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202,781 | 928f4cdb0637224dc6e4c89611d260e5e97f99d9 | By . Nick Enoch . Last updated at 8:41 PM on 28th December 2011 . A girl of 12 died after doctors failed to carry out blood tests . because they were too busy, an inquest was told. Emma Stones was admitted . to Tameside General Hospital in Greater Manchester with flu-like symptoms but contracted a bacterial . infection which led to septicaemia. She died from the blood poisoning 16 . hours after she was admitted to the hospital. Emma Stones, 12, was admitted to Tameside General Hospital in Greater Manchester with flu-like symptoms but contracted a bacterial infection which led to septicaemia . The inquest heard how there . was a catalogue of errors in the lead-up to her death. Coroner John . Pollard criticised the lack of urgency and co-ordination in her care, but he . said he could not be sure that earlier intervention would have saved her. The hearing was told how: . A series of policy changes . have been implemented at the hospital as a result of Emma's death. Mr . Pollard said the issues amounted to 'inertia' on the part of staff. Emma, a pupil at Cromwell High in Tameside, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth. She lived with her twin sister, Christina, and parents Mike Stones and Tracey Futcher (pictured) in Dukinfield, near Tameside . Emma, . a pupil at Cromwell High in Tameside, Greater Manchester, was diagnosed with . cerebral palsy at birth. Doctors said she was stable before her condition . deteriorated without warning. She lived with her twin sister, Christina, . and parents Mike Stones and Tracey Futcher on Chester Avenue in Dukinfield, . near Tameside. Emma, who suffered health problems throughout her life, . was taken to hospital on the advice of community nurses at around 3.45pm on . Sunday, February 6. The hearing was told how junior doctor Dr Kayleigh . Hughes wanted to take a sample of her blood and asked for help. But a . senior registrar was too busy to carry out the test due to his workload, the . inquest heard. Coroner John Pollard criticised the lack of urgency and co-ordination in Emma's care at Tameside Hospital, but he said he could not be sure that earlier intervention would have saved her . Mr Pollard also hit out at a breakdown of communication between . staff. Dr Hughes wasn't told that Emma's heart rate had risen rapidly, . the inquest heard. Septicaemia is a life-threatening condition where bacteria invade the bloodstream. It . is usually triggered by an infection in another part of the body, such . as pneumonia, meningitis, bladder infections or even a tooth abscess. The . bacteria escape from this initial infection and enter the blood, . causing a series of reactions that can lead to swelling of the blood . vessels and blood clots. There are about 300,000 cases a year and up to 15,000 deaths. If untreated, it develops into septic shock, where blood pressure drops and organs fail. There was nothing to indicate that Emma was seriously . ill, but her heart rate increased five hours after her admission. The . inquest . was also told that key information about what treatment Emma might have . needed was not included on a handover note when staff changed shifts. Emma's condition deteriorated and she had a heart attack at around 8.15am the . following Monday morning. Tests ruled she contracted an infection, group A streptococcus, which led to septicaemia, or blood poisoning. The infection, . described as serious and rapidly progressive, could have caused toxic shock . syndrome. Children's services matron Wendy Hulse said changes to nursing . policies had been made. The inquest heard that doctors' notes will now be . reviewed with regard to their content, not just their dating and signing. Detailed changes to staff shift handover arrangements are also being . made. Philip Dylak, director of nursing at Tameside Hospital NHS . Foundation Trust, said: 'While it would not be appropriate for the hospital to . comment on the details until the coroner has reached his verdict, we would wish . to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Emma Stones at this very . difficult time.' The inquest will resume on March 6, where Mr Pollard is . due to reveal his findings. | Emma Stones died from blood poisoning 16 hours after being admitted to hospital .
Her blood pressure was never taken as it should have been under hospital policy, inquest hears .
Emma's blood pressure was never taken as it should .
have been under hospital policy; .
A junior doctor wanted to take a blood sample .
but a senior registrar was too busy to help; .
A team of three nurses failed to .
regularly monitor her throughout the night - she should have been observed .
every four hours; .
One nurse was suspended as a result and later received a .
warning after an internal disciplinary hearing; .
Two other nurses will now be .
made subject of extra training in observations . |
61,809 | af8fc5b4ddd9fef227f60afef13cc6ea96024194 | By . Tim Shipman, Deputy Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 05:43 EST, 6 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:11 EST, 7 July 2012 . The bad-tempered Commons debate over Barclays was branded the ‘worst I have ever seen’ by the Deputy Speaker yesterday. Nigel Evans accused MPs of ‘damaging the reputation of Parliament’ after shouting himself hoarse to bring the chamber to order as Chancellor George Osborne and Ed Balls exchanged insults on Thursday. MPs approved government plans for Parliament to investigate the banking scandal instead of a judge-led public inquiry called for by Labour. Scroll down for video . Chancellor George Osborne and his opposite number Ed Balls were involved in angry exchanges as MPs debated proposals for an inquiry into the banking scandal. MPs have voted for a Parliamentary probe into rate-fixing . Mr Evans, a Tory, said MPs were guilty of ‘bawling’ that made it impossible for MPs to hear what was being said. Mr Osborne labelled shadow chancellor . Mr Balls, who was previously City minister, as ‘the man who smeared his . way through 13 years of Labour government’, adding ‘half the people who . ever served with him think he was a disgrace in his post.’ Mr Balls condemned the ‘cheap and . partisan and desperate way in which you and your aides have conducted . yourselves in recent days does you no good (and) it demeans the office . you hold’. The shouting from MPs was so loud . that Mr Evans, standing in for Speaker John Bercow, had to yell ‘Order’ to be heard. He told the Mail: ‘It was by far the worst debate I have . ever seen. It appeared to me that there was a lot more heat than light. ‘To have a proper debate you have to . actually listen to what is said. I’m the last person to stop the cut and . thrust of debate and the odd interjection from a sedentary position but . when it descends into just shouting it does nothing for the debate. ‘It was very bad and my throat is still recovering. ‘People do tune in and listen to . these debates and when it goes over the mark like that it doesn’t do the . reputation of the Parliament any good. ‘The noise was so bad that some MPs remarked they couldn’t actually hear the debate. It was frankly just a lot of bawling.’ Fire: Mr Balls insisted Labour would continue to press for a broader judicial probe as Parliament agreed to hold an inquiry led by politicians . Ex-Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond praised his former bank as he appeared before MPs earlier this week . The political war of words started . when Mr Osborne accused his shadow of being involved in the fixing of . the Libor rate, the price at which banks lend to each other, in The . Spectator magazine. He . wrote: 'As for the role of the Labour government and the people around . Gordon Brown – well, I think there are questions to be asked of them. ‘They . were clearly involved and we just haven’t heard the full facts, I don’t . think, of who knew what when. My opposite number was the City minister . for part of this period and Gordon Brown’s right-hand man for all of it. That’s Ed Balls, by the way.’ On Thursday Ed Miliband reluctantly agreed for Parliament to investigate the banking crisis though he insisted it would be ‘inadequate'. Mr Balls said Labour would continue . to press for a broader judicial probe to follow - warning the Government . that if future banking scandals emerged it would be blamed. In the house Mr Osborne challenged Mr Balls to say . who were the ‘Labour ministers’ who raised concerns with the Bank of . England about the high rates being declared by Barclays on how much it . was paying to borrow at the height of the financial crisis. ‘Do . you know who those ministers are?’ the Chancellor demanded. Bob Diamond passes protesters waving monopoly boards as he leaves after giving evidence to the Treasury Select Committee at Portcullis House, central London . Clutching two bottles of Bollinger two 'bankers' appear outside Parliament yesterday in a tongue in cheek protest about greed in the financial services sector . ‘Let . him explain what Labour’s role was. Who were the ministers, who had the . conversation, who were the senior figures?’ Mr Osborne asked, saying Mr . Balls had to ‘answer for his time in office’ as Labour’s City minister. The Chancellor mentioned a report . called ‘Reducing Libor’ drafted by bankers at UBS and circulated in . Whitehall by Baroness Vadera, then a Cabinet Office minister, in 2008. The . peer, who was one of Gordon Brown’s closest economic advisers, has . admitted commenting on the report but denied having any conversation . with the Bank of England about getting the rate down. Mr Balls denied any involvement and responded: 'The cheap and partisan and desperate way in which you and your aides have conducted yourselves .. demeans the office you hold.' He complained that the Chancellor had ‘impugned my integrity’ and demanded an apology. ‘If he has any evidence, he should produce it. He should either push up or shut up,’ Mr Balls said. The . Chancellor retorted: ‘The idea that I am going to take lessons in . integrity from the man who smeared his way through 13 years of Labour . government, who half the people who ever served with him think he was a . disgrace in his post is another thing.’ Tory . MP Nadhim Zahawi asked Mr Balls: ‘Can you confirm that in your time in . office, no other minister either in Number Ten or the Treasury spoke to . the Bank of England on Libor that you know about?’ The Shadow Chancellor did not answer . directly, telling him: ‘The reason why we advocate an open, public . inquiry, judge-led, is to get precisely to the bottom of all these . things.’ Video: Fiery debate in House of Commons . Video: Ed Balls caves in to Parliamentary probe into banking scandal . | Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans accuses MPs of 'damaging the reputation of Parliament' as George Osborne attacks Ed Balls in heated House of Commons exchange .
Osborne challenges Balls to name ‘Labour ministers’ who raised concerns with Bank of .
England about high rates being declared by Barclays at height of financial crisis .
Parliamentary inquiry into banking scandal will he held rather than a full judge-led investigation .
Ministers offer concession by giving cross-party investigators access to QC . |
169,786 | 67baa30786dc52506215484513621263ec83320d | Theme park thrill-seekers were left shocked when the rollercoaster they were riding hit and decapitated a deer that had strayed too close to the tracks. Passengers on the Ultimate at Lightwater Valley - the longest rollercoaster in Europe - slammed into the animal in a collision that reportedly decapitated the deer and left passengers covered in blood. The deer was hit by the train at the amusement park near Ripon, North Yorkshire, as the train rocketed along the track reaching speeds of up to 50mph. Scroll down for video . The Lightwater Valley theme park is home to the Ultimate (pictured), which is Europe's longest rollercoaster . The Ultimate rollercoaster at Lightwater Valley also hit a deer in 1994 - ripping off the animal's legs and trapping its antlers in the safety bars . A father-of-two from Howden, Darlington, who did not wish to be named, said: 'I knew there was something wrong. 'There was a bit of screaming but not too much. The maintenance men came and seemed to turn it off and on again and then it was fine.' The incident happened at around 11.15am on Saturday and visitors to the park arriving were told by staff that there had been a problem involving a deer and it was being cleared away. A spokeswoman for the theme park, one of the region's biggest attractions, said: 'We can confirm a young deer did unfortunately get hit by the Ultimate train yesterday and was killed instantly. 'There is a large perimeter fence surrounding the theme park but occasionally wild animals do manage to stray onto the park during the night. 'After the incident the Ultimate was closed for 30 minutes while the ride was thoroughly checked and then normal operation resumed.' It is not the first time a deer has been killed after getting to close to the Ultimate rollercoaster. The deer was decapitated on Saturday when hit by the rollercoaster at a speed of 50mph . In 1994 the rollercoaster hit a deer, ripping its legs off and trapping its antlers in the safety bars. Passengers were covered in the animal's blood and a 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital as a precaution. Also in 2004 a train full of passengers on the Ultimate came to a halt when an axle fault led to two wheels falling off. The fail-safe system meant the following train also came to a standstill leaving its 38 screaming passengers stranded 100ft above the ground. All were safely evacuated and no one was seriously hurt but the ride had to be closed down until the cause of the fault was traced and rectified. The ride opened in 1991 and is one of the most popular rollercoasters in the world. The 1.5mile track features drops of up to 100ft. | Passengers on the Ultimate train in Lightwater Valley hit the animal at 50mph .
Deer was decapitated and rollercoaster passengers left covered in blood .
Staff closed the ride for 30 minutes while it was checked and cleaned .
Animal had bypassed the theme park's perimeter fence during the night . |
188,166 | 7faa3707a8d18c9288426e7a0523fac4c951e5b8 | By . Jenny Awford for MailOnline . This is the shocking moment a sea lion is sent spinning 20ft into air after being smacked by a killer whale's tail. A group of anglers in Ketchikan, Alaska, saw one of the ocean's strongest predators in action when they filmed the sea lion being tossed in the air. The sea lion tried to escape the 20ft mammal by hiding under a fishing boat on Friday August 15, but moved on after a few minutes. Scroll down for video . A group of anglers in Ketchikan, Alaska, captured the moment a sea lion was thrown 20ft in the air after being knocked by a killer whale's tail . One of the anglers is heard saying: 'He's swimming the wrong way.' As the sea lion starts swimming for his life, a powerful tail knocks him out of the water and tosses him through the air. The startled mammal spins above the water around a dozen times in little over a second before splashing back down. It is unknown whether the sea lion survived the ordeal. The sea lion tried to escape the killer whale by hiding under the fishing boat, but moved on after a few minutes . The Anglers Adventures of Ketchikan group posted the video and said: 'This morning near Ketchikan, Alaska, a sea lion was hiding under our fishing boat because he was being stalked by a killer whale. When we decided to leave the area the whale attacked the sea lion and tossed him 20 feet into the air.' The YouTube video has attracted more than 214,390 views. Killer whales are sophisticated and effective predators of marine mammals and regularly attack sea lions. Around 32 species have been recorded as killer whale prey, from examining stomach contents, scarring on the prey's body, or feeding activity. Groups even attack larger members of the cetaceans group, including minke whales, gray whales, and rarely sperm whales or blue whales. They use a number of clever techniques to catch their prey, including their powerful tails to disable their intended victim. Data from Icelandic killer whales indicate that an average-size male is about 5.8m to 6.7m, 19 to 22 ft, whereas females average between 4.9m to 5.8m, 16 to 19 ft long. | Video captures moment killer whale flips sea lion 20 feet out of the water .
Anglers in Ketchikan, Alaska, filmed the mammal spinning in the air .
The sea lion was first seen hiding under the fishing boat .
But it then swims for its life and is knocked by the whale's powerful tail . |
106,799 | 15c49c419e23792b2b360e82cc768bce222c334b | (Mental Floss) -- It's Nobel Prize announcement week, and if you had Carol W. Greider, Elizabeth Blackburn, or Jack Szostak in your office pool, you're off to a good start (the trio will share this year's Nobel Prize in Medicine). As we await news of the rest of the winners, here are some stories about past Nobel laureates. Nobel Prize winners receive a medal and a cash award. 1. Robert Lucas, winner of the 1995 Nobel Prize in Economics for his work on the theory of "rational expectations," split his $1 million prize with his ex-wife. If there were a Nobel Prize for Foresight or Timing, she should be nominated, based on a clause in their divorce settlement from seven years earlier: "Wife shall receive 50 percent of any Nobel Prize." The clause expired on October 31, 1995. Had Lucas won any year after, he would have kept the whole million. 2. Physicist Lise Meitner, whose work helped lead to the discovery of nuclear fission, was reportedly nominated for the Nobel Prize 13 times without ever winning (though nominations are kept secret, so we don't know for sure). This makes her the Dynasty of the Nobel Prize scene -- that show was nominated for 24 Emmy Awards but never won. Other analogies we'd accept: The Color Purple (11 Oscar nominations in 1985, no wins), the Buffalo Bills or Minnesota Vikings (4 Super Bowl losses each without a victory) and William Jennings Bryan (three-time Democratic nominee for President, losing twice to McKinley and once to Taft.) 3. People who refused the prize: . • Le Duc Tho was awarded the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize with Henry Kissinger for their roles in brokering a Vietnam cease fire at the Paris Peace Accords. Citing the absence of actual peace in Vietnam, Tho declined to accept. • Jean Paul Sartre waved off the 1964 Nobel Prize in Literature. His explanation: "It is not the same thing if I sign Jean-Paul Sartre or if I sign Jean-Paul Sartre, Nobel Prize winner. A writer must refuse to allow himself to be transformed into an institution, even if it takes place in the most honorable form." • Afraid of Soviet retribution if he traveled to Stockholm to claim his prize, Boris Pasternak declined to accept the 1958 Prize in Literature, which he'd earned for Doctor Zhivago. The Academy refused his refusal. "This refusal, of course, in no way alters the validity of the award. There remains only for the Academy, however, to announce with regret that the presentation of the Prize cannot take place." Yevgeny Pasternak accepted the prize on behalf of his deceased father in 1989. • Swedish poet Erik Axel Karlfeldt won for Literature in 1918. He did not accept because he was Secretary of the Swedish Academy, which awards the prize. He was given the award posthumously in 1931. This was allowed because the nomination was made before Karlfeldt died -- no candidate may be proposed after death. Mental Floss: 10 technologies we stole from the animal kingdom . 4. In 2007, 90-year-old professor Leonid Hurwicz became the oldest person to ever win (one-third of the Prize in Economics); at 87, writer Doris Lessing became the oldest woman (Literature). 5. DNA expert Kary Mullis -- 1993 winner of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry -- was scheduled to be a defense witness in O.J. Simpson's murder trial. However, Simpson's lawyer Barry Scheck felt the prosecution's DNA case was already essentially destroyed, and he didn't want Mullis' personal life to distract jurors (he'd expressed an affinity for LSD.) 6. Nobel Laureates you must know: Teddy Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa, Elie Wiesel, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat, Shimon Peres, Yitzhak Rabin, Jimmy Carter, Toni Morrison, William Faulkner, T.S. Eliot, Ernest Hemingway, Samuel Beckett, Pierre & Marie Curie, Max Planck and Albert Einstein. 7. Big names who never won: Dmitri Mendeleev, Leo Tolstoy, Virginia Woolf, James Joyce, Marcel Proust, Mark Twain, Gertrude Stein, Henrik Ibsen, Joan Robinson, Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, Jules-Henri Poincaré, Raymond Damadian and Mahatma Gandhi. Mental Floss: 6 people who accidentally found a fortune . 8. Winners without the greatest reputations: . • Daniel Carleton Gajdusek, who won in 1976 for his research in human slow-virus infections, spent 19 months in jail after pleading guilty in 1997 to charges of child molestation. • Johannes Fibiger won in 1926 after discovering parasitic worms cause cancer -- a breakthrough that turned out to not be true. • Yasser Arafat shared the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize with Shimon Peres and Yitzhak Rabin. This decision caused Nobel Committee member Kare Kristiansen to resign. "What consequences will result," he asked at the time, "when a terrorist with such a background is awarded the world's most prestigious prize?" • William Shockley won for Physics in 1956 for his role in the invention of the semiconductor, but his support of the eugenics movement alienated the scientific community. Shockley also donated sperm to the Repository for Germinal Choice, a sperm bank developed to spread humanity's best genes. 9. As part of his divorce settlement, Einstein's Nobel Prize money went to his ex-wife, Mileva Maric. 10. The Curie family is a Nobel Prize machine, winning five: Pierre and Marie for Physics in 1901; Marie solo for Chemistry in 1911; daughter Irene and her husband Frédéric Joliot-Curie for Chemistry in 1935; and Henry Labouisse, who was married to Pierre and Marie's daughter Eve, accepted on behalf of UNICEF in 1965. 11. Marie Curie's second prize was marred by scandal. Then a widow, Curie had an affair with a married scientist, Paul Langevin -- a former pupil of Pierre Curie. Love letters were involved, eventually leading to a duel between Langevin and the editor of the newspaper that had printed them (no shots were actually fired.) According to NobelPrize.org, when it was suggested that Curie not accept the prize, she wrote a shrewd letter, "which pointed out that she had been awarded the Prize for her discovery of radium and polonium, and that she could not accept the principle that appreciation of the value of scientific work should be influenced by slander concerning a researcher's private life." 12. Singing support --While there's no evidence the Nobel judges can be swayed by theme songs, that hasn't stopped Loriana Lana from composing one for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. "Peace Can" includes the lyrics, "Silvio forever will be / Silvio is reality / Silvio forever! /Silvio gives us trust." 13. Alfred Nobel -- inventor of dynamite -- may have been inspired to create the Nobel Prize after a premature obituary in a French newspaper called him a "merchant of death." 14. Nobel died on December 10, 1896. The formal awards ceremony is held in Stockholm each year on the anniversary of his death. The first awards show took place on December 10, 1901. (These things take time to plan.) And in case you were wondering just how much of a say Alfred Nobel had in the prize, here's what he wrote in his will: . "The whole of my remaining realizable estate shall be dealt with in the following way: . "The capital shall be invested by my executors in safe securities and shall constitute a fund, the interest on which shall be annually distributed in the form of prizes to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind. The said interest shall be divided into five equal parts, which shall be apportioned as follows: one part to the person who shall have made the most important discovery or invention within the field of physics; one part to the person who shall have made the most important chemical discovery or improvement; one part to the person who shall have made the most important discovery within the domain of physiology or medicine; one part to the person who shall have produced in the field of literature the most outstanding work of an idealistic tendency; and one part to the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity among nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses. "The prizes for physics and chemistry shall be awarded by the Swedish Academy of Sciences; that for physiological or medical works by the Caroline Institute in Stockholm; that for literature by the Academy in Stockholm; and that for champions of peace by a committee of five persons to be elected by the Norwegian Storting. It is my express wish that in awarding the prizes no consideration whatever shall be given to the nationality of the candidates, so that the most worthy shall receive the prize, whether he be Scandinavian or not." Mental Floss: 13 bizarre stipulations in wills . For more mental_floss articles, visit mentalfloss.com . Entire contents of this article copyright, Mental Floss LLC. All rights reserved. | More than one Nobel winner had to share or give prize money to ex-wife .
Marie Curie was urged not to collect her second Nobel because of affair .
Three U.S. presidents have won the Nobel prize .
Lise Meitner was reportedly nominated for the Nobel Prize 13 times, but never won . |
76,735 | d9ae5f0d8cdfa207c1f73c440780bad76987c7d6 | Attorney Gloria Allred challenged comedian Bill Cosby, hounded by allegations of sexual assault, to meet his accusers in court or set aside $100 million to settle their claims. "The public deserves to know if Mr. Cosby is a saint or a sexual predator," Allred said. Because many of the claims of sexual assault are decades old, Cosby would have to agree to waive the statute of limitations, allowing his accusers to sue him. "It could be advantageous for Mr. Cosby to give up the statute of limitations because there is a huge cloud on his reputation and legacy," Allred said on Wednesday. But she also offered a second option. Cosby could put $100 million into a fund and anyone who claims she was a victim could file and have a panel of retired judges decide the merits of the case and award compensation. "We challenge Mr. Cosby to end this nightmare for both him and the alleged victims by accepting either of the options," Allred said. There was no immediate response from Cosby's lawyer Martin D. Singer. Allred made the offer at a news conference flanked by three women who say they were sexually assaulted by the entertainer. Two of them represent new accusers. Two of the women allege they were drugged by Cosby and sexually assaulted in the 1980s. A third woman said Cosby followed her and her friends around at a celebrity tennis tournament in 1973. She said he later grabbed her right breast at a restaurant. Bill Cosby has defenders . A lawsuit . The latest allegations came a day after another women, Judy Huth, filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court, claiming sexual battery and infliction of emotional distress during an incident at the Playboy Mansion, according to the documents first obtained by Radar Online. The alleged sexual assault took place in 1974 when Huth was 15 years old. According to court documents, Huth and a 16-year-old friend met Cosby when he was filming a movie at Lacy Park in Los Angeles. After talking with the girls, the suit alleges, Cosby invited them to his tennis club the following Saturday, "where he served them alcoholic beverages and played games of billiards." They then went to the Playboy Mansion where, the lawsuit says, Cosby asked Huth to sit on a bed beside him, after she came out of a bathroom. "He then proceeded to sexually molest her by attempting to put his hand down her pants, and then taking her hand in his hand and performing a sex act on himself without her consent." In a pleading filed Thursday, Cosby attorney Martin D. Singer said Huth's claims are "absolutely false" and accused her of engaging in extortion after Cosby rejected her "outrageous demand for money in order not to make her allegations public." "Through her lawyer, Plaintiff made extortionate threats to Mr. Cosby (through his counsel) about criminal penalties, coupled with ever-increasing demands for a six-figure payday to keep quiet about her long-since expired claims," Singer said. Singer added that Huth claimed she didn't remember the abuse until recently -- which he said in some cases could provide for an exception to the statute of limitations -- but tried to sell the story to a media outlet 10 years ago. He asked the court to impose monetary sanctions of $33,295 in court and legal fees. CNN has tried to contact Huth and her attorneys but has not heard back from them either. Cosby facing litany of allegations . 'Horrible, horrendous allegations' The suit goes on to call Cosby's alleged actions "malicious, oppressive and fraudulent in nature." "This traumatic incident, at such a tender age, has caused psychological damage and mental anguish for (Huth) that has caused her significant problems throughout her life since the incident." The case describes the damage as "substantial and continuing." Huth is asking for damages and legal fees. Because four decades have passed since the alleged crime, it wasn't immediately clear if the case falls within the statute of limitations in California for child sex abuse. It's because of that lag in time that CNN legal analyst Joey Jackson says he thinks Cosby's legal team will ask for the lawsuit to be dismissed. "It's highly problematic, and it's likely the lawsuit will not stand," he said. With the allegations mounting, CNN political contributor Van Jones said that now is the time for Cosby to speak up. "At some point, his silence becomes almost kind of an admission," he said. "These are horrible, horrendous allegations." Cosby has not commented on the allegations, leaving that to his lawyer. In a recent statement, Singer said it defies common sense that "so many people would have said nothing, done nothing, and made no reports to law enforcement or asserted civil claims if they thought they had been assaulted over a span of so many years." By CNN's count, at least 20 women have gone public with accusations. "He owes this country. He owes his fans. He owes the women some kind of statement," said Jones, who is also an attorney. "I think this level of silence for this long is unfair to everybody." Another allegation . Huth's lawsuit was filed on the same day that The Daily Beast published a story in which a man named Tony Hogue alleges he rescued a female friend from Cosby's New York brownstone in 1984. The article describes Hogue beating on the comedian's front door after receiving a frantic phone call from the woman, who said, "Tony, you've got to come get me." After Cosby answered the door, the story says, Hogue found his friend on the second floor of the home. "She looked drugged and in a fog, and she couldn't snap out of it," he said. "She was a mess." The Daily Beast reports this same woman was a witness in a sex assault lawsuit against Cosby, filed in 2005. That case was settled before going to trial. | Attorney Gloria Allred asks Bill Cosby to waive statute of limitations .
By CNN's count, at least 20 women have gone public with accusations .
An alleged sexual assault took place at the Playboy Mansion in 1975 .
Cosby's camp has consistently, vehemently denied the claims against him . |
37,327 | 69c18c110ae17b8bc9535ba14b7b0a6407b570b9 | Labour will pledge to cap the amount of sugar in breakfast cereals in a bid to tackle Britain’s epidemic of childhood obesity. Andy Burnham, the party’s health spokesman, said it was wrong that youngsters were starting their day with a bowl of Kellogg’s Frosties – a cereal he said contained 38 per cent sugar. He told House magazine that he had been prompted to act after his wife alerted him to the damaging effects of excess sugar on the nation’s health. Labour's shadow health secretary said children should not be eating bowls of cereal that were 38 per cent sugar . The announcement comes a week before the Department of Health publishes new research on the health effects of sugar and the options ministers are considering to deal with it. Some campaigners are calling for a sugar tax to reduce consumption, but the government is sceptical about the idea. Almost a third of two-to-15-year-olds are overweight, and over the past three years, at least 932 children under the age of 15 have needed urgent medical attention as a consequence of their obesity. Mr Burnham will unveil Labour’s full plans for a cap in two weeks’ time as part of a public health ‘white paper’. The shadow health secretary told the magazine that Frosties would still exist after his cap is introduced. ‘I’m not comfortable with the idea that any child in my constituency sits down at breakfast time to a bowl of food that is 38 per cent sugar,’ he said. ‘And if people are comfortable with that, well I’m going to disagree with them. ‘I don’t think any child should be regularly taking in sugar of that level.’ It is understand the policy would affect a range of brands, including Tesco Choco Snaps which have 36.1g of sugar per 100g according to Which? research. Mr Burnham said he would consult on the level of the cap, and denied the policy was ‘anti-business’. Campaigners want limits on the amount of sugar in cereals to help combat childhood obesity . He also appeared to rule out a sugar tax, saying: ‘It’s just not something that would fit well with any Labour person – taxing food. So I’ve always been pretty clear that that isn’t the answer. ‘But there is a problem with rising levels of sugar in people’s diets. Sugar particularly, but also fat and salt.’ The former Health Secretary said it was his wife, Marie-France van Heel, who had got him on to the issue of sugar. He said that when he goes round Asda on a Sunday afternoon, his wife often picks things he has put in the trolley and says ‘look at this’. ‘She’s the one who got me on to it. She’s always been very big on it. You buy some of the products that look as though they’re slightly healthier, they’ve got grain in or whatever, they don’t have “sugar” in their name on the box. But you look at them and go “oh my god it’s loaded!”. ‘In the old days we had it from the bowl on the table, on your Weetabix. It’s built in now isn’t it? So I just don’t think people are able to monitor and control the amount of sugar that they’re taking.’ Mr Burnham said a Labour government would act ‘unapologetically, firmly and decisively’ on children’s diet, smoking and access to cheap alcohol. But for adults, he said the ‘finger-wagging nanny state message does turn people off’. ‘You know “don’t do this, don’t do that”. That’s run its course,’ he said. ‘We’re saying, where is it right for the government to act and where is it right to let people make their own choices? We’re saying it’s absolutely right for the state to intervene, and probably do so even more decisively than we did when we were in government, to protect children. ‘Because children don’t control the situations they’re exposed to, the environment they’re exposed to or the food that’s put down to them. Therefore I do think the state has an absolutely clear moral and intellectual basis for saying “we will act to protect all children”. ‘It’s trying to deal with the nanny state charge that gets thrown all the time whenever you try to do something on health.’ Mr Burnham said he was not consulted about Mr Miliband’s decision to pose for a photo holding the Sun newspaper, and that he ‘was right to apologise’. He also revealed he was ‘looking at’ curbs on e-cigarette advertising, and called for a new national campaign to get 50 per cent of the population doing some physical activity by 2025 – up from 25 per cent at present. And he said the decisions to award the World Cup to both Qatar and Russia were ‘flawed’. | Children should not have Kellogg’s Frosties for breakfast, say party .
Shadow health secretary Andy Burnham attacks 38% sugar cereals .
Almost a third of two-to-15-year-olds are overweight . |
94,261 | 05298b46868f1d445e740e5ccddc4a209177dc0f | By . David Kent . Bacary Sagna will hold talks with Manchester City after the FA Cup final later this month. The Arsenal right-back is in the midst of a long-running contract wrangle with the club and looks almost certain to leave the Emirates Stadium this summer when his deal expires. Sagna is free to discuss a move to a Barclays Premier League club at the end of the season, and his intention is to discuss a potential switch to the Etihad Stadium. On the move: Bacary Sagna will hold talks with Manchester City after Arsenal's FA Cup final against Hull . Final hurdle: Sagna is set to bring his eight-year spell at Arsenal to an end with his contract due to expire . His advisors have already held talks with numerous overseas clubs including Paris St Germain, Galatasary and Inter Milan. But transfer regulations forbid discussions with clubs in the same country until the end of the season. Sagna wants to have all the options available to him before making a decision on his next move. Slide: Sagna is yet to agree a new deal with Arsenal and has been targeted by a number of clubs . Escape to the north: Sagna could be the latest Arsenal player to join City, like Samir Nasri . The club have made him a final offer of a three-year deal worth in the region of £80,000-per-week. But the deal falls short of his £100,000-per-week demands, with sources close to the defender claiming he will reject the deal on the table. | Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna to hold talks with Manchester City over a move to the Etihad after the FA Cup final on May 17 .
The Frenchman's contract expires this summer and no agreement over a new deal at the Emirates has so far been reached .
He is free to discuss a move to any Premier League club at the end of the season .
His advisors have already held talks with overseas clubs Paris St Germain, Inter Milan and Galatasaray . |
21,619 | 3d69696014ac57a9dede130814218360ed722d92 | (CNN) -- A naturalized citizen living in Portland, Oregon, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to provide material support to terrorists. The charge is related to the May 2009 bombing that killed 30 people at Pakistan's intelligence headquarters in Lahore, said Amanda Marshall, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon. Reaz Qadir Khan, 48, faces life in prison if convicted. According to the indictment, Khan provided money and advice to Ali Jaleel, who was one of the suicide bombers in the attack. The Justice Department said in a statement that he was arrested Tuesday at his home in Portland. He is due in court Wednesday for a detention hearing. The indictment alleges that from December 2005 through June 2009, Khan conspired with others including Jaleel, a citizen of the Maldives. Jaleel was killed during a suicide bomb attack on the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence in Lahore, Pakistan on May 27, 2009. Prosecutors said Khan gave Jaleel approximately $2,500 to attend a terror training camp to get ready for the ISI bombing and promised to help take care of his family afterward. "Khan allegedly provided Jaleel with advice to help him in his efforts to travel undetected from the Maldives to commit violent jihad and used coded language when communicating with Jaleel to avoid detection," according to a news release issued by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Oregon. After Jaleel and two others attacked the ISI and were killed, a video was released by al Qaeda's media outlet showing Jaleel at a terror training camp that appeared to be located in the Federally Administered Tribal Area of Pakistan. Prosecutors said the video also had a statement from Jaleel taking responsibility for the attack he was about to commit. Several days after Jaleel was killed, Khan wired around $750 via Western Union to one of the man's wives in the Maldives, according to the indictment. "We will find and prosecute those who use this country as a base to fund and support terrorists," said U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall. Her sentiments were shared by Greg Fowler, the FBI special agent in charge in Oregon: "The FBI will continue to focus on cutting off the flow of funds that help terrorists train, travel and launch their attacks." Get the latest news from CNN.com . | A man living in Portland, Oregon, is accused of giving money to fund a bomb plot in Pakistan n 2009 .
Reaz Qadir Khan, 48, funded another man's training for the attack, a federal indictment said .
Khan also allegedly sent money to the man's wife after he died in the bombing, the indictment says . |
235,022 | bc3a51101f423a4c8b0f9659d99c9bc260e0c0d8 | A 130-year-old prison has been converted into a quirky hostel, where travellers can experience a night in the cells. The former military prison, dating back to 1883, is located in Ljubljana, Slovenia and has been converted into a youth hostel, offering a bed for travellers from all around the world. There are 20 cells which guests can stay in and each is completely unique in its design, except they all have their original cell bars on the doors and windows, meaning guests can star in their very own 'prison break.' The hostel, called Hostel Celica, was established in 2003 by the Student Organisation of Ljubljana . Despite the makeover, there is still somewhat of an eerie feel to the prison-turned-hostel in Slovenia . The dining area is totally unrecognisable to the grim conditions prisoners would have suffered back in the day . In addition to the cells there are eight rooms which travellers can stay in, plus a disabled room, and rates start from just £25 a night in a shared room. The hostel, called Hostel Celica, was established in 2003 by the Student Organisation of Ljubljana and has been designed to be bright and quirky- a world away from the prison's former grey decor. Despite its history, the former prison is bright and airy, welcoming guests and inquisitive vistors . The dining area is a good place to make new friends, and left, the hostel has kept many of the existing bars to the cells . You might be able to relax more than you ever thought you would be inside a prison cell, but you might hope a curtain covers the door . The jailhouse was originally used as a military prison of the Austro-Hungarian army but the barracks were demilitarized in 1991 when Slovenia gained independence. The historic building took two years to convert into the hostel it is today, which boasts its own art gallery for travellers to browse. Local and international musicians regularly play gigs in the hostel's bar and restaurant and guests can even enjoy a free, daily guided tour of the local area. The prison back when it was fully functioning - somewhat different to the prison system in the UK . And how the new hostel looks today - taking on a modern look with many windows so as to maximise natural light . Although the size and decor isn't greatly appealing, considering it is a hostel with history, travellers will be attracted . Quirky art has been added to the rooms in the hostel - but have they been extended from original prisoners' etchings? And it's not just travellers seeking a night in the cells who rate the building- Celica was once even voted the number one hippest hostel in the world by travel guide Lonely Planet. Sanja Petrovic, from Hostel Celica, said: 'We are very proud of our unique hostel and its history as a prison and happy to see guest enjoying their time in this historic building.' | 130-year-old prison in Ljublijana, Slovenia, converted into 20-cell, 8-room Hostel Celica .
Boasts in-house art gallery and local musicians entertain guest by performances in bar .
Lonely Planet has voted Hostel Celica the number one hippest hostel in the world . |
36,664 | 67e1cdea8c1727ee2e391c51a1b79378e4f07d50 | By . Toni Jones . PUBLISHED: . 10:53 EST, 27 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:53 EST, 27 May 2013 . A 24 stone father who lived on on pies and doughnuts has lost an amazing eleven and a half stone. Alwyn Beckles, 44, used to tip the scales at almost 25st and had a life-threatening 54in waist. But now he is half the man he used to be after he was 'volunteered' for slimming classes with his stepdaughter. 24 stone father Alwyn Beckles has lost eleven and a half stone after joining his daughter's slimming club and ditching his favourite pies and doughnuts . Alwyn, of Burton Gardens, Brierfield, Lancashire, started Slimming World classes in February 2012. Mr Beckles, a father-of-two and stepfather of six, said: 'My stepdaughter Sophie said she wanted to start the classes to lose weight before a holiday but she wanted someone to go with her. 'My wife said she hadn't got the time but I know someone who has - and I was volunteered for it! I knew it was time to do something about my weight if I wanted to see my children grow up so it was good timing really. 'I changed my diet first, I didn't really feel comfortable exercising or going to a gym until I'd lost the first five stone. Alwyn said: 'I changed my diet first, I didn't really feel comfortable exercising or going to a gym until I'd lost the first five stone.' 'I eat healthily now. I used to eat crisps, cakes and doughnuts as well as pies, now it is a lot of fruit and veg. 'At . first I thought I'll be thin but I'll be miserable without the cakes, . but after I started to lose weight I didn't feel hungry and I thought . 'this is great'. Mr . Beckles, whose wife Amanda, 38, has also lost a lot of weight, weighed . in last week at 13st 3oz and now has a 34in waist. he was named Man . of the Year at the Slimming World group in Nelson. Mr . Beckles, a service engineer for Herbert Retail, said: 'I feel more . confident now and more energetic. I never thought I could lose this much . weight.' Alwyn, holding up one of his old supersized shirts said: 'At first I thought I'll be thin but I'll be miserable without the cakes, but after I started to lose weight I didn't feel hungry and I thought 'this is great'. | Father of eight Alwyn has lost 11.5 stone in 15 months .
Waist went from 54in to 34in .
First joined class to encourage his stepdaughter . |
265,791 | e440eae2006f26634551f4ae651e8d93f079ca7e | Expat Nigel Jackson, 59, has been arrested by police after his wife Brenda Davidson's body was found buried in their garden in Portugal . A British man has been arrested in Portugal after the body of his wife was found buried under a concrete slab in his idyllic country home. Expat Nigel Jackson, 59, was seized by police after his wife, Brenda Davidson, 73, went missing from their home on the Algarve last November. Portuguese police were alerted by her son, Dean, who had been concerned over the whereabouts of his mother for several weeks. According to neighbours, Jackson had initially said she had returned to the UK 'for treatment for a nasty cough.' But when she failed to return to their home in Alvor near Portimao he then alerted the authorities and told them he was 'dedicated himself to trying to find her.' However her son eventually contacted police and Jackson was arrested at their home and questioned by police for several hours. He then allegedly admitted his wife was dead, led police experts back to his garden and pointed to the spot where his wife was buried. Forensic officers combed the property and then used pneumatic drills and pick axes to break through a concrete slab in the garden. Beneath the thick slab they discovered the decomposing remains of the 73-year-old expat at 8.15pm on Tuesday evening. Experts believe she may have been there for some weeks. Jackson has reportedly admitted to burying his wife but is claiming he did so after the mother-of-four unexpectedly committed suicide at their home. The investigation is being led by Policia Judiciaria officers based in Portimao - the same squad which has been assisting Scotland Yard officers probing the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. He is expected to appear before an investigating magistrate in a closed court hearing when the magistrate will decide whether to release him on bail or remand him in custody. Jackson, seen leaving the couple's home in Alvor near Portimao, has reportedly admitted to burying his wife but is claiming he did so after the mother-of-four unexpectedly committed suicide . Forensic officers discovered the decomposing remains of the 73-year-old expat under a concrete slab in the couple's garden. Pictured: A policeman stands in front of the house where Ms Davidson was found . In a statement the Policia Judiciaria said: 'The PJ, through the Criminal Investigation Department in Portimao, identified and arrested a man suspected of the murder of his companion. 'The victim had been living with the arrested man for several years in the Portimao area. The suspect is going to be present at a first court hearing to determine the supervision measures against him.' He is expected to appear in court as an arguido or formal suspect. Under Portuguese law he has not yet been formally charged with any crime. The investigation is being led by Policia Judiciaria officers based in Portimao - the same squad which has been assisting Scotland Yard officers probing the disappearance of Madeleine McCann . A post mortem was due to take place last night to try to determine the cause of death and Jackson remains in police custody for questioning. The couple moved to the Algarve around 10 years ago from their home in Rochester, Kent and had built up a close set of friends in the close-knit village. They had apparently got bored of their life in Kent and Mr Jackson, a former taxi driver, and his wife, a retired cleaner, moved to Portugal for a change of scene. Neighbours described them as very close and said Mrs Davidson was a 'very caring and loving' woman who was well-respected in the community. | Nigel Jackson, 59, seized after Brenda Davidson went missing in Algarve .
Portugese police alerted to 73-year-old's disappearance by her son Dean .
Officers say her remains could have been buried in garden for some weeks .
Jackson reportedly admitted burying wife but said she committed suicide .
Couple moved to Algarve 10 years ago from their home in Rochester, Kent .
Probe led by same squad assisting Scotland Yard with Madeleine McCann . |
34,387 | 61b6f4d79ad5b9e82640f86ab17f93f9fec1cdb0 | Britain's quadruple gold-winning medallists David Weir and Sarah Storey were roared on by the crowd as they carried the Union flag into the Olympic Stadium during the Closing Ceremony. They were joined by flagbearers from the other 163 competing nations as they paraded into the centre of the arena where they formed a heart shape encircled in a ring of fire. The procession also was surrounded by some stunning effects and more than 1,000 performers, including a cast of disabled artists, who had spent weeks learning circus skills for the show. Proud moment: Great Britain's joint flagbearers, wheelchair racer David Weir (centre left) and cyclist Sarah Storey (centre right) are cheered on as they carry the Union Flag into the Olympic Stadium for the Closing Ceremony . Spirit of togetherness: David Weir and Sarah Storey are joined by fellow flagbearers in the centre of the stadium during the Closing Ceremony . Spirit of the Games: All 164 nations filed in together before forming the centrepiece of the celebrations in the middle of the stadium . The ceremony's theme - the Festival of . the Flame - was introduced by soldier Rory Mackenzie, whose leg was . blown off by a roadside bomb in Iraq. Praising the 'indomitable human spirit' of the Paralympians, he told the crowd: 'Tonight we bring you the . Festival of the Flame, the symbol of the spirit of the Games, which has . burned bright at London 2012. 'Tonight we celebrate that spirit and . although we have many differences, there is one quality we all share, . one thing all of us have in common: human spirit. 'We have all been touched by the . triumphs and drama of the Paralympics, witness to the indomitable human . spirit of the athletes. We have come together in peace for the Games and . through that respect for each other, found hope for the future.' Love is all around: Flag-bearers of the 164 nations form a heart in the middle of the Olympic Stadium as they are surrounded by flames during the Closing Ceremony . Spectacular: The procession was surrounded by some stunning effects and more than 1,000 performers, including a cast of disabled artists, who had spent weeks learning circus skills for the show . The achievements of wheelchair racer . Weir and cyclist Storey, who each won four golds could not be separated . so team officials asked the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) for . permission to change protocol of having a single carrier. Weir has lit up the Olympic Stadium . over the last 10 days, with victories over 5000m, 1500m and 800m, and he . won Britain’s last gold of the Games in the T54 Marathon. At the end of his fourth Games, the 33-year-old Londoner now has a career haul of six gold, two silver and two bronze medal. Hero: The ceremony's theme - the Festival of the Flame - was introduced by soldier Rory Mackenzie (above), whose leg was blown off by a roadside bomb in Iraq . Ritual: Mayor of London Boris Johnson (left), President of the IPC Sir Philip Craven MBE (centre) and Mayor of Rio de Janeiro Eduardo Paes (right) perform the Paralympic flag handover ceremony . Before the ceremony, Weir said it was a 'great honour' to carry the flag into the stadium. 'I’m a proud Brit and Sarah is as . well. She has done fantastically well too. To do it as a Londoner in . front of a London crowd makes it even more special,' he said. Storey starred in the Velodrome and on . the road, taking individual pursuit and 500m time trial victories on . the track before moving to Brands Hatch, where she won the Time Trial . and triumphed in emphatic fashion in the C5 Road Race on Thursday. Lighting up the night: A burning stickman rides its way through the stadium in keeping with the theme of the Closing Ceremony, the Festival of the Flame . Firestarters: The Paralympic cauldron flame burns bright as performers carry torches during the Closing Ceremony on day 11 of the Games . Bringing the curtain down: Once again, the Olympic Stadium is packed out for the fourth and final ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games . That win brought her 11th career gold, . making Mancunian Storey - a former swimmer who switched to cycling in . 2005 - Britain’s most decorated female Paralympian. With eight silver medals and three . bronze in a 20-year career she surpassed former wheelchair racer . Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson’s collection of 11 golds, four silvers and . one bronze. 'I’m amazed at the news, I never expected it,' said Storey, 34, ahead of the ceremony. 'I’ve not been to a Paralympic . ceremony since Athens and can’t wait to see the stadium tonight. It’s a . huge honour and it should be a very exciting night.' | Quadruple gold-winning medallists cheered on as they lead procession of 164 nations into the Olympic Stadium .
