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151,357 | 4fb07f98a3683606a2ca2d172ce062bfbba2d54b | By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 08:48 EST, 11 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:07 EST, 11 November 2013 . Daisy the dog is a pet her owner simply can't live without. That's because the lovable four-year-old has repeatedly saved Judy Owen's life, something she puts down to the pet's 'psychic' powers. Miss Owen, 60, claims to have avoided serious injury twice after Daisy warned of impending danger. According to Miss Owen, Daisy also barks instinctively seconds before the phone rings and can even tell when her owner is about to get out of her seat by offering up her paw. Life-saver: Judy Owen (pictured), from Worcester, says her 'mystic' pet Daisy (right) can warn her of impending danger . Miss Owen said the little cockerpoo - a cocker spaniel poodle cross - has already predicted a car crash and a potentially lethal accident in her master's bathroom. Daisy first showed an ability to foresee danger in February this year when she became agitated and started howling while Judy was driving. Miss Owen slowed down and just minutes later, a fellow driver ploughed into the back of her car as it pulled out of a junction and sent the motor hurtling into a wall. Incredibly, Miss Owen escaped serious injury because she had slowed down as a result of Daisy's barking. On another occasion, Daisy started to run round Judy's apartment in Worcester at 4am - just hours before a shower screen shattered in her bathroom. Shop owner Miss Owen, who is not married and lives on her own, said: 'A few Sundays ago I went to bed as normal, but at 4am Daisy suddenly awoke and began rushing round my apartment - nothing seemed to quieten her. Adorable: Four-year-old Daisy has helped Judy Owen, 60, avoid serious injury twice . 'After about half an hour I persuaded her to come back into the bedroom where she jumped up on the bed and lay horizontally next to me, pushing her little body against mine. 'Two hours later there was a huge explosion in the bathroom. My glass shower door had exploded and sent pieces of glass everywhere - they'd even gone flying out into the hallway. 'Just before it happened Daisy wouldn't leave my side, she wouldn't let me go, she just wanted me to stay there. 'Psychic' dog Daisy (pictured) who barked loudly to wake her owner Judy Owen just before the glass on her shower smashed . Miss Owen said the little cockerpoo - a cocker spaniel poodle cross - has already predicted a car crash and a potentially lethal accident in her master's bathroom . 'Maybe she heard the glass cracking first, I didn't know what was going to happen but she seemed to sense something and wanted to protect me. 'If it had happened two hours later when I usually have a shower I would, without a doubt, have been very badly injured. 'The first time I noticed Daisy's sixth sense was back in February, when I was driving and she started getting agitated, I got quite cross with her making such a fuss. 'Then a few minutes later a man went into the back of me and sent my car flying into a wall - it was a complete write-off. Luckily neither of us was hurt, although Daisy was very shaken. 'It could have been much worse but because I'd slowed down to calm Daisy we weren't going that fast at the time of the impact. 'She's normally a very placid dog so it's very out-of-character for her to get agitated and howl. 'Whenever she does it in future I might just lock myself away because I'll know something bad is on the way. I strongly believe Daisy has psychic powers. There is really no other explanation for it.' Miss Owen believes her close bond with Daisy, who she got as a ten-week-old puppy, allows her to interpret signals from her dog. The inseparable pair spend most of the day together, and Daisy even meets and greets customers at her master's boutique in Worcester city centre. Daisy has another unusual talent - picking up litter when she goes for her daily walk by the canal. Miss Owen added: 'I think she saw me always picking the rubbish up and picked up the habit herself. She's an amazing little dog, she's like a little child really.' | Four-year-old dog warns owner Judy Owen, 60, of impending danger .
The pet has already predicted a car crash and a potentially lethal accident .
Miss Owen says Daisy barks instinctively seconds before the phone rings .
And the pet offers her owner a paw before she is about to get up . |
53,858 | 98b981212bc67f025a993c330200bca02277b3e7 | (CNN) -- Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's Twitter account and VK Russian social networking profile have drawn heavy public scrutiny, but he left another, more hidden social media trail: a deleted Instagram account that sources close to him tell CNN once belonged to the accused Boston bomber. The Instagram account, with the user name "jmaister1," no longer exists, and friends of Tsarnaev's say it was deleted only recently. An Instagram spokesman declined to comment on the account or disclose when the account was deleted. CNN National Security Analyst Juliette Kayyem says the account could be significant. "If I were an investigator right now, obviously the platform he deleted matters the most," she said. Traces of the jmaister1 account were still visible this week in Google's Web cache and on other archiving sites. Digital sleuths often use those tools to find glimpses of deleted material. When oversharing online can get you arrested . "It's exactly like an archive," tech entrepreneur and programmer Sam Altman explained. "So no matter what changes were made to the page today, on the current server, Google has this sort of imprint from a couple of weeks ago." Tsarnaev's complete account could not be recovered with those tools. Google's cache stores the pages it indexes for variable lengths of time: sometimes days, sometimes weeks. The digital traces that remain show that Tsarnaev added a "like" on several photos referring to Chechnya that were posted by other Instagram users. One shows Chechen warlord Shamil Basayev, a onetime government official who later masterminded terrorist attacks against Russia. Basayev was killed in 2006. Another pro-Chechnya image that Tsarnaev "liked" carries a string of hashtags including #FreeChechenia #Jihad #Jannah #ALLAH #Jesus and #God. An academic Chechnya expert whom CNN consulted said the images illustrated a familiarity with Chechen politics and iconography. Tsarnaev's Instagram account wasn't widely known; CNN spoke with several friends of his who said they were unaware of its existence. Two of his high-school classmates, however, spoke about the account and said he used it to keep in touch with a close-knit group of school friends. The two classmates say they are shocked by -- and in some cases skeptical of -- the charges being levied at the friend they knew as "Jahar." As one said, "Jahar was the last person you'd expect to do this. I've honestly never heard anybody say anything bad about him." Since Tsarnaev's account was deleted, little of what he wrote and posted remains publicly visible, but Kayyem expects investigators to take a closer look at whatever data they can reconstruct. "Were there clues embedded in the combination of images that can tell us something about what Dzhokhar was thinking?" she asked. "Some of those pictures are very benign. Some of them standing alone don't mean anything." Instagram makes clear in its terms of service that it will turn its records over to law enforcement officials when it receives a valid subpoena or search warrant. "Given the volume of real-time content on Instagram, some information may only be stored for a short period of time," Instagram says on its site. "We do not retain data for law enforcement purposes unless we receive a valid preservation request." Dead Boston bomb suspect posted video of jihadist, analysis shows . | Accused bomber had a little-known and now deleted Instagram account .
Digital traces still remain of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev's deleted post .
Investigators are likely to look closely at the Instagram trail .
One of Dzhokhar's friends says he "was the last person you'd expect to do this" |
285,336 | fdbb924cd068f7307826698d925e7ef5bafbf7c2 | Passengers traveling from Seattle to Houston were stranded for nine hours in Idaho waiting on replacement plane . By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 14:21 EST, 27 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:21 EST, 27 August 2013 . A United Airlines 737 plane traveling from Seattle to Houston was forced to make an emergency landing in Idaho after one of its two engines reportedly shut down. Some 116 passengers were stranded at Pocatello Regional Airport in Idaho for nine hours after it landed at 2.50am on Tuesday. Travelers were finally able to board a replacement plane shortly before 11am on Tuesday, a spokeswoman said. A United Airlines Boeing 737 airplane, like the one pictured here, made an emergency landing at Pocatello Regional Airport in Idaho . Kristy Heinz, who serves as the Secretary . and Assistant Security Coordinator at the Idaho airport, said there were no . injuries or accidents. The United flight was carrying 116 passengers and six crew members at the time of the emergency landing. Pocatello airport manager David Allen told KPVI-TV that an engine on the airplane shut down and it was the closest suitable airport to make an emergency landing. KPVI also reported that passengers were served food and refreshments while waiting at the terminal. United Airlines spokeswoman Jennifer Dohm said the plane was diverted to Pocatello due to 'an issue with an engine'. Maintenance workers are investigating the cause of the engine failure. A United Airlines Boeing 737 made an emergency landing at Pocatello Regional Airport in Idaho, pictured. The plane was flying between Seattle and Houston when an engine apparently failed . Other United Airlines planes have had technical problems this summer, according to reports. The Houston Chronicle reported that in July, a United Airlines 777 flying from Houston to Amsterdam turned around after it experienced engine problems. United did not offer a specific explanation of the problem. Also in July a United Airlines 757 heading from Newark to Frankfurt experienced engine failure. ABC said it had to land in Boston instead of Frankfurt. Earlier this month, a United Airlines 747 experienced engine failure on a flight from San Francisco to Sydney. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that one of four engines on the plane failed, causing it to turn around. | Passengers traveling from Seattle to Houston were stranded for nine hours in Idaho waiting on replacement plane . |
103,364 | 114857d9cc5cffcaf166b800de097392ab01bbf8 | Starring role: Cocaine smuggler Gholda James, a model from the Dominican Republic, played the part of Sister Mary Roberts in Sister Act, the musical . A murderer, a drug smuggler and a child molester were allowed to star in a West End-style show inside a high-security women’s prison. Twenty inmates featured in the £180,000 production of Sister Act, the Musical at HMP Bronzefield in Surrey last month, the Mail can reveal. The show was put on as part of a ‘rehabilitation’ project designed to turn inmates away from crime. But prison bosses ordered a publicity ban over the event because of fears of public outrage. Last night victims’ groups condemned the production as ‘insensitive’. Rose Dixon, from Support after Murder and Manslaughter, said: ‘Most victims’ families will be horrified by this. 'Yes, rehabilitation is part of the programme in prison but there must be more appropriate ways. ‘They are in there enjoying themselves when the bereaved families are totally devastated. I think it’s very insensitive.’ Prison officials said the event was allowed to go ahead because it was not paid for with public funds. But questions were also raised about why foreign prisoners – who would be earmarked for deportation when they complete their sentences – were allowed to join in. The show was put on at HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, which holds the country’s most dangerous women offenders. The prison is run by private firm Sodexo Justice Services, . Inmates include serial killer Joanna Dennehy and, until recently, Rose West. An arts charity, Pimlico Opera, put on the show – based on the 1992 film starring Whoopi Goldberg – over seven nights at the end of February and start of March. Among the ‘stars’ was drug smuggler Gholda James, a model from the Dominican Republic who was jailed last year for trying to bring £90,000 of cocaine into the country. She is serving five years. Also on the cast was killer Sarah Anderson, who is serving a life sentence for stabbing another woman to death after a row in a South London pub in 2009. Nigerian air stewardess Temitayo Daramola, who was locked up after trying to smuggle £600,000 of cocaine on a flight to London from Lagos last summer, also featured in the production. The name of the convicted child abuser is not known. Roll call: Some of the jail's cast . They were supported by a cast of professional actors and opera singers and accompanied by a 13-piece orchestra. Hollywood classic: Whoopi Goldberg in the 1992 film . Prisoners performed on a West End-style stage created by top designer Halla Groves-Raines and were trained by professional choreographers for two weeks. Tickets were sold at £40 a head to members of the public, with around 300 available for each performance. But all mobile phones were confiscated from audience members as part of the ban on publicity by the Prison Service. Ian Blakeman, director of commissioning for the National Offender Management Service, said: ‘We already provide targeted offending behaviour programmes for prisoners but we also know that working with organisations like the Pimlico Opera can have a positive impact on rehabilitation and help offenders lead law-abiding lives on release.’ | Twenty inmates starred in the West End-style show at HMP Bronzefield .
It was part of a 'rehabilitation' project to turn the women away from crime .
But victims' groups condemn the production as 'insensitive' |
125,699 | 2e7e7dac387925b795519e6a1d43b07497767511 | By . Chris Wheeler . Follow @@ChrisWheelerDM . David Meyler is free to play in the FA Cup final after the Hull midfielder escaped punishment for stamping on Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj. United interim boss Ryan Giggs hit out at Meyler for sinking his studs into Januzaj’s outstretched leg in the latter stages of United’s 3-1 win at Old Trafford on Tuesday night. The FA were unable to take the matter further after referee Craig Pawson yesterday said that he had seen the incident. VIDEO Scroll down for Giggs hails 'Class of 14' but says no decision on retirement . Nasty: David Meyler (right) leaves his boot in on Manchester United's Adnan Januzaj . Stamp it out: Meyler got away with the stamp on Januzaj late in the second half . Pawson, however, admitted that he would . have taken more action if he had seen it from the camera angle that . appeared to show Meyler deliberately standing on Januzaj. Meyler, who . was facing the possibility of a three-match ban, will now be available . to play for Hull against Arsenal in the Cup Final at Wembley on May 17. It is the second time this season that Januzaj has been the alleged victim of a stamp after Fulham's Sascha Riether was banned for three matches in November after accepting a FA charge of violent conduct. Hull boss Steve Bruce insisted that he did not see the incident, but Giggs described it as 'a joke'. He added: 'I didn't see it but I've seen his leg. It's the second time it has happened to him this season. It's not great to see, and it's terrible his leg. 'He needs protecting. He's a brilliant, exciting player and the authorities need to sort it out. It's just the length of his leg, not cutting into his skin. It goes form his knee to his ankle.' Giggs came on as a substitute for his 963rd - and possibly final - appearance at Old Trafford in his last home game as interim boss, and admitted that he is still in two minds whether to play on next season. Thin line: Meyler was already on a yellow card for an earlier foul on Tom Lawrence . He used the occasion to give supporters . 'a glimpse into the future', giving senior debuts to James Wilson and . Tom Lawrence alongside Januzaj. Wilson, 18, scored two of United's goals and admitted that he only knew he would be in the team on the morning of the match. 'It . came as a shock but he had faith in me,' he said. 'I got out there and . tried to show what I could do. My family were out in full force tonight . and it was a great feeling. 'When the first went in it was total . euphoria. The second one was a great experience. It was about getting . used to the physicality and the pace of the game. I played here for the . Under-21s but it is different with 75,000 people.' Tough tackling: Meyler (right) makes a fair challenge on Januzaj during United's 3-1 win . Previous: Fulham's Sascha Riether stamps on the ankle of Januzaj during a Premier League match in 2013 . | David Meyler's will not face ban and will be free to play in the FA Cup final .
Ryan Giggs has called for Adnan Januzaj to be given more protection .
FA couldn't act after referee Craig Pawson said that he saw the incident . |
248,365 | cd58f99e40f7cea968b5c9fefa1deebad138add1 | (CNN) -- There is little about the horror that unfolded in a dark Aurora, Colorado, movie theater that Eugene Han and Kirstin Davis can forget. There's the sound of the gunfire, of the screams, of the chaos that followed as accused gunman James Holmes opened fire in a rampage that left 12 people dead and 58 wounded, among them Han and Davis. One year later, the couple are taking back THAT day, replacing the fear they felt with the love they have for one another, when they marry on Saturday -- a year to the day of the shooting rampage . "My thought process was that everyone has a date that they want to get married on that means something special to them," Han said Thursday on CNN's Piers Morgan Live. "For us, it was a night of terror and all that. So we wanted to change the date and, you know, make it our own." Surviving THAT night . It's an ending for the couple that almost wasn't. THAT night, July 20, 2012, Han and Davis were on a date to see the midnight screening of the new Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." The two had known each other for years, having gone to elementary school together. But now, in this theater, they were a young couple, enjoying one another and the possibilities of their relationship. Then, according to authorities, a heavily-armed Holmes walked through the emergency exit door and into the dark theater. "When James Holmes walked in that night, I knew something was going to happen because no one really walks through an exit door -- especially through an exit door," Han said. Maybe it was the warning his parents had given him as a child: Be aware of your surroundings. Maybe it was instinct. But in that moment, when the gunman opened fire, Han dropped from his seat to the floor. When he looked over for Davis, he saw she was still in her seat. He reached up and pulled her down on to ground. "So I made sure that James Holmes couldn't get to her. If anything, at least, put my body between her and the shooter," he said. The bullets "went through chairs like butter," hitting Han in the hip and the knee. Davis suffered minor injuries, cuts and scrapes. For months, as Han underwent medical care, Davis was by his side. Their bond, they say, strengthened. Setting the date . The marriage proposal came months later, in a private moment as the couple vacationed in Texas. Later, Han thought about the year and all that they had endured. Today, Han can run and walk. But he also carries a constant reminder of THAT day -- shrapnel in his hip. As they drove back to Colorado, Han asked Davis if she wanted to get married on THAT day. "I kind of scared her at first, and she had to think about it," he said. She, too, thought about all they had gone through. She thought about how he saved her. She thought about how she could have lost him. Her answer: Yes. Watch Piers Morgan Live weeknights 9 p.m. ET. For the latest from Piers Morgan click here. | Eugene Han and Kirstin Davis were on a date when a gunmen went on a rampage .
Han was shot in the hip and the knee; Davis suffered cuts and scratches .
Han and Davis will marry on July 20, one year after the shooting .
"We wanted to change the date and, you know, make it our own," Hans says . |
192,724 | 857bb073098d21167a88ab485ad2e3907992ffb3 | (CNN) -- Accusations of lies and counter-lies dominated the intensifying November election campaign Thursday, with surrogates and spokespeople for President Barack Obama and certain Republican nominee Mitt Romney trying to cast the other as dishonest and secretive. While neither candidate engaged directly in the political back-and-forth, their teams and supporters launched new attack ads and criticized the opposing contender with increasingly sharp rhetoric. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, said Romney couldn't be confirmed as a dogcatcher because he refuses to make public more of his past income tax returns, while Romney adviser Ed Gillespie labeled as a lie some Obama ads that accused the former Massachusetts governor of outsourcing jobs when he headed Bain Capital. "Another day, another Obama campaign falsehood," said the headline of a statement by the Romney campaign. Romney was scheduled to speak later Thursday at a fundraiser organized by former Vice President Dick Cheney, while Obama declined an invitation to address the NAACP national convention in Houston, sending Vice President Joe Biden instead. Obama's campaign blamed a scheduling conflict for his unavailability to speak to the nation's largest African-American advocacy group. The president's schedule for Thursday initially appeared wide open, but a senior administration official confirmed Thursday morning that Obama and the first lady were being interviewed by CBS later in the day. At the convention, a short videotape from the president urged delegates to "keep standing with me." On the campaign trail, the competing charges of lying involved claims by each camp that the other candidate has been more responsible for sending U.S. jobs overseas, as well as a longstanding and previously discredited accusation that Romney remained at the private equity firm for three years longer than he has said. Romney says he ceded control at Bain Capital in February 1999 in preparation to run the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City. However, The Boston Globe reported Thursday that documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission stated that Romney owned 100% of the company until as late as 2002 . CNN confirmed that an SEC filing from 2001 also listed Romney as the "sole shareholder, sole director, Chief Executive Officer and President of Bain Capital." In addition, CNN obtained from a Democratic official a Bain Capital filing with the Massachusetts Secretary of State's Office in 2001 that listed Romney as Bain president as well as a director. The document was Bain Capital's annual foreign corporation report for calendar year 2000, signed by Bain Treasurer Joshua Berenstein. Romney's campaign spokeswoman, Andrea Saul, said the Boston Globe article "is not accurate" and insisted the candidate left his management role at the company in 1999 "as Bain Capital has said, as Gov. Romney has said, and as has been confirmed by independent fact checkers multiple times." Steve Pagliuca, Bain managing partner, told CNN on Thursday that Romney had "absolutely no involvement with the management or investment activities" of the firm after his February 1999 exit, but continued to be the sole stockholder. "Due to the sudden nature of Mr. Romney's departure, he remained the sole stockholder for a time while formal ownership was being documented and transferred to the group of partners who took over management of the firm in 1999," Pagliuca said. "Accordingly, Mr. Romney was reported in various capacities on SEC filings during this period." The timing of his end date at the firm remains an important focal point in the presidential race, as Romney argues he left the company before it was involved with the shuttering of certain businesses that led to job losses. Obama's re-election campaign quickly seized on the Boston Globe report, arguing it was possible proof that Romney "hasn't been telling the truth" about his exit from Bain. "Either Mitt Romney, through his own words and his own signature was misrepresenting his position at Bain to the SEC, which is a felony, or he was misrepresenting his position at Bain to the American people to avoid responsibility for some of the consequences of his investments," said Obama deputy campaign manager Stephanie Cutter. "If that's the case, if he was lying to the American people, then that's a real character and trust issue that the American people need to take very seriously." The Romney camp reacted quickly, with campaign manager Matt Rhoades calling Cutter's remark "a reckless and unsubstantiated charge" that was "so over the top that it calls into question the integrity of their entire campaign." "President Obama ought to apologize for the out-of-control behavior of his staff, which demeans the office he holds," Rhoades continued. "Campaigns are supposed to be hard fought, but statements like those made by Stephanie Cutter belittle the process and the candidate on whose behalf she works." The nonpartisan group FactCheck.org said it previously looked into the matter of when Romney left Bain Capital and concluded there was insufficient evidence to show that Romney was still managing the company, even part-time, during his time with the Olympics. "We would reassess our judgment should somebody come up with evidence that Romney took part in any specific management decision or had any active role (not just a title) at Bain after he left to head the Olympics," said Brooks Jackson, the director of FactCheck.org. Jackson added: "But in our considered judgment, nothing in the Globe story directly contradicts Romney's statements, which he has certified as true under pain of federal prosecution, that he 'has not had any active role' with Bain or 'been involved in the operations' of Bain since then." Obama's campaign also has been calling on Romney to release more than the two years' worth of tax documents he has already made public, suggesting the candidate may be hiding important details about his finances. In a statement Thursday, Cutter questioned whether Romney was concealing his tax documents "because there is still more about this period and beyond that he doesn't want people to know." The chief of the House Republicans' campaign arm said Thursday it was reasonable for people to ask for more information about Romney's personal financial records. "His personal finances, the way he does things, his record, are fair game," Texas Republican Pete Sessions told CNN. So far, the former Massachusetts governor has released his 2010 tax records and an estimate for 2011, but he has filed an extension for his 2011 taxes. In an interview on Fox News on Wednesday, Romney said he'll release the most recent information "as soon as they're prepared." Romney has an estimated net worth of more than $250 million. Meanwhile, Romney's campaign released a new television ad Thursday accusing Obama of spreading "dishonest attacks" that Bain Capital specialized in advising companies on outsourcing while Romney was its head. The new Romney ad noted that FactCheck.org said there is "no evidence" that Romney was directly responsible for shipping jobs overseas while he headed the company. Obama's campaign has pressed the point in its own attack ads, and the president told an Iowa crowd Tuesday that "Gov. Romney has experience owning companies that were called 'pioneers' in the business of outsourcing." In an interview Thursday on NBC, Gillespie of the Romney campaign said the Obama ads "have been shown to be demonstrably false and that's, you know, that's another way of saying a lie, obviously." Gillespie's comment showed the growing role of surrogates for the candidates in launching campaign attacks. Reid, who said Wednesday that Romney would fail to win Senate approval as a Cabinet member because he won't reveal more than two years of his tax returns, went a step further Thursday. "He not only couldn't be confirmed as a Cabinet secretary, he couldn't be confirmed as dogcatcher," Reid said. "As a dogcatcher, you'd at least want to get a look at his tax returns." Meanwhile, House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, went after Obama during his weekly news conference, accusing the president of giving stimulus money to companies that did business overseas instead of in the United States during a recession. However, a fact check by The Washington Post showed there was little evidence that companies receiving federal money used it to pay workers overseas. Obama got some good news Thursday, with the number of people filing for initial unemployment claims falling to a four-year low. But the president remains vulnerable on his handling of the economy, identified as the biggest issue on the minds of voters, because of the 8.2% unemployment rate and weak growth. A top independent conservative group, Crossroads GPS, announced Thursday it was going up with its second straight television commercial slamming Obama over the high unemployment rate. The group, which was co-founded by conservative operative Karl Rove, says the commercial is part of an $8 million ad buy targeting battleground states. Crossroads GPS is the sister organization to American Crossroads, the independent super PAC that backs GOP causes and candidates. Crossroads GPS has spent tens of millions of dollars to run ads critical of the president and supportive of GOP lawmakers and candidates in crucial Senate contests. In his remarks to the NAACP, Biden focused on voting rights, arguing that Republicans were making it more difficult for people to vote. By implementing laws requiring voters to present official identification at the voting booth, Biden said, the GOP sees "a different future, where voting is made harder, not easier." Democrats have said that such laws are politically motivated and intended to suppress minority voting. Republicans have said the laws prevent fraud and protect the integrity of the system. The issue was a hot topic this week at the NAACP convention, where Attorney General Eric Holder spoke Tuesday and lambasted states that have considered or attempted to implement such laws, including Texas, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania. Appealing to the group's founding, Biden on Thursday urged the crowd to "remember what (the NAACP) at its core was all about." "It was about the right to vote, because when you have the right to vote, you have the right to change things," he said. Biden's speech came one day after Romney was booed during his own remarks to the group when he vowed to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Obama's signature health care law. In comparison, Biden drew thunderous applause Thursday after trumpeting health care reform and emphasized that the law ensures coverage to "8 million black Americans who never would have had insurance." CNN's Paul Steinhauser, Ashley Killough, Kevin Bonn, Jim Acosta, Tom Cohen, Deirdre Walsh, Gregory Wallace and Shannon Travis contributed to this report. | NEW: A House Republican says Romney's personal finances are "fair game"
The campaigns of President Obama and Mitt Romney accuse each other of lying .
The charges involve competing claims about Romney's time at Bain Capital .
Obama sends Vice President Joe Biden to address the NAACP . |
209,288 | 9b04fed2ab4c6e38841122d8517d21d0139168f1 | By . Rebecca English . PUBLISHED: . 18:01 EST, 1 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 18:01 EST, 1 October 2012 . Found abandoned in a public park at just four weeks old - starving, shivering and suffering from a terrible skin condition - Bluebell didn't have the best start in life. Today, however, the plucky little Jack Russell is putting her paws up as she settles down to life as the Duchess of Cornwall's newest pet. Camilla decided to adopt the adorable puppy, now nine weeks old, from world-famous rescue centre Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in London, who nursed Bluebell back to health. New addition: Bluebell the Jack Russell who was abandoned in a public park at four weeks old . It is the second time that Prince Charles's wife has stepped in to offer a home to an unwanted dog. Last year the Mail revealed that she had taken on another Battersea rescue pup called Beth, also a Jack Russell. The pairing was such a success that after the recent loss of her two eldest dogs, Tosca and Rosie, the Duchess couldn't resist when the charity contacted her about another waif. A spokesman for the Duchess - who has owned several generations of Jack Russell puppies - explained that Bluebell, who was named by staff at the rescue centre, had a 'really awful' start in life. The Duchess of Cornwall pictured with former pet Tosca, a nine-year-old Jack Russell . 'She was just four weeks old when she was found by a member of the public in quite a bad way,' they said. 'She had lost a lot of hair and her skin was pink and sore. 'The Duchess was delighted to take her on.' A source close to Camilla, who picked up her new dog last week, added: 'Beth is a delightful dog and has been wonderful with the Duchess's five young grand-children - Bluebell is a very welcome addition to the family.' Like Beth, Bluebell will have the run of several palatial residences including Ray Mill, the Duchess's Wiltshire home, Prince Charles's country residence Highgrove as well as Clarence House and Birkhall, his Scottish estate. Camilla was treated like any other potential owners, however, and had to pay a £105 rehoming fee which covers the charity's costs as well as microchipping, initital vaccinations, flea and worming treatments and a new collar, identification tag and lead. Battersea does not receive any government funding and is totally reliant on publication bequests and donations. Claire Horton, chief executive of the home, said: 'Once again the Duchess of Cornwall ahs given a second chance in life to a Battersea dog in need. Bluebell arrived at Battersea having had such an awful start in life, so we couldn't be happier that she caught the eye of the Duchess and now has such a wonderful home. 'Bluebell will be an excellent companion for Beth and we're confident she will bring a lot of pleasure to her new family.' | Bluebell is the second dog that the Duchess of Cornwall has adopted .
The puppy, now nine weeks old, was found 'in a bad way' in a public park . |
116,761 | 22bc3823c14f5ec0c2a8eb22c6ca75bbce884812 | Fitness trackers are designed to make you more active, but if all this extra exercise leaves you smelling less than fresh, Google has a solution. A patent reveals the tech giant’s proposal for a digital deodorant which comprises a wearable sensor that detects physical movements to automatically emit a pleasant fragrance. These sensors would also detect a rise in temperature and moisture, suggesting increased sweat levels and body odour. A patent reveal Google's proposal for a wearable sensor that detects physical movements and automatically emits pleasant-smelling odours. The built-in spray dispenser - described in the files as a ‘fragrance emission device’ - would be activated and a fan would ‘waft’ the smell out of the wearable’s casing (illustrated) The built-in spray dispenser – described in the files as a ‘fragrance emission device’ – would be activated and a fan would ‘waft’ the smell out of the wearable’s casing. A warning would also be sent to the user before the smell is emitted, giving them the chance to disable the feature if they don’t want to release the odour - for example, in a busy gym or confined space. ‘The user may confirm the fragrance emission as planned, or may override the planned emission,’ explained the patent. As with all patents, the latest filing doesn't mean Google is planning to release the product any time soon, or at all. An alternative device, however, is currently raising money on Kickstarter. The Smart Spray accessory is a smartphone case fitted with a small vial designed to hold any liquid of the owner's choice. This could include perfume, suntan lotion, insect repellent, fresh breath spray or more. The nozzle protrudes from the rear of the case and can be tucked away when not in use. ‘In one instance, the user may be planning on taking the rest of the day off after the walk, after which the user will go home and shower.’ Google also described the sensor as having ‘a communication and route suggesting portion.’ The device would be web-enabled to connect to social networks and determine the proximity of friends, for example. The ‘route’ portion would then ‘provide an alternate route to travel such that the predicted odour may not offend others that are socially connected to the user and that travel the same routes as the user.’ As with all patents, the filing doesn't mean Google is planning to release the product any time soon, or at all. MailOnline has contacted Google for more information. An alternative device, however, is currently raising money on Kickstarter. The Smart Spray accessory is a smartphone case fitted with a small vial designed to hold any liquid of the owner's choice. A warning would be sent to the user before the smell is emitted from the sensor (pictured), giving them the chance to disable the fan and stop odour being released - for example, in a busy gym or confined space . Google also said the sensor would have ‘a communication and route suggesting portion.’ The device would connect to social networks and determine the proximity of friends, for example, then the ‘route’ portion would ‘provide an alternate route such that the odour may not offend others socially connected to the user' A report recently concluded expensive wearables may be a waste of money because smartphones and apps are just as good - and in some cases better - at tracking steps. It pitted Nike’s Fuelband, the Jawbone UP24 and Fitbit Flex against five apps. The 10 top-selling devices and fitness apps in the US that were tested, were: Galaxy S4 Moves app, iPhone 5S Moves app, iPhone 5S Health Mate app, iPhone 5S Fitbit app, as well as Nike’s Fuelband, the Jawbone UP24, Fitbit Flex, Fitbit One Fitbit Zip and the Digi-Walker SW-200. This could include perfume, suntan lotion, insect repellent, fresh breath spray or others. The nozzle protrudes from the rear of the case and can be tucked away when not being used. Earlier this week, a report concluded that expensive wearables may be a waste of money because smartphones and apps are just as good - and in some cases better - at tracking steps. The study compared the performance of a five devices - including Nike’s Fuelband, the Jawbone UP24 and Fitbit Flex - against five apps. They analysed their ability to count steps as these are often used to calculate other measures of physical activity, such as distance covered or calories. The 10 top-selling devices and fitness apps in the US that were tested, were: Galaxy S4 Moves app, iPhone 5s Moves app, iPhone 5S Health Mate app, iPhone 5s Fitbit app, as well as Nike’s Fuelband, the Jawbone UP24, Fitbit Flex, Fitbit One Fitbit Zip and the Digi-Walker SW-200. As with all patents, the latest filing doesn't mean Google is planning to release the product any time soon, or at all. An alternative device, however, is currently raising money on Kickstarter. The Smart Spray accessory (pictured) is a smartphone case fitted with a small vial designed to hold any liquid of the owner's choice . | The patent was filed by Google in August 2012 and awarded this week .
It details a sensor that detects physical activity and emits odours .
A built-in spray would activate and a fan would direct the fragrance .
This could be used to counteract the smell of sweat, for example .
Wearable sensor can also provide directions to avoid friends that could be ‘offended’ by any odour emitted .
And users would be able to change the fragrance, or stop it being released . |
248,705 | cdcedf8062f37c2ae0be89d6427bc3e8236b0f99 | By . Rob Davies . PUBLISHED: . 19:09 EST, 30 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:41 EST, 31 July 2013 . BP is to appeal $1billion of compensation payments for its Gulf of Mexico oil spill, after lashing out at ‘absurd’ claims by US law firms cashing in on the disaster. The British oil giant yesterday increased its estimate of the total bill for the 2010 disaster to an eye-watering £27.7billion. Some £6.3billion of the total is made up of claims by people who say the accident cost them money, many of them fishermen, hoteliers and restaurant owners. But BP is set to battle ‘fictitious’ claims by ‘greedy’ lawyers looking to use the oil company as a cash machine. The explosion happened on 20 April 2010 triggering the worst oil spill in US history. BP says it will fight fanciful legal claims over the accident . ‘No company would agree to a settlement that pays businesses that suffered no losses,’ said chief executive Bob Dudley. ‘We want everyone to know that we are digging in and are well-prepared for the long haul on legal matters.’ Mr Dudley took the reins at BP in 2010 after an explosion ripped through its Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 people and triggering the worst oil spill in U.S. history. He replaced gaffe-prone predecessor Tony Hayward, who infamously enraged Americans as the disaster unfolded by declaring: ‘I’d like my life back.’ And Mr Dudley has proved a far more popular figure in the US, particularly given his roots in the Gulf Coast state of Mississippi. Poggy fish lie dead stuck in oil in Bay Jimmy near Port Sulpher, Louisiana. Many of the claims are from businesses directl affected by the accident . But the American sought to show he was no pushover, warning that BP would take its appeal against ‘absurd’ claims all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. He pointed out his duty to protect the interests of investors in BP, a major component of the pension funds that will help millions of Britons through their retirement. ‘BP shareholders, of which there are many in the UK - and the dividends from this company are so important here - should be unhappy, just as they should be in the US,’ he said. Mr Dudley added that the Gulf of Mexico compensation process was ‘curious and somewhat out of control’. He lashed out at America’s litigation culture, saying that inflated claims against BP were a symptom of a wider problem. He cited a claim by residents of Oklahoma against weathermen who failed to predict the devastating tornado that ripped through the US state earlier this year, killing 23 people and injuring 377 more. And he said he was recently invited to join a £15million lawsuit against Southwest Airlines over its failure to provide free drinks coupons that it had advertised. ‘There’s something wrong with this system,’ he said. ‘The precedent is not good for America.’ Mr Dudley’s comments have been spurred by a sudden surge in claims by law firms winning compensation not just for their clients, but for themselves. The compensation fund is administered by a judge, meaning BP has no control over who is deemed eligible for a payment. Since BP agreed to settle, administrators of the settlement fund have paid an average £527,000 to more than 300 law firms, adding up to more than £160million in total. But in the past week the average claim by a law firm has spiralled to nearly £1million, while one firm secured a £10million payment for itself. The cash windfalls come on top of any fees charged to ordinary claimants such as shrimp farmers and hoteliers, who typically forfeit up to 25 per cent of their payouts to lawyers acting on their behalf. A dam erected at Grand Isle, Louisiana, to protect the island's beaches from oil that washes ashore from the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion and spill in the Gulf of Mexico . The rough ride given to BP contrasts with the treatment of US construction giant Halliburton, which made the cement on the British firm’s doomed well. Halliburton has agreed to pay a fine of just $200,000 after it was found to have destroyed evidence from tests it performed on the quality of the cement used in the well. But the financial hit is dwarfed by BP’s own costs, which it has warned could rise beyond the £27.7billion it has set aside. BP has previously warned it faces a ‘feeding frenzy’ of lawyers, while the firm’s US head of communications last week said the firm’s efforts to meet its obligations were being exploited. ‘The Deepwater Horizon settlement could have been a model for resolving lawsuits after industrial accidents,’ said Geoff Morrell. ‘Instead it’s running into a monument to plaintiffs’ lawyers’ greed.’ BP intends to appeal against some £650million of payouts in total, with claims by law firms believed to make up nearly half of the total. | BP set to battle 'fictitious' claims from U.S. lawyers .
The accident was the worst oil spill in American history .
Chief exec said 'compensation culture' in America is out of control . |
112,244 | 1cc9cc16ac02e6f3a7081a01b24ea11bd050877d | (CNN) -- It's a sweltering May afternoon in Hong Kong. In Tsim Sha Tsui, facing the city's iconic skyline, a Russian couple poses -- a slender woman with impeccable style drags her boyfriend by the hand toward the skyscrapers across the harbor. Nearby, a hoard of journalists takes their own pictures of this couple taking pictures. It's all for a perfect Instagram shot. This is the couple behind, or in front of, the "Follow Me To" project. The images of Natalia Zakharova leading her photographer boyfriend, Murad Osmann, toward exotic, picturesque locations around the globe took off last year, and Osmann's Instagram account now has more than 1.1 million followers. All the images are taken in the same style: from Murad's perspective showing just his extended arm and Natalia's back against beautiful backdrops. The project started accidentally in 2011 during a holiday in Barcelona when Natalia got frustrated with snap-happy Murad, who was pre-occupied taking pictures of the city. "This is just a hobby," says Natalia. "We're not thinking about being famous at all." Will Russia follow them? Now, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has commissioned the pair to lure more Russian tourists to the city. Out of the 54 million tourist arrivals in Hong Kong last year, 223,664 came from Russia. That's a 20% increase from 2012. Russians spend more than any other tourists (HK$9,258 ($1,190) per person, on average), including those from Mainland China (HK$8,937), according to the Hong Kong Tourism Board. The couple have taken their signature images at some of Hong Kong's top tourist spots -- such as the Choi Hung Estate -- as part of the Tourism Board's social media campaign. The first two images were revealed over the last week and the rest will be released one by one leading up to winter, a key travel season for Russians, explains a HK Tourism Board spokesperson. Both Zakharova and Osmann have day jobs back in Moscow -- she's a journalist and he's a film director -- that they try to juggle with this continuously expanding project. "It's really hard to balance our jobs and all the travel," says Murad. "We plan ahead -- we speak to the local photographers and communities for recommendations. Then we have to take weekends out. "We have to take up to 20 dresses with us [for Natalia] to see what looks best and all the equipment. It's not an easy project -- it's not a holiday." In future we can expect to see short travel video guides from the couple, comprising behind-the-scenes footage of the creation of each image as well as walking viewers through each destination's history and culture. "It's not a commercial project," says Natalia. "Each city, each country has its own unique character. We love all of the places." Alisha Haridasani is a freelance journalist based in Hong Kong where she works for a variety of print and broadcast institutions. | 'Follow Me To' now has 1.1 million followers on Instagram .
HK Tourism Board hopes to attract big-spending Russians with new campaign .
