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140,095 | 4121d8b230be57ca2973b324d880a1bacab138ab | LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Firefighters will need at least until midweek to get control of wildfires that have destroyed more than 900 homes and other structures in Southern California, a Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman says. High winds have fanned blazes from Santa Barbara to Anaheim since Thursday, scorching an estimated 40,900 acres of land. Sustained winds eased Monday, but locally gusty conditions and humidity in the single-digit range could continue into Tuesday, the National Weather Service predicted. "If we were being very optimistic, we would be looking at the middle of the week," Los Angeles County fire Capt. Dennis Cross said. "If the weather forecast holds and we continue to get the great work being done in the last 24 hours, we're hoping midweek." The most extensive losses have been in the Oakridge Mobile Home Park in the Sylmar district of Los Angeles, where winds clocked as high as 70 mph drove a wall of flames across the hillsides and destroyed nearly 500 of the park's 608 mobile homes on Saturday. iReport.com: Map shows fire's devastation . A two-day search that ended Monday found no human remains amid the scorched wreckage, authorities said. But Deputy Police Chief Michel Moore said authorities still haven't accounted for the residents of 166 homes, and he wanted them to check in with investigators. "Help us bring full closure to this," Moore said Monday evening. Watch how fires destroyed hundreds of homes » . Moore said residents of the mobile home park would be allowed to return Tuesday "to come in and collect their belongings." The largest of three fires, the Freeway Complex fire, had set ablaze nearly 29,000 acres in Orange, Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Most of the damage was in Orange County, in the Los Angeles suburbs of Anaheim and Yorba Linda, where more than 100 homes were destroyed. Fire officials said the blaze, with 3,700 firefighters and other emergency personnel battling it, was about 40 percent contained Monday. Watch how it may take days to contain fires » . iReporter Carol Menke said she last saw her home in the Hollydale Mobile Home Estates in Brea Canyon around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday. "I know our firefighters are the best and the bravest in the world, but that wall of fire looked insurmountable," she said at the time. iReport.com: 'Insurmountable' wall of flames looms . Firefighters on Sunday night told Menke that one home was destroyed and one damaged in Hollydale, but neither was hers. See damage in Sylmar via satellite photography » . "I am so thankful that I am at a loss for words. My heart goes out to those not as fortunate," she said. The Sayre fire, which destroyed the mobile home park in Los Angeles' Sylmar district, was about 40 percent contained Monday morning after burning about 10,000 acres. Five firefighters and one civilian suffered minor injuries in the blaze, the Los Angeles County Fire Department reported. See images from the Los Angeles County fire » . In Santa Barbara County, northwest of Los Angeles, firefighters said they had a wildfire 95 percent contained after it destroyed more than 100 homes. Among the losses in the 1,900-plus acres it incinerated were a monastery and several mansions in a community where celebrities have homes. The fire destroyed the $11 million Montecito, California, home of Christopher Lloyd, star of "Back to the Future" and "Taxi." He showed the charred remnants to ABC's "Good Morning America" on Monday. Lloyd talks about his destroyed home . "It's amazing, its just gone," Lloyd told "Good Morning America." "Rebuilding would be -- it's too much. You can't rebuild that." Investigators believe the Santa Barbara County blaze was "human-caused," having eliminated "all accidental causes," said Doug Lannon, a spokesman for the state fire agency. iReport.com: Share wildfire photos, video . Authorities said they believe the fire started in the Tea Garden Estate, a privately owned multiple-acre property about one mile north of Santa Barbara's exclusive Westmont College. Although the fire did not hit the college campus, 15 faculty members lost their homes nearby, according to the college's Web site. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared states of emergency for the four affected counties after the fire damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes and closed major freeways. The move frees any state resources needed, and makes the counties eligible for federal assistance grants. CNN's Kara Finnstrom contributed to this report. | NEW: Search of mobile home park ends; no one found dead .
More than 900 homes, structures destroyed by three fires .
Single-digit humidity, wind gusts pose problems for firefighters .
Santa Barbara County fire has human cause, officials say . |
47,411 | 85a69fd42374a9d11ae708c6fec8c5d015650855 | A federal judge rejected a Montana woman's request on Friday to dismiss her murder indictment for pushing her newlywed husband off a Montana cliff during an argument in Glacier National Park. Jordan Graham testified earlier in the hearing that she instinctively pushed Cody Johnson away when he grabbed her arm, causing the July 7 fall. She also alleged that an FBI agent improperly interviewed her and made her uncomfortable by touching her knee. Murder charge: Jordan Graham with her husband, Cody Johnson, who she is accused of killing . District Judge Donald Molloy rejected Graham's motion to dismiss the indictment or at least the first-degree murder charge. The judge dismissed another motion by prosecutors who sought a delay in the December 9 trial while they awaited the results of DNA tests on a piece of cloth found near Johnson's body. Graham, 22, and Johnson, 25, had been married for eight days when they argued over her doubts about the marriage, prosecutors said. The couple took the argument to Glacier National Park, where Johnson at one point grabbed Graham, and Graham removed his arm and pushed him in the back and off a steep cliff, according to the criminal complaint. She is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder and making a false statement to authorities. Graham has pleaded not guilty, and said she was only attempting to remove Johnson's arm - not push him off the cliff. Accused: Jordan Linn Graham, center, leaves the courthouse after pleading not guilty to charges last month . She repeated the claim on the stand on Friday that she was acting instinctively. She added that she felt uncomfortable in a July 16 interview with FBI Agent Stacey Smiedala, during which she dropped her previous claims that Johnson had driven off with friends. Graham's attorney Michael Donahoe alleged in court filings that Agent Smiedala interrogated his client alone and unrecorded for nearly one and a half hours so that he could 'shape' her statement to get Graham to admit she acted not instinctively, but in the 'heat of passion', required to file manslaughter charges. During that time, Agent Smiedala allegedly made her uncomfortable by sitting very close and touching her knee for extended periods of time, Graham testified. A shorter statement of Graham's version of events was then recorded and the agent 'told me that I was in the clear, that I wouldn't be seeing him again, and that I was free to go', she said. Wedding day: Graham had told a friend she was going to talk to her husband about having 'second thoughts'. They are pictured, right, on the day of their wedding - just eight days before he fell to his death . Victim: Cody Johnson's body was found at the bottom of a cliff in the Glacier National Park . Her recorded statements were later distorted in the criminal complaint, Mr Donahoe alleged. Assistant . U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus said in court filings that Graham . participated voluntarily, and that FBI agents conducted the interview . and filed the complaint properly. Judge . Molloy ordered prosecutors to review Agent Smiedala's employment . records and disclose privately to the judge any evidence about his . capacity for truthfulness, any disciplinary records or complaints and . any special interrogation training he received. | Jordan Graham accused of murdering husband Cody Johnson in July .
Couple had been married for eight days before Johnson's death .
22-year-old alleged FBI agent made her feel uncomfortable during interview by touching her knee . |
203,549 | 937f9ddbbc8661dbf1dc863f578f152c3ee600fa | (CNN) -- Australians go to the polls in less than five weeks to vote in elections that will decide on policies as diverse as how the country polices its borders, how it manages its greenhouse emissions and how it plans to roll out a national scheme to connect every part of the vast continent to the Internet. Just weeks after ousting rival Julia Gillard, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on the weekend called a national election for September 7, rallying the Australian Labor Party faithful to stand behind the party's policies on education and the economy. "We've got one hell of a fight on our hands," Rudd said in an email to supporters. "I have a positive vision about the country we can be. In this election I'll be talking with Australians across the county about better schools for our kids, investing so we can create good jobs, and about how the NBN (national broadband network) can help keep our economy strong." So what's at stake: . 1. The asylum-seeker issue . No area of policy is likely to be more contested, however, than border protection. An emotive issue that for decades has been fodder for Australia's strident brand of talk-back radio show hosts, known colloquially as 'shock-jocks', both the opposition Liberal-National Coalition under Tony Abbott and Rudd have policies that would effectively curtail the influx of 'boat people' to Australia. According to Australia's Department of Immigration, this year 218 boats carrying 15,182 passengers were listed as irregular maritime arrivals as of July, 2013 -- most of them refugees from Iraq, Iran, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Bangladesh seeking asylum. Rudd has put forward the Papua New Guinea plan to deal with the influx, a $A1.1 billion scheme that would settle asylum seekers outside Australia permanently. Abbott, meanwhile, says he will turn the problem over to Australia's military which would be under orders to tow asylum-seeker boats to Indonesia. Indonesia, however, has remained opposed to the opposition's scheme. Why Australia's PNG asylum plan won't work . 2. Tax and spending . Both parties, meanwhile, plan to axe the country's controversial carbon tax on greenhouse emissions. Uncertainty over the issue was credited with unseating Rudd's first government and both parties have adopted fresh policies. Under Rudd, the government would move one year early to an emissions trading scheme while the Liberal Party plans to scrap carbon trading altogether in favor of a voluntary emissions reduction scheme it has called 'direct action.' On the broader economic front, the government is likely to point to Australia's stellar economic figures which this year pegged growth at 2.5%, a jobless rate of 5.7%, inflation at just 2.4% and interest rates also at a low 2.75%. While Australia has seen a sustained boom, largely thanks to the sale of commodities to a resource-hungry China, the government has racked up a deficit of $A30 billion and Abbott -- a fiscal conservative - is certain to target government-spending in the lead-up to the election. How the Australian political rivals view China . 3. The Internet . The National Broadband Network (NBN), a contentious $40 billion program to connect more than 90 per cent of Australia's premises with super fast fiber optic cables, would be scaled back under a Liberal-National Coalition government, which favors the use of existing, but slower, copper cable networks fed by fiber optic cables to the node. The NBN has proved highly popular in regions where the network has already been rolled out and some analysts say a perceived reversal of the policy could damage the Coalition's chances at the polls. With little differentiating the parties substantively on policy, the role of the media in the lead-up to the elections will be crucial to the fortunes of both parties. Already the right-leaning Daily Telegraph newspaper -- Sydney's largest-selling tabloid -- has called on readers to vote for the Coalition running the headline: "Kick This Mob Out". "The mass media no longer sees the explanations of policies and ideas as a central part of its charter," analyst Shaun Carney of Monash University told The Conversation website. "As it finds itself having to chase eyeballs in order to keep its financial head above water, it becomes more sensational, more attracted to portraying conflict and dealing with what public figures say rather than what they believe or do. "The parties go along with this model by ramping up the hyperbole." | Australians will go to the polls on September 7 .
Border protection and the economy set to be key issues .
Both parties likely to agree on education and national broadband policy .
The media to play a strong role in what has proved to be a fickle electorate . |
97,271 | 0929f52d96a0531359da89085a7de57b664ae7e1 | A video has surfaced of the Muslim activist who described ISIS executioner Jihadi John as 'a beautiful man' supporting Jihad at an anti-US rally in London. Asim Qureshi, leader of campaign group CAGE, was filmed urging protesters to 'support the jihad of our brothers and sisters' in Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and Chechnya. Yesterday, Qureshi, who helped to name ISIS militant Jihadi John as west London student Mohammed Emwazi, caused outrage by saying the murderer was 'beautiful' adding that he 'wouldn't hurt a fly'. But Reg Henning, brother of British aid worker Alan Henning who died at Jihadi John's hands, hit back and said: 'If he's a "beautiful, kind man", why is he killing innocent civilians? 'He's a monster. Everyone should be doing everything they can to capture him and bring him to justice - not stick up for him like he's been hard done by.' Scroll down for video . Asim Qureshi, leader of campaign group CAGE, is pictured at a London rally at the height of the Iraq war in 2006 calling for protesters to 'support the jihad of our brothers and sisters' Earlier today Qureshi caused outrage after calling ISIS militant Jihadi John, named today as Mohammed Emwazi, 'beautiful' and saying he 'wouldn't hurt a fly' Murdered: Aid worker Alan Henning was killed by Jihadi John. His brother Reg described the terrorist as 'a monster' Speaking while close to tears at a press conference this afternoon, he blamed MI5 for radicalising Emwazi, saying the security services harassed him and alienated him. In the earlier footage, Qureshi can be seen speaking through a microphone at the pan-Islamic Hizb ut-Tahrir movement rally. He says: 'When we see the example of our brothers and sisters fighting in Chechnya, Iraq, Palestine, Kashmir, Afghanistan, then we know where the example lies. 'When we see Hezbollah defeating the armies of Israel, we know where the solution is and where the victory lies. 'We know that it is incumbent upon all of us, to support the Jihad of our brothers and sisters in these countries when they are facing the oppression of the West. 'Allahu Akhbar! Allahu Akhbar! (God is great, God is great!)' Defence: Asim Qureshi, research director at the campaign group CAGE, described Mohammed Emwazi, who is believed to be Jihadi John, as 'extremely kind' and blamed MI5 for his radicalisation . Qureshi stands alone on a stage in the 54 second clip, shot at the height of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars in 2006. Qureshi worked for CAGE at the time of his passionate speech, then known as CAGE Prisoners. The organisation claims to 'strive for a world free from oppression and injustice', 'working to empower communities impacted by the War on Terror.' However, the video footage, posted on YouTube, now raises questions about Qureshi, who alongside former control order detainee Cerie Bullivant tried to pin the blame for Mohammed Emwazi's radicalisation on the British Government. Earlier today Qureshi was branded an ISIS sympathiser as he appeared to launch a defence of Emwazi and his barbaric crimes. He said: 'When are we going to finally learn that when we treat people as if they're outsiders, they are going to feel like outsiders and they will look for belonging elsewhere.' Unmasked: ISIS executioner 'Jihadi John' has been identified as Mohammed Emwazi from west London . He also revealed that he'd been in regular contact with Emwazi before he left for Syria. And in a second video, in which Qureshi is quizzed by Julian Assange on his view of Sharia law, in particular stoning, he said: 'I agree with Islamic concepts of how we practice our punishments.' Asked if he believes in the use of the death penalty, he added: 'From an Islamic perspective, yes. As long as all the due process elements are met.' In the wake of Emwazi's unmasking as the world's most wanted man, CAGE yesterday released a statement entitled 'Jihadi John: 'Radicalised' By Britain'. A Cage spokesman walked off a Sky News interview live on air after being asked if he condemned the actions of Jihadi John. Cerie Bullivant accused interviewer Kay Burley of asking him 'inherently xenophobic' questions, to which she replied: ‘Nonsense, get over yourself.’ Removing his earpiece: Cage spokesman Cerie Bullivant walked off a live Sky News interview . Off he goes: Mr Bullivant accused Kay Burley of asking him 'inherently xenophobic' questions . He claimed that the security services in Britain have ‘time and again harassed people and pushed them, and that has played a part in the radicalisation of this man’. Mr Bullivant - who spent two years on a control order designed for terrorist suspects, but was an innocent man - was then asked by Burley: ‘Do you condemn his actions’ But he replied, before walking off: ‘I've already said… I'm sorry, I'm not answering that question, that's a ridiculous question, I’ve already gone through this and dealt with it.’ After he walked off screen, Burley paused before looking at the camera and smiling. The release stated that Emwazi 'desperately wanted to use the system to change his situation, but the system ultimately rejected him,' a view later echoed on CAGE's press conference, which was broadcast live on both BBC and Sky News. Qureshi then used the statement to criticise the British security services, arguing that counter-terror measures turned young Muslims into extremists. Haras Rafiq, managing director of the anti-radicalisation think-tank the Quilliam Foundation, told Newsweek that CAGE's accusation that Britain was to blame for Emwazi's radicalisation was 'rubbish'. He said: 'It is not anybody else's fault. It's not the British or Kuwaitis fault. It is his fault and the people who radicalised him. He is a cold-hearted killer.' 'If you look at [CAGE's] raison d'être, they are there to defend these kind of people. There has been evidence that these guys are sympathetic to this type of ideology.' Qureshi criticised the British security services, arguing that counter-terror measures turned young Muslims into extremists . In posts made on Twitter, Quilliam co-founder and chairman Maajid Nawaz, also blasted CAGE, hinting that Qureshi was a supporter of controversial speaker, Haitham Haddad. Emails released by CAGE today revealed how MI5 repeatedly tried to recruit Mohammed Emwazi as an informant and put him on a terror watchlist to stop him leaving Britain. Emwazi is believed to have become known to the security services in 2009 when he was accused of trying to fight with Somali terror group Al-Shabaab in east Africa. The British citizen, who was born in Kuwait and moved to the UK aged six, flew to Tanzania with two friends after he graduated from the University of Westminster claiming he was going on safari. But he was arrested as soon as he touched down in capital Dar es Salaam and deported by Tanzanian's officials. He flew back to Britain via Amsterdam and told a friend MI5 were waiting for him at Schiphol Airport and tried to recruit him to share information on extremists, Emwazi told a confidant. Emwazi claimed that an MI5 agent called Nick accused him of trying to go to Somalia to fight for Al Shabaab and said: 'Listen Mohammed: You've got the whole world in front of you; you're 21 years old; you just finished Uni – why don't you work for us?'. The Jihadi John suspect turned down the offer and claims he was told: 'You're going to have a lot of trouble ...you're going to be known...you're going to be followed...life will be harder for you.' Emwazi claimed in emails to Qureshi that he was repeatedly approached by the security services over the course of the following year but he said he refused to co-operate and denied he had any links to terrorism. 1988: Born in Kuwait . c1994: Moved to Britain aged six, where he grew up in Queen's Park, west London . 2009: Graduated from University of Westminster in computer programming . May 2009: Flies to Tanzania for 'planned safari' but is detained by police in Dar es Salaam. Eventually deported but he is allegedly accused by MI5 of trying to reach Somalia, en route in Amsterdam . Autumn 2009: Returns to Britain but soon moves back to Kuwait and finds work at a computer firm . June 2010: Counter-terrorism police detain him upon his return to London to finalise his wedding plans, and he is not allowed to return . 2012: Emwazi heads for Syria and joins ISIS . Hostages who have survived being held by ISIS in Syria and Iraq have said that Jihadi John is a man 'obsessed' with Somalia and would make them watch Al-Shabaab videos while in captivity. In June 2010 counter-terrorism officers, linked to the security services and Scotland Yard, allegedly arrested him as he tried to fly to Kuwait. He was fingerprinted and searched, it was said, and put on a terror watchlist preventing him from leaving Britain. In an email to Mr Qureshi he said: 'I feel like a prisoner, only not in a cage, in London. A person imprisoned & controlled by security service men, stopping me from living my new life in my birthplace & country, Kuwait'. Another friend said that Emwazi later tried to travel to Saudi Arabia to teach English in 2012 but again stopped from leaving. He was 'desperate' to leave Britain and 'was ready to exhaust every single kind of avenue within the machinery of the state to bring a change for his personal situation', Mr Qureshi said. Mr Qureshi said he last heard from him that year and said the Jihadi John supect believed 'actions were taken to criminalize him and he had no way to do something against these actions'. Soon afterwards he vanished and is believed to have travelled to Syria, where he may now be ISIS' figurehead. On the scene: Police officers near the property where Emwazi once lived in Queen's Park, west London . If Emwazi's account of his contact with MI5 is accurate, his case has parallels with that of Lee Rigby's murderer Michael Adebolajo, who was jailed for life in 2013. His trial heard that just three months before the appalling murder in Woolwich, MI5 was trying to recruit Michael Adebolajo as an informant. He had been on their radar for ten years and in 2010 was even arrested with fellow Al Qaeda followers in Kenya. Adebolajo complained of being 'harassed' by MI5 agents before the killing and it later it emerged that they had failed to watch him carefully enough before he murdered Drummer Rigby with the help of his friend Michael Adebowale. A representative from CAGE was not immediately available for comment when requested. | Asim Qureshi helped name his friend Mohammed Emwazi as Jihadi John .
Mr Qureshi said that MI5 had harassed Emwazi and help radicalise him .
Campaigner was tearful as he described him as 'extremely kind and gentle'
He added that 'the man I knew would never hurt a single person'
But David Henning hit back and said: 'He's a monster'
Comments caused fury from people who believe MI5 were doing their job .
CAGE broadcast was on Sky News for 58 minutes without interruption and the BBC showed it for 52 minutes . |
266,726 | e5796ba5c75d8ea55ab50ecf6869ba054c0812a4 | By . Emily Allen . Last updated at 3:52 PM on 13th December 2011 . Burns: Russell Banks was set on fire in an unprovoked attack outside a Leicester pub . A male model who suffered horrific burns to his face after a thug set him on fire has said: 'I pity the man who did this to me.' Russell Banks, 21, was left scarred for life after a hooded yob sprayed him with lighter fluid and threw a lit match at him in a pub beer garden. The arsonist inadvertently set fire to himself and CCTV cameras captured the moment he sprinted out of the pub with his torso covered in flames. Mr Banks suffered third-degree burns . to 20 per cent of his body including his hands, arm, chest, neck and . face after the attack in October. Surgeons removed skin from his legs and implanted it onto his chest and face but he was told he would be permanently scarred. Yesterday the barman and part-time model, said he felt 'pity' towards his attacker, who also suffered major burns. Speaking . from his parents’ home in Sileby, Leicestershire, Mr Banks said: 'The . past weeks have been grim - I wouldn’t wish it on anybody, not even my . attacker. 'I feel anger and pity towards my attacker - but mainly pity for the man who did this to me. 'He’s totally changed my life but I can’t go on feeling anger towards him.' Mr . Banks was enjoying a drink with his friend Robert Laszewsk, 21, at the . Rainbow and Dove gay bar in Leicester city centre when the incident happened . at 12.40am on Tuesday, October 25. The attack was totally unprovoked and Mr Banks said he had never seen or spoken to his attacker, who approached him from behind. He desperately tried to put the flames out and suffered burns to his face and right arm. Mr Banks recalled: 'I can actually remember it very clearly - he came from behind and the next moment I was set on fire. This is the dramatic moment the hooded yob was captured on CCTV engulfed in flames just after the unprovoked attack at the Rainbow and Dove, in Leicester . The arsonist, who inadvertently set fire to himself, sprinted out of the pub with his torso covered in flames - but did not seek medical assistance . Model: Russell Banks before the attack. He said he 'pities' the man who covered him in lighter fluid and set fire to him. He has been left scarred for life . 'There wasn’t much pain but I was consumed with panic. 'My eyes were open and I could see the orange flames all around me. 'Once . the fire was extinguished, I was absolutely freezing from the shock . then it all went blurry - I don’t remember anything till I woke from my . coma weeks later.' Police believe the attacker also suffered major burns but did not seek medical treatment. Mr . Banks was rushed to Leicester Royal Infirmary where doctors sedated him . and attempted to open his airways which had swollen after he inhaled . the flames. His step-mother Jane, 33, said: 'My husband Harry and I were terrified when we saw . police at the hospital - that’s when we knew it was serious. Hospital: Surgeons stripped the dead skin from his hands and arms before separating his fingers to prevent them melting together . 'Russell is such a lovely guy, he wouldn’t hurt a fly - that's what made this unprovoked attack so hard to comprehend. 'When we saw him, he was wearing a white mask impregnated with special chemicals for his burnt skin. 'It was very distressing - the skin on his hands looked like snake skin and was peeling away.' Mr Banks was enjoying a drink with his friend when the incident happened at 12.40am on Tuesday, October 25 . Mr Banks was transferred to Nottingham City Hospital’s specialist burns unit where he spent three weeks in a chemically-induced coma. He was connected to a dozen tubes feeding him a cocktail of drugs - including morphine, sedatives and antibiotics. Surgeons stripped the dead skin from his hands and arms before separating his fingers to prevent them melting together. He added: 'It took a long time to pluck up the courage to look at my burned face - I’d always been a perfectionist, a gym fanatic, and obsessed about my body. 'Whenever I walked into a room, the nurses - who provided amazing care - would tape up any mirrors or reflective surfaces. 'When I finally decided to look at myself it was the biggest shock - I thought I was a different person. 'I broke down, it was just too much. The attack had taken my identity away. 'But after that initial shock, I’m coming to accept it - I can’t change my scars, they tell a story after all.' Mr Banks finally came home on Thursday, November 24, but has been plagued by pain and discomfort. He said: 'Everything is sore and tight and the nights are tough - I’m roasting one moment, freezing the next. 'Climbing the stairs is very tricky and I’ve lost all the grip in my fingertips so turning on the tap is hard too. 'I want to get on with my life and I’d love to get back to modelling but I know that is probably not going to be possible.' A 21-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the attack. A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: 'A 21-year-old man was arrested in the London area on Wednesday November 23 and has been bailed pending further inquiries for the Leicester offence, but he remains on remand for an offence in Essex.' | Hooded yob sprayed Russell Banks with lighter fluid and threw a lit match at him .
He suffered third-degree burns to 20% of his body including hands and face .
His attacker inadvertently set fire to himself too but did not seek medical treatment . |
133,439 | 388ea572039069bf1c067ee4124ba6bd51433642 | By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . Sky gazers were treated to a stunning photobomb of Saturn by the moon last night, as the satellite dramatically eclipsed the planet. In Western Australia, the event could be seen with the naked eye as Saturn disappeared behind the moon and reappeared on the other side. The event was one of 13 occultations between Saturn and the moon this year. These occur when one astronomical object moves in front of another. Scroll down for video . Photographer Colin Legg in Australia caught this stunning image of the event yesterday describing it as ‘a brilliant thing to watch'. Saturn is seen in the top right . Monday morning's occultation could only be seen by those in the Eastern Hemisphere, but stargazers everywhere were able to experience the event online. ‘It's quite dramatic when [an occultation] involves a bright photogenic object like Saturn, whose rings are now nearly optimally tilted,’ said Slooh astronomer Bob Berman who broadcast the event. He added there was ‘striking detail visible on the foreground of the moon and the background planet - a true photobomb moment.’ This image was tweeted by Space Geek yesterday. Saturn is peeking out from the moon on the top left. The event could only be seen in the Eastern Hemisphere . The moon shown eclipsing Saturn. The different views of the planet on the left are shown in this composite image created by M Wastell on Spaceweather gallery . An occulation occurs when once astronomical object moves in front of another. Lunar occultations are ideal for novice star gazers and suited for small telescopes, as they do not require locating a faint star in the sky. It is also possible for one planet to occult another planet. However, these mutual occultations of planets are extremely rare. The last such event occurred on 3 January 1818. Last night's event was one of 13 occultations between Saturn and the moon this year. In the Slooh video, you see two different views of the start of the occultation and three different views of its end. This line-up was obvious to anyone looked up in Australia, Slooh said, even from light polluted cities and without a telescope. The event, however, came too near dawn for people in the Western Hemisphere to see it. Colin Legg in Western Australia caught a stunning image of the event yesterday describing it as ‘a brilliant thing to watch.’ Twitter users also released their footage of the ‘photobomb’, using handheld point and shoot cameras, as well as more sophisticated equipment. By this evening, the moon's appearance in the sky will have glided toward the south to sit above the bright red star Antares. About a half hour before sunrise on Thursday, Venus will be visible in the low eastern horizon below the constellation Gemini. This line-up was obvious to anyone looked up in Australia, Slooh said, even from light polluted cities and without a telescope. Slooh broadcast the event to the world . Twitter users released their footage of the ‘photobomb’, using handheld point and shoot cameras (such as this image), as well as more sophisticated equipment . | In Western Australia, the event could be seen with the naked eye as Saturn disappeared behind the moon .
The event, which was broadcast on Slooh, was one of 13 occultations between Saturn and the moon this year .
Colin Legg in Australia caught a stunning image of the event describing it as ‘a brilliant thing to watch'
Twitter users released their footage using point and shoot cameras as well as more sophisticated equipment . |
9,976 | 1c49a351061c644291906e8113fa324f75307e90 | A Brazilian student who sold her virginity for £485,000 is yet again offering it up in another online auction, claiming she the original deal was never consummated. Catarina Migliorini, 21, is selling her 'virginity' to bidders for the minimum of £62,000, but says she hopes for at least £930,000 ($1.5million). Miss Migliorini's original 'virginity auction' was filmed for an Australian documentary, but she claims she was duped by filmmaker Justin Sisely, and that she was never given the money a Japanese man paid for her purity last October. Scroll down for video . Virgin or victim? Brazilian student Catarina Migliorini sold her virginity for $780,000 after she put it up for auction online; but she is now claiming she is a victim who was exploited into selling her body . The original auction made Miss Migliorini a minor celebrity in Brazil and she posed for Playboy in her native country and Argentina. 'After being featured by so many media outlets in so many countries, I decided to actually auction off my virginity,' she explains to The Huffington Post regarding her decision to yet again sell her virginity. Miss Migliorini previously said she wanted to give 90 per cent of the final auction sale price to a non-governmental organization constructing modern houses in her southern home state of Santa Catarina. However, as she claims never to have been given the money - nor lost her virginity - the organisation has yet to receive her help. In October last year, Natsu, 53, a Japanese millioniaire fended . off strong competition from American bidders Jack Miller and Jack . Right, and Indian big-spender Rudra Chatterjee, to secure a date with the physical education student - who . said she would use the cash to build homes for poverty-stricken families. Tricked? The physical education student claims she has not received the money promised to her by filmmaker Justin Sisely, and believes the auction was simply a publicity stunt for Australian documentary, Virgins Wanted . The auction was supposedly part of an . Australian documentary entitled Virgins Wanted, in which Mr Sisley . would explore the lives of Miss Migliorini and Alex Stepanov, a male who . auctioned his virginity for $3,000. But . when Miss Migliorini went to meet her winning bidder, Natsu, in a . Sydney restaurant, she claims that he didn't match the description Mr . Sisely had given her, and insists the pair did not have sex. She also claims Mr Sisely did not cover her traveling expenses, or give her the £485,000paid by Natsu; and she now believes that 'Natsu' doesn't exist, and that the auction was simply a ploy to gain media coverage for the documentary. 'I . agreed to go along with [the auction], because Justin said it would be . the best way to draw attention from the media about the project,' she said. Mr Sisely, who first announced the . documentary in May 2010 and said it would conclude with both of the . virgins having sex, denies her claims. 'We have the footage to prove otherwise,' he explained. In a bid to avoid prostitution laws, Miss Migliorini was to be . 'delivered' to her buyer on board a plane between Australia and the U.S. - being interviewed before and after the sexual act. The intercourse itself would not be filmed, said Mr Sisely, . and Natsu would retain a right to be anonymous, without his picture . appearing in the media. Both . Migliorini's original claims of virginity and this time around have . been treated with suspicion by medical professionals as it there is no . foolproof way of telling if a woman is a virgin. Miss . Migliorini signed up to the project three years ago when she saw an . advert by Thomas Williams Productions looking for a virgin to film. | Catarina Migliorini, 21, is yet again selling her virginity online .
The Brazilian claims the first auction did not result in a consummation .
She originally sold it for a documentary but claims money never surfaced .
Migliorini is now 're-selling' it and hopes to make £930,000 . |
101,406 | 0eb596c823f9c210b23052017218612f7170778b | By . Alex Ward . PUBLISHED: . 08:07 EST, 21 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:29 EST, 21 January 2013 . Kelly Kociela leaving Bristol Magistrates' Court after biting a teacher while trying to pick her children up from school . A mother who bit a teacher after turning up drunk at her children's school has been banned from entering the playground. Kelly Kociela, 32, had drunk lager and rum before arriving at Filton Avenue Junior and Infant School in Horfield, Bristol ‘distressed and slurring,’ the town's magistrates' court heard. Kociela was held back by teachers as she tried to push her way into a school building to reach her children at an after-school club. When teacher Matthew Cox tried to block her path, she bit him on the arm. The court heard how Mr Cox then went to hospital and was given precautionary tetanus and hepatitis B injections after the attack at 6pm on October 24 last year. Kociela, of Horfield, Bristol, was arrested and taken to Southmead police station where she told officers that she had drunk three or four pints of Stella and four rum and cokes before she argued with her partner and decided to collect her children. She told police she could not remember being at the school, that she normally got on with headteacher Rachel Thomas and could not remember biting Mr Cox. She pleaded guilty to a charge of causing a nuisance on school premises, assault and using threatening words and behaviour on a previous occasion. Mary Aquilina, prosecuting, said Kociela turned up at the school demanding to see her two children. Ms Aquilina said: ‘She was aggravated and aggressive saying her children had been taken from her. ‘The headteacher Rachel Thomas was concerned about the safety of her staff and the children at her school.’ Kociela then went to the after-school . club threatening Mrs Thomas that if she did not give her her children, . she would ‘batter’ her, Ms Aquilina said. On her arrival at the after-school club doors Mr Cox put his arm across the door to block her entry. Ms Aquilina said: ‘She tried to push past him, then bit him through his clothing on his right arm. He attended Southmead Hospital where he was given tetanus and hepatitis B jabs.’ Attack at school: Kociela (pictured) bit teacher Matthew Cox's arm as he blocked the entrance to the after-school club where her children were - he had to go to hospital for a tetanus and hepatitis B injection . Liz Highams, defending, said her client immediately rang the school after the incident to apologise for her behaviour but was currently banned from going on the premises. The court heard that Kociela had stopped drinking and was ‘mortified’ by her behaviour that day. Miss Highams said the reporting of . the matter in the press had caused her and her children a great deal of . stress describing it as ‘more than damaging’. Magistrates . handed Kociela a two-year community order and she was ordered to pay . £100 compensation to Mr Cox, £85 costs and a £60 victim surcharge. Kociela may only go to the school if invited but can collect her children from the school gates. The . court also heard that Kociela had previous convictions for being drunk . in charge of a child in 2005, 2006, 2007 and earlier this year. School ground ban: Kociela told police that she had drunk three or four pints of Stella and four rum and cokes before she went to Filton Avenue Junior and Infant School in Horfield, Bristol (pictured) to pick up her children . | Kelly Kociela arrived at the school 'distressed and slurring' before the attack .
She bit teacher Matthew Cox as he tried stop her entering after-school club .
He went to hospital for precautionary tetanus and hepatitis B injections .
After her arrest, she told police she had drunk several drinks . |
222,291 | abc013a67d641b8184e5d8dca46f4952985e6693 | Somalia's Al-Shabaab rebel movement has tightened its ties to the al Qaeda terror network, with its leader pledging loyalty to al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The Islamist militants control much of southern Somalia and have long been affiliated with al Qaeda. But in an audio message posted on Al-Shabaab's website Thursday, the Somali group's leader, Mukhtar Abu al-Zubair, tells al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri that his followers "will march with you as loyal soldiers." Al-Zawahiri took command of al Qaeda after U.S. commandos killed the movement's founder, Osama bin Laden, last May. Al-Zubair addresses al-Zawahiri as "my dear commander and kind sheikh" and congratulates him "for the defeat of the crusaders in Afghanistan and Iraq." "On behalf of the soldiers and the commanders in al-Shabaab, we pledge allegiance to you. So lead us to the path of jihad and martyrdom that was drawn by our imam, the martyr Osama." And in a video message posted on the site, al-Zawahiri hails the move as news "that will delight the believers and annoy the crusaders." "The Arab region is slipping from America's grip," he says. The combined messages run nearly 15 minutes. Al-Shabaab is already considered a terrorist movement by the United States. It has been battling Somalia's U.N.-backed transitional government and African Union peacekeepers for the past several years, but has suffered a series of setbacks in recent months. AU and government forces drove Al-Shabaab fighters from the center of the Somali capital Mogadishu last year, while Kenyan troops crossed into southern Somalia in October to hit back for a rash of kidnappings it blamed on the group. In November, the leaders of Kenya, Somalia and Uganda reaffirmed their commitments to battle Al-Shabaab, and U.S. officials say the group has recruited Somali-Americans to take up arms in their ancestral home. | The news "will delight the believers and annoy the crusaders," al-Zawahiri says .
Al-Shabaab has long been closely affiliated with al Qaeda .
The group had suffered a series of setbacks in recent months .
It had vowed allegiance to Osama bin Laden before his death . |
278,841 | f54418d460133f2396394a06c615b6f5a0a050b2 | Two Austrian sisters have disappeared from their home in Vienna in what authorities fear could be the latest case of teenagers going to fight for ISIS in Syria. The girls, named only as Violetta, 17, and Viktoria, 16, due to Austrian privacy laws, have not been seen since 11pm on Saturday, and their mother fears they could have gone abroad to join Islamists. If her fears are correct, then the girls will follow in the footsteps of Samra Kesinovic, 17, and her friend Sabina Selimovic, 15, who became poster girls for jihad after going to Syria in April. Sisters Violetta, 17 (left), and Viktoria, 16, may have become the latest set of Austrian girls to escape abroad and join ISIS after they disappeared from Vienna on Saturday . Setaniye, the mother of the latest pair to vanish, said the girls' father died last year from cancer and they had turned to religion in order to cope. She added: 'The two seemed to have been taking some comfort from religion but I was worried lately that they appeared to be getting a bit extreme. 'They were acting a bit strange but as a single mum I was always so busy perhaps I didn't pay as much attention as I should. 'I last saw them at the weekend when they said they were going to the shops and they never came back. They should only have been gone a few minutes but when an hour had gone past I worried, and when I looked there was no sign of them.' She said that her initial concerns turned into panic when she checked the girls' rooms and found the both of them had taken their passports. The 46-year-old mother added: 'Going back over their behaviour now over the last few weeks I'm convinced and terrified that they may have travelled to Syria to join ISIS.' If the sisters have travelled to Syria, then they will follow in the footsteps of friend Sabina Selimovic, 15 (pictured), and Samra Kesinovic, 17, who also fled Vienna earlier this year . Sabina (left) and Samra (right) became known as the poster girls for jihad after their social media accounts were used to spread ISIS propaganda after they fled to join the Islamists . Fellow teenagers Samra and Sabina disappeared in April, leaving notes for their parents which read: 'Don’t look for us. We will serve Allah – and we will die for him'. Since then their social media accounts have been used to pump out pro-Islamic State propaganda aimed at encouraging others to join them. The pair are thought to have been married to Chechen rebels as soon as they arrived in Syria, and are both now believed to be pregnant. Security sources reported earlier this month that both of the youngsters had been in contact saying they regretted their decision and wanted to return home, but were told it may not be possible. This claim had reportedly infuriated ISIS leaders who are waging a constant propaganda war in order to lure young, impressionable people to their cause. According to anti-terrorism police in the girls' homeland, it is almost certain that they would have been ordered to retract anything they had said to keep the flow of recruits coming. Sabina (left) and Samra (right), began posting images of their new lives abroad in an attempt to get other girls to join them, and now authorities fear Viktoria and Violetta may have done exactly that . An Austrian security insider said: 'If they really want it to be believable that the girls are now claiming they don't want to come home, they should let them give the interview on neutral territory where it's possible to see that they aren't being threatened by a gun. 'If the claim they want to come home is untrue, they have the opportunity to walk back into Syria.' Meanwhile Setaniye has filed a complaint with Austrian police to say that her daughters are missing, but police and the Austrian Interior Ministry have so-far declined to comment . However, an insider said the disappearance was a cause for concern, and was being investigated. | Sisters Viktoria, 16, and Violetta, 17, have disappeared from home in Vienna .
Mother Setaniye says pair took nothing with them except their passports .
Girls' father died last year from cancer and they found comfort in religion .
However mother says they had been 'acting strange' in the last few weeks .
Samra Kesinovic and Sabina Selimovic also fled Vienna in April to join ISIS . |
170,031 | 680f646237f2ca76f861bb962d22f2284230acb7 | By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . Peering at rows of engagement rings to find the perfect design may soon be a thing of the past. 3D printing group, MakerBot, has released a new app that will allow anyone to print a customised engagement ring to the perfect size and shape. The Brooklyn-based company said the app is so simple to use, even people without technical knowledge can easily design jewellery in 3D. 3D printing group, MakerBot, has released an app that will allow anyone . to print a customised engagement ring to the perfect size and shape on any of its printers - including the Replicator Mini (pictured). The . Brooklyn-based company said the app lets users without technical . knowledge to design a ring in 3D . That design is then sent wirelessly to a MakerBot 3D printer, such as the £999 ($1,700) Replicator Mini, according to a report by Pocket Lint. The 3D printer builds up the ring, or any design, using layers of material. Like a traditional inkjet printer, the material - usually plastic - is laid down on a base. Further layers are printed on top, gradually revealing the end product. The . design menu on the app (pictured) prints a two-part model - which can . be an engagement ring or any other shape - that lets the users choose . they you want on the top. Crucially, the free app also lets anyone . change the finger size of rings to fit their future fiancée perfectly . 3D printers allow objects of any shape to be created from just a digital file. They work in an extremely simple way, by building up a 3D object from layers of material. Like a traditional inkjet printer, material, usually plastic, is laid down on a base. Further layers are simply printed on top, gradually revealing a 3D object. The technology is used in a huge range of industries from construction to aerospace. Shoes, jewellery and even dresses have been created, with designs often sold online. Crucially, the free app also lets anyone change the finger size to fit their future fiancée perfectly. But . unless you want to give your intended a plastic ring, the design will . then have to be taken to a jewellers to be transformed into its diamond . equivalent. It’s . the latest move by the 3D-printing community to make the technology, . also known as rapid prototyping, available in the home. Many believe . it could even lead to 'mini factories' for living rooms allowing . consumers to print anything they want - from a bracelet. to a . replacement part for a broken household appliance. As . well as rings and other jewellery, the software lets users create . hundreds of other objects from their own designs, or from designs . created by other users. Open-source . software tool, Thingverse, for instance, can be used by designers to . share their creations with anyone on the internet. Makerbot said the app will be available via the iTunes stores in the near future. However, unless users want to give their intended a plastic ring (stock image pictured), the design will then have to be taken to a jewellers to be transformed into its diamond equivalent . | 3D printing group, MakerBot, has released a new, free iPhone app .
It will allow anyone to design any object to the perfect size and shape .
That design will then be sent wirelessly to a MakerBot 3D printer .
This can include engagement rings, bracelets and household items .
But unless you want a plastic ring, the design will then have to be taken to a jewellers to be transformed into its diamond equivalent . |
260,539 | dd62be963af48ed64c95958261452e62904f2915 | By . Sami Mokbel . PUBLISHED: . 13:57 EST, 4 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 05:15 EST, 5 December 2012 . West Ham players have leapt to the defence of Andy Carroll after the striker was accused of assaulting a photographer during the squad's Christmas party. The £35million England star, on loan at Upton Park from Liverpool, has found himself in hot-water after the incident outside a nightclub in Dublin in the early hours of Sunday morning. Happy Hammers: Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan were part of a group to visit Whipps Cross Hospital in Essex . Carroll is said to have lashed out at . 33-year-old snapper Paddy Cummins, who was trying to take a shot of him . without his leg-brace. The centre-forward is expected to miss the next two months with a knee injury and is required to wear the brace. But in a show of team solidarity, . Carroll's team-mates will vouch for the 23-year-old when questioned by . club officials about the incident. The players will insist the striker . was provoked and showed no aggression towards the photographer. Team-mate Kevin Nolan, who joined . Carroll on a trip to Whipps Cross Hospital in Essex on Tuesday to hand . out presents to sick children, said: 'Someone is trying to fabricate a . story and that is the disappointing thing. It is part and parcel of what . we do and we understand that. 'We have had a fantastic weekend away . and you think you have come back with no problems but someone has made . something which was nothing as far as I was aware.' Photographer Cummins alleges he was eye-gouged, pushed to the floor and that Carroll attempted to bite him during fracas. Garda - Ireland's police force - have launched an investigation into the incident, which is said to have taken place at 2.30am. Carroll and a number of his team-mates have been interviewed by police but no arrests have been made. Meal deal: Carroll - seemingly without his protective leg brace on - is pictured ordering food from Burger King at the end of his night out . Injured: Carroll was wearing a protective knee brace on Saturday at Upton Park . On Tuesday West Ham released a statement backing Carroll. It read: 'Andy Carroll was in Dublin as part of a social trip with full permission of the management team. 'Andy agreed to have a number of pictures taken at the request of a photographer who was waiting on the street. 'Despite this, the photographer then . carried on taking photos in the close proximity of Andy and was politely . asked to stop by the private security team working on the trip. 'When he then continued taking more . photos he was restrained by the security team for Andy's . safety. Eyewitnesses state at no point was there any physical contact . between Andy and the photographer. 'The Garda took statements from the group back at the hotel and no further action was taken.' Speaking about the disappearance of . the leg brace, Carroll's agent Mark Curtis added: 'The leg brace was . outside his trousers inside the club because he wanted people to see it . so they wouldn't knock into him. When he left he put it under the . trousers.' 'He can't walk without it. He isn't a daft lad and he wouldn't be able to put weight on his leg without it.' Carroll now looks likely to escape recrimination from police and West Ham over the incident. Since January 2011, Carroll has scored seven league goals. Barcelona striker Lionel Messi scored nine in November. In 95 league games for Newcastle, Liverpool and West Ham, Carroll has scored 21 goals. Messi has scored 22 in his last 16 matches. In his Premier League career, Carroll has six assists. Messi has seven in 19 matches this season. Night out: Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan were part of West Ham's Christmas party weekend tour to Dublin, where they were pictured with Irish fans . Spell on the sidelines: Carroll is out for eight weeks with a knee injury . Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Striker has been accused of gouging and attempting to bite Paddy Cummins .
West Ham are standing by the on-loan star amid the allegations .
Police in Dublin made no arrests after probing players . |
46,711 | 839c396e59d792db2a814cad8fb377220f35051e | (The Frisky) -- Yesterday independent film's glitterati bundled up in their sweaters and ear muffs for the start of the Sundance Film Festival. And since we all know that today's Sundance movies are tomorrow's breakout hits and the movies we'll all be betting on come next year's award season, here are eight movies on the lineup that have me salivating. Here's hoping they'll be in theaters soon. "Project Nim": Back in the 1970s, scientists conducted an experiment an a young chimp named Nim. If they raised him like a human, would he learn to communicate using sign language? In this doc, brought to you by the guy who made the amazing "Man on Wire," you'll find out how it went down -- and say "awwww" a bunch. "Meek's Cutoff": We adore Michelle Williams and this movie sets her on the Oregon trail in 1845. It'll be a quiet movie, but we predict that with Michelle in the lead, bonnets will become the new cool girl thing to wear. "Higher Ground": Vera Farmiga isn't just one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, in my humble opinion -- she's also the smartest. This flick is her directorial debut, about a woman who spends 20 years in a fundamentalist commune and finally decides to leave. "The Future": We love Miranda July, so will forgive the fact that the plot of her new movie -- a 30-something couple slowly falls apart -- sounds an awful lot like "Blue Valentine," only with brown, curly hair rather than blondes. We also hear that it's narrated by a cat? "My Idiot Brother": We're still so glad that Paul Rudd's beard was grown for a movie and not just because. In this comedy, Paul stars as the slacker brother of three uber-ambituous sisters, played by Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, and Emily Mortimer. "The Greatest Movie Ever Sold": Morgan Spurlock, the man who ate Big Macs for science in "Super Size Me," takes on the world of product placement in this new doc. The twist? The movie is funded by the products you see in it. "Like Crazy": Long-distance relationships are rough. Like, really hard. This movie, which already has some great buzz going, tells the story of a young couple that meets in college and then has to split when one of them has to return to the UK. "Red State": Kevin Smith's publicity stunt for his new religious horror film is ... that he won't be doing any publicity for it. Oh, and he'll be auctioning off the rights. Put in a bid on Sunday. TM & © 2010 TMV, Inc. | All Rights Reserved . | "Project Nim" is about scientists who conducted an experiment an a young chimp .