Parade forms heart shape in centre of the arena surrounded by ring of fire and incredible disabled performers .
Ceremony's theme - Festival of .
the Flame - introduced by soldier Rory Mackenzie, who lost leg to bomb in Iraq . |
76,778 | d9cb85f8c54dfc27774bc14c922d98c3e8e8c2c3 | By . Luke Salkeld . One of the three remaining survivors of the Great Escape has died at the age of 92. Les Brodrick was among 76 men who managed to tunnel out of a Second World War prison camp beneath the feet of their German captors. Mr Brodrick, an RAF flight lieutenant, and 72 others were recaptured. Fifty of them were executed on Hitler’s orders but he survived. Hero: Les Brodrick, pictured left during the Second World War and right in his later years, has died aged 92 . Only three prisoners made it to safety in the breakout from Stalag Luft III, which was immortalised in the 1963 Hollywood film The Great Escape starring Steve McQueen and Charles Bronson. London-born Mr Brodrick spent the rest of the war in captivity before becoming a teacher in Canvey Island, Essex. He emigrated to South Africa in 1956 and died near Durban on Monday. He leaves a widow Teresa, 92, sons Roy, 67, and Duke, 70, and two grandchildren. His death leaves only two survivors from the Great Escape, Dick Churchill and Paul Royle. Mr Churchill, 93, an RAF Squadron Leader, was on the run for three or four days before being recaptured. He lives in Devon. Mr Royle is 99 and lives in Perth, Western Australia. Flt Lt Brodrick was 22 when his Lancaster bomber was shot down near Amiens, northern France, in 1943 on the way back from a bombing raid on Stuttgart. Four of the seven crew died in the crash-landing. Escape: The tunnel system Mr Brodrick and 75 other troops used to break out of Stalag Luft III . Lucky: Although the Flight Lieutenant was recaptured, he was spared the firing squad unlike 50 comrades . Mr Brodrick was sent to Stalag Luft III in Sagan, now part of Poland, 100 miles east of Berlin.There, more than 600 prisoners of war were involved in the construction of three tunnels codenamed Tom, Dick and Harry. Mr Brodrick was appointed ‘trapfuhrer’ – he was responsible for the entrance to Dick, opening it for the tunnellers to enter, sealing them in and keeping watch as they worked. Dick and Tom were abandoned but Harry, which was 111 yards long was used on the night of the escape on March 24, 1944. Priority was given to higher-ranking captives and those who could speak German. Family: Mr Brodrick with (left to right) sons Duke and Roy, and wife Teresa on the couple's 65th wedding anniversary; he settled in South Africa after the end of the war . Mr Brodrick was 52nd to emerge out of the tunnel of the 76 who managed to escape before guards spotted them and raised the alarm. He and two colleagues, Henry Birkland and Denys Street, travelled at night until they came to a cottage. They tried to ‘spin a yarn’ to the occupants – only to find the men were German soldiers. They were arrested and interrogated by the Gestapo. Mr Street was among those who were shot. Mr Brodrick was sent back to the camp until it was evacuated in January 1945 as Allied forces approached. He was among those liberated by British troops near Lubeck on May 2 and was flown back to England in a Lancaster from his old 106 Squadron. His cousin John Fishlock, who has researched the Great Escape, said Mr Brodrick had become a forgotten hero because he moved to South Africa after Canvey Island was flooded by a tidal wave in 1953, and spent the rest of his life there. He was not depicted in the film, in which most characters were composites of the real-life escapers.Mr Fishlock said yesterday: ‘He was a remarkable man who deserves recognition. ‘He never knew why he was spared the firing squad – it was simply luck of the draw. ‘His son Duke was just six months old at the time and he used to say that Hitler must have heard about that and spared him.’ Legendary: The story of the Great Escape was made into a Hollywood blockbuster starring Steve McQueen . | Les Brodrick was shot down in France aged 22 and sent to Stalag Luft III .
Joined 75 others in escape attempt but was captured and returned to camp .
Avoided execution and joked it was because Hitler heard he had baby son .
Became a teacher after the war and moved to South Africa with his family . |
61,941 | aff767f13ead4e5e779324cd8dd42ec6cd567dba | By . Emma Innes . Scientists believe they have found an alternative to surgery for women with the so-called 'breast cancer gene'. Angelina Jolie had a mastectomy after learning she had the faulty gene . When a woman is told she has the so-called ‘breast cancer gene’ she currently faces a stark choice – to have her breasts and ovaries removed or face the terrifyingly high risk of cancer. But now, researchers in Belfast believe they have come up with an alternative. The scientists say women with the BRCA1 gene mutation could use drugs, which are already available, to reduce their risk of the disease. In the UK, about one woman in every 1,000 has the BRCA1 mutation – the same gene fault that prompted Angelina Jolie to undergo a double mastectomy. These women have up to an 85 per cent chance of developing breast cancer and up to a 40 per cent chance of ovarian cancer. Until now, surgery to remove the breasts and ovaries has been their only option. However, researchers at Queen’s University, Belfast, now say drug treatments which lower levels of oestrogen could also reduce cancer risks. Their research revealed that there is a direct link between high levels of oestrogen and DNA damage, which causes cancer, in the breasts and ovaries. The scientists also found that the cells of women with the BRCA1 mutation cannot effectively fight the very high levels of oestrogen that exist in all women’s breasts and ovaries, leaving them vulnerable to DNA damage. Dr Kienan Savage, who led the research, said: ‘This discovery is very significant in the management of women with the BRCA1 gene mutation. ‘It’s the first really credible evidence that oestrogen is driving cancer in women with a BRCA1 gene mutation. ‘Because of this discovery, we now have the opportunity to propose an alternative treatment to surgery. ‘It also opens up the possibility of pausing treatment for a period in order for women to have children, if desired.’ Scientists say taking anti-oestrogen drugs could reduce the risk of cell damage, and therefore tumours, in people with the BRCA1 gene mutation. This is because these women's cells are unable to cope with high levels of the hormone. Angelina Jolie is pictured with partner, Brad Pitt . He added: ‘What also makes this exciting is that there are drugs already on the market which turn off oestrogen production. ‘In theory, we could use these drugs to chemically reduce oestrogen production in women which could negate the need for irreversible surgery.’ The researchers are currently seeking funding to launch clinical trials and hope to do so within 12 months. It is envisaged that, in the first instance, a small control trial will be carried out using a combination of two drugs on 12 women for a period of three months, using biopsy, blood and urine samples to track DNA damage. | Women with the BRCA1 mutation have up to an 85% risk of breast cancer .
They also have up to a 40% chance of developing ovarian cancer .
Currently, the only way they can significantly reduce the risk is surgery .
This involves having their breasts and/or ovaries removed .
Now, scientists have found anti-oestrogen drugs could also reduce the risk .
They say cells of women with the gene mutation are damaged by oestrogen .
This damage can lead to cancerous tumours developing . |
98,920 | 0b65ea0d79ab826c7adbe53928c55e50f5d60750 | When sport and social media collide it has the potential to conjure up a somewhat volatile cacophony of opinion and discord all squeezed into 140 characters. Let’s face it, there are a fair few sports men and women out there who like the sound of their own voice (not naming any names), but on the odd occasion there is that one person who brightens up your day with a perfectly executed comment. So, with that in mind as we prepare to wistfully say a fond farewell to yet another year, Sportsmail took a look back on rather eventful 12 months for sports personalities on social media in order to crown the ultimate king and queen of Twitter. Mario Balotelli ruffled a few feathers when he commented on Manchester United's wobble against Leicester . Balotelli requested a kiss from the Queen if he helped England's chances during the World Cup last summer . The controversial striker apologising on Twitter for his anti-Semitic post on Instagram . The striker was banned for Liverpool's game against Arsenal on Sunday . 2014 King of Twitter - where to begin? There were various nominees for this illustrious title but in our eyes there was only one candidate for this one. He’s outspoken, yes, and gets into trouble for airing his sometimes ill-thought (but well-intentioned) thoughts online… and that person is Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, Balotelli recently got himself into serious trouble for an Instagram post that used an anti-Semitic tone. Although the former Manchester City man apologised, he was consequently slapped with a £25,000 fine, a one match ban and forced to attend an education course to teach him the dos and don’ts of opening one's mouth. The Italy striker was on the losing side for his country's World Cup group clash with Costa Rica . With the issue seemingly put to bed (until the day he inevitably puts his foot in it again), we move onto why we believe the 24-year-old Italy front man deserves such accolade. And it was summed up in two concise but hilarious tweets. Following on from Manchester United’s embarrassing 5-3 defeat by Leicester back in September, Balotelli went on Twitter to let his fans know what he thought of Louis van Gaal’s poor start to the season. In just three words, Balotelli took down the Premier League giants with aplomb by saying ‘Man utd… LOL’, a tweet that received over 200,000 retweets and 100,000 favourites. Not bad. But his crowning moment came when he delivered again during last summer’s World Cup in Brazil. Speaking ahead of Italy’s clash with surprise group leaders Costa Rica, the controversial striker set sides splitting by saying if he were to score and keep England in competition for qualification he would expect a kiss from none other than the Queen herself... Italy lost 1-0 and England were sent packing. Maybe some other time, Mario. Tennis star Caroline Wozniacki had an emotional year following her split from golfer fiance Rory McIlroy . Wozniacki thanked her fans on Twitter s for their support, quoting Liverpool's motto to express her feelings . The former WTA Tour World No 1 and her ex-fiance and current world No 1 golfer McIlroy split in May . So on to this year's Queen of the Tweet. With fierce competition for the top spot in this contest, we traipsed through a vast amount of tweets from sportswomen throughout 2014. It has been a particularly roller coaster 12 months for former WTA Tour World No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, who announced her engagement to professional golfer Rory McIlroy on New Year's Day only for him to break it off five months later. Pouring her heart out on Twitter, avid Liverpool fan Wozniacki thanked fans for their support, adding ‘Happy I support Liverpool right now because I know I’ll never walk alone’. The Danish tennis star showed she was recovering in this toung-in-cheek swipe at 5ft 7in Rory McIlroy . Not sure she’ll be as upbeat about her club following their jittery start to this season. But that didn't stop the 5ft 9in tennis star from hitting back at her former husband-to-be with a well-worded snipe at golfer McIlroy, who stands two inches smaller. Tweeting a picture of herself in some killer heels, the Scandanavian boasted about being able to wear the shoes for the first time since her relationship started with McIlroy. Ouch. | Sportsmail went through the archives for best tweets over the last year .
Controversial striker Mario Balotelli was named King of Twitter 2014 .
The Liverpool man was recently banned for a controversial Instagram post .
Tennis ace Caroline Wozniacki's highly retweeted comment following split from Rory McIlroy put her in in No 1 spot for sportswomen . |
219,187 | a7b1a18d544044f479651771bf01fa597c09ce96 | By . Jason Groves . PUBLISHED: . 06:18 EST, 5 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:31 EST, 5 March 2013 . David Cameron is being urged to undergo anti-sexism training to help boost the number of women in Government. Tory MP Therese Coffey revealed she is encouraging the Prime Minister to undergo so-called ‘unconscious bias’ training in a bid to help make both the Government and the Conservative Party more diverse. Mr Cameron has been accused of displaying schoolboy sexism towards female MPs in the Commons – once telling shadow Treasury chief secretary Angela Eagle to ‘calm down dear’, and, on another occasion, joking that maverick Tory Nadine Dorries was ‘extremely frustrated’. David Cameron was criticised after telling Labour MP Angela Eagle to 'calm down dear' during Prime Minister's Questions in April 2011 . He has also made little progress towards meeting his pledge of ensuring that one-third of his ministers are women by the end of the Parliament. Unconscious bias training is increasingly used by major corporations to help executives overcome the innate prejudices that mean they often overlook promising women and candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds. Miss Coffey, Parliamentary aide to the Business Minister Michael Fallon, said the issue had been discussed by the Conservative Women’s Forum as a way of helping talented women get on in the party. She said she would be presenting Mr Cameron with a report on unconscious bias later this month and urging him to introduce training to tackle it throughout the Conservative Party. Tory MP Therese Coffey said the Tories needed to tackle complaints that middle class white men are more likely to get a safe seat . Miss Coffey said it could help tackle complaints that middle class white men are more likely to get a safe seat, and more likely to get a job in Government. ‘I think it would be useful for the Conservative Party to select our candidates,’ she said. ‘I think the Prime Minister would be open to it. He went out of his way in our candidate selection process to put into place certain things. ‘From my perspective that would be about finding the best process to make sure that people of all talents get to the top. ‘A lot of people dismiss unconscious bias training as mumbo jumbo but more and more companies in the FTSE 100 are starting to use it. ‘It’s designed to tackle the innate prejudices in all of us that mean people often recruit people like themselves and help explain why here are many more white men at the top of our companies.’ Asked whether Mr Cameron should undergo the training himself, Miss Coffey replied: ‘I don’t see why not.’ Recent polls suggest David Cameron has lost his appeal to women voters following a series of measures perceived as anti-women. He has presided over a highly controversial cut to child benefit for better-off families, the impact of which will be felt directly by women. Flagship plans to reform childcare provision and funding have become mired in Whitehall infighting. Unconscious bias training has become commonplace in the corporate world and is spreading to this country. Accountancy giant PwC recently made the training compulsory for all staff as part of a drive to improve diversity at the top. Executives are taught to try to analyse their innate prejudices and set them aside. | Conservative backbencher Therese Coffey says Prime Minister needs 'unconscious bias' training .
Cameron has been criticised for 'calm down dear' jibes at female MPs .
Tory strategists admit they need to win over women voters . |
30,364 | 565277423d86cfd0d186573f5d94997c1d8141e0 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Matt Damon mourned the loss of his friend and former co-star Philip Seymour Hoffman today, describing him as 'one of the best actors that ever lived'. Damon, who starred with Hoffman in 1999's The Talented Mr Ripley, spoke of his shock at the Oscar winner's untimely death during an appearance on GMA on Tuesday. Hoffman, 46, was found dead on Sunday in his rented West Village apartment surrounded by drugs and needles. Damon described Hoffman as a 'beautiful person' and said that his death, from an apparent heroin overdose, was 'horrible'. Scroll down for video . Matt Damon described his former co-star Philip Seymour Hoffman as a 'beautiful person' on Tuesday following the actor's tragic death . Talented: Philip Seymour Hoffman (right) was described as a great actor by Matt Damon (left). He starred with the late Oscar winner in the 1999 movie The Talented Mr Ripley (alongside Jude Law, center) The cast of Ripley at the film's premiere in December 1999. Pictured from second left are Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Phillip Seymour Hoffman . Damon is the latest member of the Ripley cast to pay respects to Hoffman. On Monday, Cate Blanchett flew in from California to visit the family of her fellow Oscar winner. The Australian actress arrived with toys at the West Village, Manhattan home Hoffman shared until recently with partner Mimi O'Donnell and their three young children, all under the age of 11. The costume designer kicked Hoffman . out late last year in a show of 'tough love' as he had relapsed and was . using heroin. He then rented an apartment nearby, in which he was found . dead on Sunday. On Sunday . Gwyneth Paltrow, Blanchett and Hoffman's Talented Mr. Ripley co-star, . tweeted a tribute to the actor from their time together filming in . Italy. The actress posted a vintage snap of herself and actor Jude Law from behind the scenes of the film on location in Italy. Paltrow wrote: 'Ischia 1998, post dinner, post shooting... Philip was a true genius. #philipseymourhoffman.' A downcast Cate Blanchett arrived at Philip Seymour Hoffman's family's West Village home with gifts on Monday afternoon . Blanchett rushed to the apartment shortly after arriving in New York. She was in California Sunday morning having attended a film festival on Saturday night . Sad occasion: Blanchett looked sombre as she left the West Village apartment block after the visit to Hoffman's family . Paying tribute: On Sunday, actress Gwyneth Paltrow posted this picture of herself alongside Philip Seymour Hoffman, a female friend and actor Jude Law from 1998 . Farewell: Back in 1999, the Oscar winners co-starred in The Talented Mr. Ripley alongside Jude Law (R) and Matt Damon and Blanchett . George Clooney, who directed and . co-starred in 2011's the Ides Of March with the Capote star, said, 'There . are no words. It's just terrible,' according to The Hollywood Reporter. Hoffman's . Charlie Wilson's War co-star Tom Hanks also opened up about the loss: . 'This is a horrible day for those who worked with Philip. He was a . giant talent. Our hearts are open for his family.' Julianne Moore appeared in three films alongside the beloved star - Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and The Big Lebowski. 'I feel so fortunate to have known and . worked with the extraordinary Philip Seymour Hoffman, and am deeply . saddened by his passing,' the 53-year-old actress told Entertainment . Weekly. 'My thoughts and condolences are with his family.' Oscar . winner Jeff Bridges took to his Facebook page to pay tribute to his . co-star in the Coen Brothers' cult classic The Big Lebowski in 1998. Solemn: Matt was seen leaving the Good Morning America studios after his interview . The . 64-year-old wrote: 'I'm so shocked, and so sad hearing of Philip . Seymour Hoffman's death. I enjoyed playing with him on the Big Lebowski. He was such a wonderful guy, and so damn talented, a real treasure. My . thoughts and prayers are with his family.' Breaking . Bad star Aaron Paul - who worked with the star on 2006's Mission: . Impossible III - took to Twitter to express his sentiments: 'We lost one . of the greats today. Philip Seymour Hoffman RIP my friend. You will be . missed always and forever.' Sam . Claflin, who plays Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games, tweeted his shock . at the death of his co-star: 'PSH - I am genuinely shocked, saddened . and speechless. A truly wonderful man, with a magical touch. My hero. Thoughts are with his family.' Back in 2005, Clifton Collins starred . in Capote with the blond thespian and he posted an Instagram captioned: . 'PSH was beyond magical in his skills.' Comedian Patton . Oswalt co-starred with Hoffman in Paul Thomas Anderson's 1999 drama . Magnolia, and he found a humourous way to tribute him. '"Sometimes . I absolutely hate this job." - The Grim Reaper, when Philip Seymour . Hoffman's name showed up on his list,' Oswalt tweeted. | Damon starred with Hoffman in 1999's The Talented Mr Ripley alongside Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett and Jude Law .
Hoffman was discovered with close to 70 bags of heroin and 20 discarded syringes inside his Manhattan home on Sunday . |
70,211 | c703d1bf1f685dda8626d3c48bbba02477937846 | Passengers have described a 'disgraceful' coach tour trip from Devon to Scotland in which the bus driver sold alcohol to passengers and elderly travellers were verbally abused. The driver of a hired Telford's Coaches vehicle sold miniature bottles of vodka, gin and whisky from a compartment above a coffee machine on the bus for £2.50 each on a trip from Torquay run by tour company David Urquhart Travel. A 79-year-old man from West Calder, who asked not to be named, said the 14-hour trip from Torquay back to Scotland was 'disgraceful' with one passenger swigging wine from the bottle and a widow on holiday for the first time without her husband being called 'an old git'. Miniature bottles of alcohol such as these pictured were sold for £2.50 on coach tour bus from Torquay . The man, travelling with his wife, said: 'There were fancy stickers on a locked compartment saying "buy whisky" and "buy gin" beside the coffee machine in the middle of the coach. 'The driver wasn't actually selling the alcohol himself while he was driving - he had a young assistant selling it, sort of like a waitress.' The man admitted the price was 'quite reasonable' compared to normal retail or mini-bar prices, a factor which may have encouraged its purchase. 'One man had a bottle of wine, six beer cans and a bottle of vodka that he had brought on himself,' he said. 'It is difficult to determine whether someone is actually drunk or not, but the way two of these passengers were acting certainly looked like they were. A driver for Telford's Coaches, hired by David Urquhart Travel, sold alcohol to passengers . The homepage for David Urquhart Travel, which received complaints after the bus they hired served booze . 'They were standing up trying to get everyone to sing and making abusive comments. My wife said she heard them swearing. The high street at Ecclefechan, where elderly coach passengers were told they were only upset because they were tired by passengers who'd been drinking . 'There was a lady on the coach that was a widow and it was her first holiday on her own without her husband and the drunks were calling her "an old git", 'It wasn't nice. 'When we got to Ecclefechan, the drunks were telling us all we were just upset because we were tired. 'Actually we were upset because they were being so disruptive.' He added: 'I was just trying to have a rest, sitting back with my neck cushion, when one of the men turned round and said to me I was sitting with my nose in the air. He was being such a nuisance.' Unimpressed passengers have attempted to seek compensation for their unsavoury trip, which returned on August 30 this year, but have been told by East Kilbride-based David Urquhart Travel that it will not be forthcoming. The company's customer relations officer Ellie Elder said: 'Unfortunately, we found out about this incident after the Urquhart's tour had finished. 'Our conditions of travel state that the consumption of alcohol is not permitted on any of our tours. 'We have dealt with this matter and contacted Telford's who have dealt with the issue. 'Alistair Telford was not best pleased to hear that one of his drivers had been selling alcohol to the passengers and acting against their company policy . 'We have a long established and successful relationship with Telford's and we have been assured that nothing of this sort will happen again.' The unhappy customer, who had stayed with his wife and the rest of the group for five nights at the Cavendish Hotel in Torquay, added: 'We just want to raise awareness so that this type of things doesn't happen to other passengers.' The bus made a number of stops during the journey - on one the man said while a majority of passengers visited a garden centre a number of them went to a Brewer's Fayre to keep drinking. When the bus reached Gretna at the entrance to Scotland, the bus driver who was selling alcohol swapped with another - the replacement did not continue to sell booze. The drivers changed at Gretna, with the replacement not continuing to serve alcohol . Another couple, from Falkirk, said the experience was 'hellish'. Sarah Thomson, 75, said: 'There were people buying drink from the driver and some of the passengers also brought on their own booze. 'When the coach was stopped the driver was asking people what kind of alcohol they would like and bringing it to their seat. 'We are experienced coach travellers and this is the first time we have ever been on one where alcohol was sold. 'Then things got a bit out of hand with the passengers. 'There was even talk of getting the police involved at one point things got so heated.' The tour group had spent five nights at the Cavendish Hotel in Torquay . Telford's Coaches managing director Alistair Telford said: 'I don't want to hide anything. The driver was selling alcohol. 'I have taken action to ensure that this will not happen again and the driver has been dealt with internally. 'My information is that only one passenger was drunk, and that passenger did not buy the alcohol that made him drunk from the driver. 'We have worked for David Urquhart Travel for years and have a long standing relationship with them. We do not allow the consumption of alcohol on any of our coaches.' | David Urquhart Travel tour bus journey from Torquay dubbed 'hellish'
Telford's Coaches driver sold miniature bottles of alcohol to passengers .
Some passengers allegedly abused elderly people while drinking .
Tour company has declined passengers' requests for compensation .
Telford's managing director Alistair Telford admitted the driver 'was selling alcohol' and said 'the driver has been dealt with internally' |
126,664 | 2fbb02ba42124dc871627cf8dbee45518803f10c | Nervous anticipation extends far beyond the racially charged powder keg of Ferguson, Missouri, over a grand jury decision on whether to indict a white police officer for fatally shooting an unarmed black teenager. The St. Louis suburb has simmered with anger since the day in August when 18-year-old Michael Brown was shot multiple times by Officer Darren Wilson. With the grand jury expected to deliver its decision any day, people worry that tensions could boil over -- not only in Ferguson, but at demonstrations in more than 30 cities from Boston to Los Angeles organized by a group called the Ferguson National Response Network, mostly for the day after the decision is announced. While most protests in Ferguson have been peaceful, some devolved into violence, especially in the nights immediately after the shooting. The imminent decision has renewed concerns over clashes between protesters and heavily armed law enforcement officers, especially if Wilson is not indicted. "I, like so many other people, am on pins and needles," said the Rev. Alvin Herring, a Washington-based deputy director of the community organizing group PICO National Network. "This case has resonated with a lot of people who are beginning to understand that the issue of police violence and lawlessness is an issue that, although for the moment is focused on Ferguson ... it is an issue that challenges the nation." Though Herring expects to be in Ferguson after the announcement, he said members of the network's 3,000 multidenominational congregations around the country plan to participate in vigils and protests. The Ferguson National Response Network lists planned community responses to the grand jury decision in big cities such as Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and Seattle. It's also planned public gatherings -- to be held the day of the announcement or the day after -- in smaller cities that include Portland, Oregon; New London, Connecticut; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Blacksburg, Virginia and Iowa City, Iowa. "The faith community has been quite busy on issue of Ferguson," Herring said. "It has been a challenging experience because many clergy have been looking for how they make the connection between the faith they celebrate on Sunday and the everyday cares, challenges and struggles that their people face the other six days of the week." Police departments prepare . Throughout the country, law enforcement agencies have been busy with Ferguson. "Many of my colleagues I've had an opportunity over the last few days to talk to around the country ... are preparing for whatever the outcome may happen to be," said Cedric Alexander, president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives and public safety director for DeKalb County, Georgia. Alexander said law enforcement agencies in the Atlanta area, for instance, have "working relationships with our community members and leaders" and are preparing to mobilize should tensions erupt. "There are many communities in which we really have to engage our communities and set some real parameters about how we're going to work together," Alexander said. Atlanta police spokeswoman Kim Jones said the department will respect the rights of demonstrators to peaceably assemble but will not "tolerate those who violate our laws, destroy property or endanger lives." "We have met with, and are in discussion with, numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the metro Atlanta area to ensure our efforts are coordinated, and that we are maintaining the same level of readiness and vigilance," she said. In Texas, a Dallas police spokesman, Lt. Jose Garcia, said the city did not anticipate violent demonstrations following the grand jury decision. "However, we have adequate resources in place to address any situation that may arise," he said. "In addition to the resources, we work hard to develop and maintain strong relationships within our communities. We feel confident that together we can address such a situation if it arises." Police officials would not reveal specific preparations. But CNN law enforcement analyst Tom Fuentes, a former FBI assistant director and police officer, said federal agencies will likely be working with local police departments, particularly sharing information on agitators from the U.S. and abroad who typically move from state to state to stir problems at public demonstrations. And law enforcement agencies in cities such as New York and Washington have extensive experience dealing with protests. "The Washington metro police have demonstrations in downtown Washington all the time," he said. "It's not like they're not prepared or equipped. People will be on heightened alert. When the word goes out that the decision has been made, departments are going to be trying to at least be ready, to have their officers on standby to go to extended shifts and whatever might be necessary to prevent things from getting out of hand." Unresolved tensions . When members of the United States Conference of Mayors met with police chiefs from around the country in Little Rock, Arkansas, last month, the situation in Ferguson was at the top of the agenda. Conference spokeswoman Elena Temple said the group has had internal discussions on how to react to the grand jury decision but will not make a statement on the case until the announcement. "We don't know what's going to happen," she said. "We're waiting like everybody else." Outgoing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder told the gathering of mayors and police chiefs that law enforcement had a responsibility to address tensions within communities. "The events in Ferguson reminded us that we cannot and we must not allow tensions, which are present in so many neighborhoods across America, to go unresolved," Holder said. The Ferguson case, Holder said, underscored divisions between police and residents in many U.S. cities. "When I traveled to Ferguson in the days after that incident, my pledge to the people of that community was that our nation's Department of Justice would remain focused on the challenges they faced, and the deep-seated issues and difficult conversations that the shooting brought to the surface, long after national headlines had faded," he said. Federal officials are conducting two civil rights investigations, one into Brown's killing and the other into the local police department's overall track record with minorities. Free speech, worries about violence . Police will be on hand at protests to ensure freedom of expression -- without any criminal activity. PICO, on its website, says it opposes "any militarized response against American citizens exercising our right to freely and peaceably assemble." Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has called for protests to remain peaceful once the grand jury rules in Wilson's case but vowed to crack down on any "ugliness." Nixon made clear last week he's not anticipating violence, but wants to be ready for anything. "This is America. People have a right to express their views and grievances, but they do not have the right to put their fellow citizens or their property at risk," he said. Many protesters, furious because they felt Brown's killing was an example of excessive force, clashed with heavily armed law enforcement in the streets for days after the shooting. Authorities, who responded in armored vehicles and military gear, were criticized for escalating the violence rather than tempering it. Brown's family has implored would-be protesters to refrain from the looting and violence that marred the early protests. But through its attorney, the family asked authorities to use "reasonable restraints" in dealing with protesters. The attorney blamed assault rifles, manhandling, tear gas, rubber bullets and false arrests for agitating the protesters who took to the streets. Fuentes said people on both sides of the issue have all but telegraphed what's to come after the grand jury decision is announced. What happens in Ferguson, he said, can influence what happens in the rest of the country. "When you have demonstrations, emotions are high," Fuentes said. "When you have high emotions, a mob can get out of control. ... When emotions are high, all it takes is one or two people to incite the crowd into doing something else. And one bad cop can incite things if shots are fired or if the police do something too aggressive. It can work both ways." | Cities around the country anxiously await grand jury decision in Ferguson case .
Group calls for demonstrations in more than 30 cities from Boston to Los Angeles .
Law enforcement agencies prepare to respond . |
244,816 | c8de0844e6fa997611d568eda1b8cd718492e61d | New York (CNN) -- The skirmish between North and South Korea over Yeonpyeong, an island in the disputed zone between the two sides, has brought new danger to a standoff that has been escalating for more than two years. It happened just two days after North Korea revealed a sophisticated uranium enrichment program to three American visitors from Stanford University, and in the midst of its leadership transition from Kim Jong Il to his son, Kim Jong Un. How can the international community respond in a way that will deter North Korea without pushing the situation into all-out war? None of the options is particularly attractive: Strong sanctions and displays of force have already been tried, and failed to stop the latest attack. Military retaliation could easily escalate into war involving the Koreas, the United States and possibly China, with devastating consequences. Negotiations, many would argue, have failed, too. But among the available options, a return to negotiation seems the least bad one. This would not be "rewarding bad behavior," but trying to test North Korea to see what it would take to bring us back from the brink of war. Negotiation would have to be pursued multilaterally -- most likely through the Six-Party Talks among the Koreas, the United States, China, Russia and Japan -- or perhaps even more importantly, bilaterally between the United States and North Korea. It is never possible to be sure what is going on within the North Korean regime, but its growing belligerence -- through nuclear tests, military muscle-flexing, and the demonstration of nuclear capacity to foreign visitors -- suggests that North Korea is trying to show the world it is a force to be reckoned with. Pyongyang has made it known that it wants to be accepted as a nuclear weapons state and wants to deal with the U.S. from that position of strength. This may in turn be related to the transition underway in the North Korean leadership: either Kim Jong Un himself demonstrating his toughness to his military, or groups within the military showing their loyalty to him by their forceful actions. The United States has stated repeatedly that a nuclear North Korea is unacceptable, especially because of the effect a nuclear North Korea would have on other would-be nuclear powers, above all Iran. But for now, a nuclear North Korea is a reality we must deal with. North Korea manufactured this crisis . Renewed dialogue between the United States and North Korea could reveal what combination of incentives might get the North to back down and eventually relinquish its nuclear capability -- and a nonnuclear Korean peninsula is the stated goal of all the parties in the six-way talks, including North Korea. China, which has its own interest in a stable Korean peninsula, must be brought into the negotiating process as well. The government of Lee Myung-bak in South Korea has promised "stern retaliation" over the Yeonpyeong attack, but knows its real options are limited. The Pentagon and State Department have strongly condemned the North Korean action but have wisely urged restraint. China has also criticized North Korea and called for a return to dialogue and a peaceful resolution of the current standoff. A space for common interest can be found among all sides with a stake in the Korean situation. What is required is the political courage, not least in Washington, to look beyond condemnation and to engage in the hard negotiations necessary to prevent the situation from spiraling out of control. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Charles Armstrong. | Charles Armstrong says North Korean attack confronts the world with difficult options .
Sanctions have failed, military action could be disastrous; talks the least bad choice, he says .
North Korea may be trying to show it's a force to be reckoned with, Armstrong says .
Talks could reveal what it will take to get Pyongyang to abandon nukes, he says . |
110,082 | 19edaeaf6d2c29f13dc81f23fa6f915a8b7bd900 | A shopper was dismayed to discover his local Tesco selling 22 different varieties of apples but not one of them was British. Leo Deen checked 22 different varieties of the fruit at Tesco on Hibel Road in Macclesfield for a native apple - before walking away empty handed. Instead he found fruit which had been transported thousands of miles from Chile, the U.S., New Zealand and South Africa. Leo Deen was shocked to discover his local Tesco was not selling a single variety of British apples . Mr Deen, the town’s mayor Janet Jackson and Food4Macc, a campaigning group, are now calling for stores to stock more locally-sourced produce. Mr Deen, 50, from Siddington, said: 'When I couldn’t find an English apple I had to check twice. A member of staff checked as well and admitted they had none in stock. He was clearly embarrassed. 'Supermarkets should be buying local or at least from the same country and supporting British farmers, not flying in apples from the other side of the world during peak apple season in this country.' Colin Townend, from Food4Macc, a voluntary group which campaigns for locally-produced food, called for Tesco to introduce a ‘local produce section’ in its stores. He said: 'We understand the economic drivers behind the supermarkets' buying policies, but in the same way as organic food was a specialty product a few years ago but now enjoys its own sections in supermarkets, we would like to see the supermarkets having "local produce" sections, exploiting the loyalty to local producers that undoubtedly exists.' A quick survey of other retailers in the town found Aldi and Sainsbury’s supermarkets both selling at least one brand of English apple, while Alan Reddy’s fruit and veg stall at the indoor market sold only English varieties. Mayor of Macclesfield, councillor Janet Jackson, carried out her own survey and found the same. She said: 'The cost of air miles for fruit brought from around the world is impacting on our economy and our climate. The Macclesfield Tesco store where Mr Deen was unable to find a single variety of British apple on sale . 'I would hope that supermarkets would, when such produce is in season in Britain, make sure that homegrown fruit is given priority. Focus on British fruit to cut down on the air miles.' A spokesman for Tesco said the Macclesfield store may have suffered an ‘off day’. He said: 'Our stocklists show Pink Lady and Bramley English varieties on sale, as well as many other British products in our fruit and vegetable section, including our tomatoes which are from Cheshire. 'At the time the customer visited we may have not had any in stock. It is possible we had an off day. 'Tesco sold more English apples and pears in 2013-14 than any other retailer. The traditional British apple season runs from September to July and our first new season British apple was in store this weekend.' Apple production tends to be associated with Kent and Herefordshire. However, Cheshire has a rich history of growing apples and boasts 33 varieties, including the Minshull Crab. Mr Deen found 22 different varieties of apples at the Tesco from these eight locations around the world . As the apple market becomes increasingly dominated by varieties originally produced overseas, there are concerns homegrown British creations are becoming harder to find. However, there are a number of British varieties which remain respected and enjoyed for their individual traits and unique flavours. Laxton's Fortune - created by the same company as Laxton's Superb - originated in Bedford in 1904. The bright red apple has a firm but coarse texture and is available in October and November. The Worcester Pearmain takes its name from its birthplace where it was introduced in 1874. Available in August and September, it has a unique strawberry-like flavour and tastes sweet. In terms of cooking, the British Bramley apple is regarded at the world's finest. The variety, first produced in Nottinghamshire about 200 years ago, is available throughout the year and has an ability to retain its taste during cooking. Cox's Orange Pippin is a highly regarded eating apple and was first produced in Buckinghamshire by horticulturalist Richard Cox. It is said to be aromatic and juicy. | Leo Deen found 22 types of apples in local Tesco but none of them British .
Instead, they had been imported from Chile, the U.S. and South Africa .
He left the shop empty handed and is now calling for 'local produce' sections .
Tesco spokesman said Macclesfield store was probably having an 'off day' |
114,786 | 201fe4efc4a1a6f850ab71e1ff8918bd49e0be5e | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:23 EST, 8 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 18:15 EST, 8 March 2014 . A man has been arrested on suspicion of shooting the City Trader nicknamed 'The Wolf of Shenfield'. Robin Clark, 44, was shot once in the thigh by a balaclava-clad gunman outside Shenfield railway station, Essex, in the early hours of January 24. British Transport Police (BTP) revealed they have arrested a 51-year-old man, from Essex, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. A man has been arrested on suspicion of the attempted murder of city trader Robin Clark (pictured) known to friends as 'The Wolf of Shenfield' A BTP spokesman said: 'Following an incident at Shenfield rail station on Friday, 24 January, a 51-year-old man from Essex has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder. 'He has since been interviewed and released on police bail pending further enquiries.' Affluent Shenfield is 24 minutes by train from central London and is a popular place for City workers to live. Robin Clark, 44, was shot once in the thigh by a balaclava-clad gunman outside Shenfield railway station, Essex, in the early hours of January 24 . British Transport Police (BTP) revealed they have arrested a 51-year-old man, from Essex, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder . Mr Clark, a twice married father-of-four, spent weeks in hospital after suffering a serious leg injury in the unprovoked attack. Last month he bravely returned to work at London-based brokerage firm RP Martin where he works as a euro derivatives trader . He gained the nickname 'The Wolf of Shenfield' in homage to the Hollywood blockbuster The Wolf of Wall Street. Mr Clark spent nearly a month off work after the incident was welcomed back to work with a prank when fellow traders stormed him wearing balaclavas and waving fake guns. Mr Clark gained the nickname 'The Wolf of Shenfield' in homage to the Hollywood blockbuster The Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo Di Caprio . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Robin Clark was shot by a man in a balaclava at Shenfield railway station .
Essex man, 51, arrested on suspicion of .
conspiracy to commit murder . |
195,747 | 895ce48f05df6fb393db3e74eaa14846af2a4bfe | By . Beth Stebner . PUBLISHED: . 11:26 EST, 18 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:26 EST, 18 April 2013 . Claim: Author Patti Davis, pictured last summer, has claimed that her mother, former first lady Nancy Reagan, supports gay marriage . Though her late husband may have had an embattled view of same-sex marriage, Nancy Reagan fully supports it, her daughter has sensationally claimed. Patti Davis, the daughter of the former first lady, announced in a radio interview this week that her mother ‘does’ support it. Davis’ claim directly goes against an op-ed written by her half-brother, Michael Reagan, who claimed earlier this month that legalizing gay marriage would lead to ‘polygamy, bestiality, and perhaps even murder.’ Speaking on SiriousXM’s show, ‘OutQ,’ Davis was asked whether her mother supported the progression. The former first daughter responded simply: ‘She does.’ Two weeks ago, she again made headlines for making a posthumous claim that former president Ronald Reagan would also support same-sex marriage. Davis also spoke out on her half-brother’s piece, condemning it as ‘ugly.’ ‘It’s all such ugly stuff…But there are other people who feel this way and who lump gay people in with people who have sex with donkeys and farm animals. Scroll down for full audio . Speak for yourself: Nancy Reagan, pictured last year, is now 91; Davis said she wanted to be careful about speaking for her mother . ‘That is just horrific. Our father would in no way tolerate that kind of ugly talk and that kind of hateful speech.’ Davis was on the program to speak about her upcoming novel that is about a romance between lesbians, entitled ‘Till Human Voices Wake Us.’ Though Davis never spoke to her father about gay marriage before he died in 2004, Davis told the New York Times that he would have ‘been puzzled’ by the force with which government was intruding into people’s private lives. Davis herself has a complicated relationship with her mother, now 91. As the Huffington Post notes, the two were estranged for some time, only reconciling after former President Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease in 1994. Earlier this month, Michael Reagan, a political consultant, called on church leaders to stand up and fight against same-sex marriage. 'It’s ultimately about changing the culture of the entire country,' he wrote in the Ironton Tribune. Dire warning: Michael Reagan, son of former U.S. President Ronald . Reagan, warned in an op-ed published earlier this month that legalizing gay marriage . will lead to 'polygamy, bestiality and perhaps even murder' Legalizing same-sex marriages, he writes, 'inevitably will lead to teaching our public school kids that gay marriage is a perfectly fine alternative and no different than traditional marriage.' 'There is also a very slippery slope leading to other alternative relationships and the unconstitutionality of any law based on morality,' he continues. 'Think about polygamy, bestiality, and perhaps even murder.' Michael Reagan slams the Republican Party, saying party leaders are too preoccupied with the next presidential election to be concerned about the moral threat that he believes same-sex marriages pose to the country. 'Where’s the moral outrage?' he asks. 'Why aren’t thousands of our pastors, priests and rabbis shouting from their pulpits? Why aren’t they leading their congregations through the streets in mass protest?' Age of innocence: A 1955 family portrait of then-actor Reagan with Nancy, their daughter Patti Davis and their infant son Ron Jr. Son of a president: The Reagan family is pictured circa 1960. From left to right is Michael Reagan, Ronald Reagan, Ronald Reagan, Jr. and Nancy Reagan . It's up to churches to 'defend the culture against legalized gay marriage,' he says, but instead religious leaders are 'hiding in their pews.' 'It’s time for the churches to get engaged and start fighting for America, instead of wimping out,' he writes. 'You can't win the fight if you don't put on the gloves.' Reagan is the eldest son of the former president and he's the author of 'The New Reagan Revolution: How Ronald Reagan's Principles Can Restore America's Greatness.' | Patti Davis, daughter of former president Ronald Reagan and former first lady Nancy Reagan, claimed that her mother supports same-sex marriage .
Claimed earlier that her father supported issue, though she admitted they never discussed it prior to his death .
Comes after her half-brother, Michael Reagan, said gay unions would open the door to 'polygamy, bestiality, and perhaps even murder' |
128,889 | 32886ffcb6a8d5f48871e50241dd1dda201a9bf4 | Bishop of Shrewsbury Mark Davies: Bishops should 'highlight moral questions which underpin debate' Roman Catholic bishops will today urge 4million worshippers to vote for political candidates who promote marriage. Cardinal Vincent Nichols will say that stable families and help for the frail and elderly are key planks in advice about the general election for the church’s five million British followers. The Right Reverend Mark Davies, Bishop of Shrewsbury, said yesterday: ‘No-one expects bishops to offer a political programme at election time but to highlight the moral questions which underpin the public debate. 'Faced with the unprecedented scale of family breakdown and its immense human and social costs, this election debate surely cannot ignore support for marriage. 'At the very foundation of society is respect for the sanctity of human life. We mustn’t forget the newly-elected parliament in 2015 will decide the legality of assisted suicide in our hospitals and care homes with far-reaching consequences for the way society regards the sick and the elderly.' It contrasts with the widely-criticised manifesto by Anglican bishops last week which made no mention of marriage. Instead the Church of England said families could best by helped by outside organisations like housing associations or credit unions. Nor did the CofE bishops choose to remind voters of the difficulties of elderly people needing care nor the scourges of drugs and pornography. The Church of England election letter was the first attempt to sway voters by the Anglican bishops and was widely criticised for its focus on inequality and the alleged evils of the market economy, consumerism and the legacy of Margaret Thatcher. Roman Catholic bishops, however, have regularly given advice to churchgoers on the central issues they should consider in advance of each general election. The Catholic advice, to be launched by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, has been prepared over three months by a team of four bishops and will strongly remind voters of the need to help stabilise families. It comes at a time when family campaigners and some Tories have been calling loudly for bigger tax breaks to reward couples who marry, and an end to the tax and benefit penalties piled on mothers who choose to stay at home to raise their children. Faith: The proposals will be launched by Vincent Nichols, pictured centre with newly-ordained priests in 2011 . A bill to legalise assisted suicide is currently being considered in the Lords. The bill, put forward by former Labour Lord Chancellor Lord Falconer, would allow terminally ill patients to be prescribed poison if two doctors approve. A small tax break for married people was introduced last week in line with a promise made by David Cameron in the 2010 Tory manifesto. The concession means married couples and civil partners who are not higher rate taxpayers will be able to transfer £1,000 of their tax free allowance to their spouse or partner. It will adde £3.85 a week to the incomes of 1.6 million people, but analysts believe that in practice the gain will be even less for more than a million people, because for them Coalition benefit reforms will take away £2.50 of the gain. Roman Catholic bishops will distribute half a million copies of their letter to parishes. | Advice drafted by bishops and launched by Cardinal Vincent Nichols .
Bishop of Shrewsbury defended advice, saying it is question of morals .
