how big an impact did the Holmes stories have on you as a writer? Horowitz: It's probably true to say that they helped to steer me towards murder mystery. I always had a love of puzzles, illusions, magic. Holmes pressed all the right buttons. Author, Anthony Horowitz reads an excerpt from his Sherlock Holmes novel, "The House of Silk." | The world's greatest detective returns in Anthony Horowtiz's new novel, "The House of Silk"
New Holmes novel authorized and written with endorsement of Conan Doyle estate .
In the story, Watson now lives in a retirement home and Holmes is dead a year . |
274,464 | ef84183cdf4357e53cf238ad8110ec55a177cbf1 | By . Ray Massey . PUBLISHED: . 19:06 EST, 5 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 19:06 EST, 5 February 2014 . Motorists could pay almost £200 a year more for petrol when a new green fuel is introduced in line with EU rules, experts have warned. Their tests show the new blend of unleaded petrol can make cars up to 11.3 per cent less efficient, increase CO2 exhaust emissions and even ruin the engines of some older vehicles. It is set to be introduced because of an EU directive saying that major suppliers must add environmentally friendly alternatives to petrol. New green fuel: Tests show the new blend of unleaded petrol can make cars up to 11.3 per cent less efficient, increase CO2 exhaust emissions and even ruin the engines of some older vehicles (file picture) Many oil companies have decided to use bio-ethanol, made from corn, sugar cane and rapeseed. The new eco-fuel, E10, contains 10 per cent bio-ethanol, compared with up to 5 per cent in the E5 unleaded blend currently on sale. The Renewable Energy Directive requires 5 per cent of road transport energy to be from renewable sources this year, and 10 per cent by 2020, in an attempt to cut greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming. But while ethanol burns more cleanly than petrol, it supplies around 30 per cent less energy. This means cars will use more of the new fuel, costing drivers more. Tests by motoring magazine What Car? found that big, powerful cars coped better, while the small-engined models often bought by families on a budget were the worst affected. Its tests showed cars’ fuel economy fell by as much as 11.3 per cent, and by 8.4 per cent on average, with E10 compared to pure unleaded petrol. View: Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said it was up to fuel sellers to decide how to meet EU targets . That is the equivalent of two extra full tanks a year, or £170 assuming both fuels cost the same, it said. The report added: ‘Apply this to all compatible cars and you’re looking at a national annual fuel bill hike of £3.4billion.’ When the new fuel was compared with E5, it said, ‘the effect would be smaller but still significant’. Tests in the US – where car engines tend to be far bigger – showed falls in fuel economy of only 3 to 4 per cent. Not every car can use E10, which can melt, corrode and wreck some components in older engines. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and . Traders said 92 per cent of UK cars are compatible with E10, but that . leaves around 1.5million vehicles, mostly those built before 2002, . potentially at risk. What Car? said ethanol acts as a solvent and can cause fuel pump, hose filter and injector blockages. It is also corrosive to some seals, plastics and metals ‘and can lead to fuel leaks and even engine failure’. The fuel leads to increased CO2 emissions from car exhaust pipes. However, green groups such as the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership say this would be offset since crops used to make it absorb CO2 as they grow. What Car? editor Chas Hallett called on the Government to carry out its own tests. He said: ‘To lead consumers into E10 without fully communicating the significant impact on fuel economy, particularly for drivers least able to absorb extra costs, is irresponsible.’ 'To lead consumers into E10 without fully communicating the significant impact on fuel economy, particularly for drivers least able to absorb extra costs, is irresponsible' Chas Hallett, What Car? editor . Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said it was up to fuel sellers to decide how to meet EU targets. She said: ‘Any decision to supply E10 is very much a commercial decision for fuel suppliers and current regulations certainly do not require them to do this.’ Petrol Retailers’ Association spokesman Philip Monger said: ‘I’d prefer to see it delayed.’ Forecourts selling three million litres of fuel or more a year will have to offer both E5 and E10 until 2017, though many smaller sites will have to choose which to provide. Pumps dispensing fuel with more than 5 per cent ethanol, such as E10, must be clearly labelled that it is not suitable for all vehicles. | Major suppliers 'must add environmentally friendly alternatives to petrol'
Many firms using bio-ethanol - made from corn, sugar cane and rapeseed .
E10 contains 10% bio-ethanol, compared with 5% in E5 unleaded blend .
Ethanol burns more cleanly than petrol but supplies 30% less energy .
This means cars will use more of the new fuel, costing drivers more . |
214,146 | a153cc53e36460b59b25c47de635b8dd76764753 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . and Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:43 EST, 2 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 19:55 EST, 2 January 2014 . Police caught a presumed dead Georgia banker this week in a routine traffic stop, after he went off the grid almost two years ago following a $20million fraud scheme. Aubrey Lee Price, 47, made his first appearance in court today in Brunswick, Georgia after his arrest on Tuesday. He is being tried for one count of bank fraud and if found guilty could spend 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine. The FBI had been searching for Prince ever since June 2012 when he sent a suicide letter to his family, saying he planned to take a ferry to Key West and jump into the ocean to end his life. Scroll down for video . In court: Aubrey Lee Price, who was caught on Tuesday after 18 months on the run, appeared in court today . Caught: Price, who will return to court for a bail hearing on Monday, allegedly faked his suicide to avoid charges . Price disappeared on June 16, 2012 after telling his family he was going to Guatemala on a business trip, authorities said. Two days later, his family and acquaintances received letters from him detailing his plot to jump off the ferry. 'My depression and discouragement have driven me to deep anxiety, fear and shame. I am emotionally overwhelmed and incapable of continuing in this life,' said a rambling confession letter investigators believe was written by Price. 'I created false statements, covered up my losses and deceived and hurt the very people I was trying to help,' the letter said. It seemed that Price had following out the plan when credit card records showed he bought dive weights and a ferry ticket. Price was captured on surveillance footage at the Key West airport and ferry terminal the day he disappeared, and the ferry ticket was scanned at the boarding point. Those letters prompted a U.S. Coast Guard search for Price, which caused $173,000. Back from the dead: Former bank director Aubrey Lee Price was caught by police, right, after he had been missing since June 2012, . when he had told family members he was going to commit suicide . More than a year ago, a Florida judge declared Price to be legally dead, but the FBI continued to search for him offering a reward of up to $20,000 for his capture. Price disappeared in June 2012 after sending a rambling letter to his family and acquaintances that investigators described as a confession . The FBI turned out to be right when police in Glynn County, Georgia stopped him for a tinted window violation on Interstate 95. Officers said that it was clear Price was giving them false information during the stop and they were soon able to determine that he was wanted by the FBI. After his capture, Price told authorities that since disappearing he had been working as a migrant worker, accepting cash for odd jobs. At his appearance in court today, Price sported long, unkempt hair and a straggly beard, a far cry from his neat, suited appearance two years ago. Back then, Price was the director of Montgomery Bank & Trust in Ailey, Georgia. In December 2010, when a company he controlled bought a controlling portion of the bank's stock, according to a complaint filed in June 2012 in federal court in New York. Price then opened brokerage accounts through a securities clearing and custodial firm in New York and told bank managers he would invest in U.S. Treasury securities. Instead of investing the bank's money, authorities say Price wired the funds into accounts he controlled at other financial institutions and provided bank managers with fraudulent documents. Raid: Officials believe that Price raised $40million from more than 100 investors in Georgia and Florida through an unregistered investment . fund that he managed . Web: Price allegedly forged bank documents to hide the millions of loses his investors suffered, so that they would continue giving him money . Price lived with his wife and . children in Bradenton, Florida, but bought a home in Valdosta in the . months before his disappearance, according to authorities. Price had . moved his family to the south Georgia city, where his wife's parents . lived, just a few weeks before he disappeared. FBI Special Agent Stephen Emmett said that he didn't know whether Price's wife and children had known that he was still alive. His family had previously told investigators they believed Price was dead. At the court hearing today, prosecutors called Price 'a flight risk' and recommended no bail be set. A bond hearing was set for Monday in Savannah. Search: The FBI continued to believe that Price was alive and had offered $20,000 for information that could lead to his capture . | Aubrey Lee Price, 47, was arrested on Tuesday after he was pulled over on a minor traffic violation in Georgia .
He had been missing since June 2012 when he had told family that he was going to jump off ferry in Key West, Florida .
Wrote 'suicide' note admitting he had forged documents to hide losses .
A Florida judge declared Price legally dead a year ago, but the FBI had continued to search for him . |
156,477 | 564aef5752eb92c18ef97c713ec876c7bdd74e74 | By . Victoria Woollaston . PUBLISHED: . 07:39 EST, 20 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:40 EST, 20 November 2013 . Archaeologists trying to uncover the mystery of Stonehenge have been digging around the wrong hill for almost a century. Teams of archaeologists have spent the past 90 years scouring the Preseli Hills in Pembrokeshire to find the source of the prehistoric monument's iconic 'blue stones'. Scientists believed the 11 stones used to construct the ancient site came from a hill called Carn Menyn, but geologists have since discovered they actually came from another hill - just over a mile away - called Carn Goedog. Scientists believed the 11 'bluestones' used to build the outer ring of Stonehenge, pictured, came from Carn Menyn in the Presili Hills of Pembrokeshire, South Wales. However, new X-rays confirm they actually came from Carn Goedog, a hill situated just a mile away . A paper published by academic H.H Thomas in 1923 was the first to suggest the stones came from Pembrokeshire. The region of the Preseli Hills in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is renowned for blue stones that resemble those used to build Stonehenge. Thomas claimed the particular dolerites that make up the ancient site came from a hill called Carn Menyn, and archaeologists have been digging on this location for the past 90 years in search of human activity. However, researchers from the National Museum of Wales, University College London and Aberyswyth University recently wanted to pinpoint the exact location. They X-rayed the 11 bluestones in Amesbury and discovered they more equally matched stones found on a hill called Carn Goedog - just a mile away from Carn Menyn. Now archaeologists plan to move to the new site. Now archaeologists . are planning to move to the new site. They . can then start trying to discover if prehistoric man cut the 11 stone monoliths . from the hill and transported them to the prehistoric site, or if they . were carried there by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Dr Richard Bevins from the National Museum of Wales is a leading . authority on volcanic rocks and has been studying the Preseli Hills since . he was a PhD student in the late 1970s. Working with Dr Rob Ixer of University . College London and Professor Nick Pearce of Aberystwyth University, Dr . Bevins used a paper published by academic H.H Thomas in 1923 as their . starting point. Thomas's paper was the first to put forward the theory that the blue stones of Stonehenge came from Pembrokeshire. In particular, it said they came from a Preseli Hill called Carn Menyn and ever since then archaeologists have assumed that to be the case. But Dr Bevins said: 'When Thomas was doing his research, it wasn't possible for him to be as precise as we can now. Dolerites found on the hill of Carn Goedog, pictured, match those used to build the ancient monument. However, it is still not known how the large stones travelled the 160 miles from South Wales to Amesbury, where Stonehenge was built . A paper published in 1923 was the first to suggest the stones came from Pembrokeshire. It claimed the particular dolerites that make up the ancient site came from a hill called Carn Menyn, pictured, and archaeologists have been digging on this incorrect location for the past 90 years in search of human activity . 'By . X-raying dolerites from Stonehenge and comparing them with dolerites . from Carn Goedog, we know with some degree of certainty that is where . the blue stones originated. 'This is an incredibly exciting project and we got confirmation last week that our findings have been verified,' continued Dr Bevins. 'Getting such positive feedback was a great relief. 'After this, I don't expect to be . getting Christmas cards from the archaeologists who have been excavating . at the wrong place over all these years!' Stonehenge was built and altered over a period of about 1,000 years, starting around 2,600 BC.There are two types of stones at Stonehenge - the larger sarsens and the smaller outer rings of blue stones. Scientists initially thought the blue stones came from Carn Menyn in Pembrokeshire yet X-rays have revealed they came from Carn Goedog just a mile away. It is unclear how they travelled the 160 miles from South Wales to Stonehenge in Amesbury . Stonehenge was built and altered over a period of about 1,000 years, starting around 2,600 BC. There are two types of stones at Stonehenge - the larger sarsens and the smaller outer rings of bluestones, which are now known to have come from Carn Goedog, pictured . The bluestones come from the Preseli Hills of Pembrokeshire but how the stones were transported over 160 miles to Stonehenge remains a mystery. Dr Bevins said there were competing theories but now archaeologists could finally solve the mystery now they've uncovered the stones' precise source. He said: 'Some have suggested they were transported by humans south to Milford Haven, put on boats and taken by sea to a point from which they were carried to Salisbury Plain. Archaeologists are now planning to move from Carn Menyn to Carn Goedog, pictured, to study the area. Dr Richard Bevins from the National Museum of Wales is a leading authority on volcanic rocks and has been studying the Preseli Hills since he was a PhD student in the late 1970s . 'Others have suggested they may have been transported naturally by rock movements during the last Ice Age. It's not for me to say which of the theories is correct. 'If humans were involved in taking the stones, there should be some evidence of human activity at the site. But if they were transported during the last Ice Age, physical evidence should be present. 'We are publishing our findings and it will be for specialist archaeologists to use their expertise to excavate the site and see what physical evidence they can find.' Dr Bevins and the team of geologists will have their peer-reviewed paper published by the Journal of Archaological Science next year. | Stonehenge's outer ring is made up of 11 large dolerites called blue stones .
A 1923 paper claimed the stones were from Carn Menyn in Pembrokeshire .
For 90 years archaeologists have searched this location for human activity .
Yet X-rays confirm the stones came from Carn Goedog - just a mile away .
It's still not known how the stones travelled the 160 miles to Amesbury . |
184,849 | 7b6ec4b8f7f8f253216f2fc0145a7c76224e2975 | By . Annabel Fenwick Elliott . Sports Illustrated starlet Gigi Hadid has opened up about her on-again-off-again beau, Australian singer Cody Simpson, in a bid to set the record straight following months of speculation over their split. 'I love Cody to death and he loves me,' the blonde model told WWD. 'He needed his time to focus on his music and he’s the one who broke up with me. We’re still best friends and I’ll always respect him and support his career.' Since that interview, the couple briefly reignited their romance when Gigi, 19, joined Cody, 17, on his European tour this month. Only today, however, Cody told Australia's The Morning Show: 'It's complicated. I guess I'm on the market again.' Scroll down for video . On-off: Model Gigi Hadid, 19, said of her ex-boyfriend, singer Cody Simpson, 17, (pictured together in March), 'He needed his time to focus on his music and he's the one who broke up with me' Single girl: Despite a brief romantic reunion since that interview, Cody re-confirmed the split today, claiming 'I guess I'm on the market again,' which leaves Gigi (pictured on a shoot today) officially a free agent again . In the candid interview, the buxom model - whose mother is Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Foster - also dropped mentions of a few of her other A-list buddies. Gigi refers to bisexual model Ireland Baldwin as 'genuinely one of my best friends,' chiefly because Ireland understands both Gigi's Los Angeles and New York 'sides.' Kendall and Kylie Jenner are other close - albeit newer- friends, having met them the week before the May 5 Met Gala in New York, where she says they partied the night away at Rihanna's post-bash. And there are evidently no hard feelings between Gigi and new pal Kylie, despite the fact that Kylie has also previously dated Cody. 'It's funny,' she says of the cross-over. Small world: Gigi and Cody (pictured on tour two weeks ago during their latest liaison) have been in the throes of passion for a year, and Gigi happens to have found a new friend in Kylie Kardashian, a former ex of Cody's . Buddies: Gigi (second from right) is also close with her ex-boyfriend's singer pal Justin Bieber (center) and recently joined him on tour as one of the only girls on the tour bus, which she describes as 'gross' Then there is pop sensation Justin Bieber, 20; a close friend and tour-buddy of Cody's, who Gigi describes as 'a good friend.' 'I was on . the Bieber tour for two weeks. It’s gross. You have to get used to not showering' 'I was on the Bieber tour for two weeks,' she reveals. 'It was crazy but so fun. I’m like one of the guys on tour, on a bus with ten dudes. 'It’s gross. You have to get used to not showering. They’re like, “How do you look so glam?” I’m like, “Dry shampoo.”' Gigi strenuously denies recent rumors that she and Justin 'flirted' on his boat in Cannes, France, earlier this year but added: 'I think you have to pick your battles.' Families ties: Gigi is the daughter of former model and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Yolanda Foster (left) who she clearly inherited her svelte figure from, pictured (right) with her sister Bella . Going places: The rising star (left) featured in the pages of this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition, pictured at the launch . As for her blossoming modeling career, Gigi is clearly at the top of her game; and she's been honing her skills for quite some time. The well-connected teen scored campaigns with Guess when she was a baby and then again as a child; claiming that the label's co-founder Paul Marciano decided she was going to be his 'next whatever' before she was even out of diapers. Her mother Yolanda yanked her out of the spotlight for the rest of her childhood and well into her teens, banning her from signing with her agency IMG until she was 17. 'She knew the industry was going to judge me,' Gigi says. BFF's: Gigi (left) describes fellow model Ireland Baldwin (right) as her 'best friend,' claiming she understands both Gigi's New York and Los Angeles 'sides' Friends in high places: Gigi is a firm favorite of industry heavyweight Carine Roitfeld (center right), who cast her on the cover of her magazine CR Fashion Book (left) In two short years, she has become a favorite face of former French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, who now heads up CR Fashion Book. 'I feel like I meet with Carine every week' 'I feel like I meet with Carine every week because I feel like I have a shoot with her all the time,' Gigi reveals. 'She really pushes me, she believes in me and we connect really well. 'Hopefully, my work ethic and stuff keeps me around her. I’m so grateful to have her.' She has many fans and many faces, but who is the real Gigi Hadid? 'I’m so goofy and super weird,' she says. | Until now, the couple's split was said to have been mutual .
Gigi, 19, counts Justin Bieber, Ireland Baldwin and the Kardashians as close friends .
The Los Angeles-raised blonde is the current favorite face of former Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld . |
126,157 | 2f11fa4e0be6dbae5b70ab341a6e9e156623c6ec | New York (CNN) -- New York mayoral candidate Bill de Blasio, who began his campaign as a long-shot but surfed a late wave of momentum by tapping into liberal anxiety over the three-term administration of Mayor Michael Bloomberg, overwhelmed his opponents on Tuesday to finish first in the city's Democratic mayoral primary. With results still being counted late Tuesday evening, de Blasio, the city's public advocate, was bobbing around the 40% mark needed to avoid a three-week runoff race for the Democratic nomination. Early Wednesday the New York City board of elections confirmed that there were still over 19,000 absentee ballots, special ballots, affidavits, and military ballots that needed to be counted, and that the number of uncounted votes could increase. "We don't declare a winner until every vote is counted," said Valerie Vazquez, NYC Board of Elections director of communications, said in a statement. Exit poll results . If De Blasio is forced into a runoff, he would face the second place finisher, former city comptroller Bill Thompson, the race's lone African-American candidate. City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, a lesbian who would have been the city's first female mayor, finished in a disappointing third place, her once-invincible campaign collapsing under the weight of her ties to Bloomberg. City comptroller John Liu finished fourth, followed in a distant fifth by former Rep. Anthony Weiner, whose candidacy imploded earlier this summer after he admitted to having more lewd conversations with women he met on the Internet. Republican Joe Lhota, the former top deputy to Rudy Giuliani, won his party's nomination, defeating John Catsimatidis, the colorful grocery store maven who pumped millions from his personal fortune into the race. 5 Things . If de Blasio wins the nomination, he would enter the general election as the clear favorite against Lhota. Down the ballot, former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer's bid for political redemption was thwarted in the Democratic race for city comptroller by Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who reversed Spitzer's early lead in the race by reminding voters of the prostitution scandal that derailed his political career in 2008. De Blasio, the city's public advocate, frequently hammered a "tale of two cities" theme on the campaign trail, painting Bloomberg's New York as an increasingly unaffordable metropolis that rewarded wealthy Manhattanites at the expense of the outer borough middle class. A Brooklyn resident who showcased his interracial family in television ads, de Blasio ran up sweeping margins in nearly every borough and demographic category, besting his opponents among voters of all ages, races and income levels. According to exit polling published by the New York Times, de Blasio, who is white, even outperformed Thompson among black voters. Campaign's final days . Though Democrats were split on their opinion of Bloomberg's job performance -- 49% approved, according to the Times exit poll data, while 48% disapproved -- almost three quarters said they wanted the city to move in a new direction. De Blasio performed best among voters who were sour on the mayor. By a wide margin, Democratic voters said they disapproved of the New York Police Department's aggressive "stop-and-frisk" policy, a Bloomberg-backed tactic that grants police the power to search random citizens they deem suspicious. The policy is deeply unpopular among African-Americans who consider it racial profiling, and de Blasio won a majority of Democrats who described the tactic as "excessive." | Anthony Weiner's rollercoaster campaign comes to quiet end in primary loss .
Bill de Blasio seeks to avoid runoff for Democratic nomination .
Disgraced former Gov. Eliot Spitzer also loses bid for New York City comptroller . |
149,147 | 4cda52186ce947a51ec647e0ab9bda7b558801f5 | By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 08:51 EST, 13 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:17 EST, 13 March 2013 . A suspected Sudanese war criminal who claimed to have slaughtered so many people that he 'lost count' is living off British benefits. Unemployed Mohamed Salim boasts that he is unsupervised by the authorities and never visits police. The alleged killer now lives in a leafy street in Birmingham, a far cry from his former life in Sudan, where he claimed that he had been a member of the violent Janjaweed militia. The genocide has spread throughout Darfur, with innocent civilians being attacked as Janjaweeds destroy whole communities . Refugees from Darfur are persecuted by the Janjaweed, which Salim once claimed to be a part of . Salim, 27, arrived in the UK in 2006, and claimed in an anonymous interview with BBC's Newsnight programme that he, along with the brutal gang, were paid by the Sudanese government to pillage and kill innocent people. The Janjaweed militia ransacked entire villages during the genocide in Darfur, which began in 2003. In the interview, where he shielded most of his face, the asylum seeker claimed he was paid £50 a day to wipe out resistance - often slaying women, children and innocent people. It was this candid interview, where he said: 'Sometimes they said "wipe out an entire village". And we shoot to kill,' that he was brought to the attention to the UK Border Agency's war crime unit, the Daily Mirror reported. But he does not have to leave the country - as an immigration court in Birmingham has ruled that his life could be at risk if he returned to Sudan, and this would be a breach of his human rights. Women and children were among those killed, injured and raped by the brutal Janjaweed gang, which Salim claimed he had been a part of . The asylum seeker says that he much prefers life in England than Sudan, and likes to watch football in Birmingham bars . Now he lives in Birmingham, where he is an avid West Bromwich Albion supporter and goes to college to learn English for free, he told the newspaper. He likes to go to bars in Birmingham to watch football matches and says there are more opportunities in the UK. He said: 'My life here is normal. I much prefer it in England than in Sudan. 'I came here because I listened to friends who said it was good to live here and claim asylum here. I don’t pay to live in this house.' He then denied what he had said in the interview. He told the Daily Mirror that he did not participate in the horrific ethnic cleansing, claiming he wanted to escape Janjaweed and had never killed anybody. The UKBA maintains that he does report to them and is strictly monitored, contrary to his boasts. A UKBA spokesman said he has been reporting to them since he arrived and said: 'We cannot comment on the individual case as there is ongoing litigation.' In 2003, two Darfuri rebel movements- the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM)- declared war against the Sudanese government, complaining about the marginalization of the area and the failure to protect sedentary people from attacks by nomads. The government of Sudan have been accused of retaliating by unleashing Arab militias known as Janjaweed, or 'devils on horseback' who attacked hundreds of villages. Over 400 villages were completely destroyed and millions of civilians were forced to flee their homes. In the ongoing genocide, African farmers and others are being systematically displaced and murdered by the Janjaweed. The genocide in Darfur has claimed 400,000 lives and displaced over 2,500,000 people. The United Human Rights Council estimates that more than 100 people continue to die each day; 5,000 die every month. The Sudanese government disputes these figures and deny any connection with the Janjaweed. Source: The United Human Rights Council . | Alleged killer who claimed to have belonged to brutal militia .
Now lives in Birmingham and supports West Bromwich Albion .
Cannot be deported as it would breach his human rights . |
62,898 | b2b5cd1af2195c3f30ef5d4c33e8841dbb6eade7 | By . Robert Verkaik . PUBLISHED: . 16:00 EST, 11 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:45 EST, 11 May 2013 . Controversial support: Metropolitan Police Commissioner Bernard Hogan-Howe agrees that all arrests should be carried out secretly . Britain's most senior police chief is backing controversial rules to ensure that all arrests, including those involving high-profile figures, are carried out in secret. Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, Metropolitan Police Commissioner, has insisted that new guidelines being drawn up by the Association of Chief Police Officers are as draconian as possible. It follows Lord Justice Leveson’s call in his report on the media for a blanket ban on naming suspects. Under the new rules, police will be banned from confirming suspects’ names, even when journalists know their identity. Without confirmation, the legal risks of incorrect identification will prevent the media publishing suspects’ names. A senior source who is close to the proposed rules and has met Andy Trotter, the ACPO officer in charge of the guidance, said Sir Bernard was driving through the changes. The source said part of the reason for his determination to enforce the blanket restriction was growing concern that Scotland Yard was committing disproportionate resources to high-profile arrests. He said: ‘It was put to me that ‘‘we arrest so many people that it would be ridiculous to name everybody’’.’ The claim emerged at the same time as the former Director of Public Prosecutions condemned the police plans. Lord Macdonald QC, said: ‘There should be a presumption police will reveal names of arrested people... It’s important the public are told who police are locking up.’ Sir Bernard, who is in charge of more than 30,000 police officers, is also said to be concerned about the harm caused by publicity surrounding an arrest when the individual may later be released without charge. Support: Home Secretary Theresa May also backed plans for anonymity . The police plan for ‘secret arrests’ is opposed by the Law Commission, the Government’s own adviser on legal reform, which believes it is in the interests of justice that police release the names of everyone who is arrested, apart from exceptional cases. Lord Macdonald said: ‘My experience as DPP showed it is common that an arrest triggers other victims to come forward.’ Yesterday it emerged that Home Secretary Theresa May had intervened in the debate by writing to all chief constables, saying she also backed plans for anonymity in arrests. ‘I believe that there should be a right to anonymity at arrest, but I know there will be circumstances in which the public interest means that an arrested suspect should be named,’ she said. | Under new rules police will be banned from confirming suspects .
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe agrees rules should be strict as possible .
Lord Justice Leveson also called for a blanket ban on naming suspects . |
172,064 | 6ab5bc03178bed6a895adba2667a760a7eabb7c4 | Sochi, Russia (CNN) -- Why does Sochi 2014 matter? It's a question worth asking given we're thick into the action of the 22nd Winter Games. Maybe you're debating whether to engage, considering the need to consume, or assessing why you should pay attention to the festival of winter sports taking place in Russia? If so, maybe these 10 reasons will warm you to the event that just loves to be in the cold: . 1. Volunteers' view: . Sarana, Ksenya and David - Sochi 2014 unpaid workers: "Russia could really use a reputation boost, its doors are open. This has been such a great opportunity for us, I'm from Holland (David) and I'm from the far east of Russia (Sarana), so it's been great to come together and to meet so many new people, to meet new friends." 2. Athlete's view: . Dow Travers, skier Cayman Islands: "I think it matters because of the camaraderie of the nations who come together and compete in events where human effort prevails, it's all about human spirit. It's a great honor to represent my country and there's a great sense of pride when everyone back home sees the Cayman Island flag. It proves that things can be accomplished even if you're from a small Caribbean island." 3. Organizer's view: . Anthony Edgar, head of Media Operations, International Olympic Committee (IOC): "If we went back to the bid and look at what Sochi presented, with the breakup of the Soviet Union we had a country which had won more Olympic medals than any other nation that all of a sudden had nowhere to train. They had to hold their own national championships in other countries! "The Russians said they planned to bring world-class facilities back to Russia, to build a university in Sochi, so athletes could train in the best way and help them become the premier nation in winter sports once again, and they would do this regardless of whether they won or not. You look at the Park now and the university that's been built and they've come through on every one. That's why I think it's important." 4. Athlete's view: . Susanna Tapani, women's ice hockey player, Finland: "It's my first Olympic Games so I'm very excited to be competing on the biggest stage there is for sport! In Finland everyone watches the coverage but women's ice hockey is not that popular at the moment, so this will really help to inspire people to get interested in the sport and to take more notice." 5. Press view: . Helene St. James, sports journalist, Detroit Free Post: "I think it's great, just like it was with Beijing, when a fairly opaque country gets cast into greater transparency. I think there's been a lot more attention on human and gay rights in Russia. They haven't been able to hide because of all the attention the Games brings from all of the world's media. "It matters because Russia will feel it helps the way they'll be perceived but there are also other governments and human rights organizations that will be hoping the attention will help change internal issues for the better." 6. Athlete's view: . Ekaterina Lobysheva, speedskater, Russia: "I'm just so happy that we have an Olympic Games in my country. The last time we hosted was in Moscow in 1980 but that was the summer version. "Sochi is the first time we've hosted the winter version and I think this will be vital to help popularize the kind of sport I participate in across my country. We used to be very good in these disciplines but did not always have the places to train or to compete in, but now we do!" 7. Spectator's view: . Daniel Pressberger, school teacher, Los Angeles U.S.: "It's about peace and getting together with a bunch of people, being out and about, being alive, getting up off the couch and doing something. I've only been to 14 Olympics and so far I think Sochi is great, the people are very nice, things are either finished or nearly finished. I have no hotel issues because I'm staying with a family here. "It matters because ... if you can get away from where you are and go somewhere else, it's better to do something than stay home and do nothing -- get up and do something!" 8. Sponsor's view: . Steve Easterbrook, McDonald's global chief brand officer: "Sport is one of the great convening powers in society. Our association with Sochi 2014 allows us to bring access to the event to our customers. Sport crosses boundaries and there are very few truly global opportunities, but the Olympics is absolutely one of those. "We do business in 120 countries and the reality is that all those countries participate in the either the Summer or the Winter Games. We want to be relevant to our consumers and we see the interest, country by country, in the Olympics as a democratizing force. "Aspire to being the best, being inclusive, doing things in the right spirit -- the Olympic ideal has that ethos running through it and we feel that's a spirit we share. If it matters to our customers it matters to us. 9. Athlete's view: . Anna Gasser, women's slopestyle snowboarder, Austria: "It was the best feeling just to compete even though it didn't work out the way I wanted (Gasser finished 10th in her event despite being a pre-final favorite). It's the first year that slopestyle has been part of the Olympics and everyone knows it's a dream come true if you can go to the Games and compete against the best in your sport. "It really mattered to me to represent my sport and to fight it out with the best girls. A lot of people wonder, 'What is this sport? Sliding on rails and getting hurt a lot?' but now it is getting popular. They even showed it live in Austria, which is traditionally skiing heartland!" 10. All-out action: . Ben Wyatt, CNN reporter in Sochi: Few sporting tournaments combine the danger, death-defying heights, break-neck speeds and requirement of bravery like the Winter Games. From the ski jump, to the skeleton, bobsleigh to the speed skating, puck slap shots to snowboard acrobatics this is about athletics exaggerated by its environment and climatic context to amazing effect. "Nearly every event is laced with adrenaline. Even if you're not a sports fan, can you really stay unmoved by the audacity and adventure shown by the competitors? It makes your armchair all the more safe and comfortable as a result." | Are you debating whether to engage with Sochi 2014?