"Meek's Cutoff" sets Michelle Williams on the Oregon trail in 1845 .
In "My Idiot Brother," Paul Rudd stars as the slacker brother of three sisters . |
181,111 | 7672f6598231a9c05ffafc25fd664520c4c1fab7 | (CNN) -- A Vietnamese man is recovering in the intensive care unit Friday, a day after surgery that completely removed from his right leg a tumor twice his body weight, according to the hospital in Ho Chi Minh City. The growing tumor had rendered the patient, Nguyen Duy Hai, virtually immobile until his surgery. The excised tumor weighed 180 pounds (82 kilos), according to the hospital, a bit less than the 200 pounds (90 kilos) estimated before surgery. Hai, 31, of Da Lat City, has Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis, said Dr. Jean-Marcel Guillon, chief executive officer of FV Hospital, where the 12-hour procedure was performed. The autosomal dominant hereditary disorder is the same disease that contributed to the extraordinarily large head of Joseph Merrick, whose story was dramatized in the 1980 film, "The Elephant Man," explained Guillon. (Last July, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, its researchers identified the gene variant in Proteus syndrome and plan to test DNA from Merrick's skeleton to determine if Proteus caused his disfigurement.) The tumor, which originated in Hai's spine, "may return," Guillon wrote in e-mails to CNN, "but we can operate him again, and it won't never reach such a size anymore." Doctors expect that Hai's cardiac and pulmonary functions will return to normal during the next 10 days. After that, Hai faces rehabilitation, physical therapy and possible help from the hospital's clinical psychologist to deal with issues pertaining to body image, Guillon said. "This patient lived all his life with this tumor. It was part of him." Hai also needs to learn how to do things that his body had forgotten, including using the left leg he had never used normally, Guillon added. The tumor was first discovered when Hai was four years old and had grown to its enormous size since then. Hai had undergone a surgery to amputate most of his leg -- and with it the tumor -- in 1997, but in 2001, the tumor grew, and no doctors agreed to operate on him, according to the hospital. Guillon said he did not know why the leg was amputated, as there are no medical records from that time. Furthermore, his family could not afford surgery, and very few surgeons in Vietnam can treat neurofibromas, Guillon said. The latest surgery was considered risky with a 50% success rate for a number of reasons, Guillon explained. "First, such a giant tumor has developed its own blood system with huge arteries branched out from the normal vascular system. Therefore, one of the main risks was abundant bleeding." Doctors used a "cell saver," which suctions and filters the patient's blood before re-injecting it into the body, along with extra blood for the surgery. The second and third risks lay in heart function ("How would a heart react when a tumor with twice the weight of a patient is removed?") and the effects of a long -- more than 13 hours -- anesthesia, Guillon said. Leading the surgical team was Dr. McKay McKinnon, a specialist in plastic and reconstructive surgery from Chicago. McKinnon has been credited with removing a 200-pound tumor from a woman in the U.S. state of Michigan in 2000, as well as a 176-pound (80 kilo) tumor from a Romanian woman in 2004. Aside from McKinnon, no one else on the team had any prior experience with Hai's condition or performed such a surgery before, Guillon said. "Though the surgical techniques used by Dr. McKinnon are usual and routinely used by our surgeons, the difference lays in his experience: he knows what to expect and what to do at specific crucial moments." Finally, the team of Vietnamese surgeons and anesthetists had never worked with McKinnon before, and communication issues could turn dangerous in an operating theatre, Guillon said, adding that two of the three Vietnamese surgeons also go by "Dr. Thai." Nonetheless, the communication among all in the operating theatre went "extremely well," Guillon said. During the surgery, FV Hospital set up a live video feed for other doctors and hospitals to watch. Video during the surgery showed five people assisting in the disposal of the excised tumor from its own gurney into a yellow container, which was then sealed. A small piece has been sent for examination; the rest will be incinerated as with all biological waste, Guillon said. The cost of the surgery was estimated at $20,000, but the hospital said it will charge 60% of the cost, which will be covered jointly by the Red Cross of Da Lat City and sponsors. The hospital said it is financing all the traveling costs and accommodation for McKinnon, who is performing the surgery free of charge. | NEW: Excised tumor weighed 180 pounds, hospital says .
NEW: Hai has neurofibramatosis, disorder dramatized in "The Elephant Man"
NEW: The tumor "may return, but we can operate him again," hospital chief says .
Lead surgeon had previously removed tumors around 200 pounds . |
55,615 | 9dae2d0533d58880235c8c8a1760a16916c4357a | By . Mail Foreign Service . A murderer who killed a toddler during a row with her mother over a parking space in China has lost an appeal against a death sentence. Han Lei was sentenced to death in September after the incident in which he confronted the two-year-old child's . mother in a car park in Beijing, claiming that her shopping . trolley was in his way. During the altercation in July, he beat the woman to the ground, snatched the child from her buggy and raised her above his head before throwing her on the floor. Sentenced to death: Han Lei is handcuffed after a Beijing court convicted him of the murder of a two-year-old girl . She was severely injured and died in hospital several days after the incident. This morning the Higher People's Court in Beijing upheld the sentence, rejecting the killer's appeal. The 39-year-old had claimed to be drunk and said that he believed he was only throwing a trolley to the floor when he originally went on trial at the Beijing No. 1 Intermediate People's Court. 'At that time I didn't know . it was a baby carriage. I thought because the woman had just been . shopping that it was a shopping cart,' he said. He used that argument to try and get his charge of intentional homicide reduced to involuntary homicide which only carries a sentence of between three and seven years instead of a mandatory life sentence. Chinese media had reported after the original verdict that Han, who had been released from prison less than a year before, was so wracked by guilt that he had actually asked to be executed. He had been in jail for stealing a car, an offence for which he was given a life sentence in 1996. However, the term was later commuted and he was released. A second man, Li Ming, who drove Han away . from the scene, was sentenced to five years in prison for hiding the . suspect at the original trial. | Han Lei was sentenced to death after a trial in Beijing in September .
He confronted the child's mother in an altercation in a car park in July .
Han claimed that the woman's shopping trolley was in his way .
The 39-year-old beat the mother to the ground and snatched the child .
He then raised her above his head and threw her to the ground .
Han claimed he thought he was throwing a shopping trolley . |
257,473 | d938c87c03889d57758c444dd4e0ff6406bfa27a | By . Sophie Borland . PUBLISHED: . 10:53 EST, 10 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 19:25 EST, 10 September 2012 . Hospitals are sending hundreds of thousands of confidential letters about patients to India to be typed up by poorly-paid workers. NHS trusts have been accused of laying off their secretaries and instead dispatching patients’ notes more than 6,000 miles to save money on staffing costs. In the last year, at least 650,000 letters containing sensitive medical information are known to have been sent to India by a total of eight trusts, but many others are likely to be doing the same. MPs warn that complicated medical terms may be mis-translated by the Indian workers leading to ‘tragic consequences’. Outsourced: A series of London-area hospitals, including Great Ormond Street (pictured), has admitted using cheap secretarial agencies in India to type patient letters . At least one hospital – Addenbrooke’s . in Cambridge – has already been forced to stop sending letters to India . because the standard was so much worse. Normally after seeing a patient a . doctor dictates a referral letter to a consultant into a tape recorder, . which is far quicker than typing it out. This is then given to the . doctor’s medical secretary who types it up and sends it, saving the . doctor time. But recently hospitals have begun . setting up schemes with private firms whereby the recordings are sent to . India to be typed up and returned a few weeks later. Figures obtained by Labour MP John . Spellar under the Freedom of Information Act show that in 2011/12, West . Middlesex University Hospital trust in west London, sent 234,000 letters . to India. Great Ormond Street Hospital trust in . Central London sent 123,000 letters, while North Middlesex University . Hospital trust in north London sent 137,000. Last week the former health secretary Andrew Lansley (pictured) admitted that his own local hospital, Addenbrooke's, had ended its contract because the quality of the letters coming back was poor . Other NHS trusts that said they . routinely dispatch letters to India were: Kingston Hospital in . south-west London; Epsom and St Helier University in south London and . Surrey; the Whittington Hospital in north London; the Royal National . Orthopaedic Hospital in north London. Barts and the London in east . London also admitted dispatching letters in the last year but said it . had stopped the practice in July. It did not provide a reason. Several of the NHS trusts insist . there is no risk that patients’ confidentiality will be breached as . their names and dates of birth are removed beforehand. But last week the former health . secretary Andrew Lansley admitted that his own local hospital, . Addenbrooke’s, had ended its contract because the quality of the letters . coming back was poor. Mr Spellar, who raised the issue in . the Commons last week, said: ‘There is a safety issue. There’s the . potential for something to go tragically wrong. ‘If someone gives the wrong advice . and this is not picked up then a patient could be misdiagnosed or seen . less urgently than they should be.’ He added that it was ‘outrageous’ that NHS jobs were being outsourced abroad. ‘Unemployment in the UK is at . unacceptable levels and the economy is suffering the worst double dip . recession since the Second World War,’ he said. ‘Medical secretaries are being . downgraded or laid off. This is work that could easily be based and . carried out in the UK, maintaining jobs and keeping opportunities for . our young people.’ Mr Spellar has not yet received replies from all NHS trusts in England but he suspects others are also sending letters abroad. Recently it has also emerged that a . number of primary care trusts – which oversee GP services – have also . been sending patient letters abroad. At least 46 PCTs have signed a deal . with a private firm which involves having some of their administrative . and secretarial work outsourced to India. Several GPs have reported errors and in one case confidential information about patients was sent to the wrong PCT. | A series of hospitals have admitted using cheap secretarial agencies in India . |
267,208 | e613a4d8907c88c7e79b8cf045c167abe4e2e4c4 | By . Mark Duell . Last updated at 3:36 PM on 12th October 2011 . A baseball fan was last night left clutching his head in agony as he was struck by a flying bat. Josh Hamilton’s bat slipped out of his hands as the Texas Rangers player swung and missed at a pitch in the sixth inning during game three of the American League championship series on Tuesday. The bat sailed into the stands just behind the Rangers’ dugout and hit a Detroit Tigers male fan wearing a Justin Verlander jersey as the stadium crowd and commentators gasped in horror. Scroll down for video . Josh Hamilton's bat slipped out of his hands as the Texas Rangers player swung and missed at a pitch... ... but the bat sailed into the stands just behind the Rangers' dugout at the ballpark as fans went to grab it... ... and it hit a Detroit Tigers male fan wearing a Justin Verlander jersey as the crowd gasped in horror . Hamilton has a history of unfortunate events in games. In July a Rangers fan fell to his death in a tragic accident after reaching over a railing to try to catch a ball Hamilton tossed into the stands. The next night, Hamilton hit a foul ball that struck a fan sitting about five rows behind the third-base dugout. He had blood on his face and needed stitches but was treated at the stadium and was OK. Last night the blow seemed to stun the man at first, but he was evaluated by medical staff at the Comerica Park stadium and stayed in his front-row seat, holding a cold pack on the back of his head. The bat that went into the stands was returned to the Rangers, who appeared to pass along another one to the dinged-up fan. Security stopped at least one reporter approaching him for an interview. ‘It's a tough way to get a souvenir bat and we hope that gentleman is OK,’ a Major League Baseball (MLB) television commentator said immediately after the incident on Tuesday night. Hurt: The blow seemed to stun him at first, but he was evaluated by medics and stayed in his front-row seat . Recovering: The bat that went into the stands was returned to the Rangers, who appeared to pass along another one to the injured fan . Jhonny Peralta, Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera all hit home runs as the Detroit Tigers clawed their way back into the AL championship series with a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday. 'It's a tough way to get a souvenir bat and we hope that gentleman is OK' MLB commentator . After losing two games in Texas, the Tigers returned home to trim the Rangers' lead to 2-1 in the best-of-seven series with game four set for Wednesday at Comerica Park. Last month, with 50,000 fans on their feet in Texas, six-year-old Cooper Stone stood and tossed a ceremonial first pitch of the baseball playoffs to his favourite player, Hamilton. Cooper is the boy who saw his fireman father Shannon fall to his death while trying to catch a ball thrown to him by Hamilton during a Rangers game in Arlington in early July. Scroll down for video . | Fan was hit at game between Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers on Tuesday .
Sat in stands just behind Rangers dugout when hit by Josh Hamilton's bat .
Back in July a Rangers fan fell to death after trying to catch Hamilton's ball .
The next day Hamilton also hit fan who required stitches for injuries . |
284,165 | fc2acf6531480a690d4939a04e1615bc9ff14468 | Frank Lampard’s career at Manchester City took a turn for the bizarre at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night as a young pitch invader managed to grab a ‘selfie’ with the midfielder in the centre circle. Only minutes of the 7-0 Capital One Cup rout of Sheffield Wednesday remained when the fan evaded security to sprint on to the field to hug two-goal Lampard and persuade him to pose for a photograph. Frank Lampard poses for a selfie with a fan during Manchester City's cup clash with Sheffield Wedmesday . Manchester City midfielder Frank Lampard hugs it out with a young pitch invader . The supporter was subsequently led away in handcuffs but City will certainly ask questions of their security ahead of their next home game against Roma in the Champions League next Tuesday. City progressed thanks to two goals from Lampard and another double from Edin Dzeko, with all the goals coming in the second half. Jesus Navas and Yaya Toure added to the tally, while Jose Angel Pozo scored on his debut for Manuel Pellegrini's side. The supporter shows the selfie to Frank Lampard . Two policemen lead the young fan away after he breached security regulations . Frank Lampard scored twice as Manchester City cruised into the fourth round of the League Cup . VIDEO Lampard City deal extended . Real Madrid fan Ronald Gjoka spent the night in jail after running on to the pitch to embrace Cristiano Ronaldo during the International Champions Cup clash with Chelsea last year. Two AC Milan supporters also entered the field of play in July to greet Mario Balotelli before being rushed off by security staff. Mario Balotelli was happy to pose with two AC Milan fans during a pre-season friendly in July . | Young supporter invades the pitch before hugging City midfielder .
Lampard agrees to pose for selfie with the cheeky fan .
The daring pitch invader was then led away by two policeman .
Lampard scored twice as City thrashed Wednesday at the Etihad . |
183,539 | 79c2243b54166781386bf57b718ac7307453f5d6 | By . Mike Dawes . Luke McCormick, 30, who was jailed in 2008 for killing two brothers while twice over the legal drink-drive limit, has been made captain at Plymouth Argyle . Plymouth Argyle is facing a fans backlash after appointing disgraced goalkeeper Luke McCormick, who killed two brothers while twice over the legal drink-drive limit, as the new club captain. McCormick was jailed for seven years and four months in 2008 after killing Aaron Peak, ten, and his brother Ben, eight, on the M6 motorway near Keele. The goalkeeper rejoined Plymouth in May 2013 after a short spell at Oxford. The 30-year-old, who was driving at 97mph, had downed beer and Sambuca shots at a former team-mate's wedding before driving his car. He was jailed after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving, as well as charge of drink-driving. But now officials at the club have given the goalkeeper a second chance, by offering him the prestigious captaincy of the club. The goalkeeper has been publicly backed by the club and its manager, despite fans taking to Twitter to vent their anger. Former teammate Guy Branston said: 'I think Luke McCormick will be a . fantastic club captain, and shouldn’t be disregarded just because of a . mistake he made in his past. 'Take . away what he did - and served time for - and bring it back to the here . and now, and he deserves the accolade of being club captain. 'I spoke to Luke in detail about what happened and about being in prison, and I think he is an asset to the football club. 'I . obviously don’t agree with what he did as drinking and driving is . disgusting, but he has served his time and is trying to move on with his . life.' McCormick, who was released from prison in 2012, played for Plymouth Argyle for eight years before his contract was terminated due to the crash. He returned to the club this summer, saying he had 'a point to prove' in the wake of the incident. He said: 'I’m hungrier than I’ve ever been. I feel like I have got a point to prove, which I didn’t necessarily have as much last time I was here. The footballer, pictured here at his court case, said he had 'a point to prove' following his return to the League Two club this summer . 'I owe this club for giving me the chance and I’ve got a lot to repay the fans for, and I’m determined to make this a success.' But although have backed McCormick, some fans criticised the move on social networking sites. Jamie Hawkins commented: 'Plymouth Argyle remaining classy as ever' and Jamie Chown said: 'Luke McCormick backed as Plymouth Argyle club captain... JOKE!!!!!!". The crash, which took place on the M6 near Keele services, killed Aaron Peak, 10, pictured left and his brother Ben, 8, second from right. Their father Philip, now 43, also pictured with the boys' mother Amanda, was injured in the incident . Another . using the handle @NorthernMisery said: 'Plays for Plymouth. After . killing two kids. F****** disgraceful.' The . fatal incident took place in June 2008 when McCormick, who had slept . for just two hours before driving, fell asleep at the wheel of his Range . Rover. His car - which was travelling at 97mph on the 70mph motorway - hit the Peak family's Toyota and killed the two boys. Their father Philip, now 43, who was taking his family to Silverstone when the crash took place, suffered 'horrific' injuries. After the player was jailed, mother Amanda Peak said: 'Our sons will never experience the things Luke has had. 'Phil will carry the scars of the incident for life. We will both carry the emotional scars forever.' Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Luke McCormick jailed in 2008 after killing Aaron Peak and brother Ben .
Ploughed into family's car on M6 while twice over drink-drive limit .
McCormick, said he had 'point to prove' after returning to League Two club . |
272,316 | ecb84012a698d7b59a3d2535a9c1181cf98ee93d | Overhaul: Education secretary Michael Gove suggested exams could be graded one to ten rather than by A* to C . GCSE grades could be ditched in favour of a number-based system, Michael Gove suggested yesterday. The Education Secretary said the top grades of A* and A could be replaced by classifications ranging from one to four. If this were applied all the way down to the lowest grade of G, pupils could end up with a score of between one and ten. Mr Gove, who is overhauling GCSEs in 2015 by replacing modules with end of course exams, said the new system would help ‘re-fix the level at which people recognise outstanding attainment’. If introduced, it would end the grading system that was first used for O-levels and A-levels in 1965. Mr Gove was giving evidence at an education select committee hearing when he was asked how he would avoid a ‘collapse’ in the number of top grades as pupils and teachers adjusted to the new exams. ‘The plan that’s likely, though not definitive, is we’d change how exams are graded,’ he said. ‘So that, for the sake of argument... you might have 1,2,3,4 cover a band of achievement that’s currently A* and A.’ He denied planning to make it harder for pupils to get top marks after years of grade inflation, adding: ‘It’s not my explicit aim to reduce the number of people who receive a particular mark. ‘It’s my aim to ensure, working with [exam regulator] Ofqual, that people can reliably feel once you have new examinations that they will keep their standards over time. ‘You’re going to have new examinations and, I hope, a new approach moving on from where comparable outcomes were.’ Change: Mr Gove said he wants to overhaul GCSEs to 're-fix the level at which people recognise outstanding achievement' However, there were doubts yesterday over whether Mr Gove’s proposal marked a genuine departure from the grades system. Graham . Stuart, the Conservative education select committee chairman, said the . numbers would help make it clear a new system had been introduced but . they were ‘not a fundamental change’. ‘Given nearly everyone at the top . goes on to do A-levels you could say it doesn’t matter that much,’ he . added. Chris McGovern, of . the Campaign for Real Education, said the plan was ‘overcomplicated and . unnecessary’. ‘This is an example of exam currency being inflated,’ he . said. ‘They should go for a percentage mark that is readily understood . by parents, employers and children.’ The . body operating Cambridge University’s three exam boards including OCR . last week suggested a radical overhaul of GCSEs by replacing grades with . scores that ‘could range from 600-900’. Cambridge . Assessment said this would remove the ‘arbitrary’ categories under . which pupils with similar marks can end up with different grades or . those with quite different marks receive the same grade. An Ofqual spokesman said: ‘We will be consulting soon on arrangements for the new GCSEs, and this will include a range of proposals for how they should be graded.’ A Department for Education spokesman said: ‘We have consulted on a new accountability system for secondary schools and are considering how to change it. ‘The new more rigorous GCSEs will include more demanding assessment structures. Ofqual is considering how we can improve the current A* to G grading system. This is one option.’ Mr Gove also told MPs he still wanted to move away from tiering in GCSEs, where pupils can be entered for a foundation paper with a maximum C grade or a higher paper depending on their ability. | Education secretary top grades could be replaced by score of one to four .
Mr Gove is overhauling GCSEs by replacing modules with exams .
Grading system for O-levels and A-levels was first used in 1965 . |
52,117 | 9393972bbb342b0e47ed34692fac3a9503502d12 | JAKARTA, Indonesia (CNN) -- A U.S. mining company has denied a report by Indonesia's state media that a convoy of its buses came under fire in the province of Papua Wednesday. Indonesian soldiers provide security near a PT Freeport-owned gold mine in Timika, Papua province, on July 18. The state-run Antara News Agency had said that two people were reportedly killed when a 12-bus convoy carrying employees of PT Freeport was attacked by unidentified gunmen in the country's eastern-most province. The company clarified that a vehicle was wrecked in the province, killing one person and wounding several others. When police and mechanics drove to the area to assist, shots were fired at them. Three people were hurt in the shooting, the company said. "No shots were fired at the PT-FI bus convoy as earlier reported," the company said. Following the company's comments, Antara's Web site changed its report to reflect the new information. PT Freeport is the largest copper and gold mining company in the province. Attacks directed at the company killed an Australian mine technician and two Indonesians on July 11 and 12. And two directors of the company were wounded Friday in a twin attack at the Ritz Carlton and JW Marriott hotels in the capital Jakarta. Papua residents have long resented the presence of PT Freeport in the province. They have criticized the environmental impact of the mining operations and the small share of revenues the province receives. In 2008, a separatist group claimed responsibility for a series of bomb attacks in the area. No one died in the attacks, Antara said. In 2002, two American teachers and an Indonesian colleague who worked at the mine were shot dead in an attack, the news agency said. Meanwhile, authorities on Wednesday released sketches of two men believed to have carried out the bombings at the luxury hotels in Jakarta. One was about 40; the other 17, officials said. Analysis of their DNA matched those obtained from a homemade explosive found in a room at the Marriott where they had checked in, police said. But authorities still do not know their identities. CNN's Andy Saputra contributed to this report. | Antara News Agency said two people were killed when convoy was attacked .
Convoy was transporting employees of U.S. mining company PT Freeport .
Company clarified a vehicle was wrecked but no shots fired at convoy .
Papua residents resent firm's presence, criticize environmental impact, little benefit . |
263,459 | e13c4ee489c56ea0db13def132dfee3400ecfd11 | By . Andy Dolan . PUBLISHED: . 11:41 EST, 22 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 20:36 EST, 22 November 2012 . Tragic: Callum James, 11, was found hanging from his bunkbed at his family home . The parents of an 11-year-old boy found hanging from a bunk-bed waited 40 minutes for an ambulance after a controller refused to interrupt the crew during their lunch break, an inquest heard yesterday. After Callum James was discovered in a bedroom by his mother Pauline she dialled 999 and a volunteer community first responder, who are trained to provide life-saving care prior to the arrival of an ambulance, reached the address within five minutes. At this point Callum still had a faint pulse but it was only when the ambulance arrived 35 minutes later that he could be placed on a spinal board and carried downstairs. Callum, who had been due to start secondary school the day after the incident, died 48 hours later in Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Blanche Lentz, of East Midlands Ambulance Service, told the inquest that the 999 call was received at 12.58pm on September 4, 2011. A minute later a paramedic car based in Scunthorpe, 15 miles from the James family home in Gainsborough, was dispatched as well as the volunteer, who lived closer. The ambulance controller identified four available vehicles, but all were more than 30 minutes away. The controller was not called to give evidence at the hearing in Lincoln yesterday. Lunch break: East Midlands ambulance crews took 40 minutes to reach Callum James, 11, after he was found hanged on a bed. An operator did not want to interrupt crews on their lunch break, an inquest was told . Miss Lentz told Central Lincolnshire . coroner Stuart Fisher she ‘cannot commit as to why none of these . ambulances were dispatched’. Eventually, four minutes after the 999 call, the controller requested a crew be sent from Retford, Nottinghamshire. But Miss Lentz said the crew were on . an ‘undisturbed meal break’ and it was ambulance service policy that ‘a . crew does not have to attend when they are on a meal break.’ She said the crew were not interrupted and were told of the call only 17 minutes later. They eventually arrived at 1.38pm. Tragedy: Callum James, who suffered from both autism and ADHD, died at Sheffield Children's Hospital (pictured) on September 6, 2011 . Delay: Despite Gainsborough (pictured) having its own ambulance station, crews were requested from Scunthorpe (15 miles away) and Retford (12 miles) Paramedic Andrew Devenport told the . inquest: ‘If we had been notified by control of this incident we would . have immediately made ourselves available and responded to the call.’ Mr Fisher recorded a verdict of . suicide on Callum, who suffered from both autism and Attention . Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder, and asked that the ambulance service . look at the case urgently. He added that the ‘unacceptable delay in the . arrival of the ambulance’ did not significantly adversely affect . Callum’s medical state. A spokesman for East Midlands . Ambulance Service said: ‘Although it had no bearing on the outcome, we . accept that a back-up ambulance could have been sent sooner.’ | Callum James, of Gainsborough, was found hanged from a bunk bed .
He suffered from autism and Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder .
Ambulance took 40 minutes to arrive because crews were taking break .
Tragic schoolboy died two days later in Sheffield Children's Hospital .
Coroner recorded verdict of suicide and demanded urgent inquiry . |
30,519 | 56c49d7961ed1b1affb170e6fe64fe2be837a415 | By . Sam Webb . The Royal Navy’s first female warship commander is facing the sack over claims of an on-board affair with one of her crewmates. While the alleged affair is being investigated, Sarah West, 42, will retain her position as commander of HMS Portland. If the claims against her are proven, Commander West could face a formal warning, reassignment or even termination of her two decades of Navy service. Scroll down for video . Sarah West, the Royal Navy's first woman warship commander is facing the sack over claims of an on-board affair with one of her crewmates . The male officer, whose identity is unknown, may also face disciplinary action. The Ministry of Defence has refused to disclose whether he has retained his responsibilities or if he, too, has been removed from the ship. It is not known if he is married. Cdr West became the first woman to take charge of a frontline warship in the Navy’s 500-year history in 2012. When she was promoted, Cdr West revealed that her job had damaged her marriage to Navy helicopter pilot Andrew Whitlum – which broke down in 2006 – saying: ‘My husband used to be in the Navy and all that time apart is a challenge. ‘People who prosper in the armed forces tend to put their job as the priority, which isn’t the best thing for a happy married life.’ But despite sacrificing her relationship to focus on her trailblazing role, Cdr West, from Grimsby, is now facing the prospect of losing her job on HMS Portland, after allegedly having an affair with a male officer under her command. Her 43-year-old ex-husband now has a son with his new partner in Dorset, where he flies a search and rescue helicopter for the coastguard. Pilot: Cdr West's ex-husband Andrew Whitlum. Right, British warship HMS Portland on the Atlantic Ocean . Yesterday the pilot insisted he had nothing to say about his former wife, who earlier this year claimed that her job left her unable to hold down a relationship. Cdr West, who does not have children, said in an earlier interview: ‘Years at sea probably explains why I’m single.’ Name: HMS Portland . Operator: Royal Navy . Ordered: February 1996 . Builder: Marconi Marine, . Sponsored by: Lady Heather Brigstocke . Homeport: HMNB Devonport, Plymouth . Length: 133 m (436 ft 4 in) Beam: 16.1 m (52 ft 10 in) Draught: 7.3 m (23 ft 9 in) Speed: In excess of 28 kn (52 km/h; 32 mph) She even joked that she should advertise her mobile number ‘to get a date’. However if the allegations are true, she started seeing a subordinate during the seven-month tour of her frigate, which has been conducting anti-narcotics patrols in the Caribbean. This would breach the Armed Forces’ Code of Social Conduct, which prohibits personnel from relationships which compromise ‘operational effectiveness’. Yesterday former head of the Navy Admiral Lord West, who is not related to the captain, said: ‘If she had a relationship with someone under her command then she’s rather let down other women in the Royal Navy, because there are people who will jump on this and say this is why women shouldn’t be on ship.’ He added: ‘The rules banning relationships in the chain of command exist for a very good reason. If the allegations are true I doubt Commander West will continue in her post or be given another ship to command.’ A Royal Navy spokesman said: ‘We are aware of an allegation of a breach of the Code of Social Conduct which we are treating seriously. It would be inappropriate to comment further.’ Video courtesy of British Forces News . | If affair claims are proven, Cdr Sarah West could see her career terminated .
The male officer, who is not named, may also face disciplinary action .
Cdr West became first female to head warship in Navy's 500-year history . |
57,979 | a44991826a4993354fae409e86207a4b38588338 | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 12:32 EST, 27 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 12:55 EST, 27 December 2012 . A Premier League football club has taped up the seats of fans who refuse to sit down during games. Supporters of Sunderland AFC who persistently stand throughout matches have been suspended from using their season tickets for games at the Stadium of Light. A photo circulated on Twitter shows a seat with a note on it saying: 'This season card has been suspended due to persistent standing.' Premiership football club Sunderland has suspended some season ticket holders' seats for 'persistent standing' during games, drawing a mixed reaction from fans . The club has issued a warning on its website about people who break the law on standing during a football match, and insisted it must act to protect the safety and the view of other fans. It said it has received an 'increasing number of complaints', particularly from fans in the South Stand, which say the game is being spoiled by others who stand throughout the 90 minutes. It said 38 fans have been ejected from the Stadium of Light so far, compared to just 20 last season. Head of safety and security Paul Weir said: 'We certainly don't wish to spoil the enjoyment of any supporters, we want a vibrant lively matchday atmosphere just as much as the fans do, but we also have legal obligations that we must be seen to be adhering to.' Let joy be unconfined?: Fans jump to their feet after the goal that secured The Black Cat's . victory against reigning champions Manchester City on Boxing Day. Some . say enforced sitting could ruin the atmosphere . He added: 'We also have a duty of care to all of our supporters, including elderly and disabled fans who have contacted us very concerned that their enjoyment on a matchday is being compromised because people around them stand throughout the game. 'Naturally we want to ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone at the Stadium of Light and we'd ask supporters to listen to requests from stewards and help us to eradicate persistent standing for the sake of all fans.' There has been a mixed reaction on the Sunderland fans' Ready to Go online forum, with some welcoming the club's stance but others complaining the move will discourage a noisy atmosphere at the ground. | Seats taped up to deter 'persistent standing' at Sunderland home games .
Sunderland safety chiefs cite safety concerns and complaints from disabled and elderly football lovers .
But some fans say restrictions could kill atmosphere at games . |
11,673 | 212a660ce5b64cc216875f44dd6057cb2c198b20 | Below is an excerpt from HLN "Morning Express" anchor Robin Meade's new book, Morning Sunshine!: How to Radiate Confidence and Feel It Too published by Hachette Book Group. The following takes place when Robin was working as a weekend anchor in Chicago, Illinois. Robin Meade's book "Morning Sunshine!: How to Radiate Confidence and Feel It Too" hits shelves September 10. I looked down at the copy of the news story. My stomach clenched. My heart started palpitating. I think I held my breath without realizing it. The floor director gave me the cue, pointing at me as the camera came up on my face. I felt sweaty. Just as I opened my mouth to speak, the set seemed to fade into a gauzy haze. My breathing was jagged. The words came, but my voice was quivering so much it sounded like a kid singing into a big box fan on a humid summer day: "Bray-ay-ay-ay-king new-ew-ew-ews tonigh-igh-ight." My hands shook uncontrollably, and I was huffing and puffing as if I were running mile twenty five of the Chicago Marathon. These were not the controlled, measured tones of someone who had been doing this for a living for years. My heart pounded in my ears, and my face flushed. I was losing it, right there with who knows how many thousands of people watching. What the hell is happening? As I delivered the facts of the story, I didn't hear a thing that came out of my mouth. All I heard were my own thoughts. Oh, no, you're screwing up! Oh, no, your bosses are probably watching! You're going to get fired! How will you pay your mortgage? What will people think of you? And then, of course, Holy crapola, where is that sound bite? Can you see how the cause-and-effect relationship of my thoughts just engulfed me in doom and gloom? I couldn't keep my mind on the story. I totally slipped into imagining the future and the horrible repercussions of my screwup. CNN's Virginia Cha talks to Robin about her on-air anxiety and her upcoming book » . Because I'm writing this today, you can tell that somehow I lived to see the sound bite that evening. The whole looking-like-I-was-hopped-up-on-six-energy-drinks episode lasted only seconds. But it seemed like an eternity. Now Josh, the I'm-going-to-be-a-reporter-someday crew member, and Michael, the I-really-want-to-be-a-rock-star prompter operator, were around me, wearing the same expression you'd have after witnessing a car wreck. "Robin, are you okay? Do you need a glass of water?" Josh's eyes were wide open, as if he really wanted to shout, "Dude!" He didn't know what to make of this. "Yeah, please," I croaked. My mouth was cotton. I wished I had a trough to douse my head in instead of a tiny Dixie cup of water. "Everything okay out there?" the producer chimed in on my IFB, the earpiece through which the producer and director talk to anchors during the show without the folks at home hearing it. What to say, what to say? "Oh, sorry about that. Wow, that was weird! I lost my breath or something." I faked a half-laugh at the end of that statement for their benefit. When Josh handed me the glass of water, I was surprised to see my hands were still trembling. I noticed how incredibly weak I felt, and I noisily gulped down the water the way my dog does at his water bowl after he's been chasing squirrels for an hour. Get it together, Robin! Miraculously, by the time we came out of the video and I had to speak again, it was as if nothing had happened. Except for feeling wiped out, I was back to sounding authoritative and in control, even tilting my head and smirking sheepishly as if to say, You'll forgive me for that little freak-out I just had. The truth was, I was morbidly embarrassed -- the kind of embarrassed where you'd rather crawl under a rock than face people. It wasn't the kind of embarrassment you can laugh off, as I could so easily when I was in high school show choir. As the student body filed in for the Christmas assembly, I started jumping rope with a holiday garland. I was standing out on the gymnasium floor, and with each leap over the garland I felt a swish! After a few times, I realized the garland was catching my knee-length choir dress in the back and flicking the skirt hem waist-high, exposing my bum for the entire eighth grade seated behind me. And laugh I did! Wouldn't you know it? The school photographer caught the moment: there I am in the 1987 yearbook laughing with my mouth wide open, my eyes as big as saucers, and my hands behind me, having just pushed my skirt back down. I have no problem laughing at myself in situations like that. My point in telling you this embarrassing story is that you can see I don't have trouble laughing off most situations. But my job? That was another matter. No, I was not going to be able to shrug off the "breathing problem," as I had called it, trying to minimize its impact, even though it had completely bamboozled me on the air. It was all I thought about after the show, driving down the darkened streets of Chicago's Streeterville to our condo, still gripped with humiliation. I felt as though every tourist lugging her shopping bags from the Magnificent Mile back to her hotel, every vagrant panhandling for handouts, and every pedestrian who called the city home knew I had just made a complete fool of myself. My brain should have been full of concussions, I was beating myself up so much. How badly was I cursing myself? I didn't care to stop for my usual Cheesecake Factory late-night treat, let's put it that way. My stomach was still in knots. I didn't turn my eyes to gawk at the car pumping the thump-thitty-thump-thump bass at the stoplight, and I barely noticed anything around me on the drive home. I couldn't even feign a smile for the friendly doorman as I entered our high-rise building. The ride to the thirty-seventh floor seemed to take forever. Every time the elevator halted and the door opened I held my breath, afraid the person joining me on the ride had seen the screwup and would ply me with questions. Tim met me at the door. He had seen the "breathing problem" on TV for himself. I learned later it bolted him upright from his viewing perch on the couch. "Did you watch me?" I asked, hoping he'd say, "Oh, I sensed a little glitch on your part." Instead he just nodded, and I saw the worried look on his face. He didn't say much. He was waiting for me to go first. I hesitated. Finally, in the kind of voice you'd use to soothe a colicky baby, he asked, "Honey, what happened? Are you okay?" I didn't know the answer. Excerpted from MORNING SUNSHINE!: How to Radiate Confidence and Feel It Too by Robin Meade. Copyright (c) 2009 by Robin Meade. Reprinted by permission of Center Street, a Division of Hachette Book Group. All rights reserved. | Anxiety attacks threatened to stop Robin Meade's career in its tracks .
Her compulsion to overachieve put Meade temporarily out of touch with herself .
Meade shares how she got her confidence, and her spontaneity, back .
Robin Meade's new book hits shelves September 10 . |
148,125 | 4b85f0142b9937183cf0293e8dd15e07a1493f8c | By . Daily Mail Reporter . It is where the Queen retreats each summer to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Scottish countryside. But her beloved Balmoral estate could soon be offering the Glastonbury Festival a bit of competition in the rural rowdiness charts. The estate in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, is considering hosting rock concerts and other live events as it looks for new ways to pay its bills. The Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, which features Balmoral castle (pictured) has long been the favourite summer retreat of the Queen, but staff are now looking for new ways to pays the bills . Balmoral last hosted an open-air concert – its only one – in 2006 to mark the Queen’s 80th birthday. The event was headlined by the Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins and attracted a crowd of more than 4,000. Now the estate – privately owned by the Queen and paid for by her – is looking into outdoor concerts in the spring and early summer before the Royal Family arrive for their annual stay. The estate is privately owned and maintained by Queen Elizabeth (pictured on the grounds in 2006) Gary Marsden, visitor enterprise manager at Balmoral, did not rule out pop or rock concerts, saying: ‘We are open to any suggestions suitable for the location. We are not planning to stage concerts ourselves – it would be up to others.’ On its revamped website, Balmoral says the picturesque grounds around the castle are available for hire. ‘Balmoral provides the perfect setting for your event, with wonderful scenery and the castle providing a magnificent backdrop,’ it says. ‘Whether you are planning a charity event, gala dinner, training course, team-building exercise, car rally, conference or even a concert, we can assist. ‘Our events field is the ideal location for an outdoor function with full marquee facilities and parking nearby.’ It adds: ‘For a number of years the events field has been the venue for large events such as Balmoral Road Races and also the Bike Balmoral. ‘It is also the regular setting for smaller events such as car rallies and specialist holidays with onsite accommodation. ‘If you would like to make an appointment to discuss the possibility of using the venue facilities at Balmoral, please do not hesitate to contact us.’ More than 50 companies paid £1,000 each for corporate tables at the previous concert, in aid of the Anthony Nolan . Trust, the blood cancer charity. Midge repellent – often essential in the Highlands – was laid on for artists and guests. The 50,000-acre estate costs around £3million a year to run and attracts more than 70,000 visitors when it opens as a tourist attraction between April and the end of July. Coming soon?: The estate's website says the grounds are available for hire before the Royal visit, and staff have not ruled out the possibility of hosting open air concerts, like Glastonbury festival, held on Worthy Farm . However, the income they bring only meets around half the estate’s costs.Last month MPs said the Queen should rent out her palaces and homes to help pay for repairs. A committee said she had been failed by advisers who spent too much money and did not do enough to save her deteriorating palaces. More than a third of the royal estate has been found to be below ‘target condition’, with Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle in urgent need of repair. Balmoral’s efforts to pay its way have been boosted by updating its online gift shop to offer a new collection of 21st-century souvenirs. The range includes Harris Tweed laptop bags and iPad cases, tiaras and even pink princess T-shirts, with matching socks. Also on offer is a range of crystal jewellery said to be modelled on items worn by the Queen down the years. | Balmoral estate is a Scottish retreat owned and paid for by the Queen .
In order to help pay the upkeep, the grounds are now available to rent .
Staff say they have not ruled out hosting rock concerts and music events . |
54,803 | 9b3b84937721c22296727cb2febaf98a933d8dbb | (CNN) -- The Amazon rainforest is so vast and full of life that even its defenders don't know exactly what it is they are protecting. In the past 40 years, roughly 20 percent of the Amazon rainforest has been wiped out. "The wealth of biodiversity is so immense, we cannot even estimate the amount we don't know," says Cláudio C. Maretti, Brazil-based director for conservation for the World Wildlife Fund. "Every new expedition you do to the Amazon, you might find one new species of fish. Every other, you might find some new bird or frog." The Amazon rainforest, which encompasses an area nearly as large as the continental United States and stretches across nine countries, is considered the world's richest and most varied natural habitat, with several million species of insects, plants, birds and fish calling it home. It also plays an important role in regulating Earth's temperature as its dense vegetation absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen into the air. But the Amazon has been under pressure from outside forces for decades. In the past 40 years, roughly 20 percent of the rainforest has been wiped out. Maretti says an additional 17 percent has been degraded to varying degrees. "We have been deforesting at enormous rates," Maretti says. The chief drivers of this deforestation are large-scale business interests involved in logging, mining, agriculture and, especially, cattle ranching. Some of this activity is sanctioned by the government; much of it is not. Greenpeace estimates as much as 80 percent of the logging is illegal. The Amazon rainforest is just one of many habitats around the world threatened by encroaching development or natural resource extraction. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations estimates that 50,000 square miles of forest -- more than three times the size of Switzerland -- are lost each year because of clearing and degradation. The threat is particularly acute in the more tropical areas of South America, Africa and Southeast Asia. Cambodia, for example, lost nearly 30 percent of its primary forests from 2000 to 2005, according to FAO. Vietnam lost close to 55 percent of its primary forests, FAO found. And Nigeria lost nearly 56 percent of its primary forests over the same period, the worst rate of forest loss in the world, according to FAO. The destruction of the Earth's oldest and richest forests is not a new phenomenon, but the rate of destruction has increased in recent decades. "Worldwide, one-half of all forests we've lost in the last 10,000 years has occurred in the last 80 years. Half of that was destroyed in the last 30 years," says Scott Paul, Forest Campaign Coordinator for Greenpeace. Paul says the chief driver of forest destruction is the buying and selling of forest products and farm products in the international market, not to meet local needs. "The timber market, and also for agriculture, mining: When it plugs into the international economic system, that's when you've got to watch it," he says. Paul would like to see a certification system so that consumers know the source and conditions under which the product they're consuming was harvested. "If you buy wine and cheese, we can tell the region and the year. But forest products have always been cut in remote and distant areas and thrown in a pipe and spit out on the other side. There is no way to determine if something came from a well-managed forest or an illegal forest where there is slavery, murder, drug trade, etc.," he says. While the story of the world's old-growth forests would appear to be one of unremitting destruction, forests lost to logging and agriculture are actually growing back in some areas, such as the northeast region of the United States and parts of Europe. This thrills some wildlife advocates who would like to see the restoration of exiled or decimated species. "Northern New England is the only place in the eastern United States where you have the potential for large-scale wilderness where wolves, lynxes, cougars, woodland caribou and salmon rivers could be restored," according to Michael J. Kellett, executive director of RESTORE: The North Woods. "We could literally have almost the entire ecosystem of the Maine woods as it once was." With large-scale agriculture all but gone from New England and logging companies concentrating their attention elsewhere, Kellett's biggest fear is that real estate development could begin to carve up the vast forests of Maine. His proposed solution: create a national park. In Brazil in recent years, the government reportedly has stepped up efforts to slow the Amazon's destruction. Last October, Brazil said the rate of deforestation plunged 41 percent because of the enforcement of environmental laws. Environmental groups say the drop also was caused by the fall of soy prices and the rise of Brazil's currency against the dollar, making the country's exports more expensive. The World Wildlife Fund's Maretti is hopeful that Brazil, with international help, will be able to protect even more of the Amazon, an area he considers among the most vital natural habitats in the world. "We do have strong civil society. We do have more governance," Maretti says. "But we certainly need support from abroad. I don't believe Brazil can do this job alone." E-mail to a friend . | UN: More than 50,000 square miles of forest lost each year .
Most trees cut down for international sale .
Some forests making comeback in U.S., Europe . |
215,620 | a31b9af4c64bbfca7a125eb2b6b7229c79ac3365 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- One can only imagine the sights this hat has seen. Perched atop a man who towered over his peers at 6 foot 4 inches, this hat must have had quite a view. "Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life" will be on display through January 2011. It may have been there when a divided nation -- a devastating Civil War on the horizon -- elected a politician from Illinois as president. It could have watched as this president, so desperate to preserve the Union, carefully drafted the Emancipation Proclamation, thus changing the course of American history. And we know for sure that this hat was witness to a tragic April night when the same president was fatally shot while enjoying a play. The iconic top hat, part of a collection of items associated with Abraham Lincoln, is now on display at the National Museum of American History. Nearly three years in the making, "Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life" is part of the Smithsonian Institution's bicentennial celebration of Abraham Lincoln's birth and a rare glimpse into the life of one of our nation's greatest presidents. Nearly two centuries later, still adorned with a black band of mourning for a son who died too early, Lincoln's hat is worn-down, yet strangely magnificent. Maybe it is the hat's history that gives it such a majestic quality. Or perhaps it is simply that a top hat always commands a certain reverence -- an attribute that may reveal a great deal about the vanity of its owner. "Why would somebody who is 6 foot 4 inches decide to wear a tall hat?" asks Harry Rubenstein, curator of the exhibit. "He clearly has this desire to stand out in the crowd, to make his place in it." Rubenstein hopes this is the type of intimate detail about our 16th president's life that people will take away from the ongoing Lincoln exhibit. "This is the first time we've brought together all of the museum's best Lincoln objects to tell the story of Lincoln's life," Rubenstein says. "And I think it's a different kind of story that emerges -- one that's more intimate and more personal and one that brings this story to life in very tangible ways." Watch descriptions of items in the Lincoln exhibit » . The Smithsonian Institution started its Lincoln collection more than 140 years ago, Rubenstein says. The exhibit, which opened in January, houses more than 60 items from Abraham Lincoln's life, spanning his humble beginnings, his political career, his life in the White House, and even relics recovered in the wake of his assassination. Rubenstein says the collection includes "little personal objects of things he touched and used at pivotal moments in his life," like his office suit, his gold pocket watch -- and a coffee cup he left on a windowsill the night of his assassination. The exhibit is also home to more significant objects, such as the inkstand Lincoln used to draft the Emancipation Proclamation, and a patent model of a device he invented for lifting boats over sand bars. See photos from the exhibit » . Also on display is memorabilia from the 1860 presidential election campaign -- such as a replica poster portraying a young and masculine Lincoln splitting rail -- that reveal a candidate not impervious to the somewhat superficial aspects of the American political system. Rubenstein says that although Lincoln scoffed at his party's attempts to brand him as "Old Abe the Rail Splitter," he understood the importance of appealing to the masses and creating an image to "link him and his ideals in an iconic kind of way." Perhaps no one is more aware of the power of Lincoln's iconic image than President Barack Obama, who frequently cited his Illinois predecessor as a source of inspiration for his own presidency. While Rubenstein warns against drawing too much of a comparison between presidents -- the two Illinoisans have been linked by their reformist platforms, their penchant for eloquent speeches, and even for their physical likenesses -- he acknowledges the significance of the symbolic timing: As the first African-American becomes president, the nation celebrates the 200th birthday of the man who ended slavery. "We have a president from Illinois -- the land of Lincoln -- who has found inspiration in the Lincoln story. ... It's clearly an historic moment," Rubenstein says. Nonetheless, as the nation celebrates Obama's momentous election, "An Extraordinary Life" is a reminder of the relevance of Lincoln's legacy today and commemorates the incredible life that he led. "It is amazing ...here is this individual from a family in the middle of the woods in Kentucky ... [struggling] to educate himself," Rubenstein says. "To then take on this incredible responsibility, [and] beyond that, his ability to articulate those ideas to inspire not only his generation, but for us today ... it's an extraordinary odyssey that he took." Visit "Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life" at the National Museum of American History on the National Mall, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, N.W., in Washington, D.C. The exhibit runs through January 2011. For more information, or to view the online exhibit, visit the museum's Web site. | National Museum of American History exhibit honors Abraham Lincoln .
