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133,803 | 39024810497e080c907df897737684b236b97151 | (CNN) -- The latest piece in Banksy's monthlong street art residency in New York went up for online auction Tuesday with a starting minimum bid of $74,000. The famously anonymous British graffiti artist's website describes it as "The banality of the banality of evil, Oil on oil on canvas, 2013," and "a thrift store painting vandalized then re-donated to the thrift store." The painting depicts a countryside landscape featuring a large lake, trees with autumn colors, and snowy mountains in the background. The one outlier is an officer on a bench in the foreground with what appears to be a Nazi symbol stitched to his right sleeve. The painting was dropped off at the Housing Works auction shop in New York's Gramercy area on Tuesday morning by an anonymous person, according to James Barnes, a Housing Works sales associate. "It was by surprise," Barnes said, "We just found out a couple of hours ago that it was actually a Banksy painting." Every day this month, Banksy has been unveiling new works of art around New York. The works are then announced on his website and posted to Instagram. Many of the surprise exhibits follow his signature street-art style: stencils spray-painted on streets, walls and under bridges. The online auction began on Tuesday and bidding will end at 8 p.m. on October 31. As of Tuesday evening the leading bid was more than $157,000 from a total of 37 bids, according to the auction site. Banksy's reputation was made on the streets of London, and he seems to have made his art all over, from New Orleans on the third anniversary of Hurricane Katrina to the West Bank. But until the end of the month, the politically charged, controversial graffiti artist is expected to remain in New York. CNN's Chris Boyette contributed to this report. | Banksy is British graffiti artist working in New York this month .
A painting of his appeared at a thrift shop on Tuesday morning .
Painting is being auctioned; bidding was at $157,200 Tuesday night . |
259,334 | dbb68d242436a2aa17532da9b94e4aae0ba4ae7c | Washington (CNN) -- The Supreme Court on Monday tossed out a provision in Arizona's voter registration law that required proof of citizenship. The 7-2 majority said the state's voter-approved Proposition 200 interfered with federal law designed to make voter registration easier. The state called the provision a "sensible precaution" to prevent voter fraud. Civil rights group countered that it added an unconstitutional and burdensome layer of paperwork for tens of thousands of citizens. Justice Antonin Scalia said the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 "forbids states to demand an applicant submit additional information beyond that required by the federal form." But in a nod to state authority, he said the federal law "does not prevent states from denying registration based on any information in their possession establishing the applicant's eligibility." The appeal was a classic federalism dispute, on the often delicate line between conflict and cooperation between state and federal governments over enforcing voting procedures. During last year's election, there were numerous court challenges to state voter identification laws at the polls. The current fight has produced a range of states, lawmakers and advocacy groups on both sides on the gateway issue of registration. The Obama Justice Department opposed the Arizona law, which went beyond what other states have done to ensure integrity in the registration system. Arkansas governor rejects voter ID measure . Retired justice Sandra Day O'Connor, an Arizona native, was among those who attended the spirited April oral arguments. National Voter Registration Act . Justice Anthony Kennedy a year ago blocked the Arizona law from being enforced, while the high court decided internally whether to accept pending appeals for review. The ballot measure was passed in 2004 and has been lingering in the federal courts ever since. The Constitution's Article I says "the times, places, and manners of holding elections for senators and representatives shall be prescribed in each state by the legislature." But Congress is also given the power "to make or alter such regulations." Federal lawmakers did just that, passing the National Voter Registration Act two decades ago, which has since been called the Motor Voter Law, designed to streamline election participation. It requires states to have any application for a driver's license treated also as a voter registration -- the "motor voter." And it requires states to "accept and use" mail-in and in-person applications. A federal Election Assistance Commission was created to produce a nationally uniform voter application form, which states must use. Any extra state instructions, or "add-ons," must be approved by the commission. The question was whether certain extra instructions are permitted, and just how the federal from must be respected in the first place. The majority said the mail-in postcard was presumptive evidence of registration and of qualification. Would-be voters would check off a box attesting they are a U.S. citizen, then sign the form under penalty of perjury. The state said they had prosecuted cases of noncitizens registering to vote. Dissenting justices . In a dissent, Justice Samuel Alito said the majority produced "truly strange results." "What is a state to do if it has reason to doubt an applicant's eligibility but cannot be sure that the applicant is ineligible? Must the state either grant or deny registration without communicating with the applicant? Or does the court believe that a state may ask for additional information in individual cases but may not impose a categorical requirement for all applicants? If that is the Court's position, on which provision of the NVRA does it rely? The Court's reading of [federal law] is atextual and makes little sense." Justice Clarence Thomas produced a separate dissent. But Scalia and his six colleagues said that if the state were allowed to impose the additional requirements, "the federal form ceases to perform any meaningful function, and would feeble means of increasing the number of eligible citizens who register to vote in elections for federal office." Registration problems . Among those bringing suit was Jesus Gonzalez, a public school employee in Yuma, Arizona, who tried to register to vote the day he became a citizen. His application was twice rejected when his separate naturalization and driver's license numbers were improperly "red-flagged" by state databases that initially indicated he was a noncitizen. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, which helped bring the original lawsuit against the state regulations, said 31,000 potential voters had their applications rejected in the two years after the Arizona law took effect. MALDEF said 90% of those were born in the U.S. The group's Nina Perales said voter registration drives at county fairs, church services and similar venues have dropped, since many potential voters don't bring the necessary citizenship documents -- like a birth certificate -- to these community events. One estimate found a 45% reduction in Maricopa County, the state's largest county and the seat of Phoenix, the capital. The ACLU said about 13 million people nationwide lack documents proving their citizenship, and it praised Monday's ruling. "This decision reaffirms the principle that states may not undermine this critical law's effectiveness by adding burdens not required under federal law," said Laughlin McDonald, of the group's Voting Rights Project. "In doing so, the court has taken a vital step in ensuring the ballot remains free, fair, and accessible for all citizens." The Obama administration said that if the provision in Arizona's law were allowed to continue, it would create a mishmash of regulations across the county. "Each state could impose all manner of its own supplemental requirements beyond the federal form," Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr. said. What supporters have to say . But Proposition 200 supporters say the state needs the power to keep illegal immigrants and those ineligible to vote in the U.S. from getting a ballot. "The integrity of our nation's elections suffered a blow today from the Supreme Court," Tom Fitton, president of the conservative Judicial Watch, said Monday. "This issue takes on increasing urgency with the prospect of 11 million illegal immigrants being given amnesty. It is essential that our elections be secured by ensuring that only citizens register to vote." Some Arizona activists agreed. "I believe we must go out of our way to protect the integrity of America's elections, to avoid the fraud we see regularly in other nations, and which if not checked will rise up here in the United States," said Russell Pearce, a former state Senate president, who helped spearhead Proposition 200's passage. "It ought to be common sense that proof of citizenship be required for voter registration, especially given the concrete evidence we've seen that illegal aliens are indeed both registered and voting. But common sense and America's judicial system don't always see eye to eye, and this is one area we'll just have to keep working." O'Connor has a professional stake in the current high court fight. As a retired justice, she can sit on lower appeals court cases, and she was part of a 9-2 majority to rule in 2010 that Arizona's citizenship requirement conflicted with federal law. The Supreme Court case is Arizona v. Inter Tribal Council of Arizona (12-71). A summary of major upcoming Supreme Court decisions . | In a dissent, Justice Samuel Alito said the majority produced "truly strange results"
7-2 majority says the state's voter-approved Proposition 200 interfered with federal law .
The state called the provision a "sensible precaution" to prevent voter fraud .
Civil rights group said it was unconstitutional and burdensome for tens of thousands of citizens . |
260,739 | dda9b4d7280f4d251991bb24d3d2822d759e2b03 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 04:47 EST, 23 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 05:59 EST, 23 October 2013 . A San Francisco parks worker who allegedly ran over and killed a mother who was sunbathing with her baby, will be charged with manslaughter. Thomas Burnoski, 58, is expected to be charged this afternoon in relation to the alleged fatal hit-and-run incident, which took place on Sept 5 in Holly Park, in the city's Bernal Heights neighbourhood. Victim Christine Svanemyr, 35, suffered lethal injuries to her head and chest; her eight-month-old baby and her dog were unharmed in the incident. Victim and suspect: Christine 'Christy' Svanemyr has been identified as the woman who was run over and killed at a San Francisco park and Thomas Burnoski (right) is in custody and today expected to be charged . According to NBC Bay Area, Burnoski . was driving his green Recreation and Park truck on an asphalt path in . the park but strayed off onto the grass where Svanemyr was lying, his . attorney said. Burnoski, who has worked as a part of . the city's Parks and Recreation department since 2006, was taken into . custody after police found him and his city-owned maintenance vehicle . not far from the scene of the accident. He was placed on administrative leave without pay pending the investigation. His bail has been set at $350,000. According to the San Francisco . Chronicle, Burnoski has a clean criminal record aside from a 2012 . citation for talking on a mobile phone while driving. Ms Svanemyr, a Zen monk known by . friends and colleagues as 'Chrissy', had spent the past 10 years as an . enrollment director at San Francisco-based New Ventures West, a school . that says it specialises in helping people reach their full potential in . life. Horrible turn: Mrs Svanemyr was sunbathing alongside her 8-month-old daughter and was fatally injured when a car hit her on the grass on Thursday . An aerial view of the San Francisco park where a mom was run over by a park vehicle and killed while sitting in the sun with her eight-month-old baby daughter and her dog on Thursday afternoon . 'Christy was full of brilliance, passion and kindness,' the school said in a statement after her death. 'Her high energy and infectious . enthusiasm impacted everything and everyone she touched. Those who knew . her say it was impossible not to be moved by her.' After being struck, Svanemyr, of Daly City, was taken to San Francisco General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her daughter and dog were returned to the woman's grieving husband, colleagues said. According to her company profile, Mrs . Svanemyr graduated magna cum laude from West Virginia University with . degrees in anthropology, sociology, and ecotourism and recreation . management. She was a lifelong dancer who once . performed at the World Cup in South Korea as part of the professional . African dance group Azagano. Happier times: The daughter was unharmed in the incident but checked for injuries as a precaution . Tragic: Her husband is now in custody of their daughter and dog . She was a practitioner of 'Big Mind' meditation, a process that uses western psychological techniques and Buddhist teachings. She said her greatest joy and teacher is her daughter. The profile said she understands 'it's . no longer a good idea to "save all sentient beings" but her . responsibility to try to do as much as possible to make this world a . kinder, gentler place for our sons and daughters to be in.' Parks department General Manager Phil . Ginsburg said employees were devastated, and the agency is fully . cooperating with the ongoing investigation. The driver of the parks vehicle, left, fled the scene but was later detained and questioned . San Francisco police have detained the driver of the city vehicle who fled the scene after striking and killing a woman at a park in the city's Bernal Heights neighborhood . County Supervisor David Campos, whose . district includes Holly Park, said the Board of Supervisors would look . at the rules governing park vehicles. He told KTVU-TV that he had . expressed concern to Ginsburg about the incident. Her husband, Vegar Svanemyr, is the school's communications director. The couple previously lived in Salt Lake City. | Thomas Burnoski will be charged with manslaughter and hit-and-run felonies .
He is accused of killing Zen monk Christine Svanemyr while she sunbathed .
Svanemyr suffered fatal injuries to her head and chest in the incident .
She was lying with her eight-month-old daughter and dog who were not hurt . |
99,825 | 0c9c50351fa9a1cec58d74d3e7836cfa0f9ade81 | (CNN) -- Hillary Clinton's book roll-out the past few days has shown, as expected, that she still commands an army of rapturous fans, but the best news for her this week came from the completely unexpected: the defeat of Republican leader Eric Cantor. Rarely has a GOP primary for a seat in the House of Representatives had such wide repercussions. For Clinton, they almost all run in her favor. Consider just three: . (1) Prior to the Cantor defeat, the GOP "establishment" thought they were starting to persuade middle-of-the-road voters that their party is not hostage to the tea party. After all, GOP establishment candidates so far this year have won five of seven Senate primaries where they were challenged by tea party candidates, most notably Mitch McConnell's victory in Kentucky. A public narrative was emerging that tea partiers remained a potent and, yes, welcome force in the GOP but that they aren't in charge. The defeat of Cantor was a thunderclap transforming the landscape. Because Cantor is perceived as a strong conservative, and yet lost to an unknown on his right, the narrative has changed: Now the story line is that the GOP base is not only angry but demands even tougher conservatism and even less compromise. All this plays directly into Clinton's hands. If she formally declares, she can now stand before the electorate and assert with greater credibility that she -- not the GOP -- represents sensibility and moderation, a leader eager to work across the aisle. She even has greater latitude to embrace some of Elizabeth Warren's positions, appealing to the rise of a populist left, so long as she doesn't veer too far from the middle (where most voters still are). (2) Cantor's defeat all but extinguishes lingering hopes that Congress and President Obama can work out a bipartisan agreement on immigration reform. Two post-election polls have suggested that Cantor's perceived openness to immigration reform was not the decisive factor in his defeat, but his opponent certainly seized on immigration as a stick to beat him over the head as an out-of-touch, wrong-headed reform advocate. In the wake of his defeat, it's hard to see how other Republican incumbents will follow Cantor's path. And for starters, they will likely be very wary of voting for immigration reform until dust settles. That, of course, is bad news for the GOP presidential nominee in 2016 and good news for Clinton if she is the Democratic standard bearer. Mitt Romney could only garner 27% of the Hispanic vote in 2012, far below the 40% that pundits think is mandatory for victory. Unless it finds a way out of the cul de sac, the GOP share could sink even lower this time. Opinion: Should Clinton embrace Obama's foreign policy? (3) We haven't yet heard from that corner, but one can only imagine that the Cantor defeat, tied so closely to charges that he was for "amnesty" for illegal immigrants, is prompting second thoughts by Jeb Bush and his many admirers about whether 2016 is the right year for him to run. If Bush's deep belief in immigration reform would tear apart his party in the primaries and make his path to the White House perilous at best, why should he? If Jeb Bush decides not to go, that would be extremely welcome news to the Clinton camp. From the point of view of Democrats, the most obvious threat to a Clinton victory is a Republican governor conservative enough to unite his party but moderate and experienced enough to pull in purple states. Jeb Bush and Chris Christie are the two who come closest to that profile. Conservatives may disagree -- many genuinely believe that a Rand Paul can win -- but Democrats will quietly celebrate if neither Bush nor Christie tops the Republican ticket. It is an oddity of American democracy that a tiny number of voters -- fewer than 8,000 -- in a suburb of Richmond, Virginia, can substantially alter the national outlook. But we live in odd, unpredictable times. No doubt other big surprises lie ahead before November 2016. | Hillary Clinton gets a gift from the Republicans as she rolls out her book .
David Gergen says Eric Cantor's defeat is a big plus for Clinton if she runs in 2016 .
He says it diminishes the chance that she would face a GOPer with appeal to moderates .
Gergen: By placing immigration reform in jeopardy, the upset hurts GOP's 2016 appeal . |
22,395 | 3f98fa60b2d3d391a5eaa33691574ea2c1c030c1 | An Indiana State Police Trooper is being sued over claims that he questioned a woman about her religious beliefs and presented her with church materials during a traffic stop. 'It's completely out of line and it just — it took me back,' plaintiff Ellen Bogan told The Indianapolis Star. Bogan is being represented by two attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana. 'I'm not affiliated with any church,' she also said. 'I don't go to church. I felt compelled to say I did, just because I had a state trooper standing at the passenger-side window. It was just weird.' Stopped: Ellen Borga has alleged Trooper Brian Hamilton gave her a church pamphlet during the August traffic stop . The lawsuit alleges that 'After conducting a traffic stop at which Indiana State Police Trooper Brian Hamilton presented Ms. Bogan with a warning ticket, Trooper Hamilton prolonged the stop by asking Ms. Bogan, among other things, if she had accepted Jesus Christ as her savior and then presented her with a pamphlet from the First Baptist Church in Cambridge that informed the reader that he or she is a sinner, listed God's Plan of Salvation, noting that the person must realize that "the Lord Jesus Christ paid the penalty for your sins; and, advertised a radio broadcast entitled "Policing for Jesus Ministries." The lawsuit goes on to allege that 'The actions of defendant Trooper Hamilton violated Ms. Bogan's rights under both the First and Fourth Amendments to the United States Constitution. Ms. Bogan is entitled to her damages.' 'The whole time, his lights were on,' Bogan told The Indianapolis Star. 'I had no reason to believe I could just pull away at that point, even though I had my warning.' Her lawsuit alleges Hamilton's behavior was 'coercive,' 'unwarranted' and 'extremely upsetting.' 'Unconstitutional': Borga's lawsuit alleges that Hamilton's behavior was in violation of First and Fourth Amendments . MailOnline has reached out to the Indiana State Police for comment. Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law professor Jennifer Drobac told The Indianapolis Star 'The police officer is representing the government... so that means, as a representative, this person, while on duty, while engaged in official action, is basically overstepping and is trying to establish religion.' However, Micah Clark of the American Family Association of Indiana told the newspaper 'I have people pass out religious material all the time. Mormons come to my door all the time, and it doesn't offend me. [This case] might not be the most persuasive time to talk to someone about their faith, but I don't think that a police officer is prohibited from doing something like that.' | Indiana State Police Trooper is being sued by Ellen Bogan .
Bogan alleges Hamilton asked her religious questions and presented her with a pamphlet for a Baptist church during a traffic stop .
She has said she already received a warning ticket from the trooper, but didn't think she was able to leave .
Hamilton's pamphlet allegedly 'said she is a sinner' and 'listed God's Plan of Salvation' |
245,466 | c9b7bf5cc32fc0080036ff1c78c7443c23f0fccb | A group of women armed with mace and a baseball bat smashed up a school bus and injured a student on Thursday after they had a shouting match with the teenagers on the bus while stopped at a red light. The boy, 15, was cut up by broken glass after the women angrily got out of her SUV and broke the a bus window during an explosion of road rage. NBC reports that the incident occurred at around 3 p.m. when the bus stopped for a red light. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Shattered glass: Crazed women broke this school bus window behind the driver's seat causing glass to fly into one 15-year-old student's wrist and cut him . Damaged: Women used mace spray to cover the bus in stains before they got back into their green Chevy Tahoe and drove off before police arrived . 'For someone to get out of a vehicle and use a baseball bat and break a window of a yellow school bus knowing that it’s full of students – that’s pretty bizarre,' said Philadelphia Chief Inspector Scott Small. Apparently there had been some kind of verbal argument between the bus of 21 14-and-15-year-olds and the 4 women who sat inside a green Chevy Tahoe. 'There was some verbal argument between the students on the bus as well as four occupants of the Chevy Tahoe,' said Small. The angered women drove their green SUV in front of the school bus so as to block its path. Suddenly two women got out of the vehicle and started attacking the school bus with a baseball bat and mace. They broke the window behind the bus driver which sent glass flying. A student was injured after glass pierced a students' wrists but is expected be OK. The driver of the Tahoe eventually got back into her vehicle and drove off. The women have not been identified but a witness was able to copy down the license plate of the Chevy Tahoe. Shortly after the assault, the bus driver drove the injured student to Gilbert Pruance Elementary School where he is not a student but where a nurse was able to bandage his wounds. The bus has a surveillance camera but it is unknown as to whether or not it captured the attack. Searching: The women who attacked this school bus have not been identified but a witness was able to copy down the license plate of their green Chevy Tahoe . Bizarre: Philadelphia Chief Inspector Scott Small says that attacking a school bus in 'baizarre' behavior and that he will do his best to find the women . | A boy, 15, was injured by broken glass on Thursday after a group of angry women broke one of his school bus windows with a baseball bat .
The women who attacked the school bus have not been identified but a witness was able to jot down the license plate of their Chevy Tahoe .
'There was some verbal argument between the students on the bus as well as four occupants of the Chevy Tahoe,' said Philadelphia Chief Inspector Scott Small . |
106,782 | 15bea05e072d9e13254cb59814ae139e315d56d2 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 17:59 EST, 16 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:35 EST, 16 July 2013 . A fun day at the arcade turned violent Saturday as an all-out brawl erupted between warring factions of mothers at a Chuck E Cheese. And the punch heard ‘round the Commack, Long Island party venue was thrown by a woman still holding her baby. At least half a dozen other tough ladies threw their hats into the ring, some while their own children tried to pull them out. Devolved: An argument, apparently over the purse a woman is seen snatching out from under another's foot (left) becomes an all-out brawl in children's party venue Chuck E. Cheese . It is unclear what started the fight. At the start of footage taken of the incident, two women argued. A third woman appeared and tried snatching away a purse one of the arguing ladies seemed intent on keeping secured with her foot. ‘You’re out of control man,’ someone yelled in the background. Not over: One woman curses and storms out, left, but then returns shortly carrying a baby and ready for a fight . Hold my baby! After throwing the first punch and throwing the place into chaos while still holding her baby, the woman hands the child off to a friend and briefly continues to brawl . Sirens whirred and a recorded voice sang 'Happy Birthday' to a group off-camera. The nonsensical scene quickly became even more confused as a group of angry women stormed out. A lecturing voice followed just behind one of the women as she left, ‘The children! Children!’ Insult to irony: A child is even seen trying to pry an adult out of the fight as the Happy Birthday song is heard in the background . Before long, she came back, holding a baby with one hand and pointing an accusatory finger with the other. Two groups faced off as a frantic manager stood in between. While still holding her baby, the mother who just couldn’t walk away threw a punch and all hell broke. Women piled on women as a few men stood by, confused and helpless. Hair was pulled and curse words were hurled. One child even tries pulling a grown woman out of the melee. It . is a moment to remember, if only for how shamefully the event played . out while a cell phone video camera caught the blow by blow. In . recent years numerous fights have broken out at venues across the . country with footage of the shocking violence finding their way onto . YouTube and into news reports. One . incident in South Toledo saw one armed man pistol whip another after an . argument over someone using a loud horn in the venue. Another featured a brawling pregnant woman. As . for the most recent one, Long Island authorities are investigating the . incident, though no charges have been issued or names released. Watch other Chuck E. Cheese fights here... | An argument over a purse quickly becomes a war of women in the Long Island, New York family party venue .
Just another in a wealth of Chuck E. Cheese fighting videos uploaded to Youtube . |
99,287 | 0be11f4886ce78408b92c58f862020d50a26388b | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- There was no shortage of superstars in Washington this week, including the middle school students of Atlanta, Georgia's Ron Clark Academy. Ron Clark Academy students singing their newest song, "Dear Obama," in Washington this week. "There are those Obama kids!" "Those are the kids from TV!" "Sing for us!" The middle schoolers' ode to the political process, "You Can Vote However You Like," set to the tune of rapper T.I.'s "Whatever You Like," has garnered exhilarating fame nationwide. Invited to perform at inauguration events, the boys and girls were stopped along every block in the capital by people who asked them to sing and pose for a picture. "I have a sleepy energy," sixth-grader Kennedy Guest Pritchett said. "I feed off of the crowd and their cheers." The students' new song, "Dear Obama," which they have performed this week, offers advice to the president on energy, taxes, financial regulation and al Qaeda and urges him to "control Ahmadinejad." "Dear Obama hear us sing/We're ready for the change that you will bring/Gonna shine the light for the world to see/to spread peace hope and democracy. ... Fight for health care for the young so that coverage is available to everyone/It's time to find a renewable way to fuel our needs so we don't end up depending on Chavez and the Middle East." Watch the students sing "Dear Obama" » . The kids will perform Tuesday at the Africa and International Friends Inaugural Ball, sharing a stage with Usher and Patti LaBelle, one of many events in their packed schedule highlighted by a luncheon gala Monday to honor the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. "I want to do good every song we perform. When the crowd cheers, I feel like we did a good job," said Willie Thornton, a seventh-grader. "I feel a lot of adrenaline afterwards." The students have met the Kenyan Boys Choir, who told their American counterparts what kind of animals they might see when the Ron Clark students travel to Kenya on a school trip in June. At another luncheon, the sixth- and seventh-graders were thrilled to catch a glimpse of actor Ed Norton, the man who played the Incredible Hulk. But he didn't compare to singer Beyonce, who closed Sunday's star-studded Lincoln Memorial concert and drew giggles and shouts. The kids gained notoriety just before the election when they appeared on CNN, singing "You Can Vote However You Like." They became media favorites overnight, appearing on several networks and shows. Dressed neatly in their school uniform of khaki pants, light blue shirts and navy blue blazers, they discussed the Iraq war, the economy and taxes with the composure of adults. Their teacher, Ron Clark, known for his innovation, has used pop music to teach his students. He once changed the words of Rihanna's infectious hit "Umbrella" to teach geography. "You have to give students something they can identify with, something that catches their enthusiasm and spirit," he said. "I'm so proud of them all. They've taught me a lot." Before founding his school in the rough neighborhood of South Atlanta, Clark taught in Harlem, where he penned "The Essential 55," a rule-book for educators that caught Oprah Winfrey's eye. She talked about it on her show, and it soon became a New York Times bestseller. This past Christmas, Clark received another gift from the talk show host: $365,000. Winfrey donated $1,000 for each day of the year. Clark has said that the money will help provide scholarships for a year. The teacher said he plans to incorporate Barack Obama's inauguration into lessons throughout the rest of the school year. "Our school is about politics and world issues and helping the kids understand that they have an important role in all of that," he said. CNN's John Murgatroyd and Ashley Fantz contributed to this report. | Singing Atlanta schoolkids perform at inauguration festivities .
"I have a sleepy energy," one 6th-grader says of the group's packed schedule .
Ron Clark Academy singers gained fame for their "Vote However You Like" song .
They have written another song, "Dear Obama," which offers advice to the president . |
14,631 | 29829fb12027f3e241d537ca271eea8013f011d9 | Washington (CNN) -- Airline passengers can expect to see as well as feel new pat-down procedures at U.S. airports over the coming weeks in an effort to provide another layer of security for travelers, the Transportation Security Administration said Thursday. "Pat-downs are one important tool to help TSA detect hidden and dangerous items such as explosives," according to a TSA statement sent to CNN. The TSA said passengers should continue to expect "an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams, among others." But it's the hands-on procedures that have at least one traveler concerned that the TSA may be going too far. Rosemary Fitzpatrick, a CNN employee, said she was subjected to a pat-down at the Orlando, Florida, airport on Wednesday night after her underwire bra set off a magnetometer. She said she was taken to a private area and searched, with transportation screening officers telling her the pat-down was a new procedure. According to Fitzpatrick, a female screener ran her hands around her breasts, over her stomach, buttocks and her inner thighs, and briefly touched her crotch. "I felt helpless, I felt violated, and I felt humiliated," Fitzpatrick said, adding that she was reduced to tears at the checkpoint. She particularly objected to the fact that travelers were not warned about the new procedures. Fitzpatrick sent an e-mail complaint about her experience to the TSA that said the agency needs to get the word out so that travelers know their rights. The TSA employees "conducted themselves in a professional manner, so my complaint is not about them professionally," Fitzpatrick wrote. She told the TSA the agency needs to get the word out so the travelers know their rights. "I am appalled and disgusted at the new search procedures and the fact that passengers have not been made aware of the new invasive steps prior to entering the security area," Fitzpatrick wrote. "It appears once you enter the security area, passengers forfeit their rights. There were no signs, video information, etc. at the entrance of the security area the airport. Why?" She added: "As an experienced traveler for work who was in tears for most of the search process, I have never experienced a more traumatic and invasive travel event!" The TSA sent an automated initial e-mail response to Fitzpatrick saying, "Thank you for your inquiry to the Transportation Security Administration. We have forwarded your e-mail to the appropriate group for response." In its statement to CNN, the TSA said: "Pat-down procedures are used to resolve alarms that occur at a walk-through metal detector, if an anomaly is detected during screening with advanced imaging technology or during random screening." The statement also indicated that "passengers who opt out of advanced imaging technology screening will receive alternate screening to include a thorough pat-down." CNN's Jeanne Meserve and Carol Cratty contributed to this story. | The move is to help detect hidden items, TSA says .
CNN employee complains of invasive pat-down, lack of communication .
Pat-downs are only used after an initial alarm is triggered, TSA says . |
116,401 | 223c6b270a0be19552d101332936f63d0e584697 | This is the moment a frustrated student turns the tables on his teacher and begins giving his own lecture. Jeff Bliss launched into a tirade after being ordered to leave his World History class at Duncanville High School in Texas, reportedly for asking too many questions. His impassioned speech telling his teacher Mrs Phung how to do her job, secretly filmed by a fellow classmate, has gone viral since it was posted on YouTube earlier this week. Scroll down for video . Tirade: High school student Jeff Bliss begins making his points after being asked to leave the class . Lecture: Jeff's impassioned speech was secretly filmed by a fellow pupil and uploaded to YouTube . As the long-haired student gets up to leave he tells her: 'If you would just get up and teach them instead of handing out a freaking packet. There's kids in here who don't learn like that. They need to learn face to face. 'You're just getting mad because I'm pointing out the obvious. You need kids to come in here and get excited for this. You can't expect kids to change if all you do is tell them.' The video has been viewed more than 65,000 times and debate has raged as to whether Jeff was in the right or whether he should have shown his teacher more respect. Teacher turned pupil: Jeff ends his rant by advising Mrs Phung to teach kids 'face to face' The student, who had only recently returned to school after dropping out, admitted to Fox4 News his attitude 'could have been better'. Duncanville Independent School District said it was aware of the video and was 'addressing the situation'. 'As a district with a motto of Engaging Hearts and Minds we focus on building positive relationships with students and designing engaging work that is meaningful,' the district said in a statement. 'We want our students and teachers to be engaged, but the method by which the student expressed his concern could have been handled in a more appropriate way.' | High school pupil Jeff Bliss filmed ranting at teacher Mrs Phung .
Had been ordered out of class for asking too many questions .
Launches into tirade telling her she should teach pupils 'face to face'
Video has been viewed more than 65,000 times on YouTube . |
69,581 | c5396445f698f50362fe0f1808c832c37ab6b614 | Zurich's drive-thru brothels have been hailed a success by Swiss social services, a year after they first opened. The experiment in Switzerland's largest city began last August when the authorities opened Europe's first municipal drive-in brothel in an old industrial area. It was hoped the initiative would slash the number of sex workers on the streets, while at the same time offering them a safer space to work. But not all of them are happy with the arrangements. Scroll down foe video . Privacy... Two empty so-called 'sex boxes' at Zurich's sex drive-in, which has been hailed a success by Swiss social services one year after it first opened in an industrial site in the west of the city . A prostitute looks at the facilities: Sex workers agreeing to take part in the scheme have to get a permit and pay tax to avail of the drive-in's creature comforts, which include a laundry, showers and cafe . Authorities admitted that some have complained their earnings have fallen since the new initiative began, and that they are too far from city centre bars and clubs. Running the drive-in, which cost around 2million euros ($2.6 million; £1.6million) to set up, has also proved more costly than originally thought. Zurich's drive-thru brothel opened last August, with sex workers who agreed to move from their traditional haunts in the city centre allowed to ply their trade there safely and with a minimum of fuss. The site to the west of the city boasts helpful signposts and understated wooden drive-in 'sex boxes' where customers can be served in relative privacy in the comfort of their own cars. Sex workers agreeing to take part in the scheme did, however, have to get a permit and pay tax to avail of the drive-in's creature comforts, which include a laundry, showers and cafe. Smoke break: Zurich's drive-thru brothel opened last August, with sex workers who agreed to move from their traditional haunts in the city centre allowed to ply their trade there safely and with a minimum of fuss . Kerb-crawling zone... A helpful pictogram informs any passers-by of exactly what happens at the site . They didn't have much choice in the matter. At the same time, Zurich launched a crackdown on unregulated prostitution and confined the oldest trade to just the drive-thru and two other zones. City are officials are pleased with the results. 'The new regulation of street prostitution has attained its objectives of protecting the population and the sex workers,' they said in a statement. Social services said that as well as protecting prostitutes, few neighbours were bothered by the comings and goings at the drive-in in the Altstetten district. No increase in street walkers had been noticed in the two other districts of the city where prostitution is tolerated, they said. Crackdown: At the same time as opening the brothel and licensing two other parts of the city as paid-for sex zones, Zurich's authorities curtailed the sex trade across the rest of the city. (Picture posed by models) Residents had risen up in protest at the number of prostitutes descending after dark on the Sihlquai, a main street near the city centre, and the authorities were worried about human trafficking if the trade was left unregulated. 'The first year of the service has been positive,' Zurich social services said in their statement. The number of prostitutes working in the drive-in averaged 15 a night, half the number who worked the old red-light area before the city stepped in to regulate the business. A spokesperson for the Sex Worker Open University, a group which campaigns for the rights of sex workers in the UK, told MailOnline that the initiative, while welcome, had its problems. 'Any initiative that truly makes selling sex safer would be welcome, but the "cleaning up" of areas where people engage in commercial sex is often in the interests of the public rather than the sex worker, who is often made more vulnerable by losing earnings and being "tucked away" out of sight,' she said. 'Sex worker rights advocates all over the world along with organisations such as World Health Organization, and UN Women all agree that full decriminalisation, rather than Swiss-style regulation and licensing, is the best human-rights based approach to keeping sex workers safe.' | Site in an old industrial part of west Zurich was opened last August .
It has helpful signposts and discreet wooden 'sex boxes' for services .
But sex workers must have a permit and pay tax to use the facilities .
Sex workers' rights advocates say full decriminalisation is a better solution . |
241,031 | c40be3741e91992d5526c60ce3b33cf9f5070466 | (CNN) -- The winner of Australia's election, Tony Abbott, on Saturday pledged to form a competent and trustworthy government after he defeated Prime Minister Kevin Rudd. "I can inform you that the government of Australia has changed," the conservative challenger told supporters. "For just the seventh time in 60 years the government of Australia has changed. "I now look forward to forming a government that is competent, that is trustworthy, and which purposely and steadfastly and methodically sets about delivering on our commitments to you, the Australian people." READ MORE: Tony Abbott: Australia's next leader . Although final results had yet to come in, Rudd said he had telephoned Abbott to concede defeat. "As prime minister of Australia, I wish him well in the high office of prime minister of this country," he said at a party meeting in Brisbane. Rudd was conciliatory in his speech and accepted his share of blame. "Tonight is the time to unite in the great Australian nation," he said. "Because whatever our politics may be, we are all first and foremost Australian." "I know that Labor hearts are heavy across the nation tonight. And as your prime minister and as your parliamentary leader of the great Australian Labor party, I accept responsibility. I gave it my all, but it was not enough for us to win. I'm proud that despite all the profits of doom, that we have preserved our federal parliamentary labor party as a viable fighting force for the future." According to the Australian Election Commission, Abbott's Liberal-National Coalition won 86 seats in the House of Representatives, against Labor's 57. Any group that wins 76 seats or more can form a simple majority. The Coalition win ends six years of Labor Party rule under Rudd and Julia Gillard who deposed each other in successive leadership challenges. READ MORE: Best Australian election gaffes . Before the vote, commentators said the Australian electorate had tired of the apparent disunity within the Labor Party, and were looking for change. "Rudd's had his turn," one voter told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on polling day. Rudd's return fails . Back in June, Rudd's Labor colleagues had hoped he'd bring the same magic to the polls demonstrated in 2007 when he defeated the former Liberal leader John Howard. However, the early lift Rudd brought to the election race quickly faded, and in the final days of the campaign the Labor leader was vowing he'd fight to the end. Rudd kept a low profile on election day, prompting speculation about when he would turn up to vote. When he finally arrived at a polling station in Brisbane, hecklers shouted slogans slamming the government's plan to send asylum seekers for offshore processing. "Hey Kevin we're talking to you, not PNG, not Nauru," they shouted. OPINION: Australian parties in 'race to bottom' on asylum seekers . What about Syria? The focus of this election was very much on domestic issues, including the economy, education and broadband Internet services. The international quandary over the scale of any military response to the use of chemical weapons in Syria seems to have been set aside, for now. Abbott has indicated that, as Australian prime minister, he'd take a cautious approach to any involvement in foreign conflicts. "I just think we need to be very careful in a situation like this cause we can easily make a bad situation worse by acting precipitously," Abbott told the ABC. "I don't think we should be getting above ourselves here. We are a significant middle power but no more," he added. It's the economy... In the final days of the campaign, Rudd tried to win over voters with the promise of more jobs, painting Abbott's planned budget cuts as a sure way to send the economy into recession. In a bid to emphasize his government's economic credentials, Rudd seized upon the latest GDP figures released earlier this week showing an annual growth rate of 2.6%. "As of this year, since we came to office in 2007, the Australian economy is 15% bigger than it was," Rudd said. "I draw to your attention the fact that the British economy has shrunk 3% over that time." Under Abbott, the government would find billions of dollars in budget cuts, including slashing $4.5 billion (US$4.1 billion) from foreign aid over the next six years. Money saved would be spent on infrastructure projects including motorway upgrades, in a decision slammed by aid groups. "We are a strong OECD country, yet we are fast becoming the least generous when it comes to reducing global poverty," said Norman Gillespie, the CEO of UNICEF Australia. Paired with Abbott's budget cuts is a generous maternity plan pitched to female voters despite opposition from big business and from within his own party. Mothers would be given up to $75,000 (US$68,490) for six months' maternity leave at a total cost of $5.5 billion (US$5.01 billion) each year. Other key issues, alternatives . Aside from business, the two main candidates were separated by their views on same-sex marriage. Rudd is firmly for it, Abbott, a former Catholic seminarian, insists that marriage should be between a man and a woman. However they were much closer on the issue of asylum seekers. Both main parties advocate sending people who arrive by boat to offshore processing centers where most, if not all, would be potentially resettled if found to be refugees. READ MORE: Australian parties in 'race to bottom' on asylum . Other winners, losers . WikiLeaks founder and the leader of the WikiLeaks Party, Julian Assange, failed in his long distance bid for a seat in the Australian Senate. Assange, who co-ordinated his campaign from the Ecuadorean Embassy in London where he's been holed-up for fear of arrest and extradition, said under the circumstances he was happy with the outcome. "I think it's a great result. The party was registered in July -- three months ago. It's had its leader and primary candidate stuck in an overseas embassy for 400 days in a foreign country, nine hours time difference and with an international banking blockade against it," Assange told the ABC. He said the WikiLeaks Party, which earned about 1% of the votes in the state of Victoria, would survive to contest the next election. Meanwhile, reports suggested another outspoken leader of his own party, Clive Palmer, was on track to win a Senate seat. The mining billionaire, perhaps best known outside Australia for his plans to build a replica of the Titanic, founded his Palmer United Party just four months ago. On Sunday, he claimed that preferences from his party helped secure Abbott's win. Other parties vying for votes included the No Carbon Tax Climate Sceptics Party, the Voluntary Euthanasia Party, the Sex Party, the Australian Fishing and Lifestyle Party and the Australian Motoring Enthusiast Party. None of them recorded a strong showing. | Tony Abbott pledges competent and trustworthy government .
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd concedes election defeat .
Win ends Labor's six years in power under Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard .
Voting is compulsory in Australia, fines issued for people over 18 who fail to do so . |
284,563 | fcad62fe5dced60d468bb7c2f5e36cd95e80813f | By . Jennifer Newton . Fists were flying at a New York zoo when these two young gorillas starting throwing punches in a fierce fight. The brothers, who are both blackback western lowland gorillas, punched, nipped and pushed each other around in their enclosure in the Bronx Zoo. The animals, which can weigh up to 150kg (330lbs) and are the largest of all the primates, also chased each other through the trees as they tried to win the fight. The two young blackback gorillas square up to each other as they prepare to fight . The two brothers get their fists ready before the the punch up between them begins . The first gorilla makes his move by grabbing his brother's head and holding him back . But he retaliates and hits back forcing his sibling to try to jump out of the way . The images capturing the moment the gorillas clashed were snapped by Dr Michal Samuni-Blank, who has been monitoring them. But despite the seeming sibling rivalry, the Israeli-born zoologist says the primates rarely hurt each other and are a close family. Dr Samuni-Blank explained: 'Blackbacks need to practice and develop their fighting skills in order to become successful adults. One gorilla gets the upper hand and starts to rain punches down on his brother . The images capturing the moment the gorillas clashed were snapped by zoologist Dr Michal Samuni-Blank . According to Dr Sumani-Blank, the gorillas rarely hurt each other, despite their fierce fighting . Get off!: One of the gorillas decides to tease his brother and nip his head as they continue their brawl . One of the primates launches himself on top of the other during the battle at the Bronx Zoo in New York . 'The gorillas were fighting on and off for an hour, biting, punching and pushing each other around. 'Although gorillas are very big and strong, they are mainly vegetarian and will rarely harm other creatures. 'Between fights they sit close to each other in a very friendly fashion.' Gorillas are the closest living relative to humans after the chimpanzee and display many human-like characteristics . This gorilla decides to sink his teeth into his sibling's arm . Gorillas are the closest living relative to humans after the chimpanzee and the young males share an exhibit at the Bronx Zoo, meaning they are separated from the females, babies and silverbacks. The zoologist, who now lives in New York, added: 'The gorillas tend to fight in rounds, so once I noticed their chasing pattern, I was able to aim the camera in the best possible direction. 'In my eyes they will always be gentle giants.' Zoologist, Dr Sumani-Blank says he will always see gorillas as gentle giants despite their fun of fighting . | The two brothers threw punches at each other at the Bronx Zoo in New York .
The animals also chased, nipped and pushed one another around .
Pictures were captured by zoologist Dr Michal Sumani-Blank .
Says despite the pictures the gorillas are 'gentle giants' |
36,537 | 678b941c471a70c804dee8a837dcf22c7d93c2a2 | Imagine being so desperate that you decide to entrust your child to a paid smuggler to help him or her cross the border into the United States. You can't know if your child will survive the dangerous journey through the desert, mountains or across the river. And you don't know if he or she will be abused or deprived of air, food or water by handlers along the way. So what would make a parent take the enormous and terrifying risks anyway, and pay huge sums of money in the process? One look at the appalling and unsafe environments these children hail from makes it clear why parents will risk so much for a better life for their children. And it is not just about the poverty. Many children, for example, haven't been able to go to school because they have been threatened by the "mara," or gangs. A child will be told that if he doesn't cooperate, he or she will be killed. The threats are not hypothetical: They are very real, and will have been underscored by the death of friends or family members in their town. These are the horrifying dynamics that make up the plight of some of these vulnerable children, some as young as 4, who have been crossing the border into the United States without a parent or guardian. When I joined the board of Kids In Need of Defense, or KIND, a nonprofit organization that seeks to provide pro-bono lawyers to represent unaccompanied minors navigating our immigration system, I didn't know that we were on the verge of a massive humanitarian crisis. There were no front-page articles about the thousands of children crossing the border. It wasn't the lead story on cable news. They weren't trending on Twitter. So, I had questions about how we should respond, including the moral hazard risk of encouraging ever growing numbers of children to attempt the perilous journey if we said all were welcome. But I also knew we could not treat these vulnerable children as criminals undeserving of compassion. Which is why I decided to learn more about their plight and our nation's legal and social response. As part of this determination to find out more, I recently spent two afternoons at a local shelter in New York doing art projects with a group of boys from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Art is a universal language and a great nonverbal way to express emotions and experiences. The boys all introduced themselves, some with a shy smile and eye contact, others more warily. The caseworkers told me how grateful and polite the boys had been once they realized they were going to be treated with kindness. After arriving at Newark airport in shackles and with only the shirts on their backs, the boys received showers, food, a bed, bandages for leg and foot wounds and a change of clothes. They still didn't know where they would be going or what would happen to them, but for the moment they were safe and appreciative. One boy had been making paper flowers with hidden messages of gratitude in the petals. "God bless you for having such big hearts," one petal said. On my second visit, I heard about some of the family reunifications that had occurred in the interim, with boys either being picked up by or delivered to a parent whom some had not seen in years. They described a mix of excitement, anxiety and joy, with many tears shed by the caseworkers who witnessed the reunions. But half that group of boys was still there, and more were due to arrive the next day. The boys made collages depicting their journeys through the desert: the snakes, the coyotes, the dirty river, the truck, and the train commonly referred to as "La Bestia" (The Beast) because of its many dangers. They worked in silence and with intense focus. After finishing, one boy decided to add a layer of ribbons over the journey picture and explained that they were now "Feliz," which, even with my limited Spanish, I knew meant "happy" or "fortunate." The Spanish-speaking caseworker later explained that while one of the boys had fled his town because he had been constantly attacked with rocks and was sexually abused because he was gay, most had left to escape deadly gang violence in their towns. There are many aspects of this problem that may divide us, including all kinds of fears, funding limitations and the debate about the demand for illegal drugs that gives oxygen to gangs. But it is the human piece to the puzzle that might be the one best able to unite us. The fact is that if we look at our family trees, most Americans are the sons and daughters, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of immigrants. Each of our forebears had their own compelling reasons to make their dangerous journey to America. The cornerstone of the Statue of Liberty reminds us, in poet Emma Lazarus' words: "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." Even though the surge has abated somewhat, there are still tens of thousands of children in need of a safe place to call home. Each of these vulnerable children would benefit from having a volunteer lawyer present their case so our immigration court judges can assess whether they need refugee status, asylum, or if they can be safely returned home. These children deserve our compassion and a chance at a safe future, not our kicks and turned backs. "Our need for compassion is profound and basic," psychologist Martha Straus once said. "From the beginning of time, this is what's made us human." The boys I met in the shelter are no exception. | Carole Geithner looks at why parents smuggle children to United States .