Maybe these 10 reasons will warm you to the event that just loves to be cold .
'It's about peace and getting together with a bunch of people"
"It makes your armchair all the more safe and comfortable" |
203,732 | 93c18c48f3cfcccba4122bedf1f6dfec901fa1f8 | Videoed: Former minister Tim Yeo was filmed appearing to boast that he had previously coached a paying client in private . A Tory MP has complained about a government global-warming adviser’s undisclosed green interests – despite the fact he himself is paid a fortune by eco-energy and transport firms. Tim Yeo, chairman of the Energy and Climate Change select committee, has protested about Lord Deben remaining chairman of Veolia Water UK while also chairing the Committee on Climate Change, an independent body that advises the Government on the impact of climate change. Mr Yeo’s critics will argue his protest smacks of hypocrisy as he has been paid more than £400,000 by three green companies since 2009. Lord Deben, John Selwyn Gummer – who as Agriculture Minister in 1990 tried to persuade his daughter Cordelia to eat a hamburger during the BSE crisis – was required to undergo a ‘confirmation hearing’ before Yeo’s committee last September after being appointed chair of the Climate Change Committee. At the time Lord Deben had stepped down from his job as chairman of Forewinds, a consortium set up to build a hugely subsidised windfarm, but he remained chairman of Veolia Water UK. Asked at the hearing whether this could be a conflict of interest, Lord Deben said he had resigned from all his energy business interests, adding: ‘If you look at what it [Veolia] does, it really has no connection at all. And if I thought it even had a remote connection, I would make that change [resign].’ But, as this newspaper revealed in January, Veolia has a thriving eco business connecting windfarms to the National Grid. Mr Yeo has set out his protest in a letter to Energy Secretary Mr Davey. He wrote: ‘The committee was given to understand that Veolia was not an energy company, and that Lord Deben would not retain links with energy companies . . . But, as is clear from Veolia’s website and annual report and accounts, the company has a significant role in the field of energy.’ Mr Yeo added: ‘The lack of clarity on this specific point has caused ongoing media criticism . . . the reassurances you have given are not sufficient to effectively address the perception of conflict of interest in the public domain.’ Mr Yeo has been paid £402,033.88 by . three green companies since August 2009. He is paid many thousands more . as a director of the Channel Tunnel Company. The . ‘Chunnel’ contains a cable whose purpose is to keep Britain’s lights on . using French power if our own supply becomes inadequate following the . shutdown of coal stations caused by green restrictions. Lord . Deben yesterday continued to insist he had ‘no dealings whatsoever’ with the Veolia division that dealt with energy. He added: ‘Since being . made aware of this activity, I have ensured that I will never be . involved, receive any papers, or participate in any way.’ Fresh Storm: As Agriculture Minister in 1990 Lord Deben, John Selwyn Gummer, tried to persuade his daughter Cordelia to eat a hamburger during the BSE crisis . Energy and Climate Change secretary Ed Davey used a speech at the Met Office last week to mount an extraordinary and intemperate attack on newspapers such as this one, claiming we have published misleading 'destructive scepticism' and ignoring the science on global warming. Here our correspondent writes an open letter in reply: it is Mr Davey DAVID ROSE says, who is being less than straight with the facts. Dear Ed . Last week you made a speech which sounded uncomfortably as if you wanted to shut this newspaper up. You said that journalists like me, who have raised serious questions about global warming and energy policy, were ‘selectively misreading the evidence’ and arguing that ‘we can relax and burn all the dirty fuel we want’. You claimed that instead of publishing ‘the serious science’, we were propagating ‘destructive and loudly clamouring scepticism, born of vested interest.’ Worse still, in your eyes, we have suggested that your policies as Energy and Climate Change Secretary are ‘hopelessly misguided’ because we oppose the vast increases in ‘renewable’ energy subsidies which you set out in your Energy Bill. Outburst: Energy and Climate Change secretary Ed Davey used a speech at the Met Office to mount an extraordinary and intemperate attack on newspapers . The Mail on Sunday was the only publication which you mentioned by name. So I hope you won’t mind when I point out that much of your speech was highly misleading. It was a Grade-A example of how those in power have become entrenched and wilfully blind to new evidence – of how you seek to crush debate by attacking opponents by mischaracterising what we actually say. According to you, we ‘reject outright that climate change is a result of human activity’. You commented contemptuously: ‘It’s the science, stupid!’ After all, a recent survey found that 97 per cent of a sample of 12,000 climate science papers accept that human activity – increased carbon dioxide emissions – has contributed to global warming. How could we be so dumb as to ignore a consensus like that? You, you said, are ‘with the 97 per cent’.Well, Mr Davey, so am I, as are almost all the climate sceptics and so-called ‘deniers’ I have ever spoken to. The point is: yes, human activity has warmed the planet, and will probably continue to do so. The far more difficult questions are how far and how fast is this likely to happen? And here the scientific consensus is heading in one direction – towards the view that the world is warming rather more slowly than was thought only a few years ago. As this newspaper first reported in October, world temperatures have failed to show any statistically significant increase since 1997. According to you, this is a ‘false summit’, after which warming will again become rampant. But surely you must also know that this . unexpected ‘pause’ was not predicted by most climate computer models. Professor Judith Curry of the Georgia Technical Institute testified at a . US Congressional hearing that it is likely to last for at least another . ten years. If it does, climate alarmism – all your talk of a ‘massive . gamble with the planet our children will inherit’ – is going to look, . well, stupid. Load of hot air: Professor Myles Allen, head of Oxford University¿s Climate Research Network, has said that billions are being wasted on measures including windfarms in Scotland . Your mention of The Mail on Sunday came when you quoted an article two weeks ago by Professor Myles Allen, head of Oxford University’s Climate Research Network. Yes, Prof Allen did say that ‘almost everyone agrees’ that emissions have to come down. But he went on to add that we are wasting billions on policies – that’s your policies, Mr Davey – which will never achieve this end. He says: ‘90 per cent of the measures adopted since the 1997 Kyoto agreement to cut global emissions are a waste of time and money – including windfarms in Scotland, carbon taxes and Byzantine carbon trading systems.’ In your speech, you implied that if we set ever more ambitious targets covering our own pitiful two per cent of world emissions, one day those much bigger economies will follow suit. Oh really? Right now, China and India have about 800 coal power stations being built or on order. We need a proper debate about these issues, one which isn’t fuelled by alarmism and which appreciates that your opponents have valid viewpoints, too. But all you have to offer is more of the same: bigger doses of policy prescriptions – taxes, subsidies and the futile quest for a binding global agreement – which have demonstrably failed. There is a cost for this. Britain already has the highest inflation in energy prices in Europe (which actually means the world). Yet everything you are doing will increase this further. Perhaps you think that if you maintain the scaremongering at a shrill enough volume, you’ll get away with it. Maybe in the short term you will. History, and the ballot box in 2015, may not be as kind. Yours sincerely . David . | Tim Yeo has complained about Lord Deben's undisclosed green interests .
Mr Yeo has been paid more than £400,000 by three green companies .
Lord Deben is chairman of firm which connects windfarms to National Grid . |
34,695 | 629ab40d87428155c532765e876160eef605d7ff | By . Chris Brooke . PUBLISHED: . 09:18 EST, 13 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:39 EST, 14 October 2013 . Victim turned detective Joseph Ingham tracked down the thief who had ransacked his home . When builder Joseph Ingham received a call from his distraught wife to say £3,000 of gadgets and family heirlooms had been stolen from their home, he was initially furious. Then he decided to get even – by tracking down the culprit and forcing him to hand back his possessions. Three hours later, the father of two had returned home with most of the stolen goods – even before the police had finished taking down a statement from his wife. But to Mr Ingham’s dismay, the officers accused him of ruining their own investigation and threatened him with arrest. Now Mr Ingham, 32, has been vindicated after a judge praised him for ‘showing other people how to investigate a case’, and helping to convict serial burglar Dean Harris. Mr Ingham launched his own investigation straight after wife Rachel, 33, called him with the news their home near Bridlington, East Yorkshire, had been burgled. An iPod and two tablet computers belonging to daughters Jodie, 15, and Ayesha, 12, had been stolen along with a laptop, camera, jewellery, a watch and heirlooms. Mr Ingham said: ‘I did what anyone should have done. I was so angry that my house had been burgled and I was not insured. ‘I knew I would never hear the last of it from my girls, and my wife was so upset. ‘Bridlington is not that big a place. People know each other in this town.’ Hull Crown Court heard Mr Ingham visited a bail hostel for criminals and promised £20 to a resident for information. The man revealed Harris’s name and the estate where he lived. Mr Ingham quickly discovered that he knew Harris’s girlfriend, Emma Miles, from his school days. Luckily she was in when he called at their home. Mr Ingham said: ‘I told her to get her boyfriend on the telephone. I was 90 per cent certain he had robbed my house.’ When Harris denied all knowledge, Mr Ingham threatened to ‘ransack’ his house and look for the stolen goods himself. Harris told Mr Ingham his possessions were ‘under the bed in his daughter’s room’. Miss Miles found a rucksack containing the valuables and handed them over. Professional criminal Dean Harris, who was tracked down by one of his victims, was found guilty of committing two burglaries on the same day . Around £600 of items – mainly jewellery – were missing. But on returning home triumphant, Mr Ingham said he was ‘treated like a criminal’ by police. They criticised him for threatening a witness and offering a reward. ‘They were threatening to arrest me. They were saying I had ruined the investigation,’ he added. However, at Harris’s trial last week, Judge Michael Mettyear was more forgiving. ‘I am sorry to say Mr Ingham has shown other people how to investigate a case,’ he told the court. ‘I may not approve of all his behaviour. The police are not able to use . his methods but at least he gave it a go and made all the inquiries. 'He brought to justice a persistent long-term burglar.’ Harris, 43, was found guilty of committing two burglaries and was jailed for three-and-a-half years. | Joseph Ingham decided to track down burglar who raided his home .
Called burglar and threatened to ransack his home to retrieve belongings .
Initially 'criticised by police for potentially jeopardizing case'
Judge Micahel Mettyear praised him for bringing to justice serial burglar Dean Harris, telling Hull Crown Court: 'I am sorry to say Mr Ingham has shown other people how to investigate a case' |
124,477 | 2ce87823d513da3b4f20403e41c12a969d153e7a | (CNN) -- A kidnapping suspect provided information that led to the discovery of the bodies of a missing Ohio woman, her 10-year-old son and a family friend, authorities said Thursday. The remains of Tina Herrmann, 32, her 10-year-old son, Kody Maynard, and her 41-year-old friend Stephanie Sprang were found in trash bags placed in the hollow of a tree, Knox County Sheriff David Barber said. Hearses left a wilderness area northwest of the town of Fredericktown in Knox County. Herrmann's daughter, Sarah Maynard, 13, was found alive Sunday morning in Mount Vernon, about 50 miles northeast of Columbus. Matthew Hoffman, 30, who lives in the home where Sarah Maynard was found, provided the information that led to the discovery of the three bodies, Barber said. Hoffman currently faces a kidnapping charge in the abduction of Sarah Maynard, Barber said. Hoffman has experience as a tree trimmer, the sheriff said. "I have never experienced anything this big, this serious and this tragic," said Barber, who announced the news at a somber press conference. When asked if officials took the death penalty off the table in order to receive information on the location of the bodies, Knox County prosecutor John C. Thatcher replied that he could not say whether Hoffman had confessed to the killings. The county coroner will conduct autopsies and provide information to prosecutors, officials said. Thatcher said he is not sure yet what charges the evidence will support, but he expects to take the case to the grand jury within four to six weeks. A judge on Tuesday set a $1 million bond for Hoffman, who is accused of keeping Sarah bound and gagged in his basement, authorities said. The suspect has a November 23 preliminary hearing on the kidnapping charge, authorities said. A message left Thursday night with public defender Bruce Malek was not immediately returned. Barber said earlier this week that authorities were fortunate to find Sarah, but he said blood evidence found in Herrmann's home coupled with the amount of time the three have been missing had made the situation more serious. The girl was at the Herrmann residence, but Barber did not indicate whether she saw the slayings. The bodies were found about 20 miles from the Herrmann home. Sarah Maynard was found in an early morning raid involving a SWAT team and was released from the hospital Monday, after being evaluated and treated for injuries that were not thought to be life-threatening, the sheriff said. "Sarah is with family and is doing well." said Barber. "She is a very brave little girl," he said. The disappearance of the three residents November 10 prompted a weeklong search throughout the rural region. But, in the end, the crucial information came down to Hoffman, Barber said. "His information led to the location of the bodies," the sheriff said. "We are a small community here. We became close to the victims' families," Barber said Thursday. "We have to take care of the survivors." Police said Tuesday they did not believe Hoffman was working with an accomplice. When asked whether the incident was a home invasion, Barber said it was not, but added that "either they knew Hoffman or Hoffman made himself known to them." Herrmann failed to report to work at a Dairy Queen in Mount Vernon, in central Ohio, on November 10, Barber told CNN affiliate WBNS. A deputy twice went to her home in Howard, about nine miles east of Mount Vernon, and saw her pickup there. No one answered the door, though lights were on in the home. A Dairy Queen manager went into the home on November 11 and found blood inside, Barber told the station. Asked about Hoffman's criminal record, Barber said he served prison time for an arson conviction in another state. Dawna Davis, who lives next to Hoffman, said she did not trust him. "He was just different. He was odd. He just climbed trees and watched us," she said about Hoffman. | NEW: Prosecutor says he can't comment on whether suspect confessed .
Bodies of two women and a boy, 10, were found a week after they disappeared .
Matthew Hoffman, 30, held in kidnapping of girl, gave information, sheriff says .
13-year-old daughter of one of the victims was found safe in a police raid . |
77,721 | dc59628893c19e9e618398b4c8f50c1f602bcd4b | By . Francesca Infante . PUBLISHED: . 20:59 EST, 26 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:10 EST, 27 March 2013 . Worse off: A UK family with one worker and two children lost 27.9 per cent of their wages in tax in 2012, compared with the international average of 26.1 per cent, according to an OECD study . Stay-at-home mothers have been hit hardest by new taxes imposed by the coalition, a damning new international study reveals. The British taxman now takes more from single-earner families than most other countries, after launching extra raids on incomes since the 2010 election. The average traditional UK family with one worker and two children lost 27.9 per cent of their wages in tax in 2012, compared with 26.2 per cent in 2009, the year before the Coalition was elected. The international average for such a family is 26.1 per cent, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The situation is even worse for British families with a stay-at-home mother which are classed by the OECD as well-paid – earning more than double the national average. They pay 40.5 per cent of their earnings in tax, compared with an international average of 38.6 per cent. The punishing tax inflicted on traditional families – as a result of a reduction in child benefit and changes to tax credits – contrasts with both single people and two-earner families which have benefited from cuts in the tax-free personal allowances and other changes. According to the OECD both groups pay tax below the international average. The research comes as Nick Clegg faces an angry backlash from stay-at-home mothers over his proposed changes to childcare benefits. The findings will add to fears that the Coalition has developed policies which penalise families with stay-at-home mothers. And it comes amid speculation that the Government is attempting to force women back to work in order to stimulate the economy. Former barrister: Laura Perrins, with her one-year-old son Matthew, ambushed Deputy Prime Minister Mr Clegg on his weekly radio phone-in show, accusing ministers of viewing her role as ¿worthless¿ . Coalition policies have seen ministers strip high-earning families of child benefit this year, a policy which many claim discriminates against households with a single breadwinner. And a £1billion policy to help families with childcare costs is to be made available only to homes where both parents work. Backlash: Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg faces an angry backlash from stay-at-home mothers over his proposed changes to childcare benefits . Last week former barrister Laura Perrins, 32, who stopped work to care for her two children, ambushed Deputy Prime Minister Mr Clegg on his weekly radio phone-in show, accusing ministers of viewing her role as ‘worthless’. The OECD studied the taxes on wages in its 32 member countries. It studied four groups – single people earning the average wage, a single parent with two children earning two-thirds of the average, a one-earner couple with two children on the average wage, and a two-earner couple with two children. The report compared tax paid in 2012 with figures from 2009 and 2000. In Britain, it found that single parents had seen the biggest fall in tax from 15 per cent of their earnings in 2000 to 8.4 per cent in 2012, mainly because of tax credits. The single person’s tax rate fell from 32.6 per cent to 32.3 per cent over the same period, while the two-earner couple’s tax rate fell from 28.3 per cent to 28 per cent. But while the single-earner couple’s tax rate fell from 27.8 per cent in 2000 to 26.2 per cent in 2009, it rose to 27.9 per cent in 2012. | Family with one worker and two children lost 27.9% of wages in tax in 2012 .
This compared with 26.2% in 2009 before the Coalition was elected .
International average for such a family is 26.1% according to OECD study .
British families with stay-at-home mothers classed as well-paid are worse off .
Pay 40.5%of earnings in tax compared to international average of 38.6% .
Nick Clegg faces angry backlash from over childcare benefit changes . |
165,620 | 62344d7dbe3b59164f9a38f937af026abb4e2b92 | By . Associated Press Reporter and Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:22 EST, 13 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:22 EST, 13 January 2013 . Inside a small bungalow on the street separating Kansas City, Kansas, from its sister city in Missouri, a small group of entrepreneurs are working on their ideas for the next high-tech startup, tapping Google Inc.'s new superfast Internet connection that has turned the neighborhood into an unlikely settlement dubbed the 'Silicon Prairie.' The home on State Line Road is one of several startup-friendly locations that have sprouted up in Kansas City in recent months. The catalyst is Google Fiber, the search-engine giant's fiber-optic network being tested in the Kansas City area that advertises speeds of up to a gigabyte per second - a rate that massively exceeds the average Internet speeds at homes hooked up with cable modems. Heart of the 'Prairie Valley': Matthew Marcus, founder of the Kansas City Startup Village, plans the next move at his desk. Google's fiber-optic internet network is encouraging tech companies to move to Kansas City . Google headquarters in Mountain View, California. The search engine giant's decision to test their new, ultrafast internet service in Kansas City has had many benefits in the region . The advantage here for startups is simple: A fast Internet pipe makes it easier to handle large files and eliminates buffering problems that plague online video, live conferencing or other network-intensive tasks. Though the Kansas City location presents challenges for startups, including the ability to raise money outside the traditional Silicon Valley venture capital scene, entrepreneurs like Synthia Payne believe it's the place to be right now for up-and-coming tech companies. Payne is one of those entrepreneurs hoping to launch her startup dream - an Internet subscription service for musicians who want to collaborate online - on the cheap. She shares the State Line Road house, known as the 'Home for Hackers,' with other startups under a deal that allows them to live rent-free while they develop their business plans. Kansas City, Missouri, which is profiting from tests of Google Fiber with startups flocking to the area . Google's network was attractive, Payne said, because her business plan 'is dependent upon really good, really fast Internet.' 'Without this on-ramp here I probably would have found it very difficult to come here,' said Payne, who in December moved from Denver to develop CyberJammer. Residents here were thrilled when Google announced last year that Kansas City, Kansas, and neighboring Kansas City, Missouri, would be its test bed for Google Fiber. The California-based company spent months and unknown sums installing optical fiber around the area. Google provides the full gigabit service for $70 a month and its own cable-TV like service for another $50. A slower Internet connection is free on a monthly basis after a $300 installation fee. The first homes were installed with fiber optics in the fall, with more 'fiberhoods' planned in stages over the next several months. Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, remain Google's only fiber market, though the company has said it plans additional roll-outs. Entrepreneur Synthia Payne stands in her workspace at The Home for Hackers collaboration in Kansas City, Kansas. Payne moved to Kansas from Denver as her business plan is dependent on a fast internet connection . Many in the tech industry believe Google's move could ultimately force broadband providers to accelerate their networks to compete. Making Internet access faster would give the company more opportunities to attract traffic and sell more advertising - the main way Google makes money. The 'Home for Hackers' and its unique business pitch is the brainchild of local web developer Ben Barreth, whose property was among the first wave of houses to be fiber-wired and is a block away from the Google Fiber offices. 'Hackers' who pass Barreth's application process and show a real intention to work on a viable project can live there rent-free for three months. Hotspot: Kansas City technology companies, like those at the Startup Village, are flourishing . Since starting the home in October after cashing in his Roth IRA and putting a down payment on the $48,000 home, Barreth has gotten applications from nearly 60 people seeking a spot in the home. 'The whole startup thing in Kansas City is like this huge growing beast,' he said. 'It's got this crazy momentum.' The house has been full since mid-December with Payne and two others. One of the rooms also is reserved for fiber tourists who want a place for a day or two where they can download anything faster than they could elsewhere. 'The hope is that these startups will move their operations to Kansas City and this will really bless Kansas City, bring jobs and taxes and we'll build a really cool tech scene,' Barreth said. Matthew Marcus works at his desk in the basement of Kansas City Startup Village. The Village now houses several startup companies . A few homes away from the 'Home for Hackers' is the headquarters of the Kansas City Startup Village, which was started by local entrepreneur Matthew Marcus and where Mike Farmer, founder of mobile search app Leap2.com, has his offices. Farmer said Google Fiber brought attention to Kansas City's startup culture, 'because it sort of ignites the imagination about what you can do with that sort of bandwidth capability.' 'Most every week I meet one or two or three people that are looking to come in from out of town,' he said. Despite the growth, it remains a challenge for startups to raise money from Kansas City, Farmer said. Silicon Valley venture capital groups in particular want startup entrepreneurs to be nearby in California, he said. 'I've had some really incredible conversations with some big name VCs, and their first statement is that when you're in this early stage you have to be here, right next to us,' he said. 'That is a hurdle.' Andy Kallenbach recently launched FormZapper.com, an online forms management site, and also has offices near the 'Home for Hackers.' He said Kansas City has no aspirations to be the next Silicon Valley and may never have a 'Facebook or a giant consumer-level company that takes over the world.' He said it may also be 'better for us' that it's more difficult to raise money in Kansas City.'The hardest thing about a startup is execution, OK? A lot of people can go out and raise money and get money for an idea or for some product or they can come up with some awesome presentation. But it doesn't matter if you can't build something that people will use,' Kallenbach said. 'I think here in Kansas City you have to at some point put your money where your mouth is. You have to "do."' Synthia Payne shows a room set aside for 'fiber tourists' at The Home for Hackers . | Google tests its new fiber-optic network, much faster than cable modems, in Kansas City .
Impressive internet speeds have attracted startups and encouraged tech collaboration in the area . |
49,284 | 8b27bec4ea2d492744d0fe5b5fe727c53023c515 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 05:46 EST, 28 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:28 EST, 28 August 2013 . Growing up in 1960s Liverpool and it would have been hard not to get swept up in Beatlemania. But now a digital image expert has brought the Fab Four up to date by superimposing them into today images of their home town. Mike Price merged old photographs of John, Paul, George and Ringo with present day scenes to create these fascinating montages spanning half a century. Scroll down for video . Now and then: The Beatles once again take The Cavern Club by storm. This early image of the band shows George, Paul and John with drummer Pete Best playing in the original Cavern Club - which was demolished in 1982 - montaged with a modern picture of the rebuilt Cavern Club - which opened two years later . This eerie image of the The Beatles messing about with a fire extinguisher at Liverpool¿s Empire Theatre in 1964, merged with the same staircase as it is now . John Lennon as a schoolboy outside his home in Menlove Avenue with his Aunt Harriet. The house is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public . Ringo Starr's mother Elsie Starkey polishing her door knocker in Admiral Grove, Liverpool . His father, also called Mike who remembers Liverpool in the 1960s well, helped his son recreate the images. Mr Price said: 'Over the last few months I’ve done a series of 'then and now' pictures. 'My dad is great. He remembers everything in great detail - where everything was and what all the shops were called. 'It’s harder than it looks getting the angles right in each photo. 'I have to take a copy of it with me and try to stand in the exact same spot for the ‘now’ photograph as the photographer must have been for the ‘then’ image. 'Then it’s a case of trying to match the two images up in Photoshop. It’s nice to think of the history in each image as I’m putting it together. 'Liverpool is so rich in local history that there’s inspiration around every corner.' In 1981 plans were revealed to excavate the buried remains of the Cavern Club cellar. It would form part of a £7million redevelopment project of the former warehouse site of 8-12 Mathew Street which had housed The Cavern Club up until its closure in 1973. The original club was knocked down in 1982 but more than 15,000 bricks from the building were saved and used to rebuild the premises using the same plans. The Cavern re-opened in 1984. Today the club occupies 75 per cent of the first site but is deeper, meaning revellers now descend 30 steps compared to 18 steps in 1962. Beatlemania in full swing at the Lord Warden pub Liverpool, now complete with satellite dish and advertising for Sky Sports . Blast from the past: Ringo Starr walks down Admiral Grove in the Sixties merged with how the street would look today . Beatlemania: A crowd gathers in Liverpool city centre to catch a glimpse of the Fab Four for the premiere of A Hard Day's Night in July 1964, merged with the buildings as they are today . Outside The Cavern Club in the 1960s where The Beatles started out merged with scenes from Matthew Street today in 2013 . | Mike Price has brought the Fab Four up to date by superimposing them into today images of their home town .
He merged old photographs with present day scenes to create these fascinating montages . |
140,071 | 411ac7febf08d06da37c234f05cf3ea55fbacbe6 | (CNN) -- A leading tennis player believes he has been "treated like a criminal" after being hit with an 18-month ban for flouting doping regulations and plans to take his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. World No. 53 Viktor Troicki was suspended by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Thursday after being found guilty of failing to provide a blood sample in a drugs test during April's Monte Carlo Masters. But Serbian Troicki has rejected the charge, alleging the doctor conducting the blood test allowed him to miss the procedure and says he will now appeal the decision. "The doctor in charge of the testing told me that I looked very pale and ill and that I could skip the test if I wrote an explanation letter to the ITF about it," he said in a statement. "She dictated the letter to me and let me go without giving blood. She was very helpful and understanding. "Now I'm being charged for refusing to undergo a blood test without justification. This is a real nightmare. "I put my trust in the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, I really hope they will look for the truth and find it." The 27-year-old Troicki confirmed that he underwent a test the following day by the same doping control officer with the result coming back negative. He also revealed that he had never previously missed a test and had undergone several blood and urine examinations during his career. But the ITF has taken a different stance on the story, insisting that the doping control officer had told Troicki that "she could not advise him as to whether his reason for not providing a blood sample was valid, and that no such assurances were given by her." "I feel like I'm being treated like a criminal," added Troicki as he contemplated the 18-month ban. "I have a fear of the needle and I always have trouble drawing blood. But I always did. I am clean and will always be clean throughout my career. "I just had the wrong doctor, who didn't tell me at all that I was risking anything. She showed me a letter of the ITF saying she is in charge of the decisions and I trusted her completely. "I wish I had recorded the discussion, there would never have been a case if I had. "This enormous sanction makes me speechless. It feels like the world that I help building day-by-day has let me down. It is the worst feeling you can imagine." Troicki reached a career high of 12 in 2011 and has won $4.5 million in prize money during his career. He is the third tennis player to be hit with a ban for drug violations in 2013. In May, Brazil's Fernando Romboli was handed an eight-and-a half-month ban after testing positive for diuretics, furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide. In February, Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic was banned for six months after testing positive for sibutramine, a substance which is often found in weight-loss products. In March, the ITF confirmed it would introduce biological passports to tackle drug cheats. Each player will have an individual electronic biological profile and be tested more regularly to monitor their levels and alert the authorities to possible drug use. The scheme was welcomed by the world's top players with Roger Federer telling CNN that it was "naive" to think tennis was free of players who use drugs to enhance their performance. But Troicki believes he was simply misled and insists he has no problem with the current drug regulations. "The doping rules are strict and they must remain strict. But this was a clear mistake from the on-site doping control officer who was also a doctor and the person in charge to decide," added the Serbian. "She let me go and reassured me. In my opinion, once she found out that she didn't follow procedures she turned her back on me. "I am destroyed and exhausted. The whole period I have been thinking about this issue and it's not over, so I can't really describe it. "I am not even angry with the doctor. I believe that maybe she was told her organization that she made a big mistake letting me go. She backed up and tried to save her job. "I am a fighter and I will try to fight together with my team and my lawyers but I am quite destroyed now. I hope this nightmare will come to a good end. I really want to continue playing. I don't deserve this." | Viktor Troicki hits back after being suspended for missing a drugs test .