It comes after similar letter by Church of England focused on inequality . |
172,428 | 6b2586190f533ba40010d2d98be84f04a2195465 | (CNN) -- Barbara Walters getting very personal with Monica Lewinsky. Steve Kroft squaring off against Bill and Hillary Clinton during a pivotal 1992 campaign interview. Lance Armstrong going to confession with Oprah Winfrey. All were "big get" interviews in what's become TV-speak for marquee encounters. But while various outlets now vie for the first post-"twerking" sitdown with Miley Cyrus, let's not forget that the biggest get of them all is still the exclusive property of David Frost, who died Saturday. His series of May 1977 interviews with former President Richard Nixon, revisited in the acclaimed 2008 feature film "Frost/Nixon," remains the Mount Everest of all such face-offs. The interviews also built a major bridge -- since crossed many times -- between the worlds of showbiz and traditional "hard news." Against all odds and in the face of unyielding skepticism from "real journalists," the man who once hosted "Let's Twist on the Riviera" went toe-to-toe with Nixon in his first interviews after resigning the presidency on August 9, 1974. In largely pre-cable times, and three years before the launch of CNN, Frost paid $600,000 for Nixon's time. That prompted the reigning ABC, CBS and NBC news divisions to reject Frost's advances rather than stoop to "checkbook journalism." He was left to cobble together a network of independent stations in the United States to broadcast the interviews, another precedent-shattering effort that far preceded Geraldo Rivera's 1986 syndicated ratings smash, "The Mystery of Al Capone's Vaults." Frost's four taped 90-minute interviews with Nixon, which aired weekly, began with a May 4, 1977, program devoted to Watergate. And the widely perceived ladies' man with the sugar-coated interview style came away with the ultimate trophy -- an apology after Nixon's earlier burst of defiance. "I think unless you say it, you're going to be haunted for the rest of your life," Frost said, in search of an acknowledgment from Nixon that he had betrayed the public trust. "I let the American people down, and I have to carry that burden with me for the rest of my life," Nixon said -- after earlier leaving Frost open-mouthed with the assertion that "When the president does it, that means it is not illegal." News: David Frost, veteran British broadcaster, dies at 74 . I re-watched the "Frost/Nixon" movie Monday night, and was re-impressed by the performances of Michael Sheen and Frank Langella in the title roles. Although some dramatic license was taken, director Ron Howard pretty much crystallized the initial perception of Frost in an early exchange between Langella's Nixon and his agent, Irving "Swifty" Lazar (played by Toby Jones). "Doing it with Frost would be a whole lot easier than doing it with Mike Wallace," Lazar tells Nixon, who also hoped to use the interview to publicize the publication of his memoirs. "It would," Nixon agrees. "But it would have a lot less credibility." But Lazar says they'd be paid a lot more by Frost. And so the deal was sealed. The late Wallace, then in his early years as "60 Minutes'" most famous bulldog, had an entertainment background himself as the host of several 1950s game shows. But he seemed to view Frost as an inferior during their at-times-combative "60 Minutes" interview. It aired shortly before Frost's first 90-minute program with Nixon. In an excerpt from their real-life exchange, Frost tells Wallace that he hoped for a "cascade of candor" from the former president. "A cascade of candor from President Nixon? Is this what you expect?" Wallace shoots back. "No," says Frost. "It was just a phrase that I thought would appeal to you." Wallace later tells Frost point-blank that Nixon is "hardly going to confess on the air anything about Watergate." He has a book coming out, so "why would he give it to you?" Wallace's underlying implication is that he would have been able to pry a mea culpa out of Nixon, while an amateur showman such as Frost would be unequal to that task. But Frost holds his ground, telling Wallace that "a lot more facts" about Watergate are now known. And that Nixon "realizes if he misses this opportunity, no one's going to buy the book anyway." Frost and Nixon clashed on Watergate in the last of their taped sessions, although the Watergate segment ended up airing first. It drew a reported 45 million viewers, easily outdrawing rival programming on ABC, CBS and NBC. Frost went on to interview a succession of British prime ministers, in addition to former president George H.W. Bush and, in 1992, maverick presidential candidate Ross Perot for a PBS special. Perot proved to be perhaps even pricklier than Nixon, telling Frost, "Everything you've just said is incorrect" after his interviewer suggested he had problems "dealing with equals." Frost later told me his encounter with Perot was "a very refreshing experience," although he would have to "acclimatize himself to being challenged." Post-Nixon and pre-Perot, Frost continued to mix and match, lending his name to political satire ("Spitting Image" after his earlier mid-1960s tenure as host of NBC's "That Was the Week That Was"); game shows ("David Frost Presents Ultra Quiz"); and entertainment specials ("The Spectacular World of Guinness Records"). But in the end he'll largely be remembered as a one-hit wonder who, 36 years ago, changed the face of television by doing it his way. He came, he saw, he conquered. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Ed Bark. | Ed Bark: The late David Frost owned the first "big get" interview: Richard Nixon .
He says it bridged showbiz and "hard news," though some questioned his journalistic cred .
He says Frost drew apology from Nixon; Mike Wallace doubted he could do it .
Bark: Frost would interview others -- Perot, Bush -- but the Nixon"get" is his legacy . |
54,647 | 9acb0d4041633c4a35e7b564d43b44582d87dda1 | (CNN) -- Ziuaddin Yousafzai spent much of his life believing that girls should get an education. He always made sure his daughter Malala understood that. Months after Taliban militants gravely wounded the 15-year-old with a bullet to the head for being vocal about that belief, he thinks more people around the world and in his home country agree with him. Last October, the teenager was riding home in a school van in the Swat Valley, a Taliban stronghold in Pakistan, when masked men stopped the vehicle. They demanded that the other girls identify Malala. The trained their guns on their target and fired. Then they shot another girl, wounding her. Malala was treated by Pakistani doctors in the initial days after the shooting. The prognosis was dire. As international outrage grew, Pakistanis took to the streets. Shooting a little girl? The Taliban had gone too far this time. The government had better do something. Around the world, more people began learning about how the Taliban, years earlier, had ordered that all girls leave school. Malala "is the daughter of the whole world," her father told CNN on Friday. "The world owns her." She has become an icon of education, a symbol of girls' rights. "She has made a difference," said. Malala is getting stronger by the day, and "recovering very well, very fast," he added. The teen was discharged from a hospital in Birmingham, England, in February and is receiving rehabilitative care. A team of international doctors who took over Malala's care from Pakistani providers certainly did amazing work in saving her life. They addressed her brain swelling. Her skull had fractured in tiny pieces from the gunshot at close range. She has endured numerous surgeries. But apart from top-notch medicine, sheer force of will that has aided in Malala's recovery. Her attitude has won over people worldwide. In February she was walking, and talking -- and saying she was going to get back to her advocacy for girls' education. "God has given me this new life," she said at the time, in her first on-camera interview. "I want to serve the people. I want every girl, every child, to be educated." Ziauddin Yousafzai was an educator for many years and first inspired his daughter to take a stand. But how likely will Malala's work and physical sacrifice actually lead to greater access to quality education for girls in Pakistan? It's unlikely for her own safety that Malala will ever be able to return there, and unlikely for her father as well, say observers who know Pakistan well. iReport: Your messages to Malala . CNN put that question to Ziauddin. Pakistan's government has appointed him education attaché in the Pakistani Consulate in the United Kingdom. Ziauddin responded to the question by first pointing out that before his daughter was attacked, regular Pakistanis would call and tell him that they'd seen Malala speaking out on television and, inspired, enrolled their daughters in school. She'd received a huge amount of global attention, especially from western media, after writing a blog for the Guardian when she was 11. She described her fear that the Taliban would keep her from learning. After Malala was shot, stirring international condemnation, Ziauddin was heartened. "When this tragic incident happened, small kids, they had posters, banners [with Malala's face and message] and they [related to and knew about] Malala," Ziauddin said. "I think it was a big change." There have been developments in Pakistan, but it's difficult to call them victories. A university in Pakistan changed its name to include Malala, but then students protested out of fear that Malala's name would draw unwanted and potentially dangerous attention. Malala asked them to remove it. In March, two of Malala's friends were honored -- but those honors would not have been granted had they not been on that bus with Malala. In an interview with CNN, one girl, Shazia Ramzan, said "God forbid something like that would happen again." She said she cannot go to visit her uncles or aunts like I used to." But both girls said they want to be doctors and are going to continue their studies. Time magazine selected her to be runner-up in this year's Person of the Year. This year, Pakistan will observe Malala's 16th birthday as "Malala Day." Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown joined Ziauddin in the interview. Brown, now the United Nations special envoy on global education, has been pushing Pakistani authorities to follow through in meaningful, practical ways that will improve girls' access to quality education. Brown in his own words about girls' education in Pakistan . "I was there in Pakistan at the time [of Malala's shooting]," Brown said. "I think 2 million people have signed a petition calling for universal free education." Brown met with Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, who had visited Malala in the hospital in the U.K. and vowed to stand up for girls' education and fight extremism. Beyond Pakistan, Brown said there seems to be a new passion internationally for ensuring girls' rights. Opinion: Girls' courage, Taliban cowardice . Girls and women are saying, Brown believes, that they are not "prepared to take this anymore." Brown noted the cultural complacency toward rape of women in India that was brought to light when a woman was gang-raped in New Delhi in December. She died of wounds from the attack. Demonstrators in Nepal are protesting the severely limited rights of women there, Brown said, and Bangladeshi girls have formed safe zones in which children will never be forced to marry adults, a common practice. Who are the Pakistani Taliban? But inside Pakistan and other parts of the world, change comes slow. "We thought we would have a 'Malala moment' but that never happened," said Pir Zubair Shah, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations. He was a reporter for the New York Times in Pakistan, working in the Waziristan tribal area along the border with Afghanistan. Ziauddin hosted Shah when he wrote about Malala. "No one has said, 'Let's slash the defense budget and allocate it to education,'" Shah said. "No one has been arrested in the attack on Malala. You have the girls' school who didn't want Malala's name." He said he doesn't believe there's an heir-apparent for Malala in Pakistan and that safety concerns would make it impossible for her or her father to return. "You need someone on the ground to lead social change," he said. "It's not the job of Brown or people sitting outside. You have to be there among the people. And right now there is no political leadership who can do that." The military has failed to chase after militants, the journalist said. And then there's the complex issue of Pakistan's relationship with the Taliban, he noted. "The government had a chance, an opportunity [in the days after Malala's shooting]," he said. "I don't want to be pessimistic, but I'm afraid that chance is probably gone." | Malala Yousafzai is "recovering very well, very fast," her father said Friday .
Ziauddin Yousafzai said his daughter has had an international impact .
U.N. education envoy: Malala's 16th birthday will be "Malala Day" in Pakistan . |
115,519 | 2111306ac0260698af95d7f2552b191249d4dc30 | By . Craig Mackenzie . PUBLISHED: . 07:34 EST, 22 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:07 EST, 23 July 2012 . YouTube star: Jemma has had 12 million views on the internet . An agoraphobic singer has released her first single after becoming a YouTube sensation - despite not leaving her house for three years. Jemma Pixie Hixon, 21, has become a global star despite suffering from a crippling fear of the outdoors. Largely unknown in the UK, she is a household name in China and the Far East and has attracted nearly 12 million views on the internet. She creates her music in a makeshift studio in her bedroom in Malvern, Worcestershire, where she lives with her parents. Her first single, Never Let Go, was released last week. The instrumental was produced by DJ5parks while Jemma recorded her vocals on a laptop at home. She hopes it will help highlight the plight of others affected by agoraphobia. Jemma said: 'It would be amazing if people bought my single, it does have chart eligibility, so it's up to everyone who's supported me and followed me to help make the single do as well as possible. 'It would be a huge honour if it did well and I hope it would inspire other agoraphobics, or anyone at all for that matter, that you don't have to give up or let anything get in the way of your dreams.' Jemma started suffering panic attacks when she was just six years old and her condition spiralled when she left school at 16 and had no daily routine of leaving the house. She last left her house three years ago and has not gone further than the garden gate ever since. Scroll down for video . YouTube hit: Jemma recorded her vocals on her laptop computer. She is a household name in China and the Far East . Facebook images: Agoraphobic Jemma has not been out of her home for three years . Jemma explained: 'When I have an attack I feel really short of breath and it's like my heart is going to explode. I literally feel like I'm going to die. 'It's a strange thing because I know logically I have nothing to worry about walking out of the house but it's a completely different thing when I actually try and do it. 'After I left school I didn't really have any reason to get me out of the house so it was easy for me to stay in. 'I wanted to go to university but couldn't because of my condition. It's had a huge affect on my life.' Star material: Jemma hopes her new single will draw attention to her crippling condition . Jemma - who lives with her property developer mum Tonia, 50, and dad Mark, 49, in their six-bedroom detached house - uses a microphone, webcam and Apple Mac to produce and broadcast her music. She started by uploading cover versions of songs onto YouTube but has since progressed to producing her own material. Jemma is now well-known in China and last year won the coveted 'most viewed' video of the month in the whole of the country. She has seen dozens of psychologists and hypnotherapists but no one has been able to cure her agoraphobia. Creative: Jemma sings her vocals on her laptop before uploading the video on YouTube. She has suffered from a fear of the outdoors since she was six years old . The young star hopes to one day be able to perform outside of her bedroom again, and feels that music is what makes her happiest. She added: 'Music is the thing that helps me escape and makes me happy, whether it's singing, writing or simply listening to it. 'When I'm feeling particularly anxious I like to try to focus on writing a sort of stream of consciousness which I then adapt into lyrics. 'Singing is something that keeps me going and something I have done since I can remember.' The single is available from sites such as iTunes, Amazon and HMV. Warning graphic language . | Jemma is household name in China with 12 million internet views .
She creates her music in makeshift studio in her bedroom . |
164,817 | 611e445716dd2375ded5d37c515c536abe6f8939 | LAGOS, Nigeria (CNN) -- More than 2,500 Nigerians caught in the fighting between Islamic militants and government forces have fled their homes in the northern part of the country, a Red Cross spokeswoman said Wednesday. Mothers and their children take refuge this week at a police office in the northern Nigerian city of Maiduguri. More than 400 people have been killed, and 150 bodies were lying in the general hospital at Maiduguri, according to Aliyu Maikanu, a Red Cross disaster officer in the northeast. Most of the violence has been on the outskirts of the city, officials said. "It's a terrible situation for me. It's a very serious battle -- something I have not seen in my life," Maikanu said. She said only security personnel were free to move around due to the risks. Up to 1,000 militants are holed up at their base of operations in Maiduguri, and police have cordoned off the area, she said. National police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu said Wednesday that police were able to free 187 women and children whom they claim were being held in the compound of the Islamic militants' leader, Mohammed Yusuf. Under the sect's strict form of sharia law, the group that was released was shielded from public view, Ojukwu said. He said 100 arrests have been made across the north. Shehu Sani, president of the Civil Rights Congress, a human rights organization based in northern Nigeria, said people were seeking refuge in police and military barracks and in hospitals. The militants disagree with the government's teaching of Islam in the region, maintaining that the government allows itself to be influenced by Western values. They have been targeting high-profile government institutions, police and Islamic clergy, Ojukwu said. The operation to defeat the militants is ongoing, he said, and police have been deployed in all northeast and northwestern states. There is a history of religious violence in central Nigeria, where majority-Muslim North Africa meets largely Christian sub-Saharan Africa. Human Rights Watch estimates that more than 1,000 people were killed there in riots in 2001. Last week the human rights organization alleged that police and soldiers killed at least 133 people during two days of riots last year between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. Most of the victims were young Muslim men, often unarmed, the group said in testimony before a state commission. CNN's Christian Purefoy contributed to this report. | NEW: More than 180 women, kids freed from militants' compound, official says .
More than 2,500 flee fighting between militants, government in northern Nigeria .
More 400 people killed in Nigerian violence, Red Cross official says .
Militants holed up at base of operations in Maiduguri, Nigeria . |
237,141 | beebff2a19da5c9aa5994a70fb707bd86d2e2f70 | A family-of-three on a fishing trip were fortunate to escape with their lives after their car broke through the frozen surface of a lake and sank in just five minutes. The father, mother and child were on an ice fishing trip on the lake in Qitamu township near Changchun, the capital of north-eastern China's Jilin province. They were not the only people who had driven onto the ice and in the background of the footage of the incident, other cars can be seen driving around on the frozen surface during an annual ice fishing festival. Scroll down for video . The car started sinking because its owners parked it near a hole they had carved out for ice fishing . A stunned crowd watched as the car sank deeper into the water after breaking through the ice . Left, the car's owners climb out of the vehicle as it begins sinking beneath the ice. Right, two bystanders wander past the stranded car . After a few minutes, nothing of the car was left on the ice. Authorities said the vehicle's engine heated the ice beneath it, causing cracks . Their problems began when they dug a hole in the ice and parked their Audi Q7 near it, extending a fishing rod into the lake while keeping warm in the car. Local police believe that the heat from the car's engine slowly melted the ice which, cracked as a result, creating a hole in which the vehicle began to sink. Witness Zhen Ku, 34, who filmed the incident, said: 'It was lucky the family managed to escape at the last moment before the car sank completely. No one was injured but it was still a sad sight to see.' Crowds attending the fishing festival gathered around to watch the vehicle quickly disappear below the ice, shedding the family's belongings into the water as the rear door sprung open just before it sank to the floor of the lake. As it disappears into the hole, fishing gear can still be seen poking out of the window, and other cars can be seen driving on the ice behind. According to police, no one was injured and the car was later recovered. | The family of three were visiting lake near Changchun, in north-east China .
They cut a hole in the frozen lake through which they were fishing .
But they parked beside the hole and sat in the car so they would stay warm .
Police believe the car's hot engine caused the ice beneath it to crack .
The mother, father and child were fortunate to escape from sinking vehicle . |
39,167 | 6eaec304564776a976f445df117d65383f492106 | (CNN) -- Al Qaeda-linked militants have banned three international aid groups from working in Somalia, claiming they are "actively propagating Christianity" in the predominantly Muslim nation. Al-Shabaab, the Islamist militant group battling Somalia's U.N.-backed transitional government, ordered World Vision, Adventist Development and Relief Agency and Diakonia to cease their operations. "Acting as missionaries under the guise of humanitarian work, the organizations have been spreading their corrupted ideologies in order to taint the pure creed of the Muslims in Somalia," the militant group said in a statement Monday. "Along with their missionary work, the proliferation of corruption and indecency has become prevalent as a result of their presence," the statement said, warning other non-governmental groups against engaging in "similar activities" All three organizations are Christian aid groups. However, as signatories of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement code of conduct, they have specific polices against proselytizing when distributing aid. World Vision -- which serves about 100 million people in nearly 100 countries around the world -- said it was "surprised and disappointed" by Al-Shabaab's order. The group said it is motivated by its faith to help those living in poverty, but is impartial when handing out aid. "World Vision Somalia received a demand today from Al-Shabaab to close operations in Somalia," World Vision said in a statement Monday. "World Vision guards were disarmed and their keys were taken. Nothing was removed from the offices although Al-Shabaab representatives occupied the offices." The group said its operations in south central Somalia have been temporarily suspended as "we plan our next steps." ADRA said its work in Somalia as solely focused on implementing emergency relief and development since 1992. More than 650,000 Somalis benefited from the group's humanitarian work in 2008, the group said in a statement. "ADRA remains committed to serving the people of Somalia as circumstances allow," the group said. There was no immediate response from Diakonia, a joint international development organization of five Swedish churches. According to its website, the group has regional offices in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America and has aid operations in Somalia. | Al-Shabaab has ordered three aid groups to cease operations in Somalia .
The Islamist militant group is accusing the groups of spreading Christianity .
The groups say they are motivated by faith, but don't proselytize . |
218,639 | a705a52bd244bc11b66cefaa3ddfe0eee4949e50 | The pilot of a holiday jet to Tenerife declared a Mayday emergency after one of its two engines failed at 35,000ft over the Atlantic. The Jet2 flight from Glasgow was packed with families – including three babies and 47 children aged two to 16 – heading for sunshine breaks during the half-term school holiday. The drama began as the Boeing 737-800 with 197 people on board – 191 passengers and six crew – was 30 minutes from its destination. Scroll down for video . The pilot of a Jet2 flight from Glasgow to Tenerife declared a Mayday emergency after one of its two engines failed at 35,000ft . The airline confirmed to the Daily Mail that the pilot of the aircraft, registered G-GDFY, had issued a Mayday alert three-quarters of the way through the three and a half hour flight to the holiday isle on Monday after the engine failed. It said there had been an 'engine oil pressure issue' which led to the 'controlled shutdown' of one engine as a 'precautionary measure' following a 'technical fault indication'. The incident has been logged with UK and Spanish safety authorities, it said. As a UK registered plane, the pilot has to file an incident report within four days to the Civil Aviation Authority. The drama on board flight LS155, which took off on Monday at 9am, happened just north of the Portuguese island of Madeira. The aircraft descended quickly by 10,000ft to 25,000ft to stabilise. The drama on board flight LS155, which took off on Monday at 9am, happened just 30 minutes before it was due to land when flying just north of the Portuguese island of Madeira . An airline spokesman said there had been an 'engine oil pressure issue' which led to the 'controlled shutdown' before landing at Tenerife Airport (pictured) One insider said that in addition to the verbal Mayday the pilot had issued a 'Squawk 7700' digital alert code to warn air traffic controllers on their screens of the emergency. 'There were oil pressure warnings on the Number 1 engine which was subsequently shut down,' said the insider. 'The pilot issued a Squawk 7700 Mayday emergency warning to air traffic controllers.' A spokesman for Jet2 said: 'Flight LS155 departed Glasgow on Monday morning at 9am local time. 'Around 30 minutes prior to landing in Tenerife passengers were informed there would be a controlled shutdown of one of the engines as a precautionary measure, due to a technical fault indication. The aircraft landed safely at 13.38.' Jet2 said its aircraft are always within 60 minutes' flying time of an airport if flying on a single engine, adding: 'Flight Ops (operations) confirmed the pilot carried out a precautionary engine shutdown in line with Boeing procedures.' Last week, angry Jet2 passengers said they were left to wait an hour in the cold at Manchester Airport after their Alicante flight was diverted there. Holidaymakers returning from Spain on Thursday night described the scenes as 'total chaos'. The flight was originally scheduled for Blackpool but Jet2 changed the destination after an announcement the airport would be closing when no buyer could be found. Passenger Jackie Hughson said people, including those who were elderly and infirm, had to walk a long distance to the terminal, adding: 'People had to struggle on a long walk to get to where the coaches were supposed to be and there were no wheelchairs.' Jet2 apologised for the disruption, adding: 'The Alicante flight was originally set to return to Blackpool Airport. However, restrictions in place at Blackpool meant we had to return to Manchester.' | Holiday jet flying from Glasgow to Tenerife declared a Mayday emergency .
Three babies and 47 children aged two to 16 were among 191 passengers .
Boeing 737-800 was 30 minutes from its destination when alert was issued .
There was a 'controlled shutdown' of one engine after oil pressure problem .
The aircraft descended quickly by 10,000ft to stabilise at 25,000ft . |
140,531 | 41b84051ad4f6c373cbc8718e7e8db7502185cf7 | Juan Mata claimed David de Gea's new haircut brought him luck after the Spanish stopper pulled off a number of impressive saves against Everton. Manchester United won the game 2-1 with goals from Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao, but it was the performance of United's keeper that proved decisive. The 23-year-old pulled off a string of remarkable saves - including a penalty from Leighton Baines, who had not previously missed in the Premier League - and Mata claimed the former Atletico Madrid man's new trim may have provided a helping hand. Juan Mata said Manchester United team-mate David de Gea new haircut brought him luck against Everton . The former Atletico Madrid goalkeeper's old haircut (left) and his new 'lucky' trim (right) Writing on his blog, Mata said: 'We took the lead thanks to Ángel (di Maria) and then David (de Gea) started his amazing performance. First he saved (Leighton) Baines’ penalty. 'In the second half they tied the game and later on Radamel (Falcao) scored (I am very happy for you, the first one of many more goals, I’m sure). 'And then David did several extraordinary saves to keep the three points at home. What a superb performance! It seems his new haircut brought him luck…!' The win moves Louis van Gaal's side into the top four of the Premier League, a position they have not occupied for more than a year. The 23-year-old saved a penalty from Leighton Baines, who had not previously missed in the Premier League . Everton continued to press for an equaliser, and United had De Gea to thank for protecting their lead . De Gea's performance helped his side into the Premier League top four for the first time in more than a year . | Manchester United beat Everton 2-1 at Old Trafford .
The win moves Louis van Gaal's side up to fourth in Premier League table .
Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao scored .
But David de Gea arguably won them the match with number of key saves .
De Gea saved a penalty from Leighton Baines .
Juan Mata says De Gea's new haircut brought him luck . |
144,655 | 4712efdf5691065071d66cce34ee8909ba89f154 | By . Travelmail Reporter . Move over Tulum - Riviera Nayarit is fast becoming Mexico's hottest destination. With Kim Kardashian and Kanye West sunning themselves on their second honeymoon in the West Mexican hotspot last week, the area is starting to get noticed. And not without good reason - as it boasts endless white, sandy beaches, world class . spas, championship golf courses and a huge yacht marina. Celebrity following: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West spent their second honeymoon in Riveira Nayarit . Instagram snaps: Kim Kardashian took these stunning snaps while she and her family holidayed in Mexico . While Kim and Kanye stayed in an exclusive private house, those with less budget (aka everyone) can stay in one of the many eco resorts, boutiques and bed and breakfasts available. Riviera . Nayarit stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by . the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible . Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the . entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of . Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta . Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and . spectacular Banderas Bay. Sunset paradise: Balinese beds line the beach at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, one of the area's top resorts . Infinity pool: The Four Seasons Punta Mita offers affords visitors fantastic sea views and a glamorous setting . White sands at sunset: The beautiful and tranquil beaches of the Riviera Nayarit are gaining popularity . Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, . such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, . zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local . artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe. The area attracts holiday makers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range . of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique . hotels and smaller bed and breakfasts. Aerial view: The impressive sight of Riviera Nayarit's azure blue sea and white sand from above . Totally tropical taste: A local stall sells colourful fruits and juices by the beach . Bright and beautiful: A colourful neighbourhood restaurant in San Pancho, Nayarit . Foodies will love the Suite Coral . at the Four Seasons Punta Mita, which comes with its own private pool . and access to the beach, also has an in-house chef to join . your party and whip up a meal. Luxury lovers can sip champagne at Altamira Bar overlooking the infinity drop . fountain at the St Regis Punta Mita or indulge in a pamper session at . its state-of-the-art, Remede Spa. Or for more adventure, there's always zip-lining through the mountains overlooking Sayulita at Rancho Mi Chaparrita. | Mexico’s hippest new destination, Riviera .
Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by .
the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains .
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West spent their second honeymoon there .
The region chic luxury resorts as well as eco-tourism boutique .
hotels . |
112,582 | 1d3eb95d0bfeb9c3a41dea7383f78716726e3dc1 | (CNN) -- Family, friends, and other mourners will lay to rest the body of Autumn Pasquale, the 12-year-old-girl prosecutors say two teenage neighbors murdered last week in Clayton, New Jersey, on Saturday. A public viewing will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, followed by a funeral Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Glassboro. Burial will be at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Clayton, according to Barclay Funeral Home. "I know she's up there..." a distraught Anthony Pasquale, Autumn's father, told CNN affiliate WPVI in Philadelphia. "She's in good hands. She's going to be watching over us. She's going to be our little angel." "She'd want us to stay strong," added Jenn Cornwell, Autumn's mother. Two teenage brothers were arrested Wednesday and charged with first-degree murder in Pasquale's death, according to authorities. "The brothers are ages 15 and 17 years old, and both are in police custody," Gloucester County Prosecutor Sean Dalton said Tuesday, adding that the younger brother had also been charged with one count of luring. Prosecutors believe Autumn was lured this past weekend to the home of the boys' family, where they murdered her -- possibly for her BMX bike, which police found among some of the girl's belongings when they searched the site early Tuesday. Autumn's body was found Monday in a recycling container. Dalton said she was strangled and died from blunt-force trauma, but based on preliminary findings, there were no signs of sexual assault. Police were aided by the suspects' mother, who contacted police because of a suspicious Facebook posting, according to Dalton. The young suspects turned themselves in, accompanied by their court appointed attorneys, on Tuesday. "We're strongly considering waiving them to adult court. However, we want to let the process take its part," Dalton said. In New Jersey, authorities are not permitted to release the names of juveniles charged with a crime. "They need to pay for what they did for my daughter," Cornwell told WPVI. According Bernie Weisenfeld, spokesman for the Gloucester County Prosecutor's office, the juvenile defendants are due in court Friday morning for a detention hearing. | Funeral for 12-year-old girl killed in New Jersey will be Saturday .
Two juveniles charged with first-degree murder will appear in court Friday .
Police were led to pair of brothers by the teens' mothers .
Authorities are considering charging the pair as adults . |
144,631 | 470a193974b98df2fc1a81dfbdf2fb430f2b6480 | Didier Drogba insists that Chelsea want to achieve 'something great' this season - by claiming multiple trophies, including the FA Cup. The Blues begin their FA Cup campaign on Sunday when they host Championship side Watford in the third round. And it is one of four trophies they could still claim this campaign, with Chelsea having reached the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup, the last 16 of the Champions League and they also lead the Premier League alongside Manchester City. Didier Drogba slides to celebrate scoring for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur in December . The former Ivory Coast striker nets against Shrewsbury Town at Greenhous Meaow in the Capital One Cup . But Drogba is determined to ensure it is a season to remember at Stamford Bridge. He told Chelsea TV: 'We have to do it (win something) together. 'We want to achieve something great and I think that is why we have played well this season. I hope at the end of it we will be able to say together we won this trophy, this trophy and this trophy. 'And yes, I would love to win another FA Cup. I would love to win it for the club and for the fans as well. I know the feeling the fans have when we get to a final. We share the same feeling. 'It would be nice to go back to Wembley together again and make history.' Harry Kane celebrates scoring for Tottenham during their 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year's Day . Kane added his second and Tottenham's fourth with a smart finish across Thibaut Courtois and into his net . A 5-3 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on New Year's Day has allowed Man City to join the Blues at the summit of the Premier League. So Drogba and Chelsea are determined to get back to winning ways - first against Watford in the Cup and then against Newcastle United next Saturday in the Premier League. The 36-year-old continued: 'The mentality is always to get closer to Wembley. You win this round; you go to the next one. 'If you have to replay a game you do it but really the thing is to get to Wembley because it's a fantastic stadium and the FA Cup is only good when you win it. Andros Townsend then scored a third from the penalty spot after Kane was brought down by Gary Cahill . Diego Costa gave Premier League leaders Chelsea a lead at White Hart Lane before Spurs stormed back . 'If you get to the final that's when you really know you have a chance to win the trophy because when you come in you see the cup. Everything changes. 'We always play to win. The more you win this competition the more you are connected to it. I think it's been two-and-a-half years since we won it last so it would be good for us to go to Wembley again and win it but it's a long journey ahead.' Jose Mourinho is determined to secure silverware this season having failed to pick up a single trophy in his first campaign back at Stamford Bridge last year. Drogba (second left) and his Chelsea team-mate parade the FA Cup and Premier League trophies in May 2010 . And former Marseille, Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray striker Drogba is determined that the 'big competition' that is the FA Cup be one of them. The ex-Ivory Coast international added: 'Even when I was in France it was a big competition. 'We all watched the FA Cup final as though it was the last game of the season. I used to see players that I was and still am a big fan of playing and scoring in these finals, people like Cantona and Anelka. Drogba (left), Florent Malouda (second left), John Terry (second right) and Frank Lampard lift the FA Cup . 'It's a great competition for English football, one where you can find a team from a lower division or a team that is struggling in the league in the semi-final or the final. The atmosphere for the games, with all the fans travelling to support their teams, is special. 'When I think of the FA Cup I have these images of (Roberto) di Matteo, (Eric) Cantona, (Nicolas) Anelka scoring in the final at the old Wembley. I always dreamed of playing at the old Wembley but I didn't have the chance because they built the new one. 'I was lucky then to create some kind of history at the new stadium (with Chelsea).' Drogba runs off celebrating after scoring in extra time against Manchester United in the 2007 FA Cup final . | Chelsea host Watford in the FA Cup third round on Sunday .
Didier Drogba believes Chelsea can achieve 'something great' this year .
The 31-year-old is aiming for success in FA Cup this season .
But he wants Chelsea to lift more than one trophy this campaign . |
110,730 | 1abcc985afb30ea565f4d513cfc634b56e2fbac9 | A Project Runway: All Stars contestant recreated the Givenchy Haute Couture gown worn by Oscar nominee Rosamund Pike at last night's Academy Awards ceremony - in just five hours. Sonjia Williams, 27, from Boston, worked through the night in order to finish the design, which was modeled by Today show host Natalie Morales during this morning's broadcast. 'I picked up a couple of fabrics [before the ceremony aired],' the designer explained to Today anchor Savannah Guthrie. Scroll down for video . Spot the difference: Today show host Natalie Morales (L) modeled a copy of the Givenchy Haute Couture gown worn by Rosamund Pike (R) at last night's Oscars . It's in the detail: While designer Sonjia Williams did not have access to the same kind of lace fabric used on the original Givenchy design, she copied every other aspect of the gown, including the scalloped neckline . The real deal: Rosamund's dress was viewed by many as one of the highlights of last night's red carpet . Hard at work: Sonjia, pictured in the Today show studio, admitted that she had worked through the night in order to finish her design . 'I thought I was bound to see something red on the red carpet, obviously. I didn't have any lace but I had this red leather leftover and I thought that it would give that same look that you can see with the detailing on the side and on the belt. 'So I used that and then did the scalloping detail on the neckline, and we have a close enough dress of what it would have been for me to have done it in five or six hours.' While the dress was not an exact replica of the beautifully-detailed lace-embellished gown worn by Rosamund last night, both Savannah and Natalie agreed that Sonjia had done the best job possible with the materials that she had available. 'We should say that Rosamund Pike's dress is a Givenchy dress, I mean it's fabulous and beautiful,' Savannah said, before asking Sonjia: 'You did this in how many hours? 'Five hours, I haven't slept!' the reality star admitted. She added: 'I didn't have the fabric, I didn't really know how I was going to make a dress that had the same look the way that the lace detailing is. You know [this material] is red crepe, it's not anything close to that fabric. The big reveal: Both Natalie (pictured) and Savannah Guthrie were thrilled with the final result . Leading lady: Rosamund was nominated for the Best Actress award for her role in Gone Girl at last night's ceremony, but lost out to Still Alice star Julianne Moore . Sewing star: Sonjia took to her Instagram account on Monday morning to thank the Today show for inviting her to take part in the challenge . 'But I think me having that red leather that really kind of made that pop with the color so you can see at least the detailing and it stands out.' Despite the frantic rush to get the design finished and fitted in time for Natalie to wear it on the show, Sonjia confessed that she had a great time taking part in the challenge - and took to Instagram shortly after appearing on the show to thank the Today team for having her. 'Thanks @todayshow for having me this morning!' she commented alongside an image of herself sitting in the studio with her sewing machine. 'I haven't slept since 7am yesterday but it was totally worth it.' While Rosamund, who was nominated for Best Actress for her role in thriller Gone Girl, did not take home a coveted statue at the end of the ceremony last night, the starlet and her beautifully-ornate gown were hailed by many as being among the top red carpet winners of the evening. 'Rosamund Pike absolutely slaying in @givenchy. How did she JUST have a kid?' one Twitter user commented, while another added: 'Rosamund Pike's dress?! WOW. Just wow.' | Sonjia Williams, 27, created her own version of the Gone Girl star's Givenchy dress last night .
The gown was modeled by Today show host Natalie Morales live on air on this morning's show . |
250,518 | d0367a17e42cd06a2d826f3c8521dedf4e9f40db | (CNN) -- Former NBA star and TNT sports analyst Charles Barkley attended the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday and answered five questions for CNN.com at the CNN Grill. Former NBA star Charles Barkley says the next president must deal with poverty and the war in Iraq. CNN.com: Why are you here in Denver? Barkley: I just wanted to be here. I'm just so excited. I never thought in my lifetime we'd have a black man with a legitimate shot of being president. CNN.com: Are you a Barack Obama supporter? Barkley: Barack has been a friend of mine for a long time. I met him when I was writing my last book, and he was running for Senate, and I got to know him, and we stayed in contact. I consider him a friend. I think he'd make a fantastic president. I want to make it clear that if I didn't think he could do the job, I wouldn't vote for him. I think he'd make a fantastic president. And I'm not voting for him because he's black. I think he's a great person. CNN.com: What do you think the Democrats need to do here to win the White House? Barkley: I think they've got to just make sure to get those troops home from Iraq, that's a big deal. But No. 1, we've got to give poor people a chance. America is divided by economics, and we as Americans, we've got to do a better job of supporting poor people. CNN.com: How? Barkley: We've got to improve the public school system. If you're born in this country poor, whether you're white or black, you're going to be born in a bad neighborhood; you're going to go to a bad school. It's going to be very difficult for poor people to be successful. iReport.com: Are you at the DNC? Share sights, sounds . CNN.com: What are you doing in Denver for fun? Barkley: I'm going to the Hill Harper party tonight. Last night we just went out and had a real nice meal and just took it easy because I knew today was going to be a long day. I just want to be here. Plain and simple. CNN.com: Are you running for governor in Alabama? Barkley: I'm planning on running for governor. I can't screw up Alabama. Politics, it's just so important, and I just want to do good things with my name, and I'm just going to keep continuing to do that. | Former NBA player Charles Barkley says he favors his friend Obama .
America's public schools should be a priority, Barkley says .
TNT sports analyst also says he's running for governor of Alabama .
"I just want to do good things with my name," he says . |
37,517 | 6a423eb6e0940593ea8e1493feddaf18a5ef197c | By . David Williams in Kabul . PUBLISHED: . 14:18 EST, 27 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:40 EST, 28 June 2013 . For 12 year-old Zara each tentative, nervous, deliberate movement of her feet was a step into the unknown. Three months ago she had been unable to walk at all and faced a desperate future in Afghanistan with little prospect of help or ever being able to marry and raise a family because she was born with the deformity of bilateral clubbed feet. But today supported gently and encouraged in each step by British aid worker Kate Rowlands she was able to walk around a rose-lined garden in a suburb of the Afghan capital Kabul before resting on the seat of a swing watched with delight by her mother Latifa. Inspirational: British aid worker Kate Rowlands . pictured with some of the disabled Afghan children she has been helping at The . Childrens House, a charity bringing medical treatment to the country's . poorest youngsters . Legacy: The work of Children's House is being supported by foundations set up in memory of Linda Norgrove, left, 36, who was kidnapped by the Taliban and killed in October 2010 as U.S. Special Forces tried to rescue her, and Dr Karen Woo, right, also 36, who was shot dead months earlier in an attack still shrouded in mystery . ‘To us this is a miracle, a gift of . life…a return to the type of life everyone should be able to live,’ the . smiling 29 year-old mother-of-five said. ‘We did not think that she . would ever be able to walk freely like this – and on her own.’ The . words ‘miracle’ and ‘gift of life’ are regularly used by the families . of some 35 Afghan youngsters receiving treatment at The Children’s . House, a French-run project in Kabul, that provides surgery, medical . care and a peaceful sanctuary during recovery for patients and their . families from all over Afghanistan. It . is a remarkable and inspirational project which is being backed by . foundations set-up in the memory of two equally remarkable and . inspirational British women killed while they tried to help the women . and children in the most impoverished areas of rural Afghanistan. Help: Ms Rowlands sits with, from left, . Rohullah, 13, a heart surgery patient, Zara, 12, who suffered from club . feet, and Enjillah, 13, a spinal surgery patient, all of whose . treatments were paid for by the Woo Foundation . So . far the treatment and care for Zara and 14 other children have been . paid for by grants from the Karen Woo Foundation established in memory . of the 36 year-old doctor, from Stevenage, Herts, who was kidnapped and . murdered in August 2010 in the remote mountainous Badakshan Province to . the north east of the war ravaged country. A . former dancer and model, Dr Woo, who specialised in providing maternal . and neonatal care, was on her third visit to Afghanistan when she and . nine other aid workers were ambushed in an attack initially blamed on . the Taliban but still shrouded in mystery. A . further eight of the children are being helped thanks to the financial . backing provided by the Linda Norgrove Foundation set-up in memory of . the 36 year-old Scottish aid worker, who died in October 2010 in a . failed pre-dawn rescue by US Special Forces after being kidnapped by the . Taliban in Kunar Province, eastern Afghanistan. Finding her feet: Zara has had three operations to correct her club feet to enable her to walk for the first time. Doctors expect that within six months she will be able to walk freely without pain or difficulties . ‘It is so very sad what happened to . two special women who were doing so much to help the people of . Afghanistan but I am sure they would have been pleased that part of . their legacy would be they were continuing to help the children, women . and families of this country,’ said Ms Rowlands, Project Coordinator for . Le Chaine de l’espoir, the organisation behind The Children’s House. The 57-year-old, from Conwy, North . Wales, continued : ‘When Karen came here she would play with the . children, they loved her and there was a bond – the rural children were . very close to her and Linda’s hearts ... they helped so many of them in . so many ways. ‘Both were . caring young women who gave so much to improve these little people’s . lives and I am sure they would have been very proud of what is being . done in their names. ‘While . it is incredibly sad these foundations exist because both girls have . died, we are delighted their families have the confidence in us and in . our work to back us. Their support is changing lives immeasurably for . the better, the success in each individual case provides hope for . others.’ Bright eyes: Eighteen-month-old Samir is seen here prior to surgery to correct his cleft palate . Massive change: Samir in the sunshine in the garden of Children's House following the surgery . Transformation: Eight month-old Abil pictured before and after surgery to correct his cleft lip and palate . Sheltering in a tented area from the . baking sun with his mother, eight month-old Abil, who underwent an . operation for a cleft lip, is one of those currently being helped by the . Woo Foundation, set-up by the doctor’s mother and friends to support . projects dear to her heart. While . the transformation in 13 year-old Rohullah (open heart surgery) and . Enjillah (deformity of the spine), has been so great that both were able . to sit happily on swings in the walled garden of the project’s . headquarters tucked away off a crowded Kabul street and the very real . threat of the Taliban’s now regular brutal attacks on their targets in . the capital. Zara has so far . undergone three operations to correct her clubbed feet and doctors . expect that within six months she will be able to walk freely without . pain or difficulties – something her family believes will inspire others . among what they call ‘the forgotten, abandoned people’ living in the . harsh often desperate rural communities to seek help. Easily treated: Seven-month-old Esanllah pictured as she arrived at Children's House, before undergoing surgery to correct her cleft palate . Some . have travelled for days to reach the sanctuary that is The Children . House - one youngster undertook a journey that began with him being . carried on a relative’s back before he was placed in a wooden cart and . then transferred to travel through the hills on the back of a donkey. Bus and car saw him reach Kabul after nearly four days. It is a journey . he has now made three times but thanks to the medical teams here and . their expertise to correct his twisted legs, he no longer needs to be . carried by a relative. ‘Karen and Linda would have been . pleased that the work done here has spread rapidly by word of mouth so . that we are being approached for help from throughout Afghanistan,’ said . Ms Rowlands, who has worked in Afghanistan over two decades as well as . with other humanitarian crisis points such as Iraq and Rwanda while . overseeing a project backing schools for girls in the Panshir Valley, . near the Hindu Kush mountain range, some 100 miles north of Kabul. ‘Even . in the most distant, remote border areas where there are no such things . as telephones families are hearing of us and the fact that we provide . both medical and after care thanks to the support we receive from the . charities. ‘Around 100 news . cases a month are being helped with their lives changed forever for the . better and much of it is thanks to the legacy of Karen and Linda.’ New life: Esanllah with her mother in the garden of Children's House after successful surgery to treat her . Miss Norgrove’s parents John and Lorna . travelled to Kabul earlier this year to witnesses how children were . being helped and yesterday seven month-old Esanllah, recovering from . surgery to a cleft lip and palate, and Ferous, nine, whose twisted . deformity of the legs has been corrected, were preparing with members of . their families to leave after work paid for by the foundation. ‘The . foundations have been able to help specific children – we see a lot of . club feet, heart problems, curvature of the spine and cleft palate and . lips – and their work makes a huge difference,’ Ms Rowlands said. ‘In . days gone by these children would have died or if they had survived, . their quality of life would have been very much compromised or they . would have been outcasts. ‘It . is very difficult for people in Britain to quite understand how remote . these people are from the kind of health care which we see as part of . our fabric of life. There is no such thing here, there is a lack of . education, lack of health care and poverty ... so for children like . these, unless we help and provide treatment, the future is not good ... it is very bleak.’ Standing tall: Nine-year-old Ferous pictured at Children's House before and after surgery to correct his twisted deformity of the legs that was paid for by the foundation set up in memory of Miss Norgrove . She added : ‘The perception of Afghanistan is that it is all bad news and that makes me crazy because in places like this (Children’s House), there is so much good and positive news.’ Latifa agreed : ‘It is wonderful what . has happened to Zara – she has had surgery three times – and is now . happy that she can walk. She is looking forward so that one day she too . can play and live like other girls. ‘To . the people of the Karen Woo Foundation I would say thank you for . changing lives, for helping the children of Afghanistan and thank you . personally for helping my child. You have made me proud’ A chance to smile: Thanks to their treatments Enjillah and Zara now have hope of overcoming their disabilities . They are heartfelt words that may provide some comfort and pride to the family of Dr Woo – words echoed elsewhere across the Afghan capital by those they are helping at The Childlight Foundation which provides vital equipment for orphanages, holds educational seminars for women and provides clothing, books and other much needed supplies to women’s prisons . Donations to help those at The Children’s House can be made by visiting the websites of the Woo Foundation, the Norgrove Foundation and the The French Medical Institute For Children. | Foundations set up in memory of murdered British aid workers Karen Woo and Linda Norgrove are supporting the treatment of disabled youngsters .
Both women were killed in Afghanistan in separate incidents in 2010 as they tried to give aid to the country's most impoverished people . |
161,418 | 5cb02ad790debf94e2b5ad0e07fd818ed9f1d122 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 11:23 EST, 25 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 02:03 EST, 26 October 2012 . Katie Krivan says she feels lucky to be alive after surviving breast cancer when she was just 30 . A woman who volunteered to work with lions said one saved her life... after biting her on her breast. Katie Krivan, 30, was working as a volunteer at a lion park in South Africa last year when the nine-month old cub bounded up to her and bit her. Although the bite was not serious she kept an eye on the wound and the following month discovered a lump. The next month, Miss Krivan, an investment analyst from London, was diagnosed with breast cancer and had emergency surgery four days later. She faced months of painful treatment and worry, but the condition is now in remission and she says she feels lucky to be alive. She said: 'Not many people can say a lion bite saved their life, but it is true for me.' Miss Krivan says she decided to describe her unusual ordeal as October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. She said she had never checked for signs of cancer before and, at 30, never considered she might develop breast cancer. It was only after receiving the bite in South Africa in January last year that she started to keep a close eye on skin near the wound. She said: 'I always liked big cats, so I thought it would be cool to volunteer somewhere I could be with them every day. 'The first day I was there, they took me into an enclosure and a nine-month-old lion ran up and bit me. It wasn’t serious. I just got such a shock, but it left a mark. Katie noticed her lump after she suffered a bite from a young lion at a safari park (file photo) 'It was from checking that that I first noticed the lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer the following month. 'It was the worst day of my life. I went through all emotions at once - shock, denial, anger, hopelessness and devastation. 'I thought: "This happens to other people, not me. I’m too young."' After having surgery, she was put on a course of chemotherapy. 'I was so sick that I couldn’t even get out of bed,' she said. 'I suffered insomnia, mouth ulcers, mouth thrush, achy body, headaches and was often near to collapsing. I also lost my nice thick hair - which was devastating.' Miss Krivan praised staff at the Haven breast cancer centre in Fulham who have supported her in her struggle to beat the disease. She added: 'Looking back, I can’t believe what I have gone through. 'People tell me I’ve coped amazingly, but the truth is that I do worry that the cancer will come back. For now though, I am just so grateful to still be alive.' | Katie Krivan received nip on the breast from lion cub in South Africa .