Future projects include a series of travel videos . |
51,161 | 90c2df7dc721f9222fc6e7886a43deab08642b5d | New York (CNN) -- For more than 200 years, it lay hidden beneath the ground upon which New York City's World Trade Center once stood. Now, four years after its discovery, scientists say they've solved the mystery of the ship hull found in the wreckage of the former World Trade Center site in lower Manhattan. The hull, originally found by archeologists monitoring the site's excavation, has been traced back to colonial-era Philadelphia, according to researchers at the Tree Ring Research Laboratory at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University. "An old growth forest in the Philadelphia area supplied the white oak used in the ship's frame and ... the trees were probably cut in 1773 or so -- a few years before the bloody war that established America's independence from Britain," according to a statement from the scientists. Researchers used a process known as "dendroprovenancing" to determine the hull's origins, whereby tree rings from wood samples were analyzed and referenced against several other historical tree chronologies. "Trees respond to climate each year and that pattern of rings created within the tree produces a signature for that species in a forest or region," said Neil Pederson, a research scientist on the study. "We took oak samples from the World Trade Center vessel and made a record of growth through time. We then compared it to independent records of white oak that we had." Researchers looked at oak chronologies from Boston through Virginia, but their analysis found that the samples had the greatest compatibility with trees in eastern Pennsylvania, particularly in the Philadelphia area dating in the latter part of the 18th century. Scientists also found that the same kind of oak trees used to build the ship were also likely used to build Philadelphia's Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the study said. The ship was found approximately 6.7 meters, or nearly 22 feet below ground, just south of where the World Trade Center towers stood before they were toppled in the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. It was not detected during earlier construction. "It's such an intense site already based on its recent history, so to be in the midst of this urban, modern, very fraught location, and then to be sitting on what was a river bottom, with clams and fish, and the smell of low tide, was really an amazing juxtaposition," said Molly McDonald, an archeologist with the environmental consulting firm AKRF, who was among those who discovered the ship's hull in the wreckage in 2010. Archeologists typically perform basic research to determine whether a construction site could be sensitive for archeological reasons, said McDonald. She and her colleagues had been at ground zero to monitor construction for any potential finds. "Early one morning, we were monitoring and suddenly saw this curved timber come up," she recalled. "It was clear to me that it was part of a ship, so we stopped the backhoes and starting hand digging." The ship has been tentatively identified as a Hudson River sloop, which researchers say was designed by the Dutch to carry passengers and cargo over the river's rocky shallows. After being in use for 20 to 30 years, the ship is believed to have sailed to lower Manhattan, where it was eventually sunk, either deliberately or by accident, and ultimately buried by trash and other fill materials purposely used to extend Manhattan's shoreline. "Abundant fill materials such as rocks, earth, and refuse were placed behind wooden barriers or within wood structures to create new land. Earlier wharfs and abandoned merchant ships were often a component of the fill in newly constructed land," according to the study. The majority of the ship remains are currently being stored at Texas A&M University, said Jason Conwall, spokesman for Empire State Development. The Lower Manhattan Development Corp., created in the aftermath of 9/11 to help plan the rebuilding of Lower Manhattan, is a subsidiary of Empire State Development, owns the ship. "We're working on potential options for the future which could potentially include preservation of the ship, but right now, set plans are still being determined," Conwall said. For Pederson and fellow researchers, the ship's discovery and the investigation that followed has provided data that may prove useful for further research. "The beauty of dendrochronology is that we can actually use those same samples to understand past climate change and the ecology of forests. The response to our work has been really big, bigger than we expected," Pederson said. "For us, we have this really rich data set from the World Trade Center ship that we can use for future work. In a way, the ship lives on." A U-boat and its American prey haunt Gulf of Mexico . Explorer: Underwater pirates looted what he says is likely Santa Maria . After 125 years, ship rediscovered at bottom of San Francisco Bay . | Scientists say hull found at the WTC site likely originated from a forest in the Philadelphia area .
Vessel likely built around 1773 and believed to have been a "Hudson River Sloop" ship .
Scientists analyzed and compared tree-rings on wood from the ship with wood samples to determine probable age .
Ship's hull was found by archeologists at ground zero site in July 2010 . |
43,364 | 7a4582013549b1de02840e15af2db6cdc18de6fb | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The federal government is establishing a new system for updating medical records of servicemen and women during and after their military careers, President Obama announced Thursday. President Obama made veterans' affairs a big priority in the 2008 campaign and continues to do so. The joint virtual lifetime electronic record will, among other things, help ensure a streamlined transition of health care records between the Pentagon and the Veterans Administration. It will provide "a framework to ensure that all health care providers have all the information they need to deliver high-quality health care while reducing medical errors," the White House said in a background statement. "When a member of the armed forces separates from the military, he or she will no longer have to walk paperwork from a [Defense Department] duty station to a local VA health center. Their electronic records will transition along with them and remain with them forever," Obama said in remarks delivered near the White House. The system will "cut through red tape" and allow new veterans to start receiving their benefits more quickly, he promised. During the announcement, Obama was joined by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Veterans Affairs Secretary Eric Shinseki. "We welcome this news. ... This is a huge day for veterans and troops," Paul Rieckhoff, head of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, told CNN. "This is a good way for [Obama] to come back from Iraq and make a powerful statement." The White House recently proposed a significant budget increase for the Veterans Administration, including an 11 percent hike in fiscal year 2010. In March, however, the administration abandoned a controversial plan to charge private insurers for treatment of veterans' service-connected ailments. Veterans' representatives and members of Congress angrily opposed the proposal, which White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said was never finalized. | NEW: "This is a huge day for veterans and troops," chief of veterans group says .
Government is establishing a new system for updating medical records .
Joint virtual lifetime electronic record aims to streamline data between Pentagon, VA .
Obama: System will "cut through red tape," allow new vets to get benefits faster . |
252,647 | d2f7a5375f03497d5428516a87d60a9e9c218259 | A party is always better with a pinata, but these creepy ones that stray in looks from their intended characters may not do much to lift the mood at a gathering. In Disney's film Frozen, for example, Olaf is a goofy, cuddly snowman but this version makes him appear sinister - while SpongeBob SquarePants is surprisingly hairy and Peppa Pig could easily be Peppa Fox. Mexican couple Melesio Vicente Flores and Cecilia Albarran have been making and selling their high-end pinatas - which are stuffed with candies and broken open with a stick during parties - for 25 years. And it's not just children they cater for, as can be seen by their pole-dancing pinatas. A party is always better with a pinata, but these creepy ones stray in looks from their intended characters. Jasmin Membrillo pictured centre with her daughter Cinthya Jasmin displays an Olaf figure for an upcoming birthday party . Mexican couple Melesio Vicente Flores and Cecilia Albarran have been making and selling their high-end pinatas - which are stuffed with candies and broken open with a stick during parties - for 25 years. Pinata designs pictured include a hairy SpongeBob SquarePants (left), President Enrique Pena Nieto (centre) and Peppa Pig (right) which could easily pass as Peppa Fox . Working from their four-story shared home, it's not just children they cater for, as can be seen by the pole-dancing stripper (above) intended for a birthday party . Together the Vicente-Albarran family create 40 to 60 pinatas per week with perennial favorites including Spider-Man and Buzz Lightyear. A Sleeping Beauty pinata is pictured above - Albarran said 'princesses never go out of fashion' Now in their 50s, the pair started making pinatas in 1989 and have expanded the family business to include their daughter Elvia Vicente Albarran and son-in-law Guillermo Luna Martinez. Together the Vicente-Albarran family create 40 to 60 pinatas per week, with perennial favorites including Spider-Man and Buzz Lightyear, as they work from their four-story shared house built into a hillside on the east side of Mexico's sprawling capital. Working from their rooftop, cement molds are covered in the shapes of body parts with newspaper and are then laid out to dry. On the lower floors, mother and daughter cut newspapers into strips, coat them in glue made from wheat flour and layer over gaps. Vicente assembles the pieces into completed characters. After drying in the sun, the pinatas are brought inside to be painted. Colorful paper and tape create eyes, hair styles and costume details. It takes about two days to complete a pinata during the dry season and twice as long during the rainy season. 'It's hard work and there are lots of things to do, so there is no chance of getting bored. Time flies,' said Albarran. In Disney's film Frozen, for example, Olaf is a goofy, cuddly snowman (right) but this version makes him appear sinister (left) Now in their 50s, the pair started making pinatas in 1989 and have expanded the family business to include their daughter Elvia Vicente Albarran and son-in-law Guillermo Luna Martinez . It takes about two days to complete a pinata during the dry season and twice as long during the rainy season. A figure is being carried outside to dry (above) Albarran said: 'It's hard work and there are lots of things to do, so there is no chance of getting bored. Time flies'. A pinata in the process of being made into Captain America is pictured above . The more elaborate pinatas sell wholesale for 180 pesos ($12) but other vendors are selling them for less using cheaper materials making competition stiff. Three other rooftops full of the drying figures are visible on the hillside below the couple's workshop and home. 'Before we sold 100, now we sell 50 in a week,' said Vicente. 'We earn just enough to get by.' The family's designs include characters such as Mickey Mouse for children's birthdays or caricatures of despised politicians for protests. Characters from the Disney hit 'Frozen' currently appear to be top sellers in local markets and Albarran said 'princesses never go out of fashion.' Gerardo Moreno Alejo, who sells pinatas at La Merced, one of Mexico City's biggest markets, said university students requested pinatas of President Enrique Pena Nieto last year amid anger over the disappearance of 43 students from a rural teachers college. While competition may make it more difficult to sell pinatas, the Vicente-Albarran family hope to keep making them as long as possible. 'We are not here to make ourselves rich,' said Albarran. 'We like our job.' To make the figures, strips of newspaper are glued from wheat flour onto the pinata molds. Their designs include Mickey Mouse, Spiderman and Buzz Lightyear . The family works from their four-story shared house built into a hillside on the east side of Mexico's sprawling capital . While competition may make it more difficult to sell pinatas, the Vicente-Albarran family hope to keep making them as long as possible. Pictured above are pinata versions of Disney princesses Elsa and Sofia . | Melesio Vicente Flores and Cecilia Albarran have been making and selling pinatas for 25 years .
The creations include interesting versions of SpongeBob SquarePants, Peppa Pig and Disney characters .
The family creates 40 to 60 pinatas per week, with perennial favorites being Spider-Man and Buzz Lightyear .
University students requested pinatas of President Enrique Pena Nieto last year amid anger over disappearance of 43 students from rural teachers college . |
82,442 | e9ba7a1c5b7f2c96effd858272a93cf24e5b1b7b | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 17:29 EST, 8 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:36 EST, 9 December 2013 . Anti-government protesters toppled a statue of Soviet state founder Vladimir Lenin in Ukraine's capital and attacked it with hammers on Sunday in a symbolic challenge to President Viktor Yanukovich and his plans for closer ties with Russia. The gesture rejecting Moscow's historic influence over Ukraine came after opposition leaders told hundreds of thousands of demonstrators on Kiev's Independence Square to keep up pressure on Yanukovich to sack his government. The protesters are furious that the government decided last month to ditch a landmark pact with the European Union in favour of closer economic cooperation with Moscow, Ukraine's Soviet-era overlord. Scroll down for video . Anger: An anti-government protester beats the statue of Vladimir Lenin with a sledgehammer in Kiev, Ukraine, on Sunday . Protestors cheer as the blows rain down. An estimated 200,000 Ukrainians have occupied central Kiev . Yanukovich's sudden tack towards Russia has provoked the biggest street protests since the 2004-5 Orange Revolution, when people power forced a re-run of a fraud-tainted election and thwarted his first run for the presidency. 'Yanukovich, you are next!' read a poster stuck on the plinth where the red granite statue of Lenin had stood. People hacked off chunks of the prostrate - and now headless - leader of the 1917 Bolshevik revolution to take home as souvenirs. Cheered by the crowd, a woman planted an EU flag on the pedestal where the 11 ft-high statue had stood since 1946. Opposition leaders denied any link to its removal, clearly concerned that such an act could harm their cause. The spokesman of Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov called the felling of the statue 'barbarism', Interfax news agency reported. Ukrainian protesters put up Ukrainian flags in place of the staue of Lenin (left). In this taken at the beginning of December (right), police guard the monument as the level of protest mounts . The authorities and protesters have confronted each other for weeks, raising fears for political and economic stability in the former Soviet republic of 46 million people. The demonstrators have erected blockades to defend the central Independence Square - now transformed into a tent village, sustained by donations of food and clothing - from any police attempt to retake it. They are occuping key public buildings and on Sunday erected blockades and tents on roads in the government district. 'This is a decisive moment when all Ukrainians have gathered here because they don't want to live in a country where corruption rules and where there is no justice,' said Vitaly Klitschko, a reigning world heavyweight boxing champion and leader of the opposition Udar (Punch) party. Ukraine's opposition accuses Yanukovich, who met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, of preparing to take the country into a Moscow-led customs union, which they see as an attempt to recreate the Soviet Union. Soviet collapse: The statue crashes into the ground as people cheer . Snowfall: A protester wearing a mask climbs a ladder to attach a cable and prepare to pull down the statue . An EU flag was erected atop the plint, drawing cheers from the massed protestors. The demonstrators have erected blockades to defend the central Independence Square - now transformed into a tent village, sustained by donations of food and clothing - from any police attempt to retake it . Yanukovich has said he decided to shelve the EU trade deal because it would have been too costly for Ukraine's struggling economy and the country needs more time to prepare. He says he is preparing a 'strategic partnership' with Russia, but has not committed to joining the customs union. 'We are on a razor's edge between a final plunge into cruel dictatorship and a return home to the European community,' jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko said in a message to Sunday's rally, read out by her daughter Yevgenia. 'Don't give in, not a step back, don't give up, the future of Ukraine is in your hands,' the message read. Last weekend, riot police beat protesters and journalists, drawing EU condemnation and swelling protesters' ranks. Klitschko, increasingly seen as a national leader-in-waiting, told Sunday's crowd that their protests must remain peaceful, adding: 'We do not want to be kept quiet by a policeman's truncheon.' The protestors have denounced President Viktor Yanukovych's decision to turn away from Europe and align this ex-Soviet republic with Russia . Vitaly Klitschko, increasingly seen as a national leader-in-waiting, told Sunday's crowd that their protests must remain peaceful, adding: 'We do not want to be kept quiet by a policeman's truncheon' A group of protesters, chanting 'revolution', started erecting tents and barricades near the government building after Sunday's rally, apparently aiming to halt normal government activity next week . He demanded the release of political prisoners, punishment of those responsible for last weekend's crackdown, the resignation of Prime Minister Azarov's government and early presidential and parliamentary elections. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso urged Yanukovich by phone on Sunday to seek a dialogue with his opponents and to respect civil freedoms, the EU executive said. Opposition leaders denied any link to its removal, clearly concerned that such an act could harm their cause. The spokesman of Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov called the felling of the statue 'barbarism' EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton will visit Kiev this week to help to find a way out of the crisis, it said. Interfax news agency said Yanukovich also discussed the situation with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. Kiev and Moscow have both denied that Putin and Yanukovich discussed the customs union when they met in the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi, but further talks are planned for Dec. 17. Yanukovich and Putin, who regards Ukraine as strategically vital to Moscow's interests, are widely believed to have struck a bargain whereby Ukraine will get cheaper Russian gas and possibly credits in exchange for backing away from the EU. A group of protesters, chanting 'revolution', started erecting tents and barricades near the government building after Sunday's rally, apparently aiming to halt normal government activity next week. Riot police stood guard nearby. 'We will stay till our demands are met and there is a change of government,' said a 22-year-old man draped in a Ukrainian flag who gave his name as Sergei. 'We don't want to be under Russia's thumb.' Independence Square, nucleus of the protest movement, is festooned with blue and yellow national flags and EU flags. People huddle around braziers to keep warm. In a gesture sure to annoy Yanukovich, protesters hoisted a huge portrait of Tymoshenko onto a New Year tree, plastered with anti-government placards, that towers over the square. The protest camp has been swelled by huge numbers arriving from Ukrainian-speaking western and central regions, where the opposition enjoys strong support. A Tymoshenko ally, former interior minister Yuri Lutsenko, urged people in eastern Russian-speaking areas - the bedrock of Yanukovich's power - to join them. 'We are the same people as you are, except they stole from you earlier,' he said. Sales worker Sviatislav Zaporozhit, 26, said the demonstrators were united by the desire for a change of government. 'I don't want to go back to what my parents lived under the Soviet Union,' he said. 'When I am old, I want to live like people in Europe. I want to live in a normal country' | Hundreds of thousands attend rally on Kiev's Independence square .
Opposition fears president may sign trade pact with Russia .
Lenin statue symbolic of Moscow's historic sway in Ukraine .
Protesters erect new barricades in Kievbut opposition calls for peaceful protest . |
266,439 | e517d08deced28baf32a97c23ae8dfed51a9c702 | (CNN) -- Severe flooding across Serbia has prompted the evacuation of at least 16,300 people -- including 1,100 whisked away on helicopters -- the government said Saturday. A spokesman for the Interior Ministry confirmed there have been at least 15 deaths in Serbia and another five in neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina. Unconfirmed reports put the numbers even higher. It's the worst flooding Serbia has seen since the country began keeping records 120 years ago, according to meteorologists. The catastrophic weather has prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency in Bosnia-Herzegovina, according to a government statement. Bosnian authorities say the flooded town of Maglaj received the average rainfall for a two-month period in less than two days. Speaking at a press conference, Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said that the situation in his country is "difficult," but that Serbia is prepared for the next wave of floods. More rising waters are expected Sunday evening near Sabac, a city in western Serbia near the Sava River. Vucic said that Sabac is well fortified and that authorities had done "everything that could be done." The Prime Minister pointed out that a dam 7.3 meters tall (24 feet) has been erected, but that the current level of the Sava River is over 6.3 meters -- a historic high. The river is expected to rise. He warned that it is difficult to predict what will happen if the river reaches 6.8 meters, or slightly more than 22 feet. Rescuers in the hard-hit town of Obrenovac, 30 kilometers (about 19 miles) southwest of Belgrade, have recovered the first bodies of flood victims, according to Vucic. He expressed concern over how many may eventually be found once waters subside. Authorities estimate that 90% of the town has been flooded. The Prime Minister thanked the many countries that have already come to Serbia's aid. He was especially grateful to members of the Russian special forces, highlighting one member who swam 200 meters in cold water to save several people. According to Finance Minister Dusan Vujovic, more than 10,000 troops have already been involved in rescue and assistance operations. | Worst flooding the region has seen in at least 120 years .
NEW: At least 20 people are dead in Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina .
More than 16,000 people have been evacuated in Serbia .
More flooding is expected Sunday . |
202,836 | 929e1e838afc2ae77956281322a8965786cd483c | A senior Tory has attacked David Cameron's 'illegal and unworkable' plan to force fat people to go on a diet or lose their benefits. Sarah Wollaston, the chair of the influential Commons Health Committee, said she was 'infuriated' by the proposal, announced last week. She has written to the Prime Minister to demand he drops the controversial plan. David Cameron has been criticised by Tory MP Sarah Wollaston over his plan to cut benefits for people too fat to go to work if they don't go on a diet . Dr Wollaston said Mr Cameron was effectively asking doctors and nurses to break the law, because all patients had the right to refuse treatment. She said threatening to take away people's basic income meant the government was forcing people to get help. At the moment there is no requirement on addicts to seek help before they claim sickness benefits. Cameron has launched a review to see if he can change the rules. But Mr Cameron said people who cannot work because they are too fat – or addicted to drugs or alcohol – should have their benefits cut if they refuse to get treatment. He pointed to Government figures which show 100,000 people claim benefits for 'treatable conditions'. Less than 2,000 are on benefits because they are too fat to work. But Dr Wollaston, a former GP, said: 'A doctor would not only find themselves in breach of the law, they'd find themselves at risk of being struck off. So in fact, his proposal is utterly unworkable in terms of the existing law.' Government figures show 100,000 people claim benefits for 'treatable conditions' - including around 2,000 who are too fat to work . The MP for Totnes told BuzzFeed News that she was 'infuriated' by the proposal which she suggested was a dog whistle to right wing voters who think everyone on benefits is lazy. She said: 'It's really unnecessary and it's all part of, in my view, trying to appeal to a sort of particular group of people who see that everybody on benefits is somehow there because it's their own fault. We shouldn't go down this route. 'We need to have a compassionate Conservative message, in my view, and this isn't a compassionate Conservative message – this is frankly illegal and unworkable.' Dr Wollaston said the proposal was 'indefensible'. Iain Duncan Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, has defended the proposal . She called on Number 10 to issue an urgent clarification that 'there will be no enforced referrals' of obese patients for treatment. The MP added: 'If you say to somebody: 'We will remove everything you have to live on unless you go to this thing', all you'll have is people pitching up just to tick the box, they won't engage with treatment so it won't work, and it would count under the law as an enforced referral and it would be illegal. So I can't stress this enough, they need to withdraw it and they should do it immediately.' On Saturday, Mr Cameron defended the plan. He said: 'People have problems with their weight that could be addressed, but instead a life on benefits rather than work becomes the choice. 'It is not fair to ask hard-working taxpayers to fund the benefits of people who refuse to accept the support and treatment that could help them get back to a life of work.' Number 10 made it clear the benefit cuts, worth about £100 a week, were a personal priority of the Prime Minister. Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has insisted the policy does not mean taking away people's benefits if they cannot lose weight. Speaking on the BBC's Andrew Marr show, he said: 'The problem we've got is that lots of people are either fearful or don't want to take the help that's there. 'We invest in the help, whether it's to support people to get off drugs . . . or whether it's to get people into a particular mindset to reduce their weight because their health condition's so bad. 'What we want is people to take that help and to take responsibility for their condition and try to improve. No one's going to penalise anybody who tries.' | Sarah Wollaston said she was 'infuriated' by the Prime Minister's proposal .
Chair of the Commons Health Committee said it was 'indefensible'
She has written to the PM to demand he drops the controversial plan .
Dr Wollaston said people could not be forced to go on a diet by doctors . |
258,958 | db2847f261043ead3d28d1d843a97b90019148ff | By . Daily Mail Reporter . When Andrew Britton fell ill on his honeymoon, he chalked it up to a wedding-based hangover. But nine months, three hospitals and six cardiac arrests later, he is now awaiting a heart transplant after his body was ravaged by a virus. Mr Britton, 33, collapsed hours after arriving in the Maldives with his wife Lauren, also 33, last November. Andrew Britton (right) developed myocarditis shortly after marrying his wife Lauren (left). He was on his honeymoon in the Maldives when his condition rapidly deteriorated. He is now waiting for a heart transplant after spending nine months in three different hospitals . The keen triathlete and squash player . initally blamed it on a hangover, or some dodgy plane food – but his . condition swiftly deteriorated. Within days, he had lost two stone and was transferred to a hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, where he was put on life-support. ‘I . finally came round and was so confused,’ he said. ‘I pointed for a pen . and paper and wrote: “Did I die?” I later learned I had five cardiac . failures in the Maldives, and a sixth a few days later.’ When he first fell ill, Mr Britton’s wife called for the local doctor, and her husband was eventually put on a drip in his hut. Island doctors told Andrew they had 24 hours to get him to a specialist heart hospital in Bangkok (pictured there during his recovery) or he would die. He was flown there on an emergency medical jet and remained on life support for two weeks and in the hospital for a total of six weeks. The . next day the couple took a boat to the nearest hospital, where Mr . Britton was found to have a heart rate of 200 beats per minute. He was . then sedated and given defibrillation shocks. ‘It all happened completely out of the blue and was absolutely terrifying,’ Mrs Britton recalled. Myocarditis is a viral infection that leads to inflammation and damage to the heart. The majority of cases clear up within a week, but sometimes the inflammation in the heart lasts longer. Symptoms include chest pain, fever, an irregular heartbeat and shortness of breath. There’s no reason why someone with an infection may develop myocarditis - it is often a case of bad luck. Many . people don’t realise it, but common bacterial and viral infections such . as flu, ear and chest infections, and even the common cold can get into . the bloodstream and affect the heart, explains consultant cardiologist . Dr Nigel Durham of York Hospital. ‘It’s . more widespread than we’d thought - a quarter of patients we see aged . 30 to 35 have evidence of myocarditis, and it is the most common cause . of sudden adult death. Myocarditis . can be mild and sometimes resolves itself - if the condition is spotted . quickly, anti-inflammatory drugs can treat it. But . once the heart muscle becomes enlarged, causing it to stretch, there is . little that can be done and it can lead to heart failure. ‘I was on the phone to family and friends back at home most of the time, who really kept me going.’ Mr Britton said: ‘At one point our medical insurance hadn’t kicked in and our credit cards were maxed-out. ‘Lauren . had been given a security escort from the hotel, and he saw the . situation was so serious that he gave the hospital the deeds to his . house as security against my treatment.’ Doctors . warned Mr Britton, a director of InterContinental Hotels, that he would . die unless they got him to a specialist heart hospital in Bangkok . within 24 hours. Thankfully, he was flown there on an emergency medical . jet, and was placed on life-support for two weeks. His . other organs began to fail as doctors worked out which drugs would . combat the virus; when his kidneys stopped working, hospital staff . drained 11 litres of fluid from his body. However, . after several weeks he became stable enough to fly home, and was taken . to Harefield Hospital in north-west London. ‘I was told I had picked up a . virus which attacked my heart and caused it to inflame, which is . incredibly rare,’ he said. Staff fitted him with a cardiac . resynchronisation therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) to moderate the pace of . his heart. ‘ . I was . eventually able to leave the hospital and was at home for seven weeks, . but I collapsed at Tesco and was taken back,’ he said. Mr . Britton then had eight hours of open heart surgery, and was fitted with . a left ventricular assist device, which sucks in blood and sends it . through the heart. He is now stable, and in hospital awaiting a heart . transplant. Before being struck down by the viral infection, Andrew had always had a passion for fitness - playing squash from a young age. Shortly before his wedding he had even attended a triathlon training camp in the Algarve. He is pictured in the hospital garden while he waits for a transplant . When Andrew was stable enough to get another medical flight home, he was taken to Harefield Hospital in London. There they fitted a Cardiac Resynchronisation Therapy Defibrillator device (pictured in his X-ray) to help pace his heart and within 48 hours he felt much better . Andrew (pictured shortly after his operation to fit a defibrillator) is now waiting for a heart transplant. He will have to live in hospital until he receives a new heart. Lauren visits him every day after work and the couple have dinner together . His wife, a . recruitment consultant, visits him every day after work with dinner, . which they eat together. The couple are now urging people to register as . organ donors to help people like them. ‘Despite . all that has happened, I count myself lucky,’ Mr Britton said. ‘I have . an amazing family, and met people who show the world is full of people . that care for strangers.’ When . he regains full health, he hopes to become squash champion at the World . Transplant Games – the Olympics for transplant recipients. | Andrew Britton developed myocarditis while on honeymoon in Maldives .
His heart rate rose to 200 beats-a-minute so was sedated and given defibrillation .
shocks to force his heart back to a normal rhythm .
He was transferred to a larger hospital in Bangkok, .
Thailand, where he was put on a life support machine for two weeks .
His other organs quickly started to fail and doctors had to drain 11 litres of fluid from his body when his .
kidneys stopped working .
Now home, with a defibrillator device fitted, he needs a transplant to survive in the long-term and must live in hospital until her finds a donor .
If you want to become an organ donor visit organdonation.nhs.uk . |
184,578 | 7b131c02be7a6583c3902a346f3fb9ab87d7c127 | By . Suzannah Hills . PUBLISHED: . 04:09 EST, 24 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:50 EST, 24 January 2013 . Relatives of a pastor's son accused of killing his parents and three siblings in New Mexico claim the teenager is not a 'monster' but a may have suffered a mental breakdown. Nehemiah Griego, 15, allegedly used his father's .22 rifle and AR-15 semiautomatic rifle to shoot his sleeping mother Sara before killing his nine-year-old brother Zephania and two sisters, Jael, five, and Angelina, two. It is claimed he then lay in wait at least four hours for his father, Greg, to return to the family home in a rural area southwest of downtown Albuquerque and then shot him dead late on Saturday night. Police believe the video game-obsessed teen - who had allegedly spent a week plotting the murders - then spent the rest of the day at his local church. But his uncle has claimed the teenager was a doting older brother who could not be responsible for the horrific killing spree. Scroll down for video . This undated photo provided by shows Nehemiah Griego who is charged with killing five family members, including his father, mother, and three youngest siblings in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Saturday . Family murder: The shooting took place inside the Griego home, and Nehemiah waited there for hours after killing his mother and siblings until his father arrived home from work . House of guns: The boy allegedly used his father's .22 rifle and an AR-15 semiautomatic rifle to shoot his family . In a statement he said: 'We have not been able to comprehend what led to this incredibly sad situation. However, we are deeply concerned about the portrayal in some media of Nehemiah as some kind of a monster. 'It is clear to those of us who know and love him that something went terribly wrong. Whether it was a mental breakdown or some deeper undiagnosed psychological issue, we can’t be sure yet. 'What we do know is that none of us, even in our wildest nightmare, could have imagined that he could do something like this. 'He is a troubled young man who made a terrible decision that will haunt him and his family forever. 'Five lives have been senselessly and needlessly ended. Ruining one more without trying to get to the bottom of what really happened and more importantly - why - would be equally tragic.' It comes as police revealed that Griego spent the rest of day after the killings wandering the church grounds while Sunday school teachers were being trained on how to deal with a shooter. The teen then allegedly told a pastor he had found his family dead in his home. Former police officer and Calvary Albuquerque security chief Vince Harrison, who was teaching the Sunday School security class, then took Griego to his house where he discovered the murdered family. Crime scene: Authorities investigate the death of Pastor Gregory Griego and family members at his home on Sunday morning . Filling in the gaps: Sheriff Dan Houston (right) and Lt. Sid Covington (left) said that the teen has been 'very unemotional' throughout his questioning and is currently being held in the local juvenile detention center . Religious: The boy's father, a former pastor, was thought to be working at a local mission at the time that his wife and three children were killed, and only returned home at around 5am when his son then allegedly shot him . He said: 'When I met Nehemiah, I knew something wasn't right. I could feel it, I could see it in his eyes and I could see it in his behavior and his demeanor so the red flags went up and that's when I called the sheriff's department.' Harrison, who had known the Griego family for about 10 years, said he drove the teen back to the family's rural southwest Albuquerque home to meet authorities, interviewing him along the way. 'He went into detail of where they were, where the guns were and he was very matter-of-fact, really cold so I knew something wasn't right,' Harrison said. After finding the bodies, sheriff's officials say, they took the teen to headquarters. During questioning, they say he confessed to shooting his mother and three younger siblings in their beds shortly after 1 am. Investigators said he admitted he was 'frustrated' with his mother, but only seemed to show emotion when he spoke about video games he loved, such as Modern Warfare and Grand Theft Auto. They say he then waited in a bathroom with a military-style semi-automatic rifle to ambush his father upon his return from an overnight shift at a homeless shelter. He allegedly also told them he had reloaded the family's rifles and taken them with him in the family van with plans to randomly shoot more people. Suspected shooter: Nehemiah Griego, 15, was said to regularly wear military camouflage gear around the neighborhood . 'Quiet': Nehemiah was not registered with the school district so he was thought to be home schooled . 'That sends chills down my spine,' Harrison said. Harrison said several people spotted Griego at the church but thought nothing of it until his arrest. He said officials then reviewed security video and found the teen had spent much of the day there. He said he doesn't know why Griego decided to come to the church, but that it was like a second home for the boy, who was schooled at his house. 'It was a familiar place to him,' Harrison said. 'I think if he did have in his mindset to do something foolish and start shooting people there also, I think his demeanor was tamed a little bit because he saw people there he knew.' A prayer vigil was held at the church on Wednesday night for victims Greg Griego, 51, his wife, Sarah Griego, 40, and three of their children - a 9-year-old boy, Zephania Griego, and daughters Jael Griego, 5, and Angelina Griego, 2. Before the start of the vigil, members of the crowd shared hugs and handshakes as photographs of the victims were displayed on large digital screens at the front of the church. An estimated 2,000 people attended and nearly every seat was filled for the hour-long service. Tragedy: One of the victims of the shooting was identified as Gregory Griego, pictured center, a former pastor at the Calvary Albuquerque church . Killing: Five people were shot to death at the home in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the Saturday night shooting . Location: The bodies were found at a home on Long Lane Southwest in South Valley, New Mexico . | Nehemiah Griego, 15, arrested and charged with shooting his relatives .
Victims identified as former pastor Gregory Griego, 51, his wife Sara, 40, and .
their three youngest children Zephania, 9, Jael, 5, and Angelina, 2 .
Each .
victim was shot multiple times at the .
family home in Albuquerque .
Griegothen allegedly went to church where he spent the day before telling a pastor he had found his family dead .
Shocked surviving relatives say Griego was a doting older brother . |
205,022 | 95682a9a6b2affe5e2aef30e3fd8b97d6ed784fb | (CNN) -- French league leaders Paris St Germain have confirmed the appointment of Italian Carlo Ancelotti as their new coach on a two-and-a-half year contract as a replacement for Antoine Kombouare, who left the club earlier on Friday. Ancelotti has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in May -- despite leading the London club to the English Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010. He replaces former PSG player Kombouare who, despite leading the club to the top of the Ligue One table, has been sacrificed by PSG's mega-rich Qatari owners who were keen for a bigger name to take over as coach. Out with the old and in with the new in 2012 . The 52-year-old Ancelotti, who twice won the Champions League while in charge of AC Milan, is reported to be the highest-paid coach in French football history and his first match in charge will be a friendly against Milan in Dubai on January 4. Ancelotti told a news conference: "I am delighted to be here as coach of Paris Saint-Germain and I think I can do a great job to help PSG become a big club in Europe. "The club has everything to succeed and has enormous ambition. I will do my best to learn French in the best possible way, although I'd rather continue to speak in Italian for the moment," continued Ancelotti -- who also confirmed that former French international Claude Makelele will be his assistant at the club. Kombouare, 48, issued a statement on his departure, saying: "I thank everybody who offered me support over these last few days. "I leave Paris Saint-Germain with a sense of unfinished business but with the feeling of having given everything for the club." Ancelotti's appointment has increased speculation that David Beckham, who played for both Ancelotti, and PSG's sporting director Leonardo, at AC Milan, could be the next big name arrival in the French capital. However, Beckham's agents released a statement saying: "There is no agreement with PSG at this time, an offer does not make a contract, we continue to hold negotiations with a number of clubs." | Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed as the new coach of French side Paris St Germain .
The 52-year-old Italian has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the big-spending club .
Ancelotti will replace Antoine Kombouare, who left his position earlier on Friday . |
136,135 | 3c209882b2c8239582f214768e01f1be7382a3a5 | By . Emily Allen . PUBLISHED: . 11:05 EST, 23 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:15 EST, 24 March 2012 . 'Supergran' Ann Timson foiled a raid on a jewellery store by lashing out at armed raiders using only her handbag . 'Supergran' Ann Timson, who foiled a raid on a jewellery store by lashing out at armed raiders . using only her handbag, has been honoured. Then aged 71, the pensioner was shopping in Northampton when she noticed a commotion coming from the direction of Michael Jones Jewellers. She spotted three mopeds parked nearby . with riders on board, while three other people wearing crash helmets . and armed with lump hammers were smashing the store’s windows. Undeterred, Mrs Timson ran towards the mob and began swinging her handbag at one of the riders, who made off. She then swung her handbag at those smashing the window to try and halt the raid - and the robbers fled the scene. But one of the would-be thieves was so . distracted by Mrs Timson he fell off his moped, after which she . continued to lash him with her handbag until other members of the public . intervened. The man was detained until police arrived and took him into custody. Mrs Timson’s brave exploits saw her hailed as a 'handbag heroine' and earned her international publicity with footage of her confronting the gang seen by millions of people around the world. In an interview with NBC last year she insisted she was not a hero but said she had sore legs the next day . after her lung-busting run down the street because she suffers from . arthritis. 'The adrenaline was going. I think I was very very angry that they would dare to do that in daylight. Why should they get away with it?' she told the show host. 'I'm not a hero, a heroine or supergran. I'm just a mum that went in thinking a kid was being hit. 'The adrenaline got going the second thought was how dare they do a daylight robbery. I was made.' She has now been awarded the Queen's Commendation for Bravery. Meanwhile, Pc Bill Barker who was swept to his death in the Cumbrian floods was honoured with a posthumous Queen's Commendation for Bravery. The officer plunged into the swollen waters of the River Derwent in the early hours of November 20, 2009, after venturing on to Northside Bridge in Workington to check for casualties below. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Smash: Handbag at the ready, Ann (in red) rushes towards the gang . Bang: Ann sets about the would-be jewel thieves as they duck to avoid her blows . Wallop: Sprinting down the road, the youths try to make a quick getaway, with Ann in hot pursuit . The father of four had been sent to the spot to assess the situation after police received reports that the bridge had begun to collapse. Arriving at the area in darkness, the 44-year-old heard a vehicle may have fallen into the water so he and a colleague stepped out on to the bridge, realising once they were on it that its central section had caved in fully. Pc Bill Barker who was swept to his death in the Cumbrian floods in 2009 . Seeing no casualties, they started to leave - but Pc Barker fatally looked over the parapet to check once more that no vehicle or its occupants were visible. At this moment, the area of the bridge where he was standing broke away and he was carried off by the water. He was honoured 'for sacrificing his own life while trying to save others'. The citation for his commendation read: 'While recognising the obvious risks to himself, Pc Barker took steps to check for casualties in need of assistance, and paid the ultimate price for his selfless actions.' Adan Abobaker was awarded a Queen's Gallantry Medal after diving into the River Thames in London in November 2010 to rescue a woman from the freezing water after hearing the screams of a passerby. Braving the high tide, strong . undercurrents and poor visibility, Mr Abobaker dived beneath the water . several times before reaching her and swimming to safety with her. He was later treated for hypothermia, but the woman he had rescued made a full recovery. Meanwhile, former policeman Ken McGonigle was awarded the same medal, but posthumously, for preventing an attack by insurgents in Afghanistan. He was working as a mentor . to the Afghan Police in Musa Qala, Helmand Province, on 7 August 2010 . when he was alerted by his Afghan interpreter to an imminent threat. The father-of-four ran outside to see . an insurgent armed with an RPG rocket launcher, looking to kill all . occupants of a helicopter about to lift off. Mr McGonigle, from Magheramason in . Northern Ireland’s Co Londonderry, knew that a number of service . personnel were on board so immediately drew his pistol and engaged the . gunman at close quarters. As another insurgent emerged he continued to engage until they disappeared and he could alert colleagues to the danger. He then led a party of marines to . where the gunmen were located and the group found four insurgents armed . with automatic weapons and RPGs. Mr McGonigle was killed in the ensuing fire fight. His citation read: 'Without his intervention it is likely that a number of British lives would have been lost.' Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux received a posthumous George Medal . A Royal Navy officer murdered trying . to stop a sailor carrying out a gun rampage aboard a nuclear-powered . submarine has been awarded one of the highest medals for bravery. Lieutenant Commander Ian Molyneux . receives a posthumous George Medal - second only to the George Cross - . for attempting to tackle Able Seaman Ryan Donovan as he ran amok on HMS . Astute while it was docked in Southampton. His widow Gillian said she felt 'extremely proud and humbled' to know that her husband’s 'remarkable . bravery' has been recognised. Lt Cdr Molyneux, 36, a father of four . from Standish, Wigan, tried to disarm Donovan after hearing shots on . board the submarine on April 8 last year, but was shot in the head. The gunman was then wrestled to the . ground by Southampton City Council’s leader Royston Smith and chief . executive Alistair Neill, who were visiting the submarine at the time. In a letter to Lt Cdr Molyneux’s . widow, First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope said: 'In giving his . life to save others Ian demonstrated courage of the highest possible . order. His selfless actions displayed incredible presence of mind and . singular bravery.' Donovan was jailed for at least 25 . years in September for murdering Lt Cdr Molyneux and attempting to . murder Lieutenant Commander Christopher Hodge, Petty Officer Christopher . Brown, and Chief Petty Officer David McCoy. Mr Smith and Mr Neill are also . awarded the George Medal in the Civilian Gallantry List today for their . heroic actions in grabbing the gun from Donovan. Police at the scene in Southampton docks where Able Seaman Ryan Donovan ran amok with a gun . | Posthumous bravery award for Pc Bill Barker who was swept to his death in the Cumbrian floods .