She says pressure on children to join gangs is one reason .
Children need fair immigration hearings to decide their fate, she says . |
162,212 | 5db938955ee0e0ea5bf2f9ec07335524c540dea8 | A father-of-four has been charged with attempted murder after he allegedly agreed to pay a hitman $5,000 to kill his ex-wife. Dallas W. Brumback Jr from Sterling, Virginia, was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly met with someone he knew in November 2014 and asked him to murder his ex-wife. The 35-year-old is accused of paying $2,500 up front for the hit, with the other $2,500 set to be handed over once the job was done - but the deed was never completed. Behind bars: Dallas W. Brumback Jr from Sterling, Virginia, was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly met with someone he knew in November 2014 and agreed to have his ex-wife murdered . Brumback is believed to have divorced from the alleged target - whom he had one daughter with - years ago and now lives with his new wife and their three daughters. He is said to be maintaining his innocence and those around him are 'suspicious' of the allegations. His defense attorney, Caleb A. Kershner, told the Washington Post: 'He seems to be a very solid family man, an individual who is cared about by a lot of people.' Brumback's father, Dallas Snr, said he was shocked by the news of his sons arrest. Brumback Jr. was being held Friday without bond at the Loudoun County Detention Center. A spokeswoman for the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney said he was arraigned Friday morning, charged with attempted capital murder and is next scheduled to appear in court Monday for a bond hearing. It remains unclear what may have motivated him to arrange the hit. A preliminary hearing for the case has been set on March 11. Jailed: Brumback is now being held in Loudon County Detention Center, but his attorney says he is maintaining his innocence . | Dallas Brumback Jr, 35, from Sterling, Virginia, was arrested on Thursday .
Is said to have met with someone he knew to arrange the hit in November .
Suspect who divorced the target years ago is 'maintaining his innocence' |
84,308 | ef26879c2f4acde357c8403eb6f6a2f8e79c8d67 | By . Leon Watson . PUBLISHED: . 05:38 EST, 17 May 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 07:35 EST, 28 June 2012 . The showpiece genocide and war crimes trial of the 'Butcher of Bosnia' Ratko Mladic was dramatically halted in The Hague today after an extraordinary and embarrassing blunder by prosecutors. Presiding judge Alphons Orie suspended the hearing of the former Bosnian Serb General indefinitely after prosecutors failed to disclose thousands of documents to the defence team. Incredibly, prosecutors had over 16 years while the 70 year-old, the one-time military commander accused of orchestrating the Srebrencia massacre of 8,000 men and boys, was on the run to prepare for the case. Scroll down to watch evidence shown to the court . Defiant: Ratko Mladic pictured left yesterday and right, in 1993 when he was commanding the Bosnian war . Discovered: Bosnian Serb army commander Ratko Mladic, who was arrested in Serbia after years in hiding. Picture from May 26, 2011 . But yesterday they acknowledged their mistakes which judge Orie described as 'significant disclosure errors.' The announcement could lead to a six-month delay and is seen as a major setback for the court in one of its highest profile cases, its final trial to focus on atrocities committed during the 1992-95 Bosnian war, which left over 100,000 dead. The proceedings are being broadcast live in Bosnia where Bosnian Serbs, who consider Mladic a hero, mocked the court greeting the decision with a mixture of laughter and applause. But for the families of Srebrenica's victims and other Bosnia atrocities it was a 'heartbreaking' blow and yet another delay in their quest to see the man they blame of the deaths of tens of thousands brought to justice. Anger: Bosnians demonstrate outside the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) during the trial of Former Bosnian Serb general Ratko Mladic . Leader: Ratko Mladic (centre) pictured arriving at the airport of Sarajevo in order to negotiate the withdrawal of his troops from Mount Igman in 1993 . Mladic is said to have suffered two strokes and heart problems while on the run and the fear of many Bosnian Muslims is that they will be robbed of justice again. And like ex-Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic he will die in custody before a judgement is reached. Judge Orie said the court will analyse the 'scope and full impact' of the error and aim to establish a new starting date 'as soon as possible.' The presentation of evidence was supposed to begin later this month and Mladic's attorney has asked for a six-month delay. Mladic faces 11 charges - ironically, several were dropped in a bid to speed-up the trial - and life imprisonment if convicted. He is accused of commanding Bosnian Serb troops who waged a campaign of murder and persecution to drive Muslims and Croats out of territory they considered part of Serbia and oversaw the 44-month siege of Sarajevo, the Bosnian capital, that killed 10,000. Court spokeswoman Nerma Jelacic said much of the material not given to the defence focused on witnesses who prosecutors had intended to call to testify. Bosnian Serb wartime leader Radovan Karadzic (right) has been acquitted of one of the two genocide charges he facess. He is pictured with his general Ratko Mladic (left) in 1995 on Mountain Vlasic . Details of the evidence against Mladic had been outlined in chilling and graphic detail to the court before the sudden suspension of proceedings. Prosecuting counsel Peter McCloskey said the crimes at Srebrenica had never been in dispute so the prosecution's focus would be on individual criminal responsibility. He claimed the Bosnian Serb Army was not an 'army out of control' and that Mladic had been on the ground and in command. 'We have radio intercepts of VRS [Bosnian Serb] soldiers and officers discussing murders,' Mr McCloskey said. Wanted men: These posters were released by the U.S. State Department in 2000 . He added: 'We have video of two of the actual executions themselves. So let me be perfectly clear, the crime will not be the main focus of this prosecution. This case will be primarily about one issue. The individual criminal responsibility of Ratko Mladic.' The court watched video of local people panicking in a UN compound outside Srebrenica on 11 July 1995 as Bosnian Serb forces approached, followed by scenes of Mladic triumphantly entering the town. 'We give this town to the Serbs as a gift,' he says to the camera. Another video playing in court showed Mladic addressing a bus full of Muslims, telling them: 'Good afternoon. You heard stories about me for a very long time. Now you are looking at me. 'I am General Mladic. There are able-bodied people among you. You are all safe and you are all going to be transported to Kladanj. We wish you a safe journey. And Good-bye. 'Take care. You who are of a military age, don't go to the front again! No more forgiveness. Now I am giving you your life as a gift.' Another prosecutor Dermot Groome said that by the time Gen Mladic and his troops had 'murdered thousands in Srebrenica', they were 'well-rehearsed in the craft of murder'. Mr McCloskey outlined how, after overrunning Srebrenica, Mladic's forces summoned buses and trucks from across Bosnia to transport women and girls out of the enclave. The men and boys were then driven to remote locations and gunned down by firing squads, their bodies ploughed into mass graves. Salute: Ratko Mladic (right) pays tribute to his troops in the east Bosnian town of Vlasenica in 1995 . Trial: Dubbed the 'Butcher of Bosnia', Mladic is charged with masterminding atrocities that left 100,000 dead . Evidence: Bosnian Muslim forensic experts unearth bodies of victims of the 1995 Srebrenica massacre in 2004 . He said the remains - sometimes no more than a couple of bones - of 5,977 victims have been exhumed so far. He showed photographs of an exposed mass grave to underscore the point that the victims were not war casualties. One photo showed a skull, its teeth exposed and its eyes covered by a blindfold. Another showed a pair of hands bound with a strip of cloth behind a body's back. One woman, Hatidza Mehmedovic, wept in the court's lobby during a break in the proceedings. 'I buried both of my sons and my husband. Now I live alone with memories of my children,' she said. 'I would never wish even Mladic to go through what I go through.' Allies: Leader of the Bosnian Serbs Radovan Karadzic (left), Ratko Mladic (centre) and Goran Hadzic, President of the Serbian Krajina Republic (right) It took 17 years to bring Mladic to trial in what observers say is a testament to the loyalty he inspired among Serbs and the power of their nationalist cause. But as Serbia's goal of integration with Europe overtook its defiance, he lost his comfortable protection. And by the end he was reduced to sheltering, penniless and sick, in a cousin's farmhouse. The son of a World War Two partisan fighter killed in 1945, Mladic was an officer in the old communist Yugoslav Federal Army (JNA) when Yugoslavia's disintegration began in 1991. When Serbs rose up in 1992 against Bosnia's Muslim-led secession, he was picked to command the army that swiftly overran 70 per cent of the country. It was a model of ruthlessness, daring and brutality in the Serb warrior tradition once prized in the life-or-death struggle against Nazi Germany. But NATO officers who dealt soldier-to-soldier with Mladic when UN evenhandedness was official policy later came to regret shaking his hand. Mass graved: International War Crimes Tribunal investigators clear away soil and debris from dozens of Srebrenica victims . Memories: A Bosnian Muslim woman weeps next to Srebrenica graves (left) as a 1992 picture shows a Bosnian special forces soldier returning fire in Sarajevo as he and civilians come under fire from snipers . | Court shown video of Mladic addressing bus full of Muslims telling them he has given them 'the gift of life'
Mladic charged with masterminding atrocities during 1992-1995 war .
100,000 died, including 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica'
Accused of sniping and shelling campaign in 44-month Sarajevo siege . |
93,767 | 048dead46a968ddbd25e902e4287abf71bcb662d | He's the design supremo behind Louis Vuitton and two hugely successful labels of his own but it seems Marc Jacobs isn't content to confine his talents to fashion. Buoyed by a string of top-selling perfumes, Jacobs has launched a beauty line in collaboration with Sephora that also includes a range developed specifically for men. 'I personally tested all the products,' the New York designer said of his new Boy Tested, Girl Approved range on his website. 'Witness my brow and my luscious lips' Scroll down for video . Boy Tested, Girl Approved: Marc Jacobs demonstrates how to use his new men's make-up line . His favourite: Jacobs loves the palladium tip of his new Rescue Concealer and says he will be using it . In a video released to accompany the launch, Jacobs is seen talking male would-be shoppers through his favourite products, which, adds the designer, are always to be found in his 'trousse de toilette'. 'There are products that I like to use personally and I felt could be unisex,' he begins before launching into his favourite: the Remedy Concealer. 'There's the Remedy concealer that has a really lovely palladium tip that really feels nice and cool to your undereye area, and God knows I can always use a bit of Remedy Concealer myself,' he explains. 'Then there's the brow tamer which has a lovely soft application wand and the formula itself is soft and smooth feeling rather than sticky and gooey or hard. '[Finally] there's the Liplock which has a nice minty fresh taste. It's very important to have a nice moist lip so you're always ready to kiss and make out with that right person. Highly groomed stars such as David Beckham and George Clooney have made male beauty more acceptable . Men's range: Like Jacobs, Tom Ford is also to launch a collection of grooming products for men . 'Those are my three essentials, the ones I'll be using, the ones you can find in my trousse de toilette all the time.' The range, which starts at £15, also includes a seven-shade eyeshadow palette for £37. Male grooming has become an increasingly lucrative part of of the beauty industry, with men apeing well-groomed stars such as David Beckham and George Clooney. Unsurprising then, that the Marc by Marc Jacobs designer isn't the only fashion tycoon with his eyes on the lucrative male grooming market. Next month, Tom Ford is to launch a range of male products, which will join his hugely successful women's beauty collection. The new products will include a concealer, cleanser, mud mask and bronzer, as well as two new fragrances. In an interview with Women's Wear Daily, John Demsey, group president of the Estée Lauder Cosmetics said the new range is 'aimed at enabling men to present their best self.' 'The man who’s shopping this category, in this distribution, feels very comfortable having this discussion,' he added. 'This is a serious, high-ticket men’s grooming line, with a couple of products with cosmetics benefits to be used in a very masculine way.' And the male rush to the make-up counter has been noticed in British department stores too, including Debenhams who reported a 24 per cent rise in sales of male grooming products according to the Telegraph. A spokesman added: 'Many are looking to achieve a groomed look rather than look too rugged.' | The designer has launched a new men's beauty range with Sephora .
Prices range from £15 for a lip balm to £37 for an eyeshadow palette .
Jacobs' favourites are the concealer, lip balm and brow gel .
Tom Ford will also launch a male grooming range - due next month . |
282,998 | fa945f57430dcb6d76c4f6d4957eebf3802cae1c | By . Bianca London . She said she was worried she'd lose her shape after honing her already impressive physique on Strictly Come Dancing. But judging by her latest beauty campaign, Abbey Clancy has nothing to worry about. The model and Strictly star shows off her incredible figure as the new face - and body - of Scholl and Veet. No wonder she's proud of them! Abbey Clancy reveals that her legs are her best asset as she showcases them in her new Scholl and Veet campaign . Speaking about her new campaign, which sees her showing off her famous assets to perfection in a 1950s style swimwear shoot, Abbey said: 'I’m excited to be . fronting this campaign for Scholl and Veet. I’ve always thought my legs . were my best asset and then of course as a model and enthusiastic dancer . my feet work very hard for me! 'I feel most confident when I’ve carried . out my beauty basics such as waxing and foot care. It’s not just about . how great your feet and legs look, but how you feel when they are . prepped and ready to bare as soon as the sun comes out. 'Any mum with a full-time job knows that . fitting in time to do even the simple things like going to the gym and . shops can be a struggle, never mind having the time to visit a salon. That’s why products that are quick and easy to use at home are a God-send. 'With such a busy lifestyle and a little . girl to run around after I barely have time to visit a salon for beauty . treatments, so easy-to-use products such as Scholl Express Pedi and . Veet EasyWax help me get long-lasting professional results from home. Dancer's body: 28-year-old Abbey's new campaign sees her showing off her famous assets to perfection in a 1950s style swimwear shoot, as well as a near naked one . She works out: Since leaving Strictly, Abbey has been maintaining a rigorous work-out regime - and it's clearly paying off . 'It’s no wonder women keep their legs and . feet covered up when they feel unprepared to bare their skin, I know I . tend to hide in a pair of skinny jeans and ballet pumps when I’ve . neglected my legs and feet. 'There’s no need to hide away your legs and feet - it’s time to show them . off!' A spokesperson for the brands said: 'We are delighted Abbey is our brand ambassador. As a model, TV presenter and one of the UK’s most photographed women, Abbey always looks impeccable. 'Abby is also down to earth and knows home grooming can produce salon-quality results with no fuss. She is aspirational yet women can relate to her. We hope that together we can encourage more women to feel confident and dare to bare this summer!' Model behaviour: The model and mother-of-one is encouraging women to up their beauty regime ahead of summer . Speaking about her love of summer, Abbey, who has become something of a fashion icon, said: 'I love the beach and spend a lot of time abroad when I get the chance to take time off from work. I love the summer not just for the long days and warm weather but also the fashion. Summer dresses and little shorts are my summer wardrobe-musts .' Since leaving Strictly, Abbey has been maintaining a rigorous work-out regime and was spotted last week throwing herself into . an energetic martial arts session in Liverpool with her sister Elle last week. Emerging . from the studio looking her usual flawless self, the 28-year-old cut a . trim image and showcased her legs as she garnered tips from the . muscle-bound instructor. Abbey has previously admitted to being worried the intense routines on Strictly made her too muscly and masculine. Summer style: Abbey says she loves the summer not just for the long days and warm weather but also the fashion, citing summer dresses and little shorts as her go-to seasonal styles . She told the Huffington Post ahead of the BBC show's final: 'I've got a six-pack and no boobs, I'm turning into a boy. 'I've definitely toned up, I'm obviously not used to doing this much intense exercise. But it feels good, I feel healthy.' Keeping up the fitness drive, Abbey's latest campaign shots, as well as her ones for Ultimo, show she should have no cause for concern over her figure. The model and TV presenter, who is married to footballer Peter Crouch, has taken over as the new face of the lingerie brand from Michael Bublé's wife Luisana Lopilato. Busy lady: Abbey says she finds it hard to fit in time to go to the salon in between working out, left, looking after her daughter Sophia and a few trips to the shops, right . WAG: The model and TV presenter, who is married to footballer Peter Crouch, was recently unveiled as the new face of Ultimo lingerie . | Abbey, 28, unveiled as new face of Veet & Scholl .
Says she finds it hard to fit in time to go to the salon .
Says she loves summer fashion and little dresses and shorts .
Also recently unveiled as face of Ultimo lingerie . |
123,159 | 2b35b83950261d198f63455c932f7142bc3987f9 | The study from Edinburgh University claims the link between height and intelligence is 70 per cent genetic . They are already cursed with the rather unflattering label of ‘vertically challenged’. Now experts say short people may also be intellectually challenged too - or at least in comparison to their taller counterparts. A new study has found a link between IQ and height, suggesting that those who are shorter are on average more likely to be less intelligent. Academics identified genes that influence both height and IQ, and said there was a ‘significant genetic correlation’ between the two factors. The research, which covered more than 6,800 unrelated people, is the first to analyse DNA markers in such a way. Riccardo Marioni, from Edinburgh University’s Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, said the link was small but important. He said: ‘We tested whether DNA-based genetic similarities among people related to their similarities in height and intelligence. ‘Previous studies have used twin or family data to examine similarities between height and intelligence, whereas ours was the first to examine this using actual DNA markers in unrelated people. ‘What we found was a small association between height and intelligence such that people who are taller tend to be smarter.’ The claim is likely to be disputed by millions in Britain who fall short of the average height, 5ft 3in for women and 5ft 9in for men. One is certain to be John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, who at 5ft 5ins is dwarfed by his 5ft 11in wife, Sally. But among those who appear to prove the theory is David Cameron, who is 6ft 1in is blessed with both height and intelligence. Others include actress Kate Beckinsale, who studied French and Russian literature at Oxford and is fluent in both languages. Stephen Fry, the host of QI, the puzzle-based television show, is 6ft 5in. Marioni conducted his study in partnership with academics from Aberdeen University and University College London. They based their findings on data compiled from thousands of people recruited for the Scottish Family Health Study between 2006 and 2011. IQ was measured by tests which examined reaction times, powers of recall and linguistic ability. In a paper submitted to Behavior Genetics journal, the team explained that about 70 per cent of the link can be explained by genetics and the rest by environmental influences. They added: ‘We found a moderate and statistically significant genetic correlation between height and general intelligence.’ Prove the theory? QI presenter Stephen Fry (left) is 6'5", and Prime Minister David Cameron (right) is 6'1" It is hoped that revealing the genetic correlation between height and IQ could help predict a person’s health problems, the Sunday Times reported. Previous studies have linked short stature to heightened risk of cardiovascular disease. Higher IQ has been linked to longevity and a decreased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke and suicide. Previous studies have also claimed that short-man syndrome, known as the Napoleon complex, does exist. Researchers at Oxford University recently found that feeling smaller makes people paranoid, distrustful and scared of others. In fact, men of about 5ft 4in have been shown to be 50 per cent more likely to be jealous and distrustful of their partners than those measuring 6ft 6in. Studies have also claimed smaller people are more likely than taller ones to have poor mental health. | Edinburgh University study claims 'significant correlation' between factors .
70 per cent of link caused by genetics, rest by environmental factors, it says .
Millions of Britons fall under 5'3" average for women and 5'9" for men . |
84,267 | ef02fd4b5c6a2c28bc4099793dab34ed83e96247 | By . Sarah Griffiths . Linguists claim that humans learned to speak by copying primates and birds 100,000 years ago. A silvery gibbon is pictured . There are plenty of animals that talk by mimicking the language of humans. But now linguists claim that humans learned to speak by copying primates and birds 100,000 years ago. While previous research has suggested that humans copied the melodic part of our language from birds, U.S. experts now think that we evolved the content-carrying part of our speech from primates. The two types of communication fused together into roughly the form of human language that we know today, the experts said. Shigeru Miyagawa, a linguist from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, (MIT) said: ‘How did human language arise? It's far enough in the past that we can't just go back and figure it out directly. The best we can do is come up with a theory that is broadly compatible with what we know about human language and other similar systems in nature.’ Scientists believe that human language is unique as it can expand to describe an infinite amount of new meanings. But our language still shares qualities with other animals. ‘Yes, human language is unique, but if you take it apart in the right way, the two parts we identify are in fact of a finite state,’ Dr Miyagawa said. ‘Those two components have antecedents in the animal world. According to our hypothesis, they came together uniquely in human language.’ The team’s reasoning goes that as birds only sing a certain number of melodies, humans much have incorporated another aspect from nature – probably from primates. Dr Miyagawa explained that the human language consists of two distinct layers: the expressive layer, which relates to the structure of sentences, and the ‘lexical layer’ where the meaning is found. While previous research has suggested that humans got the melodic part of our language from birds, U.S. experts now think that we evolved the content-carrying part of our speech from primates. A screen print showing a family of prehistoric cave dwellers is pictured . A 2013 study claims that Neanderthals could speak like modern humans. In the last 20 years, some scientists have come to believe that Neanderthals had the ability to communicate with each other using speech, and new analysis of a fossilised hyoid bone has added weight to their claims. The horseshoe-shaped bone in the neck looks like a modern human’s and now computer modelling has revealed that it was probably used in a similar way. The hyoid bone supports the root of the tongue and enables humans to speak. Researchers believe the way the bone worked is ‘highly suggestive’ of complex speech in Neanderthals. Before the discovery of a Neanderthal hyoid bone in 1989, it was thought that only modern humans were capable of complex speech, which evolved around 100,000 years ago. He thinks that both layers are derived from the languages of birds and mammals. The researchers, who were joined by colleagues from the University of Tokyo, admit that there is more work to be done on their hypothesis. The most recent ancestor between birds and humans appears to have existed about 300 million years ago, so there would almost have to be an indirect connection via older primates - even possibly the silvery gibbon, which is unusual because it sings. The endangered animals can make long, complicated songs using 14 types of note to signal territory, woo mates and communicate with family members. Robert Berwick, co-author of the study, published in the journal Psychology, noted that researchers are still exploring how these two modes could have merged in humans, but the general concept of new functions developing from existing building blocks is a familiar one in evolution. ‘You have these two pieces. You put them together and something novel emerges,’ he said. ‘We can't go back with a time machine and see what happened, but we think that's the basic story we're seeing with language.’ | Linguists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology claim that early humans evolved the content-carrying part of our speech from primates .
People living 100,000 years ago got the melodic part of our language by copying birdsong, previous research suggests .
Together, these two inspirations combine to create the form of human language that we know today, they claim . |
102,925 | 10a7b7d4aed1b8a9d9ab34191008d81c75b47fb4 | Brendan Rodgers is unlikely to be given money to spend to boost his Liverpool squad in January - putting paid to his hopes of signing Fabian Delph. Liverpool remain in the mix for the Villa midfielder, with Tottenham also in the frame, but any deal will be a free transfer in the summer. Rodgers still wants a new goalkeeper and a striker to turn his side's dismal season around, but is most likely to dip into the loan market. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Brendan Rodgers: I'm not thinking about January transfers . Without a January transfer budget Liverpool may have to put a move for Aston Villa's Fabian Delph on hold . Interest in Delph has become more intense following Emre Can's disappointing start to his Liverpool career . However, if the Reds' results continue to falter, plans for a January recruitment drive could change. The Anfield boss wants to offload out-of-favour striker Fabio Borini, with Sunderland still keen, but the Liverpool hierarchy want £10million for the Italian. Any move for Delph would mean the former Leeds star weighing up whether he would see first-team action. Simon Mignolet has lost his place in the Liverpool side following a number of high-profile mistakes . Summer signing Emre Can was bought to be Liverpool's new holding midfielder but has so far failed to impress. Seven days after their 3-0 loss to rivals Manchester United, Liverpool face Arsenal on Sunday as Rodgers looks to improve on a string of disappointing results. The Reds have won just two of the last 14 Premier League meetings with Arsenal, but three points against the Gunners will help them in their quest to return to the top half of the Premier League. | Liverpool have expressed an interest in Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph .
The Reds are not expected to be given money for January transfers .
But if their poor results continue they may be forced to bring in new faces .
Delph joins a growing list of targets as the Reds also look for a new keeper . |
35,699 | 656dbf4de9342556e4de4ee7a5d1f83d1444b8a5 | (CNN) -- Anthony Weiner's long-anticipated official announcement that he's running for mayor of New York City began with a slight glitch this week: A video announcing his candidacy was posted on YouTube in the middle of the night, then yanked off the site -- and eventually posted again. The two-minute video did exactly what it was intended to do: launch Weiner 2.0, promoting him as an earnest family man bursting with energy, ideas and promise, and offering to lead New York City as its chief executive. But the stutter-step in the timing is a metaphor for Weiner's relationship to media. It remains to be seen whether the same digital platforms that catapulted him to national prominence -- and later proved to be his undoing -- will end up being a blessing, a curse, or a distraction as Weiner joins a crowded race for City Hall. There's no question that Weiner has media star power that far outstrips his half-dozen or so Democratic rivals. For years, he was a fixture on cable news programs, ready with quips, strategic insight, and fighting words fired at adversaries on the floor of Congress. But almost exactly two years ago, the shadow side of Weiner's media life emerged, when the then-congressman mistakenly blasted a lewd photo to his thousands of Twitter followers. His conservative enemies pounced on the image and soon discovered -- and trumpeted to the world -- that Weiner was sending lascivious texts and photos to women around the country, some from his office on Capitol Hill. After a short period in which he told outrageous lies about the photos, claiming his computer was hacked, Weiner quit Congress and dropped out of public life. He now says that the six women with whom he's known to have exchanged randy messages -- and the lies he told about it -- represent the sum total of his misbehavior. That may be true, although New York's political insiders generally assume more photos could emerge in the weeks ahead. But the incident leaves Weiner as a strange media hybrid -- a star nationally, but an uprooted local candidate facing formidable challenges in his hometown. The national press finds him irresistible, with conservatives eager to bash him and liberals hoping to rehabilitate him. His wife, Huma Abedin, is a glamorous, globally famous personality in her own right, having served at the right hand of former Secretar of State Hillary Clinton. The couple moved from Weiner's working-class apartment in Queens -- he happened to quit as New York's congressional boundaries were being redrawn, and his district was simply eliminated. Weiner now lives in a luxury building on Park Avenue in Manhattan, where paparazzi lie in wait to snap photos nearly every time he leaves the house. To most New York politicians, such obsessive media attention would be considered a gift from the gods. But it's a double-edged sword for Weiner. At the same time he was electrifying left-leaning audiences on national TV, Weiner was building a reputation in New York City as a centrist Democrat arguing for tax cuts and other relief for working-class New Yorkers. The son of a public school teacher and a lawyer, he made much of his middle-class roots and vowed to bring gritty, neighborhood-based values to city hall. In local politics, that remains Weiner's central persona: a working-class truth teller, willing to ruffle feathers and challenge liberal orthodoxy. But it's hard to make that argument from Park Avenue, and Weiner's opponents seldom fail to mention his luxury digs, which are very much at odds with his persona as spokesman for the forgotten middle class. No other candidate in the race comes close to having Weiner's years of experience in delivering talking points on camera, debating one-on-one and packaging complex policies in short, comprehensible bites. But New York City mayoral contests aren't decided on TV or Twitter. Residents like to see their candidates up close and personal, in literally hundreds of meetings of political clubs, church basements, block associations and the like. Weiner has always been effective on the stump, but it remains to be seen how he'll be greeted. His video announcement was, among other things, a way to control his image. As he makes the rounds of debates, forums and other places where New Yorkers are known to give candidates an unscripted piece of their mind, we'll see if Weiner 2.0 will sell in the parts of New York that the national talking heads rarely visit. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Errol Louis. | Errol Louis: Anthony Weiner launched his mayoral candidacy, touting, ideas promise .
He says his media star power double-edged sword; scrutiny of his texts led to his undoing .
He says Weiner, middle class champion, lives on Park Ave .
Louis: Weiner skilled, experienced politician; he'll need it in rough, on the ground race . |
20,916 | 3b5e3dff560e2233e8370c87e9d92461200f8bd4 | Witchmarks carved into a room in a historic house in preparation for a visit by King James I have been discovered by archaeologists. The superstitious carvings were made in the 17th century to protect the monarch from evil spirits and demons, which were thought to be rife following the Gunpowder Plot. The marks have been hidden for centuries in Knole House in Kent, and have only come to light as part of the National Trust’s work to conserve the building, which is one of Britain’s most important historic properties. Witchmarks (pictured) carved into a room in a historic house in preparation for a visit by King James I have been discovered by archaeologists investigating Knole House, in Kent . The witchmarks are scratched into beams and joists below the floorboards and fireplace surrounds in the Upper King’s Room of the palatial house. They comprise a collection of lines that act as a net to catch demons. Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (Mola) dated the marks to early 1606 and the reign of King James I. A few months before the marks were engraved, the infamous Gunpowder Plot of 1605 had caused mass hysteria to sweep across the county and accusations of demonic forces and witches at work were rife. Experts believe that craftsmen working for then owner of Knole, Thomas Sackville, carved the marks in anticipation of a visit from King James I with the intention of protecting him from evil spirits. Archaeologists from the Museum of London Archaeology (Mola) dated the marks found hidden under floorboards (pictured right) to early 1606 and the reign of King James I (illustrated with a painting by John de Criz the elder, left) The marks have been hidden for centuries in Knole House, Kent (pictured). They have come to light as part of the National Trust’s work to conserve the house, which is one of Britain’s most important historic properties . The witchmarks were carved in the wake of the Gunpowder Plot in a bid to protect King James I from evil spirits and demons. Also known as apotropaic marks, the carved intersecting lines and symbols found in the Upper King’s Room were thought to form a ‘demon trap’ warding off evil spirits and preventing demonic possessions. Apotropaic magic is a type of magic intended to 'turn away' harm and evil influences. The symbol fo the evil eye is an example. It is often practiced out of vague superstition or out of tradition. Also known as apotropaic marks, the carved intersecting lines and symbols found in the Upper King’s Room were thought to form a ‘demon trap’ warding off evil spirits and preventing demonic possessions. ‘King James I had a keen interest in witchcraft and passed a witchcraft law, making it an offence punishable by death and even wrote a book on the topic entitled Daemonologie,’ James Wright, a Mola buildings archaeologist explained. ‘These marks illustrate how fear governed the everyday lives of people living through the tumultuous years of the early 17th century. ‘To have precisely dated these apotropaic marks so closely to the time of the Gunpowder Plot, with the anticipated visit from the King, makes this a rare if not unique discovery. Also known as apotropaic marks, the carved intersecting lines (pictured) and symbols found in the Upper King’s Room were thought to form a ‘demon trap’ warding off evil spirits and preventing demonic possessions . The superstitious carvings were made in the 17th century to protect the monarch from evil spirits and demons, which were thought to be rife following the Gunpowder Plot. An 18th century illustration of Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators in a secret room at the back of St Clements Church is pictured . Experts believe that craftsmen working for then owner of Knole, Thomas Sackville, carved the marks in anticipation of a visit from King James I with the intention of protecting him from evil spirits. They were found beneath the floorboards and hidden in the fireplace (pictured) in the Upper King's Room of the house . ‘Using archaeology to better understand the latent fears of the common man that were heightened by the Plot is extremely exciting and adds huge significance to our research about Knole and what was happening at that time,’ he added. Nathalie Cohen, National Trust archaeologist, said: ‘It’s wonderful to be able to piece together the forgotten stories of those who lived and worked at Knole and to share them with our visitors. ‘This is that once-in-a-lifetime chance to unravel the history of one of the largest houses in the country, from the rafters to the floorboards.’ Investigative work to learn more about the building and its past inhabitants will continue throughout the house until 2018. A series of behind the scenes tours are available on November 20 and 21 so that visitors can discover the witchmarks for themselves. People lived in fear of a Catholic rebellion and ghoulish goings on in the aftermath of Guy Fawkes' Gunpowder Plot. King James I had a reputation as an avid witch hunter and wrote a book called Demonology. Professor Ronald Hutton of the University of Bristol, told the BBC: 'It was a mandate for the British to fight witches.' People mused witchmarks and relied on other superstitions to protect them at the tumultuous time. In his book, James l wrote: 'Children, women and liars can be witnesses over high treason against God,' and this influenced the justice system when dealing with people accused of witchcraft. A nine-year-old beggar called Jennet Device helped convict 10 people of witchcraft in the 1612 Pendle witch trial in Lancashire, which led to their execution. She even denounced her mother as a witch, who had hosted a party on Good Friday when she should have been in Church. Her sister was accused of killing a pedlar after she cursed him and he collapsed. As a result of a family feud, most of the family were found guilty of causing death or harm by witchcraft and were hanged at Gallows Hill. The influence of the ambitious local magistrate, Roger Nowell, who passed the sentence, extended as far as the US, after the clerk of the court, Thomas Potts, penned a best seller about the case, which was used as a reference handbook for magistrates. The book suggested seeking the testimony of children in trials of witchcraft, and at the notorious Salem witch trials in 1692, most of the evidence was given by children, leading to 19 people being hanged. The marks (pictured) illustrate how fear governed the everyday lives of people living through the tumultuous years of the early 17th century. Here, National Trust archaeologist Nathalie Cohen inspects the witchmarks . ‘To have precisely dated these apotropaic marks so closely to the time of the Gunpowder Plot, with the anticipated visit from the King, makes this a rare if not unique discovery,' James Wright, a Mola buildings archaeologist explained. The room in which they were found is pictured . | Witchmarks were intended to act as a net to catch evil spirits and demons .
They were carved in the 17th century in hidden places, to protect King James I who was due to stay at Knole House, in Kent .
Museum of London Archaeology experts say they date to 1606 a few months after the Gunpowder Plot, when rumours of witchcraft were rife . |
239,625 | c23cbca67836570169c055de7777cd4ea66783f2 | (CNN) -- More French troops are on their way to the Central African Republic ahead of a United Nations Security Council vote on peacekeepers for the nation ravaged by persistent violence, sources in the African Union mission to the Central African Republic told CNN on Wednesday. The additional troops are coming through Cameroon while military supplies have already been flown into Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, the sources said. Late last month, France pledged to send 1,000 more troops to add to the 400 already there. The current troops in the nation, it says, are there in a noncombat mission to protect French nationals and help secure the airport in the capital. An African Union force is already in the nation. The U.N. has suggested its peacekeeping force should eventually augment the African-led mission. That potential force could number about 6,000 troops and 1,700 police personnel, the U.N. says. A vote should take place this week, officials have indicated. France to send 1,000 more troops to Central African Republic . Former leader Gen. Francois Bozize fled the country in March after a coup led by rebel leader Michel Djotodia. A transitional government was put in place, headed by Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye, but the country continues to be wracked by unrest, and new elections have yet to be held. The landlocked nation in central Africa is home to about 5 million people. It declared independence from France in 1960 and has since been under the leadership of presidents or emperors. Despite vast resources, including gold, timber, diamonds and uranium, it's among the poorest nations in the world. Opinion: Why Central African Republic is slipping close to catastrophe . Central African Republic: What's going on, what's at stake, what's next . CNN's Nima Elbagir contributed to this report. | The Central African Republic government is under control of former rebel leaders .
U.N. set to authorize peacekeepers for the country .
French troops there already act as a security force for French nationals .
The nation was a French colony until 1960 and is one of the poorest on Earth . |
175,301 | 6edfec392ec304b9fcfb31bdcb7c5255318ab873 | By . Nick Enoch . PUBLISHED: . 06:49 EST, 3 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:55 EST, 4 July 2013 . A homeowner has had £20,000 wiped off . the value of his house – because a surveyor said it was threatened by . knotweed growing behind his back yard. Father-of-one Ben Metcalfe, 35, had . put his terrace home in Stockport on the market at £100,000 and, after . two years of waiting, thought he had a buyer. But the sale fell through at the last . moment when a surveyor carried out an inspection on behalf of the . prospective purchaser. His report found the house was worth only £80,000 . because of a cluster of aggressive Japanese knotweed growing on council . land next door. Ben Metcalfe stands next to Japanese knotweed in the alleyway at the rear of his property in Edgeley, Stockport in Greater Manchester. A large clump of the weed can be seen directly behind him . The sale of Mr Metcalfe's house fell through at the last minute after a surveyor who carried out a report for a prospective purchaser said it was only worth £80,000 - not £100,000 - because the aggressive weed was growing on council land in an alleyway. The bamboo-like weed looms menacingly over the wall to the right . Mr Metcalfe, an NHS support worker, has been left devastated after the collapse of the sale. Pictured above with his family . The expert said the weed was a threat . to the foundations of neighbouring properties and recommended a . ‘migration plan’ to establish where the roots were, how fast the weed . was growing and what direction it would grow in. The bamboo-like plant can grow up to . 12ft high, push through concrete and damage buildings. Eradicating it . with pesticides costs £100 per square foot. An embankment behind Mr Metcalfe’s home is riddled with the weed, some of it already 10ft high. An embankment behind an alleyway next to the homes of Mr Metcalfe and neighbours is riddled with the weed, some of which has grown to around 10ft already. He is unable to cut back the weed himself for fear he could be prosecuted for damaging property . Mr Metcalfe, an NHS support worker, and other locals have long complained about the danger the weed poses to nearby foundations. He is unable to cut back the weed himself for fear he could be prosecuted for damaging property. He said: ‘We had fallen in love with a house and put an offer in but our sale fell through and we were left stranded. ‘We had been planning to move for two or three years. It is unbelievably frustrating. ‘It is clearly a real problem when someone can’t get a mortgage because of weeds. After contacting the local council property management company, NPS, it has agreed to treat the knotweed - for the first time in two years - and will give Mr Metcalfe a certificate guaranteeing it will be kept in check for five years . The notorious Japanese knotweed grows 10ft high in places on council-owned land on the other side of the alleyway to the rear of the Mefcalfe home in Edgley, Stockport . Japanese knotweed, native to eastern Asia, grows rapidly and is strong enough to damage concrete . ‘I was told that if it didn’t get sorted out then I would have to sell at auction, or find a cash buyer. ‘There are a lot of lenders that simply won’t offer a mortgage on a home that has knotweed nearby. ‘When the survey came back, not only . did it show up the knotweed, it said that for the sale to proceed there . would have to be a full “migration plan” put together to chart where the . plant was and how it was travelling. ‘Of course the buyer got cold feet. We . feel like we were left completely stuck in this position while we wait . for the knotweed to be treated. We just have to hope that we can find a . buyer that is open minded.’ After contacting the local council, . property management company NPS has agreed to treat the knotweed – for . the first time in two years – and will give Mr Metcalfe a certificate . guaranteeing it will be kept in check for five years. Local Labour councillor Philip . Harding, who raised the case with Stockport Council, said: ‘It has been a . problem there for ten years so I don’t know why it has taken so long to . deal with properly.’ Liberal Democrat councillor Mark Weldon, executive member for community services, attempted to reassure residents. ‘We are committed to tackling this issue and have a comprehensive policy to address Japanese knotweed,’ he said. ‘We are aware of the residents’ concerns and contact has been made with them. ‘This site was treated for Japanese knotweed a couple of years ago when it was brought to our attention. ‘There has recently been some re-growth which will be revisited.’ The curse of Japanese knotweed . Japanese knotweed – which has the scientific name fallopia japonica – was introduced into Britain by the Victorians in 1840. Incredibly . invasive, it can grow 4in a day from April to October and a tiny root . can establish itself as a plant in just ten days. Apparently . solid structures such as tarmac and flooring in houses are no barrier . to its growth and the weed also creates a risk of flooding if leaves . clog waterways. About £1.6billion is spent a year in an attempt to remove it. Knotweed is recognised by its shovel-shaped leaves, bamboo-like stem and white flowers produced in autumn. If you discover the plant on your property, these are some of the steps you should take to prevent further problems: . | Ben Metcalfe, 35, had his mid-terrace home on market for two years .
Surveyor said property in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is worth £80,000, not £100,000 because of aggressive weed .
Plant can grow to .
12ft tall, push through concrete and damage buildings .
Costs £100 .
per square foot to eradicate with pesticides . |
38,511 | 6ce81ae4db7436f13a9c446b65a8184a4653cab7 | Kevin Pietersen claims he could yet return to international cricket - if ECB chairman Giles Clarke departed the scene. It is a fanciful scenario to suggest Pietersen, sacked by England eight months ago, could resume his career with his adopted country under any circumstances such is the vitriol contained in his autobiography, which went on general sale on Thursday. But he has escalated his grievances to the very top in his latest interview to promote his book, in the Evening Standard. ECB chairman Giles Clarke sits alongside Kevin Pietersen as he is 'reintegrated' in October 2012 . Pietersen's released his autobiography this week giving his version of events in the last few years . TEST MATCHES . Matches: 104 . Innings: 181 . Runs: 8,181 . High score: 227 . Average: 47.28 . Centuries: 23 . Half-centuries: 35 . ONE-DAY INTERNATIONALS . Matches: 136 . Innings: 125 . Runs: 4,440 . High score: 130 . Average: 40.73 . Centuries: 9 . Half-centuries: 25 . T20 . Matches: 37 . Innings: 36 . Runs: 1,176 . High score: 79 . Average: 37.93 . Half-centuries: 7 . 'What would have to happen for me to be recalled by England?' he asks. 'Clearly, the boss would have to go.' Pietersen, who has already been highly critical of some of his former team-mates and former team director Andy Flower in his book and in earlier promotional interviews, hints he is aware of a possible change of guard. 'Clarke would have to go, and I've been hearing that could happen in the next few months,' he said. 'That's all hearsay, you never know. If there is a change at the top, there is potential, but we will wait and see.' It was Clarke who presided over the South Africa-born batsman's reintegration into the England team at an eerie press conference alongside Pietersen in Colombo in 2012, . That came after a three-month exile imposed on him for sending 'provocative' text messages about his own captain Andrew Strauss to members of the South African opposition during a home Test series. Pietersen is equivocal about where the power lies at ECB. 'Giles pulls a lot of strings,' he added. 'In terms of cricket, I believe Andy Flower pulls a lot of strings too. He has Giles Clarke in his pocket.' An ECB spokesman declined to comment on Pietersen's latest remarks. KP: The Autobiography includes Pietersen's account of a culture of 'bullying' in the dressing room under Flower's regime and orchestrated largely by Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Matt Prior. Pietersen signs copies of his new book at Canary Wharf on Thursday . The batsman has dominated the headlines all week and seemed to be enjoying the limelight on Thursday . One of his grievances is the belief that certain former England team-mates were involved with a Twitter account called 'KP Genius', which sought to poke fun at the batsman. Alec Stewart (above) said on Wednesday night that he had been told three England players had access to a Twitter account parodying Pietersen . Former England captain Alec Stewart revealed on Wednesday night that he was told by the owner of the parody account, Richard Bailey - an acquaintance of Broad's - that Swann, Tim Bresnan and Broad all held the password to it as well. Stewart said he immediately informed the ECB about these allegations. Bresnan responded on Thursday morning, writing on Twitter that he did not have a password and was not involved in anything posted on the account. Swann denied any involvement too earlier this week, and Broad did so in an ECB statement in August 2012 - a fact soon reiterated by a spokesman for the governing body, who said: 'Alec Stewart raised concerns in the best interests of English cricket. 'It was investigated immediately. We dealt with this two years ago.' The matter was brought to a close back then by Broad's statement via his employers, released two days before the final Test of three against South Africa at Lord's. Pietersen was omitted from that match because of the mobile messages he had admitted sending about Strauss. Broad's statement at the time read: 'Following last night's statement by Mr Richard Bailey that he was responsible for creating a parody Twitter account in Kevin Pietersen's name, I would like to confirm that I had no involvement in this whatsoever. 'I met with the managing director, England Cricket, Hugh Morris this morning and assured him that I did not play any role in the creation of this account or provide Mr Bailey with any information regarding Kevin Pietersen or the England team. 'As has been widely reported, Mr Bailey is a friend of mine - but we had no conversations regarding this issue at all, and I am pleased that he has now decided to close the parody account down.' Stewart's conversation with Bailey took place during the first Test at The Oval in July 2012. At the end of Broad's statement on August 14, Morris added: 'Having discussed this matter with Stuart, I am fully satisfied that he acted in a professional manner at all times and did not breach any confidences regarding fellow England players. Stuart Broad (right) has denied that he had anything to do with the tweets mocking Pietersen . 'ECB also accepts the apology Mr Bailey offered last night to the England team via his Twitter account and his reassurances that no professional cricketers were involved in the creation of this site.' Bailey has subsequently reiterated that fact. Pietersen traces many of the controversies of the latter stages of his record-breaking England career to the 'horrendous' breach of trust and loss of respect he felt on being told his own team-mates were behind the parody account. He sets that context of disillusionment against the storm which erupted soon afterwards over the messages he sent about his captain. His reinstatement allowed him to become England's leading runscorer, and to play some of his finest innings. But in February, on his return home after the 2013-14 Ashes debacle, the ECB announced he was no longer part of the national team's plans. | Kevin Pietersen published his book, KP: My Autobiography, this week .