Exhibit is part of Smithsonian Institution's bicentennial celebration of Lincoln's birth .
Show brings together "all of the museum's best Lincoln objects," curator says .
Among objects on display are Lincoln's hat, suit, coffee cup, pocket watch . |
21,915 | 3e49007fcf85272152be0653a08c6df78380ffe7 | Washington (CNN)President Barack Obama strongly condemned what he called a "cowardly, evil" terror attack in Paris on Wednesday that claimed 12 lives and praised France for standing "shoulder to shoulder" in the fight against terrorism. Obama said Wednesday that he had "reached out" to French President Francois Hollande and pledged to offer "every bit of assistance" to help France, a country he praised as "America's oldest ally." Three gunmen burst into the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo's headquarters on Wednesday morning and also fired at police officers in the streets outside while shouting "Allahu Akbar" -- God is Great in Arabic. "They have been with us at every moment when we've -- from 9/11 on -- in dealing with the sort of terrorist organizations around the world that threaten us," Obama said. "For us to see the kind of cowardly, evil attacks that took place today, reinforces once again why it's so important for us to stand in solidarity with them just as they stand in solidarity with us." Sitting in the Oval Office alongside Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry, Obama also stressed that the U.S. would work to ensure the safety of Americans living around the world because "these kinds of attacks can happen anywhere in the world," he said. Obama focused also focused on the target of the attack, emphasizing that the assailants were striking at the "universal belief in freedom of expression." "The fact that this was an attack on journalists, an attack on our free press also underscores the degree to which these terrorists fear freedom -- of speech and freedom of the press," Obama said. Speaking to CNN's Wolf Blitzer Wednesday night,Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson said he was "confident that these...killers will be brought to justice." He declined, however, to confirm comments from House Homeland Security Chairman Michael McCaul that the U.S. government was aware of the names of the three attackers, or reports that they may have been apprehended, stating only that "events are unfolding rapidly." But he did indicate the U.S. is doing "a number of things to support the French government in this manhunt and this investigation," and suggested under typical protocol, the U.S. Would use all its available national security resources to try to track down the origin and motivation of the attackers. Johnson said while "this was very definitely a very sophisticated, precise and lethal operation," it was still unclear what motivated the attackers. "We don't know yet exactly what motivated these people, whether they received direct orders from a terrorist org or whether they were inspired by something they saw and read," he said. Secretary of State John Kerry earlier in the day addressed the French people directly -- in both English and French -- expressing American solidarity in the face of the attacks. "We stand with you in solidarity and in commitment both to the cause of confronting extremism and in the cause which the extremists fear so much and which has always united our two countries: freedom," Kerry said in a press conference. "No country knows better than France, that freedom has a price because France gave birth to democracy itself." Kerry made similar remarks in French, proclaiming that terrorists who claim the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo is dead, are wrong. "Le pouvoir de la liberté d'expression vainquera dans la lutte contre l'obscurantisme," he said, meaning "The power of freedom of expression will be victorious in the fight against darkness." White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest also pointed to France as a "stalwart ally" in the fight against ISIS. France is a member of the U.S.-led coalition that has carried out attacks against ISIS, and Earnest said that the U.S. is "keenly aware" of the "risk associated with that." He added that U.S. is still "trying to determine what happened," but did point out that the U.S. and its allies are aware of the threat that foreign fighters joining ISIS in the Middle East could pose if they return to their home countries and carry out attacks using "that training, use that equipment." Earnest added that top national security officials have been in touch with their counterparts in France and that the U.S. will provide resources to investigate the attack. "We are confident that the people of France are not going to be cowed by this threat," Earnest said. Earnest also highlighted the need for "leaders in the Muslim community" to stand up and proclaim the peaceful nature of their religion. National Security officials monitoring, investigating . The Department of Homeland Security is "closely monitoring" the situation in Paris, a senior official from the department said in a statement. "DHS will not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people," the official said. "We also encourage the public that "If You See Something, Say Something" and to report any suspicious activity in their communities to the appropriate law enforcement authorities." Johnson, speaking earlier in the day, would not say whether he is considering raising the terror threat level in the U.S., but highlighted the increasingly complex terror threat the world faces -- with more terror groups, but also "lone wolf" actors. "[These are] actors who may lurk within our society, that could strike with little notice, commit an act of violence because they have been inspired by things they have seen on the internet, social media, in literature, without accepting a direct order...from a terrorist organization," Johnson said. He added that investigators are still trying to determine the exact "nature" of the attack. The U.S. Embassy in Paris said on Twitter it has "no plans to close or limit access" to the embassy or other diplomatic facilities in France. The embassy also changed its Twitter profile picture to the "Je suis Charlie" (I am Charlie) image circulating in France in the wake of the attack. U.S. national security and intelligence agencies are rushing to see if they "missed any signs" or warnings of a terrorist attack against France, a senior U.S. official told CNN. For now, officials have found "nothing that matches." The official said the U.S. does not believe the attack suggests further attacks against Americans the U.S. "Our major concern is to quickly identify the individuals involved," in the attack the official said. U.S. officials also pointed out that the attackers were wearing masks, contradicting reports that ISIS leadership told adherents to show their faces when carrying out attacks. A U.S. official told CNN that French authorities are rapidly trying to find the alleged gunmen. "If they can't find these guys right away, then they will quickly be sharing any profile information or details with us," the official said. White House questioned Charlie Hebdo in 2012 . The attack Wednesday was not the first time the satirical publication Charlie Hebdo apparently drew the ire of Islamists. Its headquarters were firebombed in 2011 the day after it published a satirical cartoon of the Prophet Muhammed. And when the magazine published more satirical cartoons mocking the Prophet in 2012, the White House questioned the magazine's "judgment" in September 2012. "Obviously, we have questions about the judgment of publishing something like this. We know that these images will be deeply offensive to many and have the potential to be inflammatory," then-White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said. "But we've spoken repeatedly about the importance of upholding the freedom of expression that is enshrined in our Constitution." Carney went on to say that the White House didn't question the magazine's right to publish the cartoons, but just "the judgment behind the decision to publish it." "Now it has to be said, and I'll say it again, that no matter how offensive something like this is, it is not in any way justification for violence," Carney said at the same briefing. Paris attack quickly becomes Washington funding fight . Lawmakers react . Members of Congress also woke up to reports of the terror attack and some took to Twitter to condemn the attack. One of the only two Muslim members of Congress Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minnesota) condemned the attack and called for unity in the face of violence. "I condemn the attack in Paris today. My thoughts are with the families of those killed. I urge swift justice for the people responsible," Rep. Keith Ellison tweeted. "The goal of terror is to stoke hatred and division. We must stand united against people who choose violence." The New York Police Department boosted security measures in New York City, Republican Congressman from New York Peter King told CNN. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia) called the attack a "horrific situation" and said the U.S. needs to be "very vigilant" on MSNBC. "There wont be another day in our life that we wont have to be vigilant about terrorist attacks in any place," he said. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Florida) called the attackers "murderous extremists" on Twitter and Republican Sen. Mark Kirk of Illinois also took to Twitter. "Americans stand united with those around the world who value freedom of speech in mourning the victims of terrorism in Paris today," Kirk said. Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Connecticut) tweeted that he was "appalled by the attack." "My heart goes out to the victims & their families," he wrote. And in an interview with CNN's Dana Bash, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) condemned the attacks and pointed to the shared values between the U.S. and France."Even though it's in France, it's an attack on us," Graham said. CNN's Barbara Starr and Alexandra Jaffe contributed to this report. | President Barack Obama addressed the attack, from the Oval Office on Wednesday afternoon .
Secretary of State John Kerry spoke to the French people in their language .
Obama pointed to France as a close ally in the war on terror. France is part of the coalition fighting ISIS .
U.S. national security officials are working closely with French officials and are looking for any "missed" warning signs . |
82,170 | e8df3341e57feaa726c7e7fa86a360051d546fdf | By . Jennifer Smith for MailOnline . At first glance, these portraits appear to be the work of a skilled photographer. And even upon a closer look, the extraordinarily detailed images seem too life-like to be anything but a high-definition picture. But the hyper-realistic works are in fact paintings, created in a London studio by a budding 23-year-old artist. Michael Sydney Moore describes his work as 'centred around high-realism' in portraiture. Scroll down for video . Untitled 13 (left) and Untitled (right) were created by the artist, Michael Sydney Moore, using oil on canvas and are among the 23-year-old's collection of life-like paintings . The artist usually takes between eight and 12 weeks to complete one of the portraits and works from a photograph taken of the subject in his London studio . Using oil on canvas the artist describes his work as 'centred around high-realism in portraiture' but said he tends to 'shy away' from labels such as hyper-realism or photo-realism . The process begins by the artist visiting a client to take their photograph or have them come to his London studio. More than 100 images are taken until he is satisfied with three . Working from his London studio, he takes between eight and 12 weeks to complete an oil portrait after photographing the subject. 'I use oils primarily because of the way it interacts with light. This serves to give a greater sense of depth. 'I like the solitary nature of painting. In a world saturated with technological stimulus it can be very redemptive to sit alone in silence painting for long stretches of time,' he said. 'The intricate nature of painting realism affords a kind of meditative state which can be deeply nourishing when going well; the flip side of this of course is the low that comes from long periods of what you might call artistic block.' The process begins with the artist visiting a client at home or inviting them to his studio for photographs. He takes more than 100 until he is satisfied. 'This stage usually takes around two hours. More than a hundred photos are taken until a set of three are chosen that I like. 'This informs a series of tonal drawings that allow me to better judge which would best suit a painting. The painting process itself takes around 6 - 9 weeks. 'Towards the end of the portrait a further sitting of an hour will be performed to further compare my values against those of the painting. Once the painting is complete it will be unveiled to the client. 'This can either involve a private unveiling at my studio or the painting being sent to your address. 'From inception to completion a portrait normally takes around 8-12 weeks to complete.' Untitled 13 will be on display at Mall Galleries in London from September 25, while Untitled has been sold to a private collector for an unknown sum. The artist then works from tonal drawings to complete the portrait with oil paints. Untitled 13 will be on display at the Mall Galleries in London from September 25 . After photographing his subject, the artist takes more than 100 images back to his studio to begin work using a variety of brush-strokes and hues . Untitled 13 will be on public display next month while Untitled was sold to a private collector for an unknown sum. Portraits by the artist start at £3,400 and vary in size . Portraits by the artist start at £3,400 for 130cm x 90cm with larger canvasses (160cm x 110cm) costing £5,000, and are restricted to human subject matters. Describing his technique, Sydney Moore says:'I do not believe there is any dichotomy present in the idea that an almost perfect rendition of the human form can also be intensely expressive. 'Expression in painting - for me at least - comes from the deeply individual and selective nature the artist's voice carries. 'Where I choose to apply paint thickly or turn form using a particular hue, are as intrinsic to the expressive nature of painting as the selection of a particular word is to a poet. 'To extend the metaphor; as in poetry, it is not the correct selection of words, as much as it is their ability to co-exist harmoniously with both a semblance of reality and the artist's sentiments on the world - or in my case - the sitter present.' For more information click here to visit the artist's website. | Astonishingly life-like portraits created by 23-year-old artist using oil on canvas .
Michael Sydney Moore describes his work as centred around 'high realism'
The artist, who works from a studio in London, takes between eight and 12 weeks to finish portrait . |
229,097 | b4a66361ff6379194f5479739b3862b636726398 | This is spearheaded by 123 ‘music . hubs’ - local authority music services or groups of professional music . organisations which organise lessons . Ofsted inspected 31 hubs and found 22 had made ‘little difference’ it said none could show they were offering value for money . Children are receiving ‘inadequate and meagre’ music classes despite tens of millions of pounds being lavished on improving lessons, according to the schools watchdog. Ofsted said pupils are ‘poorly taught’ with many never introduced to classical music and primary pupils assumed ‘with no good reason’ to be unready to learn musical theory. School leaders were also found to be over-optimistic about the quality of teaching provided by staff.The government is spending £171 million on a three-year programme to raising standards following a damning review of music education in England in 2011. Must improve: The report emphasised the need for schools to drive up the quality of their music provision and to introduce young children to the value of classical music . This is spearheaded by 123 ‘music hubs’ - local authority music services or groups of professional music organisations which organise lessons. Ofsted inspected 31 hubs and found 22 had made ‘little difference’. Music curriculums still lack ‘depth and vigour’, it said, and services overlapped with those already provided by schools. None were able to show how they were providing good value for money. The report said: ‘We must expect greater impact on music education for all pupils in schools.’ Recommendations included Arts Council England, which allocates the funding, to take ‘rapid action’ to improve the situation. The organisation’s chairman is former television executive Sir Peter Bazalgette, who has been blamed for dumbing down television after helping launch programmes including Big Brother and Fame Academy. Excelling: These year 13 pupils benefit from good music lessons at the Mossbourne Academy in Hackney but many are not so lucky . A spokesman said: ‘The report identifies a number of issues regarding the quality of music teaching in schools. ‘We agree schools need to do more to drive up the quality of their music provision and to listen to and take advantage of the expertise which is being made available to them through hubs.’ Michael Cladingbowl, director of schools policy at Ofsted, said: ‘Music is a demanding academic discipline, developed through exciting practical musical activity. ‘However, the vast majority of the schools visited shied away from teaching pupils about fundamental aspects of music as they thought it too difficult. ‘All children, not just the privileged few, should enjoy a good music education. ‘Music hubs were created with this very aim, so it is concerning that the hubs visited for this survey could not show how their work in schools achieves this or how they provide value for money.’ | The government is spending £171 million .
on a three-year programme to raising standards following a damning .
review of music education in England in 2011 .
This is spearheaded by 123 ‘music .
hubs’ - local authority music services or groups of professional music .
organisations which organise lessons .
Ofsted inspected 31 hubs and found 22 had made ‘little difference’ it said none could show they were offering value for money . |
24,155 | 448909b529a43fe7c2a9fbf520347c22ec96c85f | This is the shocking moment a police officer tried to trick a driver into admitting he had marijuana in his car during a routine traffic stop - because 'everyone who plays frisbee golf smokes weed'. Officer Aaron King was captured on video pulling over Scott Beckwith and giving him a warning about driving without any headlights in Ankeny, Iowa, earlier this month. But after spotting Mr Beckwith's frisbee golf bag on the backseat, he started to question the driver about his passion for the game, before quickly moving on to the topic of marijuana. During the interrogation, he claimed all frisbee golf players smoke weed, asked Mr Beckwith how much of the substance he had on him and told him he wanted to search his car. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Routine traffic stop: Officer Aaron King is pictured trying to trick driver Scott Beckwith into admitting he has marijuana in his car after pulling him over in Ankeny, Iowa, earlier this month for driving without headlights . Although he eventually let the motorist go, footage of the traffic stop - taken by a passenger in the car - was later uploaded to YouTube by user 'TheResistantCow'. Now, Ankeny Police Department's chief, Gary Mikulec, has apologized for the video deeming it 'foolish' and 'not representative of the department's training or interactions with the public'. In the footage, Mr King is heard warning Mr Beckwith about driving without headlights, before asking him: 'You play frisbee golf?', to which the driver replies: 'I do, actually. I play out at Heritage (Park).' The officer then says: 'OK. I need you to answer me a question. Why is it that everybody that plays Frisbee golf smokes weed?' Mr Beckwith quickly insists: 'No, it’s not everybody' However, Mr King is not convinced, responding: 'It’s everybody, man. You can’t tell me you've never smoked weed before.' The motorist then says, 'I’m not gonna tell you one way or another', prompting the officer to laugh and exclaim: 'See, there you go. How much weed do you have in the car today?'. Interrogation: Mr King asked Mr Beckwith (pictured, left, clutching a warning letter from the officer and, right, responding to questions) how much weed he had on him, before telling him he wanted to search his car . Game: Video footage captures Mr King asking Mr Beckwith: 'Why is it that everybody that plays frisbee golf smokes weed?'. Above, Mr Beckwith had a frisbee golf bag, like this, in his car when he was pulled over . Although Mr Beckwith denies having any marijuana, the officer responds: 'You understand you’re free to go and everything but you wouldn’t have a problem with me looking through your car?' At this point, Mr Beckwith argues: 'I actually would', adding: 'Just because I have a disc golf bag doesn’t mean that every disc golfer does have weed.' Mr King then replies: 'So you have weed in the car then is what you’re saying?' The motorist answers: 'No what I'm saying is I would say I have a problem with you searching my car because you’re profiling me based on being a disc golfer.' During the interrogation, which ends with Mr King telling the motorist 'You're free to go', Mr Beckwith informs the officer that he is being recorded on video. Police headquarters: Ankeny Police Department's (pictured) chief, Gary Mikulec, has apologized for the video deeming it 'foolish' and 'not representative of the department's training or interactions with the public' However, this does not appear to faze Mr King, who replies that he is also recording audio and video footage of the traffic stop. In a statement via Facebook, Ankeny Police Department said of the video: 'The officer engages the driver in a line of questioning that is foolish and not representative of the Ankeny Police Dept.'s training or interactions with the public. 'This verbal exchange did not meet the level of professionalism expected of Ankeny police officers. 'Ankeny Police Chief Gary Mikulec respectfully apologizes for the officer's demeaning statement and assures that the video has been preserved for an internal investigation.' Speaking to KCCI News, Chief Mikulec said he was 'extremely disappointed' by the video, which was uploaded to YouTube on October 2. Apology: In a statement via Facebook (pictured), Ankeny Police Department said of the shocking video: 'This verbal exchange did not meet the level of professionalism expected of Ankeny police officers . He added that the department is yet to receive a complaint from the driver, but will be getting in touch with him to determine any discipline for Mr King. According to Professor Robert Rigg, of Drake University Law School, Mr King broke the law by trying to search a vehicle during an equipment violation stop. 'What the officer did after that was try to extend that stop into a general search of the defendant’s car, or the individual’s car. That’s not permissible anymore,' he told WHOTV.com. He added that even if Mr Beckwith had allowed Mr King to search the car and the officer had found something illegal, the evidence would likely be deemed invalid and thrown out of court. Like regular golf, frisbee golf is a game of skill and accuracy but instead of hitting small balls, players throw a frisbee-like disc at various targets around a grassy course. | Officer Aaron King was caught on video pulling over driver Scott Beckwith .
Initially warned motorist for travelling in Ankeny, Iowa, without headlights .
But after spotting frisbee golf bag on backseat, he launched interrogation .
Asked Mr Beckwith how much weed he had, claiming 'all players smoke it'
Then told him he wanted to search car, prompting Mr Beckwith to say 'no'
Video of traffic stop - taken by passenger - was later uploaded to YouTube .
Ankeny Police Department's chief, Gary Mikulec, has apologized for video . |
68,984 | c39cdd0d716f9590df6d83218f83559cafd16273 | By . Rebecca English . PUBLISHED: . 20:42 EST, 29 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:19 EST, 30 November 2013 . Imperious: Prince and Princess Michael of Kent attend a wedding in 2009 . In her imperious way, she has always been keen to stress her blue-blooded lineage. So it should come as no surprise that Princess Michael of Kent has drawn up a list of socially acceptable wives for her husband should she die before him. The Austrian aristocrat, whose demeanour earned her the nickname Princess Pushy, has told Prince Michael of Kent that there are only three women worthy of succeeding her. She tells Tatler magazine: ‘I said, “If I died, these are three people I’d like you to look at marrying because I think they’d be good for you.” I’m sorry, I’m very European about these things. Englishwomen don’t talk like this, I know.’ The 68-year-old adds: ‘I also said, “If you died first, I have to think about whether I’d stay here or go back to Austria.” I’m allowed to stay here – if I pay the rent!’ In an unintentionally hilarious interview to be published next week, Princess Michael of Kent offers the society bible a deliciously indiscreet insight into life at the heart of the Royal Family. She and Prince Michael, 71, the Queen’s first cousin, live in a former grace-and-favour apartment at Kensington Palace. Neighbours there are Prince William and his wife Kate, who recently moved into a four-storey, 20-room home that once belonged to Princess Margaret. Although there was talk of William taking his mother’s former apartment next to her own, Princess Michael says she always thought Kate would get ‘the wobblies’ living there amid so many memories of Diana. She also reveals that Prince Harry has his eye on the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester’s house at the palace. Of the Cambridges’ new apartment she says: ‘Right where Princess Margaret was! And you know, I was very much behind that. Because it’s the nicest apartment. The intelligence of the courtiers! Distinguished: The regal pair attend a memorial service . ‘When Princess Margaret died, they gave it to the museum [the apartment was handed to Historic Royal Palaces for display and office space]. 'And, obviously, the boy was going to marry one day. He’d need the best apartment, surely. A lovely big garden, next to the Gloucesters, who I think will leave... they’re rattling around this huge space. ‘And I think Prince Harry might go there, then they’d be next door to each other – very good move. And also, I thought she [Kate] would get the wobblies if she moved next door [into Diana’s former flat]. 'You know, with [the ghost of] Diana. And I might lose my garden! Anyway, that apartment, it’s not the best. Whereas Princess Margaret’s – wonderful. Huge private garden, you know. And then they could open up into the garden next door. I’m sure Prince Harry wouldn’t mind. It would work wonderfully.’ Princess Michael, born Marie-Christine von Reibnitz in the Bohemian spa city of Carlsbad, takes great pains to spell out her impressive ancestry, which according to her includes at least two kings and dozens of dukes. ‘I have great lineage. As you know,’ she says. ‘Even Catherine de Medici and Diana de Poitiers [the first a French queen and mother of three French kings, the second the mistress of Henry II of France], I descend from them both. 'And sometimes people say, “Oh well, we all descend from Adam and Eve.” But do you descend from Charlemagne directly? Do you descend from Saint King Louis IX? I do.’ She reveals that her 1978 marriage was ‘arranged’ by Prince Charles’s great uncle, Lord Mountbatten, after she met Prince Michael at a party in the early 1970s. Romance blossomed only when he pushed them together. ‘I realised afterwards that Mountbatten thought I’d be good for my husband,’ she says. ‘He was our Cyrano de Bergerac.’ The issue of money clearly rankles. The Kents have never received taxpayer funding but when they married they were given their elegant five-bedroom apartment by the Queen for a peppercorn rent. Since 2010, the couple have had to pay £120,000 a year in rent. Princess Michael – who once joked that she would ‘go anywhere for a hot meal’ – has become a speaker on the lecture circuit, dabbles in interior design and has taken on several well-paid consultancies. She trills that she has done ‘a little bit of decorating in Russia – consultancy. I’ve got five jobs now. Pay the rent!’ She is also a writer. The Tatler interview was granted to publicise her first novel The Queen Of Four Kingdoms, set – unsurprisingly – in the court of 15th century France. Princess Michael, who says ‘I’m not into fashion, I’m into glamour’, insinuates that she has been given a ‘rough ride’ as a royal but adds: ‘Look, I was taught, and I taught my children, if they ever came back from school saying “Oh, so and so’s father’s got a helicopter, it’s not fair”, I’d say, “Fair? Whoever said life had to be fair? Is it fair that you live in Kensington Palace? That you’ve each got a pony? There are an awful lot of kids without a pony, you know. Life is not meant to be fair.” ‘You’re dealt the cards and you make the best of them. I’ve never worried about that. I’m a survivor.’She agrees, however, that there is at least one upside to being an HRH: ‘Wimbledon! Three days!’ Princess Michael of Kent’s interview is in the January issue of Tatler, on sale from Monday. Tell-all: Princess Michael made the revelations in an interview with Tatler magazine . | Princess Michael of Kent revealed her 'very European' plans for her death .
She gave an unintentionally hilarious interview to Tatler maagzine .
Also speaks out about her Kensington Palace neighbours the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge . |
104,920 | 135d79972febfadf79aa5d90ad80607c1441147a | Adrian Williams is a father, grandfather and husband. He is also a convicted paedophile who hid a disturbing secret from his two wives. Under such unfortunate circumstances, Australian mothers and divorcees Belinda and Maggie have come together to reveal their ex-husband's dark past for fear that he may strike again. Scroll down for video . Adrian Williams, a paedophile, kept his disturbing dark secret from his two wives . Belinda (left) is from Mr William's first marriage and Maggie (right) from his second . Mr Williams was aged 16 when he married Belinda, who was a 20-year-old single mother at the time. She already had two sons from a previous marriage but went on to have three more with Mr Williams. Her suspicions began when her five-year-old son warned his teacher at school that she would be wary of his father. 'There was a parent teacher interview coming up and he kept telling the teacher "you're going to be scared of my dad",' Belinda told A Current Affair. 'He then started saying explicit things about sex that a five-year-old shouldn't know.' A two-page confessional letter from Mr Williams addressed to Belinda confirmed her worst nightmare - that her husband was sexually abusing his own biological son. The full details of the letter cannot be reported as it is too graphic. Mr Williams confessed that he sexually abused his sons in a two-page letter to Belinda . Belinda showed the letter to Maggie as she revealed to her the horrific truth . Mr Williams met Maggie whilst he was on parole. She had no idea that she married a convicted child molester . The criminal was 16 when he first married Belinda, a 20-year-old single mother at the time . 'I would tell the boys to go into the bedroom,' he wrote. 'I would always say it when they were in another room so I didn't see the look on their faces. 'I am unfit to be called a husband and a father. Please tell my boys that I am sorry for what I have done to them and to you. Because none of you deserve it.' Mr Williams was consequently convicted for the crime and sent to jail for six years. Noel McNamara, from the Crime Victims Support Association, says the system is protecting paedophiles . But both Belinda and second wife Maggie agree that his punishment wasn't enough. 'He took my kid's life. He took my life. His life should be gone too,' Belinda said. The two women describe him as 'scum', 'manipulative' and 'a cheater'. But while on parole he met Maggie - who was also a single mother at the time - and went on to have two children with her. She had no clue that the man she married was a convicted child molester. 'It just makes me sick,' Maggie said. 'I can't believe I didn't see all this. It's almost as if he doesn't care. 'He should've never been allowed to have more children.' Belinda broke the shocking truth to Maggie which left her in tears. Noel McNamara, from the Crime Victims Support Association, says he is disgraced by the 'leniency' and 'mercy' of the system which protects paedophiles and their identity. 'It's just wrong and it's a disgrace,' he said. Meanwhile, Mr Williams has moved to country Victoria where he's settled in with another single mother. When approached for comment, he simply drove away. Mr McNamara says Mr William's actions are 'pure evil'. Both his ex-wives are sickened by Mr William's and hope he doesn't fool other women. Mr William's had children with both his ex-wives and has now settled with a new single mother in country Victoria . | Adrian Williams served six years in jail for molesting his own children from his first marriage .
While on parole on to marry another single mother and had two children with her .
She had no idea she married a paedophile .
He now lives in country Victoria where he's settled in with another woman . |
25,405 | 47f1ce1e4d8acffacd1183ada3657c5526452cd6 | (CNN) -- Anna Nicole Smith's estate is not entitled to $300 million the deceased actress had claimed was intended as a gift from her oil tycoon husband, a federal appeals court ruled Friday. Smith, a former Playboy pinup and stripper, fought for more than a decade with a son of J. Howard Marshall over a fortune estimated as much as $1.6 billion. It was a court battle that outlived the chief combatants. Marshall's son, E. Pierce Marshall, died in 2006, and Smith died in 2007 from what a Florida medical examiner ruled was "acute combined drug intoxication." Her 3-year-old daughter is her sole heir. In 2006, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered a federal appeals panel in California to reconsider its ruling against Smith, whose real name was Vickie Lynn Marshall. The judges' newest decision pointed to a Texas jury's verdict that the money was not a gift as the chief reason for denying Smith's claim. "The district court should have afforded preclusive effect to the Texas probate court's factual findings and relevant legal conclusions," Friday's ruling said. Smith's attorneys claim that apart from the will and trust, Howard Marshall promised his young wife a share of assets earned while they were married. The Yale-educated businessman was 89 in 1994, when he married the 26-year-old Texan. They had met a few years earlier at a strip club where she worked. Marshall died a year after the wedding, but Smith, according to legal briefs filed with the court, was not given a share of the estate in the will or separate trust. Smith claimed that Marshall's son "used fraud and undue influence" in his father's last months to have him leave Smith out of his will. State and federal courts have disagreed over whether Smith should receive any part of the estate. "The lies that were told about told about E. Pierce Marshall have finally been put to rest," Marshall's family said in a written statment. "Pierce Marshall was never intimidated by Anna Nicole and her bevy of contingency fee lawyers' use of her celebrity and the legal system to try to loot J. Howard's estate." A U.S. bankruptcy judge initially awarded Smith $474 million, which later was reduced to about $90 million. A federal appeals court eventually dismissed the entire award. A Texas probate court also dismissed her claims. | NEW: "Lies ... have finally been put to rest," Marshall family says .
Deceased model said money was gift from oil tycoon husband .
She fought his son for more than a decade over fortune .
Federal appeals court finds against her estate . |
135,209 | 3ae2d87dfdb512e839a1a32e31449e8caff7c9ea | While you may think badges and posters honouring celebrities are a reasonably recent idea, they were in fact being produced more than 200 years ago. In an age where men at sea rather than singers, actors and athletes were the stars of the day, there was still plenty of money to be made in merchandise. From pipes to badge-like discs, entrepreneurs began to produce memorabilia of one of the 18th and 19th century’s biggest celebrities - Navy heroes. Frenetic battle: The Fall of Nelson, Battle of Trafalgar, 21 October 1805, by Denis Dighton in 1825. On the right, Nelson is portrayed at the moment he falls on his left side. Captain Hardy, with his back to the viewer, advances to assist Royal Marine Sergeant Secker, who is already at Nelson's side on HMS Victory . Memorabilia: A mug is pictured left with a black and white portrait of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, inscribed above 'England Expects every Man to do his Duty', from 1806. On the right, there is a metal disc from 1740, decorated with a depiction of another Navy hero, Admiral Edward Vernon, facing to the left with a ship behind him . These pictures show how as well as . being painted into now-famous pieces of artwork, the likes of Admiral Lord . Nelson were celebrated in merchandise. Also recognised in a metal disc was . Admiral Vernon, who in 1739 captured Portobello from the Spanish - and was a precursor to Nelson's celebrity status. A remarkable collection at the . National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, south-east London, is showing how . sea-faring heroes became British celebrities. The exhibition looks at how the Navy shaped the course of British history in a period when it became a . greater focus of public life than ever before. Spectacular: The 'Royal George' at Deptford Showing the Launch of the 'Cambridge' by John Cleveley the Elder, in 1757. This picture is a composite of two events, set at Deptford, combining the launch of the 'Cambridge', on October 21 1755 with a view of the 'Royal George', 100 guns, which was in reality launched a year later at Woolwich Dockyard. The painting shows considerable shipping detail and activities on the quayside, with a variety of small open craft, some clearly bearing official parties . Old and young: On the left is Rear-Admiral Sir Horatio Nelson by Lemuel Francis Abbott in 1799. It is a half-length portrait depicting Nelson when he was a rear-admiral, facing forward with his head turned to the left. On the right is Captain Horatio Nelson by John Francis Rigaud in 1781. Although the portrait was begun in 1777, when Nelson was a lieutenant, it was not finished until at least 1781 when he had returned to England as a captain . James Davey, the museum's naval history curator, told MailOnline: ‘The 18th century was a period when Britain was at war more often than at peace. 'The Navy rose to unprecedented popularity across the nation' James Davey, naval history curator . ‘The Navy rose to unprecedented . popularity across the nation. When you're talking about the Navy in this . period, you're talking about a national endeavour. ‘It's not just the 140,000 who served . in it in its height in the 1810s. There were also thousands working in . the dockyard, farms, forests and mines. ‘We want to show how the Navy has . shaped the lives of British people. In times of victory, the Navy was . celebrated and people like Nelson were heroes. Below deck: The Death of Nelson, 21 October 1805, by Arthur William Devis. The exhibition Nelson, Navy, Nation explores the Navy’s impact upon ordinary people while also providing a setting for the National Maritime Museum’s huge collections relating to Admiral Lord Nelson . Remembering a hero: On the left, a plaster-life mask of Nelson from circa 1800, with his eyes open and hair parted in centre. The hair was added by modelling. It was for many years believed to be a death mask but there is no contemporary reference to a mask being taken after Nelson's death. On the right, is a prattware pipe from circa 1798, modelled as a half length figure of Nelson. His right arm is missing, and he wears a uniform coat, waistcoat and ruffled shirt . ‘We can show how people across Britain . brought the Navy into their homes, using ceramics to decorate their . bedrooms and dining rooms.’ Mr Davey added of the metal disc . commemorating Admiral Vernon: ‘Vernon's victory (at Portobello) basically turned him into a national celebrity. ‘It's like a football poster on a . wall. This is happening just a time in Britain where consumer goods like . this are becoming cheaper. ‘You might have clipped it to your . clothing, so it was a public way of displaying not only your affections . for this leader, but also displaying your patriotism.’ Astonishing: Extirpation of the Plagues of Egypt; - Destruction of Revolutionary Crocodiles; - or - The British Hero cleansing ye mouth of ye Nile by James Gillray; H. Humphrey, 1798. This celebrates Nelson's resounding victory over the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Nelson stands in the mouth of the river capturing and culling tri-coloured crocodiles. The biblical plagues of Egypt of the title are transformed into crocodiles, which stand in turn for the French ships taken or destroyed . Shooting practice: A Sea Service pistol from circa 1790 is pictured left. And a cut paper picture commemorating Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson from circa 1806 is seen right. The inscription reads: 'This the Great Warrier [sic] after all his Toil [pair of hearts and doves]/From Whom whilst living none could take the spoile,/,Dropt is his prime and made the Grave his Bed [heart and arrows] / Whom late all Nations did both love and Dread / The ever to be lamented death of Vice admiral lord viscount Nelson' Also in the collection was a Nelson . pipe produced following the Battle of the Nile. Mr Davey said: ‘In 1798, . people had known about Nelson before. 'People across Britain brought the Navy into their homes, using ceramics to decorate their bedrooms and dining rooms' James Davey, naval history curator . ‘But the Battle of the Nile was the . first one he had commanded a fleet and won. This is what turned him into . a national celebrity. ‘So you get an incredible range of . weird and wonderful goods. The likeness isn't particularly accurate, but . it's the kind of thing that a middle-class person would love.’ One of the star attractions of the . exhibition - called Nelson, Navy, Nation and opening on Trafalgar Day, . October 21 2013 - is a painting by Denis Dighton. The Fall of Nelson, from the Battle of . Trafalgar on October 21 1805, painted in 1825, portrays the moment when . Nelson was fatally shot. Artefacts: A full-length figurehead is pictured left, depicting a heraldic crowned lion, holding a small badge of the cross of Saint George at the breast. This is a rare survival of a standard Royal Naval lion figurehead from a small warship probably of the fourth or fifth rate. On the right is a heart-shaped earthenware scent bottle, transfer-printed in pink with a profile portrait of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson . Posed up: Captain Lord George Graham, 1715-47, in his Cabin, by William Hogarth in 1742-44. Graham is shown at dinner with his civilian secretary and companion. The singer between them is accompanied by a servant playing a fife and drum . The battle saw a fleet of 27 ships . led by Nelson on HMS Victory defeat 33 French and Spanish ships off . south-west Spain, near Cape Trafalgar. Nelson was famously killed in the . battle, while his French counterpart, Admiral Villeneuve, was captured . along with the French flagship Bucentaure. Mr Davey, 30, said: ‘Nelson's tactics at Trafalgar ensured there would be a decisive outcome - but a fierce fight. ‘This painting, which was probably . painted about 20 years after the battle, shows Nelson being hit by a . French musket ball and falling to the deck. ‘Nelson is subsequently carried below . deck where he slowly dies. This painting also gives a wonderful insight . into the frenetic aspect of fighting at sea.' | Exhibition reveals how Admiral Lord Nelson and Admiral Vernon were celebrated through unusual memorablia .
National Maritime Museum collection looks at Navy's involvement in Battle of Portobello and Battle of Trafalgar .
Star attraction is The Fall of Nelson painting by Denis Dighton, which shows moment Nelson was shot in 1805 . |
104,814 | 1337e0702b0233dcd02ed859dac5fff04a46430f | PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (CNN) -- Trash litters its cities. Electricity is sporadic at best. There is no clean water. Medical and educational services are limited. Basic infrastructure is severely lacking. "Planet in Peril" met in a secret location with members of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta. These are not conditions that should plague one of the richest oil states in the world. Hundreds of billions of dollars has been made from the Niger Delta's oil reserves and many people have gotten very rich. Conversely, the average Nigerian has suffered as a result of the country's oil prosperity. The United States Agency for International Development says more than 70 percent of the country lives on less than a dollar a day -- the population is among the 20 poorest in the world. Oil companies are only part of the equation. The other is the Nigerian government. Transparency International, a global organization intent on stamping out corruption, has consistently rated Nigeria's government one of the most corrupt in the world. Nigeria's federal government and oil companies split oil profits roughly 60-40. The money is then supposed to make its way down to the local governments to fund various projects. Somehow, little money actually reaches its intended destination. Nigeria's own corruption agency estimates between $300 billion to $400 billion has been stolen or wasted over the last 50 years. Lisa Ling travels to secret location to meet notorious Nigerian militant group » . Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state, one of the largest oil producers of Nigeria's 36 states, acknowledges past problems with corruption, but thinks progress is being made. "There's a lot of improvement," Amaechi said. "The work being done by the corruption agency and the federal government has somehow been able to control the level of corruption in government." Over the last few years, a culture of militancy and violence has arisen in the absence of jobs and services. Kidnappings for ransom, robberies and even murder happen with regularity. The biggest and most powerful armed group is the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, or MEND. They say they are at war against the Nigerian military and the oil companies operating there. MEND, formed in 2005, said it has more than 30 camps throughout Nigeria. Members are armed with high-tech weaponry they said was obtained from "foreign sources." Hundreds of people have been killed on both sides and countless oil workers have been kidnapped. Over the years, MEND's attacks on oil pipelines have halted oil production and, therefore, raised the price of oil around the world. They demand oil profits be distributed to average Nigerians of the Niger Delta and said they will not stop their attacks until their objectives have been fulfilled. See environmental battle lines for "Planet in Peril" » . The battle is over oil -- one of the world's most valuable resources. But to most Nigerians -- oil is a curse. It has provoked an environmental disaster of monstrous proportions. Since the 1970s, the United Nations estimates there have been more than 6,000 oil spills in the Niger Delta -- that is equal to more than 10 times the amount spilled from the Exxon Valdez in 1989. Yet, there is no international outcry and rarely are the spills reported, even to most Nigerians. They are still happening and the consequences are nothing short of devastating. Communities along the Niger Delta have lived off subsistence fishing and agriculture for decades. Collecting food becomes impossible when a spill happens, like one that occurred in August. The waterways and mangroves are blanketed in thick brown oil sludge that goes on for miles. Toxicity overpowers the air and a sense of lifelessness pervades the landscape. Many say it will take 10-15 years for the area to be free of contamination -- if the cleanup effort commences in a timely manner. The August spill was a result of a leak from an old pipeline that had corroded. It took the oil company three months to clamp the leak, but the company said it wasn't reported for a full month after it began. Once the leak was reported, the company said it was denied access to the site by the community. Leaders of the village deny that, and the finger-pointing between the two sides is nothing new -- there is no love lost here. Who is telling the truth? Who knows? Either way, the creeks are blackened. This is life in the Niger Delta. | Nigeria is one of world's richest oil states; people are among poorest in world .
Nigerian agency: $300 billion to $400 billion in oil profits squandered, stolen .
Militant group MEND attacks oil pipelines, demands profits given to Nigerian people .
UN: Niger Delta has had more than 6,000 spills; 10 times more than Exxon Valdez . |
40,257 | 719d56af5156eb67238c3206dc0587adf95f17b0 | Lionel Messi is to face a court trial for alleged tax evasion after a judge rejected the Barcelona star's appeal in Spain. The four-time Ballon d'Or winner and his father, Jorge Messi, are accused of withholding about £3.4million in unpaid taxes between 2007 and 2009. The Spanish judge's statement read: 'In this type of crime, it is not necessary for someone to have complete knowledge of all the accounting and business operations nor the exact quantity, rather it is sufficient to be aware of the designs to commit fraud and consent to them.' VIDEO Scroll down to see a 16-year-old Messi terrorising defences . Lionel Messi trained with Dani Alves (left) and the rest of his Barcelona team-mates on Friday . Lionel Messi to face court trial for alleged tax evasion in Spain after judge ignores Barcelona star's appeal . Messi of Barcelona manages the ball during their Champions League defeat against PSG on Tuesday . Messi, the Barcelona maestro, will face a court trial for alleged tax evasion in Spain after his appeal fails . Messi had hoped to avoid having to appear in court because his father manages his income. Now he must sit in the dock alongside his father and answer questions relating the failure to pay tax in Spain between 2007-09 on various sponsorship deals, by diverting revenue through companies in England, Switzerland and Uruguay. In July, Spain's public prosecutor recommended charges be dismissed against the 27-year-old, arguing Messi was not responsible for his family's finances, as that was his father's duty. If a court decides that he was party to the wilful avoidance of tax he will face a large fine and could even face a suspended prison sentence. Messi made a payment of about £8m to the Spanish tax man last year to head off further problems relating to years tax 2010 and 2011, and paid the £10.2m owed on his image rights and the £9.4m owed on his salary on time for the last tax year. Messi trains alongside Barcelona striker Neymar as the pair look to claim this year's La Liga title . Messi shares a laugh with Neymar but the Barcelona maestro is being dragged into a court trial . Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, have five days to appeal the ruling of the Spanish judge on Friday . Messi walks alongside new Barcelona signing Luis Suarez as he trains in Spain during the La Liga season . VIDEO Messi content with life in Catalonia . But despite having put his fiscal affairs in order he is still being pursued for the alleged fraud in the period 2007-09. A court in Barcelona, however, decided the Argentina captain could have been aware and approved the creation of a web of shell companies that were allegedly used to evade taxes due on income from image rights. Messi and his father, who manages his financial affairs and acts as a representative, have five days to appeal the ruling. They both deny the allegations. It is reported that Messi's income at Barcelona is about £12.5m per year, although that does not include any sponsorship endorsements. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Spanish judge rejects Lionel Messi's appeal against alleged tax evasion .
The Barcelona star and his father, Jorge Messi, are accused of withholding about £3.4million in unpaid taxes between 2007 and 2009 .
Messi and his father deny allegations and have five days to appeal the ruling .
In July, Spain's public prosecutor recommended charges be dismissed, arguing the 27-year-old was not responsible for his family's finances .
A court decided the Argentina captain could have been aware of the creation of a web of shell companies that were allegedly used to evade taxes . |
229,649 | b562682f4f6582887e42db86256f4d26eba06b2d | Editor's note: CNN has asked its journalists across the country to offer their thoughts on how the economic crisis is affecting their cities. In this installment, All Platform Journalist John Couwels reports from Orlando, Florida. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, has announced that it will lay off employees. ORLANDO, Florida (CNN) -- Orlando: What first comes to mind? Walt Disney World or Universal resorts, perhaps? The two parks are the nation's biggest tourist draws. As a new resident of Orlando, I find that the tourist areas are more removed from the city than I thought. Still, some people in the area where I currently live either work or have business dealings at tourist attractions. As with every city in the United States, Orlando is dealing with the fallout of an economic slowdown. Tourism officials expect an 8 percent to 10 percent drop in tourism dollars for 2009. Nonetheless, during a recent visit to Disney's Magic Kingdom with my family, I experienced a packed park. My first visit in 10 years: The park did not seem any different except for the $129 I paid for a six-month Florida resident pass. Disney World recently announced a major loss in income and that layoffs are expected. Sources within Disney say the layoffs could begin this week. Disney will not say how many people will be eliminated while it restructures and consolidates operations. I have not heard panic among businesses and city officials over the Disney announcement, despite the fact Disney World says it is the biggest single-site employer in the United States with 62,000. Disney spokesman Mike Griffin said: "We are bigger than the Pentagon." Disney told me cuts would be significant, affecting back office workers. Griffin said guests visiting the parks would not see any difference. Danielle Courtney, spokeswoman of the Orange County Convention and Visitors Bureau, said she was sure that "Disney will provide a value experience for their guests." But she said Disney is doing what every other business is doing: cutting costs. Orlando's economic and development director, Bill Billingsley, said the city has not lost a significant amount of jobs. Billingsley is concerned about the Disney layoffs but optimistic on the limited effect on the city's economic health. From the big corporations to the funky little tea and sandwich shop east of downtown, businesses are feeling the pinch. The owner of Pom Pom's Teahouse and Sandwicheria was telling my friend how she had to cut everyone's hours to part time to save on expenses. The store has been open since 2006. Owner Pom Moongauklang, a trained pastry chef, told me she's doing whatever it takes to stay open. Pom cut her four employees' hours instead of their jobs, lowered prices and extended hours to 24 hours on the weekends. Pom said of the 60- to 70-hour work week: "It's killing me, but it's working." Along the epicenter of tourist hotels, restaurants and T-shirt shops, International Drive business owners say they are hurting. Aby Aly, owner of a gift shop selling goods from T-shirts to plush dolls, said that "business is off by 35 percent, and people are not buying." As I drive around town, I do not see a large number of closed-down stores. Like other cities, Orlando has seen big national chain closures like Linen-N-Things and Circuit City. Yet at two of the area's outlet malls, you would never know there is an economic crisis. I waited 10 minutes in line to enter the parking lot. In the suburbs where foreclosures are their highest, more businesses have closed their doors. As I looked for a house to rent I was surprised how a one-bedroom condo in downtown was the same price as a four-bedroom house only five miles away. Real estate agent Sue Bee Laginess said the city has a glut of homes and condominiums for sale or rent. She said her office has seen business double from four months ago because of the low prices. The agent said owners have either lowered prices, been foreclosed on or are selling the house for the amount owed to the bank. For one store in my new quaint neighborhood of College Park, business has never been better: Top Drawer Consignments. Fred Rodgers, a former Disney designer and one of the store's owners, said "the tough economy is helping us." Shoppers say they save money buying used furniture. Yet College Park has not been immune from the economic crisis; real estate offices and gift shops have closed there, too. Despite the downturn, Orlando officials believe their city has fared better than most. Orlando's economic development director told me Orlando is building a medical city that will add 10,000 jobs in the coming years. Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will give his State of Orlando speech Wednesday, the same week the area's biggest employer could begin layoffs. | Resort mecca Orlando, Florida, feels the pinch of economic slowdown .
Disney World reports it will have to lay off employees .
Consignment store bucks trend; business good there .
