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196,026 | 89b1c7dd753a5d982f199a94c43b42dc15e082e8 | By . Damien Gayle . PUBLISHED: . 05:34 EST, 17 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:45 EST, 17 April 2013 . A runner in the Boston Marathon has spoken of the 'amazing' kindness of two bystanders who helped her in the aftermath of the bomb attack. Footage of a sobbing Chrissy Meagher being helped away from the scene of the explosions spread across the internet in the hours following Monday's bloody attacks. She says the two men who rushed to her aid as she was gripped by a panic attack and fears for her relatives stayed with her all afternoon to help her track down her family. Scroll down for video . 'They were amazing': Sobbing Christine Meagher . with the stranger, called Anthony, who with his brother-in-law rushed to . help her as she was gripped by a panic attack in the aftermath of the . Boston bomb . Horror: Footage of sobbing Miss Meagher being . helped away from the scene of the explosions spread across the internet in the hours following the bloody attacks in the Massachusetts city on Monday afternoon . 'My world was collapsing': She says the two men . who rushed to her aid as she was gripped by a panic attack and fears for . her relatives stayed with her all afternoon to help her track down her . family . According to the latest official . tally, 183 people were injured and three killed, including one boy who was just eight years old, in the terror attack on Monday afternoon. Miss Meagher said that in the hours following the blasts she feared that her father, a finish line official, was also among the casualties. 'At the time, my world was collapsing because my dad was at the finish line and I was just coming round [to the final straight] and I heard this big explosion,' she told Fox News. 'I was just underneath the media bridge and I just saw everyone evacuating and going into panic and then the second bomb went off. It was even more scary and I just started to run.' She told how she knocked over barriers marking the course and into the street, where police intercepted her and escorted her to safety. It was then that a bystander rushed to her aid, as seen in the images which have spread across America. Fears: Miss Meagher, right, with her sister Katy, who also ran in the marathon but was behind her when the bombs exploded. Their father, Tom, was unhurt in the blasts and also rushed to help others . 'That scene was just me panicking,' Miss Meagher recalled. She told of her gratitude to the stranger who helped her. 'He was with me all afternoon. I was so panicked,' she said. 'His name is Anthony and [he and] his brother-in-law, they helped me through because at the time I didn't know where my family was.' In the hours following the blast, the men never left her side, letting her use their cellphone to track down the rest of her family and make sure they were okay. Miss Meagher's father, Tom, a finish-line coordinator, was unhurt and had himself rushed to the aid of runners injured and traumatized by the explosions. Her sister, Katy, also interviewed by Fox, was some way back in the race, which had been halted by police. New crime scene photographs of the remnants of the first bomb show that a pressure cooker was used in at least one of the deadly charges. And photographs taken by a member of . the public of the second bomb site before and after detonation show an . orange and grey bag next to the barrier - right where the bomb appears . to have gone off. Possible evidence: A picture taken by investigators from Boston's Joint Terrorism Task Force shows the remains of what is believed to be one of the explosive devices which experts say were like home-made claymores . Bomb?: Photos sent to 7News by a viewer show a bag next to a mailbox by the barrier along the marathon route just before the explosion that left three dead at Boston Marathon on Monday . Shocking: Seconds after the bombs went off on Boylston Street there is no sign of the bag, the picture is blurred because of the graphic nature of the content . Detectives are now investigating the possibility that this bag contained the device that exploded with such devastating effect. Another photograph from the scene of the terror attacks shows a shredded black, padded back-pack or duffel bag that would confirm numerous reports that the bomb was carried in a black bag. It is being claimed the deadly devices used in the Boston bombing were designed to act like 'homemade claymores' - powerful, directional anti-personnel devices, sources familiar with the investigation told NBC News. | Chrissy Meagher was just approaching the finish when the bombs went off .
She feared her father, a race official, had been killed in the explosions .
Two men rushed to her aid and helped her to track down her relatives .
'They were amazing,' she says .
Both Miss Meagher's father and her sister, another runner, escaped unhurt . |
231,574 | b7d3d21bfd1e63f77fc62e4fbf20ac3fe89d7c1c | By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 10:50 PM on 26th December 2011 . The breast implant health scandal spread to Holland yesterday, with 1,000 women there warned to see their doctors. It was revealed that the French Poly Implant Prothese, or PIP, implants at the centre of the scare, which has affected 40,000 British women and 300,000 worldwide, had been sold under a different name in Holland. Dutch healthcare authority spokesman Diana Bouhys said: ‘We estimate that some 1,000 women in the Netherlands have those implants.’ Burst: Plastic surgeon Denis Boucq holding defective silicone gel breast implants, which were removed from a patient . PIP – once the third-largest maker of breast implants in the world – stands accused of using industrial-grade silicone in some of its implants. There are fears that the implants, which were sold around the world, could cause health problems if they burst or leak. In Holland, the PIP implants were sold under the name M-implants, and the fact that they were rebranded has sparked fears that more women could be affected than originally thought. M-implants and PIP-labelled implants were banned in Holland in March 2010. While the French government has urged the 30,000 women in France with PIP implants to have them removed – and offered to pay for the surgery – other countries, including Britain, have only gone as far as saying that women should visit their surgeons for checks. Israel's . Health Ministry have now opened a special hotline to provide medical . advice after it was believed that products made by the defunct company Poly Implant Prostheses could be linked to increased cancer risk. It is estimated that 850 women in Israel have the PIP implants, some of the cheapest available, representing 5 per cent of the total number who . have undergone the cosmetic procedure. Concerns about their safety first surfaced 18 months ago, when surgeons noticed . they were rupturing much more quickly than other brands. The French health watchdog ordered an inquiry, which subsequently reported ‘serious irregularities’ in the implants and they were pulled off the market. Manufacturers were accused . of fraudulently using a non-approved silicone gel for almost 10 years which believed to have been originally designed for mattresses. Threat: The'low quality' implants contain industrial silicone - designed for computers and electronic devices - instead of medical-grade fillers . They . have a higher than normal rupture rate – up to five per cent among . French women – and have been linked to the death of a French woman from a . rare form of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and . implicated in at least seven other cancer cases. It . has also emerged many of the implants were missing a protective coating . designed to stop them from splitting and prevent any gel that leaked . from spreading through the body. It was feared that leaked gel could trigger cancer but to date tests have remained inconclusive. The Israeli Health . Ministry hotline has already dealt with around 1,000 concerned patients over the weekend. The hotline information . indicates that PIP implant procedures were not conducted in public . hospitals but more common at private . medical centers. About 300,000 PIP implants, which are used in cosmetic surgery to enhance breast size or replace lost breast tissue, were sold worldwide before the company went into administration last year. PIP implant procedures have now been banned in Israel. Up to now, there have . been very few reported cases of the removal of ruptured implants in the Middle East, and no reports have circulated about new cases of leakage in . recent weeks. Sally Taber, director of the . Independent Healthcare Advisory Services (IHAS) supported moves to reassure women. She . said ‘We are pleased to see that health and regulatory experts from the . Netherlands, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Denmark, Malta . and Australia have all confirmed no evidence of any increase in . incidents of cancer associated with PIP breast implants and no evidence . of any disproportionate rupture rates. ‘France are looking increasingly isolated in their stance and their pre-emptive statements have caused unnecessary alarm. ‘Our advice is that anyone concerned about their breast implants should contact their GP or implanting surgeon.' | Implant scandal spread to Holland with 1,000 warned to see their GPs .
Israel hotline prompted by French Government's decision to cover cost of implant removal . |
89,601 | fe6dd67b9e4f16ba37ce9796cb0bbff192dfcecc | It sounds like the plot of a bad horror film, but doctors are gearing up to do the world’s first head transplant. Italian surgeon Sergio Canavero wants to take the head from someone with an incurable illness and graft it on to a healthy body. He claims the first operation could be done in just two years’ time. Scroll down for video . Sergio Canavero said his new body swap technique could help paralysed people such as Christopher Reeve . He claimed that even people such as Professor Stephen Hawking, pictured, could benefit from the technique . The £7.5million body swap would initially be used to give a new lease of life to paralysed people – including those with spinal cord injuries similar to those sustained by the late actor Christopher Reeve. People with muscle-wasting diseases and those whose organs are riddled with cancer could also have their head put on a new body. Those with motor neurone disease, the condition suffered by Stephen Hawking and portrayed by Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne in the film The Theory of Everything, might also benefit. Eventually, the technique could be used to extend the life of healthy people in the ‘ultimate cosmetic surgery’. Critics have described the plans as ‘pure fantasy’, but Dr Canavero claims all the necessary techniques exist and that he just needs to put them together. It is already more than 40 years since the first monkey head transplant and a basic operation on a mouse has just been done in China. Dr Canavero already has a long list of potential patients, and will announce his plans at a top medical conference this summer in a bid to get the backing needed to do the first transplant in 2017. The location has yet to be decided, but the surgeon, from the Turin Advanced Neuromodulation Group, says he would love to do it in London. The new body would come from a normal transplant donor who is brain dead. Both the donor and the patient would have their head severed from their spinal cord at the same time, using an ultra-sharp blade to give a clean cut. The patient’s head would then be moved on to the donor’s body and attached using a ‘glue’ called polyethylene glycol to fuse the two ends of the spinal cord together. The muscles and blood supply would be stitched up, before the patient is put in a coma for four weeks to stop them moving while the head and body heal together. If that doesn’t sound bizarre enough, they would then be given small electric shocks to stimulate their spinal cord and strengthen the connections between their head and new body. When the patient is brought out of their medically-induced coma, they should be able to move, feel their face and even speak with the same voice, this week’s New Scientist reports. Powerful immunosuppressant drugs should stop the new body from being rejected and intensive psychological support would also be provided. Dr Canavero says he believes it would be ethically sound to carry out the procedure when people have no other hope of a cure. However, the ethical arguments extend past the transplant itself. For instance, if the patient went on to have children, they would biologically belong to the donor because the sperm or eggs would have come from the new body. Initially, a shortage of donors means that the surgery would be limited to those with severe illness. But eventually, it could be used to allow healthy people to live longer. Dr Canavero said that if science reaches the stage when human cloning is easy, a 60-year-old could make a copy of themselves. They could then put their old head on a new, healthy body made from their own DNA – meaning they would keep their memories and personality. William Matthews, chairman of the American Academy of Neurological and Orthopaedic Surgeons, said: ‘I embrace the concept of spinal fusion and I think there are a lot of areas that a head transplant could be used but I disagree with Canavero on the timing. ‘He thinks it’s ready, I think it’s far into the future.’ But Harry Goldsmith, a California doctor who has carried out one of the few operations that has allowed someone with a spinal cord injury to walk again, said: ‘I don’t believe it will ever happen.’ | Italian surgeon Sergio Canavero believes head transplants are possible .
The techniques allows the patient's head be grafted onto a healthy body .
Paralysed patients and those with incurable illness could benefit .
However, each operation will cost an estimated £7.5million to complete .
Dr Canavero said both heads would be removed at the same time .
He would then glue the patient's head onto the donor's body . |
114,027 | 1f1d7b3e5e8e270b85444c14b508da3778006445 | By . Nick Mcdermott . PUBLISHED: . 18:06 EST, 25 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:43 EST, 25 June 2013 . Slaving over a hot stove to impress dinner guests may be a waste of time if you neglect two crucial elements. The colour and weight of your cutlery will have a major influence on what they think of your cooking, according to a study by Oxford University academics. Lead researcher Vanessa Harrar said: ‘Subtly changing eating implements and tableware can affect how pleasurable or filling food appears.’ Eating yoghurt with a light plastic spoon made eating a more luxurious experience, giving the food a dense and expensive taste and texture . Cheese seemed saltier when eaten from a knife instead of a fork or toothpick. Yoghurt appeared denser and more expensive when served from a light plastic spoon. When tested with coloured cutlery, . volunteers rated white yoghurt as sweeter and more pricey than pink when . eaten from a white spoon. But if a black spoon was used, the pink . variety was rated as better. Cheese appears saltier when eaten with a knife according to the new research . Meanwhile, a blue spoon made pink . yoghurt taste significantly saltier than white. The report in journal . Flavour suggests that we have an ‘emotional response to colour’ and . experience builds up associations with a colour or food. Miss Harrar added: ‘The colour of the . food appears different depending on the background on which it is . presented (plate or cutlery) and, therefore, tastes different.’ Psychologist Charles Spence, who co-wrote the report, advised avoiding red as this has been shown to cut people’s appetite. He added that an easy way to make a good impression is to use heavy cutlery. ‘Greater weight is associated with . better food, and they will subconsciously think you are serving them the . best,’ said Professor Spence. A previous study showed that drinks in glasses tinted with cold colours, such as blue or green, were rated more refreshing. | Oxford University scientists claim eating is a multi-sensory experience .
Size, weight, shape and colour of tools we use to eat changes how it tastes .
Found that eating yoghurt with a light plastic spoon made eating a more luxurious experience . |
59,199 | a8063fb409ebddf862a0cd35679faf353e57f362 | By . Dan Bloom . Baby-faced: Morgan Halstead, 14, is banned from meeting friends in public without his parents . A 14-year-old tearaway has been banned from meeting his friends in public - unless his parents go with him. Morgan Halstead was handed the unusual Asbo after harassing and intimidating residents for more than a year in Grantham, Lincolnshire. The baby-faced schoolboy also caused criminal damage by throwing stones at people and property, and ignored notices banning him from shopping and leisure areas in the market town. Grantham Magistrates' Court made the order earlier this month after an application by South Kesteven District Council. It bans the teenager from meeting in a public place with more than two people unless he is accompanied by his mother or father. He is barred from several areas of the town including a branch of Costcutters, a community centre, the Meres Leisure Centre and a footpath. The order also bans him from publicly meeting five other teenagers, who cannot be named, or throwing objects towards people or property. South Kesteven District Council operations director Ian Yates said: 'We are not going to tolerate poor behaviour of this nature in our neighbourhoods. 'We and Lincolnshire Police work in partnership with retailers and members of the public in South Kesteven to gain the evidence against these perpetrators of unacceptable behaviour. 'This young man has been responsible for 15 months of anti social behaviour on the Earlesfield estate where innocent people have been harassed and intimidated.' One Grantham resident, Tony Billingham, 64, said: 'The kids around here have nothing to do so they just gather together after school and cause trouble. 'I have seen this kid and his gang of mates terrorising vulnerable old or disabled people and throwing things at them. Ban: The teenager has been barred from several areas of Grantham, including this branch of Costcutter . Legal order: The unusual Asbo was issued earlier this month at Grantham Magistrates' Court . 'And they cause hell for the local shops by trying to nick things and just making a mess of everything. 'He definitely deserves an Asbo but I’m not sure it will work because to someone like him it will just be seen as a badge of honour. 'Something needs to be done to give the young people something to do.' Asbos are civil orders, but breaching them is a criminal offence. A photo of Halstead was released so residents can report him if he causes more trouble. Lincolnshire Police urged residents to keep an eye on Halstead. PC Kay McManus said: 'If anyone sees a breach of these conditions set out by the court, police should be contacted on the non-emergency number 101.' | Morgan Halstead, 14, terrorised residents in Grantham for more than a year .
Unusual Asbo orders mother or father to go with him if he meets a group .
It also bans him from parts of Grantham and throwing objects at people . |
103,545 | 11876e4d4cb252aa8c63eece90f9919fea4a9c12 | (CNN) -- Two years after massive demonstrations forced out longtime leader Hosni Mubarak, Egypt finds itself right back where it started. This time, protests have led to the removal of Mohamed Morsy, the country's first democratically elected president. Some are calling it Egypt's "second revolution." "Think of the millions of people who cheered Morsy after his election," said Fawaz Gerges, director of the Middle East Center at the London School of Economics. "Think of the millions of Egyptians who pinned their hopes on Morsy. "A year later, now, the millions of Egyptians who cheered for Morsy are saying he must go." They got their wish Wednesday, when the country's military leaders confirmed that it had ousted Morsy. How did it get to this point, and what's next for Egypt? A look at five key questions: . 1. Why have so many Egyptians protested against Morsy? Morsy, a strict Islamist aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood movement, was elected in June 2012 by appealing to all Egyptians. But his opponents say his government has been anything but inclusive since he took office, and they say it has failed to deliver on the people's aspirations for freedom and social justice. What is the Muslim Brotherhood? Morsy has also been accused of authoritarianism, forcing his conservative agenda through edicts and a narrow majority. He has squared off against Egypt's judiciary, the media, the police and even artists. "The Muslim Brotherhood has not recognized that it has to take into account the 48% that didn't vote for it," CNN's Fareed Zakaria told Wolf Blitzer on Tuesday. "There are many people who feel that the constitution was rammed down the throats of a lot of Egyptians, that it contains within it many illiberal characteristics, things that are kind of the Muslim Brotherhood's Islamic agenda written into the basic framework of laws." Egyptians are also frustrated with rampant crime and a struggling economy that hasn't shown improvement since Mubarak resigned. Unemployment remains high, food prices are rising and there are frequently electricity cuts and long fuel lines. Large-scale protests began the weekend of June 30, on the first anniversary of Morsy's election. 2. What has been the response from the other side? There have also been huge rallies in favor of Morsy. His supporters -- and many outside observers -- say that by getting rid of Morsy before his term is up, Egypt is circumventing the democratic process. "Popular protests are the sign of a robust democracy. But the change in an elected government should be at the ballot box, not through mob violence," said Ed Husain, a senior fellow for Middle Eastern studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Morsy stressed his legitimacy in a speech Tuesday and said he would not step down. "The people of Egypt gave me the mandate as president," he said. "They chose me in a free election. The people created a constitution. I have no choice but to bear responsibility for the Egyptian constitution." Morsy even said he was ready to sacrifice his blood if that's what it took to uphold his constitutional legitimacy. But by the next day, he was out and the country's constitution had been suspended, according to Gen. Abdel-Fatah El-Sisi, the nation's top general. Morsy supporters in at least one Cairo plaza vowed to oppose the coup, chanting "down with military rule." In statements posted on the presidential Facebook and Twitter pages, Morsy said his ouster would be "categorically rejected by all the free men of our nation." 3. What's the military's role? When Mubarak resigned in 2011, the country's military took over leadership of the country and remained in power until Morsy's election. It had mostly stood on the sidelines until Monday, when it said it would intervene if Morsy did not come up with a solution to "meet the demands of the people." It gave Morsy 48 hours to accommodate his opponents or be pushed aside. "We swear by God that we are ready to sacrifice our blood for Egypt and its people against any terrorist, extremist or ignorant," generals said in a statement called "The Final Hours." A military spokesman said the ultimatum was to push everyone toward national consensus, not seize power through a coup. But after the deadline expired Wednesday, there were reports from some of Morsy's supporters that a coup was under way. The state-run newspaper Al-Ahram, citing an unnamed presidential source, reported that Morsy was told by 7 p.m. (1 p.m. ET) "that he is no longer a president for the republic." 4. What's the U.S. stance? President Barack Obama spoke with Morsy this week and reiterated that the United States doesn't support a particular party or movement in Egypt, a U.S. statement said. Obama "stressed that democracy is about more than elections." State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki denied, however, that Obama urged Morsy to hold early elections. Senior administration officials told CNN that a military coup would trigger U.S. legislation that calls for cutting off all American aid to Egypt. Psaki confirmed there were conditions on aid, but said "that's way ahead of where we are in the process." Zakaria said many Egyptians are suspicious of American intentions and influence. "At some level, no matter what the United States does, it gets blamed," he wrote on the Global Public Square blog. "For decades, it was blamed for supporting the military -- it was blamed for that even a year or two ago. Now the claim is that they're too pro-President Morsy." 5. What's next for the Muslim Brotherhood and for Egypt? Morsy's removal offers no guarantee that the protests and violence will stop. It might even get worse. The Muslim Brotherhood still has significant support in the country, and those supporters could lash out. Zakaria called Morsy's removal "a fairly dangerous move." The Brotherhood was "able to survive and flourish through five or six decades of complete persecution and an outright ban on their activities," he said, "so they're not going to go anywhere. "They will be very passionate about trying to push back on this, and that suggests the tensions in Egypt are likely to get a lot worse before they get better." Long-term, many fear this could set a dangerous precedent. It could also create more instability, Husain said, for a country that depends on tourists and international investment for economic prosperity. "Hopes were raised," he said, "but now the democratic dream is coming apart before our eyes. ... Is it too late to save Egypt's democracy?" CNN's Matt Smith, Hamid Alkshali, Reza Sayah, Tom Watkins, Dan Lothian, Amir Ahmed, Ben Brumfield, Ali Younes, Chelsea Carter, Schams Elwazer, Elise Labott, Ben Wedeman, Ian Lee, Housam Ahmed and Salma Abdelaziz contributed to this report. | Egypt is looking at its second power change in two years .
Mohamed Morsy, the country's first democratically elected president, was removed from office .
Large-scale protests began on the first anniversary of his election . |
53,614 | 9810679a19cd2852bb8488ef870436969fbfb5fb | Paris Saint-Germain's Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani has brushed off criticism of his poor form, and promised to keep working hard. Cavani, who has scored six times in 13 games so far this season without being at his best, admits he does not enjoy hearing 'negative things'. But the striker, who was sent off in his last Ligue 1 appearance after a controversial goal celebration, knows it is part of the game, and says 'the only solution is work'. Edinson Cavani has come under fire after being held partially responsible for PSG's slow start to the season . Cavani, who was sent off in his last Ligue 1 game for a controversial celebration, has vowed to work hard . 'A footballer must be prepared to be welcomed when all is well and to receive criticism when things are not working out,' he told Le Parisien. 'Of course, it is not easy nor pleasant to hear negative things about you.' 'I take my responsibility and I am doing everything to resolve the situation. The Uruguayan striker has scored six times so far this season, but has not hit top form yet . 'Whether these criticisms are fair or not, the only solution is to work.' French champions PSG are currently second in Ligue 1, four points behind leaders Marseille after eleven games. | Uruguayan striker has scored six times in thirteen games this season .
Edinson Cavani has been criticised for his form in France .
Cavani was sent off in his last appearance after controversial celebration .
PSG are four points off the pace in Ligue 1, second behind Marseille . |
238,503 | c0b7b4dc5e577096b42a337df7c7d5d9b55a42d9 | By . Simon Tomlinson and Emma Thomas . PUBLISHED: . 11:05 EST, 6 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:10 EST, 6 November 2013 . Missing: Retired teacher Carol Sheridan, 73, has been found dead after she went missing for ten days . Police have found the body of a 73-year-old great-grandmother who went missing nearly ten days ago. Officers found Carol Sheridan, who had been missing in the French Alps since October 27, today. Family and friends of the retired schoolteacher, who went went missing in the town of Habère-Poche in the Rhône-Alpes region, have paid tribute to her. The tragic news was announced via a Facebook page set up to coordinate the search for Mrs Sheridan originally from Salford in Greater Manchester. 'I am very sad to announce that French authorities recovered Carol’s body this morning, near to where her car was found a few days ago,' said a message by Sheridan’s grandson Simon, The Local reports. 'There are no further details from the police at the moment,' the post added. He said he was taking comfort from the fact she died doing something she loved. He said: 'We would like to thank everyone who helped in the search, whether by sharing through social media, contacting the press or actually going out and looking. Your efforts meant the world to us; they made us feel supported and they showed us how loved she was - that so many people were so desperate to find her. 'Thank you also for the messages of support and sympathy over the last week. They have helped our family through a very difficult time. 'Carol was an amazing woman who lived an amazing life. She was dearly loved by many and will be hugely missed by all of us. Personally, I am taking some comfort in that her last moments were spent doing something she loved.' Friends and acquaintances of Sheridan, described by her granddaughter as a 'wonderful, generous, kind woman,' have taken to Facebook to offer moving tributes to the retired school teacher, remembered as an adventurous woman who was 'full of life'. 'She was an impressive woman who gave so much to others and in later life, by doing what she loved, she was an inspiration to many,' said one. 'My life is enriched by knowing this remarkable soul,' said another. Sheridan's black Fiat Panda 4x4 vehicle was discovered by police on Monday, a development which her grandaughter Heather Tanton told the Hull Daily Mail had brought 'mixed feelings'. 'We are pleased they have found something but, in a way, we aren't pleased they have found something. It is better than knowing nothing but we are very anxious,' she said. The mother-of-two, who has previously lived in Monte Carlo and is a fluent French speaker, usually contacts family and friends daily via social networking sites, e-mail and telephone, but when no one heard from her, her relatives started the search. Her daughter Fiona Conyers, who lives in New Zealand, co-ordinated a poster campaign and informed French radio stations, locals from the village and also reached out to the mountain community online. She said of the search: 'Our main focus at this point is to find her car. 'The area in which she is thought to be missing is vast. 'We are relying on the public to help us find the car. If we find the car, we find mum, it's that simple.' Appeal: Mrs Sheridan's family co-ordinated a poster campaign and informed French radio stations, locals from the village and reached out to the mountain community online . Mrs Sheridan, a grandmother-of-ten and . great-grandmother-of-four, moved to France from her home in Driffield, . East Yorks, two years ago. She was last seen by her neighbour as she drove off in her car to embark on her walk in the Alps. During the search, her family spoke of their hope that she would be found alive as she was a keen walker and 'as fit as a fiddle'. Mrs . Sheridan's grandaughter, Heather Tanton, 25, said: 'This is just so out . of character for my nan. She'd never go this long without telling us . where she is. 'She'd know . we'd be worried and mainly she'd love to be showing off pictures of what . she'd been doing, so to not hear from her is really worrying. 'She speaks to her daughter in New Zealand every day. 'She . puts pictures of places she's been and hills she's climbed on Facebook . every day, showing all her friends what she's been up to.' Picturesque: Mrs Sheridan settled in Habere-Poche, a small village of just over 1,000 people in the Rhone-Alps region of the country, close to its border with Switzerland and around 80km from Mont Blanc (above) Miss Tanton, who lives with . 28-year-old partner Mark Owen, a plumber, and their two daughters Zara, . four, and two-year-old Sophie in Brough, East Yorkshire, said: 'She's . fit as a fiddle and so resourceful and I'm hoping that's what's keeping . her going wherever she is. 'She isn't your normal 73-year-old - she's like Bear Grylls, she can light a fire anywhere and will eat anything.' Mrs Sheridan, who divorced in her late 30s, was a school teacher for years and worked more recently as a conveyancer and tax inspector before she retired. She returned to Driffield a few years ago to look after Heather's mother Elaine who fell ill before moving back out to France. She settled in Habere-Poche, a small village of just over 1,000 people in the Rhone-Alps region of the country, close to its border with Switzerland and around 80km from Mont Blanc. | Retired teacher Carol Sheridan last seen by neighbour at 1pm on Sunday .
73-year-old's body found today 10 days after she went missing .
Tributes have flooded in for the retired teacher . |
24,775 | 463550e13b6b23e28244230ebffeab6ad966bef9 | It’s a habit that divides opinion, but new scientific evidence reveals that chewing gum is actually good for the brain. Chomping away boosts thinking and alertness and the study reveals reaction times among chewers are up to 10 per cent faster. The report will be welcome news to celebrity gum chewers such as football manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who is rarely seen on the touchline without a stick of gum in his mouth. Chomp-ian: Sir Alex Ferguson is rarely seen on the touchline without a stick of gum in his mouth . The Japanese research published in the journal Brain and Cognition suggests as many as eight areas of the brain are affected by the simple act of chewing. One theory to explain the greater performance is that chewing increases arousal and leads to temporary improvements in blood flow to the brain. Volunteers carried out tasks while chewing and not chewing gum as their brains were scanned to see which areas were active. During the 30-minute tests participants pressed a button with their right or left thumb in response to the direction of an arrow on a screen. Benefits: Chewing gum increases arousal and leads to temporary improvements in blood flow to the brain . Men and women who were not chewing took 545 milliseconds to react, compared with 493 milliseconds among the chewers. The brain regions most active during chewing were those involved with movement and attention. Professor Andy Smith of Cardiff University, a leading specialist in health-related behaviour, said: ‘The effects of chewing on reaction time are profound. Perhaps football managers arrived at the idea of chewing gum by accident, but they seem to be on the right track.’ ‘Our results suggest that chewing . induced an increase in the arousal level and alertness in addition to an . effect on motor control and, as a consequence, these effects could lead . to improvements in cognitive performance,’ said the researchers from . the National Institute of Radiological Sciences in Japan, and other . centres. However, research carried out last year suggested chewing gum could interfere with short-term memory. Stimulating: Chewing leads to the production of higher levels of insulin, which stimulates areas of the brain . | Tests show that reaction times amongst chewers are faster .
Chomping away leads to improvements in blood flow to the brain .
Report will be good news for celebrity chewer Sir Alex Ferguson . |
102,777 | 1078badcba1cacf70d877304b0f75a93d8384726 | By . Chris Greenwood . PUBLISHED: . 19:24 EST, 14 November 2013 . Criticism: Thersea May last month said Acpo 'was neither accountable to the public nor able to speak authoritatively on behalf of the whole of policing' A scandal-hit ‘boys club’ of chief constables is set to be abolished after it was severely criticised in a report last night. The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) faces bring broken up after an independent review found millions of pounds could be better spent elsewhere. Retired Army General Sir Nick Parker said its ‘complex and unorthodox’ structure and status as a private company is unacceptable. He called for its most important responsibilities to be passed to individual forces and its controversial money-spinning offshoots to be cut loose. Sir Nick said the organisation is dominated by an ‘inner core’ of chiefs who preside over an often ‘informal’ body that lacks transparency and accountability. In its place, he said, should be a slimmed-down ‘chief constables’ council’ that better reflects the views of all the most senior police officers in the country. The fate of Acpo now lies in the hands of elected police and crime commissioners who commissioned the review. They wanted to know if the £4.2m taxpayer-funded organisation still has a place in the modern police landscape. Senior figures said they would announce their decision within weeks after consulting with the Government and others. Staffordshire’s police and crime commissioner Matthew Ellis, one of the leading figures behind the review, said its recommendations are ‘straight-forward and sensible’.Asked what would happen next, he said: ‘It cannot be rushed, we are dealing with sensitive and important areas of policing. ‘But there is no doubt at all that we have to improve the way things work, improve transparency and make sure we have an arrangement which fits the policing and wider environment.’ The Home Office has already withdrawn . its funding as responsibility for many areas of police governance were . handed to the fledgling College of Policing. In . a speech last month, Theresa May said Acpo ‘was neither accountable to . the public nor able to speak authoritatively on behalf of the whole of . policing.’ In recent years Acpo has been at the centre of a stream of scandals and controversy amid growing questions over its future. It . has been criticised for spending millions on luxury London flats for . its leaders and hiring former colleagues on salaries of up to £1,100 a . day as consultants. The furore led to accusations from some MPs that it is little more than a ‘boys club’ for serving and retired chief officers. Recommendations: Sara Thornton, Chief Constable of Thames Valley police and vice president of Acpo, said the report would be considered carefully . In September, the Daily Mail revealed its chief executive had been arrested on suspicion of theft after items disappeared from Acpo’s Westminster offices. In his review, Sir Nick said frustrations have been expressed over a lack of transparency on funding, as well as inadequate performance monitoring and auditing at Acpo. He said Acpo’s status as a private company is ‘out of place’ and it should give up its role overseeing the governance and £3m funding of four national police bodies. Instead the National Ballistics Intelligence Unit, National Wildlife Crime Unit, a central freedom of information team and the criminal records office should each be run by a single ‘lead’ force. Sir Nick said two private companies, involved in crime prevention and combating vehicle crime, as well as other profit-making activities, should be merged and run separately. He suggested questions remain over whether decisions made by Acpo are always in the best interests of the public or the ‘more particular requirements of a commercial organisation’. Sir Nick said that Acpo’s role for giving senior officers a ‘professional voice of the service’ remains, but should be replaced by a ‘chief constables’ council’. The retired Army general said the current system does not give ‘sufficient priority’ to finding a consensus among the large and diverse group of chiefs. He said: ‘There is a sense that for pragmatic reasons there is an inner core of more experienced chiefs who have greater influence, and this causes some to sit back and let other views prevail.’ Sir Nick said the police organisation is good value for money, but added that further savings could probably be made. He said: ‘My recommendations highlight that Acpo has carried out some critical and enduring functions, but there is scope for change particularly in the way that these are governed.’ Thames Valley Chief Constable Sara Thornton, the vice president of Acpo, said: ‘All chief officers will want to consider his report carefully and we will work with police and crime commissioners to take forward the recommendations.’ 'Boys club' for top police chiefs may be abolished after report finds £4.2m used to fund it could be better spent elsewhere.' | The Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) faces being broken up .
Critics say responsibilities should be distributed to individual forces .
Last month, Theresa May said the body was not accountable to the public . |
226,711 | b18db2c23473555496602351aae31128fef0d2d4 | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 05:15 EST, 14 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 05:20 EST, 14 January 2014 . Waste: Soldiers have been told to stop 'firing off' unused rounds of ammunition at the end of training exercises . Cash-strapped army officers have ordered soldiers to cut the amount of ammunition they use. Bullets unused during training exercises must now be returned to stores to help save money, instead of being fired off by troops. The army penny-pinching emerged as leaked documents showed the Ministry of Defence has wasted millions of pounds on a botched computer system. The armed forces have been forced to save billions by cutting troop numbers, equipment budgets and deployments. Now senior officers have told soldiers to stop the practice of firing off left over bullets at the end of training exercises, the Daily Telegraph reported. One squaddie revealed in a letter to Soldier magazine revealed that despite the financial crisis faced by the military, officers still tell them to ‘start bombing up, we can’t take any ammo back' even when bullets are sealed in boxes. Officers claim that it is ‘too much paperwork when we return them’ ‘it’s good training to feel what full automatic feels like’. Lt Col Dom Cooper, of the Army’s ammunition management department, replied: ‘It is unfortunate that some unit personnel appear to have engaged in ammunition “firing off”. ‘Such behaviour is wasteful and there can be no excuse for it.’ The MoD said the ‘firing off’ Is ‘wasteful’ and has been banned. But the ministry faced fresh criticism about waste over its bungled handling of an IT system to recuit thousands of new reservists and full-time personnel. The Recruitment Partnering Project, a £1.3 billion scheme intended to enable the Army to recruit online, is almost two years behind schedule and will not be fully operational until April 2015 at the earliest, The Times said. Up to £15.5 million has been spent on the computer system, but according to the newspaper, the problems are so serious that Defence Secretary Philip Hammond is considering spending nearly £50 million on a new solution. According to a confidential report by technology research company Gartner, the Army's recruitment wing picked the wrong bidder to build the IT system after failing in 2011 to challenge an MoD policy that favoured the less suitable of two competing offers. Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has been urged to get a grip on the bungled IT project which has already cost millions . The project management team was inexperienced and under-resourced and when delays started the Army failed to take charge and put in a suitable contingency plan. Mr Hammond was being urged to pay Capita, the MoD's partner in the project, £47.7 million to build a new IT platform. A briefing note sent from the MoD's director general finance David Williams to Mr Hammond in December recommended scrapping the flawed IT system and paying Capita to build its own model. He wrote: ‘If the ICT hosting solution is not put in place then the MoD risks not gaining the appropriate number of recruits needed. Given recent criticism of army recruitment . . . and the use of reserves, this would lead to further negative media reporting and reputational damage for MoD.’ Another briefing note revealed that the MoD will incur additional costs of £1 million a month until the IT problem is resolved. Shadow defence secretary Vernon Coaker said: ‘This leaked report points to the latest series of catastrophic failures at the Ministry of Defence on David Cameron's watch. The Army is being cut from 102,000 to 82,000 by 2020 while the newly-renamed Army Reserve - formerly the Territorial Army - is being expanded from 19,000 to 30,000 . ‘Labour warned that the Government was taking risks with Britain's security by not fixing the reserve recruitment crisis before reducing numbers in the regular Army. We specifically raised the worrying IT problems and Capita's performance as causes for concern. But the Government recklessly pressed ahead. ‘Now we learn that the problems were worse than anyone thought and still haven't been fixed. The blame for this latest fiasco - which is wasting £1m of taxpayers money every month - lies squarely with government. ‘Philip Hammond needs to get a grip and sort this shambles out.’ The Army is being cut from 102,000 to 82,000 by 2020 while the newly-renamed Army Reserve - formerly the Territorial Army - is being expanded from 19,000 to 30,000. In a paper lodged in Parliament in December Mr Hammond said that recruitment in 2013 ‘has been well below historic levels’ and acknowledged there were problems with the IT system. An MoD spokeswoman said: ‘In December last year we acknowledged a number of problems with the Army and Capita recruitment partnership. Ministers have gripped these problems and put in place a number of fixes to correct the issues that had emerged. ‘As we have previously said, in the medium-term we are building a new IT platform that will be ready early next year and in the short term we are introducing work-arounds and mitigation measures to the old IT platform to simplify the application process. ‘With an improved Army recruitment website, streamlined medicals and an increase in the number of recruiting staff, recruits should see a much improved experience at the end of this month.’ | Officers complain about paperwork for returning ammunition to stores .
Ministry of Defence insists 'wasteful' behaviour will not be tolerated .
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond under pressure over IT project .
Recruitment scheme run by Capita could cost another £50million . |
166,102 | 62c62aabaa8eec9745570cb2e05b75c65f237dda | CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) -- A magistrate judge on Monday granted bail for an Illinois man accused of surreptitiously taping sports reporter Erin Andrews in the nude and posting the videos on the Internet. ESPN reporter Erin Andrews was allegedly stalked by a man who posted nude videos of her on the Internet. Michael David Barrett, 48, will return to California to face a federal charge of interstate stalking. U.S. Magistrate Judge Arlander Keys agreed Barrett would be released on bail. However, Keys ordered that Barrett be confined to his home and subject to electronic monitoring, the Chicago Sun-Times reported. Barrett, an insurance company employee from Westmont, Illinois, is accused of taping Andrews, an ESPN reporter, while she was nude in two hotel rooms. He then made seven videos that he posted on the Internet, according to a criminal complaint filed in the case. Barrett was arrested Friday at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. He will appear in court in Los Angeles, California, on October 23, according to a statement from prosecutors in Los Angeles. Authorities believe most of the videos were made at a Nashville, Tennessee, hotel in September 2008. The peephole into Andrews' room was altered with a hacksaw, and the images appeared to have been taken with a cell phone camera, the complaint said. Investigators found in hotel records that Barrett had requested and received a room adjacent to Andrews' and used his home address to register for it. Barrett allegedly attempted to sell the videos to celebrity gossip site TMZ in January 2009. TMZ did not purchase the photos, but employees of the Web site assisted in the investigation, providing information to Andrews' attorneys, authorities said. However, Barrett posted the videos to other Web sites, the criminal complaint said, with labels like "Sexy and hot blonde sports celebrity shows us her all." "The e-mail (sent to TMZ) was linked to Barrett through a number of methods," the statement from Los Angeles prosecutors said. Investigators found that Barrett reserved a room at a Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hotel where Andrews was staying in July 2008 but never checked in, according to the complaint and prosecutors' statement. "However, the peephole on the door where the victim stayed during that trip was altered in a similar way to the peephole found in the Nashville hotel," the statement said. Andrews, 31, is a sideline reporter for ESPN, traveling around the country covering college football games. The criminal complaint against Barrett, which identifies Andrews only as "Individual A," says she became aware of the videos in July, and that their posting has caused her distress, anxiety and trouble sleeping. Authorities believe Barrett could have recorded similar videos of other women in the same manner, the criminal complaint says. Investigators found other videos on a Web site, apparently posted by a person using the same username as the person who posted the Andrews videos. "From the screenshots of these videos, it appears that these videos have also been taken of naked women through the peephole of a door," the complaint said. In Monday's hearing, prosecutor Steve Grimes called Barrett's interest in Andrews an "obsession," the Sun-Times reported. "This was not just a whimsical act," Grimes said. "This was an obsession, one that was acted out ... one he carried out through various states." Grimes described Barrett as a danger to women. A call to Andrews' attorney, Marshall Grossman, was not immediately returned. In an interview Monday with Chicago's WGN-AM, Grossman said Andrews was initially "quite relieved" after a suspect was identified and arrested. However, he said, in reviewing the affidavit, Andrews' "concern returned, unfortunately, in spades, so to speak, because of the extent of the charges as outlined by the FBI (and) the fact that this has been going on for several months in numerous locations. ... Her distress level is naturally quite high, and she hopes that this matter is brought to resolution as soon as possible so she can return to some sense of normalcy in her professional job and responsibilities." Barrett's father, Frank Barrett, told the Sun-Times on Sunday that the allegations do "not match the Mike I know," describing his son as "an extrovert and very outgoing." He told the newspaper his son is divorced but has a college-age daughter. The magistrate placed Barrett on a 9 p.m.-to-6 a.m. curfew and ordered him not to use the Internet at home or at work. He will be allowed to go to work but must be at home the rest of the time, the Sun-Times said. A search warrant in the case directed authorities to search Barrett's computer for information in the case, including anything "relating to Individual A, a female reporter for ESPN, including but not limited to her travel schedule," as well as information relating to hotels where Barrett has stayed, among other items. Grimes said in court that the warrant was executed Saturday, according to the Sun-Times. The maximum penalty for the charge of interstate stalking is five years in federal prison, the FBI said. | Bail granted for man accused of secretly taping ESPN reporter Erin Andrews .
Authorities say Andrews was filmed through peephole in hotel rooms .
Videos were later posted on Internet, according to FBI .
Michael David Barrett faces interstate stalking charge . |
217,683 | a5d75daff0f680eec461fa7cb0b6d3b3bfe9a620 | Accra, Ghana (CNN) -- Ghana's Supreme Court Thursday declared President John Dramani Mahama "validly elected" as the court dismissed all claims of voter fraud, mismanagement and irregularities in the West African nation's December 2012 presidential election. After the election, Ghana's Independent Electoral Commission declared Mahama the winner with 50.7% of the vote, narrowly avoiding a runoff with his main challenger, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. But challenges followed, with allegations of widespread mismanagement and voting irregularities at more than 10,000 polling stations. Akufo-Addo and two other officials of his New Patriotic Party sued and the case went to the Supreme Court. Mahama, from the ruling National Democratic Congress party, was sworn in as president, and Thursday's court ruling means he will retain the office. The Supreme Court dismissed all six claims alleging fraud and irregularities, with judges ruling unanimously against claims that certification forms had duplicate serial numbers, that votes from phony polling places were counted, and that there was duplication of polling station codes, meaning that votes from a particular voting station might have been counted twice or more. Akufo-Addo made a statement after the ruling was announced, saying he will not seek a court review of the decision, congratulating President Mahama and calling on Ghanaians to work out their "differences, ease tensions between us and come together and build our country." The famously easy-going people of Ghana had been on edge awaiting Thursday's decision by the court. Nine Supreme Court justices spent 48 days hearing the case, which had riveted the nation. The proceedings were broadcast live on Ghanian television and radio, the first time the court has allowed such broadcasts. They have been immensely popular. Ghana is one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. It is the world's second-largest cocoa producer, after Ivory Coast, and the continent's second biggest gold miner, after South Africa, according to the United Nations. But critics say that despite the rich resources that bring billions of dollars annually, the wealth is not trickling down to the rural poor who live on the land where the gold is mined. In March 1957, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan European colony to declare independence from a colonial ruler, in its case, Britain. It endured four military coups in the first 14 years, after one of which, three former presidents were executed. Then, in the election of 2000, it had its first peaceful transfer of power between civilian presidents. The incumbent won a second term in 2004, but term limits prohibited him from seeking a third term in 2008. In that election, John Atta Mills of the National Democratic Congress narrowly defeated Akufo-Addo. But Mills died in office last year, elevating his vice president, Mahama to the presidency. Last December, Mahama ran for a full term against Akufo-Addo, setting off the Supreme Court battle. | John Dramani Mahama was sworn in as president of Ghana after December elections .
His challenger, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, was among those alleging voter fraud .
The Supreme Court dismisses all claims of fraud and irregularities .