Lt Cmndr Ian Molyneux receives posthumous George Medal for tackling gunman on HMS Astute . |
124,200 | 2c8dd8106b040ee8b1210b1e47869be1cb0c54cb | New York (CNN) -- A new terrorism warning system will provide the public with information on specific threats, replacing the color-coded alerts put in place after the September 11, 2001, attacks, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Wednesday. In announcing the new system at New York City's Grand Central Terminal, commonly known as Grand Central Station, Napolitano said a main goal was to provide better understanding of the nature of the specific threat, what people should do in reaction to it and how they could help security officials in responding. "It will provide alerts based on specific, credible information about potential terrorist activity," Napolitano said, adding that the alerts would contain "as many details as we can provide." Right now, she said, there is no threat that would reach the level to warrant one of the new alerts, which will take effect on April 26. Napolitano made the announcement in the city where more than 2,700 people were killed when two hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center's twin towers. She was joined by New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly and Republican Rep. Peter King of New York, the chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, who both praised the new National Terrorism Advisory System as an upgrade that enhances current security efforts. However, Sen. Susan Collins of Maine, the top Republican on the Senate Homeland Security Committee, cautioned that the new system must "effectively disseminate threat information in a timely manner and provide sound guidance to the public and affected homeland security partners on the actions they should take to protect themselves and the nation." Collins urged Napolitano's department "to keep communication lines open with our state and local homeland security officials and with the private sector so that implementation of the system meets the vision" set by the secretary. The new system has two levels of alerts, compared to the previous system's five levels, Napolitano said. The two alert levels of the new system are "elevated threat," which "warns of a credible terrorist threat" to the United States; and "imminent threat," which "warns of a credible, specific and impending terrorist threat," according to a Department of Homeland Security statement. Any alert will automatically expire after a two-week period, although they could be extended if new information shows a threat persists, DHS said. Napolitano told reporters in a morning briefing that the alerts posted on a department website -- www.dhs.gov/alerts -- will provide details to show the nature, location and other information about terrorism threats. Therefore, she said, a specific warning may apply to a particular address, community, city or region, rather than the non-specific general warnings of the color-coded system. Alerts also will be announced by her office and made public via traditional media such as television announcements and radio broadcasts, as well as social media, Napolitano said. She conceded that the color-coded system "has faded in utility except for late-night comics," noting that the warning level at airports had been at orange since 2006. "That's one of the reasons why people (stopped) paying attention to them," Napolitano said. Instead of a constant state of undefined warning, she said, the new system will react to actual threats. "We don't want people to live in fear," she said. "We want people to live in a state of alert and awareness." Her department is asking the public to be on alert for any suspicious activity, incorporating the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority's trademark slogan "If You See Something, Say Something" into its alerts. Evaluating the current threat for Wednesday under the old system, the Department of Homeland Security put it at yellow, or elevated. Under the new system, it does not warrant an alert. CNN's Jeanne Meserve contributed to this story. | NEW: Secretary Napolitano says people ignored the old system .
Napolitano says the new system will take effect April 26 .
The new system has only two levels, compared to the previous system's five .
The alerts have an expiration, unless new information comes to light . |
221,456 | aaa924557f7bf1184d992fc2dd68be897ff0576a | By . Laura Cox . PUBLISHED: . 18:01 EST, 28 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:23 EST, 1 May 2013 . She has long been regarded as one of the few women who has managed to juggle ‘having it all’ . But Natalie Massenet has now revealed how hard it was to launch her successful online fashion business when she was pregnant with her first child. Natalie Massenet is considered one of the few woman to have been able to have it all. Pictured with Caroline Rush (R) CEO of BFC and Samantha Cameron . The 47-year-old entrepreneur, named as one of the world’s most influential women in February, created her online fashion empire Net-a-porter more than a decade ago, when shopping via a keyboard was in its infancy. Net-a-Porter was reported to be worth £350 million two years ago. Speaking at the Vogue Fashion Festival at the weekend, Mrs Massenet, who at the time was pregnant with Isabella, now 13, said: ‘At the same time when I started writing the business plan I was also pregnant. And I think fuelled by hormones and delusions that if I could build a baby why not a business? Massenet is now one of the most successful businesswomen in Britain. With editor, Dylan Jones and Prime Minister David Cameron . The businesswoman said that even now she has to pinch herself. With Kate Reardon and Lisa BLaunch at party for Vanity Fair's 'On Couture' ‘I made a dreadful mistake or opportunity I’m not sure, of doing both of them at the same time, and it was enormously hard. Actually having a business that I loved and a baby that I loved at the same time kept me enormously balanced.’ She joked: ‘I was so traumatised by having a baby and starting a business in the same year that it took six years for the next one to come along'. Following the success of her website Massenet now hobnobs with the rich and powerful, such as Victoria Beckham . Mrs Massenet, who is divorced from her French investment banker husband Arnaud Massenet, gave birth to another girl, Ava, and she jokes that she was ‘building the Net a Porter future consumer base one at a time.’ Mrs Massenet began her business with a team of 15 from an apartment in Chelsea, London. They worked from one bedroom and used the spare as a distribution centre, taking orders via a nineties laptop connected to dial-up internet. Today 5 million people visit the site’s weekly magazine and 2,600 people are employed. Mrs Massenet has offices in the UK, US and Hong Kong. She said she still has to ‘pinch herself’ every now and again. ‘While we were in this little rickety apartment in Chelsea and while we had all of our stuff stacked in the back and only 15 people in the room we put all of our energy to what the consumer saw and aimed big, wanted to make people think this was a big company,’ she said. ‘There is no recipe for success, it’s as unique and individual as you are,’ she added. ‘People always ask is it hard being an entrepreneur and a mum and the answer is yes. 'But the reality is women do it all the time and thankfully we have mentors and women around us who can inspire us.’ | Natalie Massenet launched Net-a-porter when she was pregnant .
Having a new business and baby "kept her balanced"
The entrepreneur now has two daughters Isabella and Ava .
She is now listed as one of the world's most influential women . |
251,973 | d21ff4bf62f0038d99d8b9381717172723352715 | (CNN) -- Controversial Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders appeared in court Wednesday on charges of inciting discrimination and hatred that relate in part to his much-criticized film about Islam. Wednesday's session at the Court of Amsterdam was a pre-trial hearing and a full trial was due to begin later this year. A court spokesman said the hearing was expected to last one day but could stretch into Thursday. Wilders, who heads the Dutch Party for Freedom, said he has done nothing wrong. "I will fight," he promised in a statement Tuesday on the party's Web site. Prosecutors initially decided not to pursue the case, saying in June 2008 that Wilders' statements were not liable to punishment, the Public Prosecutions Service said. They said that even though Wilders' comments were "defamatory and hurtful to a great number of Muslims," they fell within the limits of free speech. The Court of Appeals disagreed with that decision and ordered that Wilders be prosecuted. In addition to inciting discrimination and hatred, Wilders is also charged with offending a group of people, which relates to his comparison of Islam to Nazism. "According to Wilders, the truth about Islam must be made known, even if it is painful and unpleasant for certain people," his statement on his party's site said. The charges relate to comments Wilders made in a variety of media between 2006 and 2008. They include an October 2006 interview with the Dutch newspaper De Volkskrant in which he said he wanted to stop the "tsunami of Islamisation," and another in September 2007 with Radio Netherlands in which he said the Quran should be banned. Wilders' film "Fitna," which he released online in March 2008 to international outcry, is also part of the charges against him. The film features disturbing images of terrorist acts superimposed over verses from the Quran in order to paint Islam as a threat to Western society. After its release, the movie drew complaints from the European Union and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, as well as concern from the United States. Wilders was denied entry into Britain in February 2009 when he flew there to screen the film. Wednesday's pre-trial review does not cover the merits of the case, but will allow both sides to prepare for a hearing later in the year which will deal with the merits, the Public Prosecutions Service said. If found guilty, Wilders faces up to two years in prison and a fine of up to €19,000 ($26,900) for each charge. | Wilders' full trial expected to begin later this year .
Wilders heads the Dutch Party for Freedom. He denies doing anything wrong .
His film "Fitna" was released online in March 2008 to international outcry . |
69,674 | c5804fa7a4bfc1f2a71579fea3cce62217ea5473 | The former St. Louis County Police Chief has said he believes federal authorities are purposely leaking details of the Michael Brown case because they already know that no charges are going to be brought against Officer Darren Wilson. Tim Fitch has claimed the controversial New York Times article published last week which details a frantic struggle between 18-year-old Brown and Wilson over his weapon inside a squad car is all part of a strategy to 'let people down slowly'. The retired police chief says he believes federal authorities accept it is 'probably very unlikely' that the grand jury will recommend no charges be brought against 28-year-old Wilson and he expects to see more leaks like this in the next few weeks. Scroll down for video . St. Louis County police chief Tim Fitch is now retired but he has claimed the federal authorities are trying to prepare the public for no charges being brought against Officer Darren Wilson for the shooting of unarmed Ferguson teenager, Michael Brown . 'There was a struggle over the weapon. Law enforcement, we know that about half the officers killed every year with firearms are killed with their own,' said Fitch to CBS St. Louis. 'So the fact that he didn't have his own doesn't mean there wasn't a weapon there available that could be used in deadly force use.' Addressing the New York Times article published last Friday, which included leaks from the grand jury which is taking place in secret, Fitch said he would call the sensational information phase two of the feds strategy. In other words, 'to coordinate leaks to the media, and to start getting some of the facts out there to kind of let people down gently,' said Fitch to CBS St. Louis. 'When I say this is phase two – phase one was really Eric Holder's announcement how they were going to basically do a complete review and take over the Ferguson Police Department.' 'Self defense': Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson says he feared for his life as he shot Michael Brown . Fitch said in his own opinion, physical evidence is preferable to eye-witness evidence. 'Physical evidence has no reason to lie. It doesn't see things differently,' he said to CBS St. Louis. 'If there was a struggle inside that car over a firearm, it sounds to me like Officer Wilson would have been justified in taking the action he did if he pulled the trigger and actually shot Michael Brown in the vehicle area.' Taking the logic of a police officer to what he feels is the necessary conclusion, Fitch explained how he thinks the grand jury will see the most controversial part of the death of Michael Brown - his fatal shooting while holding his hands aloft in surrender outside of the car. However, Fitch claims that if the grand jury leans towards what Wilson claims - that Brown was charging him when he opened fire - they will have no chance but to leave him uncharged. 'If Michael Brown was truly turned around and basically charging the officer, he already went for round one fighting over his handgun. Are you going to go for round two and take the chance of losing it this time?' Fitch said to CBS St. Louis. Struggle: According to FBI analysis Brown's blood was found inside Officer Wilson's patrol car. the cop claims he wrestled with Brown in the car and was in fear of his life. But the account is disputed . 'I think that would be a more logical explanation as to why Officer Wilson would have discharged his firearm at Michael Brown.' Fitch then said that police officers have a lawful authority to apply force and they are under no obligation to retreat. Indeed, Fitch said he fully expects to see more leaks ove the coming weeks. According to those in Ferguson who have been in Ferguson during the protests and racial unrests following the shooting, they are concerned about the grand jury result now. 'If there is not an indictment, excuse my French, all hell is going to break loose,' one protester told CNN. Benjamin Crump, the attorney for Brown's parents, told The Associated Press on Saturday that the officer's account of what happened was 'self-serving.' 'The officer is going to say whatever he has to say to try to justify killing an unarmed teenager,' Crump said. 'And certainly, his statement should not be taken above independent eye witnesses who are completely unbiased when he has every reason to be biased.' Crump also said that because there were reports that Michael Brown was shot while he ran away, it 'doesn't matter' what happened in the car beforehand. 'He was definitely not in fear of threat when Michael Brown was running away from him,' Crump said. Solidarity: Protesters are pictured here in Ferguson Monday night continuing a vigil for Michael Brown . Tensions: Police officers watch over the residents who have taken to the streets again, more than two months after the shooting . Memorial: Neighbors wait by a memorial set up on Canfield Street, Ferugson - the spot where Brown was killed . The Times reported that Wilson has told investigators that he was trying to leave his SUV when Brown pushed him back in and that once inside the vehicle the two began to fight. Wilson told authorities that Brown punched and scratched him repeatedly, leaving swelling on his face and cuts on his neck, the Times reported. Wilson, who had been patrolling Ferguson for nearly three years, was placed on leave after the shooting. A state grand jury is considering charges against him. Wilson is being represented by James P. Towey, general counsel for the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police and a former general counsel for the St. Louis Police Officers Association. Towey didn't immediately respond to an email Saturday seeking comment, and his work phone system wasn't accepting voicemail. The Justice Department is investigating the Ferguson Police Department for possible civil rights violations, including whether officers there use excessive force and engage in discriminatory practices. Two-thirds of Ferguson's 21,000 residents are black but only three of its more than 50 police officers are black. Brian Schellman, a spokesman for St. Louis County Police, which has taken control of Ferguson security, said in an email that the department doesn't comment on active investigations. | Retired St. Louis Police Chief Tim Fitch made controversial claims .
Believes federal authorities are behind recent Darren Wilson jury leaks .
Leaks are to ensure the public is prepared for Wilson not being charged .
Also claims that if Wilson's version is correct then grand jury have no choice . |
49,329 | 8b4c3b8a721ddebe4759bf211290548f30ccd6d3 | By . Kerry Mcdermott . PUBLISHED: . 09:41 EST, 15 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:15 EST, 15 October 2012 . These two African elephants got themselves into a right old tangle during an encounter on a Kenyan game reserve. Tusk to tusk with their trunks intertwined, the scene could be mistaken for a playful show of affection between the two majestic males. In fact the elephants were locked in a battle for mating rights after both setting their sights on the same female on the Masai Mara National Reserve. Trunk-twister: The two African elephants battled for 20 minutes on Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve . Photographer Dmitry Stepanov, who captured the shots of the two elephants' tangled trunks, said the struggle between the pair lasted 20 minutes. The 32-year-old described the elephants grappling with their trunks 'like sumo wrestlers', but added that he was surprised at how tame the face-off between the two enormous animals was. 'They were fighting for a female and it looked similar to a sumo fight,' said Mr Stepanov, who took the photographs from the safety of a car parked 100 metres away from the elephants. 'However it was not very aggressive and they did not make much noise.' Although the two animals' battle for dominance went on for 20 minutes, it seems there was no clear victor. 'In the end, I think it ended without a winner and neither received injuries,' the photographer said. 'In fact, they looked a little sleepy and it looked more like a game than a fight. However, our guide told us it was a fight.' Tusk-to-tusk: Photographer Dmitry Stepanov captured the majestic creatures fighting over a female elephant . Mating rights: As the two elephants entwined their trunks, the struggle seemed more like a game than a fight, the photographer said . The African elephants wrestled using their trunks after both setting their sights on the same female elephant . Mating among African elephants occurs every four years and can take place at any time of the year. The elephants live in herds comprised of related females and their young. Male elephants leave the herd when they reach adolescence and maintain loose relationships with other males as they mature. In later life they live alone, approaching females only during breeding season. Gentle tussle: 'It was not very aggressive and they didn't make much noise', the photographer said . | Photographer captured the 20-minute stand off on Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve .
The two male African elephants grappled with their trunks after both setting their sights on the same potential mate . |
252,106 | d249f3238f5e1a6309ed4b8d04f7b576b6cb6fc1 | A racism row surrounding the Miss France beauty contest has ended with a Franco-Benise student winning the competition and today insisting that the country was happily ‘mixed’. Flora Coquerel, a 19-year-old whose mother is from the West African state of Benin, was crowned on live television on Saturday night. It follows accusations that all the contestants were ‘as white and snow’ and chief judge, movie star Alain Delon, joining the anti-immigration National Front. Scroll down for video . Mixed France: Flora Coquerel, a 19-year-old whose mother is from the West African state of Benin, was crowned on live television on Saturday night (left). Pictured for the first time since her historic win today (right), she spoke of her pride . Multicultural: Miss Coquerel's win follows accusations that all the contestants were 'as white and snow' and chief judge, movie star Alain Delon, joining the anti-immigration National Front . People's favourite: Ms Coquerel was voted Miss France 2014 by a combination of votes from the TV audience and a celebrity jury . Delon quit as the lifetime president of the beauty pageant in October when people said the contest was increasingly reflecting the inherent racism in French society. But Ms Coquerel said: ‘I am very proud to represent a cosmopolitan France. It shows that today's France is a mixed France, where there is every culture, and I think a lot of people will see themselves in me.’ Ms Coquerel was voted Miss France 2014 by a combination of votes from the TV audience and a celebrity jury. Proud: Ms Coquerel said she was 'very proud to represent a cosmopolitan France.... It shows that today's France is a mixed France, where there is every culture, and I think a lot of people will see themselves in me' Last year Louis-Georges Tin, the president of CRAN (Representative Council of Black Associations), said there were not enough black contestants. Mr Tin said: ‘The failure to represent the contemporary French population in an event such as this is obviously serious. It amounts to denying the very existence of French people of African origin. ‘In the antiquated world of Miss France, blacks apparently can only come from overseas departments’. There was also anger expressed at the lack of Muslim contestants in the contest, especially as there are more than six million Muslims living in France. Marred: The competition has also been marred by the decision by its president and chief judge, movie star Alain Delon (left), joining the anti-immigration National Front, whose founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen (right), is a convicted racist and anti-Semite . Last month black justice minister Christiane Taubira was taunted with bananas, leading to black newsreader Harry Roselmack saying ‘racist France is back’. The National Front is enjoying huge success in polls, and is predicted to win almost a quarter of the national vote in European elections next year. This is despite its anti-immigration agenda, and the fact that its founder, Jean-Marie Le Pen, is a convicted racist and anti-Semite. In 1998 Le Pen expressed annoyance that a mixed race France football team won the World Cup in Paris. Others claimed the victory proved the country was a ‘rainbow nation’, but four years later Le Pen came runner-up in the presidential elections. | Flora Coquerel, whose .
mother is Beninese, was crowned on Saturday night .
Pageant president Alain Delon quit in October amid claims show was racist .
Show has also been marred by his decision to join France's National Front .
Coquerel, 19, said: 'I am very proud to represent a cosmopolitan France'
There is also anger that there are not enough Muslims in the contest . |
632 | 01d7341b501dc858faad7609cd77772d3db82047 | (CNN) -- The man killed after he allegedly shot two women -- one fatally -- at a convenience store at Fort Bliss, Texas, was identified Tuesday as a retired Army sergeant. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said the motive for Monday's shootings is unclear. "It has been determined this was an isolated criminal incident and not terrorism-related," the agency said. It was not known whether the shooter had any relationship with either of his victims. He was identified as Steven Kropf, 63, of El Paso, Texas. "This is one disgruntled, deranged individual," said Maj. Gen. Dana Pittard, the post's commander. The two female victims were transported to Beaumont Army Medical Center, where one, Bettina Maria Goins, 44, of El Paso was pronounced dead. The unidentified wounded woman remained hospitalized with serious injuries. The gunman entered the busy Shopette Convenience Store on the post around 3 p.m. and shot the two civilian employees in a rear office. An Army guard shot Kropf, who had left the store and was in a vehicle in the store's parking lot, authorities said. Fort Bliss is located close to the Mexican border near El Paso, Texas, but straddles the Texas-New Mexico border. Most of the base is located in New Mexico, but the main headquarters is in Texas. President Barack Obama visited there last month to meet troops and mark the end of the official combat mission in Iraq. Agents Tuesday were interviewing witnesses and Army personnel. Although Fort Bliss is one of the safest Army installations, Pittard said, the post is "going to take a good look at our privately owned weapons policies." He indicated officers will conduct more random checks of motorists to see if they are bringing weapons. | NEW: General calls shooter "disgruntled, deranged"
The suspected gunman at a convenience store was a retired Army sergeant .
His motive and any relationship to the victims is not yet known .
The gunman was killed by a guard after the shootings . |
276,344 | f20b662dc5af9f4a6b73fea1c0e254cbd681be50 | By . Daily Mail Reporters . PUBLISHED: . 14:37 EST, 26 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:46 EST, 26 April 2012 . Suing: Romilda Aparecida Ferreira says she needs money to cover the her medical expenses and make up for the time at work she missed . A Brazilian prostitute who says she was thrown out of a US Embassy car by three Marines and run over is suing the American government, it emerged Thursday. The US State Department is fighting back now, saying Romilda Aparecida Ferreira was not pushed, but was instead hit when she tried to get inside the vehicle and the driver sped away. The lawsuit Miss Ferreira, 31, is promising is just the latest South American sex worker scandal to embarrass government employees working overseas. Earlier this month, 24 Secret Service . agents and military servicemen were suspended after they allegedly . partied with Colombian prostitutes ahead of President Barack Obama's . visit to the country. It . was also revealed Secret Service agents in El Salvador allegedly . partied with strippers and took hookers back to their hotel before . Obama's visit there in 2011. Miss . Ferreira was left with a broken collar bone, two broken ribs and a . punctured lung after the incident in Brazil's capital Brasilia in . November. The three Marines . on a US Embassy security team, and an Embassy staff member, were pulled . out of the country before police were able to press charges, according . to Brazil's Jornal Nacional programme. The US government says it tracked Miss Ferreira down and paid her medical expenses. However, she says she was offered just $2,100 -- never nearly enough to cover the cost of surgeries and 12 days in the hospital. It cost more than $9,500 for just the operation to fix her collarbone, which was botched. In her lawsuit, she is seeking money for her injuries, medical expenses, lost income, and psychological trauma. According to a Brazilian police . investigation, the four US Embassy officials had visited a nightclub . in the centre of Brasilia where they had hired a group of prostitutes. One of the Americans and at least one . woman left the club by taxi, but Miss Ferreira and another women got into . an official US Embassy van with the other three men. As . they pulled away there was a discussion about how much the women were . to be paid, and one of the Marines pushed Miss Ferreira out of the car, . where she ended up being run over by the vehicle. Scarred: Miss Ferreira shows the cut she received after she was allegedly pushed out of a US Embassy van and run over in the parking lot of a nightclub . Pittance: Miss Ferreira says US officials offered her just $2,100 for her injuries, but her 12-day hospital stay and surgery cost much more . Speaking to the Jornal Nacional news programme, Romilda said she tried to hold on to the door but was dragged under the wheels. She said: 'I tried to get up and . grabbed the doorknob. That was when they told the driver to go. Then I . felt my leg burning. I let go and fell underneath the van. I hit my head . and passed out.' The Americans then allegedly drove away without offering assistance. But a State Department account of the events contradicts key parts of Miss Ferreira's story. The department said Miss Ferreira tried to open a door and climb into the moving car. Spokeswoman Victoria Nuland said the woman fell and was injured. She said no charges were filed against the four Americans but all have left Brazil. Wanted: Brazilian police wanted to charge the American personnel involved in hitting Miss Ferreira, but they were removed to the country and sent back to the US . The incident came to light after US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta was questioned about it by a Brazilian reporter during a press conference . A defense official said Tuesday there were two women with the Marines outside of the club and that it appeared one of women started a fight inside the car. She was removed from the vehicle and fell when she tried to get back in, according to the official. A second official said the woman broke her collarbone when she was pushed from the car. This incident came to light after US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, in Brazil during a Latin American tour, was questioned about it by a Brazilian reporter during a press conference. Police . investigating the incident requested the arrest of the driver of the . van and one of the Marines for bodily injury and failure to rescue. But US authorities removed the four men from the country before they could be charged with the crimes. Centre of scandal: Sex worker Dania Suarez, 24, claimed she made a scene when a Secret Service agent in Colombia did not give her enough money . Embarrassment: U.S. President Barack Obama, pictured walking across the South Lawn of the White House, is now facing two scandals over the conduct of his staff abroad . Speaking to reporters in Brasilia, Mr Panetta said the men were pulled from the country, two of the Marines had their ranks reduced and the embassy staff member was removed from his post. He added that the embassy had tracked Miss Ferreira down and paid for her medical expenses. He added: 'This incident was fully investigated and all those involved were punished. They are no longer in this country. This type of behaviour is unacceptable.' He said he had 'no tolerance for that kind of conduct. Where it takes place you can be sure that we will act to make sure that they are punished.' Miss Ferreira, who is still recovering from her injuries, said she now intends to sue the American embassy. | Probe found four Obama officials hired prostitutes in Brasilia nightclub .
It comes a week after scandal over the President's Security Staff using prostitutes in Colombia . |
60,825 | acd9cb6db53d7de296f08b9a1c696ed1c92af8b3 | Moscow, Russia (CNN) -- A Russian lawmaker is calling for a special investigation into a top intelligence official's alleged release of information on a Russian spy ring in the United States. The deputy chairman of the Russian parliament's security committee wants a special commission to analyze how information on the Russian agent got out, said Alyona Zhukova, a spokeswoman for lawmaker Gennady Gudkov's office. Zhukova said the lawmaker had confirmed a newspaper report identifying a colonel in Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service as the source who tipped off U.S. officials. And the lawmaker sees the information as a significant blow to the image of Russia's intelligence network, she said. The article, published in the respected Russian newspaper Kommersant Thursday, said "the betrayer," known as "Colonel Shcherbakov," fled Russia three days before Russia's president arrived in the U.S. for meetings with President Barack Obama -- just days before ring was broken up. Neither the U.S. State Department nor the Central Intelligence Agency would comment on the report. The paper quotes a source who says the U.S., fearing that the Russian intelligence agency would pull its agents from the U.S., rounded them up and arrested them. In July, 10 Russian agents were handed over by the United States in exchange for four Russian prisoners. The article in Kommersant says Shcherbakov, who was identified only by last name, headed up the branch of the Foreign Intelligence Service that oversees agents working abroad undercover but without diplomatic credentials. "We know who he is and where he is. He betrayed either for the money or he was caught for something. And there's no doubt that there is a Mercader has been sent for him," an unidentified source was quoted as telling Kommersant. Mercader was an assassin sent by Stalin to Mexico to kill Leon Trotsky in 1940. "He doesn't have an enviable fate," the source tells the paper. "He will drag this with him for the rest of his life and every day he will fear vindication." The paper says that Shcherbakov was present in the facility in the U.S. where one of the spies arrested this summer was held. It claims he also took the files on one of those spies with him to the United States. The colonel's son also fled Russia for the United States not long before the spies were arrested, according to the paper. CNN's Arkady Irshenko, Jill Dougherty and Anastasia Anashkina contributed to this report. | A Russian lawmaker wants a commission to analyze how a top official leaked the information .
The lawmaker confirms a report naming a top intelligence officer as the U.S. source .
The officer gave the U.S. information on the spy ring, and fled Russia, the newspaper says .
The newspaper article alleges the colonel's information is what led to the spy ring bust . |
153,480 | 525400be73fad4980d8df8feabf3b8ad95cf47ce | (CNN) -- It's become as much an integral part of the annual golfing calendar as any tournament. Every year in the week of the Players tournament at TPC Sawgrass, a select few are inducted to World Golf's Hall of Fame (WGHOF). But the 2013 ceremony on May 6 is not without a degree of controversy -- thanks to the caustic observations of one of the Hall of Fame's very own. Members are elected in five different categories -- principally the PGA Tour ballot and the International ballot -- for players who compete outside the U.S. circuit. The criteria for getting on the ballot takes into account how many tournaments you have won -- with extra credit given for the four majors and the Players tournament, which is often dubbed the 'fifth major." But in the view of American golfer Ray Floyd -- a four time major winner elected to the Hall of Fame in the 1980s -- it has become a club that is too easy to join. Angry Floyd . In an interview with Golf Magazine the straight talking former Ryder Cup captain let rip: . "The bar has been lowered. Guys get voted into the Hall of Fame who don't belong, who lack the numbers. I'm very upset at the Hall of Fame for that. It's not fair to the people who went in early." "Just look at the inductees over the last six, eight, 10 years," Floyd added. "Some years, I don't even vote because the names are not worthy of induction. One major should not get you into the Hall of Fame -- maybe one major and 40 wins." "I'll just say that you should have at least two majors. At least," he explained. "Wow, there are guys in there that it's a joke. It takes integrity away from the term Hall of Fame," he added. Floyd did not name names -- but few doubted he was targeting two of this year's intake -- Fred Couples and Colin Montgomerie. Couples only won one major - the U.S. Masters in 1992. Montgomerie famously won none, coming second five times. A giant on the European tour and in the Ryder Cup, the Scot never managed to grab one of the prizes all his peers strive for. Stout defense . The WGHOF chief operating officer, Jack Peter, told CNN's Living Golf that he welcomed an honest exchange of views of the merits or otherwise of inductees. "We love the debate," he said with a smile. "It's an election that we administer and it's a bit of a ' let the chips fall where they may' in terms of who gets elected." But he's quick to firmly defend this year's choices, including the major-less Monty: . "What Colin's body of work has done for the European tour, for the game in Europe, his contribution to the Ryder Cup -- it's extraordinary. "And I don't think because he has not won majors precludes him from the Hall of Fame. We want to celebrate the game. We want to recognize greatness." It's possible the controversy could build in years to come. There are several star players -- Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia -- who still can't win one of the four majors. Lively debate . And yet some other major winners in recent years -- Webb Simpson, Keegan Bradley, Ben Curtis -- have won only a handful of other tournaments. But if debate stirs interest, Peter is happy. "We administer the ballot. Should it be more strict -- maybe; should it be less strict -- maybe. There's a number of scenarios here that you could put together to do this, but were pretty comfortable with where we are. "It is about fame, it's a vote, and he got the votes. Should he have more wins, less wins, I leave that to you guys in the media" Montgomerie and Couples are joined in the Hall of Fame this year by former U.S. Open champion and broadcaster Ken Venturi; Ken Schofield, the previous head of the European Tour, as well as the course designer Willie Park Jr, a British Open champion from the 19th century. Who knows what he would have made of it all. | Golf picks its Hall of Fame inductees annually .
Announcement made at PGA Tour's Players tournament at Sawgrass .
Colin Montgomerie and Fred Couples picked in the player category for 2013 .
Choices have prompting stinging criticism from former great Ray Floyd . |
206,176 | 96e2007997231e51228047162b1ca42d3ddedee5 | Technical problems with the federally facilitated health insurance exchange were caused by a specific software component that crashed under the high volume of visitors last week, preventing users from creating accounts in the beginning stages of the enrollment process, a federal official confirmed to CNN on Tuesday. "At lower volumes, this software component would work fine, and at higher volume, that's what created the problems," the official said. "We've made software changes to make the system more efficient and be able to handle higher volumes." For more than a week, visitors to Healthcare.gov have experienced slow connection speeds and error messages preventing them from purchasing insurance. The Department of Health and Human Services has been taking down parts of the site during off-peak hours, and officials say that adding more server capacity; moving certain over-stressed components to dedicated hardware; and making software changes to increase efficiency have improved the situation. On Monday, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told Comedy Central's Jon Stewart that despite the hiccups, hundreds of thousands of consumers have created accounts on the federal site, but the government won't announce how many of those users have actually purchased insurance until next month. The government has been assisted in building and maintaining Healthcare.gov primarily by contractor CGI-Federal. As of March, the contractor had collected nearly $90 million from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, according to a report issued in June by the Government Accountability Office. "We have a unique, cross-sector perspective on health IT that makes us well-suited to partner with CMS for success on one of the most visible efforts in CMS history," CGI Vice President Rich Martin said in a December 2011 statement announcing the contract, the original value of which was more than $55 million. As part of Obamacare implementation, CGI is also performing exchange work in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Kentucky, New Mexico and Vermont, according to the company's website. A Canadian company with a global presence, CGI presents itself as the world's fifth largest independent IT and business process services company. The company has experience in health care IT as a partner to some of the Canadian Ministries of Health and as a provider of secure electronic medical records in Europe. Its U.S. government contracting branch, CGI-Federal, has done more than $2.5 billion in business with more than two dozen government agencies since 2001, according to a search at USASpending.gov. This work includes nearly a billion dollars of work with HHS, costly projects for the defense and intelligence industry, as well as contracts worth potentially billions of dollars supporting the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Career operations staff at both HHS and CMS managed the company's work, as well as the work of Quality Software Services, Inc., a separate contractor that has received about $55 million from CMS to build the federal data hub. According to government officials, that data hub and the various levels of identity verification necessary for enrollment are working properly, providing accurate eligibility results and tax credit determinations. The problems have been centered in the website's front-end, or Healthcare.gov's consumer-facing side. An analysis of this front-end performed by leading web-hosting company Media Temple for the Wall Street Journal and provided to CNN found that the designers failed to follow basic protocols for high-traffic sites. Six of Media Temple's high-level engineers point to the site's structure rather than web traffic as the primary problem. The faults they identified include out-of-date web applications; poorly written code; lines of testing code left in the final product; and unnecessary or unchanging information sent to users on each login rather than stored on local servers or computers for quicker access, a process called caching. "We're in the business of fast websites that don't fail, that's what we do," said Media Temple President and COO Russ Reeder. "And so when I had my engineers look at the web site, they came up with a lot of things that they could have done better. If this is so important and they've gotten paid so much money -- the consulting firm CGI, $55 million for this project where's the oversight? Where's the technical leadership saying, 'tell me how you tested this and how do we make sure that this is not only secure but it won't fail when we have 7 million people log in?' " Government officials wouldn't comment on which parts of Healthcare.gov were built by CGI and which parts were built by the government. CGI didn't return requests for comment. | Software problems caused Healthcare.gov glitches, U.S. official says .
Poorly written code, out-of-date applications found in outside analysis .
IT contractor CGI-Federal had received $90 million by March for site, GAO says .
Government won't say what parts of the site CGI-Federal built . |
2,898 | 0879b8cac4474ec6f642f466a96dd510b54ad888 | A murderer has posted photographs on Facebook of a superhero-themed birthday cake which was smuggled into his cell, bragging: ‘Who said prison was hard.’ Liam Whitnell, who is serving a life sentence for stabbing a 24-year-old man in front of his family, also uploaded images of a takeaway kebab and a ginger beer alongside what appears to be blocks of cannabis. And in a flagrant breach of prison rules, the brutal killer has been pictured chatting on a mobile phone inside his cell – which boasts a games console, an expensive-looking music system and a cupboard full of DVDs. Scroll down for video . In photos posted on Facebook, killer Liam Whitnell is pictured lounging in his cell and speaking on the phone . Whitnell also posted a photo of a birthday cake in pictures which have angered his victim's family . Another picture shows a kebab and soft drink which have apparently been delivered to the jail, next to what appears to be cannabis, believed to have been smuggled into the prison . The photographs, which outraged the . family of Whitnell’s victim, were posted online to celebrate his 31st . birthday. He claimed the cake was a present from fellow inmates, . writing: ‘B.day cake from da boys.’ He also revealed that he was having a . ‘good time’. Whitnell, of Stepney, east London, was jailed for a minimum of 24 years in 2013. Along . with three other accomplices he had attacked Kowshar Hussain with . knives and a wheel brace in 2011 – in what a judge described as the . killing of a ‘totally innocent family man’. Last . night Mr Hussain’s sister Amirun Nehar, 24, who was with her brother . when he was murdered, said of Whitnell: ‘He is obviously not suffering . at all. ‘Everything seems . to be good for him, he still gets to see his family when they come to . visit him, he gets cake and kebabs for his birthday, he still gets to . enjoy himself. Why should he get all that when he killed my brother?’ She added: ‘He took something from us that we will never get back. A video posted by another inmate appears to show a bag of cocaine in one of the prison's cells (left) and photos believed to have been taken in Whitnell's cell show a personalised Coca Cola bottle (right) Inmates at Wandsworth Prison are also pictured flouting rules forbidding mobile phones in jail . 'My . dad can’t believe that my brother’s birthday is coming up and we can’t . do anything about it but his killer is here celebrating his birthday. He’s got it so easy. This can’t be justice. We have been failed.’ And she told the Mail that her brother was a loving ‘family man’ who she believed died trying to protect her and his wife. She went on to say: ‘He loved kids, he had just got married and he was looking forward to having kids of his own. ‘All his nephews and nieces adored him. He was a proper family guy.’ Whitnell was jailed for life after he was convicted of the murder of Kowshar Hussain in East London in 2011 . The main entrance to Wandsworth Prison in south London, from where Whitnell reportedly posted the photos . Mr . Hussain, who had been married for only 18 months at the time of his . murder, was stabbed to death as he retrieved a baby seat from a car. He was collecting the seat for his brother-in-law who had been involved in a scuffle with the men and was afraid of reprisals. Officers at HMP Wandsworth, Britain’s biggest jail, have now launched an investigation into the Facebook page and pictures. Mobiles . are banned in prison. The Prison Service also has an agreement with . Facebook to close down accounts being updated by or on behalf of serving . prisoners. It is . understood that four inmates at the 163-year-old category B prison – . including Whitnell – have been moved to the segregation unit for . accessing social media. A . prison spokesman said: ‘No prisoner should be in any doubt that if they . break the rules they will be stripped of their privileges and could face . further disciplinary action. These claims are now being investigated as . a matter of urgency.’ But . yesterday a relative of Mr Hussain, who did not want to be named for . fear of reprisals, said: ‘We don’t think this is justice, how can they . be allowed to get away with this? It makes a joke of the system.’ They . went on to say: ‘These men have done some really bad things, they . should be in a category A prison being properly punished and not sitting . around playing PlayStation.’ | Liam Whitnell posted photos showing his 31st birthday celebrations .
They included one showing a takeaway kebab and one of three inmates .
Phones are banned behind bars, but there is a black market for them .
In 2011, Whitnell and three accomplices stabbed Kowshar Hussain, 24 . |
177,251 | 717465ea2c48190068d882a6cbebf05368633dfb | By . Phil Medlicott, Press Association . Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert is uncertain whether captain Ron Vlaar will stay with the club, but stressed he has received no bids for the defender and is 'totally at ease' about the situation. Holland centre-back Vlaar, who impressed at this summer's World Cup, has been linked with various sides of late, including Villa's Barclays Premier League rivals Southampton. Saints boss Ronald Koeman, his compatriot, has been quoted by Dutch media as saying of the 29-year-old that he would 'really like to have him at Southampton'. Will he stay or will he go? Ron Vlaar may be heading out of Aston Villa before the end of the transfer window . Having a look: Ronald Koeman says he would like to sign Vlaar at Southampton this month . But Lambert said on Thursday: 'Nobody has even picked up the phone to ask about him. 'If someone picks up the phone, then you talk. But nobody has.' Asked if he thought Vlaar would remain loyal to Villa, Lambert replied: 'I don't know. 'I'm not sure there is loyalty in football any more. So we'll have to wait and see. It will be entirely up to him.' Vlaar has a year left on his current Villa contract, and talks over a new one have not yet been opened. On the prospect of the player re-signing with the midlands outfit, Lambert said: 'To be fair to Ron, he has not come to us or anything. 'We have had little chats here and there, but I think his main concern was getting back after the World Cup, getting fit and hopefully being ready for Saturday (Villa's Premier League opener at Stoke). 'That is where he has been. I have a good rapport with Ron, so I don't have any problem with that whatsoever.' He added: 'We have never really had a chat about it (Vlaar staying or not). I'm pretty sure once it kind of settles down, there will be time for that. 'I am sitting here at ease with it - it doesn't really bother me at the moment. 'I'm sure I'll sit with Randy (Lerner, Villa's owner, and discuss the situation). 'I'm pretty sure things will evolve over the next few weeks or so, and we'll see what happens. But at the moment I'm totally at ease with everything, and so is Ron.' Lambert will check the condition of both World Cup semi-finalist Vlaar and new signing Joe Cole (thigh) ahead of Saturday's match but is optimistic both will be able to feature. Lambert has also reported strikers Christian Benteke and Libor Kozak are ahead of schedule in their rehabilitation from long-term injuries and could be available in 'a few weeks'. Belgium international Benteke has been sidelined since April, when he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in training with Villa that ruled him out of the World Cup and which the club said would require a minimum of six months' recovery time. Kozak sustained his injury in training with Villa as well, the Czech Republic frontman breaking his leg in January. Not flustered: Villa boss Paul Lambert remains calm about the prospect of Vlaar leaving the club . Another long-term absentee, defender Jores Okore, could be in line for his first competitive appearance since September having recovered from a serious knee problem. There could also be comebacks for winger Charles N'Zogbia, out for all of last term with an Achilles injury, as well as defender Alan Hutton and striker Darren Bent, who have previously been exiled from the Villa first-team and out on loan. All four have been involved in the club's pre-season. Bent has said he is feeling 'really positive' and 'confident about what's ahead', although Lambert has emphasised the ex-Sunderland man has work to do. When on loan for the season at Fulham in 2013/14, Bent scored six goals in 30 appearances in all competitions, and Lambert said: 'He had a bit of a barren spell even there. 'So he is going to have to really work at it - it is not going to come easy to him. 'Even the Fulham spell was a bit tough for him and he didn't really score that many goals. 'It is an opportunity for him now back here and it is up to himself.' Along with midfielder Cole, Saturday could also see competitive Villa debuts for three other summer recruits in defenders Philippe Senderos and Aly Cissokho and wide man Kieran Richardson. Meanwhile, reports have suggested Elche's Colombia midfielder Carlos Sanchez will be next to join, but Lambert was giving little away on that front on Thursday. 'The situation is that he is still not our player,' Lambert said. 'We'll have to see what happens over the next few days or so.' | Holland defender impressed hugely at the World Cup in Brazil .