City officials say upcoming medical development will add 10,000 jobs . |
223,487 | ad535bd5c439364545653905cd772f7b4b8cff6f | Beijing, China (CNN) -- "Mr. Ambassador, as time goes on we know that the odds of my son and the other relatives on the plane having survived becomes smaller and smaller," said a grey-haired man named Wen. As he addressed the Malaysian diplomat seated at a table just a few feet away in the packed Beijing hotel conference room, Wen began sobbing uncontrollably into a microphone. It had been more than 45 days since his son disappeared aboard missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370. "To know that somebody is alive, you need to see them. To know that somebody is dead, you need to see the body. That's all I ask of you," Wen concluded, weeping. Members of the audience sobbed quietly in their seats. Visibly uncomfortable, the representative from Malaysia's embassy in Beijing, could do little more than repeat his government's talking points. "There's a team coming to answer your questions. Let them come. Let them come," he pleaded. But the words from deputy chief of mission Bala Chandran Tharman only angered the relatives. They erupted into fist-waving chants: "Live up to commitments! No more delays! No more lies!" Each day seems to bring another disappointment to the hundreds of Chinese relatives waiting for news about missing loved ones. 153 Chinese nationals flew aboard the ill-fated flight. For more than a month, Malaysian Airlines has housed hundreds of their relatives in a number of Beijing hotels. From their improvised headquarters in Beijing's Lido Hotel, the families have set up committees, published press releases, printed T-shirts and hats with the slogan "Pray for MH370," while also coordinating information with the next of kin of passengers from other countries. This agonizing limbo has been punctuated by highly emotional and contentious daily briefings held with Malaysian officials in a windowless conference room in the Lido Hotel. Last week, relatives stormed out of the hall en masse after technical glitches left a panel of Malaysian technical experts mute on a giant screen. The long-awaited video conference with Kuala Lumpur was a complete failure. "You're all bloody liars, and you're lying to us again now!" one representative yelled, as relatives marched out of the room. A committee representing passengers' families in Beijing has continued pressing its case, demanding answers to highly technical questions that were translated and submitted in writing to the Malaysian government. To better understand the final moments before Flight MH370 was believed to have crashed into the Indian Ocean, they wanted the audio recording of the crew's last radio communications with air traffic controllers, an explanation of how many emergency locator transmitters [ELT's] the plane was carrying and whether or not the ELT's activated as intended at the moment the aircraft hit the ocean. "You need to do it yourself," explained a young Chinese physicist on the families' technical committee, who had helped draw up the questions. The man asked not to be identified, because he was keeping his father's disappearance a secret for fear of upsetting his elderly grandmother. For several days after the failed video conference, Malaysian diplomats did not appear at daily briefings. Instead a representative of Malaysian airlines addressed increasingly hostile family members. Last Friday, he pledged that a high-level team of technical experts would come to Beijing the following Monday to brief the family members. But that Monday, Malaysia informed family members there had been a last-minute change of plan. "The authorities in Malaysia would like to move forward in the endeavor to address the missing flight MH370," said Tharman, the Malaysian deputy chief of mission. "While keeping in mind that the family have many questions regarding technical issues, the authorities over the weekend put the view that these important questions should be taken up a little later at an appropriate time and place." The message was not well received. For nearly three hours, Chinese relatives took turns yelling, begging and cursing at the Malaysian. "Are you hiding things from us? Are there things you are not willing to tell us?" said Jack Song, a spokesman for the families whose wife was a passenger. In these highly emotional confrontations, it is clear that many of the Chinese next of kin believe their missing loved ones are still alive. "We have not given up hope. We dare to hope. We dare to believe," said Mr. Wen during his tearful speech on Monday. However, hope has become a dangerous emotion, according to a psychologist who has helped treat some of the next of kin. "That's a dangerous thing when you artificially manifest hope which in the end cannot be sustained. You are setting them up for a fall," said Paul Yin, a counselling psychologist who also treated victims of Asiana Airlines flight 214, which crashed in California in 2013 killing at least three people. But Yin said Malaysian authorities bore some responsibility for the crisis. "So many of the moves that they have taken are just so wrong," Yin said. Malaysian officials sent to brief Chinese families are armed with little to no information on the search for the plane. Meanwhile, in the eyes of many passengers' relatives, contradictory statements from Kuala Lumpur have shaken the credibility of Malaysian officials charged with leading the investigation. Lack of information has led many to suspect a cover-up, an accusation Malaysian authorities have repeatedly denied. While repeatedly challenging the Malaysian government, the passengers' families face clear limits that appear to have been set by the Chinese authorities. On Friday, the family committee announced plans to hold a prayer ceremony for missing spouses in a park near the Lido Hotel. Instead, the service was held in the same conference room. Dozens of men and women sat cross-legged on the floor, weeping in front of a banner that said: "Honey, it's not home without you." After the ceremony, the spouses -- many dressed in "Pray for MH370" T-shirts and baseball hats, marched out of the hotel to the park. They were closely followed by uniformed and plain-clothed Chinese police. After a short speech in front of the park gates, they drifted back to their hotel. "It's just like big cage," said Steven Wang, when asked about the hotel. The 26 year old has become one of the main international spokespeople for the committee of family members. "It is full of bad emotion ... we feel sad and angry and exhausted," Wang added. | CNN's Ivan Watson: Each day brings another disappointment to relatives waiting for news .
Malaysian Airlines has housed relatives in a number of Beijing hotels, he writes .
Watson: A committee representing the families has continued pressing its case .
Malaysian officials sent to brief Chinese families are armed with little to no information, he says . |
183,438 | 799d35763f079925d8d31cbf9cae6574cfea2524 | Washington (CNN) -- The Phoenix VA, where dozens of veterans died waiting for care and were placed on secret wait lists, was in total "chaos" with patients needing urgent care and often unable to get it, officials from the VA's Inspector General's Office testified at a Senate hearing Tuesday. What's more, these officials said some 3,526 patients at the Phoenix VA still "may be at risk" for receiving poor urologic care, according to an ongoing investigation by the IG's office. The problems of very long wait lists for veterans and serious scheduling issues go well beyond Phoenix and exist in many VA facilities, Inspector General Richard Griffin and members of his staff told the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. Nearly 70 VA hospitals or clinics have "knowingly and willingly" altered or manipulated their wait lists and schedules to obscure problems, testified Dr. John D. Daigh Jr., assistant inspector general for health care inspections. Tuesday's testimony confirmed investigations, reported throughout the past year by CNN, that focused on delays and deaths across the VA system. In May, following reports of patients dying while waiting for care at the Phoenix VA, VA Secretary Eric Shinseki was forced to step down. Robert McDonald was appointed this summer to helm the agency. Despite increased oversight, hundreds of thousands of veterans may still remain on wait lists, according to Tuesday's testimony. 'I am committed to fixing this problem' The VA system might need as many as 28,000 doctors and other medical staff to help fix the problems and provide proper and timely care to veterans, said McDonald, who also testified. "I am committed to fixing this problem and providing timely, high-quality care that veterans have earned and that they desire," McDonald said. "That's how we regain veterans trust, and that's how we regain your trust and the trust of the American people." Tuesday's hearing was prompted by an IG report released late last month, examining the situation in Phoenix and also across the VA system. That report found 28 veterans who suffered "clinically significant delays in care associated with access to care or patient scheduling." And of those 28 patients, six died. In addition the report found 17 other "care deficiencies that were unrelated to access or scheduling," and of those 17 patients, 14 died. The IG report at the heart of the hearing described what Sen. Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent who is chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs, called "inexcusable" practices in Phoenix. The report reviewed the cases of more than 3,400 patients and found 28 instances of clinically significant delays in care associated with access or scheduling. Of the 28, six were deceased. An additional 17 cases identified in the report were not related to access issues. A follow-up report specifically focusing on the hospital system's urology department is underway. 'Disappointment, frustration and loss of faith' "This report cannot capture the personal disappointment, frustration and loss of faith individual veterans and their family members had in the health care system that often could not respond to their mental and physical health needs in a timely manner," said Griffin. "Immediate and substantive changes are needed." "I said at the time of my confirmation hearing that I will put veterans at the center of everything we do at VA," said McDonald. "So let me begin by offering my personal apologies to all veterans who experienced unacceptable delays in receiving care. It's clear that we failed in that respect." Griffin estimated that only one-fourth of 93 facilities were not engaging in scheduling manipulation. "The bad news is that on the other three-fourths, we're pretty confident that it was knowingly and willingly happening," Griffin said. "And we're pursuing those." The effects of the widespread wait list manipulation is still being felt. Navy veteran loses his nose waiting for treatment . McDonald said that as of August 15, the Veterans Health Administration had contacted more than 294,000 veterans and had decreased the electronic wait list nationwide by 57%. McDonald also noted in his testimony that lack of staff was a crucial problem. Internal data indicated a need for 28,000 new staff members, including doctors and other clinicians. A new recruiting push by the VA was underway, McDonald said. "We are trying to demonstrate to young people studying in the medical profession that VA's where they want to work," McDonald said. Question: Is the report independent? Griffin faced questions about the independence of the report. Sen. Dean Heller, R-New Hampshire, implored Griffin about the report's findings and whether the VA had edited it. His questioning hinged on a line in the report that indicated that the delays in care could not be conclusively linked to the deaths. Heller asked whether that line was included in the draft of the report submitted for review to the VA. "It was reported that a line was inserted," Heller said. "And if you're the VA, this is the line you want inserted in that report." "There are many versions of a draft report," Griffin replied. "The majority of the changes in our draft report came about as result of further deliberations by the senior staff of the Inspector General's Office. No one in VA dictated that sentence go in that report." Scathing report slams veterans' care but says no definite link to deaths . Griffin explained that he hoped to have the results of the 93 additional site reviews completed by the end of the year. McDonald testified to numerous efforts underway across the VA system to decrease wait times and provide veterans faster, needed medical care. He told the senators there is a new push to have many changes made before Veterans Day in November. | Officials from the Inspector General's Office testify at a Senate hearing .
Thousands of patients "may be at risk" for receiving poor urologic care, they testify .
Inspector general: "Immediate and substantive changes are needed"
He estimates only one-fourth of 93 facilities were not manipulating schedules . |
146,500 | 4972d8f530f99b10aad4b83c93ae6bc2c7d5523a | The Royal Navy's newest submarine - a miniature sub which can launch underwater that James Bond would be proud of, has been spotted moored off of Gibraltar. The submarine is intended to launch underwater in order to carry commandos to their destinations covertly so they can perform attacks or infiltration near the water. Attached to a large nuclear sub, the mini pod can carry up to around eight elite commandos in heavy assault gear and is designed to be as stealthy as possible. The miniature submarine atop the HMS Astute, as manufacturers look on at its installation . The pod can be seen attached to the topside of the nuclear submarine, the HMS Astute, currently off the coast of Gibraltar. In a covert attack, the secret submarine pod will detach from the HMS Astute and head to its destination, absorbing sonar on the way to evade detection. The pod will be in use by Special Boat Service commandos in their covert operations, and the miniature submarine will likely make their activities hard to predict or anticipate. HMS Astute, one of British Royal Navy's new nuclear powered submarines, lays at dock in Gibraltar on its maiden call . The mini-sub opening its deployment hatch, where the commandos will leave from during their covert operations . Before it was mounted to the top of the HMS Astute, the miniature submarine had to be airlifted by helicopter to seas near its destination, before being picked up later. Now the submarine will move closer to the destination, and plans for deployment and support for the commandos will be more readily available. The miniature submarine, codenamed 'Project Chalfont', has been tested since it was installed in 2012, but this is the first time it will reach active service. The miniature covert submarine is designed to be as stealthy as possible, and even comes with the ability to absorb sonar to avoid detection . The HMS Astute is the largest attack submarine the Royal Navy has at its disposal, and is the lead ship of its class. Thanks to air recycling it could theoretically circumnavigate the planet without having to resurface, and its nuclear power system means it will never have to refuel again during its 25-year-service. However, its limit is that it is only able to carry three months worth of food for the 98 crew needed to man it. The miniature submarine's main duties are for counter intelligence, as it allows for incredibly covert ops from discreet locations, and will now be able to deploy while hidden underwater, rather than having to travel by helicopter, which runs the risk of revealing its position. | Attached to the HMS Astute, the mini pod can carry up eight commandos .
Designed to be as stealthy for covert ops, like counter intelligence .
Can launch underwater to carry commandos to their destinations covertly .
Currently the mini sub is attached to the HMS Astute, docked in Gibraltar . |
287,068 | fff048b7c5b9578c3a494d42a5bece64753af818 | (CNN) -- Even as they were rejecting as far-fetched an Australian company's assertion that it may have identified the resting place of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 -- thousands of miles from where investigators have been searching -- experts acknowledged Wednesday that they have little choice but to check it out. "The investigators are going to be hard-pressed to blow this off," said Mary Schiavo, a former inspector general for the Department of Transportation. "I think, at this point, because of the lack of results where they've been searching for six weeks, they're almost stuck. They have to go look." The Adelaide-based firm GeoResonance has said that electromagnetic fields captured by airborne multispectral images some 118 miles (190 kilometers) off the coast of Bangladesh in the Bay of Bengal showed evidence of aluminum, titanium, copper and other elements that could have been part of the Boeing 777-200ER, which disappeared from radar on March 8 while en route from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Beijing. "The company is not declaring this is MH370, however it should be investigated," GeoResonance said Tuesday in a news release. GeoResonance Managing Director Pavel Kursa, citing intellectual property concerns, would not explain how the imaging works. Nevertheless, the company got its wish on Wednesday, when Bangladesh sent two navy frigates into the Bay of Bengal to the location cited by GeoResonance. "As soon as they get there, they will search and verify the information," Commodore Rashed Ali, director of Bangladesh navy intelligence, told CNN in Dhaka. The chief coordinator of the Joint Agency Coordination Centre, retired Chief Air Marshal Angus Houston, held out little optimism that any such search would prove fruitful. He told Sky News International that the search area in the Indian Ocean had been set based on pings believed to have emanated from one or both of the plane's voice and data recorders. "The advice from the experts is that's probably where the aircraft lost power and, somewhere close to that, it probably entered the water." CNN aviation expert Miles O'Brien said GeoResonance's claims are not supported by experts. "My blood is boiling," he told CNN's "New Day." "I've talked to the leading experts in satellite imaging capability at NASA, and they know of no technology that is capable of doing this. I am just horrified that a company would use this event to gain attention like this." He called on company officials to offer "a full explanation" for their assertion, which he said appeared to be based on "magic box" technology. Sending investigators to the Bay of Bengal would draw away from the limited resources that are focused in the southern Indian Ocean, O'Brien said. But that won't stop them from going, he predicted. "I think they have to," he said. "It's a public relations thing now." David Gallo, director of special projects at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, also expressed skepticism. "It's so revolutionary, and I don't know anyone that knows of this kind of technology," he told CNN. "And I know most of the people in this business." 'We were being ignored' The company's director, David Pope, said he had not wanted to go public, but did so only after his information was disregarded. "We're a large group of scientists, and we were being ignored, and we thought we had a moral obligation to get our findings to the authorities," he told CNN's "New Day" on Tuesday. GeoResonance's technology was created to search for nuclear, biological and chemical weaponry under the ocean's surface or beneath the earth in bunkers, Pope said. And the company's news release said its search technology was reliable. "In the past, it had been successfully applied to locate submersed structures, ships, munitions and aircraft," it said. "In some instances objects that were buried under layers of silt could not be identified by other means." The company began its search four days after the plane went missing and sent officials initial findings on March 31, Pope said. It followed up with a full report on April 15, which it would not make public. "We only send our report to Government authorities as it contains the exact coordinates of what we believe to be the wreckage of an aircraft," Pope said Wednesday in an e-mail. By going public with their conclusion, if not their data, the company says it hopes it will spur officials to take its claim seriously. Malaysian authorities contacted GeoResonance on Tuesday and were "very interested, very excited" about the findings, Pope said. Inmarsat, the company whose satellite had the last known contact with MH370, remains "very confident" in its analysis that the plane ended up in the southern Indian Ocean, a source close to the MH370 investigation told CNN. The Inmarsat analysis is "based on testable physics and mathematics," the source said, and has been reviewed by U.S., British and Malaysian authorities as well as an independent satellite company. Is GeoResonance on to something? Relatives hear new details . On Tuesday, relatives of the 239 passengers and crew heard new details from officials, including audio recordings of conversations between the plane and a control tower that had not been released before but appeared to contain nothing out of the ordinary. "Malaysia three seven zero, contact Ho Chi Minh 120.9, good night," says a voice identified by Malaysian officials as that of a radar controller in Kuala Lumpur. "Good night Malaysian three seven zero," answers a male voice believed to be a Flight 370 crew member. A preliminary report on the plane, submitted last week to the International Civil Aviation Organization, will be released to the public Thursday, the Malaysian Ministry of Transportation said Wednesday. "The report will be very basic, I assume -- most initial, preliminary reports are," said Schiavo, the aviation analyst. "Just the facts, basic things." But she predicted it will also lay out what is not known, as well as a blueprint for the path ahead and, as such, could prove helpful to family members of those who were aboard. Plane audio recording played in public for first time to Chinese families . More intense underwater search . Seven weeks of intense searching have found nothing linked to the plane. Though some ships will stay on the Indian Ocean to gather any debris, the international air effort to find the plane is over. The likelihood of finding any debris on the ocean's surface is "very remote indeed," since it has probably become waterlogged and sunk, Houston said. So crews will scour a larger area of the ocean floor -- 23,000 square miles (60,000 square kilometers) -- in a process that could take eight months, officials said. The next phase will use private contractors and could cost about $56 million. Houston said that could stretch to 12 months if any glitches with equipment or weather were to occur. He was confident the aircraft will be found, though perhaps not soon. "Nothing happens fast underwater," he said. "It could take months and months and months and months." The Bluefin-21, which has searched the 121-square-mile (314-square-kilometer) area around where pings were thought to have been detected, resumed searching a nearby area of the ocean floor at about 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday -- its 17th mission, according to a U.S. Navy source. New phase to include private contractors, may cost $60 million . Journalist Farid Ahmed reported from Dhaka; CNN's Anna Coren reported from Adelaide, Australia; Miguel Marquez and David Molko reported from Western Australia; Mitra Mobasherat reported from Kuala Lumpur; Tom Watkins, Holly Yan and Mariano Castillo reported and wrote from Atlanta; and Mike Ahlers contributed from Washington. CNN's Ivan Watson and Allen Shum contributed to this report. | Bangladesh sends two frigates into the Bay of Bengal to investigate .
"The investigators are going to be hard-pressed to blow this off," says aviation analyst .
More than 600 military members from around the world end their air search .
Crews will now search a larger area of the ocean floor . |
191,468 | 83f241b67e3defd17dc051aae35f6e30435a2d09 | Investigators say it was a hate crime when a gunman opened fire at two Kansas City-area Jewish centers. But the three people he killed were Christian. That shouldn't affect whether authorities file hate crime charges against him, legal experts say. That's because federal hate crime statutes criminalize offenses involving "actual or perceived" race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability of any person. "To qualify as a hate crime, all that matters is that the crime was motivated, in whole or in part, by the offender's bias," CNN Legal Analyst Sunny Hostin said. "The fact that both shootings occurred at places identifiable as Jewish, combined with his white supremacist past, plus any comments he made ... and other evidence would be more than enough to qualify this as a hate crime," she said. The suspect, Frazier Glenn Cross, 73, faces charges of first-degree murder. Organizations that track hate groups describe Cross, who is also known as Frazier Glenn Miller, as a long-time white supremacist. At a news conference on Monday, Overland Park Police Chief John Douglass said that investigators had "unquestionably determined...that this was a hate crime." And Barry Grissom, U.S. attorney for the District of Kansas, said federal prosecutors would be filing hate crime charges against him. "We are in a very good place from an evidence standpoint of moving forward with this case," Grissom told reporters, "and it will be presented to the grand jury in the not too distant future." Richard Cohen, president of the Southern Poverty Law Center, said there's no doubt that the suspect's anti-Semitism fueled the shooting. "Miller, of course, targeted them because he perceived them to be Jewish. That seems pretty obvious from the site of the shootings," he told CNN's Wolf Blitzer. Another indication of his mindset, Cohen said, were the words he shouted from the back of the patrol car after his arrest: "Heil Hitler." If Cross is convicted of a federal hate crime, he could face life in prison. What the killings say about U.S. hate groups . | Authorities say it was a hate crime when a gunman shot at Jewish centers .
The three victims of the shooting were Christian .
The shooting still qualifies as a hate crime, a CNN legal analyst says . |
249,751 | cf3ce916c4157c86d123724f069dbd7cd0fde4ca | By . Corey Charlton for MailOnline . Sir Cliff Richard has firmly denied the allegation of sexual assault . Sir Cliff Richard has no idea who is behind an allegation of sexual assault but has vowed to continue working to clear his name. The accusation, first revealed on August 14, prompted controversy after it was revealed the BBC and South Yorkshire Police cut a deal which tipped off the BBC to a raid on Sir Cliff's home. Now a friend has now reportedly said Sir Cliff, 73, wants the accusation to be dealt with as soon as possible so he can get on with his life. His friend told The Mirror: 'He doesn’t know his accuser. He has no idea when his ordeal will end.' He added Sir Cliff had told his friends the accusation was unfounded. Sir Cliff told them: 'Nothing will come out of the woodwork because I’ve absolutely nothing to hide.’ Detectives swooped on his £3.1million apartment in Berkshire last month amid accusations he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old schoolboy at a Christian rally almost three decades ago. And just three days ago Sir Cliff - who is currently staying at his holiday home in the Algarve, Portugal - released a statement on Facebook vowing to clear his name. In it he thanked members of the public, fans and 'those in the press' for their support. He wrote: 'Hi everyone, this is just a brief message to thank all of you who have shown support, including those in the Press. 'I wanted to let you know that I'm doing ok and it goes without saying that I fully intend to clear my name. 'Just to be absolutely clear, the allegation is completely false and I will continue to cooperate with the police should they wish to speak to me again. Once again...many thanks!' It was the second public statement he has made since the allegation was first revealed. His first comments came on August 14, in which he acknowledged 'completely false' claims of 'sexual impropriety' had been circulating online for months. He stated: 'Up until now I have chosen not to dignify the false allegations with a response, as it would just give them more oxygen.' In a reference to the BBC's coverage of the raid, he added: 'However, the police attended my apartment in Berkshire today without notice, except it would appear to the press.' Scroll down for video . Sir Cliff Richard's £3.1million penthouse in Sunningdale, Berkshire, which was raided by police last month . The message Sir Cliff posted on Facebook three days ago, in which he vowed to clear his name . Sir Cliff has spoken to police but has not been arrested or charged. Meanwhile, one of the country's senior police officers was accused of 'sheer incompetence' last week over his handling of the raid, which was aired live on the BBC. During a Home Affairs Select Committee hearing, chairman Keith Vaz told South Yorkshire Police Constable David Crompton his committee was amazed at what appeared to be 'sheer incompetence' in dealing with the matter. The BBC and South Yorkshire police clashed over how TV reporters were able to film live aerial shots of the search last month. Mr Crompton said the BBC put his force in 'a very difficult position' after confronting officers with leaked information about the planned search in connection with allegations of a historic sexual assault. He added his force was convinced that the broadcaster would run a story about the investigation without some kind of deal. Committee MP Julian Huppert asked Mr Crompton if the compromise was a common method in dealing with the media as opposed to a 'rather remarkable blackmail attempt'. But the BBC flatly rejected the accusation and claimed they would have pulled the story if the police had asked. Chief constable of South Yorkshire Police, David Crompton, pictured before the Home Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday . During the appearance Mr Compton said he was convinced the BBC would run a story about the accusations if a deal was not reached . Chairman of the committee, Keith Vaz, questioning the BBC and police over their handling of the investigation . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Sir Cliff Richard says he has no idea who is behind the sex assault allegation .
He told friends he has nothing to hide after police raided his home .
Comes three days after he released a statement thanking his supporters .
The BBC was also questioned by MPs over how they handled the story . |
139,704 | 40a8cdfb4a58501b0609c143b0c5740ee806d7ea | The bodies of 21 German soldiers entombed in a perfectly preserved World War One shelter have been discovered 94 years after they were killed. The men were part of a larger group of 34 who were buried alive when a huge Allied shell exploded above the tunnel in 1918, causing it to cave in. Thirteen bodies were recovered from the underground shelter, but the remaining men had to be left under a mountain of mud as it was too dangerous to retrieve them. Nearly a century later, French archaeologists stumbled upon the mass grave on the former Western Front in eastern France during excavation work for a road building project. Mass grave: The bodies of 21 German soldiers entombed in a perfectly preserved First World War shelter have been discovered in France 94 years after they were killed . Amazing condition: The soldiers were buried alive in mud inside the underground shelter (left) which contained items including beds, a bottle and a helmet (right) Some 7.5million men lost their lives on the Western Front during World War One. The front was opened when the German army invaded Luxembourg and Belgium in 1914 and then moved into the industrial regions in northern France. In September of that year, this advance was halted, and slightly reversed, at the Battle Of Marne. It was then that both sides dug vast networks of trenches that ran all the way from the North Sea to the Swiss border with France. This line of tunnels remained unaltered, give or take a mile here and a mile there, for most of the four-year conflict. By 1917, after years of deadlock that saw millions of soldiers killed for zero gain on either side, new military technology including poison gas, tanks and planes was deployed on the front. Thanks to these techniques, the Allies slowly advanced throughout 1918 until the war's end in November. Many of the skeletal remains were . found in the same positions the men had been in at the time of the . collapse, prompting experts to liken the scene to Pompeii. A . number of the soldiers were discovered sitting upright on a bench, one . was lying in his bed and another was in the foetal position having been . thrown down a flight of stairs. As . well as the bodies, poignant personal effects such as boots, helmets, . weapons, wine bottles, spectacles, wallets, pipes, cigarette cases and . pocket books were also found. Even the skeleton of a goat was found, assumed to be a source of fresh milk for the soldiers. Archaeologists believe the items have been so well-preserved because hardly any air, water or lights had penetrated the trench. The 300ft-long tunnel was located 18ft beneath the surface near the small town of Carspach in the Alsace region of France. Michael Landolt, the archaeologist leading the dig, said: 'It's a bit like Pompeii. Everything collapsed in seconds and is just the way it was at the time. 'Here, as in Pompeii, we found the bodies as they were at the moment of their death. Some . of the men were found in sitting positions on a bench, others lying . down. One was projected down a flight of wooden stairs and was found in a . foetal position. 'The . collapsed shelter was filled with soil. The items were very . well-preserved because of the absence of air and light and water. 'Metal objects were rusty, wood was in good condition and we found some pages of newspapers that were still readable. Leather was in good condition as well, still supple. 'The items will be taken to a laboratory, cleaned and examined.' Network of tunnels: French engineers stumbled upon the mass grave on the former Western Front near the town of Carspach in the Alsace region of eastern France during excavation work for a road building project . A drinks cup and the remains of a rifle that have survived almost intact for a century. Archaeologists believe the items have been so well-preserved because hardly any air, water or lights penetrated the trench . Stuck in time: A German newspaper from 1918 lies partly preserved inside the shelter . Building tool: A large hammer (left) that archaeologists believe was used to help dig the trench network (right) Archaeologists also uncovered the wooden sides, floors and stairways of the shelter. The dead soldiers were part of the 6th Company, 94th Reserve Infantry Regiment. Their . names are all known - they include Musketeer Martin Heidrich, 20, . Private Harry Bierkamp, 22, and Lieutenant August Hutten, 37, whose names are inscribed on a memorial in the nearby German war cemetery of Illfurth. The . bodies have been handed over to the German War Graves Commission but . unless relatives can be found and they request the remains to be . repatriated, it is planned that the men will be buried at Illfurth. The underground tunnel was big enough to shelter 500 men and had 16 exits. It would have been equipped with heating, telephone connections, electricity, beds and a pipe to pump out water. The . French attacked the shelter on March 18, 1918 with aerial mines that . penetrated the ground and blasted in the side wall of the shelter in two . points. It is estimated that over 165,000 Commonwealth soldiers are still unaccounted for on the Western Front. Helmet: Soldiers were discovered sitting upright on a bench, one was lying in his bed and another was in the foetal position having been thrown down a flight of stairs . Built to last: An aerial view of the trenches (left) reveals the scale of the discovery, while a rifle (right) lies intact after a century underground . Poignant: Personal effects such as this leather holster, boots, helmets, weapons, wine bottles, spectacles, wallets, pipes, cigarette cases and pocket books were found . Delicate work: An archaeologist slowly uncovers more of the buried shelter, which was big enough to shelter 500 men and had 16 exits . A bottle (left) and a bell (right) found during the dig. The tunnels were equipped with heating, telephone connections, electricity, beds and a pipe to pump out water . Archaeologists uncover the buried shelter, which was attacked by the French on March 18, 1918 with aerial mines that penetrated the ground and blasted in the side wall of the shelter in two points . Unidentified military items (pictured) were discovered alongside bizarre finds including the skeleton of a goat, assumed to be a source of fresh milk for the soldiers . Pieces of history: A rifle (left) lies intact after a century underground, while archaeologists are still trying to work out what the item on the right is . German soldiers on the Western Front pose for a photo (left) that shows the elaborate construction of trenches. The 300ft-long tunnel was located 18ft beneath the surface near the small town of Carspach in the Alsace region of France . | Men were killed when a huge Allied shell exploded above the tunnel in eastern France in 1918, causing it to cave in .
Engineers find trench network 18ft beneath the surface near town of Carspach while excavating for a new road .
Scene likened to Pompeii after skeletal remains found in same positions the men had been in at the time of the .
collapse . |
29,098 | 52a68e9f8f4d36a669e207d66273a2d773c05cac | By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . PUBLISHED: . 11:59 EST, 26 February 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 12:34 EST, 27 February 2014 . The ruthless, bloody and lonely lives of gladiators have been revealed in a remarkable reconstruction of one of their Austrian training grounds. Discovered at the site of Carnuntum outside Vienna, the gladiator school is the first one to be uncovered outside the city of Rome. Now hidden beneath a field, the school has been entirely mapped using non-invasive techniques such as aerial surveys and ground-penetrating radar. Archaeologists have mapped an ancient gladiator school, where the famed warriors lived, trained, and fought. The reconstruction reveals details about their ruthless, bloody and lonely lives . The discovery, reported by the journal Antiquity, reveals intricate details about the daily routine of these famous warriors during the second century A.D. The so-called ludus ‘is on a scale to rival the famous ludus magnus, the gladiatorial school behind the Coliseum in Rome,’ the archaeologists, led by Ludwig Boltzmann Institute, said in a statement. It is thought at least 80 gladiators lived at the school, separated from the town of Carnuntum, which was founded on the Danube River. The school had heated floors for winter training, baths, infirmaries, plumbing, as well as a graveyard close by. Gladiators trained every day for public fights in an amphitheatre . Excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revealed many elements of the Carnuntum complex including a legionary fortress and town, but the training school was only discovered in 2011 . At least 80 gladiators lived at the training school, separated from the town of Carnuntum. They slept in 32-square-foot (3-square-metre) cells, usually in isolation, and sometimes with a roommate. They operated alone rather than in teams. The details contradict the popular view of gladiators as traveling around the country for fights, as seen in the movie Gladiator. The fighters were often convicted criminals, prisoners-of-war, and usually slaves. Researchers believes the training area was where the men's 'market value and in end effect their fate' was decided. If they were successful, they had a chance to advance to 'superstar' status - and maybe even achieve freedom. Similar to a fortress prison, they slept in 32-square-foot (3-square-metre) cells, usually in isolation, and sometimes with a roommate. The school had heated floors for winter training, baths, infirmaries, plumbing, as well as a graveyard close by. Gladiators trained every day for public fights in an amphitheatre. Imaging equipment showed the structures still to be excavated as having the similar building hallmarks to the Collisseum and the Ludus Magnus gladiatorial ampitheatre, both in Rome. The details contradict the popular view of gladiators as travelling around the country for fights, as seen in the film Gladiator. The resulting archaeological maps and plans of individual buildings, streets and Roman infrastructure allow the virtual reconstruction of the city layout and the development of ancient land - and townscapes in two and three dimensions,’ said the team from Austria, Belgium and Germany. Discovered at the site of Carnuntum outside Vienna, the gladiator school is the first one to be uncovered outside the city of Rome . A computer image shows the Roman gladiator school discovered by underground radar outside Vienna . In Carnuntum, one of the largest Roman landscapes that has been preserved to the present day, a new motorised multi-channel ground penetrating radar device was used to see the hidden structure beneath the ground . ‘Although some 100 ludi are thought to have existed in the Roman Empire, almost all have been destroyed or built over’. Excavations in the late 19th and early 20th centuries revealed many elements of the Carnuntum complex including a legionary fortress and town, but the ludus was only discovered in 2011. A spokesman for the Roemisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, one of the institutes involved in finding and evaluating the discovery said: 'A gladiator school was a mixture of a barracks and a prison, kind of a high-security facility. The school was a mixture of a barracks and a prison, according to a spokesperson for the complex . The details contradict the popular view of gladiators as traveling around the country for fights, as seen in the movie Gladiator . 'The fighters were often convicted criminals, prisoners-of-war, and usually slaves.' The main courtyard is ringed by living quarters and other buildings and contains a round, 19-square metre training area - a small stadium overlooked by wooden seats and the terrace of the chief trainer. The institute believes the training area was where the men's 'market value and in end effect their fate' was decided. Carnuntum park head Franz Hume added: 'If they were successful, they had a chance to advance to 'superstar' status - and maybe even achieve freedom.' Gladiators took their name from the Latin word gladius, for sword. Some were volunteers who risked their legal and social standing and their lives by appearing in the arena. Gladiators were often convicted criminals, prisoners-of-war or slaves. They lived on a high-energy, vegetarian diet combining barley, boiled beans, oatmeal, ash believed to help fortify the body . Most were slaves, schooled under harsh conditions and socially marginalised. Irrespective of their origin, gladiators offered audiences an example of Rome's martial ethics and, in fighting or dying well, they could inspire admiration and popular acclaim. They were celebrated in art, and their value as entertainers was commemorated in precious and commonplace objects throughout the Roman world. The games reached their peak between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD, and they persisted not only throughout the social and economic crises of the declining Roman state but even after Christianity became the official religion in the 4th century AD. Christian emperors continued to sponsor such entertainments until at least the late 5th century AD, when the last known gladiator games took place. The international team now plan to continue mapping efforts at Carnuntum, to reveal even more details about the brutal lives of these ancient warriors. Pictured is the motorised multi-channel ground penetrating radar. The site is currently covered over by a field . | Gladiator school was discovered at the site of Carnuntum outside Vienna .
Aerial surveys and ground-penetrating radar helped map the complex .
It housed 80 gladiators who each lived in a 32 square ft (3 sq m) cells .
The school had heated floors for winter training, baths, infirmaries, plumbing, as well as a graveyard close by . |
91,834 | 0221fe35c071c7b93ae647cd44d27735e8db2bb8 | New York (CNN) -- John Lennon's autographed lyrics for "A Day in the Life" -- one of the top tunes from an iconic album -- went for more than a song Friday when it was sold at Sotheby's Auction house in New York for $1,202,500. The price paid by a private American collector is close to the sale price in 2005 when Lennon's lyrics for "All you need is Love" sold for over $1.2 million. A total of three bidders weighed in for the manuscript, taking over six minutes until the bidding ended. The double-sided single sheet of paper written in Lennon's hand includes cross-outs and corrections, and chronicles the evolution of one of the most famous musical masterpieces by the Beatles. "A Day in the Life" was the final track of the Beatles' legendary 1967 album, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band." The album spent 27 weeks at the top of the British charts and 15 weeks at number one on the American Billboard 200. The album is considered a turning point in the career of the Beatles, transforming them from pop icons to among the 20th century's leading artists. Rolling Stone magazine has ranked "A Day in the Life" as number 26 in its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Rolling Stone Assistant Editor Andy Greene thinks the song and the album deserve higher praise, considering it was the last album the Beatles collectively worked on together. "That album was the beginning of the Album Era," said Greene. "It was the Big Bang of albums. This was the first concept album. All the songs go together to tell a story and it's inspired every musician." The lyrics, once owned by Mal Evans, the Beatles' road manager, exceeded Sotheby's estimates of $500,000 to $700,000. The lyrics were sold by an unidentified collector, an American, who purchased the sheet in 1992 at Sotheby's for £48,000, or $93,000. The auction house said the seller plans to use the proceeds to buy a vineyard. The first side of the lyrics -- which are believed to have been composed on the morning and afternoon of January 17, 1967 -- features a rough draft written in script with a black felt marker and blue ballpoint pen, with a few annotations in red ink. The other side of the page, whose ink is also bright and vibrant, is written in block letters, according to Sotheby's spokesman Dan Abernethy. Both versions begin with the same familiar line: "I read the news today, oh boy." Rolling Stone's Greene didn't seem fazed by the expected sale price for the lyrics. "I can see why it's worth that," he said. "Beatles stuff always sells well. It is the crown jewel of the Beatles collection." | Double-sided sheet of paper sells for $1,202,500 .
Final track on 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band'
Believed composed on the morning and afternoon of January 17, 1967 . |
24,672 | 45f4aec9026683f514db09bc59a5c9ca56436aff | By . Joshua Gardner . PUBLISHED: . 21:01 EST, 21 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:37 EST, 22 November 2013 . While the tragic death of a president was about to kickstart Rather’s impressive career, the then 32-year-old managed to find Abraham Zapruder and his film but couldn’t quite get his hands on it for CBS. ‘This is not a time when everyone has a camera,’ Rather told Tom Brokaw in an interview for NBC News. ‘Not everyone has a motion picture camera.’ As the first journalist to report John F. Kennedy’s assassination, Rather is in a unique position to recount the terrible tale now, at the event’s 50 year anniversary. Scroll down for video... A tragic start to a famous career: Dan Rather was a 32-year-old bureau chief for CBS in Dallas when JFK was shot and recently recounted his struggle to find and then bid for a local man's unique footage of the terrible event . And he did so in Monday night’s . television special My Days in Dallas: A Remembrance With Dan Rather, an . exploration of the shooting on Nov. 22, 1963. He recalls thinking, ‘The president is dead in front of thousands of people. There must be pictures.’ The race was on to become the first news organization to get footage of the president’s death. ‘We started making phone calls,’ Rather said, and within hours the CBS Dallas staff learned of a private citizen who had a camera. ‘Keep in mind, not many people had movie cameras.’ Miraculously, Rather says his team was able to track down Abraham Zapruder, a local businessman who took with him to the presidential motorcade his 8mm Bell & Howell Zoomatic camera. See more videos from the life and death of JFK on YouTube. Breaking it to the nation: Rather shot to national prominence not long after becoming the first to report to the nation the startling details of JFK's assassination in 1963 . Iconic: Dallas sportswear manufacturer Abraham Zapruder (right) took the 1963 the motion picture footage that has now become synonymous with the president's assassination . Near miss: Zapruder nearly left his 8mm Zoomatic that day, but his secretary insisted he take it despite the overcast skies. He later sold the footage he took for $150,000 to Life magazine . ‘By the next morning, Mr. Zapruder, quite wisely, had a lawyer,’ Rather said. Here, Rather leaves out a juicy part of the tale in his discussion with Brokaw that his national producer Don Hewitt does not gloss over in his own recounting. Reports Newsday: . ‘In my desire to get a hold of what was probably the most dramatic piece of news footage ever shot,’ Hewitt said, ‘I told Rather to go to Zapruder’s house, sock him in the jaw, take his film to our affiliate in Dallas, copy it onto videotape, and let the CBS lawyers decide whether it could be sold or whether it was in the public domain.’ In Hewett’s telling, Rather agreed that, yes, punching Zapruder and stealing the tape was the best idea. But the producer quickly had a change of heart. ‘I hadn’t hung up the phone maybe ten seconds when it hit me: What in the hell did you just do? Are you out of your mind? So I called Rather back. Luckily, he was still there.’ Instead of getting physical, Rather showed up to Zapruder’s attorney’s office to broker a deal to get the film. But he wasn’t the only newsman on the case. Still, to this day: Much of what the world saw in the media from that November day in Dealey Plaza was in still photos like this. That's partially because Dan Rather and CBS were outbid for the motion footage by a print magazine, Life . Vantage: This recreation of the assassination from 1997 shows a similar vantage point to the one Zapruder got in 1963. He was unique for the close vantage and also for having a motion camera in an era when they were relatively rare . Watch Dan Rather report to the world what he saw in Zapruder's footage... ‘I thought that we had the only access to Mr. Zapruder,’ Rather said. However, ‘Richard “Dick” Stolley—a great reporter—at Life magazine at that time…a tough reporter working for an outfit with deep pockets. I hated to see him there.’ Rather was told he could watch the footage once before making his bid for the film. ‘I’ll never forget being in that room. My head was back, my eyes were wide, my mouth was agape.’ - Dan Rather, on the moment he first watched the Zapruder footage . ‘I’ll never forget being in that room,’ he said. ‘My head was back, my eyes were wide, my mouth was agape.’ Rather was given the okay by his higher ups to pay at most $50,000 for the soon-to-be famous film. But when he went to make his first offer, Zapruder’s attorney said the film had been sold. Stolley and Life had paid $150,000—what would be a million dollars today—for the film and stolen it right out from under Rather’s nose. Nonetheless, Rather would go down in history as the first to report JFK’s death and his black and white likeness has become synonymous with the terrible moment in America. Moments to live: Many still photos were taken and the first thing Rather and his CBS team looked for were shots of the moment JFK was killed. When he learned of motion footage and was then able to track it down, he jumped at the chance to buy it . Burned into his memory: 'I¿ll never forget being in that room. My head was back, my eyes were wide, my mouth was agape.' | In the days before phone cameras, sportswear manufacturer Abraham Zapruder happened to be recording the president's 1963 Dallas motorcade with his new 8mm camera .
Following the assassination, the top American news outlets scrambled to track down footage of the president's murder .
A young Dan Rather and CBS found Zapruder and nearly snagged the exclusive film before Life magazine's Richard Stolley outbid him . |
137,889 | 3e53a8f7d39e6e33f5df0569a1a68ffa8e2991aa | A mother who says Walmart employees intentionally humiliated her after wrongfully ripping up two of her $100 bills while believing they were fake is taking legal action against the store. In her recently filed complaint, Julia Garcia is seeking no more than $74,900 in damages after detained for four hours before customers in San Antonio, Texas who were told she had tried to use fake money. It was in the early hours of December 18, 2010 while doing some Christmas shopping for her children that Ms Garcia claims she presented the first $100 bill as payment before it was taken with suspicion from her. Mishandled: A WalMart customer has filed a complaint against the store under claims employees wrongly ripped two $100 bills from her claiming they were fake . She says that the bill wasn't actually tested by a counterfeit detection pen until after it was ripped, though that pen's result was either misread or ignored by the cashier. According to her complaint: 'The cashier inspected the $100 bill, turned to another cashier and had a brief discussion, and returned to her register telling Plaintiff that her money was "fake." 'The cashier proceeded to rip the $100 bill in half without performing any counterfeit detection tests. The metallic strip in the $100 bill was clearly visible.' After marking the bill with the detection pen, revealing a yellowish colour across it, Ms Garcia said she explained to the cashier of that colour meaning it was legitimate, having previously worked in retail herself. Humiliated: Julia Garcia says she was detained for four hours at the front of the store in San Antonio, Texas, pictured . The employee proceeded to call a manager over who identified himself as Russell. At this time Ms Garcia said she took out a second $100 bill, which according to her, was immediately taken and ripped up as well by the man. Test: A counterfeit bill detector pen, like the one shown, was used on the bills by the employees but only after they had been ripped according to the woman . Detained at the front of the store while told the police had been called, Ms Garcia claims that adding to her humiliation, the employees told curious customers in passing that she was busted trying to use fake money. After two hours at the front, police arrived around 4.15am and proceeded to inspect the bills in question. Following a series of tests the first responding officer, identified as Officer Edwards, returned to Ms Garcia telling her that what the Walmart employee and manager had done was a 'terrible mistake.’ 'He then approached the manager, who appeared upset by what he was told by Officer Edwards,' according to the complaint. ‘After speaking with Officer Edwards, Manager Russell approached Plaintiff and sarcastically stated that the police officers said the money was not counterfeit, though he disagreed. ‘At this time, he attempted to hand Plaintiff the two torn $100 bills he had misappropriated from her. When Plaintiff objected to receiving torn bills, Officer Edwards instructed Manager Russell to replace the bills he had wrongfully taken and destroyed.' Ms Garcia, who said she was escorted out to her car by the officer around 5am, filed her complaint for false imprisonment and intentional infliction of emotional distress against the store on September 9. | Julia Garcia says two employees ripped up $200 in bills before using a counterfeit detection pen on them .
The woman claims she was held for four hours at the front of the store while police were called .