Challenger Akufo-Addo calls on Ghanaians to "come together and build our country" |
199,852 | 8eb73b121763f5193a75afaaea104df6a7a4c1a9 | (CNN) -- Bayern Munich playmaker Franck Ribery will miss the Champions League final against Inter Milan this month after failing in his appeal against suspension on Wednesday. The France international was handed a three-match ban by European football's governing body UEFA for his sending-off in the first leg of the semifinal against Lyon last month. He was initially given an automatic one-game suspension for the straight red card, which came for a challenge on the French club's Argentine forward Lisandro Lopez in Munich on April 21. That was extended by another two games by UEFA's control and disciplinary panel on April 28, meaning the 27-year-old had to miss the final as well as the second leg, plus the first Champions League match of next season. Ribery's German employers announced after Wednesday's announcement in Nyon, Switzerland, that they would take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the UK Press Association reported. PA said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had told reporters outside UEFA headquarters that the club would go to CAS in order to have Ribery available for the final in Madrid on May 22. "Franck Ribery, as well as our in-house counsel Dr Gerlinger, have in my view put an impressive case to the court that we are not dealing with violent conduct but merely a foul," Rummenigge said in a statement. "The committee rated this case as a borderline case. Nevertheless the three-person committee unfortunately did not follow FC Bayern's plea. We are very disappointed by this judgment and still cannot comprehend that this foul was judged as violent conduct. "We told UEFA immediately after the verdict that we will also appeal against this judgment. We will continue to fight for justice so that Franck Ribery, despite the confirmation of the ban, can still play in the Champions League final." Coach Louis Van Gaal's Bayern players are seeking to win three trophies this season, leading the domestic Bundesliga title race by three points going into Saturday's final match at bottom club Hertha Berlin and having also qualified for the German Cup final. | European football's governing body UEFA dismisses Franck Ribery's appeal .
Bayern Munich midfielder now set to miss Champions League final on May 22 .
The German club say they will now appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport .
Ribery was given a three-match ban after his red card in the first leg of the semifinal . |
145,487 | 48227c8db1e0a9372752528f9e5ab1b468c4915f | (CNN) -- Could another zoo in Denmark kill a giraffe named Marius? To some animal lovers, it sounds too terrible to be true, but zoo leaders say it's anything but a tall tale. Just days after the Copenhagen Zoo killed a male giraffe named Marius to avoid inbreeding, another zoo said it might follow suit. Jyllands Park Zoo said Thursday it may also have to "euthanize" one of its male giraffes -- coincidentally, also named Marius -- if a female is brought in to breed. Zoologist Jesper Mohring-Jensen told CNN that Jyllands Park Zoo joined the same breeding program as the Copenhagen Zoo last year, which means it can't have too many giraffes with the same genetic makeup. The zoo currently has two male giraffes, he said. One, Marius, is not deemed useful to the program but is a useful companion to the genetically valuable second giraffe, which is in fact an older brother of the Marius killed in Copenhagen. The zoo wants the second giraffe to mate, so it must bring in a female giraffe. "At the moment, they are doing very well and are keeping each other company, but if there are some genetically more valuable giraffes in the program that need the space, we have to decide what to do with him," said Mohring-Jensen. "We will of course try to place him in a suitable zoo, but if that is not possible, we might have to euthanize him. The program will give us notice well in advance, so I think we will have a good chance of placing him." It's thought that no decision is imminent, "so the problem is not acute," he said. Death threats . The killing of the Copenhagen Zoo's Marius opened wide divisions between animal lovers and zoo officials concerned about maintaining the genetic diversity of giraffes in the program. Staff at the zoo received death threats as debate raged online over the killing, which took place despite a petition signed by thousands of animal lovers. But Lesley Dickie, executive director of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria, a European body governing 345 institutions, said those protesting were missing the point. "I'm afraid that when we have limited space in zoos -- and it's limited because of problems in the wild, of course, and more and more animals need our help -- then we sometimes have to make these really tough decisions," he said. 'Surplus problems' Bengt Holst, scientific director at the Copenhagen Zoo, told CNN the decision was made for the greater good of the giraffe population. "Our giraffes are part of an international breeding program, which has a purpose of ensuring a sound and healthy population of giraffes," he said. "It can only be done by matching the genetic composition of the various animals with the available space. ... When giraffes breed as well as they do now, then you will inevitably run into so-called surplus problems now and then." The Copenhagen Zoo's Marius was shot by a veterinarian with a rifle as he leaned down to munch on rye bread, a favorite snack. After a necropsy, the giraffe was dismembered in front of an audience that included children and fed to the zoo's lions, tigers and leopards. CNN's Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report. | Jyllands Park Zoo says it may also have to euthanize a giraffe called Marius .
It will be necessary only if space is needed for a new giraffe and a home cannot be found .
Animal lovers were outraged when Copenhagen Zoo killed another giraffe named Marius .
No decision imminent at Jyllands Park Zoo, which will explore all options, a zoologist says . |
286,714 | ff7a7b005ca7cc374328164059a4dae1fec3a7be | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 08:23 EST, 8 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:49 EST, 9 March 2014 . Dealing with Britain’s debts must not be done solely through attacks on public pending and welfare, the Lib Dems said today. In a swipe at the Tories, Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander said ‘there is such a thing as society’ as he warned the wealthiest must be made to pay their fair share. He also used a speech to the Lib Dem conference in York to dismiss ‘feeble’ Tory attempts to claim the income tax cut as their own policy, and signalled people who earn up to £12,500 should pay no income tax at all. Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander warned the Tories against balancing the books through spending cuts alone . Mr Alexander told the Lib Dem spring conference in York that tax rises on the rich were also needed . Tory Chancellor George Osborne has said that another £25billion must be found after the election, which he wants to raise from cuts to housing benefit for young people and removing council houses from wealthy tenants. But Mr Alexander rejected the idea, insisting tax rises on the richest should also be used to balance the books. He told delegates: ‘There is still much to do in this Parliament and the next to pay down the deficit and secure the recovery. This must be done fairly. ‘And here’s where I have news for those on the right – there is such a thing as society. ‘We cannot and will not rely only on cutting public spending and targeting welfare to finish the job. ‘That’s why we are committed to ensuring that the wealthiest pay their fair share. Mr Alexander warned the Tories 'there is such a thing as society' ‘We will find a way forward that underpins a stronger economy and delivers a fairer society.’ He warned that even with forecasts projecting the government running a surplus by 2018, ‘we will still have work to do to get our national debt burden down to safe levels’. ‘It would not be fair to leave that to our children,’ he added. ‘But we Liberal Democrats will also ensure that the state has the resources to fund the public services and infrastructure investment that our country needs. ‘And we will insist that the wealthiest make a proper contribution.’ Mr Alexander also made clear that raising the personal income tax allowance to £12,500 will be a key Liberal Democrat demand in any coalition talks after the 2015 election. In 2010 the Lib Dems promised to increase the threshold to £10,000, which it will reach in April this year. The Budget next month is expected to include a further £500 rise, which will come into effect next week, weeks before the general election. Mr Alexander said: ‘We will fight the next election with our own ideas, our own policies, our own values - no one else's. ‘And I can tell you that a top priority in any negotiation will be our aspiration to raise the personal allowance dramatically again in the next Parliament. ‘To raise it to £12,500... That would be a further tax cut for working people of £500. ‘At our first fiscal event in the next Parliament, we would deliver another tax cut of at least £100. ‘A two term Lib Dem government would then be delivering a tax cut for working people of £1200 - that's £100 a month.’ Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg applauds Mr Alexander's speech in the conference hall of the York Barbican . He claimed the rise in the tax allowance was ‘forced through’ in the face of opposition from the Tory wing of the coalition., but the Conservatives were now trying to take the credit for the policy. ‘We have had to fight for this at every Budget and at every Autumn Statement since 2010. ‘And what a fight it has been. It started in those election debates when the Conservatives said 'we cannot afford it'. ‘In 2010 the Conservatives wanted inheritance tax cuts for millionaires, we fought for and delivered tax cuts for working people. ‘In 2011 the Conservatives wanted 'shares for rights', we fought for and delivered tax cuts for working people. ‘In 2013 the Conservatives wanted a tax break for married couples that excluded millions of families, we fought for and delivered - you guessed it - more tax cuts for working people. ‘Now, belatedly, some Tories are lamely trying to claim credit. ‘Don't get me wrong, it must be hard to be a Tory in a Treasury delivering so much Lib Dem policy, so it's no surprise if some of them have gone native.’ | Danny Alexander dismisses Tory plan to slash £25billion in spending .
There is such a thing as society, Lib Dem Treasury minister tells party conference in York .
Signals Lib Dem manifesto will promise to raise income tax threshold will rise to £12,500 . |
185,824 | 7cabf02bd108d62716d44087a552fedb68b977da | By . Ian Parker, Press Association . Click here to read our chief sports writer's debate column on Anelka's nasty strain of anti-Semitic Nazi posturing . Nicolas Anelka's hopes of pointing to the support of a prominent member of the French Jewish community in a bid to clear his name have received another blow. West Brom striker Anelka is facing a minimum five-match ban for his 'quenelle' salute, unless he can prove his case, after being charged by the Football Association with performing the allegedly anti-Semitic gesture after scoring against West Ham on December 28. The 34-year-old has until 6pm on Thursday to formally reply to the charge, which he appears certain to contest as he insists he is neither anti-Semitic nor racist. Bad move: Nicolas Anelka could bring a premature end to his career if he decides to challenge the FA . Anelka, however, believed he had the backing of a Jewish community leader in the battle to clear his name. Roger Cukierman, the president of CRIF (Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France), initially appeared to side with Anelka in an interview with Le Figaro. The quenelle has been described as an inverted Nazi salute and was created by French comedian Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala, who has been prosecuted for anti-Semitism. Anelka is a friend of Dieudonne's, and the player has insisted his salute was a gesture aimed at the French establishment. Cukierman said in a video interview with Le Figaro the quenelle could not be regarded as anti-Semitic in the context it was performed in. Sparking controversy: Anelka celebrated with a quenelle gesture after he scored against West Ham . The French comedian at the heart of the storm surrounding Nicolas Anelka’s controversial ‘quenelle’ gesture has stated he is fully supportive of his “brother in humanity”. Dieudonne M’Bala M’Bala, who has been prosecuted for anti-Semitism, created the quenelle that has been described as an inverted Nazi salute.Speaking to Sky News, Dieudonne is firmly behind Anelka as he said: “Nicolas Anelka has all my support, that’s evident. “I consider him a brother in humanity. He’s someone who is very courageous and for whom I have much respect and admiration. “Anelka is a descendant of slaves and if he wants to remark on this history then he has the right to - and we are all very proud of him for doing so.” That prompted Anelka to write in a statement on his Facebook page: "I therefore ask the English FA to kindly remove the charge made against me. And I repeat, I am not anti-Semitic or racist." In the video, Cukierman said the gesture only had anti-Semitic connotations if made in front of a synagogue or a memorial to the Holocaust. But in a statement on the CRIF website, Cukierman has clarified his earlier views, and made clear Anelka's actions were disappointing. 'The 'quenelle' is a Nazi salute reversed, there's no doubt in my mind because this is the will of the one who created and popularised it for purely ideological ends,' said Cukierman. 'My statements in Le Figaro are no denial or renunciation on this subject, despite the interpretations that were made. 'However, I wished, perhaps too . quickly, to demonstrate that it was important to show discernment, . restraint, to avoid being drawn into a spiral that was difficult to . control. 'It is clear the gesture of the 'quenelle' has dangerously spread among our citizens and especially youth. Under fire: The Frenchman, ahead of West Brom's game against Everton on Monday (right), faces a lengthy ban . 'They . don't realise the severity and scope. They are doing this gesture for . provocation rather than anti-Semitism, at least I hope so. 'Should . we be hard on them? Definitely, as it glorifies crime against humanity, . but we must also teach the youth who are manipulated by Dieudonne and . his followers. 'It is up to teachers to do that, but also public figures from the worlds of culture and sport. 'This is why I was disappointed with the attitude of Anelka whose behaviour is the opposite of what a top athlete must show the youth of our country. 'I was troubled by the fact the public man he is - a symbol for some of the youth of our country and so must therefore be perfect in his behaviour - can make this gesture "to show his friendship to his friend Dieudonne", whose motivations are without a doubt anti-Semitic.' Defiant: A group perform the 'quenelle' gesture in France earlier this month . When West Brom striker Nicolas Anelka scored the first of his two goals in December's 3-3 Premier League draw at West Ham, he celebrated by making a gesture largely unfamiliar to fans of English football. But the salute, known in France as 'la quenelle', is the subject of a fierce national debate that has reached the French interior ministry and stands accused of sparking a spate of attacks across Anelka's homeland. Here, we explore the origins of the controversial gesture and the motives of its self-proclaimed inventor, the stand-up comedian and political activist Dieudonne M'Bala M'Bala: . | Anelka was charged by the FA. He faces a minimum five-match suspension .
The West Brom striker insists the 'quenelle' gesture was not anti-Semitic .
Anelka has asked the Football Association to drop the charge .
Jewish community leader 'disappointed' with Anelka and says behaviour is the 'opposite of what a top athlete must show the youth of our country'
The 34-year-old has until 6pm on Thursday to formally reply to FA charge .
Dieudonne M’Bala M’Bala - the French comedian at the heart of the storm - has stated he is fully supportive of his 'brother in humanity' |
167,037 | 640574eec654af74e3129287634d6f1c7762f62d | It's the age old debate: which day is best for booking flights to ensure you get the best deal? And it may have just been settled. According to new research from Expedia and the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), it's best to buy tickets on a Tuesday - and ideally, more than 21 days in advance - to take advantage of the best possible rates. To take advantage of the best prices, book your air travel on a Tuesday and at least three weeks in advance . Travellers who are able to fly on a Thursday and return on a Monday will enjoy the greatest savings on a long weekend away. Alternatively, those booking a Saturday to Tuesday short-haul weekend flight can save up to 25 per cent, particularly when compared to the more expensive Sunday return. Expedia recommends booking your flights at least seven weeks in advance. For domestic routes, the lowest fares are usually found 50 to 100 days before departure, with the absolute lowest fares found around 57 days prior. Cheers to that! According to Expedia's research, it will be cheaper to fly premium in 2015 . The report is predicting a general price drop across Europe and North America . When it comes to international flights, the lowest fares were found even farther in advance - between 150 and 225 days - with the lowest price around the 171 day mark. And package deals are another way to save cash. By booking the flight and hotel at the same time, you can save up to US$540 (£344) across all destinations. In big resort destinations, like Mexico or Hawaii, you can actually save a whopping US$1,100 (£700) simply by bundling. For the best deal on a short-haul domestic flight, the lowest rates can be found about 57 days in advance . The findings are contained in a report, Preparing for Takeoff: Air Travel Trends for 2015, which highlights all of the changes that passengers can expect in upcoming months. And there's good news for travellers. Expedia and the ARC predict that many ticket prices will decrease overall. This can be attributed to an increase in scheduled flights and a drop in fuel prices, which will mean a general price drop across Europe and North America. For international flights, booking anywhere between 150-225 days ahead will offer the best deal . Tuesday remains the best day to book a flight, with the lowest prices across the board . In Europe, another major factor will be the rise of low-cost carriers, which 'unbundle' amenities and force the big-name carriers to do the same to compete. Not only that, but it's going to be cheaper to fly in the premium cabins. The research indicates that the gap in fares between flying premium and coach will continue to narrow - and ultimately, could even get to a point where premium-class tickets aren't that much more expensive than tickets in coach. This may not hold true for all flights, but it won't hurt to check the price of first- and business-class seats before you book an economy ticket. | Expedia and the Airlines Reporting Corporation expect ticket prices to fall .
Tuesday remains ideal day to book flights, 50 to 100 days in advance .
For international flights, booking 171 days in advance offers best rate . |
214,631 | a1e7da9d257a58124485914c7bbead3355b394a6 | A church minister who was investigated over claims he stripped and spanked three women in his office has been charged with a series of sex offences. Reverend Howard Curtis, 71, a former senior minister at the Coulsdon Christian Fellowship, in Croydon, south London, was arrested in July last year over the alleged assaults. They are alleged to have happened between 2006 and 2009, it has been revealed. Reverend Howard Curtis (pictured), who was investigated over claims he stripped and spanked three women in his office, has been charged with a series of sex offences . Reverend Howard Curtis, a former senior minister at Coulsdon Christian Fellowship (pictured) in Croydon, denies the claims . Mr Curtis, of Wallington, south London, has been charged with two counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual assault and six counts of child cruelty. The charges relate to offences against eight alleged victims between 1969 and 2012. He denies the claims and has been bailed to appear at Croydon Magistrates' Court on October 31. The church in Chipstead Valley Road describes itself as an 'independent charismatic Baptist church'. Mr Curtis retired from his position as senior minister in June 2013. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Reverend Howard Curtis arrested last year over the alleged assaults .
They are alleged to have taken place between 2006 and 2009 .
Charged with two counts of indecent assault, five counts of sexual assault and six counts of child cruelty .
Mr Curtis, a former senior minister at Coulsdon Christian Fellowship in Croydon, denies claims . |
206,896 | 97e601300215e03ebb863c87f969026720d45a3a | Hong Kong (CNN) -- Madeleine Pulver's ordeal started last August when a man burst into her room and tied a fake bomb around her neck, and ended on Tuesday when he was sentenced to at least 10 years in jail. The Australian teenager was studying for her final year exams when 52-year-old Paul Douglas Peters broke into her suburban Sydney home and carried out what the prosecution called an act of "urban terrorism." "The terror instilled can only be described as unimaginable," Judge Peter Zahra told the District Court in Sydney during sentencing Tuesday. Pulver was in the courtroom, as were her parents, and the man who, on a Wednesday afternoon, pushed open their unlocked front door and found the 18-year-old student alone in her bedroom. Armed with a baseball bat and wearing a multi-colored balaclava, he told the frightened teenager to sit on the bed while he fixed a bicycle lock attached to a black box around her neck. According to court documents, as Peters walked away, Pulver asked him where we was going. "Count to two hundred ... I'll be back ...if you move I can see you, I'll be right here," he replied. She waited. Around her neck was also two-page typed note and a USB stick in a plastic sleeve. After a few minutes Pulver yelled out. There was no response. She texted her parents: Call the police. Then she read the note. "Powerful new technology plastic explosives are located inside the small black combination case delivered to you. The case is booby trapped. It can ONLY be opened safely, if you follow the instructions and comply with its terms and conditions." With one look at the word "explosives" she knew what was around her neck. She phoned her father. Call the police, she begged. The note went on: . "If you disclose these Instructions, future instructions, any correspondence, Remittance instructions enclosures, direction or any other relevant fact outlined here or elsewhere, to any Federal or State agency, the Police or FBI, or to any non-family member, it will trigger an immediate BRIAN DOUGLAS WELLS event." Pulver phoned her father back. Don't call the police. It was too late. Sitting alone in her bedroom, Pulver was presumably waiting for what would come first, the police or the blast. When officers arrived they "found the victim in a hysterical state and crying uncontrollably," court documents state. Read more: New details emerge in Australian collar bomb case . It's not clear whether the name Brian Douglas Wells meant anything to the Australian schoolgirl, but Peters had borrowed the name of an American pizza delivery man who was killed after a collar bomb fixed to his neck exploded in 2003. He was forced to wear the device by co-conspirators in a bank heist. It exploded as he sat in a parking lot soon after being stopped by police. Peters was only in the house for a matter of minutes, but it would take police nine hours to determine that the box contained no explosives, and 10 hours to remove it. The entire time Pulver supported the box with her hands for fear it may explode. Outside the court Tuesday, Pulver expressed relief at the sentencing. "I am pleased with today's outcome and that I can now look to a future without Paul Peters' name being linked to mine," she told the assembled media. Behind the events of that day is the tragic unraveling of a once successful man's life, from an international career in finance to divorce and a heavy drinking problem, where the lines between fact and fiction became increasingly blurred. According to court documents, Peters was an above average student who left university with a double degree in law and economics. He had a successful career in Hong Kong, where he grew up, before moving to the U.S. with his second wife and young family to take a high-level position with a U.S. firm. Promoted to be managing director of the same firm, he "achieved substantial financial rewards and maintained a high lifestyle." However, around six years ago, his marriage broke down. His wife filed for divorce and told him that he wouldn't see his children again. According to court documents, Peters told one of three psychiatrists asked to examine him that "that is where the story really starts." Disillusioned with the banking industry, Peters moved back to Asia and started writing a book. Initially it was a historical novel set in Hong Kong, but morphed into a tale of revenge featuring a character called "John Chan." Peters told the examining psychiatrist that he as became more involved in his book he took on Chan's persona. According to court documents, "he said the suburb of Mosman was like the Hong Kong peak and he wanted to create in his own mind what the nemesis in his book could have been doing." During sentencing, the judge debunked suggestions that Peters was motivated by a confused reality and said the motive, beyond reasonable doubt, was extortion. "The offender intended to place the very young victim in fear that she was going to be killed in order to ensure compliance with the directions in the demand. The offender did so in order to extort money from the victim," Judge Zahra said. The plan ultimately failed, the judge said, because police were called, the media was alerted, and Peters decided to abandon his efforts to extort money. Five days after entering the house, Peters flew from Sydney to Los Angeles before boarding a connecting flight to Louisville, Kentucky. He was arrested there on August 15 and later extradited to Australia. It remains unclear why Peters targeted an 18-year-old girl and it would be "unproductive to speculate," said Judge Zahra. Outside the court, Bill Pulver said of his daughter: "Maddie Pulver is a very, very special young lady who has handled herself with incredible poise and dignity. We're unbelievably proud of her." Peters was sentenced to 13 years and six months in prison, with a non-parole period of 10 years. | Man who attached fake collar bomb to Sydney teen sentenced .
Paul Douglas Peters to serve at least 10 years of 13-year sentence .
Police took 10 hours to dismantle the device around Madeleine Pulver's neck .
During sentencing, Judge Peter Zahra said Peters' motivation was extortion . |
265,434 | e3c70f22febb85b8e8eb4e8b1af7463aade88c8d | (CNN) -- Still reeling from the January earthquake, Haiti is now in the grip of a deadly cholera outbreak. Aid organizations, already struggling to provide the most basic necessities, now face the possibility of a catastrophic epidemic. With this health crisis unfolding, relief leaders shared with CNN their views of where Haiti stands today, and what the country needs to get through to tomorrow. The International Rescue Committee was concerned that a waterborne disease outbreak would occur. Workers stockpiled rehydration salts, cleared water channels, and dug hundreds of emergency latrines. Even with planning for the worst, the IRC's director of humanitarian affairs, Gerald Martone, was not surprised when the outbreak was identified as cholera. "It is the most feared disease in disaster relief, because it spreads extremely quickly and is lethal. People can die in as short as four hours," he said. Much of the group's health staff is returning to Haiti for this outbreak, and the IRC is trying to help stop the spread of the disease by protecting water sources, educating about proper hygiene, and improving disposal of human waste. Martone's biggest concern is a possible outbreak of cholera in a crowded camp, which he likens to holding a match to a tinderbox. Thousands of Haitians have lived in densely populated tent camps since the earthquake destroyed their homes. "In addition to preventing the spread of this disease," Martone said, "you have to aggressively treat the people affected, as you only have a few hours before someone can die. This challenge will overwhelm the Haiti health system." For those wishing to help respond to the crisis, Martone suggests supporting charity medical organizations working in Haiti. The International Medical Corps is also responding to the outbreak, repositioning its doctors and nurses and setting up mobile clinics to create a perimeter around the contaminated zone. The group is calling for more nurses to volunteer and preparing its doctor and nurse networks abroad in case this becomes an epidemic. "Cholera is not endemic to Haiti. It is a new disease and health professionals in Haiti do not have experience with it," said Margaret Aguirre, director of global communications for International Medical Corps. IMC's medical teams are teaching Haiti's health professionals how to identify, treat and prevent the disease, in addition to educating the community about proper hygiene and clean water. For Martone, the outbreak reflects the level of hygiene in Haiti. When he saw the squalid conditions in the camps in April, he realized that, despite the IRC's best efforts, the longer people were forced to live in these unhealthy, filthy conditions, the more likely it was that cholera would break out. Aguirre also sees the continual displacement of the Haitian people as a constant concern. "Water and shelter has been the continuing problem, it is a health issue," she said. The IMC medical staff is trying to transition from the acute emergency phase to a transitional phase, with more emphasis on long-term care. "There is less wound care and a great need for more mental health care and chronic disease care," Aguirre said. However, IMC is still addressing the struggles with nutrition and hygiene that were present immediately after the earthquake. CAN-DO founder Eric Klein finds advancing the relief process challenging, especially when the initial needs are still not met. "Food, water, housing, jobs and medical -- those are still the same five things that they need," Klein said. "But now we also have to look to the longer goals, more permanent housing and infrastructure. We have to move to another phase, but the first is still not finished, so we have two phases at once now." His CAN-DO foundation is trying to do both. Workers are training Haitians to construct home, school and medical domes. "You have so many camps with tents and tarps that have now rotted and are duct-taped together," Klein said. "People will take anything. They need more tents, they will take them, tarps, anything, but that is like putting a Band-Aid on it. There needs to be a better solution." While his team tackles housing and the CAN-DO Orphanage Revitalization Project, it is still trying to conduct water and food truck drops. On delivery runs, Klein said he finds areas that have not seen distribution in months. Charity organizations are in the midst of transitioning their work force to address the desperate need for jobs. The IMC staff has changed since the earthquake to a more local face. CAN-DO has been training Haitians for housing construction and plans to help bring a factory to the country. "Jobs is the biggest thing -- every single person you talk to wants to work, they are looking for jobs," Klein said. Until now, IRC was focused on education and training programs, instead of direct aid. "Creating self-reliance is the goal," Martone said. | Emergency conditions make containing the cholera outbreak difficult .
Aid groups focus on building houses and finding jobs for Haitians affected by the quake .
Aid workers observe that food and water deliveries don't get distributed for months at a time . |
156,145 | 55d6d2afecb798f4fc89b823814cbd4c4ca0e300 | (CNN) -- It's a first-world problem of epic proportions, and the couch potatoes of the Web aren't pleased. Just before midnight Tuesday, a dispute between satellite provider DirecTV and mass-media company Viacom led to nearly 20 million customers losing access to 26 channels Viacom owns. On social media Wednesday, it seemed like a good chunk of those millions were lashing out, telling the world that they want their MTV ... or Nickelodeon ... or VH1, Spike, BET and Comedy Central. "When my son cant watch 'The Backyardigans' tomorrow he might call DirecTV himself," Atlanta Falcons All-Pro cornerback Brent Grimes posted on Twitter, referring to the Nickelodeon animated series. Some less-famous Twitter users turned to humor, and Jay-Z lyrics, to address the situation. "If you got DirecTV I feel bad for you son, I got 999 channels and you just lost some!" tweeted user "Ezel From Friday." And like any good dispute in the Twitter-and-Facebook age, the two principals cranked up an online fight of their own. Viacom retweeted several posts blaming DirecTV for the blackout, many from stars of shows that air on the affected channels. It also used the site to accuse DirecTV of refusing to negotiate. DirecTV, in turn, hammered home its case, saying Viacom wants to raise the price of the channels, which would in turn create more expensive service for subscribers. It shared a link to its own version of the dispute and a post saying it hopes "to reach an agreement soon & keep your bill low." Both companies also were sharing their side with fans on Facebook, where customers were responding with hundreds of often-angry comments. "This is ridiculous, I've only had DirecTv for 6 months and this is the SECOND time that we've lost channels that we watch on a regular basis," one fan of DirecTV's Facebook page wrote. "Get your stuff together and get it settled BEFORE it affects us as customers. It's very unprofessional. I will be canceling once my contract is up." On its own page, Viacom took a bit of a cheap shot Wednesday afternoon, posting an image of Nickelodeon cartoon favorite SpongeBob SquarePants with this text: . "Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? I don't know. I have DirecTV." More than a few Facebook fans weren't amused by the stunt. "WOW, Viacom! You win the crown for King of corporate [expletive]s!" one of them wrote. "My kids are upset because they can't watch Spongebob anymore after you rubbed it in their faces with that lousy commercial you came up with to HURT their feelings and make Directtv look like a bunch of [expletive]s and now here you are making a joke about it. YOU SUCK!!!!!" Of course, neither company has the chops to talk smack like a pro wrestler. Grappling legend Hulk Hogan appears on "TNA Wrestling Impact," which airs on Spike. He took to YouTube in a video that makes up in intensity what it lacks in nuance. "I've had a world of piledriving punishment dished out to me, brother, but I've never been hurt like I am right now since I heard that DirecTV dropped Spike," he says in the video, which had only a modest 3,200 views as of midday Wednesday. Some complaints, of course, were perhaps more self-aware than others. "Dear Direct TV ... I want my expensive service to include all the channels I once had. Thanks," read one tweet. Who was that complaining about having to pay so much for blacked-out satellite service? Reality-TV star, NBA wife and millionaire heiress Khloe Kardashian. So, what are subscribers to do while the two entertainment titans hash out the dispute? Here are a few alternatives: . Web services like Hulu Plus offer the current seasons of many TV offerings, with episodes appearing shortly after they air. Comedy Central's "South Park" and "The Daily Show" and The CW's "Supernatural" are just a few of the top offerings listed under Hulu's "Currently On Air" feature. And right now, Hulu is offering a free one-week trial -- so if you get lucky, you might be able to ride out the spat without paying anything extra (Khloe Kardashian, take note). Amazon, Netflix and other providers offer current TV series as well. So, worst-case scenario, even if you can't get the latest episode of your current favorites, you can review past seasons or catch up on those shows you've been meaning to check out. | Subscribers take to Web to bemoan DirecTV Viacom blackout .
A total of 26 channels went dark shortly before midnight Tuesday .
Stars of shows on the networks led the social-media charge complaining .
Web TV alternatives could tide viewers over until the spat is resolved . |
48,177 | 8800203d333cc03c0d3e2cf5233f10319f45d461 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The pilot of a doomed plane that crashed, killing 50 people, said "Jesus Christ" and "We're down," seconds before the plane hurtled from the night sky into a house outside Buffalo, New York, in February. An investigator walks past the wreckage from a plane crash in Clarence Center, New York, in February. The last sounds heard in the cockpit were First Officer Rebecca Shaw saying "We're" and then screaming at 10:16 p.m. on February 12, according to a transcript of the cockpit recording. Seconds earlier, the pilot, Capt. Marvin Renslow, said, "Jesus Christ," as a sound "similar to stick shaker" was heard, the transcript said. Renslow said, "We're down," and a thump was heard before Shaw said, "We're" and screamed. The National Transportation Safety Board released the transcript of the cockpit recording on Tuesday as it began a three-day hearing in Washington on the crash. See how crash of Flight 3407 unfolded » . Continental Connection Flight 3407, operated by regional carrier Colgan Air, plunged into a house in Clarence Center, New York, killing all 49 people on board and one man in the house. About five minutes before the crash, Shaw had shared with Renslow her fear of flying in icy conditions, according to the transcript. "I don't want to have to experience that and make those kinds of calls. You know I'dve freaked out. I'dve [sic] had like seen this much ice and thought, 'oh my gosh, we were going to crash," Shaw told Renslow. The NTSB's preliminary investigation determined there was some ice accumulation on the Bombardier Dash 8-Q400 aircraft, but that "icing had a minimal impact on the stall speed of the airplane." Watch more on the NTSB investigation » . In a story Monday, the Wall Street Journal cited investigators as saying the crash resulted from pilot Marvin Renslow's incorrect response to the plane's precarious drop in speed: He overrode an emergency system known as a "stick pusher," which sends the plane into a dive so it can regain speed and avoid a stall. Colgan Air, the operator of Continental Connection flights, said Monday that Renslow had never trained in a flight simulator with the safety system that activated just before the plane went down. Colgan said there is no regulatory requirement that it provide hands-on training with the "stick pusher." "A stick pusher demonstrated in an aircraft simulator is not required by the FAA," the airline said in a statement. "And thus was not included in Colgan's Q400 training program." The Federal Aviation Administration said its standards do not require hands-on practice with the safety system. "That's a significant problem," veteran pilot Douglas Moss told CNN. Moss, an expert in stall recovery, believes flight simulator practice with a stick pusher should be mandatory for aspiring pilots. "It's similar to picking up and throwing a groundball in baseball. You can study it academically all you want to but you really need to develop the proficiency, the skill, the muscle memory required to do that," said Moss. Renslow had failed five pilot tests, known as "check rides," three of which occurred before he joined the airline, Colgan Air said. Renslow had revealed only one of those failures to the airline, according to Colgan. NTSB Chairman Mark Rosenker said Tuesday that the board's hearing will not address who is to blame for the accident. "Over the course of this hearing, we will continue to collect information that will assist the safety board in its examination of safety issues arising from this accident," he said. He said those issues are: airplane performance, cold weather operations, a sterile cockpit, flight crew training and performance, and fatigue management. CNN's Allan Chernoff contributed to this report. | NEW: First officer talked to pilot about fear of crashing, transcript shows .
Safety board releases transcript from cockpit of plane's final moments .
February crash near Buffalo, New York, killed all 49 on plane and one on ground .
Monday report cited pilot's training; airline says training met FAA requirements . |
60,726 | ac9444c877613c6bd4caf07b8cbda78864b72547 | By . Tom Kelly . and Martin Robinson . Two runaway teenage lovers who fled their £30,000-a-year public school and flew to the Caribbean have finally been tracked down a week after going on the run. Edward Bunyan and Indira Gainiyeva have been found 'safe and well' in the Dominican Republic and will now be taken home to Britain, Lancashire Police said today. Detectives would not confirm the hotel they were staying in, but until yesterday they had been in the all-inclusive five-star Occidental hotel in Punta Cana, on the eastern edge of the island. Having been spotted yesterday they fled again, but were tracked to a different hotel and it is believed Edward's mother is now with them. Hunt is over: Edward Bunyan and Indira Gainiyeva, both pupils of Stonyhurst College in Lancashire, were traced to the Occidental Hotel, pictured, having fled to the Dominican Republic last week . Edward, 16, and Indira, who turned 17 last week, used their credit cards at the luxury resort, local police said. The pair, who are said to have been dating for several months, sneaked out of the prestigious Stonyhurst College last Monday and jetted to the Dominican Republic, after telling friends they were sick of the rainy weather. The school has refused to be drawn on whether the pair will be suspended or expelled. Their vanishing act created an international media sensation, and pupils at the mixed-sex boarding school in Clitheroe, Lancashire, have nicknamed them Bonnie and Clyde. But Lancashire Police said today the hunt for them was over. 'The students have thankfully been located safe and well at a hotel in the Punta Cana area of the Dominican Republic,' a spokesman said. Plans are now being made for their safe return to the UK. They will be given a welfare debrief by police following their arrival back in this country. 'Our priority throughout this has been to ensure the safety and welfare of these students and after they have been spoken to on their return this will signal an end of police involvement in this matter.' Runaways: Edward, 16, and Indira, who turned 17 last week have been nicknamed Bonnie and Clyde following their disappearing act. Stonyhurst head Andrew Johnson said he was 'absolutely delighted' they were found. He said there will be discussions with them and their families when they return but it was too early to speculate about their future. In a statement he said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be able to report that the two missing pupils have been found safe and well by police in the Dominican Republic. 'They are currently in the care of the police and a family member. 'Staff and pupils at the College have been concerned in recent days for the safety of the two. 'We are really most grateful to parents and friends of Stonyhurst for their overwhelming support at this difficult time, and for their prayers for the safety of the two young people. 'Over the coming days we will be having discussions with the two young people and their families about what has happened and also what happens next. 'However, it is simply too early at the moment to speculate about the future.' Edward – an experienced international . traveller who previously attended schools in Spain and Canada – is the . Cheltenham-born son of a civil engineer, while Indira’s family are from . oil-rich Kazakhstan. The . 800-room Occidental hotel is used by British tour operator Thomson and described as . a ‘Spanish-style all inclusive resort with impressive facilities, . nestled on a beautiful beachfront with coconut palms dotted on the . shoreline’. It boasts three lagoon-style swimming . pools, a spa, gym, tennis courts, nine themed restaurants, scuba diving . facilities, seven bars and live nightly shows. The resort is about seven . hours by car from the resort of Puerto Plata, which the pair were . believed to have flown into. A seven-night Thomson package holiday at the hotel costs £1,672 per person. Indira appeared to have logged on to the Russian equivalent of Facebook yesterday, suggesting the pair are active online and may be aware of the police hunt and the media attention surrounding their disappearance. Her parents had yesterday pleaded for her to send a text ‘or anything’ to show she is safe. Staff at the £30,000-a-year Stonyhurst College in Clitheroe, Lancashire, realised they were missing only when they failed to turn up for school register . Indira’s father Ravil Gainiyev, a wealthy Kazakh businessman, said he had not heard from her since she left school at 3am and caught a taxi to Manchester Airport with her boyfriend. He said: ‘I called her and sent her messages but she did not answer.’ Mr Gainiyev, 50, said he did not want to cancel her credit card because he was afraid it could mean she and Edward would be ‘forced to be tramps’. Indira’s 46-year-old mother Firuza said from her home in Kyzylorda, southern Kazakhstan: ‘I beg and pray she is in good health. She knows that she and our other children mean more than anything for myself and my husband.’ | Edward Bunyan and Indira Gainiyeya fled to Dominican Republic last week .
Traced to all-inclusive Occidental hotel in Punta Cana on east of island .
They fled police again yesterday but were tracked to another establisment .
Pair from £30,000-a-year Stonyhurst College in Lancashire but went on run .
Police say they will be taken back to Britain and given a 'welfare de-brief'
Edward's mother is with them - school would not speculate on expulsion . |
172,060 | 6ab4fea98169f8e79d2e2e2f51b14bbb8cb8ac06 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A nine-year-old girl who shaved her head in support of a friend with cancer has been barred from her school for violating its dress code. Kamryn Renfro, from Grand Junction, Colorado, thought she was making a kind gesture by shaving off her hair to support Delaney Clements, 12, who is also bald after undergoing chemotherapy. 'It felt like the right thing to do,' Kamryn told KUSA. Delaney, who suffers from neuroblastoma, said: 'I was really excited that I would have somebody to support me and I wouldn't be alone with people always laughing at me', KREX reported. Scroll down for video . Support: Kamryn Renfro (left) shaved her head to support Delaney Clements, (right) who lost her own hair after undergoing chemotherapy to treat her childhood cancer - but Kamryn was barred from school . 'It made me feel very special and that I'm not alone.' But Kamryn's school, Caprock Academy, said she could not attend classes because girls' shaved heads violated the dress code policy. The school told her she could not return to class until she wore a wig or her grew her hair back. Kamryn's mother emailed the school . explaining why the little girl had chopped off her braids, but - at first - administrators . said they were unable to exceptions. Before: Delaney, 12, photobombs her nine-year-old friend Kamryn before she cuts off her hair . Grateful: Delaney, right, told her friend she was thankful to her for making her feel less alone . The girls' mothers were shocked at the decision. 'Friends support each other no matter . what and this is a brave girl and we should support her and the fact . that she made that decision,' said Wendy Campbell, Delaney's mother. 'For a little girl to be really brave . and want to shave her head in support of her friend, I thought that was a . huge statement and it builds character in a child.' Jamie Renfro, Kamryn's mother, . thanked friends for their support on her Facebook page, while noting . that the school had been respectful when dealing with the family.We still support Kamryn a gazillion percent, and could not be more proud of her,' she said. Disbelief: Delaney's mother, Wendy Campbell, said she was stunned by the school's unexpected reaction . Fighter: Delaney, with her mother, suffers from neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer affecting the nerves . Even though the school did not take note of the gesture, Delaney did. 'I just want to say thank-you for being a . really good friend and actually being brave enough to do it, and not . only caring about your hair,' she told her friend, KREX reported. But the academy later said Kamryn could return to classes on Tuesday and the school's board of directors is expected to discuss her situation. Catherine Norton, chairwoman of the board, said the dress code is designed to promote uniformity and a non-distracting environment. She said exceptions can be made in certain circumstances. See below for video . | Kamryn Renfro, from Grand Junction, Colorado, was told that her act of compassion violated the dress code at her school .
She shaved her head so her friend Delaney Clements, who suffers from neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, didn't feel so alone .
Officials buckled and are allowing the girl to return to school on Tuesday . |
15,786 | 2cd299f7b6ac650f6781b60e32a2d13c3db3d6f9 | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 05:12 EST, 26 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:33 EST, 26 February 2013 . A U.S. man surprised his girlfriend with a marriage proposal amid a cloud of monarch butterflies in a wildlife sanctuary in central Mexico. Samantha Goldberger set up a camera for a romantic Valentine's Day picture at the El Capulin reserve, near Zitacuaro, and was stunned when Jason Skipton dropped to one knee as the flash went off. 'This place is like a miracle. And it is a miraculous thing that took place with us,' Mr Skipton told Yahoo News. Wings of love: Samantha Goldberger was surprised when Jason Skipton proposed marriage surrounded by monarch butterflies at the El Capulin reserve, near Zitacuaro, Mexico . 'No one knows why the monarchs travel so far, or come here to find each other. It is inexplicable.' He met Samantha, who happily said yes, on a chance encounter 2000km from his home and said he had butterflies in his stomach when he met her, so it was appropriate that he propose among butterflies that migrate thousands of miles to mate. Every October and November millions of monarchs travel 3200km to central Mexico from Canada and the U.S.and hibernate in fire trees, before emerging in February to find a mate. Miss Goldberger showing off her engagement ring next to a Monarch butterfly soon after the romantic proposal. Skipton met her in a chance encounter while he was 2,000 miles from home . Monarchs fly to Mexico from the U.S. every year to mate. File picture . When the butterflies migrate to the reserve they congregate thickly on trees to conserve heat, open their wings to catch the sun's warming rays and at dawn take flight in their millions and mate. With a wing span of four inches, the monarch butterfly is known for its lengthy migration and is the only butterfly species to make annual north-south migrations, like many bird species. The monarch migrates from North America to central Mexico and back again each year. However, having a life span of only two months, it takes four generations to complete the round trip. Odyssey: The monarch migrates from North America to central Mexico and back again each year. However, having a life span of only two months, it takes four generations to complete the round trip . The monarch butterfly is known for its lengthy migration and is the only butterfly species to make annual north-south migrations, like many bird species . Mr Skipton's proposal is made all the more remarkable because it is in the state of Michoacan, gripped by violence between drug cartels and the authorities. The U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs has warned travellers against non-essential travel to most of the state of Michoacan. According to the statistics last published by the Mexican government in late 2011, 47,515 people were killed in narcotics-related violence in Mexico between December 2006 and September 2011. The area the butterflies flock to is known for its natural beauty, but also for drug violence among cartels . | Jason Skipton surprised his girlfriend with a ring among the butterflies .
He met Samantha in chance encounter thousands of miles from home .