Southampton have been heavily linked with Vlaar this summer .
Ronald Koeman said he would 'really like to have him' at St Mary's . |
168,517 | 65f7b933dab179af60db2487c78cd3f7266b27e8 | (CNN) -- A deeply divided Venezuela is mourning its late leader and preparing to pick a new president to replace him. Venezuelan officials called for peace and unity after President Hugo Chavez's death on Tuesday, emphasizing in state television broadcasts that all branches of the government and the military were standing together. Elections will be held in 30 days, and Vice President Nicolas Maduro will assume the presidency in the interim, Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said in an interview broadcast on state-run VTV. Tearing up as he announced Chavez's death after a long battle with cancer, Maduro called on Venezuelans to remain respectful. "We must unite now more than ever," Maduro said. Henrique Capriles Radonski, a former presidential candidate and opposition leader, said Venezuelans should come together. "This is not the time for difference," he said. "It is the time for unity. It is the time for peace." Supporters of Chavez poured into a Caracas square soon after news of his death spread. Some wept openly. Others waved flags and held up pictures of the late president. There were no reports of major violence, but there was palpable tension in the streets, as some Venezuelans heading home from work tried to steer clear of Chavez's fervent supporters. Venezuela's military is in a "process of deploying ... to ensure the safety of all Venezuelans" and to support the country's constitution in the wake of Chavez's death, said Adm. Diego Molero, Venezuela's defense minister. iReport: Share your thoughts on the death of the Venezuelan president . Venezuela prepares for funeral, elections . Venezuela's government has declared seven days of national mourning, Jaua said. At Venezuelan embassies around the world Tuesday, flags were flying at half mast. Chavez's remains will be taken to a military academy in Caracas on Wednesday, Jaua said. There he will lie in state for three days. His state funeral will be held there on Friday morning, Jaua said. The announcement of Chavez's death came hours after Maduro met with the country's top political and military leaders about Chavez's worsening health condition and suggested someone may have deliberately infected Chavez with cancer. Chavez first announced his cancer diagnosis in June 2011, but the government never revealed details about his prognosis or specified what kind of cancer he had . Shortly before his last trip to Cuba for cancer surgery in December, Chavez tapped Maduro as the man he wanted to replace him. "He is one of the young leaders with the greatest ability to continue, if I cannot," Chavez said. Chavez leaves a revolutionary legacy . Maduro made no mention of running for election in his public comments Tuesday, but he is widely expected to be the United Socialist Party of Venezuela's candidate for the job. During Chavez's absence from the political stage over the past three months, Maduro has been front and center. He has spoken at political rallies around the country and delivered updates about Chavez on national television, drawing growing support from Chavez loyalists. Opposition critics have said he was campaigning for office -- a claim the government has denied. Even as Jaua said Tuesday that Maduro would temporarily assume the presidency, some critics questioned whether that was constitutional, since Chavez missed his inauguration and was never officially sworn in. Opposition politicians haven't said who will represent them in the election. But as speculation mounted over Chavez's health in recent weeks, many had turned to Capriles, who lost to Chavez in October's presidential contest. On Tuesday, Capriles called for a national dialogue including all Venezuelans, not just Chavez's supporters. "Today there are thousands, maybe millions, of Venezuelans who are asking themselves what will happen, who feel anxiety, and including those who feel afraid," Capriles said. Chavez supporters, critics react . Word of Chavez's death drew swift expressions of sorrow and solidarity from regional allies. Ecuador and Cuba both announced three days of national mourning to honor Chavez. "The national government expresses its solidarity in light of this irreparable loss that puts the Venezuelan people and all the region in mourning and at the same time sends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the late champion of Latin America," Ecuador's foreign ministry said in a statement. Bolivian President Evo Morales' voice cracked as he spoke to reporters, describing Chavez as someone "who gave all his life for the liberation of the Venezuelan people ... of all the anti-imperialists and anti-capitalists of the world." But longtime critics of the controversial president offered a different take. "Hugo Chavez was a tyrant who forced the people of Venezuela to live in fear. His death dents the alliance of anti-U.S. leftist leaders in South America. Good riddance to this dictator," said U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. "Venezuela once had a strong democratic tradition and was close to the United States. Chavez's death sets the stage for fresh elections. While not guaranteed, closer U.S. relations with (this) key country in our Hemisphere are now possible." Venezuela-U.S. relations surge into spotlight . Just hours before the announcement of Chavez's death, relations between the two countries appeared to be souring, as Venezuelan officials said they were expelling two U.S. Embassy officials and accused them of plotting to destabilize the country. The U.S. officials, both air attaches at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, are accused of having meetings with members of the Venezuelan military and encouraging them to pursue "destabilizing projects," Venezuelan Foreign Minister Elias Jaua said. "We will not allow any foreign interference in our country," Jaua said. "Do not think that the situation of pain over the health of President Chavez will translate into weakness." State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell denied the accusations. Opinion: Chavez used force of personality to win votes, influence leaders . "Notwithstanding the significant differences between our governments, we continue to believe it important to seek a functional and more productive relationship with Venezuela based on issues of mutual interest," he said. "This fallacious assertion of inappropriate U.S. action leads us to conclude that, unfortunately, the current Venezuelan government is not interested an improved relationship." After announcing the expulsion of one attache, Maduro -- addressing the media in a lengthy statement -- asserted that someday there will be "scientific proof" that Chavez was somehow infected by outsiders. "An assertion that the United States was somehow involved in causing President Chavez's illness is absurd, and we definitively reject it," Ventrell said. It isn't the first time that a Venezuelan government official has implied that a plot could be behind Chavez's cancer. Chavez made the assertion himself in 2011, saying at a military event in Caracas that he wondered whether the United States could be infecting Latin American leaders with the illness. CNN's Shasta Darlington, Mariano Castillo, Rafael Romo, Patrick Oppmann, Juan Carlos Lopez, Ione Molinares and Pam Benson and journalist Osmary Hernandez contributed to this report. | Official: Maduro will temporarily assume the presidency until elections are held .
A state funeral for Chavez will be held Friday, Venezuela's foreign minister says .
Venezuela's defense minister says troops are deploying to ensure safety .
"We must unite now more than ever," Venezuela's vice president says . |
236,530 | be27e189d34897d222a7b005a95fe7addc846994 | Announcement: Defence Secretary Michael Fallon is sending guns and ammunition to Iraq to forces fighting ISIS . Britain is gifting heavy machine guns and ammunition worth £1.6million to help Kurdish forces fighting ISIS in Iraq. The weapons will arrive tomorrow and will be used to battle the extremist army, which is believed to include hundreds of Britons. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: 'The Kurdish forces remain significantly less well equipped than Isil (ISIS) and we are responding to help them defend themselves, protect citizens and push back advances.' The announcement follows Prime Minister David Cameron's confirmation yesterday that Britain would be directly supplying the Kurds, who are fighting the extremist group that have seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria. Last week at the NATO summit in Wales Mr Cameron and Barack Obama prepared the ground for multi-national air strikes against Islamic State and for sending troops to form a Nato training force in Iraq. In Britain, cross-party support for joining US military action was increasing. There is some speculation it could be weeks away. Mr Fallon said the gifting of the guns was needed as the Kurds are 'significantly less well-equipped' than ISIS . In a written ministerial statement, the Defence Secretary said: 'I am laying a departmental minute today concerning the gifting of military equipment to the Government of Iraq (GoI), including the Kurdish regional government. This is at the request of the GoI. 'The UK is committed to assisting the GoI by: alleviating the humanitarian suffering of those Iraqis targeted by Isil terrorists; promoting an inclusive, sovereign and democratic Iraq that can push back on Isil advances and restore stability and security across the country; and working with the international community to tackle the broader threat that Isil poses to the region and other countries around the world, including the UK. 'The Kurdish forces remain significantly less well-equipped than Isil and we are responding to help them defend themselves, protect citizens and push back Isil advances. Brutal ISIS has captured swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria has declared itself an Islamic 'caliphate' Kurdish fighters have retaken land from the Islamic State but Britain believes they need more guns and ammunition . 'The initial gifting package is scheduled to arrive in Iraq on Wednesday September 10 and will consist of heavy machine guns and ammunition. 'The total cost is approximately £1.6 million plus an estimated £475,000 in transport costs.' The announcement comes as US president Barack Obama prepares to outline his strategy for dealing with IS tomorrow. Mr Cameron has said if Mr Obama announces further military action against the jihadists beyond the air strikes that have taken place and Britain is to join in that action, MPs will have a vote on the decision. But he stressed that the Government could take action without the approval of Parliament in the event of an immediate humanitarian catastrophe or if a British interest needs urgent protection. | The weapons will arrive tomorrow, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon reveals .
'Kurdish forces are significantly less well-equipped than Isil (ISIS)', he said . |
132,729 | 37a050c65c0e79551228546f9fa977c178a075a5 | Washington (CNN) -- Global energy giant Exxon Mobil Corp. will be forced to face a lawsuit over alleged murder and torture committed by company agents in remote Indonesia, after a federal appeals court said Friday that corporations cannot claim immunity from liability. A divided 2-1 panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia reinstated a massive lawsuit filed by 15 Indonesian villagers from the oil-rich province of Aceh. They claim government security forces working for Exxon Mobil committed brutal oppression while guarding a natural gas facility in 2000-01. At issue is whether foreign nationals can go into U.S. courts to press civil claims stemming from actions overseas by non-American citizens in a time of martial law. The decision will have widespread implications for multinational corporations doing business in other countries. "It would create a bizarre anomaly to immunize corporations from liability for the conduct of their agents in lawsuits brought for 'shockingly egregious violations of universally recognized principles of international law,'" wrote Judge Judith Rogers in a detailed, 112-page opinion. "The law of the United States has been uniform since its founding that corporations can be held liable for the torts committed by their agents. This is confirmed in international practice, both in treaties and in legal systems throughout the world." Rogers was supported by her colleague Judge David Tatel, both named to the bench by President Bill Clinton. Company spokesman Patrick McGinn said the ruling was being reviewed, and that the Irving, Texas-based firm has "fought these baseless claims for many years." "The plaintiffs' claims are without merit," he said. "While conducting its business in Indonesia, ExxonMobil has worked for generations to improve the quality of life in Aceh through employment of local workers, provision of health services and extensive community investment. "The company strongly condemns human rights violations in any form." The litigation is more than a decade old. The company had contracted with the Indonesian government to explore, extract, and process the gas. It hired military personnel as private security for the remote location. A key sticking point in the legal fight was the level of control Exxon Mobil officials in Aceh had over the actions of the Indonesian military. The plaintiffs alleged company officials in Indonesia were aware the military had committed past human rights violations. And they claim Exxon Mobil offered "material support" by separately hiring private mercenaries who provided "advice, training, intelligence, and equipment" to the dedicated military unit, which in turn committed brutal repression of locals, according to the lawsuit. Other allegations included sexual assault, battery, kidnapping, and false imprisonment against the villagers, many of whom had protested the presence of the company, fearing ecological and cultural damage to the region. Those questions will now be presented at trial, as the lawsuit is allowed to proceed. There was no timetable for when that trial will begin. In dissent, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, appointed by President George W. Bush, said the federal law in question, the Alien Tort Statute, applies only to actions committed in the United States. "The presumption helps the United States avoid conflicts with other nations, which of course have a strong interest in policing and regulating conduct in their own countries," Kavanaugh wrote. "The ATS contains no textual indication that it was meant to apply to conduct in foreign countries." The issue may eventually reach the Supreme Court, since lower federal courts have disagreed on the liability of conduct by U.S. companies operating around the world. The case is John Doe VII v. Exxon Mobil Corp. (09-7125). | Exxon Mobile cannot claim immunity in the case, an appeals panel says .
A lawsuit filed by Indonesian villagers accuses Exxon Mobil agents of murder and torture .
The case hinges on whether the Alien Tort Statute applies to actions in other countries . |
3,077 | 08e9a56420abee2d952b6d89a030f33d45341a3b | By . Rob Cooper . PUBLISHED: . 11:06 EST, 23 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:39 EST, 23 August 2013 . A cage fighter beat his wife so badly after she sent him a text message saying their relationship was over that police thought they had been called to a murder scene. Mother-of-two Charlotte Small, 33, was so scared that Gary Marcel, 46, would attack her that she had already entered 999 into her phone - but he immediately snatched it off her. The thug forced his way into Miss Small's home and repeatedly kicked and punched her in the face - shouting 'no one will want you now'. Horror attack: Mother-of-two Charlotte Small, 33, (left) after she had been repeatedly beaten by thug Gary Marcel, 46, (right) who has been jailed for 11 years . Marcel stamped on her breasts, pulled out clumps of her hair, fractured her eye socket and almost ripped off her ear during the attack in Maidstone, Kent. Miss Small, who still suffers from memory loss, said today that her husband, who she has since divorced, took breaks during the attack before continuing to beat her. She was finally rescued after her neighbour Martin Nolan, 75, heard her piercing screams and called Kent Police. Marcel, who was found standing over the apparently lifeless, half-naked body of his wife with his hands drenched in blood, told officers 'it was me'. One officer who was called to the scene three days before Christmas last year described Miss Small’s facial injuries as 'the most disturbing I have seen in my 10 years service'. Miss Small, who is mother to Finn, six, and Molly, eight, said: 'He said he’d come to kill me. Recovery: Charlotte Small who was left with injuries so severe after the attack that police thought they had been called to a murder scene . 'He was kicking me in the face and said "no one will want to be with you now". I ran around the house, desperately looking for corners to hide in. 'At times he stopped hitting me and stroked my hair saying he needed a rest.' Recounting previous episodes of violence, Miss Small said: 'He pulled radiators off the wall, punched holes in every door and one night he ripped kitchen units out.' In the summer of 2012 Marcel attacked the mother in front of her children for the first time. She said: 'It was terrible, Finn hid under a bed and Molly was trying to pull Gary off me.' Marcel, of Snodland, Kent, denied attempted murder and his guilty plea to causing grievous bodily harm with intent was accepted by the prosecution. Judge Michael Carroll sentenced Marcel to 11 years behind bars at Maidstone Crown Court. Sentencing Marcel, Judge Carroll told him: 'You caused horrific and life-changing injuries to this young woman.' The court also heard how the former soldier had been cautioned in February 2012 for assaulting her. After another savage beating in August last year, Marcel was given a suspended prison sentence for assault and harassment. He was slapped with a restraining order until 2017, but that didn’t stop the monster from tracking Miss Small down. Marcel breached the order in the attack on December 22. | Gary Marcel shouted 'no one will want you now' as he attacked his partner .
He launched the savage attack on Charlotte Small after she text him to say their relationship was over .
Thug, 46, was jailed for 11 years at Maidstone Crown Court .
Police officer said injuries are the 'most disturbing I have seen in my 10 years of service' |
14,001 | 27b375102fa7bf737f39da8c4e42860f3bb09d2b | EDWARDSVILLE, Illinois (CNN) -- A man suspected of bludgeoning eight people to death is a methamphetamine addict with a history of fighting with police, an investigator said as the suspected spree killer made his first court appearance. Suspected spree killer Nicholas Troy Sheley, 28, did not enter a plea during his first court appearance. Nicholas T. Sheley, 28, is being held on $1 million bail in one slaying as police and prosecutors prepare additional charges in connection with a week-long killing spree in two states. Sheley, 28, appeared in an Illinois courtroom on Wednesday via closed-circuit television, but did not enter a plea. He was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Ronald Randall, 65, whose body was found behind a grocery story in Galesburg. Other charges include aggravated battery, vehicle hijacking and vehicle theft. Watch Sheley's perp walk » . Sheley, who wore a green-and-white striped jail jumpsuit, said little except to answer "yes, sir," to a series of questions from Judge Edward Ferguson. Authorities say Sheley's alleged burst of violence spanned 300 miles until he gave up without a fight when police confronted him as he smoked outside a bar in Granite City, Illinois, on Tuesday night. Map: See where the bodies were found » . Additional charges are being filed in a second Illinois county which encompasses two other towns where police believe Sheley killed five people, authorities said. Authorities also suspect Sheley in connection with the slayings of an Arkansas couple in Festus, Missouri. All eight victims, which include a child, died from blunt-force trauma to the head, officials said. Sheley's capture ended an intensive manhunt, which included a $25,000 reward offer. Sheley had stopped at Bindy's bar, a popular cop bar in a Granite City shopping center. Two patrons who recognized him from news reports called police. Bar owner Bill Watson told CNN Sheley came in, drank a glass of water and went to the restroom. When he returned from the restroom, Sheley asked for a lighter but was told he had to go outside to smoke. He was outside smoking when authorities arrived and arrested him. As bar patrons celebrated Sheley's arrest, a family member of one of the victims called and thanked them for their assistance, Watson said. "It really hit home and made us realize really what this guy was all about," Watson said. New of Sheley's capture calmed nerves in small towns from the Chicago to St. Louis areas. Police conducting a welfare check Sunday at an apartment in Rock Falls, Illinois, found four people dead, including the child. Sheley was a "known associate" to at least one of the Rock Falls victims, state police said. Rock Falls is across the Rock River from Sterling; both are in Whiteside County. The following day, Monday, authorities found Randall's body in Galesburg, about 80 miles south of Rock Falls, and obtained an arrest warrant naming Sheley. The couple found dead in Festus, Missouri, a St. Louis suburb, was in town for a graduation, authorities said, and were last seen at a Comfort Inn there. Sheley is not believed to have had a prior relationship with the couple, police said. During the hunt for Sheley, the St. Louis County Police Department issued a bulletin describing him as an "extremely dangerous" methamphetamine addict. "He has stated to his ex-wife that he has more killing to do," the bulletin said. According to a Tuesday affidavit by FBI Special Agent Susan Hanson, Sheley invaded a home in Sterling, Illinois -- just a mile from Rock Falls -- on June 14. A woman inside the home told police the man was Sheley, it says. Sheley then took off to Iowa where he made a phone call in Sterling on Saturday and then went to Missouri, according to the affidavit. A gas station attendant in Galesburg, less than 60 miles from where the call was placed near Davenport, Iowa, told police that he saw Sheley, who appeared to have blood on him, at the gas station, the affidavit stated. A stolen truck belonging to Randall, the victim in Galesburg, was recovered Sunday in Festus, near an Anheuser-Busch distribution plant, authorities said. CNN's Ismael Estrada, Susan Roesgen and Lee Garen contributed to this report. | NEW: Suspected spree killer described as meth addict .
Nicholas T. Sheley, 28, did not enter a plea at first court appearance .
Police say ex-con tied to eight killings over past week in Illinois, Missouri .
All eight victims died of blunt-force trauma to head, authorities say . |
250,545 | d03ef4bdd3886efe8b6b7537ff2061a78998800a | It’s took 60 designers to create it, 9,300 construction workers to build it and features 10,000 glass panels. But Beijing’s stunning Yanqi Lake Kempinski hotel is finally on the verge of opening its doors to the public. Shaped like a rising sun, the hotel is said to symbolise prosperity while the unusual disc-shaped entrance represents fortune in Chinese culture. The Yanqi Lake Kempinski hotel took 60 designers to create it, 9,300 construction workers to build it and features 10,000 glass panels . The building, which has been developed by European luxury hotel company Kempinski, sits 318ft high, has 21 floors, and features spas, meeting facilities and 14 restaurants. It is set to open for business in 46 days. The development, set on 14sq kilometre of grounds in the heart of scenic Yanqi Lake, Beijing, includes a total of 595 guestrooms and suites. Shaped like a rising sun, the hotel is said to symbolise prosperity while the unusual disc-shaped entrance represents fortune in Chinese culture . Four suite options are available, with the 43 Panorama Suites offering lake and mountain views . It has 306 rooms located on the main land, as well as 111 rooms at the State Guest House and 178 rooms spread across 12 boutique hotels, on a nearby private island. Leisure facilities include an 18-hole golf course, a spa, and a gym. Inside the lobby, a custom-designed art feature rests around the staircase and is made up of thousands of round glass spectrums suspended in the air by stainless steel cables. The building, which has been developed by European luxury hotel company Kempinski, sits 318.2-feet high, has 21 floors, and features spas, meeting facilities and 14 restaurants . The development is located 45km north of Beijing Capital International airport, 60km north of Beijing's city centre and 25km from Mutianyu Great Wall. Yanqi Lake itself is situated at the foot of Yanshan Mountains, eight kilometres north of Huairou County. The area draws multitudes of tourists every year. Mutianyu Great Wall, a favourite historical and cultural attraction, welcomed 2.79million visitors last year. The cost of a room starts at £150 per night. Leisure facilities include an 18-hole golf course, a spa, and a gym . The development, set on 14sq kilometre of grounds in the heart of scenic Yanqi Lake, Beijing, includes a total of 595 guestrooms and suites . The hotel was designed by Chief Designer Zhang Hai Ao and his team from Shanghai Huadu Architect Design Company. ‘We had an international team because we needed a critical view from people outside of China to give their opinion on modern contemporary Chinese architectural design and to enable us to broaden our ideas on how we can use our design to showcase the Chinese culture to the world,’ said Hai Ao. Four suite options are available, with the 43 Panorama Suites offering lake and mountain views. The cost of a room starts at around £150 per night. | Yanqi Lake Kempinski made by 60 designers and 9,300 construction workers .
The hotel will opens its doors to the public this winter .
Unusual shape said to symbolise prosperity and fortune in Chinese culture . |
130,633 | 34f4277b721a110943e18502a58c7920d6e5fe94 | (CNN) -- Two men were killed Friday in attacks on polio teams and their police escorts in Pakistan, authorities said. A policeman was killed and another injured when unidentified gunmen fired on a polio security team in Swabi, in northwest Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, District Police Officer Sajaad Khan told CNN. The officers were there to protect polio workers, who have come under increasing attack in the past year. The second victim, a polio worker, was shot dead by unknown men in Jamrud, in Pakistan's tribal Khyber Agency, a political administration official who asked not to be named told CNN. Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who heads the Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, condemned the targeting of polio workers in a statement released by his party. Khan called on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's chief minister and the federal government to take "strong action" to arrest those responsible and to provide security for polio workers. The PTI party holds the majority of seats in the coalition running Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's provincial government. Militants have targeted anti-polio campaigns in Pakistan since U.S. intelligence officials used a fake vaccination program to help in their hunt for Osama bin Laden in 2011. Under cover of the program, the CIA sought to collect DNA samples from relatives of the al Qaeda leader to verify his presence in a compound in Abbottabad. More than 20 polio workers have been killed since July 2012. Some mullahs have also preached against the polio campaign, claiming falsely that the oral vaccine leaves Pakistani children sterile. Last year, a Taliban commander in northwest Pakistan announced a ban on polio vaccines for children in the region as long as the United States continued its campaign of drone strikes. Pakistan stepped up its eradication efforts after cases spiked in 2011, but cases continue to be diagnosed. At least 16 cases of polio have been reported this year in Khyber Agency. Polio, which can cause permanent paralysis in hours, remains endemic only in Pakistan, Nigeria and Afghanistan. CNN's Saima Mohsin and journalist Zahir Shah Sherazi contributed to this report. | A policeman who was providing security to a polio team is killed, police say .
Unknown gunmen also kill a polio worker in Khyber Agency, a local official says .
Polio workers have come under increasing attack in Pakistan in the past year . |
186,137 | 7d0fd4ca005b8ac9b85c75ded03b8244ff5fbfc1 | Spain's national training centre for football coaches says it has lodged an official complaint with the country's federation over Zinedine Zidane coaching Real Madrid's reserve team without having the required qualifications. Miguel Galan, president of the centre, said that the complaint was presented on August 28. He said he was told on Friday that Spain's federation has given Madrid 10 days to present its response. Madrid announced in June that Zidane, who played for the club from 2001 until retiring in 2006, would coach its B team this season. Zinedine Zidane (right) was Jose Mourinho's (left) 'special advisor' at Real Madrid during 2011 . Zidane's career ended with a bang when he headbutted Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup Final . An official complaint has been served about Zidane (centre) as he does not have the required qualifications . Zidane served as Carlo Ancelotti's assistant with the first team in 2013. Galan said it would set a bad example if Madrid was allowed to hire unqualified people as coaches. | Zinedine Zidane has been coaching Real Madrid's B team since June .
Miguel Galan, president of the Spanish national training centre for football coaches, says that a complaint was made on August 28 .
They lodged their complaint as Zidane does not have necessary coaching qualifications to be in charge of Real Madrid reserve side .
Zidane played for Madrid between 2001-2006, and was Carlo Ancelotti's first-team assistant in 2013 . |
27,748 | 4ea480e5a081ebc66978d51ee34ad3dbd78216ca | Thiago Motta has added to PSG's woes ahead of their Champions League tie with Chelsea after being ruled out of through injury. The 32-year-old midfielder joins a lengthy list of absentees for Laurent Blanc's side including Serge Aurier, Marquinhos, Lucas Moura and Yohan Cabaye. The Ligue 1 champions are set to host the Premier League side in the first leg of their last-16 clash at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday. Thiago Motta has been ruled out for PSG for their clash against Chelsea on Tuesday in the Champions League . Motta battles with Lyon's Yoann Gourcuff during the Ligue 1 clash earlier this month . It is another concern for Blanc, who saw his side throw away a two-goal lead in the dying minutes at home to Caen in the league on Saturday after being forced down to nine men late on due to injuries. PSG met Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals last season, with Jose Mourinho's men going through on away goals thanks to a last-minute Demba Ba strike at Stamford Bridge. The Blues, meanwhile, welcome back Diego Costa after his absence through domestic suspension. | Thiago Motta adds to Paris Saint-Germain injury list ahead of Tuesday .
PSG already without several stars including Marquinhos and Lucas Moura .
Host Chelsea in first leg of last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday . |
182,312 | 78141478f00ac19912fa2b283e8c91e30eb3a7c6 | (CNN) -- Mid-table English Premier League side Blackburn Rovers want to sign former world player of the year Ronaldinho and persuade football icon David Beckham to come to them on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy. Rovers' manager Steve Kean said the prospect of AC Milan star Ronaldinho and Beckham coming to Ewood Park during the January transfer window was a sign of the ambition shown by the club's new Indian owners. "If you asked any Premier League manager if they wanted somebody who had been the world player of the year twice, then I reckon they would say 'yes I'm interested," he told the club's website on Tuesday. "It is something that puts us on the map as far as trying to bring players of great stature to the club." Who will be the bargain signings of the January sales? Poultry giants Venky's took control of the Blackburn in November and sacked former boss Sam Allardyce the following month when they handed the role to Kean. Ronaldinho, who was named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005, has struggled to recapture his best form at the San Siro and has also been linked with a likely return to former club Gremio in Brazil. "It shows our intent," said Kean on Blackburn's bid for the former Barcelona playmaker. "It shows we are trying to go to a different level and I think that can only be positive. "In some areas it has been perceived and written about as if it is something of a negative, but I just can't see that." Former Real Madrid and Manchester United midfielder Beckham, who has been linked with a return to England during the Major League Soccer close season, has emerged as another target for Rovers. The British media reported Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also chasing the 35-year-old, but Venky's chair Anuradha Desai told the BBC that Blackburn were "open whenever he is ready to come." Desai also confirmed the club's interest in Ronaldinho and outlined the financial package on offer to the 2002 World Cup winner. "He (Ronaldinho) is keen to play in the English Premier League and I think that goes in our favor. "To be precise (it is) €7.6m ($10.1m) for the first year and about €8.5m ($11.4m) for the second and third years," she added. | Blackburn Rovers have launched a bid to bring AC Milan's Ronaldinho to England .
The club have also confirmed an offer is on the table for David Beckham to come on loan .
Manager Steve Kean says the double bid shows the club's ambition .
Indian poultry giants Venky's took control of the EPL club in November . |
259,528 | dbfea028f2e7237c914e23edc71ddb6b000c627c | (CNN) -- Venus Williams claimed the 42nd title of her glittering career as she successfully defended her Dubai Tennis Championship crown on Saturday. The American defeated fourth seed Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-3 7-5 in the final, having also won their only previous encounter at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The victory lifted Williams into 11th place on the all-time list, moving her one title ahead of the recently-returned Justine Henin to make her the most successful player currently active on the WTA Tour. The former world No. 1, seeded third in the absence of her top-ranked younger sister Serena and No. 2 Dinara Safina, won the opening set in controversial circumstances with the only break after using the Hawkeye system to challenge a line call on Azarenka's second serve at 3-2. The 29-year-old Williams romped to a 2-0 lead in the second set, but Australian Open quarterfinalist Azarenka leveled at 3-3 and games went with serve until 5-5. Williams broke then with a forehand passing shot, highlighting the extra power she said had given her an edge. "Obviously, my serve is a big advantage for me," she told the tournament's official Web site. "I think I get a lot of balls back. I think off the ground she's very strong and consistent, but I think I'm probably a little stronger than her, so that helps me to control the point. "I think she does everything well, but there's a few things, obviously the strength that helps me." The 20-year-old Azarenka has now lost five of her eight WTA Tour finals. "It's not about power. It's more about precision that she was making it on the lines close to the lines," Azarenka said. "Venus came off with some big shots, and, you know, I think overall the game was really good. "Very high quality of tennis from both of us. Just, you know, a little bit of bad luck on a few balls. But I'm proud of what I did today." Meanwhile, top seed Maria Sharapova claimed her 21st career title and her first of this year after thrashing Sophia Arvidsson 6-2 6-1 in the final of the Cellular South Cup in Memphis on Saturday. The Russian made short work of the 102-ranked Swede, who reached the final after coming through qualifying rounds but won the tournament four years ago. The 22-year-old Sharapova won her fifth consecutive match in straight sets, claiming her first title since triumphing in Tokyo in October last year as she continues her rehabilitation from long-term shoulder problems. | Venus Williams claims 42nd title of her career, defending Dubai Tennis Championship crown .
American third seed defeats Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 6-3 7-5 in final .
Victory lifted Williams into 11th place on the all-time list above Justine Henin .
Maria Sharapova claims her first title of 2010, beating Sophia Arvidsson in Memphis final . |
104,469 | 12cb876d6ed9b9f8e6fedb14b63f40fbdcd69968 | (CNN) -- An Irish bishop resigned amid a Catholic church sex abuse scandal, apologizing in a statement Wednesday for any abuse that occurred in his diocese. Bishop John Magee of the diocese of Cloyne said he tendered his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI on March 9. "I have been informed today that it has been accepted, and as I depart, I want to offer once again my sincere apologies to any person who has been abused by any priest of the Diocese of Cloyne during my time as bishop or at any time," Magee said in a statement posted on the diocese Web site. "To those whom I have failed in any way, or through any omission of mine have made suffer, I beg forgiveness and pardon." Child abuse by Catholic clergy in Ireland has become such a widespread scandal that the pope addressed it in an unprecedented pastoral letter to Irish Catholics. Benedict said he was "truly sorry" for the abuse. The pope addressed the crisis that has rocked the Irish Catholic Church in an 18-page pastoral letter, which was made public Saturday. Critics said the pope did not go far enough in the letter. The acceptance of Magee's resignation came only days after the pope's letter was published. The leader of Ireland's Roman Catholics, Cardinal Sean Brady, wished Magee well in a statement, but said he had to focus on the victims of abuse. "Foremost in my thoughts in these days are those who have suffered abuse by clergy and those who feel angry and let down by the often inadequate response of leaders in the Church," said Brady, who has himself come under fire for failing to report what he learned during an investigation into a priest who became one of Ireland's most notorious child abusers. Brady was part of an internal Church investigation into Father Brendan Smyth in 1975. He did not report his findings to the police and asked two teenagers who gave him evidence to sign oaths of secrecy. In the past five years, Ireland's Catholic Church has had three separate outside investigations into child abuse -- both sexual and physical -- by priests, nuns, and staff at Catholic-run institutions such as schools and orphanages. Four bishops tendered their resignations in the wake of the most recent, the Murphy Report, which found a widespread tendency to cover up child abuse in the archdiocese of Dublin between 1975 and 2004. Only one of those resignations has been accepted -- that of Bishop Donal Murray on December 17. The resignation of Bishop Magee is not related to any of the recent statutory reports, said Patsy McGarry, religious affairs correspondent for the Irish Times newspaper. Instead, it is rooted in an internal church report on child protection practices in his Cloyne diocese in southern Ireland. In 2008 the Catholic Church's own child protection watchdog, the National Board for Safeguarding Children in the Catholic Church in Ireland conducted an audit of child protection practices in every diocese in Ireland, McGarry explained. It found those to be "inadequate, and in some respects dangerous" in Cloyne diocese. Its findings were published in December 2008, prompting calls for Magee to resign. Magee did not resign, but he was effectively stripped of his authority in March 2009, when Archbishop Dermot Clifford of the neighboring diocese of Cashel and Emly was appointed "apostolic administrator" of Cloyne diocese. The Murphy Commission -- which produced the report into the Dublin archdiocese -- is now investigating Cloyne diocese, McGarry said. It is expected to report later this year. Magee, 73, had been bishop of Cloyne since March 1987, according to the Irish Catholic Bishops Conference. Bishops normally retire at 75. CNN's Diana Magnay contributed to this report . | Vatican accepts Bishop John Magee's resignation amid abuse scandal .
Magee apologized for abuse commited by priests in his diocese .
Magee, 73, had been bishop of Cloyne since March 1987 .
Five Irish bishops have tendered their resignations since December . |
6,669 | 12f06b22d9997bf30fe1422f35e351430cb27a8c | Washington (CNN) -- U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan could someday be awarded medals for restraint that prevents civilian casualties in combat. The possibility is under consideration by the staff of Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the commander in Afghanistan, according to Lt. Col. Tadd Sholtis, McChrystal's spokesman. The idea of rewarding battlefield restraint was proposed by British Maj. Gen. Nick Carter, who is in charge of the international forces in southern Afghanistan. Sholtis said the idea is still in its "conceptual stage." "Although no decisions have been made on the award itself, the idea is consistent with our strategic approach," Sholtis said. "Our young men and women display remarkable courage every day, including situations where they refrain from using lethal force, even at risk to themselves, in order to prevent possible harm to civilians. In some situations our forces face in Afghanistan, that restraint is an act of discipline and courage not much different than those combat actions that merit awards for valor." Sholtis said troops would still have the right of self defense. "Let me be clear. We absolutely support the right of our forces to defend themselves. Valuing restraint in a potentially dangerous situation is not the same thing as denying troops the right to employ lethal force when they determine that it is necessary." McChrystal has placed a priority on reducing civilian casualties as a means of gaining support of the Afghan people. A number of recent high-profile incidents in which civilians have been killed have given the Taliban a propaganda tool against the coalition, U.S. officials said. McChrystal has instituted other rules to help minimize civilian deaths, including restricting the use of airstrikes in areas where there may be civilians, and limiting nighttime raids by U.S. forces. | Medal would honor troops for restraint that prevents civilian casualties in combat .
Medal under consideration by the commander in Afghanistan .
United States has been criticized for airstrikes that killed Afghan civilians . |
6,155 | 116906276b6b6a5aaad78b9122ca660d8bc43784 | (CNN)Jeb Bush will make his first scheduled appearance this year to the critically important state of Iowa next month for the Iowa Agriculture Summit in Des Moines on March 7. Bush's spokeswoman, Kristy Campbell, confirmed Wednesday that Bush will attend the event in the Hawkeye State, which holds the first nominating contests in presidential election years. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania and real estate titan Donald Trump are also confirmed for the event. Other invited speakers include a range of potential Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, including Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden. Bush's scheduled speaking slot was first reported by the Des Moines Register. The former Florida governor makes his first major public address Wednesday since announcing in December he was actively exploring a presidential bid, though he hasn't officially announced a campaign. He's set to pitch a message at the Detroit Economic Club that he's a "reform conservative" and will offer an optimistic view for how to help the middle class. Bush skipped the most recent cattle call in Iowa last month, when close to 10 potential GOP presidential candidates addressed an assembly of core caucus goers in Des Moines. RELATED: Jeb's invisible man strategy . His absence seemed to be welcomed by many activists at the event. He was a frequent punching bag for some of the speakers — Donald Trump said to big applause: "The last thing we need is another Bush" — and the former governor's push for Common Core education standards was an even bigger target that day. New Hampshire State Rep. Bill O'Brien blasted the idea of "nominating a liberal supporter of Common Core because he has a familiar name." A recent Iowa poll also showed troubling signs for Bush. He garnered 8% support among likely Republican caucus goers, falling behind Scott Walker at 15%, Rand Paul at 14%, Mike Huckabee at 10% and Ben Carson at 9%. The Hawkeye State is already seeing a range of potential candidates making stops in the state. Sen. Rand Paul will be there on Friday and Saturday for an "Audit the Fed" rally and to attend an Iowa State University basketball game. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie speaks at a Dallas County GOP event in Iowa on Monday. CNN's Jeremy Diamond and Dana Bash contributed to this report. | Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will attend an agriculture summit in Iowa next month .
It'll be his first scheduled appearance in the Hawkeye State .
Iowa holds the first nominating contest in presidential election years . |
44,249 | 7cc91bed8e36c66071b67e0058a739b551e4c246 | By . Amanda Williams . PUBLISHED: . 13:00 EST, 21 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:04 EST, 21 June 2013 . Heart problems - such as those which are believed to have killed Sopranos star James Gandolfini - are the leading cause of death for those on holiday, it has today been claimed . Heart problems - such as those which are believed to have killed Sopranos star James Gandolfini - are one of the leading causes of death for holidaymakers, it has today been claimed. While the stress-free environment of a summer holiday seems an unlikely backdrop to have a heart attack, experts warn that the crowds, polluted air, extreme temperatures, unusual foods, excessive alcohol and an increased amount of exercise found abroad could all contribute. Actor James Gandolfini, 51, who died earlier this week, was on holiday in Rome when it is believed he suffered a cardiac arrest. Officials have yet to confirm the cause of death with an autopsy. According to a 2003 paper published in journal Psychosomatic Medicine, a holiday includes 'out-of-the-ordinary activities' and could be responsible for placing extra physical and mental stress on the body. It said this can trigger a heart attack or other life-threatening heart problems. People can also become unhealthily upset when their dream holiday does not turn out to be quite how they had expected. The study looked at 92 Dutch people who had heart attacks while on holiday . It found that heart attacks were more likely to occur during the first two days of the break than on other days, Live Science reports. Dr. Erik Altman, director of electrophysiology at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Southside Hospital in New York, said there was growing evidence suggesting it is common for those on holiday to have heart attacks. He said: 'The physical and emotional aspect of traveling and vacationing may need to be brought to people's attention. 'While we are on vacation, we are still at risk of heart disease.' While the stress free environment of a summer holiday seems an unlikely backdrop to have a heart attack, experts warn that the crowds, polluted air, extreme temperatures, unusual foods, excessive alcohol and an increased amount of exercise found abroad could all contribute . Altman said it could also be because people in 'holiday mode' may eat too much, drink too much and forget to take their medication. The details of the cause of Mr Gandolfini's suspected attack are not yet known, but news reports have suggested it could be in part down to his weight and smoking habit. Dr Altman has said that while heart attacks are not uncommon on holiday, overall, people who take regular vacations are less likely to die from heart attacks. He suggested people who have health conditions should 'adjust their holiday to suit their needs.' | Heart problems are one of the .
leading causes of death for those on holiday .
