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(CNN) -- When Darla Arni's mother began showing the first signs of dementia 16 years ago, Arni worried she was doomed to the same fate. So Arni began reading up on what she could do to stay mentally sharp. Turns out, plenty. Arni, now 55, grew up on a farm where her mother fried just about everything in lard. Today, she skips the fried foods and eats plenty of fruits and vegetables, takes fish oil pills, goes for regular walks and meditates during a weekly yoga class. "I'm doing everything I can," says Arni, a public speaker and author who lives in Slater, Missouri. And what's the point? Doctors who specialize in the aging brain say that dementia is not inevitable, even in very old age. Making positive lifestyle changes earlier in life, they say, can lessen the chances of the faulty thinking and flagging memory that often come with advancing years. Dr. Gary Small, director of UCLA's Longevity Center, says lifestyle may play a bigger role than genetics when it comes to who will fall into what he calls the "mental fog" of dementia. Alzheimer's is perhaps the best known and most feared form of dementia. Early onset Alzheimer's disease, which often has a strong genetic component, may not be delayed with any lifestyle changes. But late-life Alzheimer's, affecting people in their 80s and 90s, has only a minor genetic component and can be delayed or prevented with lifestyle changes -- especially if the changes begin in midlife, says Dr. Majid Fotuhi, chairman of the Neurology Institute for Brain Health and Fitness and a neurology professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. I say, 'Dance' Fotuhi began ballroom dancing when he was a student at Harvard Medical School. It was a break from all the studying. More than that, it was fun. Now a neurologist, Fotuhi still dances. He and his wife, Bita, have mastered the tango. As an expert on how the brain ages, Fotuhi sees another benefit: Dancing is the perfect activity to keep the brain young. "When people say, 'What's the one thing I can do?' I say, 'Dance.' " Fotuhi says. The answer to keeping the brain sharp, neurologists agree, is not sudoku or crossword puzzles -- despite the conventional wisdom. Staying physically fit is the most important element to keeping the brain young later in life, they say. Remaining socially engaged and mentally active in new and challenging ways are the two other components to long-term brain health. Fotuhi says ballroom dancing is perfect because it combines physical activity, social interaction and the mental challenge of remembering the steps. Growing the brain . Using new, more powerful MRI scanners, researchers have shown how even moderate exercise can actually increase the size of the hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for forming memories, essentially turning back the clock and making the brain younger. "We have found this treasure, this amazing phenomenon that the brain can grow," Fotuhi says. After 50, the brain -- and the hippocampus -- typically begins losing volume. The hippocampus loses 1% of its volume every two years and accelerates up to 2% per year later in life. But this loss is not set in stone. Dr. Arthur Kramer at the University of Illinois and his colleagues took 120 older adults and put half of them into an exercise group, which walked three days a week, and the other half on a stretching regimen. After a year, the group that walked had better memory than at the start of the study. More than that, MRI scans showed that hippocampal volume increased, on average, by 2%, effectively making their brains a year or two younger. The brains of the group that stretched continued to age. "This is cutting edge. We can reverse the atrophy that happens to the brain with aging, particularly the hippocampus," says Fotuhi, author of "The Memory Cure." A study at the University of Pittsburgh showed that exercise improved the thinking speed of previously sedentary people in their 80s. Staying in shape helps maintain a healthy blood flow to the brain, critically important because blood vessels make up one-third of the brain's volume. But Caterina Rosano, the study's lead author, says the benefits to the brain of such modest exercise as walking three times a week appear to exceed the small improvement in overall fitness that exercise offers, though she's not sure why. One hypothesis: Walking is often a social activity, which engages the brain. It also may elevate the mood of the walker. Begin early . Exercise doesn't help just the elderly. Another University of Illinois study found an association between aerobic fitness, hippocampus size and memory performance in preadolescent children. UCLA's Small says the focus on keeping the brain healthy should begin early. "My opinion is we should begin in school," says Small, author of "The Alzheimer's Prevention Program," scheduled for publication in January. "The earlier you get started, the more you're going to benefit from it." Fotuhi uses the analogy of saving for retirement. The more "savings" you build up with a brain-healthy lifestyle, the better off you'll be in your 60s and beyond. A model life . If Fotuhi was looking for someone who has done everything right, he'd have trouble finding anyone more on the ball than 91-year-old Angela Little. "I've lived a fairly healthy life. I've been active. I exercise. I eat moderately. I try to keep my mind as tranquil as possible, not get too upset about anything," says Little, a retired professor of biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley. Little belongs to the Bay Area History of Medicine Club, attends a class on Italian literature and discusses the classics -- in Italian -- and attends a weekly conversation circle, also in Italian. She does tai chi and goes to the gym three times a week for weightlifting, core strengthening and stretching. "I keep myself busy, and I keep my mind engaged," Little says. "These are the things that keep me happy." Mothers and daughters . In Missouri, Arni's mother, Dorothy, went on blood thinners more than 11 years ago. Doctors were worried about a massive stroke because the arteries leading to her brain were dangerously narrowed by plaque. Even so, Darla Arni says, her mother's condition has progressed to the point where she no longer recognizes her during visits. But Arni, who has a daughter of her own, says she no longer fears dementia. "I have a lot of friends. They're scared to death," Arni says. "I'm not so scared. Education and awareness make a difference."
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Doctors who specialize in the aging brain say that dementia is not inevitable .
Making positive lifestyle changes earlier in life can lessen your chances, they say .
Alzheimer's is perhaps the best known and most feared form of dementia .
Even moderate exercise can actually increase the size of the brain's hippocampus .
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185,804 |
7ca6d576eb72467dc37f2eea456026517f91ac7b
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By . David Williams . and Steve Doughty . PUBLISHED: . 03:28 EST, 29 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 03:42 EST, 30 May 2013 . Britain was embroiled in a costly legal farce last night over the fate of up to 90 Taliban detainees suspected of trying to kill UK troops. Lawyers for the Afghans – given a huge platform yesterday by the BBC – claimed the prisoners are being illegally detained at a ‘secret’ prison within Camp Bastion in Helmand Province and demanded they be brought before a court or released. But when Defence Secretary Philip Hammond indicated that the military was prepared to release them to the Afghan authorities, the same lawyers – funded by legal aid – said they might launch fresh action in the UK courts to prevent that happening. Held without trial: A Chinook helicopter flies out of Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, where up to 90 inmates are being held, it was revealed today . Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, pictured left in Downing Street, has defended Britain's policy of holding Afghan nationals at Camp Bastion while human rights lawyer Phil Shiner (right), the lawyer representing inmates has claimed it is unlawful and amounts to internment . They claim handing the prisoners over . to the Afghan police would place them in danger of being tortured, and . therefore infringe their human rights. To add to the confusion, the Afghan . defence ministry is now demanding the detainees be delivered to be dealt . with ‘according to our judicial laws’. The case had been presented on the BBC’s flagship Today programme as the scandal of Britain’s Guantanamo Bay. But last night it appeared more fiasco than scandal. Until last year, British forces in . Afghanistan were allowed to detain suspects for a maximum of 96 hours . except in ‘exceptional cases’ before handing them over to be dealt with . by the Afghan authorities. But in 2010 the High Court ordered . that detainees should not be released into the hands of the Afghans . because of concerns over torture. Military vehicles sit in a compound in Camp Bastion, Afghanistan, awaiting redeployment to the UK after returning from the battlefield . In training: Camp Bastion is also used as a training ground for Afghan forces . So the only alternative to detention . now is the release of prisoners into the local Afghan community, with . the clear risk they would soon be launching fresh attacks on British . troops. Yesterday it was revealed that up to . 90 Afghans are being held at Bastion, including a teenager who has been . in custody for 14 months, without trial or access to lawyers in what . British human rights lawyer Phil Shiner said was a breach of . international law. But Mr Hammond hit back, dismissing . the claim of a secret jail as ‘patently absurd’ and warning that the . release of the men – arrested by British soldiers in raids in Helmand . and Kandahar provinces and believed to be responsible for the killing . and wounding of troops – would put the UK military at risk. An armoured vehicle passes a watchtower at Bastion Airfield at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province, Afghanistan . He said: ‘These are people suspected . of murdering British troops by facilitating or planting or being . involved with IEDs (improvised explosive devices) at a time when most . people are focused on how we protect our troops from being murdered, . whether it’s on the streets of London or on the battlefield.’ Mr Hammond said Britain had been . working with the Afghans to establish a ‘safe pathway’ for the transfer . of the detainees and pointed out the legal proceedings were at ‘the . expense, of course, of the British taxpayer’ because they are funded by . the legal aid system. ‘We want nothing more than to be able to hand these people over,’ he said. And last night the Ministry of Defence said it had found a ‘safe route’ to hand over the prisoners. But Mr Shiner, of Public Interest . Lawyers, representing some of those involved in the court action, . claimed the Government was failing to deal with the suspects ‘humanely’ and according to international law. ‘The UK could have trained the Afghan . authorities to detain people lawfully with proper standards and making . sure that they are treated humanely,’ he said. ‘They could have monitored that, . including inspections to make sure the Afghans were obeying the law. They have chosen not to do so.’ Richard Stein from law firm Leigh Day, . who is representing one of the detainees, said: ‘We have been asking . for access to our client since March and, to date, it has still not been . provided.’ Last night General Zahir Azimi, a . spokesman for the Afghan Ministry of Defence, demanded: ‘The prisoners . must be handed over to the Afghan authorities. ‘They will be dealt with according to our laws, and agreements reached with the international community.’ However the lawyers may take more court action to prevent the men being handed over. Crusading: The Guantanamo comparison was made by lawyer Phil Shiner, pictured, a long-time scourge of alleged wrongdoing by the armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan . Listeners to BBC radio were assured . that it was a scandal to compare with Guantanamo Bay and the American . detention of terror suspects without time limit and without trial. Breathlessly, . reporters revealed that they had been given documents showing 85 . Afghans were in a British holding camp near Kabul. This might amount to . unlawful detention and internment, they said. A . little later a familiar name appeared in the BBC reports. The . Guantanamo comparison was made by crusading lawyer Phil Shiner, a . long-time scourge of alleged wrongdoing by the armed forces in Iraq and . Afghanistan. Indeed, it was . Mr Shiner who led the case that ended with a 2010 High Court block on . the transfer of detainees from Camp Bastion to the Afghan authorities, . which compelled the British military to keep so many prisoners in . detention in the first place. In . January 2010 he wrote on the Guardian’s website: ‘My firm’s next case . focuses on the UK’s detention policy in Afghanistan, where we routinely . hand over Afghans to the Afghan authorities in full knowledge of the . torture, summary executions and disappearances occurring within their . facilities.’ Mr . Shiner, 56, was a Birmingham University graduate who became an articled . clerk and then a solicitor in the city. He worked for a decade for legal . firms, a council estate project, a law centre and the Barnardo’s . charity before founding his own firm in 1999. The . father of five is also a visiting professor at London Metropolitan . University, a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics, and was . awarded the title ‘Human Rights Lawyer of the Year’ in 2004. He has repeatedly denied that he is an ‘ambulance chaser’ and calls the idea that he trawls for work‘ laughable’. His . firm, Public Interest Lawyers, made its name in Iraq, where Mr Shiner . represented alleged victims of abuses by British troops, including . relatives of Baha Mousa, who died in 2003 in British custody. Nearly £3million has been paid in compensation to the family of Mr Mousa and other men. Mr Shiner sent a representative to Iraq to find and interview people . who claimed to have been harmed by the British, and their claims were . brought to the British courts. Public . Interest Lawyers says it is currently acting for more than 130 former . detainees who allege that they or their family members were unlawfully . detained, ill-treated, or killed by UK forces in Iraq. Controversial: The detention facility at Camp Bastion, where the BBC said up to 90 Afghans are held . The firm’s interests are, . however, not exclusively abroad. It says its mission is ‘helping . individuals like you challenge the unlawful behaviour of those who . govern us both nationally and locally’. Its . most recent highly-publicised domestic case was last month when it . represented a campaign group who objected to the use of unpaid workers . in Surrey libraries on the grounds they had not received equality . training. It won the case . and the county council was barred by a High Court judge from using . volunteers to work in its libraries. This was, said Mr Shiner, a . ‘fantastic result’. The libraries are now threatened with closure.
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Eight of the inmates have been held for as long as 14 months .
They haven't been charged or given access to lawyers, it is claimed .
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond today defended the policy .
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A scientist has 'remixed' his version of the sound of the big bang in light of detailed new data gathered by a multi-million pound space probe. Information beamed back from the European Space Agency's £515m Planck space telescope has already seen physicists revise their estimates of the age of the universe. Now one professor has used the Planck data to create an updated, 'high fidelity' rendition of the sound of the early development of the universe more than 13billion years ago. Scroll down for audio . Imprint: This image shows the afterglow created by the Big Bang - and now a professor has come up with a version of how it sounded . John Cramer, a professor emeritus of the University of Washington, first created an audio version of the big bang using data from NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy ten years ago. Professor Cramer has now used the better quality Planck readings to create a new rendition. 'The new frequency spectrum goes to much higher frequencies than did the WMAP analysis, and therefore offers a more 'high-fidelity' rendition of the sound of the Big Bang,' the professor explained on his website. The physicist used the Planck mission analysis of the cosmic microwave background - radiation from around 400,000 years after the start of the universe - which turns the temperature variations of the CMB into angular frequency components or 'multipoles'. Professor Cramer pointed out that the actual big bang frequencies were far too low to have been heard by the human ear, so he scaled them up by a 'huge factor' for his simulation, which represents the first 760,000 years of the universe. Last month the European Space Agency unveiled a portrait of the infant universe based upon the first 15 and a half months of data from the Planck space telescope. The data also set a new value for the rate at which the universe is expanding today, indicating that the age of the universe is 13.82billion years - 80million years older than previously thought. 'High-fidelity': The Planck data goes to much higher frequencies than the old WMAP analysis, the professor said . AUDIO: Listen to the 'high-fidelity' rendition of the sound of the big bang .
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Professor has updated his 'sound of the big bang' in light of new data .
John Cramer used detailed new readings from Planck cosmology probe .
New in-depth analysis allows for more 'high-fidelity' rendition of sound .
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87b9b1d31d597001664e51f8a5db81a3950d1574
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By . Jason Groves . and James Slack . PUBLISHED: . 19:34 EST, 27 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 19:48 EST, 27 January 2014 . David Cameron was accused of complacency over immigration from Romania and Bulgaria last night after claiming it was running at a 'reasonable level' David Cameron was accused of complacency over immigration from Romania and Bulgaria last night after claiming it was running at a ‘reasonable level’. The Prime Minister – who is facing a major Commons rebellion over EU immigration this week – said he ‘shares the frustrations’ of those who want tighter border controls. But he suggested there was little sign of the influx of Romanian and Bulgarian workers predicted by some when transitional controls were lifted at the beginning of this month. ‘Now I think we can see, at the start of the year, so far there looks to be a reasonable level of migration,’ he said. Mr Cameron was later forced to admit his comments were based purely on anecdotal evidence. ‘There aren’t any official statistics,’ he said. ‘I haven’t been looking at any unofficial statistics. But just from what I read and see and hear, as you have, I think that these numbers look, as I said this morning, reasonable.’ Labour accused the Prime Minister of ‘making it up as he goes along’ while rebel Tories said he was guilty of complacency. Mark Reckless, a Tory member of the Commons home affairs committee, said the first official statistics would not be published until May, with more reliable figures not due until October. Mr Reckless, one of dozens of Tory MPs threatening to rebel on the Immigration Bill on Thursday, said: ‘Unless the Prime Minister has been hanging around Victoria Coach Station I don’t know what he is basing his comments on. ‘Even if numbers have been reasonable as he said, the problem is that may knock us off our target in terms of cutting immigration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands.’ He suggested there was little sign of the influx of Romanian and Bulgarian workers predicted by some when transitional controls were lifted at the beginning of this month . Tory . Douglas Carswell said it was far too early to judge how many people . would come from Romania and Bulgaria to work in industries such as . tourism, construction and agriculture where many jobs are seasonal and . demand increases later in the year. Mr . Carswell said: ‘I think it is complacent to suggest that because of the . number who have moved here in the first few weeks this is not an issue. 'Labour made exactly the same mistake just over a decade ago when Poland and other Eastern European countries joined the EU.’ Ministers are braced for a series of potential rebellions on the Immigration Bill. Reasonable: Romanians passengers Constantin Binciu, 46 (left) and Octavian Kessler, 29, at Baldovin Parcalabu coach station, Bucharest waiting for a coach to take them to the UK . Arrivals: Romanian Victor Spirescu pictured meeting Keith Vaz as he arrived in the country on New Year's Day. He disappeared after spending one day working at a car wash . Commons sources said ministers look set to use time-wasting tactics to try to avoid the embarrassment of major rebellions, or even defeats, on Thursday. Tory MPs are threatening to vote for the retrospective introduction of immigration controls on Romania and Bulgaria, despite Government warnings that the move would be illegal under EU law. And former Labour home secretary David Blunkett has joined 100 Tory MPs demanding that foreign criminals should no longer be able to claim they have a right to a ‘family life’ in the UK to avoid deportation. Ministers are promising to tighten the rules using the Immigration Bill, but backbench MPs say the changes would still leave the system open to abuse.