Batsman was exiled from the England side after last winter's Ashes defeat .
Pietersen lifts the lid on what he sees as a bullying culture within the England dressing room but says he wants to play for his country again .
In an interview with the Evening Standard, Pietersen says he has heard rumours that ECB chairman Giles Clarke is set to step down .
Pietersen believes that if that happens he could play for England again . |
106,077 | 14cd4935254efd8ca4d15fe876937a49ef3cdde7 | (CNN) -- Arizona set itself up for yet another self-inflicted political wound, international humiliation, costly boycotts and historical shame now that its legislature has passed a bill giving people the right to discriminate. The bill was written by the Center for Arizona Policy and a Christian legal organization called the Alliance Defending Freedom. They were inspired, in part, by the case of a New Mexico wedding photographer who was taken to court after refusing to shoot a gay commitment ceremony. The bill seeks to shield Christians from members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community who dare to seek equal protection under the law. Specifically, the bill protects all individuals, businesses and religious institutions from discrimination lawsuits if they can show that their discriminatory actions were motivated by religious convictions. Under the guise of religious freedom, however, the bill would enable businesses potentially to discriminate against virtually anyone -- not just Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, agnostics and atheists, but also unwed mothers, Rastafarians and Budweiser T-shirt wearers. This bill is arbitrary, capricious and antithetical to the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood that inform our documents of freedom. It will lead to marginalization and oppression by allowing bigots to deny gay people access to virtually any business or service. The road to Indian genocide, Jim Crow, Japanese-American internment, the Holocaust and other iterations of human persecution began with laws that isolated and dehumanized entire groups of people. Arizona's race relations and cultural politics are often misunderstood by the rest of the country. Racial diversity and progressivism exist within the predominantly white and conservative power structure of the Grand Canyon State. This has created an interesting dynamic. Arizona has sometimes made racial and cultural inroads ahead of the national curve, while fear of major demographic shifts, including a growing LGBTQ community, and the erosion of white privilege have unearthed racial stereotyping, homophobia and xenophobic policies. Many outside the state misunderstand this dynamic, assuming we are a wholly backward place without understanding that it is much more complicated than that. Nevertheless, Arizona now has the dubious designation as the first state to pass an anti-gay bill that seeks to shun and segregate in the name of religion. Similar legislation has been put forward in Idaho, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Tennessee. The Arizona measure is the only bill that has passed. There is a saying: "history doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes." The rhythm of chauvinism and acrimony in Arizona endures. The state long resisted creating a holiday honoring Martin Luther King Jr., which it finally did in 1992. It is not too late to shift course, however. Gov. Jan Brewer has the power to put Arizona back on the right side of history. The "right to discriminate" bill now sits on her desk. The bill passed Thursday, She has five days to reject it or sign it into law. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Matthew C. Whitaker. | Matthew Whitaker: Arizona legislature approved a bill that would allow discrimination .
He says the bill shields those who show religion prompts their discrimination .
He says bill aimed at LGTB community but could affect many groups .
Whitaker: Arizona complicated, not as biased as often depicted . |
190,567 | 82b8298c449c295464ad142b9dff709bb0869ae9 | Jaw-dropping footage has emerged of a Russian man dangling one-handed off a crane hundreds of feet in the air. The footage, captured in Engels, near the city of Saratov, shows fearless Alexander Rusinov dangling perilously from the edge of building crane. The 20-year-old has found fame in Russia due to his def-defying stunts that involve hanging without any safety wires from monuments, buildings and cranes at perilous heights. The 20-year-old still has time to interact with the cameraman, but better make sure he doesn't lose his focus . Rusinov dangles from the crane in Engels, and what's added to the risk is that the wind is picking up . The daredevil knows no bounds when it comes to personal safety. But before he tries a stunt, he always thinks twice before doing anything. He also says his tricks are thoroughly prepared.'I really like what I do,' he adds. He says he is only afraid of hurting himself — not of plunging to the ground below him. The height of the crane is all too apparent in this shot, yet Rusinov is confident to carry on . Not content with pull-ups, Rusinov displays some more of his strength at the heart-stopping height . The teenager started practicising parkour after watching films of other daredevils on the internet and started training in a playground and in the school gym just a year ago. Since then he decided to up his game and take advantage of some of his hometown Saratov's impressive architecture and began doing handstands on bridges over the Volga River jumping between rooftops and scaling walls. Rusinov has been practicing his skills for many years after watching videos of other daredevils online . Alexander Rusinov and his equally as daring friends at the top of the crane in Russia . He has since amassed an army of fans after posting his videos on YouTube. Known as the Saratov Spiderman, he has said in the past that instead of fearing death, he prefers to imagine that he is safely on the ground while performing stunts. Naturally, his worried family disapprove of his rather dangerous hobby. | Alexander Rusinov dangles perilously from the edge of building crane .
The 20-year-old has found fame in Russia due to his def-defying stunts .
Started parkour after watching films of other daredevils on the internet . |
108,565 | 17fbefea6e494c90fb091eb4ff3c53dea2714f20 | (CNN) -- Inter Milan celebrated their fourth successive Scudetto with a 3-0 home victory against Siena on Sunday as coach Jose Mourinho demanded total commitment from his players. Coach Mourinho demanded total commitment from Inter as they celebrated another Italian title. Inter were crowned champions on Saturday after closest challengers and city rivals AC Milan went down 2-1 at Udinese. Any thoughts they would take their foot off the gas were dispelled as goals from Esteban Cambiasso (45), Mario Balotelli (52) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (76) secured the win. "It was important to win, there wouldn't have been much point to our party if we hadn't won," said Mourinho. "This was a serious match, we weren't kidding around. Our strength is that we always play very seriously. "Even today I got angry because we still had the aim of winning the top scorer trophy, not for (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic but for the whole team -- even (Mario) Balotelli had to play for Ibra." The Swede scored his 22nd league goal of the season in the 76th minute and is only one goal behind Bologna's Marco Di Vaio in the Serie A goalscoring charts. But it was captain Javier Zanetti and goalkeeper Julio Cesar who pleased Mourinho the most. "The player who surprised me the most was Zanetti. His passport cannot be telling the truth (claiming he's 35), it must be 10 years out, he's incredible," added the former Porto and Chelsea manager. Mourinho has already started looking ahead to the quest for a fifth successive Serie A crown and already has transfer targets in mind, such as Genoa's Diego Milito. "If you win one, a second and then more titles it's difficult and a fifth will be harder still," he said. "We are not very far from signing Milito, who is a striker in top form. "We need a second striker. This year we had big problems in central midfield and we need two players there with physical strength and a different tactical ability to the players we have at the moment. "And then a defender other than two or three in the youth team that I like a lot." Milan's hold on second place was strengthened as Juventus could only manage a 2-2 home draw with Atalanta with Fiorentina a point back in fourth after they beat Sampdoria 1-0. Genoa came from behind to secure the point they needed to qualify for the Europa League next season thanks to a 2-2 draw with Chievo. Roma hold the last European spot, but are just two points ahead of Palermo after the Sicilians beat Lazio 2-0. Meanwhile, veteran Inter midfielder Luis Figo has announced that he will retire at the end of the season. "I finish in the best possible way," Figo told Portuguese sports newspaper Abola. "I will no longer play at a high level." Figo, 36, won four Primera Liga title in spells with Barcelona and Real Madrid before joining Inter in the summer of 2005. "This is a first for me," he added. "I've never won a title without playing. It's always difficult to win a league title in Italy. But with respect to the previous Serie A titles, this one feels different because it has been slightly more difficult." | Inter Milan mark fourth successive Serie A title with 3-0 victory against Siena .
Jose Mourinho's side cannot be caught after AC Milan's defeat at Udinese .
Veteran Inter midfielder Luis Figo says he will retire at the end of the season . |
49,519 | 8bf5153e0e7e6e08e3c3282edbd1460ff5a6fc56 | (CNN) -- As millions prepare to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, her official jeweler has created a three dimensional artwork inspired by her long reign -- and many diamonds. Asprey teamed up with acclaimed light artist Chris Levine to create "The Diamond Queen," an evocative portrait of the monarch which features a real tiara made up of 1,000 diamonds. It is based on Levine's seminal 2004 Queen portrait "Equanimity." The tiara is an Asprey re-creation of the Queen's diamond diadem which she wore on the way to her coronation in 1953. "We realized that we could collaborate together on this project and create something really unique," said Paddy Byng, managing director of Asprey, which has been supplying the royals with bespoke jewelry and silver ware for the past 225 years. The glowing portrait is currently on show to the public at the company's flagship store in London, but will be auctioned for charity later this year. "We are hoping to raise as much money as possible to go to two charities that have a jubilee focus this year," said Byng. The tiara's value is estimated at £800,000 to £1.2 million. Despite the current economic climate, luxury goods remain in demand -- and the tiara is expected to sell at value. In part, the luxury market has been protected from the European downturn by the continued demand out of countries such as Brazil, Russia, India and China. Although many luxury brands remain based in Europe, the continent's purchasing power is under strain as it struggles to emerge from the eurozone crisis. According to Byng, Europe's economic headwinds create challenges, but ones which are offset in part by the popularity of London and Paris as travel destinations. That attraction, he said, remains "one of the keys that are driving the growth of the market." Byng added: "I think we can all sit here and go 'this is a nightmare', but the fact of the matter is there are Europeans that are still extremely wealthy, and Europeans who still want to buy the best and it comes down to the individual brands to be able to compete amongst themselves on distinctive design, great quality products, and impeccable service." CNN's Stina Backer contributed to this report . | British luxury retailer Asprey was founded in 1781by William Asprey .
The company has nine stores worldwide, its flagship store is on New Bond Street in London .
In 1862 Asprey recieved its first Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria . |
24,933 | 46a4a9a64439356d10b21f49c1a74f1c0a24cf17 | By . Charles Sale . PUBLISHED: . 18:19 EST, 20 December 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:28 EST, 20 December 2013 . Cricket Australia are facing possible legal action for defamation from the ground announcer who was stood down for allegedly making racist remarks about Monty Panesar. David Nixon, video producer for Australian Broadcasting Company who helped out on the PA system for the Alice Springs game, is gathering evidence in support of his case with the help of ABC radio colleagues. It was reported by the Australian media that CA had acted after Nixon had pronounced Panesar’s name with an exaggerated Indian accent. A CA statement said they ‘deemed the conduct of the PA announcer as inappropriate and he will take no further part in the match.’ Controversy: David Nixon has denied making racist remarks about Monty Panesar (above) at Alice Springs . Not wise: And Cricket Australia, who also tweeted this picture captioned 'Will the real Monty Panesar please stand up?', could face legal action for standing him down . However Nixon says: ‘I’m considering my options because of the damage to my reputation. There is no way I mocked Monty with an Indian accent. I just said “Here’s Monty” loudly and in a jovial way as he came on to bowl. ‘CA have no evidence against me. We have dozens of witnesses agreeing there was no racist element to what I said.’ There is no recording of Nixon’s introduction to Panesar nor was any complaint made by the England touring party, who had no knowledge of the fuss until it appeared in the media. The Football League’s belated intervention into Jim Price, agent of Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies, running the club on a daily basis despite not having passed the owners and directors test, is also expected to lead to scrutiny of Forest’s transfer dealings. Agents have complained that unlicensed operator Brian O’Neil, a Scottish former footballer with Celtic, Derby and Preston, has been acting for Forest. The club were unavailable for comment on Friday — not for the first time. Not fit to own: The Football League intervened after Billy Davies' (above) agent Jim Price was running the club on a daily basis . Acting for Forest: There were rumours that former Scotland footballer Brian O'Neill was acting for the club, but they were unavailable to comment . Elite referee Lee Probert, who has been given three Premier League games over Christmas, had been a surprising absentee from the match list since November 9. Insiders believed his lack of PL games might be connected to his friendship with controversial former ref Mark Halsey whose comments criticising the standard of officiating this season and calls for the head of refs boss Mike Riley so infuriated the PL. But a League spokesman described that theory as ‘nonsense’ and insisted that Probert, who was fit enough for Football League duty during that period, had a back problem affecting his foot and lacked the required fitness for the top flight. No problem: Lee Probert hasn't refereed for almost two months, but a League spokesman insisted it was because of injury and nothing else . Former LTA chief executive Roger Draper, who enjoyed a ludicrous salary and bonus package of £640,000 in his last year, has told people he would consider a move into football. No wonder, as that sport also pays out barmy amounts of money, but not necessarily in Draper’s direction. It’s Test Match $pecial . Peter Baxter left as producer of BBC’s Test Match Special in 2007, but six years later he is still trying to cash in on TMS memories on an Australian theatre roadshow with Henry Blofeld, who at least still commentates. Less surprising is rabid self-publicist Jonathan Agnew, the BBC’s cricket correspondent, planning separate TMS-related UK tours after the Ashes, first with Geoff Boycott and then with Phil Tufnell. The BBC have nothing to do with these private ventures that feed off the TMS name, with producer Adam Mountford saying diplomatically: ‘I don’t have a view on them.’ Off to the theater: Peter Baxter (left) and Jonathan Agnew (right) have been taking BBC's Test Match Special on tour with several guests . Meanwhile the preposterous Agnew has proposed TMS colleague Simon Hughes for election to the main MCC committee, saying ‘his skill in expressing himself candidly would enable Simon to make a real and lasting contribution.’ This is the same Simon Hughes who tweeted that he didn’t think Jonathan Trott had a stress-related illness but came home because he was ‘freaked out’ by Mitchell Johnson. William Derby, chief executive of York racecourse, has emerged as the early front-runner to take over at Ascot when Charles Barnett retires after the 2014 Royal Meeting. Derby, in command when York hosted Ascot’s showcase in 2005 during rebuilding work, has turned down other opportunities in racing to wait for the right opening. | Cricket Australia facing possible legal action from David Nixon .
Nottingham Forest's transfer dealings to be scrutinized by Football League .
Rumours of Lee Probert's absence from refereeing refuted .
BBC's Test Match Special hits theaters on tour . |
244,028 | c7da62971c9eefe2e7c4fb9e7a3c1c33eb346785 | Hong Kong (CNN) -- Forget the red-hot property market of mainland China -- a new forecast says investors should be looking south. Jakarta -- Indonesia's burgeoning capital of nearly 10 million people -- is predicted to be Asia's top real estate market in 2013, ahead of cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney in "Emerging Trends in Real Estate -- Asia Pacific 2013," a real estate forecast released this week by PriceWaterhouseCoopers and the Washington D.C.-based Urban Land Institute. The recommendation to buy into Jakarta-based property may raise eyebrows, but PriceWatershouseCoopers says Indonesia's economic turnaround over the past few years has impressed international investors. "Interest rates and inflation are under control, and while GDP is growing at around 6.5% annually, foreign direct investment is increasing at a much higher rate—39% in the first half of this year," the survey said. "Driven by increased demand from foreigners and locals alike, office rents shot up 29% year-on-year in the third quarter, according to (property services firm) DTZ." That growth in demand helped Jakarta jump 10 places from its 2011 ranking but PwC warns the city's real estate scene is not entirely rosy. Difficulties in finding inexpensive bank loans, trustworthy local partners and land with disputed ownership all mean "caveat emptor" -- buyer beware. China's financial hub of Shanghai keeps its number two spot from last year. The PwC survey says the city's retail property sector is heating up as investors shift away from the commercial sector, traditionally "the bread-and-butter investment for foreign funds in China for many years." But PwC adds that foreigners are generally not as tempted to buy into Shanghai property as they were in the past. The major reasons: a real estate market that is already saturated, the rarity of commercial-grade investment buildings and Chinese regulators that are not as welcoming to foreign money as in years past. The tiny city-state of Singapore, traditionally a safe bet for real estate plays, comes in a close third, falling from last year's first place. PwC credits the Lion City's strong position as an Asian financial hub, an uninterrupted supply of real estate projects and continued demand for high-grade office space as the country attracts more employees from multinational firms. Put simply, both supply and demand for Singapore property is expected to stay strong in 2013, PwC reports. Asia-Pacific's Top 15 Asian Investment Prospects for 2013 . 1. Jakarta, Indonesia . 2. Shanghai, China . 3. Singapore, Singapore . 4. Sydney, Australia . 5. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia . 6. Bangkok, Thailand . 7. Beijing, China . 8. China--secondary cities (Chongqing, Tianjin, Shenyang) 9. Taipei, Taiwan . 10. Melbourne, Australia . 11. Hong Kong, China . 12. Manila, Philippines . 13. Tokyo, Japan . 14. Seoul, South Korea . 15. Guangzhou, China . At number 13, the real estate outlook for Tokyo signifies a ratings downgrade from "generally good" prospects to "fair" prospects. PwC says the ranking for Japan's capital is surprisingly "lackluster." "Though investment potential appears good, investors have found deal flows restricted by the ongoing reluctance of local banks to clear bad debt from their balance sheets. A wide bid/ask spread has also limited transaction volumes." The forecast's lowest-ranked city for real estate investment in 2013 is Osaka and ranks at the bottom in most survey categories, from investment and development prospects to office buy/sell recommendations. One major reason is a glut of new office space that is still being completed. At the same time, PwC says "in small regional cities such as Osaka, investors simply do not know where the bottom is because of uncertain demand." The silver lining is that Osaka's four-year oversupply of office space is coming to an end, PwC says. | Indonesia's capital Jakarta is predicted to be Asia's top real estate market in 2013 .
With increasing GDP and foreign investment, Jakarta jumped up 10 places since 2011 .
Singapore got bumped to third place, from first place last year .
Japan's Osaka is the forecast's lowest-ranked city for real estate investment next year . |
63,457 | b42fece52fde1be2400fd32665f611a7a7a497e7 | By . Mark Duell . PUBLISHED: . 13:35 EST, 4 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:39 EST, 4 February 2013 . Jailed: Nathan Rawling, 36, subjected the infant to a violent assault, causing numerous fractures and bruises . A 36-year-old electrician was today jailed for 10 years after battering a 31-day-old baby boy so badly that his heart stopped - which led to a vigilante mob storming the attacker’s home. The tiny baby nearly died after suffering 26 fractured ribs, two broken collarbones, a broken arm and two punctured lungs in what was called a ‘frenzied, brutal and repeated assault’ by Nathan Rawling, of Gravesend, Kent. During the December 2011 attack, Rawling also inflicted a shocking injury to the boy’s genitalia, Maidstone Crown Court heard. After the attack police had to stop a 100-strong mob trying to storm the home of Rawling, who denied assaulting the baby, but was found guilty of grievous bodily harm with intent after a trial. Doctors resuscitated the baby at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent, after Rawling brought him in ‘at the point of death’ after trying to ‘cause really serious harm’, prosecutors said. ‘The baby had collapsed and received urgent life-saving treatment,’ prosecutor John O’Higgins said. ‘There was both cardiac and pulmonary arrest - no heartbeat and no breathing.’ He added: ‘There was cardiac massage for 10 minutes before the heartbeat returned.’ The court heard Rawling, an ex-Kent County Council electrician, was arrested by police and initially admitted causing the injuries, but claimed it was a ‘misguided’ attempt to save the baby’s life. Treatment: Doctors resuscitated the baby at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent, after Rawling brought him in 'at the point of death' after trying to 'cause really serious harm', prosecutors said . He told police he had tried to perform CPR on the baby after noticing he had turned blue and stopped breathing. Rawling claimed the broken arm was caused when he grabbed the baby to restart CPR and the injury to the boy’s genitals was caused when he knelt on them. He also claimed the baby’s ribs were broken because he probably pushed down too hard on them when giving the CPR. But later Rawling changed his defence after accepting medical evidence that the baby’s injuries could not have been caused by resuscitation. He said the only possible explanation was that the injuries must have been inflicted by the baby’s mother. Rawling told the jury: ‘I am still at a loss to know how he ended up in the state he did. I have found it very hard to come to terms with everything that happened. I have struggled with it. ‘I have found it very hard that anyone could do it. I still don’t quite understand.’ But Mr O’Higgins said Rawling fully intended to cause serious injury to the baby. Referring to the boy’s genital injuries, he said: ‘We suggest the baby weed over him and that he caused that terrible injury to his penis as a result. ‘It may be he did try to save the baby and perform CPR, but if so it was because only moments before he had almost killed (the child).’ 'I am still at a loss to know how he ended up in the state he did. I have found it very hard to come to terms with everything that happened. I have struggled with it. I have found it very hard that anyone could do it. I still don’t quite understand' Nathan Rawling . Following, the sentencing, Kent Police’s senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Pritchard, said: ‘This was an extremely serious assault on an innocent baby boy. ‘In my service I have not seen such extensive injuries on such a young child. It was a case that shocked the public and caused considerable community tension in Gravesend. ‘The infant, who was just 31 days old, suffered incredible trauma, which arguably should have cost him his life or at the very least left him with long-term medical problems. ‘However, thanks to the excellent work of the doctors and nurses at Darent Valley Hospital and Kings College Hospital, he not only survived the attack but is now doing well. ‘Rawling is a bully who took out his anger in the most cowardly way possible when he assaulted this baby and it is satisfying to see that justice has been served.’ After the attack police had to restrain a vigilante mob who tried to storm Rawling’s home. Stones and other missiles were thrown at the house, causing damage to the front door and windows. It happened when a number of people held a candlelit vigil outside the house, praying for the injured baby who they feared might die. Some of the mob targeted another house in the neighbourhood where they believed Rawling was staying. The violence and tension led to a local police chief making a public appeal for calm. | Tiny baby nearly died after attack by Nathan Rawling, 36, in December 2011 .
Mob tried to storm home of Rawling in Gravesend, Kent, after the attack .
Doctors resuscitated the baby at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford, Kent . |
84,117 | ee921fddd09aa6be83379c6c70627ff9273af909 | Change of opinion: James Lovelock once claimed that climate change would kill billions, but the environmentalist now says green movement theories are meaningless drivel . He was once a guru to environmentalists, claiming climate change would kill billions of humans by the end of this century. But it seems James Lovelock has had a change of heart. On the eve of a major environmental summit, he has attacked the modern green movement – declaring its theories 'meaningless drivel'. Almost half a century after he revealed his Gaia theory, which inspired a generation of activists, the former Nasa scientists said he believed that rising sea levels were not a problem and that wind turbines were 'useless'. The 92-year-old described the modern green movement as a 'religion', which used guilt to gain support. Speaking about climate change, he said: 'I'm not worried about sea-level rises.' He added: 'At worst, I think it will be 2ft a century.' Slamming environmentalists, he said: 'It just so happens that the green religion is now taking over from the Christian religion. 'I don't think people have noticed that, but it's got all the sort of terms that religions use. The greens use guilt. You can't win people round by saying they are guilty for putting CO2 in the air.' Mr Lovelock said he was a firm supporter of nuclear power and even voiced his support for fracking – the controversial process of extracting gas from rock deep underground, opposed by the green movement. He said: 'Gas is almost a giveaway in the US at the moment. They've gone for fracking in a big way. 'Let's be pragmatic and sensible and get Britain to switch everything to methane. We should be going mad on it.' In an interview, Mr Lovelock . described existing theories of 'sustainable development' – a key topic . for discussion at the upcoming summit – as 'drivel'. He . suggested that humans should instead use air conditioning to deal with . climate change in cities, citing Singapore as an example. He . said: 'If we all move into cities, they become the equivalent of a . nest. Then another thought comes immediately from that: if that's the . way the flow is going, don't stop it, let's encourage it. 'Instead of trying to save the planet by geo-engineering or whatever, you merely have to air-condition the cities.' Speaking . about Singapore he said: 'You could not have chosen a worse climate in . which to build a city. It's a swamp with temperatures in the 90s every . day, and very humid. Turnaround: Almost half a century after he revealed his Gaia theory, which inspired a generation of activists, the former Nasa scientists said he believed that rising sea levels were not a problem and that wind turbines were 'useless' 'But it is one of the most successful cities in the world. It's so much cheaper to air-condition the cities and let Gaia take care of the world. It's a much better route to go than so-called “sustainable development”, which is meaningless drivel. Mr Lovelock, who has conducted research at Yale and Harvard universities, has been a respected member of the academic community for decades. He discovered the presence of harmful chemicals – CFCs – in the atmosphere in the 1960s. He developed the Gaia theory while working with Nasa. It claims that the Earth has a self-regulating system which has automatically controlled global temperature, atmospheric content, oxygen, ocean salinity, and other factors. But last month, the scientist admitted that he had been 'alarmist' and 'extrapolated too far' with his doomsday-like predictions on the effects of climate change. His latest comments came just a week before the Rio+20 summit, a major conference on climate change, to mark the anniversary of the landmark Earth Summit in 1992. New theory: Mr Lovelock said he was a firm supporter of nuclear power and even voiced his support for fracking ¿ the controversial process of extracting gas from rock deep underground, opposed by the green movement . | Ex climate change advocate now believes sea levels rising is not a problem .
Former Nasa scientist said wind turbines were 'useless' |
151,429 | 4fc69706967a9b019ee7e0c0ff94d63a2ad412e3 | A law enforcement officer's quick decision is once again being put under a microscope. On Monday, Cleveland police said officers fatally shot 12-year-old Tamir Rice as the youth reached for an air pistol in his waist. Chief Calvin Williams said the air pistol was "indistinguishable from a real firearm." An orange tip indicating the gun was not a real firearm had been removed, police said. "Our officers at times are required to make critical decisions in a split second," Williams said at a news conference "Unfortunately, this was one of those times." The incident comes as the nation nervously awaits a grand jury decision on whether to charge the police officer who killed African-American teenager Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, in August. But Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson said events in Ferguson don't concern him. "Ferguson being out there or not being out there doesn't matter," the mayor said at the news conference. "This is about the fact that a young boy was shot and killed in Cleveland." The attorney for the family of the Cleveland youngster, who also was black, downplayed any possible racial connotations to the shooting. Police have not disclosed the race of the officer who shot Tamir. "This is not a black and white issue. This is a right and wrong issue," attorney Tim Kucharski said. Deputy Chief Ed Tomba said video showing the Saturday shooting exists, but he didn't say where the video comes from. He said representatives for Rice's family have viewed the video and the family will decide later whether to look at it. Tomba said the video is not available for journalists now because it's part of an active investigation, which the department plans to complete in 90 days and send to the district attorney. 'There's a guy in there with a pistol' The incident began Saturday when police were summoned to a city recreation center by a 911 caller who said someone -- possibly a juvenile -- was pointing "a pistol" at people. "There's a guy in there with a pistol, you know, it's probably fake, but he's like pointing it at everybody," the caller said. "He's sitting on a swing right now, but he's pulling it in and out of his pants and pointing it at people," the caller said. "He's probably a juvenile, you know?" Police said it's not clear if the responding officers received the information about the age of the suspect or the gun being "probably fake." When the two officers arrived, the boy did not point the air gun at them or otherwise threaten them, Tomba told reporters Sunday. But he did reach for the air gun, Tomba said. "The officers ordered him to stop and to show his hands, and he went into his waistband and pulled out the weapon," he said. Tamir died early Sunday at MetroHealth Medical Center after surgery, according to the hospital and the family's attorney. Tomba showed reporters the air gun the boy was said to be reaching for -- a large, black BB- or pellet-type replica gun resembling a semiautomatic pistol. An orange tip indicating the gun was not a real firearm had been removed, police said. On Monday, Williams said that the "facsimile weapon in this incident was indistinguishable from a real firearm." Both officers have been placed on leave, police said. The head of the police union said the officers followed protocols. "As they approached the male, they are screaming at him, 'Put your hands up, put your hands up' -- they don't want his hands to go anywhere down by the waistband," Cleveland Police Patrolman's Association President Jeff Follmer told CNN affiliate WJW. "I can tell you the officer that fired had no clue that he was 12, he just thought it was an older male. There was more concentration on his hands because we are taught in the academy that hands will kill you," Follmer told the station. 'It was a child' Residents reacted angrily. "It wasn't a dog. It was a child. You didn't give him a chance. You just killed him," one man told CNN affiliate WEWS. Someone claiming to represent the online activist group Anonymous claimed in a YouTube video to have taken down the city's website, blaming the shooting on what the speaker said was "an overzealous rookie officer" who resorted too quickly to lethal force. "Officers are equipped with many nonlethal options such as Taser guns," the speaker said. "Why did he not use a Taser on this child? Shooting him in cold blood was not necessary with these nonlethal options available." However, Follmer said officers had no way to know the air gun wasn't a real firearm. "You feel bad, after the fact, that it was a 12-year-old," he said. "Nobody wants to shoot a 12-year-old, especially when they are holding a fake gun. But that's not the perception the officers had at that time." Chief Williams said parents need to teach children that "guns are not toys," whether they're real or fake. Police shootings of African-Americans, particularly young men, have been under rising scrutiny in recent months after Brown's shooting following a brief confrontation in Ferguson. A grand jury there is expected to soon make a decision whether Officer Darren Wilson should face criminal charges in that incident, which resulted in widespread protests over police violence against African-Americans. | An orange tip indicating the gun was not a real firearm had been removed, police said .
Deputy chief says police have surveillance video of the shooting .
Officer who fired fatal shots "had no clue" Tamir Rice was 12, union official says .
"You didn't give him a chance," an angry resident says of the shooting . |
220,153 | a8f08f7a5ada6ce18e8f9566a6f8649ee73781f6 | Everton manager Roberto Martinez admits the World Cup means he may have to wait until the last minute to complete his transfer business. The Spaniard can at least be more definitive with his summer spending after Hull's weekend FA Cup final defeat guaranteed the Toffees' direct progress into the group stage of the Europa League. However, he will also give some of the club's emerging young talent the chance to stake a claim for promotion to the first-team squad during pre-season. Tension: Everton boss Roberto Martinez admits the World Cup could hinder his transfer aspirations . Rewarding youth: Martinez will also give Everton's young guns a chance to shine like England's Ross Barkley and stand-by defender John Stones . The Toffees' under-18s won their league with victory over Manchester City on Saturday and that could pave the way for some players to follow the path trodden by the likes of Ross Barkley, who earned a World Cup call-up on the back of the pivotal role he was given by Martinez this year. 'Recruitment is going to be important,' Martinez told Press Association Sport. 'The right characters need to come to the club and we need to be large enough in terms of numbers to face every competition with a real desire to hit good performances. 'I do feel we have to be really clear in what we need, who we bring in, and it is going to take until the last day of the window to finalise the squad. 'It is a World Cup year and things will get delayed and certain situations will be worth us waiting until the last second to see if they happen or not and that is something we are well in control of. Uncertain: The future of Chelsea loan striker Romelu Lukaku (left with Barkley) is yet to be confirmed . 'We have our targets and we have highlighted the positions we need to bring players in. 'But I also have a few young players who will be given an opportunity in pre-season and depending on how they do they will fill some of those positions in the fist-team squad. 'I think our young players next season will have a massive say in how good we are going to be. 'We know what we are going to get from the experienced players but every time you bring a player into the club there is always a margin of error in terms of how they will adapt.' Borrowed and blue: Gareth Barry was a mighty midfield presence for the Toffees on loan from Manchester City . Martinez, who will also use the loan market extensively again, is looking to add two strikers, a right winger, defensive midfielder and a defender to his squad. The future of Romelu Lukaku, who scored 16 goals in a season-long loan at Goodison Park, is likely to be one which drags on well into August as parent club Chelsea want to see how he performs at the World Cup before making a decision on the striker. Martinez would be happy to take back the Belgian, Barcelona's Gerard Deulofeu and Monaco's Lacina Traore - who played just one game because of injury after a January loan move - on loan again for another campaign if possible. | Martinez will be finalising his squad up to the end of the transfer window .
He'll also give emerging talent a chance to be the next Ross Barkley .
Toffees' under-18 side won their title with a final win over Manchester City .
Everton go into the Europa League group stage after Hull's FA Cup defeat .
Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku's future is unclear after a 16-goal season .
Other loan players include, Gareth Barry, Gerard Deulofeu and Lacina Traore, who are yet to confirm plans for next season . |
23,544 | 42dae94d6753ec0f1347ebaec00dcbaff2b670bf | By . Ashley Clements . Follow @@Ashley_Clements . Everton have announced the signing of 18-year-old defender Brendan Galloway from MK Dons for an undisclosed fee. The England youth international has signed a five-year-contract with Roberto Martinez's side and will join up with the club's Under-21 squad. Galloway made a total of 17 appearances for the Dons last season and has been hailed as the next Rio Ferdinand by those that watch him play regularly. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Brendan Galloway in action for England U18s . Toffee: Brendan Galloway has signed a five-year contract with Everton . The Zimbabwe-born player has been capped by England up to Under 19 level. Those who have watched him play regularly say he is in the mould of Rio Ferdinand. Was the youngest player ever to take to the field for MK Dons, aged just 15, when he came on as a substitute in 2011. He also became the youngest player in MK Dons' history to feature for the club when, at the age of 15, he made his debut as a second-half substitute in a 6-0 FA Cup victory over Nantwich Town in November 2011. The defender to Everton's official website: It means an awful lot to me coming to such a great Club. 'I'm now looking forward to learning off some of the more senior players - the likes of Sylvain Distin and Phil Jagielka. 'Long-term, I also want to get in the Everton team and play week in and week out in the Premier League and play in a team that's doing well, which I know we will do.' Talent: Galloway in action during a pre-season friendly match between MK Dons and a Tottenham in 2013 . | Everton sign 18-year-old defender Brendan Galloway from MK Dons .
Young centre-back has been likened to Rio Ferdinand .
Galloway will join Everton's Under-21 squad . |
178,327 | 72e3efdb6f78671c98a93a7397b5205c555c80d5 | (CNN) -- Eli Wallach, whose long acting career included performances in "The Magnificent Seven," "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," "The Godfather Part III" and "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps," has died. He was 98. Wallach died Tuesday night. A family member confirmed his death to CNN. Wallach was long one of Hollywood's favorite character actors, giving his parts -- often villains, mobsters or shopkeepers -- an added touch of menace with his gravelly voice. In "The Magnificent Seven" and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" -- two key '60s Westerns -- he played bandits. He also played opposite some of the biggest stars in history. His more than 150 credits includes roles in "The Misfits" (1961), with Clark Gable and Marilyn Monroe; "Lord Jim" (1965), with Peter O'Toole and James Mason; "Tough Guys" (1986), with Kirk Douglas and Burt Lancaster; "The Two Jakes" (1990), with Jack Nicholson; and even a small, uncredited role in "Mystic River" (2003), starring Sean Penn and Tim Robbins and directed by Clint Eastwood -- his co-star in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." But Wallach's heart was in live theater, where he originated parts in such works as Tennessee Williams' "The Rose Tattoo" and Eugene Ionesco's "Rhinoceros." "For actors, movies are a means to an end," Wallach told The New York Times in 1973. "I go and get on a horse in Spain for 10 weeks, and I have enough cushion to come back and do a play." Eli Herschel Wallach was born in Brooklyn, New York, on December 7, 1915. Though he was Jewish, he grew up in a largely Italian neighborhood, an experience that would later help him in a number of roles. "I grew up watching Italians. And, in 'The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,' (director) Sergio Leone said, 'You have to pray in here. Cross yourself. You know how to cross yourself?' I said, 'Well, I'm Jewish, but I learned how to cross myself because the Italians did it every day 30, 40 times a day, crossing themselves,'" he said in an interview with the blog Old New York Stories. Wallach attended the University of Texas -- among his classmates was Walter Cronkite -- and served in the Army during World War II. After the war, he attended the Actors Studio and became a leading devotee of the Method, the approach to acting that asks performers to draw on their own experiences and emotions for an interior understanding of the part. (Lee Strasberg, perhaps the Method's primary American popularizer, once said, "Method acting is what all actors have always done whenever they acted well.") He won a Tony for his performance in "The Rose Tattoo" and also acted in "Mister Roberts," "The Teahouse of the August Moon" and "Major Barbara." He made his film debut in another Tennessee Williams work, "Baby Doll" (1956), three years after turning down the role of Maggio in "From Here to Eternity" (1953). That part went to Frank Sinatra and revitalized his career. "Every time Sinatra met me after that, he would say to me, 'Hello, you crazy actor,'" he told Old New York Stories. He almost turned down the part in "Magnificent Seven," but changed his mind when he saw how he could shape the role of the bandit Calvera, he told the website American Legends. "I went to (director John) Sturges and said, 'In movie Westerns, you never see what the bandits do with the money. ... I want to show how they spend it. I want to have silk shirts. I'm going to put in two gold teeth. I want a good horse, a wonderful saddle.' Sturges said, 'OK. You got it.'" "Magnificent Seven" also starred Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, James Coburn and Charles Bronson and featured Elmer Bernstein's stirring score. Of the leading members of the cast, only Robert Vaughn is still alive. Wallach worked steadily, whether on stage, the big screen or small -- especially if the TV series was based in New York. He was in a 1992 episode of "Law & Order" and performed in the short-lived "Tribeca" and "100 Centre Street." But work was work, and that also meant parts in "ER," "Murder, She Wrote," "Highway to Heaven" and the TV movie "The Executioner's Song." He made "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" (2010) when he was 94. He had a sense of humor about his fame. He titled his memoir "The Good, the Bad and Me," since his role in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" was "the Ugly" -- Tuco, the sometimes buffoonish bandit. And he enjoyed the spotlight -- even when he was promoting his book. "I'm having fun answering questions," he said in a publisher's interview. "A woman asked me, 'Is that your real name?' And I said, 'How do you dream up a name like mine?'" Wallach is survived by his wife, actress Anne Jackson, to whom he was married for 66 years; three children and many grandchildren. Why the Pope was an Eli Wallach fan . People we've lost in 2014 . | Eli Wallach was hardworking and prolific character actor .
Among his films: "Magnificent Seven," "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"
Wallach frequently performed on stage as well . |
74,700 | d3c47f12ed8e7d7c2e4c522868064892fc164a39 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:37 EST, 2 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:12 EST, 2 August 2013 . Accused: Daniel Bartelt, 19, has been charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend and attacking another woman with a knife last month . A 19-year-old man has been charged with killing his former high school girlfriend by strangling her in her bed, and attacking another woman three days earlier. Daniel Joseph Bartelt is accused of murdering 19-year-old actress Jessie Blodgett after she returned to her Hartford, Wisconsin, home from a 'Fiddler on the Roof' cast party on July 15. The college dropout also confessed to attacking a woman with a knife in a park on July 12, saying it was a 'spur of the moment decision', just hours after researching serial killers online. In court on Wednesday, Bartelt's lawyer Gary Schmaus said the teenager was mentally unfit to stand trial and needed to be 'evaluated as soon as possible', according to ABC News. Police affidavits in the criminal complaint and probable cause documents say Bartelt denied killing Blodgett. However Huffington Post reports Bartelt's fingerprints were found on a wad of of electrical tape underneath the floorboard of Blodgett's bedroom, leading to his arrest. Investigators say he sneaked into Blodgett's house, tied her up and strangled her. The teen had marks on her neck and a preliminary autopsy ruled the cause of death as 'ligature strangulation'. Blodgett, a University of Wisconsin student, returned home from the party about 1am, and her mother found her dead in her bed later that day. Victim: The mother of Jessie Blodgett, 19, found her dead in her bed . Devastating: University of Wisconsin student and actress Jessie Blodgett was killed after returning home from a 'Fiddler on the Roof' cast party last month . Bartelt and Blodgett dated in high school, acted together in theater productions and even recorded a duet which they posted to YouTube. The pair recently began rekindling a friendship, but Huffington Post reports Bartelt wanted to be more than friends. Just three days before Blodgett's death, Bartelt attacked a woman with a knife at Richfield Historical Nature Park, according to new documents released by prosecutors. He tackled her to the ground before the woman, who believed she was 'going to die', wrestled the knife from Bartelt, according to Fox 6 News. The documents also revealed Bartlet asked her if he could leave - she said no. Still holding the knife, the woman drove away in her car. She reportedly needed 15 stitches to her hand. Police said Bartelt admitted to the attack, calling it 'a spur of the moment decision…to scare her.' Former lovers: Daniel Bartelt, pictured, used to date Jessie Blodgett, and the duo recorded a demo which they uploaded to YouTube . The . documents also outlined disturbing internet searches Bartelt allegedly performed on his laptop just 30 minutes before the park attack. Fox 6 News said he searched for the body counts of famous . killers, 'spree killing,' and the Wikipedia entries for two high-profile . strangulation cases - Columbian Louis Garavito, known for dismembering his victims, and South African Moses Sithole, who lured victims to secluded places before raping and killing them. Bartelt’s parents allegedly told officials he had dropped out of college at UW-Stevens Point after a semester, and had returned home appearing depressed, according to Fox 6 News. However in court this week, Bartelt's lawyer Schmaus said the crimes the teenager has been accused of don't 'make sense'. 'When you hear about Daniel's life and achievements and education and . intelligence and all of the different positive things he's been involved . with up until now, it doesn't seem to blend or make sense,' Schmaus . said. Unsound mind? In court on Wednesday, Daniel Bartelt's attorney argued that the 19-year-old is mentally unfit to stand trial for allegedly killing Jessie Blodgett . Fox 6 News reports this week's court hearing was halted when Schmaus raised concerns . about his client's competence to understand the proceedings. A . competency evaluation will be performed by the Department of Health . Services and Bartelt will again appear in court on September 4. | Daniel Bartelt, 19, has been charged with strangling ex-girlfriend Jessie Blodgett to death .
The college dropout admitted he held a woman at knife-point, just hours after researching serial killers online .