Sopranos actor James Gandolfini, 51, 'suffered attack' on holiday in Rome .
Experts say people in holiday mode eat and drink and move more .
All could contribute to more physical and mental stress on the body . |
154,686 | 53e56cf9a30f3376328ccd8a40daff51fa5059e6 | (CNN) -- Jeff Tobola had just wrapped up another work day and picked up his son in West, Texas, when he heard the city's fertilizer plant was on fire. Why not check it out? "I noticed I could see the flames," Tobola said. "I went like, yeah, that's a good sized fire, and so it just drew me a little bit closer." Almost too close. Tobola pulled out his cell phone to capture it on video, he hit record -- and then all hell broke loose. The plant exploded sending a deadly shock wave through the tight-knit community of 2,800 people, many of them of Czech heritage. "What I was thinking ... as it exploded ... is, 'am I going to be able to hear when this stops? Is this gonna burn me?' Because, I was like 200 yards away from it." When it was all over 15 people were dead, 120 homes destroyed and 200 more damaged. In the fraction of a second before the explosion, the video shows a brilliant flash of light, followed by a massive shock wave -- a dome of energy rippling from the blast. "It definitely was the biggest explosion I've ever seen," said Tobola. "It seems like it lasted forever." Tobola only released the video this week on the eve of the first anniversary of the April 17, 2013, blast. "It just wasn't the time or place," he said. "I had a lot of friends that passed in the fire." Texas town tighter than ever 1 year after fatal blast . | Fifteen people perished in the April 17, 2013, blast .
The explosion destroyed 120 homes and damaged 200 more .
Jeff Tobola caught the blast on his cell phone, but only released it this week . |
113,099 | 1dfd357e8a79330338d21f25e36fc37e70773451 | A lonely-heart shepherdess who launched a quest to find love has revealed she was almost left paralysed - after breaking her back in a freak quad bike crash. Emma Gray, 26, who single-handedly runs a 150-acre farm, sparked a stampede for her affections after looking for a boyfriend to help manage her land. But her quest suffered a set back when her quad bike flipped from under her, near her estate in the Scottish Highlands. She landed on her back and crushed her vertebrae - leaving her in serious danger of being paralysed. Emma Gray, who lives a solitary life up on a hill-top farm, was lucky that her sister was nearby when she had the accident. She is pictured, left, at Borders General Hospital . However, she is now battling back to full health and is determined not to let the accident prevent her quest to find love. She said: 'The crash was the worst experience of my life but I am determined to carry on. 'I was gathering sheep at my mum and dad’s farm and driving up the side of a quarry on some shingle when the whole bike began to slide. 'The bike rolled right on top of me. I was in hospital unable to move for a week which was very frustrating. I couldn’t do anything. 'I never want to go through anything like that again.' Emma, from Hawick, in the Scottish Borders, was out working the land at her parent’s farm just a few miles from her own - when the quad bike went out of control. Luckily her sister Caroline, 23, was close by and raised the alarm following the crash, over the Jubilee weekend in June. Paramedics rushed her to hospital where she lay unable to move for a week with a back brace. She was then fitted with a chest cast and discharged a week later. Emma Gray, pictured with some of her flock, is eager to get back into the dating game . She said: 'I remember just before the crash thinking ‘this is going to hurt’ just before the bike hit me. 'My main concern was the dogs, which were on the back, but they jumped off and the bike only hit me. 'I was laid on my back totally unable to move for 20 minutes, I could get the air into my lungs. 'At first I thought I was just winded so after a while I got up and got back on the bike, which had rolled to the bottom of the hill and landed back on its wheels again. 'By the time I got back to the house I couldn’t move for the pain and my sister called an ambulance. 'They realised it was an unstable fracture and I could have done serious damage. I couldn’t believe it when I saw the x-rays. 'I’ve very independent so having to use a bed pan and not been able to do anything was hard for me. 'My back’s never going to be completely right. But I was so lucky I didn’t do it on my own farm where I would have been alone. I’m great now, just still frustrated at all the things I still can’t do.' Emma Gray's spine after her quad bike accident . Emma had the cast off two weeks ago and is now on the road to recovery. She even managed to win a sheepdog trial on Saturday. She said: 'I had the cast off two weeks ago. I’m getting back on my feet and winning my first sheep dog trials since the crash has been the icing on the cake.' Emma grew up on her parents’ farm near Hawick, in the Borders, and has been a dab hand around the farm since she was a child. She went on to study sheep management . at college and at the age of 23, after a heartbreaking split from her . fiance, successfully convinced the National Trust to give her the sole . tenancy of a hill farm. The property has no mains electricity or gas supplies and a windmill-powered hot water system.But Emma, who has represented England in the International Sheepdog trials, has run the farm successfully ever since. Earlier this year she penned an autobiography called ‘One Girl and Her Dog’ - sparking a rush for her affections. Emma . admits her isolation has left her out of the dating loop, which her . only managing to travel to the nearby town of Morpeth a couple of times a . month. But she is convinced Mr Right is out there somewhere. She . said: 'I have been on a couple of dates in the last few months but . since my accident I haven’t been able to go out so things have ground to . a halt. 'In a few weeks I should be pretty much better and back at work so we’ll see what happens then.' | Emma crushed her back after her quad bike flipped from under her on her parent's farm .
She was left unable to move for a week with a back brace . |
236,365 | bdefba42d9d912d9746429073d1cfa0297724cbb | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 08:59 EST, 18 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:44 EST, 18 December 2013 . The mobile communications technology race has taken an interesting turn with the release of plans for a smartphone with a dual display. Tech giant Samsung has filed a patent for a phone with two interconnected touchscreens that can display two independent applications, or work together to give the user an enhanced experience in gaming, reading e-books, conference calls, web browsing and multi-tasking. Pictures of the device have been filed with the U.S. Patent Office and show the potential benefits of the technology. Seeing double: Samsung has filed a patent for a phone with dual displays . Samsung's filing contained more than a hundred patent figures broken into distinct categories such as calendars, photo cataloging and many more, reports Patentbolt. The dual displays are connected by a hinge, which allows the as-yet-unnamed device to stand freely, similar to the rigid covers used by tablet owners. This provides exciting gaming opportunities, as users can sit around a table with one screen visible to them and one on display to their opponents. Let's play: The phone offers innovative gaming opportunities as one screen is seen only by the player, while the other is visible to all . In terms of photos, the phone can display an image on one screen and photomanipulation tools on the other, allowing easy retouching. The two screens could also display images and video across both screens for a more immersive experience. The images in the patent filing also show an enhanced conference call function, where the participants' faces are shown at the top of the screen, while other data, such as a business presentation or scientific data, is displayed along the bottom. It also acts as an e-reader, where the user can hold the two screens with text on both displays, a experience more akin to reading an actual book than usually afforded by conventional e-readers . Last month Samsung promised to introduce devices with fully folding displays to the general market in 2015. 1. Front and back touch screen technology . Earlier this month Samsung filed a patent for a phone with a transparent screen with touch screen technology on both the front and back have been revealed in what could be the next step forward in smartphone technology. The plans for the future transparent display that can be controlled by fingertip from both sides of the phone. Pictures of the device have been filed with the U.S. show the potential benefits of the technology, such as the user's finger not obscuring the screen when tapping on apps or dragging items around the screen. 2. Curved screen . The latest version of Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone could have a three-sided display, rumours suggest. The new smartphone, which is tipped to launch next year, might sport a wrap-around display so that content on the curved screen can be read from extreme angles. The display is likely to feature on Samsung’s Galaxy S or Note luxury handsets, but it could even be the first of a new line of curvier handsets, according to recent rumours. 3. The budget option . This week Samsung announced yet another handset in its Galaxy range of smartphones aimed at buyers on a budget. The Galaxy Core Advance is a marginally improved version of the Galaxy Core, which the Korean firm launched in June, and the Galaxy Core Plus that launched in Taiwan in October. It has the same 8GB basic storage as the Core, as well as the same camera, but comes with a slightly larger 4.7-inch screen. It is expected to retail at between £150 and £170. | The device from South Korean tech giant will feature dual touchscreens .
The two screens will offer enhanced functionality for a range of applications .
It has implications for handheld gaming, e-reading and other features . |
181,218 | 7698bdae2b8c1be4cf4f4f019d3e20d82089668a | From formal state dinners to a visit to the royal stables, the Queen has clearly enjoyed entertaining President Michael D. Higgins of Ireland and his wife Sabina. But while the convivial state visit might over, the beaming monarch had a consolation prize to look forward to - a runner at Newbury this afternoon. After bidding the Irish president goodbye, the Queen travelled to the Newbury racecourse in Berkshire, to see her horse Enliven, a bay filly, ran in the Coln Valley Stud Bridget Maiden Fillies Stakes. Not amused: The Queen looked less than impressed after Enliven failed to come up with the goods at Newbury . Cross: Enliven's less than stellar seventh place performance failed to meet with royal approval . Unfortunately for the Queen, the filly didn't quite live up to her regal owner, managing a less-than-impressive seventh place finish - well behind the eventual winner, Evita Peron. Perhaps the filly was exhausted after the excitement of getting a pat from President Higgins during his visit to the Kingsclere Park House Stables in Berkshire yesterday. After meeting Enliven and her stablemate Micras, President Higgins was shown the stable's facilities and met animals belonging to other notable owners - including former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The Queen's glum countenance following Enliven's poor finish was in stark contrast to the smiles of this morning as she said a warm goodbye to the Irish president ahead of his flight back to Dublin. Deep in conversation: The Queen chats with trainer Andrew Balding, brother of Clare, before the race . Good luck! The Queen chats to jockey David Probert ahead of the Coln Valley Stud Bridget Maiden Fillies' Stakes . Enjoying herself: Despite his failure to win the race, the Queen appeared to enjoy her chat with Probert . Meet and greet: Enliven (right) was among the horses to be introduced to racing fan President Higgins . Warm: The Queen clearly enjoyed the visit from the racing mad Irish President Michael D. Higgins . Pleased: The Queen bid the Irish President a fond farewell following a hugely successful state visit . Resplendent in an elegant oxblood coat, which she also wore for her trip to the races, the monarch was on top form as she and the Duke of Edinburgh gave the presidential couple a suitably regal send off. Looking equally lovely was Ireland's First Lady Sabina Higgins, who was elegant in a soft oatmeal wool coat and a delicate pale pink fascinator. President Higgins also seemed to have enjoyed the trip, beaming broadly as he shook hands with the monarch before being whisked off to the airport. The Queen's career as a racehorse owner spans more than 60 years and began with the handful she inherited on the death of her father George VI. Elegant: The Queen appeared equally enamoured of Sabina Higgins, the chic Irish First Lady . All smiles: The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh chuckle at a quip made by Ireland's President Higgins . Shared interests: The Queen and President Higgins share a love of horse racing . Like her father and grandfather before her, the Queen's horses race in purple and scarlet silks enlivened with gold braiding. During her long association with racing, the Queen has triumphed in more than 1600 races and has won every one of the British Classics, with the exception of the Epsom Derby. Last year, Estimate, a filly owned by the Queen, romped home to take the prestigious Gold Cup at Royal Ascot - much to the delight of the monarch. Despite her love of racing, the Queen no longer rides her mettlesome thoroughbreds herself, instead pottering around the Windsor Great Park on the back of her faithful Fell pony, Carltonlima Emma. On their way: The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh and the Irish presidential couple exchange farewells . Ready to go: The Queen lent President Higgins her Rolls Royce for the journey to the airport . Gentle: The Queen prefers to ride stolid Fell ponies, among them her favourite mount, Carltonlima Emma . | The Queen was at Newbury this afternoon to see her horse in the 4.45 .
Bay filly Enliven was introduced to racing fan President Higgins, yesterday .
Trip to the races came after she bid farewell to the Irish president .
Unfortunately, Enliven could only manage a seventh place finish . |
88,202 | fa5481ed8c9b174c081f5275f6d95fb6689e4bd1 | (CNN) -- At least 17 people were killed when inmates tried to escape from a prison in northern Mexico Tuesday, firing guns at guard towers and running through tunnels below the facility. The dead included 11 inmates and six guards, Durango state public safety officials said in a statement. The violence broke out around 5 p.m. Tuesday at a prison in the city of Gomez Palacio when prisoners began to riot and opened fire, officials said. "The inmates started to shoot with firearms toward the guard towers and the guard areas," the statement said. Officials said the clashes occurred as guards worked to stop a "massive prison break." Guards fired shots in the air to try to contain the riot, officials said, then "exchanged gunfire" when there was no response. Military troops stopped the attempted prison break, and authorities were investigating to determine who was responsible, the statement said. Violence has been repeatedly reported at the prison where Tuesday's clashes occurred. In a fight at the prison last year, 11 inmates were killed. In July 2010, Mexico's attorney general's office alleged that inmates from the prison were let out to kill rival drug gang members. At the time, a spokesman for the attorney general's office said prison officials had allowed a group of inmates to leave the Cereso No. 2 prison in police vehicles to launch an attack at a birthday celebration that left 17 dead. Top prison workers were named as suspects in an investigation. The prison's former director and 10 others were sentenced in the case. They are now in Mexican federal prisons elsewhere in the country. CNNMexico.com and CNN en Español's Karina Maciel contributed to this report. | Clashes break out as guards work to stop a "massive prison break," officials say .
11 inmates and 6 guards are killed, Durango public safety officials report .
Violence has been reported at the prison in the past .
In 2010, prosecutors said prison authorities let out inmates so they could kill gang rivals . |
201,570 | 90ff0107f20ea0454a17abf907805aeb3f84c5b6 | Belfast, Northern Ireland (CNN) -- An Irish priest at the center of a gay porn controversy has asked to leave his parish and take sabbatical leave from the priesthood, he said Sunday. The Catholic Church in Ireland had launched an investigation after reports Father Martin McVeigh accidentally showed pictures of naked men to parents of children preparing for their First Holy Communion. The incident happened at the start of a PowerPoint presentation at a grade school in Pomeroy, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland in March, said the leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland, Cardinal Sean Brady. Parents said in a statement they were "horrified" by what they saw and called for action to be taken against the priest. The church reported the incident to police, who said no crime had been committed. In a statement Sunday, McVeigh apologized "for the hurt caused" and "his failure to check his presentation in advance." However, he insisted he "was not responsible for the presence of the offending images and in this respect I ask you to accept my innocence." The priest also confirmed he had destroyed the memory stick that contained the images. He said: "After the images were inadvertently shown, I immediately removed the memory stick from the laptop. In my shock and upset and in my concern to ensure that the images would never be shown again, I destroyed it later that evening." McVeigh described the past month as "the most difficult" of his life and said he would be taking a break. "In the hope of bringing resolution and healing to the division and pain within the parish, I have taken the decision to ask Cardinal Brady to allow me to leave the parish of Pomeroy and to take sabbatical leave," said McVeigh, adding: "The memory of this awful episode will remain with me for the rest of my life." Brady said he accepted McVeigh had no advance knowledge of the pornography. In a statement Sunday, Brady said it had been "a traumatic time for the whole parish community and for Father McVeigh personally." The cardinal also apologized for the incident. He issued an update on the church investigation, saying other computers used by McVeigh had been "forensically examined by an independent technical expert and no inappropriate imagery has been found." Brady added an additional laptop stolen from the local church sacristy since the March 26 meeting "did not form part of the technical examination." The cardinal said he had accepted McVeigh's request for leave on the understanding he would return to the diocese on its completion. The latest controversy comes after a series of child sex abuse scandals involving Catholic Church clergy in Ireland. The government-backed investigations say thousands of children have been abused by priests and other church figures over the last 80 years. In March, the Vatican released a major report into the problem, begging forgiveness from victims. However, victims hit out at the report's finding that new safeguards are working. | Father Martin McVeigh says he showed "offending imagery" to parents .
Parents said they were "horrified" and demanded action against him .
He will take a sabbatical leave before returning to another parish .
The Irish Catholic Church is accused of abusing children over many decades . |
230,301 | b63b8f475845f1d3a58ff0771ae3d319c80bdfc3 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A professional skier and parachuting enthusiast was killed in a freak skydiving accident in California earlier this week. Timy Dutton - known in the skiing world as 'Timy Backflip' - and several friends attempted an advanced jump at the Parachute Center in Acampo using wing suits when something went horribly wrong. The high performance suits allow those wearing them to fall at speeds faster than 100 miles per hour. Shortly after jumping from the plane, witnesses say 27-year-old Dutton collided with one of the other jumpers. Dangerous: Pro skier Timy Dutton (center) was killed in a skydiving accident on Tuesday . Safety: The Parachute Center in Acampo faces nearly $1 million in fines for not meeting safety requirements in 2010 and 2011 . Wing suit: Dutton was doing an advanced jump with a wing suit similar to the one in this stock photo . 'The fellow [Dutton] ran into him, hit his head into his foot, evidently . knocked him out, because there was no parachute deployment whatsoever,' Parachute Center owner Bill . Dause told Fox40.com. Dutton, the station reports, did not have an automatic parachute. In addition to being a professional skier, Dutton became a fairly advanced skydiver. Big air: Dutton's acrobatic free skiing earned him a spot on the Freeride World Tour starting in 2010 . According to the United States Parachute Association, in order to use a wing suit a jumper must have completed at least 200 jumps. According to Dause, both Dutton and his friends had completed at least 400 to 500 jumps. Dutton is far from the first person to die in a skydiving accident at the Parachute Center - the owner tells the station that there have been 8 to 10 deaths at the drop zone since 1981. The Parachute Center also is where an 80-year-old woman came close to death when her harness connecting her to her parachute came loose in mid-air. Timy Backflip: Dutton was a professional skier known as 'Timy Backflip' for his acrobatic jumps . Close call: In 2012, an 80-year-old woman slipped out of her harness in mid-air during a jump at the Parachute Center . Luckily, instructors were able to save the woman before she hit the ground. The Parachute Center currently is facing fines for not passing Federal Aviation Administration safety inspections in both 2010 and 2011. Dutton's friend suffered a broken leg and is expected to make a full recovery. | Timy 'Timy Backflip' Dutton was known in the skiing world for his acrobatic maneuvers on the slopes .
Dutton and a friend were using wing suits, an advanced skydive that only experts are allowed to attempt .
It appears Dutton's head hit his friend's foot during the jump, knocking him unconscious .
Witnesses say Dutton must have been unconscious because he didn't appear to make any attempt to deploy his parachute before hitting the ground .
The owner of the skydiving business says there have been eight to 10 deaths at his business since 1981 . |
121,293 | 28cccbfa2eaac92047c8a72d1ebd331a7f8a1b27 | Venice, Italy (CNN) -- Public transport in Venice is like an endless sightseeing tour, and not only for the amount of tourists on the central vaporetto routes. The waterfront architecture is truly spectacular, from Palladian churches to private palazzos. And now during the Biennale contemporary artworks and installations are scattered around the city. Venturing along the waterways leads to some unmissable exhibitions, where art and architecture blend into a beautiful dialogue. Baroque influence . Close to the Rialto market on the Canal Grande, an 18th century palazzo is home to Fondazione Prada, where all three floors are open to the public for the first time. During the Biennale it's hosting a show curated by Germano Celant, one of the leading figures of the 1960s anti-formal art movement Arte Povera. Celant has filled the rooms with a theatrical show. From 16th century musical instruments, clocks and mechanical curiosities to modern installation pieces involving performers, Art or Sound explores both formal and conceptual ideas relating to music. You can witness the craft of historic pieces as well as works by key avant-garde artists from Celant's previous collaborations, such as John Cage, Nam June Paik, Michelangelo Pistoletto and Jannis Kounellis. Their radical rethinking of art and the abstract condition of sound resonates throughout the exhibition. The unique Venetian Baroque interiors add another level of interest to the show. It's both raw and historical - unlike any other contemporary art space in the world - with ornaments, carvings and rich details. The Prada Foundation has a contract as a patron to rescue the building and bring the original frescoes and rare, fine materials back to life, "without trying to modify it through characterless facelifts", Celant explains. Modernity takes over . On the other side of the water, after the Rialto Bridge, there is the Fondaco Marcello, an exhibition space in a 15th century arms storehouse by the water front. Here the Biennale theme of Modernity extends into a scientific narrative, looking at possible ways of existence on the Antarctic continent, a subject in total contrast to the surrounding architectural heritage in Venice. The Antarctic Pavilion, curated by Nadim Samman makes you think of lifestyle and tourism, as well as the ecological and political questions posed by those extreme conditions on the margins of civilization. Further down towards San Marco Square, a giant composition of 1,179 stainless steel bikes has been neatly stacked on the canal side courtyard garden of the Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti near the Accademia bridge. This art installation, titled "Forever" by Ai Weiwei is part of the exhibition Genius Loci, brought to Venice by the Lisson Gallery. The show continues inside the 16th century palace building with sculptures and installations by international artists including Tony Cragg, Lee Ufan, Julian Opie and Joana Vasconcelos. Contemporary public art . The rest is slightly more modest in scale than Ai Weiwei's installation, but still spectacular examples of ideas addressed in contemporary public works. There is a sense of play with architecture and space, exploring the parallels between the two disciplines, such as Anish Kapoor's work which deals with our spatial perceptions. This exhibition suggests that genius loci 'the special spirit' can be found in the urban space through artworks, materials and forms; a departure from the modernist obsession with functionality. A short hop on a vaporetto takes you across the lagoon from San Marco to the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, which has become a site for displaying large public installations. This year a geometric sculpture entitled "The Sky Over Nine Columns" dominates the waterfront square next to Palladio's famous church. Its surfaces are covered with golden glass mosaics, beautifully reflecting the Venetian sun. The piece by Heinz Mack, who represented Germany at the Arts Biennale in 1970, was commissioned by the Cini Foundation. Mack is known for monumental installations: "My sculptures are objects of light in space" Mack said. Behind the church, an exquisitely crafted pavilion has been erected in the garden of the Stanze del Vetro glass museum. The aquarium-like Glass Tea House Mondrian is designed by Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, best known for his minimalistic photography. Sugimoto's pavilion is the first in a series of commissions, supported by the Cini Foundation, which follows the model of the Serpentine Pavilion in London. Installed inside a cedar wood fenced garden, the glass pavilion will also be the setting for a traditional tea ceremony, a performance which exemplifies the delicacy in Japanese culture. All these shows run parallel to the Architecture Biennale, overseen by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas this year. Even if you don't have time to visit the Giardini and the national pavilions, these events outside the main programme are some fantastic cultural offerings, adding another level of meaning to visiting a city with such rich heritage. Venice Architecture Biennale 2014: 7.6 - 23.11.2014 . © 2012 Grand Tour Magazine. All rights reserved. | Venice comes alive as the Biennale takes over the city .
If you don't have time to visit the Giardini or national pavilions, check out the fantastic events outside the main programme .
Anish Kapoor and Ai Weiwei are among artists exhibiting across Venice . |
81,300 | e65d12e0b27ff7427764f4324b00919b3548a84f | Cairo (CNN) -- Streets in Egypt's capital remained tense Sunday a day ahead of elections. As protesters packed Cairo's Tahrir Square, the head of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces issued warning of "dire consequences" if the nation's political crisis continues, state-run Al-Masriya TV reported. Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi said parliamentary elections would go ahead as planned Monday, and that he would not allow the military "to be pressured by any individual or entity," state media reported. Meanwhile, a member of an alliance of demonstrators told Al-Masriya that a new proposed government would be announced later Sunday after meetings with Mohammed ElBaradei, a 2005 Nobel Peace Prize winner who is frontrunner for Egypt's presidency. "We will ask the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces to form a new government. We don't want to take the country into the unknown but (the council) must listen to our demands and our call to form a new government and cede power to a civilian transitional council," Mohammed Mamdouh, a member of the alliance of revolutionaries in Tahrir, told Al-Masriya. Newly-appointed Prime Minister Kamal Ganzouri was appointed last week by Egypt's military rulers after former Prime Minister Essam Sharaf and his government quit en masse. Ganzouri, who served as prime minister under President Hosni Mubarak, said he had asked for time to form a cabinet "that will be accepted by everyone." He told reporters last week that a new government could not be formed before Monday's parliamentary elections. Ganzouri, who was Egypt's prime minister from 1996 to 1999, is to remain as prime minister until at least January 10, when results of the parliamentary elections are finalized, said Aly Hassan, a judicial consultant. After that, Parliament would have to back Ganzouri for him to retain the position. Mamdouh said Sunday Ganzouri was the wrong man to lead the nation. "Gazouri's government was born dead, and he doesn't have any legitimacy on the Egyptian street," he told Al-Masriya. At least 42 people have been killed in recent demonstrations in Egypt, including at least 33 in Cairo. An additional 3,250 have been wounded, the Ministry of Health's Dr. Hisham Shiha said. He said many of the casualties had been shot by "live ammunition, rubber bullets and birdshot." Egypt's military leaders apologized Thursday for the deaths of protesters, vowing to prosecute offenders and pay the medical bills of the wounded. The violence came as the country remains divided over the ruling military body and news that Ganzouri had regained his old role. The high military council decided Friday to extend voting to two days for each stage of the parliamentary elections, scheduled to begin Monday, according to state-run Egypt TV. Ballot boxes will be locked at 7 p.m. Monday and new boxes will be used on Tuesday, Ahmed Al Zind, head of Judicial Club, told reporters Saturday. "The ballot box for the judge is like a part of his body," Al Zind said. "Even though police and army will secure ballots, the judge is responsible. " In all, 4,765 judges will monitor the three rounds of elections and report any violations to the Higher Committee of the Election Commission, he said. The elections will also be observed by a delegation from the International Republican Institute as well as a U.S. congressional delegation "to identify and evaluate strengths and weaknesses in Egypt's election system, including campaign regulations, the balloting process, vote tabulation and reporting," the institute said Friday. CNN's Saad Abedine contributed to this report. | The head of Egypt's military warns of "dire consequences" if a political crisis continues .
A member of a demonstrators' alliance says the group will announce a new government .
Egypt is divided over the ruling military body and the newly appointed prime minister .
Egypt's parliamentary elections are set to begin Monday . |
276,558 | f24be40aa0c7da3b8640bd4e5138b6abc85d5180 | By . Louise Eccles for the Daily Mail . Loyal British Telecom customers face inflation-busting price rises because of the firm’s £1.6billion splurge on football rights, campaigners claimed last night. Line rental, call charges and broadband bills are to jump by at least 6 per cent from December. Charities say the elderly, many of whom regard their home phones as a lifeline, will be the hardest hit. Hardest hit: Elderly people who rely on their land line will be the worst hit by the line rental price hikes . BT paid £897million in November for a three-year Champions League broadcasting deal, which starts next year. It was already paying £738million for Premier League games in an attempt to break Sky’s dominance of televised top-flight football. Lisa Harris, of the over-50s group Saga, said: ‘As BT announces multi-million pound football rights deals, it will be difficult for those already struggling to make ends meet to understand why they are subject to above inflation price increases. ‘For many older people the telephone and internet is their lifeline. ‘Increasing prices way in excess of inflation risks more older people becoming socially isolated for fear of using their phone or internet to keep in touch with friends and family members. 'Older consumers have already seen their cost of living rise significantly faster than the population as a whole since 2007, and this adds further pressure to their already stretched budgets.’ Around ten million BT customers will be affected by the changes to line rental charges. These include seven million broadband customers, who automatically have line rental as part of their package. Gillian Guy of Citizens Advice said: ‘Even a small increase in phone and broadband bills could have a big impact on family finances. ‘In the past 12 months, Citizens Advice has dealt with more than 62,000 telephone and broadband debt problems. 'Many standard television, broadband and phone packages come as bundles which can make it hard for consumers to spot price rises.’ BT denied that it had raised prices in order to cover the cost of its investment in sports rights. A spokesman said: ‘Our price changes are not associated with BT Sport. Changes: Prices will rocket after BT signed another multi-million deal in a bid to break Sky's dominance . 'We make major investments in equipment, services and technology all the time – and we’ve invested more in superfast broadband than sports rights.’ BT said its rivals – including TalkTalk, Virgin Media and Sky – had also increased their charges. It launched BT Sport – a package of pay-for television channels – to much fanfare last August. Viewing figures were initially disappointing with some shows being watched by just 1,200 viewers. But last month BT claimed its Premier League offering was paying off with broadband and TV revenues up by a quarter. The telecoms giant said it had added a net 104,000 broadband customers in the three months to the end of June, beating Sky. In December, the price of standard line rental for direct debit customers will rise by £1 to £16.99. The pence per minute rate for calls to UK landlines and 0870 numbers will go up from 9p a minute to 9.58p. The set-up fee for landline calls, which is charged as soon as the call is connected, will increase from 15p to 15.97p and call return will increase from 19.9p to 21.19p. Broadband prices are going up by as much as 6.5 per cent. | Line rental, call charges and broadband bills to jump 6% from December .
Elderly who still rely on home phones will be the hardest hit, charities say .
BT paid £897 million for a three-year Champions League deal .
Came after the firm paid £738 million for Premier League games . |
103,764 | 11d908094472e25d762e58cc1f31a41f59bb7d01 | London, England (CNN) -- A British doctors group called Wednesday for a ban on all smoking in cars, saying the secondhand smoke inside a vehicle can cause severe health problems for children and adults. The Royal College of Physicians made the recommendation in a new report on how secondhand smoke, also called passive smoking, affects children. The report found that, for children, secondhand smoke annually causes more than 20,000 cases of lower respiratory tract infection, 120,000 cases of middle ear disease, at least 22,000 cases of wheezing and asthma, 200 cases of bacterial meningitis, and 40 sudden infant deaths. These cases generate more than 300,000 doctor visits each year and about 9,500 hospital admissions, costing the National Health Service about £23.3 million ($34.9 million) each year, the report said. The findings were based on studies funded by Cancer Research UK and carried out by the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies. England's chief medical officer, Liam Donaldson, said the report will contribute to the the government's review of existing smoking legislation in England later this year. Smoking was made illegal in all public spaces in the United Kingdom in 2007. "This is a serious public health concern," Donaldson said. Health effects on children from secondhand smoke are "entirely avoidable," the report says. It laid out a series of policy recommendations to reduce those effects, including the ban on smoking in cars. "Smoke-free legislation should be extended much more widely to include public places frequented by children and young people, and to prohibit all smoking in cars and other vehicles," the report urged. The report also urged a hike in tobacco prices, more effective health warnings, more generic packaging for tobacco products, and tailored stop-smoking services. "This report isn't just about protecting children from passive smoking, it's about taking smoking completely out of children's lives," said John Britton, chairman of the Royal College of Physicians' Tobacco Advisory Group. Smokers' lobby group Forest said the proposals "go way beyond what is acceptable in a free society" and are a first step to banning smoking in homes. "We wouldn't encourage people to smoke around children, but adults should be allowed to use their common sense and act accordingly," said Simon Clark, director of Forest. "We don't need laws to regulate every aspect of our behavior." Clark said the report's claims are a "huge exaggeration." "Unfortunately the anti-smoking industry isn't interested in compromise. It just wants to bully smokers until they quit," Clark said. | British doctors group calls for ban on all smoking in cars .
Secondhand smoke in vehicle can cause health problems for children and adults .
Smokers' lobby group attacks proposals: are first step to banning smoking in homes . |
226,922 | b1d77b451fcc91d10622da22950631b6feb63dd7 | (CNN) -- Did waterboarding and other coercive interrogation techniques that were used on al Qaeda detainees in CIA custody eventually lead to the Navy SEAL operation that killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan early in the morning of May 2, 2011? The Senate Intelligence Committee report released Tuesday has a simple answer to that: Hell, no! According to the Senate report, the critical pieces of information that led to discovering the identity of the bin Laden courier, Ahmed al-Kuwaiti, (Ahmed the Kuwaiti) whose activities eventually pointed the CIA to bin Laden's hiding place in Pakistan, were provided by an al-Qaeda detainee before he was subjected to CIA coercive interrogation, and was based also upon information that was provided by detainees that were held in the custody of foreign governments. (The report is silent on the interesting question of whether any of these unnamed foreign governments obtained any of their information by using torture.) Further critical information about the Kuwaiti was also provided by conventional intelligence techniques and was not elicited by the interrogations of any of the CIA detainees, according to the report. Even worse for the CIA -- which has consistently defended the supposed utility of the interrogation program, including in the hunt for bin Laden -- a number of CIA prisoners who were subjected to coercive interrogations consistently provided misleading information designed to wave away CIA interrogators from the bin Laden courier who would eventually prove to be the key to finding al Qaeda's leader. The Senate report provides the fullest accounting so far of the exact sequence of intelligence breaks that led the CIA to determine that the courier, the Kuwaiti, was likely to be living with bin Laden in Pakistan. This reads more like a careful Agatha Christie detective story than a story about the efficacy of coercive interrogations, which some have characterized as torture. The report points out that the courier was in touch with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the operational commander of the 9/11 attacks, and that it was SIGINT (signals intelligence) from phones and email traffic that made this link first in 2002, well before any CIA detainees made such a connection. Indeed, in a fascinating footnote, the report makes the case that it was "voice cuts" of the courier that were first collected in 2002 that were matched eight years later to the Kuwaiti and were "geolocated" to an area of Pakistan in 2010 where he was traveling around. This was a crucial lead that helped prompt the CIA to examine the mysterious compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, where bin Laden was hiding. In 2002, reports from four different detainees held by foreign governments provided important information about the courier's age, physical appearance and family, information that was also acquired prior to any information about the courier being obtained from CIA detainees. Detainees held by foreign governments also said that the courier was close to bin Laden. It was Hassan Ghul, an al Qaeda operative captured in Iraqi Kurdistan, who provided the most detailed account of bin Laden's courier and his relationship to bin Laden in January 2004, before he entered CIA custody. According to a CIA official cited in the report, Ghul, who was in Kurdish custody, "sang like a tweetie bird. He opened up right away and was cooperative from the outset." Ghul described the courier as bin Laden's "closest assistant" and "one of three individuals likely to be with" al Qaeda's leader. And he correctly surmised that bin Laden would have minimal security and "likely lived in a house with a family somewhere in Pakistan." If there was good intelligence coming from sources that were not in CIA custody, the Senate report demonstrates that the detainees who were in CIA custody and were subjected to coercive interrogations made every effort to hide the significance of bin Laden's courier. Five of the most senior al-Qaeda detainees in CIA custody, all of whom were subjected to some of the most intensive coercive interrogation techniques, variously said that the courier worked only with low level members of al Qaeda; that he was not a courier for bin Laden; that he wasn't close to al Qaeda's leader, and that he was focused only on his family following his marriage in 2002. None of this, of course, was true. The CIA, of course, is not happy about the portrayal of its work in the Senate report, and in a rebuttal on its website on Tuesday the agency pushed back, saying that detainees "in combination with other streams of intelligence" played a role in finding bin Laden. In particular the CIA cites a detainee, Ammar al-Baluchi, who was coercively interrogated and provided what it terms the first information indicating that the Kuwaiti was indeed bin Laden's courier, rather than just someone who was an ordinary member of al Qaeda. The CIA rebuttal is not, however as persuasive as the very detailed history laid out in the Senate report, which is buttressed by copious source notes. And, in any event, were interrogations of al Qaeda detainees really the key to how bin Laden ultimately was found? After all, it still took almost a decade after the first identification of the courier to find bin Laden. Indeed, there were a number of key breaks that had little to do with the interrogations of al Qaeda detainees, which I discovered in the course of reporting my book "Manhunt." A large break, according to U.S. counterterrorism officials, came in 2007, when a foreign intelligence service that they won't identify told the CIA that the Kuwaiti's real name was Ibrahim Saeed Ahmed. It would still take three more years for the CIA to find Ibrahim Saeed Ahmed in Pakistan, a country with a population of 180 million. This involved painstaking work going through reams of phone conversations to try to locate him through his family and circle of associates. In June 2010, the Kuwaiti and his brother both made changes in the way they communicated on cell phone, which suddenly opened up the possibility of the "geolocation" of both their phones, according to U.S. counterterrorism officials. Finally, sometime in the late summer of 2010, the Kuwaiti received a call from an old friend in the Persian Gulf, a man whom U.S. intelligence officials were monitoring. "We've missed you. Where have you been?" asked the friend. The Kuwaiti responded elliptically. "I'm back with the people I was with before." There was a tense pause in the conversation as the friend mulled over that response. Likely realizing that the Kuwaiti was back in bin Laden's inner circle, the caller replied after some hesitation, "May God facilitate." The CIA took this call as a confirmation that the Kuwaiti was still working with al Qaeda, a matter that officials were still not entirely sure about. The National Security Agency was listening to this exchange and through geolocation technologies was able to zero in on the Kuwaiti's cell phone in northwestern Pakistan. But the Kuwaiti practiced rigorous operational security and was always careful to insert the battery in his phone and turn it on only when he was at least an hour's drive away from the Abbottabad compound where he and bin Laden were living. To find out where the Kuwaiti lived by monitoring his cell phone would only go so far. In August 2010, a Pakistani "asset" working for the CIA tracked the Kuwaiti to the crowded city of Peshawar, where bin Laden had founded al Qaeda more than two decades earlier. In the years when bin Laden was residing in the Abbottabad compound, the Kuwaiti would regularly transit though Peshawar, as it is the gateway to the Pakistani tribal regions where al Qaeda had regrouped in the years after 9/11. Once the CIA asset had identified the Kuwaiti's distinctive white Suzuki SUV with a spare tire on its back in Peshawar, the CIA was able to follow him as he drove home to Abbottabad, more than two hours' drive to the east. The large compound where the Kuwaiti finally alighted immediately drew interest at the agency because it didn't have phone or Internet service, which implied its owners wanted to stay off the grid. Soon, some CIA officials would come to believe that bin Laden himself was living there. They were, of course, right. | Did coercive interrogation yield evidence pointing to bin Laden?
Peter Bergen says the Senate torture report finds that other forms of investigation were key .