Serbian star given 18-month ban by International Tennis Federation .
Troicki insists he was given permission to skip drugs test .
The 27-year-old will appeal against the decision at Court of Arbitration for Sport. |
245,494 | c9c1fa251a47a17b12fcd3ce966bb47ab5a469eb | By . Emma Lowe . PUBLISHED: . 19:11 EST, 4 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:30 EST, 4 October 2013 . Together, the family formed one of the biggest pop acts of the 1970s. These days, however, it appears the Osmonds has become two acts rather than one. While Donny and his sister Marie enjoy a run of sell-out shows in Las Vegas, the rest of their siblings were performing in this country – at Butlins in Bognor Regis. The Osmonds, who had a string of number one hits in the early 70s, performed at a nostalgia weekend at Butlins in Bognor . Merrill, 60, Jimmy, 50, and Jay, 58, played two lunchtime shows at the holiday camp. Missing, along with Donny and Marie, were the brothers’ bell-bottoms and, not surprisingly, much of their youthful glamour. They sang to a room full of merry middle-aged women fans who sang along to the hit Crazy Horses and screamed as the trio attempted some of their old dance routines. Many fans had travelled from all over Britain to West Sussex to see the brothers. Watching them for the seventh time, Belinda McLacklan, 52, from Kent, said: ‘We used to bunk off school to try to catch a glimpse of them.’ Dressed in Osmonds memorabilia, Sarah Best, 61, said she felt embarrassed for the group. She added: ‘I remember them wearing bell bottoms but now they look like a bunch of politicians with instruments.’ Take it from the top: Wayne Osmond, Jay Osmond, Merrill Osmond, Alan Osmond, Donny Osmond and Jimmy Osmond . The three-night Seventies event at Butlins cost £80 per night and featured passes to themed events, including the Osmonds’ American Jukebox. As the show ended Jimmy told the fans: ‘We have been all over the world but Butlins you have been one of the best.’ In Vegas, fans have been paying up to £100 for Donny, 55, and 53-year-old Marie’s shows at the Flamingo Club. The Osmonds, a Mormon family from Utah, began as a barbershop quartet in the late 1950s with Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay. They were joined by Donny and Jimmy and in the 1970s. Marie began her solo career in 1973. | Jay, Jimmy and Merrill performed at Butlin's in Bognor .
Family had string of hits together in early 1970's . |
111,448 | 1bb550d26a549537e284e8d4c051413963c7d2fc | Donald Trump has been found personally liable for operating a for-profit investment school without the required license. New York state Supreme Court Justice Cynthia S. Kern said he was notified by the state in 2005 that his Trump Entrepreneur Initiative - known as Trump University until 2010 - was in violation of state education law. 'It is undisputed that Mr. Trump never complied with the licensing requirements,' Kern wrote in a decision made public on Wednesday. Donald Trump, pictured opening Trump University in 2005, has been found personally liable for operating a for-profit investment school without the required license . Damages will be determined later. Jeffrey Goldman, an attorney for Trump, said the ruling was mistaken, but ultimately little if any damages would be awarded. The decision came in an ongoing lawsuit filed last year by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman that accuses Trump of misleading more than 5,000 people who paid between $1,495 and $35,000 to learn Trump's real estate investment techniques. A trial still must be held to determine whether Trump and the school defrauded students. The judge did toss out some claims and ruled that some evidence was beyond the statute of limitations. Damien LaVera, a spokesman for Schneiderman, called the decision 'an important victory' and said the office looks forward to proving the rest of the case at trial. Goldman said 'the heart of the attorney general's case has been eviscerated.' He said the judge ruled that the statute of limitations restricts claims to only the last six months the school was in existence. The university ceased operation in late 2010, Goldman said. The lawsuit, brought by the New York attorney general, sparked a bitter reaction from Trump, who called Schneiderman a publicity seeking 'lightweight,' attacked his 'gross incompetence' and filed ethics complaints against him. The decision came as part of a lawsuit by New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, accusing Trump of misleading more than 5,000 people who paid between $1,495 and $35,000 to learn his techniques . | Trump Entrepreneur Initiative - or Trump University - violated state law .
Part of an ongoing lawsuit over whether Trump defrauded 5,000 students .
They paid between $1,495 and $35,000 to learn his Real Estate techniques .
The institution has ceased operations, closing its doors in 2010 . |
263,987 | e1e84d4714f03966c63f85d232bfb326744bac94 | Washington (CNN) -- Her voice was halting, but not weak. Two years after being shot in the head by a gunman at a political event, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords appeared at the first congressional hearing since last month's Connecticut school massacre to urge Congress to act now on gun violence. "Too many children are dying. Too many children. We must do something," Giffords said in a rare public appearance Wednesday, reading a statement that acknowledged her injuries made it difficult to speak. "It will be hard, but the time is now," she told the packed hearing held by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Teen who performed at Obama inaugural events shot dead in Chicago . The panel also heard from voices on both sides of the gun control issue in the nearly four-hour hearing that illustrated the deep political and ideological divisions over a longstanding issue. National Rifle Association Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre blamed the government for failing to enforce existing gun laws and said new restrictions, including background checks, won't stop criminals from using weapons in violent crime. "Law-abiding gun owners will not accept blame for the acts of violent or deranged criminals, nor do we believe that government should dictate what we can lawfully own and use to protect our families," he said. Democratic senators led by California's Dianne Feinstein, who is proposing a ban on semi-automatic rifles and ammunition magazines exceeding 10 rounds, argued that restricting access to such firepower and expanding background checks to as many gun sales as possible will help. Giffords' husband, retired astronaut and naval aviator Mark Kelly, called for a "careful and civil conversation" on new gun limits and a broad new acceptance of society's responsibility to keep firearms from dangerous people. "Our rights are paramount. But our responsibilities are serious," he said. "And as a nation, we are not taking responsibility for the gun rights our founding fathers have conferred upon us." Opinion: Gun makers, help keep weapons out of criminals' hands . Sen. Patrick Leahy, the committee's Democratic chairman from Vermont, called for stronger background checks and a crackdown on so-called straw purchases, in which people who can pass background checks buy weapons for others. Leahy has proposed a measure to increase penalties for straw purchasers. However, Leahy avoided endorsing an expanded ban on the assault-style weapons called for by President Barack Obama and Feinstein. "Second Amendment rights are the foundation on which our discussion rests. They are not at risk," Leahy said. "But lives are at risk when responsible people fail to stand up for laws that will keep guns out of the hands of those who will use them to commit mass murder. I ask that we focus our discussion on additional statutory measures to better protect our children and all Americans." The hearing came a few weeks after Obama announced legislative proposals aimed at curbing gun violence following the December 14 shootings that left 20 children and six adults dead at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown. The shooter, Adam Lanza, also killed his mother and himself. How the violent mentally ill can buy guns . Obama's proposals include a ban on popular semi-automatic rifles that mimic assault weapons, a limit of 10 rounds per magazine, and universal background checks for anyone buying a gun, whether at a store or in a private sale. Guns sold through private sales currently avoid background checks -- the so-called gun show loophole. Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York said at Wednesday's hearing that he is in talks with colleagues -- including several who are ranked highly by the NRA -- on possible legislation to expand background checks on private gun sales. Sources close to both Schumer and Republican Sen. Tom Coburn of Oklahoma told CNN the two were in serious discussions about co-sponsoring a bill to strengthen background checks. The NRA, which is the public face of the powerful gun lobby, opposes many government limits on gun ownership as a violation of the constitutional right to bear arms. LaPierre insisted Wednesday that the current background check system doesn't work, so expanding it would only create an unmanageable government bureaucracy instead of reducing gun crime in the country. Quick draw: How the NRA's LaPierre keeps his enemies guessing . "The fact is the law right now is a failure, the way it's working," he said. "The fact is that you have 76,000-some people that have been denied under the present law. Only 44 were prosecuted. You're letting them go. They're walking the streets." Instead, he called for better enforcement of all existing gun laws and creating "an immediate blanket of security around our children" by putting armed guards at all the nation's schools. At the White House, spokesman Jay Carney called LaPierre's statistic an intentional diversion "from another issue that is part of this, which is the need for broader and universal background checks." "This is being pushed as a reason not to do something that the overwhelming majority of the American people support," Carney said, later adding that "the skepticism you're hearing" comes from those "who don't want to do anything on this issue." During the hearing, an exchange between LaPierre and Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, showed the deeply held positions on each side. After LaPierre complained that expanded background checks would only burden law-abiding citizens and said they make no sense because criminals ignore the system, Durbin commented that the NRA official missed the point. Obama's gun violence measures: Would they work? "The criminals won't go to purchase the guns because there will be a background check," Durbin said. "We'll stop them from the original purchase. You missed that point completely. And I think it's basic." LaPierre responded that it was Durbin who failed to understand, adding as Leahy banged his gavel for order that "if you are not prosecuting them, you are not even stopping them." He and other opponents of more gun control also depicted extreme scenarios of Americans under threat in their homes and at schools to make the case for access to semi-automatic weapons and high-capacity magazines. "We all know that homicidal maniacs, criminals and the insane don't abide by the law," LaPierre said. Another witness, Gayle Trotter of the Independent Women's Forum, repeatedly described scenes of women at home with their children needing weapons that would be banned under Feinstein's proposal to fight off bigger, stronger male attackers. "An assault weapon in the hands of a young woman defending her babies in her home becomes a defense weapon and the peace of mind that a woman has as she's facing three, four, five violent attackers, intruders in her home with her children screaming in the background, the peace of mind that she has knowing that she has a scary looking gun gives her more courage when she's fighting hard and violent criminals," Trotter said. "If we ban these types of assault weapons, you are putting women at a great disadvantage." Other witnesses and senators who support tougher regulations countered that the constitutional right to bear arms can be limited, for example, by the existing ban on private citizens possessing grenade launchers and other military weaponry. Why would someone own a military-style rifle? "I think most people believe that, sure, we could have guards at schools," Feinstein said, making a reference to the Columbine, Colorado, school massacre in 1999 in which two students killed 13 people before shooting themselves. "I'm well aware that at Columbine there was a deputy sheriff who was armed who actually took a shot but couldn't hit the shooter there. The question comes, what do you do about the malls then? What do you do about our movie theaters? What do you do about businesses. We can't have a totally armed society." The police chief of Baltimore County in Maryland, James Johnson, endorsed what he called the holistic approach urged by Obama to create a system that reduces access to guns for people who shouldn't have them. "The best way to stop a bad guy from getting a gun in the first place is a good background check," said Johnson, the chairman of the National Law Enforcement Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence. However, Denver University law professor David Kopel said the Supreme Court made clear in a Washington, D.C., case that gun controls could not include weapons used commonly by law-abiding citizens, such as the top-selling AR-15 semi-automatic rifle that Feinstein's legislation would ban. NRA chief: Obama makes 'mockery' of American freedoms . The hearing showed agreement in concept on some issues, such as strengthening mental health screening. In general, though, it appeared to do little to create common ground on the issue. Leahy said he hopes the committee will begin considering legislation next month. The NRA's membership has spiked by 500,000 people since the Newtown shooting, bringing its number to more than 4.5 million, the group said Wednesday. In the meantime, Kelly and Giffords have launched Americans for Responsible Solutions to push for gun control. On Tuesday, Kelly said that despite the Tucson, Arizona, shooting that wounded his wife and killed six others, he and Giffords still support the Second Amendment, which guarantees Americans the right to possess firearms. "But we really need to do something about the safety of our kids and our communities. It's gotten really out of hand," he said. After Wednesday's hearing, Kelly made a point of approaching LaPierre to shake his hand as media cameras recorded the moment. Why new laws could miss America's bigger gun problem . CNN's Faith Karimi and Arielle Hawkins contributed to this report. | NEW: Sources: Senators from both parties discuss a bill on background checks .
Senators and witnesses tangle over politics and ideology .
A Senate committee holds the first hearing on gun violence since the Sandy Hook massacre .
Gun owners won't accept new restrictions or blame for crime, NRA official says . |
139,859 | 40d500f482a41b209ff379f2207180b71dd3bf35 | There have been times in Jose Mourinho’s career when he has shown what a sentimental old fool he can be. He is a romantic at heart. This was the official homecoming for Didier Drogba, the first time Chelsea’s supporters have seen him in their Champions League jersey since that incredible night in the Allianz Arena. After starting this game, he was blowing heavily for most of it in his struggle to recapture past glories. At 36, it is too much to ask. Chelsea striker Didier Drogba jumps over Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Fahrmann . Two years ago, when Chelsea went on to win the Champions League, Drogba was the main man. He was king in these parts, then. That night, he summoned superhuman powers to score their equaliser against Bayern Munich in the 88th minute and went on to strike the winning penalty in the shootout. On Wednesday night, as Chelsea fans heartily sang Diego Costa’s name after he was brought on with Loic Remy in an attempt to snatch victory, it felt like the endgame for Drogba. Drogba joins in the celebrations for Cesc Fabregas' opening goal against Schalke . Stamford Bridge had been willing him to score, but those legs could not carry him to the places his razor-sharp mind wanted to go. There were chances in each half as he attempted to add to the 34 Chelsea goals he has scored in this competition. The first was nicked off his toes for a corner. After the break, Eden Hazard, Chelsea’s outstanding player in an ordinary performance, set him clear of Schalke’s defence. He beat keeper Ralf Fahrmann, but rolled his effort wide. Then there was the ‘Gazza moment’, sliding in like the England midfielder at Euro 96, when Willian crossed from the right. He, like Gascoigne, failed to connect. ‘I was happy with Drogba’s performance,’ insisted Mourinho. ‘One inch is nothing, that is all. He could have scored.’ Drogs backs Chelsea captain John Terry as he protests against his booking for kicking the ball away . To judge Drogba on one start would be ridiculous, but the fact Mourinho reached for Costa and Remy 17 minutes from time said it all. Chelsea’s manager always looks out for his favourites. When Inter Milan were 2-0 up with four minutes to play in the 2010 Champions League final, Mourinho sent on Marco Materazzi as a substitute. It was the Italian’s reward for his loyalty during Mourinho’s final season at San Siro. This was another emotional decision by Mourinho ahead of Sunday’s game at Manchester City. Costa’s place for that is nailed on. Drogba makes way for Diego Costa during Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge . Drogba was on his own up front, ahead of the playground footballers — Hazard, Willian and Cesc Fabregas — who provide the attacking thrust. They have younger legs and danced around Schalke in a dizzy opening spell. There were flashes from Drogba, the silky touches that once turned this guy into one of the dangerous strikers in Europe. The neat header to Fabregas, from a long ball by John Terry, was the Drogba of old. So was the backchat with Hazard, after he took the ball off his toes when he should have peeled off him. When he was replaced by Costa, the chants were for the new man in town. Undeniably, they have replaced an old favourite here. | Didier Droga made first appearance in Champions League jersey for Chelsea since 2012 triumph .
Stamford Bridge was willing him to add to the 34 goals he has in this competition for the Blues .
Jose Mourinho reached for subs Diego Costa and Loic Remy 17 minutes from time against Schalke . |
272,620 | ed1c05b124958b554afcd643ca77de58a72864d0 | The drive-by shooting of a female teacher 200 metres from her school in Pakistan yesterday has sparked calls for protection of the girl pupils being taught there. Shahnaz Nazli, 41, was on her way to the all girl's school where she worked in Shahkas, near the country's volatile tribal belt on the Afghan border, when two men on a motorcycle pulled up and opened fire. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack but there has been a strong Islamist militant movement against girls being educated in the region. Shot dead: Mother-of-one Shahnaz Nazli was gunned down by two men on a motorbike just 200m from the school where she worked in Shahkas near a volatile region on the Afghan border . The death of Ms Nazli, who was married with a young son, at the school near the town of Jamrud in Khyber tribal district, between the northwestern city of Peshawar and the Afghan border, has led to a petition for the government to do more to protect girls and teachers attending school. Local government official Asmatullah Wazir said: 'The teacher was killed after unknown gunmen on a motorbike shot her and fled. 'We have arrested 18 suspects in an operation to find the culprits.' Northwest Pakistan has been a hotbed of militant activity along the Afghan border with the Taliban banning all girls in the region from attending school. This latest attack comes after the attempted murder of teenage women's rights campaigner Malala Yousafzai by Taliban soldiers opposed to female education last year. Victim: Ms Nazli's death comes after the attempted murder of 14-year-old womens' rights campaigner Malala Yousafzai as she made her way home from school in Swat, northwest Pakistan, last year . The 14-year-old was heading home in a school van in the Swat Valley, a Taliban stronghold, when masked men stopped the vehicle. They demanded that the other girls identify Malala, who had written vocal pieces supporting women's right to an education. When they identified Malala, the militants shot her in the head and neck. Close to death, she was flown to Britain for treatment, and surgeons at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham saved her life. Fight for survival: Malala Yousafzai, survived a gunshot to the head after being flown to the UK for emergency surgery at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham . She had a five-hour operation to fit a titanium plate over her damaged skull. She also had a cochlear implant fitted as her injuries had left her partially deaf. Malala left hospital in January and started lessons at the fee-paying Edgbaston High School for Girls in Birmingham earlier this month. The schoolgirl's plight attracted international attention, and she became a symbol of the battle for girls' education around the world. Malala's school fees are being paid by the Pakistani government which has vowed to do more to fight for women's rights. Inspiring: Malala Yousafzai now lives in Birmingham and attends the Edgbaston High School for Girls . | Shahnaz Nazli, 41, was gunned down by two men on a motorcycle yesterday .
She worked at an all girl's school in Shahkas, near the Afghan border .
Taliban has banned all women over the age of eight from being educated .
Region is rife with militant activity leaving young girls afraid to go to school . |
94,931 | 06010b3a9b774c602d9a08fee9a62788285cf804 | SRINAGAR, Indian-administered Kashmir (CNN) -- The chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir tendered his resignation Tuesday after he was accused of being involved in a 2006 sex scandal, his adviser said. Omar Abdullah denies any link to a prostitution ring, saying he has stepped down to clear his name. Omar Abdullah, 38, delivered his resignation to the state governor after opposition member Muzaffar Hussain Beigh accused Omar of a connection to the prostitution scandal during a session of the state legislative assembly. Muzaffar served as the deputy chief minister in the previous government, when several top pro-India officials were arrested on charges they misused their authority to force girls and women into a prostitution ring in Kashmir. Omar denied being involved in the scandal, but said he could not "continue in the office following the allegation" and would not serve again until he is cleared of the charges. "This is not an ordinary allegation, but a highly serious one. I cannot continue in office until I am cleared," Omar said in the state assembly. He then drove to Raj Bhawan, the official residence of New Delhi-appointed governor N. N. Vohra, to deliver his resignation, according to Devender Rana, Omar's political adviser. The governor is consulting constitutional and legal experts before deciding on the resignation. The chief minister refused to talk to journalists outside the governor's residence. The Times of India newspaper Tuesday quoted highly placed sources in India's Central Bureau of Investigation as saying that Omar's name never came up in the prostitution probe. Omar came into office in January following elections in late 2008 that saw the highest voter turnout in the region in nearly 20 years, since the eruption of a secessionist insurgency. Voters went to the polls in large numbers, despite a separatist call for a boycott of the voting. Most recently, the chief minister has been working to defuse tensions that are still running high following the arrest of four police officers in the probe of the alleged rape and murder of two young Muslim women in May. Two people have died and many have been injured in more than 300 violent clashes between Muslim protesters and Indian security forces stemming from the case. The arrests included the former police chief of south Kashmir's Shopian district and three of his subordinates, who are accused of "destruction of evidence" and "dereliction of duty" in connection with the deaths, which occurred in the town of Shopian. Kashmir has been in the throes of a bloody secessionist campaign for nearly two decades in which, according to official figures, 43,000 people have been killed. Various rights groups and non-governmental organizations here, however, dispute the official statistics -- claiming that the number killed during the last two decades is twice the official figure. | Chief minister of Indian-administered Kashmir tenders his resignation .
Omar Abdullah accused of being involved in a 2006 sex scandal .
He denies allegation he was involved in a prostitution ring . |
24,546 | 4597052138892b5053c789ce679d21624d6fb6e8 | This hiker takes his life in his hands as he walks across one of the world’s most deadly hiking trails -by unhooking the harness that's holding him secure above a 7,066ft drop. Balancing precariously on a three-foot-long wooden plank, the daring traveller pretends to step off the path and dangles a foot above the drop. Tentatively putting one foot ahead of the other, he carefully shuffles along as he films the entire scene on a camera mounted on a selfie-stick. Daredevil: The hiker unhooking the harness which is keeping him from falling 7,000 feet down . The daredevil is attempting the stunning plank walk on Mount Hua Shan, just outside the city of Xi'an, in China. One of China's Five Great Mountains Hua Shan is classified as having five main peaks, of which the highest is the South Peak, which can be reached by a short gondola ride. And at the end of the ride is the famous Cliffside Plank Path hike. The trail includes steel rod ladders, toeholds carved out of the cliff and the narrow wooden plank walks. The famous Cliffside Plank Path trail includes steel rod ladders and toeholds carved out of the cliff . Precarious position: The man films himself with the help of a selfie stick as he walks down the narrow path . Risky behaviour: The traveller leans over the edge of the plank . The total length of the path is only a few hundred feet long but it is very dangerous as there are nothing but planks to walk on and a rail of chains to hold on to. A slim harness keeps walkers from falling but there is no one to ensure that walkers wear their safety gear. The bold hiker films himself leaning over the edge of the plank, tethered to side of the mountain only by the slim harness which is clipped to the thin wire that runs down the side of the mountain. Stunning views: One of China's Five Great Mountains Hua Shan is classified as having five main peaks of which the highest is the South Peak, where the plank path starts . But then he decides to unclip the the two straps that hook him to the from safety line and casually walks across the narrow plank. ‘Nah, don’t need it,’ he says to his camera before panning it around to show the undoubtedly stunning views around him. | The Cliffside Plank Path hike is on Mount Hua Shan in China .
It is one of the world's most dangerous trails, with narrow plank paths .
Hikers have to take a short gondola ride high above the valley to reach it . |
170,826 | 6919b2ea92378001c49ff2ca3683fb7769624a52 | By . Jessica Satherley . Last updated at 8:31 PM on 7th September 2011 . Aspirations: Steven Grisales, who wanted to study architecture, was stabbed to death in Edmonton . An aspiring architect was stabbed to death by a teenage gang after he asked them to stop throwing conkers at him. Steven Grisales, 21, was due to start a course this month as part of a Westminster College scholarship. He was walking to a station in Edmonton, north London, when he was attacked. Youths threw conkers at Mr Grisales and when he stood up to them, one produced a knife. He was stabbed in the chest in the attack on Wednesday evening and died the following day. Steven had moved from London to Argentina to live with his father, but came back to London in July this year to start the three-year architecture course. A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder and has appeared in court, while another boy, also 15, has been questioned. A 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl have already been arrested and released on bail. Speaking from the scene, Steven's mother Jasmid wept as her husband Andres told of their heartbreak. Mr Grisales said his son was a 'great boy' whose brothers and sisters were 'devastated' by his death. The couple appeared near the murder scene in College Close to pay tribute to their eldest child and appeal for witnesses to come forward. Mr Grisales, who was in Argentina on business when his son was killed, said Steven had been visiting his grandmother and shopping for her before he was attacked. He added: 'It is devastating for all of us, the whole family, aunties, cousins, grandma, uncles, back home, it's been horrible because we don't get it.' Hazel Nelson Williams leaves a floral tribute at the site where Steven Grisales was stabbed . A Scotland Yard spokesman said: . 'Officers now believe the incident began after conkers were thrown at . the victim as he made his way towards Silver Street railway station. 'He initially remonstrated with the youths but one of the suspects produced a knife and stabbed him.' Police were called to the crime scene at College Close, Edmonton, just after 7pm following reports of the injured male. A local resident heard Mr Grisales' screams and ran outside to try and help. Mary Stokes, 27, told the Enfield Independent: 'I was in the house and heard shouting, as I walked out he was holding his chest. 'I . tried to speak to him but he wasn't saying much. We tried to help him . but there was not much we could do, he had been stabbed in the heart.' Smile like sunshine: A message attached to a floral tribute left by a wellwisher today . Floral tributes were left on College Close, near to the murder scene. The Enfield Independent reported a friend named Courtney left a message . which read: 'I can't say how much I miss you, I wish you didn't have to . go. You will always be in our hearts. Gone but never forgotten.' Another, from Marie, said: 'A young man with a smile like sunshine, it could light up a room.' A post-mortem examination revealed cause of death to be a single stab wound to the heart. A collection of flowers and pictures . left in the 21-year-old's memory . Steven Grisales died after being stabbed in the chest as he walked towards Silver Street station in north London (pictured) Detectives believe up to three young black males, possibly in their late teens or early 20s, attacked Mr Grisales. Officers said the incident was not gang-related and the young man did not know his attackers. Detective . Inspector Richard Beadle, of Scotland Yard's murder command, said: 'I . urge anyone with any information about this incident, or anyone that . witnessed it, to come forward. 'It happened in a busy residential area and we know there would have been a number of people in the area at the time of the attack. 'I would ask those people to please come forward and assist us with our inquiries.' Witnesses are urged to call the incident room on 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. | A 15-year-old boy has been charged with the murder .
Girl, 16, and 19-year-old man out on bail .
Victim had moved from Argentina and hoped to study architecture on a scholarship .
Family say they are 'devastated' by his death .
Victim had been shopping for his grandmother before he was attacked . |
79,192 | e0780f664ace36e4a6828d0dd5e2022b0f3351ec | (CNN) -- In South London, a life-size wax house is melting. In the city's busy Covent Garden shopping piazza, a building floated above the ground. A 20-minute walk away, a townhouse is flipped on its head. No, you're not hallucinating. These are the most recent irreverent installations from Alex Chinneck, the British artist making a name for himself with site-specific works that appeal to the imagination and beg for a photo-op. For the past year, he's been achieving this through architecture. "Architecture is the fabric and surroundings of our daily and habitual environments," says Chinneck, 30. "It provides a very good canvas for creative exploration and abstraction." An architectural chapter . When I meet with Chinneck at his psychiatric ward-turned-apartment in Hackney (seriously), Take My Lighting, But Don't Steal my Thunder -- the polystyrene building floating above Covent Garden -- has just been taken down after its three-week run. "It was on the national news in 24 countries that piece, and footfall was up 18 percent in respect to trade and the piazza. So that's just great," he says. The floating building is part of what Chinneck calls the "architectural chapter" of his career, which has born four large-scale installations that use the materials, language and shapes associated with the craft. Though he'd previously used construction materials to create small sculptures, he only recently started working on a larger scale, partly inspired by Rachel Whiteread's House (a concrete mold of a Victorian house that won the Turner Prize in 1993) and the installations of Richard Wilson. "It just made sense to integrate those creative explorations into an architectural context and scale, back to where they belonged." Making the familiar strange . What makes Chinneck's work distinctive -- other than its obvious mind-bending properties -- is how each one seems both at home and out of place in its surrounding neighborhood. A Pound of Flesh for 50p, built in Southwark as part of Merge Festival, would look like a typical Georgian house were it not made of wax and melting a little more each day. The floating building looks like a part of the 184-year-old market has just been plucked and suspended in mid air. "I don't like to disrupt a district too much, so the work is contextually sensitive. The material and visual decisions are informed by the district and the area and the architectural language of that region," he explains. "The concepts are extremely considered despite their playfulness and simplicity. They're tailored to their environment and their audience." His installation in Covent Garden, for example, needed to speak to the piazza's high levels or foot traffic and tourists to please the commissioning landlords. "The demographic through the piazza is incredibly eclectic, but it's very fast-paced and recreational. People come and go, take a photo and move on, so the artwork had to deliver an impact for the Instagram generation." This last phrase seems to sum up his installations well. The pieces are difficult to execute, simple to enjoy and, he insists, free of any particular meaning or concept. The priority is public enjoyment. Conceptually light, sculpturally complex . The response to the floating house, as well as his other works, has been overwhelmingly positive. Along with comments on-site, Chinneck says he regularly receives emails, tweets and links to articles from people who have enjoyed his installations. The owner of a vintage shop near From the Knees of My Nose to the Belly of my Toes, his sliding house in the seaside town of Margate, even gifted him a free suit because of the number of shoppers his installation attracted. Though he tries to avoid the usual traps -- internet comment sections, namely -- Chinneck still receives his share of negative criticism too. He's grown immune to accusations that his work is pointless, a waste of taxpayers' money, or, alternately, a waste of private commissioners' money, but he's still occasionally frustrated by the assumption that his work is easy or banal because of its simplicity and lack of intellectual intent. "I don't understand at what point the experience needed this intellectual justification to be an important and valuable one," he says. "I'm often criticized for this lack of conceptual content. But what we lose in conceptual content we make up for in structural and sculptural complexity." (To wit: The floating house took eight months to realize, and had over 100 people involved from design to construction, The melting house -- which was commissioned, designed and constructed concurrently -- required about 75 people to take care of wax fabrication, carpentry, steelwork, painting and brick-laying.) "With art, and I think really a lot of public art, you create it and then you have to abandon it a little bit, distance yourself from it, because it's not really yours anymore," he says. "There's no safe place in the public eye." Creating a legacy . With the melting house now a pile of hardened goo being scraped off a pebbled lot (the installation finished Sunday), and the floating building broken down and hauled away, Chinneck is focusing on the future. He's currently investigating how to tie the Tate Modern's distinctive chimney into a knot, and developing a windmill that has fallen from its base, causing the building to spin while the sails remain stuck in the ground, efforts he suspects could trump his past projects in size and ambition. "I'm kind of bored by the last and excited by the next, which is a healthy attitude," he says. "I think it encourages progress." The greatest buildings you'll never see: Priceless monuments lost in conflict . Art works that mess with your sense of scale . 'Avant gardens': When art, design and a whole load of plants collide . The most spectacular buildings of 2014 . | British artist Alex Chinneck creates large-scale installation art inspired by architecture .