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Prime Minister faces down rebels demanding reintroduction of restrictions .
Cameron later forced to admit comments based on anecdotal evidence .
Labour has accused the Prime Minister of ‘making it up as he goes along’
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(CNN) -- Operators of a South African gold mine fired 8,100 striking workers after they did not return to work. Some 15,000 workers at Gold Fields Limited's KDC East mine near Johannesburg had been participating in an on-again, off-again strike since August. Many workers returned to work this week, and the company said it fired those who did not return. The fired workers were given 24 hours -- until Wednesday evening -- to appeal the decision, company spokesman Sven Lunsche said. The line of workers wanting to appeal stretched for a kilometer. The workers at the Gold Fields mine had gone of strike to seek higher pay, the same as workers at several other South Africa mines. The firings at Gold Fields Limited mark the latest incident in a wave of sometimes-violent labor unrest that has wracked South Africa's mining sector -- the country's biggest industry -- for nearly two months. Another company, Anglo-American Platinum, fired about 12,000 striking workers who declined to attend disciplinary hearings last week after a three-week walkout. Four people were wounded during clashes between security officers and striking workers at a Gold One mine in September. And police fired on strikers at Lonmin's Marikana platinum mine in August, killing 34 workers and wounding dozens.
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Workers at a Gold Fields Limited mine had been on strike since August .
Many returned to work this week; those who didn't are fired .
The fired workers have 24 hours to appeal .
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7ebf9ee560dfa760bb7ca75281c6aba5a873844c
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A deluxe LA bunker was created in the 1930s by Nazi followers in America who were convinced Hitler was about to conquer the US and would need a base so he could establish Nazi rule. Winona and Norman Stephens, the wealthy owners of the property, turned their land into a self-sustaining Nazi community for the dictator after being told by a German man named Herr Schmidt that his country would soon defeat the US. Although details about Schmidt are scant, he was known to be a prominent member of the Silver Legion of America, a fascist, anti-Semitic, white supremacist group. Scroll down for video . A deluxe LA bunker was created in the 1930s by Nazi followers in America who were convinced Hitler was planning to conquer the US and would need a base to operate from . Winona and Norman Stephens, the wealthy owners of the property, turned it into a safe compound for the dictator after being told by a man named Herr Schmidt that Germany would soon defeat the United States . A blueprint for part of Murphy Ranch.LA Curbed revealed the seemingly forgotten plans for the famous landmark which include those for and by the firm of the legendary Paul R. Williams . The Silver Shirts were a sinister group of 1930s fascists who took their name from Hitler's Brown Shirts grass roots organisation. Fascism had been on the rise in the wake of the Great Depression and the Silver Shirts were one of the most fanatical organisations. According to reports Norman Stephens was an engineer and apparently financed the operation while his wife, the daughter of a wealthy industrialist, believed Schmidt when he claimed to have supernatural powers. Video courtesy of Mike & Jay Explore . The plans suggest that the wealthy owners of Murphy Ranch dreamed of a complex, self-sustaining 'utopia' with a mansion fit for a world leader, but they were never seen through . The compound was already equipped with a diesel power plant, 375,000 gallon concrete water tank, giant meat locker, 22 bedrooms and even a bomb shelter . The heavily guarded estate was home to a community of Hollywood fascists who hoped to ride out the war there . Unconfirmed reports suggest that Schmidt was Hitler's agent in America. Schmidt warned the couple that Germany would soon defeat the United States and that the end of the world was at hand. He persuaded them to invest $4million ($66 million today) to transform the property into a Nazi stronghold fit for Hitler. They bought the 55-acre ranch, under the name pseudonym 'Jessie M. Murphy, widow' in 1933. Consequently the compound was equipped with a diesel power plant, 375,000 gallon concrete water tank, giant meat locker, 22 bedrooms and even a bomb shelter. The heavily guarded became a home to a community of Hollywood fascists who hoped to ride out the war there and there were further plans to build five libraries, a swimming pool, several dining rooms and a gymnasium with money from Germany. Now LA Curbed has revealed the seemingly forgotten plans for the famous landmark which include those for and by the firm of the legendary Paul R. Williams, who designed the homes of numerous celebrities, including Frank Sinatra. The couple had grand plans drawn up by several different architects, but they were not followed through. In an episode of Travel Channel's 'Off Limits,' historian Randy Young reveals that the wrought iron gates at the entrance of the compound were made by famous African-American architect Paul Revere Williams. The ruins of the compound from where American Nazis hoped their leader would one day rule the world lies tucked away in the Los Angeles hills . The remnants of the huge concrete water tank on the Murphy Ranch where which was built in the 1930s by the Silver Shirts group of American fascists . The plans suggest that the wealthy owners of Murphy Ranch dreamed of a complex, self-sustaining 'utopia' with a mansion fit for a world leader, but they were never seen through . The couple bought the 55-acre ranch for Hitler, under the name pseudonym 'Jessie M. Murphy, widow' in 1933. Pictured: The remains of the machine shed . The couple had grand plans drawn up by several different architects, but they were not followed through . 'They may have been Nazis, but they were Nazis with taste,' he joked. Williams' architectural sketches also included plans for a four-story mansion, 22 bedrooms and five bathrooms, but they were never carried out. In 1941, the day after Pearl Harbour, as America entered World War Two, police raided the premises and rounded up the 50 or so American fascists who were living there. Some reports suggest Herr Schmidt was arrested, although there is no proof of this. Norman and Winona sold the compound in 1948 by which point they lived alone in a garage. Abandoned in 1990s, today the eerie landmark lies in ruins, daubed with graffiti. Close to the homes of actors and directors such as Stephen Spielberg, the site has been a magnet for historians, curiosity-seekers and modern-day nazis . At one point after the war it became an artists colony and was home to the novelist Henry Miller . Williams' architectural sketches also included plans for a four-story mansion, 22 bedrooms and five bathrooms, but they were never carried out . Abandoned in 1990s, today the eerie landmark lies in ruins, daubed with graffiti . Close to the homes of actors and directors such as Stephen Spielberg, the site has been a magnet for historians, curiosity-seekers and modern-day Nazis. At one point after the war it became an artists colony and was home to the novelist Henry Miller. Historian Randy Young told the Sunday Express: 'This was supposed to be the seat of American fascism from where Hitler would one day run the United States. 'The neighbours were a little freaked out by the construction and weird happenings, but until war broke out, they thought they were just eccentric people.' The compound, which is located at the Will Rogers State Historic Park, can be accessed on a hike through Rustic Canyon. In 1941, the day after Pearl Harbour, as America entered World War Two, police raided the premises and rounded up the the 50 or so American fascists who were living there .
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Murphy Ranch is in Los Angeles' Santa Monica Mountain .
Ranch was owned by Winona and Norman Stephens, from Chicago .
The Nazi sympathizers constructed compound in 1930s for Hitler's 'arrival'
Persuaded to buy ranch for $4million ($66 million today) by German man .
Site was abandoned in the 1990s and is now covered in graffiti .
Now architect plans have revealed the plans the couple had for compound .