Bartelt's lawyer says he's mentally unfit to stand trial . |
33,390 | 5ef6cecf8023006bcf7930beca6d2e961fa7437d | Tragedy: Charlie Kelsey-Neil, 12, was found hanging in his bedroom by a younger sibling . A 12-year-old schoolboy accidentally hanged himself in his bedroom just two weeks after jokingly wrapping a cable around his neck in a classroom prank, an inquest heard today. Charlie Kelsey-Neil, 12, was a big fan of street magician Dynamo who often enjoyed watching the British-born star's TV shows. An inquest in Medway heard how he was found by a younger sibling at the family home in Canterbury, Kent. His mother Caroline, 31, and stepfather Jovan Neil, 26, desperately tried to revive him but he was pronounced dead later that evening. Mr Neil told the inquest the incident was not a cry for help and Charlie had never given any indication of wanting to harm himself. Mr Neil said that Charlie, who had ADHD, . loved watching magic tricks and would pretend . to be Spiderman. He said: 'He was not interested in looking on the internet, but when he did it was about fishing and magic tricks. 'He became really interested in Dynamo who does street magic.' The inquest heard Charlies had loosely put an internet cable around his neck and jokingly faked a hanging pose in front of Year 8 classmates just two weeks before his death. Charlie, a pupil at a school in Canterbury, Kent, was found unconscious at home in Sittingbourne last October. Patricia Harding, the Coroner for . Medway, said: 'I totally rule out suicide. There is no evidence he was . suffering from depression or anything of that sort. Inquest: Charlie, pictured on a fishing trip, wrapped a cord around his neck and pulled a hanging pose in front of his classmates as a prank just two weeks before his death . 'The evidence shows that it was probable that it was the unintentional consequence of a deliberate action. 'The probable cause of death is that it was an accident. It is a very tragic case.' After the hearing Charlie's family said: 'Charlie was a lovely boy with a real get up and go personality.He loved the outdoors and would even camp in the garden. 'He was a good brother and very protective of his siblings. He was always there for them and his smile could light up any room. 'All his friends have nothing but good things to say about him and he is sorely missed, we all loved him so much.' The coroner ruled the schoolboy's death was an accident. | Charlie Kelsey-Neil was a fan of the street TV magician Dynamo .
The 12-year-old schoolboy was found hanging in his room by a sibling .
Inquest heard he had jokingly wrapped a cable around his neck in prank at school two weeks before his death .
Medway Coroner Patricia Harding today ruled his death was an accident . |
241,761 | c4e6bcd6cb3f4e8f33aed803b040606711292374 | The air we breathe is laced with cancer-causing substances and is being officially classified as carcinogenic to humans, the World Health Organisation has said. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) said that in 2010, 223,000 deaths from lung cancer worldwide resulted from air pollution. The agency also said that there is convincing evidence it increases the risk of bladder cancer. Motorists travel through haze in Pekanbaru, Indonesia. Air pollution has been named as the main cause of lung cancer by the World Health Organisation . It listed the main sources of outdoor air pollution as transport, power generation, industrial and agricultural emissions, and heating and cooking in residential buildings. Some air pollutants also have natural sources, it added. Air pollution is already known to increase risks for a wide range of diseases, such as respiratory and heart diseases. Depending on the level of exposure in different parts of the world, the risk was found to be similar to that of breathing in second-hand tobacco smoke, Kurt Straif, head of the agency's section that ranks carcinogens, told reporters in Geneva. In a statement, deputy head of the WHO cancer agency, Dana Loomis, said: 'Our task was to evaluate the air everyone breathes rather than focus on specific air pollutants. 'The results from the reviewed studies point in the same direction: the risk of developing lung cancer is significantly increased in people exposed to air pollution.' Air pollution, mostly caused by . transport, power generation, industrial or agricultural emissions and . residential heating and cooking, is already known to raise risks for a . wide range of illnesses including respiratory and heart diseases. Research suggests that exposure levels . have risen significantly in some parts of the world, particularly . countries with large populations going through rapid industrialisation, . such as China. Air pollution has also been linked to bladder cancer by the World Health Organisation . IARC reviewed thousands of studies on air pollution tracking populations over decades and other research such as those in which mice exposed to polluted air experienced increased numbers of lung tumours. In a statement released after reviewing the literature, the Lyon-based agency said both air pollution and particulate matter - a major component of it - would now be classified among its Group 1 human carcinogens. That ranks them alongside more than 100 other known cancer-causing substances in IARC's Group 1, including asbestos, plutonium, silica dust, ultraviolet radiation and tobacco smoke. Dr. Christopher Wild, director of IARC, told a news briefing in Geneva that the work's aim is to be as comprehensive as possible. He said: 'Often we're looking at two, three or four decades once an exposure is introduced before there is sufficient impact on the burden of cancer in the population to be able to study this type of question.' | In 2010, air pollution caused the deaths of 223,000 lung cancer patients, according to the World Health Organisation .
There is also 'convincing evidence' it increases risk of bladder cancer .
Main sources of outdoor air pollution are .
transport, power generation, industrial and agricultural emissions .
In residential buildings, heating and cooking are to blame . |
129,608 | 3389fbf5c72fb09ea5832b59b1378fbb726fd92e | (CNN) -- "It's the most wonderful time of the year." That's what Andy Williams sang 50 years ago, and for some, the song rings true. For others, left cold by carols and gift wrap, urgings to "be of good cheer" can be devilishly hard to escape. Hard, that is, if you stick to your holiday routine. But what if you leave it all behind? Plenty of small-group escorted tours are still taking bookings for December, and if you're a solo traveler it's especially easy to snap up an available spot. Whether you're constitutionally immune to the holiday spirit, or just not feeling it this year, a few new faces and jingle-bell-free surroundings are bound to give you a boost. Here's a sampling of tours with open spaces for 2013, as of this writing -- some with last-minute deals for travel in the coming weeks. Around Turkey in 12 days . The real St. Nick hailed from Anatolia, the Asian portion of modern-day Turkey, which is nothing at all like the North Pole. The Christmas Turkey tour drops in on the saint's home town as well as some of the country's biggest draws, including the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the "fairy chimneys" of Cappadocia and the shores of Gallipoli. From $1,899, not including international airfare, visa, entrance fees, and tips. December 18-29; 1-866-377-6147. Sand, Sea and Souks . Here, where the Sahara meets the Atlantic, you'll trade bargain-hunting in a crowded mall for haggling at a busy souk (marketplace). The Best of Morocco tour visits the exotic cities of Fez and Marrakech, as well as Roman ruins at Volubilis. It will also have you trekking by camel to stay in a Berber desert camp and admiring the ocean in Essaouira. From $1,279, not including international airfare, visa, departure transfer, most lunches and dinners, and tips. December 23-January 6;1-855-444-9110. Rivers and temples . Ready for a change of pace? You'll find it in more ways than one on the Laos & Cambodia Explorer tour floating slowly down the Mekong River. Witness daily life in Laos' Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends traditional Lao and colonial French architecture; fly on to Cambodia to tour the legendary Angkor temples. $2,874 with promo code (given on website); does not include international flights, visa, meals other than breakfast, or tips. December 21-January 3; 1-800-663-5132. Mayan Mystique . This tour of the Yucatán Peninsula starts and ends in Cancún, but its focus lies in culture, not cabanas. In addition to exploring Mayan ruins at Uxmal and Chichén Itzá, your agenda includes the museums of Mérida and a once-functioning hacienda. You'll also hit the beaches in Tulúm and Playa del Carmen. From $1,799; does not include international flights, dinners, some lunches, or tips. December 21-30; 1-888-800-4100. Wonders of the West . The American West boasts majestic scenery and remarkable cities. Why choose between these experiences? Instead take a tour that meanders from San Francisco's Coit Tower to the towering sequoias of Yosemite; from the bright lights of Las Vegas to the shimmering sunsets of the Grand Canyon. $2,999; does not include transport to California, most meals, or tips. December 21-January 4; 1-888-800-4100. New Year's on ice . The Harbin Ice Festival in northeast China gives this tour a dazzling, color-saturated twist. After taking in sights like the Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City and the terra-cotta warriors of Xi'an, you'll fly to Harbin and ring in 2014 with a view of the festival's gorgeous ice sculptures, illuminated with a rainbow of lights and traditional paper lanterns. The next day, try the ice luge or other amusements at Ice and Snow World, the festival's theme park. From $2,299, not including international airfare, visa, entrance fees and tips. December 23-January 2; 1-866-377-6147. Ski the Tyrol . This Alpine ski and snowboarding getaway run by Topdeck Travel, which specializes in tours for adults under 40, lets you learn some downhill skills or practice those you've got. Get cozy in the Austrian village of Kirchdorf, where the day's outdoor activities end with the tradition of après-ski, also known as nightlife. During Christmas week, day trips to the Christmas markets of Salzburg and Innsbruck are optional at additional cost. $749; does not include international airfare, transfers from airport, ski pass, equipment rental, or meals other than breakfast and two dinners. December 21-28 or December 28-January 4; 1-800-607-1399. Costa Rica on the go . You might not need a New Year's gym membership after this active tropical getaway. Hit the ground -- or rather, rapids -- running with a whitewater rafting trip, followed up by rainforest hikes and kayaking through mangroves. Then enjoy well-earned relaxation in hot springs and mud baths. $2098; does not include international airfare, some meals, or tips. December 28-January 4; 1-800-488-8483. Climb Kilimanjaro . For a truly epic voyage, splurge on the Snows of Kilimanjaro tour, an ascent of the highest peak in Africa. Your first day will be spent acclimatizing in Arusha National Park; from there it's four to six hours of hiking a day, with arrival at the summit timed for sunrise where possible. Though the climb is tough, groups have often included septuagenarians, and tour operators boast a 97% summit success rate. Plus you'll travel in relative comfort with private igloos and porters to carry all but your day pack. $6,495; does not include international flights, some tips or a sleeping bag, which is recommended. December 19-28; 1-800-554-7016. Trekking in Patagonia . Snow-capped mountains, glaciers and sparkling lakes: Patagonia is a breathtaking wilderness at the southern tip of the world. And with some serious hiking involved, this trip may leave you breathless in more ways than one -- it's recommended for the physically fit. Your outdoors time is bookended with stays in Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, and the trip mixes basic camping with hotel stays. $3,863; does not include international airfare, some lunches and dinners, or tips. December 22-31; 1- 800-970-7299. If you could go anywhere this December holiday season, where would you go and why? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below. | Visit the real St. Nick's hometown in Anatolia, Turkey .
Trek the national parks of the Western United States .
Spend your Christmas holiday hiking up Mount Kilimanjaro .
Ring in the New Year at the Harbin Ice Festival in Northeast China . |
54,817 | 9b43435137d7eafcf2604d4adada9617fc941278 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . An Oklahoma man faces multiple rape charges over a game of truth or dare he allegedly played with two underage girls that turned sexual on more than one occasion. Authorities in Moore say 20-year-old Danny Hilton would 'dare' the two girls - ages 14 and 15 - to perform sex acts on both him and on each other. One of the girls eventually told her mother. Court documents obtained by news9.com show that one of the incidents occurred in February in Hilton's bedroom at his parents' home. The girls later told authorities that Hilton encouraged them to accept various 'dares' that were sexual in nature. Dare: Authorities say Danny Hilton would 'dare' the two girls to perform sex acts on him and on each other . When police interviewed the two girls, they were told about at least three other incidents involving the 15-year-old dating back to August of 2013. The 15-year-old told police that she successfully fought off one of Hilton's alleged sexual attacks. Hilton's father claims the incidents happened in his son's bedroom when he was either sleeping or not at home. When Hilton's father confronted him about the allegations, he denied them. The elder Hilton then kicked his son out of his house. Truth: Hilton admitted to authorities that he played the game with the two girls, and to having sexual contact with them . In a subsequent interview with police, Hilton admitted to playing the game with the two girls, and to the sex acts, according to court documents. Despite admitting to the alleged crime, people have taken to social media to support - or defend - the alleged sexual predator. In one Facebook post, Ramona Ager - an Oklahoma woman who identifies herself on social media as being an employee of a company called Raising the Standard Ministries - questions whether the two girls are actually victims. Scene: The alleged incident happened in Hilton's bedroom at his father's home. His father later kicked him out after learning about the allegations against him . 'I'm not saying that he shouldn't be held accountable but this BOY is just barely out of HIS teens himself! and I don't think these girls are as "innocent" as they are portraying to be,' she posted on a local news website 'I think they are making him the scapegoat and "playing the victim".... if I truly felt like I was violated, I certainly would NOT go back even ONE time much less "several times".... now this young man is labeled FOR LIFE as a sex offender...... smh.' Hilton currently is in the Cleveland County Jail on three counts of second-degree rape and two counts of forcible sodomy. | Danny Hilton allegedly would dare the two girls - ages 14 and 15 - to perform sexual acts on him .
He also encouraged the two girls to perform sex acts on each other .
Authorities believe he sexually abused the 15-year-old on more than one occassion .
People on social media are defending Hilton, who they describe as being 'barely out of his teens' |
151,879 | 5046d246c3ab96b4856a0eb5abbab7d6d0aa5da7 | A man has been arrested after a shoot-out with police following a siege in which he took his pregnant girlfriend hostage, as well as their four-month-old son. Four NYPD officers were wounded by Nakwon Foxworth after they intervened in an argument he was having over access to the corridors of his apartment building early on Sunday morning. Two officers were hit in the leg and the others were grazed by the suspect's bullets after he barricaded himself in the building. They were taken to hospital after the attack in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn and all were expected to recover from their injuries. Shooter: Nakwon Foxworth, 33, is accused of taking his pregnant girlfriend Jessica Hickling, right, and their 4-month-old son hostage during a shootout with police early on Sunday morning . According to witnesses at the scene, Foxworth, 33, was arriving back to his apartment about 10.30pm . on Saturday night with his pregnant girlfriend, identified as Jessica . Hickling, and their four-month-old son when the . trouble started. Angry with movers whose barrel was . blocking the service entrance, Foxworth allegedly started to argue with . the movers before turning physical with them, according to the movers. 'He took the stroller, with the baby in it, and started ramming it into the . barrel,' mover Kairon Decaul, 43, told the Daily News. 'He became very angry. The woman started screaming, "The baby! The . baby!",' Mr Decaul recalled. Foxworth then pulled out a gun, according to the man, chasing one of the two out to his truck. 'He . came back inside and threw the gun in the baby's stroller. He put his finger in . my face and threatened me. The girl was screaming, "Calm down! calm . down!" Mr Decaul said. Injured: Captain Al Pizzano (left) and Detective Kenneth Ayala were shot during a stand-off with a suspect in Brooklyn . Survivors: Detective Michael Keenan (left) and . Officer Matthew Granahan attended the scene where a man was holding his . pregnant girlfriend and baby hostage . Fleeing . to their sixth floor apartment, Foxworth barricaded himself, his . girlfriend and their child inside while the outside mover called police. Ms Hickling surprised NYPD officers outside the apartment's door . when she dashed out two hours later carrying her son in her arms. 'When she just left and left the door open, he started shooting,' Commissioner Ray Kelly said. According to Mr Kelly, the close quarters had 'the . assailant and the officers no more than 10 feet apart.' On watch: The four NYPD officers were expected to make a full recovery after being shot in the early hours of Sunday morning . The injured officers were named as . Captain Al Pizzano, Detective Kenneth Ayala, Detective Mike Keenan and . Police Officer Matthew Granahan. After shooting 12 times, Foxworth was struck in the stomach. He was taken to King's County Hospital . and was in a stable but critical condition. A search of the apartment found that Foxworth, who has served time for attempted murder, robbery and selling drugs, had several illegal guns and ammunition at the apartment. New York Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Kelly visited the injured men in hospital this morning. Illegal possession: Several guns were found in the sixth floor apartment in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn . Chilling: The deadly weapons are pictured lying next to children's toys in the couple's apartment . Mr Bloomberg said: 'We just visited . members of the Department who were injured in a shooting this morning . that we wanted to brief you on: Captain Al Pizzano, Detective Kenneth . Ayala, Detective Mike Keenan and Police Officer Matthew Granahan. 'Fortunately, all are in stable condition and are expected to fully . recover. 'We have now had eight - that's . correct, eight - members of the department shot in the last four months. And this is the second time in the last 24 hours police have been fired . upon by armed assailants. Shoot out: Four police officers were injured during the exchange of fire in Brooklyn, New York . 'All . the shootings have a disgraceful fact in common: all were committed . with illegal guns that came from out of state. And that is the case with . nearly every shooting in our city. 'We . got very lucky tonight, with no life-threatening injuries to officers . or innocent bystanders. But sometimes, as you remember, we aren't so . lucky, as we saw with the murder of Police Officer Peter Figoski in . December.' Detective Keenan, 52, is a 28-year veteran of the NYPD and Detective Ayala, 49, has served for 18 years. Mr Granahan, 35, has worked for the NYPD for 11 years and Mr Pizzano, 45, is a 25-year veteran. | Shooter Nakwon Foxworth struck in the stomach as officers returned fire .
Involved in siege with police and held his pregnant girlfriend and four-month-old son hostage after row over corridor access .
All NYPD officers expected to make a full recovery . |
116,186 | 21f9402c955cb923e521248ce0b59c43ea1153ea | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 19:33 EST, 30 August 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 22:43 EST, 30 August 2012 . Call it the palace of high school football: A gleaming $60 million facility with seats for 18,000 roaring fans, a 38-foot-wide high-definition video screen, corporate sponsors and a towering upper deck. Welcome to the new home of Eagles Football. A Palace: the wealthy Dallas suburb of Allen has constructed a new $60 million high school football facility that has seats for 18,000 fans, a 38-foot-wide high-definition video screen, corporate sponsors and a towering upper deck . As school districts across the country struggle to retain teachers, replace outdated textbooks and keep class sizes from ballooning, the wealthy, burgeoning Dallas suburb of Allen is preparing to christen its new stadium with a sold-out Friday night match-up against defending state champions Southlake Carroll. It's not the biggest high school stadium in football-mad Texas, but Eagle Stadium is the grandest, with a spacious weight room for the players and practice areas for Allen High School's wrestling and golf teams. The school district decided to build it in a down economy, knowing full well it will never recoup the costs. All the Bells and Whistles: Eagle Stadium has a spacious weight room for the players and practice areas for Allen High School's wrestling and golf teams. It's a decision that local officials and team supporters defend, saying the stadium will serve as a community centerpiece and source of pride for years to come and will more than pay the costs of operating it. 'There will be kids that come through here that will be able to play on a field that only a few people will ever get the chance to play in,' said Wes Bishop, the father of a junior linebacker on the team and head of the local booster club. 'There will be kids that come through . here that will be able to play on a field that only a few people will . ever get the chance to play in.' For longtime Allen fans, it's a giant step forward from a facility that district spokesman Tim Carroll called 'inadequate in almost every way.' The old building opened in 1976, when Allen had fewer than 8,000 residents, with 7,000 permanent seats, one concession stand and one set of bathrooms. As the town grew to its current population of 87,000, the school had to add portable toilets and rent temporary bleachers, which added 7,000 seats at a cost of $250,000 a year, Carroll said. Today, the high school has 4,000 students enrolled and a 700-member band that's among the biggest in the country. Practice: Football coach Jeff Fleener tosses a football to players during practice at the new $60 million football stadium at Allen High School Tuesday . Collin County, which includes Allen and other Dallas suburbs, is one of the wealthiest areas of Texas - and home to some of the state's top football teams. About 63 per cent of voters supported a $119 million bond package in 2009. Construction on the stadium began a year later. District officials went with more expensive concrete seating over all-aluminum benches, adding perhaps $4 million more to the cost, according to officials. But they said they expected this stadium to last decades. 'Our intention is not to recoup the money it cost to build the stadium,' Carroll said. 'It's not practical to say we'll get that money back. (But) the revenue we receive from the stadium will far exceed the cost of operating it.' While the district did not have estimates, Carroll said he expects the stadium to be competitive in hosting high school playoff games and other events. The school has also sold six sponsorships for about $35,000 a year, he said. Big Match-Up: The scoreboard is shown at the new $60 million football stadium at Allen High School. Allen will christen its new stadium with a sold-out Friday night match-up against defending state champions Southlake Carroll . The new stadium revives an old argument in Texas about whether communities and their schools have their priorities straight. In 1982, when the West Texas city of Odessa built a 19,000-seat stadium for a then-unheard-of $5.6 million, it drew scorn from some people who questioned the district's priorities. Odessa would be featured a few years later in the book Friday Night Lights, a national best-seller that inspired a movie and a TV series. Indoor Practice Field: Students walk across the indoor practice field that is part of the new $60 million football stadium at Allen High School . Ross Perot, the billionaire businessman and former presidential candidate, repeatedly took aim at his home state's football culture as he pushed the state to shed extracurricular activities and increase accountability measures. 'Do we want our kids to win on Friday night on the football field or do we want them to win all through their lives?' Perot said in a 1988 Washington Post column. 'That's what we have to start asking ourselves.' 'Do we want our kids to win on Friday . night on the football field or do we want them to win all through their . lives? That's what we . have to start asking ourselves.' Today, neighboring Plano High School's stadium seats more than 14,000 people. Mesquite, about 30 miles away from Allen, has a 20,000-seat stadium. And the Berry Center, a suburban Houston facility with a stadium, an arena and theater, opened in 2006 and cost about $84 million. 'In a couple of years, someone's going to do something that's bigger and bigger,' said Robert McSpadden, who runs the high school football site TexasBob.com. Officials in Allen reject the premise that they're focusing on sports over academics. The bonds approved three years ago also funded a new performing arts center, and Carroll said extra revenue from stadium operations will go into the district general fund. Allen's student test scores are also largely stellar. Students walk across the indoor practice field that is part of the new $60 million football stadium at Allen High School . But for now, Eagle Stadium is gaining wide notoriety. The No. 8-ranked Eagles' Friday game against Southlake Carroll, which won a state championship last year and is ranked No. 1 in The Associated Press' Class 5A preseason poll this season, sold out in just over a day. More than 2,000 people are expected to watch from standing-room areas. Bishop's son Zack, a linebacker, said he and his teammates already noticed differences: a more spacious weight room, a softer playing field. 'It's going to be really incredible to step out in front of a full house and a sold-out game.' 'It's going to be really incredible to step out in front of a full house and a sold-out game,' he said. Chris Wallace, whose oldest son is a senior quarterback, said she had to reassure him when they visited smaller colleges over the summer with older facilities. 'In his mind, this is it,' she said. 'He can't even believe it's here already.' And there's always room for growth. Fred Montes, one of the architects of what he called "an incredible project," said the district's master plan left open the possibility for more construction, if needed. 'The end zone that has seats currently can be expanded,' he said. 'And on the visitors' side, you can always put a deck.' Breathtaking: Visitors take in the new $60 million football stadium at Allen High School Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012 in Allen, Texas . | Built in the wealthy Dallas suburb of Allen, the stadium sports a weight room for players and practice areas for the wrestling and golf teams .
The school district constructed the stadium knowing full-well it would never recoup the cost .
School officials defend decision, saying stadium will serve as a centerpiece of the community . |
278,706 | f50ef190c5c30633f70c4b6abf1ad1a18644be55 | By . Sophie Borland, Health Correspondent . Experts believe the 10p-a-day statins will be offered to up to an extra five million patients . Prescriptions for statins have trebled in a decade, with nearly 60million doled out last year. The NHS now spends £100million a year handing out the pills to approximately seven million Britons, according to official figures. And this is set to rise further after next week, when it is thought that the health watchdog will urge GPs to offer many more patients statins to prevent heart attacks and strokes. NICE will publish guidance a week from tomorrow which is likely to tell doctors that anyone with a 10 per cent risk of developing heart disease over the next decade should be prescribed the medication. Experts believe the 10p-a-day drugs will be offered to up to five million additional patients as a result, taking the total to 12million. But many leading doctors remain sceptical about their benefits and point out that they could lead to type 2 diabetes and debilitating muscle pain. They warn many patients see them as ‘magic pills’ that allow them to gorge on junk food, wrongly assuming they will be protected from the ill effects. It has also emerged that six of the panel of 12 experts drawing up NICE’s guidelines have financial ties to firms which make statins or similar drugs. Figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show 58.1million prescriptions for statins were handed out in 2013, up from 55.4million in 2012 and 18million in 2003. Dr Aseem Malhotra, a cardiologist and consultant at the Academy of Royal Medical Colleges, said: ‘For most patients taking these pills will not reduce their death rate. ‘What is the point? Then you have to add in the potential for side effects and what might happen to their quality of life. ‘What I see with my own patients is that they think they’ve got the magic pill which is an excuse to gorge on junk food.’ Dr Kailash Chand, of the British Medical Association, who stopped taking statins after experiencing debilitating muscle pain, said: ‘Statins are very useful for people at high risk, those who have had a stroke or heart attack. ‘But to prescribe these drugs to those at low risk prompts a real concern we are over-medicalising and over-statinising Britain.’ Figures from the Health and Social Care Information Centre show 58.1million prescriptions for statins were handed out in 2013 . He added: ‘Statins definitely have side effects – that is what I have seen after 30 years of prescribing them as a GP. To say otherwise is just not true.’ The rise in prescriptions is partly due to an incentive scheme for GPs called the Quality and Outcomes Framework. It means that they can earn extra money for prescribing statins to patients who are seen as high risk for problems such as heart attacks and strokes. Family doctors are urged to try to identify patients who may need the drugs when they come in for their NHS health check – a three-yearly health MOT for those aged 40 to 74. At present, doctors are advised to offer the drugs to anyone with a 20 per cent risk of developing heart disease over the next decade. But next week’s guidelines are expected to lower this threshold to a 10 per cent risk. Maureen Talbot, of the British Heart Foundation, said: ‘The prescription of cholesterol-lowering medications has been increasing steadily for many years now. ‘This reflects the efforts that have been made to better identify people at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease through initiatives such as the NHS Health Checks programme. ‘Statins are one of the most studied medicines available today. They have been proven to be safe and effective and are vital in helping reduce people’s risk of heart attack and stroke.’ The figures also revealed that the number of prescriptions for antidepressants has doubled in the last decade, from 27.7million to 53.3million last year. Across the NHS last year, a total of 1.03billion prescriptions were handed out, up by nearly two-thirds in the last decade. | NHS spends £100million a year handing out statins to seven million people .
Number set to rise as GPs urged to prescribe pills to many more patients .
Experts say 10p a day drugs will be given to an extra five million patients .
But critics say they can cause type 2 diabetes and debilitating muscle pain . |
98,502 | 0ad5e05a98df20aaa730440f243d8452b7e05315 | Should FIFA ban Luis Suarez after latest bite storm? Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has until 9pm tonight to produce any evidence to defend his extraordinary biting of Giorgio Chiellini during the victory over Italy. But there is nothing in the complex FIFA rulebook preventing Suarez's shocking previous record for biting opponents being taken into account. An expected six-strong independent FIFA disciplinary committee, chaired by Switzerland's Claudio Sulser, will then decide his fate with the possibility of a decision late tonight. FIFA have to act fast with Uruguay due to play their last sixteen match against Columbia at the Maracana on Saturday. Security: Uruguay's team hotel in Natal has been surrounded by armed guards in response to the incident . Decision maker: Claudio Sulser said the incident 'could not be tolerated on any football pitch' Chomping at the bit: Luis Suarez appears bites Giorgio Chiellini during Uruguay's 1-0 win against Italy . Ouch: Chiellini attempts to show the bite marks to referee Marco Rodriguez . Bite night! Luis Suarez holds his teeth after the biting incident during the World Cup against Giorgio Chiellini . Not fooling anyone: Suarez holds his teeth after sinking them into the shoulder of Giorgio Chiellini . Crying foul: Chiellini reacts after being bitten by Suarez in the 80th minute of the World Cup match . The . likelihood is that Suarez's ban will end his involvement in the . tournament, but FIFA would not speculate about the Uruguayan's . punishment. The . disciplinary committee have requested audio and TV evidence of the . incident with the super high definition coverage likely to make it . glaringly clear that Suarez was guilty of biting - this time on . Chiellini's shoulder - for the third time in his career - despite . fanciful claims from the Uruguayan federation that the video evidence . might have been doctored. A . FIFA spokeswoman said: 'The processes are outlined in the disciplinary . code, but we cannot anticipate what will happen or a precise timeframe. But they are fully aware of the urgency with Uruguay still in the . competition. 'They are focusing 100 per cent on the proceedings without any involvement from any other body or FIFA figure. Article . 118 states if a ban is for less than three matches or upto two months, . no appeal is allowed which would rule out the chances of Suarez using . the system to delay his suspension from the tournament. But . the complicated framework would allow Suarez to appeal if he is banned . for 3 or 4 matches . And even if an appeal to FIFA is ruled out by the . size of his punishment, there is still the possibility of an appeal to . the Court of Arbitration for Sport whon are on call in Switzerland . To . add to the difficulties of independence and possible conflicts of . interest, Sulser's Switzerland are still in the tournament. Meanwhile, the global heads of department at adidas’ have held a meeting in . Rio today about Suarez and how this latest incident effects them. They will . give a more detailed response when FIFA release their findings. An adidas spokesperson said: 'adidas is aware of the . issue involving Luis Suarez. We await FIFA's full investigation into this . matter and will respond accordingly.' VIDEO Suarez in another bite storm . Step 1: Suarez approaches Chiellini from behind during a Uruguay attack . Stage 2: The Liverpool striker moves his head close to Chiellini's shoulder as he prepares to attack . Stage 3: Suarez appears to clamp his jaws down and bite Chiellini's shoulder . Hot water: Suarez clutches his teeth after appearing to sink them into Chiellini's shoulder . Bite marks: Chiellini shows his wounds to the ref after a clash with Suarez . | FIFA confirm it has opened disciplinary proceedings against Suarez .
Six-person committee could decide striker's fate on Wednesday night .
The Uruguay striker appeared to bite Chiellini during Uruguay's 1-0 win .
This is the third time the Liverpool striker has been involved in a biting incident during his career .
FIFA have the power to ban Suarez for up to two years .
Uruguay and Suarez have until 5pm local time (9pm BST) on Wednesday to provide evidence .
FIFA confirm case will be discussed by their disciplinary committee after 5pm local time (9pm BST) |
196,362 | 8a202ee2fabd75e0bfa613976a02f4d17d4fbb14 | By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 21:58 EST, 4 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 03:01 EST, 5 March 2014 . Lord Nash, the Schools Minister, said pupils who speak English as an additional language (EAL) are gaining better results than other children in the English Baccalaureate . Children who speak English as a second language are outperforming native speakers for the first time in GCSE exams, according to latest figures. Lord Nash, the Schools Minister, said pupils who speak English as an additional language (EAL) are gaining better results than other children in the English Baccalaureate. The worst performing group was white British boys from working class families. According to figures released last month English is no longer the first language for most pupils at one in nine schools. In the past five years, the number of pupils who have English as their second language has risen by a fifth to nearly 1.1million. Lord Nash said in the House of Lords: 'Pupils with EAL progress very well and have higher EBacc scores. 'Indeed, sadly, it is many white, working-class British boys with English as a first language who do particularly badly. The EBacc was introduced by the Coalition after the last General Election. It focuses on core academic subjects - English, maths, science, foreign languages and either history or geography. Despite this, figures for the number of pupils with English as their first language gaining five A* to C GCSEs including English and maths is 60.9 per compared with 58.3 per cent of other pupils. White British boys who are eligible for school meals performed badly in the exams - only six per cent gained the EBacc last year. A Department for Education spokesman told The Telegraph: 'We introduced the EBacc so that more young people, from all walks of life, took the key academic GCSEs most valued by universities and employers – and the policy is paying off handsomely. White British boys who are eligible for school meals performed badly in the exams . 'Thousands more pupils, especially the poorest, are now studying, and achieving, good grades in these subjects. 'One in seven white working-class children now take the EBacc, more than double the number just three years ago – and have far better chances of succeeding in life as a result.' | Lord Nash said pupils who speak English as an additional language are gaining better results in the English Baccalaureate .
Worst performing group was white British boys from working class families .
In the past five years, the number of pupils who have English as their second language has risen by a fifth to nearly 1.1million . |
258,717 | dad8901da7d96a43976954db67e513253d455f6e | Arsenal visit Liverpool on Sunday afternoon with both sides desperate for the win to reignite their Premier League campaigns and push back towards the Champions League places. Arsene Wenger’s side return to Anfield to the scene of last season’s humiliating 5-1 drubbing at the hands of a Raheem Sterling inspired Liverpool. The 20 year-old has already become an integral member of Liverpool and England’s side, featuring 58 times so far for club and country in 2014 whereas Arsenal have a new talisman lighting up the league in Chile international Alexis Sanchez, but who has the edge ahead of the Anfield battle? Arsenal forward Alexis Sanchez has already scored nine goals in the Premier League this season . Raheem Sterling scores Liverpool's opening goal against Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday . It’s evident both rapid forwards have become the key man in their respective sides with Sanchez adding fresh impetus to Arsenal’s attack since his £30million summer move from Barcelona. In 15 Premier League appearances so far for the Gunners Sanchez has impressed with his dogged work rate but has also found the back of the net nine times. Compare this to Sterling, who hasn’t scored a league goal since September, and Sanchez’s attacking efficiency becomes even more prevalent with a 32 per cent goals-to-shot ratio for the Gunners with Sterling well off on 13 per cent. Here's is the Premier League table before the fixtures on Sunday, with Arsenal five points clear of Liverpool . Sanchez (centre) celebrates with teammates after scoring in Arsenal's 1-0 win over Southampton . Despite an indifferent start to the season, Wenger’s side have only lost one of their last six matches in all competitions and this coincides with Sanchez’s recent flourishing form. The 26-year-old has scored seven and assisted four of Arsenal's last 17 league goals at 65 per cent involvement, which underlines his importance as the spearhead of the Gunners attack. Sterling scored twice in the 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal in this fixture last season and with the departure of Luis Suarez, persistent injuries for Daniel Sturridge and lack of form from summer purchases, the 20-year-old has become the focal point of Brendan Rodgers’ front line. The Chile international has lit up the Premier League with a series of fine performances for the Gunners . Sterling scored a double as Liverpool humiliated Arsenal 5-1 in this Anfield fixture last season . The youngster has recently been deployed by Rodgers down the middle and scored a brace in the midweek Capital One Cup win over Bournemouth, ending a 17 game goal drought for Liverpool. He obviously needs to get back amongst the goals but his impact on the team is undeniable. His pass completion is at eighty per cent and at seventy five in the final third. He’s linking up well with his team-mates and acting as the linchpin going forward. Sanchez has become renowned for his endeavour and work rate, which Wenger has praised for motivating his team-mates into similar action. Sanchez has become an integral part of Arsenal's attack since signing from Barcelona this summer . However Sterling has also adapted his game to lead the line, winning 86 per cent of tackles and a statistic well ahead of Sanchez’s 72 per cent rate. Providing pace, an outlet and goals mixed with a brutal work rate, you can see similarities between Sanchez and Sterling. They can adapt in a central or wide role and clearly drive their side on, with both creating 40 chances for their team in the league this season including four assists for Sterling and five for Sanchez. Sterling, missing a golden chance at Manchester United, hasn't scored a league goal since September . As both Liverpool and Arsenal have had their defensive frailties exposed this season, the pace from Sterling and Sanchez is a true asset. Their ability to start fresh counter attacks with one in two success rate in dribble completion highlights both their attacking potency. There is a down side to their impact with the pair in danger of burnout as we approach the turn of the year but if they continue to lead their team with such aplomb then it’s hard to see either manager resting their star man too much other the busy festive fixture list. A win at Anfield on Sunday afternoon will gain more plaudits but which talisman will prevail is difficult to predict. All that is certain is Sanchez and Sterling can provide a fascinating head-to-head in the crucial clash. | Alexis Sanchez will go head-to-head with Raheem Sterling at Anfield .
Arsenal's forward has scored nine Premier League goals this season .
Sterling has become an integral part of Liverpool and England's sides, making 58 appearances for club and country so far in 2014 .
20-year-old deployed in the middle recently as Liverpool struggle for form . |
211,736 | 9e30382958471503680c1feef0f4828e846d638a | (CNN) -- Celebrated and enigmatic American modern artist Cy Twombly died in Rome Tuesday. He was 83. The Gagosian Gallery, which represented Twombly and his works in the U.S. and abroad, announced his death. The cause of death was not immediately known. "We will not soon see a talent of such amazing scope and intensity," said Larry Gagosian, art dealer and owner of the Gagosian Gallery. "The art world has lost a true genius and a completely original talent." Twombly's family also issued a brief statement saying they were saddened by the artist's passing. "The world has lost a brilliant artist and our family has lost a legendary figure ... I had spoken to him just recently; he was a dear cousin and friend," said Twombly's first cousin, Marcia Twombly Gray. Throughout his career, Twombly was lauded for blurring the lines between drawing and painting, and challenging the ideals of modern art with his scribbles. But beneath the child-like appearance of his artwork, art enthusiasts say Twombly revealed a unique and ingrained appreciation for ancient poetry and culture. His works often alluded to battles described in both Greek and Roman poetry. The paintings that comprise the "Leaving Paphos Ringed With Waves" (2009) collection and the "Coronation of Sesostris" (2000) collection were inspired by quotes from 7th century B.C. Greek poet Alkman. Born April 25, 1928, Twombly as an adult divided his time between his time between his hometown in Lexington, Virginia, and Rome. After studying art in the United States at various institutes, Twombly moved in 1957 to Italy, where he began to extensively develop his career. Though he is best known for his large-scale paintings, Twombly also sculpted, using objects he found and later making casts in bronze. In 2010, Twombly unveiled a 3,750 square-foot ceiling painting for the Salle des Bronzes in the Louvre. He is the third contemporary artist to be invited to install a permanent work in the museum, according to the museum's website. The Menil Collection in Houston also has a permanent installment featuring Twombly's works that opened in 1995. The Cy Twombly Gallery is organized chronologically to walk visitors through the evolution of the artist's style. It has suites that feature a number of paintings and sculptures, according to the Menil site. The gallery is unique in the world and until recently, it was the only museum building featuring a permanent installment of Twombly's work, said Vance Muse, communications director for the Menil. The building's design was based on a sketch by Twombly and built by architect Renzo Piano, the site said. Twombly is often listed alongside other celebrated American artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns, but Muse said Twombly stands out because of the way he melded epic poetry with art. "He was a voracious reader and he put a lot of writing into his paintings .. there are influences from Homer and epic poetry in his works that ground them in literary tradition," Muse said. "He really persevered in his own work and was so independent ... it's amazing how true to his vision he kept and in the end he was widely, widely respected," he said. Art enthusiasts took to twitter Tuesday to comment on Twombly's death. Actor Steve Martin, who is a noted art collector, tweeted, "One of the great 20th century artists has died, Cy Twombly. A real master." | American modern artist Cy Twombly was best known for his bold, abstract works .
Twombly died Tuesday in Rome at 83 .
Twombly was famed for blending drawings and painting . |
87,280 | f7975a82159870d28284a17da91042dccf1bab50 | (CNN) -- Agnieszka Radwanska has beaten Maria Sharapova in the final of the Miami Masters to claim her second title of the year. The Pole's straight sets 7-5 6-4 victory over the world No.2 on Saturday is the biggest of her career to date and moves her up to fourth in the world rankings. The 23-year-old, who didn't drop a set throughout the tournament, now joins world No.1 Victoria Azarenka as the only woman to have won multiple titles on the WTA Tour in 2012. "I got a lot of good wins this year against top players. I was trying from the beginning to focus on my serve, put my first serve in and go for it. I think I did a really good job today and the serve was the key." Radwanska said afterwards. Surf and volley: 'The Scud' finds peace . Radwanska needed 57 minutes to clinch a first set marked by few winners and a string of unforced errors. Sharapova's tally of 26 compared with Radwanska's eight eventually told as the Pole broke the Russian's serve in the 12th game. Champion's chat: Sampras talks tennis . Despite being less error-strewn the second set took a similar course with Sharapova -- who has now lost four finals in Miami -- losing her serve in the 10th game to hand Radwanska the title. "I thought she played extremely well, was very consistent, got that extra ball back and I made that extra mistake. She didn't give me many errors," Sharapova said. The victory is the Pole's second victory over Sharapova in nine meetings -- the only other triumph came at the U.S. Open in 2007. The win adds to the title she won in Dubai last month where she defeated Germany's Julia Goerges in the final. | Agnieszka Radwanska wins her second title of 2012 defeating Maria Sharapova 7-5 6-4 .
Pole joins world No.1 Victoria Azarenka as the only multiple winner on WTA Tour this year . |
131,956 | 36a12d4f8e9917eda6ab45f538ed206c8cd9d144 | Washington (CNN) -- Passengers are not allowed to carry guns onto airplanes, yet the Transportation Security Administration finds hundreds of weapons each year. In 2012 more than 1,500 firearms were discovered by screeners at airport checkpoints, TSA spokesman David Castelveter said. That is an average of more than four weapons a day. iReport: Was your gun banned? A total of 1,320 firearms were found in 2011. Many were loaded, and some had rounds in the chamber. "We do assume that the vast majority of weapons that come through are (from) people who didn't know they couldn't carry them on or were not aware they were in the bag," Castelveter said. Through the end of November, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport led the nation with 80 guns found. The top five airports also included Dallas/Fort Worth International with a total of 75 firearms, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport with 50, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston with 48, and Denver International Airport with 36. Read more: FBI gun background checks hit record highs . It's not clear whether the increase in the number of guns found in 2012 is due to more people traveling with weapons or TSA screeners and new screening technologies doing a better job of finding them. When firearms are found at a checkpoint, the TSA calls local police who determine whether the passenger should be arrested, ticketed or have their gun returned. "They can be permitted to take the weapon back to (their) car and come back," Castelveter said. "If it is illegal (to have the weapon in that locality), then it is confiscated by law enforcement." Watch: Giving up guns . Under TSA rules, guns are allowed in checked baggage in locked, hard-sided containers. They must be unloaded and declared to the airline, and passengers must follow local gun laws. Guns, ammunition, firearm parts and even realistic replicas cannot be carried on the plane. Guns are not the only weapons banned from the passenger areas of planes. The TSA blog highlights a wide variety of prohibited items discovered in carry-on bags. Poll: Majority favors gun restrictions . In the first week of December, passengers tried to take 40 stun guns through checkpoints. The next week, a walking cane with a sword inside was found, and in the week before Christmas, a spear gun was discovered. In addition, four inert grenades were found inside carry-ons. | Many of the guns discovered at checkpoints were loaded, according to the TSA .
Agency assumes that most passengers made an honest mistake, spokesman says .