She regularly checked the healing wound and noticed a lump the next month .
Doctors diagnosed her with breast cancer and she had surgery and chemotherapy .
Katie is now in remission . |
98,796 | 0b3d5ccc31d46a056d83e3543e7b4ab388e8ecc1 | (CNN) -- Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has had an operation on his groin and will be out of action for four weeks, the English Premier League club confirmed on Friday. The England midfielder is thought to have sustained the injury during the February 6 victory at Chelsea, although he continued to play for the club until Sunday's 3-1 win over league leaders Manchester United. However, Gerrard did not travel to Portugal for Thursday's 1-0 defeat at Braga and will now miss the return leg of the Europa League last-16 tie at Anfield on March 17. "Gerrard has undergone successful surgery on his groin and will be out for up to four weeks. The decision was made following consultation with a specialist," said a statement on Liverpool's official website. The 30-year-old will now miss at least three Premier League games, including upcoming trips to Sunderland and West Brom plus a home game against Manchester City. With Liverpool lying in sixth position in the table, the best manager Kenny Dalglish can hope for is that his skipper will have recovered in time for the club's last six league matches this season. Gerrard has also been ruled out of England's Euro 2012 qualifying match against Wales on March 26, as well as a friendly against Ghana. United will be without Nani for Saturday's FA Cup quarterfinal against Arsenal, with the influential Portugal winger expected to be sidelined for about three weeks after requiring stitches in the leg injury he suffered against Liverpool. "We have managed to stitch it, which is great news," United manager Alex Ferguson told reporters. "What we are guarding against is infection, but the swelling has gone down a great deal. "It is very difficult to say when he will be back but we do have a two-week break after next Saturday. He will be ready for the return of that, that's for sure." England defender Rio Ferdinand and midfielder Park Ji-Sung remain sidelined, but Serbia center-back Nemanja Vidic returns from suspension as Ferguson prepares for first Arsenal and then Tuesday's second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie at home to Marseille. | Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is sidelined with a groin injury for four weeks .
Midfielder picked up problem in his side's win over EPL rivals Chelsea on February 6 .
England star also ruled out of his country's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales .
Manchester United's Nemanja Vidic returns for FA Cup quarterfinal against Arsenal . |
50,830 | 8fda6917067d385d8f4cc62f563d56e242af5f0a | Editor's note: Join Roland S. Martin for his weekly sound-off segment on CNN.com Live at 10:30 a.m. ET Wednesday. If you're passionate about politics, he wants to hear from you. A nationally syndicated columnist, Martin has said he will vote for Barack Obama in November. He is the author of "Listening to the Spirit Within: 50 Perspectives on Faith" and "Speak, Brother! A Black Man's View of America." Visit his Web site for more information. Roland S. Martin says Lifeway Christian Stores should be given hell for its actions against GospelToday. (CNN) -- In the 19 years that Teresa Hairston has published her magazine, GospelToday, she has never faced a major situation with Christian bookstores across the country that carry the publication. She's tackled any number of issues over the years,and has featured a number of celebrities and ministers, ranging from Yolanda Adams to Bishop T.D. Jakes to Kirk Franklin. But when the Atlanta, Georgia, entrepreneur decided to feature five female pastors on her cover this month, she says, Lifeway Christian Stores treated her like she had converted her Christian publication to something akin to the tastes of porn purveyor Larry Flynt. Apparently, the owner of Lifeway, the Southern Baptist Convention, wasn't too happy with Hairston telling the story of female pastors, because the women go against their 2000 decree that only men can serve in the role of reverend or pastor. According to Hairston, the Christian company didn't even give her the courtesy of a heads-up. "We got an anonymous tip," she told me Tuesday on The Tom Joyner Morning Show, and after checking it out, she discovered that the magazine had been removed from the shelves in all of Lifeway's 100-plus stores nationwide and had been placed behind the counter. "They have never called me," Hairston said. "Never sent an e-mail. Nothing. I had to go see my distributor to verify what they had done." The actions of Lifeway didn't stun me. I had seen this movie before. A few years ago, my wife was a longtime Lifeway teacher. She had taught at the company's teaching centers for years, but then one day, she was notified that she would have to take down her Web site and comply with their rules against female pastors or be dropped as a teacher. Her crime? Calling herself the Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin. It wasn't that she did so for the heck of it. She graduated from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; was the first female staff pastor at Houston's Brookhollow Baptist Church/the Church Without Walls, a Southern Baptist Convention church; and has been leading folks to the Lord all over the country for 20 years. She was angered by Lifeway's decision but made it clear that she didn't serve the bookstore or even the Southern Baptist Convention. She made a commitment to serving Jesus Christ and was not about to back away from her call to ministry because a male-dominated organization decided that its interpretation of the Bible calls for a woman not to be in the pulpit. So she cut them off and kept on calling herself the Rev. Jacquie Hood Martin. Religious folks will quickly say that Scripture is clear that women can't be pastors and lead men, yet Hairston says that when she featured Pastor Paula White on her cover two years ago, Lifeway didn't take any action against the magazine. Anyone who has served in a church or been a member of any faith knows that there are those who have strict interpretations of their faith's writings, while others have a different interpretation. I've heard Brookhollow's pastor, the Rev. Dr. Ralph Douglas West Sr., preach several sermons stating that what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy with regards to only men preaching was specific to that church and not a blanket ban. Second, there were instances where Paul wrote that his views were his own and not mandates from God. That is a doctrinal fight that any of us can have any time (and I love it how these same Bible thumpers ignore the biblical story of Deborah, who was a judge in the Old Testament -- and was over men). But what is a greater issue is that Lifeway clearly has no respect for freedom of the press. Here is arguably the top Christian bookstore in the country making a decision based on their teachings and applying it to a magazine. A spokesman for Lifeway Resources, which runs the stores, was quoted in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week as saying of female pastors, "It is contrary to what we believe." So does Lifeway and, by extension, the Southern Baptist Convention, fight vigorously for freedom of religion, but it doesn't give a hoot about the other freedoms guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution? I now wonder whether Lifeway makes it its business to cull through any number of magazines and search for stories that go against its doctrine and pull them from the shelves. This is the kind of nonsense that drives more people away from religion. I suppose it's fitting that this story would come out the same time as Bill Maher releases his religious documentary, "Religulous," which skewers all the major religions for their dogma. I'm sure he feasted on positions of the Southern Baptist Convention. The conduct of Lifeway and the Southern Baptist Convention is shameful, and they owe Hairston an apology for their actions. Yet she's taken it in stride, saying that instead of giving the company hell, she'll "give them heaven." I say, give them a lot of hell for this, because they deserve it for actions. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the writer. | Lifeway stores put Christian magazine behind counter .
Magazine featured female pastors on its cover .
Lifeway has no respect for freedom of the press, Martin says .
Lifeway, Southern Baptist Convention should apologize, he says . |
146,084 | 48e5d405efb1ac7d14aeae5a55f29bcee1e4b4bd | Ahead of another weekend of the Barclays Premier League, Sportsmail brings you the latest squad news, odds and stats on every top flight fixture as it breaks. Simply click on your team in the fixture list below to find out who is ruled out and who is making a return as well as all the key statistics surrounding your club's fixture. In or out? Keep up-to-date with all the latest team news and stats ahead of the Premier League weekend . Will Diego Costa be fit for Chelsea's trip to Manchester United on Sunday having missed the last two games? SATURDAY . West Ham United vs Manchester City (12.45pm) Liverpool vs Hull City (3pm) Southampton vs Stoke City (3pm) Sunderland vs Arsenal (3pm) West Bromwich Albion vs Crystal Palace (3pm) Swansea City vs Leicester City (5.30pm) SUNDAY . Burnley vs Everton (1.30pm) Tottenham Hotspur vs Newcastle United (1.30pm) Manchester United vs Chelsea (4pm) MONDAY . QPR vs Aston Villa (8pm) | There is a full programme of Premier League action this weekend .
In the pick of the matches, Manchester United host Chelsea on Sunday .
Tottenham Hotspur host Newcastle United and Hull City travel to Liverpool .
Manchester City face a tough trip to Upton Park to face West Ham United . |
85,126 | f16ddd6ea2092bd8f05b2556cc200bb34e000ea9 | By . Francesca Infante . PUBLISHED: . 14:10 EST, 16 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:14 EST, 16 September 2013 . Sir George Castledine, 66, embarked upon a relationship with a vulnerable female patient who he was meant to be giving bereavement counselling but today he denied that his motives were either sexual or financial . A professor knighted for his role in nursing has admitted telling an 83-year-old patient that he needed to go to the gym and get fit so he could ‘make love’ to her. Sir George Castledine, 66, made regular visits to the woman’s home . late at night and declared his love for her in a series of phone calls . following the death of her husband of 59 years it is claimed. In an admission today, the married father-of-three confessed to calling the ‘vulnerable’ woman ‘darling’, ‘my little Tinkerbell’ and telling her ‘I love you’ during telephone conversations and taking her on holiday to Wales. During one call, Sir George, one of the country’s most respected nursing experts told her that he needed to go to the gym to get fit or he ‘wouldn’t be able to make love’ to her. Sir George also admitted lavishing the widow with gifts at Christmas and accepting presents of aftershave and flowers from her, the Nursing and Midwifery heard. He had previously denied the allegation which relates to failing to maintain appropriate professional boundaries with the woman, known only as Patient A. But today, Terry Munyard, representing Sir George, asked that the charge be put to him again telling the hearing: 'That claim is accepted by the registrant' Panel chair Susan Hurds said: 'I can formally announce that this charge, in its entirety, is admitted and found proved by way of that admission.' The allegation further states that the nurse, who was knighted for services to the healthcare profession in 2007, accompanied Patient A on a trip to Wales and continued to contact her despite knowing that she was emotionally dependent on him. Dr Elizabeth Offen, an expert witness in clinical psychology, told a conduct and competence committee: 'The very nature of counselling is that the patient reveals very intimate details about themselves, raw primitive emotions, and that leads to increased power. 'By entering into a relationship with a patient, a counsellor would be exploiting a position of trust.' She added that it would not be acceptable for a counsellor to accept gifts from a patient. The NMC heard that Patient A's two daughters and son, became concerned for their mother’s well-being after the death of their father in November 2008 and took her to see a GP who referred her for bereavement counselling. It was then that she met Sir George at Onneley House, part of the Institute of Ageing and Health, in Moseley, Birmingham. Patient A’s daughters became alarmed . about the relationship between their mother and Sir George when he . started presenting her gifts and ‘popping around’ unannounced. The concerns of the pensioner’s children grew when they began to suspect that Sir George was taking money from their mother. Onneley House, part of the Institute of Ageing and Health, in Moseley, Birmingham, where Patient A was referred for bereavement counselling following the death of her husband of 57 years in November 2008 . Sir . George also admits having further contact with Patient A, despite being . told not to by management at South Birmingham Community Health Trust. But he denies a series of allegations against him, including that his conduct was sexually or financially motivated. He also denies that he gave Patient A counselling when he did not have the sufficient experience or qualifications to do so. The panel heard that the relationship came to light after they began taping telephone conversations between them. Sir George is also accused of accepting thousands of pounds from the pensioner, when the relationship began in early 2009. Former Assistant Dean for the nursing faculty at Birmingham City University, and ex-nursing consultant at Dudley Group of Hospitals also Sir George worked in the Middle East and Africa for aid agencies. He was also awarded a medal from the British Geriatric Society in 2010 for his work in relieving the suffering of people in older age. The Oxford University graduate, who attended the central London hearing, was knighted for his services to the healthcare profession in 2007 and is a fellow of the Royal College of Nursing. He denies all but one of the allegations against him - if found guilty of misconduct he could be struck off the nursing register. The hearing continues. | Sir George Castledine admitted failing to maintain appropriate boundaries by whisking widow away on holiday, lavishing her with gifts and calling her 'My little Tinkerbell'
He was meant to be giving the 'vulnerable' woman bereavement counselling after her husband of 57 years died .
He was caught when the widow's concerned daughters began taping her phone calls and is also accused of accepting thousands of pounds from her . |
212,596 | 9f480bbeef10cc5bb662a2b16e6c7d183d1bef1c | By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 08:11 EST, 15 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:19 EST, 15 January 2013 . Brave: Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive a drop over the Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901 . Before Felix Baumgartner, or even Evel Knievel, there was a daredevil with much humbler ambitions - but by no means less mettle. Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to survive a trip over the Niagara Falls in a barrel in 1901. And her story is all the more extraordinary because it seems she never set out to become a record-breaker. After the death of her husband David in the American Civil War, she had lived a nomadic existing teaching on opposite coasts of the United States. But at the age of 62, she was facing a grim financial future and possible retirement in the poorhouse. In a bid to secure her financial future, she decided to become the first person to drop over the Niagara Falls on her 63rd birthday. Annie believed her feat would bring her fame and fortune by selling memorabilia, group signings and giving talks. But although her achievement made headlines around the world at the time, it didn't quite work out as planned and she lived the rest of her life in relative poverty. The New York Times reported how thousands of people gathered at the bottom of The Horseshoe Falls to witness her attempt, despite most thinking she stood little chance of surviving. Frank Russell, Annie's manager, had been warned he could be charged with manslaughter if she died during the attempt . The barrel was made from oak and iron and padded inside with a mattress . Annie Taylor believed she would make fame and fortune through her death-defying feat over the Niagara Falls . The tension was even more palpable for Annie's manager Frank Russel who had been warned he could be prosecuted for manslaughter by both Canadian and American police if she died. The custom-built barrel was around 1.4metres tall by 1m wide, made of oak and iron and padded with a mattress. After she got in a lid was put in place and a bicycle pump used to pressurize it. A 200lb anvil was used to weight it and it floated in an upright position through the rapids and down the 174-foot fall. A crowd of thousands reportedly gathered to watch the attempt although most didn't believe Annie would survive . Her first words after emerging from the barrel were 'I prayed every second except when I went unconscious' There were apparently several delays before the launch - particularly because no one wanted to be part of the potential suicide. Much to their amazement, the crowd saw the barrel bob back to the surface after a 20-minute journey over the edge. Many then doubted that the woman inside would still be alive. But Annie emerged unscathed and suffering only from a degree of shock. She told reporters how she had momentarily gone unconscious during the trip but thanked God for her survival. According to reports, Annie's first words were: 'I prayed every second I was in the barrel except for a few seconds after the fall when I went unconscious.' 'Nobody ought ever to do that again. If it was with my dying breath, I would caution anyone against attempting the feat. 'I would sooner walk up to the mouth of a cannon, knowing it was going to blow me to pieces than make another trip over the Fall.' Despite her achievement, Annie never achieved the wealth she desired, partly because her manager decamped with her barrel, and most of her savings were used towards private detectives hired to find it. | Annie Edson Taylor made the attempt because she didn't want to be poor .
School teacher thought the feat would bring her fame and fortune .
Police had threatened to charge her manager with manslaughter if she died . |
277,550 | f3932e5769fcd25e113fb7b9dde8bab9b6dcdff7 | By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 13:33 EST, 20 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:16 EST, 20 November 2013 . Classic car manufacturer Bristol Cars is facing a £300,000 payout after failing to convert a lawyer's vintage 1954 model into a coupe. Andrew Olins said he had long dreamed of owning the rare Bristol 405D and was overjoyed to be able to buy one as a birthday present to himself. He bought the car, one of only 43 ever built, for £20,000 in 2011 - and paid £153,000 extra for the manufacturer to convert it into a drophead coupé, the High Court heard according to the Evening Standard. Classic car manufacturer Bristol Cars is facing a £300,000 payout after failing to convert a lawyer's vintage 1954 model into a coupe. Andrew Olins with his classic Bristol 405 car soon after he bought it . But nine months later, Bristol Cars told Mr Olins it would not be able to complete the changes. The London based lawyer then decided to sue for breach on contract in March 2012. The company admitted it had lost key technical staff who had the knowledge about how the hand-built Bristol cars were made, a judge heard. There were 22 redundancies at the company before it went into administration and was taken over, it was said. According to the Evening Standard, Mr Olins told the court of his love for the car. A Bristol 405 4 Door Saloon, 1954 similar to Mr Olins's. Andrew Olins said he had long dreamed of owning the rare Bristol 405D and was overjoyed to be able to buy one as a birthday present to himself . He bought the car for £20,000 in 2011 - and paid £153,000 extra for the manufacturer to convert it into a drophead coupé. But the company failed . British luxury car manufacturers Bristol Cars was originally founded in 1946 as an off-shoot of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It has been reported that Bristol Cars will be contesting the level of damages vigorously . He said: 'It is quite rare to find a . 405D. I saw one with a cream exterior and ox blood red leather interior . in Piccadilly when I was 18 and fell in love with it. British luxury car manufacturers Bristol Cars was originally founded in 1946 as an off-shoot of the Bristol Aeroplane Company. Amongst . the roll-call of famous owners are Bono, Liam Gallagher, Tina Turner . and Sir Richard Branson but by the end, it's rumoured that the company . was shifting just 20 vehicles a year. It was bought in 1960 by former racing driver and RAF pilot Tony Crook who allegedly old sold the cars to people he liked. It has only one showroom, in Kensington, but has maintained a loyal customer base. 'At the time I thought to myself, if I could ever afford it, this was a car I would wish to drive.' Bristol Cars denied Mr Olins' claims and said the improvements - costing £153,000 - had only ever been as estimate. It also said no legal documentation had been signed, labelling the situation a 'fundamental shared mistake', and adding that the request for an automatic transmission by Mr Olins had always been an impossibility. The judge said claiming that there was no agreed price, or agreed maximum, was 'wholly unsustainable.' He added tthe company had 'agreed to adapt the automatic gearbox to suit this engine and match the transmission points as required.' Outside court, Mr Olins said he had been treated shabbily, and had paid £50,000 upfront. He is seeking between £200,000 and £300,000, and a hearing to assess damages will be held next year. It has been reported that Bristol Cars will be contesting the level of damages vigorously. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Andrew Olins said he had long dreamed of owning the rare Bristol 405D .
The car is one of only 43 ever built and he 'fell in love with it' as teen .
Bought car for £20,000 - and paid £153,000 extra for it to be converted .
But 9 months later, Bristol Cars said it wouldn't be able to make changes . |
221,739 | ab0a2c13ec999cee685f983f53c4c0fa81843555 | (CNN) -- If all goes as planned, the state of Texas will soon execute Rodney Reed for murdering Stacey Stites 18 years ago in the city of Georgetown. The only hitch in this plan is that Reed might actually be innocent of the crime. Getting to the bottom of this quandary might require little more than a simple DNA test of items recovered from the crime scene, as requested by his attorney and the Innocence Project. But if the state of Texas has its way, Reed will be executed without those tests ever being conducted. The fate of the DNA testing is the subject of a hearing in a Bastrop County court, scheduled for Tuesday. On the face of it, Reed's tireless claims of innocence are not without merit. The police investigation was riddled with glaring foibles and failures. Crucially, the detectives gave up briskly on investigating a likely suspect -- Stites' fiancé, Jimmy Fennell. Fennell was a police officer who was accused of committing acts of sexual violence and was ultimately sentenced to 10 years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman he took into police custody. Fennell, according to affidavits, was irate that his fiancée, a white woman, was having an affair with Reed, who is African-American. Why on earth, one wonders, would Texas battle fiercely against conducting the testing? Would it be naive to propose the state should welcome it? The answer cannot be the meager costs of running the tests or the negligible time they would take to run. Nor could the state claim to be acting out of respect for the victim's loved ones -- a dubious justification from the outset -- given that numerous members of her family are campaigning publicly on Reed's behalf. The best explanation for the state's aversion to the testing may be the dread of learning the truth. The prospect of finding that Reed is innocent would deliver a resounding condemnation of the state's criminal justice process -- its detectives, prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, jurors and appellate courts. The Reed case and others of its kind give Texas' criminal justice system a bad reputation, as they should. Yet justice in Texas is a study in contradictions. The state has taken formidable strides toward a more accurate criminal process. Following the leadership of outgoing Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins, numerous prosecutorial units have been established to uncover faulty convictions. Texas also boasts a statewide Criminal Justice Integrity Unit that recommends lessons learned from wrongful convictions and oversees policy reform. The state runs an active Forensic Science Commission that both promotes professionalization of the field and investigates complaints of scientific abuse. Texas has enacted a law that requires all police departments to adopt lineup procedures that comply with scientifically based best practices, and all major counties require taping of interrogations. Texas has also reacted admirably to some of the revelations of false convictions. Michael Morton spent almost 25 years in prison for the murder of his wife, a conviction that would likely have been averted but for the misconduct of the prosecutor, Ken Anderson. In response to Morton's exoneration, the state enacted a sweeping law that mandates broad discovery of evidence to the defense. Moreover, Anderson, who had since become a district judge in Williamson County, was disbarred for his acts and briefly carted off to jail. None of these reforms should be taken to justify Texas' bullheaded decision to move ahead with the execution of Rodney Reed. No state should exact criminal punishment -- not to mention death -- before taking all feasible measures to verify the defendant's guilt. It is of course impossible to redo the investigation conducted so long ago or to amend its apparent flaws. But the state has an obligation to Reed, and to its citizenry in whose name it is about to execute Reed, to test every bit of remaining evidence. If the new evidence undermines Reed's guilt, he should be allowed to walk out of prison as a free man for the first time in 18 years, and the Georgetown police should reopen the investigation of the barbarous murder of Stacey Stites. | Dan Simon: Texas may execute Rodney Reed for murder, except he might be innocent .
Simon says the answer to Reed's innocence or guilt hinges on getting DNA testing .
Simon says the state may be afraid of testing because it may learn that it made a mistake .
Texas should take all feasible ways to verify defendant's guilt before execution, he says . |
4,600 | 0d3d28cab07a08b2e7cf8915405a0b7945f26456 | A drunken driver who struck and killed two teenage cousins on a southern New Jersey roadway two years ago has pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter charges. Cape May County prosecutors say 33-year-old Joshua Malmgren of Middle Township is expected to receive two nine-year state prison terms when he’s sentenced December 5. Prosecutors say Malmgren was driving drunk and texting in July 2012 when his sport utility vehicle hit 15-year-old Nioami Lazicki and her cousin 13-year-old Ashley Dauber of Philadelphia on a Middle Township road. Guilty plea: Two years after hitting and killing two girls in his car, Joshua Malmgren has admitted to drunken driving and texting before the tragic incident . Cousins: Ashley Dauber (left) and Nioami Lazicki (right) were walking home from a playground when they were hit by Malmgren, who veered off the road while texting and had a blood-alcohol reading of double the legal limit . Close: Ashley Dauber (right) was visiting from Philadelphia when the tragedy occurred. The younger sister of Nioami Lazicki (left) managed to escape Malmgren's car . Lazicki’s 14-year-old sister was walking with them but was able to get out of the way of the vehicle. The three girls were walking home from a playground along Bayshore Road near the Green Creek Firehouse in Middle Township on July 31, 2012, when the incident occurred. Malmgren was driving in the eastbound lanes of Bayshore Road when he veered into the shoulder and hit the two girls. They were both pronounced dead at the scene. Plea deal: Malmgren initially pleaded not guilty and rejected an earlier plea bargain that would have seen him serve 25 years in jail . 'She suddenly had an urge to turn over her shoulder and she’d seen the headlights and got out of the way,' Bill Gaston, Nioami’s father told CBS of his surviving daughter. 'By the time she screamed, this guy was right on top of them.' Malmgren was found to have a blood alcohol reading of .183, more than twice the legal limit. He also admitted to having taken the prescription painkiller Tramadol and anti-anxiety drug Clonazepam in combination with the booze. When police arrived just minutes after the accident, they found Malmgren sitting under a tree, crying and hugging his knees, reports the Press of Atlantic City. Elizabeth Melli, the mother of Malmgren's two children and his on-off partner, testified in court that he had been on an alcohol and pain-pill binge of several days when the accident happened. Malmgren initially pleaded not guilty and had rejected a plea agreement that required him to serve 25 years, reports the Press of Atlantic City. He pleaded guilty under a new plea agreement. Under New Jersey state law, the No Early Release Act, he will have to serve 85 per cent of the sentence, or 15.3 years before he is eligible for parole. | Joshua Malmgren, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter charges .
In 2012, he hit and killed cousins Nioami Lazicki, 15, and Ashley Dauber, 13, as they walked home from a New Jersey playground .
He had a blood alcohol reading of .183, twice the legal limit, and admitted to taking prescription pills .
He was texting when he swerved into the shoulder of the road when the girls were walking .
He will likely receive two nine-year prison terms to be served consecutively . |
150,237 | 4e3edcde5e13114ad531f0e0885086d21ffcfa19 | (CNN) -- Hang onto your luggage, Boeing wants to fly you into space -- at least into low-Earth orbit. The aerospace company and a Virginia company have reached a preliminary agreement to sell seats on Boeing commercial crew spacecraft to individuals, companies, nongovernmental organizations, and U.S. federal agencies, Boeing said in a news release. The price of flights hasn't been decided but will be announced when full-scale development gets going. Virginia-based Space Adventures Ltd. has already successfully contracted and flown seven people on missions to the International Space Station, Boeing said. "By combining our talents, we can better offer safe, affordable transportation to commercial spaceflight customers," said Brewster Shaw, vice president and general manager of Boeing's Space Exploration division. The partnership still needs NASA and its international partners in the International Space Station to sign on, because that's where the space tourists would go. Such flights would meet NASA's intent to promote space commerce in low-Earth orbit, Boeing said. Meanwhile, the aerospace company is pushing ahead on the design for its CST-100 spacecraft, which can carry seven people. The spacecraft can fly on multiple launch vehicles and is expected to be operational by 2015, Boeing said. "We are excited about the potential to offer flights on Boeing's spacecraft," said Eric Anderson, co-founder and chairman of Space Adventures. "With our customer experience and Boeing's heritage in human spaceflight, our goal is not only to benefit the individuals who fly to space, but also to help make the resources of space available to the commercial sector by bringing the value from space back to Earth." Space Adventures says it offers terrestrial weightless flights to orbital missions and flights to the edge of space and has sent customers on more than 2,000 hours in space, traveling over 35 million miles. | Prices haven't been announced yet .
Boeing's partner has already flown seven people to the International Space Station .
The company expects its CST-100 spacecraft to be operational by 2015 . |
55,209 | 9c6164ae4f6ae34cb1de0393138445cf5589ec78 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Some Democrats appear to be wavering on a highly contentious House resolution labeling Turkey's treatment of Armenians in World War I as genocide. A KC-135 tanker lands at Incirlik Air Base in southern Turkey in 2003. Turkey, a longtime U.S. ally and NATO partner, was incensed by the resolution calling the killing of Armenians by Ottoman Turks genocide and threatened to block access to Incirlik Air Base after the resolution passed a House committee vote. The base, in southern Turkey near Syria, is a major resupply center for U.S. operations in Iraq and elsewhere in the Mideast and Asia. The Pentagon is preparing to set up new supply routes for troops in Iraq if Turkey cuts off U.S. access to the strategically important Incirlik, military officials said Tuesday. Ankara acknowledges the killings of Armenians during World War I but vehemently objects to the "genocide" label. The House Foreign Affairs Committee last week adopted the nonbinding resolution. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she would bring the measure to a vote of the full House sometime next month. But the Bush administration urged Congress to drop the issue, and some leading Democrats urged Pelosi not to bring it to the floor. Majority Leader Steny Hoyer signaled Tuesday that the vote might be put off. "I said I thought we would bring this up prior to us leaving here," said Hoyer of Maryland. "I have not changed on that, although I would be less than candid to say that there are a number of people who are revisiting their own positions. We will have to determine where everybody is." Democratic Rep. Ike Skelton, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, announced his opposition to the resolution last week. And Democratic Reps. Alcee Hastings of Florida and John Tanner of Tennessee, both members of the U.S. House delegation to NATO, urged Pelosi to reconsider in a letter released Tuesday. "More than half of the cargo flown into Iraq and Afghanistan comes through Incirlik Air Base, and this base would be a key component of any plans for redeployment of our troops in the future," they wrote. Lt. Gen. Carter Ham, the director of operations for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Pentagon planners are looking at "a broad range of options" to keep food, fuel and ammunition flowing to U.S. troops in Iraq if Turkey blocks Incirlik. "We're confident that we'll find ways to do that," Ham told reporters at the Pentagon. "There's likely to be some increased cost and some other implications for that, and obviously we'd prefer to maintain the access that we have." Defense Secretary Robert Gates echoed lawmakers' concerns last week. "About 70 percent of all air cargo going into Iraq goes through Turkey. ... About a third of the fuel that they consume goes through Turkey or comes from Turkey," Gates said. He also said that 95 percent of the Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protective vehicles, or MRAPs, being deployed in Iraq are flown through Turkey. The vehicles are built to withstand roadside bombs. See Incirlik's key location » . The U.S. military issued a "warning order" a few days ago to ensure that alternative air crews, planes, fuel and routes are lined up if Turkey stops or restricts U.S. access to Incirlik, a source said. Jordan and Kuwait are among the alternatives the United States is considering. Some fear pursuit of the resolution would also embolden the Turks to attack Kurdish rebels in northern Iraq which could further complicate Iraqi stability, U.S. officials said. Incirlik offers 10,000- and 9,000-foot runways and 57 hardened aircraft shelters, according Globalsecurity.org, a source of background information about military issues. Globalsecurity said Incirlik has become a hub for cargo shipments to Iraq, taking over for Rhein-Main Air Base in Germany because it is closer to Iraq, reducing the strain on troops and aircraft. E-mail to a friend . CNN's Barbara Starr and Deirdre Walsh contributed to this report. | NEW: Majority Leader says a number of Dems are "revisiting their own positions"
Turkey is upset about World War I "genocide" resolution in Congress .
House resolution calls killing of Armenians "genocide"
Incirlik Air Base is key point for U.S. military supply of Iraq mission . |
193,363 | 86513ca151c05ccc93bed73bf438bc88c232b79d | By . Michael Zennie and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 17:17 EST, 18 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:51 EST, 19 March 2013 . Steve Davis, Oklahoma University's star quarterback from its 1974-75 back-to back national championship wins was one of two people killed when a small aircraft smashed into three homes in South Bend, Indiana on Sunday. St. Joseph County Coroner Randy Magdalinski today identified the victims as 60-year-old Davis and 58-year-old Wesley Caves, both of Tulsa, Oklahoma - Davis' parents, Jim and Patsy Davis confirmed his death to the Associated Press on Monday. 'He absolutely loved getting in the air,' said Deron Spoo, pastor at . First Baptist Church in Tulsa, where Davis went to church. Scroll down for video . Legend: Steve Davis playing football for University of Oklahoma (left) during which he won the national championship in 1974 and 1975 and in 2007 (right) aged 55 . South Bend firefighters work at a home on, Monday, March 18, 2013, in South Bend, after a plane crashed crashed on Sunday - killing two and injuring three others . Firefighters and rescue workers look over the scene in South Bend, Indiana in this March 17, 2013 photo courtesy of WNDU-TV after a small twin-jet aircraft crashed into houses near the South Bend Regional Airport . Caves owned the Beechcraft Premier I twin-jet that clipped one house before slamming into two more on Sunday afternoon. Caves had a pilot's license, but it was not immediately clear if he was flying the plane when it crashed. The plane leaked enough fuel to force the evacuation of hundreds of people from surrounding homes, but most residents were allowed to return Monday morning. Frank Sojka, 84, who lives in the first home that was struck, went back to his home Monday morning so he could retrieve some items. A total of eight homes remain under mandatory evacuation. 'I'm surprised people survived that,' he said as he sat in his car with his son, waiting for police to move the barricade on his street. Sojka said he was in the front bedroom of the home he's lived in for 55 years when he heard a loud, dull sound. 'I got up and went into the living room and I could see the sky through the ceiling and all kinds of debris in the far end of the living room,' he said. In this 1973 file photo, University of Oklahoma quarterback Steven Davis is photographed at the teams media day in Norman, Oklahoma (left) and (right) after winning the national championship in 1975 . The front part of the fuselage sat wedged inside the third house just southwest of the South Bend Regional Airport, where the pilot had tried to land the plane Sunday afternoon. Two others on board the plane survived, South Bend Assistant Fire Chief John Corthier said. South Bend Memorial Hospital spokeswoman Maggie Scroope said Monday that Jim Rogers was in serious condition and Christopher Evans was in fair condition. A woman who neighbors said lived in the middle house that was struck, Diana McKeown, was in fair condition, Scroope said. The plane began its journey in Tulsa, Okla. It is registered to 7700 Enterprises in Helena, Mont., which does business in Tulsa as DigiCut Systems and is owned by Caves. Spoo said he did not know the connection between Davis and Caves. Davis went 32-1-1 as the Sooners' starter from 1973 to 1975, starting every game of Barry Switzer's first three seasons as head coach. South Bend firefighters work at the scene, where the plane crashed on Sunday, near the South Bend Regional Airport, Indiana . Oklahoma tied Southern California in the second game of the 1973 season, and then ran off 28 straight victories with Davis under center. The Sooners went 11-0 in 1974. They won the national title again the following year after going 11-1. Davis had joined the about 3,600-member congregation a couple of decades ago, but his travels and work took him elsewhere, Scroope said. He noted that in the last few years, Davis had become a more active member of the church. 'As followers of Jesus, we have two commands: One is to love God; the other is to love people, and Steve fulfilled those commands with excellence,' he said. Mike Daigle, executive director of the St. Joseph County Airport Authority, said the plane attempted a landing at the South Bend airport about 4:15 p.m., then went back up and maneuvered south to try another landing, but eight minutes later, the airport learned the plane was no longer airborne. South Bend police and fire officials look through a home where the private plane crashed into three homes on Sunday . He provided no information to indicate if the pilot said the plane was experiencing mechanical trouble. Daigle said Monday he has no firsthand knowledge about what caused the crash. National Transportation Safety Board investigator Todd Fox said late Sunday the agency will be looking for the cause of the crash and 'to identify and remedy any issues that could have prevented this accident.' This tragic news comes in the wake of the crash in which a young boy miraculously escaped serious injury when the private jet landed on his home. Neighbors say the child received only a scratch on his head as the Beechcraft Premier I twin-jet slammed through a neighborhood in South Bend, Indiana - plowing through two houses before coming to a rest upside-down in the middle of a third. The jet was landing at South Bend Regional Airport after a flight from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Crash-landed: A private jet came to rest inside a house after crashing into a neighborhood in South Bend, Indiana, on Sunday evening . Miraculous: Two people aboard the plane were killed and two more on the ground died - but a little boy survived with only a scratch when the jet smashed through his home . Crashed: This Hawker Beachcraft Premier jet that crashed into three houses on Sunday, killing four and injuring at least two . The plane is registered to 7700 Enterprises of Montana LLC in Helena, Montana. The company is owned by Wes Caves and does business as DigiCut Systems in Tulsa. It makes window film and paint overlay for automobiles. Caves' wife did answer the phone at their home on Sunday and . said, 'I think he's dead,' before hanging up. Stan Klaybor, who lives across the street from the crash scene, said the jet clipped the top of one house, heavily damaged a second, and finally came to rest against a third . Neighbors did not know if a woman living in the most heavily damaged house was home at the time, and a young boy in the third house did not appear to be seriously injured, Klaybor said. 'Her little boy was in the kitchen and he got nicked here,' Klaybor said, pointing to his forehead. Feared dead: The wife of Wes Caves, the Tulsa, Oklahoma, businessman who owns the jet, says she believes her husband is dead . Tragedy: Two people on the ground were killed when the plane plowed into three houses . Luxury: The Beechcraft Premier I sells for $2million to $6million. It seats six and has a top speed of 530mph. The jet weighs four tons unloaded . Herwig, the FAA spokesman, says there was 'an indication of a mechanical . problem.' The neighborhood has been evacuated because of a gas leak. Neighborhood . resident Stan Klaybor says the aircraft clipped the top of one house, . heavily damaged a second, and came to rest upside-down against a third. Neighbors tell WSBT-TV that at least one of the homes had children in it when the jet crashed. The six-seat private jet took off from Richard Lloyd Jones Jr. Airport in Tulsa, Oklahoma, earlier this afternoon. The Beechcraft Premier I sells for between $2million and $6million and has a top speed of 530mph. | College football legend Steve Davis was one of two to die during Sunday's plane crash in South Bend, Indiana .
Four people aboard Beechcraft Premier I private jet when it crashed into three houses while trying to land .
Jet was experiencing mechanical problems as it came in for a landing Sunday evening . |
2,449 | 0727f66b5a45e24da68a929a67ae9031ce55aa3e | A mysterious joker has been spotted hanging upside down from bus stops and monuments around a city centre - dressed as Batman. The unknown caped crusader has built up an internet following after being spotted around Nottingham over the last few months. Astonishingly, the brazen Batman has been seen suspending himself by his ankles in daylight. The caped crusader is actually a plasterer by day who wants to help 'save people from their misery' The mysterious Batman impersonator has been pictured hanging from his ankles in various places in the city . He has been spotted several times in and around the city's famous town hall. The Batman impersonator, who admits he is actually a plaster who lives near the real Gotham in Nottingham, has even set up his own Facebook account. Speaking on his Facebook page, he wrote: 'There aren't enough people smiling these days and there are too many negative things happening in the world. 'I want to be a positive influence and be the hero who saves people from their misery. Nottingham's superhero said his superpower is the ability to make people laugh . 'As long as people are smiling, that's what it's all about. 'I'm hoping the more people spot me, the more I will be able to raise my profile. I want people to start trying to find me and hunt me out at places they think I might be. 'I want them to take pictures of me or photo-bomb me, and then share? the pictures on Facebook and Twitter. 'The aim is to become a figurehead of fun in Nottingham. 'All I'll say is that I'm a very outgoing character and can be quite random. 'My super power is being able to make people laugh. 'I'm also a fan of the Batman films, although I thought George Clooney was pretty rubbish. 'I'm looking forward to seeing how Ben Affleck plays it. The dad-of-one even has a trusty sidekick - but he only describes himself as an 'assistant', rather than Robin. The 30-year-old said: 'I wouldn't call myself Robin as I feel as though I would be lowering myself - I'm nobody's Robin. 'I think I'm more of a Joker character, although that would mean I would lose in a fight against Batman.' The Batman sightings comes months after the sinister 'Northampton Clown' became an internet sensation after dozens of pictures emerged of him standing in the town at night. | Batman impersonator a plasterer who lives near real Gotham in Nottingham .
He has been spotted suspending himself by his ankles around city centre .
Nottingham Batman: 'There aren't enough people smiling these days' |
240,042 | c2c121fc60cf799e7928cb19e56c1f40a79ac573 | By . Becky Evans . PUBLISHED: . 14:11 EST, 17 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:26 EST, 17 October 2013 . Sandeep Singh-Dosanjh has been ordered to repay £13million to the public purse or face another ten years in jail for a VAT fraud scam . The leader of a gang of organised criminals that cheated the taxpayer out of £38million has been ordered to repay £13million or face a further ten years in prison. Sandeep Singh Dosanjh, 31, from London, was jailed for 15 years in 2012 for the massive VAT fraud scam. HM Revenue and Customs has ordered him to pay back £3million in hidden assets within three months and the remainder of the £12,887,685.47 within six months. He masterminded the scam with two friends Ranjot Singh Chahal and Navdeep Singh Gill. The gang made millions in just 69 days running a series of bogus companies trading fraudulently in EU emissions allowances - known as carbon credits. In the only case of its kind, Dosanjh and the rest of the gang stole the money through a complex 'missing trader' fraud over six months from January 2009. The law was changed to prevent carbon credit VAT fraud as a direct result of this investigation. Singh Dosanjh splashed the proceeds on luxury cars including a Rolls Royce, a Mercedes and a Range Rover and also bought a £1million home in Bayswater, west London. HMRC said he also attempted to hide further money in offshore bank accounts but they was able to identify them and that money is part of the confiscation order. Robert Alder, HMRC Criminal Investigations, said: 'Dosanjh enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, investing the proceeds of his crimes in property and luxury cars. 'This was a complex and lengthy financial investigation requiring enquires to be made with overseas authorities. 'This large confiscation order shows that HMRC is committed to not just bring criminals to justice, but also to ensure that we recover the money stolen from the taxpayer by criminals and return it to the Exchequer.' The fraud was committed by bogus companies importing the carbon credits free of VAT into the UK. They . then sold the credits on, charging VAT which was never paid to HMRC, . and then dissolved the importing companies. The credits were then sold . on again between three further 'buffer' companies – also run by the gang . – before finally being sold on to legitimate companies so the trading . chain appeared legal. The VAT charged by the 'missing trader' was then shared out between the gang. Ranjot Singh Chahal, right, was jailed for nine years and Navdeep Singh Gill, left, was sentenced to 11 years . The trades were made in a matter of minutes via a computer system, and the stolen VAT was transferred to offshore bank accounts in the United Arab Emirates to ‘clean’ the stolen cash. Confiscation proceedings are ongoing to recover further money from the other convicted defendants. Gill, of Slough, Berkshire, was sentenced to 11 years and Chahal, of Southall, Middlesex, was sentenced to nine years in prison. All three were convicted of conspiring to cheat the public revenue between September 2008 and July 2009 after a 14 week trial. | HMRC order Sandeep Singh Dosanjh to pay back money within six months .
If not the 31-year-old VAT fraudster faces another ten years in jail .
Dosanjh jailed for 15 years in 2012 for the massive VAT fraud scam .
He masterminded scam with Ranjoy Singh Chahal and Navdeep Singh Gill . |
169,246 | 66fb3022a1ac80179faba4861412f28f53060fbc | Port-au-Prince, Haiti (CNN) -- In the central plaza, there was once an orgy of music, street dancing and revelry unmatched by any other nation in the Americas, Haitians say. But where there was joy now sits a vast settlement of people left without loved ones, without homes, without life's belongings. Haitians have celebrated Carnival through dictatorships, military coups and bloodshed. Popular belief was that if a government failed to deliver on Carnival, Haiti's equivalent of Mardi Gras, it was sure to fall, said Marie Laurence Lassegue, Haiti's minister of culture and information. But this year, the three-day festival has been canceled, another indication of the enormity of the earthquake's devastation. Musicians fell silent, seamstresses stopped sewing costumes and ghostly skeletons of unfinished floats lay scattered on the outskirts of Port-au-Prince. A month after the devastating January 12 earthquake, the Champs de Mars plaza is home to the capital's displaced, where thousands of people have eked out a tiny space in which to survive. Full coverage of the earthquake's aftermath . "This is the first time Carnival is not happening," said Roberto Martino, lead singer of popular Kompa band T-Vice. "I don't even think about music anymore." Less than a week ahead of Carnival's start on Sunday, revelry is replaced with mourning. The nation's foremost concert producer, Charles Jubert, died. So did members of four bands who were practicing inside a studio that collapsed. Other musicians lost legs, arms and hands. They will not be able to play again. "I don't think we have time to think of Carnival," Lassegue said. "Maybe when we are finished crying." Carnival's three days of deliverance and celebration has tremendous importance in the lives of Haitians, Lassegue said. "But this year? I don't even remember when it is." Instead, the displaced are planning days of prayer. "We're living in a city that's like a cemetery," said Ronide Baduel, a nurse who lost her home and all her belongings in the quake. Her brother died and suddenly, she found herself far from her middle-class existence, relegated to a makeshift tent and burlap bags she uses for pillows at night. "I had four good walls around me. Now I have four sheets," she said. She goes to work with a big, black faux-leather purse containing toothpaste, soap and a change of underwear. There, she can bathe properly. "We don't know how many days, how many months, how long we will be this way," she said. "I am always stressed. It's like living in a jungle. How can I dance at Carnival?" Baduel and her tent community neighbors said the money that would have been spent on Carnival ought to be used to build housing. Nearby, the 44 members of Relax Band, who normally would be revving up their street performances in the days before Carnival, worried about their next meal. They played the Sunday before the earthquake, marching through the streets, getting ready for the big performance. Now, everything was gone, including all their instruments that were crushed when band coordinator Ernst Beauvais' house collapsed. A small stage emblazoned with the red and white logo of Relax Band now harbors a massive water bladder tank dropped off by an aid group and a few mattresses for slumber under the stars. "It is one of the greatest tragedies to befall our country," Beauvais said, pointing to the rubble of his house. He said it was the street band's 30th anniversary; the musicians were looking forward to showcasing their new song. Almost every band in Haiti debuts new pieces at Carnival. On the outskirts of town, the skeletons of three floats sit like ghosts, reminders of what might have come next week. One of the floats belongs to T-Vice. Bandmates Roberto Martino and Eddy Viau would have been practicing with the rest of the band for their Carnival performance -- it's an honor to win top prize. "If you have a good showing at Carnival, you're set for the rest of the year," Martino said. This year, the band had planned a soccer-themed show with a song called "The End of the Match." Instead it recently released "Nou Pap Lage'' (We Won't Give Up"), dedicated to the victims of the earthquake. iReport: Looking for loved ones in Haiti . Martino tried to sing a few verses. "There are so many things going through my head," he said. Overcome by emotion, he had to compose himself and start again. "People are saying Haiti is finished, but no, no, no, we will rise up,'' he sang softly. "We will strive. We will rebuild Haiti. We will stand united." "Don't be discouraged. There will be light at the end of the tunnel. My Haitian people. I will not let go." Proceeds from downloads of the song are going to the nonprofit organizations Sow A Seed and MedShare. Music, Martino said, was so essential to Haitian life. But he didn't know when this rare silence would end; when he would be able to write lyrics, put them to melody. "We're all so traumatized," he said. Carnival, he said, was Haiti's musical showcase. "We've lost our biggest tradition. Carnival was part of us." | Less than week ahead of Haiti's Carnival celebration, revelry replaced with mourning .