After the bills were found legal by police the store manager allegedly tried to give her back the ripped currency . |
100,745 | 0dce4b39dd695c17f529c117f074b425f6c8f71e | (Travel + Leisure) -- With airports from New York to Sydney getting upgrades, Travel + Leisure picks our favorite restaurants, bars, lounges, shops and spas. Travelers can tuck into skirt steak tacos at Bonfire, a Todd English restaurant in Terminal B of Boston's Logan International Airport. RESTAURANTS . Boston: Bonfire, Logan International Airport . Todd English continues to expand his empire with the third outpost of his South American-inspired steak house, Bonfire, at Terminal B. Grilled chicharrones (crispy pork in chimichurri sauce) and skirt steak topped with chipotle aioli and avocado crema are standouts. bonfiresteakhouse.com. London: Plane Restaurant, Heathrow Airport . Gordon Ramsay's first airport restaurant opens this month in Terminal 5. In addition to a Michelin star-worthy menu (braised pork cheeks with honey and cloves and brioche French toast with treacle-cured bacon in the mornings), travelers can opt for special "picnics"-to-go. baa.com. Stockholm: Max, Arlanda Airport . A cross between In-N-Out Burger and McDonald's, Max is a family-run Swedish fast-food chain that dates back to 1968. Now it has brought its brand of trans-fat-free, made-to-order Swedish burgers and crispy fries to the capital's airport (Terminal 4). For those trying to stay fit while on the road, there's the Delifresh menu, including a chicken burger served with fresh fruit salad. max.se. BARS . Copenhagen: Nørrebro Bryghus, Copenhagen Airport . Denmark has experienced an artisanal beer resurgence in the last few years with the opening of 25 new microbreweries. Ushering in a new era is the Nørrebro Bryghus, whose owner Anders Kissmeyer recently opened a branch between terminals 2 and 3 (before security). Always on tap: four different Danish seasonal, handcrafted beers served at its stainless-steel bar. cph.dk. New York: Vino Volo, JFK . This contemporary wine bar recently launched a fifth airport location at American Airlines' Terminal 8. The dimly lit, cream- and brown-tinged venue stocks bottles from around the world, including little-known vintages from the Hudson River Valley. vinovolo.com. Singapore: Post Bar, Changi Airport . Taking design cues from its namesake older sibling in the Fullerton Hotel, the just-opened Post Bar in Terminal 3 mixes traditional and modern design elements (retro Artichoke lamps; an illuminated honey-onyx bar). The best part? It's open 24 hours a day. fullertonhotel.com. LOUNGES . Geneva: Swiss Lounges, Geneva International Airport . When it came to designing new lounges for Geneva Airport, Swiss Air stuck to what it knows best -- being Swiss. More than 10 tons of limestone from the Jura Mountains were used in the construction, the menu consists of national dishes such as älplermakkaroni (Alpine-style macaroni-and-cheese), and the chocolate leather chairs and sofas were produced by Vitra (though designed by Londoner Jasper Morrison). swiss.com. Los Angeles: Oneworld, LAX . San Francisco-based Gensler Architects (currently at work on JFK's new JetBlue terminal) have created a 15,000-square-foot eco-lounge that evokes a contemporary California-cool vibe, with sea grass-resin panels, chiseled limestone walls, B&B Italia chairs and walnut-wood partitions. First- and business-class passengers can freshen up in one of nine shower suites. lawa.org/lax. Munich: Lufthansa, Munich Airport International . Passengers at the new Lufthansa first-class lounge in Munich can expect red-carpet treatment: in-lounge security and separate passport control (no long lines), and a chauffeured Mercedes-Benz S-Class or Porsche Cayenne to take travelers directly to their aircraft. The two-story, 9,000-square-foot lounge also includes a white-marble and oak bathroom with three showers, a Jacuzzi and Dr. Hauschka products. lufthansa.com. Sydney: Qantas, Sydney Airport . Australia's premier interior and furniture designer, Marc Newson, has put his futuristic feng shui touch on the carrier's new first-class lounge. A brilliant wall of 8,400 plants offsets a striking all-white entrance. Once inside, you'll find a 48-seat Neil Perry restaurant. sydneyairport.com.au. SHOPS . London: Harrods, Heathrow International Airport . Among the 30-plus new shops at Terminal 5 will be an 11,000-square-foot Harrods. The outpost of this shopping institution plans to stock high-end labels such as Anya Hindmarch, Pucci and Luella when it opens in March. baa.com. Tokyo: Fifth Avenue, Narita International Airport . Don't expect traditional sake sets at Fifth Avenue, the latest duty-free mall to open at Japan's international airport. Instead, spend your leftover yen at one of eight designer boutiques: Bulgari, Burberry, Cartier, Coach, Gucci, Hermès, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tiffany & Co. narita-airport.jp/en. SPAS . Amsterdam: XpresSpa, Schiphol . The U.S.-based spa has made its first foray into Europe, bringing signature massage loungers and manicure stations to Level 2 of Schiphol. Indulge in a quick manicure or pedicure, or try an olive-oil and -leaf mask. There's also a full range of waxing and UV nail enhancements and gentleman's facials. xpresspa.com. Hong Kong: OM Spa, Hong Kong International Airport . A long layover in Hong Kong is now a blessing in disguise, thanks to the opening of the OM Spa at the Regal Airport Hotel. The contemporary space is equipped with mosaic steam rooms and outdoor massage beds. Choose from more than 30 treatments, including seed scrubs and jasmine milk baths and take a dip in the hotel's 70-foot-long indoor and outdoor pools. regalhotel.com. London: Elemis Travel Spa, Heathrow International Airport . British Airways passengers at Terminal 5 need just 15 minutes to be fully reinvigorated. London-based Elemis has partnered with British Airways at their new lounges (or, as BA calls them, "galleries"). The four signature treatments (including a scalp, hand and foot massage, and a facial) start with a lime-infused compress and take place in a state-of-the-art heated massage chair. elemis.com. E-mail to a friend . Planning a romantic escape? Don't miss Travel + Leisure's guide to the 50 Best Romantic Getaways. Copyright 2009 American Express Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved. | Gordon Ramsay's first airport restaurant opens soon in London's Heathrow .
Vino Volo, in New York's JFK airport, stocks wines from around the world .
OM Spa at Hong Kong's Regal Airport Hotel offers more than 30 treatments . |
263,235 | e0f360dce8592b8fdff5586651f00e710634afca | The son of a kayaker who died alongside his brother and cousin almost drowned in the same river two years ago, it was revealed today. Anthony, the son of Darren Thorpe, had been climbing by the River Tyne with his friends aged 12 when he slipped and plunged 25ft into the water below, banging his head on his way down. Knocked unconscious when he landed on a metal buoy in March 2012, Anthony was pulled to safety by his friends - but he was left with a fractured hip and pelvis and had six staples in his head. Today, the three men from the same family found dead when their kayaking trip on the swollen Tyne went disastrously wrong were named. Scroll down for video . Died: Brothers Mark Thorpe (left), 39, and Darren Thorpe (right), 41, of South Tyneside, were discovered dead . Search effort: Darren Thorpe, 41, and Mark Thorpe, 39, both from South Shields, South Tyneside, and Gavin Bradley, 36, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, all died near Riding Mill in Northumberland . Emergency services were joined by the RAF and the Coastguard in the search. A rescue crew are pictured recovering the body of one of the kayakers . Taken away: Rescue service personnel retrieve a kayak the River Tyne following the incident on Sunday . Hunt: Northumbria Mountain Rescue Service searching the River Tyne at Hexham near the Tyne Bridge . Brothers Darren Thorpe, 41, and Mark . Thorpe, 39, of South Shields, South Tyneside, and their cousin Gavin . Bradley, 36, from Jarrow, South Tyneside, ended up in the river and . drowned. The men had last . been seen at a spot called Devil’s Water on Sunday night and were using . ‘sit on’ style kayaks, of a kind commonly used by leisure trippers . rather than serious kayakers. They died in conditions dangerous enough for the local canoe club to cancel a planned excursion. A . neighbour of Darren Thorpe, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘It's . awful. His son Anthony nearly lost his life in the Tyne a couple of . years ago and now his dad has lost his life in the Tyne. ‘When . Anthony got stuck on the river his friends had to help him out. We were . all worried. They have had no luck - his wife Louise has just lost her . job as a teaching assistant too. ‘I . think Darren thought about taking Anthony sometime with the kayak but I . think Louise put her foot down. If Darren was still here he might have . gone out with his dad and his brother.’ Dinghy: Northumbria Police Marine Unit searching the Tyne at Corbridge, Northumberland yesterday . Retrieved: A canoe pulled from the River Tyne near Ovingham, Northumberland, yesterday morning . Emergency services: Riding Mill pumping station, where the third body has found - as well as a blue kayak . Search effort: Rescue services at Riding Mill pumping station yesterday on the River Tyne in Northumberland . The . divorced mother-of-three added: ‘We will miss him. I am devastated, I . cried myself when I found out and when I told my daughter she had a few . tears and then my son.' Torrential . rain over the weekend had made the Tyne near Hexham, in Northumberland, . faster, deeper and more dangerous than normal. 'They would have gone down to a gorge, where the water is very fast flowing, and that would have been extremely dangerous' Witness . Emergency . services were scrambled when the men did not return home to South . Tyneside on Sunday evening and three bodies were found hours later after . a search involving coastguards, police, firemen and an RAF helicopter. Police are investigating but there are no known witnesses and the truth of exactly what happened may never emerge. The . trio, who have not been named, had parked a car at Hexham, where they . started the river trip, and were planning to paddle 14 miles downstream . to reach a second car at Wylam. They . got about half way when tragedy struck. They are believed to have been . last seen at around noon on Sunday at a location near Corbridge known as . Devil’s Water, a tributary of the river. Looking out: A search and rescue operation is taking place after a group of kayakers went missing on Sunday . On the grass: Two of the bodies were recovered yesterday morning as part of the operation in the North East . Gear: Rescue service personnel walk along the river bank at Riding Mill pumping station in Northumberland . Mission: Riding Mill pumping station on the River Tyne, where a search and rescue operation is taking place . Looking: A RAF Sea King Helicopter flies over the River Tyne yesterday at Riding Mill in Northumberland . The . dog walker who saw the three men said they were wearing helmets and . life jackets, but was surprised to see them because kayakers are rare at . this time of year in that stretch of water. He . said: ‘They were heading downstream. I didn’t notice anything wrong and . couldn’t hear what they were saying to each other. They would have gone . down to a gorge, where the water is very fast flowing, and that would . have been extremely dangerous.’ 'We have two families completely distraught. It’s unimaginable' Chief Superintendent Gordon Milward, Northumbria Police . The . men had been expected home by 7pm and the partner of one of them rang . police at 11pm. A search began and the first body was spotted at 5.10am. Two . of the bodies were found near a weir and water treatment works at . Riding Mill and the third about a mile upstream in the Corbridge area. Three kayaks have also been recovered. Chief Superintendent Gordon Milward of Northumbria Police said: ‘We have two families completely distraught. It’s unimaginable.’ The . men had been on the river at least once before, he said, adding: ‘The . river was high, fast and deep. It would be testing, I would suggest, for . anybody to do anything on the river. Planning: Emergency services were joined by the RAF and the Coastguard as they searched the river . Sea King: Emergency services received a call at 11pm yesterday saying the trio had failed to return home . Discoveries: Just after 5.10am, a body was recovered from the river, and a second was found at about 6.20am . Working: Landing in a nearby field, rescue teams studied maps of the scene as they carried out the search . Location: The two bodies were recovered in the River Tyne near Riding Mill, west of Newcastle-upon-Tyne . ‘We don’t yet know the standard of their kayaking and what their physical capability was.’ Police . have no idea whether all three kayaks were thrown into the water as a . result of the conditions or if one or two of the men went in to rescue . another and drowned in the process. 'We will miss him. I am devastated, I cried myself when I found out and when I told my daughter she had a few tears and then my son' Neighbour of Darren Thorpe . A . member of a local canoe club said: ‘The kayaks they had are known as . “sit on top” kayaks and are generally associated with leisure kayakers. Experienced kayakers wouldn’t use them.’ A member of staff at a local shop selling kayaks said the area of water where the bodies were found was ‘treacherous’. He . said: ‘It would not be recommended to go on the river in boats like . this, especially given the water level. You would need to be incredibly . experienced, even then it is not advisable.’ The . tragedy is the second in just over three years on the same stretch of . the Tyne. Amateur canoeist Andrew Weatherill, 33, from Hartlepool, died . after becoming trapped in the weir at Riding Mill in 2011. Last night Northumbrian Water confirmed that there were warning signs in the area. | Brothers Darren and Mark Thorpe and cousin Gavin Bradley are all dead .
Men were last seen at a spot called Devil’s Water on Tyne on Sunday night .
Darren's son Anthony almost drowned in same river aged 12 in March 2012 . |
70,335 | c7674c21a7a0e775f004d7440723cf8f0dee5726 | Theresa May insisted yesterday she did not authorise the publication of her explosive letter to Michael Gove, as she repeatedly stonewalled questions from MPs over how much she knew about the leak. As speculation swirled about the impact of her spat with the Education Secretary on a forthcoming Cabinet reshuffle, Mrs May told MPs that an inquiry by Cabinet Secretary Sir Jeremy Heywood had cleared her of releasing the correspondence. The letter, which was published on the Home Office website, dramatically escalated a bitter row between the two ministers over extremism in schools. Home Secretary Theresa May listens to questions from the despatch box, with Communities Secretary Eric Pickles (centre) keeping her away from Cabinet rival Education Secretary Michael Gove (right) Mrs May hit back at criticism of her handling of anti-terror policy, and showed no sign of backing down in her row with Michael Gove . The Home Secretary was asked seven . times by Labour MPs about whether she knew the letter to Mr Gove would . be made public at some point, whether it was written in order to be . leaked, and why there was a three-day delay in removing it from the . website. But she would say only that she had not authorised its release. Labour . claimed the publication of the letter – in which Mrs May demanded to . know what the Education Department had done about warnings of extremism . in Birmingham schools in 2010 – was a breach of ministerial code if it . was authorised by the Home Secretary. Asked . by Labour MP Nic Dakin whether she knew her special adviser Fiona . Cunningham – who was forced to resign at the weekend over the incident – . was going to publish the letter, Mrs May simply insisted it was ‘a bit . rich getting so many questions about special advisers from the party of . Damian McBride’, a reference to Gordon Brown’s disgraced spin doctor. Later, as Mr Gove took questions from the Despatch Box, he found himself sitting next to Mrs May . Labour's Yvette Cooper accused the government of losing control of policy to deal with extremism . Asked . by veteran Dennis Skinner whether she was battling Mr Gove because she . was ‘getting ready for a succession battle’ for the Tory leadership, Mrs . May replied icily: ‘I do not think that question should be dignified . with a response.’ Shadow . home secretary Yvette Cooper said: ‘The Home Secretary claimed she did . not authorise the release of the letter. Yet time and again she refused . to answer whether she wrote it in order to leak it, who did release it . and why she left it on the Home Office website for three days.’ There . is anger among some Tory ministers that Mr Gove, who started the row by . using lunch with the editor of The Times to attack Mrs May and her . counter-terrorism adviser Charles Farr, has been let off with a slap on . the wrist. Persistent: The Home Secretary, pictured with aide Fiona Cunningham who resigned last week, was asked seven times by Labour MPs about whether she knew the letter to Mr Gove would be made public at some point . David Cameron is . finalising a Government reshuffle which is expected to take place . within the next week. And one Cabinet source said: ‘Michael was on the . move to party chairman – it has certainly been discussed. ‘Now . it looks harder to do it because it would appear like a demotion . because of the row with Theresa. Michael has done this over and over . again – had a row internally and then leaked it – and people are frankly . fed up with it.’ Events last week were 'shambolic for . the Government, but much worse for everyone else' and must not be . repeated, said the shadow home secretary. She . demanded assurances from Mrs May and Mr Gove that they 'will not put . their personal reputations and ambitions ahead of making the right . decisions for the country'. Ms . Cooper asked why Mrs May had allowed her letter to remain on the Home . Office website for three and a half days before it was removed, and . demanded to know: 'Did she write that letter in order for it to be . leaked, and did she authorise its release to the media?' She . asked whether Mrs May stood by her claim in the letter that oversight . arrangements for schools in Birmingham were not 'adequate'. Mr Gove sat just feet away from Mrs May, as she insisted she was in charge efforts to tackle extremism . Mrs Cooper said that the Home Office's strategy on preventing extremism had been 'criticised from all sides, not just by the Education Secretary, for failing to engage with local communities and having become too narrow, leaving gaps.' She added: 'She now needs to focus on getting those policies back on track, because it matters to communities across the country that there's a serious and sensible approach to these issues and joint working at the very top of the Government.' To cheers from the Tory benches, Mrs May retorted: 'We have excluded more hate preachers than any Home Secretary before me. I have got rid of the likes of Abu Hamza and Abu Qatada. 'The Government does not give a public platform to groups that condone or fail to distance themselves from extremism and we are mapping out for the first time extremists and extremist groups in the United Kingdom. We make sure that the groups we work with and fund adhere to British values and where they do not we do not fund them and we do not work with them. 'None of these things was true when the party opposite was in power.' Mrs May called on Ms Cooper to withdraw any allegation that she had breached the ministerial code, saying that the Prime Minister and Sir Jeremy had concluded that she did not. 'Yes, we need to get to the bottom of what has happened in the schools in Birmingham, but it is thanks to this Education Secretary that the Department for Education has for the first time a dedicated extremism unit to try to stop this sort of thing from happening,' said the Home Secretary. | Home Secretary called to the Commons after explosive row over extremism .
Claims inquiry by Sir Jeremy Heywood had cleared her of releasing letter .
Michael Gove was forced to apologise for criticising Mrs May's policies .
May's aide Fiona Cunningham responded by publishing damaging letter .
Row complicated by Ms Cunningham being in a relationship with Mr Farr . |
286,654 | ff68908deba55dbe09668416e112284c20753445 | By . Sophie Jane Evans . This is the moment a man discovered a swarm of 15,000 bees were using his boiler as their hive. Colin Burbridge, 45, called a local workman when his central heating system stopped working just five months after being installed at his company's office in Littleport, Cambridgeshire. But after opening up the boiler, the pair were stunned to find it was infested with thousands of bees. Hive: Colin Burbridge, 45, was shocked to discover a swarm of 15,000 bees were using his boiler as their hive . Mr Burbridge, who immediately fled the office after being stung, was forced to call on local beekeeper Stuart Palmer, 41, and his 39-year-old wife, Carol, to tackle the infestation. Donning protective white suits and parcel tape around their wrists and ankles, the couple managed to safely remove the colony by encouraging them into a nucleus box. Today, Mr Burbridge, who runs the heating engineering firm M8trix, said he had not noticed the bees' buzzing because the boiler in his office's kitchen area had 'sealed in' the noise. 'I was standing next to the boiler when it was opened,' he said. 'I got stung straight away and just fled the building. Infestation: Mr Burbridge called a local workman when his central heating system at his company's office stopped working. But after opening up the boiler, the pair were stunned to find it was infested with bees . Removal: Local beekeeper Stuart Palmer, 41, and his wife, Carol, 39 were called upon to remove the insects . 'It is a new boiler and all the noise is sealed in so I didn't hear any buzzing or anything like that. 'We are an engineering firm as well so you can imagine there is a lot of noise.' Mr Burbridge added that the swarm of insects had destroyed his £2,000 boiler, which he might have to pay for out of his own pocket. 'We are not covered by our insurers on this because it is an "insect infestation",' he said. 'It was a new boiler and cost about £2,000 but hopefully we won't have to pay that out again.' Office: Mr Burbridge, who runs the heating engineering firm M8trix (pictured) in Littleport, Cambridgeshire, said he had not noticed the bees' buzzing because the boiler in his office's kitchen area had 'sealed in' the noise . Taking them away: Mr Palmer tips some of the insects into a box, while hundreds of others are on the floor . Mrs Palmer who had passed a beekeeping course just a week before the infestation was discovered, said the swarm of bees had likely entered the boiler through an outside vent. 'There is a vent at the back of the boiler that goes outside and that must be how they managed to get in,' she said. 'I asked for a bit of advice from more experienced beekeepers. They advised that we cut out the comb from inside the boiler and encourage the bees to move away. 'Fortunately, we were able to attract the vast majority into a nucleus box and they are now sitting happily in our garden waiting to be transferred to their new hive. 'They had basically made their own hive. They were happy there until we came and got them out. 'Having a suit on and parcel tape around my ankles and wrists gives you that little sense of bravery.' She added that after she and her husband had left M8trix, staff had been left with a huge clean-up job on their hands. 'There was a lot of honey in there so it was a bit of a sticky job,' she said. | Colin Burbridge, 45, was puzzled when central heating stopped working .
He called workman to his company's office in Littleport, Cambridgeshire .
But after opening up boiler, pair were stunned to discover swarm of bees .
Mr Burbridge was forced to ask local beekeepers to tackle the infestation .
Donning protective gear, they managed to get insects into a nucleus box .
Today, Mr Burbridge said he had immediately fled office after being stung .
Added he had not noticed bees' buzzing as the boiler had 'sealed in' noise . |
162,211 | 5db8fa82b33f7dc0b5c0a8b744dbbeed6bdd4511 | It's one of the most glamorous - but undoubtedly one of the most hit-and-miss - nights on the fashion calendar. And leading the worst-dressed list at the Met Ball in New York on Monday was pop star Rita Ora, with actresses Kate Upton and Katie Holmes hot on her gold gladiator-style heels. Rita wore a . champagne-coloured dress with puffy lace skirt - split to the waist to expose her underwear - by Donna Karen Atelier, paired with questionable thigh-high, . golden strappy heels. Scroll down for videos . What an outfit! Rita Ora earns her place on the worst-dressed lists in this daring Donna Karan gown at the Met Ball on Monday . The 23-year-old RIP singer tried to . rectify the situation when she realised her underwear was on show, but by then it was . far too late to spare her blushes. Designer Donna Karan describes the gown as an, 'antiqued matte gold sequined silk tulle gown with an asymmetrical sculpted train.' However, most were unconvinced by the ensemble. Her footwear - custom Casadei embroidered with antique gold sequins - looked out of place and over-the-top on her busy outfit. Strike a pose: Kate Upton's current UK Vogue cover is world's away from the less-than-desirable Dolce and Gabbana outfit she wore to the MET Ball on Monday night . In need of some educating, Rita? Ora made the cardinal mistake of flashing her smalls in the garish Donna Karan gown . Oopsadaisy: She tried to cover up when she realised her blunder but it was too little far too late . Ticking all the boxes: If Rita's beau Calvin Harris is pleased at her plunging neckline and daring skirt split, he's possibly the only fan . Meanwhile, Kate Upton's saloon waitress look - a dress by Dolce & Gabbana - had Twitter users aghast. Style bloggers Mamamia Style asked: 'We need to talk about Kate Upton's milkmaid by way of the saloon.' Kate, who is currently on the cover of UK Vogue, . is known for her voluptuous figure. But it was flanked by the mountain of material that made up her outfit, not to mention the bizarre frills and corset which featured on the black lace dress. Losing her Ora: Rita's huge fashion fail may make her reputation even less squeaky clean than it was before . Doomed from the start: Passers-by could tell this would be a fashion disaster even before Kate made it onto the red carpet . Who put her up to this? Kate's disastrous frock is seen in public for the first time as she heads to the ball . This isn't a saloon bar! Kate Upton resembled a buxom waitress as she arrived at the Met Gala on Monday in Dolce and Gabbana . The . Met Ball, formally called the Costume Institute Gala, is an annual . fundraising gala for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's . Costume Institute, and is renowned for attracting fashion's most famous faces. However, in spite of it's reputation as the most stylish night of the year, some guests still manage to get it wrong. Katie Holmes, usually preened to perfection, looked more like Belle from Disney's Beauty And The Beast, in a . huge yellow Marchesa gown. The . actress looked disheveled in the mustard-coloured dress, in which the . puffy shoulders fell down onto her slim shoulders. At least she ditched The Beast! Katie Holmes' attempt to be the Belle of the Met Gala, in Disney-style yellow Marchesa, falls flat . What was she thinking? Katie Holmes' dress seemed too big as it fell down around her slender frame . Also doing the walk . of shame on the red carpet was Lena Dunham in Giambattista Valli, Amanda Peet in Marc Jacobs and Zoe Saldana, whose Michael Kors taffeta sculpted . skirt drowned her pretty figure. Shailene Woodley was another contender for the worst-dressed star to grace the Met's red carpet. The Divergent actress, 22, wore an ill-fitting Rodarte dress which fell unflatteringly down the shoulders and aged her dramatically. Kirsten Dunst, meanwhile wore a bizarre dress, also by Rodarte, with the Death Star from Return Of The Jedi printed upon it. Rock on! Shaine Woodley pulls a pose in her questionable Rodarte gown, next to Kirsten Dunst, also in Rodarte . Well hello: Shailene Woodley, left, and Kirsten Dunst, right, both wear French designer Rodarte on the MET Ball's red carpet, but the verdict on their outfits is a resounding fail . Rodarte twins! Both Kirsten Dunst, left and Shailene Woodley, right with Kirsten, wore the French designer . For Peet's sake! Amanda's Marc Jacobs gown, left, gets the fashion thumbs down, whilst Lena Dunham, right, also gets it oh so wrong in her Giambattista Valli strapless silk dress . Keeping things quirky on the carpet were . Lily Allen in a overly frilly Chanel Couture dress and Chloe . Sevigny in an odd Kenzo gown. Kristen Stewart wore Chanel to the star-studded event, but even the French design powerhouse didn't suit the pretty actress. Her dress was far too busy for the usually elegant star, with feathers and a chiffon skirt paired with a heavily sequined long-sleeved top. Fashion fail! Kristen Stewart looked uncomfortable in this Chanel gown . Dressed to un-impress: Kristen Stewart pictured leaving her hotel in New York in her Chanel number, right, and arriving at the Met Ball's red carpet, left . What were they thinking? Both Maggie Gyllenhaal, in Valentino, left, and Zoe Saldana, in Michael Kors, right did the walk of fashion shame at the Met Gala on Monday . Keeping it quirky: Lily Allen went overboard . with frills in Chanel Couture, left, while Chloe Sevigny's pop of bright lime colour in her Kenzo gown did her no favours . Also on the worst dressed list were usually on-trend Solange Knowles, actress Brie Larson, model Karolina Kurkova and Julie Macklowe. Karolina wore an over-the-top Marchesa ballgown from the outdated spring/summer 2011 collection, paired with a reported $1 million worth of Harry Winston diamonds. 21 Jump Street actress Brie, 24, wore enviable designer Prada, though the outfit was bizarre: garish gold trousers and an oversized tunic which made her look more like a Christmas decoration than a guest at a high fashion event. Julie, meanwhile, an American investor, former hedge fund manager, and socialite, wore a bright yellow dress which clashed heavily with her pale skin and stark two-tone hair scraped back. Karolina Kurkova wears a bizarre Marchesa gown to the MET Ball . Too much! Model Karoline Kurkova wore a huge Marchesa ballgown with Harry Winston diamond jewellery . Miss! Actress Brie Larson doesn't earn her fashion stripes with this unflattering trouser suit . Actress Brie Larson, 24, makes it onto the worst-dressed list of the Met Ball gala, with this Prada number . Blooming awful: Solange Knowles looked older than her years in this peach dress and slightly odd hair style . Something funny? Julie Macklowe's garish yellow dress is highly unflattering . Not so green with envy: Actress Sarah Paulson went for an emerald green Prada outfit that was overcrowded with embroidery . On the other end of the fashion spectrum however, were Blake Lively, Emma Stone, Cara Delevingne and Beyonce, who looked sensational in their outfits. Blake, 26, was reminiscent of a 1940s film starlet as she wore a stunning silk chiffon blush mermaid gown, custom-designed by the Italian fashion house, Gucci, for which she is a model. The Gucci Premiere gown was embroidered with rose gold paillettes, featured a plunging neckline, whilst her blonde tresses were curled and swept to the side. The Gossip Girl actress arrived with her equally gorgeous Hollywood husband, Ryan Reynolds, 37. Stunning: Actress Blake Lively in Gucci at the Charles James: Beyond Fashion Costume Institute Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art . Blake Lively looked sensational in a Gucci Premier gown at the MET Ball in New York . Something funny? Blake and Ryan share a joke on the red carpet of the MET Ball in New York . His midnight blue velvet one-button tuxedo was also by Gucci, a brand for which he too is a model. The Amazing Spiderman actress Emma Stone, 25, who arrived with Spiderman himself - her boyfriend Andrew Garfield, 30 - looked adorable in a pink Thakoon dress, Miu Miu shoes, Tod‘s clutch, and Graziela Gems and EF Collection jewellery. Beyonce, who of course attended the fashion event with husband Jay Z, looked elegant in a black Givenchy gown . Pretty in pink: Emma Stone attends The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala . Emma Stone looks gorgeous in a Emma in a Thakoon dress, Miu Miu shoes, Tod¿s clutch, and Graziela Gems and EF Collection jewellery . The Amazing Spiderman couple Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield. Emma wears a dress by Thakoon whilst Andrew is in a Band of Outsiders blazer and tux trouser . Beyonce looks flawless in a gorgeous black beaded Givenchy gown . Power couple: Jay Z and wife Beyonce arrive at the MET Gala in New York looking flawless . Cara shows off her tiny frame in a gorgeous outfit by British designer Stella McCartney . Rocking the red carpet: Cara Delevingne looks fantastic in Stella McCartney, right, and she stops to chat to old pal Rhianna, left, at the MET Gala in New York last night . Diane Kruger, 37, was another hit on the red carpet, as her shimmering pale blue Jason Wu for Hugo Boss dress fitted her perfectly. She was of course accompanied by her boyfriend, fellow actor, Joshua Jackson, 35. The couple are known for their shared love of fashion and paired down style that is always bang on trend. Once again, they did not disappoint. Jessica Alba, 33, looked gorgeous, too, in an elegant gold dress by Diane von Furstenberg, with a matching clutch. Diane Kruger is a vision of beauty in this shimmering Boss dress . One stylish couple: Joshua Jackson and girlfriend Diane Kruger always look good, and their outing to the MET Ball on Monday was no exception . Simply stunning: Jessica Alba wowed in a Diane von Furstenberg dress and clutch to the MET Ball . Beaming Jessica Alba with her husband Cash Warren, left. The actress arrives at the MET Ball, right, in a beautiful Diane von Furstenberg dress which looks elegant and effortless . Michelle Williams was another best-dressed, as the 33-year-old actress wore a dress from Nicolas Ghesquière’s debut Louis Vuitton collection. The cut of the dress suited her perfectly, showing off her enviable legs and complimenting her pale but pretty skin tone. Looking good, Michelle! The actress wore a short dress by Michelle Williams wore a dress by Nicolas Ghesquière's at Louis Vuitton, which showed off her great legs . Nice to meet you! Michelle Williams, left, shakes hands with beaming Dakota Johnson, right. Center is designer Jason Wu . | Rita makes fashion faux pas in champagne-coloured gown by Donna Karan .
Kate Upton also makes worst-dressed list in unflattering Dolce & Gabbana .
Meanwhile, Blake Lively is sensational in a Gucci Premier gown .
Beyonce arrives in Jay Z in a beautiful black beaded Givenchy gown .
Emma Stone looks stunning in Thakoon dress and Miu Miu shoes . |
139,447 | 405118198e206cba3c2726cf47435e44d9058ea1 | Eden Hazard is having his best ever start to a season - but the Chelsea playmaker still doesn't even rank himself among the top five players in the world. The 23-year-old has starred in Chelsea's impressive opening to the new Premier League campaign, and was chosen as man of the match in their recent London derby against Arsenal. But Hazard is not completely happy - and says he needs to be decisive in every game to match the players he ranks as the top five in the world. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Hazard leave Thibaut Courtois stranded with cheeky chip . Eden Hazard is enjoying his best ever start to a season with Chelsea - who are top of the Premier League . Hazard knocks home a penalty to put Chelsea 1-0 up against Arsenal in their recent London derby clash . The 23-year-old returned to Belgium action on Monday against Bosnia and Everton's Muhamed Besic (right) Joint 1st: 'The extra-terrestrials' - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi . 3rd: Zlatan Ibrahimovic . 4th: Franck Ribery . 5th: Arjen Robben . 'I'm not a top-five player yet,' said Hazard. 'Maybe I'm close to it, but I still have to work on some aspects. You can only be part of that group if you are decisive in the top games. I (have started) doing that, like I did against Manchester City and Arsenal. 'Who are better than me? The two extra-terrestrials, (Cristiano) Ronaldo and (Lionel) Messi, (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic, (Franck) Ribery and (Arjen) Robben. They make the difference almost every game.' After powering Chelsea's title campaign for much of last season, Hazard ended up taking the brunt of criticism from manager Jose Mourinho for his supposed laziness in midfield, something that Mourinho blamed for the club's Champions League semi-final exit to Atletico Madrid. Hazard ranks Cristiano Ronaldo as one of two 'extra-terrestrials' - making him one of the world's best . And Lionel Messi was also put into that category by Hazard for his work with Barcelona and Argentina . But Hazard says all that is behind the pair with Chelsea's star man and manager both happy with a start that has put them five points clear at the top of the Premier League after just seven games. 'Maybe this has been the best start in my career so far, although it isn't reflected in the stats,' he added in an interview with The Telegraph. 'I have played only one bad game - against Aston Villa. I've taken a good rest during my holiday, I had a short, but good pre-season and I feel really well. 'Jose Mourinho and I get along well. I've lots of respect for him. He gives me a lot of confidence. After a bad game he dares to say, "We have played with 10 today", but that's it. At moments like that he leaves me alone.' On Saturday Hazard and Chelsea travel to Crystal Palace - a side that the Belgian failed to break down last season as the Blues lost 1-0 at Selhurst Park courtesy of a John Terry own goal. Hazard will hope to be 'decisive' at the other end of the pitch to keep the pack chasing at the top of the league. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the third player named by Hazard despite playing in what he calls a lesser league . Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben (right) also made Hazard's list of five top players . After a difficult end to last season the Chelsea No 10 is looking forward to pushing on under Jose Mourinho . | Chelsea's Belgian playmaker ranks his start to the season as his best ever .
Hazard picked up the man of the match award against Arsenal .
He has been in fine form as Chelsea moved to the top of Premier League .
But he thinks there are at least five players better than him in the world . |
162,001 | 5d773698df3fc046bdd40ea400c49cd1139c1110 | (CNN) -- A Michigan militia leader and his son pleaded guilty Thursday to federal gun charges two days after a federal judge in Detroit dropped the more serious charges of sedition and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction against the government. David Stone, Sr., 47, and his son Joshua Stone, 23, members of the Hutaree Militia, face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 after admitting to possessing illegal automatic firearms. Both have already spent two years in prison. "We are gratified that these felony convictions mean that these defendants will never be permitted to possess firearms again," said U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade. Federal authorities accused nine members of the "Christian warrior" militia of homegrown terrorism. The FBI planted a secret informant and FBI agent in the militia in 2008 to record the activities of the group. The video and audio recordings became the crux of the federal case, including clips of the elder Stone making anti-government statements and remarks about killing police officers. But in a trial that began in early February, federal District Judge Victoria Roberts said she did not find that the government's evidence sufficiently proved that the Hutaree militia had planned a conspiracy against the government. "The court's order dismissing the more serious charges in this case was disappointing, but it does not shake our commitment to dismantling groups who would harm our citizens and law enforcement officers, and these efforts will continue," McQuade said. The move cleared several of the original nine defendants of all charges. The Stones "admitted that they possessed machine guns, specifically a Bushmaster .223 caliber rifle and a Double Star Corp. .223 caliber rifle respectively, knowing that the firearms would shoot, and were designed to shoot, automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger," the U.S. attorney's office said. Roberts, in her 28-page ruling dismissing the more serious charges, said the "government's case is built largely of circumstantial evidence." "While this evidence could certainly lead a rational fact finder to conclude that 'something fishy' was going on, it does not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that defendants reached a concrete agreement to forcibly oppose the United States government," Roberts said. "Pick a sentence here, pick a sentence there -- the (remarks were) taken out of context," a defense attorney for one of the cleared militia members said. "We always said it was a First Amendment and Second Amendment case, and that's what it ended up being," added attorney Michael Rataj, whose client, Tina Stone, is the wife of the elder Stone. The Hutaree militia members cleared of all charges are Tina Stone, 46; David Stone, Jr., 22, another son of the elder Stone; Thomas Piatek, 48; Michael Meeks, 40; and Kristopher Sickles, 29. Defendant Joshua Clough, 30, awaits his sentence after pleading guilty to a weapons charge in December. Another defendant, Jacob Ward, 35, will be tried separately. "I didn't figure we were doing anything wrong -- in the lines of going out there and doing the trainings -- to me it was basically fun," Tina Stone said Wednesday. "I'm worried for my husband and son. I guess I will be able to live my life a little easier once they're home." | David Stone, Sr., and his son Joshua Stone face up to 10 years in prison for gun charges .
The judge dropped more serious charges against the Hutaree Militia members .
"We are gratified" the Stones will never possess guns again, the prosecutor says . |
107,288 | 1663e83acc0e1a5a6a4ca92c252e67935fe9db0e | (CNN)Marin Cilic has withdrawn from the Australian Open after being unable to shake-off a persistent shoulder injury. The reigning U.S. Open champion was forced to sit out this week's ATP Tour event in Brisbane and had previously said he hoped to be back in time for the year's first major in Melbourne. However, a post on the player's Facebook page Saturday confirmed the 26-year-old Croat will not recover in time. "(The) right shoulder injury, that hampers me for some time now ... is improving day by day, but I still don't feel fit enough to be able to compete at the highest level," the post read. "I am really sad that I won't be able to participate in Melbourne, especially after winning the last Grand Slam in New York, but I was advised by doctors to be careful as much as possible to avoid even more serious problems." "I have received lots of support letters from my fans worldwide lately and I am grateful for your support and best wishes." The Australian Open is the year's first grand-slam and begins on January 19 in Melbourne. World No 12. and 2008 Australian Open finalist Jo-Wilfried Tsonga was forced to pull-out earlier this week due to an arm injury. There are also fitness doubts over 14-time major winner Rafa Nadal who has struggled for fitness and form since undergoing appendix surgery last November. | Marin Cilic pulls out of Australian Open .
U.S. Open champion not fully recovered from shoulder injury .
Australian Open begins on January 19 in Melbourne . |
106,533 | 1565618ca6b56187c7b9f2746ad8f549641aff2a | Apple is believed to have delayed plans to produce a 12.9inch 'iPad Pro' so it can keep up with demand for its 5.5inch iPhone 6 plus handset. The firm confirmed it sold more than 10 million iPhone 6 units during the launch weekend, with recent estimates suggesting it may have sold more than 21 million units in the first two weeks - with over 4 million iPhone 6 units reserved in China. It is believed the larger model, the 6 Plus, has proved more popular than expected, causing manufacturers to scramble to produce enough screens. Scroll down for video . The iPhone 6 plus with its 5.5inch screen has proved so popular a larger 12.9inch iPad Pro has been delayed, it has been claimed . Apple is preparing to launch a range of iMacs with Ultra HD 'Retina' display screens in a bid to reinvigorate desktop computer sales. The firm is expected to reveal them alongside a new version of its Mac software called Yosemite, and news iPads this month. 'A new line of iMacs with ultra high-resolution Retina Displays is in late testing stages within Apple, according to our sources who have used the future desktop computer,' said 9to5 Mac. 'While the machine will sport a thin profile similar to that of the current design, which was introduced in 2012, it will be packed with new internals such as faster processors and improved Wi-Fi antennas,' it says. 'The top priority for the supply chain is to meet the overwhelming demand for the larger screen iPhones,' a source told the Wall Street Journal. 'The output of the 5.5-inch iPhone 6 Plus remains unsatisfactory,' an unidentified person familiar with Apple's supply chain said. 'It would be challenging for display makers to split resources and spend a few months to ramp up production for a new larger screen iPad now.' 'Everyone is busy with the new iPhones, Foxconn's bread and butter. Chairman [Terry Gou] has also gone to the Zhengzhou site to monitor the production closely,' a Foxconn official said. At the Zhengzhou plant alone, more than 200,000 workers are making iPhone 6 units — overall, Foxconn has well over 1 million workers. The bigger 12.9-inch iPad Pro tablet was supposed to enter production in December, it has been claimed. It comes as Apple is to unveil new iPads and new Mac computers on 16th October at its California HQ. The new gadgets could go on sale on the 24 October - with new Mac software, called Yosemite, available as a free download even earlier. Last week, rumours suggested Apple was putting the finishing touches to a new version of it's iPad Air - including a gold version. The small event is likely to be in stark contrast to the star-studded launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus, which saw U2 playing before the firm controversially gave away the band's new album. An apparent mockup of a slightly redesigned, next-generation iPad Air has surfaced from Vietnam showing a more trim profile, recessed volume buttons, and the addition of a Touch ID sensor to the home button. According to Tinhte.vn the device comes in at just 7 millimeters thick, the same thickness as the iPhone 6. An apparent mockup of a slightly redesigned, next-generation iPad Air has surfaced from Vietnam showing a more trim profile, recessed volume buttons, and the addition of a Touch ID sensor to the home button. In addition to a redesigned speaker grille, the unit also sports a small hole where the mute/orientation lock switch appears on existing iPad units. The move is thought to be designed to boost sales of its full-size tablets, which are in decline. Until now, iPads have only been available in a monochromatic colour scheme, but a golden makeover would make the tablets more similar to the Californian company's new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which come in three colours. The iPads have a new sleek design and are thinner . New versions of the 9.7-inch tablet could include a golden metal rear cover as well as the silver and grey currently offered for the iPad Air, 'people familiar with the matter' told Bloomberg. The new iPads are also predicted to sport a thinner, more rounded design, similar to the iPhone 6. Hidden code in the latest iOS 8.1 beta software hints that the iPads will feature a Touch ID fingerprint sensor and Apple Pay functionality. The code states that users can 'pay with iPad using Touch ID. With Apple Pay, you no longer need to type card numbers and shipping information.' However, it is not clear whether the new iPad will come with NFC functionality, which is used for contactless payments, as it relies on a Wi-Fi or mobile connection. Apple Pay has only been announced in the US, so if the iPads do get the feature, it may be limited to only American buyers. Apple is also rumoured to be launching a larger iPad with a 12.9-inch screen next year, which if true, could offer 76 per cent more screen area than the current 9.7 inch models. The latest swathe of Apple tablets could come with a split screen function, which would allow users of an iPad to open two apps side-by-side on one screen. Sales of iPads have slumped for two quarters, after climbing from $5 billion (£3 billion) when they were launched in 2010, to $30 billion (£19 billion) in 2012 and $32 billion in 2013 (£20 billion). The firm hasn't unveiled an updated iPad since last October when it launched the iPad Air and Mini, and it appears that consumers have instead been drawn to smartphones with larger screens, including recently, Apple's iPhone 6 Plus, which has a 5.5 inch screen. The new iPads are expected to have a rounded design similar to the recently released iPhone 6 . The new iPads are also expected to include Touch ID sensors . Apple is not new to the strategy of launching colourful products to boost its sales. In 1999 it rolled out different coloured iMacs which were successful, but sales of its iPhone 5C – a 'budget' version of the iPhone 5S – have not sold as well as the company hoped. The company is expected to unveil the new iPads at the same time as a range of iMacs with Ultra HD 'Retina' display screens in a bid to reinvigorate desktop computer sales. The new line of iMacs is rumoured to have ultra high-resolution Retina Displays, a thin profile and faster processors as well as improved Wi-Fi antennas. The firm is expected to reveal them alongside a new version of its Mac software called Yosemite. | Claims 12.9inch 'iPad Pro' was due to go into production in December .
Will now be delayed as manufacturers focus on meeting huge demand for new iPhones .
Believed Apple has sold more than 21 million iPhone 6 handsets in the first two weeks . |
102,129 | 0f9d784d67a295988e50d6afd43b463eb8baa474 | It has been a horrible season for Manchester United and not much better for record signing Juan Mata. The diminutive Spanish playmaker went from Champions League winner and back-to-back player of the year awards at Chelsea to losing his place in the team and being sold to a United side spiralling down the league. It is no surprise, then, that Mata has one eye on next season when he believes his new club, without the demands of European football to distract them, will be well placed to make an immediate return to the top of the pile. For both club and player, he believes, it will be a case of ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’. Spanish eyes: Juan Mata sees a way back to top for United . Trophy hunting: Juan Mata presents David de Gea with Manchester United's Players' Player of the Year award but next season wants the duo to get their hands on the Premier League trophy . Take it as Red: Mata scores against Norwich in Ryan Giggs' first match as United's caretaker manager . Hero worship: Mata (right) with Giggs, someone the Spaniard idolised growing up . On his knees: It has been a horrible season for Mata and his new club United . On the scoresheet: Mata has scored five goals since joining United . ‘I went through a situation at Chelsea . that I had not been through before in my career,’ he says. ‘I was not . playing regularly but I really believe that made me stronger. You can . lose faith in yourself in adversity but I never did. I remained . confident and I never lost sight of my objectives.’ He . believes United can emulate Liverpool who, unfettered by European . football, have lit up this season with their energetic football. ‘It . can definitely be an advantage in the league. Of course, I would rather . be playing in the Champions League, but if we take Liverpool as the . example — you have a team who have fought all the way to the finish . without having played in the Champions League.’ Mata . already has his own Champions League winner’s medal, having planted a . corner on Didier Drobga’s head for the Chelsea equaliser in that . dramatic final in Munich. What he can’t be sure about is who will lead . the club’s charge next season to get back into the competition. There . is an obvious bond with Ryan Giggs, whom he worshipped as a boy. The . old saying that you should never meet your idols clearly does not apply . in this case. ‘I told him when I arrived that he had been my hero . growing up. And he said to me, “I’m really happy you’re here. But I’m a . bit sad too because now I’ve only got the second best left foot at the . club.” ‘I told him that was . impossible. He was the player I watched most closely as a kid. I loved . the way he controlled the ball and the touch he had. He was a pure . winger, left-footed, right out on the touchline. He was fast, . unplayable in a one-on-one situation, and he scored goals. Now destiny . has made him my team-mate and my manager.’ Mata . knows Giggs’ reign might not last and is guarded about what the future . might hold. Asked about Louis van Gaal, he says: ‘I’ve never met him. I . know what kind of history he has, the titles he has won and the kind of . football he is playing with Holland. But I don’t think it’s good to talk . about a coach who is not our manager.’ If . the Dutchman does replace the Welshman, he will become Mata’s seventh . coach in three seasons. So much for English patience and trigger-happy . Spanish club presidents. ‘You mean it’s my fault,’ he laughs. Winning smile: Mata beams as he lifts the Europa League trophy in 2013 . Kings of Europe: Mata and Torres lift the Champions League trophy after a penalty shootout in 2012 . How . do the managers compare? ‘ (Andre) Villas-Boas was the person who brought me to . England and who trusted in me. He’s young, he has ambition and he wants . to play attractive, fun and winning football. I will always be grateful . to him. ‘Di Matteo was a . bit like Giggs. He was the ex-player, the assistant coach, who stayed . when Villas-Boas left. And he was a huge success. We won the Champions . League, the FA Cup ... he was fantastic with me and with the whole . group. He got us all together, all committed. ‘Then . we won the Europa League (with Rafa Benitez). It was hard for him at . first because of the history he had but I think he did things well. He . was professional and he won a title — a title that the club hadn’t won . before.’ Then came Jose . Mourinho. Why did it not work out? A lack of communication seems key, . although perhaps it was a symptom and not the cause of the problem. Did . he ask Mourinho why he was left out the side? ‘No. I didn’t consider it . opportune.’ Did Mourinho ever explain to Mata why he didn’t fit? ‘No. Nothing,’ he says. When the talking did begin it was between Chelsea and . United and it culminated in a helicopter flying him to Carrington on . January 25 this year. Season of woe: United have finished outside the top three for the first time in the Premier League era . Season to remember: Luis Suarez and Liverpool have had an excellent season domestically . ‘I . will always be grateful to Chelsea,’ he says. ‘To the directors, the . owner and the fans, because from the first day to the last they were . fantastic. No communication: Jose Mourinho did not explain to Mata why he was out of the side . ‘I wish them the . best, I really do. I have a lot of friends there. Cesar (Azpilicueta), . Fernando (Torres), David (Luiz), Oscar. I talk to Lampard and Terry a . lot too. I was with them for two and a half years and I wish them the . best.’ He is proud of the . open thank you letter he wrote Chelsea fans when he left. ‘I didn’t do . that just for the sake of my image, it was heartfelt. I wanted to . express what I felt about Chelsea, about the fans, who had always . treated me so well.’ Such a . public display of affection towards rival supporters might have . compromised Mata’s relationship with United fans but most see it as a . measure of the man. He is anxious to start wining trophies in a red . shirt and he says the critics should stop getting so hung up on which . position he plays. ‘Obviously, . I don’t consider myself an out-an-out right-winger as such, but it . offers me the chance to come inside on my left foot, and that way I have . a broader field of vision. I have also played on the left with Valencia . and with the national team and I liked it there. The position that I . have played best in is behind the striker. But I think I can play in the . other two as well.’ Mata won international youth honours for Spain with goalkeeper David de Gea and he believes United’s player of the year has the mentality to become an Old Trafford great. ‘He has huge . faith in himself, which is a really important virtue,’ Mata says. ‘He . doesn’t let anything affect him. He knows if he has made a mistake but . it never sinks him. He uses it to make sure that he doesn’t make the . same mistake next time. He’s very calm. Sign of the times: A Chelsea fan holds up a banner praising Mata following his departure to United . ‘I’ve . spoken to friends about this and they say about Leo Messi: “It’s as if . he doesn’t care about anything.” He scores goals and acts as if it’s . normal. But maybe that’s a good thing. There’s so much pressure and . maybe, if you tell yourself that you have to be brilliant all the time, . when you make a mistake you collapse. Maybe you have to treat it all a . bit more ‘normally’. I think that’s a quality great players have.’ So . can De Gea and Mata win together in the red of United as they have in . the red of Spain? ‘There has been a loss of confidence. Thirteen months . ago, you’d be losing 3-0 and you’d win 4-3 at Old Trafford,’ says Mata. ‘Now you’re losing 3-0 and it seems impossible. That mentality, that . confidence, has not always been there this season. But I think the . players and the club still have that attitude. The fans do, too. ‘I . remember, with Chelsea, it was almost impossible to win here. There are . huge demands at this club. If you don’t win the league one year, you . must win it the next year. Next season we have to demonstrate that the . club has not lost its essence; has not lost its mentality; has not lost . its competitiveness; and it has not lost its identity.’ | Mata believes United can get back to the top with no European distraction .