A sword and four inert grenades were among other prohibited items discovered . |
169,904 | 67e3bb32b5edc400b7a966289611f3f2960ca30a | By . Kieran Gill . Follow @@kie1410 . The wife of a sports journalist who died in a car crash while covering the World Cup in Brazil only learned of her loss when a football boss sent her his condolences on Twitter. After hearing of the death of Jorge 'El Topo' Lopez, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone tweeted that he was 'not only a great journalist' but 'also a friend'. But the Atletico boss was apparently unaware that Mr Lopez's wife, Veronica Brunati, had not heard of the tragedy. 'No. Diego, don't tell me that,' she responded. 'Please, someone call me.' Scroll down for video . Mistake: Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone inadvertently told Jorge 'El Topo' Lopez's wife of the news . Memory: Veronica Brunati changed her profile picture to this with her husband Lopez the day after . The tweet: Simeone says Lopez was 'not only a great journalist' but 'also a friend' as he includes @verobrunati . First reaction: Brunati tweets Simeone back, simply saying 'no' after reading his first tweet . Distraught: Brunati appears devastated as she tweets Simeone back trying to find out more . Desperate: Brunati appeals for more information about her husband after reading Simeone's tweet . Devastated: Lopez's wife Brunati was left distraught at the news of her husband's death in Brazil . Simeone, who won the La Liga title with Atletico last season, tweeted: 'He was not only a great journalist, he was also a friend. Much pain. My condolences to @verobrunati and family. RIP Jorge 'Topo' Lopez.' Ms Brunati, replying directly, first simply wrote 'no', before going on to say: 'Diego, don't tell me that. Please, someone call me. I'm in a hotel in San Pablo in the Quality.' The day after Lopez's death, Ms Brunati changed her profile picture on Twitter to her and her husband. Among those leading the tributes to Lopez was Lionel Messi who dedicated dedicated Argentina's win against the Netherlands last night to the reporter. 'Big hug to all the Argentina fans and a very special memory for Jorge 'Topo' Lopez,' wrote Messi, who was selected for random drug testing after they won 4-2 on penalties. 'This victory is especially for you, my friend. A big hug to the family, lots of strength.' Tragic: Lopez tweeted this selfie the day before he was killed in a car crash in Sao Paulo . Friends: Argentina and Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Lopez pose for a photo together . On duty: Lopez was in Brazil following Argentina for the 2014 World Cup, as they reach the final . Proud: Lopez tweeted this picture of him and Real Madrid legend Alfredo Di Stefano before the car crash . Mistake: Simeone tweeted that he was in 'much pain' after hearing of Lopez's death in Sao Paulo . Lopez, 38, . was killed on Wednesday morning when a taxi he was travelling in on the . way back to his hotel was hit by a stolen car being chased by police. Sport, . an organisation Lopez joined in 2000, called it 'one of the saddest . days in our 35-year history' after hearing of the news. FIFA . also paid tribute to the journalist, with head of media Delia Fischer . saying they 'would like to send our sincerest condolences to the family, . colleagues and friends of Argentine journalist, Jorge Lopez'. Messi and Argentina face Germany in the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday. | Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone tweets: 'He was not only a great journalist, he was also a friend. Much pain. My condolences to (his wife Veronica Brunati) and family. RIP Jorge 'Topo' Lopez'
Brunati replies: 'No. Diego, don't tell me that. Please, someone call me'
Series of tweets follow as Brunati tries to find out what happened .
Lopez was killed in car crash on Wednesday morning in Sao Paulo while covering Argentina at World Cup in Brazil .
Lopez tweeted selfie from Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella's press conference on Tuesday .
Lionel Messi dedicated Argentina's semi-final win to 'friend' Lopez . |
275,262 | f09c206c235fd67f33ce58dc44d716604fd9772c | (CNN) -- Whose side are you on? A: I don't like hockey. ("I can't see the puck." "Too many fights." "I don't get the rules." "I can't name a player except that Wayne what's-his-name. Gatsby.") Or: . B: I like hockey. ("A lot better in person than on TV." "Baseball's SO slow." "Basketball's all guys 8 feet tall." "I wouldn't watch soccer if you paid me.") Me, I am B. Hockey and I are old friends. I grew up in Chicago, right now the hottest town on ice. I also lived in Detroit, the self-named "Hockeytown, USA." I now reside in Los Angeles, current home of the game's Stanley Cup. (That's the trophy that goes to the championship team, for those of you who wouldn't know a Stanley Cup from a sippy cup.) The Chicago Blackhawks have been in the news. Why? Well, that's a good question. Because they win a lot? Uh, kind of. Because they don't lose? Er, technically, no. I will try to explain it if you've got a couple of minutes to kill. (Which is also a hockey thing ... killing a couple of minutes while a guy's in a penalty box.) Chicago's record is 21-0. That's how it looks in the National Hockey League's standings, at least. W 21, L 0. Are the Blackhawks unbeaten? Um, no. Bleacher Report: Top 25 all-time Chicago Blackhawks . It's a little complicated. A hockey game no longer can end in a tie. It uses an overtime period to break a tie. If that doesn't work, a "shootout" is held, similar to soccer's. One-on-one vs. a goaltender until someone wins. As a reward for extending a game to overtime, a team is given a bonus point by the NHL. So, even if you lose a game in extra time -- as the Blackhawks have -- you didn't "lose." Already knew that? Hey, you obviously know your hockey! (Quick trivia question: A team in Ohio is called the Columbus Blue Jackets. True or false?) If you are into pucks, you might be aware that the Blackhawks put together a pretty cool 30-game streak over a span of two seasons without being defeated in three 20-minute periods. Chicago is aware. Chicago's on fire. The team is the talk of the town. Cubs, schmubs. On national TV's sports news, the two smokin'-hot teams have been basketball's Miami Heat (beating almost everybody they play) and hockey's Blackhawks (kinda sorta technically not losing to anybody they play). I suppose you have heard of Miami's basketball star. His name is LeBron James. He grew up in Ohio, where he never once wanted to grow up to be a Blue Jacket. But he did tweet that the Blackhawks are AWESOME. I do not know if you know who Chicago's hockey stars are. One of them is Jonathan Toews, which is pronounced "Taves," not toes, not tweeze. He went to the University of North Dakota, as most great athletes do. (OK, maybe not "most.") Another one is Marian Hossa, which is pronounced "Ho Sa," not hoss sa, not hah sa. He is from Stara Lubovna, Slovakia, where everybody probably watches him on CNN with no clue who LeBron James is. A definite one is Patrick Kane, as in Citizen. He was born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where a boy is so lucky because he can play ice hockey outdoors 10 to 11 months a year. Bleacher Report: Why the 2013 Chicago Blackhawks will go down as one of the best teams ever . Together with some sharp teammates, not the least of whom is Patrick Sharp, these guys have got Chicago rocking and rolling. From the time tenor Jim Cornelison operatically belts out our national anthem (or Canada's) to the times they pump up the volume to "Chelsea Dagger" by the Fratellis to celebrate a Blackhawk goal, a home game at the United Center is usually loud, usually SRO and usually bigger than Bieber and Beyonce rolled into one. If I exaggerate, sue me. I checked with Jay Blunk to find out just how big things there are. Jay is the team's executive vice president . "We've been very fortunate to experience unprecedented television ratings," he told me Wednesday. "Merchandise sales have accelerated. The NHL announced that Jonathan Toews' jersey sales were the number one-selling jersey in the country for the month of February. We also just passed the 200 consecutive-game sellout mark. Tickets have become some of the hottest regular season tickets in history." If he exaggerates -- and I doubt it -- don't sue me. I'm enjoying this too much. You see, it wasn't so long ago my boyhood favorites the Blackhawks were skating on (insert "thin ice" cliche here). They looked as dead in the water as a cruise ship. A great organization had become disorganized. A popular team to watch had disappeared off the radar. A team born in 1926 had turned into the Walking Dead (on skates). Chicagoans lost interest. They had Ditka's Da Bears, followed by Jordan's Da Bulls, followed by a 2003 Cubs team that could have won the World Series and a 2005 White Sox team that did. I moved back there in 2003. The bad Blackhawk team of 2003-04 played in 74 games and won 20. ESPN the Magazine ranked it 119th of 120 franchises in all of sports, in terms of ownership, fan relations, players, coaching, intangibles such as "bang for your buck," ahead of only the Houston Texans, a new pro football team with zero dark history. Home games weren't even shown on TV. On the nightly news, sportscasters gave time to highlights from games of the Chicago Wolves, a minor-league team, almost as much as they did the Blackhawks. Hey, if I liked minor-league hockey, I'd live in Rockford. I seldom saw anybody in a Blackhawk jersey go out in public anymore, except maybe Mike Myers from "Wayne's World." The 2004-05 season didn't happen. A union war broke out, and the NHL's whole season was wiped out. Chicago basically yawned. The Blackhawks hadn't won a Stanley Cup since 1961. That was their first since 1938. Bleacher Report: How will history view this team? I was a hockey guy. I wasn't just familiar with old-time hockey names such as Bobby Hull. I knew Kenny Wharram and Ab McDonald and "Moose" Vasko and Bill Hay. I thought of them as other Chicago sports fans might think of a Dick Butkus or an Ernie Banks. So you can see, almost as exciting as winning 2010's Stanley Cup was, why the 2013 superstart of the Blackhawks is a sight to behold. Los Angeles finally cracked the ice ceiling in 2012 with the Kings' first championship, which was a pleasure to watch. I have a daughter who recently asked whether I could get her hockey tickets. She didn't want One Direction or Lady Gaga. She wanted Kings versus Red Wings. I was so proud. Hockey isn't for everybody. It's just for us cool people. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Mike Downey. | The Chicago Blackhawks are on a winning streak .
Mike Downey: Home games are "bigger than Bieber and Beyonce rolled into one"
Downey remembers when local Chicago TV stations didn't even carry Blackhawks games .
Before 2010, the Blackhawks hadn't won a Stanley Cup since 1961 . |
161,992 | 5d74c70ce62cd19d2b85bab44af13ab551c6130d | By . Tara Brady . PUBLISHED: . 11:47 EST, 14 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:25 EST, 14 August 2013 . Smooth-talking: Roy Moyse has been given 28 days to pay victim Karen Culverwell the measly sum of a £1 . A serial conman who wiped out a wealthy divorcee of 125,000 pounds which he blew on gambling has been ordered to pay her back just one pound. Roy Moyse has been given 28 days to pay victim Karen Culverwell the measly sum after a court heard he had no assets to his name which he could give her. The smooth-talking charlatan had just been released from prison for a string of similarcons on other vulnerable women when he targeted Mrs Culverwell, 50. He moved in with her in Christchurch, Dorset, after discovering she was divorcing her company director husband and was due for a large settlement. During their short-term relationship he convinced her to loan him money and give him access to her bank account. He went on to completely wipe out her divorce settlement and savings which went on paying off his gambling debts. Moyse, 45, was jailed again for two years in May after pleading guilty to six counts of fraud. He reappeared at Bournemouth Crown Court for a confiscation hearing to determine how much money he should repay Mrs Culverwell. A judge ordered him to pay her the token sum of £1 as that is all he could afford right now. The judge, Recorder James Waddington, told him: 'I’m satisfied there should be a confiscation order in this case of one pound, there being no other assets in your case. 'I will give you 28 days to make good on that.' Fraudster Roy Moyse pictured with his first wife Julie in June 1991. The serial conman went on to wipe out a wealthy divorcee of £125,000 which he blew on gambling . Moyse was told that if he ever comes into money or assets in the future he must pay Mrs Culverwell as much as he can at that time, even if he is ever declared bankrupt. After the hearing, Roger Doerr, financial investigator at the Dorset Police fraud unit, said: 'He has no assets so we can’t restrain any money. 'But £1 is something anyone can afford and this will set him on the road to paying off the full amount. Moyse has been given 28 days to pay victim Karen Culverwell the measly sum of a £1 . 'We have gone through a Proceeds of Crime Act order and he will have to pay the pound back within the time frame or he will get another week in prison. 'If he comes into money, by winning the lottery for example, we can revisit him for the £125,000. If he doesn’t pay it, he will go back to prison. 'The order will be in place for life or until it is paid off. We can chase him to his grave. 'If the order was not granted then we couldn’t chase him. It is a means that we can keep control of his finances.' Moyse met mother-of-two Mrs Culverwell in August 2010 after she split up with her long-time husband Robert and the pair began dating. Between September 2010 and March 2011, she made numerous small loans to him which he failed to pay back. In September 2011, Mrs Culverwell received her divorce settlement and was persuaded by Moyse to place the money in an internet account and give him access. He then made numerous unauthorised transfers from the account to his own. Mrs Culverwell only realised his deceit two years into their relationship when she tried to take out a mortgage on a new house and was told there was nothing left in her account. She declined to make any comment on the case. Moyse began his cons on women by hanging around the millionaire’s playground of Sandbanks to pick out potential victims, usually in wine bars. He either used to claim he was a barrister or a businessman who was waiting for a big business deal to go through. He was jailed in 2008 for three years for conning four women out of 50,000 pounds but was released after serving just over 12 months in prison. | Roy Moyse has been given 28 days to pay victim Karen Culverwell .
The smooth-talking conman had just been released from prison .
He moved in with her after discovering she was divorcing her husband .
During the relationship he convinced her to loan him money .
He went on to wipe out her savings on gambling debts . |
274,741 | efe6bd74a179891597b6aa24789a09b63b19c7fb | Piri Weepu may be a World Cup-winning All Black with an international pedigree but arguably his greatest achievement is simply being alive to tell the tale. In February, the 71-times capped scrum-half, 31, who will make his Aviva Premiership debut on Sunday for London Welsh against Exeter, was taking part in a routine recovery session in the swimming pool for his former Super Rugby side the Blues when disaster struck. ‘Me, Charles Piutau and Peter Saili were in the water doing lengths for recovery, stretching and whatnot,’ said Weepu, speaking for the first time about the stroke which almost cost him his life. Death-defying: World Cup-winning New Zealander Piri Weepu reveals to Sportsmail how he survived a stroke . All Black back: Weepu, 31, makes his debut for London Welsh on Sunday as club returns to the Premiership . ‘I went to explain something to them and found myself talking like a kid, a baby really. I couldn’t say any words. Nothing. ‘I got frustrated. I felt like an idiot. I got out of the pool and went to get dressed but I couldn’t hear anything. All I could concentrate on was what was happening directly in front of me. A few of the boys were trying to chat away to me but I couldn’t understand what they were saying. Confused: Auckland's Weepu thought he was suffering from the effects of a concussion during the stroke but it was a hole in his heart, doctors found . ‘I had a bit of blurred vision and scarily I actually drove home. It was probably only a kilometre and a half so I drove as slowly as possible. I stopped if I needed to. I kept checking my eyes to see if it was something I had done in the pool. ‘I remember texting the team doctor to ask for help. But I didn’t know what I was doing or even how to use my phone properly to send the text. I got home and decided to wait it out a bit and see what happened before ringing the doc to work out what to do. I chilled out for about half an hour and started packing my bag before ringing the doctor to find out what was going on. It was a pretty scary not knowing what it was.’ Initially Weepu put the symptoms down to a concussion suffered in a previous game. But tests revealed he had suffered a stroke after blood was prevented from reaching his brain by a previously undiagnosed heart condition. ‘I had a hole in my heart and they’re putting the stroke down to that,’ he said. ‘At the time I thought it may have been a delayed concussion type of injury. But once I’d had all the scans we realised it was to do with the heart.’ Weepu required surgery to block the hole and now, seven months later, he says he is ready to resurrect his career after becoming one of the Premiership’s few high-profile summer signings. But surely such a dramatic health scare called him to question his chosen profession? Highlight: Weepu (right) poses with the World Cup's Webb Ellis Cup with All Blacks team-mate Ma'a Nonu . ‘Not at all,’ he said. ‘I would have done anything possible to get back on a rugby field. The only I way I would have hung up the boots would have been if I’d broken my leg again. I’d probably stay out on the field even if I was crawling. I tell my coaches all the time, “Don’t take me off unless I’m out on a stretcher”. ‘All I wanted to know after the stroke was what the procedures were and what I needed to do to get back out on the pitch. I don’t really know the background that caused me to have it. I’ve just been trying to make the most of life in general. It’s not easy to bounce back. It’s in the back of your head that something like that could happen again. ‘I’ve seen it [the stroke] as another opportunity at life and trying to make the most of it. That’s the whole reason I came to the UK. This opportunity may not have come around this year or the year after. I’ve been playing Super Rugby for the last 11 seasons so it will be good to see what the Premiership is all about.’ On Sunday he will find out, partnering former England three-quarter Olly Barkley at half-back, as Justin Burnell’s hastily assembled squad attempt to give the Exiles the perfect start to the season against Rob Baxter’s Chiefs. Weepu, who kicked the All Blacks to the World Cup final in 2011, will do so convinced he is ready to resume his career. He is content and ready for the next step in a rugby career that almost ended in that Auckland pool. ‘It’s early days but I’m enjoying life here,’ he said. ‘It’s good to be able to walk down the street and not be yelled at and expected to react like we are back home. I don’t mind it. But if you want to get my attention then just approach me rather than try to yell for my attention. ‘I’ve got no dramas with that. I might be a World Cup winner but people should just say ‘hello’. I’m not going to bite them.’ He is more concerned with taking a second bite at life. Partnership: Weepu will partner former England three-quarter Olly Barkley in the Dragons halves . | Piri Weepu makes his Premiership debut for London Welsh on Sunday .
Weepu, 31, suffered a stroke that almost cost the scrum-half his life .
Doctors found the stroke was caused by a hole in his heart .
The 2011 World Cup winner had surgery seven months ago to block the hole .
The 71-time capped All Black said he's ready to get back on the pitch .
Weepu will start as the Exiles return to the Aviva Premiership . |
36,393 | 6729499b0e2e0885cd260a7aca4ec79f0739ac5a | Athens (CNN) -- The leader of Greece's center-right, pro-bailout New Democracy party claimed "a victory for all Europe" after topping Sunday's parliamentary elections, a vote seen as a referendum on the survival of the continent's common currency. New Democracy's Antonis Samaras now finds himself facing a new round of coalition talks, six weeks after a previous election that failed to produce a government. In a brief address following Sunday's vote, he pledged to form a slate "determined to do what it takes and do it fast." "Today the Greek people expressed their will to stay anchored within the euro, remain an integral part of the eurozone, honor the country's commitments and foster growth. This is a victory for all Europe," Samaras said. "I call on all parties that share those objectives to form a stable new government." The unpopular bailouts that have kept Greece from defaulting on its debts in the face of an ongoing recession include budget cuts demanded by international lenders. Voters punished New Democracy and its former coalition partners in the socialist party Pasok in the earlier vote in May, but reopening the agreement would set up a confrontation with the other countries that use the euro -- the common currency of 325 million people across 17 European nations. Markets appeared poised to react positively to news of the vote, as Japanese stocks climbed. The Nikkei rose 1.7% in early trading Monday. With less than half of 1% of ballots still to be counted, New Democracy had won nearly 30% of the vote, according to Interior Ministry figures. But that showing translates to 129 seats in the country's 300-seat parliament, forcing it to seek other coalition members from the fragmented field. Samaras has said his party wants to remain in the eurozone and alter existing policies, including stringent austerity measures, to "achieve development and offer people relief." His leading rival, Alexis Tsipras of the left-wing, anti-bailout Syriza, had called for the deal to be torn up. European Union leaders hailed the vote, with eurozone finance ministers praising results "which should allow for the formation of a government that will carry the support of the electorate to bring Greece back on a path of sustainable growth." And in a joint statement, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and European Council President Herman van Rompuy said in a joint statement that they "support the continued efforts of Greece to put its economy on a sustainable path." "Today, we salute the courage and resilience of the Greek citizens, fully aware of the sacrifices which are demanded from them to redress the Greek economy and build new, sustainable growth for the country," the EU leaders said. Tsipras congratulated New Democracy late Sunday, but said his party's nearly 27% showing has forced Greek leaders to realize the bailout "is a nonviable economic plan." Samaras "has the opportunity to form a government on the basis of the people's verdict and on the basis of his own program," Tsipras said. But he said Syriza -- which was projected to win 71 seats -- would continue to demand "from the position of the opposition" that the bailouts be scrapped. "Even if it didn't manage to take the first place, Syriza is now the most basic body representing the average individual, the progressive and the anti-memorandum portion of our population," Tsipras said. Both Syriza and New Democracy picked up 20 seats over their showings in the abortive May 6 vote, while Pasok fell from 41 seats to 33. In the previous parliament, elected in 2009, Pasok held 160 seats, New Democracy held 91 and Syriza, 13. What will Greek elections mean for the country's future? Critics had feared that efforts to renegotiate the bailout would set up a confrontation that could lead to a run on Greek banks and deeper misery. "Don't underestimate the capacity of the Greek people to rise to the occasion," Petros Doukas, a former New Democracy lawmaker and deputy finance minister, told CNN. "What's very clear is the Greeks today voted, including those that voted for Syriza, in favor of the euro and the European Union," Doukas said. He predicted that Greece could now come to better terms with its creditors, whom he said understand "that you can only squeeze so much so fast out of a country and out of its people." Pasok trailed in third place with about 12%. Its leader, Evangelos Venizelos, said the parties need to hammer out a ruling coalition overnight. Venizelos proposed an alliance of New Democracy, Pasok, the Democratic Left party -- which was running in sixth place with 6% and a projected 17 seats -- and Syriza, which has said it won't join a government that backs the continued bailout terms. "If we really want Greece to remain in the euro and to get out of the crisis for the benefit of every Greek family, by tomorrow we need a government," he said. The Independent Greeks were running fourth at 7.5% and 20 seats, while the nationalist, far-right Golden Dawn -- which called illegal immigration the country's biggest issue -- appeared headed for a fifth-place finish at 7% and 18. The Communists brought up the rear at 4.5% and 12 seats, according to Interior Ministry figures. The Independent Greeks, a conservative nationalist party led by former New Democracy lawmaker Panos Kammenos, saw its support shrink from 33 seats in May to 20, while Golden Dawn -- which hadn't won seats in parliament before -- held steady. A wild election weekend for Greece, France and Egypt . Greece has been suffering under a heavy burden of painful austerity measures, high unemployment and a long-running recession. Syriza and New Democracy were effectively tied in the last official polls two weeks ago, in part because Syriza was seen as offering something new and different, Greek journalist Fanis Papathanasiou said Sunday. And Yiannis Alafouzos, managing director of Greek broadcaster Skai Media Group, said older Greeks are scared -- "But the younger generation, they're not scared, and they seem to have had enough of the recession they're trying to get out of it by rebelling, effectively." "Unfortunately, the political system in Greece has not been honest with the voters," Alafouzos said. "And so a lot of people believe there is a way out of this without all the pain we have been suffering for the past two or three years." The possibility that Tspiras could emerge as prime minister prompted waves of fear that Greece could crash out of the euro and Europe's ambitious experiment with a common currency could collapse. Some analysts have estimated that the collapse of the euro would cost $1 trillion, while others say talk of the break-up of the currency is alarmist and unlikely to happen. Since May's vote, Greece has been roiled by uncertainty and division, and the country must identify additional budget cuts by the end of June to be considered "compliant" with the terms of its bailout program. The future of Europe: 3 scenarios . German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europe's most powerful advocate of balancing budgets to build a strong basis for economic growth, urged Greeks not to walk away from international loan deals. "We will stick to the agreements. That is the basis on which Europe will prosper," she said Saturday. But Fotis Kouvelis, leader of the small Democratic Left party and a potential kingmaker in a closely divided parliament, said the country needed to escape "a situation that cuts us into small pieces and hurts society." As economic crisis bites, Greece's children pay the price . The situation in Greece is likely to be on the minds of world leaders as they meet in Mexico on Monday for the Group of 20 summit. Some experts argue that a potential Greek exit would be manageable, assuming the European Central Bank and European Union policymakers respond aggressively, while others worry that the pullout would cause chaos in financial markets and shock the global economy. CNN's Richard Quest, Matthew Chance, Irene Chapple, John Defterios and Diana Magnay contributed to this report. | NEW: News appears to boost markets -- Japanese stocks rise in early trading Monday .
EU leaders praise Greek "courage and resilience"
Second-place Syriza says it will keep fighting bailouts .
The vote is a referendum on the euro used by 325 million people, a former minister says . |
185,114 | 7bcd82269126f25dcb5eb80d1fb6d846801bd644 | (CNN) -- Chicago Bulls Guard Derrick Rose broke down in tears at a press conference when asked what a new shoe contract worth $250 million meant to him. His responses on camera and on Twitter were about his feelings on the teachers strike in Chicago. He had a $250 million shoe contract, but the youth of his hometown of Chicago were on the mind of this young man. It was obvious that Rose understood the political aspect, but he focused on the human aspect -- he realizes that he could have easily been one of the kids killed in the senseless violence that has ravaged his native city, he realizes he is fortunate -- and if you were a witness to the interview, you would agree that the last thing on his mind was a tax break. Also recently, Baltimore Ravens player Brendon Ayanbadejo's took a public stand on LBGT rights. It prompted Emmett Burns, a state delegate from Baltimore County, to ask that Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, "take the necessary action, as a National Football League owner, to inhibit such expressions from your employees and that he be ordered to cease and desist such injurious actions. I know of no other NFL player who has done what Mr. Ayanbadejo is doing." It was a perfect example of a critic using the "shut up and play" motto. Ayenbendajo's stance is one that has been taken up by other NFL players, such as Michael Irvin, but maybe the best response came from fellow LBGT supporter Minnesota punter Chris Kluwe, who wrote possibly one of the best political statements ever made by an athlete to Burns. Kluwe's second point in the letter reads: . "You wrote, 'Many of your fans are opposed to such a view and feel it has no place in a sport that is strictly for pride, entertainment and excitement.' Holy --ing --balls. Did you seriously just say that, as someone who is, according to your Wikipedia page, 'deeply involved in government task forces on the legacy of slavery in Maryland?' Have you not heard of Kenny Washington? Jackie Robinson? As recently as 1962 the NFL still had segregation, which was only done away with by brave athletes and coaches daring to speak their mind and do the right thing, and you're going to say that political views have 'no place in a sport'? I can't even begin to fathom the cognitive dissonance that must be coursing through your rapidly addled mind right now; the mental gymnastics your brain has to tortuously contort itself through to make such a preposterous statement are surely worthy of an Olympic gold medal (the Russian judge gives you a 10 for 'beautiful oppressionism')." Social media allows for a constant, entertaining and unfiltered window into users' thoughts. It has become an arena where the convictions, thoughts, feelings and politics of some of our favorite athletes take the forefront. Facebook and Twitter have revolutionized how we communicate with sports icons, because anyone with an IP address can express themselves any way they choose from anywhere in the world. Social media helped bring fans closer to athletes and to feel a part of the game, with real-time responses in some instances. Yet something unexpected has happened. Fans are getting a direct line into some of the personal issues and opinions that historically were heavily guarded. In the past, agents and marketing personnel felt if athletes gave their opinions on hot topics, it could destroy huge endorsement contracts. This complicated view of sports and politics has historically led to a series of great moments, as well as missed opportunities, depending on your political point of view. It was the tempestuous climate of the 1960s that displayed the most famous political stances from athletes. Moments of protest were thrust into the living rooms of a worldwide audience: First was Muhammad Ali's historic stand against the draft process and the Vietnam War. Then came the 1968 Olympic Summer Games in which John Carlos and Tommie Smith raised their fists to the sky in protest, with Peter Norman wearing an Olympic Project for Human Rights badge to support them. The media attention helped propel what can be considered one of the most iconic images and moments in sports into a historic notion of free speech. While those athletes' political stances are admired and even idolized today, they faced major repercussions back then. Ali was stripped of his title and boxing license, while Smith and Carlos were forced to relinquish their medals. Atlanta native Mel Pender, who won a gold medal in those Olympics as a member of the 4x100 relay, witnessed that moment firsthand. "Athletes don't do enough when it comes to politics," Pender said. The statement that was made that day in Mexico City was not intended to bring attention to the fight for freedom and equality for black people, but for all people. There will always be someone on the other side of the issue. For our athletes, the backlash can be debilitating to their career, finances or fan base. Social media and its unfiltered commentary has in some ways become a PR agent's worst nightmare. That intimate window into athletes' thoughts has no buffer and is putting the power into their hands. Jim Brown has urged some of the world's most notable athletes, like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods, to take a stand on social and political issues for years. Brown questioned their need to protect their image over standing up for what was right. LZ Granderson, in an August commentary for ESPN, discussed the evolution of sports and politics as it relates to Michael Jordan. During Jordan's early playing days he refused to support Democratic candidate Harvey Gantt, who was running for a Senate seat. Jordan famously declared, "Republicans buy sneakers, too." At that time there would likely have been backlash against Jordan, who as a retiree recently hosted a private fundraising dinner for President Obama. These days, famous athletes are open with their views without any fear of backlash. Tim Tebow appeared in an anti-abortion commercial with his mother and is very active on Twitter discussing his faith. In the spring, the Miami Heat players, in a show of solidarity during the Trayvon Martin shooting investigation, united for a hooded photo honoring Martin's memory. The sports world is evolving much the way the world is adjusting to social media and new ideas. This new age of athletes are willing to use their social status to influence the political and cultural landscape. Change is constant, but growth is optional. Social media has united athletes and fans in a way that not many other avenues can. You may not always agree with the stance of your favorite athlete, but at least these days they have an opinion, and it seems they are willing to let the world know. | Pro athletes use social media to discuss the election, Chicago teachers strike, gay rights .
Historically, fans rarely heard about an athlete's personal stance on the issues .
LaMar Campbell: These days, athletes are open with their views without fear of backlash . |
152,429 | 50fd45d8e216da9d12a2230bf6319df2215e80c9 | Liverpool will continue to be patient with Daniel Sturridge before finally giving him the green light to play 90 minutes. The England international played 74 minutes of the 3-2 win over Tottenham on Tuesday, having previously launched his comeback from a long standing thigh problem with substitute appearances against West Ham, Bolton and Everton. Sturridge is eager to play a full game now that he has had no reaction and Saturday's FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace would seem an obvious point to play a full game. However, Liverpool assistant manager Colin Pascoe revealed the club will continue to treat Sturridge with kid gloves to eliminate any chance of him suffering a reoccurrence. Liverpool will be patient with Daniel Sturridge as the England international aims to play a full 90 minutes . Sturridge launched his comeback with substitute appearances against West Ham, Bolton and Everton . Sturridge, pictured laughing with Mamadou Sakho, is desperate to play against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup . Pascoe said: 'Daniel is desperate to play. He didn’t want to come off he kept saying "don’t take me off" we knew his max to push him, anything more it could have got injured. We can't push him too much at the moment. We will monitor him and see how he is. We will talk to the sports science department. He is not far off the 90 minutes. The last five months and what has gone on, we have to be careful.' Pascoe, meanwhile, confirmed that Steven Gerrard is set for a spell on the sidelines after damaging his hamstring against Tottenham. Liverpool's captain is expected to be out for two weeks but Raheem Sterling could be back in contention for the trip to Selhurst Park as he has made a good recovery from the ankle problem that ruled him out on Tuesday. 'Unfortunately he felt his hamstring end of the game,' said Pascoe. 'He is Having a scan this morning and waiting on the results to come back. The Liverpool squad were in cheerful mood at training as Alberto Moreno copied Daniel Sturridge's moves . Sturridge watches on as the Spanish defender does his best impression of the striker's goal celebration . Moreno laughs after copying his team-mates signature dance moves during Thursday's training session . Steven Gerrard is set for a spell on the sidelines after damaging his hamstring against Tottenham . 'Raheem was gutted he missed the game the other night but monitoring him to see how he is.' Liverpool will be looking to rectify their most wretched display of the season at Palace on Saturday but, looking back on the 3-1 defeat they suffered in November, Pascoe said: 'The manager said when we lost to Palace that time there was areal low in the camp. You look for a reaction from that result, we tweaked the system a little bit and the players have responded fantastically. 'From that game it has been a great reaction, we tweaked the system and that was the little change that we did. We want to win the FA Cup and will be doing our best to win.' | Daniel Sturridge is eager to play against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup .
The Liverpool striker has been given the go ahead to play a full match .
Frontman launched comeback from thigh injury with cameo appearances .
CLICK HERE for all the latest Liverpool news .
WATCH: Liverpool trio race to red carpet in a Reliant Robin in new advert . |
131,284 | 35c4bd6e03d300a3ca9fdfbefa5c7c7c1295e189 | Geoff Hunt killed his three children and wife with a shotgun before turning it on himself on their quiet NSW farm in a tragic murder-suicide last September, a coroner's inquest will confirm. Hunt, 44, drove down to the dam and took his own life after shooting Kim, 41, on the entertainment deck at the back of their family home, Watch Hill, near Lockhart - 80km south of Wagga Wagga. The couple's three children - Fletcher, 10, Mia, 8, and Phoebe, 6 - were shot inside the house. The shootings likely occurred in the evening of Monday, September 8. An insider familiar with the case has told Daily Mail Australia that the facts presented to the coroner will confirm a predicted finding that Mr Hunt, for reasons which are currently being examined, carried out the shootings. Following the memorial held for the Hunt family two weeks after the deaths, there has been a persistent rumour among Lockhart's 1000 residents and surrounding communities about whether Mrs Hunt could possibly have carried out the shootings due to the stress and trauma of her recovery from a serious brain injury after a car accident in 2012. Scroll down for video . Family secrets: The Hunts of Lockhart - intensive care nurse Kim, 41, wheat farmer, Geoff, 44, and their children (from left), Phoebe, 6, Mia, 8, and Fletcher, 10, appeared to be a normal, happy rural family, but tragedy lurked beneath the surface of their existence . What the police found: A visitor to the farm first discovered Kim Hunt and her three children dead from shotgun wounds. Police investigators described the scene as 'shocking and disturbing'. Manhunt: The day after the discovery of the four bodies, police fanned out over 442ha property to search for the missing father and husband of the dead, Geoff Hunt, 44 . Tragic discovery: After Geoff Hunt's car was discovered parked next to a dam on the property, police uncovered his body and a firearm from the water . Final farewell: Jenny Geppert kneels beside the coffin of her sister, Kim Hunt, and by those of her nephew and nieces, Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe at the funeral at a football oval in Lockhart, 80km south of Wagga . 'There was a a lot of talk about that story going around, but it wasn't based on anything but conjecture. It appears that [the father Geoff Hunt] was responsible,' an investigator told Daily Mail Australia. 'It appears the shotgun was used a few hours before the police arrived. most likely the night before.' The horrific accident which appears to have left an indelible mark on the Hunt family almost took Kim Hunt's life in July 2012. Driving along the Lockhart Boree Creek Road, which cuts a path through thousands of hectares of prime cropping land owned by her husband's parents and brother, Allen, Kim Hunt's car flipped twice while four-year-old Phoebe was strapped in the back. Ms Hunt was taken to Wagga Base Hospital - where she had been working as a registered nurse - with a broken neck; at the time, when she was transferred to Canberra Hospital and then on to Sydney, the expectations were that she might end up an organ donor. Immense strain: A friend of Kim and Geoff Hunt (pictured) said Kim's car accident two years earlier which left her with a serious brain injury had put an immense strain upon the family . On the surface: An aerial view of the family property in Lockhart where the tragedy unfolded . Behind the smiles: Kim Hunt (pictured with husband Geoff and their three children, above left) may have been robbed of empathy and love by the serious brain injury she suffered two years prior to the murder suicide of her family which was uncovered by police (above, right) last September . The innocents: Phoebe, 6, (left) Fletcher, 10 and Mia, 8, (right) grew up on the Hunt family wheat farm 80km from Wagga . At Prince of Wales Hospital in Sydney, where Ms Hunt experienced seven weeks of post-traumatic amnesia, she had to learn to walk and talk again. When she eventually returned home, her speech was still slurred and the family needed in-house carers to help look after the children. Ms Hunt later said the fact she had nearly died had made her a better nurse, although she could not physically return to shifts as as an emergency room nurse, and was planning a return to work as a partt-time nursing administrator in the months leading up to the tragedy. Following the murder suicide of her sister's family, Jenny Geppert astonished friends and locals by delivering a heartfelt statement in which she made a point of not blaming brother-in-law for the deaths. The Hunt family had farmed grain on the NSW Riverina district at Lockhart for three generations before Geoff Hunt is believed to have slain his family and then took his own life . Ms Geppert said she did not believe the shootings were premeditated, saying they were a consequence of the injury suffered by her sister and the toll it had left on the family. 'A brain injury robs a person of empathy and love. Unless you live with someone who’s gone through this you can’t understand – it dulls their emotions,' Mrs Geppert said in a selfless and inspiring announcement just before the Hunt family funeral. A close family friend, Paul Routley, told Fairfax Media that while Mr Hunt had been a 'rock' following the accident, in which then four-year-old Phoebe escaped with minor injuries, he wished his friend had asked for help. 'The stress that's been put on them from the accident was just immense, absolutely immense,' he said. A sister's forgiveness: Jenny Geppert (pictured when she appeared on the Nine Network's A Farmer Wants a Wife) astonished the community with her heartfelt and forgiving statement . Kim Hunt, pictured with daughters Mia (left) and Phoebe several years ago before the catastrophic car accident which left Ms Hunt with a brain injury . Treasured moments: Photographs of the Hunt family - parents Geoff and Kim and their children, Fletcher, Mia and Phoebe - feature on the order of service at the family's funeral last September . Unimaginable grief: Family including Jenny Geppert (kneeling beside her sister's coffin) mourn before the grim reality of having to bury their dead loved ones . 'He was super, super patient. He would help her get out of the car, he would hold her arm. You couldn't get a better bloke. The most gentle, considerate bloke ... a pillar of society.' The tragedy came to light when a family friend called in Watch Hill, reportedly after being unable to contact Mrs Hunt and the three children had failed to turn up for school. From outside, the picture perfect homestead on the hillside looked normal, set between a paddock of bright yellow canola and fields of wheat. But beyond the row of newly pruned trees bordering the house lay a gruesome discovery. Inside the house lay the bodies of Phoebe, Mia and Fletcher, dead from gunshot wounds. At the rear of the dwelling, Kim Hunt was lying in the open with similar wounds to those of her children. Police immediately set out to search for Geoff Hunt and on finding his vehicle parked by a dam on the property, they retrieved his body and beside it a firearm belived to be the murder weapon. The news of the seemingly inexplicable tragedy devastated the Lockhart community, which seemed at a loss to explain why the superficially happy family had imploded. Daily Mail Australia understands that a short suicide note may have been written by Mr Hunt, whose third-generation grain growing business had survived and appeared to have prospered despite almost a decade of drought. 'Everything to look forward to': The Hunts were a family with their whole lives ahead of them before patriarch Geoff is believed to have taken up a shotgun on September 10 last year . Stunned and grieving locals gathered on a football oval in Lockhart (above) last September to try and come to tersm with the loss in violent cirumstances of the Hunt family (pictured in foreground) At the funeral of her sister, brother-in-law, nephew and two nieces, Ms Geppert spoke of Mrs Hunt's zest for life and devotion to her children. 'My big sister, my idol, my friend, what an amazing person you were, kind and caring, I feel lost in this world without you,' she said. A member of the Lockhart community who asked not to be named said that while 'country people were good at supporting each other they tend to ignore the underlying problems, hence the number of suicides in the bush.' Long road: A police vehicle guards the entrance to the Hunt family property last September while detectives gather evidence at a gruesome crime scene which shocked officers and ambulance workers who attended . Forensic accountants are examining his accounts and the finances on one of the properties of the Hunt family who own thosuands of hectares along Boree Creek Road at Lockhart, and which Geoff appears to have purchased for $1.2m in 2013 with a partial mortgage to his parents, John and Lynette Hunt. The NSW Coroner will conduct an open inquest on the five deaths in Sydney later this year. Anyone who is suffering from depression or mental health issues should contact Lifeline on 131 114 (Australia) the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1800 273 8255 (USA) or the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90 (UK), or a local help group. | Coroner's inquest will hear evidence that farmer shot his wife and children .
Geoff Hunt, 44, killed his wife Kim and three kids in Lockhart, NSW last September .
Daily Mail Australia understands Geoff Hunt authored a suicide note .
Geoff Hunt shot himself .
Inquest comes after rumours about whether Kim Hunt could possibly have carried out the tragedy - after suffering a serious brain injury in 2012 . |
57,048 | a193b5b984fd8e969ab65ba0f5168ddf3faf09d5 | Vernon Kay looks ahead to the second International Series game at Wembley this season as the Detroit Lions take on the Atlanta Falcons. Detroit head into the game in with a 5-2 record atop the NFC North, and they’ll be looking for another win against a Falcons team that have lost their last four games. Everyone knows that the Atlanta Falcons are struggling with their offensive line and that is going to be a major issue at Wembley on Sunday. The Detroit Lions have the No 1 defense in the league and are only conceding 15 points per game. This could be a blowout by the Lions, but it could be a close game if the Falcons defense can step up to the mark. The Atlanta Falcons have been struggling with their offensive line ahead of the clash with the Detroit Lions . Detroit vs Atlanta, 1.30pm . Seattle at Carolina, 5pm . Baltimore at Cincinnati, 5pm . Miami at Jacksonville, 5pm . St Louis at Kansas City, 5pm . Chicago at New England, 5pm . Buffalo at New York Jets, 5pm . Minnesota at Tampa Bay, 5pm . Houston at Tennessee, 5pm . Philadelphia at Arizona, 8.05pm . Oakland at Cleveland, 8.25pm . Indianapolis at Pittsburgh, 8.25pm . Green Bay at New Orleans, 12.30am . Detroit have a formidable force up front on defense. When you watch the game live on Channel 4 at 1.30pm, make sure you look out for defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. I was fortunate enough to meet him this week at an NFL event at NikeTown and he is a monster. He is nearly 23 stone of pure muscle and three times as wide as I am. I’m 6’4” and weigh 221lbs, but this guy literally dwarfed me and put me in a shadow as big as a solid oak tree. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan will have to establish his passing game early but, because of the amount of pressure that Suh and Nick Fairley are putting on quarterbacks, the Lions defensive backs are having a field day. The Lions have had 21 sacks and eight interceptions so far this season. This Sunday is the first time ever that an NFL regular-season game will start as early as 9.30am Eastern Time. I’ve been fortunate enough to be at functions where the NFL have really played on the fact that we have an early kick-off. It is something they want to experiment with and see if there’s a market and an audience for a breakfast game in the States. If it gets good viewing figures, we may see future London International Series games being midday or 1pm kick-offs. Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson is doubtful for the game and it will be a massive coup for the NFL if he plays on the hallowed turf at Wembley. He is a superstar and was on the cover of the game Madden, which is always a sign of respect. Johnson is tall, strong powerful and can run like the wind. He studies opposition so well to the point where he can manipulate them with the way he moves. Calvin Johnson is a doubt for the clash at Wembley but it will be a massive coup should he play on Sunday . I spoke to Detroit quarterback Matt Stafford this week. I said to him: ‘No disrespect, but if I was Detroit Lions quarterback I would just throw the ball in Megatron’s direction.’ Stafford was laughing and said ‘absolutely, that’s all I do.’ Everyone thought Megatron would be a massive loss for the Lions but his replacements Golden Tate and Corey Fuller have really stepped up to the mark. What is opening people’s eyes is that the Lions have proved they can be successful without Megatron. At running back, Reggie Bush seems to have settled and Joique Bell is taking the workload off him too. Their quarterback Stafford is a former first-round draft pick and has high expectations on his shoulders. He said this week that the transition of having a new head coach (Jim Caldwell) is always difficult, but everyone seems to have knuckled down as a team. You have to tip your cap to coach Caldwell and the offense for being so successful without Megatron. Golden Tate (pictured against New Orleans) has stepped up in the absence of 'Megatron' for the Detroit Lions . Everyone thought they were a one-threat team, but who knows what is going to happen when Megatron comes back… hopefully this week at Wembley. The Falcons are struggling at 2-5 and I feel sorry for quarterback Ryan. He was expected to have a phenomenal year but they have had such a slow start with injuries and key players out on the offensive line. But they are still in the mix in the NFC South. It is a division that is really lacking in consistency and being led by a Carolina Panthers team at 3-3-1. I think it’s going to be a really close-fought division, but I wouldn’t count out the Saints. Each team in this division needs to get some momentum going. If whoever wins it ends up at 8-8, they’re not going to go much further than Wild Card weekend. WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR AT WEMBLEY . 1. We are going to be in for a serious aerial bombardment. We have got two great quarterbacks who have established themselves in the NFL and can both throw the football in Stafford and Ryan. 2. If Megatron doesn’t play, look out for Tate. He is a former Seattle Seahawk and won a Super Bowl ring last year. Tate’s arrival has helped the Lions establish another aerial threat outside of Megatron. 3. Anyone who loves sport for the athleticism of the game, look out for Steven Jackson. The man is absolutely huge. When he puts his shoulder down, it is very difficult for defenders to stop him. I’m excited to see how he can run the ball. SUPERDOME SHOWDOWN . The Green Bay Packers visit the New Orleans Saints in the late game on Channel 4 on Sunday. The Saints are struggling, but it is always a joy to watch Drew Brees. But the Packers are flying at the moment and, if Aaron Rodgers can do what he has been doing in previous games, this will be a two-score win for Green Bay. Last week there was a really positive debate on my Twitter feed about what defines the best quarterback. Peyton Manning has defined himself as the best quarterback the league has ever seen from a statistical point of view - but he has only got one Super Bowl ring. Rodgers is definitely in the group just below Manning and my favourite Tom Brady. What he brings to the team is an air of calmness. He is a real leader, but from a different angle. He uses a relaxed approach to the game and just lets his skills do the talking. Vernon Kay presents NFL: The American Football Show, Mondays at 11.50pm on Channel 4. This Sunday, Channel 4 will broadcast live coverage of the Detroit Lions vs Atlanta Falcons from Wembley, as well as the Green Bay Packers against the New Orleans Saints. | Detroit Lions face Atlanta Falcons at Wembley on Sunday afternoon .