He felt proposal among the beautiful creatures far from home was apt . |
152,234 | 50c0d5b3bd805eabb4d00806e7e44d52d9daeff9 | By . Anna Edwards . PUBLISHED: . 09:07 EST, 2 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:15 EST, 2 January 2013 . Two men have today been arrested by Jimmy Savile detectives on suspicion of sexual offences as part of Operation Yewtree. The duo have been taken into custody after one was arrested at an address in Hampshire and another in west London. The two men have been arrested under the strand of the investigation labelled 'others' as detective sort through hundreds of accusations made after the revelations about the late disgraced Jimmy Savile. The pair have been arrested as police investigate accusations made in the wake of revalations about disgraced Jimmy Savile . A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Officers working on Operation Yewtree have today arrested two men on suspicion of sexual offences. 'A 53-year-old man ('Yewtree 9') was arrested at approximately 8am at an address in Hampshire and taken into custody locally. 'A 59-year-old man ('Yewtree 10') was arrested at approximately midday in west London and taken into custody at a London police station. 'Both individuals fall under the strand of the investigation we have termed 'others'. 'We are not prepared to discuss further.' Held: Ted Beston was arrested by police and bailed . The force is leading the national . probe into claims made against the disgraced TV presenter and figures in . the entertainment industry. The . arrests come after former BBC producer Ted Beston 'vehemently denied' claims that he molested young women while working for Jimmy Savile. Mr Beston, 76, was arrested by Operation Yewtree detectives in December last year on suspicion of historic sexual offences. In . a statement released through his lawyers on December 20, the former . Radio 1 producer said he was shocked by the allegations and had not . known about Savile's revolting abuse. The producer, nicknamed 'Uncle' Ted by Savile on air, was bailed until February. Mr Beston, 76, was held at his home in Bromley, South London, at 6.30am and taken to a police station . He became a close friend of Savile’s while working for years as his producer on Radio 1 on shows including Savile’s Travels. Beston is accused of procuring girls for Savile and other men to molest in the 1960s and 1970s. Some women have also claimed that he sexually assaulted them himself. He was the eighth man to be arrested as part of Operation Yewtree, the Savile sex abuse investigation. Mr Beston produced several shows for Savile and also used his skills producing hit shows for DJ Mike Read and latterly Simon Mayo's Breakfast Show in the 80s. At the time a police spokesman said: 'The man, who is in his 70s and from London, was arrested at 06.30hrs on . suspicion of sexual offences and taken into custody at a south London . police station. 'The individual falls under the strand of the investigation we have termed "Savile and others".' PR guru Max Clifford (left) leaves his Surrey home after being arrested by police. (Right) Former BBC producer Wilfred De'ath was arrested at an earlier date. Both were bailed . Dave Lee Travis (left) was arrested at his Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire home in November. Gary Glitter (right) was arrested and bailed in October . In . some cases victims will not be identified or press charges. But in at . least a dozen cases, police are reported to believe there is enough . evidence for the celebrities to be arrested. The . investigation has three strands, one dealing with allegations directly . involving Jimmy Savile, the second involving allegations against . associates of the disgraced DJ and the third involving 'others'. Operation Yewtree has already cost around £2million and involves a team of 30 officers. In December a man from London in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences. PR guru Max Clifford was arrested earlier on suspicion of sexual offences but was later bailed as part of the probe. A man aged in his 80s from Berkshire was interviewed by detectives three weeks ago. Gary Glitter, comedian Freddie Starr, DJ Dave Lee Travis and a man in his 70s, reported to be former television producer Wilfred De'Ath, have been arrested and bailed as part of the probe. On Monday, Starr and Clifford were re-bailed to return on dates in February and March pending further inquiries. Officers are looking at claims against Savile, those against Savile and others, and those against others. Police revealed a total of 31 allegations of rape have been made against Jimmy Savile. Detectives said they had received 199 complaints of sex attacks against the late BBC star from 450 different people. Savile is said to have carried out the attacks in 17 police force areas. Detectives said that 589 complainants – the majority of whom were young girls at the times of the alleged incidents – had contacted police as part of a wider inquiry into sexual attacks carried out by Savile and others. On 28 October 2012, a man in his 60s ['Yewtree 1'] was arrested.The man, from London, was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences, and taken to a London police station and later bailed to return pending further inquiries - next due in February.This individual falls under the strand of the investigation termed 'Savile and others'. On 1 November 2012, a man in his 60s ['Yewtree 2'] was arrested.The man, from Warwickshire, was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences, and taken into police custody locally. He was later bailed to return pending further inquiries - next due March 2013.This individual falls under the strand of the investigation termed 'Savile and others'. On 11 November 2012 a man in his 70s ['Yewtree 3'] was arrested.The man, from Cambridgeshire, was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences and taken into police custody locally. He was later bailed to return pending further inquiries - next due Feb. 2013.The individual falls under the strand of the investigation termed 'others'. On 15 November 2012 a man in his 60's ['Yewtree 4'] was arrested.The man, from Bedfordshire, was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences and taken into police custody. He was later bailed to return in early January, pending further inquiries.The individual falls under the strand of the investigation termed 'others'. On 29 November 2012 a man in his 80s ['Yewtree 5'] was interviewed under cautionThe man from Berkshire was interviewed under caution on suspicion of sexual offences after attending south London police premises by appointment.On 24 November 2012 officers had executed a search warrant at an address in BerkshireThe individual falls under the strand of the investigation termed 'others'. On 6 December 2012 a man in his 60s ['Yewtree 6'] was arrested.The man from Surrey was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences and taken to a central London police station. He was later bailed to return pending further inquiries - next due February.The individual falls under the strand of the investigation termed 'others'. On 10 December 2012 a man in his 60s ['Yewtree 7'] was arrested.The man from London was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences and taken to a central London police station. He was later bailed to return in January, pending further inquiries.The individual falls under the strand of the investigation termed 'others'. On 19 December 2012 a man in his 70s ['Yewtree 8'] was arrested.The man from London was arrested on suspicion of sexual offences and taken to a south London police station. He was later bailed to return in February 2013, pending further inquiries.The individual falls under the strand of the investigation termed 'Savile and others'. On January 2, 2013 a 53-year-old man ['Yewtree 9'] and a 59-year-old man ['Yewtree 10'] was arrested.The individuals fall under the strand of investigation termed 'others'. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | A 53-year-old and a 59-year-old have been taken into custody .
Detectives have arrested ten men in connection with Operation Yewtree .
Both have been arrested under the 'others' strand of the investigation . |
181,286 | 76b27c4062d70983996dbb233f846b6db01ef39d | By . David Kent . Barcelona signing Luis Suarez is further proof the Catalan giants are abandoning their free-flowing football principles, according to club legend Johan Cruyff. The Catalan giants agreed a deal said to be worth in the region of £75million for the Liverpool striker at the end of last week in order to bolster their attacking options. New boy: Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez has agreed a deal to join La Liga giants Barcelona from Liverpool . Major doubts: Johan Cruyff does not know if Suarez will prove to be a good fit at Barcelona . However Cruyff believes Barcelona may have to change their style of play if Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar are going to form a successful attacking partnership. ‘I am happy that Germany won the World Cup. They are playing the kind of football that Barcelona are distancing themselves from,’ said Cruyff. ‘That feeling has only gotten stronger with the signing of Luis Suarez. He is a great player, but has a complicated character. ‘I don't know how they plan to play free-flowing attacking football with Messi, Neymar and Suarez in one team. They are all players who rely on their individual actions. ‘Barcelona choose for individualism rather than a team playing good football. The style of play they developed under Frank Rijkaard and Pep Guardiola is being abandoned.’ Attacking line-up: Suarez will be expected to form a successful partnership with Neymar and Lionel Messi . VIDEO Koeman, however, believes Suarez will fit in at Barca . | Johan Cruyff questions the Catalan giants' decision to sign Luis Suarez .
Liverpool forward Suarez will join Barcelona in £75million deal .
Suarez will not make Barcelona debut until he serves four-month ban . |
34,338 | 6193ed2eea19c6e2c8c7b8b1794cb84e6f1d7836 | PSG midfielder Yohan Cabaye has admitted he is 'not happy' with his bit-part role in the French champions' side under Laurent Blanc. The former Newcastle United man, who moved to Ligue 1 last January for £19million, played just 15 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Monaco at the weekend, and hasn't been at the forefront of Blanc's mind. Cabaye has had to settle for the bench on a few occassions this season, and with PSG struggling for form with three league wins all season, the French international says he is not used to being left out. Cabaye (right) in training with the French national team ahead of their Euro 2016 qualifiers . He told L'Equipe: 'You have to accept being a substitute, but I don't resign myself to that. In training sessions, I have to give my best and show my desire to play. 'When I am on the pitch, I feel it is not perfect and that I often have to leave too soon. But I know the coach and staff have to make choices and I respect that. 'Have I spoken to Laurent Blanc? No. What do I tell him? I am 28 years old and not new to the job. But I am not satisfied with the situation. 'Am I completely happy? To be honest, no. It is a new situation for me, but I don't complain. It is the first time I haven't played regularly for my club. 'With the French team, if one day the national team coach decides to play me less because I don't play often enough for my club, then I would need to take stock with my representatives.' Cabaye could be back in the Premier League by January, having left Newcastle 10 months ago . Cabaye (left), a £19million signing, came on in the 71st minute of the famous 3-2 win over Barcelona . With Cabaye suggesting he is unhappy in Paris, a host of Premier League clubs will be on alert in an attempt to prise him away in January. Arsenal were thought to be heavily interested in Cabaye before he left for PSG. He said: 'Do I sometimes miss England? Yes. Sometimes I think about it, but I immediately sweep that away because it would cause distraction. 'I am at the Parc des Princes and I need to find the right atmosphere.' Many Newcastle fans will have predicted this outcome when their star midfielder left St James' Park, while Cabaye will assume his price tag alone will have secured him a more regular place in the team. Cabaye came on in the 71st minute of the famous 3-2 win over Barcelona last week, and endured a torrid start to the campaign after being sent off in the 0-0 draw at Evian in August. Cabaye played 21 games for the club last season, scoring just once. Like our Arsenal Facebook page. Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger may be on alert at Cabaye's comments in the French capital . Cabaye says Laurent Blanc's decision must be respected and he will fight for his place in the team . VIDEO Cabaye could have done better than PSG - Leboeuf . | Midfielder is growing frustrated at being benched by Laurent Blanc .
The Frenchman's words could alert a host of Premier League clubs .
Arsenal were linked with Cabaye before he left for the French champions .
The 28-year-old played just 15 minutes of Sunday's 1-1 draw with Monaco .
Cabaye moved from Newcastle for £19million in January . |
64,386 | b6d2522bcf227081a406f782664fc4014607e76f | Kendall Jenner has been accused of Photoshopping a recent Instagram post, which featured her posing in a bikini while on holiday in Dubai. The selfie, which was posted on New Year's Day, shows the 19-year-old standing in front of a mirror in her hotel room, presumably as she was getting ready to head out to the pool or beach. But while many of Kendall's 17 million followers rushed to praise her trim and toned physique, others pointed out some suspicious-looking wavy lines in the bottom left corner of the picture, suggesting that they are signs the image has been edited. 'What are those weird wavy bits in the corner?' one commented, while another said: 'This has definitely been edited! Scroll down for video . Warped? Instagram users have pointed out some suspicious-looking wavy lines in the bottom left corner of Kendall Jenner's recent selfie . 'Why alter a flawless bod?' Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton questioned why the 19-year-old would feel the need to edit her images . 'Look at the weird distortion at the bottom. And her waist looks weird too.' Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was also quick to point out the seemingly edited aspects of the picture, commenting: 'Maybe it's just the angle, but if you look along the very bottom of the picture, you'll see what looks like warping. 'Even the frame of the window seems to be bent inward a little — and WHAT is going on with Kendall's wrist? 'If it is Photoshop, all we can ask is: why alter a perfectly flawless bod?' One reader added: 'Don't know much about Photoshop but think the picture is doctored, because her arm is so skinny she looks like she has rickets or something.' But Daily Mail Online's picture director was slightly more skeptical about the Photoshop claims, saying: 'If she were to have Photoshopped anything it would not be that section of the frame that would be warped. 'I see that slight warping referred to on the window sill, but wouldn't she alter an area that was either on the other side or higher up and not near her wrist for a better effect? I think it is just the angle of the photo myself and that she looks amazing.' Trim and toned: Kendall frequently flaunts her enviable figure in a series of crop tops, be it on the catwalk (L) or at home (R) Kendall, who celebrated the start of the New Year with a luxury getaway in Dubai alongside close friends Selena Gomez, Gigi Hadid and Cody Simpson, is certainly not shy about showing off her impressive figure. The Estee Lauder model frequently flaunts her toned tummy and enviable waistline on social media and is frequently seen out and about in a number of midriff-baring ensembles. But this is the first time that the rising fashion star has been accused of altering an image in order to make herself appear skinnier, and many fans are bemused as to why she thinks any editing would ever be necessary. 'Kendall you are so beautiful never change anything about yourself,' one fan commented on the Instagram snap. 'This photo is everything, Kendall you are perfect,' another added. It is not the first time that a celebrity has been accused of altering their social media images; in April last year, singer Beyonce came under fire from fans after posting a picture of herself playing golf, which they suggested had been edited in order to emphasize her 'thigh gap'. Controversy: Kendall's close friend Selena Gomez has also faced heavy criticism from fans after she posted this picture of herself flashing her ankles in a mosque. The image has since been removed from Instagram . Wanderlust: Kendall has been enjoying a luxury New Year's getaway in Dubai alongside close friend and fellow model Gigi Hadid . At the time, one fan wrote on Twitter: 'really @Beyonce? we all love your thick thighs. NO reason to photoshop a thigh gap in there..' And Kendall is not the only one of her friends to have posted a controversial snap during their Dubai holiday. Yesterday, singer Selena Gomez removed a picture of herself flashing her ankles at Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque from her Instagram account after fans accused her of being 'insensitive' and 'disrespectful' of the country's strict dress code. Commenting on the picture, Instagram user Alaa Almitwally said: 'Disrecpectful! It's a religion place not a place to have fun in, so disappointed.' Meanwhile another user, Ayisha Elturk, said: 'If their intent was to learn about Islam they wouldn't be posing like they were standing outside and amusement park. 'I like Selena Gomez but to have her do something like this makes me no longer a fan.' | The 19-year-old model posted the sultry snap on New Year's Day, after celebrating the start of 2015 at a party in Dubai .
Shortly after the image was shared, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton pointed out the suspicious-looking wavy lines, which could indicate editing . |
16,803 | 2f9edeb4dc834d936832afcbf7230c467ff74a73 | Tim Sherwood's negotiations with QPR have taken another twist after it emerged that he is still in dispute with Brazilian midfielder Sandro. The pair’s relationship disintegrated when Sherwood replaced Andre Villas-Boas as manager of Tottenham last season, but he was then sacked just six months after accepting the job. Sandro was sold to QPR at the end of the season, but he hardly featured under Harry Redknapp because of a knee injury sustained shortly after his move from White Hart Lane. Tim Sherwood's anticipated appointment as QPR manager could be complicated by a dispute with Sandro . QPR director of football Les Ferdinand talks to Sandro on the training ground last week . Sandro criticised Sherwood repeatedly during his spell as manager at Tottenham and even told a Brazilian TV station that he would be sacked at the end of the season. When Sandro was axed by Sherwood for the Barclays Premier League clash with Fulham on March 16, the midfielder posted a message on social media confirming that he was not injured. Sherwood responded by claiming Sandro was ‘not good enough to be in the side at the moment’. He added: ‘When he shows me he’s up to the level of the other players he’ll be back in the squad.’ Sandro in action during his time at Tottenham, where he regularly criticised Sandro . Sandro barely featured under Harry Redknapp at QPR because of persistent knee injury problems . Sandro did return to start Tottenham’s the final game of the season, but he then told ESPN Brazil: ‘Sherwood will leave at the end of the season. Then it’s a new coach - a new everything. I am happy at the moment.’ On Monday, QPR coach Chris Ramsey revealed that they are planning to play Sandro in some Under 21 matches before he returns to the relegation battle with the first team. There are already huge issues at QPR because of a dysfunctional dressing room and Tony Fernandes does not want his new manager to get off on the wrong footing. Sherwood, who has been out of work since leaving Spurs at the end of last season, is continuing to talk to Rangers about succeeding Redknapp. | Sherwood and Sandro are still embroiled in a personal dispute .
Their relationship disintegrated while Sherwood was in charge at Spurs .
He is expected to become QPR boss, where the Brazilian now plays .
Sandro has hardly featured under former manager Harry Redknapp .
CLICK HERE for all the latest QPR news . |
57,887 | a404482749cb552003964b661a7ee3d10a344393 | United Nations (CNN) -- The United Nations Security Council decided Tuesday to postpone for a day a vote to approve sending 2,000 additional troops to the Ivory Coast. Security Council diplomats said the vote was delayed because Russia had objections to the "political" language in the draft resolution. "[Wednesday], we will adopt the resolution," Ambassador Ivan Barbalic of Bosnia-Herzegovina, this month's president of the council, told reporters. Asked whether disagreements between member states led to the delay, Barbalic said "There are no disagreements. It will be adopted." The Security Council is expected to approve the increase unanimously, a diplomat from one of the council's member states told CNN on Monday. U.N. officials requested up to 2,000 more peacekeepers in early January, which would bring mission strength to more than 11,000 troops and police. The increased number of troops comes amid a standoff between self-proclaimed President Laurent Gbagbo and the internationally recognized winner of November's presidential runoff, Alassane Ouattara. Ouattara is holed up in a hotel in Abidjan under the protection of U.N. peacekeepers, and the United Nations has blamed Gbagbo's supporters for a string of attacks on U.N. vehicles and troops in the past week. Gbagbo's foreign minister, Alcide Djedje, said earlier this month that the peacekeepers are "complicit with the rebellion" and that the sitting government has "no more confidence in the U.N." The standoff has raised fears of a renewal of the bloodshed suffered after a civil war broke out in 2002. More than 25,000 Ivorians have fled to neighboring Liberia since the crisis began, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees reported last week. The Economic Community of West African States has threatened to use "legitimate force" to remove Gbagbo, who met Monday with African Union mediator Raila Odinga. Odinga, Kenya's prime minister, arrived in Abidjan for the talks early Monday. The cocoa-producing nation was wracked by civil war from 2002 to 2007, when a settlement left the country divided between north and south. The 2010 elections came with high expectations that they would open a new chapter in the country's history. CNN's Whitney Hurst and Zain Verjee contributed to this report. | NEW: The vote is delayed until Wednesday .
NEW: The Security Council president expresses confidence it will be adopted .
Raila Odinga, serving as the African Union's mediator, met with Gbagbo on Monday . |
63,374 | b3fbfcdfe53d54fb8838bd8a11069c831a7d903e | By . Darren Boyle . FBI agents have arrested three men who they claim hacked top-secret US Army helicopter simulator software as well as pre-release computer games such as 'Call of Duty' on the Microsoft Xbox game system. The group has been charged with breaking into the computer systems and stealing the data, which included simulation software from the fearsome Apache attack helicopter. Court documents show that one of the men is alleged to have used stolen technical details to create his own counterfeit Microsoft Xbox One machine which he later sold on eBay for $5,000. The FBI has charged (right) Sanadodeh Nesheiwat, 28, and (left) Nathan Leroux with 15 felony charges including computer hacking after the gang allegedly breached a US Army helicopter simulator to steal the software to create a counterfeit Microsoft Xbox version of Call of Duty . The men, Sanadodeh Nesheiwat, 28, from New Jersey, Nathan Leroux, 19, from Wisconsin and Canadian resident David Pokora are facing 15 felony charges of conspiracy, fraud and computer hacking following a major FBI investigation. FBI agents believe that a man from North Carolina and an Australian teenager were also involved in the high-tech scheme. The US Army contracted Zombie Studios to develop simulation software to help train pilots to use the Apache helicopter (pictured) The three men were named by federal prosecutors in a sealed indictment which has just been released. The 54-page document was published by The Smoking Gun after the three men were charged. The case was brought before a grand jury in July 2013 at the US District Court in Wilmington, Delaware. It is understood that the FBI waited eight months before serving arrest warrants on Nesheiwat, Leroux and Pokora. The FBI claims the three men used information stolen from Microsoft to make their own counterfeit Xbox One console . Prosecution documents claim the three men targeted 'network weak points' to gain illegal access to computer systems. The men are accused of hacking into Microsoft as well as several computer game developers including Valve Corporation, Activision Blizzard, Zombie Studios and Epic Games. Prosecutors believe the men accessed the networks in a bid to illegally download games that were still in development including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The FBI claim the three men hacked various computer networks to download pre-release versions of popular games such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (pictured) Later, after breaching the Zombie Studios secure network network, prosecutors allege the men then were able to access the AH-64D Apache Simulator programme. It is understood the US Army contracted the Seattle based games company to develop the training software. The FBI believe that the men were involved in the scheme between 2011 and 2012 while Microsoft had its new Xbox One game system under development. It is understood the men used the 'internal design and technical specifications and pre-release operating system software code' to build their own counterfeit machine which they sold on eBay for $5,000. The indictment claims that Leroux then allegedly attempted to build a second counterfeit xBox. The court documents show the FBI had the cooperation of one individual described in court documents as 'Person A' from Delaware. He claims Leroux gave him a counterfeit console which he was due to post to the Republic of Seychelles. The indictment said 'Person A' had a Skype conversation with Pokora who asked him for assistance on encrypting his hard drive. Pokora is alleged to have asked: 'I need your help. I'm going to get arrested.' In a second call, Pokora is claimed to have said: 'If we do this right, we will make a million dollars each.' FBI investigators allege that the men also wanted to gain access to the latest games in the Call of Duty franchise (pictured) while still under development . | FBI agents claim gang hacked a top-secret US Army helicopter simulator .
The software is used to train pilots fly the Apache AH-64D gunship .
Court documents claim the men also hacked pre-release versions of popular games .
One of the accused allegedly built his own counterfeit Xbox One using stolen data .
FBI waited eight months before moving in on the three-man gang .
Two of the alleged gang have yet to be identified according to prosecutors . |
281,405 | f883aab6b09ea40727c6a0776d80a90a78329de5 | Kagadi, Uganda (CNN) -- Two more people have died in Uganda's Ebola outbreak, officials working at a hospital said Wednesday. This brings the death toll to 16 people. They died in an outbreak that began in the Kibaale district in western Uganda. One of the two latest deaths was of a 14-year-old boy whose nine relatives also have died in the outbreak in the district's Nyanswiga village, where the first case is thought to have been. The two died in a hospital in Kagadi, a town close to the Congolese border. About three dozen suspected cases have been reported, World Health Organization spokesman Tariq Jasarevic said Tuesday. What does the Ebola outbreak mean? The deaths have stoked heightened fear about the spread of the virus, a highly infectious, often fatal agent spread through direct contact with bodily fluids. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, a measles-like rash, red eyes and, at times, bleeding from body openings. Market day was canceled Wednesday after Uganda's president warned people not to gather in large groups. Drivers of taxi motorbikes called boda-boda have become reluctant to take on passengers and there have been rumors that public transportation will be banned. Health officials urged the public to report any suspected cases, to avoid contact with anyone infected and to wear gloves and masks while disinfecting bedding and clothing of infected people. Officials also advised avoiding public gatherings in the affected district. Teams in Uganda are taking an aggressive approach, including trying to track down anyone who came into contact with patients infected with the virus and health workers have been gearing up for better protection of health workers and an influx of cases. The workers include people from Uganda's ministry of health, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the WHO. The outbreak initially went undetected because patients did not show typical symptoms, Ugandan Health Minister Dr. Christine Ondoa told CNN on Sunday. Patients had fevers and were vomiting, but did not show other typical symptoms, such as hemorrhaging. Diagnosis in an individual who has only recently been infected can be difficult since early symptoms, such as red eyes and skin rash, are seen more frequently in patients who have more common diseases, the CDC said. Uganda's Ministry of Health declared the outbreak in Kibaale district Saturday after the Uganda Virus Research Institute identified the disease as Ebola hemorrhagic fever, Sudan strain. Some people delayed seeking treatment, in part, because they believed that "evil spirits" had sickened them, according to a report from district health authorities. "This caused civil strife among the community, requiring police intervention to quell the animosity," the Health Ministry said. An emergency team of 100 volunteers underwent training this week to help spread the word in vulnerable communities about the disease and its transmission, the Uganda Red Cross Society said. Medecins Sans Frontieres, also known as Doctors Without Borders, helped set up a hospital isolation center. The WHO did not recommend any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Uganda because of the outbreak. The U.S. Embassy in Kampala issued an emergency message for U.S. citizens that said the outbreak appeared to be centered in Nyamarunda Sub County, Kibaale district, although one suspected victim is reported to have traveled to Kampala for treatment at Mulago Hospital, where he died on July 22. It urged avoiding contact with dead animals, especially primates, and refraining from eating "bushmeat." The Ebola virus was first detected in 1976 in the central African nation of Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). The virus is named after a river in that country, where the first outbreak of the disease was found. There are five species of Ebola viruses, all named after the areas where they were found: Zaire, Sudan, Cote d'Ivoire, Bundibugyo and Reston, according to the WHO. | One of the dead is a teen whose relatives previously died of the virus .
Concerns over infection ripple across Uganda .
Health teams are working to deal with the issue . |
191,149 | 838b3dd00a433257936ca0d627e87d44b7678cf9 | By . Rob Preece . PUBLISHED: . 20:04 EST, 18 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:15 EST, 19 May 2012 . A cyclist spotted a homeless man rifling through a bin for food and offered to buy him 'anything he wanted' in a random act of kindness which has moved tens of thousands across the globe. Lewis Dediara was cycling through central London when he saw the desperate man foraging through rubbish for something to eat. All the man wanted was some crisps and milk, but a video of the exchange has been viewed around the world as it was filmed on a camera mounted on Mr Dediara's cycling helmet. Scroll down for video . Desperate: The cyclist stops when he sees a homeless man rummaging through a bin in central London looking for food . Mr Dediara, 47, posted the two-minute clip on YouTube, where it has been watched more than 60,000 times. He decided to wear the camera on his helmet to film careless motorists after he was knocked down while commuting to work. The cyclist, a telecommunications supervisor originally from Nigeria, said he was 'astonished' by the response to his video. In the clip, Mr Dediara can be seen chaining up his bike after he left a branch of Boots on Regent Street. He spots the man, dressed in a shabby black t-shirt and jeans, rooting through a bin. Offer: The cyclist asks the man if he wants anything to eat and offers to buy him anything he wants from the shop . Bring and buy: The cyclist's helmet camera films him walking into Boots, where he heads for the food aisle before going to the till . The cyclist offers to buy him something to eat. The man walks into the shop and picks up some crisps and a pint of milk, which is paid for by the well-wisher. Cameraman: Mr Dediara started filming his daily commute in London after he was knocked off his bike by a motorist . In the clip Mr Dediara says to the man: 'Are you hungry sir? ... Tell me what you want. Go and pick whatever you like … I’ll buy it for you, get anything you want.' He then asks: 'Is that all you want?' when he picks up the goods. Mr Dediara started filming his daily commute in London after he was knocked off his bike for the second time by a motorist two and a half years ago. He uses a head-mounted camera and further cameras on his handlebars and back seat to film drivers on his YouTube channel. He told the London Evening Standard: 'I was on my way to fly a kite on Parliament Hill and I stopped at Boots. 'I saw this man standing there - he was clearly hungry. When I saw him rooting through the bin I couldn't just leave him there. 'I come from a family where we are raised to help others when we see them suffering. 'I should have bought him more than what he wanted. Next time I see him I'll buy him a burger.' Mr Dediara said that he posted the clip online because 'sometimes London is a place where people don't take the time to care for others.' 'It is in my nature to help people,' he said. Mr Dediara wrote on YouTube that 'there was no way' he was going to allow the man to eat from a bin. Unexpected items: The man picks up some crisps and a pint of milk, and pays for them at the self-service till . He was by praised by other visitors to the website, who suggested that more people that should follow his example.One viewer, registered under the name LeslieSalls, wrote: 'Awesome...more people should be like you!' Another, named 'patricksab', posted: 'The world would be a better place if there were more people like you. 'I don't have the words to explain how grateful I am that you were the light in that man's day. ' A third poster, 'dmarfish', wrote: 'Good for you!! 'Spontaneous random acts of kindness help make the world a better place.' Adapted: The cyclist uses a camera mounted on his helmet to capture footage of careless drivers . Now watch the video... | Lewis Dediara offered to buy the man whatever he liked, but all he wanted was a packet of crisps and a pint of milk .
Extraordinary video, filmed on cyclist's head-mounted camera, attracts more than 60,000 hits on YouTube .
Mr Dediara fitted the camera to his helmet to film careless motorists after he was knocked off his bike . |
29,074 | 5298ba1a6899b57d1c2a7befc81e72bb3a80d514 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Some private security guards hired to protect the U.S. Embassy in Afghanistan say their contractor has allowed widespread mistreatment, sexual activity and intimidation within their ranks, according to the watchdog group Project On Government Oversight (POGO). A spokeswoman for watchdog group POGO said hazing at a camp for security guards went "well beyond partying." The group sent a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, and briefed reporters on its findings, which it said are based on e-mails and interviews with more than a dozen guards who have worked at the U.S. compound in Kabul. The company -- ArmorGroup, North America -- has a security contract with the State Department to provide services through July 2010, and has been cited several times for shortcomings in the security required by the contract. A U.S. Senate panel two months ago was critical of the State Department for not closely supervising ArmorGroup, after a series of warning letters from the State Department in the year leading up to the panel's inquiry. When CNN contacted Wackenhut, the corporate parent of ArmorGroup, a spokesperson there said the company would have a response Wednesday. The U.S. Embassy said Wednesday it was taking the allegations very seriously. "Nothing is more important to us than the safety and security of all Embassy personnel -- Americans and Afghan -- and respect for the cultural and religious values of all Afghans," it said in a statement. "We have taken immediate steps to review all local guard force policies and procedures and have taken all possible measures to ensure our security is sound." Should initiation rituals such as hazing be allowed? Sound off below . POGO says two weeks ago it began receiving whistleblower-style e-mails, some with graphic images and videos, that are said to document problems taking place at a non-military camp for the guards near the U.S. diplomatic compound in Kabul. "This is well beyond partying," said Danielle Brian, POGO's executive director, after showing a video of a man with a bare backside, and another man apparently drinking a liquid that had been poured down the man's lower back. She told CNN that ranking supervisors were "facilitating this kind of deviant hazing and humiliation, and requiring people to do things that made them feel really disgusted." Watch claims that alleged hazing at the U.S. Embassy pose a threat to security » . "This is not Abu Ghraib," she said, referring to images and videos of abuse by U.S. military troops against prisoners held at a facility in Iraq. "We're not talking about torture," she continued, "we are talking about humiliation," by supervisors causing a breakdown of morale, and a "total breakdown in the chain-of-command." In the letter POGO sent to Clinton, Brian wrote that the problems are "posing a significant threat to the security of the Embassy and its personnel." Among the recommendations from the group: immediate military supervision of the private security guards, a review of whether the contract should be revoked, and consideration as to whether government forces should replace private security in a combat zone. | Watchdog: Contractor providing security guards allowed "deviant hazing, humiliation"
Video showed naked man, another man apparently drinking liquid poured down back .
Watchdog warns Sec. of State Clinton of security threat posed by behavior .
ArmorGroup, North America has contract until July 2010 . |
71,310 | ca25e52c93f565bc75e7f14fb8c5baa34fd4401c | Italy manager Cesare Prandelli began the pre-World Cup war of words by claiming he wouldn't pick any of the England squad if they were Italian. Prandelli, 56, praised Roy Hodgson but insisted that his squad is stronger, and also hinted that he may want to manage in England when he leaves his job with the Azzurri. The former Fiorentina boss told Fox Sports that he was confident in his own team, despite the England boss unearthing new talent over the last year. VIDEO: Scroll down to see Roy Hodgson praise his younger players . Satisfied: Prandelli says his squad are good enough and he wouldn't take a single Englishman over them . Quality: Prandelli praised England boss Roy Hodgson for finding new talent in the last year . 'They are a very, very strong team. Hodgson has found some very interesting players. In particular when you consider them from a physical perspective. They are very technical and resistant. 'Which players would I take from the English? They have some interesting young players. Until around a year ago no one thought they would be able to make an impression in the Premier League. 'But I wouldn’t take anyone to have instead of my own players. We are a good team too.' The Italian boss, whose side kick off their World Cup campaign against England in Manaus on June 14, said he had thought about working in England after the World Cup. 'Going abroad fascinates everyone. Every time I talk to one of my colleagues who is working abroad, they have a smile on their face that I have forgotten about a little bit! Rising stars: Lallana (left) and Sterling (right) are among the best players to emerge for England recently . 'They always say that abroad you have the chance to have a private life but at the same time you can still do the job you love. 'Maybe in Italy there is too much pressure. I also one day dream of having such an experience. 'The English League is very competitive and full of enthusiasm. It is watched by a lot of people and transmits a lot of emotions.' In the aftermath of last week's Coppa Italia final, which was delayed after riots in Rome, Prandelli conceded that Italian football can learn from the English game in its fight against hooliganism. Ugly scenes: Violence involving fans marred last weekend's Italian cup final in Rome . Flare up: Prandelli says Italian football must learn from England's battle with hooliganism . 'We should look to copy the English model. The most important things in our football should be the game and the fans. 'The best thing about the recent Coppa Italia final was that there were two good teams on the pitch who were playing good football. 'All the players that night showed a great sense of responsibility.' | Italian manager insists 'I wouldn’t take anyone to have instead of my own players'
England start their World Cup campaign against Italy on June 14 .
Prandelli praised Roy Hodgson and suggested he would want to work in England after the World Cup . |
89,833 | ff1e0fcd8906b83e00d50ec445116d4dbca598e6 | (CNN) -- Brazilian public notary Claudia do Nascimento Domingues set off a firestorm by granting Brazil's first civil union to a trio, an act so unprecedented that there isn't a word for it in Portuguese. Uniao poliafetiva is the label she created. "Polyfidelitous union" is her best guess in English. The relationship involves three professionals in their 30s -- one man and two women -- who, she says, live together, love one another as equals and are like any other non-married cohabiting couple -- except they are three. What Domingues did was legally register the trio as a "stable union," a civil union that extends all of the benefits of marriage, though there is debate about what rights the threesome will actually enjoy. In short, it recognizes the trio as a family entity for public legal purposes. Domingues has not released the identities of the three. But not all are embracing the unique alliance. "This union is void of any legality," said Regina Beatriz Tavares da Silva, head of the family law committee of a lawyers' association in Sao Paulo. Brazilian law defines marriage as a union between two people, so it is impossible for a civil union of three to be granted the rights of a marriage of two. "It goes directly against the constitution," da Silva said. "Monogamy is defined as relations between two, not three or four or five." The first-of-its-kind civil union has led to an outcry from religious groups, too. Those who fear the "slipperly slope" feel the ground moving underneath their feet. "The institution of family cannot be defended with the approval of actions that seek to distort its definition," the religious, conservative Plinio Correa de Oliveira Institute said in a statement. "The purpose of this (union) is not to build families, but to destroy them." The controversial civil union "is proof that there is a plurality of familiar relations, though not all deserve judicial or legal standing," Rolf Madaleno, director of the Brazilian Institute for Family Law, said in a statement. "The action carried out does not provide protections and does not confer rights." In his opinion, the legal action in question does nothing more than reaffirm that the trio in question believes that they are a trio. Domingues, 39, argues that they deserve some benefits. They live together in Rio de Janeiro, they share a bank account, and they want protection in case of separation or death, she said. Brazil is known for its progressive social policies and openness, as reflected in the status conferred to the trio, though the country is stereotyped, too. While Brazil appears to be a permissive place, it is also a a country where more than 86% of the population identifies as Catholic or evangelical. There was a similar outcry when "stable unions" between same-sex couples were allowed for the first time. The country's supreme court ruled that a gay couple in a civil union had the same rights as a married heterosexual couple, but there is debate about whether such rights can be extended to a trio. But to Domingues, a public notary in the city of Tupa in Sao Paulo state, there is nothing preventing nontraditional relationships from being granted "stable union" status. The trio considers themselves a family and is entitled to be seen as such in the public record, Domingues said. "By registering them, I only confirmed that they recognize themselves as a family," she said. "I don't confer rights to them. That is up to a judge to decide." The civil union was actually granted three months ago, but news of it only spread this week. Da Silva called the civil union "deceitful," a runaround to grant status to a polygamous relationship. Such relationships aren't new; they just haven't been recognized, Domingues said. She says that she simply put her stamp of approval on a relationship that was surfing on a wave of cultural currents, but it was no coincidence that the request landed on her desk. The trio from Rio, having been rejected by other public notaries, found their way rural Sao Paulo state and to Domingues because she is a student of polyfidelitous relationships -- ones involving more than two partners, but where there is fidelity between the members. Formerly an IT manager, Domingues now is a doctoral student at the University of Sao Paulo, studying family law. Her dissertation, she said, is about "how you can love more than one person at the same time." Her research looks at cultures, places, sociology, anthropology, religion and the history of family and intimate relationships in Brazil. Through mutual friends, the trio found Domingues and traveled more than 600 miles from Rio, into the interior of Sao Paulo state, to Tupa. Domingues doesn't hesitate to call herself married, though she and her husband are bound by a "stable union" and not a civil marriage. Her husband works with her as a deputy public notary. "We have had all the reactions you can imagine," she said. Other polyfidelitous groups have reached out to her seeking the same civil union status. Domingues is studying the cases of a quintet (two men and three women) and another trio (one woman and two men). | In Brazil, a notary has granted a civil union to unite a man and two women .
The public notary who approved the status says they have the right to be a family .
Others say it is a violation of the constitution and destroys families .
The notary is now studying unions for another trio and for a quintet . |
271,833 | ec1c33bedb468e252b882320bd00d07b83b6cdf0 | By . Lizzie Parry . PUBLISHED: . 14:31 EST, 18 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 20:57 EST, 18 February 2014 . As a boy he watched the Royal Marines arrive in war-torn Kosovo, their sights set on ending Slobodan Milosevic's persecution of ethnic Albanians. It was then that 14-year-old Arben Islami made a promise to himself - one day he would wear the green beret. Fourteen years later and the former refugee, who fled his home alone, has achieved his dream. Fourteen years after he fled his home in Kosovo, Arben Islami, 28, has achieved his dream of becoming a Royal Marine Reservist. He said watching the Marines arrive in Kosovo in 1999, as part of the NATO force to counter Slobodan Milosevic's Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, which controlled the country before the war . The 28-year-old has joined the Royal Marines as a reservist, passing out as a commando last month. Marine Islami was granted British citizenship in July 2012. The next day he signed up and joined the 350-year-old Marine Corps. Marine Islami fled Kosovo shortly after seeing the first NATO troops arrive in 1999. He said: 'As children we saw the marines in Kosovo and I knew I wanted to be one of them. Then I fled and came to the UK. 'I . didn't have the intention at the time as I was only just a young kid . but when I got indefinite leave to stay here and became British I knew I . had to. 'I wanted to join up and give something back to the country that helped me so much.' When Marine Islami arrived in the UK he was placed in foster care in Birmingham. There he learned English and went to school. At the age of 14, Arben Islami fled his home alone, travelling to the UK hoping to find an uncle. He was taken into foster care in Birmingham. In July 2012 he was granted British citizenship and a day later he signed up to join the Royal Marine Corps. He has now passed out as a reservist and also works as a bricklayer . British paratroopers advance into Kosovo in June 1999 . Around 140 British troops with 15 Warrior combat vehicles, enter Kosovska Mitrovica in Kosovo, in early 2000. The troops provided reinforcement to the French soldiers already in control of the divided city . He said he has not stepped foot in Kosovo since, and has no plans to return. After signing up and completing 10 weeks of training at the Commando Training Centre in Lympstine, Devon, Mr Islami proposed to his girlfriend Anita. He put his dreams of becoming a green beret on hold, providing for his family and working as a bricklayer. Marine Islami said: 'I wanted to join up and give something back to the country that helped me' But some 18 months later, he took up his quest to become a reservist. He completed the notoriously difficult Commando Course and went on to successfully complete the four Commando tests, which culminate in a 30-mile speed march across Dartmoor. He said: 'I'm very honoured to be . part of the corps, and I just can't express my happiness enough. I . always knew it was going to be a challenge, that I would be pushed to my . limits and that is why I wanted to join. 'It . is a huge privilege, particularly coming from another country, to join . the Royal Marines because they are one of the best forces in the world.' Marine Islami has now returned to work as a bricklayer and continues to train with the Royal Marine Reserves. He said he hopes to deploy with 3 Commando Brigade, the UK's amphibious infantry, in the future. Now settled in the UK as a British citizen, he said he looked forward to a promising future with his family. 'You've got so many opportunities in England it would be a shame to waste them,' he added. 'You can be anything you want.' Kosovo is the disputed land which lies on the border of Serbia and Albania. War broke out there in February 1998 when forces under Yugoslav President Solbodan Milosevic tried to suppress an campaign for independence by the ethnic Albanians in the country. Fighting continuted in the region until June 1999. Serbs and ethnic Albanians had fought for control of the area in for decades. Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic became the first serving head of state to be indicted for crimes against humanity, by the International War Crimes Tribunal at The Hague . Despite being in the minority, Kosovo was of huge historic and emotional importance for Serbs, who considered the region the heart of their culture, religion and national identity. In 1974 the Yugoslav constitution cemented Kosovo as an autonomous province of Serbia.But pressure for independence mounted in the 1980s after the death of President Josip Broz Tito. In 1987 Milosevic was sent to Kosovo and seized the region, promising Serbians 'no one will dare to beat you again', in a televised statement. Two years later he became Yugoslav president, heralding the rise of Serbian nationalism.In the mid-1990s the Albanian rebels, the Kosovo Liberation Army stepped up its attacks on Serbian targets. By the summer of 1998 mass protests were breaking out, demonstrating at Serbian rule.Police and Army reinforcements were sent into the region to try to destroy the rebel KLA.A deal to end the crisis - negotiated by the international community in 1999 - was rejected by Milosevic. His continued persecution of the Albanians prompted NATO to intervene, launching air strikes against targets in Kosovo and Serbia in March of that year. At the same time a campaign of ethnic cleansing targeting Kosovo Albanians began. Hundreds of thousands of ethnic Albanians fled Kosovo during the war, seeking refuge in Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro . Hundreds of thousands of refugees fled across the border to Albania, Macedonia and Montenegro.After 11 weeks of Nato bombings, Milosevic was forced to withdraw his troops. Around 750,000 Albanian refugees returned home, while around 100,000 Serbs fled. The UN was put in charge, until agreement could be reached on whether Kosovo would become indepdent or revert to Serbian control. In May 1999 Milosevic became the first serving head of state to be indicted for crimes against humanity, by the international war crimes tribunal at The Hague. The indictment listed six specific charges of crimes against humanity, detailing the massacres of ethnic Albanians across the region. Later that year, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe undertook an investigation, interviewing 3,000 witnesses. It uncovered accounts of murder, rape and mutilation carried out by Serbs. Milosevic's trial got underway in 2002. By the time he died in March 2006 the prosecution had concluded its case but the defence was in progress. The court could not establish legally what had happened in Kosovo. | Arben Islami fled Kosovo in 1999 shortly after NATO troops arrived .
He travelled to the UK, hoping to find an uncle his family had spoken of .
In July 2012 Islami, now 28, was granted British citizenship .
A day later he signed up to join the 350-year-old Royal Marine Corps .
'I wanted to join up and give something back to the country that helped me so much,' said Marine Islami . |
77,220 | dae76d0c856cc54a5bcbe960a0bf5879fab7e6e7 | By . Kerry Mcqueeney . PUBLISHED: . 11:54 EST, 5 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 13:21 EST, 5 July 2012 . Sitting amid the dirt and dust, this forest of pine trees makes for a strangely spectacular sight set against the barren landscape of the Australian Outback. However, on closer inspection, there's something nostalgic and familiar about this shrubbery. This is the life-sized Lego forest . that was built in the Australian Outback to commemorate 50 years of the . iconic brick Down Under. Plastic pop-up: To celebrate 50 years of the iconic brick Down Under, life-sized versions of the pine trees and flower sets sprung up in the Australian Outback . At four metres high, the 15 pine trees are accompanied by 15 flower bed sets, their bright colours contrasting starkly with the surrounding arid and dusty brown landscape. The impressive scaled-up versions of the original pieces are 66 . times bigger than their normal Lego counterparts - and are exact replicas of the much-loved toys. The forest is now located more than 700 miles west of Sydney to a nature reserve in Broken Hill - the location where the first three Mad Max movies were made. It will remain there until July 12. It forms part of Lego's Festival of Play celebrations to mark half-a-century of the Lego brick in Australia. Toy town: The 15 pine tress, all four metres high, and 15 flower sets are scaled-up versions of the standard Lego pieces . The impressive scaled-up versions of the original pieces are 66 times . bigger than their normal Lego counterparts - and are exact replicas of . the much-loved toy . | Collection of 15 pine trees and 15 flower sets are scaled-up versions of the standard Lego pieces .