His most recent works include a melting house made of wax, and a floating building in Covent Garden market .
His installations are largely inspired by the neighborhood they inhabit, and take up to eight months to execute . |
273,909 | eec9eda185188065196a12db7510f5481d8e4e6c | By . Daily Mail Reporter . No summer series of TOWIE would be complete without a trip to the party-loving city of Marbella, or 'Marbs' as the people of Essex, and the resort's biggest fans, like to call it. Fans are hoping for sun, sea, sand and serious amounts of drama on the Costa del Sol coastline and the cast are living by the mantra 'No carbs . before Marbs' as they prepare their bodies and wardrobes for some serious poolside posing. Cast member Bobby Cole Norris, however, has taken preparation for the overseas trip one step further by spending two days in London's Stansted airport conquering his fear of flying. 'TOWIE elite: Bobby Cole Norris joined Joey Essex, Sam Faiers, Jessica Wright and Ricky Rayment for filming in Marbella last year . The 24-year-old hairdresser has hated flying since a child. And rather than looking forward to a few fun-filled weeks away with his Essex gang, and planning how many pairs of sunglasses to take, he has spent weeks worrying about the flight. He said: 'The beach outfits are planned, sunglasses collection ready to be showcased and the tan applied but having to fly has always put a dark cloud over the whole holiday. 'Sitting at the airport gate I have always been the one looking nervously out on the runway biting my nails. For me it’s the noises. I sit there listening to every bang and whirling, thinking it’s a signal that we are doomed to drop out of the sky any minute!' All calm: Bobby pictured on the test flight with his Fear Of Flying Instructors . Bobby's not alone, it is estimated that one in six people are scared of flying. But the former party-planner, and show's resident GBF, has managed to conquer his fear for good with an intensive two-day course. The £189 Fear Of Flying course held by easyJet consists of a three-hour ground session presented by phobia expert Lawrence Leyton, star of Channel 4’s Fear of Flying programme and senior easyJet pilot, Captain Chris Foster. They teach participants a set of mind . techniques as well as explaining what every noise, bang and whirling . sound is at every stage of a flight. The following day, participants are taken on a test flight to put the skills they have learnt to the test. Success: Bobby tweeted a picture of his easyJet certificate saying: 'All ready for Marbs. Thank you.' Following the course Bobby said: 'I feel so E-mosh! I can honestly say that this course has changed my life. 'Waking . up the morning after the ground session I felt completely different; I . didn’t feel sick or anxious and was looking forward to the flight – . something which I haven’t ever done. After 14 years of being scared of . flying I now realise I was only scared of the air con noises! I only . wish I had come on this sooner. 'All ready for Marbs. Thank you.' Nervous: Bobby couldn't hide his nerves when travelling to Spain in 2013 next to cast member Ricky Rayment . Bobby's co-star James 'Arg' Argent confirmed that the show was heading there last month in an interview with BBC Radio 2. He said: 'We're filming the next series in Marbella, so I'm presuming there's going to be a lot of pool party scenes with my top off. I don't want to end up looking like a beach whale so fingers crossed in about six weeks time I'll be nice and healthy and all tanned up in Marbella!' BFFs: Gemma Collins and Bobby pictured in Marbella in 2013 . | Twelfth series of TOWIE will be filmed in Spanish city of Marbella .
Cast member Bobby has hated flying since he was a child .
Took part in a £189 Fear Of Flying course at Stansted airport .
Reality star claims that the course has 'changed his life' |
122,597 | 2a739277fe93841b0727dcb710b097e1c98517b1 | By . Bianca London . Barefoot, ties askew and ball dresses stained and tattered, the students of Trinity College clattered through the streets of Cambridge after a night celebrating the end of exams at the traditional May Ball. But most weren't going home, even though dawn had most definitely broken. Still clad in rather worse-for-wear dinner jackets, top hats and . glamorous floor-length dresses, hordes of students prepared to carry on . the celebrations with drunken punt rides on the River Cam or breakfast . in college gardens following the £300-a-ticket event. Judging by today's pictures, the students were sticking faithfully to this year's mantra, which, according to the official website, was 'Eat, Drink, Rave, Repeat.' Scroll down for video . Man down! Cambridge University students toasted the end of exams at the famous Trinity May Ball but it all got too much for some with one reveller choosing to take a small power nap in the street . It's getting hot out here! Clearly the warm June weather was just too much for some of Britain's brightest young minds, who decided to remove their clothes in the streets . These rather dishevelled ravers are, in fact, some of Britain’s most elite . students and judging by the alumni - who include Charles Darwin, Prince . Charles, David Attenborough and CS Lewis - they are the leaders and . thinkers of tomorrow. Academic high-fliers they might be, but the event did prove a little too . much for some of them, who were seen face down in the gutters of Cambridge or . stuffing their faces with sweets on the pavements. A few, however, were still immaculately dressed and seemed . relatively sober after enjoying a night of lavish entertainment. The black tie ball is the biggest event of the Cambridge student social calendar and marks the end of exams. Guests were treated to a sumptuous five-course meal served in Trinity Great Hall, followed by music and dancing. After an evening partying with British pop rock band Lawson, some then continued overnight with drunken punt rides on the River Cam and a champagne breakfast in the college gardens. Al fresco: Students and locals turned out to watch the firework display but one reveller was feeling the heat . Drunken punt: Students enjoyed a punt down the famous river Cam following the famous event . Up in smoke: Party goers enjoy a classic Cambridge indulgence of a cigar as the sun comes up . The night is young: This young couple seem to have no plans to head home as they continue to puff on cigars into the early hours . The sold-out ball is the largest event of the Cambridge student social calendar and some students queued for three hours to get into the event yesterday evening. Guests were treated to a lavish five-course meal served in Trinity Great Hall, which included pea soup, crab cocktail and beef fillet. Students . tucked in to oysters, hand-made crepes, a hog roast and a cascading . chocolate fountain, while drinks were served from a floating punt on . the river. This year's sold-out bash featured . dance performances and comedy until the early hours, all finished off . with the traditional survivor’s photo and firework display. Entertainment was provided by comedian Russell Kane, R&B band Big Brovaz and band Lawson and students could also opt for luxury spa treatments, a gamble at the casino or relaxing in the jazz tent. Got the munchies? Some of the students set up camp and enjoyed a small picnic following the event, which sees a crowd of 2,000 bleary-eyed revellers stumble through the city's historic streets after partying the night away at the Trinity College bash . Dancing queen: Two young lovers enjoyed a waltz on a bin following the £300-a-ticket event and prepared to carry on the celebrations with drunken punt rides on the River Cam or breakfast in college gardens . Up all night to get lucky: One popular male student tends to two drunken lady friends as they stumble home . Is that your date? What looks like a dinosaur made his way through the streets amidst the drunken scenes of havoc and debauchery in the streets of Cambridge . Nice accessory: One male student fashioned a balloon into a necklace as he made his way home from the biggest ball in the summer social calendar, left, while another reveller, right, appeared to be munching on a tissue as he left the event arm in arm with a male friend . Party people: At the event, students tucked into oysters, hand-made crepes, a hog roast and a cascading chocolate fountain . Sleepy heads! Clearly the big night was too long for some, as two young revellers appear to have fallen asleep next to the river . The lads: A cheerful looking bunch of young male students make their way home by bicycle for an early morning peddle . Having a ball: Britain's brightest young minds passed out in punts and wandered the streets during drunken scenes of havoc and debauchery on their way home from an infamous Cambridge May Ball this morning . Sociable: A gaggle of girls were sure to keep their social media fans up-to-date with the evening's proceeding . Glory days: Undergraduates traditionally celebrate the end of the academic year by dancing the night away at a series of balls held at the different colleges at The University of Cambridge . Quick swig: One reveller, who dressed in female attire, enjoyed a light tipple as he joined hundreds of classmates who wandered the streets . It featured a fireworks display which lit up Trinity College for more than an hour. The ball has been held every year . apart from 1910 when King Edward VII died and between 1939 and 1945 . during the Second World War. The first one was held in 1838 when 38 . Trinitarians happily drank their way through 47 bottles of champagne, 12 . of sherry, six of Mosel, two of Claret, six quarts of ale and 16 huge . servings of punch at a post-race dinner at the Hoop Inn. Neighbouring Jesus College and Clare Colleges held their summer balls on the same evening. And Queens College's May Ball will be held tonight - complete with a new bridge over the River Cam for the lavish do. Trinity May Ball . is held on the first Monday of May Week, which, despite the month in the . title, always takes place in June after exams. Journey juice: Two well dressed female students multitask on their stroll to the ball, left, while one male students steals a kiss from a female companion, right . What have you got there? One reveller appears to have picked up a musical instrument on his journey home, left, while two female friends, right, cycle home in tandem . All dressed up: The sold-out ball is the largest event of the Cambridge student social calendar and some students queued for three hours to get into the event yesterday evening . I could have danced all night: Young couples seem reluctant to retreat home . Historic: The ball has been held every year apart from 1910 when King Edward VII died and between 1939 and 1945 during the Second World War . What a night: Students pose after enjoying oyster tasting, a hog roast and performance by pop group Lawson . Firm friends: Students share some tender moments after leaving the ball in the early hours of this morning, while another drunk reveller, right, looks like she's ready for bed as she stumbles home with two companions . Steady on! Despite having switched to flats one hard-core party-goer just can't seem to keep her footing . Sleepy yet? These students show no signs of stopping as they continue to open more beers . Festivities: Students end the night with a spectacular firework display on the banks of the river Cam . What a view! Students and locals make themselves comfortable in wooden boats to enjoy the firework display . Wow! The night drew to a close with an amazing and colourful firework display . Enjoying the show: Crowds gathered on the river banks to enjoy the fireworks after dancing the night away to Lawson . What a scene! Students wrap up warm in hoodies as they enjoyed a punt along the river as dawn breaks . | Trinity May Ball celebrates Cambridge students' end of exams .
Ball's mantra was 'Eat, Drink, Rave, Repeat'
Guests were treated to lavish five-course meal followed by music and dancing .
Students tucked into oysters, hand-made crepes, hog roast and cascading chocolate fountain .
Lawson, Big Brovas and Russell Kane performed .
Some revellers were found lying on the streets and some frolicking on the river banks the next morning . |
101,985 | 0f6e85d87f348c3db3fba7fce2cda005f9383550 | (CNN) -- The year 2012 was declared the globe's 10th warmest since record keeping began in 1880 and the warmest ever for the Lower 48 U.S. states, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Climatic Data Center. Last year also marked the 36th consecutive year with a global temperature above the 20th century average, the federal agency said Tuesday. "All 12 years to date in the 21st century (2001 to 2012) rank among the 14 warmest in the 133-year period of record (keeping). Only one year during the (20th) century — 1998 — was warmer than 2012," the center said. In 2012, the contiguous United States experienced its warmest year since national record keeping began in 1895, the agency said. The new record broke the prior one, set in 1998, by 1 degree Fahrenheit, the center said. The year's average temperature of 55.3 degrees Fahrenheit across the Lower 48 was more than 3.2 degrees warmer than the average for the 20th century, NOAA reported earlier this month. Every state in the contiguous United States saw above-average temperatures in 2012, with 19 of them setting annual records of their own, NOAA said this month. Meanwhile, the country faced 11 weather disasters that topped $1 billion in losses each, including a lingering drought that covered 61% of the country at one point. That drought shriveled crops across the American farm belt, which is expected to cause a rise in food prices in 2013, according to the U.S. Agriculture Department. It also turned forests of the mountain West into stands of tinder that exploded into catastrophic wildfires over the summer, scorching millions of acres and destroying hundreds of homes. In October, Superstorm Sandy, a post-tropical cyclone, killed at least 110 people in the United States and nearly 70 in the Caribbean and Canada. Damage estimates from the storm run around $80 billion in New York and New Jersey alone. Most of the world saw warmer annual temperatures, including most of the Americas, Europe and Africa, the federal agency said. Western, southern and far northeastern Asia also had the same experience, officials said. Science, satellites and superstorms: Preparing for the next big one . "Meanwhile, most of Alaska, far western Canada, central Asia, parts of the eastern and equatorial Pacific, southern Atlantic, and parts of the Southern Ocean were notably cooler than average. Additionally, the Arctic experienced a record-breaking ice melt season, while the Antarctic ice extent was above average," the U.S. agency said. At the same time Tuesday, the world's warming trend was blamed for the postponement of a sled dog race in Minnesota. The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon and Mid-Distance Races were rescheduled to March 10 from January 27 because of scant snow. "For the third time in six years, we've had to cancel or reschedule the Beargrease sled dog race due to lack of snow," race coordinator Pat Olson said. "We recently had a big rain storm. Rain, but no snow, which messed up the trails. Lots of people [in the sled dog racing community] are doing what we're doing. There was a race scheduled for last weekend and this weekend, and both of those races were forced to be rescheduled due to lack of snow," Olson said. One musher cited global warming -- disputed by some analysts and politicians -- as an explanation. "Last year all but one sled dog race was canceled in Minnesota," said Peter McClelland, a sled dog marathon racer and operator of a sled tour business in Minnesota. "Over the past five years, we've lost a month of snowy weather on either side of the typical winter season. That's a big deal, to lose a month when your season is only four months out of the year. "It seems to be that this is just a climate change issue," McClelland continued. "Temperatures are going up. Historically we used to have snow by Thanksgiving, but that hasn't happened for over a decade." The 400-mile marathon race is regarded as one of the most famous dog sled races, held on Minnesota's North Shore, along the usually frosty Lake Superior. Last year, the Beargrease races were canceled because of "lack of snow and poor trail conditions," the race's board of directors said. CNN's Chandler Friedman contributed to this report. | 2012 ranks as the globe's 10th warmest since 1880, when record keeping began .
Last year was the warmest year ever for the contiguous United States .
The 12 years of new century rank among the 14 warmest in the past 133 years .
With no snow, Minnesota delays a sled dog race; musher blames global warming . |
113,225 | 1e23fca93af6597473dfc60799cd67ca8e2663ee | By . Stuart Roberts . PUBLISHED: . 06:07 EST, 8 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:01 EST, 8 November 2013 . Dentist Chris Siddons has fitted plenty of dentures in his time - but never to a goose. Bird Tilly - who was given a girl's name by his owners who originally thought he was female - lost half his beak when he was just six months old after accidentally chomping on barbed wire. The seven-year-old goose had been using his tongue to replace the missing part of the beak following the accident. But after Tilly's beak began to deteriorate, Mr Siddons, from Burley, North Yorkshire, stepped in and used his dental skills to patch it up crafting a prosthetic beak out of materials normally used for false teeth. Scroll down for video . Beaky blinder: Veterinary surgeon Andy MacGregor was able to craft the prosthetic bill using denture materials, sparing the lucky bird from being put down . Tilly's owner Frances Hall-Coetzer from Gargrave, North Yorkshire, who says she has a special bond with her bird, sought help when Tilly's tongue became sore and more of his beak started falling away. She was initially told her beloved goose would probably have to be put down so she sought a second opinion with local vet Andy MacGregor, from Ashlands Vets in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Mr MacGregor created a temporary fix for Tilly using dental resin and orthopaedic screws which allowed him to start eating and drinking normally. Before and after: The painful looking injury (right) caused by barbed wire left Tilly unable to eat properly. Thanks to the new prosthetic, she's back on flying form . He then called his dentist friend Chris Siddons of The Burley Dental Suite, in nearby Wharfedale. He put Tilly under general anesthetic and took some silicone impressions of his beak using dental materials. A technician was able to cast the impressions to produce a study model which was used as a template to make the new beak. Mr Siddons used a material called cold cured dental acrylic, which is the same substance used for creating human dentures. The dental practitioner said it was the first time he had treated a goose in his 20 years in the job. He said: 'The vet is a very good friend of mine, and when I got the phone call I thought it was a joke to start with. Have a gander: Staff at the Ashland's veterinary practice have grown quite fond of their new feathered friend . 'I've helped before dealing with root fillings for dogs, but this is the first time ever I have operated on a goose. 'This sort of operation is fairly rare and it's quite rare for the animal to survive.' Fitting the beak took around an hour. Anne MacGregor, practice manager at the vets, told how the procedure should have cost £100 but was done for free as the surgery had never seen anything like Tilly’s condition before. She said: 'Tilly came in with his beak hanging apart. He was managing to eat and maintain his weight by using his tongue, but it was dried out due to overusing it. 'It took just 45 minutes to fix on Tilly’s new beak and we’re looking to send him home for the future soon. This is a very rare operation and something which I don’t think we’ll ever see in this vets again. 'Everyone has done a fantastic job and thankfully Tilly is doing really well now.' Send me the bill: The newly patched up Tilly happily strolls around the farm in North Yorkshire . Mrs Hall-Coetzer said: 'When he was six months old, I took him to a farm but he suffered an accident whilst he was there. 'I took him to the vets near to where I live, but they said they couldn't do anything about it. 'He had bitten on some barbed wire, and as time had gone by more of his beak had been pulled away and he used his tongue to compensate that. 'His tongue became quite sore and hard so three weeks ago I took him to Ashland's, who said they may be able to help.' Thanks: Andy MacGregor from the veterinary surgery admires his work . She added: 'Tilly is really special and incredibly tame, I just thought I had to to what I could. 'It's amazing how he's managed to survive seven years with this, but after I spotted his tongue dropping, I knew something drastic had to be done. 'Without the vets at Ashland's, Tilly wouldn't be alive now and I'm so grateful for what they have done. 'I don't have any children and he is my life, we have a special bond and I'm so glad he's been saved.' Video courtesy of BBC Look North . | Bird lost bottom half of his beak after getting it caught on barbed wire .
His owner was told her beloved goose may have to be put down .
Dentist crafted prosthetic beak using materials for DENTURES .
It was the first time the dentist had operated on a goose .
Video courtesy of BBC Look North . |
260,790 | ddb941ef52ed3d660620d0d355051d08d159cb87 | Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro called Friday on the United States to exchange ambassadors just days after expelling three American diplomats from the country. The request came during an hours-long news conference aired on state-run TV, where Maduro called on President Barack Obama to begin talks, even as he repeatedly accused the United States of interfering in Venezuelan internal affairs and stoking sometimes violent anti-government protests in recent days. "I call for a dialogue with you, Obama," Maduro said. "You can designate (U.S. Secretary of State John) Kerry or whoever you want to come to this dialogue and I will send my foreign minister ... for this high-level meeting." At the same time, Maduro accused Obama of failing to live up to a commitment not to "interfere with Venezuelan affairs." "What you have said has not been carried out," he said. The United States and Venezuela have not had resident ambassadors since 2010, although they have maintained diplomatic missions and active embassies. Maduro's call to exchange ambassadors comes after his government accused American diplomats of using a visa program as cover to meet with with youth organizers at private universities "for training, financing and creating youth organizations through which violence is promoted in Venezuela." The expulsion, which President Nicolas Maduro first announced Sunday, comes after the State Department expressed concerns about rising tensions in Venezuela. Maduro's news conference comes amid questions of whether he can hold onto control of the country amid rising demonstrations. Venezuela's western state of Tachira became a flashpoint Friday between anti-government protesters and security forces. Protesters blocked off some of the main roads in the capital, San Cristobal, public transportation was paralyzed, and few businesses were open. Maduro's government has responded strongly to protests in Tachira as he faces the largest demonstrations since coming to power almost a year ago. The country's interior minister, Miguel Rodriguez Torres, has announced a new plan to restore order in Tachira, which, he said, may include sending a battalion of paratroopers there. "This battalion will reinforce the units that find themselves on the major roadways that converge in this city," Rodriguez said Thursday. The military is necessary because the government believes that people from across the border in Colombia are crossing into Tachira to make trouble, Rodriguez said. Meanwhile, the government on Friday said that eight people have died in the violence related to the protests and clashes. Attorney General Luisa Ortega Diaz said another 137 have been injured. Four people were killed in Caracas, two in Carabobo state, one in Sucre state and one in Lara state, he said. The government and the opposition blame each other for the deaths. Maduro singled out one opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez, as responsible for calling for the protests. Lopez turned himself in to authorities this week, and he was charged Thursday with arson and conspiracy. More serious charges of murder and terrorism were dropped. If convicted, Lopez could face up to 10 years in prison. The unrest . During the demonstrations, supporters of the country's socialist government and anti-government protesters have flooded social media with reports of violence, making drastically different claims about who's behind it. Since February 13, more than 2,000 stories from Venezuela have been uploaded to iReport, CNN's user-generated platform. Many of the videos and photos depict violent scenes between demonstrators and government forces. He also called out called out CNN, Fox and other U.S.-based media, claiming that they are encouraging opposition forces against the government . Alejandro Camacho Beomont told iReport that students Wednesday blocked streets and burned debris in San Cristobal, from where he sent photos -- and he said he didn't blame them. "Even though I am always looking for peace to make a better place to live, I think people have the right to express themselves in the ways they can, and it is not easy to express yourself in this country now," he said. "I support the protesters. There have been more than 15 years that the majority of the Venezuelan citizens are going through tough times. There are so many problems we have to face every day, and there seems to be not a sincere attitude from the high government officials to rectify (them)." In a nationally televised broadcast Wednesday night, Maduro described bullet wounds sustained by government forces during protests and showed videos that he said depicted opposition protesters throwing stones and setting buses ablaze. "You think this is a novel? This is the reality that you with your hatred have created," he said. "If you don't like Venezuela, leave." | Nicolas Maduro calls for talks with the United States .
Venezuela's government says eight people have been killed in the violence .
The western state of Tachira is a flashpoint of the tension .
The government is considering sending more troops to Tachira . |
6,226 | 11a45eba5f4e0e1548c31f8340e0bbd7f257723e | It was supposed to be a class trip to a resort island that's considered the Hawaii of Korea. Instead, a ferry has capsized in the Yellow Sea, and hundreds of people are unaccounted for. The parents of students from a South Korean high school have been clutching their cell phones, waiting for a call from their children or rescuers. On Tuesday night, more than 300 high school students from the city of Ansan departed on a ferry called Sewol for a four-day trip to Jeju Island. About 70% of those aboard were from the high school. The Sewol pulled out of the port at Incheon at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, according to JTBC, a CNN affiliate. Survivor accounts . Shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday, passenger Kim Sung-Mook was eating breakfast in the ship's main hall when he felt a tilt, he told CNN affiliate YTN. At first, "we thought it was because of the tide," he said. The waves had been smooth until the ship suddenly leaned, witnesses said. The ship tilted further, and an announcement blared through loudspeakers warning passengers that moving would be dangerous. Then, he heard a loud bang from inside the ship. Kim said he thought a crane on board had toppled over. When seawater started gushing into the ferry, passengers began to scramble. Elsewhere on the ferry, high school student Lim Hyung Min felt tremors that were strong enough to knock shipping containers off balance. Several of his classmates were flung off their feet as the ferry began to lean. "The students were falling over and crashing into things and bleeding," Lim said. The ship tilted further, to about 90 degrees, passengers said. Back in the main hall, Kim heard the buzzing of helicopters overhead. Cafeteria workers were dashing up to the deck. "The helicopters arrived. They said they could take five more people, so we sent students," Kim said. Footage from South Korean media showed helicopters hovering over a half-submerged ferry with panic-stricken passengers scrambling from the side. Announcements on board: Don't move . Not everyone had made it to the top deck, because "the announcement asked not to move since it could be dangerous. So everyone stayed where they were. But when the water started coming in, people started moving to the upper level," he said. Kim managed to get on a helicopter, but he said he'd seen as many as 30 people still trapped inside the ship. Shortly after his rescue, the ship capsized. "Unless they broke a window, I think it would have been impossible for them to come out," Kim told YTN. It remains unclear how many people have survived and how many are missing as the official numbers from authorities have been fluctuating throughout the day. Inside the ferry, Lim told YTN he stayed in a room until rescuers opened a door and threw life jackets in his direction. He was ordered to jump into the ocean, which he described as "unbearably cold." After his rescue, Lim went on air on YTN to list the names of his classmates whom he had seen to reassure their parents that they were safe. Agonizing wait for parents . Meanwhile, parents had gathered at Ansan Danwon High School, clutching their cell phones in an agonizing wait for a call from their children. Officials posted a list of names, and each name was circled after confirmation of a rescue. A woman was immediately swarmed by cameras as she received a call from her child. "Are you OK?" she cried out. Although their own phones were lost in the water during the rescue, students have been borrowing rescuers' phones to call their parents. At one point, the school announced that all students had been rescued but soon rescinded the announcement, to the parents' wrath. The students who fell into the water were "having difficulties due to their body temperatures dropping, but they have blankets and changed their clothes, so they're feeling better now," Lim told YTN. The rescued students gathered in a gymnasium awaiting their parents and teachers. They have since departed the school in buses, according to YTN. More on other major ferry and ship sinkings . | High school students left for Jeju Island for school trip .
Numbers reported rescued and missing are fluctuating, leaving parents and families in anguish .