Game is second International Series contest of the season .
Calvin ‘Megatron’ Johnson limited in practice and still an injury doubt .
Atlanta have lost their last four games and enter week eight with 2-5 record . |
120,781 | 281ee6dd294fe9f16e9642e61dbe3564d4182a36 | A pair of thieves were caught on CCTV stripping computer screens from a train station after one was dressed in a bright red polka dot onesie and the other in a pair of distinctive purple leggings. British Transport police are now hunting for the men after the string of monitor screen thefts which took place earlier this month at Dewsbury train station in West Yorkshire. Officers have now released the CCTV images of the pair in their outlandish outfits in a bid to track them down. The men dressed in a red polka dot onesie and another in purple leggings, who police are hunting after a spate of monitor thefts from Dewsbury train station . One images shows the man in the onesie walking ahead of another man, who is wearing the bright leggings, while carrying a spade. The expensive monitors can't be used as TVs but can be hooked up to a computer or games system. In total three of the screens were stolen from the station on three separate evenings earlier this month. PC Marcus Robinson said: 'We are releasing their images in that hope that, despite their faces being covered, someone may recognise their distinctive dress. 'One of the men is wearing a red polka dot onesie, the other appears to be wearing purple leggings and carrying a spade. 'CCTV at the station captured the two people pictured on Monday, 6 October just after 10.50pm when the third screen was stolen. The pair were spotted on CCTV wearing the distinctive outfits earlier this month, on the same night one of the screens was taken . 'We believe they may be able to assist our enquiries into this incident and are investigating whether they are linked to the other two thefts.' Police believe that when the monitors were stolen, the security surround on the screens was forced off before they were taken. PC Robinson added: 'The screens, which are expensive and will now have to be replaced, are used to provide up to date travel information to passengers at the station and usually only operate in a commercial environment. 'First TransPennine Express, who manage the station, have now increased security measures on other screens at their stations to make them more difficult to steal. 'If you recognise them, have been offered one of the screens, or have any information that could help our investigation, please contact us.' Anyone with information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40. | Thieves were caught on CCTV stripping screens from Dewsbury train station .
Were spotted wearing a bright red polka dot onesie and purple leggings .
Police have released images of the pair in a bid to track them down .
A total of three monitors were stolen from the station earlier this month .
Screens can't be used as TVs but can be hooked up to computers or games systems . |
266,545 | e53e459ed50f485408511cd6c22c62c863135f58 | By . Becky Evans . PUBLISHED: . 07:11 EST, 17 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:50 EST, 18 July 2013 . Nelson Mandela, said to be on the brink of death earlier this month, has made a dramatic improvement, his daughter revealed yesterday. Zindzi Mandela said her father, whose 95th birthday is today, has been watching television in his bed in hospital and that he smiles at family members and raises his hand. ‘I should think he will be going home any time soon,’ said Zindzi, whose mother is Mandela’s second wife, Winnie. Scroll down for video . People have been urged to volunteer for charity to mark Nelson Mandela's birthday tomorrow as he continues to be treated in hospital for a recurrent lung infection . Just a fortnight ago, the former South African president was said to be in a persistent vegetative state and near death. He has been in a Pretoria hospital since June 8 and officials say his condition is critical but stable. It was anticipated that the . anti-apartheid hero may be discharged to mark his birthday but he is . still in hospital with a recurring lung infection. The . Nelson Mandela Center of Memory and other groups have called on people . to volunteer 67 minutes to charity in honour of the 67 years that . Mandela served his community. The United Nations has also recognised the Mandela's struggle against apartheid and say his birthday is an opportunity to honour his legacy, and activities are planned around the globe. The UN said the donation of time is fitting as Mandela worked for 67 years as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, a peacemaker and then South Africa's first black president. Mandela's birthday, July 18, was declared Nelson Mandela International Day by the UN General Assembly in 2009 as a recognition of his contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s said this year Mandela's birthday comes at a time of 'deep reflection on the life and work of Madiba, as the universally revered leader remains in the hospital'. Since the anti-apartheid hero was hospitalised last month, South Africans have held vigils, sang and prayed for the former president outside his hospital in Pretoria . He added: 'Nelson Mandela gave 67 years of his life to the struggle for human rights and social justice. 'The heart of Nelson Mandela International Day is good works for people and the planet. 'This is the best tribute we can pay to an extraordinary man who embodies the highest values of humanity.' South Africa President Jacob Zuma will mark Mandela's birthday by overseeing the donation of houses to poor families in the Pretoria area. Mandela was admitted to a Pretoria hospital on June 8 for a recurring lung infection. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (right) said the 'best tribute' people can pay to Mandela is by volunteering while former president Thabo Mbeki (left) predicted the anti-apartheid hero would be discharged soon . Earlier this week, former president Thabo Mbeki predicted Mandela could be discharged from hospital soon to recuperate at home. Friends who have visited him say he is on life support in the form of mechanical ventilation. The most recent official update on his health said Mandela was in critical but stable condition. But both Mandela's wife, Graca Machel, and President Jacob Zuma have said recently that Mandela is responding to treatment. The anti-apartheid hero spent 27 years in prison before becoming South Africa's first black president in 1994. | Nelson Mandela Center of Memory called on people to volunteer their time in honour of Nelson Mandela on his birthday today .
Mandela still in hospital despite anticipation he was due to be discharged . |
66,041 | bb764163d6a55fa37f449447e002160fe6bf9bf3 | (CNN) -- Count one more world leader out of the Winter Olympics, which start February 7 in Sochi, Russia. French President Francois Hollande will not be attending the Sochi Games, French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius said Sunday. Less than a week after German President Joachim Gauck chose to boycott the Olympics, Fabius was asked about Hollande's plans for the Games. "This (has) not been planned ... to attend," Fabius responded. "But at the same time I wish all the success for these games. But for now, it is not expected that the highest French authorities attend." Like German officials, Fabius declined to explain the decision further. Eighty kings, queens, presidents and other world leaders attended the opening ceremony for the 2012 London Summer Olympics, according to the British newspaper The Guardian. Host country Russia has been receiving scrutiny and criticism for alleged human rights violations, harassment of opposition political figures, and a law passed earlier this year banning "gay propaganda," which critics have said promotes discrimination. German president will not attend Olympics in Russia . Sochi 2014: Russia to set up protest zones at Winter Olympics . CNN's Lindsay Isaac and journalist Niki Cook contributed to this report . | Hollande has no plans to go to the Winter Olympics in Russia, foreign minister says .
The move comes on the heels of German President Joachim Gauck's similar choice .
Russia has been criticized for human rights abuses and discrimination . |
178,535 | 7321517a2a3a565a4703d8bf739b1cde282f3d67 | (CNN) -- A computer virus campaign is targeting opponents of Russian President-elect Vladimir Putin, according to anti-virus software maker Symantec. "A wave of spam e-mails promoting a rally" against the newly elected president is delivering the spyware as an attachment that appears to be a Word document. In reality, the file is a software program known as "Trojan.Dropper." The spam e-mails began circulating sometime around March 5, according to an entry Wednesday on Symantec's official blog. The subject lines in the e-mails call demonstrators to action with phrases like: "all to demonstration," "instructions what to do," or "meeting for the equal elections." The body of the e-mail pushes the recipient to open an attachment, purporting that it contains need-to-know information. When the user opens the file, a document does actually open revealing an announcement for a supposed anti-Putin rally with a map indicating its apparent location. But at the same time, the file drops a Trojan horse virus onto the unwitting user's computer. Once on the computer, the virus overwrites many of the user's files then deletes them thoroughly. "The Trojan also attempts to connect to IP address 193.104.153.31 (down at the time of analysis)," Symantec says. This server address is located in Switzerland, but it is associated with another "notorious" virus that once operated off of a Web address with a Russian domain name. At the end of its virulent rampage, the malware crashes the victim's computer, causing it to blue-screen. Symantec characterizes the spam attack as "unusual -- mainly because of its size." These messages average 500 KB in size -- 50 times the usual size of junk e-mails. "Most spam messages do not exceed 10 KB," the IT security company points out. Antivirus software has been adjusted to recognize the malware, but Symantec warns on its blog: "As always, be aware of any unsolicited e-mails containing attachments, which might take advantage of current events like the recent election result in Russia." | Spam e-mails promoting a rally against President-elect Putin contain spyware .
E-mails began circulating around March 5, Symantec says .
Virus overwrites many of the user's files then deletes them thoroughly . |
16,741 | 2f734e568deb694c13725e3c82026b051da24a06 | By . Bianca London . PUBLISHED: . 12:39 EST, 9 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 08:59 EST, 10 September 2013 . For most mothers, the school run is an unglamorous affair. Wet hair, tracksuit bottoms and chipped manicures become de rigueur as they rush to drag the children out of . bed, make their packed lunches and cajole them into the car. But for a certain breed of mothers, the school run is a whole different ball game. Writing an anonymous piece in Times2 today, one mother has lifted the lid on what life is really like at the celebrity school gate. Scroll down for video . Queens of the school gates: An anonymous mother has lifted the lid on what exactly life is like at the school gates of London's most exclusive schools, where Victoria Beckham and Elle Macpherson turn the school run into a catwalk . Known as 'The Strip', the haunt in West London is home to two of the capital's most exclusive and expensive private schools and the likes of the Beckhams, Elle Macpherson, Claudia Schiffer and Trinny Woodall have frequented the school gate. 'Welcome to the high-octane, caffeine-fuelled, fashion savvy domain. Here, morning drop-off is no ordinary jam-smeared, bleary-eyed routine. 'In fact, celeb-spotting aficionados would be far better placed to set up camp here than at the Beverley Hills Hotel during award season,' writes the mother, whose children share lessons with the celeb offspring. The writer describes her first day at the celebrity school gate, which she describes as a 'parallel universe', where appearances count for everything. 'With their glossy manes, expensive highlights and Pilates-honed thighs, this was a new breed of woman - an uberbeing, perpetually ready for her close-up,' she said. She explains how each 'tribe' of stylish mothers define themselves by their choice of handbag. Picture perfect: 'With their glossy manes, expensive highlights and Pilates-honed thighs, this was a new breed of woman- an uberbeing', says the writer of the mothers at Trinny Woodall and Claudia Schiffer's children's schools . Hermes Birkins are the choice of arm candy by the 'cougar' mothers, who desperately try to emulate Elle Macpherson, whilst the 'fashion mums' rock none other than a Victoria Beckham tote and Claudia Schiffer's minions, known as the 'boho mums', love their Jerome Dreyfuss bags. No handbag, however, is the biggest statement of power and wealth a mother can make. These mothers are the ones who are chauffeured to school in a black-out Mercedes, meaning their driver is on hand to guard their Chanel tote whilst they accompany their children to the school gate, the anonymous mother writes. Fitness fanatics: Gym gear is obligatory at the school gate, as mothers dash off to their Ten Pilates class or Barrecore Ballet . Whilst leather leggings a la Elle Macpherson were once the school gate outfit of choice, this has recently been replaced by super stylish gym gear. The current trend, she explains, is to match their trainers to the neon stripe in their gym leggings before dashing off to their Ten Pilates or Barrecore Ballet class. Then there are the super skinny mothers who don't need to exercise at all because they don't bother eating. 'They decamp to a cafe near the school for a daily debrief. Whilst sipping their double-shot soya lattes and inhaling Malboro Lights, they will dispense their verdicts - picture Joan Rivers on steroids,' she writes. Judging by the latest research, looking good on the school run isn't just a preoccupation of the the rich and famous. A study by Google found that 'what mums should wear back to school' searches have increased by 40 per cent this year. Another survey found that mothers spend an average of £87 to look good on the school run with the average mother spending up to 25 minutes perfecting her . hair and make-up and deciding what to wear in preparation for the . big day. Amazingly, that's around seven minutes longer than it will take them to get the children ready. VIDEO: Victoria Beckham opens up to Grazia Daily about juggling motherhood with work . | 'The Strip' in West London is home to exclusive private schools .
Mother reveals what 'parallel universe' is really like .
Social status is defined by your designer handbag .
Mothers rush off to Ten Pilates and Barrecore ballet class after school run . |
238,237 | c057d32277011e9c6cd29587608180759f3b6c68 | Helping others: Lord Freud, the health and safety minister, pictured, said people should not fear doing a ‘good deed’ for friends, family or neighbours . People should ignore ‘bogus’ health and safety warnings and help clear ice and snow from outside their neighbours’ homes, a minister said last night. Lord Freud, the health and safety minister, said people should not fear doing a ‘good deed’ for friends, family or neighbours. The Government is introducing a ‘Good Samaritan law’ to give people who intervene in good faith to help someone else in difficulty from prosecution or legal action. Similar legislation operates in Australia where it has reduced the potential for negligence claims against doctors and emergency workers, as well as ordinary members of the public. Lord Freud said people would not be sued or held responsible if someone fell and injured themselves on a path or pavement that they had cleared. ‘People need to be aware that they will not be reprimanded for doing a good deed by clearing ice and snow,’ he said. ‘The truth is very simple: you can clear ice and snow from footpaths and pavements but always be careful that you don’t put yourself in danger. ‘Countless lives have been saved and injuries prevented because of robust health and safety practices. But bogus excuses give real safety laws a bad name and stop people from taking action.’ Chair of the Health and Safety Executive Judith Hackitt said: ‘Anyone can clear ice and snow from public spaces, so don’t be put off because you’re afraid someone will get injured. Scroll down for video . 'Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to themselves to be careful.’ An official Government ‘snow code’ advises householders to clear paths and driveways earlier in the day when snow is fresh and loose. They are urged not to use water to clear snow as it refreezes into black ice. Protection: The Government is introducing a ‘Good Samaritan law’ to protect from prosecution those who intervene in good faith to help someone in difficulty. Similar legislation already operates in Australia . | Lord Freud said people should not fear doing a 'good deed' for loved ones .
New law to protect from prosecution those who intervene in good faith .
He said people would not be sued if someone fell on path they had cleared . |
153,083 | 51d3bb57e6e29f643c5bb9e739b5b7cebd4513f0 | A woman accused of driving a minivan into the Atlantic Ocean with her three children in Florida was arrested Friday on three counts of attempted first-degree murder, Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson said. Investigators say they think Ebony Wilkerson was trying to kill her children -- ages 3, 9 and 10 -- when she drove into the surf Tuesday in Daytona Beach, Johnson said. "She actually told them to close their eyes and go to sleep, she was taking them to a better place," he said. Bystanders and beach rangers went into the water and rescued the children, witnesses and police said. Wilkerson tried to keep rescuers from pulling her children from the minivan and at one point was fighting her son for control of the steering wheel, Johnson said. Johnson said Wilkerson told investigators she was trying to drive out of the surf, not into it, and has denied trying to harm her children. Tim Tesseneer was driving along Daytona Beach on Tuesday with his wife when they noticed the minivan driving through shallow water. They heard the screams, he said, of two children, who were crying and waving for help out of one of the rear windows. Tesseneer threw the car in park and raced over to help. One child was screaming, Tesseneer recalled Wednesday to CNN's Piers Morgan. " 'Please help us, our mom is trying to kill us.' " The other child he could see was wrestling a woman for the steering wheel. But the woman just kept saying, " 'We're OK. We're OK. We're OK,' " as another man joined Tesseneer trying to get the driver to stop. With the minivan in the cold, heavy surf of the Atlantic, the second man, Stacy Robinson, opened a door and pulled out the two panicked children. There was a good chance if he and Tesseneer hadn't been there, the children, ages 10 and 9, would have drowned inside the van as it pitched in the water, officials said. Another child, a 3-year-old girl, was strapped in a car seat. A lifeguard dived in through a front window and unbuckled the child and handed her to another lifeguard as the vehicle bobbed in water about 3 feet deep. The mother just walked away, Tesseneer said, silent with a strange, almost "possessed" look on her face. While there is no evidence that drugs or alcohol were involved, Johnson said one goal of charging her was to make sure she gets help for any possible mental issues. "This is a tragic event. And our goal is to get her into the system so that we can protect the children and take whatever action we need to help her, too," he said. Wilkerson also is being held on three counts of aggravated child abuse, Johnson said. She has not yet requested an attorney, he said. | "She actually told them to close their eyes and go to sleep," sheriff says .
Ebony Wilkerson is charged with three counts of attempted first-degree murder .
She's also charged with three counts of aggravated child abuse .
Witnesses say she drove into surf, struggled with rescuers trying to free her children . |
142,082 | 43bbf7dea96eb0fc21151e94dbfb8e2b9d6ce11a | From early ice skates made from bone to the secret of designing the perfect pair of salopettes, the history of stylish snow gear is almost as fascinating as the sports themselves. Now some of the world's oldest winter wear is to go on display - alongside some unique modern pieces that include a chilly-looking gown made from white plastic. Fashioning Winter, a new exhibition dedicated to all things ski and snow, also includes a pair of skates dating from the 1930s and a ski that once belonged to Sir Arnold Lunn, the man who pioneered the downhill slalom race. Striking: A 1910 illustration showing the Parisian approach to cold weather dressing at the time . Other highlights include delicate vintage postcards of Parisians showing how stylish cold weather dressing is done and a 1962 bottle of Piz Buin sunscreen. Launched to coincide with the opening of the annual festive ice rink at Somerset House, the exhibition also boasts an early Burberry snow suit as well as a poignant set of photos showing British Tommies wrapped in fur gilets as they prepared to spend their first Christmas in the trenches. Wonderful though they are, it is the ski wear that really catches the eye and points to the evolution of the sport from essential mode of transport for hardy Swiss, French and Norwegian mountain-dwellers to seriously stylish hobby beloved of the world's wealthiest. Thought to have originated more than 7,000 years ago in Russia, the modern form of skiing has its roots in Scandinavia - as does the name, which comes from the Old Norse word skíð. The Kalvträskskidan ski, the world's oldest, was unearthed in the Swedish village of Kalvträsk in 1924 and has been carbon-dated to 3300 BC, with the second-oldest, the Vefsn Nordland ski, found in neighbouring Norway. Vintage: These 1930s skates were worn by Christina Greenberry at the Streatham Ice Arena in London . Christmas in the trenches: This 1915 cutting shows British soldiers in their 'teddy coats' made for winter . Traditionally used as a means of transport during the long, dark Nordic winter, skiing also formed part of Norse mythology with Skaði, the Norse goddess of winter, frequently depicted on skis along with fellow member of the Nordic pantheon, Ullr. Later, skis were used in warfare with both Sweden and Denmark maintaining specialised ski battalions during the 15th and 16th centuries. Military skiers were also the first to take part in ski races, with records dating from 1767 detailing competitions such as downhill skiing in rough terrain, shooting while skiing and cross-country skiing while carrying a hefty backpack. By the early 1800s, skiing was becoming increasingly popular as a sport with Olaf Rye becoming the world's first ski jumper in 1809 and the first public race taking place in Tromsø in 1843. Striking: Alexander McQueen's unusual take on ski wear as seen in his A/W99 show . Colourful: A later cartoon documenting cold weather gear Parisian style in the 1920s . But despite the sport having its origins in the snowy north, the first Alpine ski resort was founded in Australia in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. Clubs and resorts in the US and Norway followed, with the tiny province of Montenegro unveiling its own ski club in 1893. The Swiss, the traditional home of skiing as far as many Britons are concerned, didn't get its first ski resort until 1895 - 34 years after Australia. It didn't take long, however, for Switzerland to eclipse Australia and Norway as skiing destinations, thanks in no small part to tourism pioneer, Thomas Cook. Despite his best efforts, Idaho was the first place to introduce modern chair lifts - in 1936 - with the first commercial snow maker making its debut in New York State's Catskill Mountains in 1952. Avant-garde: A striking Gareth Pugh look from A/W14 and an Alexander McQueen design dating from 1999 . | 1930s ice skates, vintage Burberry salopettes and ancient Piz Buin on show .
Fashioning Winter at Somerset House also includes avant-garde fashion .
Charts the history of skiing as a sport beloved of the rich and glamorous .
Skiing began as a mode of transport in Scandinavia, 7000 years ago .
First ski resort opened in Australia's Snowy Mountains in 1861 .
Traditional ski destination Switzerland followed suit 34 years later in 1895 .
Fashioning Winter opens today at Somerset House in conjunction with Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason . |
63,188 | b38001e9cdba3357c21e27324f81977a77d8edfe | Miami, Florida (CNN) -- The weather system known as Bonnie has been downgraded from a tropical storm to a tropical depression as it moves across the Gulf of Mexico -- and there are indications it may not get too much stronger. As of 11 p.m. ET, the system was moving through the eastern Gulf after crossing southern Florida earlier Friday. It had maximum sustained winds of 35 mph. The depression was moving west-northwest at a very fast clip for such weather systems -- 17 mph. Forecasters from the National Hurricane Center said the storm was expected to cross over the Gulf coast, anywhere from Louisiana to southeastern Texas, late Saturday night, earlier than had been anticipated previously. The fast pace means it won't be spending as much time over the warm Gulf water, leaving less time to build up strength. CNN Meteorologist Chad Myers said an area of low pressure in the Gulf has been creating some competing winds that have been pulling clouds away from the cyclone and weakening it. Still, the hurricane center said the system may slow, and a tropical storm warning is in effect from Destin, Florida, to Morgan City, Louisiana, including Lake Pontchartrain. And Bonnie still could bring drenching rain to Louisiana and other states along the coast, the hurricane center said, creating a storm surge ranging from two to four feet. The hurricane center said Bonnie could bring one to three inches of rain across the region, with rainfall of five inches in some areas. Bonnie made landfall as a tropical storm earlier Friday near Biscayne Bay in southeastern Florida, with maximum sustained winds of 40 mph. But it weakened as it crossed over the state. Even though Bonnie has weakened, uncertainty over the weather already has hampered operations at BP's cripped well in the Gulf. BP suspended work on a relief well to permanently seal the damaged well. And the federal official overseeing the effort, retired Adm. Thad Allen, ordered ships in the area to shore because of the choppy seas and gusty winds that Bonnie will bring. That could delay operations atthe well site for 10 to 14 days. But Allen said there's enough confidence in the well's "integrity" that it will be left capped and closed during the rough weather. Ships used to skim oil off the surface will have to come ashore as well. Hundreds have been operating off the coast. Meanwhile, states of emergency have been declared in both Louisiana and Mississippi. The emergency declarations are intended to speed state help to local goverments that need it and allow emergency crews to respond more efficiently. Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal said Thursday afternoon it's "good for Louisiana" that the weather system is moving so fast, since it may not strengthen significantly and is likely to move across Louisiana fairly quickly. Still, he said about a half dozen Louisiana parishes have called for voluntary evacuations from low-lying areas and mobile home parks. The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services encouraged residents Friday to prepare for the storm by pre-applying for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, previously known as Disaster Food Stamps. The program offers help buying groceries for those who do not regularly receive nutrition assistance but who are affected by lost wages or damages because of a disaster. Officials said that pre-applying does not guarantee benefits but is designed to prevent long waits. The weather system earlier drenched the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Haiti and the Dominican Republic as it moved from the Caribbean to the Atlantic. When it reached Florida, residents in Cutler Bay saw tree branches littering the roads as Bonnie passed through Miami-Dade County. "It was pouring rain for four to five hours straight," said Matthew Slack, a bartender at Cutler Bay Sports Bar and Grill. But he added, "It's not that bad. It's like a regular summer storm in Miami." The storm also slowed business in southern Florida. "We've had a lot of people call and say they might have to cancel due to the storm," said Susie Bishop of Continental Inn Condominiums in Marathon, Florida. "I had a few people leave a few days early." CNN meteorologist Sean C. Morris contributed to this report. | NEW: Tropical Depression Bonnie is moving through the eastern Gulf of Mexico .
The storm's fast pace and a low pressure system in the Gulf may limit its strength .
Louisiana and Mississippi declare emergencies .
Storm warning covers western Florida to Louisiana . |
131,979 | 36a99d20f25a2253453aa702cf9ad28d213e19c4 | By . Daily Mail Reporter and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 16:05 EST, 26 November 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 16:44 EST, 26 November 2012 . A Canadian mayor was ordered out of office Monday after a judge found he used city letterhead to fundraise for his high school football team. Mayor Rob Ford was ousted from his position as the leader of Toronto after it was discovered that he ‘flouted’ conflict of interest rules when he was a was a councilman. Ford blamed 'the left wing politics' for the ruling and said he would appeal. The development is the latest in a string of embarrassments for the colorful mayor who has repeatedly found himself in the news since he was elected in 2010. Ousted: Toronto Mayor was ordered out of office Monday after a judge found he used city letterhead to fundraise for his high school football team . Ontario Superior Court Justice Charles Hackland said Ford showed 'willful blindness' to the law and said he cannot claim that it was an error in judgment made in good faith. At issue was Ford's participation in a city council vote on repaying money he had solicited for his football program. Ford is a volunteer coach of a local high school team. The judge said Ford showed a 'stubborn sense of entitlement' and a 'dismissive and confrontational attitude' toward the city's integrity commissioner. The judge's ruling takes effect in two weeks, but Ford can seek an order that will allow him to stay in office while he appeals. The judge said Ford had his staff sent out letters using the city of Toronto logo and his status as city councilman to solicit funds for his football foundation. Donors included lobbyists and a corporation that does business with the city of Toronto. The city's integrity commissioner found Ford's actions broke a conduct code and recommended he pay back $3,150 to the donors from his own pocket. Conspiracy: Ford, who has had a number of public run-ins this year, blamed 'the left wing politics' for the ruling and said he would appeal . The council adopted the commissioner's findings and sanction in a resolution Ford voted against — but he never made the repayments, despite several reminders from the commissioner. Ford vowed to run again if he loses his appeal. 'I'm in no conflict here,' Ford said in a packed media scrum outside his office on Monday. 'This comes down to left wing politics. The left wing wants me out of here and they'll do anything in their power. I'm going to fight tooth and nail to hold onto my job. And if they do for some reason get me out I'll be running right back as soon as the next election.' Clayton Ruby, who represented a local Toronto resident in the conflict of interest lawsuit against Ford, said Ford did it to himself. 'If you break the rules there is a price to pay. It's important for the courts to assert that nobody is above the law, Rob Ford included,' Ruby said. Out of office: The city's integrity commissioner found Ford's actions broke a conduct code and recommended he pay back $3,150 to the donors from his own pocket . 'Rob Ford has said all along that he did this for the kids. He deserves credit for working with those kids, but he should have remembered that he had an obligation to those kids to set a good example for them. He should not have taken lobby money for his football team.' Ford, a right-wing city councilor for years, promised to end wasteful spending at city hall when he became mayor, tapping into a well of voter anger with his 'stop the gravy train' message. Ford also said Toronto would be better off if it didn't accept more immigrants. Half of Toronto's population was born outside Canada. He has often been in the news since. Controversies involving Ford include accusations he made obscene gestures at residents from his car, published pictures of him reading while driving on the highway and high profile altercations with a Toronto Transit worker as well as a Toronto Star reporter. | Not Mayor Rob Ford's first controversy .
Refused to pay back $3,150 that he raised . |
68,470 | c222c655e633620b871e844931eca2ce765fd5d0 | By . Reuters Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 16:58 EST, 25 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:58 EST, 25 January 2013 . A 1794 silver dollar, which many experts believe was the first such coin struck by the U.S. Mint, sold for a record $10 million at auction on Thursday. The Flowing Hair Silver Dollar more than doubled the previous $4.1 million record for a coin set in 1999, auction house Stack's Bowers Galleries said. Legend Numismatics, a rare-coin firm based in New Jersey, bought the coin, which was the highlight of the evening sale in New York that fetched a total of $17.2 million. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Ka'Ching! A rare 1794 silver dollar has set the record for the most pricey transaction at auction concerning a coin - $10 million . 'We felt in our heart that this would be the very first coin to exceed the $10 million barrier in auction and were in fact prepared to bid much high in order to acquire this unique piece of history,' the company said in a statement, adding it had no plans to sell the coin in the near future. David Bowers, chairman emeritus of Stack's Bowers Galleries, said the coin has unique features that make it particularly valuable. 'It is the first American metal dollar struck and the finest known. You have these combinations coming together. No museum has an equal piece,' he told Reuters. Seller: Martin Logies bought the coin three years ago as part of the 'Cardinal Collection' The coin was part of the Cardinal Collection, amassed by the collector Martin Logies. Bowers described the collection as the 'Old Masters' of coins struck during the earliest years of the U.S. Mint. 'I think it is extraordinary and I am very pleased that the first silver dollar is the first to top the $10 million threshold,' said Logies, who purchased the coin three years ago. The $10 million price includes the buyer's commission. Like the buoyant art market, which is expecting another good year in 2013, Bowers said coins are a good investment, have a worldwide market and have risen steadily in value. 'We're continually surprised by surprises,' he said, adding there are several million coin collectors around the globe. 'They want to collect coins for appreciation, art, rarity and beauty.' The record-setting coin shows a profile of Miss Liberty facing right surrounded by stars representing each state in the union. The design was only used in 1794 and briefly the following year. Another top seller in the sale of 94 lots was the 1792 Half Disme, which dates back to David Rittenhouse, the first director of the U.S. Mint. It fetched $975,000, excluding the 17.5 percent buyer's commission. WATCH VIDEO HERE . | The coin more than doubled the prior $4.1 million record for such a sale .
Experts believe it is the first silver dollar struck by the U.S. Mint .
'I would have bid much higher,' says the coin's acquirer .
Coin was part of the Cardinal Collection, amassed by the collector Martin Logies . |
99,247 | 0bd53cd078f23c0c35903d9cd69e54824185de4f | Stretching out as far as the eye can see, this is the grim and depressing home of 160,000 refugees who have escaped the brutal Syrian civil war. Incredibly, 6,000 people a day arrive at the sprawling Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, which has become the country's fifth largest city. Despite the grim surroundings of the overcrowded 2.8 square-mile camp, its traumatised residents and the U.N officials who run it try to inject some humour. Its main street, featuring many of its 3,000 shops, restaurants and food vendors, it known as the 'Champs . Elysees' . Massive: The Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan is home for 160,000 refugees who have escaped the brutal Syrian civil war . Escape: Incredibly, 6,000 people a day arrive at the sprawling Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan, which has become the country's fifth largest city . There is also a taxi . service, schools, soccer fields and hospitals within its 12 districts. Despite this, the difficult lives its residents lead have led to riots. However, U.N. officials who run the camp say it has begun to emerge from the 'dark period' of violence, as its traumatised residents begin to . reconcile themselves to a lengthy stay. Some of those based at the camp - which is about 8 miles from the Syrian border - expressed their frustration to the U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday when he visited Zaatari. Six refugees met Mr Kerry and angrily told him that the U.S should set up a no-fly zone and safe havens in Syria to protect their fellow citizens. Services: The camp's main street, featuring many of its 3,000 shops, restaurants and food vendors, it known as the 'Champs Elysees' .There is also a taxi service, schools, soccer fields and hospitals within its 12 districts . Hard: The camp has experienced a number of dark days, with riots sometimes breaking out as traumatised residents attempt to get used to their new home . Mr Kerry told them Washington was considering options, including buffer zones for their protection, but that the situation was complex and appeared to hint at war fatigue in the United States after years of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. 'Where is the international community? What are you waiting for?' a Syrian woman, who did not give her name, told Kerry. At least impose a no-fly zone or an embargo. 'The U.S., as a superpower, can change the equation in Syria in 30 minutes after you return to Washington.' Waving a pen in the air and tapping it on the table, the woman referred to the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, which ends in three weeks. She said: 'Mr. Secretary, if the situation remains unchanged until the end of Ramadan this camp will become empty. We will return to Syria and we will fight with knives.' Depressing: The camp is made up of rows of temporary buildings squashed up against each other . Overcrowded: This sign highlights one of the entrances to the busy camp . Temporary: The Zaatari camp is about 8 miles from the Syrian border . 'You, as the U.S. government look to Israel with respect. Cannot you do the same with the children of Syria?' Mr Kerry took a helicopter tour of the tents and pre-fabricated, container-like homes that form by far the biggest camp for Syrians in Jordan. Meeting refugees afterwards in a fenced-off administrative section, he acknowledged the anger. 'They are frustrated and angry at the world for not stepping in and helping,' he told reporters. 'I explained to them I don't think it's as cut and dry and as simple as some of them look at it. But if I were in their shoes I would be looking for help from wherever I could find it.' More than 1.7 million Syrian refugees have fled to nearby countries to escape fighting that began as protests against the government in March 2011 and has degenerated into civil war with an increasingly sectarian dimension. Jordan has been host to big U.N. camps for Palestinian refugees for more than six decades. An administrator at Zaatari was asked by reporters how long his camp would remain open for Syrians. He replied: 'Three days. Thirty years. Who knows?' | 6,000 people a day arrive at the sprawling Zaatari refugee camp .
Main street featuring many of its 3,000 shops, restaurants and food vendors is known as the 'Champs Elysees'
There is also a taxi service, schools, soccer fields and hospitals within its 12 districts .
Six refugees met U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and expressed their anger over brutal conflict . |
213,816 | a0ea868f2e49e2d785dcecfac2aebd8f57f5a4f8 | (CNN) -- Trafficking of children and human organs is occurring in the aftermath of the earthquake that devastated parts of Haiti, killed more than 150,000 people, and left many children orphans, Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive said Wednesday. "There is organ trafficking for children and other persons also, because they need all types of organs," Bellerive said in an exclusive interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. He did not give specifics, but asked by Amanpour if there is trafficking of children, Bellerive said, "The reports I received say yes." Haiti is trying to locate displaced children and register them so they can either be reunited with other family members or put up for adoption, Bellerive said. But, he said, illegal child trafficking is "one of the biggest problems that we have." Many groups appear to be legitimate, "but a lot of organizations -- they come and they say there were children on the streets. They're going to bring them to the [United] States," he said. Bellerive said he's trying to work with embassies in Port-au-Prince to protect Haiti's children from traffickers. "Any child that is leaving the country has to be validated by the embassy under a list that they give me, with all the reports," he said. Speaking at his temporary headquarters in a police station near the Port-au-Prince Airport, Bellerive said the first thing Haitian officials seek to confirm is whether the children have adoption papers before they leave the country. In Washington, the State Department said Wednesday it is moving cautiously on the issue of adoptions from Haiti. "We want to be sure that when a child has been identified, that due diligence has been done to make sure that this is truly an orphan child and not a child that actually has family," said State Department Spokesman P.J. Crowley. "Sometimes if you push too hard, too fast there can be unintended consequences. So we are being very, very careful." "We respect the sovereignty of Haiti and their right to control the departure of Haitian children. So we think the system that has been established is working effectively. I know there is a perception out there of 'cut through the red tape.' But there are very good reasons we want to make sure this process works well," Crowley said. On the broader issue of Haitian children, Bellerive told Amanpour the government will reopen schools Monday in most of the country. He said there were particular problems in Port-au-Prince. "We cannot open one school and not the other. But some of the schools want to operate right now. They say if there are tents -- if there are facilities and we can help them -- they are willing to open very rapidly." Bellerive also highlighted the critical importance of getting enough tents and shelters to Haiti before the rainy season begins in May. He said he didn't know where all the tents promised by aid agencies and governments are. "We have reports that they've already sent 20,000 tents maybe, and 20,000 more are on the way. But yesterday, when we didn't see the tents and we didn't see any action to organize the shelters, the president himself asked to see the storage place and we only counted 3,500 tents." Bellerive said President Rene Preval asked for 200,000 tents to house between 400,000 and 500,000 people. "We are very preoccupied about the consequences of all those people on the street, if it starts to rain." The prime minister also rejected criticism from within Haiti and overseas that his government needs to be more visible to the Haitian people. "We are in charge. Frankly I don't understand what that position is that we are not visible," he said. "I almost feel that I spend more time talking to radio, television, than I am working." "I know it's part of my job and I have to communicate. But I really feel that I have spent too much time doing that." Bellerive also said he does not believe it's necessary to relocate the capital to another part of Haiti. "I have to wait for technical and scientific evaluation, but from what I've heard until now, Port-au-Prince will stay there." "Tokyo is still there, Los Angeles is still there. We just have to prepare a better constructed Port-au-Prince, a safer Port-au-Prince," he said. He also acknowledged the need for more transparency and new procedures to prevent corruption in Haiti. But he said 70 to 80 percent of the aid coming to the country right now does not go through the Haitian government. Bellerive said about 90 percent of American aid, for example, goes through non-governmental organizations. "They are accountable to the American government, but not to the Haitian government," he said. The prime minister told Amanpour that he does not believe people overseas are helping Haiti out of a moral obligation. "I believe it's a more pragmatic responsibility," he said. "I believe Haiti could be an interesting market in the midterm. We are 10 million [people] here and it's a market." | NEW: Government working to protect children from traffickers, Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive says .
NEW: Bellerive rejects criticism that government not visible enough to Haitian people .
NEW: Bellerive says government will reopen schools Monday in most of the country .
Haiti is registering children so they can be reunited with family or put up for adoption, he says . |
35,103 | 63c7d98502c9709b8fa1e10c09eb5c8c86aae234 | By . Jack Doyle . A massive public sector walkout expected to cause chaos on Thursday is ‘entirely legitimate’, a senior Labour figure said last night. Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith said that pay had been frozen for too long and he ‘completely’ understood why the hundreds of thousands of workers were planning to strike. Mr Smith, who was drafted into the Shadow Cabinet by leader Ed Miliband two years ago, went further than any other Labour frontbencher in giving the strikes full-throated backing – and indicated he wanted more money spent on public sector wages. Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith said that pay had been frozen for too long and he 'completely' understood why the hundreds of thousands of workers were planning to strike . The Tories said it showed that Labour was ‘still the party of strikes and uncontrolled public sector pay’. The main unions with workers in the state sector plan to mount a co-ordinated walkout on Thursday. Thousands of schools are expected to close as a result of the strike by a single teaching union, the NUT – causing misery for parents. Firefighters are also downing tools for nine hours – the 15th such strike by the Fire Brigades Union in recent years. One union leader, Unison’s Dave Prentis, has predicted the planned action could be bigger than the General Strike of 1926. Senior Labour figures have tried to distance themselves from the walkout, with many saying they support only the general right of workers to go on strike. On Sunday, the party’s education spokesman, Tristram Hunt, refused three times to condemn the NUT strike, and also declined to support teachers crossing picket lines. But yesterday, speaking on the BBC’s Daily Politics, Mr Smith made clear his backing for the unions’ action. Thousands of schools are expected to close as a result of the strike by a single teaching union, the NUT - causing misery for parents. Pictured: Defiant teachers marching last October . He said it was legitimate as public sector wages had been frozen for ‘far too long’ and staff were right to worry about pensions and pay. ‘Would I like to see the public sector given a pay increase?’ he said. ‘Absolutely. Have we seen pay being frozen for far too long from the perspective of those individuals? Yes we have. ‘Are they right to be worrying about pensions, pay and the way in which earnings are being outstripped by inflation? Of course they are. So I completely understand the decision they are taking to strike.’ Mr Smith was then asked by presenter Jo Coburn if he supported ‘the strike, not just the right to strike, on the basis it has been so tough on pay’. He replied: ‘I do. I think it’s a very legitimate thing for them to voice their concern about the nature of their jobs and how long people will have to work and about how much they are earning. ‘They [the strikes] are entirely legitimate.’ Mr Smith is a former BBC journalist who worked as an adviser for Labour in Northern Ireland before he was elected MP for Pontypridd in 2010. Tory MP Chris Skidmore said: ‘These comments make one thing abundantly clear – Labour are still the party of strikes and uncontrolled public sector pay. ‘Ed Miliband must get a grip and condemn these strikes from his union paymasters – strikes which will damage children’s education, hurt the economy and inconvenience millions of ordinary people. ‘If Miliband remains silent there can only be one conclusion: he’s a weak leader who just isn’t up to the job.’ The planned walkout has prompted calls for new laws to constrain strike action. Critics say it should not go ahead when the turnout in some ballots was as low as 25 per cent. Cabinet Office Minister Francis Maude is drawing up plans for a minimum turnout of 50 per cent before a strike can proceed – but the Lib Dems are blocking any further union laws. | Shadow Welsh Secretary Owen Smith said pay frozen for too long .
He said he 'completely understood' why workers were planning strike .
Thousands of schools are expected to close as a result of NUT strike . |
257,461 | d933d572b98679621b5ce6bf6ed0e387415e1f6d | (CNN) -- Richard "Dick" Trickle -- who parlayed a legendary reputation as a short-track driver into a full-time career on stock car racing's biggest stages in the 1990s -- died Thursday of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, a North Carolina sheriff's office said. He was 71. A Lincoln County dispatcher received a call -- believed to have been placed by Trickle -- that "there would be a dead body and it would be his," that county's sheriff's office said in a news release. There was no answer when authorities tried to call the number back. Emergency units went to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Boger City and found a body lying near Trickle's pickup truck. The Wisconsin-born Trickle raced during the 1970s and 1980s, then broke through as a full-time and widely recognized NASCAR driver in 1989. By that time, according to a Sports Illustrated article, the 48-year-old grandfather of two had won some 1,200 stock car competitions in 31 years of racing. He settled in Lincoln County, in central North Carolina, in the early 1990s, according to the sheriff's office. Though Trickle never managed a victory in NASCAR's premier Sprint Cup series, he did have 15 top-five finishes and won two Nationwide Series races before his retirement in 2002. Some got to know him thanks to frequent references on ESPN's SportsCenter, with then co-anchor Keith Olbermann tweeting Thursday that "no sports figure Dan (Patrick and) I had fun with took it more graciously. In fact, gratefully." In a statement Thursday, NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France described Trickle as "a legend in the short-track racing community, particularly in his home state of Wisconsin, and he was a true fan favorite." "Personalities like Dick Trickle helped shape our sport," France said. "He will be missed." Past and present NASCAR drivers, like Mark Martin, similarly reacted with sadness Thursday to the news. "At some point we were all short trackers," tweeted Joey Logano. "He was the best. #RIPDickTrickle." | NEW: Mark Martin, Joey Logano, Keith Olbermann and others salute the late NASCAR driver .
Richard "Dick" Trickle, a veteran racer, burst on the NASCAR scene in 1989 .