Says 'I never lost my faith in myself' during tough time at Chelsea .
Reveals as a boy he worshipped United caretaker boss Ryan Giggs .
Mata will always be grateful to Chelsea and former managers Andre Villas-Boas, Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benitez .
Spaniard did not communicate with Jose Mourinho .
But Mata is proud of open letter he wrote to Chelsea fans after his departure .
Says David de Gea is goalkeeping equivalent of Lionel Messi .
United have lost their confidence, but must not lose their 'identity' |
34,289 | 6164fbf0547ba1e30ac476245f4a5c6fe54de1e7 | Wikileaks founder Julian Assange walked into the Knightsbridge embassy to claim asylum . Ecuador's President said today the . South American nation would have to consider 'whether Julian Assange's life is at . stake', with a decision on his asylum claim expected to be made later . today. The Wikileaks founder spent a second night at the Ecuadorian Embassy last night, after making a last-ditch plea for political asylum. Mr Assange, 40, is attempting to evade extradition to Sweden, where he faces sex attack allegations, and walked into the Ecuadorian Embassy in London two nights ago, claiming political asylum and citing his human rights. President Rafael Correa told BBC Mundo the country 'defends the right to live'. President Correa also said: 'We are analysing Julian Assange's asylum request in a very serious and responsible way. We can't give an official response until the analysis of his request is complete.' A police source today confirmed Assange will be arrested if he leaves the Ecuadorian Embassy. There are currently no arrangements in place to provide him with safe passage out of the UK should he be granted asylum by the South American country. President Correa told Venezuela's Telesur TV network in Rio de Janeiro: 'He wants to continue his mission in a country, and I cite it textually because the sentence impressed me a lot, that he wants to continue his mission of free expression without limits, to reveal the truth, in a place of peace dedicated to truth and justice.' Meanwhile, Assange's celebrity backers faced an embarrassing £240,000 financial headache following his bid to avoid extradition to Sweden over alleged sex attacks. The WikiLeaks founder walked into the Ecuadorian Embassy in London claiming political asylum and citing his human rights. But Scotland Yard said he faced arrest for breaching his bail conditions – while a list of high-profile supporters, led by socialite Jemima Khan, risk losing tens of thousands of pounds they put up to keep him out of jail. The desperate move by Mr Assange, 40, stunned Miss Khan, who confirmed she was one of those who put up the cash for him. Asked on Twitter whether she was 'on the hook' for his breach of bail, she replied: 'Yes. I had expected him to face the allegations. I am as surprised as anyone by this.' Scroll down for video . Protest: Supporters of Julian Assange demonstrated outside the Ecuadorian Embassy, where the Wikileaks founder has sought political asylum . Bianca Jagger, film-makers Michael Moore and Ken Loach, and journalists John Pilger and Tariq Ali were among those who offered to support Mr Assange's bail while he fought a legal battle to avoid being sent to Sweden, where he faces accusations of raping a woman and sexually molesting and coercing another in Stockholm in 2010. Among those believed to have been accepted as guarantors are journalist Phillip Knightley, magazine publisher Felix Dennis, Nobel Prize winner Sir John Sulston and Labour peer Lord Evans of Temple Guiting. Miss Jagger said on Twitter: 'I would like to set the record straight. I didn't post bail for Julian Assange.' Film director Ken Loach and socialite Jemima . Khan are just two of the celebrity backers who are believed to have put . up £20,000 each so that Julian Assange could keep his freedom in . December 2010 . WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with his lawyer Jennifer Robinson . Jemima Khan and Tony Benn arrive to attend the extradition case of Julian Assange at Belmarsh Magistrates' Court in Woolwich, south-east London, in February 2011 . Those who did stand surety for Mr Assange – freed on bail in December 2010 after spending nine days in Wandsworth jail when held under a European arrest warrant issued by the Swedes – risked losing their money the minute he walked into the Knightsbridge embassy, just yards from Harrods, on Thursday evening. Embassies are regarded as 'safe havens' which British police cannot enter. While Mr Assange remains inside the building he is safe from arrest – and extradition. He requested political asylum under the UN Human Rights Declaration, ironic given Ecuador's poor record on human rights and free speech. But Mr Assange is friendly with the . South American country's socialist leader Rafael Correa. Last month the . Australian interviewed him for his new TV series The World Tomorrow, . broadcast on the Russian state-sponsored Today TV channel, in which the . president – who has clashed with Washington – praised WikiLeaks and the . two men laughed and joked. The dramatic move to seek refuge . inside the embassy came days after the Supreme Court rejected Mr . Assange's appeal against extradition. He was expected to be sent to . Sweden within a fortnight. He denies the Swedish allegations but . fears it may lead to him being sent to the US to face charges over his . whistle-blowing website, for which he could face the death penalty for . espionage. The Metropolitan Police said it had . been told at 10.20pm on Tuesday that Mr Assange had breached a bail . condition, that he stay at a specific address between 10pm and 8am. 'He is now subject to arrest under the . Bail Act for breach of these conditions,' a spokesman said. 'Officers . are aware of his location at the Ecuador Embassy.' Mr Assange's friend Gavin Macfadyen, . from the Centre for Investigative Journalism at City University, emerged . from the embassy at lunchtime. He said: 'He is in very good humour and . grateful for the hospitality of the embassy. He is meeting with the . lawyers now to discuss all of it.' Ecuador has already said it is . seeking the views of the UK, Swedish and US governments before deciding . on the asylum application. If they decide not to hand Mr Assange . back there will be a messy diplomatic spat, with Britain and Washington . putting pressure on the Ecuador government and stressing there is no . humanitarian or legal reason for keeping him inside the embassy. ÷ Corruption, inefficiency and political influence have plagued the Ecuadorian judiciary for many years. ÷ In a referendum held in 2011, President Rafael Correa obtained a mandate for constitutional reforms that would significantly increase government powers to constrain media and influence the appointment and dismissal of judges. ÷ Ecuador's laws restrict freedom of expression, and government officials, including Correa, use these laws against critics. Those involved in protests marred by violence may be prosecuted on inflated 'terrorism' charges. ÷ Police often attribute murders to a 'settling of accounts' between criminal gangs, with prosecutions and convictions rare. ÷ in April 2010 a gang of hitmen composed of active-duty police was exposed. It was claimed that the officers involved were part of a 'social cleansing group' that killed delinquents in Quevedo, Los Rios Province. ÷ The majority of child workers in the banana industry quit school before the age of 15 and are often forced to work gruelling hours for little pay. Some children work 12-hour shifts in hazardous conditions, experience sexual harassment and little in the way of sanitation. ÷ The country's security forces have been accused of using excessive force, sometimes with impunity amid claims of isolated unlawful killings. ÷ Social problems include aggression against journalists; violence against women; discrimination against ethnic and gay groups; people trafficking; sexual exploitation of minors and child labour. ÷ Vigilante justice remains a problem. Such violence occurs particularly in indigenous communities and poor neighborhoods of major cities. ÷ While the constitution and laws prohibit torture and similar forms of intimidation, some police officers have reportedly tortured and abused suspects and prisoners. ÷ From 2007 through to August 2010, the National Police held 503 disciplinary tribunals for abuses committed by police. As a result, 367 police officers were dismissed, 171 were arrested and 68 were sanctioned. ÷ Prisons and detention centres are overcrowded by 93 per cent. As a result a number of prisons experienced serious outbreaks of disease. | Ecuador president Rafael Correa praises WikiLeaks in an interview with Mr Assange .
Country first offered him asylum two years ago... but it has an extradition treaty with U.S.
WikiLeaks founder holed up in Knightsbridge embassy following application for asylum and said to be in 'good spirits'
Shocked celebrity backer Jemima Khan tweets 'I am as surprised as anyone by this'
It is unclear what will happen to £240,000 bail, with Khan and Ken Loach among those who each offered £20,000 as surety .
WikiLeaks founder was due to be extradited to Sweden in just nine days . |
90,622 | 0092129550e4e39c37479d2d8a040455a0a4a9e5 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 05:28 EST, 19 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:51 EST, 19 March 2013 . The father of a missing teenage beauty queen claims that she was abused by her stepfather and was planning to 'tell' of his behaviour. Sidney Nicole Randal, 14, was last seen at her Arkansas home on March 4 after going missing in the middle of the night. Her stepfather John Cornell, who was named as the main suspect in her disappearance, was found dead in an apparent suicide two days later. Missing: Sidney Nicole Randall, 14, went missing on March 9 from her home in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Her stepfather John Cornell, the main suspect in her disappearance, was found dead after an apparent suicide two days later . Abuse: Sidney's biological father claimed that Cornell had abused Sidney, saying that he 'slugged her in the mouth' As the search for the teenager continues, her biological father claimed that Cornell had abused Sidney, saying that he 'slugged her in the mouth'. Victor Randall told KAIT-TV: 'She was scared of him.' He also said that his daughter 'was going to tell' of Cornell's alleged behaviour. Describing Sidney as a 'sweet, caring person', her brother Ben said she was also 'keeping something'. He added: 'She never did tell anybody but she was keeping something from everybody.' Suspect: John Cornell, who was named as the main suspect in her disappearance, was found 200 yards from his truck having died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound . Sidney was last seen at her home in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, on Saturday March 4 at 10pm wearing a brown Aeropostale jacket. Her mother Denise Cornell woke at 3:30am but could not find her daughter or husband Cornell in the property. When Cornell returned home without Sidney, Mrs Cornell called 911, before her husband once again left the house. His body was found on Monday, having died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, approximately 200 yards from his truck. Lawrence County Sheriff Jody Dotson said that Cornell had gone on a spending spree after collecting his tax return. He purchased a computer, the gun that inflicted the fatal wound and a number of smaller items. Mrs Cornell told KAIT-TV she believes her daughter was forced from the house, pointing to the fact that she left her makeup behind. She added: 'She has an upcoming pageant in . April, and that’s how I know she wouldn't have left willingly.' An extensive police search has yet to find locate Sidney, described as 5'04" with green eyes and brown hair, having deployed helicopters, sniffer dogs and scuba divers. A team of volunteers has renewed their search for the beauty queen, focussing on northeastern Arkansas. Search: A team of volunteers has renewed their search for the beauty queen, focussing on northeastern Arkansas . | Sidney Nicole Randall went missing from Arkansas home on March 4 .
Her stepfather John Cornell found dead in apparent suicide two days later .
Father Victor Randall said his daughter was 'scared' of Cornell and he hit her .
Volunteers renewed search for Sidney after she was last seen in her home . |
245,693 | ca0392632317340df720305221ca287ef80c2bdc | By . Ellie Zolfagharifard . PUBLISHED: . 07:15 EST, 14 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 07:41 EST, 14 January 2014 . The Milky Way’s black hole is about to gobble up its first dinner, and astronomers are hoping to have front row seats when it happens. A huge gas cloud, about three times the mass of Earth, is on course to collide with the supermassive black hole at the heart of our galaxy in March. Astronomers expect the gas cloud will swing so close to the black hole that it will heat up to the point where it produces spectacular X-rays. Scroll down for videos... A huge gas cloud, about three times the mass of Earth, is on course to collide with the supermassive black hole at the heart of our galaxy in March. Pictured here is a simulation of how the gas cloud might appear after close approach to the black hole at the centre of the Milky Way . The gas cloud, dubbed G2, was first discovered by astronomers in Germany in 2011. They expected it to hit the black hole, called Sagittarius A* (pronounced Sagittarius A-star by astronomers), late last year. That didn't happen, but the cloud continues to drift closer. Astronomers now predict that the impact will occur in the next few months. When it does, the X-rays produced from the impact could help scientists understand how black holes eat matter and shed light on the evolution of galaxy. The galactic center as imaged by the Swift X-ray Telescope. This image is a montage of all data obtained in the monitoring programme from 2006-2013 . Sagittarius A* lurks 26,000 light years . away in the Milky Way's innermost region. Even for a black hole, it is very dim - . about a billion times fainter than others of its supermassive types - . making it something of a mystery. Black holes eat matter from their surroundings and blow matter back. The way they do that influences the evolution of the entire galaxy. The . collision will give astronomers a unique opportunity to see how faint . supermassive black holes feed. They hope to understand these black holes don't consume matter in the same way as their brighter counterparts . in other galaxies. The findings could shed light on how stars are formed, how the galaxy grows and how it interacts with other galaxies. ‘Astronomers around the world are eagerly awaiting the first sign that this interaction has begun,’ said Jamie Kennea, a team member at Pennsylvania State University in University Park. Scientists saw what they thought was a sign in April, when Nasa’s Swift telescope detected a powerful high-energy burst and a dramatic rise in the X-ray brightness of the Sagittarius A* region. They were excited to discover the activity came from separate source very near the black hole: a rare subclass of neutron star. A neutron star is the crushed core of a star destroyed by a supernova explosion, packing the equivalent mass of a half-million Earths into a sphere no wider than Washington. The neutron star, named SGR J1745-29, is a magnetar, meaning its magnetic field is thousands of times stronger than an average neutron star. Only 26 magnetars have been identified to date. The discovery of SGR J1745-29 may aid scientists in their exploration of important properties of the Sagittarius A* black hole. Black holes eat matter from their surroundings and blow matter back. The way they do that influences the evolution of the entire galaxy—how stars are formed, how the galaxy grows, how it interacts with other galaxies. Sagittarius A* lurks 26,000 light years away in the Milky Way's innermost region. For a black hole it is dim - about a billion times fainter than others of its supermassive types - making it something of a mystery. The collision will give astronomers a unique opportunity to see how faint supermassive black holes, such as the Milky Way’s, feed and perhaps why they don't consume matter in the same way as their brighter counterparts in other galaxies. Black holes eat matter from their surroundings and blow matter back. The way they do that influences the evolution of the entire galaxy . Black holes themselves are invisible and don't permit light to escape, the material falling into them shines in X-rays. While astronomers expect to see a change in brightness, they don't know how dramatic it will be because they aren't sure exactly what the gaseous G2 object is. If it's all gas, the region would glow in the X-ray band for years to come as the black hole slowly swallows the cloud. Another possibility is that G2 could be shrouding an old star. If that's the case, the display would be less spectacular as Sagittarius A* slurped from the cloud while the star slipped by, dense enough to fight its grasp. ‘I would be delighted if Sagittarius A* suddenly became 10,000 times brighter. However it is possible that it will not react much—like a horse that won't drink when led to water,’ said Jon Miller, a University of Michigan associate professor of astronomy. ‘If Sagittarius A* consumes some of G2, we can learn about black holes accreting at low levels—sneaking midnight snacks. It is potentially a unique window into how most black holes in the present-day universe accrete.’ | The gas cloud, named G2, is due to collide with the black hole in March .
When it does, astronomers believe it will produce spectacular X-rays .
These X-rays could help scientists understand how black holes eat matter .
The observations could shed light on the .
evolution of galaxy and help scientists better understand how stars are formed . |
125,285 | 2df55f8cd3c97f72acf0e3f6094d166686b4f35d | (CNN) -- What started as a night drinking in the pub, turned into a morning riding a wild zebra. If it sounds like the kind of story generated by one-too-many beers and a vivid imagination, then there's no doubting legendary horse trainer Gary Witheford's photos. Yep, that's a girl riding a zebra, all right. While other trainers usually take six to eight weeks to break in a horse, British equine expert Witheford says he can do the job in just 20 minutes, as revealed in his new book "If Horses Could Talk." Not just horses -- but donkeys, llamas, and a black-and-white striped animal better associated with the African savannah than the English countryside. "I've done four zebras," says the 54-year-old, who has also broken race horses belonging to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II, Dubai ruler Sheik Mohammed, and England's national football team captain Wayne Rooney. "They said zebras can't be broken, they can't be ridden. But the first one was broken in 40 minutes. And the next one, which was completely wild, was broken and ridden away in 20 minutes." Wild ride . In his 30 years in the business, Witheford, who prefers to be called a "horseman," says he has never encountered an animal that was not tameable. And that includes zebras -- the horse's exotic equine cousin, which for centuries has roamed the African plains unsaddled. Witheford made a boozy boast to that effect while drinking with friends at a local bar one night in 1996. Little did he realize he was overheard by a woman who worked at nearby Longleat Safari Park in the south of England. "I can get you a zebra," she said. True to her word, the following morning Witheford was confronted with two zebras -- one of them so flighty it dashed straight out onto the motorway, where it narrowly escaped oncoming traffic. These creatures were wild, even by the "horseman's" standards. One kicked him so hard with its hind legs that it split his hand open. "Zebras are at the bottom of the pecking order," explains Witheford. "The lions and the hyenas are always on their backs. "So they're sharp -- they have to react to sounds, smell, and sight very quickly or they'll get eaten. They're always on guard." Meet Mombasa . Nonetheless Witheford set to work on the first zebra, called Mombasa, much like he would any other horse -- though rather than bending down to attach the saddle, he kept his distance by using a type of pulley system. He allowed Mombasa to race and rear around the pen until the three-year-old colt tired himself out to the point of compliance. When it comes to the details of Witheford's taming technique however, the fast-talking trainer makes it sound so simple. "I just go into the pen, put a saddle on it, let it have a little buck and a rear, and then within two minutes it wants to come back to you," says the grandfather-of-three, speaking by phone from his stables in Wiltshire, in the south of England. "It's about reading the animal -- understanding it by the way it licks and chews, its ears and eye contact, how the body language is working. "Once it starts to trust you, it does what you ask it to do." Peculiar pet . Once Mombasa was settled, a small jockey was needed for the zebra, which stood just 12 hands high. Schoolgirl and keen rider Nicky Davies was enlisted for the task, and within 30 minutes was happily trotting the animal around the pen, much to everyone's amazement. Three more zebras followed Mombasa, eventually living on Witheford's farm as among the most unusual pets the English countryside had ever seen. "You'd call Mombasa and he'd come galloping over, braying like he does," Witheford says. "He was like my dog, he was so friendly." Healing horses . Could Witheford's magic touch come from a deeper, spiritual connection, given the issues of childhood trauma that he reveals in his book? "I threw myself into horses, and I learned to stay away from people -- people hurt you, horses don't," says Witheford. "I think they understood that I might have come from a broken family -- they see the innocence in me, and I see the innocence in them." Today, the celebrity trainer "breaks in" anywhere between 600 and 800 horses a year -- not that he sees it that way. "Break is a bad word," says Witheford. "You don't want to break the horse. If you went to school for the first day in your life, and you got knocked about and frightened, you wouldn't want to go back the second day. "It's more about starting something new. 'Start' is a nicer word I think." A new start, not just for the horses -- but for the legendary "horseman" himself. Learn: Thoroughbred therapy on Cape Town coast . See: Inside the world's 'Tee Pee Capital' | Ever thought zebras couldn't be tamed? Think again .
Gary Witheford has broken four zebras, plus donkeys and llamas .
Celebrity trainer has worked for Queen, Sheik Mohammed, Wayne Rooney .
He kept zebras as pets in English countryside, says they behaved like dogs . |
121,412 | 28eeb1fb8e6b56eff475c4bc07c935f1d67125d5 | By . Martyn Halle . It is no coincidence that advances in keyhole surgery ten years ago led to a steady rise in the number of people deciding to donate a kidney. The operation, which can be performed via an incision so tiny that it can be hidden in the belly button, was carried out 1,068 times in 2012 - almost three times the number a decade ago. Yet one of Britain's leading transplant surgeons now argues that a back-to-basics approach to open surgery - using fingers as well as surgical instruments - offers the best outcome for donors and transplant recipients. The technique, known as finger-assisted nephrectomy, has been pioneered by Professor Nadey Hakim . The technique, known as finger-assisted . nephrectomy, has been pioneered by Professor Nadey Hakim. It reduces the . operating time from between two and three hours to just 45 minutes, and . according to new research, the donor is at lower risk of complications. The reduction in operating time also means the kidney is fresher for . transplant and there is less chance of the organ being damaged during . retrieval. Prof Hakim's unit at Imperial College Healthcare Trust in London is the only one of 30 UK transplant centres to use this method. A handful of European surgeons are also adopting his approach. Twenty years ago, all kidneys were removed using a large incision up to 8in long. Then, following the introduction of keyhole surgery, up to five smaller incisions were required, each measuring about 3in. During finger-assisted nephrectomy, a 1½in incision is made below the ribcage for removal of the kidney. The surgeon then uses his fingers to manoeuvre the kidney into a position where it can be removed, using instruments to separate it from the connective tissue that holds it in place. Once this is done, the organ is lifted out with the fingers. 'With keyhole surgery, you are making . four or five holes for the instruments plus a 3in incision to remove the . organ,' explains Prof Hakim. 'Complications include accidental injury . to the bowel or a blood vessel which can damage the kidney itself. Getting the organ out of the patient itself takes longer once you have . separated the kidney. And the longer the kidney remains disconnected . without cooling, the greater chance of delayed function.' Finger-assisted nephrectomy means that the organ is 'on ice' a matter of minutes after it is separated from its blood supply. 'Patients are absolutely delighted because we leave them with such a tiny incision' Prof . Hakim adds: 'Keyhole surgery is a fine technology, but it is not . without risk and there are still merits in old-fashioned open surgery. 'Obviously both are an advance on the very large incision - as big as 8in - that we used to use in the pioneering days of kidney transplantation where everything inside was laid out for the surgeon to see. 'We have had only very minor complications with this approach and the patients are absolutely delighted because we leave them with such a tiny incision and very speedy recovery once they have left hospital. And making it safer and more comfortable for the donors will hopefully get more people to step forward. 'With nearly 6,000 patients on the kidney waiting list, anything that may increase the number of donors is to be welcomed.' Historian David McDowall, 68, decided to donate one of his kidneys to a stranger last year. The father-of-two from South London was delighted with his small scar and the fact that he was able to resume normal activities within a month of the procedure. Dr . Bessam Farjo, hair transplant surgeon and medical director of the . Institute of Trichologists, says: . 'While the root of a hair is alive and . can produce brand new hair, the end of the hair - made of the protein . keratin - isn't alive and can't repair itself. When damaged, the fibre . of a single hair can split into two or more and wither away. This occurs . due to chemical treatments, heat or chlorine, vigorous brushing, or . just wear and tear. Cutting your hair every six to eight weeks is the . only solution to preventing this.' Mr McDowall, who had his surgery last autumn, says: 'I decided to donate after surgeons at another hospital saved the life of one of my grandchildren - I wanted to give something that might help save another life. No one in my family needed a transplant, so I decided to donate to a stranger. My recovery was very fast. Six weeks later, it was if I hadn't had surgery at all.' Nicos Kessaris, a transplant surgeon at Guy and St Thomas' Hospital in London, says Prof Hakim's technique is widely admired. 'There's no doubt that he is a highly skilled surgeon and there is no reason why this technique couldn't be used at other centres,' he adds. 'My view is that both techniques - keyhole and finger-assisted nephrectomy - are safe. I use a variation called hand-assisted nephrectomy where the incision is about 3in and you put your whole hand in to remove the kidney. 'But the vast majority of retrievals are made by keyhole surgery. I think that being able to give the patient a choice is a good idea.' Mary Hart is a US television personality with great hair. But in 1991 her singing apparently caused a woman to suffer a seizure. An epilepsy expert suggested it was the pitch and quality of the sound causing the problem. It has long been known that pulses of certain coloured lights could cause epileptic fits, but this was the first known case to have been caused by the sound waves of a television broadcast. Body Scrub and Cellulite Oil . Weleda Birch Body Scrub, 150ml £9.95 . Cellulite Oil, 100ml £19.95 . Birch extract is a diuretic when drunk as a tea and herbalists believe it aids detoxing. Will it get rid of orange-peel skin? Who knows, but scrubbing is known to help. weleda.co.uk . | Finger-assisted nephrectomy is pioneered by Professor Nadey Hakim . |
223,662 | ad96dce52048c97326ca534e2e0e25b90bfea869 | (CNN) -- The six-point peace plan for Syria proposed by Kofi Annan is doomed to fail for one simple reason: Neither President Bashar al-Assad nor the government opposition is interested in making it work. For al-Assad, full implementation of the plan, which includes a political settlement through dialogue and respect for the rights of citizens to demonstrate peacefully, will bring an end to his regime. From the onset of the uprisings, his government knew that a repeat of the protests in Egypt's Tahrir Square or Bahrain's Pearl Square in Damascus or Aleppo will mean regime change. Al-Assad and his inner circle are not about to create conditions that are conducive for such sit-ins just because the Annan plan calls on them to do so. For the opposition groups, Annan could spend all the time he wants on negotiations, but any talks not predicated on al-Assad's stepping aside will not be acceptable. The activists who are spearheading Syria's revolution insist that the opposition exile leadership has a limited mandate and that is to discuss details for the transfer of power from the Assad family to the opposition. The bottom line is that the two main protagonists in the conflict look at the Annan plan as a means to achieve their respective, mutually exclusive objectives. By agreeing to the Annan plan, al-Assad pursues a dual-track strategy: He appeases his Russian and Iranian allies, who have been pressuring him to accept a political solution, while working to kill his way out of the crisis under the pretext that he is confronting "armed terrorists and gangs." The opposition wants the cease-fire in order to field mass protests. As one activist from Hama put it to me recently: "We don't need military intervention, we don't need humanitarian corridors, we don't need safe areas. Enforce the cease-fire and millions will march toward the presidential palace demanding Assad's ouster." After more than a year of uprisings, Syria is still stuck in a violent stalemate. Al-Assad has not been able to crush the opposition, and opposition seems nowhere near to dislodging al-Assad. Increasingly, the conflict is being framed in existential terms, with some involved becoming more radicalized. The majority of Alawites believe their physical survival is at stake, because they are convinced al-Assad's demise will engender wide-scale revenge killings on them. Hence, they will not accept a solution that will produce a new regime in which they are not guaranteed a leading role. Similarly, the opposition groups believe that if they stop now and al-Assad remains in power, he will hunt them down. Absent a game changer that will tip the balance in favor of one side or the other, the crisis in Syria will become a full-blown sectarian war pitting Sunnis against Alawites, which will likely spill over into the neighboring countries of Iraq and Lebanon. Although military options have been considered by the West, it's hard to say whether that would make a difference in reversing the dynamics in the country. A military operation might cause a regional war involving Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Iran, with each country supporting its allies in Syria. For now, Iran's Supreme Leader has cast his support firmly with al-Assad. A well-informed Iranian source told me that the Iranian regime will support al-Assad no matter what until the end. On the other hand, Russia's Syria policy seems to be in flux judging by its vote in the United Nations recently. It's too early to tell whether Russia will ease al-Assad out the way Saudi Arabia did in the case of Yemen's Abdullah Saleh. Russia and Iran will probably not abandon al-Assad until they are part of the deal-making process about Syria's future government. One possible game changer is if the protest movement in Syria becomes widespread and covers large stretches of the country. To date, only four of Syria's 14 governorates constitute the major hubs of the protest movement: Homs, Hama, Idlib and Daraa. While we have seen protests in other regions, they have not been as sustained and extensive as those in the four governorates. This is partly due to the state of fragmentation in the opposition ranks, especially among the exile groups, which do not inspire confidence among fence-sitters. Although large segments of fence-sitters including businessmen have come around to supporting the opposition, many remain ambivalent because they doubt the opposition will succeed in overthrowing al-Assad. This perception is reinforced by the fact that Annan's plan does not call for al-Assad to step down -- a detail that is not missed by the Assad regime propaganda machine. While the exile opposition remains divided, there are hopeful signs that the opposition ranks within Syria are becoming better organized, better trained and gaining legitimacy. The future leaders of Syria will not come from the Syrian National Council or the National Coordination Committee for Change; they will emerge from the ranks of the revolutionary councils that are forming in different parts of the country. These councils bring together an eclectic mix of the most active local coordinating committees, independent activists, community and business leaders and military defectors. They are putting in place an administrative infrastructure that is akin to a local provincial council, handling everything from media affairs to helping families who lost their homes to providing legal aid to jailed activists. They are also coordinating with each other to protect relief supply lines that cross their respective territories. In the process, the leaders in these councils, who hail from Syria's different religious and ethnic groups, are developing political skills, cultivating local constituencies and learning through trial and error the business of governing. In a country that is increasingly polarized along sectarian and ethnic lines, these councils can perhaps provide the glue that keeps the country stitched together. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Randa Slim. | Randa Slim: The peace plan for Syria proposed by Kofi Annan is doomed to fail .
Slim: After more than a year of uprisings, Syria is still stuck in a violent stalemate .
She says one possible game changer is if the protests in Syria become more widespread .
Slim: Members in local councils are Syria's best hope for future leadership . |
46,204 | 822a3776114b69e93fb67a4c31d6d37c8d2db96a | Wedding receptions are notorious for drinking, dancing and questionable decision-making. But while a few red faces the following morning have come to be expected, little thought is often given to just what the rental companies - tasked with cleaning up after the fact - discover in the process. Now, new data released by Young's Hire, one of the UK's leading formal menswear retailers, is sharing some of the most shocking and unusual items discovered in returned grooms and ushers' suits over the past 12 months. Wedding receptions are known for groomsmen getting wild, but what do the suit cleaners find the next day? Young's Hire has revealed a list of the strangest items found in suit pockets, such as rotting prawns . Standard post-wedding checks on garments have turned up everything from a pocketful of rotting prawns to over a dozen pairs of false teeth, and, less surprisingly, copious amounts of non-prescription drugs . And while a full-size clown's costume may strike you as the most confounding - how would it fit in a suit pocket? - there are a few items that make much more regular appearances. Garters, Viagra and marriage certificates are often fished out of suit pockets the following morning, while prophylactics and wallets are also commonly found. So much so, in fact, that Young's has dedicated an area of their warehouse exclusively for the garters that have been discarded. The most common item left behind according to the formal menswear rental company? Discarded garters . 1. Prawns . 2. Hearing aids . 3. False teeth . 4. Non-prescription drugs . 5. A clown suit . 1. Garters . 2. Viagra . 3. Marriage certificates . 4. Unused (or used) condoms . 5. Wallets . Chris Burns, Operations Controller at Young's, said: 'We provide the hire service for the whole of Debenhams so we hire a lot of garments across the country and as a result we've had some really amusing items left behinds over the years. 'This year we thought it would be great to take a look back and review some of the most unusual and humorous items our staff have found – and more often than not, returned to their rightful owners. 'I never fail to be surprised by some of the things returned but it's actually some of the more common items we find that concern me the most. 'We would really like to encourage people to try and remember to double and triple check their pockets before risking their security or even their honeymoon plans by leaving behind vital documents or items.' But the absolute oddest item left behind, according to their survey data, was a full-sized clown suit . | Grooms, best men and ushers leave garters and Viagra in suit pockets .
Menswear company Young's Hire reveals weirdest items in returned suits .
Formal attire has been returned with a marriage license in the pocket . |
58,818 | a6d740e3cdd536e8d9886ac4052ac11a23b2be61 | For the co-founder of Skype said to be worth more than half a billion pounds, the £1.1million house he bought in 2009 was not going to break the bank but it was his dream home. However, once Niklas Zennstrom, 46, scratched the 'veneer of quality' of his new Bauhaus-style mansion, it soon became clear the 'shambolic' property was in such a bad state he had to knock it down and start again. Behind its glazed walls and minimalist interiors the house on one of Britain's most desirable private estates in Hampshire, had such serious . defects that made it unfit for human habitation, the millionaire said. Modern: This is the house at the centre of the High Court row before it was knocked down by Skype founder Niklas Zennstrom . Changes: The entrepreneur, said to be worth £600m, has since started rebuilding the home but pursued the former owners through the courts and lost yesterday . Dream: The property (circled) sits facing the Hamble marina in an enviable position but soon after this picture was taken it was condemned . A more recent image shows where the house used to stand . The keen yachtsman and his wife had moved there because it is a stone's throw from the famous marina on the River Hamble. His anger was such that the Swede took the previous owners Deborah Wilks and Helen Moseley to court, but he has failed to convince a top judge that he was a victim of unscrupulous property developers. Mr Justice Edwards-Stuart said Mr Zennstrom’s case had not looked promising from the start and concluded that neither Ms Moseley nor Ms Wilks had been aware of any significant construction defects. He said the evidence pointed . 'overwhelmingly' to the conclusion that Ms Moseley and Ms Wilks had . created their 'dream home' - which enjoys spectacular views over Hamble . Marina from Crowsport Private estate - and did intend to sell when they . embarked on a re-building project. Row: Keen yachtsman Niklas Zennstrom and his wife Catherine bought the home on the Hampshire coast from Deborah Wilks (pictured right yesterday) and her partner but the court found in their favour . Imagination: Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis came up with the idea of Skype in 2003 and within 8 years it was sold for $8.5bn . Jan 2003: Entrepreneurs Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis come up with the concept of Skype. Apr 2003: Skype is launched in beta but the first version was rough to say the least. Calls dropped and voice quality was shaky. Oct 2005: eBay buys Skype for $3.1billion - two years . Jan 2006: Skype adds video calling. Apr 2009: . Skype keeps expanding but doesn't make enough money. eBay has enough . and suggests it wants to offer Skype on a initial public offering. Sep 2009: eBay announces sale of 65 per cent of Skype to a group of Index Ventures and Silver Lake Partners. May 2011: Microsoft buys Skype for $8.5billion . The . lesbian couple - who celebrated a civil partnership in 2008 and had . been together for 20 years - said afterwards the case had left them . 'physically and mentally' drained. 'The . evidence points overwhelmingly, in my view, to the conclusion that they . built it as their dream home as they have always contended', the judge . told them yesterday. In true Grand Designs-style, Ms Moseley and Ms Wilks bought the property in 2004 for £360,000, later demolishing the existing house there and building what they hoped would be the sort of Bauhaus beauty beloved of Channel 4 presenter Kevin McCloud. The couple, from the Southampton area, told the court that, despite their intense desire to live in the house, they were forced to sell to the Zennstroms because of trouble meeting the mortgage and difficulties with a near neighbour. Skilled entrepreneur Zennstrom helped build the Skype brand into an online giant. In May 2011 the internet phone service was bought by Microsoft for around $8.5billion, its biggest-ever cash deal, and Zennstrom is believed to have got at least $500million of it. During the home-row court case Mr Zennstrom’s barrister, Richard Morgan QC, had told the court he believed he was buying a 'new luxury house', built to a high standard. 'Instead, once the sale was complete and builders started opening up areas to undertake what should have been minor works, it became apparent that the construction of the property was a shambles,' he said. Rich: Skype co-founder Niklas Zennstrom is said to be worth £600million, much of which was generated when the online phone service was sold to Microsoft for $8.5billion . Start again: Zennstrom was forced to bring in the builders to his Bauhaus-mansion in Hamble, Hampshire because he claimed it was unsafe . Site: The keen yachtsman bought it on the Crowsport private estate which is a matter of metres from the famous Hamble marina . Major defects had been disguised behind . finishes that gave 'the veneer of quality' but which hid problems which . gave no choice but to demolish and start again. Not only was the house not fit for human habitation, he claimed, but it was also dangerous in some respects and had to be knocked down. However, dismissing the Zennstroms’ claims against Ms Wilks and Ms Moseley, the judge said they were genuinely ignorant of the ins and out of construction work and had not operated as commercial property developers. | Niklas Zennstrom bought the Bauhaus home in Hampshire in 2009 .
The £600m entrepreneur found the property had to be demolished .
He sued the lesbian couple who sold it but has lost the High Court claim .
Judge finds the women could not have known the property was defective . |
168,218 | 65924ca7f5225f32cfa652ab86133d6e412fcdbe | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 07:33 EST, 28 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:53 EST, 28 August 2013 . Motorist Steven James Conlan hit cyclist Grahame McGregor on a crossroads earlier this year while paying too much attention to his sat- nav . A motorist who killed a cyclist because he was relying too much on a satnav has been spared jail. Steven Conlan’s car hit Grahame McGregor after he missed a stop sign and illegally drove through a junction. The satnav system had failed to register the junction and had not instructed the motorist to stop, a court heard. District Judge Roger Elsey told Conlan he should have paid more attention to the road rather than the in-car guidance system, adding: ‘I don’t believe the accident would have occurred if the satnav had been switched off.’ Conlan, 51, of Gateshead, had been relying on the in-car technology to guide him, his wife and their two children during a family day out to High Force, in upper Teesdale, when the sat nav failed to register the A692/A68 junction near Consett, County Durham, at 12.35pm. Having missed a stop sign westbound on the A692, Conlan drove his Saab 93 straight out into the road, sending Mr McGregor, cycling north on the A68, hurtling across the road onto a footpath. The 55-year-old cyclist, of Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, died in hospital five days later. In a statement read out in court, Mr McGregor’s parents said they had been forced to bury their only son in the prime of his life. His sister, Linda Williams, said the devastating loss had blown her family apart and called for action to make the junction safer. Judge Elsey said the stop line was not very visible and drivers on the A692 could get the impression they had precedence. The scene of the accident, the A692/A68 junction near Consett, County Durham . However, prosecutor Lynne Roberts-Plowman told Peterlee Magistrates’ Court that there were several junction signs while Judge Elsey said had Conlan paid sufficient attention to the road he would have seen the stop sign. Conlan, described by his lawyer Kate Meek as a trustworthy, loving, decent man, a devoted husband and father and a great friend, admitted causing death by careless driving. He was at a loss to say how he missed the stop sign and was struggling to cope with the dreadful legacy of the accident, she added. The judge said the accident would not have occurred if Mr Conlan's sat-nav had been switched off. File picture . Judge Elsey told Conlan: 'Mr McGregor was a healthy young man in the prime of his life and his death is a devastating blow, a devastating loss to the family and friends that love him. 'No sentence I impose is ever going to make up for the grief they have suffered.' He accepted Conlan was of good character, had behaved responsibly after the accident and had shown genuine remorse and sentenced him to a 12-month community penalty. Conlan will have to complete 240 hours of unpaid work, pay a £60 surcharge and £85 court costs and will be banned from driving for two years. | Steven Conlan, 51, ploughed into cyclist Grahame McGregor on a junction .
Mr McGregor, 55, died five days after the accident .
The judge said the accident would not have happened if his sat-nav was off . |
170,698 | 68f1b52fc4fe24a3e5aeb80b22d5ec9d6848a951 | Thirty nine of the 40 jockeys who rode in last month's Grand National at Aintree are to face a charge over their conduct at the start. The riders, including 19-time champion AP McCoy plus senior colleagues Richard Johnson, Barry Geraghty and Tom Scudamore, are accused to attempting to line up before requested to do so by the Official starter. The incident under scrutiny also saw starter’s assistant Simon McNeil being knocked over. Controversy: The field line up for the start of the Grand National but 39 of the 40 jockeys have now been charged . What a performance: Pineau De Re proved a winner for the bookies as he defied 25-1 odds . Big-race pilot: Leighton Aspell punches the air after landing his biggest career win . The start of the most watched race in the British calendar once again showed racing in a poor light with the runners having to be re-called after a false start, although this is not part of the enquiry. However, the BHA will not pursue any action against the jockeys for their subsequent ‘mutiny’ when, with many of the Irish riders needing to leave to reach connections home, they refused to co-operate with a reconvened enquiry. Jamie Stier, Director of Raceday Operations and Regulation for BHA, said: ‘Managing the start of the Grand National and dealing with any incidents that occur during this process presents a unique challenge. 'After reviewing all the available evidence we have taken the decision not to pursue any charges relating to the fact that we were unable to complete the Stewards’ enquiry on the day. ‘This is also a reflection of the scale of the challenge in conducting an enquiry in such circumstances. 'Instead, we would like to put in place a protocol, to be developed in conjunction with the jockeys, for managing such situations where a large numbers of riders are involved. Going nowhere: Race officials wave flags to signal a false start at Aintree . Wet, wet, wet: Quito De La Roque (centre) ridden by Brian O'Connell stumbles badly at the Water Jump . ‘Having reviewed all of the available evidence and footage into the incident prior to the start of the Grand National it is the view of BHA that 39 of the 40 riders in the race attempted to line up or take a position before being instructed to do so, which was before the off time of the race. ‘If the Disciplinary Panel finds that this is the case then this would constitute an offence under the Rules of Racing.“It is also BHA’s view that the riders then moved forward towards the start and in the process knocked down the Assistant Starter, who was positioned in front of the field, advising the riders not to line up. This will also be considered by the Disciplinary Panel. ‘This all occurred after riders in the Grand National had been briefed in advance of the race about conduct at the start, which emphasised the obligation under the Rules for the riders to obey the Starter’s instructions. ‘The Disciplinary Panel will now determine whether any of the riders in question are in breach of the Rules of Racing. ‘We acknowledge the length of time taken to reach these conclusions. By working with the jockeys to develop a protocol for dealing with such cases we would expect to avoid a similar scenario in the future.’ Ouch: Long Run and Sam Waley-Cohen crash out but both horse and rider were unhurt . On the run: The Grand National field race past the packed grandstand . In response, Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said his members would vigorously defend the charges. He added: ‘We are disappointed that the BHA has decided to lay charges against the jockeys in specific relation to the start. The decision by the BHA not to progress with charges in relation to subsequent events is entirely unsurprising given the procedural failings that followed the running of the Grand National. ‘Having reviewed the footage, read the transcript and listened to the audio recording of the inquiry and being aware of numerous other facts, we believe that the jockeys have strong grounds to contest the charges. ‘However, with so many jockeys charged we have been unable to take formal instruction at this stage and cannot therefore confirm what their collective or individual positions will be in relation to the charges. In the clear: Pineau De Re was five lengths clear of his rivals as he crossed the line . Birds eye view: Pineau De Re leads the field up the run-in in front of the packed stands . ‘It was and remains our belief that the appropriate course of action would have been a forward-looking, collegiate approach to the wider and ongoing issue of big-field jump starts. We actively encouraged the BHA to embrace this approach and to grip this matter with more urgency than they have shown but to no avail. ‘We believe the decision to lay any charges is an opportunity lost by the BHA. If the jockeys decide to contest the charges we trust that the BHA will allow it to be dealt with in a transparent manner and ensure the hearing is open to members of the media, even though this will inevitably lead to their officials and procedural failings being placed under the spotlight.” The only jockey who rode in the Grand National not charged is Brendan Powell jnr, who was on board Battle Group. His antics in refusing to line up added to the confusion of the incident.If found guilty the 39 are likely to face a one-day ban. | Thirty nine of the 40 Grand National jockeys have been charged over their conduct .
The jockeys are accused of attempting to line up before they were requested to do so .
Starter's assistant Simon McNeil was knocked over at the start of the race . |
104,571 | 12ef252c58e789987b942000b4b2263aea7ae179 | By . Mark Duell . Suicide: Stephen Gale, 57, a partner at a City law firm, drank two bottles of wine most lunchtimes . A top lawyer whose tax affairs were being investigated by HM Revenue & Customs committed suicide, an inquest has heard. Stephen Gale, 57, a partner at City law firm Herbert Smith Freehills, was found in the bath of his penthouse flat in Islington, London, having taken a fatal drugs overdose. He had invested in two tax syndicates which were being probed by HMRC, while his son Sam had been charged with a serious crime and was facing a lengthy jail term if found guilty. Mr Gale’s personal assistant Samantha Andrews, who had worked with him for 12 years, said she had noticed a ‘big’ change in her boss in the months before his death in February. She said that he had seemed distracted, drank two bottles of wine with a whisky chaser most lunchtimes and on one occasion walked around the office building in his socks. Ms Andrews added: ‘He seemed to be running out of steam. He seemed aged all of a sudden - he was forgetting things and seemed to be getting to him. He was in his own little world. He told me he was at the end of his tether. ‘When I saw an email saying his son was in court on Monday, I thought “My God, this is going to finish him off”. I didn’t know what the charges were but it seemed serious - he could go down for a very long time. ‘I remember Stephen telling his mother she would probably never see Sam again. He had invested in a couple of tax syndicates which were being investigated by Customs - he was worried about that. ‘He was generally a happy person and we had a good laugh. But in the couple of months before his death he had changed. He started being rude, he would have outbursts and attack me for no reason. Scene of death: Mr Gale was found in the bath of his penthouse flat in this building in Islington, central London, having taken a fatal drugs overdose . ‘Sometimes when I was speaking he would not grasp what I was saying - I had noticed the change in the past year. He was muddled and forgetful. It seemed sometimes I was thinking for him, as if he couldn’t be bothered, or couldn’t think for himself. I knew he drunk quite a lot. ‘He would drink a whiskey chaser and a couple of bottles of wine at lunch time when he was meeting clients, which was most days. He would think up excuses to get out of the office and he would drink at home. ‘On the Tuesday before his death, I noticed him walking around without shoes. He walked to the other building to get dinner without wearing shoes, which I and another colleague noticed.’ She said she rang the concierge of his flat, Charles Norman, after he had failed to turn up for work on the morning of February 13. Mr Norman told the court: ‘I came out of the lift to find the door of his flat was wide open. I checked in all the rooms. The bathroom seemed shut but when I came back the other way I saw the door was ajar and a light was on.' However, his wife told the inquest that she had noticed no change in the months leading up to his death. The coroner at St Pancras Coroner’s Court, Mary Hassell, ruled Mr Gale had taken his own life after overdosing. She said: ‘Stephen Gale caused his own death and did so intending to cause his death.’ Mr Gale’s wife, Rebecca, who was at their house in Scotland at the time of her husband’s death, told the court that she had no idea he intended to take his own life. Mrs Gale said: ‘He never suffered depression or unhappiness, he never talked about taking his own life and there was no change at all in his character in the time leading up to his death. Inquest: St Pancras Coroner's Court (pictured) was told Mr Gale had taken his own life after overdosing . She told the court how in the days before his death, Mr Gale had made plans to cut wood with a friend the following weekend and had asked for fish pie for his dinner on the day after his death. She said she phoned him the night before his death and he seemed ‘normal’. She said their adopted son Sam was due to appear in court and faced serious charges, but would not say what they were. 'He seemed to be running out of steam. He seemed aged all of a sudden - he was forgetting things and seemed to be getting to him. He was in his own little world. He told me he was at the end of his tether' Samantha Andrews, personal assistant . However she said she and her husband had taken her son’s trouble in his stride, adding: ‘He was not stressed beyond measure - it was more “Oh God, what will Sam do next”.’ In giving her judgement, Ms Hassell said there was a conflict between the image Mr Gale presented to the world and the internal suffering that had led him to take his own life. She added: ‘There is a conflict here, he had a successful life and a happy marriage, there were so many things going for him and he never discussed taking his life. ‘But it is often the case with busy people he sees more of his PA than his loved ones. Her evidence showed he had changed, he was doing things out of character, he was drinking too much and was brusque to her to the point of being rude. ‘He told her he felt at the end of his tether. He was unhappy at the merger, he was involved in big cases, he was being investigated by HMRC and his son appeared likely to go to prison over very serious charges. I have no doubt but that he intended to take his own life.’ In a statement, his firm said: ‘Stephen was a talented restructuring and insolvency partner in our London Finance practice, with extensive experience of insolvency and corporate recovery around the world. Chambers recently described him a “world class” restructuring lawyer. ‘Stephen’s professional life saw him advising on many important and high profile matters for the firm, including acting for Ernst & Young as administrators of Nortel’s European, Middle Eastern and African entities. ‘He also advised JJB Sports on its groundbreaking restructuring and refinancing. In addition, Stephen acted for various Lehman creditors following that organisation’s bankruptcy. ‘He lectured widely on corporate recovery matters. He was also honorary professor in the Faculty of Law at University College London.’ | Stephen Gale found dead in his penthouse flat in Islington, London .