Witnesses tell CNN affiliate that the ship began tilting, which flung people off balance . |
252,143 | d2550b39c4d0196942319bcb3f3b9dbcbdfd3065 | By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 12:46 EST, 14 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:47 EST, 14 January 2013 . Controversy: Director Quentin Tarantino shocked press backstage at the Golden Globes by using the N-word . Quentin Tarantino has stirred further controversy in the wake of his slavery-themed movie Django Unchained by using the 'N-word' backstage at the Golden Globes. The cult movie director, who won the award for best screenplay, shocked gathered press at the Hollywood event with his use of the word, before saying that the U.S. prison system is 'modern slavery'. Tarantino, renowned for his risqué directorial decisions, has walked an even finer line with Django Unchained. The spaghetti Western starring Jamie Foxx, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kerry Washington and Christoph Waltz sees characters use the N-word more that 100 times. Tarantino defended his inclusion of the word in the script - and repeated it in front of gathered reporters. 'They think I should soften it, that I should lie, that I should massage,' he told the Hollywood Reporter. 'I would never do that when it comes to my characters.' The director also said that slavery continues in the U.S. - it has just taken on a different form. 'If you go to Malaysia, there's sexual slavery going on in places like that, but I'm more concerned about the slavery that is going on in America,' he said. 'The drug laws that have put so many black males in jail that wouldn't have existed in the `70s, that is slavery. It is just straight up slavery as far as I'm concerned.' Scroll down for video . Cult figure: Quentin Tarantino, pictured on the red carpet at Sunday night's Golden Globes in LA, with a blonde guest and later in the night (right) The director has made the point in earlier interviews. While on a Canadian talk show in December, Tarantino said: 'This whole thing of this ''war on drugs'' and the mass incarcerations that have happened pretty much for the last 40 . years has just decimated the black male population. 'It’s slavery, it is just, it’s . just slavery through and through, and it’s just the same fear of the black male . that existed back in the 1800s.' Despite winning two awards on Sunday night at the awards ceremony in Hollywood - one for Tarantino and best supporting actor for Christoph Waltz - Django Unchained has been met with a mixed reception. Director Spike Lee deemed the film 'disrespectful' and blasted the feature for insulting his 'ancestors'. Lee wrote on Twitter last month: 'American Slavery Was Not A Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western. It Was A Holocaust. My Ancestors Are Slaves.Stolen From Africa. I Will Honor Them.' Django Unchained, which opened on Christmas Day, sees Foxx as a slave Django Freeman, who fights for his freedom and to be reunited with his wife Broomhilda (Washington), who was sold to brutal plantation owner Calvin J Candie (DiCaprio). Close bond: Tarantino and Kerry Washington at the after-party at the Beverly Hilton hotel following the Golden Globes . Screen success: Tarantino and his guest share a joke with Adele as Jamie Foxx looks on . Waltz, who plays a bounty hunter who trains Foxx's character, backed Tarantino's directorial choices given the controversial subject matter of slavery. He told the Hollywood press: 'It should be . controversial if you make a movie about a story against the backdrop of . slavery. 'You better be prepared for a controversial . discussion. I wish more movies gave us an opportunity to talk about . subjects that matter to us today.' His co-star Jamie Foxx opened up last month about the struggles he had on set with the racial slur constantly being repeated. The 45-year-old actor told Jay Leno last month: 'It was a deep movie what I had to learn though was the slavery part of it was tough. I've worked so hard to get where I am as black man - strong and handling my business in 2011/2012. 'That was tough for me to act like I can't read, or be subservient to someone or to hear the N-word over and over again which is what I asked for because that's the way they labelled them at that time.' Group shot: Christoph Waltz, Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington, Quentin Tarantino and Samuel L Jackson pose together at the London premiere of Django Unchained . Hard hitting: Foxx stars as slave Django Freeman, who fights for his freedom and to also be reunited with his wife Broomhilda (Kerry) | Cult movie director, who picked up the award for best screenplay, courted further controversy when discussing move Django Unchained . |
215,604 | a31725f157e0bd044514037c86b872e50687f276 | Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg faced the media at Thursday's press conference ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix. The Mercedes team-mates, and rivals for the Formula One title, were selected by the FIA in the wake of their controversial crash at the Belgium Grand Prix. Rosberg has since been fined a six-figure sum by Mercedes for his role in the incident which resulted in Hamilton retiring from the race. Read what they had to say about the incident in Spa, and on moving forward, below... VIDEO Scroll down to watch Lewis Hamilton preview the Italian Grand Prix . Facing the media: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg answered questions from the assembled press in Monza . 1.50pm: We're 10 minutes away from today's press conference and the stage is set at Monza. Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg will take their place on the front row, with Ferrari's Fernando Alonso the meat in a Mercedes sandwich. The trio will be joined by Williams driver Valtteri Bottas, McLaren's Kevin Magnussen and Marussia's Max Chilton. 1.55pm: While we wait for the drivers, why not take a look at Nico Rosberg's exclusive MailOnline column. He looks back at the crash in Spa, and concedes it was his error. Click here to read more. 2.00pm: We're up and running in Monza, and the first question goes to Alonso. He says it is Ferrari's 'most important race of the year.' But the Spaniard hopes to be on the podium after signs of being more competitive in Belgium. On the small screen: Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Rosberg faced the media ahead of the Italian Grand Prix . 2.03pm: Kevin Magnussen talks of his enjoyment of racing in Spa despite a race penalty. 'We're fighting with Force India and for position in the championship,' says the Finn. 2.10pm: Rosberg and Hamilton are asked for their opinions of the Spa crash... Rosberg - 'I took the week to think about it and look at it and discuss with the team. In the end it was me who should take responsibility.' Hamilton adds with a smile: ‘This is the first time there has been so many people in the room. I am excited about moving forward. And I am excited to be here. I hope we can have a good weekend. I already said everything in the press release. Trust is a big word and that is not something I would apply to racing on the track. Me and Nico have been racing a long time and we set a foundation in karting a long time ago and that is what we work from.' Rosberg on making history: 'In Spa I was not proud of the way it went, because in general, I want to contribute to my sport because I want it to be the most entertaining in the world. If I am able to contribute, I am happy about that and in many ways we have, so that is great.' Hamilton adds: 'I don’t have a responsibility to history. History is created every day. I love racing and I am proud to be here. I just enjoy every single day as it comes. I personally don’t put us in the same ranking as the greats back in the day.' Head down: Hamilton signs autographs for fans as he arrives in the paddock on Thursday morning . 2.12pm: The Mercedes pair are then quizzed on whether the team is divided: ‘I don’t feel that is the case,' says Hamilton. 'We have a professional team and they just want to win, so they will be working as hard as they can. They work collectively for the pit stops, so that (division) does not cross my mind. We have the chance for one-two finishes, and they will give it their all.' Rosberg adds: ‘In general there has been a healthy rivalry in the team and that is why we are where we are. We have the best car. If you don’t work well as a team you can’t dominate a sport as we do at the moment, so that is proof (the team is not divided)’. 2.15pm: Hamilton: ‘After the race it was important to move forward. What happened in the past is in the past. There is still a lot of points available so that is my focus.’ Rosberg adds: ‘It was clear from the beginning that we must not have contact as team-mates so that approach does not change.’ Packed house: The auditorium was rammed for the Thursday afternoon press conference in Monza . Rosberg is asked for his opinion on, according to this journalist, a so-called ‘vicious media attack' and a 'witch hunt'... ‘I respect the opinions. and then for me I try to focus on driving my race car first and working with my team and getting the best out of the situation. I am very lucky to have such a car. It is very seldom in F1 that I can be on pole and win the race at every grand prix. The team is doing an unbelievable job. The other guys are not getting closer and that is great. My focus is on that.' Hamilton is asked if he was punished by the team for ignoring a team instruction at the Hungarian Grand Prix... 'We all get punished for all the incidents,' he replies. 'We have meetings and get a big slap on the wrist. In Hungary I did not say "No" to the situation. I said "if he gets close I would let him by". Afterwards Toto Wolff and Paddy Lowe said you made the right choice. As human beings we have the right to question orders and that one wasn’t the right one which the team said so in the meeting.' He laughs, before adding: 'Don’t get too emotional about it.' 2.20pm: Hamilton is asked about his future... Eyes on the prize: Rosberg is 29 points ahead of Hamilton in the battle for the Formula One world championship . 'I haven’t said I was freezing anything,' he says after Toto Wolff claimed talks were on hold. 'We are constantly talking with the team. I still have a contract for a whole year on top of this one. I see my future with Mercedes. I am really happy there.' 2.22pm: Rosberg is asked if Mercedes made him apologise: ‘They can’t make me apologise,' is his reponse. 'It was a decision that came from me after hearing people’s opinions. I felt it was my responsibility. What changed? ‘Time’. He replies. 2.27pm: Rosberg is the quizzed on the 'psychological war', and how important it is in the battle for the title... 'Of course in sport it plays a part. Your performances is linked to many things and your mental state of mind is always important.' 2.30pm: Alonso, Rosberg and Hamilton are asked if the FIA should have taken a closer look at the incident because Rosberg extended his lead in the championship… . ALONSO: I don’t know why I need to answer so many questions. I do not want to answer because I have no clear input. It is FIA rules and they want us to race in a fair way and to respect the rules and they try to do that and if in Spa they did not go any further, they thought it was OK. I was not in that incident, and I was not involved. I have no clear opinion. ROSBERG: We need to trust the FIA to make the right calls. HAMILTON: I think the FIA have a really tough job. They have done an exceptional job on majority of calls. The scenarios are always different, so the same rule does not always apply. But I think it is a very good question to be honest because how do we move forward from that? We are always asking to race because it is hard out there to manoeuvre at high speeds without contact, but it is a really good question. 2.33pm: End of press conference... | Hamilton and Rosberg selected for Italian Grand Prix press conference .
Mercedes rivals faced questions from media following Spa crash .
Rosberg has apologised to Hamilton, the team and F1 fans since the incident .
German fined six-figure sum by Mercedes but leads world championship .
Fernando Alonso also featured in press conference ahead of Monza race . |
48,311 | 8860912cbf851405c95aaaae8eddb375f373625b | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:10 EST, 27 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 09:55 EST, 27 January 2014 . These stunning images show heavy fog at sunset surrounding the south tower of the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The eerie pictures were taken by photographer Dave Gordon, 34, a travel photographer from San Francisco, who set out to capture the sunset, and then saw the thick fog engulfing the bridge. The pictures show how the fog swamped the Golden Gate Bridge, which makes it look as if the bridge leads to nowhere. Vanishing point: San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge is enveloped by a thick spring fog . Atmospheric: Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, appears to vanish into a cloud world in a series of stunning pictures taken by Dave Gordon . Mr Gordon said: 'I was sitting at home when I noticed the sky started changing colours into what I was hoping would be a spectacular sunset. 'I gathered my camera, my wife and our dog and rushed out the door. Fortunately we live less than two miles from the Golden Gate Bridge. 'As we approached, the sky began to bloom into the brilliant sunset colours. I literally sprinted to the top of the viewing area from the car, dropped to my knees, steadied the camera and came away with the photograph. The pictures show the perfect composition of the thick fog, mixing with amazing cloud formations, and the pink sky from the sunset. Mr Gordon first started taking photographs as a hobby, when he would go out hiking with his labrador puppy and he now has his own business, specialsing in travel photography. Bathed in light: Photographer Dave Gordon climbed to the top of Slacker Ridge in the Marin Headlands to get this stunning picture of the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset . Beacon: Stunning San Francisco provides the perfect backdrop to a brightly lit Golden Gate Bridge as it shines through the mists at dusk . Standing proud: San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge juts out of the cloud during an amazing sunset in late afternoon . Weather front: Dave Gordon went to his favorite sport to take pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, to capture this stunning shot of cloud rolling in across the bay . | Photographer Dave Gordon captured amazing images of weather-cloaked iconic landmark .
34-year-old found the best vantage points around San Francisco to picture dramatic clouds enveloping the bridge . |
252,401 | d2aee37b415ff2c69d776e155d99d9057ab3976b | By . Louise Cheer . Eight children are among 12 people injured in a school bus crash. The accident involving another vehicle happened near the intersection of Mount Warren Boulevard and Beaudesert-Beenleigh Rd, Beenleigh in southern Brisbane. According to the Queensland Police Service, the children were eight of 12 people who suffered minor injuries. Scroll down for video . The school mini-bus collided with a vehicle about 3.30pm on Thursday in Beenleigh, south of Brisbane . They are being assessed at the scene by Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics. Initial reports indicate it occurred about 3.30pm on Thursday and police are at the scene. The crash has caused extreme congestion. Police are advising motorists to avoid the intersection and to expect delays. No further information is available at this stage. | The crash happened at an intersection in Beenleigh - in Brisbane's south .
It occurred at Mount Warren Boulevard and Beaudesert-Beenleigh Rd .
A car collided with a mini-bus on Thursday at 3.30pm, police have reported .
Eight of the 12 injured are children, and have sustained minor injuries . |
10,147 | 1cc912d3309d89b55d12bc4d4d793a26a6ff7c3f | Marius Siurkus was deported from Britain after committing burglary but was found living back at his Peterborough home only 12 days later . One in five attempts to deport foreign criminals fail, while the number of crimes committed by immigrants has doubled in the past five years, new figures reveal. Last year foreign criminals were responsible for 14 per cent of serious crimes such as murders, rapes and robberies - a rate that has jumped 50 per cent since 2008. The high rate of offending coincides with news 20 per cent of last year's deportations were classed as 'failed removals' - meaning the Home Office failed to deport the offender. The figures were compiled by the Sun on Sunday, which also reported migrants commit about 220,000 crimes a year. A Lithuanian burglar recently made headlines after he was released from prison early and deported only to be found living back at his Peterborough home 12 days later. Police believe Marius Siurkus, 32, may have returned hoping to retrieve stolen jewellery he hid under floorboards. Incredibly, Siurkus’s accomplice in the burglary, countryman Mantas Pronckus, has twice been freed from prison early and deported – only to return to the UK and continue offending. MailOnline has requested comment from the Home Office. Just two months ago Britain's top police officer warned the criminal justice situation was not adapting quickly enough to cope with the impact of immigration. Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe said more than half of all foreign criminals caught in Britain have a right to stay that prevents them being deported. Earlier this year the Government pledged that arrested foreign nationals – including EU citizens – will face deportation even if they are not convicted of any crime. The crackdown will use a European law that states those wanting to remain here must be exercising their right to work or be self-sufficient. This could be used to tackle groups such as the capital’s notorious Park Lane beggars, a group largely from Eastern European countries such as Romania. The control of European criminals across EU borders has come under the spotlight in recent weeks after it emerged the prime suspect in the disappearance of 14-year-old Alice Gross had murdered his wife in his native country 17 years ago. New figures show the home office failed in 20 per cent of its attempted deportations last year. Pictured is the Home Office building in central London . Arnis Zalkalns, 41, convinced officers in Latvia that his wife Rudite had gone missing - when he had actually hit her with a metal bar, stabbed her in the heart and buried her in a forest. The jobbing builder served six-and-a-half years of an eight-year jail sentence before leaving for Britain in 2005. He remains at the centre of an international manhunt after being named as the prime suspect in the case of Alice, who vanished from a West London towpath more than three weeks ago. | Figures show number of crimes committed by foreigners doubled since 2008 .
But one in five Home Office attempts to deport foreign criminals fails .
Britain's top police officer has warned justice system must adapt to trends . |
258,457 | da845f6c431029397f3c0dd9b585d61c17a14b3b | By Michael seamark . PUBLISHED: . 17:51 EST, 17 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:52 EST, 17 October 2013 . The . unfortunate ‘monkey’ joke is the latest in a series of race rows to . blight English football. Most famously, John Terry lost the captaincy of . the national team in the furore over his alleged racial abuse of Anton . Ferdinand. His case, which . dominated headlines for months, came less than a year after Liverpool’s . Luis Suarez was banned for eight games for a racial offence. But . aside from these high-profile cases, race has become a hugely sensitive . issue around the game. Gaffe: Roy Hodgson's unfortunate ‘monkey’ joke is the latest in a series of race rows to . blight English football . Such is the paranoia over causing racial offence . that even the most innocuous remarks can prompt a rapid public . retraction. Only this week ITV’s football . anchorman Adrian Chiles was forced to apologise for comments made about . Polish builders ahead of the World Cup qualifier between England and . Poland. Liverpool player Luis Suarez (left) was found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United's Patrice Evra (right) Chiles said: ‘It’s practically a home game for Poland – 15,000 . Poles will be here, I’m sure.’ When . fellow pundit Lee Dixon responded: ‘Hopefully, they’re all crying at . the end’ Chiles added: ‘I’m trying to get some building work done at the . moment, quite seriously. Be careful.’ Despite . widespread support on Twitter, Chiles, whose mother is Croatian, was . made to apologise, saying: ‘I made the remark in relation to the nice . Polish builders currently working at my place, who I knew would already . be fed up having watched their team lose to Ukraine. ‘No . offence was intended – apart from anything else I could hardly be . prouder of my East European background. 'But to anyone who thought what I . said constituted some kind of lazy stereotyping, and was offended by . it, I certainly apologise.’ Chelsea . captain Terry was banned for four matches by the Football Association . in September 2012 and fined a record £220,000 for using racist language . against Queens Park Rangers player Ferdinand during a match at Loftus . Road in October of the previous year. Two . months earlier Terry had been cleared of a racially aggravated public . order offence at Westminster Magistrates Court, but the FA brought . disciplinary charges under its own rules. The . fine – for the words ‘f****** black ****’ – was the highest ever levied . on an individual by the FA, and corresponded to Terry’s weekly wage at . Chelsea. In December 2011, . Suarez was also found guilty of racial abuse. Different extremes: Adrian Chiles comments about Polish . builders after England's win over Montenegro (left) and John Terry (right) leaves court after being cleared of racially . abusing Anton Ferdinand . He was handed an . eight-match ban and fined £40,000 after clashing with Manchester . United’s Patrice Evra during a game at Anfield two months earlier. But . football has come a long way from the Seventies, when monkey chants . followed the first black soccer players whenever they touched the ball. In . August it emerged that every senior player in the Premier league and . Football League must attend a session this season to receive guidance on . racist and homophobic language. The Professional Footballers’ Association, is organising the sessions. | Liverpool's Luis Suarez was banned for eight games for a racial offence .
Chelsea's John Terry banned and fined for using racist language .
Now even the most innocuous remarks can prompt a rapid public retraction . |
94,910 | 05f7ccd37b103c1580f7ef15c43d91d484fd29cb | With families across the country wanting a majestic fir to display in their homes this holiday season, it's the busiest time of the year for Christmas tree farms. And it appears the most efficient way to collect the trees is by using a really fast chopper. It would probably take several burly men hours to drag the trees from where they are felled to a nearby pick-up truck. But at the Noble Mountain Tree Farm in Salem, Oregon, a handy helicopter and its skilled pilot hoist no less than four trees into a truck in this 90-second clip. Scroll down for video . At the Noble Mountain Tree Farm in Salem, Oregon, a time-saving trick means more Christmas trees can be transported quicker . In just 90 seconds, the skilled helicopter pilot hoists a total of four trees into a nearby pick-up truck . The helicopter picks up the trees on a tether and carries them through the air, before dropping them carefully into the truck. And despite the foggy sky, the pilot appears to have no trouble navigating at all and instead shows off his skill by completing the task as quickly as possible. In a clear indication of the pilot's speed, three trucks can be seen lined up along the road in the video, waiting to be filled. Over the course of the clip, the first is loaded with trucks and ready to go and it will no doubt take no time at all to pack the other two. Despite the foggy sky, the pilot has no problem navigating and appears to effortlessly move the trees . In a clear indication of his speedy skills, three trucks line the road waiting to be loaded with trees . At the end of the clip, one truck is full and ready to go and in the course of a few minutes, the remaining two are likely to be full . | Skilled pilot hoists no less than four trees into a truck in this 90-second clip .
Despite the foggy sky, pilot appears to have no trouble navigating at all .
Efficient method used at the Noble Mountain Tree Farm in Salem, Oregon . |
242,626 | c60bc0b6c481b65009c82a1ea73f54b2180d796a | A coal train operator is missing after his train was derailed and pushed into a flowing water by a landslide in remote, mountainous Canada. Mining giant Rio Tinto confirmed the train was found in the waterway below the narrow mountain railroad and that company officials are urgently trying to find the missing driver. Authorities are also working to contain diesel that leaked spilled from the train into the water. Scroll down for video . An aerial view of the train which derailed while heading north of the town of Sept-Ales, in Quebec . It's believed a landslide caused the train to derail, sending it crashing into the water below . The train was carrying empty freight cars from the town of Sept-Ales, in Quebec, when it was derailed by a river feeding into the Gulf of St Lawrence. Derailments have become a particularly sensitive issue in Canada since a crude oil train crash in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, in July 2013 that killed 47 people. The company said all railway traffic was suspended until further notice. 'We will do our own investigation to determine the cause,' said Claudine Gagnon, a spokeswoman for Rio Tinto. 'Our priority is to find our employee.' A representative of Quebec's environment ministry confirmed diesel had leaked into the water, but could not say how much. He noted that the locomotive carried about 17,000 liters of diesel. 'We are now working to minimize the impact of the derailment on the river.' Iron Ore Company of Canada, majority-owned by Rio Tinto, owns and operates the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway, which links its mine to port facilities. The railway also carries iron ore from Cliffs Natural Resources' Bloom Lake mine. A Cliffs spokeswoman said it was too early to speculate about the impact of the derailment. Mrs Gagnon said the line mainly carries ore for Iron Ore Company of Canada and other clients. Trains also carry general freight, including fuel, material and equipment for mining companies and the communities of Wabush and Labrador City in Newfoundland and Labrador and Schefferville, Quebec. Mining giant Rio Tinto, which operates the line, said it was working to locate the train operator, who is still missing . The line is used twice a week for passenger service, with the next scheduled departure from Sept-ÃŽles on Monday. The July 2013 derailment in July also had only a one operator, an unusual practice in the North American railway industry. The only other railway cleared to run one-person trains in Canada was the Quebec North Shore and Labrador Railway. Quebec Provincial Police said they received a call about 7:30am yesterday about the train's derailment in a remote location north of Sept-AŽles. Police had difficulty accessing the site, about 950 kilometers northeast of Montreal. Toronto Stock Exchange-listed Labrador Iron Ore Royalty Corp owns 15 percent of the company, and Japan's Mitsubishi Corp owns 26 percent. | Locomotive plunged into river, dragging a half-dozen freight cars .
Cars were empty, but an unknown amount of diesel leaked into pristine river .
Company suspended all railway traffic until further notice . |
20,772 | 3af255a07e9313ecd7e76ec7937aa02566d1cade | A would-be terrorist planned to make homemade bombs packed with nails and ball bearings then explode them in mosques, a court heard today. Ian Forman, 41, of Birkenhead, Merseyside, allegedly labelled two Liverpool mosques as 'targets’ before making a string of YouTube posts threatening to ‘blow them up’. He is accused of stock-piling potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal, and drawing up a shopping list of bomb components, as well as creating spreadsheets for the prices of chemicals needed, and where they would be stocked. Lady Justice on top of the Old Bailey: Ian Forman, 41, of Birkenhead, Merseyside, allegedly labelled two Liverpool mosques as 'targets' before making a string of YouTube posts threatening to 'blow them up' Forman appeared at the Old Bailey today to face a single charge of engaging in conduct in the preparation of terrorist acts. Dressed in a grey striped shirt and supported by his wife and brother in the public gallery, he spoke only to confirm his name. Prosecutor Rebecca Mundy said: ‘Mr Forman researched mosques in his local area, researching their locations, and saving photos of them on his computer. ‘He labelled them as “target one” and “target two”.’ His alleged targets were the Wirral Islamic Centre and the Penny Lane Mosque, she said. The court heard Forman also allegedly made and tested improvised explosive devices, and ran tests on ‘black powder’. 'Target': The Penny Lane Mosque in Liverpool, where Forman is accused of planning to explode a bomb . The charge, under terrorist legislation, accuses him of having ‘in your possession potassium nitrate, sulphur, and charcoal; made lists for required components; created spreadsheets reflecting prices and stockists of the chemicals required; made and tested improvised explosive devices; made and tested black powder; researched mosques and Islamic Centres in the local area, saved photographs of them labelling them as “targets”, and expressed your intention of “blowing them up” with the use of “nails and ball bearings”.’ Forman was charged earlier this month and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 7. Mr Justice Sweeney today rejected an application for bail and remanded Forman in custody until his next court appearance. He will be produced to enter a plea to the charge on January 14. The judge set a provision trial date for March 3 next year. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Ian Forman, 41, allegedly planned to attack two mosques in Liverpool .
He appeared at the Old Bailey today to face a single terrorism charge .
The court that he had made and tested improvised explosive devices . |
152,428 | 50fd0d4fececc756faa0941e4915d88583b9e99e | By . Jessica Jerreat . Arrested: Quaneisha Torres is facing attempted murder charges after her husband was run over . A 21-year-old Virginia woman is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly driving into her husband with a minivan and then beating him at the roadside. Concerned motorists started to call police at about 10.30pm on Sunday to report a woman kicking a man next to a wrecked vehicle. Quaneisha Torres is accused of driving her minivan in the wrong direction along a one-way street, before smashing into her husband who was on the edge of the road. Witnesses claimed that as the 31-year-old, who has not been named, tried to crawl away from the wreckage, a 5ft 4in woman, who weighed about 200lb, began kicking him. Police told WUSA 9 that other drivers had called 911 to report seeing a minivan going in the wrong direction before crashing into a guard rail. The witnesses claimed to see a man crawl out from under the wreckage, only to be kicked by the woman driver of the minivan. Officers reported that when they arrived at the scene, they found Torres standing over the bloodied body of her husband. It is believed the husband had been walking on the road when his wife, who was following him in a vehicle, ran into him. Attack: Witnesses saw a minivan going the wrong direction on this one-way street before it hit a pedestrian . The husband was rushed to hospital, where he was treated for serious head injuries and broken bones. No motive for the attack has been given. Torres has been charged with attempted first-degree homicide. She is being held in regional jail with no bond. | Quaneisha Torres, 21, is facing attempted murder charges over attack .
21-year-old was found by police standing over seriously injured man . |
249,954 | cf7d2cf1557c1e77288349d1324ce3b66cbebfe9 | (CNN) -- The crowd of farmers in the Nile Delta's Sharqiya Province cheered loudly whenever the neatly groomed candidate came out with a new promise. Jobs! Schools! Better social services! A better future! He smiled broadly as the cheering swelled, wiping the sweat off his brow with a white handkerchief. He wore a freshly pressed white shirt with an open collar, under a well-cut blue blazer. He was the picture of authority and self-confidence. Afterward, one of the farmers brushed off the other contenders in the presidential election as posers. "There is no one else," he told me. "The other candidates don't care about Egypt. They've been hired!" His candidate, Hosni Mubarak, easily won the election, back in September 2005, though there is little doubt it was rigged in his favor. It was another "historic" election, the first multi-candidate presidential election ever, though the challengers never had a chance against an incumbent backed by the vast resources and lack of scruples of the Egyptian state. Today, Mubarak is under armed guard albeit in a luxury wing of a Cairo hospital, awaiting the verdict from his trial in early June. Much has changed since the last presidential election, but much remains the same. Mubarak came from the military, and the military, in the form of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), still runs the country. While SCAF has tried to talk the talk of the new era, all of its members rose through the ranks of the Egyptian military with the blessings of Hosni Mubarak. According to the U.S. State Department cables posted on the Internet by Wikileaks, midlevel Egyptian army officers referred to Field Marshall Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, the head of SCAF, as "Mubarak's poodle." SCAF has overseen the process that led to this presidential election, in which Egyptians had the opportunity to choose their president from among 13 candidates on the ballot (although two pulled out of the race). Since Mubarak stepped down on February 11, 2011, SCAF has stumbled from one crisis to another, reacting with violence and brutality against protesters, but often ceding ground when Tahrir Square filled and passions boiled. SCAF has pledged to hand over executive power to a civilian president by the end of June. In theory, Egypt is on the cusp of monumental change. These are heady days in Egypt. Everyone seems to be pontificating on politics, comparing candidates, pondering platforms. The election is everywhere. The airwaves are full of it, Facebook and Twitter are abuzz with it, the streets are festooned with posters and banners. On the surface it seems so different from the predictable, managed, officially sanctioned politics of the Mubarak years. But the choice facing Egyptians is, actually, little changed. Under the old regime, Hosni Mubarak made it clear he was the champion of the status quo, holding back the Islamist tide, led by the then-banned but tolerated Muslim Brotherhood. In this election, voters can choose the status quo -- with some lip service to post-revolutionary reality -- in the form of former foreign minister and later Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa or ex-civil aviation minister and briefly prime minister Ahmed Shafik. Or they can opt for a new Islamic order, either with the full-on Muslim Brotherhood candidate, U.S.-educated Mohamed Morsi, or the Islamic-lite candidate Abdelmonen Abol Fotoh. Add to the mix Hamdeen Sabahy, a Nasserist who appeals to the leftists and the nationalists. In recent days Sabahy's numbers have been rising, perhaps as a backlash against the paucity of choices among the front-runners. The establishment -- the bureaucracy, the military, the intelligence services and the business community -- clearly doesn't want to see the Islamists come to power. Tuesday, the semi-official Cairo daily, Al-Akhbar, ran an ominous page-three story with the headline: "Beware of a military coup: the future will be frightening if the Brotherhood reaches the summit of power." The source of this disturbing headline was none other than former vice president and veteran intelligence chief Omar Suleiman, quoted in the London pan-Arab daily Al-Hayat. He painted a grim picture of the Brotherhood setting up a revolutionary guard, along the lines of Iran, to fight against the Egyptian military. The military, he warned, does not know how cunning the Brotherhood can be. Another Cairo daily ran banner headlines warning that if either of the Islamist candidates wins it would be "Apocalypse Now" -- A Mosaic plague of catastrophic proportions will descend upon Egypt, with a breakdown in security, violence, kidnapping, thuggery and theft, massive capital flight, political isolation, unemployment, poverty, and illness. On top of all that, once the Islamists have power, the paper predicted, they will murder all their political opponents. Those who are opposed to the Brotherhood tend to see them as forked-tongue Taliban in ties, eager to impose Islamic law, force women to cover up, and ban alcohol. But for Egyptians struggling with rising prices and low wages, the Brotherhood offers the promise of a better future. Indeed, the view is not so grim among those who have received only the crumbs off the status quo's table. Gamal, a bank clerk living in the old Cairo district of Sayida Zaynab, will be voting for Mohamed Morsi of the Brotherhood. "The health system is in bad shape, as is education," he says. "Conditions for people in Egypt are very, very bad." In the Nile city of Beni Suef, farmer Ashour Darwish attended a crowded Muslim Brotherhood rally, eager to hear Morsi speak. He supports the Brotherhood, he told me, because they are champions of what matters to him: "justice, transparency, implementation of Islamic law, the plight of the poor farmers, and unemployment." The Brotherhood's political wing, the Freedom and Justice Party, won more than 40% of the seats in Egypt's lower house of Parliament in recent elections. After being hounded by the police and intelligence agencies for decades, they are finally free to operate, and aren't shy about flexing their muscles. Jihad Haddad, a young Brotherhood member, sees no reason why the group should be shy about its power. "We came by the vote of the people and by the choice of the people," he says. "What we really want is application of real reform policies on the ground, and we can't have that opportunity if we are out of executive power." It would be rash at this point to make any predictions of who will actually win that executive power. The Muslim Brotherhood is a formidable organization that can mobilize its supporters and ensure a high turnout. They did it for the parliamentary elections and they'll doubtless be able to do it this time as well. But the prospect of both the legislative and executive branches dominated by the Brotherhood worries many. Magdi Zaki works in the Finance Ministry, and voted for the Brotherhood. But he feels they are novices in power, grandstanding on live broadcasts from the parliament, but doing little else. "They have no political background," he says dismissive contempt, like a seasoned theatre critic dismissing a flop. Polls of potential voters have been all over the place, but they do show that a majority of Egyptians have yet to make up their minds. They debate the choices in taxis and buses, in the subway, in cafes, over breakfast, lunch and dinner, over Twitter and on Facebook, changing their minds between meals. One seasoned veteran of Egyptian politics—who requested anonymity—chuckled over the fickle nature of the voters, and puts it this way: "This is the first time I've ever had people ask me, 'Who do you think is going to win the presidential election?' I honestly have no idea." | Much has changed since the last presidential election .
Some unchanged: Mubarak came from the military, military still runs Egypt .