North Carolina authorities get a call saying "there would be a dead body and it would be his"
They find Trickle's body, dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound . |
137,189 | 3d7624b8156dd2c9bd4770cc5382d92cc9695408 | It doesn't seem that long since Manchester United's capitulation at Everton last April signalled the end of David Moyes' unhappy tenure at Manchester United. Now, as Everton prepare to visit Old Trafford on Sunday, it is perhaps time for Louis van Gaal's new United team to reveal its true self. Such has been the scale and speed of change since that awful day on Merseyside less than six months ago that only two players selected by Moyes at Goodison Park - David de Gea and Juan Mata - can expect to start on Sunday. Six members of the 18, meanwhile, no longer play for the club. It has been a remarkable period at Old Trafford. A club for which stability became a byword during Sir Alex Ferguson's years has perhaps not seen a time like it since the great Scot himself arrived in the mid-1980s and began dismantling what he believed had become a glorified social club under Ron Atkinson. It is time for Louis Van Gaal's team to start showing the 'philosophy' he has spoken about . Manchester United's last game against Everton was David Moyes' last match in charge . David Moyes (right) replaced Sir Alex Ferguson (left) in the United hot seat but only lasted 10 months in charge . Van Gaal has a top heavy team with a wealth of talent in attacking positions, but lacking in defensive options . On his arrival this summer, new United manager Louis van Gaal asked for a little time. Three months, he said, and, though we are not at that self-imposed deadline yet, it is perhaps time that we began to see a little more of a 'philosophy' that Van Gaal often talks about but has thus far not been convincingly revealed by his team's football. To look at United's first team these days is to look upon a forward line that can look as though it has been hewn from a fantasy football league. They can play like that, too, even if this weekend's line-up will miss Wayne Rooney through suspension and Ander Herrera through injury. United's first game post-transfer window was at home to QPR. Initially a game scheduled to feature supporter protests about a lack of spending, United's late flurry of August spending was ultimately reflected by a 4-0 victory featuring cameos from Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao. Elsewhere in their squad, though, United still look paper thin, especially at centre half. This has been reflected in a startling 5-3 defeat at Leicester (that sentence still doesn't sound right) and a 2-1 home win over West Ham that began vibrantly and ended with nerves shredded. Captain Wayne Rooney will miss out after he was sent off against West Ham on Saturday . Ander Herrera (left) will also miss out with a broken rib but 19-year-old Paddy McNair (right) will start his second successive first-team game . It's this contrast between performances that Van Gaal has not yet managed to reconcile. United can look a completely different team within the space one match, never mind one week, and the reasons for this go deeper than an injury crisis that once more found Van Gaal scrabbling around for fit defenders at Carrington on Friday. For all the technical quality of United's offensive players – Herrera in particular looks a fine footballer – United continue to have difficulties retaining possession for long periods. Ferguson used to talk about suffocating opponents with possession but that trait began to slip away during his later years and it's problem that went on to afflict Moyes' United and is now causing difficulties for Van Gaal. Against West Ham, for example, United were already beginning to pedal backwards prior to Rooney's sending off after an hour. A team that can look as devastating as any when it moves forward still spends too much time without the ball, despite the endless passing drills that Van Gaal asks his coaches to organise on a daily basis during first ream training. A very uncharacteristic Manchester United performance against Leicester City saw Van Gaal's side lose 5-3 having lead 3-1 . Manchester United players look dejected as the Red Devils lose to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium . 'I don't know when we will see a total of 90 minutes [good football] from the team,' said Van Gaal on Friday. 'You never know because it's a question of time. 'You will see for example in the first half against QPR, also in the first half in the last match, very attacking and creative football but I want to improve that we don't lose the ball so easily. 'That is our problem, not our defence. 'We are too easily losing the ball. 'That is the character of our team because we have a lot of creative players and they need more discipline. 'So we are looking for a balance in attacking football without thinking too much in only attacking but also guarding.' Perhaps United's venerable coach will not be able to fix this issue until another transfer window or two has passed. Maybe the return of Michael Carrick will help on the other side of the forthcoming international break. Whatever the case, with Everton's visit on Sunday followed by games against West Brom, Chelsea and Manchester City, it would appear that United's Barclays Premier League season is about to begin in earnest. Van Gaal comes up against Everton's Roberto Martinez this Sunday at Old Trafford . | Louis van Gaal, 63, set himself a deadline of three months for Manchester United to be playing with his philosophy .
So far United haven't shown any signs of the Dutchman's philosophy .
Van Gaal has a top-heavy side with Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and Radamel Falcao upfront .
But his defence is lacking with 19-year-old Paddy McNair filling in .
Everton visit Old Trafford on Sunday . |
87,050 | f70579c8d3af1c7353111d3a5f93b634ca9afbe8 | WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The Air Force disciplined 15 senior officers, including six generals and nine colonels, for their roles in the mistaken shipment of nuclear weapons components to Taiwan, Air Force officials announced Thursday. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz explain the Tawain nuke probe. The administrative reprimands were in response to an investigation ordered earlier this year by Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. That probe reviewed the service's intercontinental ballistic missile program after the 2006 shipment became known. The review team, led by Navy Adm. Kirkland Donald, was charged with determining accountability for the shipment. The announcement of the accountability findings was made to reporters at a Pentagon news conference Thursday by acting Air Force Secretary Michael Donley and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. Both men were involved in deciding what action each officer would face. "We carefully evaluated the evidence, both that which we derived from the Donald report and other documentation, associated documentation. And we came to the conclusion on what the appropriate sanctions were," according to Schwartz. "There is a differentiation of sanction involved for these individuals. And some are significantly more serious than others," he said. Army officials also announced in a written statement that two Army generals were reprimanded for poor logistics in the supply chain, bringing the total number of officers punished to 17. The Taiwan incident was one of four known nuclear weapon mishaps. In July, a truck carrying an unarmed missile booster tipped over in North Dakota. The vehicle, which was carrying a Minuteman III rocket booster, tipped on its side on a gravel road about 70 miles southwest of Minot Air Force Base. The crew suffered minor injuries. That same month, the Air Force announced that three officers fell asleep July 12 while in control of a classified electronic part that contained old launch codes for intercontinental nuclear missiles. It happened during the changing out of electronic parts used to communicate with Minot Air Force Base. And in August 2007, a B-52 bomber flew from Minot to Louisiana with the crew unaware that six nuclear-tipped missiles were onboard. Of the six Air Force generals reprimanded for the Taiwan incident, one requested retirement after receiving the most severe administrative punishment, a letter of reprimand, according to an Air Force statement. Two other generals had already filed for retirement before they received letters of admonishment, according to the statement. Two other generals receiving less severe letters of admonishment will remain in their command. Because of their level of knowledge and understanding of nuclear weapons and command issues, they are considered vital to their missions, according to Schwartz. "They have unique skills and capacity to serve. And we came to the conclusion, after a careful evaluation, that we could place our respective trust in their continued service," he said. "They certainly are on notice that there is no room for error here and that, should they abuse this trust, it won't take but about a millisecond to react." A sixth general received a letter of admonishment but had been reassigned before the report and will remain in his current command. Of the nine colonels disciplined, two were given letters of reprimand and removed from command. Three others were given letters of reprimand but left their positions before the review came out and will remain in their current positions. Three more colonels received letters of admonishment. One was removed of command, one was reassigned before the report and will remain in the new position, and the third will be retained in his current position. The ninth colonel received counseling for failing to execute effective command oversight and remains in his current position. Privacy regulations do not allow the military to name officers below the rank of general who receive administrative punishment. The Air Force provided the following information on the generals involved: . -- Lt. Gen. Kevin J. Sullivan received a letter of reprimand for not adequately addressing logistics policy deficiencies and for not correcting known problems in his position as Air Force deputy chief of staff for logistics, installations and mission support. He was also cited for not exercising effective command oversight while serving as commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center. He has requested retirement. -- Lt. Gen. Michael A. Hamel received a letter of admonishment for not effectively exercising responsibility and for not correcting recurring deficiencies while commander of the Space and Missile Systems Center and Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space. He had previously requested retirement. -- Maj. Gen. Roger W. Burg received a letter of admonishment for not exercising effective command oversight and for not correcting known problems in shipping sensitive components in his current position as commander of 20th Air Force. Donley and Schwartz determined that Burg is needed to restore effective stewardship of the ICBM force, and he will remain in command to continue corrective actions he has initiated. -- Maj. Gen. Kathleen D. Close received a letter of admonishment for not exercising effective command oversight, for not recognizing weaknesses in management of sensitive components, and for not correcting known problems previously identified problems in her current position as commander of the Ogden Air Logistics Center. Donley and Schwartz reached the same determination on her as on Burg. -- Brig. Gen. Francis M. Bruno received a letter of admonishment for not exercising proper oversight and for not correcting known problems in his position as director of logistics for Air Force Materiel Command. He previously requested retirement. -- Brig. Gen. Arthur B. Cameron III received a letter of admonishment for not identifying and correcting deficiencies in operations involving sensitive components, for not ensuring proper control of such components, and for not correcting known problems while he served as commander of the 309th Maintenance Wing. He was routinely reassigned at the normal end of his tour and remains in that position. | Punishment for 6 generals, 9 colonels ranged from letters to command removal .
Total number of officers was 17, but 15 of them were senior ranking .
They were disciplined for roles in erroneous shipment of nuke heads to Taiwan .
Incident was one of four nuke mishaps that have occurred in recent years . |
148,252 | 4bb0b5d3de9fd40722009b5ff2bb08ada29609df | (CNN) -- Eos Airlines, the all business-class carrier, has declared bankruptcy and stopped operations Sunday. The New York-based airline reconfigured 220-seater Boeing 757s to 48 seats that could extend into fully flat beds. The seats also allowed passengers -- or "guests" as they airline prefered to describe them -- to sit face-to-face to dine or hold business meetings. The tickets carried a hefty price tag -- up to $9,000 roundtrip from New York to London -- but the luxuries were aimed toward more discriminating business travelers. The privately-held airline, in a news release Sunday, said it had secured additional financing. But "some issues arose that prevented the parties from moving forward," it said. The airline immediately began the process of eliminating the positions of most of its employees. "There are times in business when even though you execute your business plan and even though your employees do their jobs beautifully, external forces prevent you from controlling your own destiny," Eos CEO Jack Williams said in a statement. The airline becomes the latest in a number of small carriers that have gone out of business in recent month. Analysts blame the high cost of fuel, a slowing economy and a credit crunch. Other carriers that have declared bankruptcy recently include Skybus and ATA airlines. Eos asked passengers to contact their credit card companies or travel agents to find out how to obtain refunds for unused tickets. It said frequent-flier program participants will not be able to redeem their points. Any value related to membership will be determined by the bankruptcy court. E-mail to a friend . | New York-based business class airline Eos declares bankruptcy .
Luxury carrier charged up to $9,000 roundtrip from New York to London .
Analysts blame high fuel costs, slowing economy, credit crunch for industry problems . |
10,566 | 1e0d536627bf9b0f889dba6445093a1502420902 | (CNN) -- It's a cliche of American presidential politics -- the president we elect is always a reaction to what came before. As in: Nixonian shenanigans eventually gave rise to Jimmy Carter's self-righteousness. Clintonesque parsing gave way to George W. Bush's plain speaking. Bush's plain speaking begat Barack Obama's lofty speechifying. Oversimplified? Yes. But true nonetheless. And so we head into 2016 (yes, already) and Chris Christie's ready-made narrative: If Obama is lofty, Christie is down to earth. If Obama wasn't tough enough, he's hard-hitting. If Obama couldn't run his complex health care rollout, he's a strong manager. If Obama was partisan, he's worked across party lines. In sum: Christie can lead in the precise ways that Obama disappointed. Until a traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge. Then came another stark contrast: the vindictive -- and more important, petty -- Christie culture as opposed to the stature the presidency demands. So far, the New Jersey melodrama looks like the worst side of the Christie ethos. The apparent reprisals against Democratic mayors. The vanity of featuring the Christie family in taxpayer-funded commercials. The environment in which retribution reigned when Christie did not get what he wanted. The arrogance of believing he was deserving of it all, and to hell with the rest of 'em. The grand storyline behind all of this, of course, is the design on the presidency: Christie wanted to be re-elected by such an overwhelming margin that it would launch his national aspirations into the stratosphere. The plan was to get bipartisan support to show his viability as a national candidate. All who stood in the way were official enemies. This is not to say that presidents don't have enemies. Of course they do. You don't get elected to any office in this country, much less president of the United States, without accumulating political enemies. But the real question is WHY you consider someone an enemy, and then, how you deal with it. As president, LBJ had always had a bunch, but the enmity -- and payback -- generally came over issues, not self-aggrandizement. It's Politics 101: If you want to pass a civil rights bill and you don't get a "yes" vote from an opponent who wants a bridge in his state, no bridge. That's very different from saying if you don't endorse my candidacy I will shut down your bridge. That's not politics; it's puny payback. And, worse, the impact is felt not only by the opponent, but by his -- and your -- constituents. A bridge way too far. Then consider Bill Clinton, who had plenty of enemies. A former senior Clinton adviser reminds me that "it became a joke that the best thing to be was Clinton's enemy. If 99 people in a room were for him, and one was against him, he would spend all his time trying to persuade that one guy he was wrong. And he was always willing to argue the substance. Always. In fact, he enjoyed it." This is not to turn Clinton and LBJ into saintly role models and Christie into the devil. But it is to say that Christie's staff shenanigans -- which he says he did not know about -- have raised enormous questions about his temperament and how he would run a White House. In fact, a Monmouth University poll released this week shows that only 44% of New Jersey voters believe that their governor has the right temperament for the Oval Office. The characterization of Christie and Obama as opposite numbers is accurate in many ways. There's this: When then-Sen. Joe Lieberman, the Democrat-turned-independent, endorsed Republican Sen. John McCain for the presidency in 2008 -- and became his outspoken travel buddy -- there were calls for retribution after Obama won. So what did Obama do? He kept Lieberman on as chairman of an important committee. It kept an enemy close, not a bad strategy. Obama is cool and Christie is all drama. And now a line of argument against him as petty and vindictive has been opened up that will become the default narrative. But Christie will be defined as much by how he deals with this episode as the episode itself. No one expects -- or really wants -- Chris Christie to morph into a false version of himself. But how about some elevation -- and some perspective -- that flies way above the traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge? The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Gloria Borger. | Gloria Borger: On paper, Christie seemed a strong candidate for 2016 .
She says George Washington Bridge scandal raises questions about his temperament .
Every major politician has enemies, but issue is how you deal with them, she says .
Borger: If Christie is perceived as vindictive, that weakens his claim to presidential caliber . |
207,355 | 987912b8b7addda8348d3e80ef73e88bb195d835 | By . Rob Waugh . PUBLISHED: . 11:36 EST, 3 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:36 EST, 3 April 2012 . In the future, robots could be 'printed off' in an IKEA-style revolution which could bring robot servants into every home. A new £6.25 million science project aims to speed up the creation of robots so the machines become more like Lego kits - or Swedish furniture. Ordering a robot could be as simple as buying a new chest of drawers - and a fully customised machine would be ready within 24 hours. 'I'm sure I ordered a Dalek': New 'kit' robots could mean that home servants will be able to be ordered, assembled and ready for work in 24 hours . It's uncertain whether the team's robotic servants will have the camp, otherworldly charm of C3P0 and R2-D2 . Home users would simply list the tasks they need their new robo-Jeeves to handle, then a website would suggest which abilities their robots would need. The scientists behind the project have not speculated on how much our new robot servants might cost. Researchers in the US have launched a project aimed at developing desk-top technology that will make household robots as commonplace as flatpack furniture. The key to the process is 3-D printing, the automated manufacture of plastic and metal machine components from a set of instructions. Scientists hope to create a platform that will enable people to choose from a ‘library’ of robot designs. Once a particular problem is identified, the householder would choose from a selection of robot blueprints. The programme would allow a fully functioning customised robot to be assembled and ready for action within 24 hours. ‘Our goal is to develop technology that enables anyone to manufacture their own customised robot,’ said Professor Vijay Kumar, one of the researchers from the University of Pennsylvania. ‘This is truly a game-changer.’ Kumar's laboratory specialises in robots that operates in teams, and famously created a team of 'quadrotor' flying robots which played the James Bond theme. Incredible: The flying robots are shown hovering over their individual keys, ready to press them in time . Currently it takes years to design, produce and programme a fully functioning robot. The process is costly, involving hardware and software design, machine learning and vision, and advanced programming techniques. The new technology would fully automate production, allowing individuals to build functioning robots from materials as easily accessible as a sheet of paper. A $10 million (£6.25 million) grant from the US National Science Foundation is funding the five-year project. Crash! One robot's job was to hover over a drum and bash it in time to the music . Team leader Professor Daniela Rus, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL), said: ‘This research envisions a whole new way of thinking about the design and manufacturing of robots, and could have a profound impact on society. ‘We believe that it has the potential to transform manufacturing and to democratise access to robots.’ So far prototype machines have been used to produce an insect-like robot for exploring contaminated areas, and a gripper designed to help disabled people. ‘It's really exciting to think about the kind of impact this work could have on the general population, beyond just a few select people who work in robotics,’ said Dr Wojciech Matusik, also from CSAIL. | 'Kit' robots to turn robotics into a reality in the home .
£6.25 million research project to create 'IKEA kit' robots . |
85,974 | f3d85275e7fbfa9a17591b936bdac9a3e80851f8 | (CNN Student News) -- October 13, 2009 . Quick Guide . Nobel Prize for Economics - Hear how one professor made history by winning the Nobel Economics Prize. European Trip - Learn why Secretary of State Clinton is talking up the U.S.-U.K. relationship. South Africa 2010 - Find out how South Africa is preparing for its time in the soccer spotlight. Transcript . THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED. CARL AZUZ, CNN STUDENT NEWS ANCHOR: What's in a name? We're to find out the answer for one couple in today's edition of CNN Student News. From the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Carl Azuz. First Up: Pakistan . AZUZ: Pakistan. The country is a partner with the U.S. in the War on Terror. It's also dealing with terrorist attacks inside its own borders. That point made clear in yet another violent assault yesterday. Government officials say an explosion in the country's Swat Valley, that's in the northern part of Pakistan, killed at least 40 people and wounded at least 45 more. The blast took place at a security checkpoint. Authorities say the target was a military vehicle. Taliban forces took control of the Swat Valley earlier this year, leading to a number of intense clashes with the Pakistani military. Monday's attack was the latest in a string of violence in the country, including a 22-hour standoff over the weekend when militants took hostages at an army base. Health Care Debate . AZUZ: Back here in the U.S., everyone watching the debate over health care reform has their attention focused on the Senate Finance Committee today. That is because the group is voting on a health care bill. This is the last committee vote before the issue moves to the full House and Senate. The bill that the Senate Finance Committee is considering is referred to as the Baucus Plan, named for Sen. Max Baucus, who heads up the committee. It's a 10-year plan that would cost the government $829 billion. But a new report says that American families would have to pay a hefty price as well. America's Health Insurance Plans says under the Baucus Bill, the amount that families pay for health care would go up 111 percent by 2019. The group says that under the current system, costs would go up 79 percent. A White House spokesman says the report is inaccurate and self-serving. He points out that it was created by the insurance industry, which he calls one of the biggest opponents of health insurance reform. Is this Legit? BRENDAN GAGE, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Is this legit? There is a Nobel Prize for economics. Legit! The award for economics was created in 1968, adding to the existing Nobel Prizes for physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace. Nobel Prize for Economics . AZUZ: In the 40 years since the Nobel Prize for Economics was established, the winners had all been men. That changed yesterday, when Elinor Ostrom was named one of the recipients of this year's award. The other winner is Oliver Williamson. They're both experts in how the economy and businesses are regulated. Ostrom told reporters that when she first decided to pursue a post graduate degree, she was told that no major university would even think of hiring a woman. She's proof times have changed. PROF. ELINOR OSTROM, NOBEL ECONOMICS PRIZE LAUREATE: I think we're entering a new, we've already entered, a new era, and we recognize that women have the capabilities of doing great scientific work. And yes, I appreciate that this is an honor to be the first woman, but I won't be the last. Recession Over? AZUZ: Sticking with financial news, more than 80 percent of the country's top economists believe the recession is over. That's based on a survey done by the National Association for Business Economics. However, most economists think it could take months before there's any kind of serious improvement in terms of the housing market or job losses. The unemployment rate is expected to hit 10 percent between now and the end of the year, and to stay at that level through the first three months of 2010. European Trip . AZUZ: And looking overseas, that is where you'll find Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. She's on a six-day trip to parts of Europe and Russia, addressing issues like arms control, health care and some long-running conflicts. Jill Dougherty checks in from a stop in the UK, where Sec. Clinton was focused on the relationship between the U.S. and one of its closest allies. (BEGIN VIDEO) JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN FOREIGN AFFAIRS CORRESPONDENT, WASHINGTON, D.C. Were the handshakes with the foreign secretary a little firmer? The smiles broader? The hugs and kisses with the prime minister warmer than usual? It seemed that way, as Hillary Clinton put America and Great Britain's "special relationship" on display. U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE HILLARY CLINTON: It is a special relationship. I have a special, personal relationship with the prime minister, and of course I think it can't be said often enough we have a special relationship between our countries. DOUGHERTY: Her mission: calm concerns in London that the Obama administration's relationship with the government of Prime Minister Gordon Brown may be cooling. But on a range of international issues, there's no daylight between the two countries. CLINTON: Decisions about the future of Iran are up to the Iranian people. But we will continue to speak out on behalf of human rights, on behalf of democracy, on behalf of freedom of expression, . DAVID MILIBAND, UK FOREIGN MINISTER: Our insistence that it is not for us to choose the government of Iran is clear. But also, our insistence that it is right to stand up for human rights around the world, for universal values, is also very clear. DOUGHERTY: At Sec. Clinton's next stops here in Dublin and then in Belfast, she highlighted another aspect of the special relationship: the Northern Ireland peace process. CLINTON: Many people who are despairing over the prospects of peace look to Northern Ireland. They think to themselves that if it could be done there, then perhaps we too have a chance to try to cross that border between conflict and peace and chart a different future for ourselves and our children. (END VIDEO) Shoutout . TOMEKA JONES, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Time for the Shoutout! What is the world's most popular sport? If you think you know it, shout it out! Is it: A) Baseball, B) Soccer, C) Basketball or D) Cricket? You've got three seconds -- GO! The most popular sport in the world is soccer. Ain't that a kick! That's your answer and that's your Shoutout! South Africa 2010 . AZUZ: And next June, the soccer world will be focused on South Africa when that country hosts the World Cup. Imagine if the Super Bowl included teams from around the world and only happened once every four years. That gives you an idea of how huge the World Cup is. Robyn Curnow shows us how South Africa is preparing for the soccer spotlight. (BEGIN VIDEO) ROBYN CURNOW, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Watered and protected from the hot South African sun, these are the first green shoots growing on the pitch where the opening game of the World Cup will kick off in June next year. Stadiums across the country will be ready by early next year, say FIFA officials, who with clipboards in hand, have just inspected of all the match venues. So, while all of these stadiums are on track to be completed ahead of time, despite workers downing tools and going on strike a few months ago, there still is a lot more work to be done to ensure FIFA is satisfied. JOSEPH BLATTER, FIFA PRESIDENT: For the time being, let us be with 7.5. CURNOW: That's the score FIFA President Joseph Blatter gave South Africa for the Confederations Cup played here in July, and which was seen as a test case for the South Africans. FIFA and South Africa are all too aware of where the problems were and where they remain. DANNY JORDAAN, LOCAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE: The areas we have been focusing on are accommodation, transportation and security. Those were the three key areas. CURNOW: The organizing committee here concedes if there are big matches at small town stadiums, like this one in Rustenberg, there simply will not be enough places for fans to sleep. JORDAAN: Some of the host cities won't have sufficient beds, and therefore it means that we'll have to go outside those host cities. CURNOW: Also, transport remains a headache. The system is haphazard, irregular and often unsafe. A new bus transit system in Johannesburg has started running, but its routes are limited. Other towns have little or no organized transport systems. Getting from host city to host city, most fans will have to rely on South Africa's well-developed air network. The Johannesburg airport will be open 24 hours, and much has been spent on upgrading its facilities, including managing and protecting the estimated 40,000 pieces of luggage expected through here a day. SBU NDEBELE, TRANSPORT MINISTER: If we had World Cup in December, we would be already on top of the situation. We are ready. CURNOW: Police say they will also be ready to protect 500,000 fans traveling here next year. Robyn Curnow, CNN, Johannesburg, South Africa. (END VIDEO CLIP) Before We Go . AZUZ: Before we go, if you love your name so much, why don't you marry it? Ok! We'd like to introduce you to Kelly Hildrebrandt and her fiance, Kelly Hildebrandt. The couple met online when Kelly -- the female Kelly -- searched for her own name, and Kelly -- the male Kelly -- was the only person who came up. Coincidence led to courtship, and now the two are getting married. Call it fate, call it karma... Goodbye . AZUZ: ...or if you want to confuse them, just call the house and ask for Kelly. That's the best we've got. Commercial-free news is the name of the game, and we'll be back with more tomorrow. See you then. | Hear how one professor made history by winning the Nobel Economics Prize .
Learn why Secretary of State Clinton is talking up the U.S.-U.K. relationship .
Find out how South Africa is preparing for its time in the soccer spotlight . |
130,074 | 34271647134d5814a06a9411c7abe0850da0d92f | NEW YORK (Reuters) -- Soon-to-be-jailed celebrity socialite Nicole Richie said she is pregnant by her boyfriend, singer Joel Madden of the rock band Good Charlotte. Nicole Richie tells Diane Sawyer she is pregnant by boyfriend Joel Madden. "We are. I'm almost four months," said Richie, 25, in an interview with ABC's Diane Sawyer that will air Thursday. The waif-like daughter of singer Lionel Richie pleaded guilty Friday to driving under the influence of drugs and was sentenced to four days in jail. She has been ordered to serve her time by September 28 and put on three years probation. "I have a responsibility and it's something that I did wrong, and if I could personally apologize to every single person that has lost a loved one from drunk driving I would," Richie said. "Unfortunately I can't, but this is my way of paying my dues and taking responsibility and being an adult." Richie rose to fame as hotel heiress Paris Hilton's co-star on the reality series "The Simple Life." Hilton spent three weeks behind bars in June for violating her probation in a drunken-driving case. Richie was stopped in December when police said she was seen driving the wrong way on a Los Angeles freeway. Officers said she failed a field sobriety test and admitted she had smoked marijuana and taken prescription painkiller Vicodin. Because of a 2003 DUI conviction, Richie had faced a mandatory sentence of up to a year in jail if found guilty in a trial but instead submitted her plea. E-mail to a friend . Copyright 2007 Reuters. All rights reserved.This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. | Nicole Richie, 25, says she is almost four months pregnant .
Richie pleaded guilty Friday to driving under the influence of drugs .
She was sentenced to four days in prison; must serve time by September 28 .
Richie rose to fame as Paris Hilton's co-star on "The Simple Life" |
267,780 | e6d0a6f2031534e60ea42b04b6af6aed96c09d59 | (CNN) -- Russia's upper house of parliament has approved a controversial measure banning adoption of Russian children by U.S. families, Russian media reported Wednesday. The legislation now goes to President Vladimir Putin to be signed into law, the semiofficial RIA-Novosti news agency said. Read more: Russia's lower house approves bill to ban U.S. adoption . The legislation could affect hundreds of American families seeking to adopt. Americans adopted close to 1,000 Russian children last year, according to U.S. State Department figures. Though the number has been dropping in recent years, Russia remains the third most popular country for U.S. citizens to adopt after China and Ethiopia. The U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul tweeted that passage of the bill "saddens" him, but said he's open to dialogue. The bill also bars any political activities by nongovernmental organizations receiving funding from the United States, if such activities could affect Russian interests, the news agency said. The legislation also imposes sanctions against U.S. officials thought to have violated human rights. Read more: Russian lawmakers eye adoption ban to U.S. The vote in the Federation Council, Russia's upper house, was unanimous, but Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has criticized the bill. It is expected to be signed by Putin in coming days. Lawmakers in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, adopted the bill last week. The move by Russian politicians is widely seen as retaliation for a law that U.S. President Barack Obama signed on December 14. That bill, called the Magnitsky Act, imposes U.S. travel and financial restrictions on human rights abusers in Russia. "The United States is concerned by measures in the bill passed in the Russian Duma today that, if it becomes law, would halt inter-country adoptions between the United States and Russia and would restrict the ability of Russian civil society organizations to work with American partners," U.S. State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell said last week. The Magnitsky Act is named in honor of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, who uncovered the largest tax fraud in the country's history in the form of rebates claimed by government officials who stole money from the state. Magnitsky died in 2009 after a year in a Moscow detention center, apparently beaten to death. The Russian bill's implementation would nullify a recent agreement between the United States and Russia in which the countries agreed to additional safeguards to protect children and parties involved in inter-country adoptions. "American families have welcomed more than 60,000 Russian children into American homes over the past 20 years," Ventrell said last week. "Just last month we implemented a bilateral adoptions agreement with Russia to improve safeguards for adopted children and their families. If Russian officials have concerns about the implementation of this agreement, we stand ready to work with them to improve it and remain committed to supporting inter-country adoptions between our two countries." Only China has more adoptions to the United States than Russia. Backers of the Russian bill said American adoptive parents have been abusive, citing 19 deaths of Russian children since the 1990s. In 2010, an American woman caused outrage after she sent her adopted son back to Russia alone on a one-way flight, saying the boy, then 7, had violent episodes that made her family fear for its safety. Konstantin Dolgov, Russian Foreign Ministry's Special Representative for Human Rights, said on Twitter that Russia is "well aware of, and have pointed out more than once, the inadequate protection of adopted Russian children in the US." He also noted that the United States is one of three nations that has not signed the 1989 U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child. Anthony Lake, U.N. Children's Fund executive director, touted the importance of "inter-country adoption." "While welcoming Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev's call for the improvement of the child welfare system, UNICEF urges that the current plight of the many Russian children in institutions receives priority attention," Lake said. UNICEF asked that Russia let children's "best interests" guide the "design and development of all efforts to protect children." "We encourage the government to establish a robust national social protection plan to help strengthen Russian families. Alternatives to the institutionalization of children are essential, including permanent foster care, domestic adoption and inter-country adoption," he said. The United States has signed but not ratified the convention, which has sparked concerns from conservatives over its impact on U.S. sovereignty and parental rights. Groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch had urged lawmakers to reject the bill. "This bill hits back at Russia's most vulnerable children and could deprive them of the loving families they desperately need," Hugh Williamson, Europe and Central Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said last week. John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's Europe and Central Asia program director, has said, "this bill is frankly a childish response to the Magnitsky Act." | Upper house of parliament OKs ban on adoptions of Russian children by U.S. families .
Lawmakers in Russia's lower house of parliament adopted the bill last week .
The move is seen as retaliation for the Magnitsky Act, a U.S. law that restricts rights abusers .
But backers of the Russian bill say American adoptive parents have been abusive . |
22,281 | 3f488329d2b3cb7209eb0034de81ba74bb33bb15 | New rules: Crumb, the 22-year-old’s collection of recipes, offers snippets of advice calculated to turn many a Bake Off fan as pale as their flour . On The Great British Bake Off, she was eager for any tips the judges had to offer. But now last year’s finalist Ruby Tandoh has ripped up the rulebook... and written her own. Crumb, the 22-year-old’s collection of recipes, offers snippets of advice calculated to turn many a Bake Off fan as pale as their flour. Miss Tandoh stands up for soggy bottoms – an unforgivable faux pas in the eyes of judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood – and disagrees with many of the methods 79-year-old Miss Berry uses in her 70 cookbooks. Perhaps it’s not surprising that Miss Tandoh wants to break the mould, given that she once called Bake Off ‘crap TV’. Still, fans, who can tune in to the semi-final of the BBC1 show tonight, may want to hold on their chef’s hats. Here are Mary Berry’s baking rules and Miss Tandoh’s responses: . SOGGY BOTTOM . Mary: ‘Often, contestants are asked to make a tart or quiche, and even if they bake it blind, sometimes the pastry is still raw underneath. Baking blind and drying the pastry out before you put the filling in. That’s the key [to avoiding a soggy bottom].’ Ruby: ‘The term “soggy bottom” has given rise to a national neurosis, whereby a pie is declared a disaster if its pastry base isn’t perfectly crisp. 'These impossible standards might be how success is calibrated in patisseries and TV shows, but they have no place in the home kitchen. I’d go so far as to say we should champion the soggy bottom: I can see nothing not to love about buttery pastry sodden with fruit juices, or custard, or gravy.’ MELTING CHOCOLATE . Mary: ‘Put the chocolate into a large heatproof bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water; the base of the bowl should not touch the water.’ Ruby: ‘Gently melt the chocolate – either in short bursts in the microwave or in a heatproof bowl perched over a pan of simmering water.’ Breaking the mould: Miss Tandoh, pictured during last year's series of the Great British Bake Off, disagrees with many of the methods 79-year-old Miss Berry uses in her 70 cookbooks . THE 'KNIFE TEST' Mary: ‘To see if the loaf is done, insert a fine skewer in the middle; it should come out clean.’ Ruby: ‘Don’t be overzealous: The knife needs to come out clean-ish, but if you wait until it is bone dry then you will have baked the cake too long.’ Finalist: Miss Tandoh joined Kimberley Wilson, left, and winner Frances Quinn, right, was named one of the top three bakers by judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood in last year's series . YEAST . Mary: Uses fresh yeast in her recipes . Ruby: ‘There are many who argue that fresh yeast produces a better tasting loaf. I disagree.’ CHRISTMAS PUDDING . Mary: ‘[After cooking] cover the pudding with fresh greaseproof paper and foil. Store in a cool place for up to three months.’ Ruby: ‘Just soak the fruit on Christmas Eve, make the pudding batter in a jiffy in the morning and leave to quietly steam for two hours on the hob while dinner’s in the oven.’ | Last year's finalist Ruby Tandoh, 22, has collection of recipes called Crumb .
She disagrees with many of the methods 79-year-old Mary Berry uses .
Miss Tandoh once called the Great British Bake Off 'crap TV'
She 'champions' the soggy bottom and warns against bone-dry cakes . |
257,714 | d97fb4529a4c40288b2e91e027a6f0f3df7e3d1c | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 07:41 EST, 8 February 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:50 EST, 9 February 2013 . David Cameron today announced the Cabinet minister overseeing the 'shocking' horsemeat scandal has been summoned to return to London to get a grip on the crisis and reassure the public. After a day of confusion surrounding the whereabouts of Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, it emerged he has spent the day dealing with the scandal over the telephone from his Shropshire constituency. The Prime Minister used a press conference in Brussels to announce 'The Secretary of State for agriculture is returning to London' after the government admitted it cannot guarantee that food being served in schools and hospitals today does not contain horsemeat. Scroll down for video . Downing Street said it could neither confirm nor deny that meals sold in schools, hospitals in prison did not contain horsemeat (file picture) Mr Cameron said it was a 'very shocking story, it's completely unacceptable'. He added: 'This isn't really about food safety. It's about effective food labelling, it's about proper retail practice, and people will be very angry to find out they have been eating horse when they thought they were eating beef. 'I know there is great public concern about this issue,' he said during a press conference in Brussels. In the wake of fresh revelations that . Findus beef lasagnes contained 100 per cent horse meat since last summer, . police forces across Europe are now investigating ‘criminal acts’, Downing . Street said. This morning a spokesman for the Prime Minister told journalists Mr Paterson was working on the crisis from the department in central London. But it has now been confirmed that he was in fact in Shropshire, but has been in regular contact with officials, retailers and inspectors from the Food Standards Agency. Mr Paterson has been accused of ‘pretending this isn’t . happening’ amid growing calls for ministers to convene an emergency . cross-government summit to get a grip on the crisis. It is understood he will now chair an emergency summit with retailers, suppliers and Food Standards Agency officials tomorrow morning, amid concern in government that Mr Paterson has not been visible to reassure the public. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson is coming under pressure to prove the government has a grip on the crisis . The government has stressed that the . responsibility for knowing what is in food lies with retailers, but held . out the prospect of a wide-rangng review of food standards laws to . prevent a collapse in public confidence in the security of the supply . chain. But both Number 10 . and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs refused to . say what checks were being carried out by the government on beef . products being served and sold to schoolchildren, hospital patients and . prisoners. And the . Department of Health sought to absolve itself of responsibility. A . spokesman said: 'A Department of Healths spokesman said: 'It is not a . Government issue – every hospital sources its own food, it would be a . case of speaking to every hospital. It is all locally sourced.' The GMB union said hospitals, schools and meals-on-wheels services should check they are not serving horsemeat. Brian Strutton said: 'Hospitals, schools and council care services . provide millions of meals with meat products every week to the young, . the elderly and the sick. 'With . rising public alarm over the prevalent use of horse meat in retail food . products and possible health issues, the Government must require all . public services that feed vulnerable members of society to verify that . they have not used horse meat.' Mr Heath, the Lib Dem junior farming minister, was asked to reassure parents and patients that horsemeat was not being served in schools and hospitals. But he told BBC Radio 4: 'You are asking me to give an assurance on behalf of a great number of different purchasing agencies, lots of different people who make their own decisions about what is appropriate. 'We have given advice we hope people will follow. There is no danger to health but we are very concerned about the contamination of one species to another.' He confirmed that the cases were being investigated by the police who are 'looking at whether there has been criminal behaviour in this country and abroad, we’re involving all the relevant police authorities along with the food standards agencies to make sure that if there is evidence of criminality that we identify it, and we deal with it'. A spokesman for the Prime Minister said: 'Our advice is to follow the advice of the FSA and retailers about the products they have bought.' ‘[The PM] is aware of the very distasteful issues which has come to light. Distasteful though this is, there is nothing to suggest any health risk,’ she added. The scandal broke on January 16, when the Irish Food Safety Authroity revealed beefburgers contatined equine DNA, including Tesco Value beefburgers which were 29 per cent horse.More than 10million burgers were stripped from shelves, including Aldi, Teso and Asda. Last night, the Food Safety Agency (FSA) finally acted in the growing crisis and demanded a massive sweep of all beef products for the presence of horse meat. Fresh revelations: Findus confirmed last night that it has been selling packs of its frozen lasagne that contained 100 per cent horse meat . Labour’s Mary Creagh, the shadow . environment secretary, said: ‘I’m waiting for the government, the . experts, for the scientists to issue proper clear advice for consumers. ‘It’s simply not good enough for ministers to sit at their desks and pretend this isn’t happening.’ She . said ministers had ‘pooh-poohed’ her concerns about horses being . slaughtered in the UK, in abattoirs and testing positive for banned . veterinary medicine Bute. ‘It . transpired in answers to my parliamentary questions that six animals . had actually entered the human food chain – five in France and one in . the UK. And two animals have still not been traced by the FSA.’ Asked . if customers should eat beef which they have previously bought and are . keeping in their fridge or freezer, Miss Creagh replied: 'I certainly . wouldn't, but I'm waiting for the Government, the experts, the . scientists, to tell us and issue proper clear advice for consumers. Conservative . MP Anne McIntosh, chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs . select committee, echoed Miss Creagh's sentiments as she insisted that . she would no longer eat processed beef until the scandal was over. Downing Street has tried to distance itself from the horsemeat scandal, insisting it was the responsibility fo the FSA. A Number 10 spokesman added: ‘They are working with the authorities and police in this country as well as other countries. ‘At the moment we are looking at two incidents that have come to light which at the heart are acts of criminality which seem to raise an issue that happened overseas with regard to what food has been imported into Britain. ‘We want people to be reassured that what people see on the label is what they see on the package. It is legal to slaughter and sell horsemeat in the UK provided it is from an approved abattoir. ‘But no-one wants to take away from the fact that these cases are distasteful. We are very concerned about the issues that have been brought to light and that is why there are investigations ongoing.’ The Findus lasagne packs were made by a French company, Comigel, at a plant in Metz. Comigel also makes beef products for Tesco and Aldi. Both supermarket chains have now withdrawn potentially affected lines from their shelves as a precautionary measure. Today MP Tom Watson claimed to have evidence that the company was told that it had inadvertently been selling impure meat as early as last Saturday, and that the violations dated back to August last year. Mr Watson, Labour's outspoken deputy chairman, wrote on his blog today that he had obtained a letter sent by Findus to its wholesale customers warning them that their products did not conform to regulations. The letter read in part: 'Investigations have led one of our suppliers based in France to inform us in writing on 2nd February 2013 that the raw materials delivered since 1st August 2012 are likely to be non-conform and consequently the labelling on finished products is incorrect. The supplier has asked us to withdraw the raw material batches.' Findus could not be reached for comment on Mr Watson's claim. Findus had asked retailers to remove three sizes of beef lasagne packets – 320g, 360g and 500g – from shelves on Monday, citing what it called a ‘labelling issue’. But it has now emerged the products contained horse meat, which constitutes a crime under consumer labelling laws. | Downing Street refuses to confirm that meals for pupils and patients is horse-free and shifts responsibility to Food Standards Agency .
Environment Secretary Owen Paterson under pressure to give public reassurance as junior farming minister is ordered onto the airwaves .
Tests reveal Findus beef lasagnes contained 100% horsemeat .
Police are called in as government suspects 'criminal acts'
Department of Health says it is 'not a government issue' |
109,669 | 195d8339b898f018a06050ff6051e031dc9bed83 | BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- A suicide bomber killed at least 40 people and injured 70 -- many of them women -- during a Shia pilgrimage in northwestern Baghdad Sunday, Iraqi officials told CNN. Pilgrims, pictured above, have gathered to celebrate the Shia holy period of Ashura. The dead included at least 16 Iranians who had come to mark the Shia holy period of Ashura, which commemorates a central event in the history of the movement. At least 32 Iranians were among the wounded. The other casualties were Iraqi, an Interior Ministry official said. The bomber was a woman wearing an abaya, a robe-like dress, said Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta, military spokesman for Fardh al-Qanoon, an interagency domestic security body. She seems to have been targeting women, Atta and an interior ministry source said. The Interior Ministry official declined to be identified. The attack appears to be the single deadliest suicide bombing in Iraq since a bomber killed 47 people in Kirkuk in December 11. It took place in Baghdad's Kadhimiya neighborhood, not far from the Imam Moussa al-Kadhim holy shrine. Hundreds of thousands of Shiite pilgrims are expected in Baghdad and the southern Iraqi city of Karbala for Ashura, which falls on January 7 this year. Ashura commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He was killed in battle in Karbala in 680, one of the events that helped create the schism between Sunnis and Shiites, the two main Muslim religious movements. CNN's Mohammed Tawfeeq in Baghdad contributed to this report. | Suicide bomber kills at least 40 people and injures 70 in Baghdad .
Dead included many Iranians who were marking Shia holy period of Ashura .
The bomber was a woman wearing an abaya, a robe-like dress, official says . |
206,306 | 9714802c861828cf0b08288cea577a765b7a4301 | He was known for his infamous hairdryer treatments, sending tremors through even the biggest Manchester United names. But it appears one man was immune from a Sir Alex Ferguson blasting - even when he kung-fu kicked a fan. This Sunday it will be 20 years since Eric Cantona stunned the world when he vaulted an advertisement hoarding and landed his studs in the chest of a Crystal Palace supporter who had been hurling vile abuse in his direction. Former Manchester United striker Eric Cantona kicked out at a Crystal Palace fan on January 25, 1995 . Cantona launched himself into the Selhurst Park crowd after Palace fan Matthew Simmons hurled abuse . Cantona reacted angrily to abuse from a Palace fan after he was sent off during the match at Selhurst Park . Marseille . Division 1: 1998-89, 1990-91 . Montpellier . Coupe de France: 1989-90 . Leeds United . Football League First Division: 1991-92 . Community Shield: 1992 . Manchester United . Premier League: 1992-93, 1993-94, 1995-96, 1996-97 . FA Cup: 1993-94, 1995-96 . Community Shield: 1993, 1994, 1996 . The Frenchman had been sent off for a foul on Richard Shaw and reacted to taunts on his way back to the tunnel. But he was spared from one of his manager's high-velocity rollockings - according to then team-mate Gary Pallister. 'We all wondered how the manager would deal with Eric after that,' the former United defender told the Manchester Evening News. 'He had never had the hairdryer. Virtually everyone else had, but not Eric. We wondered if finally this was it. We expected Fergie to go berserk. 'But he didn't. Hardly anything was said immediately after in the dressing room. We couldn't believe it.' Pallister also revealed that the Frenchman, who joined United from bitter rivals Leeds, was often a target of abuse from opposition fans. Cantona was among the few players who avoided Sir Alex Ferguson's hairdryer, according to Gary Pallister . The Frenchman was banned from football for eight months and ordered to do 120 hours of community service . 'Eric was no angel,' he said. 'We all knew that. He had a short fuse and everybody has a breaking point. That night and moment was Eric's. 'But it wasn't just the tackles and shirt pulling he had to deal with that night that pushed him over the edge. It was the culmination of a lot of abuse Eric had to put up with at every ground he went to. 'You wouldn't believe the kind of vile verbal abuse that was directed at him when we arrived at opposition grounds and got off the bus. 'Even when we went to the horse races, Eric couldn't escape it. I remember at one race meeting he was being spat on from a balcony in the enclosure above where we were standing. 'It was no wonder he cracked. For a guy with a short fuse I actually think he showed a lot of restraint up to that point.' Cantona spent five years at Manchester United before retiring in 1997 at the age of 30 . Pallister, pictured with Cantona after winning the 1994 FA Cup, was not surprised by his team-mate's response . | Eric Cantona kicked a Crystal Palace fan who abused him .