Coercive interrogation actually yielded incorrect information, the report says . |
137,949 | 3e6a824bc11ab4402e19fec8c87432fa92d177d5 | A football fan from London has finally completed his 15,000-mile, four-month scooter journey to Brazil to see England in action at the World Cup. Chris Hallett, 44, who supports Fulham, passed through 18 of the 32 countries taking part in Brazil during his charity trip. Hallett has ridden over the Alps in Europe and Andes in South America, as well as staged penalty shoot-outs in iconic stadia along the way. Arrival: Chris Hallett has completed his 15,000-mile journey from London to Brazil on a scooter . On your bike! The Fulham fan rode for four months and visited 18 of the 32 countries competing . The stadiums he has visited include Wembley, White Hart Lane, Craven Cottage, Nou Camp, Bernabeu, Parc des Princes, Amsterdam Arena and La Bombonera, home to Boca Juniors in Buenos Aires. The Fulham supporter, who lives in Shepherd's Bush, entered Brazil from Uruguay on June 5 and is en route to Rio, where England are based for the World Cup. Hallett said that his trip had been 'exhausting but exhilarating'. He added: 'I am a bit knackered. My backside definitely feels like I have ridden 15,000 miles.' Tour: Hallett visited a number of famous stadiums such as Barcelona's Nou Camp . Up high: Hallett in the Swiss Alps on his scooter during his epic journey to Brazil . 'Obviously, the easier option would be to fly to Brazil and sit on a beach waiting for the World Cup to begin. But where’s the fun in that?' Hallett will see England play Costa Rica in their final Group D game on June 24 in Belo Horizonte, but he is optimistic that Roy Hodgson's side can progress further into the tournament. He said: 'I expect us to beat Brazil in the final on penalties. And if that prediction comes true I’ll ride naked up and down Copacabana Beach.' Donations to UNICEF can be made via Chris’s website scootersforgoalposts.com . | Chris Hallett completed four-month journey passing through 18 of 32 competing countries .
Fulham fan visited a number of famous stadiums such as Wembley, Nou Camp and Amsterdam Arena .
Hallett will watch England play Costa Rica in Belo Horizonte on June 24 . |
150,525 | 4e9b0ad943e07a99f168723a5e9cff0582017532 | By . Lucy Crossley for MailOnline . A family had a lucky escape after a 71-year-old driver lost control of his car and ploughed into the side of their house as they watched television. Kerry Unsworth, 49, had been watching TV with her elderly mother when the motorist's blue Ford Focus smashed into her conservatory. The mother-of-two said she thought there had been an explosion as the car struck her home in Droylsden, Greater Manchester yesterday afternoon. Smash: Kerry Unsworth and her family had a lucky escape when a 71-year-old driver lost control of his Ford Focus and ploughed into the side of her home . Shock: Ms Unsworth said she thought there had been an explosion as the car hit her home . The 71-year-old driver is thought to have lost control of his automatic car as he approached the bend at the end of Ms Unsworth's street. He then mounted the pavement and drove through a garden wall before the vehicle ended up crumpled against Ms Unsworth's extension. His 73-year-old wife, a passenger in the car, had to be cut free by fire crews before being taken by ambulance to Tameside Hospital. Her injuries are not said to be life threatening and the driver was unhurt. Ms Unsworth said the force of the impact was enough to shift her £9,000 conservatory more than three inches, and she fears it will have to be torn down. Impact: The driver's car mounted the pavement and drove through a garden wall before the vehicle ended up crumpled against Ms Unsworth's extension . Debris was also thrown onto the family car parked on the driveway whilst her two pet cats have disappeared. She fears they may have been traumatised and fled. Ms Unsworth said it was mere chance that she was not in the conservatory at the time and described the whole ordeal as ‘very frightening’. 'I had just got up to get some washing out of the machine and it sounded like an explosion,' she said. 'It was really frightening. We sit in the conservatory all the time so it’s just lucky that this time we weren’t. Rescue: The driver's 73-year-old wife, a passenger in the car, had to be cut free by fire crews before being taken by ambulance to Tameside Hospital . Prevention: Ms Unsworth is now calling for bollards to be put up to protect her house from further incidents . 'Also if someone had been walking along the pavement at that point they would have taken them out. I went out and was looking after the lady until the paramedics arrived, she was my only concern at that point. 'But we’ve all been left really shaken up by it. I’m also angry as well because it’s a real mess. 'I think it’s going to take a few days to come to terms with it and get everything cleaned up.' Ms Unsworth is now calling for bollards to be put up in front of her home to protect it from further incidents. She said: 'There are bollards all around this bend other than in front of our house and with the number of crashes that happen here, something needs to be done before someone gets seriously hurt.' | Kerry Unsworth, 49, thought there was an explosion when car hit her home .
Driver, 71, thought to have lost control at a bend on Ms Unsworth's street .
Force of the crash shifted her £9,000 conservatory by three inches .
Passenger in car, 73, had to be cut out by fire crews and taken to hospital . |
129,296 | 331cc70382e5c81fce4468eccfe78732b9cee8e2 | By . Daniel Martin, Whitehall Correspondent . MPs should be sent on ‘honesty’ classes to ensure they adhere to ethical standards while in public office, the sleaze watchdog said last night. The Committee on Standards in Public Life said all new MPs must undergo an induction programme to drill into them the ‘seven principles of public life’. These principles, drawn up in the 1990s, state that all those in public office should abide by standards of selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Lord Bew said ethics classes would be needed all the more if Parliament passes a Recall Bill, under which members of the public would be able to expel an MP if they are deemed to have fallen short . The rules were drawn up following allegations that MPs were receiving cash to ask questions in the House of Commons. But they did not prevent scandals such as MPs’ expenses, leading to fears that more needs to be done to instil into MPs their responsibilities. The chairman of the committee, Lord Bew, said he was concerned that only small numbers of MPs ever turned up at induction courses which are currently offered on ethical standards. After the last election in 2010, fewer than one in five new MPs attended induction meetings, and one workshop on dealing with ethical dilemmas had to be cancelled due to poor take-up. Lord Bew said that all new MPs should have to go on them. He said ethics classes would be needed all the more if Parliament passes a Recall Bill, under which members of the public would be able to expel an MP if they are deemed to have fallen short. In his report, Ethics in Practice, Lord Bew also called for special advisers – senior political aides to ministers – to be sent on the courses. Awareness and understanding of the Seven Principles of Public Life cannot be left to chance,’ he said. ‘We need to make sure that all of those in public life are aware of their ethical responsibilities and are prepared to act as ethical leaders. The public expects nothing less. ‘Of particular concern to us was the reported lack of engagement with induction by large numbers of Members of Parliament. ‘With the prospect of a Recall Bill, which will give the public the power to remove MPs who have behaved in ways that fall short of the standards expected of them, the stakes have never been higher. The man in the white suit: former independent MP Martin Bell thinks that MPs should be forced to undergo classes in honesty . In effect, ethical issues will now be under even greater scrutiny. ‘More than ever, MPs need to be fully aware of the principles and the rules that guide their behaviour; Parliament and the political parties need to provide the opportunities for them to build that awareness and understanding. ‘An induction programme that fully embraces ethical standards should be the first of those opportunities.’ The Hansard Society, a constitutional think tank, said officials estimated that just 19 per cent of new members had attended at least one session of the induction programme in 2010. Attendance rarely rises above six MPs at any one time, and one workshop on ethical dilemmas had to be cancelled altogether. Some MPs are against the induction classes, telling the Hansard Society: ‘The executive would like to train members of parliament. It absolutely mustn’t happen.’ But former MP and BBC journalist Martin Bell said last night: ‘I think it’s a good idea. ‘It doesn’t have to be very long or complicated, but it’s a good way to make sure that they don’t break the rules.’ | Committee on Standards in Public Life .
said all new MPs must undergo an induction programme to drill into them ‘seven principles of public life’
These principles are selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty .
and leadership .
After the last election in 2010, fewer than one in five new MPs attended induction meetings . |
210,707 | 9ce9e1815974003ce7b1c599b724ef85def0b3bc | By . Tim Shipman . PUBLISHED: . 20:39 EST, 28 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 20:39 EST, 28 October 2013 . Not backing down: Mr Cameron could seek court injunctions to prevent publication of classified information . David Cameron last night threatened to take legal action against newspapers that leak ‘damaging’ details of intelligence operations. The Prime Minister warned the Left-wing Guardian newspaper, which has printed classified information from renegade spy Edward Snowden, that it faced court injunctions if it continues to print claims about the activities of the GCHQ listening station. The newspaper, he said, was refusing to behave with ‘social responsibility’ despite repeated warnings that the revelations are damaging to national security. Mr Cameron threatened to impose a . D-Notice – an official Whitehall instruction not to print specific items . – on newspapers which reveal details of highly sensitive intelligence . operations. While a . D-Notice is not legally enforceable, Mr Cameron signalled that ministers . could also seek court injunctions to prevent publication. Mr Cameron acknowledged that The . Guardian had let agents of the security services destroy computer hard . drives containing some of Snowden’s material after being warned that . terrorists could access it on their servers. Under pressure: Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger pictured arriving at the Leveson inquiry in 2011, is accused of damaging national security and refusing to behave with 'social responsibility' by printing the leaks . Security risk: Renegade US spy Edward Snowden leaked details of intelligence operations to the left-wing newspaper . But he made clear that his patience is wearing thin after the latest batch of revelations – that the Americans have bugged the phones of 35 world leaders and that British intelligence has eavesdropped on Italian and Spanish citizens. The Prime Minister told MPs: ‘We have a free Press, it’s very important the Press feels it is not pre-censored from what it writes. The approach we have taken is to try to talk to the Press and explain how damaging some of these things can be, and that is why The Guardian did actually destroy some of the information and discs that they have. But they’ve now gone on and printed further material which is damaging. ‘I don’t want to have to use injunctions or D-Notices or the other tougher measures. I think it’s much better to appeal to newspapers’ sense of social responsibility. But if they don’t demonstrate some social responsibility it would be very difficult for Government to stand back and not to act.’ A Downing Street source said the government could intervene ‘if we were aware that they have material that could be published’. That would give ministers broad scope to gag newspapers in the courts since security chiefs are already aware of material stolen by Snowden which has not yet seen the light of day in the media. It emerged yesterday that spy chiefs lost track of terrorists after Snowden’s leaks. Militants stopped using electronic communications after he revealed the extent of monitoring by GCHQ and the American National Security Agency. In a statement to the Commons, Mr Cameron said serious attempts were made to attack Britain once or twice a year, and highlighted to MPs that 330 people had been convicted of terrorism offences in British courts since the 9/11 terror attacks. ‘I quote these figures just to demonstrate the scale of the ongoing threat we face in our country,’ Mr Cameron said. | He says the paper was refusing to behave with .
‘social responsibility’ despite warnings that the revelations .
are damaging national security .
The Guardian published classified information from former US spy Edward Snowden earlier this year . |
234,511 | bb9705c7aa83f18a63520295bae318157003b331 | By . Emma Innes . A breast cancer survivor has told of the ‘amazing and uplifting’ experience of joining a choir made up of women with the disease. Sharon Malyan, 55, is part of the Sing to Beat Breast Cancer Choir which is releasing a fundraising single on Sunday. The group of 20 women teamed up with singer Camilla Kerslake and vocal trio Blake to record the moving cover of ‘You Raise Me Up’. Scroll down for video . Sharon Malyan, 55, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004 and had to have a year of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She believes that if her cancer had been diagnosed any later she would not still be here . Mrs Malyan, from Coulsdon, in the London Borough of Croydon, told MailOnline: ‘It’s been the most amazing and uplifting experience. ‘It was a wonderfully moving experience and I am honoured to be a small part of it.’ Mrs Malyan was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2004 after doctors found two tumours. Mrs Malyan (pictured during her treatment) has joined the Sing to Beat Breast Cancer Choir which is releasing a cover of 'You Raise Me Up' to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign . She says she was suffering from . extreme tiredness but was in a state of denial so did not notice one of . her breasts had grown and that it had a dimple on it. She . was only diagnosed when the breast started to ache prompting her to . visit her GP who gave her an emergency referral for further tests. She . said: ‘I was so lucky as if I had left it any longer I don’t think I’d . still be here today because the cancer had already started to spread to . the lymph nodes.’ Mrs Malyan, who was a co-ordinator for Croydon Adult Education when she was diagnosed, had two courses of chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. In all, her treatment lasted for a year. As a result of her experience, Mrs Malyan is retraining as a Reiki teacher and will specialise in working with people with cancer. She is also helping to raise money and awareness about breast cancer. Mrs Malyan (pictured during treatment) said: 'It's been the most amazing and uplifting experience. It was a wonderfully moving experience and I am honoured to be a small part of it.' Mrs Malyan said: 'I was so lucky as if I had left it any longer I don't think I'd still be here today because the cancer had already started to spread to the lymph nodes' She said: ‘I want to help change the quality of life of people with cancer. ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could find a way of preventing it? My belief is you don’t just pay back – you pay forward. We can not just move mountains – we can make miracles happen. ‘I feel as though I have been saved and I want to make that survival count.’ As a result of her involvement with breast cancer fundraising she heard about the Sing to Beat Breast Cancer Choir which is raising money for the charity Breast Cancer Campaign. The lead singer in the choir is Camilla Kerslake who became an ambassador for Breast Cancer Campaign after her mother suffered from the disease . The Sing To Beat Breast Cancer Choir (pictured) is made up of 20 women who have, or have had, breast cancer. They sang with singer Camilla Kerslake and vocal trio, Blake . The lead vocals in the choir is singer Camilla Kerslake who became an ambassador for Breast Cancer Campaign after her mother suffered from the disease. She said: ‘When my mother finally regained her health, after nearly two years of operations, procedures and a string of debilitating complications, my first thought was “what can I do to repay the people who saved her?”. ‘Having been asked by Breast Cancer Campaign to record a single for them I knew I had to choose a song that would be relevant. ‘”You Raise Me Up” is an incredibly poignant, yet uplifting song about what you can achieve when someone you love supports you. The single will be released on Sunday and 50p from every sale will go to Breast Cancer Campaign to pay for research into the disease . ‘I chose it because, in a way, it reflects the struggle our wonderful survivors’ choir, and cancer sufferers everywhere, face daily. ‘The song’s message is one of hope, strength and unity - traits we must all employ in the on-going fight against breast cancer.’ She added: ‘I wanted to create a choir of women directly affected by breast cancer because I believe both music and a sense of belonging can be immensely healing. ‘I wanted to share the joy I feel on stage and provide them with an enjoyable way to give back. Ms Kerslake invited Blake (pictured with Ms Kerslake) - Humphrey Berney, Ollie Baines and Stephen Bowman - to collaborate with her on the single . ‘I cannot state fully enough how proud I am of all that the choir has achieved, they have overcome the most horrendous odds, joined together and raised their voices in song to save future generations from the ravages of breast cancer.’ Ms Kerslake invited Blake - Humphrey Berney, Ollie Baines and Stephen Bowman - to collaborate with her on the single. They said: ‘We are thrilled to be singing on the single and were honoured when Camilla asked us to be part of something that is so very close to her heart. ‘We all personally know people who have been affected by breast cancer and having heard about Camilla’s mother’s battle with cancer and what her family have gone through we wanted to be involved and to try and make a difference.’ The song can be downloaded from iTunes from Sunday and 50p from every download will go to Breast Cancer Campaign to help fund research into the disease. Mrs Malyan said: ‘I am just hoping that everyone will jump on board to support it. ‘It has been an amazing experience working with Camilla and the boys from Blake – it has been a privilege. ‘They were all so kind and encouraging.’ | Sharon Malyan was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2004 .
She underwent a year of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy .
Mrs Malyan has joined the Sing to Beat Breast Cancer Choir which is made up of 20 women who have, or who have had, the breast cancer .
The lead singers in the choir are Camilla Kerslake and vocal trio Blake .
They are releasing a cover of 'You Raise Me Up' on Sunday to raise money for Breast Cancer Campaign .
To download the single from Sunday onwards, or to pre-order it, visit itunes.apple.com/gb/album/you-raise-me-up-feat.-sing/id719550611 .
For more information about Breast Cancer Campaign, visit www.breastcancercampaign.org . |
246,384 | cae3367154925de408e66af606ce9c128924ef33 | Juventus and Valencia have made formal offers to Manchester United for striker Javier Hernandez. United are prepared to sell the Mexico international who was among the poor performers against MK Dons during Tuesday night's humiliating defeat. The 26-year-old has cut a miserable figure on the sidelines at United for the past season and is eager to depart Old Trafford to get more regular games. End of the road: Javier Hernandez is likely to leave Manchester United during the transfer window . United have held discussions with Juventus over midfielder Arturo Vidal and the Italians have come back with a separate offer for the striker after Sportsmail reported their enquiry on Monday. Louis van Gaal is beginning his clear out with Wilfried Zaha already returning to Crystal Palace subject to a medical. In black and white: Manchester United have held discussions with Juventus over midfielder Arturo Vidal (right) VIDEO Van Gaal blames injuries, errors and luck . | United are prepared to sell Hernandez after his poor display at MK Dons .
Juventus and Valencia are interested in the Mexican and have made offers .
Hernandez is keen to leave Old Trafford in search of more regular games .
United meanwhile, have held talks with Juventus over midfielder Aturo Vidal . |
46,113 | 81e324ce93baba066c53cb21b7ecd1b0103ae532 | Diversity: Malcolm Gillies, Vice Chancellor of London Metropolitan University, said students' values were changing . A university is considering ending the sale of alcohol on campus due to concerns from Muslim students. London Metropolitan University could take action because a ‘high percentage’ of its students thought drinking was ‘immoral’, according to its vice chancellor. Professor Malcolm Gillies raised the prospect of an alcohol-free campus after gauging the changing values from the influx of new students. He said it would be unwise to ‘cling’ to a ‘nostalgic' view where the vast majority wanted alcohol to be available and instead take account of diverging views. He told MailOnline: ‘I was raising the issue of changing values in student populations and the question of how a responsible university responds. ‘London Metropolitan University is a highly diverse university ethnically and in religious terms. ' 'Our students come from all over the world and they come with changing balance of values. ‘So the issue of how we cater for those values while still remaining true to being a British university is one of the constant issues any responsible university would be considering. ‘We do have a high percentage of Muslim students – we estimate it may be around 20 per cent for our university. 'And therefore as most Muslims do look on drink as something which isn’t an acceptable part of everyday life, seeing how do we provide an environment that can respect that, while also respecting values of people such as me who do drink, and who believe drink in moderation is acceptable part – in fact sometimes a good part - of a social community.’ Sensitivity: The Rocket Complex, one of London Metropolitan University's two bars, could be alcohol free as the institution attempts to respect the changing values of students . Professor Gillies first raised the subject during a speech to the Association of University Administrators' annual conference in Manchester on 3 April. London Metropolitan University was founded in 2002 - an amalgamation of two longstanding institutions, the University of North London and the London Guildhall University. It has around 30,000 students from 190 countries who attend campuses in north London, on Holloway Road, and the City near Aldgate East, Tower Hill and Liverpool Street tube stations. He added: ‘Here’s the problem for London. The majority of our students in London primary schools now have a home language other than English – in other words they come from a very diverse ethnic base. ‘As we go through the next 10 or 20 years in London, we are going to find these cultural values and their differences become more and more important in society.’ Professor Gillies said he would work with the student body to move towards having areas on campus where ‘one serves alcohol and others don't’, but could foresee a time when the university was an alcohol-free zone. He added: 'That's what education's actually about, modeling diverse behaviours so we create liberal students in a liberal intellectual environment.' He questioned whether the university should subsidise student bars, although it was not an issue he felt ‘too strongly’ about, adding: 'This is about how best you use limited resources to cater to the broadest range of students'. | University is trying to be sensitive to views of its 30,000 students - 20 per cent of whom are Muslim . |
145,481 | 48211526f77c98a5cd5ac72a53aeedb3de5d36c5 | (Tribune Media Services) -- Virginia Pozo buys a first-class ticket to Peru on TACA. But it turns out the ticket is in economy class. When she tries to get a refund on the fare difference, her online agency offers her a $400 voucher. Is that enough? And is she entitled to more? A passenger bought first-class tickets to Peru, but learned they were economy-class seats. Q: We bought two first-class airline tickets to Peru on TACA through Cheaptickets.com. But we soon found out they were economy-class seats. We've asked the airline for a $1,100 refund -- the price difference between first-class and economy-class tickets -- but it won't budge. Cheaptickets.com sent a $400 voucher that we don't want. We've disputed the ticket charges with American Express, but it has denied our claim. It's obvious to us we didn't receive what we paid for. We've never sued anyone and I would rather not have to go there. Do you have any other suggestions? -- Virginia Pozo, San Francisco, California . A: If you didn't get a first-class seat, you shouldn't have to pay for one. TACA owes you a refund of the fare difference between the two classes. And your online travel agency, Cheaptickets.com, should help you. At the very least, you would expect American Express to take your side in a dispute. So what happened? From what I can tell, you booked what you thought was a first-class ticket through your online agent. But the airline only delivered a seat in economy class. In fact, it never treated this as a first-class reservation in the first place. Was there a miscommunication between the agent and the airline? Or between your agent and you? Maybe. As far as I can tell, Cheaptickets doesn't have a service guarantee comparable to the other big online travel agencies, which promises everything about your trip will be perfect. But it's reasonable to expect that the products it sells will be on the up-and-up, and that if there's something wrong, it will fix it. Cheaptickets' $400 voucher was a nice gesture, but not enough. Why? Two reasons: First, it requires you to buy another ticket or hotel room, and second, it doesn't come close to making up the price difference between the two tickets. As I read your letter, it seems as if you spent some time on the phone with Cheaptickets and TACA. Writing to the two companies might have yielded a more favorable result. This is one of the rare times when you should have considered sending either a paper letter that included your confirmation and your boarding pass, or, if you're good with a PC and a scanner, an email with documents attached. Receipts are important to resolving this dispute. You need to prove you didn't get what you paid for. Since you were doing business with an American company -- Cheaptickets -- American Express should have sided with you. Invoking the Fair Credit Billing Act, the federal law that protects you from charges for goods and services you didn't accept or weren't delivered as agreed, might have encouraged American Express to see things your way. I think TACA, Cheaptickets and American Express failed to meet their customer-service obligations. But who's responsible for your refund? The correct answer is: The online travel agent who took your money and acted as an intermediary for the transaction. I contacted Cheaptickets on your behalf. A representative contacted you and said the company reviewed its phone transcripts and determined that it was at fault. The online agency refunded you $1,100 and let you keep the $400 voucher for the trouble. Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine. E-mail him at [email protected]. Copyright 2009 CHRISTOPHER ELLIOTT, DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC. | A customer purchased a ticket through Cheaptickets.com .
She paid for a first-class ticket, but the seats were in economy .
She asked for a refund and disputed the charges with no luck .
Troubleshooter contacted Cheaptickets and the company refunded the difference . |
147,510 | 4ab9920702cbe085065f507828b4bebd050ccadf | (CNN) -- As Paris Fashion Week demonstrates, adults love playing dress up just as much as children. The only difference between junior and senior would-be masters-of-disguise is that kids don't need an excuse to don a costume; grown-ups, however, seem to feel more comfortable when there's a theme involved. In the market for an outfit to match your fetish? With Halloween on the horizon, we've rounded up some of the craziest costumed events out there. Getting geeky with it . Self-proclaimed (and a few closeted) nerds will find no shortage of events catering to the dweebiest of whims. Though it faces some stiff competition (the Roswell UFO Festival, which encourages participants to dress as their favorite alien, could give it a run for its money), Comic-Con is arguably the dorkiest event on the calendar. The San Diego variant is not only the original, it is also the biggest comic-related convention. Last year heralded in over 130,000 visitors, with costumes ranging from Stark Trek characters to comic super heroes and even the odd Disney princess. As it has become an 'it' event for any Hollywood franchise wishing to build a cult-following (and there's a lot of them), Comic-Con has even managed to make the geek a little bit chic over the years, with A-list celebs showing up in costume too. Eyes Wide Shut . Fans of Stanley Kubrick should head to Italy to take part in one of the largest masked festivals on Earth. During Venice Carnevale, the "city without streets" takes on an especially surreal vibe as thousands of tourists join the locals in donning elaborate masks and gowns for ten days of celebrations. Though Carnevale's roots date back to the Middle Ages, the modern version has only been active since the '70s (blame Napoleon, who put an end to the fun when he invaded in 1797). The city's Piazza San Marco becomes mobbed with tourists and photographers, who snap pics of professionals strutting their stuff in ornate robes and those creepy, bird-like masks the city is famous for. Time travelers delight . At the Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival, which runs every weekend throughout April and May, the 242,000 annual visitors are prone to dress in period outfits. The festival is set in 1533, the year Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn. General manager Coy Sevier says that historically, during a royal wedding,the king and queen would tour all the villages in their realm. He notes that such an event makes a handy motif for a gathering dedicated to outrageous costumes. "Of course, anytime the king comes to town, it's a good time to spruce up, put on your finest, and put on a good show," he says. Though the professional performers are held to a high standard, with costume guards making sure no detail is out of place, for everyone else, it's a free for all. Read more: The man behind the world's strangest holidays . "We have guests that come in as Dr. Who. We have a whole selection of musketeers. Even though they're a couple hundred years off, they're more than welcome," he says. The Vikings are coming! The Shetland Islands in the UK is home to the world's largest fire festival, Up Helly Aa, which also happens to be a holdover from Viking times. As such, the event is celebrated with a procession of 1,000 "guizers", or men in Viking costume, making their way through the town of Lerwick until they reach the Valhalla, where they then toss lit torches into a Viking long ship. Though dressing up is mainly reserved for locals, anyone is invited to witness the event. Last year, 5,000 onlookers cheered the helmeted mass as they readied themselves to take down another ship. Unleash the dark . Lovers of the macabre will do well to visit Leipzing, Germany during the annual Wave-Gotik-Treffen, aka, the Wave and Goth Festival. The costumes are remarkably diverse; futuristic robots are as much the norm as darkly-clad, Byron-esque romantics. The one thing that seems to unify the 20,000 participants, however, is an affection for Goth culture (which just happens to be very varied). "In the last few years, new music styles have developed within the scene. In many cases, fashion is connected to that specialist taste, which is why there's such a range," explains Cornelius Brach, the festival organizer. Won't you join the (blue) ball? In 1995, the small town of Nederland, Colorado (population 1,470) became an unintentional symbol for cryogenics. A few years earlier, the body of Norwegian citizen Bredo Morstøl was shipped out to the town to live stored in a frozen state in the home of his daughter, Aud Morstøl. When she was evicted for living in a house without electricity or plumbing, she went to the local press in the hopes of salvaging her father's remains. Read more: The world's weirdest food festivals . Today, "Grandpa Bredo" (as he's known locally) is stored in a shed, packed with 1,600 pounds of dry ice delivered by a team of volunteers. In 2002, the town decided to commemorate the event with Frozen Dead Guy Days, an annual three-day homage to corpses and cold. "We're a very small mountain town, and it's hard to eke out a living. The Chamber of Commerce was like, 'well, we're known as the town with the frozen dead guy, so let's have a festival,'" explains Amanda MacDonald, the event organizer. Highlights of the fete include a coffin race, hearse parade, costume polar plunge and the Frozen Blue Ball -- a necro-themed costume party. Though anything goes in terms of costumes, the theme tends to revolve around cold things. Penguins, says McDonald, are popular. | The Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival attracts nearly 250,000 period fans.
The festival has it's fair share of couple who wed dressed as Robin Hood and Maid Marian.
Frozen Dead Guy Days in Nederland, Colorado is dedicated to the frozen corpse of its oldest resident.
Attendees participate in coffin races and hearse parades. |
257,604 | d965875dace7064f0fd8380d39479bd81debafb1 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:25 EST, 29 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:30 EST, 29 March 2012 . An elderly man has survived ten days in the remote Nevada desert by eating snow and using tips he learned as a Boy Scout. James Klemovich, 76, was found in good health by military personnel but his travel partner was discovered dead around a mile from the stranded car after he went to find help. Mr Klemovich, from Littleton, Colorado, had been exploring a mine he co-owned with 75-year-old Laszlo Szabo of Lovelock, Nevada. Scroll down for video . Traveled together: James Klemovich, 76, (left) was stranded in his car for ten days in the Nevada wilderness but survived while his friend Laszlo Szabo, 75, (right) died after going to find help . Pershing County Sheriff Richard Machado said Mr Klemovich and his friend got lost on March 18. They were reported missing by family members who hadn't heard from them in several days. The 76-year-old, who is diabetic, was treated at a hospital in Fallon, Nevada and has since been released. He also wears a pacemaker and has had triple bypass heart surgery. An autopsy was being carried out on Mr Szabo. According to Mr Klemovich's wife, Joanne, the pair had become stuck on an isolated road with no cell phone reception. On edge: Joanne Kelmovich, who has been married to James for almost 50 years, began to suspect the worst when her husband had not called in several days . The men tried unsuccessfully to dislodge . the car, and lit flares and started fires in the hope that someone . would see them in northwestern Nevada's Pershing County, an area where . less than 7,000 people live spread out over more than 6,000 square . miles. They used a towel to strain ditch water and snow into water bottles but after four or five days, Mr Szabo left to get help. Mrs Klemovich said she began to worry when several days had passed without a phone call from her husband. She said: 'I figured maybe they'd had an accident and they were stranded. I thought maybe they were in a mine shaft. All kinds of things were going through my head.' Wilderness: The men were stranded in an area where less than 7,000 people live spread out over 6,000 square miles . Mrs Klemovich said she had been expecting the worst when authorities called on Tuesday night to say her husband had been found by military personnel. 'I thought it was bad news, but it . was very good news,' she said by telephone from the couple's home. 'I . didn't know what to even do or say.' Mr Klemovich managed to keep his . spirits up while waiting for his friend's return by keeping a journal of how . much water he drank and what he did each day. He also wrote a letter to . his wife. Extreme: Mr Klemovich became stranded with his traveling companion Laszlo Szabo who died while looking for help in the isolated Pershing County, Nevada . I figured maybe they had an accident . and they were stranded. I thought maybe they were in a mine shaft. All . kinds of things were going through my head. Joanne Klemovich, wife . The military personnel came across the Lincoln Town Car with Klemovich inside. They gave him a banana, two mandarin oranges and three boiled eggs, he told his wife. The 76-year-old has been waiting in Nevada for his car to be recovered before he drives home to his wife. Mrs Klemovich said her husband hasn't been talking much about his friend who died and that she did not know whether Mr Szabo has any close relatives. 'When I first talked to him I could tell he'd been through an ordeal,' she said. 'When he called back, he sounded pretty good.' She said she would wish her husband of 48 years a 'happy belated anniversary' after he missed their special date yesterday. | James Klemovich found in car by military on training exercise in Nevada .
Elderly explorer was in 'good health' after ordeal despite having diabetes and pacemaker .
Body of Laszlo Szabo, 75, found a mile from car . |
128,519 | 32154d1e72fdadc8cb0e7c92e8f93c25edad64c0 | (CNN) -- Barcelona defender Eric Abidal returned to training Wednesday after seven months on the sidelines following a liver transplant. The 33-year-old was delighted to be back in action as he told the official website of the Catalan giants. "I've been thinking about training will the ball for a long time," the 33-year-old said. "Today is the first day. I'm tired, but happy. I think from now on my path to recovery will go well." The world of football was stunned when Abidal was diagnosed with a liver tumor in May 2011, but he made a remarkable recovery to reclaim his place in the first team squad at the Camp Nou. But further complications arose in March which necessitated the transplant operation and another lengthy spell of rehabilitation. Abidal, hugely popular with the Barca fans, began his career with Monaco before moving to Lille in 2002. It was after leaving Lille to join Lyon in 2004 that he rose to prominence. Blog: Does international soccer need a shake up? Following three French First Division triumphs Abidal moved to Barcelona in June 2007. Since moving to Spain, Abidal has collected a host of honors. He was a part of the Barca squad which won three consecutive La Liga titles between 2009 and 2011. Abidal has collected a Cop del Rey winner's medal on two occasions and helped Barca clinch European Champions League glory in 2009 and 2011. In addition to his achievements at club level, Abidal has collected 61 caps for France. He was part of the Les Bleus squad which finished as runners-up at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. | Barcelona defender Eric Abidal returns to training .
The French left-back has been out for seven months following a liver transplant .
Abidal has been at Barca since 2007 and has twice won the European Champions League .
He was part of the French squad which lost to Italy in the 2006 World Cup final . |
178,690 | 735736f5f5094f2abb44a3966e2b0aa50aee561a | By . John Drayton . Manchester City are close to signing £32million French defender Eliaquim Mangala, further breaking the quota on overseas players permitted in a Premier League squad. Mangala, 23, has agreed to join City from Porto and form a defensive partnership with Vincent Kompany that manager Manuel Pellegrini hopes will succeed at home and in the Champions League. However, he will be City’s fourth foreign signing and that means Pellegrini must cut some of his existing foreigners. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Man City target Eliaquim Mangala scoring for Porto . On the move?: FC Porto star Eliaquim Mangala (left) is close to signing for Manchester City for £32million . On World Cup duties: Mangala (right) will be City's 19th overseas player and the maximum quota is 17 . Defensive stalwart: Manchester City want Vincent Kompany (pictured) to partner Mangala . Mangala follows the arrivals of £12m Brazilian midfielder Fernando, also from Porto, Frenchman Bacary Sagna on a free from Arsenal and Malaga’s Argentine goalkeeper Willy Caballero. Clubs are limited to 17 overseas players over 21 who haven’t come through English academies and Mangala is City’s 19th. Delight: Mangala (left) celebrates with Benzema, Mavuba and Matuidi after France beat Nigeria . | Mangala has agreed to join City from Porto in a £32m deal .
He will be Manuel Pellegrini's fourth foreign signing this summer .
City now have 19 overseas players over 21 and clubs are limited to 17 .
They will have to sell some players or they will not be able to register some . |
148,617 | 4c2c1283dcbdc1f93bc37cd743e6d473a8feb8c6 | Havana, Cuba (CNN) -- Cuban authorities have released dozens of members of the "Ladies in White" group after detaining them, a dissident said Monday. All of the members of the group who were detained Sunday were released, said dissident Oscar Ernesto Chepe, who supports the group. Cuba's official state-run media has not reported on the arrests, which occurred about a week before Pope Benedict XVI's scheduled visit to the island. The organization, known as "Damas de Blanco" in Spanish, is composed of the family members of Cuban dissidents, many of whom have been jailed. Every Sunday, the women march silently from a Havana church to their homes to protest against the Cuban government. The island's government has said the women are paid by the United States to create disturbances on the island. "We were doing our march as we usually do when women dressed in civilian clothes stopped us," said group member Katia Sonia, who said she was among a group of 22 demonstrators arrested Sunday. Sonia said the women were state security agents, who took the marchers to a police station for questioning. Another 52 women from the group were arrested, she said, as they made their way to the Mass. The arrests may have been the result of the group marching a few more blocks than they typically do, or because tensions before the pope arrives in Cuba are spurring a new crackdown, Sonia said Monday. Last week 13 members of a dissident group were arrested after entering a Catholic church and refusing to leave until there were permitted an audience with the pope. The group was later arrested after church leaders failed to convince them to leave. The Ladies in White have also asked to meet with the pope during his visit to Cuba. So far, no meetings with opposition groups are on the pope's schedule for his three-day trip, which includes two large public Masses. A spokesman for the White House National Security Council accused Cuban authorities Monday of using "tactics of intimidation and harassment to stifle peaceful dissent" as the pope's visit nears. "The detention of members of the Damas de Blanco this weekend in Havana in the lead up to Pope Benedict's visit underscores the disdain of Cuban authorities for the universal rights of the Cuban people," spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement. | A dissident says all the "Ladies in White" who were detained Sunday have been released .
Members of the group are relatives of Cuban dissidents .
Their arrest comes a week before the pope's scheduled three-day visit .
White House National Security Council: Cuba is using "tactics of intimidation" to "stifle dissent" |
277,329 | f34e3cd7bba2bd93653b427714d522c1f6825520 | Humans have evolved to look physically different from each other because our eyes play such an important role in social interactions, research suggests. Most animal species use smell or sound to identify each other - but people rely primarily on sight to differentiate individuals. Many animals are visually almost indistinguishable from each other, particularly those which are active at night. Researchers from California compared DNA from around the world. They found genetic regions controlling facial features were more varied than those influencing other body parts. This indicated that facial variation in humans (left) has an evolutionary advantage, compared to other more identical-looking species (right) But humans have developed to be physically unique, according to the new research, giving rise to a wide variety in hair colours, eye pigmentation, height and facial features. Behavioural ecologist Dr Michael Sheehan, from the University of California at Berkeley, said: ‘Humans are phenomenally good at recognising faces; there is a part of the brain specialised for that. Researchers from the University of California at Berkeley compared DNA from around the world. They found that genetic regions controlling facial characteristics were more varied than those influencing other parts of the body. This was a clear sign that facial variation had an evolutionary advantage. Facial traits were also independent of each other, unlike most body measures. People with longer arms tend to have longer legs. But individuals with wide noses or widely spaced eyes do not have longer noses, for example. The most variable facial traits lie within the triangle of the eyes, mouth and nose, the researchers found. They assessed human facial variability with the help of a 1988 US Army database of personnel body measurements. ‘Our study now shows that humans have been selected to be unique and easily recognisable. It is clearly beneficial for me to recognise others, but also beneficial for me to be recognisable. Otherwise we would all look more similar.’ The scientists, whose findings are reported in the journal Nature Communications, showed that facial traits are much more variable than body features such as the length of the hand. Facial traits were also independent of each other, unlike most body measures. People with longer arms tend to have longer legs. But individuals with wide noses or widely spaced eyes do not have longer noses, for example. Comparing DNA from around the world showed that genetic regions controlling facial characteristics were more varied than those influencing other parts of the body. This was a clear sign that facial variation had an evolutionary advantage. Co-author Professor Michael Nachman said: ‘Lots of regions of the genome contribute to facial features, so you would expect the genetic variation to be subtle, and it is. But it is consistent and statistically significant.’ The most variable facial traits lie within the triangle of the eyes, mouth and nose, the researchers found. They assessed human facial variability with the help of a 1988 US Army database of personnel body measurements. Facial traits were also independent of each other, unlike most body measures. People with longer arms tend to have longer legs, according to the research. But individuals with wide noses or widely spaced eyes do not have longer noses, for example. These charts show the correlation between width and height of hands and noses . The scientists also used data from the 1000 Genome Project, which has catalogued nearly 40 million genetic variations among humans worldwide. ‘Genetic variation tends to be weeded out by natural selection in the case of traits that are essential to survival,’ said Prof Nachman. ‘Here it is the opposite - selection is maintaining variation. All of this is consistent with the idea that there has been selection for variation to facilitate recognition of individuals.’ | Researchers from California compared DNA from around the world .
They found that genetic regions controlling facial characteristics were more varied than those influencing other parts of the body .
This was a clear sign that facial variation had an evolutionary advantage .
Experts claim this is because humans rely on sight to identify individuals .
Traditionally, genetic variation is weeded out to ensure a species' survival .