Haitians have celebrated Carnival through dictatorships, military coups and bloodshed .
"I don't even remember when it is," Haiti official says about upcoming three-day festival . |
152,745 | 5166d6e908289e8dcdeb1bd590e4bb7496d5c5a1 | By . Sarah Michael for Daily Mail Australia . and Aap . Prime Minister Tony Abbott reportedly scheduled a last-minute visit to a cancer research centre so he could 'justify' charging Australian taxpayers for a trip to Melbourne to attend a private function. Mr Abbott was an hour late to a meeting of Liberal and National MPs on Tuesday and he explained his tardiness by telling the them he had to schedule an official visit to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to justify being in the city under entitlements, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. The private function held on Monday night was a fundraiser for the Liberal party. Prime Minister Tony Abbott shares a joke Ricky Johnstone, Assistant Director of Research at the Peter McCallum hospital in Melbourne on Tuesday . Mr Abbott reportedly scheduled the visit so he could 'justify' billing taxpayers for a fundraising trip to Melbourne . At the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Mr Abbott made no new policy announcements, and told journalists he was there to talk about the government's proposed Medical Research Future Fund. Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull has disputed the report that Mr Abbott told MPs he was late in order to justify being in Melbourne for a fundraiser. 'He didn't say that to the party room,' Mr Turnbull told ABC radio on Wednesday. 'Tony was quite upfront and said he had been in Melbourne and he had been to a fundraiser the night before.' Asked if Mr Abbott had said he scheduled the visit so he could justify billing taxpayers, Mr Turnbull said: 'I don't recall him saying that, no'. A spokeswoman for the Prime Minister confirmed that Mr Abbott attended a private fundraising function in Melbourne on Monday night. At the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre Mr Abbott made no new policy announcements, and told journalists he was there to talk about the government's proposed Medical Research Future Fund . 'All prime-ministerial travel is undertaken within entitlement,' she told the Herald. 'Whenever the Prime Minister travels he maximises his visits by ensuring he participates in community events, business visits and local media.' On Wednesday, parliamentary secretary Steve Ciobo defended the prime minister against what he described as 'slurs'. 'It is crystal clear the prime minister attends events right across the community in a range of areas and there's also a longstanding commitment to medical research,' he told reporters in Canberra. 'It is an absurd proposition to suggest the prime minister is doing anything other than remaining focused as he has been over many, many years to advancing medical research in Australia.' Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said it was up to Mr Abbott to explain the situation. 'What is most telling about these reports is there are Liberal Party members leaking against the prime minister,' Mr Shorten said. 'A party and a leader that cannot govern itself cannot govern Australia.' | Prime Minister was an hour late to a meeting of Liberal and National MPs .
He reportedly told them he had to schedule an official visit to the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre to justify being in Melbourne under entitlements .
Malcolm Turnbull has disputed that the PM said that in the party room .
On Monday night Mr Abbott attended a private fundraising function . |
234,609 | bbb8f15486b7c388411576cb7cfcf25145d77698 | At 8am, amid a clamour of television crews and world media, Sean Azzariti became the first person to purchase marijuana on the day Colorado made it legally available to anyone over 21. For the thirty-two year old veteran his $59 purchase of an eighth of an ounce and a marijuana infused truffle marks the culmination of a fight both deeply personal and highly publicly. Mr Azzariti is a former Marine who served two tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He uses marijuana to mitigate the crippling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) he has suffered since returning home. Sean Azzariti, a former Marine who served in the Iraq war and has post-traumatic stress disorder, smiles as he makes a cash transaction, the first to buy retail marijuana at 3D Cannabis Center, which opened as a legal recreational retail outlet in Denver, on Wednesday, January 1, 2014 . In an interview with MailOnline he said: 'For me this is a huge opportunity and the culmination of what I and so many others have worked so hard for. 'I hope it's a stepping stone to other states following and the rest of the world.' Taking in the chaotic scenes in the small Denver dispensary he admitted: 'It's pretty surreal.' Mr Azzariti has been the face of the Yes to Amendment 64 campaign form more than a year. His advocacy was inspired not only by his own experiences but by his awareness of the suffering of many of his former brothers in arms. First purchase: Azzariti shows his receipt from first purchase of retail marijuana in Colorado. 3-D Cannabis in Denver hosted a media event to record the first legal retail sale at 8:00 a.m. All too often, he said, veterans fall into lives of addiction, depression and desperation once their days of combat are over. He explained: 'I have a lot of friends who are addicted to Xanax and antidepressants – all sorts of prescription drugs because they're trying to deal with the same things I am. 'They wouldn’t dream of trying marijuana because of the stigma. 'I want to say, "Look I've done the same thing as you and I've been there and this helped me." It may not be for you but just give it a try.' Mr Azzariti served with the Marines between 2000 and 2006. He carried out two tours of duty – Iraq in 2003 and Afghanistan in 2005. His contract had been due to an end a year before that final tour of duty but, he said, 'My best friend got orders to deploy again. I couldn't let him go alone so I re-enlisted for a couple of years to deploy.' It was only when he was back in civilian life that, he recalled, 'PTSD started to steadily rear its head and take over my life.' Queues: People wait in line to be among the first to legally buy recreational marijuana at the Botana Care store in Northglenn, Colorado on January 1 . He sought traditional remedies, but said: 'Doctors just prescribed more and more pills – they were treating my symptoms but not my problems.' At one point Mr Azzariti was taking 6mg of Xanax a day 4mg of Klonopin and Aderol to keep him awake. He said: 'That's when I turned to cannabis. I wasn't a smoker but I'm just glad I had the wherewithal to realize I was going to turn into a zombie if something didn't change.' Mr Azzarati, now works as a budtender at a Denver dispensary. He is in no doubt, he said: 'Cannabis saved me when PTSD was just overwhelming me.' Now he said: 'I feel I can help others through my experience. I think my military experience has given me the discipline to be able to turn my marijuana use into advocacy. 'My life now is the polar opposite to what it was in the marines and I love it. It’s awesome.' | At 8am, amid a clamor of television .
crews and world media, Sean Azzariti became the first person to purchase .
marijuana on the day Colorado made it legally available to anyone over .
21 .
For the 32-year-old veteran, his $59 purchase of an eighth of an ounce and a marijuana infused truffle marks the culmination of a fight both deeply personal and highly publicly .
He uses marijuana to mitigate the crippling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) he has suffered since returning home . |
90,991 | 01053e938061ebafeebf36f5113d8710002cb000 | By . Mark Duell . Last updated at 5:58 PM on 18th September 2011 . The teenage girl had almost completely forgotten about dropping a message in a bottle into the Pacific Ocean as a schoolchild in Japan five years ago. But Saki Arikawa, 17, of Kagoshima, Japan, got a huge surprise after a sailor found it more than 4,000 miles away after it washed up on a beach at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii. The girl said on Sunday she is hugely grateful to U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jon Moore, who stumbled upon the clear glass bottle on Thursday, as he has helped her reconnect with her old classmates. Days gone by: A photo of sixth-grade students from Kagoshima, Japan, is pictured after it was found in a bottle during a beach cleanup in Kauai, Hawaii, on Thursday. It's so far unclear who Saki Arikawa is in the photo . ‘It's a miracle,’ Saki said from Kagoshima. ‘It's incredible.’ The bottle contained four origami cranes - symbols of peace in Japan - as well as a photo of Saki’s elementary school class. It also had a note dated March 25, 2006, and signed by Saki saying she wanted it to be ‘a graduation memory’. News of the bottle reconnected more than a dozen of her old classmates, now studying at different high schools, for a reunion on Saturday. Find: The girl said on Sunday she is hugely grateful to U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jon Moore, who stumbled upon the clear glass bottle on Thursday, as he has helped her reconnect with her old classmates . Map: Saki, of Japan, got a huge surprise after a sailor found her bottle more than 4,000 miles away in Hawaii . Their elementary school homeroom teacher also attended. Saki says she now wants to further expand the circle of friendship. 'It's a miracle. It's incredible. Now I'd like to meet the person who kindly saved my bottle' Saki Arikawa, 17, of Kagoshima, Japan . ‘Thanks to the bottle, some of us could get together and had a great time,’ she said. ‘Now I'd like to meet the person who kindly saved my bottle.’ The bottle was one of five she tossed into the ocean in 2006 as her sixth-grade class graduated from Kokubu Elementary School in Kagoshima. She and her 31 classmates dropped five bottles each, including the one that turned up last week. Tidying Hawaii: Mr Moore was among 40 base personnel and 16 students and faculty from a school who picked up beach rubbish for International Coastal Cleanup Day . Three other bottles had previously been recovered - including two in Alaska and a third at another location in Hawaii. 'It's just amazing that the bottle was found. I'm so delighted by the heart-warming news' Akira Nakashima, principal of Kokubu Elementary School in Kagoshima, Japan . Akira Nakashima, the principal of Kokubu Elementary School in Kagoshima, confirmed that Saki graduated from the school five years ago. 'It's just amazing that the bottle was found. I'm so delighted by the heart-warming news,' Mr Nakashima said earlier this week. Petty Officer Moore was among 40 base personnel and 16 students and faculty from a local school who picked up beach rubbish to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day. | Saki Arikawa, of Kagoshima, Japan, dropped bottle in Pacific five years ago .
17-year-old girl says find in Kauai, Hawaii, has helped classmates reconnect .
Now she wants to meet U.S. Navy Petty Officer Jon Moore, who picked it up . |
202,172 | 91ba5b205fce8a438cb7ffa9607af18308e18947 | By . Antonia Hoyle . PUBLISHED: . 17:00 EST, 2 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:17 EST, 2 February 2013 . As a maternity nurse to the stars, Rachel Waddilove has cared for countless celebrity babies, with actresses Gwyneth Paltrow and Minnie Driver among her clients. Paltrow credits Waddilove with helping her daughter Apple sleep through the night at just six weeks old. Driver, who is a single mother, praised her extraordinary ‘calmness and knowledge’. And now Waddilove, who charges £280 for a 24-hour home visit, has written a book to teach those of us not blessed with an A-list budget how to get a child to sleep. Magic touch: Supernanny to the stars, Rachel Waddilove helps Antonia Hoyle find the best way of putting her 5-week-old son Felix to bed at night . It was a pressing issue for me last month: my son Felix was three weeks old and I hadn’t had more than two hours of uninterrupted sleep since his arrival. Coupled with the exertions of caring for my boisterous two-year-old daughter Rosie, tiredness was transforming me into a wreck. So I was eager to meet Waddilove and road-test her methods. Could she turn my unsettled newborn into a sleeping-through-the-night miracle? Waddilove’s advice is based on the way she brought up her three children in the Seventies. She believes babies today are given the status of ‘King Pin’, with their mother’s wellbeing often neglected. She suggests three-hour feeding routines, leaving your baby to cry, introducing a bottle, and even putting the baby in a separate room overnight. ‘Mothers are fed too much worry nowadays. I’m strict about them getting rest,’ says Waddilove, 65, now a grandmother of five who lives with her husband John, 75, a retired farmer, in Devon. Unsurprisingly, those who advocate the increasingly popular ‘attachment’ style of parenting – in which babies feed and sleep whenever they choose, often sleeping in the same bed as the mother – question her Victorian-sounding methods. Best supporting role: Minnie Driver hired Rachel Waddilove to help with baby Henry . So where does her approach come from? Waddilove’s own mother employed a maternity nurse to put Rachel and her five siblings on a strict routine as babies in the Forties – so this is an obvious influence. In 1964, Waddilove trained as a maternity nurse at a Barnardo’s children’s home, where following a routine was the only way of looking after the hundreds of babies in her care. ‘It was just the way things were done,’ she says. In the following decade, there was a backlash in parenting methods and Waddilove found herself in the minority. ‘My friends were feeding their babies on demand and they were all over the place,’ she says. Most of my friends with babies favour . attachment parenting. But I found myself agreeing with Waddilove’s . methods. I was put on a routine as a baby and left to cry on occasion, . and I don’t think it has done me any harm. After following her book for a couple . of weeks, I was lucky enough to be granted a visit from the woman . herself. Within moments of arriving at my home, she had Rosie wanting to . hold her hand and Felix fast asleep. Clearly, she has a magic touch. Napple: Gwyneth Paltrow used Rachel Waddilove to get baby Apple to sleep . The first step, Waddilove says, to get your baby to sleep is making sure they are well fed, even if that means topping up breast-feeds with the much-maligned formula. She says: ‘Anyone would think formula was poison. Babies do just as well on it.’ Waddilove said I should also be expressing milk. ‘It’s important to introduce a bottle,’ she says. ‘I do it within two weeks. It gives you flexibility and it’s good for dad to be able to feed the baby too.’ I dug out my breast pump. The more milk I pumped, the more I produced, leading to painful breasts. While Felix took to the bottle immediately, it didn’t feel fair asking my husband Chris, a financial analyst, to do overnight feeds when he had to be up at 6am. Waddilove believes leaving even the tiniest babies to cry themselves to sleep is an essential part of teaching them healthy long-term sleeping habits. She leaves tired newborns to have a ‘little shout’ for ten minutes before she picks them up, and has, on occasion, left young babies for up to half an hour. ‘I wouldn’t give a time limit because every baby is different, but don’t pick them up too soon or get into the habit of holding or suckling them to sleep,’ she says. It is easier said than done. A newborn’s scream can pierce the most hardened mother’s heart, and even if – like me – she is prepared to leave her baby to cry, she will worry about being judged by well-meaning friends and relatives. With Rosie, I’d pick her up almost immediately. But, bolstered by Waddilove’s words, I left Felix to cry for the first time at 1am during one particularly fractious night. With my head under the pillow, I waited for ten minutes. And he stopped. After that he had two more, shorter, crying fits until, at 1.30am, he finally gave up and went to sleep. Every minute felt interminable, and by the end I was crying too. But it worked. ‘It is incredibly upsetting,’ Waddilove acknowledges. ‘But you’re not leaving a cold, hungry baby to scream. That’s abuse. They are fed, clean and warm.’ Waddilove believes babies should sleep and feed at about the same time every day and puts any healthy baby who weighs more than 6lb 8oz into a three-hourly routine when they are just a week old. The bigger the baby, the longer they can go between feeds. At 9lb 1oz aged three weeks, Felix could last four hours. ‘The word routine has horrible connotations but babies thrive on it,’ says Waddilove. A baby’s first feed, she says, should be at 7am. Within an hour and a half, they will be ready for a nap. Between 10am and 11am, they will feed again, before taking at least a two-hour lunchtime nap. Between 2pm and 3pm, they will have another feed, followed by another nap. After an early-evening feed at about 6pm, they will be put to bed at 7pm. They will have a later evening feed between 10pm and 11pm and will – hopefully – sleep until the early hours. It wasn’t exactly a schedule Felix and I were running to. I had left him to sleep until after 8am and nap intermittently in the day before cuddling him all evening. Forcing myself out of bed at 7am felt unnecessary. But it helped, because I felt I was taking control. By 8am, Felix was yawning and he slept until 10.30am. But he didn’t always comply with Waddilove’s schedule. Sometimes he refused to sleep in the afternoon. The evenings were the most difficult, as Felix wouldn’t sleep for more than half an hour at a time. This is common. ‘Some people carry babies round, others leave them to holler,’ says Waddilove. ‘Some feed them on and off all evening, which is not what I would do. I would tuck the baby down, have supper, maybe rock their cot, and if they haven’t settled by 9.30pm I would do another feed.’ I persevered with her suggestion of feeding, leaving to cry, picking up after ten minutes to hug and putting back in the cot, until, when Felix was five weeks old, our evenings became less fractured. He didn’t always sleep soundly, but he usually stopped crying for long enough to let us have dinner in peace. Waddilove believes that after a month, babies should move into their own room. Even when asleep, Felix kept me awake by grunting. I was reliant on ear plugs and my husband fled to the spare room in week one. ‘So many girls have their child in bed with them and dad sleeping in a different room,’ says Waddilove. ‘This isn’t right for family life.’ But research has shown that sleeping in the same room as your baby for their first four months reduces the risk of cot death. ‘God forbid anything should happen but cot death is very silent. They’re not going to shout out and it won’t make any difference. When they are in a Moses basket, babies can sleep anywhere,’ Waddilove counters. ‘Put them in the bathroom.’ I put Felix in our en suite, but I lost more sleep than ever worrying that some dreadful fate should befall him, so I abandoned it after two nights. Waddilove advocates swaddling before they are put to bed until they are three months old. Certainly, the effect of swaddling on Felix was incredible. He stopped startling himself awake and seemed more content. A month on, Felix – now nearly eight weeks – is still unsettled in the evenings but usually able to get himself back to sleep after a hug. I have learned to leave him to cry without guilt. His daytime naps are gaining structure. Best of all has been his progress overnight. Those two-hour sleeps stretched to five and six hours. One night last week, to my joy and disbelief, he slept through to 7am. As for me, well, I’m still shattered, kept awake by the anxiety that comes with caring for a newborn. But I’m hoping that soon I will catch up on sleep, and the fog of new motherhood will lift. Sleep Solutions: Quiet Nights For You And Your Child, by Rachel Waddilove, is published by Lion Hudson at £8.99. | Rachel Waddilove has helped Gwyneth Paltrow and Minnie Driver .
Supernanny has written a book on getting babies to sleep though the night .
Follow her ten steps to a peaceful night's sleep for you and your baby . |
79,496 | e15cdc233f1bc6144beda7649ecaf6843ea1f2b8 | By . Lydia Warren for MailOnline . A luxurious mansion built for the boss of beer company PBR has sold for $4.8 million - just a fraction of the $14 million price tag on previous listings. The eight-bedroom, 10-bathroom Georgian mansion in Glencoe, Illinois, which was originally built in 1936 for the late Pabst Brewing Co. executive Harris Perlstein, was most recently sold on August 1. Insurance CEO Jeffrey Lange is the new owner of the 14,364-square-foot home, which sits on 2.19 acres of landscaped gardens in suburban Chicago's North Shore. Inside, there is a commercial-grade kitchen, a restored walnut library, a playroom, a home theater, an elevator, a curved staircase, four fireplaces and beamed ceilings, the Chicago Tribune reported. Stunning: This Georgian mansion in Glencoe, Illinois, which was originally built for Pabst Brewing Co. exec Harris Perlstein in the 1930s, has sold for $4.8 million - a fraction of its highest listing price . Inside: The spacious Illinois mansion has 26 rooms, including eight bedrooms and 10 bedrooms . Stunning: The property was bought by a trader in 1997, who gave it a complete makeover . Spacious: The home was then listed in 1999 for $11 million - but ended up selling for just $7.05 million . Details: At one point - in 2003 - the home was even listed for $14 million, but sold in that case for $5 million . Unsurprisingly, there is also a bar - complete with a decorative PBR bottle on its top. Outside is a swimming pool with a water slide and a basketball court, while the property borders a ravine. Despite the opulence of the home, it has struggled to sell for listing prices over the years. The 26-room home was originally built for Perlstein - the Chicago-based head of the Pabst Brewery - in 1936. Perlstein, who passed away in 1986, had merged his company, Premier Malt, with Milwaukee's Pabst the year before Prohibition was repealed. Raising the bar: The home also has a bar complete with PBR on tap and a large, decorative bottle of the beer . Ready to entertain: PBR was established in Milwaukee but a Chicago-based exec lived in this home . Luxury: The home, which is close to Lake Michicagn, features a new, commerical grade kitchen . Comfortable: There is also a playroom and a home entertainment room inside the 14,000-sq-ft home . Home: The house, which has eight bedrooms, has now been bought by insurance boss Jeffrey Lange . Colorful: The home is being sold because its previous owners, a venture capitalist and his wife, are divorcing . Having fun: A spacious games room features a personal gym as well as large windows overlooking the lawn . It was then sold to Eurodollar trader Steven Mendes and his wife in 1997 for $2.15 million, the Chicago Tribune reported. The couple gave the house and grounds a complete makeover and listed it for $11 million with the furnishings - although ended up selling it for just $7.05 million in 1999 without the furnishings. That buyer, Red Hat Software cofounder Marc Ewing, then listed the home for a massive $14 million in 2003 but the property would not budge for six years. He finally sold it in 2009 for $5.2 million to venture capitalist Adam Brass and his wife Robyn, who put it on the market for $6.95 last year, before dropping the cost incrementally to $4.95 million. Beautiful: A summer room overlooks the swimming pool area and the 2.15 acres of landscaped gardens . Quiet: The home, in Glencoe, Illinois, is protected by walls and a security system . At night: The property will now be shared with an insurance CEO and his wife - who nabbed it for $4.8 million . The Brasses put the home up for sale because they are divorcing, Crain's Chicago Business reported. It added that the new owner, Jeffrey Lange, is CEO of EquiTrust Life Insurance Co. He previously said he would bring 200 jobs to Illinois after the company's primary shareholder, Magic Johnson, moved the company to Chicago from Iowa. The home was listed with @properties. | Georgian mansion in Glencoe, Illinois was built for Pabst Brewing Co. exec Harris Perstein in 1936 .
The property has previously been listed for as high as $14 million .
It has eight bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and, unsurprisingly, a bar . |
265,392 | e3bad76671d64147386f95972c23aa4af4533541 | Mike Galanos hosts "Prime News" from 5 to 7 p.m. ET Mondays through Fridays on HLN. "Prime News" uses the day's most powerful headlines as a starting point for diverse perspectives, spirited debate and your points of view. Mike Galanos says coaches need to be smart and know when to alter practices because of hot weather. ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- We love our football in this country, don't we? Whether it's watching the pee-wees or the pros, there's nothing like taking in a game on a crisp fall afternoon. You see your breath as you stand and cheer the pop of the pads or the last-minute touchdown. I love this game so much, I cried when I knew I wasn't big enough or fast enough to play anymore. Many of us share that same passion. And we should share in the grief when a 15-year-old boy dies because of a football practice. We have to learn from the death of Max Gilpin so something like this never happens again -- because it could happen to any of our kids. It was a hot, humid day in August 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky. Max and his Pleasure Ridge Park High School teammates were wrapping up the second of two practices that day. They finished with a grueling round of "gassers," or sprints. Max's body was breaking down, and he didn't even know it. The sophomore collapsed. His body temperature had reached 107 degrees. He died three days later. So who is to blame for this needless tragedy? Was the coach irresponsible in pushing his players so hard on such a hot day? Prosecutors thought that was the case. So for the first time, a football coach faced criminal charges and had to go to trial for the death of one of his players. David Stinson was charged with reckless homicide and wanton endangerment. The state accused the coach of denying players water and even forcing them to run extra sprints as punishment on that hot August day. The coach's defense presented witnesses who said Max complained of not feeling well before practice even began and others who said the fact that he was on Adderall contributed to his high body temperature. In the end, a jury acquitted Stinson of any charges related to Max's death. From the moment I heard about this case, I never thought Stinson would be convicted. The charges were too harsh, and no jury would believe that he knowingly and maliciously put a player in a position that would lead to his death. But I think it is a good thing that this trial took place, and I hope coaches across the country now think twice about how they run their practices and whether they are putting our kids in danger. Sadly, Max is not the first such tragic case. According to the Annual Survey of Football Injury Research, 39 football players have died from heat stroke since 1995; 29 of them were playing for high school teams (the others were college and professional players and one sandlot incident). The first thing we need to do to reduce the risk of any more heat-related deaths is to make sure a doctor gives our kids a full physical examination before they take the field. That means we go beyond listening to the high school freshman's heart and making him turn and cough. One doctor on my show, "Prime News," said we should give them an EKG, and I agree. An electrocardiogram isn't expensive, and having one before a high school player's first season would help doctors diagnose pre-existing conditions. Second, every coach should monitor how hot it is before and during practice. A heat index monitor costs less than $150, and that is a small price to pay for safety. Let's look at what Stinson was dealing with in Kentucky. The Kentucky High School Athletic Association guidelines say that if the heat index is above 95, practice is altered. The heat index the day of Max's death was one degree away, at 94. Two questions off that: Should the temperature be lowered to 92 or 90? And what happens when we alter practice? It should mean that helmets and shoulder pads come off, unless players are tackling. Regardless of the answers, put the rules in place so all coaches know and are on the same playing field. Another thing to consider is how many times a team should practice during the scorching hot dog days of August. There is usually a "hell" week in there, when a team practices two times per day. I have no problem with that as long as a coach is smart about how hot it is out there. Six years ago, the National Collegiate Athletic Association forced college football teams to cut back two-a-day practices, especially at the start of the season, so players could become acclimatized to hot and humid weather. Going along with that, the National Athletic Trainers' Association advocates starting off with one-a-day practices and then two-a-days with a one-a-day in between. The last thing, and this could be the most important, is to never deny a player water. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one of the best ways to prevent a heat-related illness is through proper hydration. So if a player is asking for a drink, give it to him. The goal in all this is not to restrict coaches or how we practice football but to make sure we never have another story like Max Gilpin's. The sadness of seeing his mom sobbing in a courtroom as she had to relive her son's death was just heartbreaking. We don't want another coach on trial. Stinson has said Max's death is a burden he will live with for the rest of his life, and I hope his story, and Max's tragic death, bring about needed changes to the game we love. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Mike Galanos. | Thirty-nine football players have died from heat stroke since 1995 .
15-year-old Max Gilpin collapsed during football practice and died three days later .
Mike Galanos: The goal isn't to restrict coaches but to keep kids safe . |
22,987 | 413ac688042fdf4183b6085bfe250c927482817f | By . Daily Mail Reporter . and James Nye . Legendary NASCAR driver Dick Trickle suffered chronic debilitating pain in his chest before his suicide according to Chuck, his brother. Trickle, 71, who died on Thursday from a self inflicted gunshot wound was so distressed by his mystery ailment that he visited doctors twice a day. According to his brother the popular racer became depressed by the discomfort under his left breast telling him that he 'didn't know how much longer he could take the pain.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Suicide: Dick Trickle, in Sept. 1989, died on Thursday at age 71 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police say . 'It's a shock to me,' said Chuck Trickle to The Las Vegas Review Journal. 'It's real hard to think about. He was my brother, my friend and my hero, in that order.' 'He was very down.' Chuck, who lives in Las Vegas said that to his knowledge his brother was healthy, except for the pain under his chest, but when they last spoke a week ago he suspected that something was wrong when he heard his brother curse. Chuck Trickle said his brother was so beloved that 'he could’ve run for president and won.' 'He was there for everybody,' Chuck Trickle said. 'He left a very large footprint on this earth.' Chuck’s son, Chris, was shot in 1997 while driving in Las Vegas. He died the following year, and the case never was . solved. During his racing career, he attracted attention when he drilled a hole in his safety helmet to allow him to smoke a cigarette as he competed. He also installed cigarette lighters in his cars so he could smoke during races, the local news station noted. Trickle recalled in an interview with Fox Sports two years ago of a fan who came up to him while signing autographs and asked him about the cigarettes. 'He says, 'how many cigarettes did you smoke during that race?' And I said, "how many yellows were there?" I said, "one for every yellow." Dick Trickle was famed for smoking while driving at high speeds during NASCAR races - he is pictured here lighting a cigarette . Trickle said he quit smoking two and a half years before that interview but did it 'just for no good reason.' NASCAR legend Richard 'Dick' Trickle died on Thursday at age 71 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, police confirmed. The body of the retired race car driver was found at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City, North Carolina, 30 miles west of Charlotte. His body was discovered near his pickup truck. It is not known why he chose the cemetery as the location to end his life. The victim had actually called police before shooting himself and forewarned them 'there would be a dead body and it would be his.' Death: NASCAR driver Dick Trickle, in 1997, was found at the Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City, North Carolina . Trickle made his debut on the NASCAR circuit in the #84 Miller High Life Buick for Stavola Brothers Racing. His career spanned 24 years, during which he competed in a total of 2,200 races. Dubbed the 'White Knight' by his corporate sponsor SuperAmerica, he was said to have nabbed the most wins in short track racing. He was named the Rookie of the Year in NASCAR's Winston Cup in 1989 at age 48. Legend: The career of NASCAR driver Dick Trickle, in 2006, spanned 24 years, during which he competed in a total of 2,200 races . Dick Trickle inspired the Tom Cruise vehicle 'Days of Thunder' - the main character in the movie was called Cole Trickle . Hollywood: Tom Cruise's character in Days of Thunder, Cole Trickle, was name in honor of the NASCAR legend' During races ESPN commentators Dan Patrick and . Keith Olbermann also enjoyed making light of the alliteration in his name and . would always take notice of Trickle's finish, regardless of his . placement, according to WCNC-TV. 'No sports figure Dan + I had fun with took it more graciously. In fact, gratefully,' Olbermann tweeted on Thursday. Former . NASCAR driver Geoff Bodine expressed his grief over the sudden news of . his friend while remembering him in an interview with the Associated . Press as a man who was 'fun, just plain fun.' Popular guy: No matter where Trickle placed during his races, seen in North Carolina at the Coca-Cola 600 in 1997, ESPN commentators Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann would broadcast his name just because of the way it sounded . Larger than life: Trickle, who made his debut driving the No.84 Miller High Life Buick for Stavola Brothers Racing in 1989, is seen holding one of his famed cigarettes in a hand . Retirement: After retiring from the sport Trickle said he hoped to live out the remainder of his days as a grandfather at home in North Carolina . 'It's . all just sad. We don't understand why he would do this. Hopefully we . will all learn why he would do that. There was something that triggered . him to take his own life. We are all really saddened by this in the . racing community,' Bodine said. Trickle lived in Iron Station, N.C., for more than 20 years. Bodine said Trickle was full of stories and popular because of it. 'People . everywhere knew his name,' Bodine said. 'That’s why they used his . likeness in that movie Days of Thunder. He was such a character.' The main character in that popular niche racing movie, played by Tom Cruise, was named Cole Trickle. Bodine said that a few years ago he had . to back out of a celebrity cruise for patients who were on kidney . dialysis. He asked Trickle to fill in. Resting place: The 71-year-old was found dead near his pickup truck at the Forest Lawn cemetery in Boger City, North Carolina . 'He made such an impression on people on that ship that everyone wanted to know when Dick was coming back,' Bodine said. 'They loved him. They tell me he was the last man to leave most of the bars on the ship and I believe it.' Bodine also recalled inviting Trickle to compete in one of his bobsled events in 2004 at Lake Placid, New York. - Trickle on how he wanted to be remembered . He said Trickle went down the first time and crashed. After being cleared by doctors to continue, Trickle tried again and crashed in the same place. 'They were doing interviews with him on TV and he was like, "I don’t know what happened, I did the exact same thing I did the first time,”’ Bodine said. 'And we’re all looking at him like, hey Dick, maybe that was the problem.' When Trickle was asked how he hoped to be remembered in his interview two years ago, he answered: 'I just want to be who I am and satisfied that I had a great career. I'm happy with it. I think I made a lot of friends.' He also said he hoped to live out the remainder of his days as a 'stay-at-home grandpa.' In a statement, NASCAR said its thoughts and prayers were with Trickle's family and friends. 'Dick . was a legend in the short-track community, particularly in his home . state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite,' NASCAR's statement . read in part. 'Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport. He will be missed.' Sheriff's Lieutenant Tim Johnson says foul play is not suspected. Dick Trickle enters his car at Talladega, Alabama, as he prepares to begin another race in 1997 . Trickle leaves behind his wife of 53 years Darlene and three children. According to fawbag.com they are the proud parents of three children. 50-year-old Tod Allen Trickle born on March 22, 1963, 41-year-old Chad Trickle born on March 03, 1972 and their eldest and only daughter 52-year-old Victoria Trickle, now Vicky Trickle Bowman, who once worked as her father's personal assistant. Darlene Carol Trickle, 69, was born Darlene McMahon on January 11, 1944, she got married to her childhood sweetheart Dick Trickle shortly after he graduated from High School in May, 1961. At age eight, Trickle almost died while playing tag with his cousin in a house under construction. He fell two floors to the basement and broke his hip and spent three years in a cast from his waist to his feet - walking with a limp for the rest of his life. And tragically, his nephew, Chris Trickle, who was also a NASCAR driver was murdered in an unsolved drive-by shooting in Las VEgas in 1998. The young man died from his wounds 409 days after the shooting. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: . <A href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?videoid=ba35eb6d-7572-487a-b39a-0fd8efbfc22f&src=v5:embed:syndication:&from=shareembed-syndication" target="_new" title="NASCAR Race Hub: Dick Trickle 1941 - 2013">Video: NASCAR Race Hub: Dick Trickle 1941 - 2013</A> . | Former race car driver's brother Chuck says the NASCAR legend was distressed by a chronic pain in his chest .
Dick Trickle called police to a North Carolina cemetery where he said his body would be found .
Tricke's career spanned 24 years and included 2,200 races .
Remembered for his fun and outrageous personality .
Once drilled a hole in his helmet to allow him to smoke a cigarette and installed lighters in his vehicle . |
169,545 | 6768ebbc9aa936fb65f367acdb657c9502a901c3 | By . Nick Lester . PUBLISHED: . 04:14 EST, 13 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:49 EST, 13 September 2013 . Dunkin' Donuts is making a return to UK after 20 years . It promises to be battle that will delight those of a sweet-tooth persuasion. Dunkin' Donuts is to square up to Krispy Kreme in what promises to be an epic clash of the fried dough treat. The US chain is making a return to Britain 20 years after it first tried to break into the UK market. The rise of coffee chains such as Costa . and Coffee Republic in recent years has tempted the business to return . to these shores for another try. Dunkin' Donuts last attempt to break into the UK market ended in failure, and it pulled out in the mid-1990s. It . has agreed deals with two franchise partners to launch 50 restaurants . in London over the next five years, with talks ongoing over a possible . further 100 branches across the UK. Giorgio . Minardi, president of Dunkin' Brands International, said: 'We feel . there is significant opportunity for Dunkin' Donuts in the UK, and we . have had a tremendous response from potential franchisees interested in . developing the brand across the country.' Its . parent group, Dunkin' Brands, already runs ice cream chain . Baskin-Robbins in the UK, which now has 100 locations across Britain, . including free-standing restaurants as well as concession locations in . other shops and cinemas. Dunkin' Donuts currently has more than 10,500 restaurants in 31 countries . around the world, including more than 100 locations across Europe in . Bulgaria, Germany, Russia and Spain. Dunkin' Donuts is set to take on Krispy Kreme Doughnuts . Under . the leadership of regional general manager Jim Johnstone, its UK . restaurants will offer coffees, teas, espresso-based drinks, frozen . drinks, doughnuts, muffins, croissants and sandwiches, as well as a . regional menu to cater to British tastes. Store . openings will initially focus on north and east London through . franchise partners Court Group, chaired by David Sheepshanks, and DDMG, . which is a partnership of US and UK franchisees. Mr Sheepshanks is the co-founder of Suffolk Foods and former chairman of Ipswich Town Football Club. | US doughnut giant is returning after pulling out in the mid-1990s .
It has agreed deals to launch 50 restaurants .
and is in talks over 100 more . |
69,690 | c58b78af8f386a7e4612496e7a53a086bb497188 | In a stunning speech on the Fox News Channel, commentator Greg Gutfeld predicted that if a bank taxation scheme like the one that shocked Cypriots should come to America, gun owners would aim at government officials -- and shoot to kill. 'While Cypriots can own guns, it’s a bear to get them,' Gutfeld noted on the popular talk show The Five. 'There is no . gun culture there, which then allows the government to wonder of its . docile populace: "What are they gonna do -- shoot us?"' 'Well, in America,' he sniped, 'yes, we will shoot you.' Scroll down for video . The cast of Fox News Channel's The Five includes (L to R) Andrea Tantaros, Bob Beckel, Eric Bolling, Dana Perino and (far right) The Joy Of Hate author Greg Gutfeld, who predicted 'war' if US government officials ever levied taxes on existing bank accounts . Gutfeld, who also . hosts the late night news-comedy show Red Eye, is author of the . snark-filled book The Joy Of Hate. Americans learned Monday that Cypriots would be subject to a 6.75 per cent tax on bank accounts of €100,000 ($129,500) and below. Amounts above €100,000 will incur a 9.9 per cent tax, which goes up to 15 per cent for balances over €500,000 ($647,000). 'The wholesale robbery has caused citizens to rush to get their money out. The response? The banks closed. So how can a government assume that it can get away with this? Because they assume they can get away with this.' 'Gun control advocates mock gun owners over their belief that guns will protect us from government tyranny,' said the popular Fox News host. 'But ask yourself this: What would happen if the government here tried to take over your bank account? War. It would be on.' The Second Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees that 'the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.' But new gun . control measures have popped up at the state and federal level in the wake of the December Newtown, Connecticut school shooting, which left 20 children and six adults dead. Among the advocates of tighter restrictions on guns is Vice President Joe Biden, who claimed during a Feb. 19 Facebook event that women could protect themselves from attackers by firing a loaded shotgun into the air. Gutfeld isn't impressed. Gutfeld said Americans would revolt with their firearms and shoot government officials if the US economy ever needed a bailout like the one that the EU has extended to Cyprus. That plan requires a tax on all bank accounts in the country, seizing as much as 15 per cent of account holders' money . With a holstered gun on his side, David McElroy (left) participates in an anti-Obama administration protest rally in defense of the US Constitution's Second Amendment. Vice President Joe Biden (right) has supported bans on the sale of high-powered rifles, telling women they should fire shotguns into the air to scare off attackers . 'Cyprus just proved that Joe Biden's notion of "all you need is a shotgun" is deeply flawed,' he said. 'Sadly, though, this "steal from the rich" mentality is alive and well in America. Remember Occupy Wall Street? And how different is the Cyprus solution from the class warfare rhetoric that demands your wealth gets spread around? 'The defense against this toxic ideology isn't only reason, but it's reason with a rifle. So, yeah, it'll never happen here. And you have the good sense of our founding fathers to thank for it.' Biden's advice about firing shotgun warning-shots became the subject of a YouTube parody video, showing women knocked backward by the force of firing a shotgun. It quickly racked up 1.6 million views. | EU bailout will force Cypriots to sacrifice up to 15 per cent of their savings .
Pundit predicted 'war' if armed Americans were taxed on bank accounts .
Says unarmed Cypriots make it easy for government to seize assets .
Newtown massacre brought new calls for gun control from VP Biden . |
238,619 | c0e07ab15bb89649847a6a031de9b0d20b994ca4 | By . James Nye . PUBLISHED: . 08:29 EST, 27 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:35 EST, 27 September 2012 . A 15-year-old boy has died in a freak accident after he fell onto a drinking glass, slashing his neck while playing the notorious 'pass out' game in his bedroom with friends. Copying instructions he had seen on YouTube, David Nuno lost consciousness and fell face first to the ground severing his cartoid artery at his Chula Vista, California home. Despite bleeding profusely, the teen managed to stagger downstairs as he desperately looked for the help of his father, who was at home when the tragic experiment went wrong at around 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening. Scroll Down for Video . David Nuno, 15, died after an attempt to copy the 'pass out' game went horribly wrong at his home in Chula Vista, California . Paramedics rushed to the scene and performed CPR on the stricken boy, after which he was taken to Rady Children's Hospital where he sadly later died. Police said that David and his friends had been watching YouTube videos on how to make yourself pass out and told officers that this was the first time they had attempted the dangerous hyperventilation game. David Nuno cut his cartoid artery on a glass tumbler that was lying on the floor in his bedroom and bled to death after he caused himself to fall unconscious playing the 'pass out' game . The teenager was tended to by his father who tried to stem the bleeding with a towel but paramedics and doctors could not save him . 'The victim apparently did what was in the video, fell forward and landed on a drinking glass on the floor,' said Chula Vista Police Captain Gary Wedge. Captain Wedge added that there was no sign of alcohol or drug taking by the boys and strongly advised young people not to immitate any 'pass out' game videos they see on the Internet. 'Nothing good can come out of watching videos like that,' said Wedge. Immediately after David fell onto the glass tumbler, his friend's flipped his body over and told police that the boy came to and ran down their stairs for help, but collapsed on the landing. His father attempted to hold a towel over the wound until paramedics arrived, but the cut to his neck was too deep and David lost too much blood to survive. Videos on YouTube are uploaded by other teens and they instruct teens how to cause themselves to pass out . On Wednesday evening, dozens of the teens friends held a walking vigil for David by making the journey from Chula Vista Community Park to Nuno's home. Some of the teen's upset friends spoke of their disbelief that he had died. 'Now that I'm seeing everyone here, I'm realising it's really true. It's not a dream,' said David's friend Jessica Alcala. The teen's Facebook page carried rest in peace messages and high school friends spoke at the vigil of their distress. 'I couldn't comprehend what was happening,' said Mariam Valenzuela. 'I thought it was a joke. His cousin confirmed it was real. 'It was just horrible.' David Nuno's father was home at the time of the accident in the affluent suburb of Chula Vista in San Diego . At the vigil, the teenagers friends spoke about the 'pass out' game and the dangers that come from copying internet videos. 'It's not a game. It's really serious,' said David's friend Hazel Valenzuela. 'We can use it as an example that something so little can turn into something really horrible.' According to the medical examiner's report, David died from multiple lacerations and sharp force injuries to his neck and had just turned 15 on September 16th. 'He was very funny, very loveable,' said friend June Favela. 'A person you couldn't forget. I saw him just last week and it's so surreal.' David Nuno's friends held a walking vigil from a local park to the teens home in Chula Vista . Psychiatrist Daniel Cowell said that parents and children must be aware of the dangers of the 'pass out' game which has caused the death of several teenagers in recent years. In the 'pass out' game, they say, teenagers deprive themselves of oxygen until they lose consciousness and fall into friends' waiting arms, which can produce a woozy, sometimes addictive euphoria. In 2010, two teenage girls died in the Chicago area after attaching cord to their necks to deprive themselves of oxygen, but because they played the game on their own, they hung themselves to death instead. 'Children think it's safe,' said psychiatrist Daniel Cowell, who has studied the phenomenon, 'It's far from safe.' View more videos at: http://nbcsandiego.com. | David Nuno, 15, imitated a YouTube video which demonstrates how to hyperventilate or asphyxiate yourself to achieve a euphoric high .
It was the first time that David had attempted the game and according to police he lost consciousness and landed on a glass tumbler - slashing his neck .
He struggled down a flight of stairs to seek the help of his father but later died in hospital . |
239,768 | c2675d695e969659b8e18cca9e84bdaff935b0b1 | (CNN) -- Fighting raged in a major Syrian city Tuesday, with at least two people killed and several others wounded, an activist group said. Clashes erupted between protesters and security forces in Homs, according to the Local Coordination Committee in Syria, a network of activists that promotes and documents demonstrations across the country. They occurred in al-Khalidiya neighborhood, and video said to be from the Homs unrest shows protesters running and throwing rocks and contains sounds of heavy gunfire. CNN cannot independently confirm the information. Demonstrations critical of the government began in the southern city of Daraa and were swiftly suppressed by security forces. Anti-government fervor caught on nationwide as more protests were met with tougher crackdowns. After three months of protests, more than 1,100 have died and thousands more have been jailed, according to human rights activists. Ammar Qurabi, chairman of the National Organization for Human Rights in Syria, said Tuesday that dozens of protesters were arrested the day before during peaceful anti-government demonstrations in the city of Aleppo. Meanwhile, state TV showed images Tuesday of thousands joining pro-regime rallies in Daraa, Aleppo and Homs. Referring to President Bashar al-Assad, some in the crowds chanted, "With our blood, with our souls, we will sacrifice for you, Bashar" and "God, Syria and Bashar only." The world's attention has been focused on the plight of Syrians displaced from their homes by violence. At least 10,718 Syrian refugees, many of whom fled a military advance in and around the city of Jisr al-Shugur, have crossed the border into Turkey. The U.N. refugee agency Tuesday said it participated in a government-sponsored mission to Jisr al-Shugur the day before, a trip that included diplomats, reporters and U.N. agencies. The group "approached Jisr al-Shugur from Idlib to the east" and "villages were increasingly empty from around 40 kilometers away from Jisr al-Shugur." "There was no evidence of people working in the fields. Jisr al-Shugur itself was almost deserted, with most shops shuttered and closed." The agency said the fact that Jisr al-Shugur and nearby villages were "empty indicates significant displacement." The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said 500 to 1,000 people have been crossing from Syria into Turkey daily since June 7. It also praised Turkey and the Turkish Red Crescent whose efforts "to provide protection and shelter and cater for the needs of Syrian refugees were commendable." The agency said many people are "severely traumatized" by the ordeal and those most vulnerable need help, particularly women with children. "Syrian refugees spoke to our team about their fears and trauma. Many had lost family members, who they said were either killed, missing or in hiding. Our team heard accounts of murders, targeted assassinations, assaults, civilians getting killed in crossfire, torture and humiliation by the military," the agency said. "Most of these people had lost virtually all their belongings and property. In many cases their livestock were shot, fields were torched, and homes and businesses destroyed or confiscated." Robert Ford, the U.S. ambassador to Syria, traveled north with ambassadors and members of the media, all of whom appeared to be local, an American diplomat said. Two sites said to be mass graves were shown to the group. It was not possible to tell how many bodies were present, but the stench was strong. Ford mentioned the predicament of refugees and a Syrian officer told him they could "return at any time without fear of retribution." He visited Jisr al-Shugur, largely empty with evidence of fighting. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it has been asking for "unrestricted access to areas and people affected by the unrest." ICRC President Jakob Kellenberger ended talks with Syrian Prime Minister Adel Safar and Foreign Minister Walid Muallem in Damascus on the issue, ICRC said Tuesday. "The Syrian officials were receptive, and agreed to give the ICRC and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent wider access to areas of unrest. I will closely monitor how this understanding is put into practice," Kellenberger said. He also asked that ICRC delegates be permitted to visit detainees. "The Syrian government has expressed its readiness to discuss terms and conditions relating to ICRC visits," Kellenberger said. "This is a first step forward." This move comes as the Syrian president offered another general amnesty Tuesday for those accused of crimes, Syrian state TV reported. It's the second known amnesty overture from the embattled Syrian leader since protests erupted in March, and it concerns any alleged unlawful acts that occurred before Monday. Al-Assad issued a similar amnesty on May 31 that included the arrests of people belonging to various political groups. But that offer and mentions of reform in a rare public speech Monday have done little to quell widespread anger toward al-Assad's regime. On Monday, al-Assad offered vague promises of reform and called for refugees to go back home. Al-Assad said he was "working on getting the military back to their barracks as soon as possible" but also warned the government would "work on tracking down everyone who shed blood or plotted in shedding the blood of the Syrian people, and we will hold them accountable." In his third speech to the country in three months, he raised the possibility of amending the Syrian Constitution and referred to the need for a "national dialogue," but he made clear his government would not engage in one-on-one talks with the opposition. Al-Assad blamed armed gangs and conspiracies for the violence that has gripped Syria, saying the unrest has tarnished the country's image and weakened its security. "There are those who are killing in the name of religion and want to spread chaos under the pretext of religion," he said, referring to conspiracies as "germs" that cannot be "exterminated." The speech was met with demonstrations in a number of Syrian towns and cities, opponents of the government said. . CNN's Salma Abdelaziz, Jenifer Fenton and Yesim Comert contributed to this report. | NEW: Fighting erupts in the Syrian city of Homs .