They are 66 times bigger than their normal Lego counterparts . |
233,089 | b9c09c2ecbfa2fc0ffa09bb128eda30a8d41f86d | By . David Mccormack and Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:28 EST, 22 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:18 EST, 22 August 2013 . A man seeking to clear his name in a famous child molestation case has successfully petitioned a New York judge to release 25-year-old documents used in his prosecution. Lawyers working on behalf of Jesse Friedman, whose conviction was highlighted in the 2003 Oscar-nominated documentary 'Capturing the Friedmans,' want to review grand jury testimony and transcripts of witness interviews. 'Every aspect, every part, every piece of paper generated in the matter of People V. Friedman' will be released to Jesse Friedman's defense team, state Supreme Court Judge F. Dana Winslow ordered following a brief hearing. Scroll down for video . Convicted child molester Jesse Friedman, pictured with wife Lisabeth Walsh, speaks to reporters on Thursday after a judge ordered the release of documents relating to his 1988 prosecution . In 1988, Jesse Friedman, middle, and his father Arnold, right, were charged with hundreds of counts of sodomy, sexual abuse, and employing a minor in an obscene performance . He gave Nassau County prosecutors . until Tuesday to provide the defense team with grand jury testimony and . transcripts of witness interviews, stemming from the notorious case. The . prosecutors said they intend to appeal Winslow's order, they had . opposed the release, citing concerns about victims' privacy. 'After . more than two decades, several guilty pleas, a complete appeal process, . and a full and independent re-investigation, the victims in this case . deserve closure and privacy,' said Shams Tarek, a spokesman for District . Attorney Kathleen Rice. 'We . are disappointed by the decision and will absolutely be appealing and . expecting to prevail on behalf of the victims in a higher court.' Filmmaker Andrew Jarecki, second from right, speaks to reporters following a court hearing involving convicted child molester Jesse Friedman, standing to Jareck's right with his wife, Lisabeth Walsh. At left is Friedman's defense attorney, Ronald Kuby . In June the DA's office had issued a . 155-page report that reiterated that Friedman's original conviction in . 1988 had been proper and correct. Friedman . was just 19 years old when he and his father Arnold were jailed for allegedly molesting children who attended their after school . computer class in Great Neck, New York. Jesse Friedman served 13 years in prison and was released in 2001. Now married and living in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he has been trying for more than a decade to clear his name. The documentary about the Friedman’s case – and the inconsistencies in the . evidence against them – was released in 2002. Directed by Andrew . Jarecki, ‘Capturing the Friedmans’ was nominated for the Academy Award . for Documentary Feature in 2003. 'This ruling is an attempt to correct a fraudulent report that was based upon false information that the DA knew was fraudulent,' said Jarecki following Thursday's decision by Winslow. The Friedman case has drawn . comparisons to the 1980s California McMartin preschool scandal involving . allegations of sex abuse, but the investigators in their June report . said the two cases 'were in no way similar.' Winslow . on Thursday was particularly critical of a portion of the DA's report . that claimed Jesse Friedman, while in prison in 2000, had written . "fictional" stories that described violent and disturbing sexual acts, . including incest involving a father and his children, sex with a dog and . child rape. Jesse Friedman pictured in 1988, when he was 19 and then in 2004, three years after his release from prison after serving 13 years . Prosecutors also said he had been disciplined for possessing a photograph of 2 pre-pubescent girls - at least 1 of whom was naked - torn from the pages of a magazine in violation of the terms of his sex offender counseling program. Defense attorney Ronald Kuby has maintained that Friedman was acquitted of those prison charges; a claim that an assistant district attorney reluctantly confirmed Thursday. 'We can't function in the justice system in this fashion,' the judge said in a scathing rebuke. 'This is a country that has no feeling of credibility when it comes to our institutions.' Since . his release from prison in 2001, Friedman has been registered as a . Level 3 sex offender which continues to prevent him from leading a . normal life and prevents him from living near schools, playgrounds, . day-care centers, and houses of worship. The . nightmare for Jesse Friedman began in November 1987 after his father . Arnold received a child pornography magazine in the mail from the . Netherlands. Authorities were alerted and when they searched the Friedman home they found a stash of 20 magazines containing child porn. After learning that Arnold Friedman taught a computer class to children aged eight-to-10-year-old from his home, local police began to suspect him of abusing his students. Andrew Jarecki directed the film 'Capturing the Friedmans' and has spent the past 10 years working to help Jesse Friedman clear his name . Jesse helped his father run the computer classes and so he too became a suspect. Initially . detectives didn't find much evidence, but after some of the children . were interviewed as many as 15 times they began to speak out about . alleged abuse. Some children started to claim that Friedman had played bizarre sex games with them during their computer classes. Other . claims strained credibility, one student would have had to have been . molested an average of six times during every one of the 20 90-minute . classes they took if their allegation was true. However . with a witch-hunt brewing, Arnold and Jesse were charged with hundreds . of counts of sodomy, sexual abuse, and employing a minor in an obscene . performance. Initially they fought the charges, but as prosecutors added hundreds of new charges Arnold decided he had no choice but to plead guilty since the only physical evidence in the case was his collection of child porn. According to the family he confessed in the hopes that his son would be spared prison time. Police also accused Jesse's friend Ross Goldstein of joining the Friedmans' molestation. Faced with 118 charges against him, 17-year-old Goldstein admitting that he and Jesse had abused kids. In exchange for this testimony he was promised six months in jail and a cleansed record upon his release, but after testifying before the grand jury he was sentenced to two-to-six years in prison. Family torn apart by tragedy: . Arnold Friedman (father), Elaine Friedman (mother) and their three boys, Jesse (left) David (middle), and Seth (right) at David Friedman's bar mitzvah . Police searched Arnold Friedman's home and found his stash of 20 magazines containing child porn . Facing life in prison, Jesse decided he had no choice but to cut his own deal. Then aged 19 he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing 14 children in his father's home computer class and was sentenced to 18 years in prison. The court never heard from a witness or saw any evidence. Terrified . of what awaited him in prison as a child molester, Jesse undertook some . misguided damage-control. He gave an interview to Geraldo Rivera, . inventing a story of his own abuse at the hands of his father. Once in prison, Jesse reverted to maintaining his innocence - a position that led to being denied parole four times. He was eventually released from prison in 2001 after serving 13 years of his sentence, while he father committed suicide in prison in 1995 by taking a massive overdose of antidepressant. In 2004, Friedman’s lawyers filed a motion arguing that newly available evidence warranted reopening the case. Now married, to wife Lisbeth, and living in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Jesse Friedman hopes his case will inspire other victims of injustice . Successive courts rejected the appeal until . 2010, when a federal appeals court took the unusual step and urged . prosecutors to reopen the case, saying that Friedman may have been . wrongfully convicted. The decision cited 'overzealousness' by law enforcement officials swept up in the hysteria over child molestation in the 1980s. The ruling noted that 'the quality of the evidence was extraordinarily suspect.' Taken . together, the court said, 'the record here suggests "a reasonable . likelihood" that Jesse Friedman was wrongfully convicted.' The . DA's investigation took nearly three years to compile, but when it was released in June it wasn't the verdict that Friedman had been hoping for. The report not only affirmed . Friedman's conviction, but 'added critical context, and in some cases . supplied refuting evidence' to dis-spell theories put forward by Friedman and . his advocates. Unperturbed by the DA's report, Friedman and his lawyers have continued to fight and will be hoping that the release 25-year-old documents used in his prosecution all those years ago will provide hope. Since his release from prison in 2001, Jesse Friedman has sought to clear his name and have his name removed from the sex offender register . | A New York judge has agreed that Friedman's lawyers should have access to all documents used in his prosecution .
Jesse Friedman and his father Arnold were charged with hundreds of counts of sodomy and sexual abuse in 1988 .
Jesse served 13 years in jail and was released in 2001, his father took his own life in 1995 .
His documentary about the case - 'Capturing the Friedmans' - was nominated for an Oscar in 2003 .
Since his release, Jesse has fought to clear his name . |
201,585 | 910187d5db61d34a9cdb1d2a0ad9549978012451 | The star of Selma has slammed the Oscars for rewarding only 'subservient' roles for black cast members in films. David Oyelowo, 38, plays Martin Luther King Jr in the film which charts the American civil rights leader's three month campaign in Selma, Alabama, in 1965 to persuade President Lyndon B Johnson to introduce the Voting Rights Act, protecting African-Americans' right to vote. Oyelowo spoke out at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival after he was snubbed for an Oscar nomination for his role despite being lauded by critics. 'Generally speaking, we as black people have been celebrated more for when we are subservient, when we are not being leaders or kings or being in the center of our own narrative, driving it forward,' he said. Scroll down for video . David Oyelowo, 38, said during a talk at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival: 'Generally speaking, we as black people have been celebrated more for when we are subservient' Oyelowo, 38, plays Martin Luther King Jr in the film which charts the American civil rights leader's three month campaign in Selma, Alabama, in 1965 to persuade President Lyndon B Johnson to introduce the Voting Rights Act, protecting African-Americans' right to vote . The British actor added in a video filmed by the Hollywood Reporter: 'We've just got to come to the point whereby there isn't a self-fulfilling prophecy, a notion of who black people are that feeds into what we're celebrated as — not just in the academy, just in life generally. We have been slaves, we have been domestic servants, we have been criminals. We've been all those things. 'But we've been leaders, we've been kings, we've been those who change the world. And those films, where that is the case, are so hard to get made.' 'Why has it taken so long?' I mean, [King] was assassinated almost 50 years ago,' he said. 'There has been no film where Dr. King has been the center of his own narrative until now. That's because up until 12 Years a Slave and The Butler did so well, both critically and at the box office, films like this were told through the eyes of white protagonists because there is a fear of white guilt.' Video by Santa Barbara International Film Festival . Red carpet: David Oyelowo at the premiere of Selma in December 2014 with his wife Jessica . Left to right: Niecy Nash, Common, Oprah Winfrey, David Oyelowo and Carmen Ejogo attend the 'Selma' and the Legends Who Paved the Way gala at Bacara Resort in December . 'So you have a very nice white person who holds black people's hands through their own narrative.' Selma has been nominated in the Oscars for Best Picture and Best Original Song. At the festival Oyelowo defended Benedict Cumberbatch and said that the row over his use of the word ‘coloured’ actually damaged the debate about racism. He said that it was a mistake to just ‘focus on one word’ and that as a result everyone ended up ‘ignoring’ the fact that Cumberbatch was talking about how hard it is for black actors to get roles. Cumberbatch made his gaffe last week in an interview on American TV and afterwards said he was ‘devastated to have caused offence’. Oyelowo said he only believes Selma was possible because film companies noticed the box office success of films such as 12 Years A Slave (pictured) Oyelowo said: ‘Everyone has ended up ignoring the issue Benedict was talking about and focusing on that one word. ‘It’s actually stopped us (from) talking about race’. In Britain, Amanda Berry, the head of Bafta has said the lack of a Bafta nomination was not a 'racist snub'. Ms Berry said in an interview with the Observer it was because its release was too late to make the shortlist for the awards, which will be handed out at a ceremony next weekend. Oyelowo said 'it would have been nice' if the film was nominated, while on the red carpet at the Curzon Mayfair in London for Selma's premier last week. But Ms Berry, Bafta's chief executive, said: 'I get quite upset when people say it was a racist snub. The film wasn't delivered until the end of November and there were only three screenings before the voting started. Last year we flew David in to present and we absolutely recognised his talent.' Benedict Cumberbatch described black people as 'colored'. Oyelowo said that it was a mistake to just ‘focus on one word’ and that as a result everyone ended up ‘ignoring’ the fact that Cumberbatch was talking about how hard it is for black actors to get roles. Above, the actor during his TV interview . Asked how he felt about the lack of recognition, Oyelowo said: 'You're going to have to ask Bafta about that. I don't know, it would have been nice. 'But the fact of the matter is the film is really resonating with audiences. It's great to be back here in the UK premiering the film. 'I did my bit.' Ms Berry also told the paper the film industry should be as diverse as possible amid an ongoing debate about opportunities for actors from ethnic and working class backgrounds. 'It is essential the industry is open to all. The industry we work in has to reflect the society we live in. That is really important,' she said. 'There is a perception that if you are from an ethnic background you have no chance. Our new Breakthrough Brits talent event allows anyone to nominate a star of the future and then we give them a year of mentoring.' | David Oyelowo, 38, plays Martin Luther King Jr in the film which charts the American civil rights leader's three month campaign in Selma, Alabama .
Made comments during a talk at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival .
'We as black people have been celebrated more for when we are subservient, when we are not being leaders or kings,' he said .
Film has two Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Music (Original Song)
Defended Cumberbatch - said it was a mistake to just ‘focus on word’ and ‘ignoring’ he was talking about how hard it is for black actors to get roles . |
173,481 | 6c80e6ef5d0e724f9f10e2491de8bb4d77f72b91 | Islamabad, Pakistan (CNN) -- Three civilians and a police officer were killed Wednesday after militants fired two rockets at security checkpoints in Pakistan's western city of Quetta. Police spokesman Abdullah Afridi said militants fired the rockets along Saryab Road, injuring an additional 15 people. Earlier this month, four civilians were killed and 10 were injured when a bomb exploded near a security patrol in Pakistan's Balochistan province, police told CNN. Balochistan has long been plagued by sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shias, and separatist Baloch militant groups who demand political autonomy. Quetta, Balochistan's provincial capital, is widely believed to be a safe haven for senior leaders of the Afghan Taliban, but rarely are militant attacks in Balochistan linked to them. | 3 civilians and a police officer were killed Wednesday in a rocket attack .
Police say the attack injured an additional 15 people .
Quetta is Balochistan's provincial capital . |
256,495 | d7fc6d32010d980aae5c35069347dac22a38676e | (CNN) -- Christopher Lloyd picked through the charred remnants of his Montecito, California, home Monday morning, resigning himself to the fact it cannot be rebuilt. The "Back to the Future" and "Taxi" star showed ABC's "Good Morning America" what remained of his $11 million home in the exclusive celebrity neighborhood northwest of Los Angeles. "Boy, look at that," Lloyd said as he approached the rubble. "All this happens in a couple of minutes." Lloyd's home was among dozens of homes lost in wildfires in Southern California. The "Tea Fire" which started at the privately owned Tea Garden Estate, about a mile north of Santa Barbara's Westmont College, ripped through an area that Oprah Winfrey, Michael Douglas, Rob Lowe and other celebrities call home. Lloyd told "Good Morning America" that it was "just sort of sinking in" that his home was gone for good. "It's amazing, its just gone," Lloyd told "Good Morning America." "Rebuilding would be -- it's too much. You can't rebuild that." The home's windows were blown out, entire sections demolished, and piles of concrete, ashy trees and shrubbery were scattered across the property. "You watch TV, you see these kinds of incidents happening here and there, but you look with a kind of detachment because it's happening ... elsewhere," he told "Good Morning America." "But suddenly to be in the midst of it -- it's a very different awareness." Lloyd joked that he had been planning on organizing and storing memorabilia from the home, but never got around to it. "Kind of don't have to worry about that now," he said. | Christopher Lloyd's home one of dozens destroyed by California wildfires .
Lloyd: "Rebuilding would be -- it's too much. You can't rebuild that"
Lloyd: Having home destroyed brings "different awareness" than watching on TV . |
280,633 | f78f4a9c562f3dd5593a32b01a47657be2a61c47 | (CNN) -- It seemed like a good idea at the time: Skip the "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" -- the only major wide release this weekend and more or less review-proof -- and check out the new releases down at the local DVD store instead. Jeremy Strong and Fairuza Balk star in "Humboldt County," though she doesn't hang around long. I was up for this assignment. We all know how close "Slumdog Millionaire" came to bypassing theatres. The film was initially bankrolled by Warner Independent, and when that boutique shingle was rolled into parent Warner Bros., some executive decided that the year's best picture should not pass Go -- skip the $200 -- and head straight to the rental chains. (Warner Bros., like CNN, is a division of Time Warner.) If it could happen to "Slumdog," what other gems might be out there? I scan the shelves. "High School Musical 3." "W." "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People." I'm a movie critic -- been there, done that. A harder look produces a handful of possibilities. I zero in on three unfamiliar titles. "Humboldt County" boasts the participation of former child star Fairuza Balk while the quote from Time Out New York promises "a pleasant buzz." "Ghost Writer" doesn't come with any critical endorsement, just a groaner for a tagline ("Deadline has a new meaning"), cover art that says horror-suspense, and an oddball cast: Alan Cumming, David Boreanaz, Anne Heche, Henry Thomas, Jane Lynch, Karen Black and Carrie Fisher. Intriguing. Finally, there's "Lullaby" ("He took her son ... now she'll take him") starring Oscar best actress nominee Melissa Leo. With its unfashionable sepia artwork and mom-on-the-warpath scenario, this looks like a 1970s grindhouse flick. Not best picture material, I'm thinking, but then again, when did you last see a bad Melissa Leo performance? Never, I'll bet. It's a crapshoot, so to improve the odds I take all three. First up is "Humboldt County." It turns out this did get a theatrical release. It opened on nine screens in September and went down from there, so unless you actually live in Humboldt County, which is in far northern California, you probably missed it. And if the movie is to be believed, even if you do live there you probably still missed it, because you were otherwise engaged in farming illegal substances, gazing at the shoreline, and/or hanging out with your quirky neighbors. It's an alternative lifestyle that sneaks up on the very straight, anxious young med student Peter (Jeremy Strong). He's inducted by "Bogart" (Balk), but scarcely seems to notice when she disappears in the second reel, leaving him in the care of Rosie and Jack (Frances Conroy and Brad Dourif), not to mention her last boyfriend, Max (Chris Messina). In keeping with the hazy vibe of the thing, nothing much happens -- slowly. Peter misses the bus out of town, more than once. Eventually you realize days, even weeks have gone by and Bogart still hasn't returned. You wonder if Peter and Max might hook up in her absence? But that would harsh the mood. Instead things just drift by. What does the world need with another doctor anyhow -- and where's Zach Braff when you need him? So I'm underwhelmed by "Humboldt County," but it's a masterpiece beside "Ghost Writer." Shown in festivals as "Suffering Man's Charity" -- possibly the worst title I've ever heard -- "Ghost Writer" is the story of an effete gay music teacher, John (Alan Cumming), harboring an unrequited crush on Sebastian (Boreanaz), a rampantly heterosexual drifter and aspiring novelist he has invited into his home. John gets madder and madder with Sebastian until the day he knocks him out, dresses him in a bra and panties, ties him up with fairy lights and starts swinging. It sounds horrific but it's pitched as an arch black comedy, and so incongruously staged by Alan Cumming (who also directs) that it's neither funny nor scary, except in how scarily unfunny it is. Mind you, the scene in which horny 69-year-old Karen Black makes out with Boreanaz taps a camp hysteria that puts the rest of this flaccid flick to shame. Two down. Now my hopes are riding on "Lullaby." I check out the Internet Movie Database and wish I hadn't: "Lullaby" has a user rating of 2.8 out of 10. Leo is Stephanie, a waitress who is getting hit up for money by a foreign gangster who says he has her (grown) son, a junkie. So Stephanie does what any self-respecting mom would do. She sells her car, borrows from her friends, and buys a plane ticket to South Africa to deliver the thug his ransom in person. Only the price has gone up. He gives her two hours to stump up another $2,000. Directed by Darrell Roodt and produced in South Africa, "Lullaby" makes no sense in any way except one: Leo's performance does. The "Homicide" and "Frozen River" actress soldiers through this thing with dogged commitment, as if she doesn't know where her next meal is coming from. If that means taking a gig shooting in the sleaziest crime neighborhood in Jo'burg, well, it's still better to play a waitress than be one. I know exactly how she feels. After all, I could be watching the Jonas Brothers right now. "Humboldt County" is rated R and runs 97 minutes. "Ghost Writer" is unrated and runs 93 minutes. "Lullaby" is unrated and runs 97 minutes. For a review of the Jonas Brothers' film, go to EW.com. | Some films go straight to DVD for a reason .
"Humboldt County" drifts by, with little reason to watch .
"Ghost Writer" is neither scary nor funny, despite being pitched as black comedy .
Melissa Leo does yeoman's work in pointless "Lullaby" |
270,810 | eac292a47259461e513058b33f70068289cba5cc | Donna Air has revealed that her grandfather is suffering from dementia and is being cared for in a hospice. In a rare interview, Miss Air, 35, who is in a relationship with the Duchess of Cambridge’s brother James Middleton, spoke about the impact 'Grandpa Joe's' diagnosis has had on her family.. Miss Air, who rose to fame on teenage drama Byker Grove, said the illness has left him unable to recall her name at times but says she tries to 'make light of the sad times'. Upsetting: Donna Air has revealed that her grandfather is suffering from dementia in a rare interview . 'My grandfather has dementia,' she said. 'But it is life, and the family, in the northern style that we are, we find the nice parts and the humour and all that kind of thing. 'Sometimes you have to make light of the sad times. It is awful and I’m sure, if it happens to me my grandchildren, they have permission to make fun of Granny Donna. ‘I think you just have to do what you need to do in those situations. And all my family up north, it’s lucky, my grandfather has a really big Catholic family, so there’s lots of offspring who will take their part in looking after him.' Tragically however, the family has had to come to terms with the fact that he often struggles to recall the names of his children and grandchildren. c . Miss Air said they use humour to help themselves cope. 'One of the jokes actually, sometimes when I go home to visit he goes “hello pet, hello Donna.” Tragedy: Miss Air, pictured here with boyfriend James Middleton, says she looks for 'light in sad times' 'And they all go “oh, we might have known he’d remember you, the favourite one” lots of jokes like that. 'Whoever he remembers we make a joke “oh, might have known you’d be the one he’d remember”. So I always tease my relatives, “he’ll definitely remember me” as a joke. And it’s just pot luck.’ An unusually candid Miss Air also admitted to being unsure exactly how old her grandfather is – ‘grandparents just seem to have a generic age,’ she said. But she expressed joy at the fact her 11-year-old daughter Freya, whose father is her ex-partner Damian Aspinall, has known her great grandparents. 'It’s incredible, it’s amazing,' she enthused. 'I don’t remember meeting my great grandparents. So she’s very lucky.’ Miss Air is one of a number of celebrities to speak about dementia in recent months, including Mariella Frostrup, 51, Fiona Phillips, 53, Sir Michael Parkinson, 79, Arlene Phillips, 71, and Angela Rippon, 69, all of whom have lost parents to the disease. The former actress, a long-standing philanthropist, made her comments during Hospice Care Week, as she helped launch a new charity website. Current squeeze: Miss Air, 35, is currently dating the Duchess of Cambridge's brother, James Middleton, 27 . Connections: Miss Air, who has a 10-year-old daughter Freya, is now part of the Middleton family . Care2save.co.uk, which stocks six million products from more than 2,000 retailers including Topshop, Travelodge and mobile phone company O2, donates the commission it makes on sales, with a portion of the money going to the care industry. And Miss Air, who has in the past supported a range of other health charities including Macmillan Cancer Support and Jeans for Genes, said it was her grandfather’s illness her sparked her interest in the cause. ‘My grandfather is in a home, in a hospice,' she said. 'So I think any care that you can give and you know what, it’s not just people in hospices as well. 'They actually put the funds into people who need care at home too. So it’s just one of those things I feel a responsibility for.' Excitement: Like James, she is eagerly awaiting the birth of the Duchess of Cambridge's second child . Dementia, which can cause severe memory loss and confusion, is most prevalent among older people and affects one in six people over the age of 80, takes on many different forms, the most common being Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies. A spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Society, which is the largest dementia charity, said: 'A diagnosis of dementia can be very emotional both for the individual and their families. 'However, it is possible to live well with dementia and go on enjoying life with the right care and support. 'Timely diagnosis is vital and equally important is the need for greater investment in services for people with the condition. 'We would urge anyone who is concerned about dementia to speak to their GP today or contact Alzheimer's Society’s helpline for advice.' | Donna Air, 35, has revealed that her grandfather has dementia .
Said that he is frequently unable to remember her or her family's names .
Ms Air is currently dating the Duchess of Cambridge's brother, James, 27 . |
20,006 | 38ce5d086277aa5bde3221c99f97073abf680dc8 | Princeton, New Jersey (CNN) -- In the week leading up to the meeting of world leaders in Washington, President Obama has been demonstrating a strong commitment to nuclear arms control. Last week, he signed the first major agreement with the Russians since 2002, which reduces the number of nuclear warheads and long-range missiles. Obama released the Nuclear Posture Review, saying the United States would not use nuclear weapons against countries that complied with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, even if they attacked with conventional weapons. At the same time, the president said the countries that refused to abide by the treaty could be subject to nuclear reprisal. Although Obama's Nuclear Posture Review does not go nearly as far as many of his supporters were hoping, some Republicans immediately attacked. Sens. John Kyl and John McCain warned that "we believe that preventing nuclear terrorism and nuclear proliferation should begin by directly confronting the two leading proliferators and supporters of terrorism, Iran and North Korea. The Obama administration's policies, thus far, have failed to do that, and this failure has sent exactly the wrong message to other would-be proliferators and supporters of terrorism." Some Democrats, constantly leery about appearing weak on national security, will buckle as the politics of nuclear weapons heats up when the treaty with the Russians reaches the Senate for ratification. But the administration should pursue this treaty aggressively and with confidence that they can win public opinion on this issue. The president must remind fellow Democrats, as well as Republicans, that historically the public has tended to strongly support nuclear weapons treaties, and the presidents who pursue them. After the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962, President Kennedy proposed the Limited Test Ban Treaty. Proponents of a ban on atmospheric and underwater testing of nuclear weapons had unsuccessfully pushed for some kind of ban since the early 1950s. There were many powerful opponents of a treaty, including the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as well as the Republican right. In 1963, they warned that a treaty would threaten America's military strength. But Kennedy was determined to obtain a treaty. He had seen the possibility of nuclear war firsthand when the Soviets and the U.S. went eye-to-eye over missiles in Cuba. Kennedy also worried the Chinese were dangerously close to exploding their first nuclear bomb, something that also gave the Soviets an incentive to work toward some kind of treaty. Negotiations over a limited test ban took place from March to May. Conservatives warned that verification would be impossible. On June 10, in an effort to move the process forward, Kennedy made a dramatic speech at American University in which he said, "I realize that the pursuit of peace is not as dramatic as the pursuit of war -- and frequently the words of the pursuer fall on deaf ears. But we have no more urgent task." On August 5, 1963, the U.S., Britain and the Soviet Union reached an agreement on the Limited Test Ban Treaty that prohibited atmospheric, space and underwater testing. The administration remained nervous about whether Republicans would be able to block its ratification. But by limiting the test ban rather than agreeing to a total moratorium, Kennedy undercut the opposition. The Senate ratified the treaty 80-19. Polls showed that Americans overwhelmingly approved of the treaty. The following year, President Johnson used Sen. Barry Goldwater's opposition to the treaty as a central theme in the fall presidential campaign. Democrats broadcast a series of ads aimed at scaring the public about the possibility of nuclear war under a Goldwater presidency. Polls consistently showed that Goldwater's position on nuclear weapons was his greatest weakness. Hawkish Republican presidents have also discovered that nuclear arms reduction is popular with voters. In 1981, Ronald Reagan launched his presidency with an aggressive program that turned away from arms negotiations with the Soviet Union and insisted on the toughest terms possible before negotiations could even begin. He staffed key positions with neoconservatives who opposed negotiations with the Soviets. The administration also vastly increased defense spending. But the public was scared, and Reagan knew it. By 1983, the atmosphere was tense. Some called it the most dangerous period in the Cold War since 1962. A series of international crises, including a standoff that followed the shooting down a South Korean airliner by the Soviets, caused Reagan to see how easy it was for nuclear war to start. There was strong political pressure on the administration as well. The nuclear freeze movement, a massive international movement, was creating immense political pressure for Reagan to reverse his agenda. On television, Americans were fearful when they watched the television special "The Day After," which focused on the effect of a fictional nuclear war on a small town in Kansas. One adviser warned Reagan that "the issue in the general arena of foreign relations that could swamp us if we do not handle it with great care is the proposed freeze on the production and deployment of nuclear weapons. Even when apprised of the difficulties of the verification of this plan, 75 percent of all Americans favor the freeze." The Strategic Defense Initiative, under which Reagan proposed to build a shield around the U.S. to protect the nation from incoming missile attack, was partially a response to his critics to show the president wanted peace as well. Reagan adopted a more conciliatory posture toward the Soviets in 1984. He delivered a widely publicized speech arguing that the Soviets and the U.S. could achieve peace. Then between 1985 and 1987, he defied the right-wing of the Republican Party -- Howard Phillips called him a "useful idiot" for Kremlin propaganda -- and entered into negotiations with the Soviet Union's Mikhail Gorbachev that culminated in the INF Treaty in 1987. When national security is on the table, Democrats tend to get nervous politically, particularly if they support a position that can be characterized as too dovish. But when it comes to nuclear weapons, President Obama is on a path that is politically sustainable. During the Cold War, presidents from both parties learned that the American public tends to prefer politicians who are willing to take risks to reduce nuclear stockpiles rather than those who beat the drums of war. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Julian Zelizer. | Barack Obama shows strong commitment to nuclear arms control, says Julian Zelizer .
He says other presidents have discovered controlling nuclear weapons is popular .
Some Democrats may be leery of taking a position seen as too dovish, he says .
Zelizer: Public prefers politicians willing to take risks to prevent nuclear war . |
111,026 | 1b2a1f0fe4fccca4604d64942b6066b163c25177 | Costa Rica's Deputy Minister for Youth Karina Bolanos has been fired after a video of her lying on a bed in her underwear was posted on the internet. During the 56-second video which has now been viewed by over a million people, Bolanos points at her breasts and invites a man she refers to as 'little one' to join her. Bolanos told cable TV network CNN en Espanol the video was made years ago and was put onto the Internet by a computer engineer who stole it and was trying to extort money from her. Scroll down for video . Dismissed: Costa Rica's Deputy Minister for Youth Karina Bolanos has been sacked after a video of her lying on a bed in just her underwear was posted online . Embarrassment: During the 56-second video Bolanos points at her breasts and invites a man she refers to as 'little one' to join her . Uploaded onto YouTube over the weekend, the clip quickly went viral. Costa Rica's Ministry of Culture and . Youth said in a statement on Tuesday the video and related legal issues . made her position untenable. The incident is an embarrassment to . President Laura Chinchilla, whose Cabinet has suffered a string of . resignations since she took power two years ago. Costa Rica's Ministry of Culture and Youth said the video of Karina Bolanos, left made her position untenable. The incident is an embarrassment to President Laura Chinchilla, right, whose Cabinet has suffered a string of resignations since she took power two years ago . Local media said she declined to comment on the Bolanos scandal on Tuesday. 'I will not address the issue. Any more questions?', newspaper La Nacion reported her saying after a public event. | During the 56-second video Bolanos points at her breasts and invites a man she refers to as 'little one' to join her .
The clip has gone viral with more than one million watching it .
Bolanos: Video was made years ago and was put onto the Internet by a computer engineer who stole it and was trying to extort money from her . |
155,941 | 5592e09e7ed3e8213ded991ffa9b983f382d7b47 | Police in Utah have praised the smarts of a three-year-old boy who was kidnapped on Tuesday morning after a thief stole a car with him on the backseat. The toddler's mother, Elizabeth Barrios, told police she was dropping off another child at daycare about 7am and left three-year-old Aiden in the vehicle, which was running with the keys in the ignition. A man then came alone and stole the 2012 Mazda 3 from the 200 block of 2nd St. in Ogden. Barrios said she came out of the daycare to the see car driving away, with Aiden inside. Close call: Authorities say Elizabeth Barrios left her car unlocked and running as she dropped off another child at daycare, only for someone to drive off in the car with her son on Aiden on the back seat . Barrios told police that when she walked out of the daycare in Ogden, Utah, she saw her own car driving off down the street . Clever little thing: At just three-years-old, Aiden was able to lead police to his whereabouts after his, Elizabeth Barrios, left him in the car unattended and the car was stolen on Tuesday . Scene: Barrios was dropping another child off at Daycare in this block of Ogden, Utah, when a man came and took off in the car . Barrios went back inside the daycare and called 911, because her cell phone was in the car. Police arrived at the scene and decided to call the phone to see whether the thief or Aiden might answer. The phone picked up and it was Aiden. He was able to tell police that he was in the car and that the man had left. Police told Aiden to start honking the horn, which he did. Within a few moments a patrol car was able to find him using the horn. Aiden was not injured and was back with his mother just 45 minutes after the car was stolen, Fox 13 reported. Lucky: Police say the incident should serve as a serious reminded to never leave a child unattended . Smart: Aiden, seen here as a child in a photo from his mom's Facebook, helped police find him . Mother-son: Elizabeth and Aiden Barrios seen here in a photo from Facebook . Reunited: Police were able to find the car and Aiden, who was not injured, within 45 minutes . Police are still investigating the incident and hope to find the man who stole the car. It seems he fled the vehicle once realizing Aiden was in it. Police also said the incident was a serious reminder never to leave a child unattended in a car, even if it's only for a moment. | Aiden was left alone in the car in Ogden, Utah, on Tuesday morning .
His mother, Elizabeth Barrios, was dropping another child at daycare .
She left the car running with the keys in the ignition .
A man came along and stole the car, she told police .
Aiden answered his mother's cell phone and starting beeping the car horn after police told him to do .
He was reunited with his mother in 45 minutes .
Police have reminded parents to never leave a child unattended . |
29,849 | 54eb9326a1bdf2b80d093d18e45bb640f59d3479 | It was a scene of horror that has scarred their minds for decades. But now, in their nineties, seven US prisoners of war have returned to Omori, where they were starved and forced into manual labor for four grueling years. The Japanese camp, which was built on a superficial island between Tokyo and Yokohama in 1941, is now a boat racing venue surrounded by office buildings. Today, however, it played host to a small group of men who know the true horrors that took place in that spot. Remembering: US veterans (left to right) Oral C Nichols, 93, William Sanchez, 96, and Jack Schwartz, 99, stand together in front of the Goddess of Mercy statue built over the Omori camp where they were held prisoners . Bill Sanchez, 96, was one of thousands of men put to work unloading cargo for hours. They would work through the night with just a small bowl of rice for food. But in those hungry times, they also were among the luckiest, he claims. '[It] was great work because we had a lot of opportunities to pinch food. We learned real quick,' said Sanchez, of Monterey Park, California, who watched as American fire bombs incinerated nearby neighborhoods. Sanchez joined six of his comrades invited to visit the camp - now known as Peace Island - by the Japanese government. Amazed, he told Tokyo's Temple University how much the country has changed: 'All this land you see was reclaimed by us, the American prisoners of the war and the British prisoners of the war,' Sanchez said. 'And I am amazed at how well they have used the land.' Changed: Sanchez can still remember feeling so hungry he would steal food while unloading cargo . Every single one of the prisoners could still vividly remember their hunger almost 70 years ago. 'In four years, I never had a good meal', said Jack Schwartz, 99, of Hanford, California. Schwartz was a civil engineering graduate of the California Institute of Technology when he enlisted in the Navy Civil Engineer Corps in 1940. Taken prisoner in Guam, he spent much of his imprisonment at the Zentsuji Camp, a 'showcase' camp on western Japan's Shikoku island. 'I arrived two days ago and had my first good meal ever in Japan.' Like the other former POWs, Schwartz marveled at Tokyo's progress since Japan's surrender in August 1945, especially high-tech toilets equipped to warm, wash and dry. 'I sat down on a toilet seat and it was warm!' Oral C. Nichols, 93, of Carlsbad, New Mexico, was working in construction on Wake Island in the Pacific when the Japanese took the island in 1941, capturing 5,000 prisoners. By the time the war ended, he had been moved to Shanghai and then to an open pit iron mine in northern Japan. Peace-making: The seven veterans were invited to the built-over site by the Japanese government . 'But also I was young and had set myself a goal to live, that I was going to live regardless,' Nichols said. During the war, the Japanese held over 30,000 allied force members as prisoners in dozens of camps in Japan, China and elsewhere in Asia, according to the POW Research Network Japan. The former POWs said they understood that the cruelty and brutality they experienced during the war had much to do with the times. One of 91-year-old Darrel Stark's most vivid memories is of a supervisor in the prison camp at Yokkaichi, a copper smelting center in western Japan, who did not retaliate when Stark and another prisoner stole his lunch. 'He came the next day with two lunches, 'One for you, and one for me,'' said Stark, of Stafford Springs, Connecticut. 'If he had reported me, I wouldn't have been speaking to you tonight.' | Seven former POWs invited to Omori Prison Camp by Japan's government .
They can all still remember feeling so hungry they would steal for food .
The site is now a boat racing venue surrounded by office buildings . |
18,517 | 345e55780cfba82701239860d86d6135694fe178 | With a value of £1,250, a tank that can hold 10 litres of water and a firing range of 40ft, it is said to be the world's most sophisticated machine gun water pistol. Engineer Alex Bygrave, 27, of Streatham Hill, south London, spent 50 hours designing and building the first-ever Gatling-style water pistol from scratch - using 55 separate parts from everyday life. A black cab's windscreen wiper provides its rotary motion and a walking pole handle makes the pump, with most of the parts fitted together using self-setting silicone rubber Sugru. Scroll down for video . Power: Alex Bygrave (pictured) spent 50 hours designing and building the first-ever Gatling-style water pistol . Engineer: Mr Bygrave, 27, of Streatham Hill, south London, used 55 separate parts from everyday life . Long shot: This woman tested the 40ft firing range of the machine gun water pistol at London's Victoria Park . Mr Bygrave said: ‘I had to first break . down the mechanics of how the Gatling gun worked, and then build it up . using a mix of all sorts of components. ‘For . example, I used a black cab's windscreen wiper to provide the rotary . motion of the pistol and laser cut mechanics to create an intermittent . barrel rotation. ‘The windscreen wiper motor was ideal as they have a very high gearing and are easy to pick up cheaply second hand. ‘Standard . plumbing pipes and fittings were used wherever possible, so that as . much of the pistol could be made from stuff in your local DIY store. Technology: Carbon Dioxide welding canisters are used to pressure two large fire extinguishers so the water can fire out long distances through the six barrels . Soaking: Most of the water gun's parts were fitted together using self-setting silicone rubber Sugru . Bright: Different colours shoot out from the different barrels thanks to the added ingredient of small amounts of food dye . ‘Combining Sugru with existing parts, I was able to make custom valves, pistons and injectors integral to the Gatling motion and colouring of the jets of water.’ 'I had to first break down the mechanics of how the Gatling gun worked, and then build it up using a mix of all sorts of components' Alex Bygrave, engineer . Carbon Dioxide welding canisters are used to pressure two large fire extinguishers so the water can fire out long distances through the six barrels. And different colours shoot out from the different barrels thanks to the added ingredient of small amounts of food dye. Sugru production assistant Jon Radclyfe, 23, from Bethnal Green, east London, who also tested the pistol in London's Victoria Park, said: ‘The pistol weighs an absolute tonne but works like a dream.’ Parts: A windscreen wiper provides its rotary motion and a walking pole handle makes the pump . | Gun is valued at £1,250 and has a tank that can hold 10 litres of water .
London engineer spent 50 hours designing and building it from scratch .
Alex Bygrave, 27, used 55 separate parts from everyday life to make it .
Windscreen wiper gives rotary motion, walking pole handle makes pump . |
278,110 | f44a8b8b35dc9444025507c08cb09b1a3a5c3b82 | The fiance of a woman could only watch as she fell to her death off a 25-metre cliff during a camping trip south-west of Sydney. Campbelltown couple Paul Veitch and Megan Moody were at the popular swimming hole, Mermaid Pools near Tahmoor, when the 38-year-old plunged to her death on Tuesday night. They had been engaged for two months when Ms Moody slipped while collecting water with a billy can about 8.30pm while her fiance was only just steps behind her, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. Campbelltown couple Paul Veitch and Megan Moody were at the popular swimming hole, Mermaid Pools near Tahmoor, when the 38-year-old plunged to her death on Tuesday night . Mr Veitch, 36, tried to revive her after he made his way down the cliff to the isolated spot and found his fiancee's unconscious body. When she was unresponsive, he made his way back to their campsite and called for emergency services. Police told Fairfax Media Ms Moody's death appeared to be an accident but they were still investigating the matter. '[There were] no arguments before. Actually they were out there having a good time and camping overnight,' Camden police Inspector Jayne Doherty said. They had been engaged for two months when Ms Moody slipped while collecting water with a billy can about 8.30pm while her fiance was only just steps behind her . On September 4, Mr Veitch announced his engagement to 'Meg' on Facebook after being together for just six months and said she had made him 'real happy'. 'I lashed out and offered to marry her,' he wrote. 'Geez it felt good when i got told to bugger off nar jokes the ring fit an she said yes woohoo my meg rules hah anutha 9 day in paradise party on (sic).' Three days later after the engagement, Mr Veitch - who listed his occupation as a prawn trawler -posted a selfie of him and Ms Moody smiling at 'a cool little pad up the mountains'. The couple had been planning on spending the night at Mermaid Pools with police warning people to be careful when camping near cliffs. 'Just a general warning to people who are attending these sort of areas of a night time - particularly if people are intoxicated,' Inspector Michael Bright told ABC Radio. 'There's no lighting, it's quite a high area - there's a lot of cliff face around it and there's also no mobile service so if something goes wrong it's an area where you're not going to get a quick response from emergency services.' Police will prepare a report for the coroner. | Peter Veitch and Megan Moody were camping south-west of Sydney .
Mr Veitch was steps behind his fiancee when she fell while collecting water .
The 36-year-old tried to revive her after climbing down the cliff to save her .
The couple had only been engaged for two months . |
263,767 | e199d296939a0e0b256ed6e12906f44d26492c6f | By . Jenny Hope . PUBLISHED: . 12:19 EST, 21 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:58 EST, 21 January 2013 . The number of children being admitted to hospital to be treated for asthma attacks has dropped sharply since the smoking ban came into effect. Experts believe the law may have made smokers more aware of the dangers of second-hand smoke at home. This is despite the fact that the legislation only applies to work and public spaces. Exposure: Experts believe exposing children to less second-hand smoke could reduce asthma attacks . Researchers at Imperial College . London found NHS hospital admissions for children under 14 for asthma . attacks fell by 12.3 per cent in England in the year after July 2007, . when the ban came in. In the two subsequent years, admissions were 3.4 per cent lower. The study, published in the journal Pediatrics, found that the total . fall in the three years to July 2010 was equivalent to 6,802 hospital . admissions. The drop was found in both boys and girls, in homes across all social classes and in both cities and rural areas. Admissions for severe child asthma attacks had previously been rising . from 2002 by 2.2 per cent a year, peaking at 26,969 admissions in the . year before the ban. Asthma affects approximately one in every 11 children in the country. In other research, experts have found that hospital admissions for . childhood asthma fell after legislation banning smoking in public spaces . was introduced in Scotland and North America, before the law in . England. Dr Christopher Millett, of Imperial College’s School of Public Health, . said: ‘Previous studies have suggested the smoke-free law led more . people to abstain from smoking voluntarily at home and in cars. ‘We think exposing children to less second-hand smoke in these settings probably played an important role.’ Immediately following the ban, experts found a 10 per cent fall in heart attacks in England and it was suggested that older people who never smoked benefited the most. It's hard to recall now, but smoking was banned in bars and cafes less than six years ago . Previous studies have shown hospital admissions for childhood asthma fell after smoke-free legislation was introduced in Scotland and North America. Emily Humphreys, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at Asthma UK, said: 'It’s great to see growing evidence of the positive impact of smoke-free legislation. 'This is something we campaigned for, so it is particularly encouraging that there has been a fall in children’s hospital admissions for asthma since its introduction. 'We have long known that smoking and second hand smoke are harmful - they not only trigger asthma attacks which put children in hospital but can even cause them to develop the condition. 'We’ve seen the benefits of reducing second-hand smoke exposure; now we need to do more to prevent children and young people from taking up smoking by introducing plain packaging for tobacco.’ Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: 'This research is another indication that the smoking ban was a great step towards helping protect children’s health, as well as making many smokers think more about the harmful effects it has on them. 'Many people think of the ban as just being about smoking in pubs, but this research shows that, with all public places being covered, children have been notable beneficiaries of the legislation. 'Second-hand smoke is still an on-going danger for children, however, and research published since the smoking ban has shown that there are still 300,000 GP visits every year from children as a result of passive smoking. 'As a society we must keep moving forward in ensuring that we protect our children from passive smoking. 'The next logical step would be to see a ban on smoking in cars when children are present, as the concentration of smoke caused by smoking within the small enclosed space of a car can be significantly greater than we used to see in pubs before the smoking ban.' | Hospital admissions for child asthma attacks fell by 12.3% in first year after 2007 smoking ban in England .