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45d77fe47c47a623caba81602f1df92de25836e2
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The Professional Footballers' Association has launched a major political drive for rule changes to ensure a minimum of four home-grown players in starting line-ups for every club match from the Premier League down. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor met Jon Cruddas, the MP leading the Labour Party's policy review, on Monday to push the union's position aimed at increasing the number of English players at the top of the professional game. Taylor also plans to meet the Government to argue the case for quotas of home-grown players, with each starting XI having four with at least one trained by the club. James Milner was one of only four home-grown players on the pitch when Manchester City met Chelsea . Gordon Taylor says Milner's man of the match performance shows English players should get a chance . It would need the agreement of the Football Association, the Premier League and the Football League to bring in the rules, but winning political support from the main parties would be a big boost to the PFA. Taylor said FA chairman Greg Dyke's announcement of moves to reduce the number of non-European Union players in English football was welcome but 'a drop in the ocean' and that radical action is needed. Taylor told Press Association Sport: 'The key is starting on the field of play and to have at least four home-grown players of which one should be club-grown. With so much money going into youth development we need to see some return from that. 'Look at Sunday, there were only four English players in the Manchester City v Chelsea teams and the best player on the pitch was one of them, James Milner. 'We have a meeting with the head of the Labour Party's policy review about our concerns on youth development. The fall-out rate has been so high that if we were a university we would probably have been closed down. PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor complained that the fall-out rate for English talent is much too high . Greg Dyke has announce plans to limit the number of non-EU players but the PFA say it isn't enough . 'Unless we tweak the system with regards to quotas I don't see how that's going to improve. 'Earlier this month I saw England Under-19s draw with the German Under-19s who were the European champions - we were the best team and I was so impressed but you wonder what opportunities they are going to get in senior football. 'We will also be approaching the current Government on these issues as well.' Taylor also wants political support for the PFA's backing of the 'Rooney rule' to encourage more black and ethnic minority coaches - there is only one black manager in the 92 league clubs, Chris Powell at Huddersfield. The 'Rooney rule', used in American football, would oblige clubs to shortlist at least one black/ethnic minority candidate for each coaching position. Raheem Sterling is one of very few young English players who have broken through to first team football . Danny Welbeck had to move clubs after finding his path to first team football blocked by expensive imports . Taylor is also pushing for the FA board to include representatives from the PFA, fans and the League Managers' Association. The PFA chief said the FA's move to toughen up the work permit rules for non-EU players was to be welcomed but would only have a very limited effect on the number of English players in the top flight. He added: 'The fact is there are so many countries that are either in the EU, or have trade agreements that are permit-free, and then you have Argentinian players with passports from Spain and Italy, and Brazilians with Portuguese passports. 'It's just going to be a drop in the ocean.'
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Footballers union wants at least four home-grown players in starting XI .
Chief Executive Graham Taylor met with MP Jon Cruddas on Monday .
Taylor wants English players to get more of a chance in senior football .
PFA also backing 'Rooney rule' to encourage black managers .
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aa941b3a4c3f39133f46af8c73e64e0ab89afc30
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . A day out being draped in snakes isn't everybody's idea of a good time. But in one tiny town in central Italy serpents are treated as VIPs and given pride of place in the May Day celebrations, as piles of writhing reptiles are paraded around respectful crowds. Each May 1 the people of medieval town of Cocullo in the Apennine Mountains places thirty live snakes onto a statue of Saint Domenic as they celebrate the Saint's healing powers in an annual procession. On May Day a statue of Saint Domenic was covered in snakes and paraded through the streets of tiny Italian town Cocullo in Abruzzo . Saint Domenic was said to have had healing powers that helped rid the town of poisonous snakes in the 11th Century and the procession dates back to 1392 . Thousands . of locals, tourists, photographers and snake-lovers line the streets, . many bringing wild snakes that they have recently captured, as . the slithering centrepiece makes it's way through the Abruzzo town. After the 90 minute procession the reptiles, a combination of four-lined, . aesculapian, grass and green whip snakes, are set free in the wild . while the celebrations continue in Cocullo with a huge fireworks . display. According to local news site lifeinabruzzo.com . there are three supposed origins to the Snake Festival but the . strongest held belief is that in the 11th Century Saint Domenic was said . to have cleared the local fields of thousands of snakes and as a sign . of thanks the locals have been parading his serpent-covered since 1392. Thousands of people descended on the sleepy town on May 1 . Tourists and snake-lovers pour into the tiny Abruzzo village, whose population is normally just 285 people . Many visitors bring wild snakes that they have recently captured . Following Catholic Mass the slithering centrepiece makes it's way through the medieval town . The reptiles are a combination of four-lined, aesculapian, grass and green whip snakes . Locals begin collecting the reptiles in March and fatten them up on a diet of mice and eggs . The snakes are not poisonous but they do have their fangs removed prior to the procession . There are three supposed origins to the Snake Festival but the strongest held belief is that in the 11th Century Saint Domenic was said to have cleared the local fields of thousands of snakes . As a sign of thanks to the Saint the locals have been parading his serpent-covered statue since 1392 .
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The 'Festa dei Serpari' is held May 1 every year in Cocullo, Italy .
A statue of Saint Domenic is covered with over thirty live snakes and hundreds more can be found in the crowd .
The statue and cargo is paraded through the medieval town in celebration of the Saint's incredible healing powers .
The non-poisonous snakes have their fangs removed prior to the event .
Cocullo has a population of 285 .
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By . David Mccormack . PUBLISHED: . 10:47 EST, 12 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:57 EST, 12 December 2012 . A central Indiana girls high school basketball game turned into a rout Tuesday night when Bloomington South High School beat Arlington High School by a final score of 107-2. The shocking score line has sparked outrage, not for the embarrassed losers but for the winners who have been accused of unsportsman-like behavior after running up the massive score. ‘(The score) is probably not what we would like to see,’ said Chris Kaufman, spokesman for the Indiana High School Athletic Association, which doesn’t have a so-called mercy rule. Basketball massacre: Bloomington South beat Arlington 107-2 in girls basketball, but some people think they went too far . Also known by the slightly less polite term slaughter rule, the mercy rule brings a sports event to an early end when one team has a commanding lead over the other. It is called the mercy rule because it spares the losing team the humiliation of suffering a massacre. While extremely rare in competitive sports, it is common at a high school level. Defending his team’s victory, Bloomington coach Larry Winters told RTV6 that he played all nine girls on the team during the game. Lauren Whitlach tallied 30 points for the winning team and the result is their first ever victory by more than 34 points. Arlington's only two points came from free throws in the second and third quarters. The high scoring game has ignited much debate online. ‘Say what you want, but a 107-2 score makes Bloomington South look worse than it does Arlington,’ tweeted Jake Query, a host for 1260 WNDE. Begging for mercy: The mercy rule brings a sports event to an early end when one team has a commanding lead over the other (stock image) Sports commentator Jake Query was opening critical of Bloomington on his Twitter feed . Debate over the mercy rule rages on the RTV6 Facebook page, where most commenters were upset by the scoreline . Arlington High School's girls basketball team has played six and lost six this season . The debate also raged on the RTV6 Facebook page, where most commentators were upset by the scoreline. 'I'm from Bloomington and think that's just wrong. They should have pulled the players!' wrote Amy Clark Woolf. 'Coaches should of pulled players or they should of called the game,' Jamie Trusty Haddan wrote. 'Nothing like disgracing the other team. Coaches should of thought of how the other teams players felt and what it would of felt like if that was their team.' 'If you don't want the other team to score so high, stop them,' wrote Jay Carter. But others defended the game. 'Nothing wrong with that at all,' Matt Lucas wrote. 'I think it's a game and should be played however they want to as long as no rules are broke,' Danielle Gwaltney wrote. 'Is Bloomingtons team that good...or is Indys that bad?!' Bloomington South moved to 7-1 following the victory, while Arlington fell to 0-6 after finishing last season with a 1-19 record.
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Bloomington South High School has been criticized for thrashing local rivals Arlington High School .
Critics say the team should have invoked the so-called mercy rule in which a winning team stops short of humiliating the opposition .
Many high school athletic associations include such a rule, but not Indiana .