This research suggests variation is deliberately maintained in humans . |
240,405 | c334db01d4c30c31dbe26e5bd03c9bd693362bb6 | Steve Jobs’s stunning resignation as Apple CEO has prompted a huge outpouring of support and sympathy for the man who ended a 14-year reign at the technology giant he co-founded in a garage. Mr Jobs had overseen a 9,000-percent share gain since 1997. The price dropped seven per cent in overnight trading before recovering slightly this morning, although it was still down. The 56-year-old was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003 and has been on medical leave from the firm based in California since January, with health being the main reason for his resignation. Innovator: Jobs holds the iPad during the launch of Apple's new tablet computing device in San Francisco in January 2010. It instantly became the latest must-have gadget . Industry analysts have today been lining up to pay tribute to the iconic face of Apple, who has turned the technology start-up into one of the world's most powerful and recognised brands. Health problems: Steve Jobs, pictured in February 2011, has been battling pancreatic cancer . ‘I think his brilliance has been . well-documented, but what gets forgotten is the bravery with which he's . confronted his illness,’ Sony CEO Howard Stringer said of the man worth . $8.3billion. ‘For him to achieve this much success under these circumstances doubles his legacy.' Google’s Eric Schmidt described his . friend and rival as ‘one of the greatest American leaders in history' and someone who ‘uniquely combined an artist's touch and an engineer's . vision’. Fellow technology CEO Jeff Weiner, of LinkedIn, labelled him ‘the Michelangelo of the digital age’. ‘He is also the most insightful . business speaker I've ever heard,’ Mr Weiner added. ‘He speaks the way . he designs products - not a single wasted word.' Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said Mr Jobs needs some 'Steve time' because of the high pressure and demands of his job. 'He really has had to sacrifice a lot to run Apple,' Mr Wozniak told BYTE. 'I mean, just your time, everybody wants you day and night - that's what I mean by sacrifices.' The general feeling across the industry is that Apple’s share price may dip short-term but the company will come back even stronger because of its unique and successful product base. Mr Jobs has spent much time putting together a long-term strategy and looking at handing over the reins to COO Tim Cook because he has been suffering from a serious illness for some time now. He was declared a ‘perfectionist who obsesses over every detail’ by the BBC’s Rory Cellan-Jones and the Wall Street Journal’s Jennifer Valentino-DeVries said his company presents ‘an air of magic’. 'He led a company that transformed a vast array of businesses - personal computing, portable and online music, smarter mobile telephony and post-PC computing,’ said Kristie Lu Stout of CNN. Mr Jobs said in his resignation letter: 'I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to let you know.' Guest list: Mr Jobs takes his place as guest of honour beside President . Obama in February 2011. Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg is on the President's right. Other . guests included Google and Twitter CEOs Eric Schmidt . He named Mr Cook as his successor and said he looks forward to watching the company which he nourished and made into one of the world's most powerful and recognised brands. Mr Jobs will remain in position as board chairman and is simply relinquishing his seat as CEO. Apple board member Art Levinson said: 'Steve's extraordinary vision and leadership saved Apple and guided it to its position as the world's most innovative and valuable technology company. 'Steve has made countless contributions to Apple's success, and he has attracted and inspired Apple's immensely creative employees and world class executive team. 'In his new role as Chairman of the Board, Steve will continue to serve Apple with his unique insights, creativity and inspiration.' The icon, who has been on medical leave since January, only briefly emerged in March to unveil the iPad 2 and later attended a dinner hosted by President Barack Obama for technology leaders. Mr Jobs, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2003 and underwent surgery, began to grow noticeably gaunt in 2009 and pulled out of appearances, prompting fears that he was seriously ill. But he denied these rumours, saying it was simply a 'hormone imbalance that was robbing his body of the proteins it needs'. Then in January 2009 he promised: 'I will be the first one to step up and tell our Board of Directors if I can no longer continue to fulfil my duties as Apple's CEO.' He received a liver transplant that same year. Mr Jobs is soon expected to reveal more details about the transplant and his battle with cancer. Though his resignation letter was short and to the point, it was obviously full of emotion as he thanked 'the best friends he made for life' at the billion dollar company. He is seen as the heart and soul of Apple, with analysts and investors repeatedly expressing concern over how the company, based in Cupertino, California, would handle his departure. BGC Financial analyst Colin Gillis said: 'I will say to investors - don't panic and remain calm, it's the right thing to do. Steve will be chairman and Cook is CEO. 'But Tim has been de facto chief executive for some time and the company has been hugely successful. The vision and the roadmap is intact.' Mr Cook ran Apple when Mr Jobs went on medical leave and has essentially been running day-to-day operations since early this year, with the company racking up record revenue and profit. TIM COOK IN PROFILE . Tim Cook already has extensive experience running the company having all but taken over from Mr Jobs while he was on medical leave. He has served as Apple's chief operating officer for seven years. Long . considered a front-runner to replace Mr Jobs, Mr Cook joined Apple in 1998 as . a senior vice president of worldwide operations and was promoted to . chief operating officer in 2004. Before . joining Apple, Mr Cook briefly served as an executive at Compaq and spent . 12 years at IBM, where he ran manufacturing and operations for the . company's PC business. He . is credited with completely restructuring Apple's manufacturing . operations, insisting that Apple shut down its overseas factories and . farm out the work to third-party manufacturers. As a result, the company . reduced inventory and improved margins on its entire product lineup. He . has served as Mr Jobs's right-hand man at shareholder events and has . completely handled earnings calls with analysts for last few years. While . Mr Jobs was on medical leave from January to June 2009, Apple delivered . two back-to-back blow-out quarters, as well as an updated iPhone OS, and . new iPhone 3GS hardware. For . his performance, Apple's board rewarded Mr Cook with a $5million bonus as . well as 75,000 restricted stock units as a thank-you for 'his . outstanding performance'. He was previously responsible for . Apple's worldwide sales and operations, including management of the . supply chain, sales activities and service and support in all markets . and countries, reported ABC. He has been at the company since 1998 . and was recently given a $5million bonus as well as 75,000 restricted . stock units as a thank you for his 'outstanding performance'. To the Apple Board of Directors and the Apple Community: . I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer . meet my duties and expectations as Apple’s CEO, I would be the first to . let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come. I hereby resign as CEO of Apple. I would like to serve, if the Board . sees fit, as Chairman of the Board, director and Apple employee. As far as my successor goes, I strongly recommend that we execute our succession plan and name Tim Cook as CEO of Apple. I believe Apple’s brightest and most innovative days are ahead of . it. And I look forward to watching and contributing to its success in a . new role. I have made some of the best friends of my life at Apple, and I . thank you all for the many years of being able to work alongside you. Steve . Apple became the most valuable company in the U.S. this month and is now worth $338billion. It was confirmed in February that Jobs . was receiving treatment for cancer after the 56-year-old's gaunt . appearance fuelled rumours that he might resign any day. Pancreatic cancers are generally some of the most lethal of all tumours, and the most common type often kills within six months. Mr Jobs has battled a less common . variety that grows far more slowly and develops in the hormone-secreting . section of the pancreas, reported USA Today. Although diagnosed in 2003, his illness was not disclosed until the following year, after he had undergone surgery. The fiercely private CEO has said . relatively little about his health problems, although he did acknowledge . his bout with cancer during a commencement speech at Stanford . University. 'No one wants to die,’ he said. ‘And yet death is the destination we all share. No one has ever escaped it.' In June, Jobs got a standing ovation . at a software developers' conference in San Francisco to introduce an . operating system called Lion and a wireless service called iCloud. Old and new: A young Steve Jobs holds the Apple II computer in 1977, left, and in 1998 he unveils the Apple Mac . Tim Cook, the new CEO of Apple, has been standing in for Steve Jobs since he went on sick leave . From the conference people tweeted that he looked 'gaunt', 'exasperated' and 'very ill'. He stayed on stage for only three . minutes before handing it over to Phil Schiller, Apple's senior vice . president for worldwide marketing. He demonstrated how photos taken with an iPhone were visible on a user's iPad moments later. The iPhone 5 is due to hit the shops . in September with almost 40 per cent of Apple customers saying they . would buy it even before they had set eyes on it. | Business leaders and technology fans react to Steve Jobs stepping down .
Apple share price falls in after-hours trading but recovers slightly today .
Analysts believe Apple will recover and come back stronger long-term .
Jobs has been CEO for 14 years but has suffered from pancreatic cancer .
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak says Jobs is in need of some 'Steve time' |
237,593 | bf81b3ff708ac5c61d383aa5574fccd8da3be298 | Fear for his life: Edward Snowden has allegedly received death threats from Pentagon and NSA officials . American intelligence leaker Edward Snowden fears for his life and needs stronger security, his Russian lawyer claimed on Tuesday. Explicit threats to kill him have been made anonymously by Pentagon and National Security Agency officials, alleged Anatoly Kucherena. ‘There are real threats to his life out there that actually do exist,’ he told Russian news channel Vesti. ‘These statements call for physical retribution against Edward Snowden.’ Snowden, 30, has taken refuge in Moscow to evade treason charges after disclosing U.S. state secrets on NSA intelligence gathering involving the monitoring of millions of phone calls and emails. There are recent U.S. claims that the former espionage contractor may have received Russian assistance before revealing his huge classified dossier in the name of transparency and openness. Kucherana was referring to an article last week on BuzzFeed entitled ‘American Spies Want Edward Snowden Dead’. It quoted a Pentagon official as saying: ‘I would love to put a bullet in his head.’ Another source described as a current NSA analyst said: ‘In a world where I would not be restricted from killing an American, I personally would go and kill him myself.’ Snowden has been carefully guarded in Moscow since he received temporary asylum in August a move which outraged the U.S. and led to President Barack Obama snubbing a summit invitation from his opposite number Vladimir Putin, a former spy. ‘Edward is treating these as real threats,’ said the Russian lawyer. ‘Today, it might not be enough to have private guards. We must also think about how to safeguard his life and wellbeing.’ He challenged the U.S. government to name the officials who made the apparent threats. In danger: Snowden took refuge in Moscow to evade treason charges after disclosing U.S. state secrets on NSA intelligence gathering, and now fears for his life and wants to increase security . ‘We think that the U.S. government must take note of such statements,’ said the lawyer. ‘The people who make extremist statements do so while wearing a mask -- they do not reveal their identities. ‘But we have specific publications that printed these interviews. We will ask for these people's masks to come off. We must know who this NSA officer is, who issues orders about ways to eliminate Edward Snowden.’ The blast came after the heads of congressional intelligence committees in Washington claimed on Sunday that Snowden could have been working in collusion with Russian secret services at the time he was gathering his treasure trove of classified data. Putin has specifically denied his agents worked with Snowden. ‘I don't think it was a gee-whiz luck event that he ended up in Moscow under the handling of the FSB,’ said Republican representative Mike Rogers. | Edward Snowden has received anonymous death threats, his lawyer says .
This NSA whistleblower now fears for his life and safety in Russia .
Article quotes Pentagon source wanting to 'put a bullet in his head' |
144,797 | 474b6e67736eac04998ee78609543b6d79b661ba | Bradley Saunders will make his Matchroom debut on the Nathan Cleverly vs Tony Bellew undercard after signing a long-term deal with promoter Eddie Hearn. The unbeaten light welterweight, who has notched up 10 victories from as many fights, will face an as yet unknown opponent in Liverpool on November 22. Saunders, from Durham, will fight again early next year before headlining a packed card in Newcastle next April. Bradley Saunders with promoter Eddie Hearn after signing with promotional company Matchroom . 'I am thrilled to be joining Eddie Hearn and fighting on Sky Sports,' he said. 'I had plenty of options and I definitely chose the best one for me, it's a new chapter and I am raring to go. 'I am looking for big things. I don't want anything less than being a World champion. I played at the game in the amateurs but it is serious now. I want to bring big things to the North East. 'I've had three weeks training for the fight in Liverpool and you'll see a change in me but above that, in the New Year you will see a different Bradley Saunders altogether. 'I was after the British and Commonwealth last year. People didn't want to face me last year and I picked up the WBO Inter-Continental belt and I'm No 11 with them. Saunders has won his first 10 fights as a professional, stopping eight opponents early . 'There are guys out there that aren't really at that weight but up there in the rankings that I know I can beat. 'This time next year I want to be competing at that top level, I am 28, I'm not a baby, there's no need to hang around. 'I'm a North East lad and I love the North East. I want to be a world champion and I want to bring it back here for the brilliant fans we have. 'One day I want to open a gym up here and bring the next generation on, but right now it’s about my ultimate goal, next year is a serious year - I am not going to call anyone out because I am so confident that I can get rid of anyone put in my way.' | Bradley Saunders has won his first 10 fights as a professional .
He will make his Matchroom debt on November 22 in Liverpool .
Saunders is expected to headline a show in Newcastle in April . |
102,001 | 0f73616b37348c27d3b0095994431c037756691a | When it comes to purchasing products on the Internet that claim to treat or cure Ebola, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has one word for consumers: Beware! This week the FDA sent warning letters to three companies the government agency says are selling products over the Internet that claim to treat, prevent or even cure the deadly disease. The letters were issued after an alert warning consumers about fraudulent Ebola products being hawked online went out last month. "We have a program at FDA that monitors the Internet to look for health fraud products, products not approved by FDA that claim to cure or treat disease," said Howard Sklamberg, the FDA's deputy commissioner for global regulatory operations and policy. "We noticed that when there is a public health issue that really comes to the fore(front) -- for example H1N1 a few years ago, and now Ebola -- there tends to be an increase in health fraud products, which are products that claim to prevent, treat or cure disease and the product has not been approved by FDA." The agency says they've had consumer complaints about the number of products making these claims, and that the websites of Natural Solutions Foundation of Newton, New Jersey; Young Living in Lehi, Utah and doTERRA International, LLC, based in Pleasant Grove, Utah, all offer products that are in direct violation of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act because they're being promoted as drugs that can fight the infection. In early August, FDA says a doTERRA consultant posted these tweets about Ebola prevention: "Treating the symptoms of Ebola Virus with DoTERRA Essential Oils," and "Many Essential Oils are highly Anti-viral. I list here a few of them those (sic) oils that could help prevent your contracting the Ebola virus." According to the agency, Young Living essential oils products were being sold on various websites with claims including, "Viruses (including Ebola) are no match for Young Living Essential Oils," and "Ebola Virus can not live in the presence of cinnamon bark (this is in Thieves) nor Oregano." "Thieves" is one of the oils Young Living sells. The company's website says "It is highly effective in supporting the immune system and good health." The listed ingredients are clove, lemon, cinnamon eucalyptus and rosemary. Travis Ogden, chief operating officer of Young Living issued this statement to CNN: . "Young Living is cooperating fully with the FDA regarding its inquiry. Young Living Members are provided specific instructions on how to promote our products to their customers. In the coming days we will be contacting all our membership to ensure that they understand how to best use our products and remain compliant with regulatory directives. We have already contacted each of the Members cited in the FDA letter to help get them into compliance." Natural Solutions Foundation, which claims its product Nano Silver kills every pathogen it's been tested against without exception, had plenty to say in defense of the posted claims, including that "NANO SILVER, AT 10 PPM (parts per million) effectively kills the Ebola virus." Ralph Fucetola, a retired lawyer and trustee at Natural Solutions Foundation, says the company was advocating the nutritional benefits of Nano Silver years before the Ebola outbreak. "We feel obligated to speak the truth, especially during a world health emergency that is happening in West Africa. So we welcomed WHO's declaration that even 'unproven interventions' can be used in this crisis and that is what we have tried to do," Fucetola said. "Insofar as the word 'cure' is used, it was not intended to be the equivalent of an FDA-approved treatment but rather in the common usage of the word as something which would help a person get over the disease." Fucetola cites a 2009 study on Nano Silver sponsored by the Department of Defense's Defense Threat Reduction Agency as support for the product. He says a presentation created from that study (PDF) showed "the nutrient at 10 ppm (parts per million) regulated Ebola virus replication which may prevent the disease from killing it's victims." Those familiar with the government research say the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) funds a tremendous number of early stage science and technology projects that are tasked with countering nuclear, chemical or biological threats. Nano Silver was studied, but scientists determined there were other things that were a better investment. If the early research had proven promising, they say the research would have picked up by other agencies. "The DTRA funded a research project between fiscal year 2007 and fiscal year 2009 into a product called Nano Silver," a spokesperson, who did not want to be identified, said. "The researchers produced slides at the end of that early science research. The data in that presentation was not peer reviewed." The FDA is firm: "At this point there are no drugs or vaccines that have been shown to be safe and effective to treat or prevent Ebola disease," Dr. Luciana Borio, the FDA's Assistant Commissioner for Counterterrorism Policy and Acting Deputy Chief Scientist, says. "FDA is doing all it can do to help expedite development programs." Borio says there are currently two vaccines in development. One is already in "Phase I" clinical trials; the other is expected to begin trials soon. She also says there are a handful of drugs in early stages of development for Ebola, but that it's very difficult to say how soon it will be before we have treatments available for patients. It depends in part on the results of these trials. In the meantime, the agency says, Internet "cures" are not the answer. "We are continuing to monitor the internet and monitor how these three companies respond," Sklamberg said. "They have 15 working days to take corrective action. If they don't take the corrective action, we can take enforcement action against them...seizure, injunction, criminal prosecution." Natural Solutions says they will meet that deadline. "We will offer to make further disclosures and disclaimers, including more carefully nuanced terminology," Fucetola said. "We are not in the business of violating the law but we are in the business of speaking the truth as we know it." CNN made several efforts to contact representatives of doTERRA over two days and left messages, but there was no response. | FDA sends warning letters to three companies selling Ebola products .
Internet companies claim they can treat, prevent or even cure the deadly disease .
There is no approved drug or treatment for Ebola . |
27,446 | 4dcb80193edeb8642834cbc09545cec6db46ade0 | By . Ap Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:34 EST, 4 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 14:53 EST, 4 January 2014 . Mexican authorities say they have detained six police officers over the death of a U.S. man, who died in their custody after being arrested for disorderly conduct in the resort city of Playa del Carmen. Quintana Roo state Assistant Attorney General Carlos Alvarez said Friday that Yeudi Estrada Carrero died Wednesday inside a patrol truck while three police officers restrained him. Alvarez says the 28-year-old fitness instructor died of asphyxiation after at least one of the officers pressed his foot against Estrada's neck. Died in custody: Yeudi Estrada Carrero, 28, an American who lives and works in Cancun, died in a Mexican police patrol car on Wednesday after being arrested . Alvarez says Estrada was from New York state and lived and worked in Cancun. He says an autopsy found Estrada had consumed cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine. Alvarez says Estrada's body was turned over to his father, who also lives in Cancun. An investigation is underway. Yeudi Estrada Carrero, a fitness instructor from New York state, died in Mexican police custody on Wednesday. Authorities have confirmed six officers have been detained over the incident . | Yeudi Estrada Carrero, 28, is from New York state but lives and works in Cancun .
On Wednesday he was arrested, with three officers restraining him .
He died inside a patrol car from asphyxiation, with one of the officers pressing his feet against Carrero's neck .
An autopsy found Estrada had consumed cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamine . |
221,116 | aa3cfc11ea96752d1f03a8ce75b3cae7aacce7b4 | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 05:28 EST, 22 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:58 EST, 22 August 2013 . Joshua Stephens, 22, a 'sadistic' father who hit his newborn daughter and admitted he had an overwhelming desire to cause her pain . A sadistic father has been jailed for four years after he beat his newborn daughter and told police he wanted to cause her pain. Joshua Stephens, 22, was violent towards the unnamed baby for the first six weeks of her life before he confessed to his wife about what he had done. Among the most brutal acts he carried out, Stephens held a pillow over the child's face and forced her head under water while giving her a bath. Stephens, from Mirfield, West Yorkshire, was told by a judge that he posed a significant risk to the public after hearing that he had slapped the girl 'as hard as you would hit a man'. After admitting to his wife what he had done, Stephens went to a police station and told officers he had an overwhelming desire to hurt his daughter. He was jailed for four years and told he must serve an extended licence period of four years upon his release after pleading guilty to cruelty to a child and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Sentencing Stephens on Wednesday, Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: 'It is obvious that these incidents occurred as a result of your sadistic desire to cause pain and distress to your daughter. 'This was a gross breach of trust on a vulnerable child.' The horrifying abuse came to light on September 4 last year when Stephens hit the youngster 'as hard as he could' when she woke up crying for a feed. His daughter was left with a bruised cheek from the blow. His wife was out of the room at the time and he admitted what he had done when she returned. Sentencing Stephens at Leeds Crown Court (pictured), Judge Geoffrey Marson QC said: 'It is obvious that these incidents occurred as a result of your sadistic desire to cause pain and distress to your daughter' He also told his wife’s father about what he had done before going to a police station and telling an officer: 'I hit my daughter and smothered her.' He underwent a psychiatric assessment and told a doctor that he had a history of self harming from the age of 14 and had strong urges to punch objects and use knives. The doctor diagnosed Stephens as suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder and was prone to impulsive and unpredictable behaviour. Judge Marson added: 'There is at the moment a significant risk of serious harm to the public.' | Joshua Stephens, 22, was violent towards the baby girl numerous times .
He confessed to his wife and then police after he slapped the six-week-old .
Stephens was given a four year jail term for cruelty and assault . |
254,345 | d539a3f11df027dab774d003a394695a9bccae2e | The Duchess of Cornwall wore a regal shade of dark blue to attend the National Harvest Service in Birmingham. Beaming from under a matching velvet hat the 67-year-old met dignitaries and clergy outside St Philip's Cathedral before heading inside where she was greeted by schoolchildren who showed her their harvest boxes of food which will be sent to the Birmingham Central Food Bank for distribution. The Duchess of Cornwall looked resplendent in a blue ruffled dress which she paired with a matching velvet hat, and her favourite pearl necklace. The Duchess of Cornwall looked regal in a navy blue ruffled dress which she paired with a matching velvet hat, giving her outfit a more youthful twist with a white collar and matching cuffs . Camilla seemed in good spirits and she greeted the waiting crowds and examined the impressive harvest displays of flowers and fresh produce . Camilla, who her favourite pearl necklace for the event, was handed gifts by the children taking part . Camilla spoke to dignitaries and brightly-dressed clergy before entering the cathedral . Camilla attended the National Harvest Service which was first held at Westminster Abbey last year . The fashion conscious Duchess gave the outfit a more youthful twist by adding a white collar and cuffs. She was seen speaking to dignitaries and receiving bunches of flowers from local children before going inside for the ceremony. A group of 360 schoolchildren then took centre stage as they presented the Royal with their harvest boxes - filled with home-grown produce. The cathedral also welcomed the new 'Harvest Torch' - a symbolic sculpture which will pass from host city to host city. At the end of the service, the harvest boxes were collected by a historic horse-drawn trolley and taken to the Birmingham Central Food Bank for distribution. The National Harvest Service was first held at Westminster Abbey last year and is being held as part of Love British Food's campaign to rekindle marking the harvest. Before the service Camilla was also introduced to some local farm animals, and appeared to give a jokey warning to a goat during the tour of the pens – eight years after she was attacked by one which tried to grab her handbag. The Duchess of Cornwall famously wrestled the bag back from a nanny in May 2006 when the animal tried to snatch it from her on a visit to a creamery in Northern Ireland. The Duchess looked understandably a tad skeptical as she was taken for a closer inspection of the goats by farmer Richard Craddock (left) from Hatton Adventure World . But yesterday, the Duchess made sure she kept a safer distance when she spotted the animals outside Birmingham Cathedral and gave her handbag to a minder. Camilla was taken for a closer inspection of the goats by farmer Richard Craddock from Hatton Adventure World. She was spotted leaning over to look at the animals who were in a metal-fenced pen. Despite her 2006 'attack' the Duchess was brave enough to bend down to greet the horned farm animals- though having ensured her handbag was at a safe distance . She seemed in good spirits and she greeted the waiting crowds and examined the impressive harvest displays of flowers and fresh produce, despite her previous bad goat experience . Mr Craddock, manager of Hatton Adventure World, near Warwick, said: 'Camilla seemed very comfortable with the animals. 'She said to me 'the goats are very quiet' and seemed quite pleased they were subdued. 'She seemed amazed how quiet they were and even tried to feed one some straw but it didn't seem that interested. 'Camilla told me she was an animal lover herself. She was very pleasant and spoke to everyone she could.' The Duchess was visiting Fivemiletown Creamery, near Brookeborough in Northern Ireland, with Prince Charles she was attacked by the goat in 2006. But she saw the funny side after the nanny tried to wrestle her handbag away and said: . 'She just wants to join the party.' And after patting the kid goats, the royal added: 'They are terribly sweet - and they do such a good job of mowing the lawn.' | Duchess attended the annual National Harvest Service in Birmingham .
Met local dignitaries and clergy before entering St Philip's Cathedral .
Before the service was also introduced to some local farm animals .
Was careful to keep her handbag well away when she neared the goats .
Famously wrestled her bag back from a cheeky goat in May 2006 . |
125,531 | 2e49fb68a37eaa2dffd6f3573b85d2d9cf19eca7 | A man has revealed how he woke up in a dark, locked airplane after staff failed to wake him up after they landed in Houston. Tom Wagner, who had taken off from Louisiana for California on Friday, said he was stunned when he awoke to an empty plane during a layover at Bush' Continental Airport in Houston, Texas. 'I woke up and I saw the lights were out,' Wagner, a 51-year-old boat captain from Lafayette, Louisiana, told the Today show. 'I looked down the aisle - ain't nobody home.' At first he admitted that he found the bizarre incident funny. 'I had a little smile: I've got to get off here,' he said. Scroll down for video . Shock: Tom Wagner awoke on an empty, dark plane during a layover at a Houston, Texas airport on Friday . But first, 'I had to use the bathroom,' he said. 'I was walking around, had to find the bathroom in the dark.' Told he was fortunate the restroom door also wasn't locked, he replied: 'They would have had a mess to clean up.' Then he called his girlfriend and said: 'Debbie, I'm locked on this plane. I'm telling you the truth; you better go somewhere and get me off this plane.' At first, she didn't believe him but . he insisted that she call for help - and staff at the airline, United . Express, weren't convinced either. 'They said, "ma'am, we sweep those planes. There's no way he's on that plane,' he said. He then reached the front of the plane. 'I grabbed the (entrance door) lever,' Wagner said. 'I thought: I better not do that. Let them get me of the plane. So many things go through your head.' George Bush Intercontinental Airport where Wagner was left sleeping . Moments later, a couple of maintenance workers coincidentally opened the door and found Wagner there to greet them.' 'What are you doing on this plane?' he said they demanded. 'Where's your badge?' After explaining his predicament, one of the workers got on his radio and Wagner was escorted to the terminal. By then, he'd missed his connection to Los Angeles, although his checked bags made it. He spent the night at a motel near the Houston airport. United ExpressJet said they don't know how Wagner could have been left on the plane even after a routine walk-through. 'I . just don't know how it happened,' Mr Wagner told the Today show. 'Passengers got off - you think someone would have pushed me and said, . "hey buddy we're here".' United did not refund his flight but they gave him a voucher for $250 to help reach his final destination in California. They also put him up a motel room for the night and gave him a free amenities pack including a toothbrush and some toothpaste. 'What . if I had a medical condition or something? What if I had a heart attack . and I was dead? You just shut the plane and leave someone on there?' Wagner said. ExpressJet . issued a statement on Saturday addressing the issue: 'An ExpressJet . passenger remained on board flight 4245, operating as United Express . from Lafayette, La. to Houston on Friday, December 6, after all passengers had deplaned. 'ExpressJet . is investigating to determine how this occurred. We sincerely apologize . for the inconvenience this caused for the passenger.' | Tom Wagner woke up in a locked and freezing airplane cabin during a layover in Houston from Louisiana .
He called his girlfriend who called the airline and he was finally freed .
United Express told him to keep 'hush-hush' about the incident and gifted him with an amenities kit that included a toothbrush and deoderant . |
104,009 | 1233c858ebcfd652f5e343a5b993854df053efce | Microsoft will acquire the maker of the popular game Minecraft for $2.5 billion. The technology company said it will buy Stockholm-based game maker Mojang. Minecraft, which lets users build in and explore a virtual world, has been downloaded 100 million times on PC alone since its launch in 2009. It is the most popular online game on Xbox, and the top paid app for Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating system in the U.S. Move for mobile? Microsoft will acquire the maker of the popular game Minecraft for $2.5 billion in a move many insiders say is engineered to increase the tech giant's share in the mobile market . The deal is expected to close in late 2014. Microsoft expects the acquisition to be break-even in fiscal 2015. Microsoft is primarily known for business software like Word and Outlook. But this acquisition will help Microsoft expand its gaming division which also includes game franchises such as the 'Halo' shooter game and 'Forza' racing game. However, many contend that Microsoft's impending purchase of Mojang, is more aimed at pulling users onto the software company's obscure mobile platform than its better known PC system or Xbox game console. The software company's Windows Phone system has only 2.5 percent of the world's smartphone market, and its Surface tablet barely more, according to tech research firm IDC. Growth is hampered because many app and game developers ignore it. Enter Minecraft, which is the top paid app both on Apple Inc's (AAPL.O) iOS and Google Inc's (GOOGL.O) Android systems. 'It seems like Microsoft is looking at Mojang and Minecraft as a way to tap into this enormous cultural phenomenon,' said Dave Bisceglia, Chief Executive of independent game studio Tap Lab. 'If you look at iOS, Minecraft has been a top-grossing game for quite some time, if Microsoft could on Windows phones give players a unique and compelling experience that you can't get on the other platforms, that could be a driver to sell devices to existing Minecraft fans.' Microsoft does not disclose numbers of users of Windows Phones, and declined comment on the deal. Minecraft was launched five years ago as a PC game, but 54 million sales later, about 40 percent of copies are downloaded onto phones and tablets. Left to their own devices, it does not seem likely that Mojang's 40-strong team would ever get round to designing a Windows Phone version of Minecraft. Markus Persson, the game's creator and co-founder of Mojang, said last year that Windows phones are so insignificant in terms of market share that they are not worth developing for. Wildly popular: Minecraft, which lets users build in and explore a virtual world, has been downloaded 100 million times on PC alone since its launch in 2009 . 'Because it's tiny,' Persson wrote in an email to Reuters last June, when asked why his company only made mobile versions of its games for iOS and Android, but not Windows Phone. 'Both Symbian and Blackberry have more users than Windows Phone,' wrote Persson, referring to Nokia's discontinued operating system and the fading Canadian smartphone pioneer. Wall Street is focused on the mobile benefits for Microsoft. 'We don't view this acquisition as a signal of Microsoft's intent to double down on Xbox but consider it an attempt to better address mobile on a cross-platform basis,' said Nomura analyst Rick Sherlund in a note to clients this week. 'This also appears to be consistent with (Microsoft) CEO Satya Nadella's mobile and cloud strategy.' Microsoft is expected to pay close to $2.5 billion for Mojang, or about 8 times sales last year. That is small change for Microsoft, which has $86 billion in cash and short-term investments. But it is relatively large and expensive for game company acquisitions, which do not have a stellar record of success. Japan's SoftBank Corp (9984.T) paid $1.53 billion for a 50 percent stake in Finnish game maker Supercell last year at about 3.5 times projected annual sales. Electronic Arts' (EA.O) $750 million acquisition of PopCap in 2011 was valued around 10 to 11 times sales. Joost van Dreunen, Chief Executive of research firm SuperData, said the price tag 'seems like a lot for a title that has certainly not peaked but is certainly not in its initial frenzy.' He doubts that Minecraft can really help Windows phone sales: 'Minecraft itself has done very well on the iOS platform, but it's better on the iPad, the screen is bigger,' he said. 'I don't see why this could drive handset sales.' | Minecraft, which lets users build in and explore a virtual world, has been downloaded 100 million times on PC alone since its launch in 2009 .
It is the most popular online game on Xbox, and the top paid app for Apple's iOS and Google's Android operating system in the U.S.
Insiders say the move is Microsoft's attempt to capture more of the mobile OS market . |
16,181 | 2dd60ec00b61b0cc46d699fb4abcba05c4384f08 | By . Beth Stebner . PUBLISHED: . 11:21 EST, 10 March 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:04 EST, 10 March 2012 . A four-year-old girl was found hanging and unresponsive in a closet in a Los Angeles apartment, and later died. Identified as Miriah Cobbs, the girl was discovered by her grandmother after her family noticed she was missing. The girl was hanging in the back of a closet in the apartment bedroom around 11:30am Thursday, and was later pronounced dead at Centinela Hospital Medical Centre. Scroll down for video . Tragic: A four-year-old girl was found hanging in the bedroom of her family's Los Angeles apartment . Home: Miriah Cobbs lived in the Madrid Apartment complex in Westchester, a division of Los Angeles . ‘It’s a tragedy. It’s one of those, “I wish I didn’t see it.” Seriously, I wish I didn’t witness anything,’ neighbour Del Evano told abc7.com. Though the Los Angeles Police Department’s Abused Child Unit is investigating Miriah’s death, they are treating it as a ‘death investigation,’ rather than a ‘homicide investigation.’ It is believed that Miriah was playing in the bedroom and accidentally hung herself in the short time she was unsupervised, and her death was a tragic accident. Her family assumed she was playing in another part of the house, but went looking for her after they hadn’t seen or heard her in some time. Coached by a 911 operator, the family administered CPR until the paramedics arrived, KTLA reported. Evidence: Investigators removed evidence from the apartment; it is only a death investigation - not a homicide . The autopsy won’t be completed until later this week, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said. Mr Evano said the family was very distressed. ‘I saw a gentleman come out crying, with his face pretty much white without blood,’ he told reporters. ‘It was an accidental hanging…something like that.’ According to police, the family has been very cooperative with the department’s investigation. Watch video here: . | Miriah Cobbs, 4, found unresponsive in Westchester apartment closet .
Police investigating death, but no foul play suspected . |
265,381 | e3b8d5634d9819c2493ab7c4538b5b5cf088c64c | The CDC chief today apologized for suggesting a nurse who contracted Ebola was to blame and admitted that the agency had to 'rethink' how to combat the deadly virus. Dr Tom Frieden confirmed on Monday that Texas Health Presbyterian nurse Nina Pham, 26, who treated 'patient zero' Thomas Duncan, was in a 'stable condition' and that everything was being done to give her the best possible care. However he added that even one case of the infection being contracted in the U.S. was 'unacceptable'. The CDC chief said: 'I feel awful that a hospital worker became infected taking care of an Ebola patient.' Scroll down for video . Dr Tom Frieden (pictured today) said the CDC would be 'rethinking' its Ebola strategy after a nurse treating the first Ebola case diagnosed in the U.S. contracted the virus . Nurse Nina Pham, 26, was identified on Monday as the healthcare worker who contracted Ebola while treating 'patient zero' Thomas Duncan at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas . The CDC was scrambling to interview all staff at Texas Presbyterian who could have been exposed to patient Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian man who became sick after traveling to the U.S. and died at the hospital. Anyone at risk will be monitored, Dr Frieden said. However he admitted that other healthcare workers who treated Duncan were at risk of Ebola but could not give an exact number as an investigation into the 'breach in protocol' continued. Dr Frieden said during the press conference from Atlanta on Monday: 'Stopping Ebola is hard - we're working together to make it easier and better. 'We have to rethink the way we address Ebola infection control because even a single infection is unacceptable.' The doctor said that one person who came in contact with Miss Pham, when she may have been contagious, was being monitored closely. All 48 people who came in contact with Mr Duncan, who died last Wednesday, were being monitored but none had shown Ebola symptoms, Dr Frieden said. Health authorities were unclear how the nurse contracted the virus but the CDC was investigating procedures used in caring for an Ebola patient. Authorities would be paying particular attention to the stage where protective clothing is taken off when the worker has come out of the isolation unit after being in contact with the Ebola sufferer. President Obama and Secretary of Health and Human Services Sylvia Burwell (right) participate in a conference call with Director of the Center for Disease Control Dr Tom Frieden on Ebola at the Oval Office of the White House on Monday . The CDC chief suggested that changes may need to be made to protective clothing and said there were plans to bring in a 'buddy system' - where staff could monitor each other as they took off their gear. The director urged U.S. hospitals to 'think Ebola' - telling facilities to be on the lookout for patients with fever or symptoms of Ebola who have traveled from the three Ebola-stricken African nations - Liberia, Guinea or Sierra Leone - in the past 21 days. Dr Frieden reiterated his belief that travel should not be banned from West Africa to the U.S. So far, JFK airport in New York has introduced screening procedures with four additional airports - Washington-Dulles, Newark, Chicago O'Hare and Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson - to begin on Thursday. Of the 91 people stopped for additional screening at U.S. airports so far, none had shown Ebola symptoms. The CDC's director faced fierce criticism on Sunday when he said a Dallas nurse's 'breach in protocol' caused her to catch Ebola – avoiding responsibility for the first case of the deadly virus transmitted on American soil. Critics rounded on Dr Thomas Frieden, saying he was 'scapegoating' the nurse - who was wearing a full protective suit as she treated 'patient zero' Thomas Eric Duncan – instead of dealing with his agency's failure to introduce a rigorous set of procedures for hospitals across the country. A hazmat truck sits outside of an apartment today in Dallas, Texas where the nurse diagnosed with the Ebola virus resides . Miss Pham, 26, is fighting for her life after contracting Ebola from Thomas Eric Duncan. Here she is pictured with her beloved King Charles Spaniel who is not expected to be destroyed but has been quarantined . Today, Dr Frieden said: 'My intention was not to suggest there was fault with the hospital or the healthcare worker.' Miss Pham's home was disinfected by a hazmat team on Sunday afternoon, as Texas state officials and the CDC struggled to keep a handle on a growing sense of panic. Texas State Health Services Commissioner, Dr. David Lakey, said at the press conference on Monday that it was 'very disappointing' to discover one of their own healthcare workers had contracted the Ebola virus. Dr Lakey also said that they were trying to find a location to take care of the nurse's beloved King Charles Spaniel and where the pet can be quarantined while he is monitored. The dog is not expected to be destroyed. Workers move disposal barrels to an area outside an apartment of a healthcare worker, who treated Ebola patient Thomas Eric Duncan and tested positive for the disease on Monday . | Dr Frieden confirmed on Monday that Texas Health Presbyterian nurse, named as 26-year-old Nina Pham, was in a stable condition .
Other healthcare workers could be at risk - exact number is unknown as investigation into 'breach in protocol' continues .
One individual, who was possibly exposed to nurse while she was infectious, was being monitored .
Health authorities were looking for a location to quarantine Miss Pham's beloved King Charles spaniel - the dog was not expected to be destroyed . |
191,353 | 83c8accc0650fcd035626a4e9462ef68f11a6411 | By . Associated Press . Last updated at 3:57 PM on 9th February 2012 . Trust your doctor? A new survey has found that some doctors fib about a patient's prognosis, with more than half admitting they described someone's prognosis in a way they knew was too rosy. Nearly 20 percent said they hadn't fully disclosed a medical mistake for fear of being sued. And 1 in 10 of those surveyed said they had told a patient something that wasn't true in the past year. Physician fibs? About half of the doctors surveyed said they have been less than honest with a patient to give them hope when faced with a grim diagnosis . But the survey, by Massachusetts researchers and published in this month's Health Affairs, does not explain why, or what wasn't true. Lead researcher Dr Lisa Iezzoni, a . Harvard Medical School professor and director of Massachusetts General . Hospital's Mongan Institute for Health Policy, said: 'I don't think that physicians set out to be dishonest'. She said the untruths could have been to give people hope. But it takes open communication for patients to make fully informed decisions about their health care, as opposed to the 'doctor-knows-best' paternalism of medicine's past, Dr Iezzoni added. The survey offers 'a reason for patients to be vigilant and to be very clear with their physician about how much they do want to know,' she said. Guarded condition: The survey suggests that many doctors fail to admit a medical mistake to avoid an expensive lawsuit . The findings come from a 2009 survey of more than 1,800 physicians nationwide to see if they agree with and follow certain standards of medical professionalism issued in 2002. Among the voluntary standards are that doctors should be open and honest about all aspects of patient care, and promptly disclose any mistakes. A third of those surveyed didn't completely agree that doctors should 'fess up' about mistakes. That's even though a growing number of medical centres are adopting policies that tell doctors to say 'I'm sorry' up front, in part because studies have found patients less likely to sue when that happens. Not revealing a mistake is 'just inexcusable,' said Dr Arthur Caplan, a prominent medical ethicist at the University of Pennsylvania. Beyond decency, 'your care now has to be different because of what happened.' The vast majority of those surveyed agreed that physicians should fully inform patients of the risks, not just the benefits, of treatment options and never tell a patient something that isn't true - even though some acknowledged they hadn't followed that advice at least on rare occasions in the past year. Perhaps least surprising is that doctors give overly positive prognoses. Best policy: The majority of those surveyed agreed doctors should never tell a patient something that isn't true - even though some acknowledged they hadn't followed that advice in the past year . It's hard to deliver bad news, especially when a patient has run out of options, and until recently doctors have had little training in how to do so. But Dr Iezzoni said patients with the worst outlook especially deserve to know, so they can get their affairs in order, and patient studies have found most want to know. What else might doctors not tell? There are shades of gray, said Dr Caplan, the ethicist. For example, he has heard doctors agonize over what to tell parents about a very premature baby's chances, knowing the odds are really bad but also knowing they've seen miracles. Doctors prescribe placebos sometimes, and telling the patient could negate chances of the fake treatment helping, he noted. Sometimes they exaggerate a health finding to shock the patient into shaping up. And sometimes it's a matter of dribbling out a hard truth to give patients a chance to adjust, Dr Caplan said: 'OK, this looks serious but we're going to order some more tests,' when the doctor already knows just how grim things are. Withholding the full story is getting harder, though, Dr Iezzoni said. Not only do more patients Google their conditions so they know what to ask, but some doctors who have embraced electronic medical records allow patients to check their test results. | Study out of Massachusetts reveals some doctors don't disclose medical mistakes out of fear of being sued .