Experts say law change may have made adults more aware of dangers of passive smoking . |
206,850 | 97d813399ca3c5586681074e285844ef801f56ba | Washington (CNN) -- A top U.S. diplomat will travel to three nations around North Korea early next year in the first such talks since longtime leader Kim Jong Il's death, the State Department announced Thursday. Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell will "discuss a range of important bilateral, regional and global issues" during his four days in China, South Korea and Japan, the State Department said. The statement specifically mentions that the "latest developments related to North Korea," as well as Myanmar, will be on the agenda. Myanmar, also known as Burma, has seen rapid political change -- including the legalization of famed dissident Aung Sang Suu Kyi's political party -- since the election of a new president in March. The announcement about Campbell's trip came the same day that U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta talked by phone with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Kwan-Jin. During the roughly 20-minute call, the pair discussed the situation in the Korean peninsula and stressed that maintaining peace and security were their top priorities, Pentagon spokesman George Little said. This all comes on the heels of the death of communist North Korea's leader on December 17. Huge crowds gathered Thursday in Pyongyang for a state-orchestrated memorial service a day after his funeral. During that ceremony, Kim Yong Nam -- the president of North Korea's parliament -- declared that Kim Jong Un "is the supreme leader who has inherited (his father's) beliefs, leadership, courage and guts." Campbell's trip begins Tuesday in Beijing. The U.S. diplomat then will head to the South Korean capital of Seoul for the following two days, before wrapping up January 7 in Tokyo. Under Kim Jong Il, North Korea suffered a devastating famine, even as it built up its million-strong army, expanded its arsenal of ballistic missiles and became the world's eighth declared nuclear power. Pyongyang's policies and rhetoric often put it at odds with the United States and its ally, South Korea. Washington does not have formal diplomatic relations with Pyongyang, though it has had communications with the reclusive nation, such as through the so-called six-party talks. In October, U.S. officials held a "positive" meeting with a North Korean delegation in an effort to restart these long-stalled discussions over ending Pyongyang's nuclear program, U.S. Ambassador Stephen Bosworth said at the time. North Korea technically remains at war with the South more than five decades after their 1950-1953 conflict, after which an armistice was signed between the two nations. There was never a formal peace treaty. That uncertainty has left the peninsula split by the world's most heavily fortified border. Adding to the insecurity are questions about Kim Jong Un, who remains largely an unknown quantity outside his own country. A delegation of 18 South Korean citizens returned Tuesday from a two-day visit to the north to pay their respects to the fallen leader and meet with his successor, Kim. Seoul has expressed its sympathy to the North Korean people and gave the green light for the visit by the civilian group -- which includes Hyundai Group Chairwoman Hyun Jeong-Eun and the widow of former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. A day earlier, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda met with Chinese President Hu Jintao in Beijing. "The two sides believe that maintaining peace and stability of the Korean peninsula serves the common interests of all parties," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters Monday after the two leaders' meeting. | NEW: The U.S. and South Korean defense ministers talk by phone, a spokesman says .
Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell will make the trip .
He'll arrive in China, then go to South Korea and Japan .
It is the first such visit since the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il . |
81,883 | e80bc92cd52ca26e2ba1268183e402e7095956eb | The way Muslim women should dress in public has been a strongly debated topic in recent months. But a new study has now revealed what the citizens of different Muslim countries believe is appropriate female dress - and how widely views differ between them. The survey was conducted across seven countries - Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey - which all have a majority Muslim population. And the research from the University of . Michigan’s Institute for Social Research found that most residents in . these countries prefer women to cover their hair with a traditional . hijab, al-Amira or head scarf rather than cover their entire face with a full . burqa or niqab. Survey: Chart shows how people from seven different countries with a majority-Muslim population believe women should dress . Researchers asked respondents to pick their favoured style of female Muslim dress from a chart, assembled by the Pew Research Center, showing a range of clothing from the full burka (see image one on the chart above) and niqab (see image two) to types of hijabs (image four and five) to no head covering at all (image six). The majority of those questioned - 57 per cent in Tunisia, 52 per cent in Egypt, 46 per cent in Turkey and 44 per cent in Iraq - believed the white hiqab or basic al-Amira (shown in image four) is the most appropriate dress for a Muslim woman. But the more conservative black hijab or chador (shown in image three) was the second favourite choice of citizens in Iraq and Egypt. And a 63 per cent-majority of those polled in Saudi Arabia chose the second most conservative form of dress, a niqab, which is depicted in image two. Overall, the majority of those questioned across the seven Muslim-majority countries prefer women to cover their hair with a hijab, pictured left, rather than cover their face with a full burka, pictured right . Talking point: What Muslim women should or shouldn't wear has been the subject of heated debate the wold over, including Luton in the UK, pictured . It was a similar response in Pakistan where more than 60 per cent overall opted for choices two or three while 25 per cent went for the hijab worn in image four. Only in Lebanon and Turkey did a substantial proportion believe it is appropriate for women not to cover their head at all in public. Roughly a third of Turks, nearly half of those surveyed in Lebanon and 15 per cent of Tunisians agreed it is acceptable for a woman to appear in public without a head covering. Although the fact that 27 per cent of those quizzed in Lebanon were Christian may have an impact upon the results. Also the results are not broken down by gender. The majority of those questioned believed the white hiqab or basic al-amira, pictured left, is the most appropriate form of female Muslim dress. But the niqab, pictured right, was the favoured form of dress in Saudi Arabia . | Survey was carried out in Tunisia, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey which all have a majority Muslim population .
The majority prefer women to cover their hair rather than their whole face .
But a .
substantial proportion in Lebanon and Turkey felt it's appropriate for women not to cover .
their head at all in public . |
209,495 | 9b47a20ebffe90295490bdf4b79b5b9c5b0d07f6 | Neighbours complained after My Heart Will Go On by Celine Dion (pictured) was blasted out by Gareth Davies at his home in Strood, Kent . A music fan had his speakers seized for the third time because he refused to stop playing Celine Dion's classic ballad My Heart Will Go On. Gareth Davies had his belongings confiscated for the first time in March last year after neighbours complained, a court heard. Thousands of pounds worth of equipment including a 3D TV, sound docking station and 32 DVDs were taken by council officers from his home in Strood, Kent. But the 48-year-old didn't take the hint and just two months later council workers had to return. Davies was fined for seven breaches of a noise abatement notice at Dartford Magistrates' Court yesterday. He was told his equipment would be permanently forfeited and was fined £50 for each charge. He will also pay £500 costs. After his equipment was confiscated last June, Davies, who has been living in his £80,000 Victorian terraced house since 1988, said he would never speak to his neighbours again. The former window salesman said: 'I'm constantly wondering about the noise now. 'This hasn't solved anything. I'm not going to be able to talk to my neighbours again. 'The thing that surprised me the most, considering I have a 2,000-watt amp, is that they complained about my little Bose docking station. The 48-year-old first had his speakers confiscated in March last year. At the time he said: 'This hasn't solved anything. I'm not going to be able to talk to my neighbours again' Davies' favourite was made famous in the 1997 film Titanic, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet . ‘I don't understand why the council has changed its policy on this issue. That's why I ignored the notice - I thought I'd get the chance to defend myself. ‘It felt like it was a witch hunt. 'There's all sorts of things that make sounds - this is ridiculous.’ Songs on Davies' playlist included James Brown's Sex Machine, Apache Indian's Boom Shack A Lack and Steppenwolf's Born To Be Wild. Davies has been living in his £80,000 Victorian terraced house since 1988. He breached seven noise abatement orders . Other favourites were The Boy With The Thorn In His Side by The Smiths, Ice Cold by Vanilla Ice and You've Got A Friend In Me from the 1995 film Toy Story. Cllr Peter Hicks, Medway Council's Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, said: 'This man was a nuisance to his neighbours and now he has been hit hard in the pocket. 'People have the right to lead a peaceful existence in their own homes and this case sends out the message that anti-social behaviour of this sort will not be tolerated.' Other favourites were Sex Machine by James Brown (left), Ice Cold by Vanilla Ice and You've Got A Friend In Me from the 1995 film Toy Story (right) | Gareth Davies had speakers confiscated in March and June last year .
Neighbours complained he was blaring out tunes including Titanic ballad .
Council also removed 3D TV, CDs and DVDs but Davies ignored it .
Told to pay £350 plus £500 costs at Dartford Magistrates' Court yesterday .
Other favourites include Born To Be Wild and Boom Shack A Lack . |
131,645 | 36366d970f1360cbcdc252384c920f6d6a0a23aa | BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Osama bin Laden's top lieutenant has conveyed leaders' dissatisfaction with al Qaeda's operations in Iraq, according to the U.S. military, which says it has uncovered letters authored by the terror outfit's No. 2 man. Ayman al-Zawahiri relayed complaints and advice from al Qaeda leaders, U.S. military officials say. Ayman al-Zawahiri allegedly wrote the March letters -- which the military released Wednesday and which were translated by CNN -- to Iraqi militant groups with ties to al Qaeda. "It is in their own words. It is reflective of what they are saying about themselves," said Brig. Gen. David Perkins, a spokesman for the Multi-National Forces in Iraq. Al-Zawahiri conveys advice from al Qaeda's chief, bin Laden, on how to improve the group's performance and passed along dissatisfaction among al Qaeda members and leaders over a range of issues. Complaints revolve around the group's recruiting efforts, poor communication between al Qaeda central and al Qaeda in Iraq, ineffective and dishonest propaganda techniques, and the growing difficulty in moving "assets" from other countries into Iraq. Watch how the letters suggest an internal dispute » . "It has become very evident that it has become extremely difficult for al Qaeda to bring assets in from outside of Iraq," Perkins said. "Therefore, we know more and more they have to generate their own operatives inside Iraq and they have to generate their own financial capabilities." The first letter is to Abu Ayyub al-Masri, the leader of al Qaeda in Iraq. The letter conveys accusations that al-Masri is too isolated to keep tabs on his operatives and questions his ability to lead al Qaeda's branch in Iraq. It also questions the manner in which al Qaeda in Iraq's umbrella group, the Islamic State of Iraq, was established. Al-Zawahiri asks al-Masri to respond to the allegations from other al Qaeda leaders. "[Al-Zawahiri] was concerned he wasn't getting any regular updates on Iraq. He wasn't getting any regular communication from al-Masri," Perkins said. "He was very dissatisfied with the quality of recruits they were getting to conduct operations in Iraq." The letter also criticizes the group's propaganda efforts, saying that the Islamic State of Iraq has distributed videos of past operations and claimed them to be new. The letter also states that the group has taken credit for operations carried out by other terror outfits, such as Islamic Jihad. "The media policy for the Islamic State is using exaggeration, to the extent of lying," the letter says. The U.S. military says the propaganda failures are a result of aggressive U.S. operations in Iraq. The second letter is addressed to Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, leader of the Islamic State of Iraq. It includes suggestions and advice that the letter says come from bin Laden. It also asks al-Baghdadi what his group needs to be victorious. The U.S. military has said it believes al-Baghdadi is a fictional character, portrayed by an actor in previous video statements and used as a front for al Qaeda leaders outside Iraq. It is unclear how the U.S. military obtained the letter to al-Baghdadi. The letter to al-Masri, however, was obtained in April during an operation that killed al Qaeda in Iraq Information Minister Abu Nizar. "On April 24th in Baghdad, Coalition Forces identified Nizar, followed his vehicle and stopped it. As they approached the vehicle, Nizar got out and drew a pistol. Coalition Forces responded to the hostile threat by engaging and killing Nizar. He was positively identified through photo comparison and by one of his close associates," a military statement said. Nizar headed al Qaeda in Iraq's propaganda network and was a conduit between al-Masri and senior al Qaeda leaders. The letter to al-Masri was found on Nizar after he was killed. The Bush administration has touted its strides in the battle against al Qaeda in Iraq, the Sunni militant offshoot that emerged after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. The military estimates that al Qaeda is operating with only a third of the fighters it had two years ago. Al Qaeda in Iraq, officials say, has been battered by military offensives in Baghdad, the largely Sunni Anbar province and other Sunni areas. It also has been weakened by growing support among Sunnis for the U.S. and Iraqi authorities. The Sunni support is reflected in the Awakening movement -- a collection of predominantly Sunni security councils of former insurgents or sympathizers who have turned against al Qaeda. Political reconciliation efforts directed toward Sunni Arabs also have helped harness their support. In contrast, al Qaeda has alienated Sunnis in Iraq with heavy-handed, divisive tactics, according to experts with the International Crisis Group. However, experts warn that al Qaeda is resilient, and U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates says there is always a danger of al Qaeda's re-emergence. Gates, who testified Wednesday before the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, lauded security achievements in Iraq but noted "the very real threat that al Qaeda continues to pose." CNN's Arwa Damon, Jomana Karadsheh and Youssif Basil contributed to this report. | Letters say leaders chide al Qaeda in Iraq over recruiting, moving "assets" into Iraq .
Umbrella group Islamic State of Iraq accused of exaggerating in propaganda .
One letter obtained in U.S. operation that killed Al Qaeda information minister .
U.S.: Al Qaeda in Iraq operating with only a third of the fighters it had two years ago . |
52,875 | 95fbe3b3a7e5fb6fa48289885df25d9a6e911d2d | The two men assigned to a one-year spaceflight said Thursday that their upcoming mission will allow the world to push deeper into space. Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko will rocket into orbit from Kazakhstan in March and move into the International Space Station for an entire year. For Nasa, it will represent a space endurance record; for Russia, it will fall two months shy of its world record. Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly (left) and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko. Kelly and Kornienko will rocket into orbit from Kazakhstan in March, 2015. They will spend a year aboard the International Space Station. At a news conference Thursday at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, Kelly and Kornienko said they anticipate many scientific gains from their mission. Researchers need to know more about the prolonged effects of space on humans, before astronauts embark on Mars expeditions lasting three years, round trip, they said. 'What makes this exciting for me, this one-year flight, is about the science and everything we're going to learn from expanding the envelope on the space station,' Kelly said. 'If we're ever going to go to Mars someday, the International Space Station is really a great platform to learn much more about having people live and work in space for longer durations. It's close to the Earth, and it's a great orbiting facility.' Kelly and Kornienko have been training for this mission since their selection two years ago. Both already have spent a half-year aboard the orbiting lab, on separate flights, and have been advised by previous yearlong space fliers to 'pace yourself.' It’s not just technology that will be an issue with getting to Mars ; owing to the orbits of Earth and Mars there are specific windows of opportunity when a mission can take place. Our planets come as close to each other as 33.9 million miles (54.6 million km), but can be as distant as 250 million miles (400 million km). For this reason spacecraft to Mars, such as the Curiosity rover, have to launch in certain windows when the planets are aligned. The next window is open from January 2016 to April 2016, and will see the launch of two more missions to the red planet. For a future manned mission, they will need to launch out in one of the windows and return in one, which will take two years in total. Just getting there will take seven or eight months. The astronauts will be there waiting for a year until they can come back. The 50-year-old Kelly, a former Navy fighter pilot, said his goals are the same as they are every time he flies in space: 'No one gets hurt, we don't break anything and we leave as friends.' Kelly noted that his first spaceflight, back in 1999, lasted eight days. At the time, it 'seemed like that was a long time.' His second flight, also on a space shuttle, lasted 13 days, and his space station visit in 2010 lasted 159 days. 'They're getting longer,' he told reporters. Both already have spent a half-year aboard the orbiting lab, on separate flights, and have been advised by previous yearlong space fliers to 'pace yourself.' 'I think if I fly again,' it just goes on forever 'and I never come home.' Kornienko, 54, a former Soviet paratrooper, said the support of his family has helped him deal with the preparations and the flight itself. He had exciting personal news for those tuning in: 'You can congratulate me. I am becoming grandpa.' | Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko will blast into orbit from Kazakhstan in March .
Kelly will break US space endurance record .
Mission seen as a training ground for longer flights to other planets . |
43,587 | 7aef42a1a07d5a206e4e0394cba6ea26a9275ea1 | By . Margot Peppers . If you have an annoying habit of losing things, a new device that can be attached to any object and located with a smartphone app may be the solution to your problems. The Tile, a matchbook-sized square linked up to your iPhone or iPad via Bluetooth, lets you see how close you are to the missing item, within a 50 to 150-foot range. And even if the item travels out of this range, other smartphones with the same app can also detect it, and an alert is automatically sent to you if they have it in their range. Scroll down for video . Lost and found: With the Tile App, you can attach this matchbook-sized square any item, and track its whereabouts with Bluetooth via a smartphone app . Tiny technology: Each Tile costs $18.95, and you can link up your phone with up to ten Tiles - which will be available for shipping starting this winter . Each Tile costs $18.95, and you can link up your phone with up to ten Tiles - which will be available for shipping starting this winter. When you log into the app on your phone, it shows you, with green bars that increase or decrease, how close or far away you are from the tile. You can also program it to emit a beeping tone when you get close. The most interesting aspect of the app is its reliance on crowdsourcing; indeed, the website deems it 'the world's largest lost and found'. It allows you to share your access to . Tiles with friends, and to log into your Tile app from anyone else's . smartphone, and locate the Tile from there. Am I getting warmer? When you log into the app on your phone, it shows you, with green bars that increase or decrease, how close or far away you are from the Tile . Crowd-sourced: If your Tile goes out of your own phone's 150-foot Bluetooth range, you can set it as a 'lost item', which automatically puts all other phones with the app 'on the lookout' for your item . And if your lost object - a wandering . dog, for example, or a stolen bike - goes out of your own phone's . 150-foot Bluetooth range, you can set it as a 'lost item'. The Tile is linked up to your smartphone app via Bluetooth. It has a hole in it that makes it attachable to a keyring, and a double-sided adhesive that lets you stick it on to different objects. When you log onto the app, it tells you how close or far away you are from the Tile, within a 50 to 150-foot range. If the Tile goes out of this range, you can set it as a 'lost item', which automatically puts all other smartphones with the App 'on the lookout' for your Tile. If another smartphone detects your Tile, a message is sent to the Cloud, which then alerts your phone to the Tile's location. This automatically puts all other smartphones with the Tile app 'on the lookout' for your item. If any of these phones comes within range of your item, a message is sent to your own phone, alerting you to its location. The app also has the function to remember where it last saw your Tile, so that you can easily find where you left it. Since the Tiles use Bluetooth rather than GPS, they never run out of battery or need to be charged, and they last for one year before needing to be replaced. And even though the app uses the Cloud to alert you if your Tile is detected by other smartphones, this doesn't give other people access to your account. 'The Tile team takes your security seriously,' states the Tile App website. 'Only you and the Tile users you've explicitly shared your Tiles with can search for your Tiles.' The app, which launches this winter, works with iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPad Mini, iPad 3rd and 4th generation, and iPod 5th generation. WATCH: The Tile App - never lose things ever again . | The Tile App links up your smartphone with a matchbook-sized square that can be attached to any object .
Using Bluetooth, it shows you on your phone how close or far you are from the Tile .
If the item goes out of your phone's 150-foot range, it can still be detected on other smartphones with the same app, which automatically alert your phone if they are in range of it . |
15,967 | 2d4147b6ba0cabd7fd806da7a85441e070db43ef | (CNN) -- Iranian authorities have buried the body of a political prisoner, who was executed last week, without the presence of his family or friends, his son told CNN. Ali Saremi's body was buried over the weekend at the Amir-Abad village in Boroujerd, nearly 400 kilometers southwest of Tehran. "The authorities never informed my family about my father's execution and now the government has barred us from holding any kind of funeral service," his son, Akbar Saremi, said. Ali Saremi was hanged for "fighting against the sacred Islamic Republic of Iran system and launching antagonist propagations," Iranian state-run media reported at the time of his execution Tuesday. Iranian authorities allege that Saremi was a member of the People's Mujahedeen of Iran, also known as the Mojahedin-e Khalq Organization, which has opposed the Iranian government for decades. Tehran considers the group to be a terrorist outfit, as does the United States. The European Union does not. Members of the Friends of a Free Iran group condemned Saremi's execution Tuesday, calling it "another crime for which the mullahs will be held to account when freedom is finally restored to that beleaguered nation." The group also demanded that Iranian leaders "be tried in the International Court of Justice for crimes against humanity." Ali Saremi had been arrested five times since 1982. His latest arrest came in 2007 after visiting his son at Camp Ashraf, a refugee community in Iraq that is home to an estimated 3,500 exiled members of the Mujahedeen, Akbar Salemi told CNN. Saremi was arrested for his alleged presence at anti-revolutionary gatherings organized by the People's Mujahedeen and for sending information for the group, according to Iranian state media reports. Akbar Salemi denied those allegations, saying his father's "only interest in Mojahedin-e Khalgh (MEK) and Camp Ashraf was to visit me, and that's the last time I saw my father." "This is a very difficult time for my family," Akbar Saremi said, adding that other family members are being targeted now. "My cousin is still being detained after he displayed a picture of my father on the door of the family home as a sign of mourning," Saremi said. Other family members were detained last week as they gathered outside the prison where Ali Saremi was hanged. They have since been released. | Ali Saremi was buried without the presence of his family, his son says .
Saremi executed for "launching antagonist propagations" against the government .
His son says other family members are being targeted now . |
225,106 | af81a5b7d0c0feea1587aed0a06df8b2055a0f16 | Carlo Ancelotti believes Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is almost guaranteed to win the Ballon d'Or for the third time in his career. Ronaldo scored his third hat-trick in four games as Madrid defeated Athletic Bilbao 5-0 at the Bernabeu on Sunday night as the Portuguese forward continues a breathtaking run of form. And Ancelotti has backed his star player to collect what would be his second Ballon d'Or in as many years. Cristiano Ronaldo is a certainty to win the Ballon d'Or, according to Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti . Ronaldo taps in from close range after being set up by Bale for a second time . The Madrid boss believes there can be 'no doubt' about where the Ballod d'Or will end up . He told Real Madrid's official website: 'I think there can be no doubt about Cristiano for the Ballon d'Or this year. There's no putting money on it. 'All three of our forwards were fantastic. Cristiano and Benzema scored but Bale made assists and worked hard. It's essential to work together. The midfield was good too.' The Madrid star won the coveted award for the second time in 2013 after winning it in 2008 . | Carlo Ancelotti believes Cristiano Ronaldo is almost certain to win the Ballon d'Or this year .
Ronaldo continued to superb run of form with hat-trick against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday .
Ronaldo has already collected the coveted award twice in his career . |
209,188 | 9ae3e950efe1bf47d8334de1deea8138c9248033 | EB is a severe genetic skin disorder that affects around 5,000 . sufferers in the UK, and only 500,000 worldwide . By . Rachel Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 09:14 EST, 24 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:34 EST, 24 June 2013 . The parents of a five-month-old baby girl who suffers with an incredibly rare skin condition have spoken out about how they are scared to hold her for fear of pulling her skin off. Lexie-Mae Bravender is constantly covered in blisters due to an extremely rare incurable skin disease called Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB). Lexie-Mae's skin is so sensitive that it can tear if she is even picked up, her feet are permanently wrapped up in bandages, and she has to be given morphine before she can even be bathed. Mother Kerry Quinn and father Mike Bravender (pictured) are scared to cuddle their baby because of the rare condition she suffers with. Five-month-old Lexi-Mae has Epidermolysis Bullosa which causes her skin to blister . The child must be dressed with her clothes turned inside-out to avoid the seams rubbing against her skin, and all labels must be cut out of anything she wears. Lexie-Mae, from Blackley, Manchester, has such a severe form of the disorder that she not only gets sores and blisters on her skin, her mouth, throat and eyes are also affected. Mother Kerry Quinn, 34, said: 'When we first discovered what Lexie-Mae's condition was, we were scared to pick her up at all, and that caused a lot of difficulty with bonding. 'I was afraid to touch her in case I hurt her but I wanted to give her a cuddle and make sure she was comfortable. At first doctors thought Lexie-Mae had been born with birthmarks on her feet or that the redness could be sign of infection. It wasn't until they saw blisters on her back that they suspected she had something more serious . 'We have to be careful what we wear when we do pick her up and all jewellery or anything that could scratch her skin has to come straight off. We can't be too careful.' Lexie-Mae's daily routine means her parents Kerry and Michael, 47, have to pop her blisters, apply cream to them and dress her in soft clothing and nappies. But when she was born, Lexie-Mae had no skin on her feet at all, but doctors were baffled as to what could be wrong with her. Doctors thought Lexie-Mae might be suffering from early chickenpox. It looked like chicken pox. Eventually they confirmed she has the incredibly rare skin condition Epidermolysis bullosa . 'At first they thought they were birthmarks on her feet, and then they thought it could be an infection,' Kerry said. 'They weren't really sure and doctors were at a loss. 'But then they changed her nappy and we saw she had started to blister on her back and her bottom. It looked like chicken pox. 'Finally they confirmed she had EB, but still no-one was too sure as to how to treat her.' Epidermolysis . bullosa is a severe genetic skin disorder that affects around 5,000 . sufferers in the UK, and only 500,000 worldwide. The condition causes blisters to develop anywhere on the skin, and the mouth and eyes are particularly susceptible to the sores. Heat exacerbates the condition . Skin is made up of two layers; the outer layer is the epidermis and the inner layer is the dermis. In healthy skin, proteins hold the two layers together so they do not move separately. In those born with EB, the layers do . not have the protein that holds them together. It means that any . movement that creates friction between the two layers creates blisters. Blisters . can develop anywhere on the skin, and the mouth and eyes are . particularly susceptible to the sores. Heat exacerbates the condition. Lexie-Mae's feet are permanently bandaged, her clothes must be inside-out to prevent seams rubbing against her and she must be given morphine before being bathed . Some sufferers are born with blisters but others will develop them in the first few weeks of their life. Lexie-Mae was diagnosed with Recessive Dystrophic EB, which means she also has an exceptionally high risk of developing skin cancer as a teenager. Kerry, a teaching assistant, said: 'Her skin is incredibly sensitive. I pulled her little vest off the . other day and felt skin come away from underneath her arm. 'It's terrifying because it feels like I'm hurting her. We have to be so careful. 'She . rolled over recently, and while it was exciting to see to begin with, . we then thought about how much more damage she could do just by being a . normal baby. Lexie-Mae was diagnosed with Recessive Dystrophic EB, which means she also has an exceptionally high risk of developing skin cancer as a teenager . 'She will struggle with crawling and it's often hard to find the right shoes for EB babies because of the pain in their feet.' Lexie-Mae is in so much constant pain that she is permanently dosed up on the maximum amounts of paracetamol and ibuprofen, and when she has her dressings changed, she has to be given morphine. Kerry and Michael are . supported by a specially trained nurse funded by EB charity Debra, who . help them with Lexie-Mae's condition and dressings. Lexie Mae's father, Michael, a bus driver, said when he takes her out, people stare at her because they don't know what's wrong with her. Sometimes he worries that people think he has hurt her . Kerry said: 'Our nurse has such a healthy outlook and says Lexie-Mae doesn't know she is any different. 'It's a normal pain to Lexie-Mae, just like having a headache is to us. 'We just want her to have a happy life and not be in any pain. 'She's inspirational because we think of what she is going through and she doesn't let it get to her.' 'Inspirational': Kerry says she just wants Lexie-Mae to have a happy life and not be in any pain. She hopes that by telling Lexie's story she will raise awareness of the rare condition . Kerry and Michael are trying to raise awareness about the condition and the charity Debra, after finding there was very little knowledge of EB. Michael, a bus driver, said: 'When we take her out, people stare at her because they don't know what's wrong with her. 'A lot of people think she has chicken pox, but in the summer months when her feet are on show, they assume it's something terrible. 'We worry that people think it's something we have done wrong. We just want people to know EB exists and realise Lexie-Mae is just a normal little girl.' | Lexie-Mae Bravender suffers from Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), an incurable condition that causes the skin to tear and blister very easily .
Her feet are permanently bandaged, her clothes must be inside out to prevent seams rubbing, she must be given morphine before being bathed .
EB is a severe genetic skin disorder that affects around 5,000 .
sufferers in the UK, and only 500,000 worldwide . |
43,166 | 79bbab732e95babf03d679ae4c397280cd30ac07 | Home Secretary Theresa May defended the decision to terminate the eBorders contract with US firm Raytheon Systems - despite being ordered to pay hundreds of millions of pounds in damages . Taxpayers were last night landed with a £500million bill for the ‘catastrophic’ IT project intended to protect our borders. An arbitration tribunal ruled the way the Home Office had terminated the contract for the shambolic eBorders scheme was unlawful. Defence firm Raytheon will now pocket £223million of public money, including £50million in damages. The settlement is in addition to the £260million the Government had spent by the time Raytheon was fired in July 2010 with the journey-logging system in disarray. Legal fees are expected to push the final bill to half a billion pounds. The contract debacle sparked new questions about the performance of Lin Homer, who was paid £200,000 a year to run the UK Border Agency from 2005 to 2011. She was in charge of her officials’ disastrous management of the eBorders project, and presided over a string of other blunders. But, despite fierce criticism from MPs over her record, Miss Homer has been promoted to the post of chief executive of the HMRC. Her time in charge of UKBA will now be the subject of up to four different inquiries, including a new hearing by the home affairs select committee of the Commons. Keith Vaz, the commitee’s Labour chairman, said last night: ‘This is a catastrophic result. ‘It is now clear that the UKBA didn’t know what they wanted from the eBorders programme. ‘We will want to hear further from Lin Homer, the then head of the UKBA, as to why she sanctioned such a defective agreement.’ The project was initiated by Labour but was poorly managed by officials from the start, and hit by a series of delays. It was eventually axed in July 2010 by Home Secretary Theresa May when, acting on advice from officials, it was deemed impossible to salvage. However, the process that the now defunct UK Border Agency used when reaching a decision to scrap the agreement was flawed according to the Arbitration Tribunal, which settles global contract disputes. Labour's Home Affairs Select Committee chair Keith Vaz said the tribunal's decision was 'catastrophic' for the Government . The Treasury is expected to step in to pick up much of the bill to minimise the ‘impact on frontline services’. In a letter, Mrs May said: ‘The Government stands by the decision to end the eBorders contract with Raytheon. All other alternatives available to the Government would have led to greater costs than the result of this tribunal ruling.’ Despite its own role in the shambles, Labour last night criticised the Government’s handling of the contracts. The party’s Home Office spokesman David Hanson said: ‘This is a crushing verdict. As a result of this stalled process, we are still far away from counting people in and out of the UK.’ | Government unlawfully scrapped eBorders contract with Raytheon Systems .
eBorders scheme intended to screen everyone coming to and leaving Britain .
It has been beset by problems leading to termination of contract this year .
But a tribunal has ruled the Government had acted unlawfully it has emerged . |
205,945 | 969941ae2692e9470e3b30bd1461cd7365951c56 | By . Tom Mctague, Mailonline Deputy Political Editor . Scottish lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone has vowed to move to England if Scotland votes for independence following last night's bruising TV debate. Ms Mone said she would take her business to London in the event of a 'Yes' vote in next month's referendum. Following last night's debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling, Ms Mone took to Twitter to slam the dangers of walking away from the UK. She said an independent Scotland's deficit would be too high and was concerned about losing the pound. Ms Mone also attacked the divisive impact of the independence debate after receiving a barrage of abuse from nationalists online. Scroll down for video . Michelle Mone, co-owner of MJM International and creator of lingerie brand Ultimo, has said she will move her business to England if the country votes for independence . Ms Mone said she was worried about the size of the deficit, jobs, oil and the pound in an independent Scotland . Ms Mone's remarks came after Mr Salmond last night crushed Mr Darling in the second independence debate - just three weeks before the country goes to the polls on September 18. Mr Salmond easily won the contest according to a snap poll. Some 71 per cent of voters said the SNP leader was the victor. Just 29 per cent thought Mr Darling had won the contest. But asked by a follower on Twitter if she would stay in Scotland if voters chose independence, the mother-of-three replied: ‘I'm off if it is.’ She added: ‘I said 2 years ago that I would leave if it was a Yes.’ She said: ‘Last point. We are stronger as a nation together. We don't own the £1, oil etc. Deficit is too high, bad for biz/jobs.’ After receiving a stream of Twitter abuse in response, Ms Mone added: ‘Can't believe the amount of hatred this vote is causing. It's extremely sad & will no doubt cause damage either way to the country I love.’ One follower wrote: ‘The quicker we vote yes, the quicker u get to f*** ya tramp!" Ms Mone replied: ‘Why are you "Yes" voters so angry & abusive? Be professional.’ Two years ago Ms Mone said she felt Scotland could not survive on its own as ‘everything would go up’. First Minister Alex Salmond has said that under independence business tax would be lowered. He also pointed out then to the BBC's Andrew Marr show that Ms Mone had made a similar threat before the 2007 Scottish elections. Ms Mone's remarks come after Alistair Darling and Alex Salmond clashed over independence in last night's second and final debate . Ms Mone, co-owner of MJM International and creator of lingerie brand Ultimo said previously: ‘I will move my business and I will move personally. ‘I don't think we can survive on our own and I think it would be really bad for business. ‘Everything would go up and I really don't think we need it at the moment.’ Ms Mone, from Glasgow, who was awarded an OBE in 2010, ranks among the UK's most successful businesswomen. | Ms Mone said she would take her firm to London if there was a 'Yes' vote .
Remarks came after last night's bruising live TV debate over independence .
The Scot is owner of MJM International and creator of lingerie brand Ultimo . |
231,150 | b7474a4d8afdf5c8a0e145c3212af6dd29e9ae62 | By . Kate Lyons . Zoe Woolmer, 23, passed away on June 15 when she fell while walking King's Canyon in Central Australia . A month after she plunged to her death at a popular tourist spot in the Northern Territory, mystery still surrounds the final moments of British tourist Zoe Woolmer. The 23-year-old backpacker was killed in a fall at Kings Canyon in central Australia on June 15 and her family travelled out to Alice Springs from the UK last week seeking answers. Police still have not revealed the cause of the traveller's death, saying only that 'the investigation is ongoing and a report is being prepared for the coroner.' Ms Woolmer was from Hertfordshire and studied Human Resources at the University of Portsmouth. She was on a trip of a lifetime to Australia and had been travelling through the country for over a year. Zoe had been visiting Melbourne prior to visiting the Red Centre and had lived in Sydney for several months before the accident. She passed away after falling 30 metres while completing the rim walk at Kings Canyon, 450km west of Alice Springs on the afternoon of June 15. While she was able to talk to paramedics after the fall, she passed away later that day. Zoe's family and friends paid tribute to Ms Woolmer on social media. Her mother Dawn wrote on Facebook two days after the incident: 'It is with a heavy heart that our family and friends report the sad loss of our dear Zoe during her much loved trip to Australia. Words fail us during the difficult time.' Zoe's friend Connie Patterson, with whom Zoe had been travelling in Australia, wrote: 'RIP my beautiful best friend Zoe Woolmer. 'I miss you like crazy and cannot ever put into words how much I love you and the great experiences we have shared together!' Zoe Woolmer was on the trip of a lifetime travelling through Australia when she died . Friends and family have taken to social media to pay tribute to Zoe, with Zoe's mother writing that 'words failed her' at the loss . Zoe's family travelled from the UK to Alice Springs last week and met with police and the tour company that conducted the King's Canyon walk. The tributes to Zoe come as photographs emerge of unsafe practices by tour guides at The Rock Tour, the company conducting the walk Zoe was on. The photographs show tour guides skylarking at the edges of Kings Canyon – posing close to the edge and standing on small ledges above 50 metre drops. Adam Cooper, who was a tour guide with the company from March 2011 to April 2012 and returned in March 2014 for five weeks, told MailOnline that at Kestrel Falls, the area of the walk where it is believed Ms Woolmer died, walkers regularly pose on a thin ledge, only a metre wide, above a 50 metre drop. 'There's actually a bit up near the waterfall where... guides encourage people to take a photo off the ledge, it's so dangerous, if you fell that'd be falling 50 metres,' he said. Numerous photographs of The Rock Tour guides and walkers posing on the ledge or posing close to the edge of the canyon, even in the rain when the sandstone would be slippery, have been posted to the Facebook pages of The Rock Tour guides, and some have been posted to the company's Facebook page. The photos have since been taken down by the company. The Rock Tour conducted the walk at King's Canyon that resulted in the death of a female backpacker two weeks ago. One of their guides is pictured here leaning over the cliff edge next to a warning sign in August 2013 . Left: A Rock Tour guide poses on a ledge while doing the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon. Right: A Rock Tour guide pretends to stamp on the head of a tourist who is standing on a ledge at the canyon . Three tourists pose on the ledge, above a large drop at Kestrel Falls in the rain. The photo was posted to The Rock Tour Facebook page on April 12 this year . Managing director of The Rock Tour, Rob Cowan stated that photographs are uploaded to the company's Facebook page by employees and the page is regularly monitored by company management. 'Whenever management sees a photograph depicting inappropriate behaviour they remove the picture and talk to the guide in question', he said. 'We have a three-strikes-you're-out policy,' he said and commented that two of the tour guides depicted in the photographs obtained by MailOnline had since been fired or encouraged to leave the company. Police are investigating the cause of Ms Woolmer's death and have taken statements from the other 16 people in the tour group. An English tourist, in her 20s, has fallen to her death while walking in the Watarrka National Park in remote Central Australia . The Wararrka National Park is surrounded by rough walking terrain and is difficult to reach in emergencies because of distance from the nearest regional centre, Alice Springs . | Zoe Woolmer, 23, fell from the walking trail at King's Canyon in NT .
She was travelling with a tour group and circumstances of her death are unknown .
She was a British backpacker on a year-long trip around Australia .
Tributes have poured in for Zoe as photos emerged of tour guides from the company conducting the tour Zoe was on skylarking on cliff edges . |
5,178 | 0eade7a73862feadb61691e01fc9fc0ee07ca16a | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 05:01 EST, 24 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:27 EST, 26 April 2013 . A video posted on the Facebook page of a British-trained doctor appears to show victims of a Syrian regime assault on Aleppo foaming at the mouth and showing symptoms consistent with a chemical weapons attack. Experts believe that chemical weapons may have been dropped on Kurdish residents of Aleppo's Sheikh Massoud region during an attack which saw two babies and a woman killed earlier this month. It is thought that the April 13 assault may have been in revenge for residents' decision to defect to support the rebels. Scroll down for video . Injured: A video posted on Facebook and YouTube appears to show victims of a Syrian regime assault on Aleppo foaming at the mouth . Graphic: The video was posted on the Facebook page of British-trained doctor Niazi Habash, who treated some of the Aleppo victims . Horrific: Experts believe that the injuries shown in the video are consistent with those sustained after a chemical weapon attack . Destruction: Parts of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo have been destroyed during the bitter civil war. The aftermath of a separate assault by the Syrian regime on the city is pictured . Revenge: Syrian rebel fighters standing amid sandbags in a damaged section of the Umayyad Mosque complex. It's thought the April 13 assault was in retaliation for Kurdish backing of the rebels . VIDEO: WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT . Claims that the regime has regularly used banned materials against rebels were also made by Israeli general, Brigadier General Itai Brun, according to the Daily Telegraph. The video was posted on the Facebook page of British-trained doctor Niazi Habash, who treated some of the Aleppo victims. He said that they displayed symptoms of chemical exposure including foaming at the mouth, constricted pupils and difficulty breathing. Warning: President Bashar al-Assad had been warned by Western leaders that using chemical weapons would be crossing a 'red line' They were treated using chemical weapons antidote Atropine, Dr Habash claims. Experts claim that their injuries appear to be similar to those suffered by victims of an attack on Khan al-Assad, near Aleppo. In the April 13 assault, 15 people were injured. Four-month-old Yehia, 18-month-old Abu Bakr Younis and adult Ghadeer Neddaf all died from their injuries. The most likely chemical to have been used is sarin according to former British Army specialist and director Hamish de Bretton-Gordon. He told the Telegraph: From what we've seen and the descriptions of the containers being dropped from the air, it certainly seems that the regime is using sarin in an unprepared state in these attacks. 'But, as in the Tokyo subway bombings, sarin does not need to be weaponised and placed in missiles to kill. 'It is still lethal when people are exposed to it.' US President Barack Obama and Western leaders had warned Bashar al-Assad that using chemical weapons would be crossing a 'red line'. But the latest claim that such weapons have been deployed by the regime is the fourth in recent months. UK Foreign Secretary William Hague revealed last week that a soil sample taken from Khan al-Assad had tested positive for a chemical agent. Devastating: 15 people were injured and three people killed in the assault on the Sheikh Massoud area on April 13 . Victim: A woman is treated for what appears to be breathing difficulties at a clinic in the north of Aleppo . Mr Hague said that the UK will try and tear up an EU arms embargo next month so that weapons can be supplied to Syrian rebels and said that both Britain and France want to be able to 'take urgent action' should future atrocities take place. The UK will send 34 vehicles, including five armoured 4x4s and 20 sets of body armour to those seeking to overthrow dictator Bashar al-Assad. But critics warned that arming the rebels will be especially problematic because many opposition groups have been hijacked by Al Qaeda supporters. The Obama administration opposes directly arming Syrian opposition fighters, in part out of fear that the weapons could fall into the hands of Islamic extremists. And Syria's president al-Assad warned the West will pay a price 'in the heart' of Europe and the U.S. for their alleged backing Islamic fundamentalists in his country's civil war. Deadly: Three people, including two children are said to have been killed in the attack on April 13, 15 more were injured . The European Union's security chief has also warned today that young Europeans fighting alongside rebels to bring down President Assad, will be 'radicalised' and could pose a 'serious threat' to national security when they return home. It is feared some will become members of groups with links to al-Qaeda before launching terror attacks at home. Syria is thought by the CIA to have a large stockpile of chemical weapons and both the rebels and Assad's regime have accused each other of using them. Fears have grown in recent months for the safety of the stockpile, thought to include sarin and mustard gas that can be deployed using aircraft, ballistic missiles and artillery rocket. It is also believed that Syria has attempted to develop more toxic nerve agents. Sarin is a more sophisticated successor to Zyklon B which was used by the Nazis in the extermination of millions of Jews in Hitler's death camps. It is like some farm pesticides but does not occur naturally and cannot occur naturally. Saddam Hussein used it in the late 80s against Kurdish rebels and it was behind the death of the entire population of Halabja. United Nations agents destroy chemical weapons stockpiled by Saddam Hussein in 1998 . It is so toxic that a drop the size of a pin prick is enough to kill and it is heavier than air so it hovers close to the ground maximising casualties. Fumes from the colourless, odourless liquid last longer the warmer the environment so the constant 25°C on Tokyo's subway provided the perfect condition. Sarin attacks the vegal nervous system and victims die within minutes either through respiratory failure or a heart attack as they choke on their own mucus or saliva. | The video was posted on Facebook by British-trained doctor Niazi Habash .
It claims to show victims of an April 13 Syrian regime assault on Aleppo .
Israeli general claims that the regime has regularly used banned weapons . |
185,071 | 7bbcff5a568446a7f0c0e1563aaf38e21b25ffed | Dr Mirza Tariq Ali, 39, who fled the country after being charged with violent disorder has become a senior leader of the Taliban in Pakistan . A British surgeon who fled the country after being charged with violent disorder during an extremist rally has become a senior leader of the Taliban in Pakistan, it has been claimed. Dr Mirza Tariq Ali, 39, who practised on the NHS, has appeared in a chilling recruitment video for the terrorist organisation, urging foreign jihadists to join him. He has also edited an online English-language jihadist magazine, called 'Ihya-e-Khilafat', Revival of the Islamic Caliphate, aimed at recruiting Muslim youths from the West. The surgeon was convicted in the first-ever successful prosecution for Islamic sectarian violence in Britain after he was seen hitting a bystander over the head with a pole at a Central London rally in 2013. But he skipped bail and was found guilty in his absence at the Old Bailey and sentenced to 15 months. He was then struck off by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) after a hearing in Manchester. It was previously reported that he was fighting as a jihadi in Syria. But it has now emerged that he has become a mouthpiece for a Taliban splinter-group under a new name - Dr Abu Obaidah Al-Islamabadi, according to the Sunday Telegraph. Wearing a black turban, he was seen in a video clip, saying: 'Allah blessed me with the passion of Jihad. I left Britain with an intention to go to Iraq and join Islamic State, but I was arrested on the way and sent to prison in Croatia.' The extremist magazine which he helps to edit publishes contact details for potential jihadi youths and advises them not to use home computers which might be tracked by intelligence agencies. In one article, Dr Tariq Ali said: 'The Muslims of Pakistan should support only those Mujahideen who are fighting to implement Shariah in Pakistan and striving to make this land a part of emerging global Khilafat (Caliphate). The NHS surgeon (left) has appeared in a chilling recruitment video for the terrorist organisation, urging foreign jihadists to join him, alongside an editor of an extremist magazine (right) 'Muslims of Pakistan should save themselves from the trap of the secular government which claims to be a Muslim [government] but keeps benefiting from its alliance with Kuffar (Infidels). 'The Muslims of Pakistan should also be aware of the misguided religious politicians who continue to paint democracy as Islamic.' In a recent interview he revealed he was captured on his way to join the Islamic State led by Abu-Baker Al-Baghdadi in Iraq. Dr Tariq Ali has edited an online English-language jihadist magazine, called 'Ihya-e-Khilafat', Revival of the Islamic Caliphate, aimed at recruiting Muslim youths from the West . It is not clear where he was when he was captured, but he revealed he was jailed in Croatia. After his release from Croatia, Dr Tariq Ali reached Pakistan and joined the Movement of Pakistani Taliban led by Omar Khalid Khorasani. He worked as a doctor in the Pakistani army before arriving in Britain in 2004. The extremist then trained at a London teaching hospital and worked shifts in the capital and Cambridge. While based in the UK he was associated with pro-jihadist groups led by leading British Islamist Anjem Choudary. Police and security services are now facing embarrassing questions over how he was able to skip his bail. He was held twice by police and in November last year was briefly imprisoned for breaching his bail before evading the Metropolitan Police and MI5 and travelling abroad. Another terrorist suspect believed to have been planning a suicide bomb plot abroad fled the UK in recent months in the back of a lorry despite having his passport seized. The 26-year-old, of Somali origin, had known associations with terror organisations dating back to 2008 and lived a few streets away from Ed Miliband. David Cameron has pledged to prevent British jihadists from returning by cancelling their passports for two years. But the case of Dr Tariq Ali highlights the damage that can be caused by extremists who evade the British justice system. | Dr Mirza Tariq Ali has become a senior leader of the Taliban in Pakistan .