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Washington (CNN) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates announced some far-reaching proposals Monday for restructuring the massive budget at his agency, including getting rid of the U.S. Joint Forces Command. The cuts could mean a loss of thousands of jobs. The current Defense Department budget totals more than $530 billion a year, and defense officials believe they need increases of 2 to 3 percent a year to sustain the force structure and meet modernization needs. However, the recession caused the department to propose a 1 percent budget increase for next year, and the cuts announced Monday were intended to help hold down overall costs. "We must be mindful of the difficult economic and fiscal situation facing our nation," Gates told reporters at the Pentagon. "As a matter of principle and political reality, the Department of Defense cannot expect America's elected representatives to approve budget increases each year unless we are doing a good job, indeed, everything possible to make every dollar count." Gate's acknowledged the plan was "politically fraught," and congressional criticism began even before Gates was finished announcing the moves. The proposal to eliminate the Joint Forces Command, which is based in Norfolk, Virginia, met with opposition from both the state's U.S. Democratic senators. Sen. Jim Webb released a statement saying getting rid of it "would be a step backward and could be harmful" to the military, while Sen. Mark Warner said: "I can see no rational basis for dismantling" the Joint Forces Command. The command, which has an annual budget of $240 million and 2,800 military and civilian employees, is one of the department's 10 "combatant commands." Unlike most of the others, it does not have a particular global region of responsibility, such as Central Command that is responsible for the Middle East. The command is made up of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are trained and equipped to work together in response to the needs of other combatant commands. It grew out of the old Atlantic Command and became the Joint Forces Command in 1999. Gen. James Mattis had been commander until he was recently picked to become Centcom commander. Gen. Raymond Odierno, currently head of U.S. forces in Iraq, has been picked to run the Joint Forces Command. "I told Ray that his assignment at JFCOM is essentially the same as his assignment in Iraq, and that is working himself out of a job." Gates said. Eliminating the Joint Forces Command is just one of a wide-ranging series of proposals presented by Gates. Others include: . -- Eliminating some of the 65 military boards and commissions to cut the budget for them by 25 percent in fiscal year 2011; . -- A review of all Defense Department intelligence to eliminate needless duplication; . -- Eliminating the Defense Department's Business Transformation Agency, which has day-to-day oversight of acquisition programs that would be handled by others in the department; . -- Reducing funding for service support contractors by 10 percent a year for each of the next three years; . -- Freezing the number of jobs in the Officer of the Secretary of Defense, the Defense Agencies and Combatant Commands at current levels; . -- Seeking to stop "brass creep," a term former Sen. John Glenn used for situations when higher-ranking officers were doing jobs that lower ranking officers could handle. To address that problem, Gates is ordering a freeze on the number of generals, admirals and senior civilian officials at current levels. Gates was adamant that the Pentagon must change its way of thinking about money. "The culture of endless money that has taken hold must be replaced by a culture of savings and restraint," Gates said. "Toward this end, I am directing that any new proposal or initiatives, large or small, be it policy, program or ceremony, come with a cost estimate. That price tag will help us determine whether what we are gaining or hope to gain is really worth the cost."
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Defense Department budget cuts could mean the loss of thousands of jobs .
Virginia senators oppose possible elimination of Joint Forces Command .
Recession leads to lower proposed increase for next year .
Defense Secretary Robert Gates announces cuts to hold down overall costs .
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A teenager has told how she was 'stalked' by the prime suspect in the murder of Arkansas realtor Beverly Carter just a few months ago. Alex Rowe said she was so terrified of convicted felon Arron Lewis that she filed a harassment complaint with police. The 19-year-old told MailOnline in an exclusive interview that Lewis gave her 'the creeps' after he repeatedly sent her messages on Facebook. Scroll down for video . Creepy: Alex Rowe described how her neighbor Lewis wouldn't leave her alone after befriending him . Arrogant: Alex said that 'He thought he was so smooth that women would just fall at his feet' 'He just would not leave me alone and would keep on sending messages,' Alex said. 'It just got all too much and I had to go to the police to file a complaint. I was being stalked and it felt so uncomfortable. I felt like he was watching me all the time. 'The messages would not stop and it was really creepy. I told him I would go to the police and that's what I did.' Mrs Carter's body was found in a shallow grave at a concrete company where Lewis worked in a rural area 25 miles northeast of Little Rock. She had been missing since last Thursday after going alone to show a house. Lewis was arrested on Monday and is facing a murder charge in the 49-year-old's death. When confronted by a reporter over why he did it, he replied: 'Because she was just a woman that worked alone, a rich broker.' At a press conference on Tuesday, police said the attack was random. They offered few extra details, but Pulaski County Sheriff Doc Holladay said they were able to track Mrs Carter's phone, leading to the discovery of her body. The sheriff, however, would not say how she died. Rowe said that she believed that Carter thought he could get any woman he wanted. 'He thought he was so smooth that women would just fall at his feet,' said Alex. 'He was always chatting up women and saying that he could have anyone he wanted. He thought women would believe whatever he said.' Rowe, who works as an Avon beauty sales lady, said she filed the harassment report five months ago shortly before the birth of her first son. 'It did not surprise me when I heard he was a suspect in the realtor's disappearance. I would not put anything past him,' she said. Lewis has a long criminal history, including charges of felony theft; accomplice to theft; unlawful removal of theft device; obstruction of government operations, and other counts. Lewis also has rap sheets in Kansas City, Missouri, and in Utah. He was released in Arkansas in August 2013 and was on parole until 2017. Law enforcement would not release details of Rowe's complaint to MailOnline. Alex and Lewis lived next door to each other for several months before the suspect moved to Jacksonville, Arkansas. Video courtesy of Arkansas Matters . Confession? Asked by a reporter why he targeted Beverly Carter, Lewis told a reporter: 'Because she was just a woman that worked alone, a rich broker' Drama: Beverly, left, went missing on Thursday after going alone to show a home. On Sunday, it was revealed that Lewis, right, was involved in a car accident, was given treatment, and fled until his arrest on Monday . Gotcha! Police arrest Lewis on Monday after passersby spotted him and helped officers tackle him . Lewis was living in a trailer home in south Little Rock when he met Rowe who was pregnant with her first child. She said he would spend hours each day on Facebook and despite her requests for him to stop, continually send her messages. 'I was living with my sister-in-law and he was in a trailer next door,' she said. 'I would get all these messages non-stop. They just got so tiresome and some of them were not nice. I felt that he was stalking me and I could not do anything because he was watching me all the time.' Carter’s murder came after Lewis had been arguing with his 38 year old wife Crystal Lowery at their home in Jacksonville, Arkansas. The argument got so heated police were called, according to two neighbour interviewed by MailOnline. 'All I could hear was doors slamming and lots of screaming and shouting,' said one neighbour who asked not to be named. 'It was awful. Someone else called the police because it was going on for so long.' The neighbour said Lewis and his wife and lived in the house for almost a year – and described their relationship as 'very volatile.' 'They were always arguing and seem to be at each other’s throats.' Lowery, a trainee nurse, has gone into hiding since her husband's arrest. She was briefly seen at the family home on Sunday where she picked up some clean clothes. Another neighbour told how Lewis asked to borrow a drill on Friday night – by which time police believe Mrs Carter was already dead. 'He seem very calm and there was nothing out of the ordinary,' said the neighbour. 'We always got on well with him and he was no trouble but it is spooky to think he was back here while that poor woman was missing.' Prior to moving into the trailer home Lewis had owned a single-storey home in south Little Rock. Neighbors Calvin and Donna Crutchfile ended up buying the two-bedroom home from Lewis earlier this year. They said after learning he was a suspect in the kidnapping of Mrs Carter they feared he would come back to the house. 'I must admit I was a bit on edge,' said Mr Crutchfile. 'The house he once owned was empty and I thought he might come back to hide out. It made me pretty nervous and I called the State Police out here.' Crutchfile said he was aware that Lewis had multiple convictions for theft but said while he lived next door he was a good neighbor. 'He was not trouble. There were no loud parties and we got on well. I knew he had been in prison but everyone deserves a second chance. He is not the first person to go away and come out. I did not hold that against him.' Another neighbor said Lewis had an expensive motorbike and pick up truck - but never appeared to work. 'I always wondered where he got all his money,' said the neighbor. 'I am told that he bought the house for cash. I could never work out where he was getting his money from.' Relationship trouble: Lewis gushed about his wife online in between lamenting them having split up. He also posted an advert on dating website Plenty of Fish, right, looking for hook ups . Trailer: Lewis lived in this trailer home in Little Rock next to Alex before moving to Jacksonville, Arkansas . Prior to his arrest Lewis was active on Facebook detailing his love life. In July he wrote in glowing terms about wife Crystal. But just months earlier he had said they had split up and declared himself single. Lewis posted a picture of himself on the online dating site 'Plenty of Fish'. He was also candid about his criminal past and detailed his various arrests on Facebook. Among the postings were five pages from a police report where he claimed he was the victim of a home invasion and threatened with a gun. The police report from October 2013 describes how two men burst into the home he was sharing with his then girlfriend Ashley Mitchell. One of the men was her estranged husband and in his report to the police Lewis claimed he was threatened with a gun and Ashley ordered to leave. When police responded they located Jesse Mitchell who denied making any threats. A search of his vehicle and the surrounding area did not reveal any firearm. When contacted by MailOnline Ashley Mitchell said she had nothing to say. A friend added: 'Ashley was going through a rough patch and hooked up with Arron. That ended a long time ago and she has had nothing to do with him for months.' Mrs Carter went missing from an empty home in Scott after meeting a mystery buyer who arrived in a pick up truck. Her purse was found in her car and the front door of the vacant property open. Her husband Carl reported her missing when she failed to return home. He later said he received three text messages from his wife which were completely out of character for her. Despite an extensive search by police and hundreds of volunteers since she disappeared on Friday there has been no sign of the popular blonde real estate agent. Tragedy: Beverly's husband and family had been hoping for her safe return before the grim discovery . Lewis was named as a person of interest on Sunday and was briefly held by police after a road traffic accident. Before an arrest warrant could be issued he fled from hospital where he was being treated for facial injuries sustained when his car skidded into a ditch. Lewis was arrested on Monday morning after a member of the public recognized his photo from the local media and called 911. He was captured after allegedly pulling a knife on a bystander who had followed him to an office building. Lewis tried to flee from the Pleasant Pointe apartments on Green Mountain Drive but was held and handcuffed.