U.S. ambassador was among those visiting northern Syria .
A human rights official says dozens of peaceful protesters are arrested in Aleppo .
More than 10,000 Syrian refugees reportedly have crossed the border into Turkey . |
169,896 | 67e1c681248b6d2ff1ce0b4c19f94955672cb30f | Western Sydney Wanderers' stunning year ended on a waterlogged pitch and with a rash of red cards as they let a late lead slip to lose 3-1 after extra time to Mexican side Cruz Azul in the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup on Saturday. Wanderers, who finished the game with nine men, were two minutes from a dream semi-final meeting with Real Madrid after a long-range strike from Iacopo La Rocca had given them a second-half lead. But Gerardo Torrado equalised with a penalty for Cruz Azul and then converted a second spot-kick in extra time, either side of a goal from forward Mariano Pavone. Gerardo Torrado (right) scored a pair of penalties to give Cruz Azul victory over WS Wanderers . Mariano Pavone slides across the wet ground to celebrate giving Cruz Azul the lead in extra-time . The Mexicans celebrate after setting up a semi-final with Champions League holders Real Madrid . Wanderers, who defied the odds to overcome much wealthier Asian powerhouses and win the continent's Champions League in November, lost Matthew Spiranovic to a second bookable offence 16 minutes from the end of normal time. They were then dealt a further blow when captain Nikolai Topor-Stanley followed him off the pitch in extra time. Cruz Azul play Real in their semi-final in Rabat on Tuesday, while Wanderers play off for fifth place with African champions ES Setif a day later in Marrakesh. Groundsmen work to dry out the pitch on a rain soaked evening in Morrocco . Puddle water splashes as Gerardo Flores of Cruz Azul (left) battles with La Rocca . Iacopo La Rocca wheels away after opening the scoring for Western Sydney Wanderers . WS Wanderers players celebrate after La Rocca gives them the lead . Cruz Azul's Mauro Formica slides through the water to make a challenge on Matthew Spiranovic (right) Xavier Baez (left) of Cruz Azul battles with the wet conditions and WS Wanderers' Mateo Poljak . Cruz Azul forward Torrado equalises from the the penalty spot in the 89th minute . Pavone fires Cruz Azul into an extra time lead after the scores were level on 90minutes . Pavone celebrates his decisive goal with a slide across the wet turf . | Cruz Azul defeated WS Wanderers in extra-time at the World Club Cup .
Gerardo Torrado scored penalties in final minutes of normal time and extra time to set up a semi-final with Real Madrid .
The Wanderers finished the game with nine men after Matthew Spiranovic and Nikolai Topor-Stanle were sent off .
Iacopo La Rocca opened the scoring for the Australians while Mariano Pavone netted the other goal for CONCACAF Champions League winners . |
160,662 | 5bb3d28d4a527ec299db79ab95c0368e5050f921 | (CNN) -- It is a horse that most certainly meets with Royal approval but for now the Queen is happy for her filly Estimate to luxuriate in the grounds of her Sandringham estate. But even while the four-year-old puts her feet up after a hectic year on the track she is still winning prizes -- adding the prestigious Cartier Stayer Award to her impressive haul of trophies. Estimate's most notable triumph was victory at the 2013 Gold Cup, as a thrilled looking Queen cheered it home from the Royal Box at Ascot. Ridden by Ryan Moore, Estimate stormed to victory in the prestigious Group One race in June, the first time in its 207-year history that the British monarch had owned the winner. But that is not the extent of her exhaustions. Estimate has also won four other English Classics -- the 1,000 and 2,000 Guineas, The Oaks and St. Leger -- meaning that only the Epsom Derby eludes her. The Queen received the award at Buckingham Palace on Monday and the footage was shown to around 330 guests who attended the ceremony at London's Dorchester Hotel. The 87-year-old said: "Thank you very much indeed and it's very nice to accept the award on behalf of Estimate, who did all the work. That's very kind. "Estimate is sitting in a field at Sandringham now having a rest and watching the deer and things like that. Perhaps she'll come back into training next year. "I shall be thrilled to keep that (the Cartier Award trophy) and have it as a memento. I was just looking at it and thinking it could join all the trophies we have at Ascot. "We have all the trophies. I have actually managed to win the Gold Cup, which is unusual." Horse racing has long been a love of the Royal family, the Queen's father King George VI passing on his love of the sport to his daughter Elizabeth. The Queen Mother also had a passion for steeplechase racing and when she died at the age of 101 in 2002, she could boast 449 winners in her royal colors. "She adores breeding racehorses," the Queen's racing manager John Warren told CNN. "The British bloodstock industry is very lucky to have a patron such as the Queen." Said to name all her own horses, the Queen has Royal studs at Sandringham and Wolferton in Norfolk and Polhampton in Berkshire, with around 25 horses racing a season. The Cartier Horse of the Year gong went to unbeaten three-year-old French filly Treve, who won this year's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. She also claimed the French Oaks and Prix Vermeille crowns, emulating the feat of Zarkava in 2008 who also won all three titles in a season. Treve was purchased at auction by the Qatar-based Al Shaqab Racing for £50,000, a snip considering its value after winning the $6.25 million Arc. | The Queen's horse Estimate wins the Cartier Stayer Award after a stellar year .
The four-year-old filly won the 2013 Gold Cup at Royal Ascot in front of the Queen .
Her Majesty is a keen horse racing enthusiast just like her mother and father .
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Treve takes the Horse of the Year gong . |
274,560 | efa63eb790aa20c1643d28ae9e3cad84675229fd | The Obama administration conceded on Thursday that its vaunted Affordable Care Act enrollment numbers from last year were inflated by a whopping 400,000. That's how many dental insurance plans were included in the final number when the White House boasted in September that 7.3 million Americans had signed up for medical insurance through government-managed marketplaces. The dental plans should not have been lumped into the overall total because they represented people who also had purchased medical insurance, effectively double-counting them. Including the dental policies was a break from previous practice that Republicans suspect was a scheme to push the administration's numbers over the 7 million mark. That the number the Congressional Budget Office had projected would be needed in order to keep the program financially viable. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell told Congress in September that 7.3 million Americans had medical insurance through Obamacare, but 400,000 of that total was quietly double-counted by including dental plans . Rep. Darrell Issa (right) presides over the powerful House Oversight Committee, which uncovered the numerical sleight-of-hand on Thursday . Trouble in Washington: The Obamacare law is increasingly unpopular, according to a recent Gallup poll . Staff investigators at the House Oversight and Government Affairs Committee uncovered the ruse, which the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services quickly called an honest mistake. CMS spokesman Aaron Albright confirmed the White House's use of creative math on Thursday. In May the administration had claimed more than 8 million people enrolled in Obamacare plans during the open-enrollment period that ended March 31. That number later fell to 6.9 million after more than 1 million were dropped from the rolls – some because they never paid their premiums, and others because they couldn't prove their legal resident status. With the 400,000 dental plans added in, the administration had the 7 million it needed for PR purposes, and to keep skeptical GOP opponents at bay. 'Faced with large numbers of Americans running for an exit from Obamacare, instead of offering the public an accurate accounting, the Administration offered numbers that obscured and downplayed the number of dropouts,' said House Oversight Chairman Rep. Darrell Issa, a California Republican. 'Now they’re saying this was just a "mistake." The claim that this was only [an] accident stretches credulity. The administration misreported Obamacare’s enrollment figures not once, but twice.' The news that the White House may have cooked Obamacare's books comes at an awkward time, after a series of videos surfaced depicting Jonathan Gruber, the law's architect, explaining how Democrats used deception to get it past Congress. In one video he credited 'the stupidity of the American voter' for the success of a ruse that recast large tax increases as penalties on insurance companies. Those costs are passed through to customers, rendering the result the same as if it were officially a tax. Second time's the charm? Obamacare is open for enrollment again through March 31 . Economist Jonathan Gruber, Obamacare's main architect, was caught on video candidly discussing the level of deception the Administration needed in order to pass the law in Congress . Former Congressional Budget Office director Douglas Holtz-Eakin told Bloomberg that 'the No. 1 most effective message against the Affordable Care Act is [that] they lied to you to get it through.' 'People believe that years now after its passage. The distrust is already there, and they’re doing nothing but exacerbate it.' Issa, who will hand over his committee gavel to Utah Republican Rep. Jason Chaffetz in January, demanded action. 'HHS must provide a clear and detailed account of who knew about this decision and when they knew it,' he said in a statement. 'This administration still appears to be calling its Obamacare transparency plan from the Jonathan Gruber playbook: dismissing the American public’s right to know with the same deceptive arrogance that helped them pass the bill in the first place.' On September 18, CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner told the Oversight Committee that her agency had '7.3 million Americans enrolled in the health insurance marketplace coverage.' Five days later Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia Burwell told a Brookings Institute audience that '7.3 million people signed up for marketplace plans, paid their premiums, and have access to affordable care.' | Official Obamacare numbers showed 7.3 million signups but that included 400,000 dental insurance customers who had never been counted in the total before .
Actual enrollment dropped from 8 million to 6.9 million when more than 1 million couldn't prove their legal status or failed to pay their premiums .
CBO had said the administration would need 7 million customers in the first year to keep Obamacare afloat financially .
With the numbers fudged, the White House had the total it needed in order to put Republicans on defense and claim victory with voters . |
60,180 | aaffbb0eed56bc0c2473f140e3515e89947c8e42 | By . Emma Reynolds . PUBLISHED: . 07:13 EST, 8 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:07 EST, 8 February 2013 . Nelson Mandela's grand-daughters have been accused of cashing in on his fame by appearing in a reality TV show. But the two sisters, both their 30s, insist that their family trust them to do what they want, provided they act with 'respect and integrity'. Being Mandela, a 13-part series following the lives of fashionable Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and Swati Dlamini in Johannesburg, premiers on Sunday. Famous name: Swati Dlamini, left, and Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway, will star in reality show 'Being Mandela' In it, the sisters bicker, gossip and cope with the usual family disputes - but their ancestry sets them apart from the typical reality TV star. While the 94-year-old former South African president does not appear in the show, his ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela - 'Big Mommy' to her grandchildren - has a central role. Swati Dlamini said: 'We get asked this . question a lot. Is this not going to tarnish the name and is this not . going to be bad for the name?' Daily life: Swati, left, and Zaziwe insist their grandfather is a fan of reality TV including Toddlers and Tiaras . 'But our grandparents have always said to . us, this is our name too, and we can do what we think is best fitting . with the name, as long as we treat it with respect and integrity.' Mandela, who the girls know as their strict 'Big Grandpa', was recently treated for a lung infection and had surgery to remove gallstones. The sisters say their grandfather, who they only really got to know after he retired from public life, is now 'happy and healthy.' The show, made by COZI TV for NBC, contains various revelations about Mandela, who his grand-daughters say sees himself as 'belonging to his country'. 'Our grandfather always told us that he . belongs to the country and he's of service to the country and he doesn't . belong to us as a family,' said Swati. 'And that's the sacrifice he's made for the . country and that what he's told us as far as I can remember.' They insist the Nobel Peace Prize winner is a fan of reality television and will watch the show. 'You'll be interested to know that he . loves Toddlers and Tiaras,' added Swati, in reference to the . series about child beauty pageants. At home: The sisters share a recent photo of Nelson Mandela, 95, with his great grandson Zen Manaway, one . 'Because of the kids,' added Zaziwe, 35, who has three children with her husband, an American businessman. 'He just loves children.' She shows the cameras a photograph of . Mandela at home last week, flashing his familiar smile, with his youngest . great-grandchild on his lap - her one-year-old son. The picture is a . rare public image of Mandela, whose last appearance on a major stage . was during the 2010 World Cup soccer tournament in South Africa. The sisters, who spent most of their childhood in exile in the United States, make an emotional visit to the prison on Robben Island where their grandfather spent 18 of the 27 years he was imprisoned by South Africa's white-ruled government. Controversial: While Mandela does not appear in the show, ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela features heavily . Swati, who has a four-year-old daughter, works on publishing the prison diaries that her grandmother wrote but now cannot bear to read. Swati, whose full name is Zamaswazi, was smuggled on to Robben Island in 1980, when she was less than a year old, wrapped in blankets her grandmother pretended she needed as protection against the cold. Let in on the secret, prison guard Christo Brand recalls initially refusing to allow Mandela to see his grandchild, according to his memoir at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. Brand says he eventually gave in, though he feared he might lose his job. 'I gave him the baby, he had tears in his eyes while he held her,' he said. 'Mandela never told anyone about this. When we walked back to the prison section, he told me how important the moment was, to touch something small.' The sisters, along with two brothers, are the latest famous names to launch a fashion line, called 'Long Walk to Freedom' in honour of their grandfather's autobiography. Their hope is that U.S. audiences will see a vibrant and modern side of South Africa through their eyes. Mandela, who always lamented his long separation from his family during his imprisonment, is happiest these days when his offspring are running around being loud, his granddaughters say. 'We're in and out of the house. We're loud and he loves the noise,' Zaziwe said. The sisters are the daughters of Zenani Mandela and Prince Thumbumuzi Dlamini of Swaziland. They say their grandfather - a symbol of integrity and magnanimity across the world - holds the family to high standards and sets rules for when the children should be home and when dinner should start. 'He's a very strict person,' said Zaziwe. Most people wouldn't think that but he really, really is,' The sisters are closer to grandmother, who divorced Mandela in 1997. Their adoring description of their grandmother as the doting matriarch contrasts sharply with her chequered public image. Mrs Madikizela-Mandela faces accusations, which she denies, that she and her bodyguard unit committed 18 killings in the 1980s. 'She's fun,' added Zaziwe. 'She never says no to us. I don't think I've ever heard my grandmother say no to us.' The series shows 'Big Mommy' clearly taking charge of the family - marching into the hospital room where Zaziwe gave birth to Zen with a list of possible names for the boy. | Sisters appear in Being Mandela, which follows their lives in Johannesburg .
They say their grandfather likes reality TV, including Toddlers and Tiaras .
He does not feature but ex-wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela has major role .
Former South African president is 'happy and healthy', the girls reveal .
The women say their grandfather has always 'belonged to the country' |
206,208 | 96ed8cff88793037ffb97bcf5f22551b6548a0da | By . Becky Evans . PUBLISHED: . 17:56 EST, 19 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:04 EST, 19 September 2013 . It is a slice of paradise that comes with its own white beach, a 23,000 square feet luxury home and even a private rainforest. The Rai Ki Wai estate, which translates as View Over The Sea, is so exclusive that it shares the whole Fijian island of Wakaya with just seven other homes. But this kind of luxury comes at a price. The 46-acre estate is being sold at auction with no reserve next month but has been valued at a whopping £7.5million ($12million). Stunning: The unique Rai Ki Wai estate comes with its own white beach and private rainforest . Luxury: The 23,000sq ft home on Fiji's Wakaya island is one of the largest in the entire country and boasts unparalleled views over the sea . Pricey: The unusual luxury home has been valued at £7.5million but is going under the hammer next month without a reserve . Slice of paradise: The stunning island is a 30-minute flight from Fiji's main airport and can only be accessed by secured dock or helipad . The house is set at the highest spot on the island, offering stunning views of the South Pacific. It includes six suites in separate pavilions — each with en-suite bathrooms, decks and gardens - and an additional bedroom with full bathroom. The opulent estate has Fijian hardwood floors and is styled on Balinese and Asian designs. Among the stunning features are a main pavilion with a 4,200 square feet living/ bar area and a separate pavilion housing an enormous 5,000 square feet master bedroom. Guest pavilions have airy 32-foot ceilings, spa bathtubs, indoor/ outdoor showers and private decks. If this was not enough, the estate has an outdoor pool, with unobstructed ocean views. Idyll: The large outdoor pool comes with unobstructed views of the sea and is decorated with palm trees, fountains and plants . Quality: The interior and exterior of the beautiful home such as the hall (left) and sun terrace (right), is decked in local Fijian hardwood . Unspoilt: The lucky owners of the secluded compound can enjoy breathtaking views of their own private rainforest canopy . Great for guests: The estate six suites in separate pavilions that each come with their own luxury en-suite bathrooms . American owner Giselle Fernandez said the island has been an 'oasis of spirit' for her family. She said: 'The seascapes and sparkling reefs and vistas embraced us with nature's grandest offerings. The Fijian people's village traditions became ours and enriched our lives in countless ways. 'I can't say enough about our 11 magical years on Wakaya Island and the enchantment of our grand Rai Ki Wai estate. 'We loved it so much. We spent months at a time over the years, shared its enchanting wiles with friends and family and raised our child there. 'Now with our daughter growing up and in school and grandchildren here in the states, and more on the way, our lives have changed, and it's not so easy to escape away as we once did.' Perfect for a party: Among its many luxurious features is a 4,200-square-foot open living/bar area with unbelievable views over the Pacific Ocean . At one with nature: The island is hundreds of miles from pollution and has thriving wild and plant-life . Sandy paradise: Seller Giselle Fernandez is letting go of her home, which has access to a private white beach, after 11 years because she says she cannot leave the U.S. as much as she used to . Stunning: The opulent estate, which goes under the hammer on October 3, has Fijian hardwood floors and is styled on Balinese and Asian designs . The remote island - one of 333 in the country -is a 30 minute flight from Fiji's airport. And it is so private, the island can only be accessed through a secured dock, airstrip or helipad. Ms Fernandez said: 'Whoever steps next into this island paradise will experience more than just the joy of an exquisite retreat — Rai Ki Wai is simply an encounter with spirit at every turn and a destined adventure of the soul.' Rai Ki Wai estate is being auctioned by New York-based Concierge Auctions on October 3. Magical: Few places in the world could boast views such as this sunset over the Pacific Ocean with the rainforest in silhouette . Lavish: The estate includes this giant bathroom with huge walk-in shower, bathtub and his and hers sinks . | Rai Ki Wai estate is so exclusive it shares the whole of Wakaya island with just seven other houses .
Features six guest pavilions all with en-suite bathrooms and massive 4,200 square feet living/ bar area . |
243,563 | c743503743cbcacb7b24577415dd480172d55155 | A mother who watched her cop son gunned down in front of her, his wife and his children allegedly at the hands of two illegal immigrants has vowed not to rest until his 'worthless piece of s**t' killers are dead.' Heartbroken Marie Vega was on a family fishing trip with her husband Javier, son Javier Jr., his wife Paola and their three children when they were ambushed by two armed Mexican illegal immigrants who have been deported SIX times before in total. Javier Jr and his father bravely tried to fight them off, but the off-duty Border Patrol Agent was fatally shot in the chest and Javier Sr was blasted in the hip. Final farewell: Javier Vega Jr's wife Paola (left), mother Marie (center) and father Javier (right), stand over his casket as he was buried with full military honors on Thursday . Revenge: Marie Vega took to Facebook . to promise that she will avenge her son's death. In an emotional Facebook post she said that she wished she could have died instead of him . Pall bearers carry a casket containing the remains of Javier, 36, out of St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria, Texas on Thursday . Mexican nationals Gustavo Tijernia, 30 and Ismael Hernandez, 40 fled the scene and were arrested hours later after a huge man hunt. The ruthless killing has again highlighted the border crisis plaguing the Obama administration which is struggling to contain a huge wave of illegal immigration across the border with Mexico which has stretched authorities to breaking point this year. On Tuesday devastated Marie posted an emotionally charged message on her Facebook page alongside a picture of her beloved son. Marie, who works as a photographer, wrote: 'My sweet sweet baby. I failed you oh sweet child of mine. I was supposed to protect you and keep you safe. I failed to save your life. I wish a million times I had died and not you. You are my life, my heart was ripped out when I lost you. I will not rest until these worthless pieces of s*** are dead.' Hundreds of law enforcement officers turned out for Javier Vega's mass, held at St. Francis Xavier Church in La Feria on Thursday. The car lot was packed with State Trooper Vehicles, local police cars and SUV's from Javier's colleagues in The Border Patrol. His devastated family, including his injured father, Javier Snr arrived in a white limousine, behind a hearse. As his coffin was carried out at the end of the ceremony, officers held up the flags of The Border Patrol, The US Marine Corp and The Stars and Stripes. Javier was a Border Patrol veteran of six years and had previously served in the U.S. Marine Corp, like his brother Jordy. On Sunday he travelled to his favorite fishing hole around 20 minutes north of La Feria with his mother, father, wife and three boys Javier Vega III, Jiovanni, and Jarod. Tijernia and Hernandez pulled up to the secluded spot in a car and tried to rob them at gun point. When Javier bravely reached for his weapon, they shot him in the chest. TheBlaze reported . that his last words were 'keep shooting, dad'. It is believed Javier . Sr then grabbed the gun and shot at the robbers, but was blasted in the . hip. He has now been released from hospital. Willacy . County Sheriff Larry Spence told TheBlaze that Marie even picked up an . AR-15 rifle and shot at the suspects' vehicle as the suspects fled. They . eventually crashed their car and took refuge in a neighbor's house. The . home owner alerted Border Patrol officers to their location and scores . of agents moved in to arrest them. They . were arraigned on Tuesday and charged with capital murder, attempted . capital murder, four counts of aggravated robbery and tampering with . evidence. Gunfight: . Javier Vega Jr. (left) was killed and his father Javier R. Vega . (center) wounded when the robbers ambushed them on a family fishing trip . last Sunday. (Pictured right is brother Jordy) Ismael Hernandez, left, and Gustavo Tijerina, right, had both been arrested and deported numerous times but came back across the border with seeming impunity. Tijerna could also face charges in connection with a string of attacks linked to the infamous Gulf Cartel . Brave: Police said Marie (pictured with husband Javier R.) even shot at the fleeing robbers with an AR-15 that she picked up in the chaos . Fox News has reported Tijernia - who is the alleged gunman - could also face charges in connection with a string of similar attacks in Cameron County over the last six weeks, believed to be linked to the infamous Gulf Cartel. The ruthless crime syndicate is one of the oldest, most established in Mexico and is based out of the suspects' home town of Matamoros, directly across the border from Brownsville, Texas. Its . primary business is drug smuggling, but it also operates through . protection rackets, assassinations, extortions and kidnappings. It is . believed it has recently branched out into robbing U.S. citizens, before . smuggling their belongings back across the border. Fox . News claims sources have informed them Tijernia is expected to be . charged with four counts of aggravated robbery and one conspiracy . organized crime charge. They . state one of Tijernia's earlier victims was another off-duty Border . Patrol agent who was also out fishing when he was robbed. The . crew would fire warning shots at fishermen, before ordering them to . hand over jewelry, cash and keys to their cars, Fox News states. On Tuesday the station also reported both Tijernia, 30 and Hernandez, 40 had been arrested and deported numerous times. According . to court records, Tijerina, who also goes by the name Tijerina-Sandoval, . pleaded guilty to entering the U.S. illegally on July 9, 2007. He was . given a 30-day sentence with credit for time served and charged a $10 . fee. Three . months later, on Oct. 4, he was again found guilty of entering the . country illegally and was sentenced to 60 days in jail and $10 fee. In a . criminal complaint, he said he entered the U.S.on Sept. 1 and was . confronted by border patrol agents near Weslaco, Texas, on Oct. 3. He . had waded across the Rio Grande River near Progreso, Mexico, court . records show. Distinction: Javier, right, and his brother Jordy, left, both served in the Marines before Javier Jr. became a Border Patrol Agent . A . year later, on Oct. 25, 2008, he again entered the U.S by crossing the . river. On Nov. 18, 2008, he was given 90 days in jail and another $10 . special assessment fee. On Dec. 15, 2009, Tijerina was indicted by a grand jury on charges of entering the U.S. illegally yet again. The . indictment says he 'had previously been denied admission, excluded, . deported and removed, knowing and unlawfully was present in the United . States having been found near Edinburg, Texas.' Court . records say he had not obtained permission from the U.S. attorney . general and the secretary of homeland security to reapply for admission . into the U.S. A warrant was issued for his arrest stating he faced up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He was held without bond on Jan. 26, 2010 and was given nine months in jail and fined $100. Sources confirmed to Fox News that these cases involved the same Tijerina who is accused of slaying of Javier Vega. The sources also said Hernandez, the second suspect, has been deported twice for entering the U.S. illegally. These shocking revelations come at a time when the government is under intense scrutiny over its immigration policy and control of the U.S. border with Mexico. President Obama faces a growing humanitarian crisis as more than 57,000 children have arrived unaccompanied at the border. Lawmakers have expressed concern that gang members and criminals have slipped in as authorities struggle to deal with the flood. Obama has called on Congress to quickly approve his request for $3.7 billion in emergency funding to deal with the crisis amid calls from some Republicans to deploy the National Guard at the border. Javier Vega's murder has sent shockwaves through the local community. Yesterday . Border Patrol's Chief Patrol Agent Kevin Oaks said: 'Words cannot . express our sorrow for the loss of our brother, when we lose one of our . own, it feels as if we've lost a beloved member of our own family. 'I . wish to express to his family and friends my deepest condolences. May . the peace that comes from the memories of the time you shared together, . comfort you now and in the difficult days ahead.' 'The Kingsville Station is at a loss,'said Kingsville Station Acting Patrol Agent in Charge Arnold Perez. Widow: Javier Jr. is survived by his wife Paola Vega and their three sons. The National Border Patrol Council has set up a memorial fund for them . 'Not . only did Javier strive to be the best agent and K-9 handler, but he . also made it a point to develop and truly care about his friendships.' The National Border Patrol Council has set up a memorial fund for Javier's widow and his three children. | Marie Vega watched as her son, Javier Jr., was gunned down in front of family on fishing trip in La Feria, Texas .
Two suspects are Mexican nationals who have been deported six times between them but came back over border .
One is linked to spate of robberies involving notorious cartel .
Marie, in emotional Facebook post, said: 'I wish a million times I had died and not you'
Police said mother picked up AR-15 and shot at suspects at they fled in car during fierce gunfight that erupted .
Javier's father was shot in hip in the attack but will be able to attend his son's funeral today . |
120,343 | 278abbdc6047317252c6d7f7581f80c7bccf29f8 | London (CNN) -- France's Marion Bartoli has claimed the women's singles title at Wimbledon with a crushing 6-1 6-4 victory over Sabine Lisicki. The 28-year-old, a losing finalist against Venus Williams in 2007, swept aside her German opponent in one hour 21 minutes to claim her first Grand Slam title. Bartoli becomes only the second French woman to win Wimbledon in the open era, following in the footsteps of Amelie Mauresmo who won in 2006. "I'm so happy I am holding the trophy. It has been my dream since I was six years old. I would like to thank everyone in the crowd who supported me today," Bartoli said. For Lisicki, the vanquisher of Serena Williams in the fourth round and Agnieszka Radwanska in the semis, the disappointment was almost too much to bear. "Marion has been in that situation before and she handed it perfectly. She deserves it. I hope I get the chance one more time as well." Lisicki said fighting back tears. Both women started the match nervously losing their opening service games, but it was Bartoli whose game suddenly gelled while Lisicki, appearing in her first Grand Slam title, wilted under the pressure on a sweltering Center Court. With her game in top gear, Bartoli took the first set in just 29 minutes. A more composed Lisicki returned from a bathroom break and held her opening service game of the second set, before Bartoli reeled off five games in succession. Lisicki, who stunned Serena Williams in the fourth round, fought to the end holding serve in the seventh game and breaking Bartoli as she served for the match in the next. Another hold from the German made the score 5-4, but at the second time of asking Bartoli made no mistake, serving out the match to love and finishing with an ace. | Marion Bartoli wins first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon beating Sabine Lisicki in straight sets .
The 28-year-old becomes only the second Frenchwoman to win Wimbledon in the open era . |
69,725 | c5a39a171f8ac1c81e4f2a1e7a4505b5b35b7847 | The tables are set, but this abandoned hotel has not seen a single guest for more than two decades. The beds are covered in creeping moss and the corridors, which years ago would have thronged with paying guests, are now eerily silent as the long ago abandoned Plaza Hotel, located in Germany, slowly decays. These haunting pictures taken by a so-called urban explorer tell the story of a once-loved building which has been left to succumb to the forces of nature. Reclaimed by nature: A small tree has taken root on the floor and moss covers the mattress in one of the bedrooms . Atmospheric: A set table lies untouched inside the abandoned Plaza Hotel, located in Germany . Untouched: The bar stands in surprisingly good condition inside the abandoned Plaza Hotel, in pictures taken by London-based photographer Andre Govia . Ruin: The dining table inside the abandoned hotel looks ready for service but the broken slabs of plaster littering the floor tell another story . London-based Andre Govia, 37, decided to venture into the forbidding former guest house for a project documenting his love of abandoned buildings. 'I . have always loved exploring abandoned buildings and one day I was given . an old camera and decided to start documenting the decay,' said Mr . Govia. 'The atmosphere . inside the hotel was creepy and damp; I constantly felt like I was being . watched from the dark corners of the restaurant. Decay: Paint and plaster hang from the wall inside on of the rooms inside the abandoned German hotel . Distressed: A thick layer of dust and dirt cover the floor of one of the hotel's bedroom after years of being allowed to fall into disrepair . 'People are always very interested in the state of the buildings and the way it has been left to rot. 'Most feel that it's a waste and I would agree.' Boasting a swimming pool and at least 50 rooms, the four floor hotel was left abandoned in the mid 1990s. Dry: The swimming pool, which would have once been thronging with guests, lies silent today . Collapse: Debris from collapsed ceilings and walls litter the floor . Andre . explains: 'The most interesting items in the hotel were the retro . fittings and bar area that was almost untouched from decay due to the . position. 'The roof . above them has not collapsed like a lot of other rooms in the building, . which enables them to stay unspoiled for a while longer. 'Inside was cold and damp under as often you find in a building that has been left. 'I . hope my photographs show the way decay has a beauty and also the way . our surroundings are able to be reclaimed by nature when left to fade . away.' Inhospitable: London photographer Andre Govia visited the abandoned hotel to capture the decay in a series of haunting pictures . Dated: Time seems to have stood still inside the abandoned Plaza Hotel, located in Germany . Its majestic dome still directed toward the heavens, now covered in graffiti and left to rust - inside the stunning abandoned astronomical observatory atop a Spanish mountain. Standing 2,605m above sea level in the region of Andalucia, the Mohon del Trigo observatory has been empty for nearly 40 years. The observatory at Mohsn del Trigo was built in 1902 after planners judged the clear skies of the isolated Sierra Nevada mountains to be perfect for stargazing. Solitary: The Mohon del Trigo observatory has stood empty and abandoned for nearly 40 years . Clear blue sky: The Mohon del Trigo observatory was built in 1902 in an isolated spot in the Sierra Nevada mountains where the sky is perfect for stargazing . Enchanting: Urban explorer Dominique Svenson, 54, of Granada, Spain, was captivated by the abandoned Mohon del Trigo observatory in the Sierra Nevada range of Andalucia . Due to several technological advances . the station was obsolete by the middle of the twentieth century and a . new observatory was built nearby in 1976. Mohsn . del Trigo was stripped and abandoned but today it still stands high . above the Spanish countryside, cutting a striking image against the . mountain vistas. Urban explorer Dominique Svenson, 54, ventured inside the derelict structure. Vandalised: Graffiti vandals have used the walls inside the abaconded observatory as their canvas . Decrepit : While the Mohon del Trigo observatory was once a centre for observing the galaxy, it is now a vandalised, rusting wreck . Crumbling: Urban explorer Dominique Svenson said the observatory was in a 'pitiful state', crumbing away under due to the harsh elements . She said: 'It stands in perfect solitude on a steep rise, high above the hustle and bustle of the world below. 'Although . the inside is in a pitiful state, with graffiti on the walls and the . structure showing clear signs of deterioration, the atmosphere is . peaceful. 'I reached the . observatory in the early evening after an exhausting hike but couldn't . resist going a bit further to an adjacent elevation to take a panoramic . picture of the robust building against the landscape.' Mrs Svenson said the vast interior evoked the atmosphere of a golden age of astronomical research. Heyday: Astronomers would come from around the world to wonder at the universe from inside the Mohon del Trigo observatory . She . said: 'While I was there I imagined years gone by. I thought of . astronomers looking through their telescope, the stars shining through . the dome and the milky way spanning high above. 'As . I was leaving the observatory I turned back, and felt respect for this . sturdy little building that has withstood the elements for so long, . battling constant wind and snow. Sometimes snow covers it completely.' Mrs Svenson, of Granada, Spain took the photographs in June 2012. Stargazing: The Mohon del Trigo observatory once housed a 32cm reflector telescope under its impressive dome . New residents: A new set of residents have taken up residence inside the Mohon del Trigo observatory . When . it was first built the observatory belonged to the Jesuit religious . order. It was equipped with a 32cm reflector telescope donated by the . Jesuit University of Georgetown, USA. The observatory was assigned to the University of Granada in 1972. The structure is still owned by the university today. In its heyday Mohon del Trigo observatory was used intensively by astronomers from all over the world. In . particular, a long-standing collaboration was established with the . Royal Greenwich Observatory which involved a frequent interchange of . personnel. Decay: The gears which once would have positioned the dome have now become rusted and corroded after years of being exposed to the elements . Corrosion: The dome is now firmly stuck in position and the moving gears rusted . View of the heavens: The observatory's rusting dome is still open to the stars . Crystal clear: The stunning clear blue sky and clean air attracted the first stargazers to the mountains in the Sierra Nevada range of Andalucia where they later built this observatory . During the height of the Cold War, this top secret site would have been an impenetrable fortress. The site was home to one of the former superpower's classified weapons manufacturing plants called Hydropribor which made cutting edge underwater munitions. Now long since abandoned, people are able to roam among the crumbling walls, wander around the former hospital block and flick through old patient records at the complex located in South-East Crimea. Top secret: The military plant called Hydropribor is located in South-East Crimea . Crumbling: This facility used to produce underwater weapons systems such as torpedoes, mines for the former Soviet Union . Disorder: These wards would have been used to treat patients but have now slowly fallen into disrepair after the fall of the Soviet Union . Classified: Only a very few knew about existence of this place, even in the neighboring city of Feodosia . This facility used to produce underwater weapons systems such as torpedoes, mines and other munitions. Only a very few knew about existence of this place, even in the neighboring city of Feodosia. After . break up of Soviet Union in the early 1990s 'Hydropribor' had stopped . getting government procurement and had it closed, its classification had . been removed. Abandoned: The site fell into disrepair after break up of Soviet Union in the early 90s . Chaos: Patient records from the old hospital site are strewn across the floor of the former Soviet Union's munitions facility . Medical supplies: Vials from the medicine cabinet lie intact in the chaotic and messy hospital rooms . Nowadays this facility is abandoned and totally neglected, but there are still a few buildings left. One . of them was a hospital for the plant's employees. This hospital is in . the same condition now as it was more than 20 years ago. Now . this building is boarded up, but inside, abandoned medical records, . dentist tools and dentures are still strewn about doctors' offices. Equipment on the operating theatre stands exactly where a doctor left it many decades ago. Disorder: As the Iron Curtain fell from Europe, the Soviet Union abandoned this site, leaving files stacked on shelves, left, and the Black Sea storms to ravage the building . Mess: This facility used to produce underwater weapons systems such as torpedoes and mines, for the Soviet Union . Flaking paint: Years of storm damage has ripped the windows from their frames . Bite: A set of false teeth sits next next to batches of long out of date medicine in the former hospital block . Gums: A top set of teeth has a thick covering of dust and plaster from the flaking ceilings of the the Hydropribor military facility . Mistreatment: Syringes and bottles of medicine lie broken on a table top at the old top secret military plant called Hydropribor, located in South-East Crimea . Frozen in time: Equipment on the operating theatre stands exactly where a doctor left it many decades ago . Snapshot: The medical records of former staff lay where the doctor left them two decades ago . | Plaza Hotel, in Germany, was closed to guests and abandoned in the mid 1990s .
Urban explorer Andre Govia, 37, captured haunting photographs of the eerie building . |
257,736 | d989347c1a708a01bc3e13c825fec130a0f2ce95 | Los Angeles (CNN) -- A massage therapist who accused John Travolta of sexually assaulting him at the Beverly Hills Hotel hired high-profile attorney Gloria Allred to represent him a day after he withdrew from a lawsuit filed by another lawyer. "We are in the process of conferring with him regarding the next steps, which he may wish to take," Allred said. The original federal suit against Travolta is still pending, but it involves just one male therapist who says the actor groped him during a massage at an Atlanta hotel. Attorney Okorie Okorocha, who filed the lawsuit last week, dropped John Doe #1, who made the Beverly Hills allegation, from the complaint Tuesday because of the Texas man's confusion over the date of the alleged incident. Travolta lawyer Martin Singer called the charges from both men "ridiculous" and said the dismissal of John Doe #1 "completely vindicated" the actor on that allegation. "We fully expect that my client will similarly be vindicated with respect to Doe #2, as well as with respect to any other person who makes meritless claims against John Travolta," Singer said. That dismissal was "without prejudice, which means that he is still legally entitled to file a lawsuit against John Travolta if he chooses," Allred said Wednesday. Okorocha apologized last Friday for putting the wrong date of the John Doe #1 incident in the lawsuit, saying his first client initially told him it was January 16, 2012. Singer produced a restaurant receipt and a time-stamped photograph that showed the actor was in New York, not Los Angeles, on that date. Instead of just changing the date on the filing to January 15 -- the day John Doe #1 later decided was when it happened -- Okorocha decided to withdraw the allegation from the lawsuit. Otherwise, it would have hampered the chances of John Doe #2's case, he said. Okorocha also said he had "personality conflicts" with John Doe #1 that contributed to his decision. The lawyer insisted in a CNN interview Tuesday that he would "mop up" in the courtroom with the allegations made by John Doe #2. "I can guarantee that John Doe #2 has a truckload of witnesses to back up what he's saying," he said. His case is also bolstered by a series of e-mails in which the Atlanta plaintiff complains to his supervisor about Travolta's advances, Okorocha said. Singer attacked one e-mail published in some online reports that purportedly supports the Doe #2 claims. "Various media outlets are reporting on an e-mail that Doe #2 allegedly sent to his bosses, which significantly does not refer to my client at all, nor does it make any mention whatsoever of any of the things outrageously alleged in Doe #2's lawsuit," Singer said. "Instead, Doe #2 voiced complaints about his co-workers gossiping and being insubordinate." The e-mail's lack of Travolta's name "says it all," Singer said. "Nothing that is alleged in Doe #2's lawsuit was mentioned in the e-mail he sent to his bosses, making his claims even more unbelievable." "The allegations in 'Doe #2's' lawsuit are unraveling, just like 'Doe #1's' ridiculous allegations, which were proven false and impossible," he said. Okorocha disagreed. "I think I can show a custom, habit and practice," Okorocha said, referring to his allegation that the actor has sexually assaulted dozens of other massage therapists over the years. "If I bring in 100 people that don't have an ax to grind, don't want any money, they're in 50 different states, they don't know each other, they're all massage therapists, they all have dates, they're at different spa resorts and they say this exact same thing happened, it's pretty hard to refute," Okorocha said. His client "ain't going nowhere," and is looking forward to a trial, he said. "He means business, and he is absolutely determined and he's as solid as they come as when it comes to character, history, reputation," Okorocha said. "He's everything you would want in a client." The second plaintiff was a staff massage therapist at the Atlanta hotel where he claims he was assaulted by Travolta on January 25, the amended lawsuit said. Travolta, 58, has been married to actress Kelly Preston for 20 years. The oldest of their three children, Jett, was 16 when he died of a seizure while the family was vacationing in the Bahamas in January 2009. CNN's Kareen Wynter contributed to this report. | John Doe #1 "is still legally entitled" to sue John Travolta if he wants, she says .
"We are in the process of conferring with him regarding the next steps," Allred says .
Travolta's lawyer called the charges from both men ridiculous .
A federal lawsuit accuses Travolta of groping a male massage therapist in Atlanta . |
1,045 | 02f38b9303d877764469796fb5c9528f3ff23071 | By . Francesca Chambers . and David Martosko . The campaign arm of Congressional Democrats has raised more than $7.6 million since House Republicans announced a lawsuit against President Barack Obama last month. The Democratic Congressional Campaign committee says it raised $1 million in a single day after newly elected Republican Whip Steve Scalise repeatedly refused to tell Fox News' Chris Wallace on Sunday that the House wouldn't impeach the president. House Speaker John Boehner has said time and time again that the legal action the House intends to take against Obama is not a precursor to impeachment, but Democrats have continued to link the two together, causing headaches for Republican leaders. And if the DCCC's banner fundraising is any indication, the strategy is working. Still, Democrats have a huge hurdle to overcome ahead November's elections if they are to win the 17 seats needed to take control of the House. Scroll down for video . SCAM: Boehner said Democrats have cooked up baseless impeachment fears in order to raise money ahead of November's elections . DCCC Chairman Steve Israel said on Wednesday that his party's odds of taking back the legislative body have certainly been bolstered by Republicans' lawsuit and impeachment talk. Republicans' 'accusations of presidential overreach have . become a Republican overreach and that is motivating swing voters and . persuadable voters,' Israel told CNN today, arguing that Republicans 'stepped into a mess on this.' Israel said that as a result of Republicans' election year scheme to take on the president, Democrats are more fired up than ever. 'The phone calls, the emails, people signing up, wanting volunteer on . campaigns, has surged literally over the past several weeks,' he said. 'Now it . always surges as you get closer to an election, but I'm telling you the . August numbers are what the Octobers numbers should be.' The Washington Post reports the DCCC raised $2.1 million last weekend alone. Even before Boehner announced the House's intention to sue Obama, the DCCC was having a lucrative election cycle. As of the end of June, the DCCC has outraised its Republican counterpart, the National Republican Congressional Committee, by roughly $23 million. The DCCC also has more money in the bank - $50.9 million - than the NRCC - $42.5 million. The House's lawsuit against Obama was meant to turn out volunteers and voters of its own. But so far, the strategy has backfired, giving Democrats the upper hand as they return to their home districts this weekend for Congress' month long recess. Israel told CNN the House's lawsuit would be a major part of Democrats' campaign strategies throughout the next month and the fall. 'You bet we're going to run on a Congress that is just obsessed with . lawsuits, suing the President, talking about impeaching him, instead of . solutions for the middle class, talking about jobs and infrastructure,' Israel noted. 'You bet that we're going to ask people to support us based on that . contrast.' Smoking gun: The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee begged donors for money on Monday by floating the idea that Republicans could impeach the president . On . Monday the DCCC emailed its . largest donor list with a request for money based specifically on . impeachment fears. The . president, vice president and first lady, the solicitation read, 'need . your help, because it’s a critical moment. House Republicans will vote . THIS WEEK to sue the President. And the White House believes it could . lead to Barack Obama’s impeachment.' 'It’s . time to have the President’s back. With the most critical deadline . we’ve faced in just days, we’re still 75,000 donations short of our . goal.' Boehner lambasted the impeachment claims on Tuesday as 'a scam started by Democrats at the White House.' 'This . whole talk about impeachment is coming from the president's own staff, . and coming from Democrats on Capitol Hill,' Boehner told reporters. 'Why? Because they’re trying to rally their people to give money and to show up in this year's elections.' Adding fuel to Boehner's contention, a top White House aide used the 'I' word on Friday during a Christian Science Monitor breakfast event, tying the threat of impeachment to a lawsuit Boehner is pursuing against the Obama administration. The legal action, Dan Pfeiffer said, has 'opened the door' to a presidential impeachment. 'Impeachment is a very serious thing that has been bandied about by the recent Republican vice presidential nominee and others in a very un-serious way,' said Pfeiffer, hat-tipping former Alaska governor Sarah Palin. 'We take it very seriously and I don't think it would be a good thing.' Palin said of Obama just days ago in Denver that 'if he's not impeachable, then no one is.' Boehner has said plainly that his lawsuit, which focuses on the White House's unilateral changes to the Obamacare law, is not a prelude to removing Obama from power. 'This is not about impeachment,' the House speaker said on July 9. 'This is about faithfully executing the laws of our country.' He added a more definitive statement on Tuesday, saying that the House leadership has 'no plans to impeach the president. We have no future plans.' Staying: Obama doesn't face an impeachment threat, Boehner said, preferring to take the president to federal court over his administration's changes to the Affordable Care Act . Impeachment refers to a formal process prescribed in the U.S. Constitution for throwing a president or a federal judge out of office. The House would first bring charges against Obama and vote to approve them. The Senate would then hold a trial on those charges and vote on whether to convict. The Constitution reserves impeachment as a remedy for 'high crimes and misdemeanors,' which the framers understood to be official crimes committed while in power. Boehner and other House leaders have tried to tamp down conservative Republicans' expectations in recent weeks. A senior House staffer told MailOnline that Tuesday's words would be welcome in establishment circles since Democrats' control of the Senate makes removing Obama from office a guaranteed non-starter. 'It shouldn't have taken this long for him to say it, but now that he's said it we can get back to things that won't backfire,' the aide said. A CNN/ORC International poll released on Friday found that one-third of Americans, 33 percent, believe Obama should be impeached and removed from office. Fully 65 percent disagreed. Republicans' measure to sue Obama passed the House 225-201 on Wednesday. | The Democratic Congressional Campaign .