NHS surgeon has urged British jihadists to join him in recruitment video .
The doctor has also edited magazine called Revival of the Islamic Caliphate .
He fled the UK last year after being charged with violent disorder at rally .
Surgeon was seen repeatedly hitting a bystander over the head with a pole .
Police and security services are facing questions over how he skipped bail . |
53,873 | 98c511290f8a19bf36ca1b5c1892aebd15576135 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A silver £20 coin has been produced to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War. Designed by sculptor John Bergdahl, it depicts the figure of Britannia watching over the first troops leaving for France in 1914. On the back, it features the current portrait of the Queen. A silver £20 coin has been produced to mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War . Designed by sculptor John Bergdahl, it depicts the figure of Britannia watching over the first troops leaving for France in 1914 . The coin, pictured, has been minted in fine silver and 250,000 will be issued. The Mint said the coin, which is only the second UK £20 coin it has ever made, has been struck to remember the bravery of those who answered the call to fight for king and country a century ago. Created in the art deco style prevalent at the time, the coin depicts the figure of Britannia watching over the first troops leaving for France then the war started in 1914. It bears the current portrait of the Queen on its obverse by Ian Rank-Broadley. A member of staff inspects the new £20 silver coin . Created in the art deco style prevalent at the time, the coin depicts the figure of Britannia watching over the first troops leaving for France then the war started in 1914 . The first UK £20 coin was released last year to celebrate the birth of Prince George. That coin, which featured a St George and the Dragon design, was also limited to a run of 250,000 and has sold out. Mr Bergdahl said: 'I decided to use the figure of Britannia in order to represent all of the allies who took part, most of whom were British or drawn from the British Empire. 'I combined inspiration from two sources: the South African medal for war services and the First World War memorial plaque awarded to those who died, using an art deco style which I felt best reflected the period.' Shane Bissett, the Royal Mint's director of commemorative coin and bullion and medals, said: 'The centenary of the outbreak of the First World War is an occasion of such significance, it was important to us that this coin should takes its place in the Royal Mint's programme of commemoration, remembering the bravery and sacrifice of those who answered the call to fight for king and country.' It will be available from the Royal Mint's website for its face value of £20. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | The coin was designed by sculptor John Bergdahl .
Depicts the figure of Britannia watching over the first troops leaving in 1914 . |
14,442 | 28f794604498ecfe8d1dd410c81810fa3345927b | Seoul, South Korea (CNN) -- Police have arrested a South Korean couple whose toddler starved to death while they were raising a virtual child online, authorities said. The couple fed their 3-month-old daughter once a day between marathon stretches in a local Internet cafe, where they were raising a virtual child in the fantasy role-playing game Prius Online, police told local reporters Friday. Prius Online is a 3-D game in which players nurture an online companion, Anima, a young girl with mysterious powers who grows and increases her skills as the game progresses. Police have not identified the 41-year-old father and 25-year-old mother, who lived in Suwon, a suburb south of Seoul. But the father apologized, speaking to reporters. "I wish that she hadn't got sick and that she will live well in heaven forever. And as the father, I am sorry," he said. The baby reportedly died five months ago. South Korea has one of the world's fastest broadband networks. Seoul has won international awards for e-governance. Online gaming teams are sponsored by major conglomerates and 24-hour, high-speed Internet cafes, known as PC Bangs, dot every urban neighborhood. Police said the couple had lost their jobs and used the game as an escape from reality, especially after the birth of their premature baby. "They instead played an online game in which they raised a virtual character so as to escape from reality, which led to the death of their real baby," Chung Jin-won, a police officer in Suwon, told Yonhap News Agency. "South Korea remains a very conservative society so people who fall outside the norm can come under severe stress and pressure," said Michael Breen, the Seoul-based author of "The Koreans." "The Internet has provided such people with a paradise to escape to and simply get lost in." | Couple spent hours in online game where they raised a virtual child, police say .
Meanwhile, they fed their real baby once a day, say police in South Korea .
The 3-month-old girl died of starvation, police say; couple arrested last week .
Father says he's sorry: "I wish ... she will live well in heaven forever" |
111,578 | 1be3b46971864ba48cb956277f0619a5cf29f12a | (CNN) -- Jim Tressel -- who gained fame then infamy as a collegiate football coach in Ohio -- is now poised to lead a new team: Youngstown State University. The school's board of trustees announced Friday that it'll offer the president's job to Tressel, who has worked as an administrator at the University of Akron since departing as head football coach at Ohio State University under a cloud of controversy. "Mr. Tressel has the personality and leadership skills, in addition to widespread community support, to dramatically raise YSU's profile and prominence across Ohio and the nation," board Chairman Sudershan Garg said in a statement. If the job offer is finalized, Tressel will know his way around the school. He obtained legendary status as Youngstown State's head football coach between 1986 and 2000, during which time he led teams to four Division I-AA national championships. This success catapulted Tressel to the top job at Ohio State, which historically boasts one of the top football programs in the country. He quickly picked up where he left off, leading the Buckeyes to the 2002 national championship and seven Big 10 championships. But Tressel's tenure there didn't end well. He left under pressure in 2011 after reports surfaced that several Ohio State players -- including star quarterback Terrelle Pryor -- swapped team and personal memorabilia and equipment for tattoos and other benefits. Those actions alone violate NCAA rules, but it's how Tressel acted -- and didn't act -- that really drew the ire of the NCAA, the nation's dominant intercollegiate sports organization. "Of great concern to the committee was the fact that (Tressel) became aware of these violations and decided not to report the violations to institutional officials, the Big Ten Conference or the NCAA," the NCAA Division 1 Committee on Infractions said in a report issued in December 2011. By then, Tressel had resigned from his Ohio State post (the school later recharacterized his departure as a retirement) and quoted him as saying that he took "full responsibility for my mistakes." The whole ordeal led the Buckeyes to vacate all 12 of their wins from the 2010 season and to suspend five players for the first five games of the following campaign. In addition, the NCAA issued a five-year order for Tressel that limited his athletics-related duties and applies to any NCAA school that wants to hire him as a coach. Yet Tressel -- who holds a bachelor's degree in education from Baldwin-Wallace College and a master's degree in education from the University of Akron -- remained active in Ohio and in the field of education. In 2012, he became vice president for strategic engagement at the Akron school and the following year was promoted to executive vice president for student success. The job as president at Youngstown State, which boasts nearly 13,500 students and more than 135 undergraduate and graduate programs, would be another step for Tressel. Michael Slavens, the president of student government at Youngstown State for 2014-2015, says reaction to the Tressel's apparent hiring has been mixed on social media. "It's been very polarized," Slavens said. "People said they either really wanted Tressel, no matter what, or ... said he was the worst candidate and couldn't believe (university officials) would consider him." The new president faces a university in flux. Several other top administrative positions, including provost, are open and will need to be filled, Slavens points out. The student government leader said he thinks Tressel, as president, would excel at "being a cheerleader, the face of the university (because) he knows the area and donors" and expressed confidence he can craft "a vision" for Youngstown State and its future. If and when he is officially hired, Tressel will have lots of attention and, perhaps, momentum to get things done. "The fact that Tressel is coming back and it's getting people excited, I hope it helps in a meaningful way," said Slavens. "I hope he takes advantage of the hype that he has caused." Youngstown State has had two presidents over the past two years, not including its current interim leader. Sophomore Jordan Wolfe says that many in the Mahoning Valley are hoping Tressel can steady the ship and perhaps turn all the attention into a positive. But, at the same time, things could quickly turn south -- just like Tressel's time at Ohio State. "If Tressel can bring stability to YSU and bring in more donations, keeping tuition down, I'm for it," Wolfe said. "Do I think he has the potential to be a bust? Yes." | NEW: Student leader: Polarized reaction to Youngstown State offer to Tressel .
NEW: Sophomore says Tressel's hiring could be a success or a bust .
Tressel left as Ohio State's football coach under a cloud of controversy .
He has been in university administration roles since then . |
136,501 | 3c945f65f229693bde5e3b51f50ecc710cc69d01 | An adult store in Nashville almost lost two of its mannequins Tuesday when a car smashed through one of Hustler Hollywood's windows. The store, at 1400 Church St., was left with a broken pane and a pair of female mannequins hanging out of the store in their underwear. An adult store in Nashville almost lost two of its mannequins Tuesday when a car smashed through one of Hustler Hollywood's windows . No one was injured in the 6 a.m. accident. The Tennessean reports that traffic in the area had to be blocked off for cleanup. The chain of adult businesses has seen similar accidents at other locations. Racy window displays at a store in Oklahoma City have been blamed for a spike in the number of crashes in the surrounding area. The Hustler Hollywood store, which sells a wide variety of lingerie and sex toys, only opened on June 12 but since then police have reported eight crashes nearby. One man involved in a fender bender near the store contacted local TV news to complain about the ‘distracting’ displays. Racy window displays at the recently opened Hustler Hollywood store in Oklahoma City have been blamed for a spike in the number of crashes in the surrounding area . ‘I just had a minor fender bender looking at the mannequins in the window of the new Hustler Hollywood store,’ wrote Gary, who only provided KOCO with his first name and didn’t file a police report. ‘We both (drivers) agreed that it was going to cause lots of accidents.’ A spokesperson for Hustler denied there was anything overly provocative about the mannequins and described the display as tasteful and decent. Store management have said they have no plans to take them down. The Hustler Hollywood store in Oklahoma City, which sells a wide variety of lingerie and sex toys, only opened on June 12 but since then police have reported eight crashes nearby . A spokesperson for Hustler denied there was anything overly provocative about the mannequins and described the display as tasteful and decent . 'You see worse things walking in the mall and in the movies,' passing driver Diane Ray Sanders told KOCO. 'Tell distracted drivers to look at what’s going on in traffic and stop worrying about everything else.' Hustler Hollywood, part of Larry Flint’s Hustler empire, is described as 'an upscale, modern erotic boutique dedicated to providing a sophisticated shopping experience for the sexually curious.' The chain of 13 stores sell a selection of toys, erotica, . lingerie, shoes, apparel and novelties. The flagship store is in West Hollywood on the renowned Sunset Strip. Hustler Hollywood is described as 'an upscale, modern erotic boutique dedicated to providing a sophisticated shopping experience for the sexually curious' | Accident early Tuesday in Nashville left scantily clad mannequins hanging our of broken window .
Racy window displays at the chain's adult store in Oklahoma City have been blamed for a spike in the .
number of crashes .
A Hustler spokesperson has denied there is anything overly provocative about the mannequins and described the .
display as tasteful and decent . |
20,485 | 3a250c8df8a11872686113e12d95feebc03f5ed7 | London (CNN) -- I am pleased and relieved that the court in Paris finally found in my favor this week in my case against Google. With hundreds of pages of court documents, mainly generated by Google lawyers, you would have thought my case against them was complicated. It's not. The point is very simple. It concerns nine illegally acquired pictures which courts in the UK and France have previously ruled should not be shown. If someone posts one of these pictures somewhere in the world, Google's search engine will automatically find and display it. However Google will take the picture and its link down whenever they are asked to do so. As they themselves say, they have done this many times for me and for others. The problem is that having removed a picture following receipt of notice from me, their search simply replaces the picture with another taken from a different webpage. The images, which I fought so hard to establish were illegal, continually reappear courtesy of Google. Given that they are prepared to take a specific illegal picture down manually once it has been identified, why not do so automatically? They have the software to recognize specific pictures. Indeed they make the tool freely available on their homepage. So why not use it? They know exactly which pictures are involved because we have repeatedly identified them. All I was asking was that, automatically rather than manually, they stop displaying these specific and known pictures and providing links to them. This seemed to me an obvious and simple request. It is what the French court has now ordered them to do. It also seemed to me to be in Google's own interest. Surely they would not want the trouble of dealing manually with endless take-down requests when they already had the software to identify specific images and could block them automatically. Was this not exactly the sort of thing computers do and Google are particularly good at? It is very difficult to understand why Google should fight tooth and nail to resist doing automatically something they are fully prepared to do manually. To begin with, Google argued that they didn't have the software. Then they said, OK, they could develop the software but there was some great principle involved in blocking a picture, notwithstanding that they must already do this for indecent images of children and other illegal images and information. Then they said it might inadvertently block something legitimate -- obvious nonsense given that we are dealing with a small number of specific pictures. Then they tried to mix this up with cases where a person wanted something objectionable removed without a court decision. Then they suggested we were asking them to exercise judgment - again obvious nonsense given the court decisions that already existed about these specific pictures. Finally, they claimed they were defending free speech. But it's the courts which said the pictures were illegal and should not be shown, so the issue is the rule of law, not freedom of speech. I think that there is something seriously wrong with the culture at Google. The technical side is brilliant and extremely useful. There are some extraordinarily gifted people working on the technical side and coming up with ideas and then the software to exploit them. Yet the non-technical management, particularly in the legal department, seems to be irrational to the point of becoming adolescent. It's almost as if they refuse to do something entirely sensible, and which would save them and others time and trouble, for no better reason than that someone asked them to. In the end, it's about obeying the law and having respect for the rule of law. There is absolutely nothing wrong with observing the law automatically, quite the reverse. There must be some rational people at the top of Google. You would expect them to respect the rights of the individual once established in a court of law. They should insist their legal department do the same. But you may be wondering why I decided to fight the case when it was obvious the primary result would be to draw attention to precisely those pictures I wanted to get rid of. There are two reasons. First, unless the pictures are blocked automatically, I or my lawyers will have to monitor the web in perpetuity. Second, the principle that an individual is able to rely on the rule of law to enforce his or her rights is, I think, of fundamental importance. This should apply no matter who is the opponent or what their business. I hope that this judgment helps establish that principle in respect of online publications and that it may be of use to others in the future. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of Max Mosley. | French court orders search engine Google to remove Max Mosley orgy pictures .
Courts had previously ruled the images must not be shown .
Max Mosley: Images he fought to establish were illegal, continually reappear on Google .
I think there is something seriously wrong with the culture at Google - Mosley . |
191,090 | 837535b2eb997d92cd84952a72c297e4aaba3aae | Washington (CNN) -- A major immigration bill that would give millions of people living illegally in America a path to citizenship cleared a key legislative hurdle Tuesday when a strong Senate majority voted to open debate on it. The 82-15 vote, with most Republicans joining the chamber's Democratic majority in support, launched what was expected to be an arduous legislative journey for the 1,076-page measure. Both supporters and opponents expect the bill to pass the Senate despite fierce opposition from conservatives. However, one GOP foe said Tuesday the Republican-controlled House would defeat it in its current form due to the pathway to citizenship. The legislation addresses an emotionally charged issue with huge political stakes for both parties. President Barack Obama and Democrats want to fulfill a promise to Hispanic Americans, the nation's fastest-growing demographic and a key voting bloc, to address the limbo of the 11 million immigrants living illegally in the country. A few hours before Tuesday's vote, Obama tried to build momentum for the proposal at a White House event where he called it a commonsense approach to fix a broken system. 5 things to know about immigration reform . Addressing concerns of the measure's opponents, Obama emphasized it would increase spending on border security and require undocumented immigrants to pursue what could be a 13-year path to eventual citizenship. "You have to pass background checks, you have to learn English, you have to pay taxes and a penalty and then you have to go to the back of the line behind everybody who has done things the right way and have tried to come here legally," Obama said. Latino voters backed Obama over GOP nominee Mitt Romney by a 44-point margin last year, and Republican strategists are concerned about the party's long term viability in national elections if that trend holds. In the Senate, Republicans who forced Tuesday's procedural step that required at least 60 votes to launch debate on the immigration bill joined Democrats to easily surpass that threshold. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid warned that some Republicans had no intention of supporting the measure even though they voted to open the formal debate and will propose amendments during the upcoming debate. Opponents led by GOP Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas accused Democrats of insisting on the pathway to citizenship as part of the bill, knowing House conservatives won't accept it. The goal of Democrats is to secure a popular campaign issue with Hispanic voters for the 2014 mid-term election and 2016 presidential election, he said. Vermont senator revives debate over gay rights in immigration bill . "I think it's going to pass the U.S. Senate with a substantial margin," Cruz said. But "absent major revisions ... this bill will crash and burn in the House. And it is designed to do so." Polls show many Americans favor some form of immigration policy overhaul, depending on the details of legislation. The bipartisan proposal before Senate was hammered out this spring by the so-called "Gang of Eight" senators -- four Democrats and four Republicans. Some congressional conservatives call opposing the "Gang of Eight" plan a matter of principle and say they won't bend. Many consider any measure offering a path to citizenship tantamount to amnesty for those who entered the country illegally. In addition, concerns about whether the bill will tighten security along the nation's porous borders, as asserted by backers of the plan, may make it difficult for conservatives to support it -- especially those up for re-election next year. "The bill grants permanent legal status to millions of undocumented immigrants, as currently written, without really any guarantee of securing the border. Now, how would that possibly be a good idea?" asked Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, the chamber's No. 2 Republican, who voted Tuesday for opening debate. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, a member of the bipartisan "Gang of Eight" who is considered a possible GOP presidential contender in 2016, argued that doing nothing amounts to what he called a "de facto amnesty" for immigrants currently living illegally in America. House working on its own plan . At the same time, Rubio -- a popular conservative of Hispanic descent -- has made it clear that border security requirements must be toughened if he and other GOP skeptics will support it. He is pushing an amendment that would make Congress, not the executive branch, responsible for deciding if security metrics at the border have been met before other aspects of the reform bill -- including the pathway to citizenship -- are triggered. Because Rubio's support is so critical, other members of the bipartisan group have hinted they likely will back his proposal even though they are reluctant to make major changes to their original compromise. The vote on the Rubio amendment will be one of the most closely watched as floor action unfolds over the next three weeks. Other planned amendments will involve stepped-up security checks of people entering the country, temporary visas for high- and low-skilled workers, and other technical provisions. Obama says no one will get everything . In a rare display of unity, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, union leaders and other interest groups have come out in support of the Senate plan. Advocates for comprehensive reform won the first major legislative victory last month when the Senate Judiciary Committee voted 13-5 to approve the "Gang of Eight" plan. Democratic leaders hope to have a Senate vote on final passage by the end of June. A bipartisan group has been working on a separate immigration plan in the House, but the effort suffered a setback last week when a key member dropped out of the negotiations. Previous efforts to pass immigration reform fell short last decade even though it was said to be a priority of President George W. Bush. Now Obama has made the issue a major priority of his second term. Key senator endorses plan . | NEW: GOP Sen. Cruz says the bill as written will pass the Senate but not the House .
Senate Democrats, Republicans vote overwhelmingly to allow debate .
President Obama urges Congress to pass the bipartisan Senate measure .
The would create a 13-year path to citizenship; some conservatives call it amnesty . |
213,365 | a04efbfb5a542425a2048b6b9afef80df0ab07dc | By . Rob Waugh . PUBLISHED: . 11:41 EST, 4 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:42 EST, 4 July 2012 . In any normal race, the car would be disqualified instantly - not only is it made of cardboard and plywood, it's also powered by explosive hydrogen. But the Shell Eco-Marathon is a hotbed for wacky vehicles - and the plywood car, designed by students at Aston University in Birmingham, is a hot contender. It drew up on the starting grid alongside other eco-friendly vehicles in Kuala Lumpur today. The chassis of the car was constructed using a plywood and cardboard honeycomb composite - it was entered into a race this week . The car was entered in the Shell Eco-Marathon 2012 . A team of students from Birmingham's Aston University designed the wooden vehicle . 'The car we are building will be entered into the 'urban concept' category and will be powered by a Nexa Ballard Hydrogen Fuel Cell,' says the team of students behind the vehicle. 'As . it's an eco-marathon, we are trying to be as sustainable as possible in . the entire design of the car- making the chassis out of cardboard and . plywood and using bio-resin infused fibres for body panels.' The car was built by a team of undergraduate Engineering and Design students in Birmingham, UK. It has already won a design award in a competition against 200 design teams from 24 different universities. Their innovative car, which runs on hydrogen, has a body . made from cardboard sandwiched between plywood certified by the British . Forestry Commission. Its tyre covers are made from bio-resin, infused . with hessian fibres, with the whole structure collapsible for easy . delivery. The car entered the Shell Eco-Marathon 2012 - the way to win is to design a vehicle that can travel as far as possible on a limited amount of fuel . Teams line up on the track for a group photo on day one of the Shell Eco-marathon Challenge Asia at Sapang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday, July 4, 2012 . Other competitors in this year's Shell Eco Marathon include a streamlined vehicle that can do 584mpg. Called the Lamina – it was built by a . team of engineers from the California Polytechnic State University. It’s powered by a modified Honda generator and can hit 25mph flat out. Its low fuel consumption is partly achieved by coasting. Slow and steady: Lamina will get you far - but can only reach 25mph . The power plant: Lamina's engine is a modified Honda generator . Wheel-y clever: The Lamina demonstrates that gas-guzzling is strictly necessary . | Vehicle made of plywood and cardboard has hessian tyres .
Powered by hydrogen fuel cell .
Racing against other 'eco cars' in Shell race in Kuala Lumpur . |
223,511 | ad5c1706c96c8deda4d6d20f1fab00873c2cb0c2 | (CNN) -- An inch of rain doesn't sound like a lot. But in parts of the flooded Midwest, it's enough to make a bad situation worse. In Illinois on Tuesday, residents braced for the extra inch, which will delay any reduction in floodwaters that have ravaged dozens of counties, forcing thousands of residents from their homes. As rivers across the heartland swelled during the past two weeks, rising water was blamed for four deaths. Flooding threatens rivers in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, North Dakota, Mississippi and Michigan, according to the National Weather Service. Along the mighty Mississippi, flood watches stretch as far south as Louisiana. Although flooding is expected all along the river, experts don't expect the catastrophic levels of two years ago, when levees were breached. The flooding was so grave in 2011 that authorities purposely flooded thousands of square miles of Louisiana to spare city centers. Residents in North Dakota are bracing for flooding, too, as the overflowing Red River flows toward Fargo. The city has begun a three-day push to truck sandbags into low-lying areas. Police cars are escorting the semi-trailer trucks as they head to the locations, CNN affiliate KVLY reported. Conditions could get worse: Additional rain could speed up the melting of snow, making the river rise even faster. Starlynn Winchell stared Tuesday as the Illinois River rushed up against her home in Spring Bay, Illinois. "The more I see the water come up, the more I'll cry," she said. At least six rivers in northern Illinois have surged to record levels in recent days after the area was deluged with 5 inches of rain. Flooding in Illinois alone has displaced thousands and prompted Gov. Pat Quinn to declare 44 counties as disaster areas. In Peoria, residents may have narrowly missed a crisis. The Illinois River is forecast to crest Tuesday afternoon at 29.4 feet, a record height. At 30 feet, the water would have topped a levee at a sewage treatment plant -- sending raw sewage spilling into the river. The good news is the flooding won't be as bad because of last year's drought. "Experts told us the drought might have helped us a little bit," said Patti Thompson, a spokeswoman with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. "We did have so much more capacity for the water to be absorbed into the ground." Thompson said the state was in variety of stages of dealing with the high water. Some counties were seeing water starting to recede and could start cleanup, while others were working feverishly to strengthen protection measures. Those areas expect to see rising river levels for the next several days, she said. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency there after many areas of the state were stricken by flash flooding. "The sustained periods of heavy rainfall (have) swollen creeks and streams and is pushing the Mississippi River over flood levels, endangering river communities," Nixon said. Winchell, the Spring Bay resident, said her northern Illinois town of fewer than 500 has been devastated. The deluge in her trailer community began Sunday, she said, when floodwaters submerged her home and about 40 others. By Monday, dark, murky water had risen to some homes' doorsteps. Flooding has cut Winchell off from access to her home. "Yesterday, I cried all day," she said. Brad Lohman, who owns a bar in the town, was also hit hard. "It's kind of emotional to see this situation, and it's a bad deal," he said, looking at the waters that rose close to window level. Lohman worked at the bar when he was a teenager and eventually bought it. But this flood may be the end. He doubts he can reopen. "I think it's going be a total loss," he said, "I really do." The rain and flooding caused three deaths last week and a fourth Sunday, local authorities and news media reported. In DuPage County, Illinois, a body was found floating in Salt Creek last week, the local sheriff's office said. Authorities were working to identify it. A woman in De Soto, Missouri, drowned last week after her vehicle washed off a road, CNN affiliate KSDK reported. Two fatalities were reported in Arcadia, Indiana. On Thursday, a 64-year-old man died after attempting to cross high water in his car. The water swept him off a roadway and dragged him downstream, Hamilton County Sheriff's Office said. CNN's Jim Spellman contributed to this report. | NEW: Illinois official says flooding could have been worse if not for drought .
Rain delays a reduction in water levels in areas hit hard by flooding .
Fargo, North Dakota, is preparing for flooding .
The rain and flooding have caused four deaths, local authorities and news media say . |
256,384 | d7d96d83409d5226ecc7ffaae45ee5bb87bb86c3 | (CNN) -- You might have heard the World Cup is about to start. Turn on any television set in any country and it won't be long before you're being bombarded by a relentless stream of World Cup adverts as manufacturers seek to cash in on football's greatest sporting event, which is held every four years. "There seems to be a new one every day, it's relentless," M&C Saatchi Sport & Entertainment CEO Steve Martin told CNN, reflecting on the advertising drive. "It seems every time you turn on the TV there's a World Cup advert," added Martin. "It's called the World Cup for a reason and it tends to cut across all countries and all markets. "The danger for a lot of brands jumping on the bandwagon is they're not part of it, but I think there's a very savvy audience now that knows who's jumping on the bandwagon and who isn't." Here is CNN's guide to 10 World Cup-related adverts. 10. Adidas' $84 million advert replicates a Hollywood movie trailer with the likes of Argentina's Lionel Messi and Uruguay's Luis Suarez filmed in a range of locations from the Copacabana beach to a German forest. Messi and co. are depicted preparing for the World Cup, before they eventually arrive in Brazil and take to the field for a game of football. "I don't think the bigger companies (like Adidas) shy away from making more touching adverts (than just a game of football), but I just think because they are pure football brands, pure sports brands, they have to take an approach that falls in line with that, while doing so in an entertaining way," said Martin. 9. British broadcaster BBC's inspiration derives from Toy Story, with its short film showing four football figures -- one voiced by England great Gary Lineker -- escaping from a toy box and attempting to reach the World Cup in Brazil. Divided into separate installments, the ad attempts to reawaken that little child in all of us that struggles to sleep at night due to the sheer anticipation and excitement as the greatest show on earth edges ever closer. "There's nothing bigger than the World Cup, it transcends everything and all audiences," Martin says. "I think it's an opportunity for brands to be part of that conversation to get the very big audiences." 8. The majority of advertising campaigns look to please as many people as possible with the aim of convincing them that their brand is the be-all and end-all. Puma, however, has gone for a more confrontational approach. "El Fantasma del 50 ya esta en Brasil" -- "The 1950 Ghost is in Brazil" -- plays on the host's darkest sporting hour when they failed to win the 1950 World Cup, with Uruguay winning the event. In less than a minute, a Uruguayan ghost manages to frighten half of Rio de Janeiro, and in the process adds further fuel to an already heated rivalry. Strong stuff, but has Puma succeeded in alienating Brazil's 200 million inhabitants? 7. Supporters adore their players and the players themselves have a mutual love for their fans -- or so we are led to believe. ING Belgium's three-minute film depicts the Red Devils' squad messing about -- think Eden Hazard on triangle and Kevin Mirallas on cowbells -- and generally having a whale of a time with their fans. The advert's payoff comes in the shape of Mousa Dembele and Jan Vertonghen playing a practical joke on Vincent Kompany. 6. Conjured up on a similarly-grand scale to the Adidas offering, Nike treats us to a game of football played out by a bunch of very good players. Sound familiar? The match starts off as a kickabout between friends, before morphing into the more familiar game taking place in front of thousands of screaming fans. Cristiano Ronaldo's girlfriend and the Incredible Hulk are on hand to inject some humor. "It's become this great on-pitch battle, the battle of the brands around the World Cup and everybody looks forward to it from a brand perspective," said Martin. "It's really interesting territory as everybody almost can't wait to see what's around the corner from all the brands." said Martin. 5. The beautiful thing about the beautiful game is that it can be played by anyone, anywhere, as long of course, you have a ball. Fast food company McDonald's has picked up the theme for its World Cup offering, showing -- in various locations around the world -- people from all walks of life presenting their footballing tricks to the camera. So rather than allowing the usual big-name players to take all the glory, we have the likes of a young boy, an old man and a woman in high heels playing the starring roles. What's more, there's not a single Big Mac in sight. 4. Nike and Adidas may battle it out each year for the title of who can produce the biggest football advert on the grandest of scales, but they now have a new challenger -- Beats by Dre. You could be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled upon a Brazilian cinematic thriller as this advert -- entitled "The Game Before The Game"-- gets underway. Brazil star Neymar's father opens proceedings by handing down some advice to his son on the eve of the World Cup, while we are treated to some jaw-dropping shots of Rio de Janeiro. With the big kickoff fast approaching, players and fans alike are shown preparing in a brooding film that suggests half the battle of a football match is won in the head. "You expect it from the big brands, but I think we're going to see some more clever and more imaginative work coming out over the next few weeks," said Martin. "More and more companies are now getting involved." 3. Chilean beer Cristal goes for the horror genre in its advertising campaign. With Chile up against it in Brazil 2014's "Group of Death" -- also featuring Spain, Netherlands and Australia -- Cristal tries to offer the nation a helping hand. Over three different adverts, an opposing supporter is given the creeps in the comforts of their own homes, before the slogan "Chile is scary" appears. Assuming that Chile will advance to the knockout stages, a fourth advert has been created, with fans of such nations from England to Japan the next to be started up. 2. Mobile phone company Movistar goes one step further than ING Belgium in attempting to break down that barrier between players and supporters. Spain stars Xabi Alonso, Andres Iniesta, Santi Cazorla, Pepe Reina and Juanfran are all given a makeover to disguise themselves before they go off to work with ordinary people in a range of differing professions. We see Iniesta working in a restaurant kitchen, Alonso helping out at a hospital and Santi Cazorla working as a gardener in a film made as a tribute to the population of Spain. Backed with the motto "we will make an effort for you," Real Madrid's Alonso touchingly shaves an aging man in hospital. "I like the idea a lot, and it's a clear example of getting it spot-on," said Martin. "You can get it spot on like this one, or it can easily be a hit-and-miss. The ones that are more creative and have a bit more of a storyline to them are more real." 1. The miners of the 2010 Copiapo mining accident are Banco de Chile's inspiration for its offering as "Los 32" -- a member of the original "Los 33" was actually Bolivian -- rally the troops ahead of the World Cup. Miners' spokesman Mario Sepulveda offers a rousing call to arms and urges his compatriots not to fear Chile's "Group of Death." Pathos is added with images of the miners' time trapped underground and their eventual rescue, not to mention an epic soundtrack and setting. "You've got to be smart, you've got to be creative and you've got to be able to tap into people's passions in a credible way (when making an advert), as opposed to just throwing ideas and content out there which can turn you off very quickly," said Martin. "But do it right and you can make people buy into it and make them feel very emotional about the content that they've seen, like this advert does. "What's nice about the Chilean advert is it adds real emotion and a human touch to things that aren't fantasy land, while it remains pretty grounded. And as a result it gives you goose pimples when you watch it." Read more in our Flipboard World Cup Glories magazine . | Television screens filled with World Cup adverts .
Advertisers keen to cash in given football is world's most popular sport .
Marketing battle played out across digital as well as television . |
24,674 | 45f5efe070e3b122a32c0b3ae321b9547369d3b5 | Dr Carl Djerassi, the chemist who developed the birth control pill, died aged 91 on Friday . Girls today take it for granted. A rite of passage into adulthood, a hygienic routine, almost a human right. For the great majority, the modern low-dose oral contraceptive arouses little wonder, creates no health anxieties and raises no eyebrows (unless the taker is scandalously far below the age of consent). The Catholic Church still forbids it and some stay faithful to that rule, but as one Irish friend observed ironically: 'It's astonishing how often the Good Lord sends us Catholic families just two babies.' The Pill, in short, is no longer a marvel. Indeed, any young woman who watches Call The Midwife, the BBC TV drama set in the Fifties, will, at some point, ask: 'Why on earth do these women living in hovels with hordes of small children keep having more babies?' To modern eyes, pregnancy is a simple choice. Few women who take the Pill, until reports of his death last Friday at the age of 91, would have known that this can largely be credited to one man, the chemist Carl Djerassi. He arrived in the U.S. as a penniless refugee from Nazi-occupied Vienna, and was himself a virgin when he married at 19. In later years, after his invention, he reflected that — without meaning to — he had sparked a social, as well as a scientific, revolution: not to mention a financial splash as his pharmaceutical company broke records on Wall Street. This major breakthrough in human development, as so often happens, was an accident. In 1951, he was working on an arthritis drug when he discovered a way to make synthetic progestogen — mimicking the female sex hormone known as 'nature's contraceptive' and so preventing ovulation. No egg released, no pregnancy. The first pills were tough stuff, and takers had side-effects: nausea, weight gain and in some cases there was raised blood pressure (I knew one woman who nearly died). Gradually, synthetic oestrogen was added and refinements produced the low-dose combined pills of today. It was in 1960 that Britain got the Pill: it was hailed as a breakthrough, not for general sexual liberation but for domestic and family harmony. Pregnancies now could be spaced out and planned for. The Pill sparked a social, as well as a scientific, revolution and it was hailed as a breakthrough for domestic and family harmony . The old latex contraceptive barriers could be discarded with relief, though a few women mistrusted chemicals and stayed with the good old diaphragm. Initially, the Pill was used only by married women. It wasn't until 1964 that clinics and doctors agreed to prescribe it for single women and young girls. And even a few years later, when I got my first prescription, the family planning clinic was an ordeal. Although some of my 1968 college intake boasted that their mums had 'put them' on the Pill, outside that Chelsea bubble, the truth is that the Swinging Sixties didn't really get going until well into the Seventies. So in a small-town clinic you were still questioned closely about the seriousness of your relationship (it was assumed you had just one) and offered embarrassing advice by a stern nurse. I had one memorably excruciating moment: I disgraced myself in the clinic by clumsily dropping the instructional plastic model of the reproductive system and having to crawl under a table to find a lost fallopian tube. T he next day, after taking my first Pill, I went in to work at the local radio station and my first job was to interview a family planning nurse. The same nurse. We avoided one another's eyes. Djerassi came to understand that he was partly responsible for a sexual revolution: in his book This Man's Pill, he said that the invention made him more interested in how science affects society. Though, he said: 'The explosion was much faster than anyone expected.' The first pills were tough stuff, and takers had side-effects: nausea, weight gain and in some cases there was raised blood pressure . Interestingly, he was fiercely opposed by feminists including Germaine Greer. He recalled some 'unusually bitter exchanges' with her and accepted that some women thought he was to be distrusted as a patriarchal male scientist who was poisoning women with chemicals so men could have their way with them. As for the idea of a male Pill, he memorably said: 'Scientifically, we solved that a number of years ago. But . . . would you, as a woman, put your entire reproductive risk in the trust that he has remembered his Pill?' Good point. And it is the social, psychological consequences we have to reflect on now. Whenever science puts a new tool into the hands of humans — whether it's dynamite, gunpowder, the internet or the Pill — there will be both good and bad ways we use it. The huge benefits of protection from unexpected, unwanted pregnancy are obvious, not only for the young and single. We have lost the stigma of illegitimacy — and good riddance, I am just old enough to remember the era of shame — but even now a missed period can produce heart-shaking horror. A career, a life-plan, a relationship melt before your eyes: the idea of termination is instinctively abhorrent to many, but there is real misery in feeling your body being hijacked, taken over by an uncontrollable alien process you weren't braced for. Before the Pill, remember, that often happened — even to the most instinctively 'moral' girls. We all make mistakes. (Incidentally, Djerassi himself ruefully admitted of his second marriage: 'I, the person who synthesised the first Pill, married another woman because I got her pregnant.' He later had a vasectomy.) But it also became clear that men would take it for granted that women were using the Pill. By the mid-Seventies, the assumption was growing that if a woman wasn't 'fixed up', there was something weird about her. Previously, the risk of pregnancy had at least made it easier for an unwilling girl, even a girl in love, to say 'no' to full sex. It offered a breather, a chance to slow down courtship (what a forgotten word that is) and ask, as in The Shirelles song: 'Is this a lasting treasure, or just a moment's pleasure?' The pressure to 'do it' anyway grew as the Pill became a norm. he was working on an arthritis drug when he discovered a way to make synthetic progestogen, pictured is Dr Djerassi in 1940 . I remember being indignantly told it was 'selfish' not to give in to a particular lad, as if women's bodies were a natural resource it was mean to hoard. That's human nature. It is daft to overstate the 'damage to moral fabric' argument. Djerassi himself admitted that the sexual revolution — the separation of sex-for-babies and sex-for-fun — began before his discovery, and would probably have rolled on anyway, though more slowly. But there is no point denying he speeded it up. A nd that alongside the joy and ease and intimacy and happiness of liberated sex, there has been anxiety and unease and a nasty notion — now at least challenged by young feminists — that women's bodies are a commodity for men's convenience, and that sex, that most marvellous of connections, need not involve any intimacy or trust or faith on either side. The Pill has had one other effect, which no one thought about much at the time, but which now ticks like a time-bomb in the heart of every bright professional woman. The phrase 'family planning' and the rarity of surprise-babies nowadays has deceived too many of us into taking it literally. Djerassi predicted a future when his own invention would become redundant, with men and women doing away with the need for contraception altogether by being sterilised — withdrawing their frozen eggs and sperm from a 'bank' when they were ready to have a child via IVF. Already it is easy to assume that we can put off babies until our 40s, or even 50s, and trust science to give nature a hand. But it doesn't always work. The fact is, the ferocious, uncontrollable, youthful fertility which once bred panic does fade, over long years of contraception. And sometimes, it gets too late to have a baby. But these issues aside, may Carl Djerassi rest in peace. On balance, he gave a great thing to womankind and fearless happiness to millions of honest lovers. As with all inventions, it's up to us to use it wisely. | Dr Carl Djerassi, who developed birth control pill, died aged 91 on Friday .
Chemist's creation sparked a social, as well as a scientific, revolution .
His pharmaceutical company also broke records on Wall Street .
But the pressure to 'do it' anyway grew as the Pill became a norm . |
262,267 | dfb2d07e5343b3710fd23f7e7b7f2251762baba2 | As a self appointed icon of style, it's no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo arrived fashionably late for the World Cup party in Brazil. Portugal became the last team to to touch down for the tournament after landing at Viracopos airport in Campinas on Wednesday - the day before the curtain is raised on the greatest show on earth. Ronaldo and his teammates still have one week to acclimatise to conditions with their opening game against Germany set to take place on June 16. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch Ronaldo and Pepe take jumping challenge . Fashionably late: Cristiano Ronaldo arrives in Brazil for the World Cup with Portugal teammates . Nice bag! The Real Madrid superstar carries off his blinged up hand luggage after arriving in Campinas . Water way to go! The Portugal airplane is given a welcome shower on arrival . Late arrivals: Portugal became the last World Cup to arrive for the tournament in Brazil . Plane sailing: Cristiano Ronaldo thanks the pilot for the safe journey as he leaves the aircraft . With his cap on backwards and wearing glasses, Ronaldo took his first few steps in Brazil on with no sign of the left leg injuries that have troubled the world player of the year's buildup. Ronaldo strolled off Portugal's plane as the squad flew in a day after a 5-1 friendly win over Ireland in the United States. The victory was his comeback game after being sidelined for two few weeks with tendinitis in the knee and a thigh problem, both in his left leg. The Portuguese captain and playmaker lifted his hand and coolly pointed his finger to acknowledge fans who called out "Ronaldo!" as he made his way across the tarmac at an airport near Campinas, a city around 100 kilometers (60 miles) north of Brazil's business capital Sao Paulo. Portugal will be based in Campinas. On the other side of the runway, construction workers in red uniforms abandoned their jobs temporarily and lined up along a fence, straining their eyes to try and catch a glimpse of the Real Madrid star. Luck number: Cristiano Ronaldo walks past an airport hostess carrying a customised CR7 Portugal backpack . Plenty of time: Cristiano Ronaldo and Miguel Veloso (R) still have seven days before their opening game . last one out: Portugal coach Paulo Bento follows the players off the plane . Ronaldo . started the easy win over the Irish in New Jersey on Tuesday night and . played 65 minutes, easing fears over his fitness for Portugal's opening . game against Germany on Monday. Defender Fabio Coentrao said that . victory in Portugal's final tuneup was an important boost. 'Of course, a 5-1 victory has given us a lot of confidence,' Coentrao said. Coach . Paulo Bento, who led the players off the plane wearing a team . tracksuit, didn't talk directly about Ronaldo's return from injury in . East Rutherford, his first game since the May 24 Champions League final. Bento did say said there was a general feeling of ease in the camp. 'We . are trying to rest as much as we can but still we have to be ready for . the first game that we play," Bento said. "We have come through a . process and we have had some difficulties at certain points. It has been . a bit more complicated than usual but we have made it.' He's back! Ronaldo managed 66 minutes during Portugal's final warm up game against Ireland in New Jersey . Demolition job: Hugo Almeida (L) celebrates after scoring in Portugal's 5-1 thrashing of Irealnd . On track: Ronaldo failed to score but did provide assists and hit the post with a free-kick in the warm up game . The coach also called for some local support for his team. To . encourage that and to get off on the right foot, Portugal's plane flew . the Portuguese and Brazilian flags side by side out of the window of the . cockpit as it taxied toward the parking bay. We hope for, we wish for and we desire the support of the Brazilian people," Bento told reporters on the tarmac. Portugal faces Germany, the United States and Ghana in Group G. | Portugal became the last team to arrive in Brazil for the World Cup .
All eyes were on Cristiano Ronaldo as plane touched down in Campinas .
Real Madrid superstar appears to have overcome recent injury problems .
Ronaldo played for 66mins in Portugal's 5-1 destruction of Ireland .