This Sunday will be 20 years since the Selhurst Park incident .
Former Man United forward was banned from football for eight months .
Hardly anything was said in the dressing room, reveals Gary Pallister . |
187,911 | 7f54137b1437e481f03a3bfe7214c0edb211cbbb | Teresopolis, Brazil (CNN) -- The death toll from flooding caused by torrential rains in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro state rose to 591 people Saturday, Brazil's official news agency reported. Most of the deaths were reported in the cities of Nova Friburgo and Teresopolis, located in a mountainous region northeast of Rio, according to Agencia Brasil. Rescuers have not been able to reach some hard-hit areas and many more people are feared dead, the agency said Friday. The rain is predicted to continue for several days in areas already submerged in water or slathered with mud. Thousands of families are still living on mountain slopes or on riverbanks and face extreme risk of being washed away. One resident described the disaster as a tsunami that fell from the sky. Chaos reigned in the especially hard-hit city of Teresopolis, where some residents donned masks and helped clean streets or deliver first aid. Others combed the city, searching desperately for missing loved ones. Schools and police stations turned into overflowing morgues, where people waited to identify their family and friends. Municipal worker Reginald de Oliveira came to see if he could find the body of his uncle, missing in the floods. He was trying to save his family when a wall of water washed him away. Red Cross volunteer Maria Helena de Jesus was helping with first aid. "You have to almost have a heart of stone," she said. "It was very difficult." Teresopolis Mayor Jorge Mario Sedlacek declared his city a natural disaster area. At least 257 people died in Teresopolis, while 267 were killed in the town of Nova Friburgo, Agencia Brasil reported. President Dilma Rousseff flew over flood-affected areas Thursday and landed in a slushy, trash-littered soccer field in Friburgo, the agency said. The floods are her first test as president. She trudged through mud in her rain boots to talk to residents in a neighborhood where four of seven firefighters attempting to rescue people had been buried under mud. Three others were pulled out alive. "We are going to take firm action," to help the devastated areas, said Rousseff, who assumed office at the first of the year. Brazilian authorities have been criticized for a lack of disaster planning and allowing people to build homes in areas known to become treacherous in the rainy season. They are under increasing pressure to show a strong response. Brazil is scheduled to host the World Cup in 2014 and the Olympics in 2016. With more rain forecast, Brazilian authorities have ordered evacuations for at least 5,000 families living in especially perilous areas in Rio de Janeiro state, Agencia Brasil said. Another 3,000 families from a mountainous region were homeless and sheltered in schools and gymnasiums, the news agency said. "The most important thing right now is to assist the homeless population and reach the most critical points," said Rodrigo Neves, the state secretary of Social Welfare and Human Rights. State health officials pleaded for people to donate blood that will be sent to the Serrana region, where only 36 units of blood remained for treatment of flood victims. Rain has affected neighboring Sao Paulo as well, killing 24 people there, authorities said. Journalists Fabiana Frayssinet and Helena DeMoura contributed to this report. | Most of the deaths occurred in hard-hit cities of Teresopolis and Nova Friburgo .
Officials fear more may be dead in the flooding in Rio de Janeiro state .
Rain is predicted to continue for several days . |
181,030 | 765e0ae22750ff4f05c40ebdc7b3bfc80164d137 | A girl who was driven to quit college when she was bullied for her looks feels she has now had the last laugh by becoming a beauty queen. Jade Colcombe, 20, dropped out of college after she was subjected to a torrent of abuse by bullies who said she looked like a man. From the age of 12, tormented Jade, from Tonypandy, Wales, would skip school and fake illness in a desperate attempt to avoid the verbal abuse which reduced her to tears on a daily basis. Her school bullies even threatened to kill her because she wore 'tomboy' clothes instead of make-up or expensive branded clothing. Jade has overcome years of torment and low-self esteem, conquering her own personal demons by entering beauty contests . Jade, here with her mother, was tormented by bullies at school from a young age . The bullies called Jade a host of names, including 'a man', leaving her in tears nearly every day . Jade explained: 'There have been times where I just felt like breaking down a crying. 'I'd walk into the room and the 'popular' gang would sit and snigger just because I didn't have expensive clothes or wear make-up. 'I was called 'buck-tooth', because of my teeth, 'Dalmatian', because of my beauty spots and 'man' because the hair on my arm was dark and noticeable. 'The thought of having to go back to school as a total outcast really got me down.' Jade, who started doing karate at the age of 11 for self-protection, says she quit sixth form halfway through her A levels because she felt like an 'outcast'. Jade was encouraged by family to enter Miss Radiant Photogenic UK 2014 to build her confidence . Jade was shocked when she was crowned queen and now won second title, Miss Supermodel Great Britain . Instead, she went on to study art and design at another college, but despite the change, still found the girls would snigger at her dress sense and call her ugly and stupid. However, defiant Jade hit back at her bullies in the most unexpected way. After enduring years of put downs from bullies who told her she would achieve nothing in life, she was encouraged by family and friends to enter Miss Radiant Photogenic UK 2014 to build her confidence and prove her bullies wrong. To her amazement, she was crowned queen, which spurred her on to claim her second title, Miss Supermodel Great Britain 2014 at Dream Street's Miss United Kingdom pageant, earlier this month. And despite dropping out of her A levels, she's now secured a top job as a quantity surveyor. She said: 'To be honest, the bullies did me a favour. 'At my lowest point, I refused to talk to anyone because I feared that they would just laugh at me. 'But for the first time at Miss UK, I actually spoke in front of an audience without getting upset or really nervous about it. 'And now that I am entering national pageants all over the UK, I really feel like I've beat those bullies and proved them wrong.' Since then, Jade has set her sights on her third title at the final of Miss British Empire Wales. Jade with her sister age two, who suffers from a non-curable form of epilepsy . But despite conquering her own personal demons, Jade says she is yet to face the biggest challenge of her life - climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. She's attempting to climb 19,341 feet above sea level, in a bid to raise funds for Noah's Ark - a children's hospital in Wales. She says her sister, Lexi, age two, who suffers from a non-curable form of epilepsy, was saved by doctors at the hospital after violent seizures left her clinging to life. She said: 'Doctors at Noah's Ark were amazing, they saved my sister's life. 'It's definitely going to be a big challenge, but I feel that I needed to give them something back. 'I beat my bullies, so with the support of my family, beating Kilimanjaro should be no problem.' | From 12 bullying meant Jade would skip school as often as possible .
Called her names like 'buck-tooth' and she felt like a total outcast .
Jade even started doing karate at the age of 11 for self-protection .
Miserable, Jade quit sixth form halfway through her A levels .
Encouraged by family to enter Miss Radiant Photogenic UK 2014 .
Crowned queen and now won second title, Miss Supermodel Great Britain .
Now also has dream job and is raising money by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro .
Donations go to hospital which treated her sister for rare form of epilepsy . |
12,414 | 232ac62b01dd0fe45d1dc45c62f91d8468425b5b | When the talent-spotters descended on Drammen over the weekend they were not making their way to the music festival headlined by local synth pop favourites Donkeyboy and the former A-ha frontman Morten Harket. The main attraction in this small city is Martin Odegaard, a 15-year-old sparkling in midfield for champions Stromsgodset, fresh out of school and poised to break a 110-year-old record this week as the youngest footballer to represent Norway at senior level. His team were beaten on Saturday but it is easy to understand the excitement. Odegaard has the quick feet and technical class more readily associated with South American footballers. VIDEO: Scroll down to watch footage of Norway's teenage sensation in action . Future star: Martin Odegaard has been called up to Norway's senior squad for their friendly against the UAE . Debut: The talented teen made his first appearance for Stromsgodset's senior team in June 2012 . Congratulations: The midfielder's Stromsgodset team-mates applaud him during that game against Mjondalen . The ball sticks to him, the fans adore him, team-mates trust him and his boss David Nielsen likens him to Lionel Messi. ‘He has something really special,’ purrs Norway manager Per- Mathias Hogmo, who has called the teenager into a squad containing only home-based players for a friendly against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday. If he handles this well, he will either stay in the squad for next week’s friendly against England at Wembley, or play for the Under 21s in a competitive game against Portugal. Everyone agrees Norwegian football has never known anything quite like it. Maturing: Odegaard has bulked up in the two years since making his bow for the Norwegian champions . There is known interest from more than 20 big-name European clubs who have requested tickets for games at Stromsgodset’s compact Marienlyst Stadion. Only the best need apply. Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid lead the hunt. Odegaard has been to England to train with Manchester United and has spent time in Germany with Bayern, Stuttgart and Borussia Dortmund. Liverpool have been in touch, aware that Martin and his father Hans-Erik are lifelong fans. On the scoresheet: The teenager nets the winner from just inside the penalty area against Haugesund in June . Fast-tracked: Odegaard could make his international debut when Norway face United Arab Emirates . Ronny Deila gave Martin his debut before leaving Drammen to become Celtic manager. And Tore Andre Flo at Chelsea’s academy should be in the loop because his brother Jostein is the director of football at Stromsgodset. ‘He’s a quality player, mature in the head and doesn’t get affected by all the hoopla that’s going on around him,’ said Nielsen. ‘The call-up is a good thing. It’s another experience for him, to go and get to know the coach there. He will be a future player for Norway. There’s no reason to wait. ‘You see these technical players involved at the big clubs and he’s going to be one of them. You can pick anybody. You can pick Lionel Messi or you can pick David Silva. He is a rare talent and we’re glad to have him.’ Odegaard’s tender years are obvious when you meet him. He smiles, he is polite and quietly spoken, a little sheepish about the erupting clamour. He says he wants to focus on the ‘small things’ and doesn’t expect to play for Norway when so many good and more experienced players are available. Watch from the stands, though, and it’s hard to tell a 15-year-old is on the pitch. His shoulders are broad and his beautiful balance and awareness keep him clear of rough stuff. More than that, it’s his confidence and body language. ‘At the beginning it was not so easy,’ said Nielsen. ‘He was playing on his own, but he’s become a team player; he’s producing goals and scoring chances. He is 15 ... playing 90 minutes every week.’ Team-mates are quick to pass to him. They look to him for inspiration. He has quick feet and tricks but doesn’t showboat. He takes set-pieces with his left foot but Nielsen lets him play in peace. There is no over-protection from the boss although he did react angrily and burst on to the pitch during Saturday’s 3-2 home defeat by Stabaek when Odegaard was brutally body-checked. He glides with the ball, with traces of a young Michael Laudrup, thanks to long practice sessions with dad Hans-Erik, who played more than 200 times for Stromsgodset as an industrious midfielder and is now assistant manager of Mjondalen in the second tier. Bhoy wonder: Celtic boss Ronny Deila encourages Odegaard while in charge of Stromsgodset last season . Hans-Erik designed coaching drills to improve his son’s vision and worked with him each day from the age of five, often in the gym during the dark and cold Norwegian winter. ‘You can see he has a good first touch and good vision, so he never gets caught by the speed of the game,’ said Hans-Erik. ‘That’s what’s good about him. You can put him up through the levels and he can adapt. ‘His strength is not good but he deals with it because he doesn’t get caught, he has such vision. I had a plan, since he was five, to train him, always with the ball, to train his vision and technique. It is one thing to see, but another to understand and react.’ World at his feet: Odegaard keeps the ball from Magne Hoseth, a Norwegian player who was tipped for a bright future as a youngster in the late nineties while playing for Molde . Martin first trained with the Stromsgodset seniors at 13 and appeared in a first-team training game against Mjondalen at the same age. ‘He has not come through quickly at all, because he’s been this good since he’s been six,’ said Nielsen. ‘There are no overnight stars. They always work hard somewhere and he’s worked really hard. ‘This is probably the 15-year-old in the world who has trained the hardest and put in the most hours. He is an exceptional training talent, it’s just unbelievable. Everything he does is quality. He trains at a different level to any other player I’ve ever seen.’ Nielsen himself made his top-flight debut in Denmark for Odense at 16 and was the subject of interest from Bayern Munich. Despite a long career it did not quite unfold as planned. Form an orderly queue: Some of Europe's top clubs have been to Norway to watch Odegaard in action . He had spells in England at Wimbledon, Norwich and Grimsby before struggling with a gambling addiction, and is well placed to offer advice, not that he thinks it will be needed. ‘That’s why we’re all so calm,’ said Nielsen. ‘We don’t stress about the media hype because we see how he is reacting. You have to be careful but he’s shown we’ve been right to play him. He’s a part of the team. He’s not a 15-year-old but a player in my squad. ‘You never know what’s going to happen down the road, but this player has got the talent and he is going to make it big-time. He is focused. He wants this and he has no distractions around him. Of course, there are always things that can happen, but we don’t think about that. We just need to guide him here and there.’ Nielsen believes the best development programme would involve at least another season in Norway before Hans-Erik and his wife Lene make a family decision. Martin has a brother, Kristoffer (17), and sisters Emilie (10) and Mari (six). Grounded: The 15-year-old could feature against England at Wembley when Norway visit on September 3 . ‘My phone has been hot,’ said Hans-Erik. ‘Since the end of May, there was just one day in July when there were no calls. The first one came last autumn. Since then it’s increased and by the time he was picked for the national team, every club knew him. ‘The big danger for every young kid is that they are satisfied too quickly. They need a hunger to im-prove. Since he was five, he has always been focused to improve. At some point he has to move on to improve more, but when that will happen I don’t know. ‘We have to see. We have feet on the ground but we know everything has taken off and there’s so much attention on him. I’ve said to all the agents and the clubs that he is too young to go alone. ‘I don’t think it’s good for any 15-year-old boy to move abroad to a different country with a different language, different culture, to be alone sitting in a flat, coming in late on February nights, hungry. ‘You need a family to feel secure. So if that’s going to happen soon, we move with him. And that’s not easy because I have a job, working for my father-in-law’s textile shops, and we have a family.’ | Odegaard plays in midfield for Norwegian champions Stromsgodset .
The 15-year-old was called up to Norway's senior squad last week .
If he plays against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday he will break a 110-year-old record to become his nation's youngest ever player .
Odegaard could feature against England at Wembley on September 3 .
The teenage star has been compared to Barcelona star Lionel Messi .
Stromsgodset have been inundated with ticket requests for games at their Marienlyst Stadion from Europe's top clubs wanting to see Odegaard .
Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid lead the hunt to sign midfielder .
He has spent time training with Manchester United, while Liverpool retain hope of snapping him up due to him being a life-long fan of the club . |
36,567 | 679d0afefc78635ded0a9bfc01589280147d459f | (CNN) -- Wacho Yayo and his wife Dawe are used to seeing the plants shrivel around them, the earth crack and their cattle die. Every time a drought has hit this elderly couple's village in northern Kenya they have had to rebuild their lives all over again. "The last drought was bad," 69-year-old Wacho says. "During the drought time there wasn't even any water to drink. There was no food. The animals had nothing to eat. And there was only dust blowing. I felt very bad and I was very bitter. I wanted to run away but there was nowhere to run." The searing heat spread across the Horn of Africa last June, destroying livestock, ruining lives and decimating entire communities. When the heavy rain clouds eventually arrived in northern Kenya the people in the Darche village, near the town of Marsabit, came out of their homes and danced. 'We couldn't even eat the seeds': Drought affecting millions . By then Wacho and Dawe had lost 10 of their 15 cows, but they danced too. They knew they would struggle to support their nine children without these animals but this drought was different -- for the first time in their lives Wacho had taken insurance out on some of their cattle. Shortly before the first leaf wilted from the heat, an insurance promoter had come to their small village offering livestock insurance. It was a new initiative that has been trialed in this part of Kenya. Wacho was skeptical -- he'd never heard of insurance and he wasn't sure that he would ever see his money again. After talking it through with Dawe he eventually decided to sign up and pay a premium for a few of his cows -- he couldn't afford to cover them all. "This insurance is good," he says, sitting on a stool outside his home, his surviving cattle listlessly tied up behind him. Once the rains came 650 herders eventually received compensation for the loss of thousands of animals. Wacho and Dawe did not get enough to buy new cows but they did manage to buy some goats. This initiative is run by the Nairobi-based organization, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). It is one of a growing number of micro-insurance schemes being rolled out in Africa. Backed by British and U.S. government development departments and the World Bank, there are plans to expand this project across northern Kenya and into southern Ethiopia. Some farmers chose not to join the insurance initiative. Others could not afford the premiums. Siko Hirdo lives just across the mud track from Wacho and Dawe. Like Wacho he relies on his cows to support his family but when the insurance man came to visit Siko decided to prioritize paying the school fees. He lost 11 of his cows and has struggled to support his 11 children ever since. "We were faced with a severe drought and we had a lot of problems," he says. "Now we know the importance and value of insurance. I am now ready to insure my livestock." Elephants and livestock battle for water in East Africa . When drought hits such remote and vast areas it is impossible to count all the dead animals, so this initiative uses satellite images to quantify the loss of foliage in each area. This then determines who should be compensated and by how much. One of the biggest challenges of introducing insurance in remote rural villages is the lack of knowledge and understanding. This is where insurance promoters like Edin Ibrahim come in. As a farmer himself Ibrahim knows all about being ravaged by drought. "Over 80%of our population are illiterates. Understanding this insurance issue was just too hard," he explains. "But with the time and with the information in the language they understand and the values and importance, now they are getting it and catching up." "Micro-insurance for agriculture is something that farmers in the rest of the world have had access to for sometime," says Challiss McDonough from the World Food Programme. "African farmers, the poorest and smallest scale farmers are only just beginning to have access to and their ability to do that can really help the agriculture sector to grow and become more productive." WFP and Oxfam America have their own micro-insurance initiative for agriculture in Ethiopia and it's now being expanded into Senegal. McDonough warns that insurance by itself isn't a magic bullet so it's important to combine insurance with other forms of risk management, including access to credit and savings. Nearly 400 million people in Africa live below the poverty line, and most of them depend on agriculture for their livelihoods, so vulnerability to climate-related shocks is a constant threat to their food security and well-being, the WFP warns. Kenya's Turkana people facing climate catastrophe . Back in Darche, Fatuma Galgallo stands out with her small frame consumed by a large Christmas jumper. Unlike Wacho, Dawe and Siko, she has chosen not to restock her herd. "I am very bitter about the drought," she says. "I was about to die of hunger and I lost all of my livestock, I had no shelter and no husband. I had a lot of animals but I only bought insurance for two cows and I had to borrow money to afford it. Now all our animals are dead." Her cattle were insured but she has had enough of drought and, from the look on her face it's clear she has had enough of struggling. She was compensated but she used the money to build herself a mud-walled, corrugated iron-roofed home instead. It's small but she is clearly proud of it and her neat little garden at the front. Across from Fatuma's new home someone else's animals feast on the lush green grass. The rains are here now but further down the hill the new foliage covers the bones of the animals who did not make it. Wache Yayo's memories of drought may fade but, like these bones, they will never disappear. If his years have taught him anything it's that insurance or not, drought will happen once again in this climate of extremes. | Vulnerable communities across the Horn of Africa have long been scarred by drought .
Insurance is becoming an important way of protecting and compensating those affected .
Nearly 400 million people in Africa live below the poverty line, and depend on agriculture .
Lack of understanding is one of biggest challenges of introducing insurance in villages . |
124,363 | 2cc57b2a7482818e61bcafd884fbc7d13f94c096 | (CNN) -- The ice man cometh. And does so early this year, after a former Pacific typhoon flew up toward the Arctic and rammed the jet stream. The stream has whipped south, dragging down frigid air from Canada over the northern Plains and Mountain States and the Upper Midwest, according to the National Weather Service. It is already plunging temperatures below freezing there and will hammer them into the teens and single digits in many places by midweek, even lower in others. Great Falls, Montana, will shiver at 9 below zero on Tuesday night. It's the coldest weather of the season, the weather service said. Minneapolis could soon get a foot of snow, the service said, with the Minnesota city experiencing below-freezing temperatures that could last for eight days. Let it snow . The snap is forecast to lay down the first broad layer of wintry snow, flurries, sleet or ice -- long before winter starts -- from Montana down to Nebraska and over to Wisconsin. It will accumulate in inches in the northern Rockies, northern Plains and Great Lakes. People farther south will also shiver. "Much of the nation east of the Rockies is expected to see a major pattern change by the beginning of the work week," the weather service said. The western Dakotas are also forecast to get significant snow. Lows will drop to freezing in Kansas City late Monday, then into the 20s a night later. The snap will stop short, leaving much of the Deep South and Southwest in a fall-like warm zone. Rain is expected to hit Chicago and Milwaukee on Monday and Tuesday, with a few snowflakes mixed in, according to the service on Sunday afternoon. Courtesy of Nuri . Residents in the northern United States can thank a whopping tropical cyclone in the Pacific Ocean for the wintry blast. The remnants of super Typhoon Nuri rolled up north over Alaska's Aleutian Islands on Friday, kicking off the ripple of Arctic air in the other direction. Nuri is now the strongest known Northern Pacific cyclone on record, according to the National Weather Service Ocean Prediction Center. Its remnants plowed into cold air adding violent energy as it went north, similar to what Superstorm Sandy did in the Atlantic two years ago. That earned it the weather moniker "bomb cyclone." CNN meteorologist Todd Borek contributed to this report. | Typhoon Nuri in the Pacific went far north, rammed jet stream .
That whipped the jet stream southward, dragging Arctic air behind it .
Temperatures will plunge to teens, single digits by midweek in the North .
Great Falls, Montana, will shiver at 9 below zero on Tuesday night . |
169,374 | 6727bf23a97aca63580eb55abb45a4c094645e7b | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 09:05 EST, 31 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:12 EST, 31 October 2013 . Former Oakland Raiders line-breaker Rolando McClain - who retired from the NFL in May aged just 23 following a string of controversies - has explained how he was headed down a path of anger-filled self-destruction and felt like he 'just wanted to kill someone'. Stepping away from the game less than a month after singing with the Baltimore Ravens, McClain - who in 2010 was given a rookie contract worth $40 million over five years - said he feared he was on-track to be the next Aaron Hernandez, who he watched get hauled away in handcuffs and charged with first degree murder. McClain's comments, which are revealed in a new interview with ESPN magazine, come after he was arrested three times in 16 months during visits home to Decatur, Alabama. McClain said he started developing a disdain for pro football due to constant requests for money from family and friends in Decatur, leading him to fork out over $600,000 over a six month period to take care of those close to him. Angry: Controversial NFL star Rolando McClaine, who walked away from the game this year, has said he 'doesn't know if I'm ready yet' to understand where his anger came from but that he is taking the necessary steps to get his life back on track . Defence: Rolando McClain takes down Leonard Pope of the Kansas City Chiefs while still playing for the Oakland Raiders. McClain said he will 'probably' return to the NFL next season . On the day of his most serious arrest - for discharging a firearm beside a man's head during an altercation - McClain was in town for his grandfather's funeral. Upon arrival he found out his family had planned a $20,000 funeral, including limousine transfers, that he was to pay for. 'I was pissed off,' McClain told ESPN. 'I was feeling like Aaron Hernandez or something ... like I just wanted to kill somebody.' '(I) would have ended up locked in a cage like an animal. That had to be the only outcome.' McClain has spent the last few months in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which is his college town. He is taking classes at the University of Alabama to work towards a degree in family financial plan. Happier times: Rolando McClain has returned to his college town of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he is taking classes and continuing to train . Revealing that he gave out about $600,000 to family and friends who were constantly asking for money, Rolando McClain is now attending classes at the University of Alabama (pictured) and is working towards finishing his degree in family financial planning . It's a far cry from where he was five months ago. McClain was arrested for disorderly conduct in April at a park in Decatur, where an estimated 700 people had gathered for the night, just 10 days after signing with Baltimore. 'The officers started moving everyone out of the street, when they heard someone from the crowd start yelling ''F the police'',' Decatur Police Lt. John Crouch said at the time. 'They continued to move people out of the streets when they heard it again. They eventually identified the person in the crowd. 'They moved in, told him he was under arrest for disorderly conduct, at which at that point, he tried to jerk away.' They later identified the man as McClain. In January he was arrested after he reportedly signing an expletive instead of his name on fine to the for a window-tint violation on his vehicle. Aaron Hernandez, a former tight end for the New England Patriots, was indicted by a grand jury in August for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a friend and semi-professional player for the Boston Bandits. Lloyd's body was found about a mile from Hernandez's home in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, with multiple gunshot wounds to the back and chest . Aaron Hernandez is being held at Bristol County Jail without bail, having been charged with the first-degree murder of Odin Lloyd. If convicted he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole . Despite his trouble-plagued year, McClain said he would 'probably' return to the NFL next season. He is continuing to keep in shape while in Tuscaloosa. If he does return to the game, the Ravens will retain his rights. McClain appeared in 41 games over three seasons for the Raiders and recorded 246 tackles over that span. Aaron Hernandez, a tight end for the New England Patriots, was indicted by a grand jury in August for the murder of Odin Lloyd, a semi-professional player for the Boston Bandits. He is also being investigated in connection with other murders in both Florida and Massachusetts. Hernandez maintains he is innocent. He was released from the Patriots shortly after his arrest in June. | Walked away from the game earlier this year following a series of fights and arrests .
In his first major interview since, McClain how he was so full of anger he was worried he would do something regretful .
Describes being at the home of Aaron Hernandez when he was arrested and charged with murder .
McClain is now in Alabama on a self-imposed exile as he gets his life together .
He has returned to college to finish his degree . |
286,083 | feb16d7b250feb6813dedd981cbe937cad7436e0 | San Francisco, California (CNN) -- Just after Apple CEO Steve Jobs debuted the next version of his company's iPhone to the world, the tech luminary had a bit of technical trouble. "Well jeez," Jobs said, struggling to get the spanking new iPhone 4 to do much of anything without a connection to a Wi-Fi network. The technical faux pas came during Jobs' keynote address at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco, California. At one point, Jobs turned toward the audience and seemed to ask a question of one of his technical directors: "Got any suggestions?" he asked. "Verizon!" shouted an audience member, in reference to the fact that AT&T, the sole cellular network that carriers the Apple iPhone, gets notoriously bad reception in San Francisco. Many tech bloggers and writers have called for Apple to open the iPhone to other networks, including Verizon Wireless. That didn't happen on Monday. The new iPhone will remain an AT&T-only device. It goes on sale on June 24 to AT&T customers for $199 or $299, depending on the amount of storage. Any AT&T customer eligible for a phone upgrade this year can get the iPhone 4 on its debut date at those subsidized prices, Jobs said. After the event, tech industry analysts warned against reading too much into the network glitches during Jobs' presentation. But, if nothing else, they do symbolize the growing frustration some phone consumers have over the lack of choice among wireless carriers. In a recent interview, for instance, Kevin Tofel, a blogger in the GigaOm network, said it is smartest for consumers to pick a wireless carrier first, rather than get the coolest phone. Otherwise, they're buying an "expensive brick," he said. Analysts said Jobs was having trouble connecting to a Wi-Fi network during his presentation, not AT&T's troubled 3G network. "It's Wi-Fi," said Carolina Milanesi, research director for mobile devices at Gartner. "You had so many people in there using Wi-Fi. I didn't read too much into it." Of AT&T, she laughed and said, "It's not always their fault." Van Baker, research vice-president for Gartner, said the "Verizon!" comment from the audience was "totally unfair ... because it's not going over the 3G network." Jobs eventually resolved the issue himself. In a joking yet stern tone, he asked reporters and conference attendees to stop using Wi-Fi networks so that he could finish the presentation. Some 570 Wi-Fi stations were clogging up the connection he needed to complete the presentation, he said. If the attendees didn't comply, he said, he would simply not be able to show off the rest of the iPhone 4's new features, including its higher-resolution screen, improved camera and video chat functionality -- which, by the way, is only available over Wi-Fi. | Apple CEO Steve Jobs has internet trouble during a presentation .
Jobs was debuting the iPhone 4 at an event in San Francisco .
Wi-Fi troubles stop his presentation at one point .
Jobs asks conference attendees to get off network so he can continue . |
70,177 | c6eaf9d97b059f3e824a1ab4ffdfe45494e5f8a1 | Adidas are in pole position to clinch a world record kit deal with Manchester United. Senior insiders at the German sportswear giant believe a £60million-a-year deal has all but been agreed, even though current sponsors Nike retain the right to match any offer and extend a partnership that dates back to 2002 with United. That, however, is thought to be unlikely when Nike are sure to question whether it is worth more than doubling their original £300m 10-year deal – which expires in June 2015 – when the deposed champions are going through this difficult period of transition. VIDEO Scroll down to see Chelsea players star in new Adidas kit advert . New deal: Adidas could clinch a world record £60m-a-year kit deal with Manchester United . Long-term: Nike have been United's kit supplier since the 2002-03 season . Meetings: United officials met adidas executives in Germany after the game with Bayern Munich - CEO Ed Woodward (centre) and Managing Director Richard Arnold (second from left) know they have to get a deal signed quickly because of demand . United . officials met adidas executives in Germany after their recent . Champions League encounter against Bayern Munich and senior figures from . the sportswear brand have been attending recent matches at Old . Trafford. Negotiations . with Nike have been going on for the last three years, but when their . exclusive negotiating period expired last autumn that opened the door . for companies like adidas and Warrior. It . is adidas who are now prepared to sign off the biggest football club . kit deal in history in the belief that United’s global appeal remains . undamaged by a disastrous domestic season that culminated in the . dismissal of manager David Moyes. Imminent: Louis van Gaal is expected to be announced as Manchester United boss this week . Deal: Chelsea have a 10-year £300m sponsorship deal with adidas . Ed Woodward, the United executive vice chairman, has been busy recruiting a replacement, with Louis van Gaal’s appointment thought to be imminent. But Woodward and the club's commercial director Richard Arnold know they need to sign off the next kit deal as soon as possible too, simply because the sheer demand for United merchandise means production needs to begin sooner rather than later. A deal with adidas would still give United the freedom to create a separate fashion brand, with Japanese company Uniqlo thought to be close to completing their own deal. | German sportswear giants adidas in pole position to clinch a world record kit deal with Manchester United .
A £60million-a-year has all but been agreed .
Nike's deal expires in June 2015 - they will decide if it is worth more than doubling their current deal which cost £300m for 10 years .
Negotiations with Nike have been going on for three years but their exclusive negotiating period expired last autumn . |
9,144 | 19e286d2709f77d9432de8ac0d8ed2e300e357f4 | A torrid day ended Tiger Woods' return from back surgery prematurely as the 14-time major winner missed the cut in the Quicken Loans National at Congressional. The world number five, playing his first event since undergoing a microdiscectomy in late March, recorded a four-over-par 75 for his second round to fall to seven-over for the tournament in Bethesda, Maryland. His next tournament is expected to be The Open at Hoylake. Feeling the strain: Woods' round of 75 saw him miss the cut on his return from injury . No way back: The former world number one found some momentum on the back nine but it wasn't enough . Slow progress: Woods has announced his intention to play at the Open but will need to find some form . There was a four-way tie for the lead between first-round leader Ricky Barnes (69), Australian pair Marc Leishman and Oliver Goss, who each shot five-under rounds of 66 and Patrick Reed, who closed with three birdies in his final five holes for a 68. Woods, who opened with a three-over-par 74 on Thursday, made pars on each of his first four holes before a double-bogey six at the fifth. A further dropped shot followed at the eighth before Woods birdied the par-five ninth. He sunk an 11-foot putt on the par-three 10th for a second consecutive birdie, before a run of four successive birdies was halted with a par-four at the 15th, leaving him five shots adrift of the projected cut with three holes to play. Get in the hole: Woods prepares to put on the 10th alongside Jordan Spieth (left) and Jason Day (right) In form: Australian Marc Leishman hit an unblemished round of 5-under to tie for the lead . Another birdie followed at the par-five 16th, but it was too little, too late as Woods finished with consecutive birdies to miss the weekend's action. Major winners Mike Weir, YE Yang, Ernie Els and Keegan Bradley also missed the cut. At the top end of the field, Leishman and Goss each recorded unblemished rounds featuring five birdies to take their share of the lead. Barnes also made five birdies, but his round was marred by three bogeys as he was denied the outright lead with a round of 69. Hudson Swafford and Stuart Appleby were one shot behind on five-under-par. | Woods hadn't played since March .
A round of 75 saw him miss the cut .
Marc Leishman, Ricky Barnes, Oliver Goss and Patrick Reed share lead . |
27,039 | 4cb1edf28f14b67768f1fc490caca14d13a66e8f | (CNN) -- Chris Hoy won a record equaling fifth Olympic gold medal as he anchored Britain's team sprint trio to a new world record in the velodrome Thursday. Hoy's gold saw him draw level with rower Steve Redgrave in the all-time British list and capped a superb day for the hosts. But there was disappointment for the partisan home crowd in the women's team sprint as the British pair of Victoria Pendleton and Jess Varnish were disqualified for a handover infringement after qualifying for the gold medal match against China. Jeers rang around the 6,000 seater velodrome when the decision was relayed, promoting German pair Miriam Welte and Kristina Vogel to the final. Pendleton, looking to cap her career with gold, tried her best to put on a brave face. "It's one of those things that happens. It's quicker than a blink of an eye," she told BBC Sport. "You have to stick by the rules. The rules are there to make it a fair sport." Chinese pair Gong Jinjie and Guo Shuang had broken the world record twice in the first two rounds and crossed the line first against the Germans in a time of 32.619 seconds. Inside the London Olympics Velodrome . But they too then fell foul of the strict officials for their handover and were demoted to silver. Australia's Anna Meares and Kaarle McCulloch (32.727) claimed bronze ahead of Ukraine. Hoy and his teammates Philip Hindes and Jason Kenny had fallen foul of the handover rule at the world championships earlier this year, but made no mistake this time in the final against France. A superb lead off leg by 19-year-old German born Hindes set up Kenny then Hoy to bring them home in 42.600 seconds, beating the earlier world record of 42.747 they had set earlier in qualifying. Germany beat Australia for the bronze. Hoy has won a total of sixth Olympic medals, one shy of fellow cyclist Bradley Wiggins, who set a British record by winning Wednesday's men's time trial. Scot Hoy can draw level with Wiggins if he medals in the men's keirin event later in the program. "It is quite overwhelming," he told BBC Sport. "That last ride I dug deeper than I have ever dug before. I didn't want to let the boys down, they have been riding so well today. "You can't overstate what it means to us in front of our home crowd." GB, who dominated the track cycling in the 2008 Beijing Games, look set for more gold in the men's team pursuit after the quartet of Ed Clancy, Steven Burke, Geraint Thomas and Peter Kennaugh broke their own world record in qualifying. They clocked three minutes 52.499 seconds while closest rival Australia with Jack Bobridge, Glenn O'Shea, Rohan Dennis and Michael Hepburn were over three seconds adrift in going through second fastest. | GB team sprint squad win gold in world record time at Olympic Velodrome .
Chris Hoy brings them home for his fifth Olympic gold medal .
Disqualifications for GB and China in women's team sprint .
German pair Miriam Welte and Kristina Vogel take gold . |
9,112 | 19cbcc61791a81716ed3dd0f4481dfd96003ea13 | (The Frisky) -- We were worried that Sandra Bullock was going to disappear out there in the Texas flatlands and take a Hollywood hiatus for good. Thank goodness we were wrong. The word is that she may be coming out of hiding to reunite with her costar from "The Proposal," Ryan Reynolds, for a new action comedy called "Most Wanted." Welcome back, rom-com queen! Inspired by this quirky, funny re-coupling, here are nine more classic and endearing onscreen couples that we want to see get back together on the big screen. The Frisky: 8 celebrity dudes describe their dream women . 1. There is no magic like the magic of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in "The Notebook." We need them back together ASAP ... on and off screen. 2. Kate Winslet and Leo DiCaprio have done a couple of brilliant collaborations, but what about Kate's chemistry with Jim Carrey in "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind?" We can't forget it. The Frisky: 6 celeb couples dish on their (cheap!) first dates . 3. We wish that Johnny Depp and Winona Rider could put all the broken engagement and shoplifting drama behind them and give us another taste of that Burton-style bad romance, à la "Edward Scissorhands." 4. It's been way too long since Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau were so "money" together in "Swingers." The Frisky: Is Julia Roberts' "Eat, Pray, Love" the most boring movie poster ever? 5. I don't think it's too late for Diane Keaton and Woody Allen to bring back some of their neurotic, onscreen charm from "Annie Hall" and "Manhattan." 6. Do Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in "Good Will Hunting" count as a couple? If so, let's try it again, shall we? The Frisky: Team Bella? What the "Twilight" credit cards looks like . 7. We're hoping for another movie starring Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, only this time they end up together, unlike in "500 Days of Summer." 8. Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray's chemistry was never "Lost in Translation" for us. Let's do part deux! 9. We need to see Lloyd Dobbler (aka John Cusack) and Diane Court (aka Ione Skye) from "Say Anything" all grown-up and back onscreen. The Frisky: Is "Bachelorette" Ali really single? TM & © 2010 TMV, Inc. | All Rights Reserved . | There is no magic like the magic of Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling in "The Notebook"
It's not too late for Keaton and Allen to bring back some neurotic, onscreen charm .
Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray's chemistry was never "Lost in Translation" for us . |
240,167 | c2eb4e745c5c17b844d6cfa9657f57f79cd17721 | By . Associated Press Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 08:25 EST, 19 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 09:58 EST, 19 September 2013 . Pfc. John Eddington was fighting in Europe in World War II when he learned his wife gave birth to a daughter. From the battlefield he penned a letter, sweetly telling the little girl how much he loved her and longed to see her. But he never made it home, and the letter and his Purple Heart medal ended up in a box thousands of miles away from Peggy Smith, the daughter who was told nearly nothing about him. Years after a Missouri woman found the box of mementos and underwent an exhaustive search to find the daughter who grew up hesitant to ask about her father because it upset her mother, the letter and medal will be handed over to Smith on Saturday in what figures to be an emotional ceremony in Dayton, Nev., where Smith lives. Peggy and Kevin Smith of Dayton, Nevada, are pictured. Peggy was four months old when her father, Pfc. John Eddington, was killed in action in World War II. Seven decades later Peggy Smith is about to get his Purple Heart medal and an emotional letter the father she never met wrote just weeks after her birth . It was 14 years ago that Donna Gregory was helping her then-husband clean out his grandparents' home in Arnold, Mo., a St. Louis suburb. Gregory stumbled upon a cardboard box filled with World War II memorabilia related to Eddington, though no one knows why. Eddington was from Leadwood, Mo., about 75 miles southwest of St. Louis. Neither Gregory nor Smith know what connection the Arnold couple had to Eddington. Gregory sorted through several letters, including the War Department's message to Eddington's mother about his death in Italy in June 1944, four months after his daughter's birth. At the bottom of the box she found the Purple Heart, the medal awarded to members of the Armed Forces wounded or killed in action. Gregory, of St. Louis, then spent the next 14 years in libraries and on the Internet trying to track down the elusive daughter. She called every Eddington in Missouri, trying to find the right Peggy. No one could help. Earlier this year she enlisted the help . of friends and began reaching out on Facebook, leading to a breakthrough . -- she found Peggy Smith. Pfc. John Farrell Eddington and his wife, Helen, are pictured on their wedding day . Nearly 2,000 miles from St. Louis, Smith said she knew her father died in the war, and knew he earned the Purple Heart. But she didn't know what happened to it. Smith figured her mother had lost the medal or given it away -- until Gregory called. 'It was an unforgettable moment,' Gregory said. Smith said she was 'stunned.' Gregory was touched by the medal, and especially moved by the letter in the box penned by Eddington to his newborn daughter. She declined to quote directly from it, saying Smith should read it first. 'It's basically a soldier who is pouring out his heart on paper to his daughter,' Gregory, 46, said of the letter. 'It's a letter written so she would know how much her daddy loved her.' Beyond his death in war, Smith knew . little about her father since her heartbroken mother could rarely bring . herself to discuss the lost love of her life. 'My . mom didn't tell me much about my dad,' Smith said. 'I think she was . just distraught. She was so much in love with him. I learned as a young . girl not to bring it up because she would just get so upset.' This is the Purple Heart medal awarded to Pfc. John Farrell Eddington who was killed in action in Italy during World War II . This photo shows the back side of the Purple Heart medal awarded to Pfc. John Farrell Eddington . Smith, 69, grew up in St. Louis and lived there until her mid-20s. By then she was a mother of four young children, but in what she described as an unhealthy marriage. She divorced and moved the kids west for a new life in Nevada. She spent several years working as an accountant for the state of Nevada, and remarried in 1997. She has since retired from the state job and works at a Wal-Mart store. Gregory, also an accountant, decided to make the drive to Dayton, near Carson City, to deliver the memorabilia to Smith. She figured it deserved a little more pomp and circumstance. So Gregory wrote a letter to the . Patriot Guard Riders, the volunteer organization perhaps best known for . patrolling funerals of soldiers to shield relatives from protesters from . Westboro Baptist Church, the Topeka, Kan.-based church whose members . believe soldier deaths are God's retribution for America's tolerance of . homosexuality. In the letter, Gregory said she thought it would add meaning if veterans presented the medal to Smith. Before . dawn on Tuesday, Gregory, her sister and a friend left St. Louis in an . SUV, accompanied by about a dozen motorcyclists with the Nevada unit of . the Patriot Guard. Along the route, different groups of riders are . taking turns accompanying Gregory. This was Pfc. John Farrell Eddington's obituary. Seven decades after the Missouri soldier died in World War II, Peggy Smith, the daughter he never met is about to get his Purple Heart medal, along with the emotional letter her father wrote just weeks after her birth . On Saturday, a parade will begin in Carson City and make the 15-mile trek to Dayton, where Smith will be presented the medal and letter in a ceremony at the high school. Smith's children and most of her 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren will be there, though she's a bit embarrassed by all the hoopla. 'I'm not a big shindig person,' Smith said. Still, she is bracing for the wave of emotions as she reads the letter for the first time and holds that medal in her hands. 'I'll be crying the whole time,' Smith said. Gregory knows she'll be emotional, too. 'I've cherished all of this for a very long time,' Gregory said. 'I've waited for the finale of this journey for over a decade.' | Pfc. John Eddington was fighting in Europe in World War II when he learned his wife gave birth to a daughter .
He penned a letter to her, pouring his heart out and sweetly telling her how much he loved her .
He never made it home, and the letter .
and his Purple Heart medal ended up in a box thousands of miles away .
from Peggy Smith, the daughter who was told nearly nothing about him .
A Missouri woman found the box many decades later and Smith will receive the medal and letter in a ceremony on Saturday . |
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