Election presented varied choices: Islamists, leftists, former regime members . |
267,399 | e64e526559dda51b500ef009e5e85ac7613b0edb | By . Katy Winter . PUBLISHED: . 12:49 EST, 3 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:52 EST, 3 December 2013 . If the panicked run-up to Christmas and miserable weather have you dreaming of escaping to sunny climes then it's probably best to look away now. Renowned beach and swimwear company Heidi Klein has unveiled its new campaign, with American model Le Call looking spectacular as she frolics on stunning, sun-drenched beaches in Jumby Bay, Antigua. The 31-year-old model showcases the elegant new Resort-Summer 2014 collection which is modern and sophisticated, with sharp contrasts and bold colour harmonies running across the pieces. The Seville U-Bar bandeau bikini, £200 (left) and the Sainte Maxime twist bandeau bikini, £180 (right) The Abaco beach eyelet curved hem dress, £220, is the perfect thing to slip on over a bikini . The video that accompanies the campaign shows Le Call frolicking on picturesque beaches . Floaty white linen shirts and as well as white and earth tone-patterned beach dresses feature alongside the bikinis in the collection. Geometric patterns aim to flatter the form and the earth tones are timelessly elegant while the mix and match swimwear in playful candy colours lifts the collection. As well as the campaign photos, Heidi Klein has released a video of the photo shoot which is a world away from the dreary winter weather most of us are experiencing. The video sees Le Call diving into crystal clear waters before standing on a deserted beach silhouetted against the setting sun. The video sees Le Call posing both in and out of the water in various idyllic locations as birds fly above her . The film, with its faded-out shots and soft light reflects the romantic feel of the collection . Heidi Klein has become the go-to place for the well to do and fashionable seeking out barefoot chic or super yacht glamour (pictured: Sete ring rope triangle padded bikini, £190) Rio De Janeiro rope triangle padded bikini, £200 (right) and plaited drawstring dress, £220 . The American model shows off her near perfect figure in the Monterosso Twist bandeau bikini (£180) Seville Pin Tuck Shirt, £160 (left) and the Sainte Maxime v batwing mini dress, £180 (right) The model is no stranger to posing half-naked, having previously fronted a campaign for lingerie brand Myla. Last summer Heidi Klein’s collection was modelled by Victoria’s Secret angel Jessica Van Der Steen and featured bold colours and bright neons in contrast to this year’s more muted, refined look. Started by Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein in 2002, Heidi Klein has become the go-to place for the well to do and fashionable seeking out barefoot chic or super yacht glamour. | Heidi Klein launches sophisticated Resort Summer 2014 collection .
Features bold contrasts and bold colours in bikinis and beachwear .
Campaign fronted by American model Le Call and shot in Antiqua .
Video of shoot guaranteed to make anyone desperate for a holiday . |
140,774 | 42089848ead18f559475b7c334d52cc67722b3a3 | Family secret: Guenther Quandt, whose family now owns BMW, used slave labourers during World War Two in his weapons factories in Germany . The dynasty behind the BMW luxury car marker has admitted, after decades of silence, using slave labour, taking over Jewish firms and doing business with the highest echelons of the Nazi party during World War Two. Gabriele Quandt, whose grandfather Guenther employed an estimated 50,000 forced labourers in his arms factories, producing ammunition, rifles, artillery and U-boat batteries, said it was 'wrong' for the family to ignore this chapter of its history. He spoke out after an in-depth study by Bonn-based historian Joachim Scholtyseck, commissioned by the family, that concluded Guenther Quandt and his son Herbert were responsible for numerous Nazi injustices. It found Guenther acquired companies through the Nazi programme of 'Aryanisation' of Jewish-owned firms. Herbert Quandt was 'part of the system', son Stefan Quandt said after the conclusion of the three-year study - forced on the family by public outrage over a German TV documentary - compiled using company files from the 12-year period of the Third Reich. The Quandt family bought into BMW 15 years after the War. The study shows Guenther became a Nazi Party member on May 1, 1933, a month after Adolf Hitler achieved supreme power in Germany. But he had long used a network of party officials and Wehrmacht officers to build up contacts for lucrative state contracts. Married to Magda Behrend Rietschel, Guenther was divorced by her in 1929 although they remained on friendly terms. She went on to marry the 'poison dwarf' of the Nazi party, the propaganda maestro Joseph Goebbels, and would die with him - after murdering their six children - in Hitler's bunker in 1945. The company grew rich in the Nazi era. In 1937, Hitler bestowed on Guenther the title Wehrwirtschaftsführer - leader of the armament economy - and his business supplied weapons using slave labourers from concentration camps in at least three factories. Family ties: Herbert Quandt, Guenther's son, was also aware that slave labour was being used in the family's factories. Right, Adolf Hitler and his propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels. Guenther Quandt divorced Magda Behrend Rietschel, who went on to become Goebbels' wife (pictured right) Hundreds of these labourers died. An . execution area to murder those who displeased their masters was found . in one of his plants in Hannover and the study mentions the fate of a . Polish man who was hanged at another plant in front of 50 other inmates. The . study showed that the Quandt firms also used Russian POWs as slave . labourers and that Guenther and Herbert knew about them, detailing their . dispersion among their empire from the company HQ in Berlin. Herbert even employed Ukrainian slaves on his weekend retreat outside the Reich capital. Guenther was described as an 'opportunist' who enthusiastically helped the regime to rid Berlin industries of Jewish workers before the start of the war. This was despite his numerous contacts with Jewish bankers in the years before the Nazis began their climb to power. Admission: Stefan Quandt, pictured with his mother Johanna, has said his family - including father Herbert - was 'part of the Nazi system' He was also 'unscrupulous' in his take-overs of Jewish firms which were forcibly sold for a pittance to loyal German industrialists such as himself. 'The family patriarch was part of the Nazi regime', judged the historian in the 1,200 page study. 'The Quandts connected themselves inseparably with the crimes of the National Socialists.' The Quandts were pressured into commissioning the study after a 2007 TV documentary in Germany entitled The Silence Of The Quandt Family. Five days later, as the press headlines about a fortune built on blood piled up, the reclusive family announced its full backing for the research project. At the time it said: 'The accusations that have been raised against our family have moved us. 'We recognize that in our history as a German business family, the years 1933 to 1945 have not been sufficiently cleared up.' BMW, of which the Quandts became major shareholders 15 years after the war, was not implicated in the documentary. 'We were treated terribly and had to drink water from the toilets. We were also whipped,' said Takis Mylopoulos, a forced labourer who worked in Quandt's Hannover plant. In 1946 Guenther Quandt was arrested and interned. To the surprise of many, he was judged to be a 'Mitlaufer', or fellow traveller - namely someone who accepted the Nazi ideology but did not take an active part in crimes. He was released in January 1948. An AFA technician repairing a battery cell in a German type IX boat in 1942. AFA was owned by Gunther Quandt and manufactured batteries and accumulators for the German military . Business interests: The BMW factory in Cowley, Oxfordshire. The Quandt family still owns the majority of shares in luxury car manufacturer BMW . One of the prosecutors in the Nuremberg trials, Benjamin Ferencz, now says that if today's evidence against him had been presented to the court at the time,'Quandt would have been charged with the same offences as the directors of IG Farben' - the makers of the gas used to murder the Jews at Auschwitz. Quandt was able to re-install himself in the supervisory boards of various German firms such as Deutsche Bank. He also became an honorary citizen of the University in Frankfurt in 1951. He died on holiday in Cairo on December 30, 1954. | Guenther Quandt was a member of the Nazi party and benefited from its 'Aryanisation' programme by taking over Jewish firms .
His wife, Magda Behrend Rietschel, later divorced him and married Joseph Goebbels, with whom she died in Hitler's bunker in 1945 .
Quandt factories employed 50,000 slave labourers to churn out weapons and ammunition for the Nazis during World War Two, making the family very rich .
Family still retains majority of shares in luxury car maker . |
60,950 | ad28942466451c00209573993af3f852527c251b | A wildflower has become the first living species in the UK to be named after Sir David Attenborough. The Attenborough’s hawkweed (Hieracium attenboroughianum) was found a decade ago in South Wales but it took ten years of study to ensure it was a new separate species. It is one of a group of plants belonging to the daisy family and experts believe it has evolved in the Brecon Beacons since the last ice age. The Attenborough’s hawkweed was found a decade ago in South Wales but it took ten years of study to ensure it was a new separate species . It is found on rocky ledges on Cribyn - one of three peaks in the central Brecon Beacons which are owned and managed by the National Trust. It can be easily seen from the main path up to Cribyn in late June and early July when it colours the rocks yellow with its flowers. Dr Tim Rich, the naturalist who named it, said Sir Attenborough had inspired him to study ecology as a teenager. Dr Rich said: 'Finding a new species is a really exciting moment and something you dream of as a naturalist. 'This is a personal thank you for the years of fascination he has given me going to different places to search for new things.' Sir Attenborough said he was ‘thrilled’ and added: ‘Bestowing a name on a new species is surely one of the greatest biological compliments and I am truly grateful. 'It is an added joy that Hieracium attenboroughianum should be so beautiful and live in such a lovely part of the country.' Attenborough's hawkweed brings the number of plants and animals bearing the name of the world-famous broadcaster to 11, although the little plant is the first living species in the UK to be named after him. Thrilled: Sir David Attenborough said: 'bestowing a name on a new species is surely one of the greatest biological compliments and I am truly grateful' | Attenborough’s hawkweed was found a decade ago in South Wales .
Wildflower is first living species in UK to be named after Sir Attenborough .
It's found on on Cribyn - one of three peaks in central Brecon Beacons .
Naturalist who named it said broadcaster inspired him to study ecology . |
217,561 | a5a959273afbe42e890e5fc9ba3c8e696cab9fdf | U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says the government has been constantly 'thinking about' and 'working on' ways to capture or kill British-raised ISIS executioner 'Jihadi John'. 'I think there is something to be said for holding accountable (and) getting at the people who are responsible for these barbaric acts,' Holder said in an interview with ABC News. 'The vow that I can make to the American people, along with our allies, is that we will hold accountable all of the people who have been responsible for these heinous, barbaric acts. 'That is something that we are focused on each and every day.' Scroll down for video . Attorney General Eric Holder said the U.S. is focused on stopping the British-raised ISIS executioner, who on Thursday was named as Mohammed Emwazi (right) However Holder refused to confirm the identity of the Islamist fanatic filmed beheading hostages in Syria, who has finally been named as London man Mohammed Emwazi. 'It would cut back any of the operational possibilities we have been considering,' he told ABC. On Thursday, President Obama also spoke somewhat cryptically on the action being taken to track down the man responsible for beheading several hostages, but said it would 'take time'. 'Eventually, if you hurt an American, you are going to be brought to justice in some fashion,' Obama told KOMO-TV. 'I'm confident we will get the job done. It will take a little bit of time but in the end, this death cult that has developed there ... is a dead end.' British Prime Minister David Cameron also vowed to take Jihadi John 'out of action'. On Thursday, Jihadi John was unmasked as Mohammed Emwazi. Kuwaiti-born Emwazi moved to Britain as a six-year-old child – and quickly embraced British life, playing football in the affluent streets of West London while supporting Manchester United. Neighbours recalled a polite, quietly spoken boy who was studious at his Church of England school, where he was the only Muslim pupil in his class. After finishing primary school in 1999, Emwazi moved to Quintin Kynaston Community Academy, in St John's Wood, where he is believed to have studied alongside former X Factor judge and pop star Tulisa Contostavlos . Once there, he became more observant of his religion and began wearing more traditional Islamic dress, and his sisters began to wear the hijab. In August 2009, after his graduation, Emwazi flew to Tanzania where they were picked up by MI5 – who accused him of planning to travel to Somalia to join the militant group Al Shabaab. Mr Cameron said: 'When there are people anywhere in the world who commit appalling and heinous crimes against British citizens we will do everything we can with the police with the security services with all that we have at our disposal to find these people and put them out of action.' The PM said this was his 'number one priority'. The ISIS executioner Jihadi John was finally identified as Londoner Mohammed Emwazi on Thursday . Mohammed Emwazi pictured at St Marys School, first row, second from left, after moving to Britain from Kuwait . Mr Cameron said: 'I work very closely with our security services. I meet with them regularly, I ask them searching questions about that they do – and in my almost five years of experience as Prime Minister I think they are incredibly impressive, hardworking, dedicated, courageous and affective at protecting our country. 'All of the time they are having to make incredibly difficult judgements and I think basically they make very good judgements on our behalf. 'While we are in the middle of this vast effort to make sure British citizens are sage, the most important thing is to get behind them.' | Attorney General Eric Holder said on Friday: 'We will hold accountable all those responsible .
His remarks followed comments from Obama that the ISIS 'death cult is a dead end'
Jihadi John has been filmed carrying out executions on hostages .
On Thursday he was named as London man Mohammed Emwazi .
Emwazi, a computing graduate, is believed to have gone to Syria in 2012 . |
234,524 | bb9b31628a826e8986d702d937cb5b14e81b7649 | By . Daniel Martin, Whitehall Correspondent . PUBLISHED: . 15:13 EST, 28 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:42 EST, 1 March 2013 . The Commons expenses watchdog last night rebuked a Tory MP for writing 'abusive and offensive' messages to its staff. Backbencher Karl McCartney was accused of adding notes to claims, telling one official they were 'talking sh*te', and condemning another as a 'pedantic SOAB'. The criticism came just hours after Mr McCartney claimed he was the victim of 'bullying tactics' by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa). Ipsa chief executive Andrew McDonald, right, said Lincoln MP Karl McCartney, left, called one expense watchdog official a 'pedantic SOAB' and wrote other 'offensive, abusive and condescending' notes . During Business Questions in the House today, Mr McCartney accused Ipsa chief executive Andrew McDonald of using 'false innuendo and subterfuge' to smear the name of politicians. 'What do you think that subsequent to me raising these issues of Ipsa's senior management's bullying tactics and threats to try and silence me regarding their spiralling costs?' the Lincoln MP asked Leader of the House Andrew Lansley. 'Do you think that their chief executive should show some backbone and meet with me as he refused to do so for over two and a half years, instead of attempting to smear Members of Parliament's names by false innuendo and subterfuge?' However, in a letter this evening, Mr McDonald denied the bullying allegations and insisted Ipsa was providing good value to the taxpayer. He went on: 'Some of the notes written by you, and attached to your claims, were recently brought to my attention. 'Having reviewed those notes, I was taken aback by the content, which ranged from the abusive ("you are a pedantic SOAB, aren't you?") through to the offensive ("you're talking sh*te") and on to the condescending ("simples - or didn't you do geography at Eton and Oxford..."). 'We will do all that is reasonable to shield our team from such treatment. This policy and its application in your case have been expressly endorsed by the Board. 'I had hoped it would be possible to address this behaviour without writing to you formally. In the light of your comments today, I write to ask that you conduct your dealings with us - orally or in writing - in civil terms. After Mr McCartney's question in the Commons, Speaker John Bercow said MPs 'must really play the rules' 'I do not ask you to like Ipsa or its policies. At the same time, Ipsa's team deserves to be treated in a courteous manner. I ask that, with immediate effect, you desist from correspondence which falls below this standard.' Mr McDonald went on to reject the MP's claims that Ipsa was profligate, pointing out that its administration costs represent just 3.4 per cent of the £176milion public money it administers; and that it is delivering savings of more than 5 per cent a year. 'Any discussion of our costs should, I suggest, be informed by a full understanding of our role and responsibilities,' he said. 'Given your recent public reference to communication between yourself and Ipsa, I am publishing this letter.' Last night Lucy Rigby, Labour's candidate for Lincoln, said: 'It is absolutely and genuinely shocking that Lincoln's MP would use this kind of language in letters to any body or organisation. 'I think voters in Lincoln will be appalled that they are being represented by someone who's obviously abusive, can't control himself and has no idea what kind of behaviour is appropriate for a Member of Parliament. This is embarrassing for Lincoln and Mr McCartney needs to apologise immediately.' Mr McCartney, who was first elected in 2010, has attracted criticism for his offensive views on gay marriage. In a letter to a constituent, he said he felt it would lead to 'multi-partnership marriages and a reduction in the age of permitted marriage'. After he raised the issue in the Commons earlier, Speaker John Bercow ruled that Mr McCartney's point was not a business question. Mr Bercow said he should have requested a statement or a debate, saying: 'Members must really play by the rules and not invent them as they go along.' Responding to the backbencher, Mr Lansley said: 'If it's helpful to the House, I will of course be happy to meet you and as a member, Mr Speaker, of your committee on Ipsa, I will be glad to take forward any issues you have.' Mr McCartney was unavailable for comment last night. | Backbencher Karl McCartney accused of writing abusive notes to watchdog .
Wrote one Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority staff member was a 'pedantic SOAB' and told another official they were 'talking sh*te'
Lincoln MP claimed he was victim of 'bullying tactics' by watchdog .
Ipsa chief said MP was 'abusive, condescending and offensive' |
21,492 | 3d12c7938e8585044ca2c3a3bee0d393dccf8730 | We may enjoy the love and affection our pet provides, but a problem most dog owners can identify with is a pooch's pongy breath. When canine friends get up close and personal that undeniable, hot, 'dog breath' can make us recoil. But a dental company set up especially for dogs claims to provide the perfect cure. The brush features four inline scrapers which you coat with poultry flavored 'Lickies' toothpaste . The Orapup ultrasoft, micropointed bristled paddle brush is said to reach deep into the crevices of your pet's tongue to clean up stench-inducing bacteria. But you won't have to force your pooch to embrace it - as the toothpaste tastes like chicken. The brush has four inline scrapers which you coat with poultry flavored 'Lickies' toothpaste, helping fight tartar with natural enzymes that neutralize the dog's mouth. The gel collects and removes bacteria and residue, generated from the brushing, which helps cure a dog's bad breath. The gluten and MSG free Lickies comes in three flavours: beef and bacon, cinnamon chicken, and cherry chicken. These . are said to be fortified for oral health with additional benefits . for skin, coat and joint health. The 'toothpaste' contains brown . rice syrup, natural flavors, grapefruit seed extract, . grape seed extract, peptizyme, papain, sodium benzoate and potassium . sorbate. Now you can feed your pup all the stinky treats they love without having to worry about their breath . While some flavours, such as beef and . bacon, have been specifically formulated for a dog's taste, makers say . the product could also be used on a cat. The entire starter kit which contains all essentials to get your started - a brush and two bottles of Lickies, appx 20 uses - comes in at less than £20, with additional postage fees. The company ship free to some packages in the US, £3 for Canada and £6 for everywhere else, including the UK. The brush comes in blue, pink, black and green, and daily use is recommended for the average dog. As the Lickies gel is water soluble, you . can simply rinse the Orapup off after each use with water or for a more thorough . clean you can wash the device in the dishwasher. Now you can feed your pup all the stinky treats they love without having to worry about their breath. The brush comes in blue, pink, black and green, and daily use is recommended for the average dog . The gluten free Lickies comes in three flavours: beef and bacon, cinnamon chicken, and cherry chicken . | Orapup ultrasoft, micropointed bristled paddle brush cleans pet's tongue .
Flavored 'Lickies' toothpaste fights tartar with natural enzymes .
Gel comes in beef and bacon, cinnamon chicken, and cherry chicken .
Starter kit - brush and 2x Lickies, 20 uses each + UK postage is £25 . |
154,988 | 544d206e505c3bcf09e72e460c7e77c36764c003 | By . Alex Greig . PUBLISHED: . 18:57 EST, 2 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:01 EST, 2 December 2013 . Army vet: The family of Colonel Joseph Chapman were horrified to discover a stranger in his casket . A family mourning the death of a loved one were horrified to discover that a stranger was occupying the casket when they went for to view their family member's body for the last time on Friday evening. Jim McLain and his family arrived at Everly Funeral Home in Fairfax, Virginia and quickly realized the man in the casket was not McLain's father, Joseph 'Mal' Chapman who died on November 21 and the age of 80. Making matters worse for the grieving family, the funeral home had already buried Joseph Chapman in a plot in Winchester, instead of next to his beloved wife Carolyn who predeceased him in 2006, at Arlington National Cemetery. A distraught McLain immediately alerted staff at the home to the mix-up, . but says he was dismissed by Everly staff who told him a mix-up was . impossible. Although they were convinced the man was not . Chapman, having his identical twin, Alvin Chapman, present at the . viewing showed that the man in the casket looked nothing like Joseph . Chapman. 'I kept looking at him. And I was like, there's no way he could be this much changed,' McLain told WJLA. The . man in the coffin had an 'extreme receding hairline' as opposed to . Chapman's head of white hair, and a completely different nose. But . when McLain alerted Everly staff to the mistake he was dismissed by . funeral home staff who told him a mix-up was impossible. Mix-up: The Everly Funeral Home has not spoken publicly about the mix-up that saw them bury the wrong man and put a stranger on display for a viewing . Grieving son: Jim McLain was denied the chance to pay his respects to his father at an open casket viewing on Friday . The funeral director refused to see the family until, 15 minutes later, a member of staff checked the toe-tag on the man in Chapman's casket - which proved beyond a doubt that the wrong man had been put on display. 'This just isn’t right. This should never, never happen. This is something you read in a fiction novel or see in a movie on TV,' McLain told WJLA. Adding insult to injury, the funeral home had dressed the wrong man in Joseph Chapman's Army uniform. Chapman was a decorated colonel and the uniform had taken him 28 years to earn. The burial he deserves: Joseph Chapman's family just want to bury him with full military honors . 'My dad’s uniform... that’s degradation beyond words for a military man,' McLean told WJLA, his voice breaking with emotion. The family, not knowing what else to do, called police who told them that mixing up bodies inside a funeral home is not a crime. 'They say now they have to wait for Monday to get a judge to get an order for the body to be dug up,' McLain said. The funeral was scheduled for Saturday, but without a body to bury, it's unclear if the family went ahead with the service. | Joseph Chapman's family went to pay their last respects on Friday at Everly Funeral Home, Virginia .
When they arrived, they realized the man in Chapman's casket was not him .
The funeral home mistakenly buried Chapman in a plot in Winchester .
The stranger was dressed in Chapman's military uniform .
The family had to wait until today for a judge to issue an order to exhume Chapman's body . |
201,120 | 905f1706a92b951f533b690c26acaff217836b88 | NEW YORK (CNN) -- A man who stored nearly 1,500 pounds of potassium nitrate and other chemicals in his Staten Island home and a nearby storage facility was charged with reckless endangerment Friday, according to the New York City Police Department. Police said Miguel Serrano, 57, had bought the chemicals in bulk from an Ohio-based dealer and was intending to resell them in smaller quantities on the Internet. It was the dealer who tipped off the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives after Serrano had ordered 5,000 pounds of potassium nitrate, according to a police report. According to New York Police Sgt. Kevin Hayes, authorities found less than a thousand pounds of chemicals in the home, including potassium nitrate, sulfur, mercury, and peroxide. At the off-site storage facility, authorities found about 1,500 pounds of chemicals, mainly potassium nitrate. Late Thursday night, several residential blocks were cordoned off and a few dozen homes were evacuated in Staten Island as police searched Serrano's home and a nearby commercial storage facility. The NYPD's Paul Brown said there is no indication the chemicals were being used for bomb-making or anything terror-related. According to Brown, the man was buying the chemicals in bulk and reselling them on the Internet. Potassium nitrate can be used to make gunpowder and rocket fuel or to clean septic tanks. It can also be used to cure meats. Police said Serrano has been cooperating with investigators. ATF officials said no violations of federal explosives laws were discovered, but added that chemical-storage rules may have been violated. Small quantities of hydrogen peroxide, potassium permanganate, elemental mercury, iodine, sulfur, ammonium dichromate, and aluminum powder were also recovered during the raid, police said. E-mail to a friend . | Potassium nitrate, other chemicals, intended to be sold in small quantities .
Potassium nitrate used in gunpowder but also has many legitimate uses .
No major laws broken or terror-related activities, man cooperating .
Area round his Staten Island home was cordoned off . |
193,430 | 866a3a988b121fe64177ada090ecfb9dd83142d3 | By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 04:19 EST, 7 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:35 EST, 7 June 2013 . Waitorse has apologised to a customer after a member of staff refused to fillet a trout because it was deemed 'too slippery'. The bizarre decision was branded the latest example of health and safety rules being misused. The unnamed female customer was visiting her local branch of the upmarket chain to buy a filleted trout. Apology: A member of staff working behind the fish counter at Waitrose refused to fillet a trout because it was 'too slippery' None were available pre-packed so she asked the assistant behind the fresh fish counter if he could fillet some from a whole fish. He agreed, but his supervisor stepped in and refused on the grounds of health and safety because the fish are 'too slippery'. On its website Waitrose says 'just ask if you'd like your fish skinned or filleted'. In another case, London publishing company owner Stuart Rock said that a butcher had refused to bone a leg of lamb for him. He said the assistant had said he was 'competent to do the job', but was not permitted on health and safety ground. The woman who was unable to have a trout filleted complained to the Health and Safety Executive and yesterday the watchdog's Myth Buster Panel ruled that she was in the right. In a statement the panel said: 'Whilst fish filleting requires the . person to know how to use knives safely, it is reasonable to expect this . service to be available at a fishmonger's counter in a supermarket . especially when the website advertises the service. 'Slippery fish are a . fact of life!' it added. Slippery customer: The Health and Safety Executive ruled Waitrose was in the wrong for refusing to fillet a trout . Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Health and . Safety Executive said: 'I'm glad the customer didn't fall for this red . herring. This is just another case of poor customer service and nothing to do . with health and safety.' Waitrose apologised for the inconvenience to its customers. A spokesman said: 'I'm afraid we don't . know which branch this refers to so we are unable to comment in detail. However, we do offer a full filleting service and we're very sorry that . we got it wrong on this occasion.' | Customer asked assistant if he could fillet some trout from a whole fish .
He agreed, but supervisor stepped in and refused the request .
Cited health and safety rules saying fish are 'too slippery'
Health and Safety Executive panel rules customer was in the right .
'Slippery fish are a fact of life,' a spokesman added . |
178,340 | 72e77561f1c403e4ec4d68ae3f2470415107e03f | Ricardo Carvalho has warned Premier League defenders that Monaco team-mate Radamel Falcao is on the verge of realising his frightening goalscoring potential on loan at Manchester United. The striker, who completed a £6million season-long loan move in the summer ahead of a £43.5m permanent deal, is yet to find the net in his first three United games. But with Wayne Rooney banned for three matches, there is increased pressure on the Colombian to open his account for the club. Radamel Falcao is yet to score in three Premier League appearances so far for Manchester United . The Colombian forward vying for the ball with West Ham's Aaron Cresswell during their 2-1 win last Saturday . Monaco defender Ricardo Carvalho (bottom) tacking Zenit's Hulk during their 0-0 Champions League draw . Falcao arrived in England with a fearsome goal-scoring reputation, but has so far drawn a blank. But Monaco defender Carvalho warned: 'He doesn't need too much time. He's a striker that smells the goal and is dangerous in the box. Always when he gets the opportunity to score, he will score. 'The Premier League is a tough league to play in, but I think he'll do well and score there. 'He has that thing with him when he gets a half chance he will score. He's a great striker and a great professional.' According to Carvalho, Falcao was intent on leaving Monaco when he started to hear of interest from Real Madrid and Manchester United in the summer. Falcao knows the Spanish La Liga well due to his his two years at Atletico Madrid, so began asking Carvalho about the Premier League. Carvalho spent six years playing in the top flight at Chelsea – where he won three titles, three FA Cups and two League Cups – and is well-versed in what it takes to succeed in England. Falcao is set for a more prominent role in United's attack following the suspension of Wayne Rooney . The 28-year-old has been in training ahead of United's game against Everton on Sunday . Being a centre-back, he is also aware of what forwards require to cope with and flourish in a league known for its brutal and unforgiving nature. 'For him it would've been easier to go back to Spain,' Carvalho added. 'But he wants to try the Premier League. It is physical and strong and there is more pace. 'When he heard Manchester United were interested he wanted to try it. He was speaking with us about the Premier League. He knows the Spanish league also, but he was asking about the Premier League. 'For me the Premier League is the best. Real Madrid is a big club and Barcelona too, but I enjoy the games more in England than when I was in Spain. Also the way Falcao plays, I said that for me it's the best for him.' Like our Manchester United Facebook page. Paris Saint-Germain v Monaco is exclusively live on BT Sport 1 this Sunday (5 October), kick-off 8pm as one of multiple exclusively live Ligue 1 fixtures on BT Sport each week. Build up to Paris Saint-Germain v Monaco with the European Football Show from 7pm on BT Sport 1. | Carvalho warns Premier League defenders that Falcao is set to realise his goalscoring potential on loan at Manchester United .
Colombian striker is yet to find the net in his first three games for the club .
Wayne Rooney ban has increased pressure on Falcao to open account .