Committee is fundraising .
off impeachment threats .
It raised $1 million on Monday after a Republican leader refused to say the House wouldn't impeach Obama .
House or Representatives won't move to impeach, Boehner told reporters .
He said talk of impeachment is an election-year fundraising ploy launched by the White House itself to help Democrats in November .
The House voted 225-201 to sue the president on Wednesday . |
215,489 | a2eff5783e523827f6fec6045f06acfe57e14017 | (CNN) -- Something strange happened Monday on the Internet. Facebook -- the once-underdog social network founded by a kid in a hoodie in a dorm room -- may have officially cemented its status as a titan of the tech establishment it once challenged. What changed? Facebook -- no longer a feisty startup but a 3,000-person, soon-to-be-public corporation with $3.9 billion in cash and an $85 billion to $100 billion valuation -- spent $1 billion to gobble up a much-smaller competitor, the photo-sharing app Instagram. When it did so, it stirred up a caldron of ill will that the "People of the Internet" have been harboring toward Mark Zuckerberg's once-hip company. Some Instagram users said they were downloading all of their photos and then deleting them from the app just so Facebook couldn't get its hands on them. Pundits weren't kind to Facebook, either. David Horsey of the Los Angeles Times, writing about the Instagram purchase, noted that the company is looking more and more like "Big Friend," a gentler variation on George Orwell's all-seeing Big Brother. Data indicate others share that view, too. A new poll, conducted before the Instagram news, found that 28% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Facebook -- twice as many as disapprove of Apple and nearly three times as many as Google. This backlash highlights a new reality: As a technological juggernaut, Facebook is more Microsoft than Tumblr. To use a musical analogy employed on Twitter, it's the Nickelback to Instagram's Bon Iver. Facebook and Instagram's images couldn't be more different, so it's tempting to say that this Goliath-buys-David event is a turning point for Facebook. But people have been writing about Facebook losing its mojo for years now. In 2009, AdWeek ran this headline: "Is Facebook getting uncool for 18-24s?" A year later, mainstream news websites noted the phenomenon of parents and grandparents joining Facebook, scaring off younger people. "It's official, Facebook is becoming uncool," CBS declared. It's hard to pinpoint the moment when Facebook's image problem started. Maybe it was when users realized how much data Facebook was collecting about them. Maybe it was when CEO Zuckerberg started to seem less like that geeky, counterculture college kid and more like a run-of-the-mill billionaire. But it is possible to take a look at the conversation and tease out a few factors that seem to have led to Facebook's current status as an inescapable, perhaps Orwellian, Internet giant. First: Money. Nothing leads to public skepticism quite like a few billion dollars in pocket change. Compare that kind of situation at Facebook to Instagram, which as CNNMoney notes, hadn't monetized its product. It didn't support advertisements and apparently didn't sell its users' data. Facebook, on the other hand, is accused of profiting wildly on the backs of the 850 million people who share personal details about their lives on the social network. For more on that, see The Wall Street Journal's recent feature "Selling You on Facebook," which analyzes the info that Facebook apps collect. View some of the photos, comments from readers . Second: Size. As companies get bigger, people tend to question their motives. Google is a good example of this view. The Silicon Valley company once was the darling of the Internet -- the search engine that didn't have ads on its homepage and declared its company ethos was "Don't Be Evil." As the tech blog Gizmodo writes, Google "built a very lucrative company on the reputation of user respect." That was easy enough when Google was small. As it grew, however, some people started to lose faith in the company -- and to question its motives. Gizmodo: "In a privacy policy shift, Google announced today that it will begin tracking users universally across all its services -- Gmail, Search, YouTube and more -- and sharing data on user activity across all of them. So much for the Google we signed up for." People never talked that way about Instagram, which only had 13 employees and 33 million users. It's the kind of company journalists love to use the word "scrappy" to describe. Third: Trust. As the company has grown, some people have come to trust Facebook so little that they're pulling photos from Instagram in advance of the takeover. According to Megan Garber at The Atlantic, 25,000 people visited Instaport's site in six hours on Monday after the news broke, compared with 400 people on a normal day. Instaport is a service that helps people pull photos off Instagram for home storage. "You could read that spike, on the one hand, as a mass freak-out on the part of users who don't trust Facebook -- despite Mark Zuckerberg's promises -- with their networks and memories," Garber writes. "You could also read it as an insurance play, a just-to-be-safe move on the part of people who want to feel sure that their photos are secure." Mistrust of Facebook stems in part from concern about its privacy policies, which have been described as overly confusing. Facebook itself acknowledges that privacy concerns could trip up the company in the future. In its initial public offering filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the company wrote: "We have in the past experienced, and we expect that in the future we will continue to experience, media, legislative, or regulatory scrutiny of our decisions regarding user privacy or other issues, which may adversely affect our reputation and brand." Finally: The cool factor. Maybe it's less that people see Facebook as evil and more that the site just isn't as cool as it used to be -- partly because it's so popular and also because it's not the new kid on the block anymore. Zuckerberg launched Facebook in 2004, which is eons ago in Internet time. MySpace and Friendster -- all of Facebook's predecessors -- didn't survive (or didn't continue to grow) for this long. Instagram, meanwhile, was founded in late 2010 and was only in recent months becoming part of the zeitgist. iPhone-toting hipster types liked the app for its mobility -- you cold post photos easily from your phone -- and filters that gave their pics a retro, vintage vibe. "Instagram is, in a word, cool. Facebook is losing its 'cool', rapidly," wrote Allan Swann at the Computer Business Review. Instagram managed to create a cache in part from its status as an underground hit. Even with tens of millions of users, the app was praised by reviewers as intimate -- a place, true or not, where it was safe to post personal photos and share stories with a relatively small network of friends. (Just to throw in some data: I have 815 Facebook friends but only 67 people whom I follow on Instagram, and I actually know almost all of them.) It's not clear that any of that will change for Instagram. Zuckerberg says the app will continue to operate as a product that's independent from Facebook and that people won't have to post Instagram photos to Facebook just because the company owns the app. But the backlash helped crystallize the idea that Facebook no longer is seen as the always-cool company that everybody implicitly trusts. "Some Instagram fans are acting as if this is a tragedy," Horsey of the Los Angeles Times writes of the acquisition. "They liked the idea that there was a little corner of the online world where they could gather and be outside the reach of the Zuckerberg empire. ..." There was a time when people clamored to be part of Zuckerberg's network, which launched at first only for Harvard students. But now, as the Instagram backlash shows, Facebook has long stopped being an exclusive club. It's seen as the big, bland company that the app's users worry will ruin the cool thing they had going. | Facebook buying Instagram for $1 billion, as photo-sharing app hits mainstream .
Some Instagram users express outrage at the sale and threaten to pull their photos from the app .
Observers say Facebook isn't as cool as it used to be because it's so rich, popular and powerful . |
248,185 | cd25be3a4669b9c6eef0d27e28efc7715cb71012 | (CNN) -- U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm failed to report more than $1 million in sales and wages at a Manhattan restaurant he once ran, using unreported cash to pay workers "off the books" to "evade taxes and keep more money for himself," a federal prosecutor said. Grimm, R-New York, pleaded not guilty on Monday in federal court in Brooklyn to 20 counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud, filing false tax returns, hiring unauthorized aliens and perjury. A former FBI agent who used to investigate fraud, Grimm wore a dark suit and was not handcuffed during the hearing. He was released on $400,000 bond, secured by his home in Staten Island. As conditions for his release, Grimm, 44, must surrender his guns and passport. He told reporters that he would remain in office while fighting the charges. He's up for re-election in November. "I'm going to fight tooth and nail ... until I am fully exonerated," Grimm said. One of his lawyers said previously that Grimm would be vindicated. Grimm stepped down from his position on the Financial Services Committee. In a letter to House Speaker John Boehner, Grimm asked to be removed from the committee until resolution of the unfolding legal matters. Boehner "believes Rep. Grimm's decision is appropriate under the circumstances," the speaker's spokesman, Michael Steel, said. Indictment unsealed . An indictment unsealed on Monday after a probe of more than two years alleges Grimm lied to investigators about his taxes after leaving the Healthalicious restaurant to run for Congress. He "never met a tax he didn't lie to evade," U.S. Attorney Loretta Lynch said. The charges relate to Grimm's operation of Healthalicious from 2007 to 2010, following his FBI tenure. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2010, representing Staten Island and parts of Brooklyn. He was re-elected two years later. Grimm, as an accountant, attorney, former Marine and ex-FBI agent, "was poised for success as a small business owner," but "made the choice to go from upholding the law to breaking it," Lynch said in a written statement. Much of the alleged scheme involved cash customers paid at the register, as opposed to credit or debit payments that created a paper record, Lynch said. The restaurant, in which Grimm had a 45% partnership interest, didn't report some of the cash as income, Lynch's office said. The restaurant also used cash to pay some workers -- some of whom didn't have legal status -- and then didn't report the payments to tax authorities, Lynch's office said. "Many employees received approximately half of their weekly pay in cash and the other half by check or through direct deposit into a bank account, while others received their entire weekly pay in cash," the statement said. By under-reporting the restaurant's earnings and workers' wages, the business was able to dramatically underpay its sales, income and payroll taxes, Lynch's office said. Grimm calls case 'political witch hunt' Grimm also is charged with conspiring to commit health care fraud and obstructing an official proceeding. Grimm said the investigation was "a political witch hunt ... to assassinate my character and remove me from office." He told reporters that he felt "somewhat relieved" after the investigation because "today at least I get to face my accusers." The indictment comes months after Grimm made headlines when he was shown on camera threatening to throw a reporter over a Capitol Hill balcony after an interview following the State of the Union address. In recent months, public attention also has focused on Grimm's campaign donations after a friend and donor was charged with funneling illegal contributions to his campaign four years ago. The investigation into campaign finance is still ongoing, U.S. officials briefed on the matter have said. CNN's Brian Vitagliano contributed to this report . | NEW: Rep. Grimm: "I'm going to fight tooth and nail ... until I am fully exonerated"
U.S. attorney: Grimm "never met a tax he didn't lie to evade"
Grimm charged with fraud, filing false tax returns, perjury .
Case centers on operation of Manhattan restaurant . |
35,779 | 65a1008413a72701b07f336efd3dbb6a767fac30 | Bust enhancers, bust reducers, corsets, and waist control garments - it appears that women have tried every trick in the book, a sometimes very painful book, in their quest for the 'glorious figure of youth.' A set of rare historical documents reveal the ever changing tactics and technology used by British women to disguise or shift their bumps and curves over the past 80 years. They tell the story, often in painful detail, of how underclothing was deployed across the decades to help women appear trimmer. Vintage: An old catalogue from 1950 released by JD Williams reveals exactly what lengths women went to in their quest for the 'glorious figure of youth' Corsets, girdles, and semi-rigid underwear, which relied upon sturdy straps rather than more comfortable elastic are all described in the archive, just released by JD Williams, one Britain’s oldest retailers. The archive goes on to show all of the most popular shapewear garments sold by for the next fourteen decades. Tricks of the trade: As these catalogues reveal, women used bust enhancers, bust reducers, corsets, and waist control garments to trim their figures . Sucked in: Women were seemingly big fans of girdles - these firm controls from a 1970s catalogue promised to flatten tummies for a sleeker, slimmer silhouette . The archive shows how the lingerie industry was in the forefront of using cutting edge, newly discovered, man-made materials, deploying them in designs long before the rest of the market realised their potential. It shows that subtle but incremental changes show the transformation to today’s shapewear, which is now developed using highly technical, computer designed architecture. Components are now engineered to combat specific stresses and stretches, spreading the load across the entire garment for an 'incredible smooth often seamless result,' according to JD Williams. Modern technology is now geared towards strength and comfort focussing on fabric advances such as powermesh and stretch lace, as well as ranges such as a ‘No VPL’ knicker that uses bonded silicone at the leg seam to ensure underwear is not visible through clothing. New technology: The archive catalogue from 1937 shows how the lingerie industry was in the forefront of using cutting edge, newly discovered, man-made materials . Promises: JD Williams say they deployed all sorts of high-tech fabrics in their designs long before the rest of the market realised their potential (catalogue from 1950) JD Williams has released the rare archive, complete with illustrations, to coincide with Body Confidence Week. The retailer said it wants emphasise the fact that even apparently slender celebrities such as Julia Roberts, Cate Blanchett and Gwyneth Paltrow use shape wear to boost their confidence at important events. It added that over 60 per cent of British women are dealing with body image issues, and sales of shapewear at JD Williams up 40 per cent in 2014. A spokesperson said: 'We often take the smooth, comfortable, sophistication of today’s modern shapewear for granted. 'However this archive shows the sacrifices that women have made in the past so that today’s generation can put their most natural looking, smoothest silhouette forward.' Back in time: JD Williams has released the rare archive, complete with illustrations, like this one from 1937, to coincide with Body Confidence Week . | JD Williams released vintage catalogues from 1930s and 1950s .
Show the lengths women went to to slim down .
Full of girdles and shapewear . |
101,017 | 0e2b764ba7a1a9635b1df0ab1a441f022107b206 | (CNN) -- The Wegmans supermarket chain is recalling 5,000 pounds of Turkish pine nuts because of possible salmonella contamination, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said. At least 43 cases of salmonellosis in California, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia are linked to the pine nuts, the FDA said Friday, citing the Centers for Disease Control. The agency warned consumers not to eat the nuts, offered for sale in unlabeled plastic bulk containers at Wegmans stories, or any food items, such as pesto or salads, that have been made using them. The pine nuts were ingredients in several prepared foods sold at Wegmans, including Caprese salad and asparagus with pine nuts, the agency said. The pine nuts may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis, which may cause illness. They were sold in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia and Maryland, the FDA said. The salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, the FDA said. While most people recover without treatment, infection may lead to hospitalization and can be fatal. The bacteria is most dangerous to older adults, infants and those with compromised immune systems, the FDA said. Consumers are urged to check their homes for the nuts purchased at Wegmans stores between July 1 and October 18, and either throw them away or return them to Wegmans for a refund, the FDA said. Wegmans said the pine nuts were imported from Turkey and distributed by Sunrise Commodities. | The pine nuts may be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis .
43 cases of salmonellosis have been reported in six states .
The bacteria can cause fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps . |
89,200 | fd29df08a803802dd9f1d457d9e2578d1d87a87d | An actress who became so fat she had give up playing fairy tale beauties such as Snow White is Thin-derella again - after losing five stone. Mother-of-two Clare Cunliffe-Saunders spent years performing in children's theatre as heroines including Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Belle from Beauty and the Beast. But after a hip injury forced her to halt her career and she fell pregnant Clare, 34, piled on the pounds. Clare has transformed into Thin-derella after shedding the five stone she gained (left) after a hip injury and the birth of her second child, to be able to slip back into her princess costumes (right) Clare spent years performing in children's theatre as heroines including Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Belle from Beauty and the Beast and is delighted to be able to fit into her costumes again . Clare with her daughter Rose in 2009 when she tipped the scale at over 14 stone and struggled to fit into her stage outfits . Clare started a fitness and diet regime and is . now a healthy nine stone - and able to slip into the fairy outfits to . play her favourite roles again . Clare says after the birth of daughter Rose, pictured, now five, her weight dropped by four stone- only to shoot up again as she began expecting her son George, three . She was also pregnant with her first child and spent her days on the sofa gorging on biscuits, cakes, sweets and doughnuts. Her weight soared to a bulky 14 stone and she feared her days in the stage spotlight were over as she struggled to walk even short distances. But she started her comeback after a group of youths spotted her alone on a railway station and cruelly mocked the size of her bottom. She started a fitness and diet regime and is now a healthy nine stone - and able to slip into the fairy outfits to play her favourite roles again. Clare, from Nottingham, said: 'I worked in children's theatre for years and played all the fairy tale parts like Snow White and Rapunzel. 'But just after getting pregnant at the age of 29 I damaged my hip when I kicked too high in a dance. 'It was too painful to walk and I went from being in good shape to doing nothing and just eating in front of the telly. 'My weight shot up by five stone in just three months and I was more of a fairy blobmother than a beautiful princess. 'I . was far too big to go back to what I'd been doing before - none of the . costumes would fit me and none of the characters I had played are fat. The blonde was motivated to start her weight loss after a group of youths spotted her alone on a railway station and cruelly mocked the size of her bottom . When Clare was pregnant with her first child she spent her days on the sofa gorging on biscuits, cakes, sweets and doughnuts, causing her weight to balloon . Clare said after her weight shot up by five stone in just three months she felt more of a fairy blobmother than a beautiful princess . Before her weight loss Clare found that none of her costumes would fit and she no longer felt she looked the part of the princesses she loved to play . 'Everything came to a head one night . when I was catching the train back from a hen do and a group of football . fans saw me on a station and started singing about me. 'They were drunk and just being stupid, but it was very hurtful and as soon as I met my husband I burst into tears. 'I said to myself 'That's right - enough's enough, I'm going to lose all this weight.' Clare says after the birth of . daughter Rose, now five, her weight dropped by four stone - only to . shoot up again as she began expecting her son George, three. She started with Weightwatchers and then went on the Dukan diet while also keeping fit with zumba classes, swimming and walking. Clare . is so pleased with her transformation she has now launched her own . children's entertainment company, dressing as Disney and storybook . characters for parties. She added: 'Within a year I was back to around nine stone and I'm very happy this way. 'People don't shout nasty things at me any more - and I look the part again for the children.' Clare, pictured with both her children Rose and George in 2008, found her weight fluctuated with each pregnancy . Clare's weight loss has given her the confidence to start her own children's entertainment company where she will now be able once again to dress as fairytale princesses like Sleeping Beauty (right) | The mum of two became a spare part when a hip injury forced her to halt her career in children's theatre .
Clare's weight shot up by five stone in just three months as she feasted on junk food .
'I was more of a fairy blobmother than a beautiful princess'
Lost five stone through Weightwatchers and the Dukan diet .
She now keeps fit with zumba classes, swimming and walking . |
251,538 | d199255282e5755e4ccd3db3588448764eb5e998 | By . Mia De Graaf . PUBLISHED: . 12:57 EST, 15 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:56 EST, 15 November 2013 . A television wildlife expert who appeared on Alan Titchmarsh’s chat show has walked free from court despite being convicted of keeping more than 70 exotic animals in 'unspeakable' conditions. Stephen Rowlands, 32, made regular television appearances and taught schoolchildren across the UK about the rare creatures with his company Tropical Inc. The company, which teaches school children about tropical animals, states on its website that its staff can educate people about how to care for exotic pets. When police raided the company’s headquarters in Dunhampton, Worcester, on January 3 they found 74 tropical creatures starved and crammed in four squalid holding pens. Scroll down for video . Convicted: Wildlife expert Stephen Rowlands, shown here on The Alan Titchmarsh Show on February 16, 2012, was found guilty of 34 counts of animal cruelty . Squalid: Animals such as racoons and porcupines were kept in cages piled on top of each other in a small room . Unspeakable: The animals lived without electricity, light and food at Tropical Inc in Dunhampton, Worcester . A court heard investigators found . meerkats, parrots, monkeys, turtles, owls, snakes and an armadillo kept . without electricity, light and food. The creatures were confiscated by RSPCA officers under the Animal Welfare Act after they were found covered in faeces. It has since cost the charity more than £100,000 to care for the range of bizarre breeds - which also included coatis (Brazilian aardvarks), genets (African mongooses), snapping turtles, tortoises, snakes, a porcupine, Harris hawks, and cotton-top tamarin monkeys. Rowlands was convicted of animal cruelty at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday after pleading guilty to 34 counts of not providing a suitable habitat. But a judge refused to jail Rowlands - who still teaches and presents on Tropical Inc shows - or ban him from working with, or keeping, animals. 'Unspeakable': Police found monkeys, an armadillo, hawks and other creatures cramped into four pens . Teacher: Rowlands, 32, teaches schoolchildren across the UK about the wild animals he keeps at the HQ . Not able to care for them: The judge ordered Rowlands to forfeit seven animals as he cannot care for them . Neglected: This armadillo is curled up in a sty filled with debris such as food packets in the company's HQ . Instead the TV personality was handed a 12-week jail term - suspended for two years - and £100,000 legal costs. Deputy district judge Nalla Lawrence said conditions at Tropical Inc had been 'unspeakable' and admitted the animals had 'suffered a great deal'. However, he ruled a ban would be 'going too far' because Rowlands had made 'tremendous progress' in refurbishing the facilities. The judge ordered Rowlands to forfeit seven animals and imposed a deprivation order which will see a further 36 removed from his possession. Passing sentence he said: 'He has learnt his lesson. 'This prosecution has prompted him to wake up. Adjustments: Tropical Inc has said they will work with the RSPCA to ensure their enclosures are safe . Keeping animals: The judge did not ban Rowlands from keeping animals or working with them in the future . 'I find if I return these animals to him he may not be able to care for them to the standard that he would want to, so I am not going to return them.” Rowlands was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work as well as paying legal costs of £6,100, further costs of £100 and an £80 victim surcharge. Prosecutor Nick Sutton - on behalf of the RSPCA - told the court Tropical Inc’s website offers parties and educational talks on exotic animals. Mr Sutton said: 'The society’s view is this is a commercial business. 'The animals are the stock and trade of this business - it’s open to be seen.' Alan Titchmarsh interviewed Rowlands about the care of tropical animals such as turtles on his show last year . Dominic Benthall, defending, said Rowlands had taken steps since the raid to improve the animals’ accommodation. Mr Benthall said the company now employed a veterinary nurse, part-time carer and cleaner and students to help care for the animals. He also denied Rowlands, from Oldbury, West Midlands, ran the business purely for financial gain. He said: 'If it was just a business he would have fewer animals.' Rowlands, who has made regular appearances on ITV1’s Alan Titchmarsh Show can still be seen on Tropical Inc’s Facebook page appearing at company events. One picture, uploaded the same day as the court hearing, shows a young girl holding a parrot in front of Rowlands wearing a t-shirt with the company logo. In a statement posted two days after the dawn raid, the company said it was working to improve conditions in its holding pens. They said: 'As some of you may already be aware, the RSPCA visited our developing site on 3rd January 2013 at 6.30am, which unfortunately resulted in some of our rescued animals being removed from the site. 'As we had recently received planning permission to build our new education centre, some of the existing buildings had to be demolished in the process of constructing the new premises. Some of our animals had been moved from their enclosures to temporary indoor enclosures and the RSPCA have deemed some of these temporary enclosures to be unfit. Sentence: Rowlands, from the West Midlands, was handed a 12-month jail term suspended for two years . 'We would like to make everyone aware that these enclosures were temporary and it was never our intention to keep animals in them for any prolonged amount of time. 'However due to the extreme wet weather we have been experiencing which has caused significant problems for us and some animals had been in these enclosures for longer than we had anticipated. 'We wholeheartedly agree that animal welfare is a priority and will be working with the RSPCA to make sure our temporary enclosures are more suitable for our animals and will keep you all updated when we can. 'We would like to thank everyone for their support.' | Stephen Rowlands, 32, had meerkats, snakes, a porcupine, monkeys, and an armadillo in 4 pens at the headquarters for wildlife company Tropical Inc .
He was handed a 12-month sentence suspended for two years .
Judge did not ban TV star from keeping or working with animals . |
164,614 | 60e01979677397da082cbc8b0040d8481cf4974e | Now that a Missouri grand jury has decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson, what will happen to the man who killed an unarmed teen in the line of duty? Technically, the 28-year-old officer could have returned to his job at the Ferguson Police Department. But many believe he will never work as a cop again. On Saturday, Wilson resigned from the force, his attorney confirmed to CNN. The eight-year police veteran wrote in his resignation letter he was leaving to help protect his fellow officers and Ferguson residents. "It is my hope that my resignation will allow the community to heal," he wrote in the letter, provided by his attorney. What Wilson told the grand jury . "It would be senseless for him to go back to Ferguson," CNN legal analyst Mark O'Mara said. "And I don't even think he can go back to law enforcement, for the same reason. He is still now going to carry with him this mantle that he was the cop who killed the young black kid that sparked the controversy nationwide." Most people believe Wilson will never again wear a badge. "If I'm the mayor of Ferguson, believe me, you would want that cop out because you know that he will be controversial," CNN legal analyst Paul Callan said. "He will be distrusted by the citizenry and maybe subjected to abuse when he's out on the street. It's just going to be nothing but trouble." How prosecutor defended grand jury's decision . More investigations . Wilson is still the subject of an internal investigation by the Ferguson Police Department over what happened on August 9, the day he fatally shot unarmed teenager Michael Brown. And the U.S. Justice Department is conducting two civil rights investigations: one into whether Wilson, who is white, violated Brown's civil rights, and the other into the police department's overall track record with minorities. O'Mara says he believes the federal investigation into Wilson's actions will lose steam. "A federal investigation for civil rights violation is very difficult to accomplish," he said. "You really have to show that the person acted with the intent to take away your civil rights, meaning I did what I did because you're black. That's a protected class." The decision to open a federal probe of the Ferguson shooting was largely political, he said. Since the grand jury declined to indict Wilson, one could conclude that the shooting was justified based upon Wilson's and Brown's actions. "That's more evidence that he acted in self-defense," O'Mara said. 'More stringent' federal probe possible . Callan said the lack of an indictment could push the federal government to "open a much more stringent and powerful investigation" of Brown's shooting. "Now they know he's not going to be prosecuted on a state level, and the feds have a right to do a completely independent investigation, and they're not bound in any way by grand jury determination," he said. Whether the Justice Department brings charges, however, is another story. "As a general rule, the feds really only get involved when they have a really strong case." Callan said. "I wouldn't imagine they're going to swoop in on this one too quickly." Wrongful death lawsuit possible . Brown's family will probably file a wrongful death lawsuit against Wilson and the Ferguson Police Department, Callan and O'Mara said. The Browns recently hired famed pathologist Michael Baden to conduct a second autopsy of Brown's body, which Callan says is a move presumably "to support a civil lawsuit for money damages later." "They're going to sue a lot of people, and there's no reason not to," O'Mara added. Callan said Brown's family could file a lawsuit against Wilson and the police department under Section 1983 of Title 42 of the U.S. Code -- a federal statute that permits damages against state officials for violations of legal or constitutional rights. But, O'Mara points out, law enforcement officers are afforded certain legal protections. "We strap guns on them and say, 'Go out there and put yourself in danger,' " he said. "So they even have an extra level of immunity of sorts. ... Overall, Wilson probably acted within the confines of what he's supposed to do." But Wilson will forever be connected to this divisive case that sparked weeks of unrest in the St. Louis suburb. "Darren Wilson is going to have a tough time because even if the presumption was he did nothing wrong, that doesn't matter. He is now the focus point for all the anger and animosity that exist in the black community." Complete coverage of what's happening in Ferguson . | Darren Wilson resigned from the Ferguson Police Department on Saturday .
It's not clear whether Wilson will continue being an officer somewhere else, but experts doubt it .
"It would be senseless for him to go back to Ferguson," lawyer and analyst O'Mara said .
The grand jury had considered charges ranging from manslaughter to murder . |
159,713 | 5a72bdfa4369d13726cdd36767f787bff0933828 | Mick Schumacher, the 15-year-old son of seven-times Formula One World Champion Michael, appears primed to follow in his father's racing footsteps after he was crowned World Karting Vice-Champion on Sunday. The Schumacher family was devastated in December of last year when Michael, who claimed 91 grands prix victories during a spectacular career, was left fighting for his life after sustaining serious brain injuries when he hit his head on rock while skiing off-piste with his son Mick in the French Alps. The severity of the injuries left the 45-year-old German in an induced coma for six months, but earlier this month there was some encouragement for his family and army of fans after he was transferred to his family home in Lausanne, Switzerland to continue his rehabilitation. Mick Schumacher (left) celebrates placing second at the junior karting World Championships in France . Michael Schumacher negotiates a corner at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Mercedes AMG back in 2012 . Keen skiier Schumacher sustained serious brain injuries off-piste with son Mick in December 2013 . And there was further cause for optimism over the weekend when his son Mick finished runner-up to British youngster Enaam Ahmed in the FIA's KF-Junior category at the World Championships in Essay, France. Mick had until this year adopted the racing surname of Betsch - his mother Corinna's maiden name. But this season he has raced under the guise of Mick Jnr and after tasting victory in four of his heats, finished six seconds adrift of Ahmed in the grand final to stand alongside the Londoner on the podium. 'Of course I am proud of such an important result,' Schumacher Jnr said before tellingly adding: 'But it is also clear that it is my goal to be world champion. This is only the beginning of my career.' Schumacher and his wife Corinna enjoy happier times on the slopes of northern Italy back in 2005 . Corinna arrives at the hospital in the French Alps where Michael was taken after his skiing accident . Schumacher's manager, Sabine Kehm, addresses the media outside the hospital the F1 driver was treated at . His father Schumacher broke numerous records en route to claiming seven world titles and staking his claim among the sport's all-time greats. The German won back-to-back titles with Benetton in the mid-nineties before remarkably winning five successive championships with Ferrari at the turn of the century. Updates on his condition since his freak skiing accident on December 29 have been sparse. And in a typically brief statement issued earlier this month, his manager Sabine Kehm warned that he faces a 'difficult road ahead' despite the encouraging news that he has been transferred to his home off the shores of Lake Geneva to continue his recovery. 'Considering the severe injuries he suffered, progress has been made in the past weeks and months,' said Kehm. 'There is still, however, a long and difficult road ahead. 'We would like extend our gratitude to the entire team at CHUV Lausanne for their thorough and competent work. 'We ask that the privacy of Michael's family continue to be respected, and that speculations about his state of health are avoided.' | Mick Schumacher has stated his desire to be Formula One world champion .
The 15-year-old, son of Michael Schumacher, was crowned World Karting Vice-Champion on Sunday .
Mick said it is his 'goal to be [F1] world champion. This is only the beginning of my career'
Michael Schumacher is still recovering from serious brain injuries after hitting his head while skiing with son Mick in the French Alps in December .
The seven-times F1 champion spent six months in a coma, but was allowed to return home to Lausanne, Switzerland to continue his rehabilitation . |
157,039 | 570b40058905dce71298739427dc967f4ae46a47 | By . Paul Bentley . and Samuel Howitt . The distraught parents of a three-year-old girl who was run over as she played on her scooter said last night they had been ‘robbed of the sparkle of life’. Toddler Rosa Simon was playing outside her family home on a quiet cul-de-sac when she was knocked down by a neighbour late on Tuesday afternoon. With his vision obscured by a hedge, the man accelerated out of his drive without seeing the little girl and killed her instantly. Paul Simon, the father of three-year-old Rosa Simon, told the BBC he heard a big crash and believed his daughter died instantly. He described her as their 'fantastic, special, loving, exuberant child' She died in Ipswich Hospital last night despite attempts to revive her by her mother Sheeba, 36, who is a nurse. The . accident has raised concerns about the safety of scooters, which allow . children to race away from their parents and out of the eyeline of . oncoming traffic. Reports . suggest there has been a huge increase in casualties involving the . toys, with many children using them without wearing a helmet. Her father Paul Simon described her as their 'fantastic, special, loving, exuberant child'. In a statement released through police, her family said: 'Rosa was a much beloved and loving daughter and sister. 'Small in size, but a giant in character, kindness and with a sheer joy at being alive. 'It has been a privilege to have known her as parents and as siblings. She made us better and happier people. The young girl was knocked down and killed on this quiet cul-de-sac in Hadleigh, Suffolk, yesterday . 'We are devastated by losing her. Her death has robbed us of much of the sparkle of life. We now ask that, as a grieving family, we are given time to be with our dear family and friends.' 'Rosa was a much beloved and loving daughter and sister. 'Small in size, but a giant in character, kindness and with a sheer joy at being alive. 'It has been a privilege to have known her as parents and as siblings. She made us better and happier people. 'We are devastated by losing her. Her death has robbed us of much of the sparkle of life. We now ask that, as a grieving family, we are given time to be with our dear family and friends.' Mr Simon said his daughter was, 'in one of those wonderful heady moments that three- year-olds have', racing around the cul-de-sac on her scooter. He ran to her aid with his wife after hearing a 'big crash'. He added: 'We believe she died instantly.' The driver of the car, who is not related to the girl, received medical treatment for shock, Suffolk Police said. No one has been arrested. Rosa leaves behind an older sister, Millie, and a older brother, Thomas. Neighbour Carla Maloney, 41, said Rosa and her five-year-old son were 'best friends'. The mother-of-two said: 'Rosa was just a lovely, sweet little girl who always had a smile on her face. 'She played with my son and they were best friends. He is only five-years-old and he doesn't understand that she has gone.' Tributes have been left at the scene where Rosa was . killed while she was playing on her scooter . Her father led the tributes to the young girl, but many others left flowers and notes at the scene . Brian Riley, a county and district councillor who knows the family, said: 'People are very upset. 'There are ripples running through the town. The parent's are well-known members of the community.' Mr Simon, who studied at Oxford University, works as a communications manager for Babergh District Council. Charlie Adan, Chief Executive of Babergh District Council, said: 'Our thoughts are with our colleague Paul and his family at this terrible time. 'I hope Paul will know that all his colleagues are deeply saddened and we are here to offer whatever support we can. 'All of the staff and councillors at Babergh and Mid Suffolk send our sincere condolences to Paul and his family.' | Rosa Simon was hit on the pavement by a car pulling out of a Suffolk drive .
Her father Paul Simon heard 'big crash' but 'we believe she died instantly'
Mother Sheeba, 36, had tried to revive Rosa but she could not be saved .
Her family said: 'It has been a privilege to have known her as parents and as siblings. She made us better and happier people' |
78,564 | dea00908f8cd5e0d77ad3a201026da065dd29810 | (CNN) -- A Pakistani doctor accused of helping the United States find Osama bin Laden has been charged with murder over a surgery that authorities claim he was not authorized to perform, authorities said Friday. Dr. Shakil Afridi, who is in prison awaiting a new trial in connection with the killing of bin Laden, has been accused of performing an appendectomy in 2006 on a boy who died from complications, according to a criminal complaint in Pakistan filed by the boy's mother. The murder charge against Afridi comes just months after a Pakistani judicial commissioner overturned his conviction for his role in the bin Laden killing, which included, among other things, running a fake vaccination trial. He had been sentenced in 2012 to 33 years in prison. Afridi has remained in prison while he awaits a new trial on the charges related to the bin Laden killing. The mother of the boy, Naseeb Gulla, has accused the doctor of performing the wrong surgery, according to the complaint filed in Khyber Agency, one of the eight tribal areas of Pakistan. A December 12 trial date has been set on the charge, according to authorities. The U.S. State Department expressed concern over the new charge brought against Afridi. "Dr. Afridi's assistance in confirming the location of bin Laden was a service to the entire world and indeed to Pakistanis who had lost loved ones and suffered at the hands of Al Qaeda," State Department spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki said. "We call on the proper authorities to ensure that Dr. Afridi receives a fair trial for this new charge." Pakistani authorities have accused Afridi of working with the CIA to set up a fake vaccination campaign in Abbottabad to try to verify bin Laden's whereabouts. U.S. special forces killed the al Qaeda leader at an Abbottabad compound in May 2011. The vaccination effort, according to allegations in a report filed with a Pakistani appeals court, was meant to collect bin Laden's DNA so the CIA could compare it with samples of bin Laden family DNA that it already had, but no one at his Abbottabad compound agreed to be vaccinated. The report alleged that Afridi admitted receiving $75,800 from handlers for the vaccination effort. In 2012, senior U.S. officials told CNN that Afridi worked with the United States prior to the bin Laden raid, but was never asked to spy on Pakistan and was asked only to help locate al Qaeda terrorists posing a threat to both Pakistan and the United States. After Afridi's imprisonment, then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and then-U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta called for his release. Clinton said Afridi "was instrumental in taking down one of the world's most notorious murderers." Journalist Zahir Shah Sherazi in Peshawar contributed to this report. | Dr. Shakil Afridi has been charged with murder in connection with a 2006 surgery .
Pakistan has accused Afridi of working with the CIA to verify Osama bin Laden's whereabouts .
U.S. special forces killed the al Qaeda leader an an Abbottabad compound in May 2011 .
The State Department is calling on Pakistan to ensure Afridi receives a fair trial . |
21,980 | 3e6c3e9b2fcbdfc407a1ecccdfbf1caab8c10039 | Fresh air: The new device can dramatically reduce a sufferers symptoms during the day . A machine that cleans the air while asthma sufferers sleep can dramatically reduce their symptoms during the day, a study claims. Those who tested the device reported a huge improvement in their quality of life – equivalent to that normally achieved only through expensive drugs – and were less likely to be admitted to hospital. The machine filters out the irritants and allergens that trigger inflammation in the lungs, including dust mites and pet hairs. Asthma specialists are now calling for the air purification device to be made available on the NHS. They say the annual cost – £4,000 – would pay for itself, as sufferers would spend less time in hospital. Professor . John Warner, a consultant paediatrician at St Mary’s Hospital and . professor of paediatrics at Imperial College London, led the study. He . said: ‘This device makes a significant difference to people’s lives, . with an effect as big as very expensive treatments, and it helps . prevent the triggers of the disease.’ The year-long trial involved 282 people . with poorly controlled asthma aged from seven to 70 from six European . countries, including 54 British children. The Protexo machine is . placed next to the sufferer’s bed, and has a large arm which delivers a . flow of pure, filtered air around their head while they sleep. It clears allergens and dust particles with a new technology used in operating theatres to create sterile environments. Two-thirds of patients had the real machine and the remainder had a dummy machine. They switched it on when they went to sleep and turned it off when they woke. Findings from the trial, published in the journal Thorax, showed that the quality of life for those who used the real machine was 15 per cent better than those given the dummy, based on questionnaire scores. The patients who used the device, made by Swedish firm Airsonett, experienced a dramatic fall in levels of inflammation. It was particularly noticeable for those with the most severe asthma.Professor Warner said there were fewer hospital admissions among the group using Protexo. The benefits began to show within three to four months. Annabelle Abrahams, 14, from Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, who has had asthma since she was four, took part in the trial. She said: ‘I slept badly because I couldn’t breathe, doing PE or running around with my friends was difficult and I had asthma attacks if I laughed too much. ‘My schoolwork suffered because I was tired and off sick a lot.’ With the help of the machine, Annabelle now sleeps through the night without coughing. ‘I’ve seen a dramatic change and real improvement in my asthma,’ she said. ‘I sleep better, have fewer chest infections and enjoy PE and sport.’ The machine, which is not yet available for private purchase, costs around £2,000 for six months’ use. | Participants in a trial reported a huge improvement in their .
quality of life – and were less likely to be admitted to hospital .
Specialists calling for the air purification device to be made available on NHS . |
235,023 | bc3aa73af9e9f1a9bda49b41e74703d580d7f46d | Man of the moment Matthew McConaughey has taken up an unlikely cause - supporting Washington Redskins team owner Dan Snyder in his quest to keep the team's name which many Native American groups consider offensive. Despite being born and raised in Texas, the Academy Award-winning actor has been a Redskins fan since the age four, when he rooted for the Indians in Western movies and associated then-quarterback Chris Hanburger with his favorite food - hamburgers. 'I love the emblem. I dig it. It gives me a little fire and some oomph,' McConaughey said in an interview with GQ. Scroll down for video . Famous fan: Actor Matthew McConaughey has come out to support the Washington Redskins keeping their team name, which many Native Americans group say is offensive. Pictured above at a Redskins practice last June, with team owner Dan Snyder (red-striped shirt) who has vowed never to change the team name . Civil rights groups have been fighting for years to get the team's name changed, and that cause gained some traction recently when the U.S. Patent Office cancelled the Redskins trademark in June for being 'disparaging to Native Americans'. However, team-owner Snyder has personally vowed never to change the name on the basis that it 'honors' the American Indian legacy, and is currently engaged in a legal battle to keep the moniker. 'I know a lot of Native Americans don't have a problem with it, but they're not going to say, "No, we really want the name." That's not how they're going to use their pulpit,' McConaughey said. Not offended: In an interview with GQ, the Academy Award-winning actor says he knows native Americans who do not have a problem with the name. One Native American held up a sign saying as much as a game against the Arizona Cardinals earlier this month (left). On the right, a picture of the team's American Indian emblem . Critics: Native American indians protest the Washington Redskins name prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 12 . Magazine man: McConaughey is the cover man for this month's GQ magazine . 'It's like my feeling about gun control: "I get it. You have the right to have guns. But look, let's forget that right. Let's forget the pleasure you get safely on your range, because it's in the wrong hands in other places,"' he added. 'What interests me is how quickly it got pushed into the social consciousness. We were all fine with it since the 1930s, and all of a sudden we go, "No, gotta change it"? It seems like when the first levee breaks, everybody gets on board. However, McConaughey says he won't be hurt if Snyder is eventually forced to change the team name. 'Now that it's in the court of public opinion, it's going to change. I wish it wouldn't, but it will,' the actor said. This isn't the first time McConaughey has come out in support of the Redskins. Last June, the actor swung by practice while in the D.C. area for a charity event, where he was pictured chatting up quarterback Robert Griffin III and watching drills from the sidelines with Snyder. McConaughey is in the middle of a career-resurgence, and this year won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Dallas Buyers Club, as well as Emmy nomination for acting on TV show True Detective. He is will next star in space-drama Interstellar, which is slated to be released next month. On the sidelines: When he attended Redskins practice last June, McConaughey chatted up quarterback Robert Griffin III. McConaughey says he's been a Redskins fan since the age of four, despite being a Texas, because he always rooted for Indians in Western movies and associated then-quarterback Chris Hanburger with his favorite food - hambugers . | The lifelong Redskins fan says he knows American Indians who are not offended by the name .
However, Native American and civil rights groups have been fighting for years to get the name changed .
That cause gained traction this year when the U.S. Patent Office cancelled the team's trademark for being 'disparaging to Native Americans'
Team owner Dan Snyder has vowed to never change the name, and invited McConaughey to watch a practice last June . |
145,868 | 489c693b7df9844c49981e8f1179b1617a5a5d50 | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 02:19 EST, 10 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:22 EST, 10 September 2013 . Rule breach: Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher faces disciplinary charges after interviewing murderer Chris Halliwell without issuing a caution and without a solicitor being present . A murder detective who failed to read a killer his rights when persuading him to lead him to the bodies of two women could now face the sack. Wiltshire Police Detective Superintendent Steve Fulcher was praised for his bravery after Christopher Halliwell led him to where he had dumped the body of missing 22-year-old Sian O'Callaghan in 2011. But the Independent Police Complaints Committee has said the officer should face a gross misconduct hearing after failing to read Halliwell his rights and interviewing him without a solicitor being present in a bid to find Miss O'Callaghan. He should also face disciplinary action for briefing the press on the case when Wiltshire Police had ordered him not to. Miss O'Callaghan, 22, had gone missing after a night out at a Swindon nightclub in March 2011. Taxi driver Halliwell, 49, had been arrested days after the disappearance and in a three hour period led police to her body. The killer then asked the detective if he 'wanted another one' and led him to the body of Rebecca Godden-Edwards who had been missing since 2002. The 20-year-old had been missing since 2002, but her estranged family had never reported her missing because they believed she had moved to London after becoming hooked on drugs. Despite revealing the location of the bodies, Halliwell was never convicted of killing Miss Godden-Edwards after a judge ruled that his confession was inadmissible because Mr Fulcher failed to follow the correct arrest procedures. He was jailed for 25 years for killing Miss O'Callaghan. Mr Fulcher admitted he broke the rules in court last year, but said he thought he was doing 'the right thing'. He was suspended for a year while an investigation was carried out but has since returned to the force. Victims: Sian O'Callaghan, left, went missing after a night out in Swindon in March 2011, while Rebecca Godden-Edwards, right, was last seen in 2002 . The investigation into Mr Fulcher's handling of the arrest found that he had breached the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and disobeyed orders by releasing information to the media and meeting with journalists from the BBC and ITV. The resulting IPCC report said: ‘The effect of . Det Supt Fulcher’s actions was catastrophic, particularly on the . prosecution of Mr Halliwell for the murder of Rebecca [Godden-Edwards]. 'Det Supt Fulcher stated had he not . proceeded as he did, Rebecca’s remains may never have been found. Killer: Christopher Halliwell, 47, was jailed for 25 years for the murder of Miss O'Callaghan, but escaped charges over Miss Godden-Edwards death . 'However it is not possible to determine what may have happened if Mr . Halliwell had been immediately conveyed to custody after his arrest and . urgent interview by detectives.’ IPCC Deputy Chair Rachel Cerfontyne . said: ‘Detective Superintendent Fulcher’s actions were in deliberate . breach of PACE and we find that he has a case to answer for gross . misconduct. ‘Also, Detective Superintendent . Fulcher, despite no longer having responsibility for Operation Mayan . (the murder investigation), and against express orders, went ahead with . meetings about the case with journalists from both the BBC and ITV.’ The mother of Miss Godden-Edwards reacted with fury at the report yesterday accusing the watchdog of putting the killer’s rights above hers. She said: ‘He’s my hero and should not be punished. ‘He’s accused of breaching Halliwell’s rights, but what about mine? Don’t they count for anything? ‘Detective Superintendent Fulcher should be hailed as a hero, not as someone who overstepped the mark. ‘The rules should be tailored to help us as much as an accused person. ‘Without Detective Superintendent Fulcher’s initiative I would never have had closure. ‘Yes, sadly Becky is dead but I could have spent the rest of my life wondering if she was still out there alive, simply not wanting to see me, or dead.’ She has now called for a public debate on PACE rules. Hunt: Police search for Miss O'Callaghan's body following her disappearance . During the case, Wiltshire Chief Constable Patrick Geenty said his officer had been ‘brave’ and that he hoped he would have done the same thing. But Halliwell’s barrister accused the detective of riding roughshod over the law and returning to ‘70s-style policing’. The IPCC conducted a review after Miss Godden-Edwards’ father, John Godden complained about the officer’s actions. If the force agree with the IPCC findings, the detective will face a gross misconduct panel which will decide his fate. A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: ‘We are taking this matter very seriously and we are currently in the process of carefully considering the recommendations made within the report and our subsequent response to the IPCC. ‘We will be taking into account the needs of the families whilst deliberating the recommendations. ‘Wiltshire Police are continuing to offer welfare support to Det Supt Fulcher throughout this on-going process.’ | Steve Fulcher failed to read Christopher Halliwell his rights after he was arrested .