He had invested in two tax syndicates which were being probed by HMRC .
His personal assistant had noticed a 'big' change in him before his death .
Said he seemed distracted and drank two bottles of wine most lunchtimes .
Claimed 57-year-old even once walked around office building in his socks .
But his wife said she had noticed no change in months before his death .
For confidential .
support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local .
Samaritans branch or click here for details . |
28,192 | 4febcdd5fd2f2a9236a0bb4a3770216900d7108b | By . Daniel Miller . Last updated at 10:36 AM on 15th November 2011 . Contentious: Tennessee Republican Rick Womick claims all Muslims should be forced out of the U.S. military . A Republican politician has sparked religious fury by demanding all Muslims be forced out of the U.S. military. Tennessee State Representative Rick Womick claimed serving Muslims posed a significant threat and needed to be kicked out of the armed forces because their religion commands them to lie. Interviewed on Veteran's Day by the Think Progress website he said: 'Personally I don't trust one Muslim in our military because they're commanded to lie to us. 'And if they really are a devout Muslim and follow the Koran and the and the Sunnah, then I feel threatened because they're commanded to kill me.' Mr Womick was attending the 'Preserving Freedom Conference hosted by the controversial group, the Sharia Awareness Action Network. Asked if he felt that serving Muslims should be 'forced out' he replied: 'Absolutely yes.' He later reasserted his opinions in an interview with the Murfreesboro Daily News adding: 'Who are we at war with? 'We are at war with al-Qaeda and the Taliban, who are Muslims. It's a Catch-22. They are not allowed to kill their fellow Muslims, we're at war with Muslims. 'The only solution I see is that they not be allowed in the military.' Womick, a Baptist and member of the National Rifle Association, served as a pilot in the Air Firce during the first Gulf War. The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) demanded the Tennessee General Assembly rebuke Womick for his comments. But he described them as a 'radical Islamic group'. Duty: There are an estimated 3500 Muslims serving within the U.S. armed forces . He added: 'Whatever they have to say, I choose to ignore.' Saleh Sbenaty of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro told the Tenneseean: 'It's really sad to see Mr. Womick's comments coming on Veterans Day,' said Sbenaty. 'He needs to be reminded that there are thousands of Muslims who serve and are serving (in the U.S. military), and there are many of them who gave up their lives to preserve the freedom of this country and the freedom that he is enjoying.' There are an estimated six million Muslims living in the U.S. with around 3500 serving the military and many seeing action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr Sbenaty added: 'Al-Qaida doesn't believe in freedom of religion. 'They want to rule the world according to their views. And Mr. Womick wants to rule the United States according to his narrow vision.' In 2009 13 people were killed at Fort Hood in Texas after a Muslim officer allegedly went on a rampage yelling 'Allahu Akbar', weeks before he was due to serve in Afghanistan. Major Nidal Malik Hasan has been charged with 13 counts of murder and 32 counts of attempted murder. He is due to stand trial in March 2012. | Politician sparks fury with Veteran's Day rant . |
66,581 | bcd6a5d0d24c8dfed2669eec56c209edc9562508 | Hong Kong (CNN) -- Asia is set to have the world's wealthiest residents, with city-state Singapore heading the rich list. Hong Kong, Taiwan and South Korea will do well, too, according to by a new survey that predicts which countries will be home to the wealthiest citizens by 2050. By one measure, they are already are. Singapore's per capita income is estimated by Knight Frank and Citi Private Wealth's 2012 Wealth Report to be the highest in the world at $56,532 in 2010, measured by purchasing power parity. Norway follows at $51,226, then the U.S. ($45,511), Hong Kong ($45,301) and Switzerland ($42,470). (The International Monetary Fund listed Singapore 3rd in the world in 2010-11 by per capita GDP, behind Qatar and Luxembourg, which weren't included in the Knight Frank report). By 2050, the Wealth Report estimates the world's wealthy citizens will be dominated by Asia: Singapore ($137,710), Hong Kong ($116,639), Taiwan ($114,093) and South Korea ($107,752). The only western economy projected to remain in the top five is the U.S., with an estimated per capita income of $100,802. Danny Quah of the London School of Economics predicts that by 2050, the world's economic center of gravity will be somewhere between India and China, the report notes. In 1980, the global economic center lay in the middle of the Atlantic. Some of the world's super-rich have already crossed the Pacific. Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, a native of Brazil, moved to Singapore in 2009 has since renounced his U.S. citizenship. Jim Rogers, the co-founder of the Quantum Fund with George Soros, also moved to the former British colony in 2007. "I have moved -- I have sold my house in New York. I have moved to Asia and my girls speak Mandarin, speak perfect Mandarin ... I'm preparing them for the 21st century by knowing Asia and by speaking perfect Mandarin," Rogers told CNN recently. "It's easier to get rich in Asia than it is in America now. The wind is in your face. (The U.S.) is the largest debtor nation in the history of the world," Rogers added. "The largest creditor nations in the world are China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore. The assets are in Asia. You know who the debtors are and where they are. Look at Greece. Look at Spain. I mean, I don't like saying this. You know, I'm an American, too. But facts are facts." The report's list of fastest growing economies between 2010 and 2050 also gives more credence that the world's wealth is moving toward Asia. Of the top 10 fastest rising economies -- Nigeria, India, Iraq, Bangladesh, Vietnam, the Philippines, Mongolia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Egypt, respectively -- all but three are in the region. Old World economies will have the worst growth performance in the next 40 years, the report predicts: Spain, France, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany are at the bottom of the list. But Japan and its aging population will have the weakest projected growth of all economies, Knight Frank estimates. However, just because the denizens of Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan are projected to live in the world's wealthiest regions doesn't mean all will share in the wealth. In the report Tina Fordham, Senior Global Political Analyst at Citi, warns that the dissatisfaction with income inequality shown in the Occupy Wall Street demonstrations "will gain momentum, and that there could be a long-term recalibration between governments, businesses and society as a result." On Monday, a court ordered the protesters of Occupy Central in Hong Kong, one of the last outposts of the global protests sparked by Occupy Wall Street, to give up its encampment at HSBC's headquarters in the city. CNN's Christine Romans contributed to this report . | Asia set to have the world's wealthiest residents, with city-state Singapore heading the rich list .
Knight Frank-Citi report predicts the top four wealthiest regions will be in Asia by 2050 .
Japan and several European economies are predicted to grow the least in the next 40 years .
Report: Seven of the world's top 10 fastest growing economies will be in Asia . |
78,767 | df2bd69e2d09c664d7cf87a1152fe485ae8affa4 | By . Helen Lawson . PUBLISHED: . 11:05 EST, 16 June 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 11:06 EST, 16 June 2013 . Five passengers from the plane which made an emergency landing in Scotland yesterday following the discovery of a threatening note are now claiming asylum in the UK. The flight from Egypt to the United States was diverted to Prestwick Airport in Ayrshire yesterday after the note, which read 'I'll set this plane on fire', was found in a toilet. The plane was searched by police officers overnight and no suspicious items were found. It was allowed to continue its journey to New York this morning. Ordeal: It took six hours to get all 326 people on board the EgyptAir flight off the plane at Prestwick Airport. It is unknown which of passengers have claimed asylum . The Boeing 777 was escorted to the airport by Typhoon fighter jets . A spokesman for Police Scotland said five of the plane's passengers had sought asylum in Britain. Their identities are not known and they are now being dealt with by the UK Border Agency. The EgyptAir Boeing 777 was escorted to Prestwick by Typhoons from RAF Leuchars during its flight from Cairo to JFK Airport in New York. It landed at about 2.30pm yesterday and was met by a dozen police vehicles. It took six hours before all 326 people on board were removed from the plane to be interviewed by officers. Passenger Nada Tawfik, a producer for BBC New York, said she found a note in a toilet apparently threatening to start a fire. She told the BBC News Channel: 'When I went in to change my daughter about three hours into the flight, I found a note by the sink saying "I set this plane on fire" with the seat number 46D written on it. 'So I immediately went to the crew and told them about it. 'It was on a hand napkin written in pencil and the pencil was actually still there so I told the crew to make sure to keep it so they can get any fingerprints off of it. 'They locked the bathroom immediately so that no-one could go into it. 'Tense': Passengers were met by police officers at Prestwick Airport after the unscheduled landing . Fears: The flight was escorted by fighter jets from RAF Leuchars . On board: BBC New York producer Nada Tawfik found the note in the cabin toilets scribbled on a napkin . 'It almost looked like a child's handwriting or someone who has very sloppy handwriting, but it was very alarming especially these days when everyone is so concerned about safety on flights. 'I said to one of the stewardesses "I don't know if this is a prank", they said "no, it can't be a prank". 'Either someone has a very bad sense of humour or, you know, it's very scary.' The plane was searched by officers once all passengers had disembarked. Prestwick is a designated airport for emergencies and remained open while the EgyptAir plane sat on a runway. Chief executive Iain Cochrane said: 'We carefully plan and train for this kind of eventuality and I am relieved it ended safely and without incident. 'It was a complex and constantly evolving matter and I want to thank my staff for their unswerving professionalism and commitment during the 13 hours the aircraft was here, and praise the excellent manner in which all agencies involved worked together to resolve the matter. 'I must also thank the airline and their crew for their rapid deployment of resources and their contribution to resolving the issue. 'Our planning was robust and worked well in challenging circumstances. We have also learned some useful lessons which will serve us well for the future.' 'Ongoing': Strathclyde police made all on board disembark and be interviewed yesterday before they continued their journey this morning . Concern: This passenger plane travelling from Egypt to New York was diverted to Glasgow Prestwick airport and met by armed police officers . | The asylum-seeking passengers are being dealt with by Border Agency staff .
BBC producer Nada Tawfik discovered note in toilet and alerted cabin crew .
The EgyptAir flight was allowed to continue its journey to New York today . |
147,913 | 4b44b8e69cb02f22ec4faab2a4565b28ddd81745 | A 16-year-old student who stashed explosives and a gun at his home planned to carry out a shooting attack at his Maryland school, police have said. The teenage boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was originally arrested on suspicion of a series of vehicle break-ins on York Road in Monkton, Baltimore County, last Saturday. But during a police interview, he allegedly revealed that he had explosive devices at his home and wanted to kill people at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology. Scroll down for video . Deadly plans: A male student who stashed explosives and a gun at his home planned to carry out a shooting at the George Washington Carver Center for Arts and Technology (pictured) in Maryland, police have said . During a subsequent search of his house in Monkton, Baltimore County Police reportedly found three crude, homemade explosives alongside a gun, according to the Baltimore Sun. They then called the Baltimore County Police Hazardous Devices Team, who dismantled the devices that were made from 'readily-available components' and believed to still be live. Now, the teenager is facing a number of charges, including the possession of a destructive device and a handgun violation. He is also still charged with theft in relation to the car break-ins. In an online statement, Police Chief, Jim Johnson, said the first responding officer who interviewed the tenth-grader 'did an exceptional job of police work'. Proud chief: During a police interview, the 16-year-old allegedly revealed that he had explosive devices at his home and wanted to kill people at the Towson-based school. Above, Baltimore Police Chief, Jim Johnson said the first responding officer who interviewed the sophomore 'did an exceptional job of police work' Arrest: The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was originally arrested on suspicion of a series of vehicle break-ins at the 16900 block of York Road (pictured) in Baltimore County last Saturday . He added: 'Thanks to his diligence, we intervened in what could have been an extremely serious situation' at the school in Towson. Meanwhile, a Carver administrator told the newspaper there were no 'red flags' that could have alerted staff to the student's deadly intentions. 'At this point, nothing has been shared with us [from the school] to give us any indication that this could have happened,' said Maria Lowery. 'We had no reason to suspect we had an issue.' Parents of students at Carver - a premier arts school that is considered one of the top-performing insitutions in the country - were being notified of the suspect's charges on Monday . The teenager, who is being held at the Charles H. Hickey Jr. School, a detention center for male youths, cannot be identified because he has been charged as a juvenile, . Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger said his office is currently reviewing the case to determine whether the boy should be charged as an adult instead. Shooting: It comes just 10 days after teenager Jaylen Fryberg (pictured) shot five classmates in the cafeteria at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Washington State, killing three girls and injuring the three others . It comes just 10 days after teenager Jaylen Fryberg shot five classmates in the cafeteria at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Washington State, killing three girls and injuring the three others . The unsuspecting teens were all seated at a lunch table when 15-year-old Fryberg pulled out a .40-caliber Beretta handgun and shot each one, before committing suicide. Last week, investigators said the shooter had lured his victims to the scene by text message before launching the deadly attack. | Schoolboy, 16, was initially arrested on suspicion of vehicle break-ins .
But in police interview, he allegedly claimed he had explosives at home .
He also 'told officers he wanted to kill people at his school in Maryland'
During search of house, police discovered three explosives and a gun .
Teen facing several charges, including possessing destructive device .
Cannot be legally identified because he has been charged as a juvenile .
Last month, another boy shot five students in Washington, killing three . |
255,809 | d719964d2b47732ba09d451eda9d45a6d23849b9 | Spoken out: Jo Swinson, Lib Dem business minister who gave birth before Christmas, is calling for a change . MPs with newborn babies should be able to bring them into the House of Commons for votes because they would not be a disruption, a minister has claimed. Jo Swinson, the Liberal Democrat business minister who gave birth to a boy before Christmas, said the ban on bringing infants to the voting lobby was ‘bizarre’. A parliamentarian who is breastfeeding may bring a baby into their own office, but not into the House of Commons or House of Lords chambers, or the division lobbies they pass through to vote. Miss Swinson, who is married to fellow Lib Dem MP Duncan Hames, suggested the rules were archaic, saying: ‘I hardly think it would be too much of a disruption. You can take a sword through there but you can’t a baby.’ No one other than an MP is allowed through the voting lobby – even a baby. A special exception was made for David Blunkett’s guide dog, Sadie. While she is on maternity leave, Miss Swinson, 33, does not get a replacement. Her office staff will look after her constituents in East Dunbartonshire and Lib Dem colleague Jenny Willott will perform her ministerial duties. In her last interview before going on maternity leave, Miss Swinson said she had a ‘huge amount of support and goodwill’ from colleagues in parliament during her pregnancy, but said: ‘I think some of the structures of the institutions of the House of Commons probably don’t make it as easy as it could be, in particular that you don’t get maternity cover.’ Miss Willott, who gave birth in 2010, complained at the time that when she took her son Toby for late votes, often called at just a few minutes’ notice, she had to hand him ‘to the nearest MP’ who had already voted, and that this happened ‘a couple of times a week’. Miss Swinson said: ‘I don’t think it’s . impossible or insurmountable but I don’t think there’s any job that’s . particularly easy to have a baby when you’re in it. Family values: Swinson, here pictured with husband, fellow Lib Dem MP Duncan Hames, and baby Andrew . 'There’s always going to be a lot of challenges and there’s plenty of people who have jobs with even more difficult challenges, like people who are self-employed and running a business. ‘There has been a change that women who are breastfeeding can be nodded through. 'But I think when you are perfectly capable of walking through the lobby holding a small baby, I think there would be a better way of just allowing that. But parliament moves but slowly.’ Miss Swinson announced the birth of her son on Twitter on Christmas Eve. She wrote: ‘Duncan & I delighted to welcome our son Andrew Lennox Marshall Hames to the world on Sun 22 Dec, weight 7lb 10oz, all tired but v.happy!’. The MP, here with Nick Clegg, calls the policy a hangover of the 'guilt culture' of women working . Mr Hames has given up his role as an aide to leader Nick Clegg to spend more time with his son. Miss Swinson, also responsible for equalities, said new parents should do what instinctively feels right and not worry if they follow official guidance to the letter. She said: ‘I think we need to get away from this guilt culture in terms of judging other people’s decisions as parents.’ Employers must carry out a risk assessment to establish whether pregnant or breastfeeding women can continue to work. If they can, the employers have a legal obligation to provide suitable rest facilities. Parliament has a creche for MPs, peers and staff which is usually open until 6pm. In 2000, a bid to allow breastfeeding in the Commons was blocked by the then Speaker Betty Boothroyd. | Lib Dem Business Minister urged move away from 'guilt culture'
Parliamentarians can bring babies to their office but not to House of Commons or House of Lords chambers, or the lobbies they vote in .
Gave birth to baby Andrew with fellow Lib Dem husband before Christmas . |
275,213 | f085fc0350f309ceb9f87266ecf0145ae3d55972 | By . Simon Tomlinson . PUBLISHED: . 04:19 EST, 25 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:03 EST, 25 February 2013 . A bomb scare closed New York's Grand Central Station during the Oscars ceremony last night after a man reportedly called 911 claiming a device 'would explode in 13 minutes'. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) shut down its shuttle service between the station and Times Square and told trains 4,5 and 6 to bypass the affected area. There were also initial reports the station had been evacuated and confusion reigned as neither the MTA, NYPD or Metro North would confirm the cause of the emergency. On alert: A bomb scare closed Grand Central Station (pictured) in New York last night after a man reportedly called 911 claiming a device would explode 'in 13 minutes' (file picture) However, after a 30-minute search by the NYPD, no bomb was discovered. The alarm was apparently triggered when a man rang 911 at around 9pm saying a 'bomb will go off in 13 minutes'. NYScanner reported that the bomb squad had been despatched and the area evacuated. The NYPD would not comment on whether there had been a bomb threat and initially referred inquiries to the MTA. At 9.40pm, a spokesman for the MTA subway . system confirmed that the Times Square shuttle had been shut down, and . 4, 5 and 6 trains were skipping the station temporarily. Threat: NYScanner also reported on Twitter that the bomb squad had been despatched and the station evacuated, but it was later reported that, after a 30-minute search, no bomb was found . But it would not say what the cause was and told journalists to go to the commuter railroad, Metro North, for any inquiries, it was reported by DNAinfo. A spokesman for the Metro North Railroad, which handles railroad operations at the station in turn called the operation 'an NYPD investigation' and said 'there is nothing wrong at Grand Central Terminal, which is what the MTA handles'. It was only at 10.15pm, when trains returned to normal that the MTA suggested the situation had been caused by a bomb scare. MTA spokeswoman Deirdre Parker said: 'My understanding is that it was bomb threat, but that's all I know. I don't know anything about the terminal, and the NYPD is taking the lead on it.' At 11pm, the NYPD had still not confirmed whether any bomb scare had occurred. | Shuttle service between station and Times Square shut down last night .
Neither the MTA, NYPD or Metro North Railroad would confirm cause .
Initial reports said station was evacuated and bomb squad despatched .
No explosives found after a 30-minute search, trains resume service . |
221,604 | aadf42ce2acc1e8f620561123d1b57c70fb34a9a | Sanaa, Yemen (CNN) -- The third most powerful political figure in the Yemeni government has died from wounds he received in the presidential palace attack in Sanaa last June. Yemen State TV announced the death in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, of Abdul Aziz Abdul Ghani, the president of the Shura Council, and announced the start of a three-day mourning period. Along with President Ali Abdullah Saleh, he had been receiving treatment in Saudi Arabia since June 3. Saleh remains in Saudi Arabia. Ghani is the second senior official to be reported dead from the palace bombing. Ghani was known to be one of the few officials Saleh trusted, and he stood beside Saleh for more than three decades. He took the post of prime minister in 1975, three years before Saleh became president. Government spokesman Abdu Ganadi said that Yemen lost a leader who served his country for more than five decades. "He is a victim of a terror attack. Yemen lost a leader and the government holds the Ahmar family responsible for his death. The palace attack was planned by the terrorist Ahmar family," Ganadi said. He was referring to the family of Sadeq al-Ahmar, the leader of Hamil al-Ahmar, a Hashed tribal confederation. Hours after the attack, Yemeni security forces pounded al-Ahmar's home, killing 10 people and wounding 35, because they blamed his followers, a Hamil al-Ahmar official said. Ghani's death came as hundreds of security forces were deployed to the streets of the capital, Sanaa, amid fears that the imminent toppling of the regime in Libya could have an effect on Yemen. Tens of thousands of youth protesters marched in the streets of main cities celebrating the success of a third revolution of the Arab world in 2011. "Yemen will follow the path of Libya, Egypt, and Tunisia. It is only a matter of time until the Saleh regime faces the same fate," said Khaled Anesi, a leader in the Yemen Revolution Youth Council. Anti-government protests continued on Monday in 15 of Yemen's 18 provinces. Opposition parties are giving youth extra dose of courage and hope, vowing that they will not give in until Saleh meets the fate of other fallen rulers. Mohammed Qahtan, the spokesman for the opposition Joint Meeting Parties, said that what happened in Libya is a brief showcase of what will soon follow in Sanaa. He said that the Yemeni people will have their goals met within days and the revolution will prosper. "The ruling family has not learned its lesson from Libya and insists on using force against its own people," Qahtan said. "The will of the people is stronger than any ruler or dictator." | Abdul Aziz Abdul Ghani was president of the Shura Council .
He had been a trusted associate of President Saleh for more than five decades .
Youth protesters marching in the streets vow Saleh will be ousted . |
151,050 | 4f4d30ae259e5e53facb8d127bc7d6b8f4265058 | It seems that fox trot and tango aren't the only things the contestants try for the first time on Strictly Come Dancing. According to the expert tanning team, who work like a well-oiled machine backstage on the BBC show, lots of the stars tried fake tan for the first time too - and some have become hooked on getting a glow. The stars of Strictly Come Dancing, who this year include pop stars Pixie Lott and Frankie Bridge, Essex hunk Mark Wright and TV presenter Caroline Flack, get through an astonishing 10 litres of spray tan solution each season. Scroll down for video . Behind the scenes: FEMAIL caught up with Strictly Come Dancing's backstage tanning team to get all the beauty gossip . The celebrities (and professionals) spend their Friday afternoons in the spray tanning booth getting ready for Saturday’s live show. Each of the stars will then have their skin ‘finished’ by a team of tanning experts who are ready, tanning mitt in hand, to perfect their skin for the cameras. The backstage tanning team get through a staggering 108 tubes of St.Tropez Skin Illuminator and over 70 bottles of St.Tropez Tan Enhancing Moisturiser keeping the dancers’ skin hydrated and glowing under the studio lights. Although some of this year’s contestants, like Frankie Bridge, have been regular tanners for years - Judy Murray, Pixie Lott, Mark Wright and Sunetra Sarker have all lost their tanning virginity in the Strictly tanning booth. Tanning virgin: According to the St. Tropez's tanning team, who work backstage on Strictly Come Dancing, Mark Wright had never tried fake tan before - but they quickly changed that . You better believe it: Jules said that Mark's jaw hit the floor at the results of his first-ever tan and he couldn't believe how natural it looked . Speaking about working backstage, Jules Heptonstall, official tanner on the show, said: 'Strictly Come Dancing is one of those incredible experiences for the celebrities and one by one, they embark on their Strictlification - and that includes their spray tans. 'Pixie Lott had never had a spray tan before, and now she’s hooked and thoroughly enjoys her regular weekly tan with me. 'Sunetra didn’t realise spray tans can be used on darker skins, after her first spray she instantly saw her complexion evened out and her skin tone lifted - she was heard screaming "I LOVE IT!".' First timers: Pixie Lott, left, had never had a spray tan before, and now she's hooked and thoroughly enjoys her regular weekly tan and Judy Murray loves how glamorous her tan makes her look . Contrary to popular belief, for healthy-looking Mark Wright, this was his first experience of fake tan, too. 'Mark Wright amazingly had never had a spray tan before, I told him he was a shame on Essex, he laughed and in he got – his jaw hit the floor at the results and he couldn’t believe how natural it looked,' said Jules. 'Judy Murray also loves her spray tans - we give her light glows to complement her truly Celtic skin, she’s absolutely loving being so glamorous,' he added. Backstage banter: Jules, left, says working on the show with Caroline Flack and Thom Evans is a right laugh . And as for the biggest tanning addict of Strictly 2014? The crown for this year’s ‘Tanning King’ goes to BBC Radio 1’s Scott Mills, who apparently can’t wait to get in the spray booth each week. Jules said: 'Scott Mills loves his spray tans, but we’ve had to devise a totally different schedule for him as he misses his slots during rehearsals due to his show. Luckily Scott lives close to me so I can be at his for a treatment at the drop of a hat.' Since the bronzed and buffed class of Strictly 2014 stepped onto the dance floor in September, the self tanning brand has seen a dramatic 230 per cent increase in sales of their tanning products - dubbed ‘the Strictly effect’. Strictly fans across the UK are queuing up at tanning counters in order to recreate the golden skin of their favourite celebrities as they light up the dance floor each weekend. Pals: Jules is very close with Millie Mackintosh and does her tan for special occasions . Just can't get enough: The crown for this year's 'Tanning King' goes to BBC Radio 1’s Scott Mills, who apparently can't wait to get in the spray booth each week . | FEMAIL caught up with St Tropez tanning team .
Scott Mills is biggest fake tan addict .
Pixie Lott and Mark Wright were tanning virgins .
Team get through 10 litres of tan a season . |
253,679 | d45898147b87e08d7636c783662ac2a7535e69d0 | (CNN) -- The national controversy over a surge of Central American immigrants illegally crossing the U.S. border established a new battleground this week in a small Southern California town, where angry crowds stopped detained migrants from entering their community. The sentiment carried over to a raucous Wednesday night meeting at a Murrieta high school auditorium. Border Patrol and immigration officials got an earful. "This is an invasion," attendee Heidi Klute said before a full house. "Why isn't the National Guard stopping them from coming in?" The overflow crowd of hundreds spilled out into the school's parking lot. In a faceoff Tuesday with three buses carrying the migrants behind screened-off windows, demonstrators chanted "Go back home!" and "USA," and successfully forced the coaches to leave Murrieta. The buses instead took the 140 or so undocumented immigrants to U.S. processing centers at least 80 miles away, in the San Diego and El Centro areas, federal officials say. Counterprotesters squared off with the demonstrators, and a shouting match erupted over the nation's immigration system, which recently has been overwhelmed with a tide of Central American minors illegally entering the United States alone or with other children. Local politicians appear to be in lockstep with their constituents. "It's a nationwide problem, and little ol' Murrieta has taken the lead," said Mayor Alan Long. Riverside County Supervisor Jeff Stone got a rise out of the crowd, asking them to hold the White House accountable. "Petition Obama to stop using these refugees to satisfy a political agenda," he said. Root of the problem . A mix of poverty, violence and smugglers' false promises is prompting the Central American inflow. Unlike undocumented Mexican migrants, who are often immediately deported, the Central Americans are detained and processed by the U.S. government, and eventually released and given a month to report to immigration offices. Many never show up and join the nation's 11 million undocumented residents, says the National Border Patrol Council, the union representing Border Patrol agents. The Latin American immigrants rejected by Murrieta protesters were initially held in Texas, where U.S. facilities are so overflowing that detainees are sent to other states for processing. The government doesn't have the room to shelter the children with adults: There's only one family immigration detention center, in Pennsylvania. To assist the unaccompanied children, President Barack Obama's administration opened shelters last month on three military bases, because federal facilities more designed for adults were overrun with minors. Tuesday's busloads of detained Central American immigrants didn't include any unaccompanied minors, said Murrieta Police Chief Sean Hadden, who put the number of protesters at 125. The children on the buses were apparently in the company of relatives or other adults, said an official with the National Border Patrol Council. 'Deport! Deport!' The protesters -- who shouted "Impeach Obama!" and "Deport! Deport!" -- confronted the buses a day after the town posted a notice on its website: "Murrieta Opposes Illegal Immigrant Arrival." "This is a failure to enforce federal law at the federal level," Long said in a statement Monday about the pending arrival of the 140 immigrants at the U.S. Border Patrol station. "Murrieta continues to object to the transfer of illegal immigrants to the local border patrol office." Long spoke to CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360" later Wednesday. "It's not against the immigrants," he said. "They're trying to leave a less desirable place and come to the greatest nation in the world. We can't blame them for that. ... No one's protesting that. What we're protesting is the product of a broken system that finally reached the doorstep of our community." Long said that neither side in the national debate is coming up with a solution: "The problem still is there. The problem is in Washington, D.C." The U.S. government is scheduled to send another group of undocumented immigrants to Murrieta for processing on Friday, a union official for Border Patrol agents said. Hadden also said he was told to expect 140 immigrants every 72 hours, with the next group scheduled to arrive on Friday, the Fourth of July. Earlier Wednesday, immigration rights advocates denounced the protesters. "It is deplorable that people espousing anti-immigrant hate language created unnecessary tension and fear for immigrant mothers and their children," Pedro Rios, a community representative of the San Diego Immigrant Rights Consortium, said in a statement. "Even more concerning is that elected officials in the City of Murrieta instigated this tension. Mothers and their children on these buses have suffered through enough trauma." Intense debate . The furor in Murrieta illustrated the conflict between protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of detained immigrants and children. Protester Ellen Meeks said the country's identity has eroded with an influx of undocumented immigrants. "I just wish America would be America again because it's not, and it's not just pointed to the Hispanics," Meeks said. "Everybody needs to go through the legal ways." Other protesters told CNN affiliate KGTV they wanted immigrants to follow the legal process to enter the United States. "Everybody that wants to come to this nation is entitled to, but they should come the right way," Bob Cuccio told the news outlet. "You bring in all these children and they're going to take over our schools," Bel Reeves added. "What's going to happen to the kids that were born and raised here?" But immigration rights advocate Enrique Morones likened the migration to a refugee crisis and suggested racial antipathy was motivating protesters. "If these children were from Canada, we would not be having this interview," Morones said. "The parents have had enough. They are saying, 'If I don't send my child north, they are going to die.'" The U.S. government is struggling to detain and accommodate an influx of undocumented immigrants, particularly a wave of unaccompanied children from the Central American countries of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. The U.S. government doesn't have enough beds, food or sanitary facilities. Authorities estimate 60,000 to 80,000 children without parents will cross the border this year in what the White House has called an "immediate humanitarian crisis." Last month, the Obama administration unveiled a plan to spend almost $100 million in aid to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to help reintegrate the undocumented migrants whom the United States will deport, and to help keep them in their home countries. The administration also will set aside $161.5 million this year for the Central American Regional Security Initiative programs in an effort to "help stem migration flows as well as address the root cause of the migration," the White House said. The Obama administration has accused syndicates in Latin America of waging a deliberate campaign of misinformation about relocating to the United States that has caused people in poor Central American countries and Mexico to risk their lives to cross the U.S. border illegally. Obama to take executive action on immigration . Vargas: Undocumented and hiding in plain sight . Crossroads of hope and fear: Stories from a desert bus station . CNN's Chuck Conder, Stephanie Elam, Rosalina Nieves, Traci Tamura and Greg Morrison contributed to this report. | "The problem still is there. The problem is in Washington, D.C.," says Murrieta mayor .
Immigrant rights advocate denounces "anti-immigrant hate language"
140 undocumented Central American immigrants arrive in California from Texas .
Protesters block them from being processed at the Murrieta Border Patrol station . |
177,466 | 71b9bd926f3e636313b00535c034e2a006cc80ef | By . Liz Hull . PUBLISHED: . 20:23 EST, 5 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 06:40 EST, 6 January 2014 . BT was accused yesterday of introducing ‘immoral’ and ‘money-grabbing’ price rises that will lead to millions of customers being charged for the 1571 messaging service for the first time. The telecoms giant has introduced landline, broadband and service charges that are expected to generate £245million a year. Most controversially, BT’s 10million customers will have to pay an extra £1.75 a month for the previously free 1571 voicemail service, which allows callers to leave a message. BT's 10million customers will have to pay an extra £1.75 a month for the previously free 1571 voicemail service . Individuals must contact the firm to opt out if they do not want to pay for the service. Monthly phone and broadband packages have gone up by 6.5 per cent, with standard line rental up by 44p or an above-inflation 3.5 per cent to £15.99 a month. BT denies the rises are an attempt to recoup its recent £2.4billion investment in sport broadcasting, including Champions League and Premier League football matches. But David Hickson, of the Fair Telecoms Campaign, said charging customers for a previously free 1571 service was ‘money-grabbing nastiness’ and it was ‘obvious’ that ordinary people were now paying for BT Sport. Monthly phone and broadband packages have gone up by 6.5 per cent . ‘BT will deny it but the timing seems unfortunate,’ he added. ‘Dipping into areas which BT previously felt should be free of charge customers suggests they are desperate to recoup cash.’ Paul Green, a spokesman for Saga, said the rises would hit pensioners and the vulnerable, who rely on landlines, hardest. ‘It is immoral for BT to charge customers for the 1571 service they haven’t purposely asked for and have to opt out of,’ he said. ‘Putting up standing charges will hit elderly customers particularly hard. Older, more vulnerable customers perhaps don’t make as many calls, but those they do make are vital to their social interaction or are made in an emergency. For them, having a landline is also a lifeline.’ He said many older people were on fixed monthly incomes from pensions and savings, which have been hit by low interest rates, and even small rises in bills had a big impact on their finances. | The telecoms giant has introduced landline, broadband and service charge .
The charges are expected to generate £245million a year .
BT’s 10million customers will have to pay an extra £1.75 a month for the previously free 1571 voicemail service . |
152,591 | 512c61e3d0a5f5b6cf1c5c581c8ec91fd5d44b35 | New Zealand easily chased down 105 to complete an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka and make it five Test-match victories in a year for the first time. Captain Brendon McCullum became the first New Zealander to hit 1,000 Test runs in a calendar year when he made a rapid 195 in the first innings in Christchurch. But he was not needed in the second as Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor knocked off the runs required once opening pair Tom Latham and Hamish Rutherford had been dismissed. New Zealand's captain Brendon McCullum continued his rich Test scoring streak with 195 against Sri Lanka . That put the hosts 1-0 up in the two-match series to complete a remarkable year for the side and particularly McCullum, who hit 302 and 224 against India in February and 202 against Pakistan in Sharjah last month. With his century in Christchurch coming in 74 balls, he beat his own record for the fastest Test ton by a Kiwi. He was close to smashing the record for the fastest double ton by any player when he was caught trying to hit his 134th ball for six. West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul at the crease during their Test match against South Africa . West Indies are toiling in the first Test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth after losing seven wickets for only 44 runs. They are 275 for nine in their first innings at the end of the fourth day, still 142 runs behind — despite Kraigg Brathwaite and Marlon Samuels both hitting centuries. Morne Morkel had four for 69 when play was ended by rain, which could prove to be the Windies’ saviour. At the end of day four in Melbourne Australia moved 326 runs ahead of India, with three wickets remaining in their second innings. Chris Rogers scored 69 and Shaun Marsh was unbeaten on 62. Chris Rogers scored 69 as Australia opened up a 326 run lead against India in Melbourne . | Brendon McCullum became first Kiwi to hit 1,000 Test runs in a year .
New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka for a record five Test wins in a year .
West Indies lost seven wickets for 44 runs in first Test against S Africa . |
237,582 | bf7c8e4b045a7ce9dbae83afa899dfb621f3edf4 | PUBLISHED: . 02:45 EST, 31 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:45 EST, 31 July 2013 . DNA profiles of thousands of suspected sex offenders are being destroyed because of a legal loophole that leaves police powerless to hold them. From October, forces in England and Wales will no longer be able to hold indefinitely genetic information on people arrested on suspicion of sexual and violent crimes once they have been released without charge. Police will be given the right to apply for data to be held for longer, but this appeal process is not yet in place, the BBC said. Changes: Police forces in England and Wales will no longer be able to retain DNA profiles of people arrested on suspicion of sexual or violent crimes indefinitely . Despite the lack of appeal, the Home Office has ordered forces to delete DNA records ahead of the change, Labour says, including the details of 18,000 people arrested but not charged with rape. Labour claims forces are now following government directives to delete records in advance of the change to the law, according to the BBC. The changes to the national DNA . database come in the 2012 Protection of Freedoms Act, under which DNA . profiles from people arrested but not charged with a serious offence . such as rape should be destroyed. Police . can apply to the biometrics commissioner to hold a sample for three . years, with an extension of two years, if they have the grounds to do . so. 'Incompetence': Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has accused the Home Office of 'shocking incompetence' But this opportunity to appeal is not yet in place, despite Prime Minister David Cameron telling the Commons in 2011 that safeguards had been introduced, The Times said. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper said the loophole amounted to 'shocking incompetence' by the Home Office. She told The Times: 'It is appalling that DNA evidence from thousands of rape suspects is now being destroyed, contrary to the promises made by the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary. 'They were warned repeatedly in Parliament and by the police about the risks involved in destroying DNA evidence in this way. 'Theresa May's failure to prevent and deal with this incompetence shows she has not taken seriously enough the risks to rape convictions and crime from her policy.' Ms Cooper demanded an urgent inquiry into 'how this implementation went so badly wrong', saying: 'We need to know if the police have been ignored or overruled by the Home Office and why this has gone so wrong.' A Home Office spokeswoman said: 'In the past, DNA was kept from innocent people, but not taken from prisoners. We are taking samples from the guilty and getting rid of them when people have done nothing wrong. 'Through the Protection of Freedoms Act we are restoring common sense to the system by ensuring only those convicted of a criminal offence will have their DNA retained indefinitely. 'Forces will be able to retain DNA from someone arrested and not charged for up to three years, but only with permission from the biometrics commissioner. And all DNA samples taken by police are checked against the national database before deletion.' | DNA profiles of people arrested but not charged will be destroyed .
Police will be able to apply for an extension - but system not yet in place .
Yvette Cooper said amounted to 'shocking incompetence' by Home Office .
Home Office said it was 'restoring common sense' to the system . |
91,114 | 012fc6d4fdbf667813a6bfc5d3cd9b53791a932f | LONDON, England (CNN) -- It runs on 100 per cent renewable biodiesel and holds the record for the fastest circumnavigation of the globe in a powerboat -- and now Earthrace is for sale. For sale: The green powerboat Earthrace is on the market for $1.5 million. The boat's owner, New Zealander Pete Bethune, listed Earthrace as for sale on the vessel's dedicated Web site last year, and he's now taking it on a tour of Australia and New Zealand in the hope of finding a buyer. Bethune is asking $1.5 million for the trimaran, which holds the world record for the fastest time in circling the globe in a powerboat. Earthrace achieved the feat in 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes; beating the old record by over two weeks. Earthrace claims to have a net zero carbon footprint by running on renewable bio diesel. Most of the fuel is believed to come from waste animal fats. The 1080 hp engine is kept cool with ducts which expel hot air and suck in cold air. See an image gallery of Earthrace » . Bethune has said he hopes to pay off some debts with the sale of the boat. | Earthrace holds the world record for fastest time around the globe in a powerboat .
Owner Pete Bethune is selling Earthrace for $1.5 million .
The trimaran is currently touring Australia in the hope of finding a buyer . |
196,643 | 8a7b6636aca941be1ecee82ebc253388f09c69ab | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 15:56 EST, 10 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:55 EST, 10 September 2013 . A new video reveals the dramatic moment that police swarmed George Zimmerman's car and ordered him to get down on his knees before taking him into custody following an altercation with his estranged wife on Monday. The video, recorded by a police cruiser's dash cam, surfaced Tuesday as Zimmerman's lawyer revealed he would no longer represent him, despite the possibility that Zimmerman could face charges resulting from the dispute with his wife. When police arrived on the scene of the argument, which had allegedly turned violent, Zimmerman was in the driver's seat of his car. Scroll down for video . This screen grab from a video recorded by a police dash cam shows an officer taking George Zimmerman (left) into custody Monday . When police arrived on the scene, Zimmerman (right) was in the driver's seat of his car (pictured center) Police ordered Zimmerman (pictured) out of his car and shouted for him to raise his hands, turn around and walk backwards toward them . Officers approach Zimmerman, one with his gun drawn, as they prepare to handcuff him . Police ordered him out of his car and shouted for him to raise his hands, turn around and walk backwards toward them. By the time he appeared to be about 20 feet away, police shouted 'Get on your knees! Lock your feet!' Zimmerman dropped to his knees and two officers approached, one with his gun drawn, while the other handcuffed him. Then several other officers ran toward the house where the dispute allegedly took place. The video was first reported by TMZ. Mark O'Mara, who represented Zimmerman when he was acquitted of murder in the death of Trayvon Martin, made his shock announcement that he would be leaving his client as police continued their investigation into the warring couple. Police said they are now looking at an iPad belonging to Shellie Zimmerman to see if footage on the device sheds any light on the cause of their altercation in Lake Mary, Florida on Monday. It could be used to bring charges against either of the couple. The iPad captured video of the dispute but because it was smashed, it needs to be examined in a crime lab, Lake Mary police spokesman Zach Hudson said. Split: Defense attorney Mark O'Mara, left, has said he will no longer be representing George Zimmerman. They are pictured together in court in July during Zimmerman's murder trial . Shellie called 911 on Monday saying her husband had punched her father in the nose and was threatening them with a gun. But she later changed her story and decided against pressing charges. No gun was ever found and Zimmerman claimed it was his wife who was the aggressor. The spat came just days after she filed for divorce, claiming their marriage was irretrievably broken. Friends told MailOnline the argument began over claims Zimmerman had been having an affair with his ex-fiancee. On the 911 call, Shellie also claimed Zimmerman had smashed her iPad and now invetsigators say it could be crucial evidence in determining whether any charges are filed. 'The iPad video is going to be paramount in this case,' Hudson said. When . asked who could be charged, Hudson said: 'As of right now, it . could be either one or it could be no one. It depends what that iPad has . on it, what that footage shows.' Dispute: George Zimmerman, right, walks to a home in Lake Mary, Florida on Monday after his estranged wife called police claiming he had punched her father and was threatening them with a gun . More work: O'Mara speaks with a police officer at the scene, where he was visibly annoyed at his client . Authorities . are also looking into whether surveillance video from cameras at the . house captured the dispute, and Shellie added on the 911 call . that a city worker witnessed the spat. Zimmerman's attorney, O'Mara, . said that his client did nothing wrong but added that he was no longer going . to represent Zimmerman due to their impending divorce. 'I've come to know them as a family, and it's not a good idea to get in between them,' O'Mara said. O'Mara will continue to be Zimmerman's . lawyer in a defamation suit pending against NBC and in the remaining . motions from the Trayvon Martin trial. ABC . News reported that O'Mara appeared to struggle with his anger at his . client during Monday's incident when he arrived at the home. During a press conference, O'Mara was asked if he had any advice for Zimmerman, and he responded: 'Pay me.' Warring: Shellie Zimmerman, pictured right in court in June, called police just days after she filed for divorce . The . encounter Monday was the latest in a string of events for Zimmerman. He . has twice been pulled over on suspicion of speeding and ticketed once. He also appeared in photos at a gun maker that were published online and . he helped members of a family from their vehicle following a car wreck. Shellie . Zimmerman had collected most of her belongings from the house where she . and her husband had been staying until she moved out. On Monday, she . returned unexpectedly to gather the remaining items, and emotions got . out of control, O'Mara said. Neither side pressed charges and no one was arrested. 'I . know the 911 tape suggests that Shellie was saying something but I . think that was heightened emotions,' O'Mara said. 'There may have been . some pushing and touching. That happens a lot in divorce situations. ... Nobody was injured.' Florida law allows police officers to arrest someone for domestic violence without the consent of the victim. Police will either forward charges to the State Attorney's Office or make an arrest. Scene: Police were called to a home in Lake Mary owned by Shellie parents. She and Zimmerman lived there throughout the trial and she had been collecting belongings when the argument began . Probe: Zimmerman was questioned but released and police are now looking at iPad video footage . Hudson added that an arrest is possible today, depending on what the iPad video shows. He said that investigators do not . believe a gun was involved in the incident, even though Shellie had . described her husband making threats with his hand on one. We searched him ... there was no weapon,'Hudson said, adding: 'As of right now, a gun is not a part of the equation.' George . Zimmerman has been involved with a domestic case at least once before. In 2005, Zimmerman's former fiancee filed for a restraining order . against Zimmerman, alleging domestic violence. Zimmerman responded by . requesting a restraining order against his then-fiancee. In . an interview with ABC's Good Morning America that aired last Friday, . Shellie Zimmerman said her 29-year-old husband . is reckless and feels invincible. | Mark O'Mara will no longer work for Zimmerman, whom he represented throughout his murder trial in the death of Trayvon Martin .
iPad may have captured fight between Zimmerman and his wife on Monday .
A police dashboard cam also recorded the moment that Zimmerman was taken into custody .
Shellie Zimmerman called police claiming he was threatening her but he said she was to blame .
Police said footage could be used to bring charges against either of them . |
154,709 | 53f11c924370949308b86d687b916e97b5b3b92a | Men and women enjoy sex just as much with condoms as they do without, according to a study. Researchers reviewing an online questionnaire of the sex habits of men and women from 18-59, found participants consistently rated safe sex as 'highly arousing and pleasurable' - the same score as unprotected sex. Dr Debby Herbenick, from the School . of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, who led the study . said: 'This may be because men are more likely than women to purchase . condoms and to apply condoms. 'However, . it’s important for more women to become familiar with the condoms they . use with their partner so that they can make choices that enhance the . safety and pleasure of their sexual experiences.' Men don't find it difficult to maintain an erection while putting a condom on, a survey found . The nationwide American study found that men did not find it difficult to maintain erections when putting on condoms. The research also found that many women could not tell if the condom was lubricated or not. Dr Herbenick said the study will help target health messages in the fight against sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. He said: 'The U.S. continues to grapple with high rates of sexually transmitted infections, HIV, and unintended pregnancies. 'We need to understand how people make choices about the products they use and how these products contribute to the safety and pleasurable aspects of their sexual experiences. 'This is particularly important as the products themselves evolve and become more mainstream in American society.' Scientists urged women to become more aware of the contraceptions on the market . Sexually transmitted infections are passed on during sex without a condom. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there are 19 million new infections in the U.S every year. Chlamydia is one of the most common types, with 1.3m cases reported in the U.S, and 152,828 new cases reported among 16 to 24-year-olds in the UK in 2010. Sufferers can remain symptom free but if left untreated can lead to serious long-term health problems. Other infections include HIV, genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhoea and pubic lice. Irwin Goldstein, editor of The Journal of Sexual Medicine, said the study continued the work of pioneering sexologist Alfred Kinsey, who founded the Institute for Sex Research at Indiana University in 1947. He said: 'Gathering sexual data regarding condom use is highly relevant. 'Understanding current condom use offers health care providers an opportunity to educate those people uncomfortable with condoms but for whom lack of use may lead to significant sexually transmitted infection health risk.' | Men did not find it difficult to maintain erections when putting on condoms, according to a U.S study .