Carvalho believes that the Premier League will suit Falcao's game . |
212,741 | 9f782688832a9e765d22e0f9958c9f704927b29f | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Updated: . 11:24 EST, 21 February 2012 . Elizabeth Smart, who was kidnapped at the age of 14 from her bedroom at knife-point and held captive for nine months, was married in Hawaii on Saturday. The ceremony had been due to take place in the summer, but due to media attention Ms Smart, 24, and her fiancé Matthew Gilmour decided on the 'spur of the moment' to bring the wedding forward, according to the bride's father. 'It's everything you can imagine with planning a wedding, only it's compressed into a few days,' Elizabeth said of her decision to push the date forward several months. The couple, who are both Mormons, married at the LDS Laie Hawaii Temple, but plan to settle in Salt Lake City, Utah. Wedded bliss: Ms Smart with her new husband Matthew Gilmour, whom she married in February 2012 . Happy: Miss Smart, pictured with her Mr Gilmour, has said she is 'excited for this next chapter in her life' Couple: Miss Smart and Mr Gilmour brought their wedding forward from the summer . 'Elizabeth's desire was for what most . women want — to celebrate her nuptials in a private wedding with family . and close friends,' said family spokesman Chris Thomas. 'After . the story broke about her engagement and the media became increasingly . invasive, Elizabeth recognized it was going to be impossible to have a . traditional wedding devoid of distractions and unusual challenges . outside of her control. 'She is positively radiant, and Matthew couldn't be happier.' 'She decided, about a week ago, the best way to avoid significant distraction was to change her wedding plans and to get married in an unscheduled ceremony outside of Utah.' Ms Smart's father Ed, who described the wedding as 'kind of a spur of the moment thing', said: 'We're just thrilled she's married.' The couple will now take an extended honeymoon in a secret location. Because of the shortened planning time, the bride-to-be had to overlook some traditional wedding inclusions, like the collection of something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue. 'Are you kidding?' she told People magazine. 'There's been no time!' Venue: The couple married at the Laie Hawaii Temple, the first Mormon temple outside the U.S. mainland . Secret: The Hawaii wedding was planned just a week in advance thanks to intense media attention . Hitched: Miss Smart was married in a secret ceremony in a Mormon temple in Hawaii . The . pretty blonde hit headlines after she disappeared from her . bedroom in 2002. Despite a nationwide search for the teen, she was not . found for nine months. It . was only when an alert biker who had heard about her case on America's . Most Wanted spotted her at a diner about 18 miles from her home. In . the nine months she was held captive by one-time itinerant street . preacher Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee, she was . continuously raped and was even married to Mitchell in a bizarre . ceremony. He was convicted of kidnapping and sexual assault and was sentenced to serve life in prison in May 2011. Wanda Barzee was sentenced to 15 years in a Texas federal prison hospital for her role in the kidnapping of the girl. It was revealed last month that Ms Smart had become engaged to 22-year-old Mr Gilmour, from Aberdeen in Scotland. The pair met last year when they were both serving as Mormon missionaries in the south of France. Bravery: Elizabeth Smart, now 24, spoke out for the first time in December to the Salt Lake City Rotary Club about the horrific details of her abduction ten years ago . Never forgotten: Miss Smart, now a 24-year-old university student, wiped tears from her eyes as she recounted the details of how Mitchell 'married' then raped her . In December she spoke for the first . time publicly about what she suffered at the hands of Mitchell, . revealing horrific details about her ordeal, including how he dragged . her from her bedroom to a camp in the woods where he performed the . marriage and then raped her. She said: 'He went straight from marrying me to . raping me. And after that moment I couldn't feel more worthless and more . degraded. It was the worse feeling I could have ever felt.' 'I kept begging him to let me go - and he wouldn't listen to me,' she told ABC. 'All I could do was scream ''No". He said, ''If you ever scream like that again, I will kill you.' Ordeal: Elizabeth Smart was abducted at knifepoint from her Salt Lake City home on June 5, 2002. She was held captive for nine months . Guilty: Brian David Mitchell was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and raping Elizabeth Smart after she was found alive on March 3, 2003 . Accomplice: Wanda Barzee was charged with the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart and sentenced to 15 years in jail . Although Miss Smart has published a . book on her terrifying ordeal and spoken at the trial of Mitchell last . year, this was the first time she was heard in public recounting the . terrible details. She had been invited to speak to members of the Salt Lake City Rotary Club to help promote her charity the Elizabeth Smart Foundation. It works in schools across the country with a programme radKIDS to educate children on how to protect themselves from danger. The senior at Brigham Young University recalled being tied down with a cable on her first night and the deep sense of hopelessness that surrounded her. She was held captive for nine months during which time she was raped daily by Mitchell, sometimes up to three or four times a day. Miss Smart had testified at Mitchell's trial in 2010 in excruciating detail about waking up in the early hours of June 5, 2002, to the feel of a cold, jagged knife at her throat and being whisked away by the religious fanatic. Going home: Elizabeth Smart with her mother Lois and police officers after being found close to her home nine months after she was abducted . Safe place: Police dogs search the grounds of the Smart family home after their 14-year-old daughter was snatched in the middle of the night . Within hours of the kidnapping, she . testified, she was stripped of her favourite red pajamas, draped in . white, religious robes and forced into a polygamous marriage with . Mitchell. She was tethered to a metal cable . strung between two trees and subjected to near-daily rapes while being . forced to use alcohol and drugs. She described the horrific events as her 'nine months of hell.' She recalled being forced to live . homeless, dress in disguises and stay quiet or lie about her identity if . ever approached by strangers or police. Daily, her life and those of her family members were threatened by Mitchell, she said at the trial. Survivor: Elizabeth has openly spoken to various media outlets about her ordeal, in which she was repeatedly raped and held captive, in the hope she can help others who have suffered . | Husband is Scotsman Matthew Gilmour, a fellow Mormon .
Bride is 'positively radiant' after ceremony and groom 'couldn't be happier'
Wedding brought forward from the summer because of media interest .
After honeymoon, couple will settle in Salt Lake City, Utah .
Elizabeth was 'married' and raped by kidnapper when she was 14 . |
243,848 | c7a1c5866a06617fb504951220c41a22a0be3bd0 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:12 EST, 26 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:36 EST, 26 September 2013 . A monster tuna fish has been caught off the coast of Scotland and took a whole crew of fishermen to reel it in. Skipper Angus Campbell and his crew, Chris Gunn and James Morrison, were left exhausted as they battled for an hour to land the nine-foot fish. After hooking the 515lb tuna ten miles west of Leverburgh, the trio had to take it in turns to try and pull it aboard, leaving their equipment badly damaged. We're going to need a bigger boat: Angus Campbell and his crew (pictured) with the 515lb Atlantic Bluefish tuna they caught off the coast of Scotland . The mammoth catch came after a three week fishing expedition around the coast of the Outer Hebrides. They had also landed another tuna which weight in at around 400lbs, but let it go. Mr Campbell said: 'They were exhausted by the end of it - the rod was bent double. I’ve known for years they were there and today we finally proved it. 'We had a smaller one but let it go. I am planning to try and catch more. We will be going back but keeping the location secret.' Experts have claimed that Atlantic Bluefin Tuna are becoming increasingly common in the waters around Scotland due to rising sea temperatures . The crew of Kilda Cruises now plan to chop up the tuna and share it out amongst their friends. Mr Campbell adds: 'We are not allowed to sell this tuna so we will cut it up and give it to friends. We already have had plenty of offers. 'We are trying to market fishing trips so this has helped top that. We used a special lure to catch the tuna - it obviously works.' Atlantic Bluefin tuna are torpedo shaped and their streamlined bodies can travel up to 43 miles per hour. Experts have warned that they could become more common than cod in the waters around Scotland because of rising temperatures. Bluefin tuna can exceed 990lbs and are highly prized on the Japanese sushi market. | Fisherman Angus Campbell and his crew struggled to reel in the monster fish for over an hour .
The huge catch measured in at nine-foot and came after they threw back a 400lb tuna . |
189,614 | 818b4288ef9164f0957be39c2b446608c1eeb6fd | By . Ashley Collman . PUBLISHED: . 23:13 EST, 11 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 02:55 EST, 12 November 2013 . The widower of a nurse who died in a car accident after a grueling 12-hour shift is now suing her former hospital for allegedly 'working her to death'. Jim Jasper's wife Beth died last March 16, after falling asleep behind the wheel while driving home after a night shift at The Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Mr Jasper is now suing the Mercy Health Group for causing her death, claiming that the stress of extra hours caused by under staffing led to the fatigue that caused her accident. Worked to death: Wife and mother Beth Jasper died last March 16 returning from a 12 hour night shift at a hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her widower Jim is now suing the hospital for causing her death . Fell asleep behind the wheel: According to the lawsuit filed last week, Beth's supervisor voiced concern to hospital management that the nurse was being 'worked to death' Beth was the mother of their two young children, a 6-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter, who have been having a hard time dealing with her untimely passing. 'It's been rough on them, expecting mom to come home from work and she didn't come home from work,' he told WLWT. According to the lawsuit filed by the family's attorney Eric Deters, Beth's supervisor Mary Alliston 'expressed concern to her superiors' that Beth was being 'worked to heath'. Hurting: Mr Jasper (pictured) says that his children have been having a hard time processing their mother's untimely death . The day after Beth's accident, the hospital held a meeting for the nurses and the Hospital's Director of Nursing, Kathy Smith, said she 'was so sorry about the death of Beth' and 'sorry that they had dropped the ball'. Nurses who worked with Beth during her shift leading up to the accident said she complained about being 'really stressed' and said she 'hadn't eaten' at all during the shift. Before joining the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at The Jewish Hospital in 2000, Beth worked at another Mercy Health hospital but left for better hours. 'Nurse-to-patient ratio, it was just not at safe levels, so she went to Jewish,' Mr Jasper said. The Jewish Hospital is owned by the Mercy Health company. Before going to Jewish, Beth worked at another Mercy hospital. She left that hospital because the nurse-to-patient ratio was 'not at safe levels' but Jewish was soon bought by the same company . But soon after, the hospital was bought by her old employer and staffing went down again. The Ohio Nursing Association said these nursing shortages are becoming a real problem. 'Shortages mean nurses are routinely stretched too thin because they are expected to work longer shifts and care for a larger number of patients. This path often leads to nurse fatigue and is dangerous practice that compromises the safety of both the nurses and the patients they service,' Gingy Harshey-Meade of the ONA said. In court last Thursday, Mr Jasper said that something needs to change about nurse staffing. 'They're passionate about their work. They don't want to make a mistake, but when you're working under those conditions, it's going to happen,' he said. | Beth Jasper died March 16 returning from a 12-hour night shift at Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio .
Her husband is now suing the hospital for 'working her to death'
He claims that under staffing at the hospital made his wife stressed and fatigued which led her to fall asleep behind the wheel .
She left behind two children, a 6-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter . |
268,693 | e808630a33368828c87b2c0990eaf0800d01ee19 | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . The image of the lazy student should be consigned to the history books, according to the minister in charge of the nation’s universities. Instead of ‘dossing around’ fantasising about revolution in Latin America, the new crop of undergraduates work for longer hours, miss fewer lectures and complain about homework not being marked on time. Tory minister David Willetts told MailOnline students are now ‘more-serious minded’, and willing to complain if their university is not giving them the £9,000 education they are paying through fees. Instead of skipping lectures to stay in bed, today's generation of students are demanding more from their universities to get value for money for their £9,000 tuition fees . Instead of clutching a copy of Karl Marx today’s students are more likely to be perusing the complaints procedure at their faculty, Mr Willetts claims. Mr Willetts said: ‘My experience now going to meet students is that they are not, by and large, plotting Marxist revolution in Latin America. ‘They are instead frustrated that their seminars are too crowded, it takes too long to get an academic to resound to their academic work. ‘There are always individual students who aren’t focused and who are just dossing around. ‘But overall they are more serious-minded than ever.’ Latest figures show an increase in the number of hours students spend working, albeit a modest one. Mr Willetts believes it is in part fuelled by students demanding value for money since tuition fees were increased to £9,000. The survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute of first and second year students found 29 per cent thought their course was poor value for money. ‘Universities do need to do more to raise the quality of the academic experience, Mr Willetts said. Universities minister David Willetts told MailOnline students are now 'more serious-minded' ‘The student experience in English universities has not been good enough and at last it is beginning to improve.’ The minister points out that in extreme cases the worst universities could end up in court for breach of contract. ‘The structure of fees, although they don’t pay the fees upfront, has given them a real claim on the universities,’ Mr Willetts said. ‘Students do have rights: ultimately universities have to provide them with up to £9,000 of education.’ And if they don’t, the universities could find themselves being sued. ‘Ultimately there is a legal contract for the university to deliver services. That doesn’t mean we want lots of people pursuing universities through the courts. ‘But there is this body, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator, which will try to resolve student complaints if they can’t be done through the university.’ More than 20,000 students complained to their universities last year, a 10 per cent rise on 2010-11. Top of the complaints are class sizes and lecturers taking too long to respond to questions and mark essays. Latest figures show that students attend more than 9 out of 10 lectures, and most of those they miss are because they do not think they are worth their time. Bright teenage girls should not fixate on becoming doctors because there are not enough places to study medicine, David Willetts warned. The universities minister said limits on places based on NHS demand for staff meant courses were always oversubscribed. He highlighted the problem of students, especially girls, only studying A-levels needed for medicine such as chemistry and biology. 'The subject which is most oversubscribed where people are sadly least likely to get to fulfil their ambition is medicine,' Mr Willetts said. 'Within that it is particularly girls applying for medicine. 'If they have given up physics at GSCE despite perhaps having got a good GCSE because it’s medicine that they are thinking of, it is hard for them to move across and convert to doing another form of science or engineering. 'They are all interested in science but it is medicine they are untested in so they don’t need physics for medicine so they drop the physics. 'There are lots of other ways of doing science which also make the world a better place, and not place all your bets on the medical option.' First and second year students on average had 14.2 hours of time-tabled sessions scheduled and attended 12.9 hours. Asked why they missed lectures, half said they did not find them 'very useful' and 41 per cent said they did not need to attend because they could find the notes online. Just 31 per cent of those who missed sessions said they 'couldn't be bothered to attend'. Some students are now so fed up with the quality of their courses they have carried out analysis of the amount - and quality - of the tuition they receive to see if they are getting their money’s worth. In 2010, the coalition controversially trebled the maximum amount universe is can charge in tuition fees to £9,000. To date there has been little impact on the numbers of people still wanting to go to university - in part because they only start paying it back after starting work and earning more than £21,000. Economics students in Manchester are demanding fewer multiple choice exams - which are easier to mark - and more open-ended essays which will take more time for their lecturers to assess. Some 35 per cent of students surveyed said it took more than three weeks to have an assignment marked and returned to them while a quarter complained about not always getting prompt feedback. Overall 87 per cent said they were satisfied with the quality of their course, but 13 per cent were dissatisfied . Mr Willetts added: ‘I think increasingly students are more serious minded. There is a slow and modest rise, but nevertheless the trend is the amount of hours of academic work done by students appears to be going up. ‘Talk to a student union and you are as likely to get complaints about how long it takes to get an essay back with a mark and feedback from an academic than anything about wider politics. ‘So yeah I think they are more serious.’ Despite the rise in fees, he insists it is still worth going to university. According to the latest Graduate Labour Market Brief, the average salary for graduates with one degree is £32,000, compared to £20,000 for non-graduates. ‘That kind of brings home in a vivid way the scale of the gap,’ Mr Willetts added. ‘Individuals will obviously decide for themselves. It is not the right thing for every individual. But overall yes it is the right thing.’ | David Willetts says students 'more serious-minded' than earlier generations .
Universities minister claims £9,000 fees has made them more demanding .
Suggests students could sue if their courses are not up to scratch .
Complaints about up 10% to 20,000 as they behave like consumers .
Teenagers urged to consider ditching of dream of becoming a doctor . |
129,431 | 334b27f8626e093f790a6c371698edaec8e634be | A group of businessmen are to trawl a lake near Berlin in search of almost £1billion worth of Nazi gold allegedly dumped by Hermann Goering. The Luftwaffe chief is said to have disposed of the treasure in the spring of 1945 to stop the Soviet Red Army getting their hands on it as they closed in on the German capital. Up to 18 boxes of gold were apparently thrown in Stolpsee Lake, about an hour’s drive north of Berlin in the former Communist East Germany. Stolpsee Lake lies in north-west Germany, close to the former home of Hermann Goering and was trawled unsuccessfully by the East Germans in 1986 . Polish slave workers ordered to dump it were allegedly machine-gunned on the shore afterwards, their bodies following the gold into the depths.In 1986 Stasi chief Erich Mielke ordered a trawl of the water but nothing was found. Now the search has been reignited after claims by a local priest. The lake will be searched by submarines from October in a hunt financed by a group of unidentified businessmen. The priest, Erich Koehler, 77, who has researched the legend of the treasure, said: ‘They didn’t have the technology in the former East Germany to properly examine the lake. ‘But there are enough local people still around to know that the gold is there – and the bodies of the poor souls forced to dump it into the water.' Goering emptied his country home, Carinhall, of its loot and art treasures shortly before ordering it to be dynamited in the closing weeks of the war as the Red Army marched on Berlin. Magpie: A formal portrait of Goering, who amassed astonishing wealth from lands under the Nazi jackboot . According to authorities, the documents Mielke worked from still lie undiscovered in the millions of papers that make up the Berlin archive of the Stasi secret police. Goering garnered astonishing wealth from lands conquered by the Nazis in the Second World War, including dozens of rare masterpieces from galleries across Europe. Each weekend the ruins of Carinhall attract dozens of treasure hunters who believe that some of his wealth still lies in the grounds of the old mansion. The consortium have been bolstered in their confidence of finding treasure from papers found in the German Federal Archive in Koblenz. SS documents together with post-war eye witness statements to the events on the lake in March 1945, give credence to the theory that precious material was indeed dumped into the 400-feet deep lake. One witness, Eckhard Litz, told a post-war allied commission: 'I remember well the night that lorries with slit headlights drove up to the lakeshore and I saw about 20 to 30 skeletal figures dressed in striped concentration camp uniforms being forced to unload heavy boxes. 'These were put into two rowing boats which made six separate trips to the centre of the lake. 'When the last case had been thrown overboard, the men returned to shore, were lined up and the last thing I saw were the flashes of the machine guns of the guards as they were killed.' He said the bodies were then loaded back onto the rowing boats which were then taken out by the SS to the centre of the lake and sunk. A third boat brought back the SS men to the shore. Goering is alleged to have personally taken charge of numerous amounts of bullion from the national bank of Poland following the Nazi invasion in 1939. It is this gold which is believed to lie at the bottom of the lake, just a few miles from the estate that he owned. | Polish slaves later machine-gunned believed to have dropped loot in closing weeks of war . |
60,807 | accc57fa6cfe275373bf3996c7c1b4af02453d91 | By . Hugo Gye . PUBLISHED: . 04:36 EST, 14 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:42 EST, 14 October 2013 . Two senior police officers have been suspended after they were allegedly found having sex in a police station while on duty. Detective Inspector Diane Davies and PC Tommy Swales, who is married, were apparently discovered by colleagues from Dyfed-Powys Police. At the time of the incident, DI Davies was the most senior officer on duty in the whole police force, which covers much of central and western Wales. Suspended: PC Tommy Swales, left, and DI Diane Davies, right, were accused of having sex while on duty . The pair were both suspended from duty while bosses investigate the allegations. DI Davies and PC Swales were found having sex in the station in Brecon when other officers heard noises and worried that there might have been a break-in, according to The Sun. Colleagues reported the pair to their superiors amidst concerns that their behaviour amounted to a dereliction of duty. 'Incidents like this are treated very seriously,' a source told The Sun. 'It's a question of integrity.' DI Davies, a 44-year-old mother of one, . was apparently set to be promoted before the allegations about her and . PC Swales, a former professional footballer for Darlington FC who is . married to fellow officer Michelle and has two children. Investigation: Dyfed-Powys Police, whose headquarters in Carmarthen are pictured, has launched an inquiry into DI Diane Davies and PC Tommy Swales . A police insider said: 'It's been the talk of the force ever since it happened. It's not every day two police officers get caught in the act - they must have been making quite a racket. 'DI Davies is a career officer - she is very highly thought of and good at her job.' Dyfed-Powys Police refused to confirm or deny the claims. A spokesman said: 'Dyfed-Powys Police can confirm that two officers from Powys have been suspended from duty as part of an internal investigation. 'However, in light of the on-going inquiry it would not be appropriate to comment further at this time.' PC Swales and DI Davies have refused to comment on the allegations. | DI Diane Davies and PC Tommy Swales 'had sex while on the night shift'
The pair were apparently caught by colleagues at the police station .
They have now been suspended from Dyfed-Powys Police . |
107,065 | 1616b0f614ae9e670838e686cc396fa3aa5bedc5 | A German neurologist claims to have found the area of the brain where evil lurks in killers, rapists and robbers. Bremen scientist Dr Gerhard Roth says the 'evil patch' lies in the brain's central lobe and shows up as a dark mass on X-rays. He discovered it when investigating violent convicted offenders over the years for German government studies. Dr Gerhard Roth demonstrates where the 'evil patch' can be identified in the brains of those inclined to violence . Scans studied by Dr Roth indicate that the patch he says is associated with wicked behaviour is found at the front of the brain . 'We showed these people short films and measured their brain waves,' he said. 'Whenever there were brutal and squalid scenes the subjects showed no emotions. In the areas of the brain where we create compassion and sorrow, nothing happened.' The dark mass at the front of the brain, he says, appears in all scans of people with records for criminal violence. He says his researches have led him to believe that some criminals have a 'genetic predisposition' to violence. He added: 'When you look at the brain scans of hardened criminals, there are almost always severe shortcomings in the lower forehead part of the brain. 'There are cases where someone becomes criminal as a result of a tumour or an injury in that area, and after an operation to remove the tumour, that person was completely normal again. Dictators: Josef Stalin (left) and Adolf Hitler (right) belong to Dr Roth's third group - pure psychopaths . 'Or there are physiological deficits, . because certain substances such as serotonin in the forebrain are not . working effectively. 'But this is definitely the region of the brain where evil is formed and where it lurks. 'Of course it is not automatic. The brain can compensate somewhat for violent tendencies and it is unclear how that works. Psychpathy is a personality disorder that has been variously characterised by shallow emotions (including reduced fear, a lack of empathy, and stress tolerance), coldheartedness, egocentricity, superficial charm, manipulativeness, irresponsibility, impulsivity, criminality, antisocial behavior, a lack of remorse, and a parasitic lifestyle. Terrorists are sometimes called psychopaths, and comparisons can be drawn with traits such as antisocial violence, a selfish worldview that precludes welfare for others, lack of remorse or guilt, and blaming external events. While no psychiatric or psychological organisation has sanctioned a diagnosis of 'psychopathy' itself, assessments of psychopathy are widely used in criminal justice settings in some nations and may have important consequences for individuals. 'But . when I will look at young people, and I see there are developmental . disorders in the lower forehead brain, I can say that there is a felon . in the making with 66 per cent probability. 'It is easy to spot this anti-social behaviour from very early on.' Dr Roth said no two criminals are alike. He divides them into three groups for the purposes of his hunt for evil. The first he classifies as 'psychologically healthy,' people who grow up in an environment where it is 'OK to beat, steal and murder'. The second type is the mentally disturbed criminal who looks at his world as threatening. 'A wrong look, one false move, he can explode and become a killer,' he said. The third group are pure psycopaths, a group in which tyrants such as Hitler and Stalin belong. He said not all monsters are born and that many are made worse by their environments on their roads to evil. He added: 'Experts detect a mental decline in some people that begins in the kindergarten. It is the task of society to offer widespread support to the children and their parents before they become criminals.' Dr Roth is one of Germany's best-known brain specialists and has was at the forefront of calling for sentencing reforms a few years ago. | Scans reveal a patch at the front of the brain can be seen in people with records for criminal violence .
German scientist who made the discovery classifies evil in three groups . |
42,909 | 790429d654512d3de99f2bc61a579e5518930bb9 | Sergio Ramos powered in one of the most important headed goals in history on Saturday night - the Real Madrid central defender storming from deep to force extra time in the Champions League final they eventually won. Its timing - the third minute of added time in a game Real looked destined to lose - was poetic and added to the occasion's drama. Here, Sportsmail celebrates some of the best headers ever. Have that! Sergio Ramos got Real Madrid back in the game against Atletico in the Champions League final . Luis Suarez (Liverpool) There wasn't much Suarez couldn't do for Brendan Rodgers' side last season, and he even managed to score a ridiculous header from the edge of the box against West Brom in October. The Uruguayan got on the end of a shallow cross, yanked his neck and thundered the ball past Boaz Myhill. Bullet: Liverpool's Luis Suarez scored a sensational header against West Bromwich Albion in October 2013 . Didier Drogba (Chelsea) Similarly to Ramos' strike on Saturday, Drogba etched his name into European folklore by equalising for Chelsea in the 88th minute of their Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2012. A real striker's goal at the near post. They're back in it! Didier Drogba netted an 88th minute equaliser against Bayern Munich in the 2012 Champions League final and went on to score the winning penalty for the Bues . Henrik Larsson (Sweden) Only Zlatan Ibrahimovic can lay claim to being up there with Larsson in a Sweden shirt, with the ex-Celtic and Barcelona man one of the most lethal forwards in world football in his day. One of Larsson's best came in the 5-0 mauling of Bulgaria at Euro 2004. He latched on to an Erik Edman cross with a full-length dive to divert past the goalkeeper. No chance: Henrik Larsson netted twice against Bulgaria during Sweden's 5-0 mauling at Euro 2004 . Luis Garcia (Liverpool) The Kop end at Anfield on European nights is a strange place; it seems to suck some of the most breathtaking goals to grace the stadium, with Garcia's effort against Anderlecht in 2005 no different. Running from deep, the Spaniard simply spun his neck to whip a header beyond a helpless Sylvio Proto. The Reds went on to comfortably beat the Belgians 3-0. From deep: Luis Garcia found the net with a header from the edge of the box against Anderlecht in 2005 . Richard Walker (Blackpool) Added time of a game Division Three Blackpool really needed to win in 2001, and substitute Walker came from absolutely nowhere to bullet a late, late winner in from Tommy Jaszczun's desperate centre. Incidentally, a certain Mark Clattenburg was the referee that night and the Seasiders won promotion via the play-offs. Jared Borgetti (Mexico) Although in the eyes of some English football fans his career was tainted by a difficult spell at Bolton, Borgetti was one of the more inventive finishers in world football. The Mexican's crowning moment was perhaps a cute header against Italy at the 2002 World Cup. One for the purists. Improvise: Jared Borgetti scored a sumptuous header against Italy at the 2002 World Cup for Mexico . Luca Toni (Juventus) There looked very little on when a floated cross found its way towards the Cagliari area, but Toni had other ideas. The big Italian got in between two defenders and used all of his neck power to drill a header home. Keith Houchen (Coventry City) This may be one of the only things Houchen is remembered for, but it's not a bad one. An FA Cup final goal, and a diving header at that. He notched a second equaliser against Tottenham Hotspur on the day in 1987 at Wembley, with the Sky Blues going on to win 3-2. Allan Clarke (Leeds United) The . winner in a Cup final isn't half bad, but when it's a diving header in . the competition's centenary year against Arsenal it's bloody brilliant. Clarke took flight on the edge of the box with the execution spectacular. Javier Hernandez (Manchester United) A . real improvised effort away at Stoke City, Hernandez twisted and turned . in the six-yard box to give himself enough purchase to lever into the . net. Iconic: Coventry City's Keith Houchen (left) heads in the equalising second goal past Ray Clemence . Hatty man: Allan Clarke (left) scored a stunning winner for Leeds United in the 1972 FA cup final against Arsenal . Flicking 'eck! Javier Hernandez's effort against Stoke City in October 2010 was right out of the top drawer . | Ramos equaliser set up Madrid for European title against Atletico .
Henrik Larsson, Luca Toni and Luis Suarez have all scored super headers .
Keith Houchen and Allan Clarke's FA cup strikes were so important . |
195,471 | 8905d5783d22de75e4aa7bd98f62ac8541eaecd2 | Pointless: Grant Shapps said holding a vote for lifting the ban with such strong opposition would be a waste of time . The ban on hunting with dogs will not be overturned, Tory chairman Grant Shapps declared yesterday. Speaking on the day that a quarter of a million supporters turned out for Boxing Day hunts, he said there was no chance of getting the majority needed to scrap Labour's law. Earlier, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson said he was not expecting a vote in 2013, because it was clear the Government would lose. And yesterday the outspoken new head of the RSPCA, Gavin Grant, taunted David Cameron on his failure to bring forward a vote on fox hunting – telling him it was because he knows he will lose. The Prime Minister had pledged a free vote in the Commons on reversing the ban on fox hunting before the 2015 election. But almost three years into his Coalition, no vote has yet been timetabled. A poll, released yesterday, found that 76 per cent of the public are against moves to legalise fox hunting. The IpsosMori survey also found that 81 per cent oppose deer hunting. Mr Shapps said: 'As Owen Paterson said, it makes sense to bring something forward if you think there's a chance of there being a Parliamentary majority. 'At the moment there doesn't appear to be one.' But Mr Grant said that Mr Cameron still had two and a half years to make good on his pledge to hold a vote on overturning the hunting ban. The former PR man, who seems determined to make the RSPCA more political, said: 'It is in the Coalition agreement and this Government seem intent upon enacting the Coalition agreement line by line so I think we've got to assume it will come,' he said. 'It's great to see the Coalition bringing forward legislation to grant gay people the same rights to marriage as straight people, so the notion that at the same time we could reintroduce something that was seen as appropriate in the 19th century and very inappropriate in the 20th century is absolutely bizarre. 'If the Prime Minister feels he wants to have his vote then let him have his vote. He will discover that he's going to lose and maybe that's necessary to end this discussion about the Act.' Earlier this month, the RSPCA successfully took the Heythrop Hunt in Oxfordshire – whose previous riders include the Prime Minister – to court for illegally killing foxes. The battle cost £330,000, an enormous sum from the RSPCA's depleted coffers. The hunt itself was only fined £4,000. No vote: Mr Shapps' comments on the vote to lift the hunting ban comes on one of the biggest hunting days of the year - Boxing Day - where many hunting parties set out with dogs despite the ban . Mr Grant has also taken on the . National Farmers' Union over the badger cull. He appeared to call for a . milk boycott aimed at dairy farmers who had shot the animals on their . land – but he later retracted this. He has also attacked the Grand . National for being cruel to horses, going further than any previous . RSPCA chief in calling for the removal of the notorious Becher's Brook . fence. Mr Grant's confidence on keeping the . hunting ban in place was matched by Mr Paterson's indication that moves . to repeal it may not happen next year. No dogs allowed: Using dogs as part of fox hunts have been made illegal, with drag hunts still permitted, but many Tory MPs want the ban lifted . No need to vote: Environment Secretary Owen Paterson argued that a vote could only be justified when there is a chance of parliamentary majority in favour of the issue . The minister said: 'There's only a point having a vote if you're going to win. 'At the moment, it would not be my . proposal to bring forward a vote we were going to lose. There needs to . be more work done on Members of Parliament.' He added: 'It is our clear intention to have a free vote but we need to choose an appropriate moment.' Simon Hart, Tory MP for Carmarthen . West and South Pembrokeshire, warned Mr Cameron he could lose vital . rural votes if he does not table a vote. He said: 'We are only . two-and-a-half years into a five-year parliament, there is plenty of . time to deal with this. 'I'm confident that we've got a strong . commitment from the PM and he knows that he's made a promise on this; . he knows he can't really afford to let down core voters in rural . constituencies.' Labour's environment spokesman Mary Creagh said: 'Most people back Labour's ban on hunting wild animals with dogs. 'People are worried about their . incomes falling, prices rising and losing their jobs, yet this out of . touch Tory-led government wants to bring back hunting.' The Countryside Alliance said it had seen no slackening of support for hunting in recent years. But executive chairman Sir Barney . White-Spunner admitted now may not be the best time for a Commons vote. 'If you were going to go for some sort of repeal then it would probably . take a ... huge amount of parliamentary time at a time when the . Government and Parliament's got other priorities,' he said. | Grant Shapps defended decision to delay vote on hunting ban .