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Alex Rowe called police after Arron Lewis bombarded her with Facebook messages 5 months ago when they were neighbors in Little Rock, Arkansas .
She said: 'He would just not leave me alone. He was really creepy. He thought he was so smooth that women would just fall at his feet'
Beverly Carter's body was found a day after Lewis was arrested .
The 49-year-old realtor had disappeared last Thursday when she left to show a client a foreclosed home in Scott, Arkansas .
Her body was found overnight Tuesday and Lewis has been charged with capital murder, kidnapping and four counts of possession of firearm .
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(CNN) -- This year's roster of awards show nominees are more diverse than has probably ever before been seen in Hollywood. Films featuring mostly African-American casts such as "12 Years a Slave," "Fruitvale Station," "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom" and "Lee Daniels' The Butler" have seen both their projects and their actors rack up plenty of critical praise and some nominations. But does diversity really count if a film or its stars are passed over for the win? During Sunday night's Golden Globes "12 Years a Slave" was nominated for seven awards, but snagged only one, though it was the biggest of the night: best motion picture, drama. "Losing again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again was crushing for the '12 Years a Slave' crew," Entertainment Weekly noted of the scene at the awards show. "By the time the final award was presented -- Best Drama -- many at the Fox event were only half paying attention. They had passed the other stages of grief and settled on 'acceptance.'" Being passed over for wins can happen to any movie, but when it happens to a critically acclaimed film about slavery with a mostly black cast, the issue of race can't help but become a part of the conversation. Especially when the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, which runs the Globes, and the Academy Awards voting body also gave no nods to "Lee Daniels' The Butler" and "Fruitvale Station," both of which were popular with critics. "Oprah (Winfrey, who was heralded for her performance in 'The Butler') was such a sure thing for Gold Derby's Experts that she came in first place for a nomination as far back as September 1...," wrote site Gold Derby, which handicaps the award races. Undoubtedly, there would be some snubs with such a strong year for films in Hollywood. But even beyond those nominated there is the issue of the importance of actually scoring a trophy. Jeff Friday is founder and chief executive officer of Film Life, Inc., which sponsors the annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF). He said that while this season has turned out to be "a phenomenal year as it relates to diversity in cinema," that doesn't ensure those films will be noted. "This is what I would call a banner year for black cinema," Friday said. "But what is a banner year in the theaters does not always translate to that same level of accolade as it relates to awards season. I was pleased to see the number and breadth of nominees, but was not at all surprised to see that the black films didn't win (at the Golden Globes)." This is an era when USA Today can cause an uproar by referring, as they did in a headline, to the mostly black cast film "The Best Man Holiday" as "race-themed" and where "Saturday Night Live" held special casting for black actresses after complaints that the show lacked diversity. Oscar nominations will be announced on Thursday and the Los Angeles Times reports that "despite recent efforts by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to expand and diversify its ranks, the overall group of 6,028 Academy Award voters remains much more white than the diverse group of filmmakers likely to be shortlisted for the best work in 2013's movies." Special coverage: Awards season 2014 . "Even with the 432 new voting members, the overall academy is still 93% white, a decrease of less than 1% from what The Times found in a 2012 membership study, and 76% male, also a less than 1% decrease from what The Times found two years ago," said a story from the Times published in December with the headline "Diversity efforts slow to change the face of Oscar voters." Film Independent is an organization that helps filmmakers make films and recognizes their work with the Film Independent Spirit Awards. The organization's president, Josh Welsh, said the importance of diversity cannot be overstated. "A healthy thriving film culture is one that embodies diversity where multiple voices and people from different parts of the country, and different ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientation, age and income are represented," he said. "The more diverse the pool of filmmakers is, the richer the film culture is." For that reason Film Independent actively works on increasing diversity behind the camera and has several programs including Project Involve, which seeks to cultivate talent from underrepresented communities. And while Welsh said it's great to see more diversity in this year's nominees, he believes it matters whether or not the awards are actually garnered. "As a culture we have a long way to go," he said. "Diversity is a problem -- the access people have to making films, getting their story told and getting recognition. There's a reason we keep diversity as a part of our mission because the work is not done. It's fantastic that these films and filmmakers are getting nominated and what's most important is that these films are getting into theaters and connecting with audiences." NPR television critic Eric Deggans pointed out in a recent piece on its website that "it is a landmark year in one sense: We are seeing more people of color nominated for major awards than we have in the past," while also noting that black actors Chiwetel Ejiofor and Idris Elba were nominated in both film and TV categories at the Golden Globes. "There are ... certain actors of color who've been embraced by Hollywood, and maybe it's time to spread that wealth around a little bit and get a wider range of actors involved in these big projects," Deggans said. Friday is already looking ahead to 2014 with concern that there doesn't appear to be as much diversity on tap in the big budget films as there was in 2013. His hope, he said, is that more diverse independent films will catch the eye of big studios for distribution, as was the case with "Fruitvale Station." He is also not waiting for Hollywood recognition as his organization is set to launch the ABFF Hollywood Awards, an online platform where the public can vote on their favorite black films and performances. "Hollywood is an industry about mass consumption and mass acceptance, but the people who pick the best are always a very small, monolithic group, so we don't have a voice," Friday said. "We should be proud of being nominated, but let's not have the illusion of inclusion." Keep up to date with the Awards tracker .
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New: "The Butler" and "Fruitvale Station" overlooked by Oscars .
There is a great deal of diversity among nominees this year .
Critically-acclaimed "12 Years a Slave" received only one Golden Globe .
Insider says there is still a long way to go .
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Washington (CNN) -- As President Barack Obama decides whether to strike ISIS inside Syria, he has political considerations as well. U.S. lawmakers are watching critically as Obama weighs options on how to deal with the threat from ISIS, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria. Many have argued the surge of ISIS is the direct result of lack of strategic action to date from Obama, while others are questioning how broadly Obama's executive authority extends when it comes to taking militarily action. Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, tells CNN that unless the United States or its citizens face an imminent threat from ISIS, Obama must seek approval from Congress before extended airstrikes against ISIS inside Syria. "I do think the president should come to Congress if he intends to embark on airstrikes in Syria for the purpose of trying to defeat ISIL," Schiff said Saturday. "If we're talking about the same kind of more general airstrikes we're undertaking in Iraq, that's something that would broaden the mission significantly. And, frankly, I think the case hasn't been made for that yet." Rep. Ed Royce, chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and a Republican from California, told CNN that he'd support the use of armed drones on ISIS in Syria. "I think strikes at this point, against the Syrian ISIS, which has bled into Iraq, those steps should be taken," Royce said. "Had they been taken some time ago, I think ISIS would not have as much influence on the ground as it has now." U.N.: 'Unspeakable' suffering in Iraqi town besieged by ISIS fighters . Royce said he would not, however, support putting U.S. troops on the ground. "There is no support in the United States on either side of the aisle for introducing ground troops there," Royce said. "The question is: do we support the Kurds? Do we support the Free Syrian Army in their effort to turn back ISIS? And in doing that, we need to give them the heavy equipment such as anti-tank missiles that desperately they need." "The most important aspect of this is that this needs to be a dialogue between Congress and the administration in terms of having a strategic plan forward in supporting the Kurdish forces on the ground," said Royce. "That's the infantry that is right now advancing against ISIS, and they need the support." Perry piles on President . Republican Gov. Rick Perry of Texas tied the ISIS threat into a broader critique of six years of the Obama doctrine. "When we think about where we are in the international scene, we think about the lack of leadership," Perry said. "When we see what's happened in Libya, Egypt, Israel, Syria, Ukraine and now back in Iraq that we were told three years ago was secure and al Qaeda was on the run and we see the enemy that we are having to deal with." Perry, who is considering a bid for the Republican nomination in 2016, made the remarks at a rally for New Hampshire Republican activists. The United States on Saturay carried out another airstrike in near the strategically important Mosul Dam in Iraq, according to the Defense Department. It's the 62nd such strike in support of Kurdish forces fighting for control of the dam and the 94th of the campaign against ISIS, which began August 8 and has included daily strikes. U.S. intelligence agencies are gathering information on the locations of ISIS leadership and troops in Syria, two U.S. officials have told CNN. Separately, U.S. officials said the military has been talking about increasing airstrikes in Iraq and possibly carrying out tailored airstrikes inside Syria against ISIS targets. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Joint Chiefs Chairman Martin Dempsey signaled the United States was gearing up for a significant change both in rhetoric and action regarding ISIS in Syria. "Can [ISIS] be defeated without addressing that part of their organization which resides in Syria? The answer is no," Dempsey told reporters Thursday. "That will have to be addressed on both sides of what is essentially at this point a nonexistent border. And that will come when we have a coalition in the region that takes on the task of defeating ISIS over time." Peter Bergen, a CNN national security analyst who has researched terror groups for decades, said it will be difficult to defeat ISIS without ground forces. 'What does day two look like?' But American's gloomy feelings of war fatigue will make consensus building for action in Syria a difficult sell. "President Obama has been very reluctant to get involved in Syria because what does day two look like?" Bergen said. "Two of the most effective fighting forces in Syria are al Qaeda or al Qaeda splinter groups, or groups like Hezbollah, backed by Iran. So if you intervene, you may be helping Iran and Hezbollah and [Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's] regime." Royce told CNN, however, that there are groups in Syria with which the United States can align. "We should be arming the Free Syrian Army," Royce said. "It was the opposition to Assad. It was clear that ISIS in a vacuum would move into that position. That's what we have seen happen." Adding another layer to the political and security calculus for the White House, intervention in Syria is more complicated than the ongoing airstrikes in Iraq due to international law, Bergen said. "You could imagine some combination of U.S. Special Forces in small numbers, drone strikes, and airstrikes in Syria just as has been taking place in Iraq. But it's a pretty big bridge to cross," Bergen said. "The Iraq government is inviting us to do these strikes in Iraq. The Syrian government certainly wouldn't be inviting us to intervene militarily in Syria. So there's a good question of international law, which after all the administration and the United States has good reasons to uphold."