Portigal share Group G with Germany, Ghana and USA . |
256,464 | d7f502c6a7950301abbc385e002f6793a7bc993a | By . Martin Robinson . The Royal Marine who murdered a Taliban fighter should not be shown any clemency for his 'heinous crime', the head of the Armed Forces has said. The 39-year-old commando – known only . as Marine A – carried out the ‘field execution’ when he and two others . found the injured man and he then shot him in the chest. General Sir Nick Houghton believes that the gravity of the crime means he must be severely punished. 'Murder is murder, . this is a heinous crime. No serviceman or woman is above the law', he said. Challenge: Blackman and four other Marines investigated over the killing said their names should not be public . Marine A killed . the insurgent near the end of a ‘tour from hell’, during which 23 . servicemen from 3 Commando Brigade were killed and the Taliban hung the . limbs of maimed British troops in trees as ‘trophies’. Senior figure: Head of the Armed Forces General Houghton said not severely punishing murders would 'erode the moral ascendancy over our enemies' Not punishing him would severely 'erode the moral ascendancy over our enemies', General Houghton said. ‘It would be quite wrong for the armed forces to adopt some special pleading, some sort of exemption,' he said. ‘If . we try to put ourselves beyond the law or expect special provision from . the law, then we start to erode the position where we have a moral . ascendancy over those who are our enemies. Those in authority over the armed forces should not request any form of leniency... we should be . immaculate in these respects.’ Lord . Guthrie, a former Chief of the Defence Staff, agreed and said: ‘The military . should observe the highest standards, and if some crime is committed, . like everybody else they should pay the price. Murder is murder.’ Marine A was found guilty by a court . martial of shooting the injured insurgent in the chest at close range . with a 9mm pistol, then taunting him: ‘Shuffle off this mortal coil, you . c***.’ He was convicted after a two-and-a-half week trial of slaying the insurgent on September 15, 2011. He will be sentenced on December 6 and could face life in prison. His . badly injured victim was found with an AK-47 assault rifle and grenade . following an attack on a British base. He denied murder, claiming he . thought the insurgent was already dead. He is the first serviceman to be convicted of murder on active . service abroad since the Second World War. His closest friends and family maintain that his killing was out of character. A family friend told the Mail: ‘We know him and the shooting was not him, it wasn’t in character. He is keeping positive.’ Harrowing: Video from a Marine's helmet camera was shown at the court martial, which captured the moment Blackman murdered the Taliban soldier in this field . Footage: The recording hears the group dragging the man's injured body with the Marines apparently joking about refusing to give first aid . Relatives of troops who died as they served alongside Marine A in 42 . Commando criticised the military authorities for prosecuting him. One . bereaved father said the decision was ‘inappropriate’. Others said the . unique psychological pressures of war should be taken into account. Retired . Colonel Mike Dewar said it was important to ‘make exceptions for . soldiers in extraordinary circumstances’. He added: ‘This is a . completely different environment to a cold-blooded murder in normal . circumstances.’ The sergeant, a 15-year veteran who . served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, is preparing a . last-ditch legal bid to block the release of his name. His . legal team plan to appeal against a ruling to lift the anonymity order, . claiming it breached the commando’s human rights by putting him and his . family at risk of revenge attacks. But . campaigners have warned that letting a convicted murderer hide behind a . veil of secrecy would seriously undermine the principle of open . justice. Murderers are usually named by the courts. Some . senior retired commanders, including Major General Julian Thompson, who . led the elite commandos in the Falklands War, have called for leniency . when Marine A is sentenced. | Marine A, 39, executed a Taliban fighter after Apache helicopter attack .
Sir Nick Houghton says: 'murder is murder' and leniency would be 'wrong'
Marine was convicted after a trial at Bulford Military Court last week .
He will be sentenced on December 6 and could be jailed for life .
Several senior officials have called for leniency from the court martial panel . |
138,751 | 3f70b69bbacc0e77ef5c2ae29baab10be2d7a2c7 | (CNN) -- Acclaimed space drama "Gravity" leads the nominations for this year's British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) with rival movies "12 Years a Slave" and "American Hustle" close on its heels. The three films will compete for the Best Film award, alongside "Captain Phillips" and "Philomena," at the BAFTA red carpet ceremony in London on February 16. Click here for a full list of BAFTA nominations. Director Alfonso Cuaron's "Gravity" -- starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney as astronauts adrift in space -- has 11 nominations, including those for best actress for Bullock, cinematography, original screenplay and outstanding British film. "12 Years a Slave" and "American Hustle" follow close behind with 10 nominations each. "American Hustle's" David O. Russell is nominated as best director while Christian Bale and Amy Adams are up for best actor and actress awards for their roles as con-artists forced to work with a federal agent on a sting. Awards tracker . Director Steve McQueen is also in contention, for his "12 Years A Slave," about a free black man kidnapped and forced into slavery in 19th century America. Chiwetel Ejiofor is nominated for best actor for his role in the film and his co-stars Michael Fassbender and Lupita Nyong'O score nominations in the best supporting actor and actress categories. "Captain Phillips" notches up nine nominations, including best actor for Tom Hanks, in the title role. The film is based on the true story of the attempted hijacking of a ship captained by Richard Phillips off the coast of Somalia in 2009. In other films based on real life events, Matt Damon is nominated for best supporting actor for his role as the boyfriend of flamboyant singer Liberace in "Behind the Candelabra." The biopic, which was released in cinemas in the UK, is up for five awards in BAFTA's film section after its U.S. release on television channel HBO made it ineligible for an Oscar. Special coverage: Awards Season 2014 . Damon's co-star Michael Douglas went on to win an Emmy television award for outstanding lead actor for playing the singer. Leonardo DiCaprio has also been BAFTA-nominated for best actor for his role in "The Wolf of Wall Street," which has three nominations in total, as does "Philomena" -- including best actress for Judi Dench. Read more: Awards Season 101 . Read more: 'Gravity' is a human film, Bullock says . Read more: 'Slave,' 'Hustle' dominate Golden Globe nominations . | Films nominated for the British Academy Film Awards announced .
Director Alfonso Cuaron's "Gravity" nominated for 11 BAFTAs .
"12 Years a Slave" and "American Hustle" each scored 10 nominations .
Award winners will be announced at a red carpet ceremony on February 16 . |
144,724 | 472e654ff30b42634cd83086bad26dd0910877cd | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 21:20 EST, 10 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:03 EST, 11 December 2012 . The woman accused of befriending a . $30million lottery winner, swindling him of his cash and then killing him was last night sentenced to life in prison. Dorice 'Dee Dee' Moore, 40, was convicted of first-degree murder, after she killed Florida lottery winner Abraham Shakespeare. She became close to Abraham by claiming she was writing a book about him. Shakespeare's body was found under a concrete slab behind a home detectives say was owned by Moore's ex-boyfriend in Hillsborough County. He had been shot twice. Convicted: Dorice 'Dee Dee' Moore will spend her life in prison after murdering lottery winner Abraham Shakespeare . Heartless: Judge Emmett Battles said Moore was 'the most manipulative person' he had ever seen and described her as 'cold, calculating and cruel' Emotional: Shakespeare's sister Linette Williams, center, breaks down in tears during Moore's trial . At the hearing, Moore showed little emotion as the verdict was read, and Judge Emmett Battles said that she was 'the most manipulative person' he had ever seen and described her as 'cold, calculating and cruel.' Moore was also briefly banned from the courtroom over concerns that she may have threatened jurors. She was back a short time . later for closing arguments, but said she did not want to take the stand in . order to protect her family. Moore is accused of killing Shakespeare, of Polk County, in April 2009. He won a $30million lottery jackpot in 2006. Prosecutors said the 40-year-old Moore befriended Shakespeare in late 2008, . claiming she was writing a book about how people were taking advantage of him. They claim Moore later became his financial adviser, eventually controlling . every asset he had left after his death, including an expensive home, the debt owed to him and a . $1.5 million annuity. 'She got every bit of his money,' said Assistant State . Attorney Jay Pruner in closing arguments. 'He found out about it and threatened . to kill her. She killed him first.' Charged: Moore pictured after her arrest in 2010 (left) and her alleged victim, Abraham Shakespeare, a 43-year-old truck driver (right) Hillsborough . Sheriff David Gee alleged that she tried to dodge suspicion by using . Shakespeare's phone to send family members text messages saying he was . OK and also writing letters pretending to be him, according to 10 News. Moore denied the murder and says she took over Shakespeare's assets, about $3.5million and a mansion, authorities say, so he could get away from people pestering him for money. 'The money was like a curse to him. And . now it's become a curse to me,' Moore told reporters in 2010. 'God knows . I would never take another human being's life.' But investigators claim Moore turned to a man called Greg Smith to cover up the crime. Smith was already signed up as a sheriff's informant and was working with detectives to get close to her and gather information. Sheriff Gee alleged Moore trusted him so much that she asked him for help to find a prisoner willing to . take the blame for killing Shakespeare in exchange for $50,000. During jury selection, a pool of 100 prospective jurors was screened yesterday. 10 . News reported that more than half raised their hand when asked if they . were familiar with the case and will now each have to be quizzed on the . extent of their knowledge of the case. Mr. Shakespeare collected his massive lottery check with his family by his side in 2006 . Ms Moore used these leggy photos of herself on social media websites . After his win Shakespeare, a 43-year-old truck driver, won a court challenge from a fellow trucker who accused him of snatching the winning ticket out of his wallet while the two were delivering meat to Miami restaurants. Shakespeare's family reported him missing in November 2009, telling the Polk County sheriff's office they hadn't seen him since April. Speaking at the time, Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said when their investigation began they had hoped to find Shakespeare alive. When the body was found, his brother Robert Brown was quoted by 10 News as saying: 'I'm missing my little brother, what ain't gonna be back no more. 'Dead and gone, and everything. He ain't coming back.' | Dorice 'Dee Dee' Moore sentenced to life in prison for murder of Abraham Shakespeare .
The lottery winner's body was found under a slab of concrete in 2009 .
Detectives obtained CCTV of her buying plastic sheeting and duct tape .
Site of burial was owned by Moore's ex-boyfriend, detectives say . |
33,732 | 5fefde152862800dd8aff6c3725fdde4f9a80bb5 | A piece of graffiti featuring the names of three young sisters who may have fallen victim to the 1515 plague has been discovered on the wall of a medieval church. The names of Cateryn, Jane and Amee Maddyngley were found scrawled near the front door of All Saint's and St Andrew's Church in Kingston, near Cambridge, by amateur archaeologists. The writing, which features their names and date, shows they left their mark on the village church in 1515 – as the country was hit by an outbreak of the bubonic plague. The medieval graffiti, showing the names of Cateryn, Jane and Amee Maddyngley (pictured), was discovered on a wall of All Saint's and St Andrew's Church in Kingston, near Cambridge, by by amateur archaeologists . The markings of Cateryn, Jane and Amee Maddyngley (pictured with the markings coloured in) stretch back to 1515 and have been discovered for the first time by Norfolk and Suffolk Medieval Graffiti Survey volunteers . It was found hidden under lime wash which was removed by Norfolk and Suffolk Medieval Graffiti Survey volunteers. Archaeologist Matt Champion said the three girls were almost certainly children because their names have not been listed as adults in any parish records. Other records reveal that members of their family were tenant farmers who had lived in Kingston since at least 1279. Centuries ago it was common for individuals to scrawl their names in churches as they were unable to afford memorials. Mr Champion, who is working with a team which studies medieval graffiti, said their project had shown that church plague graffiti was far more common than previously thought. He said the elite and wealthy were remembered with monuments while graffiti remembered the 'common voice'. He said: 'The most heart-breaking inscriptions are those that refer to long-dead children. 'This one is particularly emotive because it's the names of three girls who all died in the same year. 'These people often couldn't afford to have themselves memorialised and in some cases this graffiti could have been the last mark of their life and that is heart-breaking.' Although no records show how the girls died, it is believed they fell victim to the Black Death. One of the inscriptions discovered by Norfolk and Suffolk Medieval Graffiti Survey volunteers at the Cambridge church was a prayer, asking for God to have mercy upon the soul of an individual called 'Watton' Another inscription was that of a ritual protection marks – also known as witch marks - which wards off evil . During their time spent uncovering the works in the church, the team also found a number of other inscriptions including ritual protection marks – also known as witch marks - which are said to ward of evil spirits. Other inscriptions show figures of armed men and prayers to those who had fallen ill from the plague. The plea 'God save us' was also found scrawled across the church in Steeple Bumstead, Cambridgeshire, and is believed to be dated back to 1348. The Reverend Dr Alexandra Clarke, of All Saint's and St Andrew's Church, said the discovery of the graffiti was pleasing. She said: 'None of us knew about the graffiti so it has added something to our local knowledge and it's very exciting. 'The church is full of absolutely fascinating historical details. It has stunning 14th Century wall painting and there is a lot of graffiti chiselled in the tower - which was used by a school for years.' Churchwarden Peter Reynolds added that the new discovery was 'a bit mysterious' for the church, which is open every day to visitors. He said: 'This is a new discovery. The group that came are experts who used cameras and equipment to find the graffiti. A lot of it isn't visible to the naked eye.' The project to unearth medieval graffiti was set up in 2010 and is the first attempt to survey pre-Reformation graffiti in churches since the late 1960s. Pictured: An example of graffiti from Ashwell church, Hertfordshire . Peter Reynolds, Churchwarden of All Saints and St Andrew's Church, and the Reverend Dr Alexandra Clarke (together above) said the discovery was 'exciting' and 'adds something to the village's local knowledge' The 1515 outbreak of the bubonic plague started in London and quickly spread across south east England. At the time, Cambridge University suspended its classes and large gatherings of people were banned from attending public events. Children were particularly hard-hit and their bodies were usually hastily buried in unmarked graves. The graffiti project was set up in 2010 and is the first attempt to survey pre-Reformation graffiti in churches since the late 1960s. Volunteers use digital cameras and powerful lamps to reveal previously hidden or faded markings. At least 60 per cent of the 650 churches surveyed in Norfolk, Suffolk and north Essex have been found to contain 'significant amounts' of graffiti and volunteers have recorded up to 500 pieces in many of them. The project has confirmed that most of the medieval graffiti was created during times of pestilence such as the Black Death of 1349 and subsequent outbreaks of plagues. The bubonic plague is one of the most devastating diseases in history, having killed millions of people during the 'Black Death' in the 14th Century. It resulted in the deaths of an estimated 75 to 200 million people in Europe between 1346 and 1353 and claimed thousands of other victims during the dozens of additional outbreaks later down the line. Drawings and paintings from the Black Death, which wiped out about a third of the European population, depict town criers shouting 'bring out your dead' while dragging trailers piled with infected corpses through the streets. The plague is caused by a bacterium known as Yersinia pestis, which uses the flea as a host and is usually transmitted to humans via rats. It causes grotesque symptoms such as gangrene and the appearance of large swellings on the groin, armpits or neck, known as 'buboes'. The bubonic plague kills up to two thirds of sufferers within just four days if it is not treated. However, if antibiotics are administered within 24 hours of infection, patients are highly likely to survive. After the Black Death arrived in 1347, the plague became a common phenomenon in Europe, with outbreaks recurring regularly until the 18th Century. Bubonic plague has now almost completely vanished from the western world, with 90 per cent of all cases now found in Africa. However, there have been a few non-fatal cases in the U.S. in recent years, while in August 2013 a 15-year-old boy died in Kyrgyzstan after eating a groundhog infected with the disease. Three months later, an outbreak in a Madagascan killed at least 20 people in a week. A year before 60 people died as a result of the infection, more than in any other country in the world. Outbreaks in China have been rare in recent years, and most have happened in remote rural areas of the west. China's state broadcaster said there were 12 diagnosed cases and three deaths in the province of Qinghai in 2009, and one in Sichuan in 2012. In the U.S. between five and 15 people die every year as a result, mostly in western states. | Medieval graffiti unearthed on church wall reveals names of three sisters .
Names were scrawled in 1515 as country was hit by plague outbreak .
Writing has now been discovered in Cambridge by amateur historians .
Other inscriptions discovered include a 'witch mark' and prayers for the ill . |
152,151 | 50a909ac22a791d0fac433b0ddede9385598d56f | Nurses shouted at relatives who tried to give their dying loves ones a sip of water, an inquiry into the controversial Liverpool Care Pathway revealed today. Ministers moved to scrap the end of life plan after a damning inquiry found it was being used as an excuse for poor care. Dying patients were placed on the LCP without their families knowing, left for weeks and in some cases months, and denied water despite the pleading of loved ones to let them have a drink. Write caption here . The shocking catalogue of abuse found that . some relatives were forced to give their loved ones water secretly when . the nurse was out of the room – because medical staff had forbidden it. Baroness Neuberger, who carried out the review, said that hydration problems were the ‘biggest issue’ raised by people who gave evidence to the review. She added: ‘The same stories keep emerging of poor care, appalling communications and oft a lack of attention or compassion. 'Among the worst stories were of people on the Liverpool Care Pathway for days going into weeks without communication or review or discussion. ‘And also desperate stories of . desperate people who are longing for a drink of water who were, through . misunderstanding of the Liverpool Care Pathway and poor care, denied a . drink. ‘Stories of nurses shouting at families who give a patient a drink were frequent as were stories of people who were just left to get on with it with no regular observations or review.’ Hundreds of thousands of people have been put on the Liverpool Care Pathway since it was developed in the late 1990s. Developed by the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and the Marie Curie Hospice in Liverpool to care for terminally ill cancer patients, it was later expanded to help anyone who was dying. It was supposed to alert clinicians to not just a dying patient’s physical problems but their emotional, social and spiritual needs in their final hours and days. But it has faced a storm of criticism, with relatives not told that loved ones had been placed on the LCP, and the guidance misinterpreted by some hospitals so that patients were even denied water. In November last year ministers ordered an independent review into its use after it was revealed up to 60,000 patients die on the LCP each year without giving their consent. A third of families are also kept in the dark when doctors withdraw lifesaving treatment from loved ones. The pathway involves withdrawal of lifesaving treatment, with the sick sedated and usually denied nutrition and fluids. Death typically takes place within 29 hours. Records from 178 hospitals also show that thousands of people on the pathway are left to die in pain because nurses do not do enough to keep them comfortable while drugs are administered. Concerns have been raised that clinical judgments are being skewed by incentives for hospitals to use the pathway. Health trusts are thought to have been rewarded with an extra £30million for putting more patients on the LCP. Now the government is to phase out the LCP and scrap the incentive payments to encourage trusts to end patients' lives. The LCP - which recommends that in some circumstances doctors withdraw treatment, food and water from sedated patients in their final days - has come under intense scrutiny. Reports have suggested that doctors have been establishing ‘death lists’ of patients to be put on the pathway but some hospitals have been accused of using it to cut costs and save bed spaces. The review recommended scrapping the LCP after finding doctors used it ‘as an excuse for poor-quality care’. They concluded that there were ‘too many cases where the LCP was simply being used as a 'tick box' exercise.’ Health minister Norman Lamb announced that the LCP would be phased out over the next 6-12 months after learning of 'too many examples of poor practice and poor quality care, with families and carers not being properly involved and supported'. In a statement to MPs he added: 'Instead, an individual approach to end of life care for each patient will be introduced, with a personalised care plan backed up by condition-specific good practice guidance and a named senior clinician responsible for its implementation. 'People who use health and care services have the right to be treated with respect, dignity and compassion by staff with the skills and time to care for them properly. 'We all want our own and our loved ones’ final days and hours to be pain-free and dignified, with individual needs prioritised and respected, and with families and carers fully involved.' The review found examples of patients being so heavily drugged that they could ‘never communicate again’, meaning their grief-stricken families never got to say goodbye. And some claimed their relatives had been given a ‘chemical cosh’ cocktail of drugs, with the express intent of hastening their deaths from dehydration. Every year, 130,000 patients have been placed on the pathway, which usually involves heavy sedation with morphine or similar drugs. The Mail has been leading a campaign against it, highlighting examples of doctors putting patients on the pathway without asking for consent. We also revealed how some hospitals were being paid six-figure ‘bribes’ to meet targets about the numbers of patients on the LCP – leading to fears that doctors were put under pressure to use the pathway. Following our revelations, Mr Lamb asked Baroness Neuberger to carry out a review into the controversial pathway – in the face of opposition from the medical establishment. The report, More Care – Less Pathway, . says that although the LCP was working well in many places, there were . too many examples of abuse for it to continue. It will be replaced with . more individualised care packages, and all incentive payments to . hospitals will be scrapped. Under the pathway, nurses use wet . sponges to moisten the mouths of dying patients after food and drink is . withdrawn. The fact that some patients were seen sucking on the sponges . indicates that they were very uncomfortable and were desperate for water . – and perhaps not as close to inevitable death as thought. Treatment: Nurses banned family members from giving loved ones water during their final hours, the review found . It . raises uncomfortable memories of Mid Staffs hospital, where a patient . on an understaffed A&E was so dehydrated he was forced to drink from . a vase. The report concludes that in too many cases, the LCP is used as a ‘tick-box exercise’ rather than looking at what the dying patients actually need. ‘Where care is already poor, the pathway . is sometimes used as a tick-box exercise, and good care for the dying . patient or their relatives or cares may be absent,’ the report says. ‘Whether true or not, many families . suspected that deaths had been hastened by over-prescription of strong . painkilling drugs or sedatives.’ Baroness Neuberger spoke to dozens of people about the care their loved ones had received during their final hours. Some reported ‘disobeying instructions from medical staff to withhold fluids’ – instead secretly giving them water when the nurse had left the room. The report says: ‘Some talked about their relatives sucking on the sponges that they had been given to wet the patient’s mouth in an attempt to get fluid, when fluids had been deliberately withheld.’ It finds that in many cases, opiates were given in too strong a dose, making the patient ‘too drowsy and confused to be able to communicate and ask for water’. And it adds: ‘There was a feeling that the drugs had been used as a “chemical cosh” that reduced people’s desire to accept food or drink. ‘There have been too many coming . forward to the review panel to say they left their loved one in a calm . and peaceful state, able to communicate, for a short time, or with a . doctor or a nurse for a check-up only to return and find a syringe . driver had been put in place and their loved one was never able to . communicate again. ‘One family was left with the impression that their relative had been overmedicated so that he would die from dehydration.’ The Daily Mail has led the way in exposing shocking cases of abuse of vulnerable people on the Liverpool Care Pathway. Here are some of the chilling examples: . OLIVE GOOM, 85 . Olive Goom died alone aged 85 after hospital staff failed to tell her family she was being put on the pathway . Olive Goom, 85, died alone at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital after doctors failed to tell relatives they were ending her life. Staff reassured relatives on the phone just hours before her death in February 2011 that there was no urgent need to visit – even though doctors had already removed tubes providing vital food and fluids. Her family discovered that she had died only when her niece, Marion Hebbourne, went to visit her and found she was already being prepared for the mortuary. THOMAS JAMES, 90 . Thomas James died on the LCP at home after he was given sedatives . The family of former soldier Thomas James said he was put on the pathway at his home without consulting them. The 90-year-old, who lived near Braintree in Essex, had cancer but insisted he was not ready to die until after his granddaughter’s wedding. But his family said he died at home in October last year after he was given sedatives by a district nurse. The next day they were unable to wake him to give him food or drink and he fell into a diabetic coma. ANDY FLANAGAN, 48 . Andy Flanagan was 'rescued' from the care pathway and lived for another five weeks . Andy Flanagan, 48, was said to be severely brain damaged and close to death after a cardiac arrest. His family gathered at his bedside last June to say their goodbyes at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King’s Lynn, Norfolk, after it withdrew fluids and said it was going to let him ‘slip away’. But when Mr Flanagan’s sister, who is a nurse, gently moved him to change his bloodstained sheets, he started to murmur words. Every ten minutes relatives gave him drops of water before doctors eventually agreed to put him back on a drip. He was able to return home, lived for another month and was able to say farewell to his loved ones. His sisters called the LCP a ‘licence to kill’. | Ministers order Liverpool Care Pathway to be ditched within a year, .
Review by Baroness Neuberger reveals how end-of-life treatment was used as an excuse for appalling levels of care .
Families were not told their loved ones were on the 'pathway' to death . |
170,249 | 685eb1d8068bce07c60e2cba174c9e76afd0f338 | She took a sabbatical from her illustrious modelling career to write, cook, present TV programmes, marry a jazz star and become a mother. But now Sophie Dahl, granddaughter of novelist Roald, has stepped back in front of the fashion cameras to become the face of Aubin & Wills' new autumn campaign. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Woodland wonderland: Sophie Dahl models camel wool coat and maroon trousers for Aubin & Wills' new autumn campaign . The former plus-size model - who shot to fame in 2000 as the face (and, controversially, naked body) of Yves Saint-Laurent's Opium perfume - is joined by Dutch male model, Andre Van Noord in a misty, windswept, woodland photo shoot. Wearing a selection of classic trenchcoats, pretty patterned blouses, rustic tweed jackets, camel wool coats, high-waisted dresses, dark trousers and cosy chunk-knit sweaters, Dahl, 34, is pictured in the natural surrounds of lakes and dewy grassland. Shot by Annemarieke Van Drimmelen in both colour and black and white, the images perfectly encapsulate Aubin & Wills' classically inspired, contemporary British style. The brand - which was established in 2008 as the elder sibling of preppy fashion house Jack Wills, set up in 1999 - has previously used Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whitely and Libertines musician Carl Barat as its campaign stars. Getting shirty: Pretty patterned blouses feature strongly in Aubin & Wills' new autumn collection, modelled by Sophie Dahl . The daughter of actor Julian Holloway and writer Tessa Dahl, Sophie Dahl was discovered by the late Vogue stylist Isabella Blow and, through Storm Model agency, appeared in campaigns for Versace, Alexander McQueen, Patrick Cox, Pringle, Cashmere, Godiva, Banana Republic, and Gap. She published her first book - the illustrated novella The Man With The Dancing Eyes - in 2003,and has since become a contributing editor at British Vogue and a contributing writer to publications including American Vogue, The Saturday Times Magazine, the former Waitrose Food Illustrated Magazine and The Observer. In March 2010, having married jazz singer Jamie Cullum in January, she presented a six-part cookery series entitled The Delicious Miss Dahl on on BBC2. Dahl and Cullum have a one-year-old daughter named Lyra. Out and about: Aubin & Wills' new autumn campaign is set in a natural, woodland landscape . Au naturel: In a natural, woodland shoot, Sophie Dahl models wool jackets and pretty blouses . I'm back: She took a break from modelling to write, cook and have a baby, but Sophie Dahl is now back in front of fashion's lens . Dressing up: Aubin & Wills' new autumn collection features a number of dresses, priced between £85 and £145 . Monochrome: In a series of colour and black and white photographs, Sophie Dahl perfectly captures Aubin & Wills' classic British style . If you go down to the woods today: You might be lucky enough to find Sophie Dahl . Windswept: Sophie Dahl wears an Aubin & Wills tweed jacket . Working wife: Model Sophie Dahl presenting her BBC cooking show, The Delicious Miss Dahl, left, and with her husband Jamie Cullum, the jazz musician she married in 2010, right . Model Behaviour: Sophie Dahl in her former modelling days on Matthew Williamson's catwalk, left, and in an advertising campaign for Bananan Republic, right . Controversy: The Advertising Standards Authority ordered YSL to remove all posters for their 2000 Opium perfume campaign featuring a naked Sophie Dahl after receiving over 730 complaints . | The TV cook is joined by Dutch male model Andre Van Noord . |
213,178 | a01385263b757653bb4ad4d07be4cf9ad43774c3 | (CNN) -- A tropical depression that is likely to become a tropical storm by Sunday has areas of the islands of the Bahamas on guard. The Bahamian government issued a tropical storm warning Saturday evening for portions of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos. CNN Meteorologist Jennifer Gray said Saturday the storm is a bit "ragged" but over the next day or so is likely to organize and strengthen. According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center forecast track, the storm is likely to stay just east of the United States' Atlantic coast. However, Gray said any sort of deviation from the forecast path later this week could result in high surf and rip currents in areas along the U.S. coast. | Tropical depression is likely to become a tropical storm by Sunday .
Tropical storm warnings have been issued in parts of the Bahamas .
NWS forecast puts the storm east of the United States early next week . |
180,377 | 7583f797ee9a5625b7aacfd0499b3dc925f59ad9 | As Beijing touts a high-profile crackdown on corruption, experts say it should look south to Hong Kong as an example of a Chinese territory that has succeeded in cutting out the rot. Four decades ago, Hong Kong was one of the most corrupt cities in the world, according to anti-corruption organization Transparency International. "I would compare Hong Kong [in the 1970s] to Argentina today," said Ran Liao, the group's senior program coordinator. Transparency International has only been publishing its Corruption Perceptions Index since 1995 but, had data on Hong Kong been available at the time, Liao said it would have rated at a similar levels not only to Argentina, but Gabon and Tanzania. According to its latest Corruption Perceptions Index, all three countries score a lowly 35 out of 100, on a sliding scale from 0 ("highly corrupt") to 100 ("very clean.") Hong Kong, meanwhile, earns 77 out of 100, placing it at number 14 of 176 countries; meaning it's perceived as slightly more corrupt than Germany (13) but less corrupt than the United Kingdom (17) and the United States (19). How did Hong Kong clean up its act? Change came to the former British colony following mass street protests after Peter Godber, the then police superintendent, fled the territory while being investigated for alleged corruption. The outcry led to the formation of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, a government body with wide investigative powers. But the changes weren't only aimed at officials. "They adopted a three-pronged approach, that means punishment, education and prevention," Liao said. The education starts at local kindergartens, where characters created by ICAC present children with ethical dilemmas and stories where the honest one always wins. "We don't teach them about the laws but we teach them about the values," said Monica Yu, executive director of the Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre, an ICAC division. Hong Kongers 'will never tolerate corruption' Two generations after adopting this approach against skirting the rules, Yu says there's evidence of a major cultural shift in the attitude of the local Chinese population. "We measure the tolerance level of the people to corruption, from a scale of zero to 10. Zero means total intolerance and 10 means total tolerance. For the last decade or so, the average was 0.8, 0.7 or so," Yu said. And this drew Yu to the following conclusion: "Nowadays in Hong Kong, people will never tolerate corruption." She says the lack of tolerance for rule-breaking reinforces ethical behavior, both in private and public spheres, as violators are named and shamed by their peers. "Very often people would come forward to ICAC to report corruption, whenever they suspected there was a case. That's a big difference compared with before the ICAC was set up," Yu said. Liao agreed. "Before the ICAC there was nobody to think about such a comprehensive way to fight against corruption," he said. When jail is the only remedy for corruption it shows there's another problem: there's no real fight against it. "Punishment means you have committed the misconduct," Liao said. "Prevention is very important, [the ICAC] talks to different sectors, for example, the banking and the construction sectors." The ICAC publishes guidelines for business and tries to identify operations with high potential risks. The institution also organizes events to talk about these issues and push the prevention agenda in the business and government sectors. In that process, employees are told how and to whom to report suspected wrongdoing. How corrupt is China? The distaste for corruption in Hong Kong contrasts with the situation in China, which ranks just below Sri Lanka in the Corruption Perception Index -- sharing 80th place with Serbia and Trinidad and Tobago in the ranking of 176 countries. Its low placing is unlikely to change anytime soon, Liao said. "In China now, most of the corrupt officials would compete to see whoever received more bribes." The traditional giving of cash-filled red envelopes during festivals and special occasions has expanded to encompass paying officials for favors, a practice denounced recently by mainland Chinese state media. Nor will China's recent well publicized conviction of former high-flying politician Bo Xilai on corruption charges change day-to-day realities, said Liao, because stamping out corruption is not simply a legal issue. "Even today, many of the country's top leaders think fighting corruption means putting people in jail," Liao said. "People in Hong Kong would take it as shameful to receive bribes," said Liao. China needs "a society-wide change in values," he added. | 40 years ago, corruption was rife in Hong Kong, experts say .
Now it's considered one of the least corrupt territories in the world .
China, however, rates poorly on the index by Transparency International .
It's in 80th place on the Corruption Perceptions Index, near Serbia and Trinidad and Tobago . |
154,113 | 533160990636eba973d62a8fb74d1d142808c24e | It's Hot or Not time again as Ian Ladyman reveals what's been making him feel warm this week and what's been leaving him cold inside. WHAT'S HOT . NIGEL CLOUGH . On receiving a letter of complaint from a Derby County supporter, Clough, the club's manager, drove round to his house. Nigel Clough has guided League One Sheffield United to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup . Later that year he received correspondence from another fan suggesting his 18-year-old son could get in his team. Clough invited the lad to training and threw him a pair of boots. Lovely tales, both, but they do more than suggest Clough jnr has a flick of his old man about him. They tell you that Clough knows his mind and this is something evident in the way he selects his very best team for cup matches. Hired last season to keep United in League One, he did that but I would imagine his club's fans will treasure the memory of the FA Cup semi-final that followed rather more. A year on and Clough's team have a sniff of Wembley again. United's league form may suffer if they do make it to the Capital One Cup final but Clough will take the risk. Football is supposed to be about guts and glory. Nobody writes letters to football managers to thank them for finishing eighth do they? Clough's Sheffield United go into the second leg against Tottenham at Bramall Lane a goal down . MIKE BREARLEY . The Australian quick Dennis Lillee used to tell toiling batsman: 'You've got some s**t on the end of your bat'. On seeing the more gullible flip the bat over and examine the bottom, Lillee would add: 'Wrong end mate'. It was crude but it was funny. What was only one of these things was Michael Clarke's welcome to Jimmy Anderson when the Englishman arrived at the crease in Brisbane last winter. 'Get ready for a broken f*****g arm,' grunted the Australian captain. Dennis Lillee of Australia and Pakistan's Javed Miandad clash during a Test match back in 1981 . David Warner and Rohit Sharma exchange words during Australia's clash with India in Melbourne . The Aussies aren't the only exponents of what the modern cricketer ludicrously calls 'mental disintegration'. Typically, they're just better at it than everybody else. The point is, though, that it's not amusing and there is too much of it. The current interpretation of sledging is one step removed from bar room name calling and before long there will be a fight on a first class cricket pitch. Former England captain Brearley – now chairman of the ICC's World Cricket Committee – has asked for the issue to be on the agenda of next week's meeting and he is quite right to do so. Former England cricket captain Mike Brearley, picutred in 1981, has called to stamp out sledging . RAHEEM STERLING . When you can really play, you can play just about anywhere. Back from a break in the Caribbean, Sterling must have wished he was back in his hammock when manager Brendan Rodgers asked him to play centre forward against John Terry and Gary Cahill on Tuesday night. At times during the first half, the little Liverpool forward looked as likely to score as Mario Balotelli, who wasn't even at the ground. Sterling, though, has football intelligence and, like all the good players, he found a way to get it done. His dash towards goal from deep for Liverpool's equaliser resembled a rugby scrum-half spotting a gap from the 20-metre line and was the work of a quick mind. All that Roy Hodgson nonsense about Sterling complaining about tiredness in October sounds like background noise now and it should have been treated as such at the time. Raheem Sterling shoots past Chelsea's Gary Cahill (centre) and Thibaut Courtois (right) to score for Liverpool . WHAT'S NOT . EVERTON . Like the day Tiger Woods drove his car in to a fire hydrant outside his house, sometimes it's not the incident that ultimately transpires to be important but what it reveals. So it is with the curious case of Kevin Mirallas and the stolen penalty kick. Kevin Mirallas missed a penalty as Everton drew 0-0 against West Brom at Goodison Park on Monday . Mirallas (second left) demanded to take the penalty despite Leighton Baines (left) being Everton's regular taker . Three questions: Where was captain Phil Jagielka when Mirallas decided to shove Leighton Baines to the back of the queue? Why did Baines give way so meekly? Why, in essence, did Mirallas feel so confident he could get away with his act of impertinence in the first place? These are the issues that make Everton look as though they have gone soft under Roberto Martinez. A couple of weeks ago, Jagielka gave newspaper interviews claiming media stories about shouting matches in the dressing room were so false they made him laugh. One final question: Everton are four points from the relegation zone. If nobody is shouting, why not? The Belgian dragged his penalty wide of Ben Foster's goal as the game remained goalless just before half-time . Mirallas watches his penalty clip the outside of the post beyond the outstretched arm of Foster . RUUD GULLIT . The clip in which Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal appeared to refer to his opponents as 'Queens Park Raisins' should have been the stand out blooper on Match of the Day. However, he was eclipsed by one of the programme's own as Gullit provided an insight in to what can happen if you don't pay attention. There was a beautiful arrogance about Gullit's football but that doesn't work as an analyst and last weekend he appeared short on preparation. Asked by host Gary Lineker about Paul Lambert, he started to talk about Ricky Lambert. One manages Aston Villa while the other is occasionally a centre forward for Liverpool. Later in the show, Lineker commented: 'Stoke in to the top half' to which his guest replied: 'Could be.' Stoke are, of course, already tenth. Small details perhaps but it's the small details that give a pundit the platform on which he can make broader and bolder statements with credibility. Without these he is nothing. Ruud Gullit appeared short on preparation when the former AC Milan player appeared on Match of the Day . MARTIN KAYMER . Golf can make you so unhappy it's no wonder those who depend on it to feed the kids find ways of pretending that the bad stuff was really quite good. This was Kaymer after his final round in Abu Dhabi last weekend. 'I didn't hit many fairways and I didn't make many putts,' said the German. 'On the other hand I was playing really good golf.' Martin Kaymer was defeated by two over the course of 14 holes at Abu Dhabi last week . Certainly Kaymer's collapse from ten shots clear to defeat by two over the course of 14 holes hints at much more bad than good but the really sad thing about his demise is that the bloke who actually won the thing – World number 357 Gary Stal – is already lost in the story. After all, who remembers the name of the horse who won the Devon Loch Grand National in 1956? Young Stal should be celebrating the greatest day of his young life but the reality is that the 22-year-old is already on his way to becoming little more than an answer to a rather obscure quiz question. *The horse was called ESB, by the way. | Raheem Sterling scored for Liverpool in the League Cup against Chelsea .
Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough one game away from Wembley .
Kevin Mirallas penalty incident highlights Everton's problems . |
207,202 | 9845b78af766cb45220c52b5c0bb27f7a89a1a48 | Argentina defender Federico Fernandez says he can identify with Swansea's style after agreeing a four-year deal to join the Barclays Premier League club. Fernandez also revealed he had received a number of recommendations about the Welsh club, including one by Spanish striker Michu, who is currently on loan at Napoli from Swansea. The Swans stated on their website that Fernandez has signed for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance, although it is believed to be £8million. New beginning: Fernandez is delighted to join a side like Swansea which suits his style of play . The 25-year-old passed a medical earlier this week, and is expected to be in Swansea's squad for their league game against Burnley at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday, when manager Garry Monk will look to build on last weekend's 2-1 win at Manchester United. Fernandez's arrival at Swansea from Napoli will bolster Monk's centre-back options, which currently include captain Ashley Williams, Jordi Amat and Kyle Bartley. 'It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League - it is the best in the world - and I'm grateful to Swansea for giving me this opportunity,' Fernandez told the club's official website. 'I asked Michu and Jordi Amat about the club. I obviously trained with Michu at Napoli, and while I was on loan at Getafe (in 2013) I played with (former Swansea loan player) Alvaro Vazquez. He is very good friends with Jordi, so I've spoken to them too. 'Michu told me it is a family club and the city is very relaxed. He said I was joining a very good club. All I've heard are good things about Swansea.' Experience: The 25-year-old has represented Argentina on 26 occasions . Fernandez has won 26 caps for Argentina, including making four appearances at the World Cup in Brazil earlier this summer. He made his international debut against Ecuador three years ago, while his first World Cup finals appearance came during the 2-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Rio de Janeiro. He joined Napoli in 2011 from Estudiantes for around £2.5million, helping them land the Coppa Italia last season during a campaign when they also finished third in Serie A. Fernandez additionally featured in Napoli's Champions League and Europa League campaigns, although he was not involved in either leg of the Europa League last-32 tie against Swansea. 'I can identify myself with the Swansea style. I like to play the ball from the back and, of course, I love to defend too,' Fernandez added. 'I was impressed last weekend with the team's performance and result against Manchester United. 'It was a very intelligent performance. The team really took its opportunities, and it was a fantastic start to the season. I just can't wait to start training and playing games.' VIDEO Swansea can get better - Monk . | The Argentine has joined Swansea for a reported £8million .
The former Napoli defender has penned a four-year deal at the club .
Fernandez says he had heard good things about the club from many people . |
259,051 | db4ac2f4d757d3d048cf52bf34fad3f4e5bf3276 | By . Gavin Mccafferty . Kris Boyd hit a hat-trick as Rangers thrashed Clyde 8-1 on Monday night but the striker felt his team-mate Lewis Macleod was a stand-out man of the match. Boyd also had a goal disallowed for a contentious offside decision but his analysis was spot-on as Macleod produced a creative midfield display that Clyde could not cope with. The 20-year-old also scored twice in the Petrofac Training Cup second-round game, curling home a right-footed shot from 25 yards before firing home with his left foot. Boyd, whose goals were his first since returning to Rangers in the summer, said: 'It was great to get off the mark again. You become frustrated when you're not scoring but I've shown over my career that I'm not going to hide away from the fact that I've missed chances. I keep coming back for more. Three and easy: Kris Boyd scored a hat-trick against Clyde in the Petrofac . Hammered time: Kris Boyd and Lewis Macleod celebrate with Lee McCulloch during Rangers' 8-1 thrashing . 'I think it all clicked. I thought Lee McCulloch was fantastic getting about the pitch and breaking up play. 'And I thought Lewis Macleod was by far the man of the match. He took the game by the scruff of the neck right from the first whistle and took it right to Clyde. He was fantastic. He got a couple of goals and he was brilliant.' Boyd had sympathy for former team-mate Barry Ferguson, whose managerial return to Ibrox could not have gone much worse. Ferguson set up with a 4-3-3 formation throughout in a bid to attack Rangers but it was not until the final minute that they notched their solitary goal. At the double: Lewis Macleod scores his second goal of the evening against Barry Ferguson's side . 'It's always difficult when you are managing a part-time team coming to a club this size and trying to get a result,' Boyd said. 'I think a lot of those guys would have been working during the day as well. 'We knew we had to put on a performance. We know it's not been good enough and I think we put that right. We started the game at a high tempo, stopped them playing and got in their faces right up the pitch. It was a joy to play out there.' Meanwhile, Rangers manager Ally McCoist is hopeful that Cammy Bell's shoulder injury is not as bad as first feared. Bell missed the visit of Clyde after damaging his shoulder during the 2-0 win at Falkirk on Friday. McCoist told the club's official website: 'I'm not sure Cammy has actually dislocated his shoulder. There is a problem with it though and he has seen the specialist about it. 'He was reasonably happy with him and he's going for scan. He seems a lot better and has a far greater range of movement than he had. Homecoming: Clyde manager and former Rangers star Barry Ferguson did not enjoy his return to Ibrox . 'Cammy will give me a call once he has been in and I'd be hopeful of good news rather than anything too bad. 'Considering we've not had a report on the scan yet, we don't know how long he'll be out for but we'll have a far better idea of where we are later on. 'I know from Cammy's view, having spoken to him this morning on the phone, that he feels a whole lot better. CLICK HERE to start picking your Fantasy Football team NOW! There’s £60,000 in prizes including £1,000 up for grabs EVERY WEEK… . | Rangers defeated Clyde 8-1 in the Petrofac Training Cup second round .
Kris Boyd scored a hat-trick but praised two-goal Lewis Macleod's display .
Clyde manager and former Rangers star didn't enjoy his return to Ibrox .