Detective Superintendent Fulcher interviewed Halliwell without a solicitor being present .
Halliwell led him to the bodies of Sian O'Callaghan and Rebecca Godden-Edwards . |
188,219 | 7fbd323caaccb6b39b726a6e9b71831cf88791f8 | Palo Alto, California (CNN) -- President Obama began his "town hall" event at Facebook's offices on Wednesday with an anecdote. "I hate to tell stories about Mark," Obama said, referring to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who was moderating the session. As if the two former Harvard students were old friends, Obama then launched into a brief retelling of a dinner party he atttended in February with the 26-year-old computer whiz and about a dozen other tech-industry elites. There, Zuckerberg sat to the president's immediate right. "I'm the guy who got Mark to wear a jacket and tie," Obama said, referring to Zuckerberg, who abandoned his usual T-shirt and hoodie ensemble that day. "Halfway through dinner, he's starting to sweat a bit. It's really uncomfortable for him. I helped him out of his jacket. "In fact, if you want Mark, we can take our jackets off." And so, like Obama has often done during less-formal speeches, the president on Wednesday removed his coat. Zuckerberg followed, revealing a dress shirt and black tie. (Though, he did wear sneakers.) "Yeah, you're a lot better at this than me," Zuckerberg joked. That kicked off a very cordial hour-long conversation and seemed to loosen up the sometimes chilly technology prodigy. Zuckerberg stumbled during his opening remarks. "Sorry, I'm kind of nervous," he said after a flub in his introduction. For Obama, Wednesday was a chance to connect with both Silicon Valley influencers and young people in one poke. Throughout his answers, Obama related his typical talking points -- federal deficit, education, healthcare and immigration -- to those two groups. To the technorati, Obama promoted education in math and sciences, highlighted the especially acute real-estate market in the affluent area here, and talked up immigration reform. "We don't want them starting Intel in China, or starting Intel in France. We want them here," he said. To the youthful audience of Facebook employees, he provided advice and stirred his familiar call for change. "Historically, part of what makes for a healthy democracy, what is a good politics, is when you have citizens who are informed, who are engaged. And what Facebook allows us to do is make sure this isn't just a one-way conversation," Obama said. For Facebook, the meeting was an opportunity to validate itself in the eyes of Washington, where it's ramped up lobbying efforts recently. That's important for most companies growing at the rate and size Facebook is. Zuckerberg has already proven himself to 500 million people who use the service and to wealthy investors. The Facebook founder is worth $13.5 billion, according to data from Forbes. That fact provided an opening for another ribbing from Obama, when discussing the president's proposal for ending tax cuts for the wealthy. "People like me and you, Mark, (should be) paying a little more in taxes," Obama said. "I know you're OK with that." Despite the president's plan to take more of Zuckerberg's money, the young billionaire praised Obama's efforts in education reform. "I think that the Race to the Top stuff that you guys have done is one of the most under-appreciated and most important things that your administration has done," Zuckerberg told the president. For his part, Zuckerberg announced in September that he would donate $100 million to Newark, New Jersey, public schools. Obama has commended Facebook in past speeches, including in his State of the Union address in January. He placed Zuckerberg's creation in a pantheon of great American ingenuity success stories, beside the inventors of the light bulb and the airplane. "We're the nation that put cars in driveways and computers in offices; the nation of Edison and the Wright brothers; of Google and Facebook," Obama said in that speech. "In America, innovation doesn't just change our lives. It is how we make our living." Facebook indicated in statements leading up to Wednesday's event that this was not an endorsement for the president. Likewise, White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters on the flight over here that the event was not meant to be a promotion for Facebook. "This is not about endorsing a specific company," Carney said. "It's about accepting an invitation for a forum to speak to the American people." People traveling on Air Force One watched "The Social Network," the controversial movie about the founding of Facebook, Carney said. Facebook did, however, offer a gift to Obama at the end of the event. It was a sweatshirt with the website's logo stamped on the front -- "in case, for some reason, you want to dress like me," Zuckerberg said. | At a Facebook event, President Obama repeatedly poked fun at Facebook's founder .
The pair had met before at a dinner for the president and Silicon Valley elite .
Mark Zuckerberg praised Obama's efforts in education reform . |
55,256 | 9c8e86647dcd3f56d8b0397ed7f69e8ef216e4ca | By . Neil Sears . PUBLISHED: . 19:37 EST, 28 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:30 EST, 29 April 2013 . With millions in the bank, you would think Tony Blair could comfortably pay his hotel bills. But it has emerged the taxpayer has effectively been subsidising at least some of the former prime minister’s profit-making lecture tours since he left office. Mr Blair is taking advantage of free accommodation in luxury taxpayer-funded residences on his frequent trips overseas. Freebies: Tony Blair posing in Manila, Philippines in 2009 where he and his entourage were put up free of charge at the UK ambassador¿s official residence . On a visit to the Philippines, where he was reportedly paid £200,000 a time for two half-hour lectures, he and his entourage were put up free of charge at the UK ambassador’s official residence. They were able to enjoy a swimming pool, garden and tennis court at the residence, a Freedom of Information request revealed. Similarly secure accommodation in a private hotel would have personally cost thousands of pounds. Asked about such largesse being offered on a money-making trip, the Foreign Office last night suggested such freebies were routinely available to him. On the road: Globetrotting Tony Blair was in the US this week for the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Center as one of his many foreign visits . Canny operator: Tony Blair has amassed a property portfolio worth millions, runs a lucrative consultancy business and charges thousands for public appearances . A spokesman claimed to have no list of all the accommodation provided free for Mr Blair, but said: ‘We offer Tony Blair the use of FCO residences when it is possible and appropriate. This is a courtesy which has been offered to other former prime ministers.’ Details of the trip to Manila in 2009 emerged in email correspondence. Mr Blair, who has amassed a property portfolio worth millions and runs a consultancy, spoke at a company function and at a hotel. He stayed at the residence of ambassador Peter Beckingham, who was appointed in 2005 when Mr Blair was prime minister. In an email Mr Blair’s aide asked: ‘Would it be possible for TB and some/all of the party to reside at the Residence? ...(and as you know we always like to visit with the Embassies who have given so much help and support over the years).’ Another email revealed that shortly before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Mr Blair and wife Cherie holidayed in Malaysia for three weeks, where ‘Their host is the Sultan of Perak, Azlan Shah’. A spokesman for Mr Blair said: ‘We usually stay in hotels when working abroad and meet these costs privately. If other accommodation arrangements are made it is on the recommendation of the security team.’ | Foreign Office says it offers Blair 'use of residences' when 'appropriate'
Blair stayed for free on a trip in which he made more than £200,000 .
He has property portfolio worth millions and a lucrative consultancy firm . |
102,149 | 0fa3f580697d485bbde3f4b274de8cd899833d51 | (CNN) -- I remember the exact moment when I first thought I could move back to Ohio from California. It hit me on a hot August morning on a visit to my sister in Columbus, as I walked to a local coffee shop. "You could live here." The thought was so foreign it caused a physical response. I stopped and shook my head, as though an errant bird had plowed into me. "No, I could not," I said firmly to whatever voice had popped into my psyche. I could not possibly choose to live in a city that's nickname was -- somewhat unrighteously -- "cowtown" over San Francisco, the city by the bay, the city where people leave their hearts, sing the blues and honeymoon, drinking Champagne and lime. I could not. And yet, here I was, stopped on the sidewalk in the blistering morning sun, trying to decide if the next step I took was toward something hopeful and necessary or a step away from everything I believed was important to my life. This visit to Columbus was just my latest over the past 18 months. I had started flying into Ohio's capital city from where I lived in San Francisco because it was cheaper than flying into Dayton, my true hometown, some 75 miles to the west, where my father lie battling pancreatic cancer. Ours had been a complicated relationship, distant and wary. But in his final months, the past didn't matter. I understood -- finally -- that I wanted to be a daughter who sat by his side as often as I could until the very end because that's who I was, not because I thought it would make him the kind of father I wanted him to be. After he died, everything shifted. San Francisco, where I had lived for the past six years working as a food writer and restaurant critic, no longer felt like home. Wednesday's story: Can you vacation in your hometown? How was that possible? The job, the life, the city itself represented everything I had dreamed of from the moment I had shut the door on my family and Ohio more than a decade before to first move to California. I had flittered all over the Golden State before finally landing in San Francisco, a city that quickly enchanted me with its fog and food. And yet now, in these months since my father's death, I felt empty and lost. The city didn't seem to sparkle as brightly; my job no longer offered the glow of accomplishment it once had. I continued to make pilgrimages to the Midwest, longing for closeness to my sister who was starting to build her family and to a life that I somehow believed would be simpler than the one I was living on the West Coast. Isn't that what so many of us are looking for when we consider moving home: an ease to living without complications, a time from our childhood when our concerns were no bigger than the towering soft serve ice cream cones we tried to balance while riding our bikes? So I stood now on Grandview Avenue, with the aroma of coffee beckoning me to move forward, and a voice in my head telling me I should stay. I could, of course, live here. I could quit my job with the Chronicle, pack up my studio apartment and drive to Columbus. I could find a job writing or cooking or something. And I could settle into what I imagined would be a quiet existence. Because that's what it would be if I moved to Columbus, right? Just a simple life in my hometown state with the pop-up thunderstorms and fireflies of summer followed by college football games and Christmas with snow. I believed Ohio would not include traffic or crazy housing prices. I had myself convinced that the endless search for the next best restaurant or food trend would cease, too, because I would be finished with the food writing part of my career. And the snob I had become said I would be through with drama of relationships because there couldn't possibly be anyone that could hold my interest or steal my heart in central Ohio. It all sounded so appealing, in those early weeks of grief after losing my second parent (my mother had died years before). I took the plunge: I did quit my job and move to Columbus a few months after that summer morning. But aside from the fireflies and football and snow, none of it turned out as I envisioned. The traffic here can be brutal, and the housing prices in the past 10 years have fluctuated wildly. I'm still chasing stories, mostly about food, just now at the Columbus Dispatch. My desire to be close to family actually included making one of my own. I married a widower with three young children -- because my heart was stolen by not one person but by four. Very few things about motherhood in general are simple or quiet and, I could argue, that's doubly true with stepmotherhood. Some might say -- and I do -- that the voice I heard on the sidewalk on that day wasn't my own internal longing, but was capital "g" God calling me to a new life. I wasn't called away. And I didn't run away. The middle of Ohio didn't turn out to be my escape, but it was the beginning of a new kind of life. Not one of tranquility -- in fact often the opposite -- but one that forces me to focus outward toward my family and my faith, not inward on my own fears and thoughts of self-importance. Robin Davis is a food writer for the Columbus Dispatch and the author of "Recipe for Joy: A Stepmom's Story of Finding Faith, Following Love and Feeding a Family." Where is home for you and where do you want to return to visit or stay? Please share in the comments below and participate in our iReport assignment. | Newspaper writer Robin Davis left Ohio for California to chase her dreams .
On visits home to her dying father, she realized she wanted to move back .
The move proved more difficult -- and more rewarding -- than she anticipated .
Where is home for you and where do you want to return to visit or stay? Share via iReport. |
284,150 | fc25b8f64cc383c87936b111c5fb8a5be23d3c82 | David Luiz became the first player to score against Barcelona this season as Paris Saint-Germain beat Luis Enrique’s side 3-2 in Paris. The French Champions have not been beaten at home in the Champions League since 2004 and their record continued in a five-goal thriller. PSG took the lead on 11 minutes and it was Luiz – a player linked with a move to Barcelona before he finally left Chelsea for Paris in the summer – who got the goal. Dani Alves was penalized for handball and Lucas Moura’s free-kick dropped to Luiz who swept it past Marc-Andre ter Stegen. David Luiz wheels away in celebration after scoring Paris Saint-Germain's opening goal in the 3-2 victory over Barcelona . Looking every bit a rock star, Luiz executes the perfect celebratory power slide after scoring the opener in Paris Saint-Germain's win over Barcelona . PSG: Sirigu, Van der Wiel, Marquinhos, Luiz, Maxwell, Verratti (Cabaye 71'), Thiago Motta, Matuidi, Lucas Moura (Bahebeck 91'), Cavani, Pastore (Chantome 86') Subs not used: Douchez, Bahebeck, Aurier, Digne . Goals: Luiz, Verratti, Matuidi . Booked: Van der Wiel, Verratti, Matuidi . Barcelona: Ter Stegen, Dani Alves (Sandro Ramírez 83'), Mascherano, Mathieu, Jordi Alba, Rakitic (Xavi 69'), Busquets, Iniesta, Messi, Neymar, Pedro (El Haddadi 62') Subs not used: Bravo, Pique, Sergi Roberto, Adriano. Goals: Messi, Neymar . Booked: Dani Alves . Referee: Nicola Rizzoli (Italy) Barcelona had made enquiries to sign Luiz in the past and made a more concerted effort to sign Marquinhos. They were facing both players and it was Luiz who had put paid to perfect defensive record. Within a minute, however, the visitors were level. The luminous yellow shirts charged forward and Messi and Andres Iniesta played a wall pass inside the area with the Argentine finishing past Salvatore Sirigu for his 68th Champions League goal. Now only Real Madrid’s Raul has scored more and Messi had moved within three of the record. It was also Barcelona’s 500th goal in the European Cup. Messi created Barca’s next real chance with a lofted pass that Neymar stretched to reach ahead of Sirigu - he got there first but failed to keep this shot down. From so nearly taking the lead, Barcelona were soon behind again. Jordi Alba lost possession, PSG won a corner and from Thiago Motta’s kick Marco Verratti scored at the far post. It a owed plenty to fine delivery, but even more to Ter Stegen wandering off his line and failing to claim the ball as it sailed over his head it, leaving the goal at Verratti’s mercy. The old demons of not being able to defend set-pieces had undone Barcelona, with them conceding from a free-kick and a corner. The game remained ridiculously open in what was left of the first half – something that suited Luiz. The Brazilian exists somewhere between total football and total chaos. He had one run down the right wing, one run down the left wing, and there was some kamikaze defending, but he had scored one of the goals that sent his team down the tunnel leading 2-1 at half time. David Luiz takes a brilliant first touch in the box before turning and driving home his left-footed finish to give Paris Saint Germain the lead over Barcelona . Former Chelsea defender Luiz's goal comes after 10 minutes in PSG's Champions League Group F fixture at the Parc des Princes in Paris . Luiz wheels away in celebration after scoring the emphatic goal that gave the hosts a 1-0 lead . Luiz, who has been underfire recently due to poor form following his big money move to Paris, races to the corner after his goal to celebrate with the PSG fans . Raising his arms to the heavens, Luiz completes the post-goal celebrations with his PSG team-mates . PSG's Maxwell (right) takes to the air after he is fouled by Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic . Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy smiles as he takes his seat in the star-studded stands . Imperious Barca No 10 Lionel Messi turns PSG's Italian midfielder Thiago Motta (centre) inside out with another of his probing runs . Within two minutes of Luiz's goal Messi is taking on celebrations of his own after a beautiful piece of interplay with Andres Iniesta . Messi (right) forms a superstar huddle with Iniesta (front) and Neymar (second right) after their 12th-minute equaliser . The open spaces brought more goals at the start of the second half. PSG were doubling up on Alba with Lucas Moura and Gregory van der Wiel down the Barca left and the home side’s full back crossed from the right for Blaise Matuidi to score the third. Barcelona repeated their first half trick of responding inside a minute with Alves’ cross was converted by Neymar to make it 3-2. Barcelona were still looking exposed at the back and both Edinson Cavani and Javier Pastore had the chance to extend PSG’s lead. A watching Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t know whether to smile or scowl as he watched the team attack so well without him. PSG take the lead back through re back in the lead Marco Verratti (right) as the Italian gets on the end of a corner to the far post . Barcelona keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is all at sea as the corner loops over and around his defenders and finds Verratti's head . Italian striker Verratti celebrates as the score moves to 2-1 at the Parc des Princes . Not just a star striker, Edinson Cavani (right) puts in the hard yards to get between Iniesta and the ball in the penalty area . Barcelona's Neymar comes in for some rough treatment from PSG's Van der Wiel on the sideline . Barca coach Luis Enrique brought on Xavi for his 143rd Champions League appearance, sending him past Raul’s competiton record, as Ivan Rakitic, who had also been at fault for PSG’s second goal, beaten in the air by Verratti, made way. Barcelona’s best chance to salvage a point came with 15 minutes left when the ball dropped to Iniesta in space on the edge of the area. It was the same range he scored his most famous Champions League goal at Stamford Bridge in 2009. He even had the same colour shirt on but the shot was high and wide and the clock was now ticking down on Barcelona’s unbeaten start to the season. There were still two more big chances with Alba shooting from inside the area only for Marquinhos to throw himself in front of the goalbound effort and Barcelona substitute Munir El Haddadi to hit the post from distance. Marquinhos celebrated his block as if it were a goal, and PSG had their victory. PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi celebrates after getting on the end of a cross to make it 3-1 in the hosts' favour . Matuidi resists the challenge from Dani Alves to make strong contact and his finish rockets between Ter Steegan's legs in the Barca goal . Neymar ensures Barca keep touch with his slick finish bringing the gap back to one at 3-2 . 99 problems but a pitch ain't one! US rapper Jay-Z (right) with his other half, pop star Beyonce (left) took in the match in Paris . Jay-Z (centre) and Beyonce (top left) were seated alongside former PSG star David Beckham (top right) Back in familiar surrounds, England and Manchester United legend Beckham enjoys the Champions League action . Beckham (left) chats with former Dutch player Patrick Kluivert as they take their seats on this Tuesday night in Paris . A superstar in his own right, PSG's injured striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was also in the seats reserved for the elite in the Parisian stadium . PSG's Marquinhos was a match-winner in defence - here he celebrates making a tackle to deny a certain Barcelona goal on the line in the dying moments . Goalscorers Matuidi (no14) and Luiz celebrate after the full-time whistle at the Parc des Princes . Barcelona's players are dejected as the trudge off at the end of their Group F match in Paris . VIDEO Blanc salutes team performance . | PSG defeated Barcelona in their Group F Champions League match at the Parc des Princes in Paris .
David Luiz opened the scoring for Paris Saint-Germain with a terrific first touch and turn on 11 minutes .
Luiz, a target for Barca in the summer, was responsible for the first goal conceded by Barca this season .
Lionel Messi levelled two minutes later for Barcelona finishing after a one-two with Andres Iniesta .
The Argentine's finish was his 68th goal in the Champions League, leaving him behind only Raul .
Italian striker Marco Verratti's head gave the hosts back the lead after he got on the end of a corner at the far post .
The lead was extended to 3-1 by Blaise Matuidi, who got on the end of a low cross from Van der Wiel .
Neymar kept Barca in touch with his pinpoint finish bouncing in off the far post . |
38,120 | 6bd5970a0dff4bfdce3fca1a35ca5a8416c0ad8b | By . Sam Adams . PUBLISHED: . 03:17 EST, 2 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:21 EST, 3 May 2013 . Injuries: Lee Rose, 23, was left for dead by a hit and run driver in Leytonstone, east London . The parents of a man left for dead by a hit-and-run driver have pleaded for help in catching the person responsible. Lee Rose, 23, was left in intensive care where his heart stopped three times during treatment following the crash in Leytonstone, east London, two weeks ago. His family, who have staged a round-the-clock vigil by his hospital bedside, revealed his horrifying injuries in a bid to trace the driver who hit him. His father Alex Dowie, 43, said the accident could easily have ended in tragedy. 'I just want them caught,' he said. 'Think if it was your own kid. How can you just drive away from something like that? It's just not right. The people responsible have got to be caught.' A Met Police spokeswoman said an investigation has been launched and that officers were hunting the driver involved. The crash happened after Mr Rose attended a party in Gants Hill with his friends on April 21. The trainee railway worker had just got off a bus in Leytonstone High Road at about 12.30am when he was hit by the dark green people carrier. The force of the impact hurled him through the air - but the vehicle sped off. A trainee nurse driving past immediately stopped to help him - giving him emergency treatment at the scene. Mr Rose suffered serious head injuries in the crash and was rushed to the Royal London Hospital. Surgeons had to remove a quarter of his shattered skull and he was repeatedly brought back to life after his heart stopped. He underwent seven hours of brain surgery after developing a blood clot. He also sustained a fractured collarbone, broken ribs and a broken hand. His mother Carol Rose, 43, who lives . with him in Hainault, Essex, said: 'The hospital phoned and said there . had been a serious accident and Lee had died at the scene and had just . died again. Surgery: Mr Rose had a quarter of his shattered skull removed following the crash and nearly died three times in hospital when his heart stopped . Trace: Mr Rose's family released pictures of his horrifying injuries in a bid to trace the driver responsible. The trainee railway worker is now out of intensive care . 'I just remember running down the road to the cab station to go and see him. It was just terrible.' Mrs Rose saluted the trainee nurse, called Laura, for stopping to help her son and said she would love to meet her to say a proper thank you. 'She brought him back to life. I would love to see this woman' she said, 'I would give her everything because if it was not for her Lee would not be here today - he would have gone.' Mrs Rose said she thought her son was going to die. 'I've been in tears all the time and it's just been one huge nightmare,' she said. 'My heart goes out to the doctors - they have been absolutely amazing.' Mr Rose's friend Matthew Daly, 23, of Hainault, was with him at the time of the crash. He said: 'There was a car driving erratically and it missed us by inches but hit Lee. We thought he was dead. 'Some of my friends tried to revive him and did mouth-to-mouth. He's only just got out of intensive care and is still in hospital.' | Lee Rose, 23, nearly died three times after collision in east London .
His family have staged a round-the-clock vigil by his hospital bedside .
Mother wants to trace passer-by who saved his life at the scene . |
185,348 | 7c12ee39e04dfe8eb5aef67558e111debed0a841 | Middle class jobs are under grave threat from advances in technology, a former senior adviser to David Cameron is warning. White collar posts in areas such as law, medicine and accounting are increasingly being replaced by computers, according to Rohan Silva, an ex-Number Ten strategist. He warned politicians were ‘all over the place’ in their responses to the squeeze on the middle classes and were failing to address the ‘actual causes’. Rohan Silva, an ex-No 10 strategist, pictured, said jobs in areas such as law, medicine and accounting are increasingly being replaced by computers . Jobs are being created at the bottom end of the income scale – in areas such as retail and social care – and at the top, but too few in the middle, Mr Silva, who is now chairman of the Year of Code, a national campaign to promote computer science and technology skills, told the Daily Mail. He pointed to the example of the Nissan factory in Sunderland, which produces more than 500,000 cars a year and is one of the most productive in Europe. Its use of modern robotics means it employs only about 6,000 workers, far fewer than would have been needed just a few decades ago. In China, the electronics firm Foxconn recently announced plans to buy an ‘army’ of more than a million robots to replace most of its human workers. ‘Take legal services - text-analysing and data-mining software is doing the work of paralegals, or the accounting profession, in which algorithms are taking over from human auditors,’ he added. In the future, driverless vehicles are already being tested – which will eliminate many more jobs, while computers were also being used to diagnose medical conditions and carry out stock-market trading. Mr Silva said the Government urgently needed to do more to prepare middle-class people for jobs in IT and technology - a key growth area . Driverless vehicles are already being tested for the future, which will eliminate many more jobs, while computers were also being used to diagnose medical conditions and carry out stock-market trading. Mr Silva said the Government urgently needed to do more to prepare middle-class people for jobs in IT and technology – a key growth area. ‘This is either the biggest threat to jobs in the UK or it’s the biggest opportunity,’ he claimed. He said the trend had ‘profound implications’ for society. ‘If you look at the UK and look at the US, there is a stagnation in middle class incomes. ‘There are more jobs at the top and more jobs at the bottom, but fewer in the middle. Labour blames the Government, the Government blames it on other people. Really what’s affecting it is technology replacing white collar jobs in the way that it replaced blue collar jobs back in the 70s, 80s and 90s. Mr Rohan pointed to the example of the Nissan factory in Sunderland, which produces more than 500,000 cars a year but employs just 6,000 staff . ‘If a tough place to be in the 80s was working in a manufacturing job, today if you’re working in a lower level job in a law firm or an accountants increasingly you’re seeing those kinds of jobs replaced by software.’ He said the Government urgently needed to do more to prepare middle class people for jobs in IT and technology – a key growth area. ‘Look at where most jobs have been created over the last five years: lots in residential care, in face-to-face retail – which are not jobs that can be replaced by technology. But the next biggest category is IT and technology. ‘That’s a real source of optimism here. The average IT job pays £20 an hour, well above the average wage. There’s a chronic shortage of trained computer scientists and software workers in the UK,’ he said. ‘That’s why the Government is having to create a tech talent visa, to bring these sorts of people in from abroad. At the last Davos summit, Eric Schmidt said it's 'a race between computers and people' ‘The internet economy is already over ten per cent of UK GDP and it’s growing by 20 per cent per year. The question for us is how can we make sure British people benefit from this trend and don’t lose out from technology replacing old jobs. ‘That’s entirely about skills. It’s about getting computer coding into the curriculum, which we are the first G20 country to do.’ Mr Silva said there was ‘so much more that needs to be done’, calling for more tech and IT apprenticeships and adult training. ‘You can absolutely learn very quickly the skills you need to get a job in the technology industry at any age,’ he said. ‘This is either the biggest threat to jobs in the UK or it’s the biggest opportunity.’ Roger Bootle, managing director of Capital Economics, said: ‘In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advances in technology mainly involved more powerful and productive machines that nevertheless needed to be operated by humans. Later came machines which effectively replaced human labour. ‘Simultaneously, though, new jobs appeared using human brain power. When computers came along, they started to substitute for various humdrum mental labours while leaving more complex tasks still in the field of the human. We are now on the brink of a change that will see machines take over these, too – hence a second "machine age".’ Eric Schmidt, head of Google, said at the last Davos summit of world leaders and economists: ‘It's a race between computers and people — and people need to win.’ | Rohan Silva says more should be done to prepare middle class for IT jobs .
Ex-No 10 strategist says jobs are under threat from advancing technology .
He says positions in law, medicine and accounting are most vulnerable . |
176,571 | 7098405538269d0e0893894c44310321cac834c8 | (CNN) -- The Chicago Bears waived wide receiver Sam Hurd on Friday, two days after federal authorities arrested him on charges of conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine. Hurd, 26, was arrested Wednesday at a Chicago restaurant, where he accepted cocaine from an undercover U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court. Authorities say he was trying to set up a drug distribution network in Chicago, having allegedly expressed interest in getting a supplier to sell him hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cocaine and marijuana per week, and that Hurd was a target of a five-month investigation in Dallas, where he once played for the Cowboys. "We are very shocked about what we heard," Bears General Manager Jerry Angelo said Friday while announcing Hurd's release from the NFL team's roster. Hurd was freed from custody Friday after a judge in Chicago granted him a $100,000 cash bond, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago. His attorney, Brett Greenfield, said Hurd had waived his preliminary hearing, and that a grand jury will now decide whether to indict him. The case will be handled by a federal court in the northern district of Texas, where the criminal complaint was filed this week. Greenfield said Hurd's frame of mind is confident, and that there is a "very high level of relief" that he is out of custody. The complaint says that Hurd met with an ICE undercover agent at a restaurant in Chicago on Wednesday night. A confidential informant with whom Hurd had communicated previously also attended the meeting, according to the complaint. He was interested in buying 5 to 10 kilograms of cocaine, at $25,000 per kilogram, and 1,000 pounds of marijuana at $450 per pound, per week for distribution in the Chicago area, according to ICE. Hurd said that "he and another co-conspirator currently distribute about 4 kilograms of cocaine per week in Chicago, but that his supplier couldn't supply him with enough quantity," Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said. After they finished negotiating, Hurd accepted a kilogram of cocaine from the undercover agent, according to the complaint. "Hurd stated that he plays for the Chicago Bears and that he gets out of practice at about 5:30 p.m., after which he would make arrangements to pay for the kilogram of cocaine," ICE officials said in a news release. "Hurd left the restaurant with the bag of cocaine and was arrested shortly thereafter in the parking lot of the restaurant." If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Hurd, a sixth-year NFL player out of Northern Illinois University, joined the Bears in July after playing with the Cowboys for five seasons. Angelo, the Bears' general manager, said Friday that team research on Hurd turned up no red flags before he signed in July, according to the Bears' website. "We spend an inordinate amount of time on character, making sure we know the player as well as we can," Angelo said. "But no system is foolproof. For me to sit here and say that we should have known something that we didn't know, I can't say that in this case. There's no foundation for anybody to say that." NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens also expressed shock after hearing of Hurd's arrest. "It would never cross my mind that Sam would ever be dealing or using drugs," said Owens of his former Dallas Cowboys teammate. "This is completely out of character for him." Though Hurd has only eight catches for 109 yards in this season's first 13 games, he contributed in other ways. He has long been a special teams force, leading the Cowboys in special teams tackles in 2009 and 2010. CNN's Karan Olson, Jim Barnett, Bill Kirkos and Eliott C. McLaughlin contributed to this report. | Sam Hurd is released on $100,000 bail .
The Chicago Bears wide receiver was arrested on drug charges Wednesday .
Officials accuse Hurd of trying to set up a drug distribution network .
He accepted a kilogram of cocaine from an undercover agent, they say . |
228,258 | b38d0145ea27a37f2eddd9dd772a5ff81c4d453a | Davenport, Iowa (CNN) -- House Speaker John Boehner is trashing President Obama's foreign policy on the campaign trail by talking up someone Republicans have spent years running from: George W. Bush. "Does anybody think that Vladimir Putin would have gone into Crimea had George W. Bush been president of the United States? No!" Boehner asked, and answered, before a group of Republican volunteers here. "Even Putin is smart enough to know that Bush would have punched him in the nose in about 10 seconds!" Boehner said to an applauding crowd. Boehner often uses colorful language to slam the President for his leadership, especially on national security. But to invoke Bush is unusual, especially since his foreign policy decisions -- namely the Iraq war -- led to a clean Democratic sweep in 2006. Democrats took control of both the House and Senate in Bush's sixth year in office. Boehner is also engaging in revisionist history of sorts, since Putin did in fact invade another former member of the Soviet Union and key U.S. ally, the Republic of Georgia, in 2008 when Bush was president. Bush did not punch either Putin or then-Russian Prime Minister Dimitri Medvedev in the nose. In fact, Bush was criticized at the time by some for not reacting more forcefully against Russia. As for Boehner -- he reacted in a bipartisan way back then -- releasing a joint statement with then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other leaders in both parties "condemning -- in the strongest possible terms -- the recent invasion of the sovereign state of Georgia." | Boehner criticizes President Obama's response to Russian takeover of Crimea .
He says it wouldn't have happened when Bush was president .
Bush's response was criticized when Russia invaded Republic of Georgia in 2008 . |
197,829 | 8c0df1de8f4f71ce4b1cceb0cba839bc0fb1ac06 | By . Anthony Bond . A prisoner has admitted disembowelling and murdering a child rapist during a brutal attack at a top-security jail. Mitchell Harrison, 23, was serving an indefinite sentence at Frankland Prison, Durham, for raping a 13-year-old girl when he was brutally killed last October. He was attacked with makeshift weapons, thought to be razor blades melted into toothbrush handles. His bloodied body was found in his cell by warders. Attack: Michael Parr, right, pleaded guilty in Newcastle Crown Court yesterday to murdering Mitchell Harrison, left, at Frankland Prison in Durham last year . Speaking shortly after his . murder, a source close to the prison said: ‘To all intents and purposes . he had been disembowelled. There was blood everywhere.' Michael Parr, 32, pleaded guilty to murder during a brief hearing at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday via videolink from prison. Nathan Mann, 23, is also charged with Harrison’s murder but he did not appear before the court. Harrison, from Wolverhampton, was jailed in January 2010 for raping a girl in Cumbria. He was jailed at Carlisle Crown Court indefinitely and was put on the sex offenders’ register for life. Violent: Harrison was killed with makeshift weapons, thought to be razor blades melted into toothbrush handles at Frankland Prison, Durham, last year . A pathologist found that he had died of 'multiple injuries' and his death led to the prison being criticised. Criminology expert Professor David Wilson, of Birmingham City . University, said the extremely violent nature of the attack was . significant. Accused: Nathan Mann, 23, is also charged with Harrison's murder but did not appear before the court yesterday . He said: ‘The question is how can something like this take place in Frankland and why didn’t the staff protect him?’ The judge who sent Harrison to prison said he posed a ‘substantial risk’ to young girls. He lured his teenage victim to his flat in Kendal, Cumbria, in 2009. Once inside he ordered her to strip before raping her twice. It was the third time Harrison had been in trouble for sexually assaulting girls. When he was 13 he was given a formal warning for indecently assaulting a . seven-year-old and when he was 15 he was taken to court for threatening . to rape a 15-year-old classmate. After his murder, Harrison’s family released a statement saying: 'Although we never condoned his past actions, he was serving his time and was by all accounts a model, trusted prisoner who did not deserve to die in this horrific way.' Parr will be sentenced on July 12. Charged with murder: A prison van transports Nathan Mann, 23, and Michael Parr, 32, into Peterlee Magistrates Court in County Durham . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Mitchell Harrison, 23, was killed at Frankland Prison where he was being held for raping a .
13-year-old girl .
He was killed with makeshift weapons, thought to be razor blades melted into toothbrush handles .
Prisoner Michael Parr, 32, has now pleaded guilty to his murder . |
3,397 | 09d34fcb5434371173123e294d735c8dced33916 | By . Graham Smith . PUBLISHED: . 07:49 EST, 6 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:16 EST, 14 April 2013 . A mother who is pregnant with her twelfth baby just months after giving birth to twins is still refusing to collect benefits to support her ever-growing brood. Tania Sullivan, 37, who is four months pregnant, never hires a babysitter or takes a night off and home schools all her children. Amazingly, she only gave up work as a recruitment consultant after the birth of her sixth child. Hard work: Tania and Michael Sullivan pose with their 11 children, including newborn twins, in January. Mrs Sullivan is now expecting her twelfth child . Matriarch: Mrs Sullivan holds her twins Anna (left) and Libby, then 12 weeks old, in January . Ben, aged 19 . Stephanie, aged 18 . Caitlin, aged12 . Harry, aged nine . Eddie, aged seven . Sid, aged six . Patrick, aged five . Oliver, aged three . Joseph, aged one . Anne and Libby, aged eight months . New baby, expected December . Mrs Sullivan and her husband Mike, . 39, have had to buy a 17-seater minibus to cope with the demands of their horde of . children - an expensive transport option considering such vehicles average at 20-25 miles per gallon compared to between 50 and 60 miles per gallon for a family hatchback. The family also regularly get through 20 loaves and 50 pints of milk a . week. But the couple, from Hoo, Kent, live off Mr Sullivan’s salary from his own . business - Sullivan Joinery and Crafts - and do not claim state handouts apart from tax credits and child benefit. But as well as the joys of parenting, Mrs Sullivan has experienced huge heartache after suffering eight miscarriages. In . total, she has conceived an incredible 20 times over 19 years and has . had to endure the pain of losing a child, as well as the joy of a new . baby, more than most. The . dedicated mother has nine children with her husband - Caitlin, 12; . Harry, nine; Eddie, seven; Sid, six; Patrick, five; Oliver, three; . Joseph, one; and twins Anne and Libby, who are eight months old. She also has two from a previous relationship - Ben, 19 and Stephanie, 18 - who have since left home. From top to bottom: Brothers Eddie (seven), Sid (six) and Paddy (four) share a triple bunk bed . Military operation: Mr and Mrs Sullivan refuse to live off state handouts and even own a minibus so that their family can travel together . Mrs Sullivan insists on home educating her youngsters in their five-bedroom house in Kent. She even drives a 17-seater minibus and has eight children under the age of ten, including the teething twins. She today revealed how she kept her latest pregnancy secret from her children for the first trimester for fear of having another miscarriage. She said: 'We obviously wanted to make sure the pregnancy was OK so waited until the first scan confirmed all was well and also how many babies were there. 'Everybody was thrilled to find out another baby was on the way and they immediately began to discuss whether they wanted a boy or girl and what the baby would be named. 'I’m still feeling well - albeit tired - but tiredness is part and parcel of being pregnant especially when you have twins to take care of at the same time. 'We have been very busy though, so time has been passing very quickly and we haven’t really been able to sit and meditate on the new baby’s arrival really.' Mrs Sullivan is showing no sings of slowing down with her third book about her extended family in the pipeline. She also runs a successful website on her family. | Tania Sullivan, 37, is four months pregnant, seven months after having twins .
She never hires a babysitter and schools all her children at home in Kent . |
158,744 | 593d4a48642916b7e690881b17ecfe472ca64f6b | Small businesses have attacked Ed Miliband’s plan to double the length of automatic paternity leave . Small businesses have attacked Ed Miliband’s plan to double the length of automatic paternity leave, saying they would struggle to cope. Labour announced yesterday that it would increase paid leave for new fathers from two to four weeks, as well as putting up statutory paternity pay by more than £120, to £260 a week. But the Federation of Small Businesses said firms would have to shoulder the expense of getting staff in to cover for fathers – a burden many may be unable to afford. And the British Chambers of Commerce said the plan would amount to a ‘tax on business’. The criticism follows a week of woe for Mr Miliband, who has been attacked by captains of commerce from the head of Boots to the former boss of Marks and Spencer. John Allan, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said of the latest pledge: ‘It’s important political parties understand the practical implications of policy changes. ‘Altering paternity leave so soon after introducing shared parental leave has the potential to cause confusion. We’d like to see shared parental leave have a chance to bed in before seeking to give dads extra time off. ‘For small businesses in particular, extending paternity leave from two to four weeks makes it much more likely that they will have to buy in replacement staff ... a cost some firms will struggle to afford.’ Christian May, of the Institute of Directors, said: ‘The very firms likely to be hit hardest by this new regulation will be the ones who are already best placed to manage parental leave without heavy-handed legislation. Small and medium-sized businesses often come to arrangements that suit both parties.’ He added: ‘Politicians need to realise that each new whim, each new policy announcement, has a major impact on somebody’s business somewhere down the line. New rules would simply mean more bureaucracy.’ Nick Clegg is also proposing the introduction of a month’s paternity leave after a child’s birth on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis . Yesterday, Labour’s welfare spokesman Rachel Reeves dismissed the criticism – saying ‘good’ businesses would welcome the move. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘This is exactly what people used to say about maternity leave, that it was a big burden on businesses. But the reality is, what good businesses know, is that it is really important to keep women in the workplace once they have children and not let them drift off because they can’t manage work and family life. That’s increasingly the case for dads.’ Labour welfare spokesman Rachel Reeves said 'good' businesses would welcome Miliband's plan . She added: ‘Good employers like Asda, National Grid and Citibank are already giving more than the statutory paternity leave. ‘What good businesses know is that unless they give that flexibility to mums and dads, they are likely to lose their best employees as they will go to a business that does value them, or they will sadly drop out of the workforce altogether.’ A new system of shared parental leave, championed by the Liberal Democrats, will come into force in April. Nick Clegg is also proposing the introduction of a month’s paternity leave after a child’s birth on a ‘use it or lose it’ basis. Labour said its proposal would cost £150million a year, paid for by savings in tax credits. It said these would be created by another party pledge, to extend free childcare for parents of three and four-year-olds so that such families would not rely on benefits to pay for care. But Mark Littlewood, director general of the Institute of Economic Affairs, said: ‘Whilst well-intentioned, Labour fail to understand that companies, especially smaller businesses, can’t afford to shoulder the ever-growing financial burden which accompanies policies such as extended paternity pay. ‘Whilst those about to become fathers will be the winners of this policy, everyone else loses.’ Elizabeth Duff, of the National Childbirth Trust, welcomed the move, saying: ‘The more that dads are able to engage with their baby in the early days, the better their bond will be, so we want to see all political parties committing to policies like this.’ | Businesses attack Ed Miliband's plan to double length of paternity leave .
Miliband wants fathers to have a month off work after a birth of a child .
Small firms argue they cannot afford to cover workers for that long .
Labour also plans to raise statutory paternity pay to £260 a week . |
72,875 | cea69d9394d9996d230cbb8b1ea496fa0e071d4b | Not all diamonds last forever and some can fade away in just a few seconds, according to new research. The finding contradicts Shirley Bassey’s 1971 James Bond theme song and the popular belief that diamonds last forever - the word ‘diamond’ even means 'unbreakable' in ancient Greek. Scientists used an electron beam to prove that microscopic diamonds in treated coal only survive for seconds before they revert to a form of less exciting carbon. Diamond in the rough: The creation of nanodiamonds in treated coal show that some microscopic diamonds only last seconds before fading back into less-structured forms of carbon under the impact of an electron beam. The dark spots in these images taken using an electron microscope, are nanodiamonds among coal . Researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas, discovered the effect of the nanodiamonds while they were working on ways to chemically reduce carbon from coal and make it soluble. Nanodiamonds are used in a variety of industrial processes and are increasingly being used in medical research to deliver chemotherapy and improve bone growth, for example. Chemists Ed Billups and Yanqiu Sun first noticed nanodiamonds forming among the shapeless, hydrogen-infused layers of graphite. They took close-up images of the coal with an electron microscope - which fires an electron beam at the point of interest - and found that the energy from the beam congealed clusters of hydrogenated carbon atoms, some of which took on the lattice-like structure of nanodiamonds. Energy from the electron beam congealed clusters of hydrogenated carbon atoms, turning them temporarily to nanodiamonds. This image shows a nanodiamond (the dark spot) reverting to coal . Dr Billups said: ‘The beam is very powerful. To knock hydrogen atoms off of something takes a tremendous amount of energy.’ Even without the kind of pressure needed to make diamonds that can be seen with the naked eye, the energy knocked loose hydrogen atoms to prompt a chain reaction between layers of graphite in the coal. This resulted in diamonds between two and 10 nanometers wide (up to 0.00001mm), according to the study published in the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters. The duo discovered that most of the diamonds faded away under the power of the electron beam and documented the changes in photos taken over 30 seconds. ‘The small diamonds are not stable and they revert to the starting material - the anthracite [coal],’ Dr Billups said. Scientists have previously discovered that nanodiamonds could be used to promote bone growth and improve the durability of dental implants. The miniscule gems, which are invisible to the human eye, could be used to combat forms of bone loss including osteonecrosis . In the future humans could have diamond-encrusted teeth to improve oral health and fight disease. Scientists discovered in September 2013 that nanodiamonds could be used to promote bone growth and improve the durability of dental implants. The miniscule gems, which are invisible to the human eye, could be used to combat forms of bone loss including osteonecrosis, which is a potentially debilitating disease in which bones break down due to reduced blood flow. Scientists from the UCLA and the NanoCarbon Research Institute in Japan discovered that nanodiamonds - by-products of conventional mining that are four to five nanometers in diameter - could be used as a delivery system for proteins in the mouth as an improved treatment for osteonecrosis. The disease affects the jaw and can prevent people from eating and speaking. Dean Ho, professor of oral biology and medicine at the UCLA School of Dentistry explained that doctors performing bone repair operations, which are typically costly and time consuming, surgically inset a sponge to administer proteins that promote bone growth such as bone morphogenic protein. His team discovered that using nanodiamonds to deliver these proteins could be more effective in administering the proteins as they quickly bind to the bone. The unique surface of the diamonds allows the proteins to be delivered more slowly, which may allow the affected area to be treated for a longer period of time. Furthermore, the nanodiamonds can be administered non-invasively, such as by an injection or even an oral rinse. | Researchers at Rice University in Houston, Texas, created the nanodiamonds in treated coal using a powerful electron beam .
The diamonds measured between two and 10 nanometers wide .
Some of the microscopic diamonds lasted seconds before returning to less-structured forms of carbon . |
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