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Administration considers hitting ISIS targets in Syria .
But there are political, international law questions .
And intervention could have other effects .
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Lord Mayor of London Fiona Woolf is facing calls to step down as the new head of the independent inquiry into child sex abuse . The new chairman of the government inquiry into child sex abuse faced calls to resign last night over her dinner party links to Leon Brittan. Fiona Woolf has now admitted she entertained the former Home Secretary and his wife three times at dinner parties at her house, and twice went to his central London home for dinner. But despite their social contacts she insisted she did not have a ‘close association’ with the peer. Lord Brittan is likely to be called to give evidence to the inquiry about allegations – which he denies – that in his time as Home Secretary in the Eighties he was at the centre of an Establishment cover-up of sex abuse claims. Mrs Woolf, who lives on the same street as the peer, also met his wife for coffee several times, sat on a prize-giving panel with her, and sponsored her £50 for a charity run. Former Home Secretary Lord Brittan is accused of failing to act on a dossier about alleged VIP paedophile rings given to him by MP Geoffrey Dickens in 1983. The peer has denied the claims. Mrs Woolf, giving evidence to the Home Affairs Select Committee yesterday, insisted the inquiry would ‘relentlessly uncover the truth for the victims’. But Labour MPs called on her to resign, and victims’ representatives said she was not an appropriate person for the job. Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, who led the campaign for an inquiry, said Mrs Woolf and Lord Brittan were ‘clearly good friends’ and she should stand down. Mr Danczuk said she seemed ‘out of her depth’ in her appearance before the MPs’ committee yesterday. And he made the extraordinary claim the Home Office may have been trying to ‘protect’ Lord Brittan with the appointment. ‘I have serious concerns about the relationship between Fiona Woolf and Leon Brittan,’ he said. ‘He is surely somebody who has to be investigated as part of the inquiry – not least because of his role as Home Secretary at the time. ‘The public will be concerned they are trying to protect Lord Brittan.’ He added: ‘The vast majority of people I know, if you have somebody round for dinner in your home, you would consider them a good friend. She should not be doing this job.’ Details of Mrs Woolf’s contacts with the Brittans emerged in a letter she sent to Home Secretary Theresa May, published yesterday.She said they lived on the same street since 2004, and invited the couple to a party at her home in January 2008, October 2008 and February 2009. Home Secretary Theresa May is under mounting pressure to sack her second choice to head up the inquiry into historic child abuse . Labour MP Simon Danczuk said it was clear that Fiona Woolf was a 'close friend' of the former Home Secretary Leon Brittan . She also attended dinner parties hosted by Lord Brittan in November 2009 and February 2012. Mrs Woolf told the committee she was given Home Office help in drafting the letter. Labour MP Keith Vaz, the committee chairman, said it was a ‘bit odd’ a draft of the letter was seen by the Home Office before it was sent to Mrs May. ‘Surely you should have written your own letter?’ he asked. Labour MP Paul Flynn pointed out the first choice as inquiry chair, Lady Butler-Sloss, had withdrawn because her brother was Attorney General during some of the period in question. ‘You seem to be an Establishment figure as well. Shouldn’t you resign in the interest of the report being accepted?’ he asked. Labour MP for Bassetlaw John Mann said it was ‘totally impossible’ for Mrs Woolf to chair the inquiry. The Home Secretary's first choice to lead the inquiry into historic child abuse was Baroness Butler-Sloss (left), but she was forced to step down because her brother was the Government's attorney general - in the Cabinet alongside Lord Brittan (right) - at the time some of the alleged abuse occurred . Alison Millar from law firm Leigh Day, who is representing several victims, claimed the inquiry would amount to little more than a ‘reheat’ of past reviews, adding: ‘Yet again we call on the Government to appoint an appropriate person.’ Mrs Woolf was given the full backing of Downing Street and the Home Office. A Number 10 spokesman insisted Mrs Woolf had the Prime Minister’s confidence, and she and the panel would ‘carry out their duties to the high standards of integrity required’. Before MPs Mrs Woolf, a former president of the Law Society and the current Lord Mayor of London, insisted she was not a member of the Establishment and was an ‘ordinary solicitor’. She said Lord Brittan was ‘one of thousands’ of people she knew in London. Lord Brittan is accused of burying a dossier given to him by MP Geoffrey Dickens in 1983. It documented the alleged involvement of VIP figures in a child sex ring. He has denied the claims. These are the unanswered questions: .
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Fiona Woolf lives on the same street as the ex Cabinet Minister Leon Brittan .
She invited former Home Secretary and his wife for dinner three times .
Brittan rejects claims he failed to act on dossier of abuse allegations in 1980s .
Theresa May appointed Mrs Woolf last month after her original choice quit .
Lady Butler-Sloss stepped down because her brother was attorney general .
Labour's Simon Danczuk said he had 'serious concerns' about Fiona Woolf .