The Tory Party chairman said vote on lifting ban on hunting with dogs 'pointless' due to strong parliamentary opposition .
Mr Shapps' comments came as hunting parties with hounds gathered for the annual Boxing Day event . |
195,951 | 89992840c83d955e7ce613a94adc37b06115862d | HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pennsylvania (CNN) -- The president of The Valley Swim Club on Friday strongly denied charges of racism after his club canceled the swimming privileges of a nearby day care center whose children are predominantly African-American. John Duesler said he underestimated the number of swimmers who would come to swim at the club. "It was never our intention to offend anyone," said John Duesler. "This thing has been blown out of proportion." Duesler said his club -- which he called "very diverse" -- invited camps in the Philadelphia area to use his facility because of the number of pools in the region closed due to budget cuts this summer. He said he underestimated the amount of children who would participate, and the club's capacity to take on the groups was not up to the task. "It was a safety issue," he said. The Creative Steps Day Care children -- who are in kindergarten through seventh grade -- went to The Valley Swim Club in Huntingdon Valley on June 29 after the center's director, Alethea Wright, had contracted to use the club once a week. During their first visit, some children said they heard club members asking why African-American children were there. One youngster told a Philadelphia television station a woman there said she feared the children "might do something" to her child. Watch Wright react to comments allegedly aimed at the children » . Days later, the day care center's $1,950 check was returned without explanation, Wright said. She was dismissive of Duesler's comments Friday. "He knows what happened at the pool that day," Wright told CNN in a telephone interview. "I was embarrassed and humiliated." She called it an "unfortunate situation," adding, "I know what happened; the members know what happened and a higher power knows what happened." Watch the club president say racism is not at play » . After news reports of the incident, the office of Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pennsylvania) said Specter sent a letter to the club president asking him to reinstate the contract with Creative Steps, saying, "I think that you would agree that there is no place for racism in America today." Duesler said he appreciates the senator's concern, but the club's board has yet to make a decision of how it will proceed. "If we're going to revise our policies here, we need to make it so for all the camps," he said. "I just don't think we're prepared for that." Duesler earlier in the week told two Philadelphia television stations the children had changed "the complexion" and "atmosphere" of the club, a comment that protesters outside the facility Thursday said showed that racism was involved. Bernice Duesler, John Duesler's wife, called the negative response her husband has faced since the incident "unbearable." "He's not one of the good guys -- he's one of the great guys," she said, holding back tears. "He doesn't deserve this." She added, "If there really was a racial issue that happened, my husband and I would be the first one[s] picketing." Jim Flynn, who said he was one of the club members who made a complaint against the children, told CNN this week it was not racially motivated. "There were a lot of children in the pool and not enough lifeguards," he said. "As general members we were not told that they were coming. If we knew, we could decide to not come when the pool was crowded or come anyway. We could have had an option." He also said invitations to two other day care centers, neither of which contained minority children, had previously been withdrawn. Girard College, a private Philadelphia boarding school, told CNN on Thursday it would offer Creative Steps Day Care use of its facilities this summer. | Swim club president John Duesler: "It was never our intention to offend anyone"
"He knows what happened at the pool that day," day care director counters .
Duesler: Club is "very diverse," and had reached out because area pools had closed .
Duesler says club's board has yet to decide whether to reinstate center's contract . |
133,593 | 38c05d8141d824bd0e43cc496826beec1517f6ed | (CNN) -- Parma have signed AC Milan's 18-year-old Alberto Paloschi in a co-ownership deal, the Serie B club announced on their Web site on Wednesday. Paloschi scored with his first touch when he made his debut as a Milan sub in February. Paloschi made an instant impact when he made his debut for Milan in February, scoring against Siena with his first touch as substitute. He scored twice in seven appearances last season but his prospects of regular first team football this season diminished sharply after the signings of Andrei Shevchenko and Ronaldinho. Parma were relegated from Serie A last season.. Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has said that that Italy full-back Massimo Oddo could be leaving soon. Galliano told Gazzetta dello Sport: "Lyon are interested in our full-back and anything is possible." The 32-year-old former Lazio right-back is likely to lose his first team spot to new signing Gianluca Zambrotta from Barcelona. Oddo was in Italy's World Cup winning squad in Germany in 2006 but was not chosen for the Euro 2008 finals in June. Lyon already have an Italian at left-back in Fabio Grosso, who was also a World Cup winner in 2006. | Alberto Paloschi is moving from Milan to Parma in a co-ownership deal .
The 18-year-old scored with his first touch in his Milan debut in February .
Lyon are interested in signing Milan right-back Massimo Oddo . |
279,064 | f58b867b5e6dda25c3a51becf315af3a39325458 | (CNN) -- It's not the kind of view you want from the window seat: a damaged wing flap with a handwritten note on it saying "we know about this," with an arrow pointing to the area in question. That's what one passenger on a July 28 Alaska Airlines flight from Burbank, California, to Seattle saw, snapping a photo of the rather unorthodox note that generated criticism on social media. On Tuesday, Alaska Airlines said that a wing flap on the Boeing 737 had received an FAA-approved trim repair before the flight and was safe to fly. "And before every flight, pilots do a walk around the plane, and they kept seeing the section repair and pointing it out and kept filing a report saying, 'you need to fix it,' " said airline spokesman Paul McElroy. Maintenance workers wrote the note to head off further reports, which was "not the best approach," McElroy said. "It is not the best way to report an issue, and we have since removed the writing, and the flap will go in for a total repair in October." The maintenance technician's intentions were good, said another representative, Bobbie Egan. "But the communication was not appropriate and did not follow company procedures." "We apologize for any alarm it may have caused," Egan said in a statement. Egan said a passenger shared the photo with Alaska Airlines seeking an explanation for the note. The photo appeared on the popular website reddit.com and was shared and discussed on social media. CNN's Amanda Watts contributed to this report. | Handwritten note on damaged airplane wing referenced repair .
Alaska Airlines said the repair was made before flight, according to FAA standards .
Method for heading off repeated damage reports was "not the best approach," airline said . |
185,907 | 7cc1ca0cf4b60f114568d3cc7a4c89ebd466365d | By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 07:13 EST, 6 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:13 EST, 6 October 2013 . Senior Tory Dr Liam Fox claimed three pence from the taxpayer to drive 100 yards in his constituency. The former Cabinet minister – who is being tipped for a return to frontline politics – submitted 16 expense claims for less than £1 each in travel costs in the last financial year. Staff who preside over MPs’ expenses even rounded the lowest claim up, from 2.8p, for the 0.06 mile journey. Driving by: North Somerset MP Liam Fox - who owns two properties worth a combined £1million - claimed 16 times for travel expenses worth less than £1 in the last financial year, according to official data . Walkable in a minute: Dr Fox claimed the money for driving the 0.06 miles between Stowell Concrete factory (bottom left) in Yatton, Somerset, and his nearby North Somerset constituency surgery (centre) It was for driving between Stowell . Concrete factory in Yatton, Somerset, to his constituency surgery in . Horsecastle Chapel, Yatton, in October last year. The journey would have . been walkable in minutes. Dr . Fox – who served as Defence Secretary until being forced out of office . for his close ties to lobbyist Adam Werritty in 2011 – earns £66,000 as a . backbencher. Until he . resigned from the Cabinet, his salary was £134,000 a year. He was also a . property millionaire, owning two homes worth at least £1.2million, . until December last year when he sold his flat in London. MPs are allowed to claim up to 45p a mile for car journeys. Dr Fox said: ‘I don’t do my expenses, my office does them.’ He did not return the Mail’s call about the expenses claims. Officials . at the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority were believed to . have been deeply amused by the incident. One source is reported saying . that his original claim was for 2.8p but ‘we rounded it up to 3p’. Mileage: A building in Yatton, Somerset, where MP Liam Fox holds his constituency surgeries. Dr Fox filed a 3p expense claim for driving 0.06 of a mile from a nearby factory to this building . Short trip: Stowell Concrete Factory in Yatton, Somerset - 100 yards away from Dr Fox's constituency surgery . The . former leadership hopeful was the darling of the Tory right and the new . intake of Conservative MPs in 2005. But he failed to win the leadership . race against David Cameron, coming third behind David Davis. In . March 2010, Dr Fox also appealed against a Commons’ watchdog decision . that he had over-claimed £22,476. However, he dropped the appeal and . repaid the cash. He bought . his five-bedroom, detached constituency home for £680,000 in 2006. The . modern house boasts 1.3 acres of lawn with stunning views across the . north Somerset countryside and has walk-in-wardrobes and terraces. Dr . Fox also sold his two-bedroom flat in Central London for £600,000 last . December after receiving rental income on it. Labour MP John Mann said: . ‘This is an example of how MPs don’t get it. It comes across as extreme . greed. Entry: He was entitled to 2.8p for the trip, but the amount was rounded up to 3p by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and paid to Dr Fox last December. This is the entry, taken from IPSA data . ‘Anyone who can claim 3p demonstrates how out of touch they are with what is happening to people in this country.’ Stephen Pound, another Labour MP, said: ‘If he’s that hard-up, I’ll lend him a fiver till pay-day.’ Eleanor . McGrath, of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: ‘It beggars belief he . submitted a claim for 3p. That figure was doubtless dwarfed by the cost . of processing the claim.’ However, . a Tory supporter of Dr Fox, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: ‘Liam . was raised in a council house, so he knows about counting the pennies. If anything, his meticulous accounting shows he could be an asset in the . Treasury.’ | Fox, 52, earns a basic annual salary of £66,000 as North Somerset MP .
He put in expenses claim for travelling 105 yards by car last October .
Claimed 16 times for travel expenses lower than £1 in last financial year .
Critics say 3p claim probably dwarfed by cost of processing the claim .
He travelled 0.06 miles from concrete factory to constituency surgery . |
191,065 | 836d931b6988ad4e1c7e3fc496199ff594081478 | Patrick Neal Schumacher being breathalysed by police after he was seen weaving in and out of traffic while riding his horse Dillon . A drunk Colorado man has been arrested after attempting to ride a horse 600 miles to his brother's wedding with a dog in his rucksack and a beer in his saddlebag. Patrick Neal Schumacher was stopped by police on Monday after he was seen weaving in and out of traffic while riding his horse Dillon through the city of Boulder, Colorado, it is claimed. The 45-year-old, who was spotted 'slumped' on the animal at around 2.14pm, was asked to dismount by officers and given a field sobriety test, which he failed. He was also discovered to be carrying a pug named Bufford in his backpack and a small black powder pistol and beer in one of his saddlebags. Schumacher, from Colorado Springs, told University of Colorado police he was trying to make a 600-mile journey from Larkspur to Bryce, Utah, to attend his brother's wedding. He said he had decided to make the trip by horseback as he had previously lost his driver's licence. According to The Daily Camera, eye-witnesses called the police after seeing the pair wandering into the road, dodging traffic and forcing people off the pavement. They also reported seeing Schumacher repeatedly strike Dillon so hard that he 'reared up on his hind legs'. However, the drunken rider has claimed he had been . smacking flies off the animal's head. Wild West: Schumacher is facing charges of drunken horseback riding, animal cruelty and the prohibited use of weapons . Schumacher has been remanded in custody at Boulder County Jail and is facing charges of drunken horseback riding, animal cruelty and the prohibited use of weapons. His pets, Dillon and Bufford, have been impounded with the help of the Boulder Police Department Animal Control Unit, Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks and the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Patrick Neal Schumacher, 45, was spotted weaving in and out of traffic in Boulder, Colorado, on his horse Dillon .
He was stopped by police and given a field sobriety test, which he failed .
Officers found his pug Bufford in his backpack and a beer in his saddlebag .
Schumacher, from Colorado Springs, claimed he had been trying to get to his brother's wedding 600 miles away . |
173,268 | 6c4027b3c531d5f5cc617b4816f6a04b4da1fc8b | By . Erin Van Der Meer . The princess of pop is set to live like a queen. Kylie Minogue has leased a stunning beach-side residence in Sydney for the next few months. The usually UK-based singer has rented a luxurious three-storey pad in the Sydney suburb of Coogee while she's back in her home country as a coach on The Voice Australia. Scroll down for video . She should be so lucky! Kylie Minogue has leased a stunning beach-side residence to call home while she's based in Sydney for The Voice Australia . The sprawling home - which was last sold in February for just under $7 million - is located at the southern end of Coogee beach in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs and offers incredible views of the ocean. Viewers of Geordie Shore will recognise the house as where the cast members lived when the show filmed a season Down Under. It has also played host to Australian X Factor judge Natalie Bassingthwaighte. Lavish: The expansive home also has a large outdoor area featuring an entertaining space and a pool . Stunning: The property, which has played host to celebrity guests including the Geordie Shore cast and Natalie Bassingthwaighte, features a pool and stunning views of the ocean . As well as six bedroroms, five bathrooms and several open plan living areas, the property also features a lavish outdoor space which includes a large entertaining area and a pool. The master bedroom where Kylie will no doubt reside has a connected dressing room, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. The property also features a gym, garage, and a studio. Coogee locals will no doubt be hoping to catch a glimpse of the Australian star around the neighbourhood when she's not on set at The Voice. Tranquil: A stylish reflector pool gives the multi-level property a wonderful ambience . It seems the pint-sized 45-year-old has made a good impression on her The Voice co-stars Joel Madden, Ricky Martin and Will.i.am. Ricky Martin and the Black Eyed Peas singer gushed about the blonde performer taking performers under her wing ahead of the show's premiere on Sunday. 'When you talk about Kylie you talk charm and charisma,' Ricky, 42, told Nine's Mornings program. 'You can't go wrong with Kylie. She embraces you as an artist and it's important to feel the warmth from the coach. The Voice Australia: Coaches Joel Madden, Kylie Minogue, Ricky Martin and will.i.am ahead of the show's Sunday. May 4 premiere . She's a hugger. She starts talking to you and you feel the warmth - that's Kylie Minogue.' Black Eyed Peas frontman will.i.am recently came off a successful stint on The Voice UK with the Spinning Around singer, and was just as positive. 'What better person to have but Kylie Minogue as a coach, as a mentor, and as a person guiding you through?' he said. The show airs Sunday night, May 4 on Nine. | Geordie Shore cast members also lived in the home while filming the show in Australia .
The house also played host to Australian X Factor judge Natalie Bassingthwaighte .
It boasts six bedrooms, five bathrooms, several living areas, gym and a pool . |
175,244 | 6ecf71681be2349a663894ad754b28010911a051 | By . Martin Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 07:40 EST, 31 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:43 EST, 31 January 2013 . Two brothers who masterminded a £244,000 fraud from their council house bedroom have been jailed for a total of 10 years. Shilu Miah, 31, and his sibling Dulu Miah, 26, used confidential information passed on from a bank 'insider' to steal elderly and vulnerable people's life savings from 218 accounts. The criminals spent most of the cash from the 12-month scam on luxury holidays, cars and designer clothes, including Louis Vuitton flip flops ' to the tune of £1,000 a pair', Blackfriars Crown Court heard. The brothers also went on shopping sprees at Selfridges and Harrods as well as drinking champagne at nightclubs in London's West End. Con artists: Brothers Dulu Miah (left) Shilu Miah (righted) grabbed £244,000 in a fraud that raided the accounts of hundreds of vulnerable and elderly people . Victims had been conned after the fraudsters telephoned them pretending to be from their bank. After speaking on the phone and getting vital details such as a pin number, a taxi was sent to the victim’s house to pick up the bank card and deliver it to the gang. As well as dressing in Ralph Lauren clothes , Dulu Miah enjoyed two sunshine trips to Miami at his victims' expense, booking an ocean-room at the Ritz Carlton on one of his lavish breaks. Judge Aidan Marron, QC, said the brothers had not shown a 'morsel of remorse' as he jailed them. The judge said they had resorted to making 'sinister threats' to persuade their elderly victims, aged in their 80s and 90s, from Camden, north London, to hand over bank cards and details. Judge Marron told them: 'You clearly had some access to private and confidential bank information, because the information with which you were armed to incite this conspiracy could only have come from the confidential files in a bank. 'The conspiracy lasted for about 12 months, involving about 220 different cases and the loss in the region of a quarter of a million pounds was occasioned.' Taken back: Shilu Miah's flash blue BMW is seized by police after they smashed their racket . Spending: The Miah brother splurged their cash on these designer goods and perfumes recovered from the bedroom they shared in a London council house . Spending: One of the men bought a pair of Louis Vuitton flip-flops like these, 'to the tune of £1,000', the court heard . They used their parents' council home in King's Cross as the nerve centre of their fraud. Shilu Miah even set up a bogus 0845 number at their house from which at least 218 victims were called by men posing as bank staff. The targets were conned into handing over vital details such as PIN numbers to the fraudsters. A taxi was then sent to the victims' homes to pick up the card and deliver it to the gang. The cards were then used to either siphon cash out of the person's account or open up a loan. Police launched a string of raids on July 5 last year to smash the complex crime ring after carrying out a huge investigation. Misdeed: Dulu Miah also enjoyed two sunshine trips to Miami at his victims' expense, booking an ocean-room at the Ritz Carlton (pictured) Detectives found confidential bank documents stashed behind the steering wheel of a flash £7,500 BMW belonging to former bus driver Shilu. The complex fraud of the type carried out by the Miah brothers has been troubling police for some time. Conmen posing as bank staff, fraud investigators or even police telephone their elderly and vulnerable targets, convince them that their bank accounts have been compromised and persuade, and sometimes threaten, the victims into handing over sensitive information such as their PIN. A courier, often an unwitting minicab driver, is sent round to the victims address to collect the card before the fraudsters plunder the target's bank accounts for thousands of pounds. More than 100 people in Camden, London, have been stung so far to the tune of £1million and the fraud is still continuing. A Hampstead actor and Primrose Hill artist's bank accounts have been raided and former MEP William Hopper had £1,000 stolen from his account late last year. Cops also seized expensive Louis Vuitton, Ralph Lauren and Gucci designer clothes, an enormous hoard of perfume and electrical goods in the brothers' shared bedroom, along with £14,000 in Shilu's safe. Shilu Miah, who was jailed for manslaughter in 2002, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud and convicted of being in possession of criminal property after a week-long trial. He was jailed for six years. His younger brother Dulu was jailed for four years and three months after he admitted one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. The scam, known as 'courier fraud', is still rife in Camden, with more than 100 cases reported to police every week. Det Ch Supt Richard Tucker, based in Camden, said after the brothers were jailed: 'These men committed a calculated and ruthless series of frauds to fund their lavish lifestyle. 'They had absolutely no regard for their victims, demonstrated by the fact that they not only took their victims' lifesavings without batting an eyelid but then even taunted and verbally abused some of them. 'These sentences reflect the importance we, the police, and the criminal justice system attach to this cold-hearted crime, and our determination to bring the callous perpetrators to account. 'I urge the public to remember this simple rule "the banks and the police will never ask for your PIN or bank card, so do not give it to them.' Det Insp Paul Whatmore, of Scotland Yard's Fraud Squad, said: 'This is a great result for the Camden officers who were quite rightly commended for their work by the trial judge. 'Hopefully, these are just the first of many such results as we seek to curb this truly distasteful crime.' Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Shilu Miah, 31, and sibling Dulu Miah, 26, jailed for total of ten years .
The pair raided 218 accounts from their base in a London council house .
Brothers spent huge sums on clothes, beauty products, cars and holidays . |
83,244 | ec0993469c125e70eb99ddde920dfa0332c441be | (CNN) -- A Yemeni court Monday sentenced to death one of the leaders of the terrorist group al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen's state-run news agency reported. Prior to his capture, trial and sentencing, Saleh al-Shawsh had been one of the three most wanted members of the group, an arm of Osama bin Laden's broader terrorist organization formed last year. The Specialized Criminal Court in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa sentenced al-Shawsh after finding him guilty of killing Yemeni soldiers and attacking oil installations and security checkpoints in the province of Hadramout, reported Saba, the Middle Eastern nation's state-run news agency. Referring to al-Shawsh as a member of an "armed gang," the report said that the incidents he was involved in occurred between 2007 and 2010. Yemen has become a main battleground for al Qaeda, with the government carrying out air strikes and a ground campaign against the group this weekend. President Barack Obama's counterterrorism adviser, John Brennan, met the president of Yemen a month ago to discuss al Qaeda and U.S. support for Yemen, the U.S. Embassy announced at the time. Brennan delivered a letter to Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh affirming U.S. support for Yemen, the embassy said. The Obama administration is considering adding armed CIA drones to help fight the increasing threat of al Qaeda in Yemen, a U.S. official said in August. A U.S. counterterrorism official told CNN that the administration recognizes that "not enough is being done in Yemen" to meet the growing challenge posed by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Al Qaeda activity in Yemen grabbed the attention of the West with the Christmas Day attempted bombing of a Northwest Airlines trans-Atlantic flight as it approached Detroit, Michigan. The suspect, Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab, who has pleaded not guilty to six federal terrorism charges, was reportedly trained and armed in Yemen. Yemen has launched at least two offensives against the group since then, including one this weekend. "Yemen's security forces have been in engaged in a ground and air campaign for two days in Abyan province against al Qaeda," a government official told CNN Sunday. CNN is not naming the official, who is not authorized to speak to the press about the campaign. The official said the battle is fierce and bloody and is part of a larger low-intensity conflict with al Qaeda in the region. The campaign follows "an attempt by al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula to kill the governor and junior regional security officials this past week," the official said. At least six militants have been killed, the official said, as airstrikes -- which began Saturday and continued on Sunday -- targeted militant gatherings in the province's Lawdar and Moudeya districts. "Western embassies in Sana'a were put on high security alert -- especially the British and American embassies," the official said, referring to Yemen's capital. "The government of Yemen has increased security outside those embassies and they were heavily fortified in fears of AQAP retaliation." Tribesmen from Abyan province are supporting the provincial governor after al Qaeda members killed his brother in an ambush aimed at assassinating the governor himself, the official said. Saturday night, two suicide bombers were killed after their vehicle, which was rigged with explosives, attempted to ram a military motorcade in Moudeya, the official said. The car exploded after Yemeni forces shot at the suspicious vehicle with high-caliber machine guns. On Friday, the Interior Ministry offered a reward of 20 million Yemeni riyal (about U.S. $100,000) for information leading to the capture of eight suspected members of al Qaeda in Yemen. The nation's official Saba news agency identified the eight, urging the public to cooperate and warning citizens not to shelter any of the suspects. And a wanted al Qaeda in Yemen member turned himself in to Saudi Arabian authorities on Friday, Saudi Arabia's official Saudi Press Agency reported, citing a security spokesman at the country's Ministry of Interior. The statement added that the man, Jaber bin Jibran bin Ali al-Afifi, a former Guantanamo Bay detainee, had rejoined al Qaeda in Yemen after he had returned from captivity. In the past week, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is suspected of being behind three separate attacks that have killed at least two Yemeni security officials, according to a government official. Last week also saw the release of an audio recording purported to be from Qassim al-Rimi (also known as Abu Hurira al-Sanaei), the leader of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, that was posted on radical militant websites. The speaker promised that Yemen's President Saleh would be punished "for his crimes" and announced that a new army would rid the country of "crusaders and apostates." CNN could not verify the authenticity of the recording. CNN's Mohammed Jamjoom contributed to this report. | Saleh al-Shawsh was one of the most wanted militants in Yemen .
He is purported to be a member of al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula .
Yemen is a major al Qaeda battleground .
Washington recently underscored its support for Yemen . |
59,678 | a979125000409a95e6f4c7f40d6be506704dec18 | (CNN) -- On Tuesday afternoon, President Obama will meet with Republican Congressional leaders for the first time since the midterm election. The White House meeting had been dubbed the "Slurpee summit," but it's going to take something stronger than a flavored ice shake to cut through the deep distrust that's accumulated between these two parties. The Kool-Aid that gets passed around Washington most often these days is the belief that our political opponents are sworn enemies. It is an idea compounded by partisan media that demonizes even minor disagreements. But it wasn't always this way. In the past, Democrats and Republicans could disagree on policies throughout the day, then meet together for a drink or dinner. Their children went to school together. Their families saw each other on the weekends or at worship services. But now congressmen fly home from Washington as often as possible. There is very little time for across-the-aisle socializing and much more time for accusing opponents of being socialist. Our political leaders don't get to know each other as people. That's where the cigarette comes in. It's a strange fact that Obama and speaker-elect John Boehner have been known to smoke, while the majority of Americans have given up this once common vice. It is a streak of illogic and self-destructiveness in otherwise disciplined and ambitious men who have climbed to the top of their field without wheezing. So if Boehner and Obama are both going to be tempted to sneak out for a smoke at some point during their bipartisan summit, here's a suggestion: Do it together. Have an honest off-the-record conversation and get to know each other as individuals. These two men come from very different backgrounds. Boehner was one of a dozen children whose father ran a bar in Ohio; Obama was raised by a single mother in Hawaii after his father returned to Africa. But they are both examples of the American dream, and they both love their country. Sharing a smoke is an opportunity to acknowledge that they're both hugely accomplished but still flawed individuals. It's an opportunity to admit that, yes, they have serious philosophical differences but that, for the good of the country, they need to find a way to work together, and that begins with a conversation. Unguarded, off-the-record socializing was an important reason the closely divided Congresses of the 1950s worked so effectively. Then Majority Leader Lyndon B. Johnson smoked and drank and played cards with his Republican counterparts. Of course, he was then considered a conservative southern Democrat, and that made it easier to reach across the aisle during the Eisenhower administration. The decline of both progressive Republicans and conservative Democrats has made the partisan gulf wider. But even in the epic philosophic fights that accompanied the Watergate era and the Reagan administration, House Speaker Tip O'Neill would famously have a drink with President Ford or President Reagan after a long day of principled differences and parliamentary maneuvers. It was a recognition of a forgotten American wisdom - that our political opponents are not our enemies. In contrast, let's cite just one small recent example of how far we've fallen. On Monday, Republican Rep. Joe Barton created a PowerPoint presentation, first reported by the Huffington Post, in his bid to secure the chairmanship of the Energy Committee. It compared Republican congressional leaders to General Eisenhower, General Omar Bradley, and General George S. Patton in "battle against the Obama administration." The only problem here is that this would, by implication, make the president and his Democratic allies the Nazi German army. This is unhelpful in creating a tone of mutual respect and constructive engagement. But we seem to be getting desensitized to such loaded comparisons. Once Obama and Boehner get past the interpersonal niceties, there is some common ground substance to discuss. Friendly recognition of Obama's decision to announce a two-year pay freeze for all federal workers would be a step in the right direction. It was a policy proposal advanced by many Republicans in recent months. It should be treated as the beginning of some good faith bargaining going forward. Likewise, there might be some compromise on extending the tax cuts for households that make less than $1 million a year. On the deficit and debt front, Obama and Boehner could agree to back the bipartisan deficit reduction panel if it comes back with proposals. The deep distrust and persuasive hyper-partisanship that has suffused our political debates makes that kind of common ground conversation almost impossible. But the time for campaigning has ended. The time for governing has begun again. Sharing a smoke -- however unwise or un-PC that might sound -- or a drink or a meal every once in a while is just one way to jumpstart a relationship. In a democracy, government cannot be a warfare of interests. It depends on people in our government honoring principled disagreements but always keeping in mind that what unites us as Americans is more important than what divides us. The responsibility of leadership is to repair some of the broken trust in American institutions. That effort must extend beyond photo-op bipartisanship. It must be built on the foundation of honest conversation and getting to know each other as people rather than partisan caricatures with cloven hooves and horns. A cigarette summit isn't a one-step solution, it's just the start of a conversation. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of John Avlon. | President Obama and new Republican congressional leaders meet this week .
They'll meet as bitter rivals; such meetings weren't always this way, John Avlon says .
Politicians once could disagree by day, negotiate over friendly dinners by night, Avlon says .
Avlon: Obama, John Boehner should sit down with a cigarette and find common ground . |
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