Ally McCoist hopes Cammy Bell's shoulder injury is better than first feared . |
34,757 | 62c7fcd93d583988cf4d26e1b5b5d741c74b53c6 | By . Helen Pow . PUBLISHED: . 11:11 EST, 24 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:20 EST, 25 October 2013 . McDonald's own help hotline has admitted its workers are paid so poorly they'll have 'no problem' qualifying for government assistance such as food stamps. Chicago mother-of-two and 10-year McDonald's veteran Nancy Salgado made a call to 'McResource' recently, asking for help paying her heating bill, feeding her children and getting her sister medical assistance. Instead of discussing a raise - Salgado has been on $8.25 an hour for a decade - or offering health cover, the representative said Salgado, a full-time employee, 'definitely should be able to qualify for both food stamps and heating assistance.' Scroll down for video . Poverty: Chicago mother-of-two and 10-year McDonald's veteran Nancy Salgado, pictured, made a call to 'McResource' recently, asking for help paying her heating bill, feeding her children and getting her sister medical assistance . Advocacy group Low Pay Is Not OK recorded the phone call and circulated an edited version to flag up how many full-time fast-food workers are living in poverty - and McDonald's doesn't seem to care. McDonald's told CNN Money the video was 'not an accurate portrayal of the resource line' because it was 'very obviously' edited. However, CNNMoney reviewed the full recording of the call and reported that the helpline operator never asked Salgado how much she made per hour, and how many hours per week - though she knew she was full-time - she worked before recommending the government programs. The representative pointed her toward a number of resources in Chicago, such as food pantries and a program that would help cover some of her heating bill and said she would email her specific phone numbers and programs. Dispute: McDonald's told CNN Money the video was 'not an accurate portrayal of the resource line' because it was 'very obviously' edited . Protests: Fast-food workers staged strikes at McDonald's and protestested low wages in sixty U.S. cities including Los Angeles, pictured, in August . McDonald's told CNN that 'the McResource Line is intended to be a free, confidential service to help employees and their families get answers to a variety of questions or provide resources on a variety of topics including housing, child care, transportation, grief, elder care, education and more.' But according to the network, the hotline is not open to all McDonald's workers as franchise owners need to pay for the service in order for their employees to access it. The clearly dedicated operator said: 'We can be a good program. We can do a lot of the leg work that takes a lot of the stresses off of you making a million phone calls trying to find services.' News of Salgado's experience comes a week after a report found that more than half of fast food workers have to rely on public assistance programs because their wages aren't enough to support them. The report estimated that this public aid carries a $7 billion price tag for taxpayers each year. A separate report by the National Employment Law Project released on the same day showed that McDonald's alone was responsible for $1.2 billion of that $7 billion alone. Since last November, workers have been protesting their low pay in cities including New York City, Los Angeles, Memphis and Detroit. They are demanding a minimum wage of $15 an hour and the right to demonstrate without retaliation. On October 9, Salgado was arrested after she confronted the company president at a meeting and told him she couldn’t afford to buy shoes or food for her children. She told The Real News that she felt like she had to speak out during McDonald's USA President Jeff Stratton’s speech at the Union League Club of Chicago on Friday for the sake of her children. 'It's really hard for me to feed my two kids and struggle day to day,' she shouted as Stratton was speaking. 'Do you think this is fair, that I have to be making $8.25 when I’ve worked for McDonald's for 10 years?' He responded: 'I've been there for forty years.' | Chicago mother-of-two Nancy Salgado made a call to McDonald's staff helpline 'McResource' recently .
She asked for help paying her heating bill, feeding her children and getting her sister medical assistance .
The operator told her she 'definitely should be able to qualify for both food stamps and heating assistance' despite being a full-time employee .
Salgado has worked at McDonald's for 10 years on $8.25 an hour and lives below the poverty line .
Comes after report found more than half of fast food .
workers have to rely on public assistance programs because their wages .
aren't enough .
The report estimated this public aid carries a $7 billion price tag for taxpayers each year . |
19,701 | 37f348877ea3c8207f039891ffec11320bdb2c93 | Christopher Copeland, 52, recruited workers to set up donation stations at supermarkets around the country . A conman who used teams of 'charity collectors' to pocket £300,000 of donations meant for the Help for Heroes charity, has been jailed today. Over an 18-month period, Christopher Copeland, 52, recruited workers to set up donation stations at supermarkets around the country. Unaware they were being used in the elaborate scam, the teams, clad in uniforms with Help for Heroes branding, encouraged shoppers to put money into charity buckets. He even decorated his fleet of ex-military vehicles in the charity's livery. The workers then paid the donations into bank accounts held by Copeland, who used the money as an 'income stream' to support his ailing garage business. Father-of-one Copeland, of mid Devon, was only arrested when a worker reported his suspicions about the donations to police and an investigation was launched. It later transpired Help for Heroes had not known about and did not authorise Copeland’s collections and the money had never reached the charity. The fundraising buckets used had belonged to a separate charity and Copeland had used Help for Heroes branding to illustrate his equipment without permission. Copeland later admitted a charge of fraud and one of money laundering between February 1 2010 and September 17 2011. Judge Philip Wassall, during a two-hour hearing at Exeter Crown Court, sentenced Copeland to a total of four years and six months in prison for his offending. 'When the cause behind the charity is so worthy the potential for huge losses is so large and the difficulty in detecting and quantifying fraud is so profound,' the judge said. 'I also take into account that offences such as this dent public confidence in the charity affected. 'The point has been made that this likely effect has been very damaging for Help for Heroes and the public are likely to question how safe their donation are and whether they should be made at all.' The judge ordered a charge of fraud relating to the sales of Land Rovers through auction website eBay to lie on file. Copeland was made subject of a Serious Crime Prevention Order, banning him from registering as a charity collector and collecting donations for five years. Judge Philip Wassall, during a two-hour hearing at Exeter Crown Court, sentenced Copeland to a total of four years and six months in prison for his offending . Prosecuting, David Sapiecha said Copeland began to raise money for Help for Heroes in October 2009 and initially did so legitimately. Copeland raised £20,000 for the charity through selling merchandise and a further £3,000 in donations before he arranged the professional collections. Mr Sapiecha said Copeland, who has no previous convictions, owned a military Bedford truck and a Land Rover, which were decked out in Help for Heroes livery. 'He employed people who he sent to various sites around the country along with these vehicles to collect money for the public,' the prosecutor said. 'The public believed they were paying money to the charity. It was emblazoned on all the equipment. 'It was a weekly event that these vehicles would be sent out to mostly supermarket car parks. They would stay there for three or four days. 'The employees either stayed in the vehicle overnight or stayed fairly cheaply in a hotel. They were given money for food. 'They would then bank the money on the direction of the defendant, either daily at the beginning or hourly at the end as things became more desperate.' Expenses for the trip were taken from donations on the final day of collecting, Mr Sapiecha added. The donations were paid into Copeland’s personal accounts and then used to prop up his ailing businesses. 'The defendant was using the donations as an income stream,' Mr Sapiecha said. 'The businesses were having funds injected into them and they were being improved.' Father-of-one Copeland, of mid Devon, was arrested when a worker reported his suspicions about the donations to police and an investigation was launched. It later transpired Help for Heroes had not known about and did not authorise Copeland's collections and the money had never reached the charity . Police who raided Copeland’s premises in September 2011 discovered Apple products including iMac computers, he added. They also found paperwork to show Copeland had registered as a collector for another charity, Afghan Heroes. In a victim impact statement read to the court, Jo Brookes, income protection officer for Help for Heroes, said Copeland’s acts could have caused public trust in the charity to be 'eroded'. 'To have that trust betrayed means that our legitimate fundraisers have to work even harder to keep the public’s trust,' she said. '£300,000 is a very significant amount of money for the public to have donated and the charity to not receive.' She said the money could have funded the running costs of Plymouth Recovery Centre for a year, or the entire Band of Brothers programme for 14 months. Representing Copeland, Roseleen Collins said his business had gone into liquidation in 2011, at the same time as the fraud was investigated. Miss Collins said Copeland set up the collections after deciding it was a “brilliant idea” to combine his interest in ex-military vehicles with Help for Heroes. However, the vehicles were difficult to maintain and required expensive maintenance, which Copeland had to do himself, she said. Miss Collins added: 'It has been very hard for him to come to terms with that for which he has been accused. 'He knows he is demonised in the eyes of the public and that will continue for some time. All he can do is express extreme regret at the whole enterprise.' Miss Collins said Copeland and his family had not enjoyed an “extravagant lifestyle” from the donations, as the money went into the failing businesses. Copeland will be subject to Proceeds of Crime proceedings to recover money taken during the fraud. Speaking outside court, Jo Brookes added: 'Copeland deceived the public into thinking they were making donations which would help our wounded. 'Instead he was stealing from them and using the money for his own personal gain through a deceptive web of fraud which took detectives three years to untangle. 'We have been astonished by the response of the public. Many of those defrauded by him have contacted us to express shock that someone would use organised and criminal tactics to prevent money supporting the wounded.' | Christopher Copeland, 52, recruited workers to collect at supermarkets .
He even decorated his fleet of ex-military vehicles in the charity's livery .
Unaware, the workers then paid the donations into bank accounts .
Copeland arrested when worker reported his suspicions to police .
Judge admitted Copeland's offence would 'dent public confidence' in the charity for injured servicemen . |
142,246 | 43f59f9db3e94866b83766d90ade933276713a7c | Sir Alex Ferguson says European managers are divided on the whether the away goals rule should remain part of competitions such as the Champions League and Europa League. Critics of the rule, introduced for the 1965-66 Cup-Winners' Cup, meaning goals scored away from home are worth double say it has become counter-productive and unfair in the subsequent half century. 'There was a bit of a debate about whether it has any significance today,' said Sir Alex Ferguson after a meeting at the elite coaches' forum at UEFA headquarters on Thursday. VIDEO Scroll down for Sir Alex Ferguson talks Champions League favourites and sin-bin . Fergie time: Sir Alex Ferguson says European managers are split on the relevance of the away goal rule . Winner: Chelsea lost 3-1 at Parc de Princes but Eden Hazard's goal won them the 2013-14 Champions League quarter final tie against PSG . 'Some think it is not as important as it used to be... and the attacking emphasis on the game today means more teams go away from home and win. 'If we go back, say, 30 years, counter-attacking consisted of one or maybe two, players. Today, counter-attacks have players flooding forward in fives or sixes and really positive, quick passing.' The rule first came into play in a second-round Cup-Winners' Cup tie as Hungarian side Honved went through at the expense of Dukla Prague after they were 4-4 on aggregate after two legs. At the time it was seen as preferable to having a time-consuming play-off or the arbitrary toss of the coin which was sometimes employed, famously sending Liverpool to the European Cup semi-final in 1965 after two goalless draws against Cologne. In the early days of European competition, when air travel was far less developed and reliable, an away match was an adventure with visiting teams facing unfamiliar, sometimes hostile, conditions. Away wins were rare and the new rule was an incentive for visiting teams to come out of their shell - but that is far less of a problem now, as playing conditions in most parts of Europe are pretty much identical and trips abroad no longer carry the air of intimidation they once did. 'What is helping is that the state of the pitches, pitches are fantastic nowadays, so coming out of defence with passes is much easier than it was 30 years ago, and you get a better attitude to counter-attack today than you did 30 years ago,' said Ferguson. Rather than encouraging visiting teams to attack, the fear of conceding a potentially decisive away goal often makes home teams more cautious and the rule also means that some goals turn out to be worth more than others. 'From a personal point of view, when I was playing at home, I used to say to myself, don't lose a goal,' said Ferguson. Last year's Champions League saw the away goal scored by Chelsea's Eden Hazard in their 3-1 quarter-final first leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes prove the difference in the tie as they won 2-0 at home and went through to the semis. VIDEO Ferguson backs English clubs in Europe . It's not too late to play MailOnline Fantasy Football… There's £1,000 to be won EVERY WEEK by the highest scoring manager . | Away goals rule first implemented in the 1965-66 Cup-Winners' Cup .
Sir Alex Ferguson said European managers are divided on the rule .
Hungarians Honved was first to benefit from rule in Cup Winners Cup .
A coin toss sent Liverpool through to European Cup semi final the year before at the expense of Cologne .
Chelsea's away goal in 3-1 Champions League first leg loss effectively won the tie against Paris Saint-Germain last season after 2-0 victory at home . |
98,025 | 0a3317d3d967ce914e12f85583f4649d35e30d9f | The Supreme Court concluded a marathon public debate on health care Wednesday with justices signaling an ideological divide that could topple some or all of the the sweeping reform bill championed by President Barack Obama. On the third day of oral arguments on legal challenges to the 2010 Affordable Care Act, the justices tackled the question of what would happen if they ruled that the heart of the law, the individual mandate that is its key funding mechanism, was unconstitutional. The six hours of hearings over three days provided an extended public view of the high court in action on one of the most controversial issues of the day, touching on legal concepts involving federal and state powers, individual rights and legislative intent. High court listens to arguments on Medicaid expansion . At stake is the survival of the signature legislation of Obama's presidency as he seeks re-election in November: the health care reform law that requires most Americans to have health coverage as part of a systemic overhaul intended to lower costs. The justices looked at procedural issues Monday and then tackled the heart of the law Tuesday, the constitutionality of the individual mandate that requires people to get health coverage or pay a fine. High court divided over health care mandate . At issue Wednesday morning was whether all the law's 450 or so provisions would have to be scrapped if the individual mandate were found unconstitutional. A separate session Wednesday afternoon looked at whether states would be "coerced" by the federal government to expand their share of Medicaid costs and administration by the risk of losing federal funding if they refuse. To CNN senior legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin, the questioning by justices Wednesday signaled they are ready to invalidate the individual mandate, a step he said could put the entire law in jeopardy. "I think the individual mandate is gone, based on the questioning," Toobin said after the morning session. "It sure looks like there are at least five votes to get rid of ... the individual mandate." Listen to oral arguments in the historic case . White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the Obama administration remained confident its signature health care law is constitutional. Anyone who tries to predict the outcome of the case based on the questions justices asked during this week's arguments "is not a very good student of the Supreme Court," Earnest told reporters, adding that Justice Department lawyers faced similar tough questions from conservative judges in lower courts that later upheld the law "in at least a couple of these cases." However, some of the attorneys general of states opposing the health care law said the three days of arguments showed the justices had serious concerns about the law. "What we've heard over the last few days is a growing concern from our Supreme Court justices about, perhaps, the federal government has gone too far at the expense of individual liberty and our states' rights," said South Dakota Attorney General Marty J. Jackley. Even though the health care law's individual mandate appeared to be on shaky legal ground, few on the court seemed eager to take the drastic step of throwing out the rest of the legislation. Read a transcript of Wednesday's arguments . "There are so many things in this act that are unquestionably OK," said Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, citing many provisions not directly related to market reforms such as Native American health care. "Why make Congress redo those? I mean it's a question of whether we say everything you do is no good, now start from scratch." Added Justice Elena Kagan, "Half a loaf is better than no loaf," meaning some provisions would survive. However, lawyer Paul Clement, arguing for opponents of the law, told the justices that removing such a central provision of the law as the individual mandate would leave "sort of a hollow shell" that never would have passed Congress in such a diminished form. In addition, conservative justices appeared in no mood to pick and choose what to uphold in the rest of the law. "You want us to go through 2,700 pages" of the law? asked Justice Antonin Scalia. "Is this not totally unrealistic ... to go through one by one and decide each one?" Supreme Court, health care and one little girl . Justice Anthony Kennedy said he was reluctant to take on this "awesome exercise of judicial power," at the expense of congressional discretion. This week's hearings were among the most politically charged and closely watched in years, with dueling protests and news conferences outside the court building every day on what is likely to be a central issue of the November presidential election. Overheard on CNN.com: Readers react to hearingsRep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minnesota, a staunch opponent of the health care law, said Wednesday the entire measure falls apart if the Supreme Court invalidates the individual mandate. "The individual mandate would be the funding stream that makes all of the rest of the act work," Bachmann said. If it gets ruled unconstitutional, then who pays for all the other provisions in the 2,700-page bill? she asked. Supporters argued that under legal precedent set by the court, the full health care law should be ruled constitutional. "For the court to strike down this law would be to presume the powers of the Congress and abandon its role as an impartial and deliberate decider of constitutional law," said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Connecticut. Another Senate Democrat, John Kerry of Massachusetts, acknowledged that supporters are looking at all possible outcomes. "There is discussion quietly among some people about 'what ifs,' but there is no overall, you know, plan in place because I think that people have confidence the court will do the right thing," Kerry said. CNN's guide to the arguments . With the legal survival of the individual mandate in constitutional jeopardy, the question of "severability," whether the rest of the law can stand if one part is invalidated, has become more important. All of this may be moot. If the court decides the mandate is constitutional -- even in a narrowly tailored way -- it will not even bother to take up the severability question presented Wednesday. In the morning arguments, the clearly divided court expressed concern over whether Congress would have passed the broad reform package without the key funding mechanism, the mandate, firmly in place. However, several of the justices seemed ready to let lawmakers eventually sort out the specific funding questions with or without the mandate. The nine-member bench now will retreat from the public spotlight. They will likely gather as a group in a closed-door conference over the next few days and actually decide on the four health care appeals. Going one-by-one in order of seniority, they will all be thinking of the number five, which is how many votes it will take to achieve a majority. Two families, two viewpoints on health care reform . Once the tallies are sorted out, opinions will be assigned to individuals to craft over the next three months. What the court says in these written opinions, how it interprets the Constitution, will be far more important than what was said in the oral arguments this week. The rulings may be in essence how legislators, individual Americans and history will judge these justices. Wednesday's cases gave the administration another chance to regain the rhetorical offensive and defend the entire law's validity. Many legal observers concluded the Obama administration's solicitor general, Donald Verrilli Jr., did little to boost the individual mandate's constitutionality in two hours of intense arguments Tuesday. The questioning of Verrilli's performance was so widespread that the White House issued a statement Wednesday defending him. "Mr. Verrilli is an extraordinarily talented advocate who possesses a sharp mind, keen judgment and unquestionable integrity," said the statement by White House Counsel Kathryn Ruemmler. "He ably and skillfully represented the United States before the Supreme Court yesterday, and we have every confidence that he will continue to do so." Wednesday's first argument dealt with severability, but most court watchers think of it as the "domino effect" issue -- if the individual mandate section is ruled unconstitutional, must the entire law collapse as well? A federal judge in Florida had so ruled in February 2011, saying: "Because the individual mandate is unconstitutional and not severable, the entire act must be declared void." However, a federal appeals court subsequently overruled on the severability question while upholding the individual mandate's unconstitutionality. Opponents of the law say the individual mandate is crucial to its overall impact, since it is the main funding mechanism for the expansion of a range of other programs. This might be the one question on which the justices will ultimately agree in favor of the government. The high court and election-year blockbusters . Later came the Medicaid "coercion" question, which can be seen as the "national policy implications" issue. Through this issue, the long-standing fight over "federalism" and the leverage the national government wields over states might soon reach epic levels with a high court decision either strengthening or limiting congressional authority on this and potentially a host of other regulatory areas. The cases argued Wednesday were National Federation of Business v. Sebelius (11-393) and Florida v. Department of Health and Human Services (11-400). | The Supreme Court ends its three days of hearings on health care reform .
CNN's legal analyst says he thinks the justices will reject the individual mandate .
Wednesday's key question: Must the law be scrapped if one part of it is invalidated?
The White House says it believes the health care law will be upheld . |
244,779 | c8cf0a69c3601f08de8a598d6afc6181a8472747 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- White House spokeswoman Dana Perino on Friday said she would do the job again -- but only if she could work for her current boss. Dana Perino said goodbye to the White House press corps at her last briefing as White House spokeswoman Friday. "I wouldn't do it for anybody but President Bush," Perino said as she briefed reporters for the last time Friday. "If given the chance to do it over again, would I? Yes," Perino said. "But would I ever come back and do this? No. ... I think it's good to get off the stage." Perino also thanked the White House press corps. "We all have difficult jobs, we all work long and tough hours, and it's been an exciting challenge," said Perino, 36. "I know I had some big shoes to fill when I got here -- and I still only wear a size six." Watch Bush's farewell address » . And she wished President-elect Barack Obama's spokesman, Robert Gibbs, "all the very best." "Please go easy on him -- for a week," Perino joked with reporters. In the 80-year history of official White House press secretaries, only two women have been named to the job: Dee Dee Myers, who served former President Bill Clinton, and Perino. It's been 15 months since Bush named Perino to succeed Tony Snow, who later died of colon cancer, as White House press secretary. View key moments in the Bush presidency » . "It was about two weeks into the job when I realized that I am never going to be like Tony Snow," Perino said. Her first goal was to make briefings less heated. She still pushed back, but chose her confrontations carefully. "If I was testy all the time as a woman in this position, I can only imagine what people would have said about me, so there is a delicate balance, I think, in this position." During her time behind the White House podium, Perino sparred almost daily with the media on a number of contentious issues, including the president's decision to "surge" troops into Iraq. Perino said there are some things that she would have done differently. "I'm sure that I'll have lots," she said Friday when asked if she had any regrets. "I'm going to go on a six-week trip with my husband, and I'm sure there will be long-enough flights for me to think about all the things we could have done better. View iconic images from Bush's time in the White House » . "Any press secretary always wants to be more proactive, but news happens all over the world," Perino said. "And now with the 24/7 news cycle, in many ways, sometimes, you feel like you're just trying to keep up with that." "That's not a regret or a disappointment. It's just a fact of life," she added. As she begins to look beyond her years in the West Wing, Perino, a native of Wyoming who was raised in Colorado, says she is looking forward to spending more time in her own neighborhood in Washington with her husband, Peter McMahon, and their dog, a Hungarian Vizsla named Henry. Watch Perino prepare for life after the White House » . She is also looking forward to sleeping in. When asked what she will miss the least from her time in the White House, Perino said, "Absolutely has to be getting up at 4 o'clock in the morning. "I don't mind working long hours, I don't mind working hard, but getting up when the four is still on the clock is something I hope I never have to do again unless I'm catching a flight to some exotic location," she said. After January 20, Perino does plan to take a vacation -- which she says will include volunteer work for President Bush's HIV/AIDS relief program in Africa. CNN's Elaine Quijano and Scott J. Anderson contributed to this report. | White House spokeswoman Dana Perino gave last news briefing Friday .
Perino, 36, succeeded Tony Snow, is only second woman to hold post .
Perino plans six-week vacation, will volunteer with HIV/AIDS relief program in Africa . |
40,572 | 727838d4bde892d79c04453aa6414e99afac8475 | By . Jill Reilly . PUBLISHED: . 05:43 EST, 11 June 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:19 EST, 11 June 2012 . Alex Heriot, 19, collapsed at the RockNess festival . The devastated family of a teenager who collapsed and died at a music festival after apparently taking a 'legal high' have warned about the dangers of taking drugs. The grieving family of Alex Herriot described the 19-year-old as a 'happy, caring and kind young man' after he collapsed at the RockNess festival in Scotland. Mr Herriot, from Portobello in Edinburgh, is thought to have experimented with a legal drug called Benzo Fury at the festival, on the shores of Loch News at Dores in the Highlands. The 19-year-old collapsed in the main area on Saturday night and died in hospital a short time later. His relatives say he was not a habitual user of drugs and had been warned to steer clear of them. They spoke of their devastation at the loss of an 'immensely popular' young man, saying they would never get over his death. In a statement issued through Northern Constabulary, the family said: 'Alex, our much loved son, was happy, caring, kind, loyal and affectionate and joined in enthusiastically with any project. He was very popular with a large group of close, good friends. 'He was beautiful both on the outside and the inside where it matters most. He loved his life. 'The fact that we will not be seeing him wandering around the house with his laptop playing his music, teasing his sister and asking if there was any food and 'could he have a bus fare please' is unbearable. 'Alex was attending a music festival which he had been looking forward to enormously. As a young man who enjoyed life, it was unfortunate he chose to experiment with a drug that had such a catastrophic effect on his system. 'We are devastated that we have lost him but anything he did, in every area of his life, was done with good intent, in this case to get the most out of his festival experience.' Mr Herriot had almost completed an HND in media studies and planned to go to Edinburgh's Queen Margaret University. He was said to have enjoyed film, anime, comedy and music. Thanking the police and the medics who tried to save his life, the family said: 'The sudden death of our beloved son Alex has left his family in a state of shock and is a loss we will never get over. On Thursday, the teenager, had written on his Twitter profile page about how much he was looking forward to the Scottish music festival . Festival: More than 30,000 people attended the weekend event and police said 144 revellers had been arrested over drug possession and one for dealing . Friends: Hours later, a 19-year-old woman and 20-year-old man, believed to be friends of the dead teenager, were taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness . ‘Legal highs’ are substances which produce the same, or similar effects, to drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy, but are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. There are a large number of 'legal highs' - some are known by their brand/product name, such as Benzo Fury and it's not always clear what's in these products and their contents can change regularly. Benzo Fury is a man-made amphetamine which can give users a euphoric high. It induces feelings of empathy similar to Class A drug ecstasy. Benzo Fury is also a stimulant and it's side effects include loss of appetite, hallucinations and paranoia. Controversial 'legal highs' such as Benzo Fury and Ivory Wave are manufactured in laboratories in the Far East and eastern Europe. They have become a popular alternative to illegal ecstasy and Meow Meow.. 'He was a very special person, always . in a good mood, funny, interested in everything around him, immensely . popular and loved by everyone who knew him. 'He had everything going for . him: personality in abundance, very good, close friends, a large . extended family unit that supported and adored him; and we are all . devastated by our loss.' In a warning to other youngsters, . they said: 'Alex was not a habitual drug user. We know that young people . dabble in drugs and Alex had been warned to steer clear. Please, please . be aware that certain drugs can kill and please don't be the next . youngster to leave their family bereft.' Mr Herriot died in the early hours of Sunday morning at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, failing to respond to treatment. Police said over the weekend that early indications show that he may have taken drugs. Officers said a 19-year-old girl and a . 20-year-old man were also taken to hospital from the festival in the . early hours of Sunday morning. They are thought to have taken drugs, . including so-called legal highs. The man and woman are described as being in a ‘comfortable’ condition. Northern . Constabulary confirmed Mr Heriot’s death is believed to be drug-related . but would not say whether he had taken Benzo Fury. Toxicology tests are being carried out to discover what substance or mixture, if any, was involved. Benzo Fury can be bought wholesale over the internet and usually sells for £10 a pill, or £25 for three. Mr Heriot's father told the Daily . Record: 'We are still talking to the police liaison people and we are . not sure of the full circumstances of what has happened. 'We are still struggling to take it in.' On Thursday, the teenager, who was . studying at Jewel and Esk College in Dalkeith, Midlothian, had written . on his Twitter webpage about how much he was looking forward to the . festival, headlined by acts including Mumford & Sons. Benzo Fury can be bought wholesale over the internet and usually sells for £10 a pill, or £25 for three. He wrote: ‘To say I am excited for RockNess 2012 is an absolute understatement.’ More . than 30,000 people attended the weekend event and police said 144 . revellers had been arrested over drug possession and one for dealing. Legal highs defeat sniffer dogs which are not trained to detect legal substances and so far no other Benzo Fury has been found. Police . and organisers minimised the risk of controlled drugs at the festival . through measures, including searches and the use of drugs dogs as well . as amnesty bins. Event . commander, Superintendent Stevie Mackay, said: 'Taking drugs or any . medicines, which you have not been prescribed, is an extremely risky . thing to do. 'If anyone has the tablets described or any other drug, whether controlled or a 'legal high', in their possession, they are advised not to take them and to hand these in. 'Amnesty bins are available at the main Nesstival entrance or anyone can hand in substances to Crew 2000 at the welfare tent.' ‘Legal highs’ are substances which produce the same, or similar effects, to drugs such as cocaine and ecstasy, but are not controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act. There are a large number of 'legal highs' - some are known by their brand/product name, such as Benzo Fury and it's not always clear what's in these products and their contents can change regularly. Legal high deaths: Hester Stewart's body, left, was found next to a bottle of GBL in a house in Brighton after a party while Lois Waters, right 24, is believed to have taken party drug mephedrone - known as meow meow - in the lead up to her death . In recent years there have been . several highly publicised cases of young people dying after taking drugs . which were legal highs. Hester Stewart's body, 21, was found next to a bottle of GBL in a house in . Brighton after a party in 2009, while Lois Waters, 24, is . believed to have taken party drug mephedrone - known as meow meow - in . the lead up to her death in 2009. Both . substances are now banned, but health professionals and police fear . each time a drug is outlawed, a new alternative is introduced on to the . market. Benzo Fury is a man-made amphetamine which can give users a euphoric high and induces feelings of empathy similar to ecstasy. It is also a stimulant and its side effects include loss of appetite, hallucinations and paranoia. Fatal collision: Two men killed in a road crash on Friday that involved a bus taking people to RockNess have been named as Mark McFarlane, 38, and Barry Murray, 28 . Controversial 'legal highs' such as Benzo Fury are usually produced in . laboratories in the Far East and eastern Europe. They have become a popular alternative to illegal ecstasy and the now banned drug meow meow. Meanwhile two men killed in a road crash on Friday that involved a bus taking people to RockNess have been named. A van driver and passenger died in the accident at Ralia, near Newtonmore, Inverness-shire.Northern Constabulary said the men were Mark McFarlane, 38, and Barry Murray, 28, decorators from the Glasgow area. Meanwhile, police are anxious to trace Zoe McArthur, 18, of Edinburgh, who was last seen on Saturday evening at the festival. | Alex Heriot, 19, collapsed in the main area at the RockNess festival at Dores, on the shores of Loch Ness, on Saturday night .
Before festival he had tweeted: 'To say I am excited for RockNess 2012 is an absolute understatement'
Two other festival goers believed to be friends of the dead teenager described as being in a 'comfortable' condition .
Benzo Fury can be bought wholesale over the internet and usually sells for £10 a pill, or £25 for three . |
238,075 | c023523d3ccda16ec8dd1fe42310d53f9ba00bf8 | By . William Turvill . PUBLISHED: . 06:17 EST, 4 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:14 EST, 4 December 2013 . A man accused of murdering his 11-month-old son blamed his dog for causing the child's death, a court heard. Michael Beaumont, 29, a part-time gardener, claimed his son, Kadan, was ‘flipped over’ by Staffordshire terrier Mia before banging his head on the garden steps. But the prosecution at Sheffield Crown Court said the head injuries, which saw Kadan die in hospital, were caused by Beaumont hours before he called an ambulance. Michael Beaumont (right) blamed his dog for causing the death of his 11-month-old son, Kadan (left) He told the court yesterday: ‘I saw . Mia bang into him. It was really fast. I just remember Mia hitting the . back of him and hitting his head on the step. He landed on the back of . his head. ‘Kadan went over himself and did a back somersault and landed on his back on the concrete just below the bottom step.’ The court heard Beaumont sent a photo of his son’s injuries to the child’s mother, Helen Barnes, 28, while she was at work. A . message with the picture said: ‘Look at my head mummy. Naughty Mia . knocked me down the steps in the garden. I cut my neck as well. Don’t . worry, daddy chased her round the garden and slapped her.’ The . father told the same story to his neighbours. One said Kadan ‘looked as . though he had been beaten up by Mike Tyson’, but the parents did not . seek medical attention until the next day. Kadan . died in Sheffield Children’s Hospital on September 28, 2011 where . doctors found he had two recent fractures of the skull, bleeding in his . eyes and on the surface of the brain as well as multiple bruises to his . head and face. Prosecutor Robert Smith QC said . the dog story was untrue and Kadan’s death was ‘caused by someone . striking him or throwing him against some surface shortly before the . emergency services were called’. Beaumont, . who has a six-year-old son from a previous relationship, told the jury . he was ‘right happy’ when Barnes became pregnant with Kadan. The child's mother, Helen Barnes, 28, denies allowing the death of a child and cruelty to an under-16 . The court heard that when Kadan was born Beaumont had shared duties with the baby’s mother and also looked after her five-year-old son when she returned to work as a teaching assistant. Asked if he had any experience of looking after babies before Kadan, Beaumont said: ‘I did, but not a right lot.’ Beaumont said Kadan’s fatal injuries were sustained as he was playing with the rabbits in the garden of the couple’s home at Chapel Street, Hoyland Common, Barnsley, and then crawled up the two steps on a path and stood up. Beaumont blamed his Staffordshire terrier, Mia (not pictured), for killing his 11-month-old son, Kadan . ‘He turned round and all I can remember, I looked up at the last minute and saw Mia bang into him,’ he said. But the prosecution said Kadan was subject to regular violence from an early age and was taken to a GP when he was seven weeks old after coughing up blood. A week later he was taken to hospital with a ‘cauliflower’ ear which a doctor suspected may have been caused by a punch. When interviewed after Kadan’s death, Ms Barnes told police she had lifted Kadan over her shoulder two days previously and the baby ‘headbutted’ her. But experts told the court much more force would have been required. The couple claimed Kadan also suffered bruising to his head two weeks previously when he fell out of a high chair in the kitchen as Beaumont fed him. Mr Smith said the parents did not seek medical attention for Kadan because they were ‘fearful’ of the consequences. ‘Beaumont had deliberately inflicted those injuries to his son and falsely claimed to Barnes that the dog had been responsible,’ he said. ‘She had no excuse as a teaching assistant and mother for failing to take action to investigate those serious injuries and protect him from further abuse at the hands of Michael Beaumont.’ The court heard that just a few weeks previously Beaumont had ‘slammed’ his son down on a neighbour’s hard kitchen floor and said he was ‘stressed out and his son had to learn’. Asked by Bryan Cox QC, defending, if he had done anything to injure Kadan, Beaumont said: ‘No. I tried to help him. I loved him and I miss him. I loved all my children very much.’ Beaumont denies murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. Barnes denies allowing the death of a child and cruelty to a person under-16. The trial continues. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Michael Beaumont, 29, said his son, Kadan, was 'flipped over' by Staffordshire terrier and denies murder .
Prosecution told Sheffield Crown Court injuries were caused by Beaumont .
Child's mother, Helen Barnes, 28, denies allowing the death of a child . |
34,126 | 60f8670aeaa3bbd86b47dd446f6c394c86eaa397 | The beauty of a small stream cutting through the vast Glencoe mountains in Scotland has won top prize in the Landscape Photographer of the Year awards. The moody shot, taken by Mark Littlejohn, from Penrith, Cumbria, beat thousands of images showing the beauty of the UK's landscapes to be awarded the £10,000 prize. Judges claimed the dramatic picture of Scotland captured 'a fleeting moment of beauty' in the Highlands. Take A View of A Beginning and an End: Mark Littlejohn's dramatic Glencoe stream was the Overall Winner in this year's Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards . A second image of a sunset over the heather-strewn Yorkshire Moors was also recognised as the image most likely to encourage people to visit Britain. The photos that took top position in the variety of different categories depicted some of the UK's most iconic countryside as well as the hidden beauty in the country's cityscapes. A misty early morning in the Peak District, London Bridge from above and a striking tower at Sheffield University also took top honours. Take A View of Heather in Bloom: The beauty of the North York Moors, captured by John Robinson, from Peterlee, Co Durham, was honoured as the photo most likely to encourage people to visit Britain . Take A View of Sunrise: The dramatic Winnats Pass, Derbyshire, won the Visit Britian 'You're invited' Award for the best image from an overseas entrant category and wa taken by German Sven Mueller . Mr Littlejohn said he had got up at 1.30am to drive to Glencoe for his winning shot, but the rain had been torrential at dawn. As he wandered about waiting for gaps in the weather he saw the stream form high up on Gearr Aonach. 'It tumbled steeply down the slopes before vanishing again near the base of the mountain. With more squalls coming through I decided to take this image as the light became slightly more diffuse. It had to be a quick handheld shot due to the sideways rain.' He added that he struggled to take in the news he had won the competition. 'I suppose all I can say is that I just felt pure joy. I haven't stopped smiling since.' Take A View of Bright Eyes: The Classic View category was won by this image taken by Dave Fieldhouse of Hope Valley from the Great Ridge, Derbyshire . Take A View of Fred 'n' Sue: The Living the View category was won by Jo Teasdale who snapped a wintery shot of Brighton, East Sussex . Charlie Waite, landscape photographer and founder of the Take a view Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards, said: 'Mark discovered and isolated a fleeting moment of beauty within a vast and slightly threatening arena. 'The composition compels us to visually explore the image and its delicacy and understatement are enormously satisfying.' Sam Rielly, 17, from London, won the the Young Photographer of the Year award for a black and white image of his mother walking through the landscape of Anglesey, Wales. Dorset beauty: Jake Pike's dramatic sky over Durdle Door won the Youth Classic view category . Take A View of London Bridge Station: Stephen Bright snapped this picture of the busy London railway station from the viewing platform at the capital's iconic Shard . Take A View of University of Sheffield: The Arts Tower won the Urban View category in this year's Landscape Photographer of the Year Awards and was taken by Daniel Cook . Of his picture, he said: 'This image was taken on a particularly wet and windy day on Parys Mountain, the site of a former copper mine. The subject of the image is my mother, who was unaware that I was taking the picture.' The awards are being held in association with VisitBritain, and a category for overseas entrants was won by Sven Mueller from Germany for his dramatic shot of the Peak District. The Network Rail Lines in the Landscape award went to Stephen Bright, from Hook, Hampshire, for his shot of London Bridge train station from the viewing platform at the top of the Shard. The winning entries will be exhibited on the recently-built mezzanine level at Britain's busiest station, London Waterloo, from December 1 and in the Landscape Photographer of the Year awards book. | Landscape Photographer of the Year awards gave top honours to a dramatic picture of a Glencoe stream .
Sunset picture over the heather-strewn North York Moors awarded as most likely to encourage people to visit .
London Bridge train station and university building also given awards for their urban beauty . |
226,291 | b10595ed6a29d12dd6faebf7f48ccb0cc3fe8703 | By . Lucy Crossley for MailOnline . The new Tesco boss has been urged to split the business into three separate stores based on its Finest, Everyday Value, and ordinary brands to tackle the threat from Aldi and Lidl. The supermarket giant has been hit by profit warnings as its businesses suffered outside the UK, while British shoppers have been turning to lower cost rivals. New chief executive Dave Lewis, who is due to start in October, has now been advised by an industry analyst to split up the company into a discount chain to take on the German-owned stores and a higher-end version rivalling Waitrose or Marks & Spencer, as well as the regular branches. Suggestion: The new Tesco boss has been urged to split the business into three separate stores based on its Finest, Everyday Value, and ordinary brands to tackle the threat from Aldi and Lidl . Threat: Share prices at Tesco have fallen as the supermarket struggled to kick-start a strategy to fend off the growth of discounters, led by Aldi and Lidl . The supermarket group is now worth £10billion less than a year ago, and analyst Bruno Monteyne said he believes that breaking up the chain is the only way to halt Tesco's decline. Mr Lewis will join Tesco after more than 25 years experience working at consumer goods group Unilever. In a research note, Mr Monteyne of Bernstein Research, suggested that breaking up the brand would enable Tesco to use different approaches to entice different customers into its stores. 'Rip out 20 per cent of the range, have cheaper shelving and cheaper products in the more deprived areas and give customers a better deal,' he wrote, according to The Independent. Incoming: New chief executive Dave Lewis will take over the role in October, following the departure of Philip Clarke . Tesco's share price has fallen 33 per cent in the past year to 247p on 22 August. The retailer has been hit by profit warnings as its businesses suffered outside the UK, while shoppers in its home region began turning to lower cost rivals. The supermarket group is now worth £10billion less than a year ago after its shares plunged as it struggled to kick-start a strategy to fend off the growth of discounters, led by German-owned Aldi and Lidl, and suffered from perceived over-expansion in its boom years. It recently lost its chief executive Phil Clarke with a new one Dave Lewis due to take over in autumn. 'In London, where people want someone behind the counter who knows the difference between a parma ham and a serrano ham, that requires more investment.' Tesco announced last month that CEO Philip Clarke, who had worked his way up to the top job during 40 years with the company, would be replaced by Mr Lewis following a profits warning. During Mr Clarke's tenure he had invested £1bn cutting prices, refreshing stores, increasing staff numbers and service levels but the business had continued to lose market share. Share prices dropped as Tesco struggled to kick-start a strategy to fend off the growth of discounters, led by Aldi and Lidl, and the chain suffered from perceived over-expansion in its boom years. A former Tesco executive himself, Mr Monteyne said that by splitting up the brand Tesco would be able to charge different prices around the country, enabling it to compete with discounters in poorer areas, and more upmarket shops in affluent towns. 'By Tesco promising to have the same prices in the most affluent areas as the poorest areas, it’s basically tied its hands behind its back by committing to an uneconomical model,' he said. A study for The Grocer magazine earlier this month found that Lidl was almost a third cheaper than the major supermarket chains, and that both it and Aldi have made dramatic gains in market share. In the 12 months to July 2014, Aldi’s market share rose 32.2 per cent, while Lidl’s grew 19.5 per cent. Retail experts said their success will intensify the competition, forcing bigger chains to ‘up their game’ and slash prices. The Grocer’s ‘shopping basket survey’ found Lidl charged 29.5 per cent less than Tesco for 33 popular lines, and that while a weekly shop at Tesco cost £63.73, the equivalent at Lidl was £49.23. As well as the threat of Aldi and Lidl, Tesco's overseas operation has also suffered. The company has exited both the Japanese and US markets, and in the last financial year, trading profit for its European operations fell as sales in the likes of Hungary, Poland and Turkey, all declined. MailOnline has contacted Tesco for comment. | New Chief Executive Dave Lewis is due to start at Tesco in October .
Mr Lewis will take over the role from Philip Clarke, whose departure was announced after a profits warning .
Analyst has advised Mr Lewis to split the business into three brands .
Bruno Monteyne says move would enable chain to target different customers . |
254,529 | d579575432a2dbe9035a727789d67b6e44b8eccf | By . Leon Watson . A fire battalion chief hunted for the killing of his fiancee is a keen outdoorsman and may be hiding out in the mountains, authorities said today. Police have been trying to find Orville 'Moe' Fleming, 55, since last week. He is known to frequent the Sierra Mountains, Santa Cruz Mountains and the Yosemite Valley, Sacramento County sheriff's Sergeant Lisa Bowman said. Doomed pair: 'Moe' Fleming (left) is the primary suspect in the stabbing death of fiancee Sarah Douglas (right) Fleming is wanted on suspicion of . fatally stabbing Sarah Jane Douglas, 26, on May 1 in the south . Sacramento home that he shared with her. Her butchered body was discovered by her sister. Fleming fled the scene in his state-issued fire vehicle and has not been seen since. Fleming, who taught for several years at the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection's academy in Ione, was fired yesterday after not reporting for duty or calling in for five days, Cal Fire spokesman Daniel Berlant said. Berlant said the termination was automatic because of Fleming's absence from work and has nothing to do with the allegations against him. Veteran: The lone suspect is a 24-year veteran firefighter that has risen to the rank of battalion chief . House of horrors: The street in front of the home where Douglas was killed has been roped off with police tape . A statewide manhunt continues for Fleming, who is believed to have fled the immediate area in an unknown vehicle. He also has keys to various gates, trails and Cal Fire facilities throughout the state, Bowman said. Fleming may have changed his appearance by shaving his head or mustache, and he has obvious tattoos on his left arm, Bowman added. He is also likely to have suffered cuts to one or both of his hands during the alleged killing, Bowman said, and he is believed to be carrying .45- and .25-caliber pistols. Grieving: Loved ones gathered in front of the suburban Sacramento home . Sad days: A memorial in front of the home Douglas once shared with Fleming . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Sarah Douglas, 26, was found stabbed to death at home last week .
Her butchered body was discovered by her sister in Sacramento .
Police have been trying to find her fiancee Orville 'Moe' Fleming .
The 55-year-old fled the scene in his state-issued fire vehicle . |
126,778 | 2fe3707d6267568b1fe68baa3586ac849db8fd46 | Los Angeles, California (CNN) -- A woman described as a "struggling actress" filed a sex harassment lawsuit against actor David Boreanaz Thursday, claiming he made unwanted sexual advances while offering her a role on his TV series "Bones." Kristina Hagan's suit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, said she was working as an extra in an episode of the crime drama in August 2009 when Boreanaz approached her and said he had "the ability to make things happen for her." A statement from a representative for Boreanaz called the accusations "totally fabricated and absurd." "There is no validity to this lawsuit," the statement said. "She is an actress who is working towards her goals, but who like many other actresses has not yet been able to achieve them," Hagan's lawyer, Gloria Allred, said. "For that reason she is extremely vulnerable as many actresses are in Hollywood." Allred said she also represents another woman who has filed a charge of sexual harassment in employment against Boreanaz. Boreanaz, 41, stars in the series and is also an executive producer. "She is informed and believes that he has used his 'star power' and position to entice women who have a desire to act on the show 'Bones' by promising or implying that he could get them work on the show and then using their vulnerability to obtain sexual favors from them," Hagan's suit said. The lawsuit described several instances in which Hagan alleged Boreanaz tried to grope and kiss her. "Ms. Hagan did her best to deter his sexual advances, but did so in such a manner that she would not offend him since he had offered to assist her in her acting career," the suit said. The harassment also involved cell phone text messages from Boreanaz to Hagan, including one with a photo of the actor's genitals attached, the suit said. "Ms. Hagan was offended by the text messages but nevertheless wanted to maintain a relationship with him because it was very important to her to secure employment as she was a struggling actress," the suit said. Hagan was never given a role in the show, according to the suit. The lawsuit claims that Hagan has suffered "emotional and psychological distress, wage losses, and loss of benefits" because of the harassment. It also names as defendants several production companies involved in the show, including 20th Century Fox Television. CNN's Brittany Kaplan contributed to this report . | NEW: Boreanaz rep calls the suit "totally fabricated and absurd"
"Struggling actress" claims "Bones" actor sexually harassed her .
Woman says Boreanaz offered to "make things happen for her"
Lawsuit: Boreanaz used "star power" to entice women . |
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