Experts hope message will help stem tide of sexually transmitted infections . |
85,740 | f3312a56e15038ea010f650efe41cc565b124cb7 | Fort Meade, Maryland (CNN) -- An Army computer investigator testified late Sunday that a search of military computers used by Pfc. Bradley Manning in Iraq revealed that he had downloaded the same secret documents and videos that were released online by WikiLeaks. This was the first testimony in Manning's preliminary military hearing appearing to link him to WikiLeaks. The Army private faces 22 charges -- foremost among them, aiding the enemy -- after being accused of distributing hundreds of thousands of secret government documents to the website WikiLeaks, which then posted them online. The Army investigator, Special Agent David Shaver, said that the search of Manning's computer revealed the electronic footprints of which documents Manning had collected and when. He said there were computer code references to hundreds of thousands of secret State and Defense Department documents on the computers, and in some cases the full documents themselves. In addition he mentioned finding on Manning's computer videos that also were leaked, with one showing a U.S. Apache helicopter attack that killed two Reuters journalists in Baghdad in 2007 . And Shaver said a forensic analysis of Manning's computers showed Manning had searched for information about WikiLeaks more than 100 times, as well as information about WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. "A lot of the searches seemed out of place," Shaver testified. Manning is accused of stealing and leaking State and Defense Department secrets while serving as an intelligence analyst in Iraq in 2009 and 2010. Shaver said his investigation also found that Manning had created a small computer program to download a large amount of files automatically. Manning's defense team gets a chance Monday morning to cross examine the Army computer expert. This third day of the Article 32 hearing is the latest stop along the road to a possible court martial of Manning on multiple charges including aiding the enemy and publishing government secrets on the Internet. The presiding investigating officer said the hearing would go into closed session Monday morning to consider classified information. The hearing went into closed-to-the-public session Sunday afternoon for more than an hour to consider the same issue. During the day, Manning -- who turned 24 Saturday -- chatted with his civilian and military lawyers sitting beside him and appeared to pay close attention to the testimony. He seemed unruffled about lengthy descriptions of his emotional outbursts in Iraq, or the details of the searches of his computers. Earlier Sunday, military prosecutors portrayed Manning as a highly skilled, calculating traitor -- in sharp contrast to the defense argument that he was a uniquely talented soldier who was picked on by colleagues and was struggling to come to grips with his sexual identity. The alleged crimes occurred at a forward operating base in Iraq, where Manning and others worked 12-hour shifts inside a secure computer room sifting through reports of insurgent threats as well as downloading games, music and movies. The private was there between November 2009 and May 2010, when he was arrested. Manning was widely recognized for his computer skills, as well as being known for his emotional outbursts -- like scuffling with co-workers, slamming his fist on tables and even being seemingly unresponsive as he stared at his computer screen, according to testimony over the first three days of the preliminary hearing at Fort Meade, which is located between Washington and Baltimore. An officer who supervised the private said Sunday that she'd recommended that he be removed from the computer room outside Baghdad after he fought with a fellow soldier. Capt. Casey Fulton, the first witness on the hearing's third day, said she also recommended that Manning's weapon be taken away. At the same time, Fulton described the Army private -- who had access to classified government computer networks -- as trained, experienced and knowledgeable. She agreed with a defense attorney that Manning was her "go-to analyst" on various computer projects. "He was very good in researching and compiling data," Fulton said. Numerous witnesses have described Manning's work as an intelligence analyst at a forward operating base in Iraq. It was during that stint that he is accused of downloading secret documents and distributing them. In response to defense questions, Fulton described how music, movies and games had been downloaded to government computers. Manning is accused of downloading government documents while pretending to listen to a Lady GaGa CD. Fulton conceded it was impossible to monitor everyone inside the computer room, known as a Sensitive Compartmentalized Computer Facility. "There is only a limited amount of supervisors; we can't supervise everyone every second of the day," Fulton said. A computer expert who worked in Iraq as a private contractor testified that Manning boasted about his computer skills. "He said, 'If people knew what I did with computers, they would be amazed,'" said Jason Allen Milliman. "He seemed kind of serious and kind of joking at the same time. I didn't know how to take him." Milliman said the computer that Manning shared with Sgt. Chad Madaras -- with the former working the day shift, and the latter the night shift -- had an unusual amount of problems. Testifying by telephone from Fort Drum, New York, Madaras said the computer would be running smoothly when he left for the day, only to have problems when he returned 12 hours later. He told prosecutors he had never tried to access records of terrorist detainees held at Guantanamo Navy Base in Cuba or other secret government sites. And he said he never used Manning's computer profile and didn't know any of his passwords. Manning's civilian defense attorney, David Coombs, clashed again Sunday with the presiding officer, Lt. Col. Paul Almanza, when he repeatedly asked Madaras whether the private had been picked on. Coombs complained the investigating officer "should not arbitrarily limit cross-examination." Madaras described emotional outbursts by Manning in the secure computer facility at base, located outside Baghdad. On one occasion, he said that Manning became non-responsive, sitting and staring at his computer screen. "Did he seem to be an outcast in the unit?" Coombs asked. "Yes, sir," Madaras replied. Two witnesses called to testify Sunday -- Sgt. 1st Class Paul Adkins and Warrant Officer Kyle Bolonek -- refused to answer questions, invoking their right to remain silent. It was not clear why both men, who had worked with Manning in Iraq, didn't answer questions. Adkins has been reduced in rank, from master sergeant to sergeant first class. The Defense Department has said 15 military personnel were disciplined in the aftermath of the WikiLeaks scandal. The military also subsequently restricted the number of people who could download secret information. It instituted new rules requiring two people to authorize any downloads, and set up alerts whenever there is any mass transfer of information. At the time of Manning's last deployment to Iraq, there was no technology to block soldiers from downloading and stealing massive amounts of government secrets, a military computer expert testified Sunday. Capt. Thomas Cherepko said intelligence analysts like Manning could move information back and forth from their official computers and a shared computer hard drive. Testifying by telephone, he said there was nothing preventing a soldier from burning a CD of classified information, taking the CD, and then distributing whatever files were on it. "The only thing preventing that is trust," said Cherepko, who served with Manning at the same base in Iraq. The captain said that no other soldier in Manning's unit did anything to exploit weaknesses in the computer system and transfer material to a personal computer. Each person using the secret government computer system had to read and sign a document agreeing to secrecy and security rules. Once the investigation was launched, this document for Manning could not be found, according to Cherepko. Earlier testimony in the preliminary hearing portrayed Manning as someone troubled by Army discipline during his deployment to Iraq, and who was struggling with sexual orientation and gender identification issues. If convicted on all counts, Manning could face the death penalty. However, Army prosecutors have signaled they will not recommend death in the event of a conviction, and it is unlikely they would be overruled by a senior officer. | NEW: Investigator: Manning's computer had secret documents and videos .
NEW: They were the same documents and videos later on WikiLeaks .
An expert says only "trust" prevented soldiers from downloading classified info .
Manning is accused of leaking classified documents to WikiLeaks, among other charges . |
78,276 | ddebfad10835d78f9c1c447f8493122111c4cf5d | (CNN)It started as a police chase after a teenager allegedly ignored a traffic stop by a Maryland state trooper. By the time it ended, the 16-year-old suspect was dead in a shootout with officers. During an investigation into the teen's background, police found three bodies at a Kentucky address linked to him. Authorities in both states are trying to put together a timeline of events that ended with the shootout Saturday. How did the teen, identified as Jason C. Hendrix of Corbin, Kentucky, get from his hometown to Baltimore County? Did he kill his mother, father and sister? If he did so, why? And when? Could a dispute over computer use have something to do with it, as a newspaper reported? And why did the teen head to Maryland? It was a mundane traffic stop on Valentine's Day. Hendrix, who was driving a Honda Pilot, failed to stop when a state trooper tried to pull him over on Interstate 95, according to the Baltimore County Police Department. A car chase ensued, and police cornered him after he struck another vehicle at an intersection in Woodlawn, forcing him to stop. "As officers approached the Honda Pilot, gunfire came from the vehicle, striking an officer," authorities said. "Officers then returned fire on the vehicle." Hendrix, who was alone in the car, was shot to death. The officer injured in the shootout was treated at a local hospital and released. "His ballistic vest stopped the round that struck him," police said. Authorities found a "handgun and other weapons" during a search of the suspect's car. About 500 miles away from the shootout, a grisly scene awaited. Baltimore County detectives traced the suspect's car registration to an address in Corbin. They reached out to their counterparts there, who went to the address and found the bodies of Kevin and Sarah Hendrix, and their daughter. Police are looking at Jason Hendrix as the main suspect in the deaths of his parents and sister, according to the Times Tribune newspaper. All signs point to him as the suspect, Maj. Rob Jones told CNN affiliate WLEX. "We still have to finish our investigation to definitely say if this is the guy," he added. Corbin Police Chief David Campbell told the Lexington Herald-Leader the teen "was mad at his parents over the usage of his computer. They had taken his computer rights away." The Corbin Police Department declined to comment when reached by CNN on Monday, saying it only had limited information. Campbell told the Lexington newspaper that all three victims had been shot in the head at least twice. "A pillow was used to try to muffle the gunshot used on all three individuals," he said. "The pillows were still on their faces." The coroner's office is still trying to determine when the killings happened. Based on their investigation at the crime scene, Jones said, "officers are thinking it was sometime around Wednesday," several days before the suspect was killed in the Baltimore County shootout. At Union College in Barbourville, Kentucky, where Sarah Hendrix was an associate professor of social work, officials said the community was heartbroken. "We have lost a member of our family, " they said in a Facebook post. "A wonderful educator, colleague and friend." CNN's Camille Cava, Justin Lear and Catherine E. Shoichet contributed to this report. | Report: Police chief says there was a dispute over the teen's computer use .
A teen is suspected in the deaths of his relatives in Kentucky, report says .
He also shot a police officer in Maryland, authorities say . |
129,177 | 32f0225458d0f8e2501fd2786946cb01565ddde2 | By . Paul Harris . PUBLISHED: . 18:10 EST, 4 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:11 EST, 4 January 2013 . It stands just a few paces from a glorious, sandy beach and boasts a veranda from which you can watch the sun set over one of Britain’s most picturesque seaside towns. Little wonder if the Edwardian charm of Compass House proves irresistible to anyone browsing holiday brochures and internet sites for an Easter break this year. But if they want to take the family, they’d be advised to check their dates. Costly view: The price of renting Compass House in St Ives rises from £889 to £2,899 during the school holidays . For the price of renting this otherwise modest retreat in St Ives, Cornwall, more than trebles during the week in which thousands of families head off with the kids on their school holidays. Booking Compass House for the week ending Saturday March 23 costs £889. A few hours after they close the doors and prepare it for the next arrivals, however, the price rises instantly to a £2,899. The huge rise applies all through the Easter school holidays before jumping again to a staggering £4,499 for the peak weeks of July and August. Only out-of-season periods see rates fall – to a special-offer £670, if you happen to have booked it for a week beginning from today. The changing rates for the wooden ‘seaside villa’ show how the average family can struggle to find a reasonably priced break during school holidays. Idyllic: The three-bedroom property overlooks Porthminster beach and is near St Ives station, with links to main line London trains. But rates can rise to £4,999 for the peak weeks of July and August . Record numbers of parents are taking their children out of school in term time to avoid tourist industry exploitation, according to teachers’ unions. The three-bedroom property overlooks Porthminster beach and is near St Ives station, with links to main line London trains. Just as well, as Compass House has no on-site parking. It has a modern fitted kitchen and sleeps six but has only one bathroom. Yesterday no one had made a booking for any dates during the school Easter holiday period, but five weeks in the premium-price summer had already been booked. Fluctuation: Despite the huge prices charged during peak season, Compass House sees rates fall to £670 if booked for weeks out-of-season . Agents Cornish Gems, a holiday company which also rents other houses with prices from £200 to nearly £6,500, said: ‘It’s probably one of the only properties we’ve got where the price does actually vary quite dramatically from low to high season.’ Founder and co-director Julianne Shelton added: ‘It’s in such high demand in the summer, it’s really because of that. 'Over and above this factor, the prices diversify so much due to its prime location – there isn’t another property like it in the area. Guests absolutely love it.’ | Rates at Compass House in Cornwall dramatically increase at peak times .
Weekly rate can rise from £889 to £2,899 over the space of a few hours .
The three-bedroom property overlooks idyllic Porthminster beach . |
51,125 | 90a612b42dcb6be88acff05987ebef6c06f239c5 | By . Sean Poulter, Consumer Affairs Editor . PUBLISHED: . 12:31 EST, 27 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:15 EST, 27 August 2013 . Families forking out for flights to the sun, together with all the summer clothes and travel insurance, are paying a staggering £2billion ‘holiday tax’, it is claimed. For a combination of Air Passenger Duty, VAT and insurance tax are imposing a huge financial burden on families who already struggle to afford a foreign break. New research from the TaxPayers’ Alliance warns UK flight taxes are the most expensive in the world, adding hundreds of pounds to some holidays. Checking in: Research from the TaxPayers' Alliance warns UK flight taxes are the most expensive in the world . It suggests that a family of four . travelling to Florida over the summer are likely to have paid some £350 . in various taxes before they take off. It . says this figure is up by some £150 – 75per cent – since 2008, making . it more difficult as every year passes for families to afford a long . haul holiday. The Alliance suggests the total UK tax bill gathered from British holidaymakers is up by £500million since 2008 to an estimated £2billion. Total APD charged £1,037,281,001 on holiday flights VAT on pre-holiday shopping £936,642,117Holiday Insurance £42,201,833Premium TaxTotal tax on holidays £2,016,125,011abroad . Number of holidays 36,173,000taken abroad . Tax per holiday broad £56 . The £2billion Holiday Tax Sting (Figures for 2012 - Source: TaxPayers’ Alliance) Its research claims that a family of six . travelling to Spain will have faced an average tax bill of £187 on their . flights and holiday purchases in the UK. And a couple travelling to Australia will have faced an average tax bill of £254 on their flights and holiday purchases. The Alliance said the tax take equates to an average of £56 for every many woman and child who flies overseas each year. Air Passenger Duty on flights out of Britain is charged in several bands according to the distance of the flight and the class of ticket. The tax starts at £13 per passenger on the cheapest short haul budget flights and rises to a maximum of £188. Alliance chief executive, Matthew Sinclair, said: ‘People work hard all year to make ends meet, despite high taxes and rising prices. ‘They look forward to a holiday as a blessed relief but sadly the tax man is waiting even when they try to take a well-earned break. Florida: A family of four travelling to Florida will pay £65 a head or £240 in APD (Air Passenger Duty) alone, says the TaxPayers' Alliance . ‘Britain's exceptionally high taxes on . flights in particular make holidays much more expensive, as well as . making it harder for Britain to compete as a destination for tourists . and business investment. ‘The Government should cut Air Passenger Duty and make flying more affordable.’ A . family of four travelling to Florida will pay £65 a head or £240 in APD . alone. The VAT on holiday purchases, such as summer dresses, shorts, . books and beauty products, would add another £62, while the tax on . holiday insurance would be another £28. The . Alliance said the APD on a party of six flying to Spain would add up to . £78, with VAT on holiday purchases of £56 and travel insurance tax of . £42. The APD on a couple . flying to Australia works out at £184, plus VAT on purchases for the . trip estimated at £56 and insurance tax at £14. Destination bands and distance from London Economy Class Ticket All other classes Band A (0-2,000miles) £13 £26 Band B (2,001-4,000miles) £67 £134 Band C (4,001-6,000miles) £83 £166 Band D (6,001 and above) £94 £188 . The £2billion Holiday Tax Sting (Figures for 2012 - Source: TaxPayers’ Alliance) Florida Holiday Tax Bill – family of four Total APD charged on holiday flight £260VAT on pre-holiday shopping £62Holiday Insurance Premium Tax £28 Total tax on holiday abroad £350 Spanish Holiday Tax Bill – party of six Total APD charged on holiday flights £78 VAT on pre-holiday shopping £68 Holiday Insurance Premium Tax £42 Total tax on holiday abroad £187 . The £2billion Holiday Tax Sting (Figures for 2012 - Source: TaxPayers’ Alliance) | The TaxPayers' Alliance said the tax take equates to an average of £56 for every many woman and child who flies overseas each year .
It warns UK flight taxes are the most expensive in the world, adding hundreds of pounds to some holidays .
A family of six travelling to Spain 'will have faced an average tax bill of £187 on their flights and holiday purchases in the UK' |
38,085 | 6bbbc1f4da51ab0ce854afaa91874359c997166e | It may be a fortnight without action in a Barcelona shirt for Lionel Messi, but the Argentine is still having to undergo recovery in the international break. Fans fearing the worst at seeing Messi on a treatment table can rest assured though as the forward still looks ready to take on Portugal at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Messi was relaxed as he sat for a recovery session in Manchester, sipping a tea and talking to a friend. Lionel Messi takes in tea as a standard looking recovery session begins on his left leg . The 27-year-old may also have been in a rather jovial mood, with reasons for his recovery time perhaps due to a tennis football tournament he had competed in earlier in the day. It was one that looked to be worth it though as he posed with Javier Mascherano and Manchester United's Angel di Maria, with his Barca team-mate proclaiming the trio were champions of the competition. It may not quite prove enough consolation for Argentina who lost the World Cup final earlier this year to Germany - but bigger tests are to come for the trio. Messi poses with Argentina team-mates Javier Mascherano (left) and Angel di Maria with Messi's Barcelona team-mate proclaiming on Twitter they were the 'tennis football champions' Messi was the star attraction as he scored the winning goal in Argentina's 2-1 friendly win over Croatia at Upton Park last Wednesday. But the World Cup Golden Ball winner will go head-to-head with his on-pitch rival and World Player of the Year Cristiano Ronaldo when Argentina and Portugal clash at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Messi trains with the Argentina team at Manchester City's Carrington Training Centre on Saturday . Messi (right) scored from the penalty spot to help Argentina to a 2-1 win over Croatia at Upton Park last week . | Lionel Messi goes through recovery session on treatment table .
Argentina star posed with Javier Mascherano and Angel di Maria after becoming 'tennis football champions' with team-mates .
Barcelona forward prepared to lead side against Portugal at Old Trafford . |
34,304 | 617487d3553d9df5deba0596e3345c67fc782ede | (CNN)Our minds still try to resist the idea that someone is willing to kill another human being because of the words that he or she writes. Yet that is exactly what happened to Avijit Roy, an American citizen hacked to death by men brandishing knives and machetes during a trip to his native Bangladesh. Roy and his wife, Rafida Ahmed Bonya, now in critical condition after also being attacked Thursday, were in Bangladesh to attend the national book fair, where Roy was promoting his books advocating tolerance, education and secular humanism. Why was he killed? At the time of writing, the perpetrators had not been caught, but there seems little doubt he was killed by Islamist radicals, who were likely angered by his devastatingly critical writings. Just last month he wrote about the Charlie Hebdo killings in Paris and the December 16 massacre in Peshawar, Pakistan, in which Pakistani Taliban opened fire inside a school, killing 145 people, including 132 children. "To me," he wrote, "such religious extremism is like a highly contagious virus." Roy strongly disagreed with President Barack Obama's statements distancing the so-called Islamic State from Islam. "ISIS," he said, "is what unfolds when the virus of faith launches into action and the outbreak becomes an epidemic." His assassination came the same day we learned the identity of the man known as Jihadi John, infamous for narrating in English as Western hostages of ISIS were decapitated. He has been identified as the London-raised, university educated Mohammed Emwazi. Taken together, these two tragedies help shed light on what motivates people to conduct these brutal acts. The revelations about Emwazi's life story were pieced together with the help of an organization that wants to make us believe Jihadi John's radicalization is the fault of the British security services, not of a murderous, apocalyptic ideology that helped make 2014 the deadliest year for terrorist attacks on record. According to the Washington Post, which relies partly on information from a group called CAGE, Emwazi was described by some as a perfectly normal young Londoner, showing no signs of becoming the barbaric murderer he is alleged to have become, until security services started harassing him. The problems began, friends referred to in the article would have us believe, when he tried to go on safari to Tanzania with a couple of friends. He was stopped in Tanzania, and according to the article, he claims he was accused of planning to travel to Somalia, where the al Qaeda affiliate al Shabaab has been conducting its reign of terror. An official from CAGE, which is described by the Washington Post as a "rights group," described Emwazi as "extremely kind, extremely gentle," before Britain's MI5 started making his life hell for no apparent reason other than that he was a Muslim. It is a misleading interpretation of events, one seemingly aimed at furthering the alleged agenda of CAGE. Indeed, reports suggest that the security services had reason to believe Emwazi was already engaged in supporting Somalia's al Shabaab before his troubles began. Any "harassment" he experienced therefore seems more likely to have been because he was regarded as a threat. And that reality seems to get at a very real truth in all this -- people who decapitate journalists, or who hack to death bloggers, or who massacre Shiite Muslims, or set on fire fellow Sunni Muslims don't do it because the authorities in London weren't kind enough toward them. And the blame for the acts of murderous extremism we are seeing cannot be laid at the door of poverty, lack of jobs or anti-Muslim prejudice. As Roy so accurately pointed out, and as his death tragically demonstrates, the culprit is an apocalyptic, ultra-extremist ideology that religiously justifies every atrocity as it seeks to intimidate its foes and impose its vision. Meanwhile, claims that the "root causes" of Islamist extremism lie in unemployment or prejudice simply serve to derail the campaign to eradicate it. Of course, unemployment and prejudice are ills that must be fought. But they are not what is getting bloggers like Ahmed Rajib Haider -- hacked to death in the streets of Dhaka in 2013 -- killed. And it is not just atheists who are at risk, something that most Muslims fully understand; these extremists are just as likely to target a Shiite, a moderate Sunni, or anyone else who wants to live in the modern world or who disagrees with their extremist ideas. Still, as an outspoken atheist, Roy knew that his views were putting his life in danger. He wrote about how last year, at the same Dhaka book fair, his book "The Virus of Faith" quickly rose to the top of the fair's best-seller list. It was enormously popular, but also "hit the cranial nerve of Islamic fundamentalists." That's when the death threats started pouring in across social media. "I suddenly found myself a target of militant Islamists and terrorists," he wrote. In 2014, local media reported on some of the threats coming out of a local college known as a stronghold of politicized religious extremists. One Facebook post read "Avijit Roy lives in America and so it is not possible to kill him right now. He will be murdered when he comes back." And so he was. The Islamist group Ansar Bangla-7 reportedly tweeted after Roy's killing, "Target Down here in Bangladesh." Roy was right about where the threat lies: in a dangerous ideology that takes religious teachings to their most extreme interpretation. He was working to counteract its effects, to open minds. And he understood the one thing that can be so difficult for the rest of us to fully comprehend: that there are people prepared to kill someone else just because of what they believe or what they write. Nothing could be more dangerous to a society, and to the basic rights of all human beings. Roy's tragic death is the latest reminder of that. | Bangladeshi-American blogger Avijit Roy was killed Thursday .
Frida Ghitis: Root cause of Islamist extremism is not poverty . |
133,660 | 38d6b9218d393735f56032257790172710a6671f | (CNN) -- Author Philip Jose Farmer died in his sleep Wednesday, according to a message on his Web site. Farmer was known for his science-fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. He was 91. His most popular work was his "Riverworld" series, written in the 1970s. Joe Lansdale, a critic, writer and friend of Farmer's, credited Farmer with changing the face of science fiction. "I just can't begin to tell you how important he is to the field as well as other fields," Lansdale said. Critics say Farmer, who was born in Indiana but spent the rest of his life in Peoria, Illinois, was the first author to address adult sexual themes in science-fiction novels. Jonathan Strahan, an editor and critic for Locus magazine, said Farmer treated sex seriously, not in a juvenile manner or for cheap thrills. "It wasn't pornography and it wasn't just about the sex of it," Strahan said. "It was about the sexuality of people in an interesting and intelligent way." His influence over the science-fiction community is becoming more apparent over time, critics said. One of the most well-known science-fiction novels to be influenced by Farmer was "Stranger in a Strange Land" by Robert Heinlein. Strahan said Heinlein was good friends with Farmer. Farmer was one of a handful of writers to win the lifetime achievement award from the World Fantasy Society and the Grand Master Award presented by the Science Fiction Writers of America. Winning both the awards is rare, Strahan said, because not many writers wrote as expansively in both fields as Farmer did. Lansdale said Farmer was fearless when it came to the subject matter for his stories. Farmer's latest books were published by Subterranean Press. His last novel, "The City Beyond Play," was published in 2007. A statement on Subterranean's Web site Wednesday noted the death of Farmer, "who we have been lucky to publish, but have been even luckier to be readers of for so many years." "You can imagine it's been a sad day here -- we're still working through our emotions about it," the statement said. "But we can say that our memories of him are good ones. He was always a joy to work with, and we will dearly miss his intelligence and good nature." | Farmer's most popular work was his "Riverworld" series .
His last novel, "The City Beyond Play," was published in 2007 .
Critics say he was the first to address adult sexual themes in science fiction . |
284,322 | fc5e715c0e68e1dd88b6b8b1f1192591e73199fe | (CNN) -- By most accounts, the showdown was pretty brutal. Many declared Jon Stewart, right, the victor in his face-to-face with Jim Cramer on "The Daily Show." Many watching Thursday night's "Daily Show" on Comedy Central felt that comedian-turned-media-critic Jon Stewart held bombastic financial guru and CNBC "Mad Money" host Jim Cramer's feet to the fire. And Cramer flinched. Stewart, known for his zany, satirical take on the news, was serious as he took Cramer's network to task for what Stewart viewed as their "cheerleading" of corporations at the heart of the nation's current economic crisis. And despite the title of his financial show, Cramer came off as less mad and more apologetic. Watch Stewart vs. Cramer » . "If it was a prize fight, they would have stopped it," said Howard Kurtz, the "Washington Post" media critic and host of CNN's "Reliable Sources." "I was stunned that Jim Cramer kind of did a rope-a-dope strategy and didn't really defend himself against Jon Stewart's assault." Kurtz is very familiar with the style of both men. He has appeared on "The Daily Show" and is the author of "The Fortune Tellers: Inside Wall Street's Game of Money, Media and Manipulation," in which Cramer is featured. Kurtz said Stewart "made clear at the outset that he wasn't going for laughs" and displayed very much the same passion for holding the media accountable as he did when he appeared on, and denounced, CNN's "Crossfire." Watch the debate on "Reliable Sources" "When I went on [Stewart's] show last year, he was so wound up in ripping the media that he went on for another 10 minutes, knowing full well that we were out of time," Kurtz said. "Stewart, as funny as he can be, is a very trenchant media critic who cares passionately about this stuff, and we saw that Thursday night." iReporter David Seaman of New York said he was surprised at the vigor with which Stewart "attacked Cramer's credibility." Check out David's iReport . The public wants answers as to how the country got into such financial distress, and viewers really want someone to answer for the mess, Seaman said. "People want to see a lot of the financial gurus on a shish kabob, being skewered," Seaman said. "It's really important to hold people accountable, and as we saw last night, Jon Stewart is a bit of a wild card, so if you aren't living up to expectations, he may call you out." David Brancaccio, host and senior editor of "Now on PBS," commended Cramer for his bravery in going on the show, though he said he was surprised that the brilliant founder of TheStreet.com seemed ill-prepared for Stewart's very thoughtful questioning. Brancaccio, the former host of American Public Media's "Marketplace" radio program, echoed the comments of many in that he found the exchange visibly uncomfortable for the usually showman-like Cramer. "You have the comedian as journalist, and you have the financial journalist as clown, in that on his show, Cramer's goofing around and plays the clown," Brancaccio said. "What a role reversal." Brancaccio said Stewart's show has emerged as an important vehicle for media criticism. Thursday night's show marked an important moment in journalism, especially financial reporting, Brancaccio said. "It's really important that tough questions are asked, because when tough questions aren't asked, we end up with Enron," he said. "It's interesting that the tough questions came from Jon Stewart, brilliant comedian that he is." Brancaccio thinks the episode may serve as a cautionary tale for those in the media who don't do their due diligence. White House approves of smackdown . "I don't think any financial journalist wants to be in Cramer's position," Brancaccio said. "I think [journalists] may redouble their efforts to be dispassionate reporters asking the tough questions." Steve Krakauer is associate editor of TVNewser.com, one of the leading blogs about the television news industry, and said comments at his site have been mixed about the show. Although some thought it was one of the best interviews they had ever seen, others found Stewart arrogant and said his outrage might have been a bit staged. Krakauer said the question now is where Cramer -- who has said he plans to make some changes to his show -- goes from here. Krakauer said he doubts that there will be a complete overhaul of "Mad Money." "I can't see things drastically changing," Krakauer said. " 'Mad Money' is one of the most successful shows on CNBC. Despite what has been written about Jim Cramer, the things he's gotten incorrect and the calls he has made, he's still popular and one of the most entertaining for people who are interested in that type of financial news." If anything, Cramer's appearance on "The Daily Show" may have just stoked the flames. Comedy Central's Web site played it up with clips from the show that it called "an historic moment in basic cable." The topic is such a hot one that Kurtz will lead "Reliable Sources" with it Sunday, with journalist Tucker Carlson, radio show host Stephanie Miller and "Baltimore Sun" television critic David Zurawik as guests. "Beyond the entertainment value, and we are not above that, this is a really important moment for holding financial journalists accountable," Kurtz said. "It may have taken Jon Stewart to blow the whistle on some of the hype and shortsightedness at America's top business news channel, but those failings were repeated throughout the business press, which stumbled badly in reporting on what turned into a huge financial meltdown." | Critics and viewers see Stewart as victor after interview with "Mad Money" host .
Pair squared off in an uncomfortable debate on "The Daily Show"
iReporter: Surprised at how Stewart "attacked Cramer's credibility"
Howard Kurtz: "Important moment for holding financial journalists accountable" |
187,059 | 7e41f98f75aa0470df0c03d776b078b78cd94aea | Panic erupted aboard an easyjet flight to Nice on Monday when the plane was struck by lightning moments after taking off from Geneva airport in Switzerland. Then after flying to the French Riviera, the plane lurched back into full flight just 200 metres from landing due to a 'blocked runway' and diverted to Milan. Shaken passengers then had to wait another seven hours before another plane was sent from London to return them to Nice. Accident: An easyJet flight was struck by lightning only ten minutes after leaving Geneva Airport (file photo) The route the plane was forced to take - despite reaching its destination and then having to fly off . The drama began when lightning struck flight EZY1377 just ten minutes after taking off from Geneva's Cointrin airport on Monday morning for the 45-minute flight to the south of France. The pilot was told he could not return to the ground and continued to Nice, where bad weather had created a aircraft 'traffic jam' on the ground. The plane then turned suddenly and regained altitude just seconds from landing, and continued another 45 minutes to Milan in northern Italy. Furious travellers said they were then offered just £7 each to buy a 'complimentary' lunch while they waited until 4.40pm for a second plane to take them back to Nice, landing at 5.25pm. The scene over Nice (not from actual incident) - but passengers never actually landed there . However, flyers said the cheapest meal available was £10. Swiss passenger Franca Scuderi told Switzerland's 20 Minutes online news: 'First we were hit by lightening which caused a lot of concern aboard the plane. 'Then we continued to Nice where just 200 metres from the runway we lurched up again and were told we were going to Milan. 'Once there, we were offered nine euros each to buy food and drink, but the cheapest meal in the restaurant was 12 euros. The day was a shambles.' A spokesman from easyJet told Mail Online: 'easyJet can confirm that the flight EZY1377 from Geneva to Nice was diverted to Milan due to thunderstorms over Nice. The aircraft landed routinely in Milan and all passengers disembarked normally. 'Once landed, the captain took the decision to request a replacement aircraft as the original plane was declared unserviceable due to lightning damage. Aircraft are built to withstand lightning strikes. 'A replacement aircraft arrived from Luton in Milan at 16:18 local time. The passengers have been provided with vouchers for lunch at Milan airport. 'The safety of its passengers and crew is the airline’s highest priority and we would like to apologise to any affected passengers for any inconvenience.' Back in July this year travellers on board the flight from Bristol to Barcelona were left terrified when the bolt shook the plane, causing many to burst into tears. The Airbus A319-111 was forced to land at Spain's Reus Airport due to thunderstorms when the lightning strike happened. The flight, from Bristol Airport, was due to arrive at Barcelona International at 10.10am local time. But, just minutes before landing, the plane was struck by the freak storm. A member of the public captured a lightning bolt striking a plane flying into Birmingham . The airport was closed, with many other planes also forced to land at Reus. And in March a flight from Amsterdam to Birmingham was hit by three bolts of lightning. Passengers heard a 'massive bang' - but the plane landed as normal. Incredible photos taken by a member of the public at ground level, capturing the storm, caught a picture of one bolt striking the plane. Passengers spoke of a 'massive bang' as one of the bolts struck the body of the KLM service from Amsterdam, but the blasts had no effect on the landing, which proceeded as normal to touch down. | easyJet flight struck by bolt 10 minutes after taking off from Geneva .
Budget airline pilot told to fly on to the destination of Nice .
Once there, plane couldn't land due to aircraft 'traffic jam'
Forced to fly on to Milan - some 150 miles and 55 minutes away .
Plane declared 'unserviceable due to lightning damage'
Passengers' despair as complimentary vouchers didn't cover cost of a meal . |
6,090 | 114457dd7c72dcf4c0f45c3ac7744b339a3f18e7 | Chris Hughton says that the FA are now serious about increasing the number of black and ethnic minority managers in football – but he wants to see substantive results in terms of appointments rather than good intentions. Hughton, who with Chris Powell and Keith Curle is one of only three black managers in the game, despite 25 per cent of players coming from black and minority backgrounds, takes on Arsenal in the FA Cup on Sunday having been appointed by Brighton at the turn of the year. And the former Norwich manager said: ‘I see a real enthusiasm from the stakeholders in our game, the PFA, certainly the FA and the LMA to address some of the imbalances. I think we're seeing an upturn in the number of black and ethnic potential coaches wanting to participate in courses and that's certainly a way to go. But it's about transparency as well, making sure that black and ethnic coaches are in a position to be interviewed for jobs and of course getting transparency in feedback from clubs. Chris Hughton's Brighton take on Premier League side Arsenal in the FA Cup Fourth Round on Sunday . Chris Powell, along with Hughton and Keith Curle, is one of only three black managers in the game . ‘As I said, there's a real enthusiasm and it's how you act upon that. If we're hearing things like that from the FA, then it's their responsibility to see that that comes into practice.’ But Hughton is not a supporter of the ‘Rooney Rule’, a stipulation by the NFL in the USA the football teams had to interview at least one minority candidate for any coaching position to increase diversity. ‘I understand and respect the reasoning for the Rooney Rule’ said Hughton. ‘They saw, similar to here, an under-representation of black coaches at the higher level. I've spoken about a, I think, real enthusiasm to change that. And if we can change that without legislation that's the best way. ‘I'm always conscious of my role and it's something that I'm very proud to do. When you speak to potential black and ethnic coaches that want to go into the game, one aspect that they always speak about are of course role models in the game. They would like to see representation, more at higher level. And any part I can play in that I am delighted to do.’ | Chris Hughton, Chris Powell and Keith Curle only black managers in game .
Hughton wants to see results in terms of appointments of black managers .
Brighton take on Arsenal in the Fourth Round of the FA Cup on Sunday . |
12,601 | 23b78a52f22cd87a587b0dfbb25e786681f20088 | By . Sam Webb . PUBLISHED: . 09:12 EST, 1 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:43 EST, 1 September 2013 . The 12th National Games, an event known as China's 'mini-Olympics', opened today with an incredible series of mass choreographed aerobic displays involving thousands of performers. Chinese President Xi Jinping opened the games, which run until September 12, at the Olympic Sports Centre in Shenyang, the capital city of Liaoning Province in the nation's north-east yesterday. The country's new leadership is on a cost-cutting drive and slashed the budget for the games by 78 per cent to a £58m, a tenth of which was spent on the opening ceremony. It was even held in daylight to slash the cost of lighting. Scroll down for video . Students from Dalian Maritime University perform during the opening ceremony of the 12th National Games in Shenyang, China . Paramilitary policemen perform an elaborate choreographed routine involving red fans . As part of this, costly celebrity performers were replaced by amateur performers. A group of senior mothers performed a 'fitness' dance', often seen in public spaces throughout China. The games, held every four years, showcases all the 28 Olympic sports, as well as baseball, softball and Wushu (a Chinese martial art) and attracted 9,770 athletes, including Olympic swimming champions and world record holders Sun Yang and Ye Shiwen. A total of 38 delegations from the provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, the People's Liberation Army, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps and the various sports associations of the railway, coal mining, forestry, finance, banking and aviation industries take part. Lean: To answer the thrift call of the Chinese leaders, the organisers slashed the budget of the games . China has been running the National Games since 1959, although a similar event ran before the formation of the People's Republic . College students from all over the country have volunteered to make the event a success . There are also delegations from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. As well as acting as a testing ground for future Olympic champions, the games also allows authorities to scrutinise the work done by the provincial sports authorities. The first National Games were held in Beijing in 1959. The forerunner of the games was the Chinese National Games, first held in 1910 during the Qing Dynasty. This ran until 1948 and the competition was relaunched under its current name in 1959, following the formation of the People's Republic of China. As well as acting as a testing ground for future Olympic champions, the games also allows authorities to scrutinise the work done by the provincial sports authorities . Pom poms: The forerunner of the Games was the Chinese National Games, first held in 1910 during the Qing Dynasty . | Thousands wowed the crowd at the event, dubbed China's 'mini-Olympics'
To tie in with thrift promises from Chinese Government, the budget was slashed to £58m .
38 delegations from throughout China will compete in 31 sports, including all 28 Olympic sports . |
194,982 | 88680a580611ab0dd7334b81f6e8c0cdf8ea1378 | By . Steve Nolan . PUBLISHED: . 12:56 EST, 6 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:08 EST, 7 March 2013 . 'Not a rare occurrence': Patients admitted to Spanish hospitals at weekends are reportedly being given towels to use as makeshift pillows . Spanish hospitals are forcing patients to use towels as pillows because they cannot afford to clean bed linen every day, it has been claimed. According to reports in Spain, patients admitted at weekends are being told to fold the towels to create makeshift pillows. It is believed that linen cleaning has been outsourced to private firms in a bid to cut costs. But those firms do not work Saturdays and Sundays leaving hospitals with a shortage of pillows. A patient who was admitted to the Clinical Hospital in Valencia, eastern Spain, took a picture of a folded towel on the bed in place of a pillow and sent it to local news website LasProvincias.es. Its report claimed that it was far from an isolated case with similar reports coming in from hospitals throughout Spain. Sources at the hospital told LasProvincias.es that the situation was 'not normal' but that it was also 'not a rare occurrence' for a Sunday afternoon. The source said that if the hospital was busier than it normally is at weekends then some patients would have to go without. Austerity measures imposed by the Spanish Department of Health have also had a negative effect on Valencia's hospitals, said the source. Patients are said to be expected to keep the same cutlery given to them on their first day for their entire stay. Patients used to be given a glass of milk at noon, but that has now been banned due to cost cutting measures. Last month thousands of health care workers took to the streets in 16 Spanish cities to protest against government budget cuts and plans to partially privatise the health care system. Mariano Rajoy's centre-right Popular Party government is struggling to reduce the nation's deficit and avoid hiking taxes and widespread public cuts. Unemployment figures in the country passed the five million mark for the first time in February. Shocked: A patient who was admitted to the Clinical Hospital in Valencia, eastern Spain, took a picture of a folded towel on the bed in place of a pillow and gave it to LasProvincias.es. | Spanish hospitals are said to have outsourced laundry to save money .
But many do not work at weekends leaving a shortage of bed linen .
Sources say that the situation is not a 'rare occurrence' after health cuts . |
88,379 | fad81bdc4aaf205e1722a6a8be5c4396e75cb11b | LONDON, England (CNN) -- Think of a bullwhip and fedora and one man immediately springs to mind: Indiana Jones, the sardonic archeologist played by Harrison Ford in Steven Spielberg's '80s trilogy which started with "Raiders of the Lost Ark." "If you learn how to talk I'm in deep trouble," quips Harrison Ford (right) to Vic Armstrong (left) on this photo which shows how similar the pair look. But if you were to venture on set during the filming of "Raiders" hoping to catch a few moments with the star you might have had a surprise. The tall, rangy man in the dented hat signing autographs could just as easily have been Ford's stunt double, Vic Armstrong. Back then, in the right light Armstrong could easily be mistaken for Ford -- both of them over six feet tall and bronzed with crinkly eyes. And it's this that is at the root of his success as Indy's "fall guy." In fact, Ford is a talented stuntman in his own right and Armstrong says that his biggest headache on set was trying to stop Ford from getting involved in action that was too risky. "The biggest stunt I always say on the Indiana Jones films was stopping Harrison doing the stunts because I had to fight nearly every time to stop him," Armstrong chuckles. An accomplished horseman (his first career choice was steeplechase jockey), it's Armstrong's Indy you see galloping along in the stained khaki shirt and jumping from his horse onto a tank in "The Last Crusade." "Technically very difficult," Armstrong says, "I had to rely on a horse, and horses have a sense of survival and they don't actually do what you tell them to do as they haven't read the script." It may have been his close resemblance to Ford that clinched the "Raiders" job but the pair developed a rapport that led Armstrong to work on the other two installments of the trilogy, "Temple of Doom" and "The Last Crusade." "It always works better if you do have a relationship with [the actor]. You can mimic how they move, how they work when you coordinate fights for them like I did with Harrison," Armstrong tells CNN. Armstrong was just 16 years old when he started in the stunt industry in 1965. He utilised his horseriding skills to double as Gregory Peck in spy movie "Arabesque." He had to jump a huge moat and then fall off his mount but it was the simple lifestyle and travel that hooked young Armstrong -- "Forty dollars a day and all you can eat. Fantastic living." After over 40 years and countless movies, his filmography reads like a who's who of Hollywood: he has doubled for Sean Connery, Donald Sutherland, John Voight and collaborated with directors like Ridley Scott, Paul Verhoeven, Michael Cimino and Sir Richard Attenborough. His work for three decades on classic Bond films like "You Only Live Twice" and "Live and Let Die" cemented his reputation as a stuntman who could pull off complicated of stunts with precision. "The films I've done I've been very lucky to have been very prolific in an area and a time when iconic films were being made. "My first stunt on a Bond film was in 1966 in the winter of "You Only Live Twice". I was one of the ninjas coming down firing guns into the volcano, which for me was sensational." He doubled for Roger Moore in "Live and Let Die" for a short while and was then propelled into working as a stunt coordinator and director of action units. Armstrong then added a superhero to his already impressive roster of action idols, standing in for Christopher Reeve in "Superman." Despite this, his allegiances lie solidly with cinema's 'real' heroes. "If you look at "Spiderman" and movies like that, or the "Incredible Hulk," they are far more computer-generated and so therefore slightly more cartoonish or video game-ish. "My personal preference is for real action just enhanced or maybe helped by computers. We use computers to take away fall pads or wires if you're getting snatched or thrown in the air." And in the spirit of keeping it real, Armstrong has gone to great lengths to help stuntmen achieve their crazy feats as safely as possible. In the 1980s he modified a tool known as the "fan descender" for the film "Green Ice." It would allow stuntmen to safely slow down when performing high freefalls. It revolutionized the stunt industry and in 2002 he was awarded a Science and Technology Academy Award for his invention -- the only one ever handed out to a stunt man. Earlier this year, he was honored by the Screen Actors Guild for his work on 2007 action horror "I am Legend." He has just finished work on "The Mummy 3" -- it was his prior commitment to this movie that stopped him working on the fourth Indy film "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" -- and is now stunt coordinating on the Weinstein production "Shanghai." Even after all this time, Armstrong, the authority on how to create a death defying stunt, still reckons Ford is the best stuntman actor he has ever worked with -- "Harrison has to be the ultimate." So why bother with a stunt double? "I was cheaper and it didn't matter if I got hurt." | Vic Armstrong was Harrison Ford's stunt double in the Indiana Jones movies .
His physical similarity to Ford is at the root of his success as Indy's "fall guy"
After 40 years in the business, Armstrong is the authority on death defying stunts .
Armstrong on Ford as a stuntman actor: "Harrison has to be the ultimate" |
211,546 | 9def7fae64056f9995c92641cbeacf0bffa2f62b | By . Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 20:33 EST, 4 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 23:17 EST, 4 October 2012 . Actress Daryl Hannah was arrested in northeast Texas on Thursday, along with a 78-year-old landowner as the pair protested an oil pipeline designed to bring crude from Canada to the Gulf Coast. The Kill Bill star and landowner Eleanor Fairchild . were standing in front of heavy equipment in an attempt to halt . construction of the Keystone XL pipeline on Fairchild's farm in . Winnsboro, a town about 100 miles east of Dallas. They were arrested for . criminal trespassing and taken to the Wood County Jail, said Paul Bassis, Hannah's manager. Protest: Hollywood star and activist Daryl Hannah was arrested by Wood County authorities for protesting the Keystone XL pipeline in Texas . 'They've arrested Daryl Hannah and a rural Texas great-grandmother,' he added. Hannah has long opposed TransCanada's construction of the $7 billion pipeline, which is designed to transport heavy tar-sands crude oil from Alberta, Canada, to Texas' Gulf Coast refineries. 'It is unfortunate Ms. Hannah and other out-of-state activists have chosen to break the law by illegally trespassing on private property,' David Dodson, a spokesman for TransCanada, said in an email. He also said protesters were 'putting their own safety and the safety of others at risk'. Bassis said he spoke to the actress on Thursday evening and that there was 'a strong indication' that both women would be kept overnight at the local jail. 'The streets of Winnsboro will be much safer tonight now that they've gotten that 78-year-old great grandmother off the streets,' Bassis said. Hannah - who has starred in dozens of . movies, including Kill Bill, Thelma and Louise and Splash - also was . arrested in August 2011 while protesting the pipeline in Washington. She . was one of several hundred prominent scientists and activists arrested . that month. Making waves: Hannah, pictured in the 1984 movie Splash, has been arrested while protesting the Keystone pipeline outside of Dallas . In character: Hannah stars as Elle Driver in the movie Kill Bill, directed by Quentin Tarantino . They argue the pipeline would be . unsafe because it would be carrying heavy, acidic crude oil that could . more easily corrode a metal pipe, which would lead to a spill. They also . say refining the oil would further contaminate the air in a region that . has long struggled with pollution. TransCanada . says its pipeline would be the safest ever built, and that the crude is . no dirtier than oil currently arriving from Venezuela or parts of . California. The issue . became politically charged when congressional Republicans gave President . Barack Obama 60 days to decide whether TransCanada should be granted . the necessary permit for the pipeline to cross an international border . before snaking its way 1,700 miles south to the Texas coast. Obama, saying his administration did not . have enough time to study the potential environmental impacts, denied . the permit in January. Arrested: Landowner Eleanor Fairchild, 78, was also brought to jail with Hannah . However, he encouraged TransCanada to reroute the northern portion of the pipeline to avoid an environmentally sensitive area of Nebraska. He also promised to expedite permitting of a southern portion of the pipeline from Cushing, Okla., to the Gulf Coast to relieve a bottleneck at the Cushing refinery. TransCanada began construction of that portion of the pipeline this summer after receiving the necessary permits. Some Texas landowners, joined by activists from outside the state, have tried through various protests to stop or slow down construction. Taking a stand: Daryl Hannah was previously arrested at a protest against Keystone outside the White House in Washington last August . Troublemaker: TransCanada executives said Ms Hannah 'put her own safety and that of others at risk' | Hannah stood in front of machinery to halt construction on Dallas farm .
Kill Bill star was arrested last August during a pipeline protest . |
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