Half of doctors surveyed say they have been dishonest to give a patient hope in a grim diagnosis .
A third of doctors say they don't completely agree that physicians should 'fess up' about their mistakes . |
65,709 | ba8ba56f6415635820ef94617944ad34bb8c7c4f | A United Airlines flight traveling to China from the U.S. on Thursday was turned around in mid-air after a mother who had kidnapped her child was discovered on board. The woman had taken her child from his father on a flight bound for Beijing out of Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. The FBI contacted Flight 897 in mid-air and asked that it return to D.C. soon after its midday takeoff. The plane landed back at the airport around 5pm. Scroll down for video . A United Airlines flight bound for Beijing from D.C. was turned around in mid-air on Thursday after a mother who was kidnapping her child was reported on board . The child was found on board the flight with his mother and grandmother. The mother was taken into custody at the gate and the child reunited with the father, the FBI told MailOnline today. The family has not yet been identified but the alleged kidnapping occurred following a custody issue, a spokesman said. The grandmother was not arrested. The woman is due to appear in federal court in Virginia on Friday afternoon where she faces charges of international parental kidnapping. The United flight took off for a second time shortly before 8pm. In a statement today, United told MailOnline: 'We returned to Washington Dulles at the request of law enforcement. 'UA flight 897 from Dulles to Beijing originally departed on time at 12.20pm. After it returned to Dulles, we assigned a new crew due to crew legality limits, and then re-departed for Beijing at 7:47 pm ET.' A woman who kidnapped her child was arrested at Washington-Dulles Airport on Thursday after trying to flee to China . | The FBI contacted the flight in mid-air and asked that it return to D.C. soon after its midday takeoff on Thursday .
The mother, who was on board with her child and the child's grandmother, was arrested at the gate .
She is due in federal court today to face charges of international parental kidnapping . |
183,534 | 79c088344cf79485141fa3bfe9921330d51266e9 | Sunderland manager Gus Poyet criticised the inconsistency of referee Craig Pawson after their defeat against Liverpool. Pawson sent Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt off for two bookable offences at the Stadium of Light, but Poyet feels the official failed to show the same discipline for Liverpool. Poyet believes Liverpool winger Philippe Coutinho should have been sent off for committing the same fouls as Bridcutt, and that Pawson put in an unacceptable performance. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet criticised the inconsistency of referee Craig Pawson after their defeat . Pawson sent Sunderland midfielder Liam Bridcutt off for two bookable offences at the Stadium of Light . Poyet believes Liverpool winger Philippe Coutinho should have been sent off for committing the same fouls . CLICK HERE FOR THE MATCH REPORT . 'The foul (by Bridcutt) stopped an attack and if I'm being honest it could have been a yellow card,' Poyet said. 'But by the same rule Coutinho should also have had two yellow cards. 'You cannot pick and choose - you either referee by the rules or by common sense, and I think the referee picked when he was going to referee by the rules and when by common sense, and that is not acceptable.' Sunderland have not won at home since October, and Poyet begged for patience from unimpressed supporters after they made their feelings clear at the final whistle. Bridcutt leaves after being sent off for Sunderland as they lost 1-0 against Liverpool at home again . 'We are trying and I think they (the fans) need to accept reality - I think they should look at what has been going on for four or five years and I think they should be a little more patient now,' he added. 'It's true that we don't give them too much and it's unfair to ask the fans for anything - we have to make sure we give them a few wins at home so they can enjoy them. 'We need to be positive. I think we lost the first 45 minutes of a very important game and when you do that against a team like Liverpool, normally you get punished - then we tried and played better when we were down to 10 men. 'But on the day it was not enough so it is a good way of learning that you cannot give too much away in a game like this.' Sunderland manager Poyet feels Pawson put in an unacceptable performance at the Stadium of Light . | Sunderland manager Gus Poyet criticised inconsistency of Craig Pawson .
Pawson sent Sunderland's Liam Bridcutt off for two bookable offences .
Poyet believes Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho should have been sent off . |
275,898 | f16b3459d41ae38952f705169e8910fce80caaf2 | By . Helen Lawson . PUBLISHED: . 06:31 EST, 16 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:14 EST, 16 March 2013 . Michael Duthie was given 180 hours of community service yesterday after he admitted claiming benefits after a £250,000 lottery win . A lottery winner who claimed £13,000 in benefits after his win escaped a jail term yesterday. Michael Duthie won £250,000 in March 2010 but continued to claim jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit and council tax benefit, while spending £50,000 of his prize on buying his council house. Yesterday Sheriff Elizabeth Munro ordered Duthie to carry out 180 hours of community service at a sentencing hearing at Dundee Sheriff Court. She said: 'I still don't understand . your attitude or why you think your fellow citizens and taxpayers should . pay for you - why should they pay for you when you have £250,000 there. 'That's a bizarre attitude.' His lawyer also told the court that . Duthie was now appealing a ruling that he wasn't allowed benefits - . despite telling the court he could access his invested money to pay a . fine if necessary. Duthie, from Dundee, admitted claiming £7173.79 in jobseeker’s allowance, £1391.82 in council tax benefit and £4825.52 in housing benefit after his windfall - a total of £13,391.13. His scam was discovered after an anonymous tip-off. He told investigators from the Department of Work and Pensions that there was 'no money left' and it was 'all gone on the bookies'. The court heard that Duthie was living almost 'hand to mouth' - because he was not earning any interest on the 'substantial' sums he invested in bonds. Duthie's bank statements showed that £250,000 had been deposited in his account by Camelot on March 1 2010. It is unclear as to whether he won the cash on a scratchcard or in a Lotto draw. Ross Bennett, defending, said Duthie had given £50,000 of his winnings to his family, and spent another £50,000 on buying his council house. He said a substantial amount of the money - understood to be tens of thousands of pounds - was invested in bonds, but that had left Duthie without any cash. Mr Bennett said: 'He now realises that what he did wasn't right but he was in the benefits culture and it was like his lottery win was forgotten about. 'I hate to use the phrase a hand to mouth existence, but he's not getting any money - he's getting no interest from his bonds. 'He has not had any benefits at all for over a year, and that matter is being taken to appeal. Sheriff Elizabeth Munro, sitting at Dundee Sheriff Court, told Duthie: 'I still don't understand your attitude or why you think your fellow citizens and taxpayers should pay for you' 'I don't know his chances of success, however, but there is a possibility he will restart benefits. 'He thinks he has been harshly dealt with and his concepts that he could simply be admonished is completely and utterly ridiculous.' Sheriff Munro told Duthie: 'You seem you accept now that the world doesn't owe you a living. 'This order is a direct alternative to imprisonment, and if it is breached then you will come back before me and I'll have little alternative but to send you to custody.' | Michael Duthie ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service .
Court heard he was living 'hand to mouth' because of low-earning bonds . |
147,249 | 4a63e67bddfbfe2496fe5cad00373c87473ec534 | Los Angeles (CNN) -- Rodney King, whose videotaped beating by police ultimately led to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence on Tuesday, police said. King was behind the wheel of a 1994 Mitsubishi when he was pulled over in Moreno Valley, in Southern California's Riverside County, the city's police department reported. Officers saw King -- who has acknowledged a longstanding drinking problem -- commit "several traffic violations," a police statement said. "A preliminary evaluation of the driver indicated he was possibly driving while impaired. The subject was transported to the Moreno Valley Police Department for a further evaluation," police said. He was booked after that further evaluation, they said. King's 1991 beating by Los Angeles police officers after a traffic stop left him with skull fractures and brain and kidney damage. It was captured on video by a nearby resident, and four officers were indicted as a result. But their trial the following year led to three acquittals and a mistrial in the predominantly white suburb of Simi Valley, verdicts that set off three days of riots in African-American neighborhoods. By the time it was over, 55 people were dead, more than 2,000 were hurt, and property damage exceeded $1 billion. Two of the officers were later convicted of federal civil rights charges, and King won $3.8 million in damages from the city in a civil suit. King was on parole for robbery at the time of the beating and has had several run-ins with the law in the ensuing years. He served a 90-day jail term in 1996 for a hit-and-run involving his wife at the time, and pleaded guilty in 2004 to reckless driving and driving under the influence of a controlled substance. In March, he was cited for driving without a license after being pulled over in Arcadia, California. | King was booked on suspicion of driving under the influence .
His 1991 beating by police led to massive riots the following year . |
43,284 | 7a0f958120d37303e5e509d67347c80d1c1b91bf | Too much: Most Britons will unwittingly take in an astonishing 7000 calories on Christmas day . With less than three weeks to go until Christmas, the countdown is on to ensure gifts, food and drink are ready to go come the big day. But the endless supply of chocolates, snacks, mince pies and festive drinks has a hefty downside, with the average Briton likely to gain 6lbs in the eight days between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Unsurprisingly, the worst day for calorie consumption is Christmas day itself when most us unwittingly consume a shocking 7000 calories - and hit the recommended daily allowance before sitting down to Christmas dinner. According to new research, by 2.08pm, most of us will have consumed our daily calorie allowance (2000 kcals for women, 2500kcals for men). Starting with a 135-calorie celebratory breakfast of smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, the gluttonous day usually ends with two mince pies - another 460 calories. But although Christmas lunch has the highest calorie count, the real pitfall is snacking with abundant chocolate, nuts and biscuits heaping on thousands of extra calories. Despite the healthy turkey, a full Christmas lunch with all the trimmings is equivalent to 1,450 calories with pudding, complete with custard and brandy butter, adds another 1,174 on top. Weighty effort: A chart showing how calorie consumption stacks up over the course of Christmas day . And the weighty cost of Christmas lunch hasn't gone unnoticed with one in eight British people admitting to wanting to slim down in advance. The research also found that over a third (35 per cent) said they would like to be 7lbs to 1 stone 7lbs lighter than they currently are. However, it appears that when it comes to shifting the extra pounds gained, yo-yo dieting still reigns supreme, with nearly two thirds (65 per cent) of those that had tried at least one weight loss programme finding that they either did not lose any weight or have piled it all back on since. Calorific: A roast with all the trimmings is equivalent to 1,450 calories while seconds will add another 725 . Alexis Boo, spokesperson at Ideal Weight commented, ‘With the numerous parties and desire to look good in our best outfit, Christmas is a key time for people to think about their weight. 'It’s easy to go overboard during the festive season and eat indulgently with all the temptations on offer, but there’s no reason why you can’t have a bit of what you fancy without worrying about the waistline. 'With some careful preparation in the run up to Christmas, it’s easy to change your eating habits and by paying attention to ourselves through a combination of a wholesome diet and improved levels of exercise, we can set ourselves up for longer term health gains.’ | On average, each of us consumes 7,000 calories on Christmas day alone .
2,265 of those calories are consumed before the roast lunch .
Come from alcohol and snacking on nuts, chocolate and mince pies .
A plate of turkey with all the trimmings adds up to 1,450 calories .
Christmas pudding with custard and brandy butter is 1,174 calories .
The average Brit will gain 6lbs between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day . |
273,117 | edc846a040dbfc78d380d3853f56c5476f3812a2 | (CNN) -- Until 1995, Jack Ma had never touched a computer. Today he is China's best known Internet entrepreneur and the force behind e-commerce company Alibaba. Under Jack Ma's leadership, the Alibaba Group now operates five companies. In 1995 he founded China Pages, the first Internet-based company in China. He then accepted an invitation from China's Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) to head the information department of the China International Electronic Commerce Center (CIECC.) In March 1999, Jack and his team of 18 founders launched Alibaba.com from his Hangzhou apartment, with a dream of making business easier for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Under Jack's leadership, the Alibaba Group has expanded from its roots as a global B2B Web site and now operates five companies with leading positions in e-marketplaces (Alibaba.com and Taobao), search (Yahoo! China), online payment (Alipay) and business software (Alisoft.) Jack steered Alibaba's acquisition of Yahoo! China in October 2005, one of the most high profile M&A deals in China in recent years, and was the principal driver behind the creation of Taobao, Alipay and Alisoft. Today, the e-marketplace he helped found is the world's largest B2B e-commerce Web site, and the Alibaba Group employs more than 5,000 people, serving millions of businesses and consumers around the world. In 2001, he was chosen by the World Economic Forum as a "Young Global Leader" and in 2004 he was selected by China Central Television (CCTV) and its viewers as one of the "Top 10 Business Leaders of the Year." He has been named as one of the "25 Most Powerful Businesspeople in Asia" by FORTUNE in 2005, ranked 15th among "50 Who Matter Now" by Business 2.0 in 2006, and listed as one of the "50 Most Important People on the Web" by PC World in 2007. E-mail to a friend . | Ma founded China's first Internet-based company in 1995 .
He was also head of the information department of the CIECC .
Since 1999 he has been at the head of the Alibaba Group .
He is considered one of the most important figures on the Web . |
136,049 | 3c04e28e0d7e7ce0ba8253dceaf317766f288483 | Teenage girls are risking their lives using counterfeit abortion pills bought online for as little as 78p each because they are too terrified to tell their parents they are pregnant, experts warn. The drugs, which have labelled 'modern-day back street abortions', are easily available from hundreds of pharmacy sites, but they can be fatal if taken in wrong doses. Most of the drugs come from India where legal loopholes mean domestic firms are allowed to produce generic versions of branded medicines. Desperation: Teenage girls are turning to counterfeit abortion pills bought online, because they are too terrified to tell their parents they are pregnant . However some are now understood to be imported from China where they are produced by criminal gangs with no regulation or quality control, the Daily Mirror reports. Ann Furedi, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service, said: 'It is extremely troubling if any woman feels her only course of action is to buy this medication online to end her pregnancy. 'With the appalling exception of Northern Ireland, abortion in the UK is safe, free, and confidential for women, including teenagers, up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. 'The biggest risk when you buy online is that you don't know what you are getting, nor what doses are needed for it to work. While medical abortion is safe, this is not something women should have to go through without clinical advice and support in place. Side-effects of taking the tablets include excessive bleeding, infections of the womb and, in rare cases, blood poisoning. Women who have this type of abortion are twice as likely to need hospital treatment as those who have the procedure done surgically. Up to 1.5 per cent are admitted to hospital suffering from complications, compared with 0.6 per cent who have surgery. Around 1 per cent develop pelvic inflammatory disease, an infection of the womb which can cause infertility. And in some cases women have lost so much blood they have needed a transfusion. Most suffer pain or cramps in the abdomen. Diarrhoea, nausea and vomiting are also common. There have been two known deaths caused by early medical abortion tablets since they were first offered in Britain in 1991 . 'Women should know that they can access free abortion services often without seeing their GP, and we would urge any woman considering this to contact us in total confidence for help. 'But there is a lesson for all of us here - it illustrates that any attempts to further restrict the already heavily regulated area of abortion will simply lead to women taking their health into their own hands. Online pills will be the backstreet abortions of the 21st Century.' The pills allow women to terminate their pregnancies quickly and quietly in their own home rather than having to make several trips to a clinic, which may involve taking time off work or school. They are far cheaper than having the treatment privately, which can cost up to £500. Women who have this type of abortion are twice as likely to need hospital treatment as those who have the procedure done surgically. Side-effects from taking the tablets include excessive bleeding, infections of the womb and, in rare cases, blood poisoning. A Mail investigation in 2011 was able to but pills online easily from aLondon-based online pharmacy for £15. But since then the price appears to have plummeted. Dr Kate Guthrie of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists said: ‘There is still a social prejudice about abortions. ‘Women may turn to these websites because they are embarrassed or they are just so appalled by their pregnancy. 'They might be reluctant to see their GP in case they think badly of them. They are effectively backstreet abortions.’ | Girls using online drugs because they are too terrified to tell parents .
It means they can terminate pregnancies quietly and at home .
Private abortion treatment can cost up to £500 in the UK .
Some of the pills are being produced by criminal gangs in China . |
284,232 | fc3e58c432d8cd2b45e20fbfd5cca76ac9d046b4 | SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- A 69-year-old who was previously convicted of torching a palace has been arrested in connection with a fire that destroyed Namdaemun, South Korea's oldest wooden structure and a national treasure, authorities said on Tuesday. People on Monday look at the debris of the Namdaemun gate in central Seoul after the fire. Similarities between the Sunday night fire and the 2006 blaze led to the investigation of a man identified only as Mr. Chae, said Kim Young-Su, chief of police of the Namdaemun police station. Chae had served time in prison for the palace fire. Police searched the home of Chae's ex-wife and found a can of paint thinner and a pair of leather gloves they believe were used in the fire, Kim said. Chae confessed to starting the fire, saying he was upset by a land grievance that led him to start the 2006 fire and by the sentence he was handed in that case, Kim said. Chae was free on a suspended sentence, Kim added. Chae said he chose Namdaemun because it was easily accessible by public transportation and yet situated in a lightly populated area where the fire was unlikely to hurt people, according to police. The fire burned for hours, and more than a hundred firefighters tried to save it. Watch the reaction to the Namdaemun's destruction » . Namdaemun was more than 600 years old and stood at the center of Seoul, having served as a main gate into the capital for centuries. The gate was considered a national symbol to Koreans around the world. E-mail to a friend . | NEW: "Mr. Chae" was convicted of torching a Korean palace in 2006 .
NEW: Chae has confessed to starting the Namdaemun fire, police chief says .
NEW: Easy access, lightly populated area dictated Namdaemun choice, police say .
The more-than-600-year-old Namdaemun was country's oldest wooden structure . |
200,953 | 902a17204be5221c41c1228d911e26033ea98a79 | "Thanks for the nomination Luke," jokes a young man in a YouTube clip pouring what he says is a new, unopened bottle of Sambuca spirits into a pint glass along with another, unidentified drink. As the liquids mix, he observes: "And that is congealing nicely ... whew ... okay," before knocking back the potion. After a brief pause he declares: "I nominate [he names some friends]. You've got 24 hours lads. Get it done." The game, known as Neknominate, is thought to have originated in Australia and is now sweeping the world. It involves you filming yourself downing a drink -- often alcoholic and of large quantities -- and then nominating a friend to outdo you. All this is posted on social media -- be it Facebook or YouTube. But what started for some as fun has turned deadly; at least five men aged under 30 have died after drinking deadly cocktails. Now health professionals are warning young people of the risks of consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short time. "This is a lethal game," Dr. Sarah Jarvis, medical adviser for the UK-based charity Drinkaware, told CNN. "The point about alcohol is that it affects your ability to recognize that you're in danger, and it absolutely affects your ability to react to danger. So we have a double whammy." There appears to be no limit to the type of drinks that are consumed, and in what matter. Each nomination becomes more and more daring and outlandish. It started as exhibitionism with this woman stripping in the supermarket and downing a drink, but the bravado has escalated into extreme cocktails: One mixes spirits with a dead mouse, in another a man drinks out of a toilet, and the craze has seen players consume alcohol with goldfish, insects, engine oil and dog food. Unsurprisingly the trend has prompted politicians to demand that schools play a bigger role. "The Facebook drinking game Neknomination has gone viral, and very sadly young people have died as a result," said UK opposition spokesman Diana Johnson. "What role do schools have in building resilience in our young people to resist peer pressure?" The role of social media giants like Facebook is also coming under scrutiny. Brian Viner, whose own son has played the game, demanded that those companies face up to their responsibilities. His son was nominated and pressured to play the game but drank water instead of vodka so as not to harm himself. "I was cross with him but more cross with the social media involved and the way this game has just spread," Viner said. "The whole thing is madness and it needs some kind of sharp and swift action on the part of these social networks to stop it." Facebook said in a statement: "We do not tolerate content which is directly harmful, for example bullying, but behavior which some people may find offensive or controversial is not always necessarily against our rules. "We encourage people to report things to us which they feel breaks our rules so we can review and take action on a case by case basis." But Dr. Jarvis rejected this defense, saying Facebook must recognize its own role in the game. "It's very difficult in this day of personal liberties to say that Facebook shouldn't be condoning this or taking these videos offline. "Personally, I would like to see that happening. Frankly, if the thrill wasn't there, your mates weren't seeing you, I expect it would very rapidly fizzle out." | Neknominate game, thought to have originated in Australia, now sweeping the world .
At least five men aged under 30 have died after drinking deadly cocktails.
There appears to be no limit to the type of drinks that are consumed .
The role of social media giants like Facebook is also coming under scrutiny . |
32,625 | 5cbef0647b2dbece6a0261ca2f836e84520b2b32 | London (CNN) -- English soccer's most successful manager -- Manchester United's Alex Ferguson -- is retiring at the end of the season after more than a quarter of a century at the helm, the club announced Wednesday. The 71-year-old Scot has managed the English club, which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and loved by millions of fans around the world, from Manchester to Manila and Montreal, since 1986. Everton manager David Moyes is the bookmakers' favorite to succeed his compatriot, and the 50-year-old will be confirmed as the next United boss on Thursday according to widespread British media reports. During his 26 years in charge, Ferguson -- a supporter of Britain's Labour Party who's renowned for dressing down players with the "hairdryer treatment" -- has won more than 30 trophies, including 13 league championships. Many fans took to Twitter to voice their appreciation, using the handle #thankyousiralex. He became Sir Alex when knighted by the queen more than a decade ago for his services to the game. 'Thank you for everything,' say Manchester United fans . As well as dominating on the pitch, Ferguson has helped build the century-old soccer club into a huge business operation whose progress is followed on stock exchanges around the world. Its shares dipped nearly 5% in early trading Wednesday. The Old Trafford club is owned by the American Glazer family, who oversaw the club's listing on the New York Stock Exchange last August. For the 2011-2012 season, United increased revenues by £14.2 million to £117.6 million ($182.4), the highest of any club in the Premier League. But it lost the top spot as the world's most valuable sports franchise in this year's Forbes list to Spanish soccer club Real Madrid. Forbes valued Manchester United at $3.17 billion, still ahead of Barcelona, another Spanish soccer club, and two U.S. outfits, the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball and the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Ferguson will bow out after the club's last game of the season, an away match against West Bromwich Albion, on May 19, according to a statement from Manchester United. Watch: Alex Ferguson's legacy . Before then he will have one more home game for the "Red Devils" at Old Trafford on Sunday, against Swansea City. 'A bright future' It's not clear who the club will choose to replace him. Ferguson will join the club's board as a director and "ambassador," Manchester United said. "The decision to retire is one that I have thought a great deal about and one that I have not taken lightly. It is the right time," Ferguson said. "It was important to me to leave an organization in the strongest possible shape and I believe I have done so." The quality of the team, the balance of the players' ages and its upcoming youth squad will contribute to its continued "success at the highest level" and "ensure that the long-term future of the club remains a bright one," he said. Seven moments that defined Ferguson's managerial career . Ferguson paid tribute to the club's "players and staff, past and present," thanking them "for a staggering level of professional conduct and dedication that has helped to deliver so many memorable triumphs. Without their contribution the history of this great club would not be as rich." He also expressed gratitude to his own family, the Glazer family, and the club's many supporters, at home and abroad. "Alex has proven time and time again what a fantastic manager he is but he's also a wonderful person. His determination to succeed and dedication to the club have been truly remarkable," Joel Glazer said. The club also quotes former Manchester United and England captain Bryan Robson as saying Ferguson is the "greatest there has ever been." 'Extraordinary success' Gavin Hamilton, editor of World Soccer magazine, told CNN he considers Ferguson to be unsurpassed as a manager in his time. "In the modern era, where's he's dealt with the players on huge salaries and the corporate world that is now football, he has had extraordinary success," he said. "He's tough and uncompromising and, I think, completely dedicated to being a winner." Whoever takes over at Old Trafford has a hard act to follow, Hamilton said -- but Manchester United will have been planning carefully for this moment. "There will definitely be someone in place, I think -- the big question now is who that person will be because it's been kept a secret from everyone until now," Hamilton said. Whoever it will be has a daunting, if exciting, prospect ahead. "It's the largest football club in the world, it's the biggest management job in the world, and on top of that is the task of following the most successful manager in the club's history," Hamilton said. While Moyes is favored for the job after more than a decade with EPL club Everton, other names on the bookmakers' list include: Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, formerly of Chelsea and currently at Real Madrid; Borussia Dortmund's Jurgen Klopp; Michael Laudrup of Swansea City; and former Manchester United striker Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, currently managing Norwegian team Molde. Health concerns? Fans' thoughts are bound to turn quickly to the 2013-2014 season, starting in September, as Manchester United prepares to defend its domestic title and attempts another win in Europe. As recently as last week, Ferguson suggested that he was fully involved in those future plans, promising the club would be "competitive" in the summer transfer market. Speaking to Inside United, the club's official magazine, Ferguson said: "Hopefully the players we bring into the club in the next year or so will be of the quality we need." Manchester United coasted to this year's English Premier League title with a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa in April, with four games in hand. Ferguson is due to undergo hip surgery this summer, according to UK media reports, but it's not clear how much of a role health concerns have played in his decision to stand down. "I think retirement's for young people because you can do something else. When you get to my age, if your health is good, you like to work," he told CNN in a 2010 interview. Sports writer Mihir Bose said he was surprised by the timing of Ferguson's decision, despite his upcoming surgery, saying he had expected him to carry on as manager for another couple of years. Ferguson -- who is seen as a kind of father figure by some of the young players he developed -- has "that ability to reach out to people," said Bose, but he is also a skilled political operator. "He could be delightful but he was a man who made sure that he controlled the agenda," he told CNN. "If you crossed his path he made it very clear that he controlled everything at Manchester United." Those who got the famous "hairdryer treatment" -- loud shouting directly in someone's face -- included many sports journalists over the years. Ferguson would also refuse to speak to reporters if he didn't like what they said. Despite that thorny relationship, Ferguson will be remembered as an iconic figure in English football history, said Bose. The big challenge now is how Manchester United will manage the transition to ensure continued success, he added. 'A sad day' Former Manchester United and Denmark goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel told CNN he was still trying to make sense of the news. "It is a sad day. I'm shocked, I'm sad, I'm disappointed. It's a day I think everyone who loves Manchester United, everyone who's worked with Sir Alex -- it's a day that we've been expecting, but I have to be honest I didn't think it would be now -- I thought it would be a couple of years down the line." Schmeichel said he was certain that Ferguson had not been forced out but had made the decision himself, given his record of success and changes already happening on the club's board this summer. He paid tribute to Ferguson's knowledge, skills and philosophy as a manager, particularly his ability to bring on young players. Internationally known footballers like David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Nicky Butt were all created by Ferguson, Schmeichel said. "He is the best manager in the world and he's the best guy as well. He's a really good friend as well." Ferguson's talent has been in managing players individually rather than as a group, Schmeichel said. "The end result is that everyone plays really well for the team," Schmeichel said. "Yes, he can be hard, he can be tough. ... In a way he becomes your second dad. He has to educate you in life, he has to prepare you for what comes next in life after football." 'Vision, energy, ability' David Gill, who will step down as chief executive of Manchester United in June, said it had been a "tremendous pleasure" to work alongside Ferguson over the past 16 years. "We knew that his retirement would come one day and we both have been planning for it by ensuring the quality of the squad and club structures are in first class condition," he said. "Alex's vision, energy and ability have built teams -- both on and off the pitch -- that his successor can count on as among the best and most loyal in world sport." Ferguson began his career on the soccer pitch, playing for Scottish clubs Queen's Park, St. Johnstone, Dunfermline, Glasgow Rangers, Falkirk and Ayr United. But it was when he returned to the game as a manager, working at East Stirlingshire, St. Mirren and then Aberdeen that people really began to take notice. He led Aberdeen to three Scottish titles, four Scottish cups, one League Cup and one European Cup Winners' Cup before moving to Manchester United in November 1986 following the dismissal of former manager Ron Atkinson. It didn't take long for the Scotsman to start turning things round at a club that was then near the bottom of the league. Since then, Ferguson has dominated the English game -- his string of victories making him, according to the Manchester United website, "the most successful manager in British football history." CNN's Alex Thomas and Patrick Sung contributed to this report. | NEW: Shares of Manchester United drop nearly 5% in early trading following the news .
Ferguson is retiring after the last game of the season on May 19, after 26 years in charge .
The decision to retire was not taken lightly, but this "is the right time," Ferguson says .
NEW: Everton manager David Moyes is the odds-on favorite to succeed Ferguson . |
72,025 | cc289c40e1bc21e5795cb18b6a292feabbe93d47 | The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to close friend Joan Rivers praising her 'enormous zest for life' after her death yesterday at the age of 81. Prince Charles and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, said they were 'deeply saddened' to hear the news about the comedian, who died in a Manhattan hospital yesterday after she went into cardiac arrest during a routine throat procedure last week. Miss Rivers was a guest at the royal couple's wedding in 2005 and also performed for the Prince, the Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry at the We Are Most Amused comedy gala, in aid of the Prince's Trust. Scroll down for video . Joan Rivers, greeting Prince Charles after a performance for his charity the Prince's Trust in 2008. Today he paid tribute to comedian's 'zest for life' In a statement released by Clarence House today, the Prince of Wales said: 'Joan Rivers was an extraordinary woman with an original and indefatigable spirit, an unstoppable sense of humour and an enormous zest for life. She will be hugely missed and utterly irreplaceable.' The comedian struck up an unlikely friendship with the royal couple in 2003, when they were introduced on a painting holiday in the South of France by a mutual friend. As they became closer, she was invited to the couple’s wedding reception at Windsor Castle — one of only four Americans on the list — and took part in a comedy show to mark Charles’ 60th birthday in 2008. She also enjoyed private charity dinners at the Prince's Highgrove estate and was a keen supporter of osteoporosis suffers, a cause close to Camilla's heart. In 2011, she recalled the time she enjoyed a dinner at the estate and made a toast against all protocol saying, 'I just want to say that this is for all you b*****s in the room who married your husbands for their money. Joan Rivers, pictured outside Windsor Castle in 2005 at the wedding of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall . 'I know who you are and Charles knows, too, because I've pointed you all out to him', leaving her royal hosts in laughter. She also added how the couple got her humour adding: '‘I’d already told Camilla a joke about Cher liking younger men so much that she hangs around Toys ‘R’ Us, and she got it straight away. 'Charles and Camilla have a great sense of humour. 'He (Prince Charles) is so charming, so humorous. All the passions that everyone used to laugh at him for — organic food, architecture, talking to the flowers, we’re all into those things now. 'He is so far ahead of his time, and I think he will be a very good monarch. He is a very smart man and I adore him.' The legendary comedienne was rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital in New York a week ago after going into cardiac arrest during an outpatient procedure on her vocal chords at another clinic, which is now under investigation. Joan Rivers, pictured with her daughter Melissa, who released the statement yesterday announcing her mother's death at the age of 81 . Floral tributes have been placed on Miss Rivers' star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame after the news of her death broke . Miss Rivers, who was mother to Melissa, and doting grandmother to Melissa’s son Cooper, had most recently hosted Fashion Police on the E! network. In a statement released yesterday, Melissa said: 'It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my mother, Joan Rivers. ‘She passed peacefully at 1:17pm surrounded by family and close friends. My son and I would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mount Sinai Hospital for the amazing care they provided for my mother. ‘Cooper and I have found ourselves humbled by the outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received from around the world. They have been heard and appreciated. ‘My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.’ A funeral for Joan Rivers will be held Sunday at Temple Emanu-El in New York City. | Prince of Wales says he was 'deeply saddened' by the comedian's death .
Miss Rivers was friends with royal couple attending their wedding in 2005 .
Struck up a friendship with them after meeting on holiday in 2003 .
Performed for the prince at charity concerts and had dinners at his home .
Comedian previously praised the royal couple's sense of humour .
Also added that she thought Charles would 'be a very good monarch'
Her funeral will take place on Sunday at Temple Emanu-El in New York City . |
140,420 | 4194e21240c17d6b1e21af0d9a8ed0b78deff728 | (CNN)Fox News firebrand Bill O'Reilly agrees. So does Washington Post columnist Charles Krauthammer. Even conservative kingpin Rush Limbaugh has something in common with the thousands of protesters flooding American streets with anger over the grand jury decision in the Eric Garner case. They all think the grand jury got it wrong. It was enough for the satirists at NBC's "Saturday Night Live" to poke a little fun at civil rights icon Al Sharpton, who has found his world suddenly turned topsy-turvy will all the new allies in the Garner case. "What the hell is going on?" an actor portraying Sharpton said on Saturday's program. "Last night I was sitting in front of my TV, and I found myself saying, 'You damn right, Bill O'Reilly.' I'm all messed up!" And it's not just O'Reilly. In contrast with another high-profile case involving brutality complaints against police -- the shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri -- a solid majority of Americans disagree with the New York grand jury that declined to charge Officer Daniel Pantaleo in Garner's death, according to a Bloomberg Politics poll released Sunday. 'Week of Outrage' gets underway . According to the poll, 60% of Americans feel the grand jury made the wrong decision. Twenty-five percent of respondents said they agreed with the decision. The backlash -- both from conservative commentators and the public -- is different from the reaction to the recent grand jury decision to forgo charges against the white police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, a much more widely reported incident. In that case, a majority of Americans agreed with the grand jury, although opinions were split firmly along racial, and often political lines. According to the Bloomberg poll, 52% of Americans -- including 64% of whites -- sided with the grand jury's findings. Thirty-six percent disagreed, including 78% of African-American respondents to the poll, which was conducted December 3 to December 5 and has a margin of error of three percentage points. A CNN/ORC poll found similar divisions in the Ferguson case. In that poll -- conducted before the grand jury decision was announced -- 54% of non-whites said Ferguson police Officer Darren Wilson should be charged with murder. Among whites, 23% shared the same feeling. Washington Post writer Aaron Blake said the poll results in the Garner case show it is "the turning point Ferguson never was." "In the Garner case, there is a video, leading to less debate about the particulars of precisely what happened," Blake wrote in a piece published Monday. "As this poll shows, that is much more conducive to building consensus. And when it comes to taking action in response -- action of any kind -- that kind of bipartisan and biracial consensus makes it significantly more likely," he wrote. Not so fast, said Jason Johnson, a political science professor at Hiram College in Hiram, Ohio. "Acknowledging something is wrong is not the same as doing something about it," he said. He said conservative pundits who have "cherry picked" the Garner case aren't likely to stand arm-in-arm with protesters demanding reforms. But what of the poll results showing more Americans take issue with the Garner decision? That's where Johnson sees change coming, but not with Garner's death as the catalyst. Political and demographic changes have been driving those changes for years, Johnson said, ever since the Rodney King case roiled Los Angeles and the nation after police officers were taped beating King as he rolled in agony on a Los Angeles street following a high-speed chase. Trust in police has fallen in recent years, he said, citing poll results that particularly show a decline in trust among African-Americans. Meanwhile, the country has become more diverse. Those changes will eventually force a change in how police do their work, Johnson said. What the Garner case could do, he said, is move the national conversation past what some consider to be the overly simplistic suggestion that police body cameras will solve everything. "The changes we're going to see now, if there are any, are going to have to be much more substantive and much more on the ground," he said. | Polling, pundit reactions, suggest outrage over Eric Garner case is widespread .
Conservative icons join protesters in criticizing grand jury decision .
But political science professor says he doesn't think that means the case is a watershed . |
170,660 | 68e660c35b5c1feaf4d0b0d5d65d26de0373d427 | (CNN) -- I remember the day I rang the bell. When you finish radiation treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, there's a bell in the waiting room that you ring three times, and when you do, the entire room erupts with applause. I remember the immediate rush when it was my turn. I felt the euphoric joy of having survived. It's an elation that comes along with being alive and knowing that you've made it past chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, with clean margins. I felt deep gratitude for my medical caregivers, my generous friends and my family, especially my family. That was nine years ago. But still, even now, I have unanswered questions about the disease that almost cut my life short. At age 38, I was given six months to live. I had sarcoma, a rare cancer that can occur in bone or soft tissue, with no known cause and no cure. My lingering questions about sarcoma fuels my motivation to produce "Until 20," a documentary that follows James Ragan's quest to live his few remaining days of life fully. When I met James he was about to turn 20. We had both won the sarcoma cancer lottery. My 4-inch tumor was found growing along the radial nerve in my right arm. James's tumor resulted in the removal of about 40% of his left femur and 20% of his tibia. The five-year survival rate for this disease is frighteningly low. According to the National Cancer Institute, the five-year survival rate is about 66%. For me, after getting to know James the mystery of why I survived and many people do not triggered "survivor's guilt." This is the guilt that can occur when someone survives a traumatic event that others do not, such as accidents, war, natural disasters and even illnesses like cancer. Guilt is a complicated emotion. My cancer fight lasted a year and a half, and now, as far as my doctors know, there no active tumor cells in my body. I survived. James didn't. After repeated recurrences and seven major surgeries since his diagnosis at age 13, he died in February. We were fortunate enough that James chose to share the final year of his life with us. James said, "It's all about perspective. I'm constantly told that's what I provide people when they hear my story. I'm told that I give them new perspective on their life." Like James, I prefer to ask "now that I been marked by this disease, what can I do to make a difference?" I had cancer. I was lucky. Now I look ahead. "Until 20" is James' story. He should be an inspiration, not just for patients facing incurable diseases, and be seen as someone who encouraged adults and young people to make meaningful, values-based choices with their time and their lives. This documentary chronicles James' life after diagnosis, as he grows from a young athlete blindsided by disease into a passionate and caring young man. James shows us that you don't have to live a long life to make a difference. Sarcoma tumors develop in healthy people with no apparent risk factors. There's little incentive for pharmaceutical companies to find a cure for sarcoma. One percent of all adult cancers in America are sarcoma, and 15% of all childhood cancers are sarcoma. With so few cases, there's little money to be made from research. I have no patience with "my cancer is worse than your cancer" conversations. Cancer is not a competition. Cancer causes us all pain, and having a rare cancer is exponentially devastating, because there is so little research being done. The only remedy is banding together to create awareness and pushing for research funding. According to Dr. Ara Vaporciyan at MD Anderson, "one option would be to put in place some rules or some laws that protect drug companies to allow them to invest research dollars. And in some sort of tax reform or some way to encourage them to invest here, to make it worth their while to invest here." Why do we wait for a disease to teach us about living well and having compassion for others? James changed my life. In his deliberate quest to live a life worth living, he reminded me to live as though my days are numbered and to make every day count. You just need grit, passion and focused purpose. Humor helps, too. I have to believe that one of the most effective ways to move beyond survivor's guilt is to find purpose in my experience. I've learned lessons I couldn't have learned any other way. What seemed to be my premature death sentence has also become my good fortune. James gave me renewed perspective. "Am I sad about everything I am going to miss out on in life? Absolutely," said James. "But I am at peace. I've lived a pretty incredible 20 years." Join us on Facebook.com/CNNOpinion. | Geraldine Moriba was diagnosed with a rare cancer at age of 38 .
Her film will tell the story of James Ragan, a patient who also had the disease .
James was able to appreciate his short life while enduring seven major surgeries .
Moriba: Why do we wait for a disease to teach us about living well and having compassion? |
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