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(CNN) -- "The Real World" has now been on TV for longer than some of MTV's viewers have been alive. Having aired 532 episodes filmed in 21 cities over 26 seasons, "The Real World" celebrates its 20th anniversary this week. Despite being one of the longest-running reality programs on TV, it seems viewers still aren't sick of seeing "what happens ... when people stop being polite ... and start getting real." The September 2011 premiere of the series' most recent season, "The Real World: San Diego," drew nearly 2 million viewers. Clocking in as the No. 1 original cable series of the night, the premiere marked the show's best debut in five seasons, according to TV by the Numbers. But "The Real World's" cultural significance extends far beyond the number of people who tune in these days. "'The Real World' was definitely the first show to put people into a house to live together," said Jonathan Murray, co-creator and executive producer of the series. It also introduced the "confessional" -- a room where cast members can go to speak directly into the camera and comment on their actions, Murray said. CBS' "Big Brother," which began airing in the United States in 2000, borrowed "The Real World's" format, adding a competitive element. Even MTV's shinier and newer reality program, "Jersey Shore," which attracted between 4 million and 7 million viewers throughout its fifth season, can attribute some of its success to the long-running series. "We've seen certain shows like 'Newlyweds' or 'The Osbournes' or 'Jersey Shore' come along, and somehow, 'The Real World' keeps coming back while some of those other shows have their super bright nova in the sky," Murray said. The show had somewhat humble beginnings. A 2007 USA Today story noted that MTV originally wanted the series to have a soap opera-feel. Then MTV chief Brian Graden told the publication that the show is "quite simply the undisputed granddaddy of modern, commercial reality television." Murray says the same things that originally made the series such a dark horse, including featuring a new cast and location each season, are what inevitably led to "The Real World's" longevity. "The fact that we do change the cast every season, and we do change the location," he said, "it keeps it fresh and it allows the show to very much reflect what's in the minds of young people." In some ways the show was groundbreaking. In 1994's "The Real World: San Francisco," cast member Pedro Zamora shared his struggle with HIV/AIDS. After Zamora died in November 1994, President Bill Clinton said the Cuban-born reality star "changed the face of HIV and AIDS in America forever." "'San Francisco' was just, for most of us who've worked on the show, an incredibly important season because of Pedro's involvement," Murray said, adding, Zamora's story took "The Real World" out of the entertainment section and placed it on the front page. That season, the series' third, is when Murray said he knew "The Real World" was special. He said he remembers thinking, "Maybe we'll get another five seasons." Since then, the show has tackled a number of previously taboo issues. Perhaps one of the series' most memorable cast members, Ruthie Alcaide, appeared on season eight, "The Real World: Hawaii." Alcaide's drinking problem, which eventually resulted in her temporarily leaving the show to enter a rehab center, shed a light on how young people cope with substance abuse, Murray said. "The show, from the very beginning, was built on the idea that we were going to put seven diverse people into a house together," Murray said. "And so, the DNA of the show has always been diversity. ... And over the years, we've explored that diversity in every way possible." Murray's current goal is to make it to 30 seasons, which is just around the corner considering that the 27th season, "The Real World: St. Thomas" is set to air on MTV this summer. And he said a 28th season has already been ordered. "What's amazing about 'The Real World' is that every four years, in a sense, a new audience grows up into it," Murray said, adding that he always hears people say things like, "'That Vegas season was the best (yet),' and they've never even heard of that first Vegas season (which premiered in 2002) with Trishelle (Cannatella)." But Murray's biggest fear isn't that the series won't hit its silver anniversary: "I'm scared for the day that we actually have someone apply to be on the show who's the son or daughter of someone who has been on the show."
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Having aired 532 episodes, "The Real World" celebrates its 20th anniversary this week .
The September 2011 premiere of "The Real World: San Diego" drew nearly 2 million viewers .
Co-creator: "(It) was definitely the first show to put people into a house to live together"
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(CNN) -- The cities of Annecy, Munich and Pyeongchang will battle it out to host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Munich is aiming to become the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics. The International Olympic Committee have confirmed they have received applications from France, Germany and South Korea ahead of this week's deadline. The IOC will now decide which of the applicants will become official candidate cities, before they undergo a full evaluation process. The final decision will be made in July 2011. France has hosted three editions of the Winter Olympics, most recently in 1992 in Albertville. Munich confirmed its run for the 2018 Games by officially launching the bid at the IOC's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland earlier this month. Should Munich -- together with the sporting facilities in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Berchtesgadener Land region -- get the vote from the IOC in July 2011, the scene would be set for another chapter in Olympic history. A city has never before hosted both the Summer and Winter Games, and Munich is now attempting to duplicate its success in attracting the Olympics back after hosting the 1972 Olympics. Pyeongchang formally submitted its bid last month. The city narrowly failed in its bids for 2010 and 2014, losing by three votes to Vancouver for next year's event and by just four votes to Sochi for the 2014 event. The runners and riders for the 2018 Winter Olympics were shortened earlier this week after China's Sports Ministry decided against backing bids from Harbin and Changchun for the Games. The move signalled an about-turn from the authorities after September saw the Chinese government announce it would throw its weight behind bids from any of its cities for the Games.
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Three cities will battle it out to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, the IOC reveal .
Annecy, Munich and Pyeongchang are the trio in contention to stage the event .
Munich bidding to become first city to stage both Summer and Winter Games .
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(CNN) -- Seth Meyers had big shoes to fill on Monday night. Meyers took over the "Late Night" chair from former "Saturday Night Live" alum Jimmy Fallon, who arguably had a great run as that show's host as he crafted now-pop culture favorites like "Slow-jamming the News" and "The History of Rap." So how did Meyers do with his debut? The reviews are in, and they range from "meh" to middling. The Daily Beast, which thought Meyers got "off to a rocky start on 'Late Night,'" noted that the newcomer "had a few missions to accomplish when we ran into him on Monday night." From 'Saturday Night' to 'Late Night' "He had to prove that Fallon's reign isn't a fluke, that late night really can be a home for the affable and good-natured," the Daily Beast's Kevin Fallon wrote. "And, most importantly, he had to show that the acute and observant brand of humor he displayed for 12 and a half years on 'Saturday Night Live,' many of those years spent as head writer and host of 'Weekend Update,' translates to the late-night talk show format." Fallon (we are assuming no relation to Jimmy) said it was "mission only sort of accomplished." Jimmy Fallon's debut on "The Tonight Show" last week was as big as his personality. It featured a performance by the band U2 and plenty of laughs with guest Will Smith and some of Fallon's famous friends, including Stephen Colbert and Tina Fey. Meyers also got a little help from his friend Amy Poehler, who was one of his first guests along with Vice President Joe Biden. Poehler, and Meyer's former "SNL" castmate, Fred Armisen was also part of the show as the leader of "Late Night's" band. Meyers even paid homage to Fallon in the form of a letter he wrote to his predecessor, and which he read during the opening of the show. So many nods to his "SNL" past seemed to make sense to The Los Angeles Times, which observed that Meyers' "monologue was reminiscent in style and cadence to his 'Weekend Update' segments, full of rapid-fire one-liners about the day's headlines." "Though he lacked the giddy enthusiasm that marked Fallon's first 'Tonight' outing last week, Meyers frequently acknowledged the show as a work in progress, noting that a monologue joke about UPS had bombed with the studio audience and making fun of his low-budget graphics," the L.A. Times' Meredith Blake wrote. Entertainment Weekly's Darren Franich gave the debut a grade of "B." "I laughed at the premiere of 'Late Night with Seth Meyers' less than I laughed at 'The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon,'" Franich wrote. "But I laughed more at Seth Meyers than I did at Jimmy Fallon." Music critic Ken Tucker was impressed, tweeting, "Jeez, @sethmeyers @LateNightSeth makes eye contact, subtly refers to cards, responds to what guests say ... he's, like, an actual TALK show host!" Others, too, seem willing to give Meyers some time to find his footing. Michael Starr of the New York Post wrote that Meyers "eventually found his sea legs and drove his new 12:35 p.m. show to a solid, if unspectacular, debut. ... He's charming with a certain 'aw shucks' demeanor that doesn't seem forced or contrived, and he'll have plenty of time to grow into his new role as a late-night host," Starr said.
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Seth Meyers took over from Jimmy Fallon on "Late Night"
Meyers got off to a slow start .
One writer says Meyers will get better .
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(CNN) -- A monument to communism, the Palace of Culture and Science dominates Warsaw's skyline. But soon the city's most prominent piece of architecture, a "gift" from Josef Stalin in the 1950s, will be joined by a building that will reflect the spirit of 21st century Poland. Designed by Daniel Libeskind, Zlota 44 is the star architect's first project in the country of his birth. Currently under construction the 54-story luxury apartment building that is supposed to resemble an eagle, Poland's nation symbol, is situated opposite the Palace of Culture and Science and close to one of the city's few synagogues that survived the Second World War. Explore more with Eye on Poland . Many see it as a statement of the country's desire to continue its revival and redefine its identity. "Now this world-recognized architect is coming back to Poland and building a symbolic structure in front of the Palace of Culture, a symbolic structure of communism," said Alicia Kosciesza of the Zlota 44 project. Libeskind left Poland with his parents as an emigrant to the U.S. when he was 13, but he has seen his homeland transformed since his childhood. "I grew up under the gray skies of communism, a depressed society, a totalitarian regime. A dismal period really." he said. "I return now and it's a new country, it's a renaissance. Skies are blue, people have light in their eyes, there's energy." Libeskind commonly accentuates the positives and transformative affects that buildings can have. From the Jewish Museum in Berlin, to his role as Master Planner for the new World Trade Center buildings in New York, his structures have engaged and inspired many and made him one of the world's most sought-after architects. "The re-building of Warsaw shows that despite the horrors (of the past) it's a beautiful city," he said. "It wasn't rebuilt perfectly (after the Second World War), but it's a city that has always had the spirit of something positive." Libeskind's Polish roots and formative years living in the U.S. as an immigrant are experiences that have shaped his attitude and were a direct inspiration for his plans for the World Trade Center. "This is a place that needs to have a spiritual feeling, this isn't just a piece of real estate anymore," he said of the World Trade Center site. "(When visiting 'Ground Zero') I looked South and I saw the Statute of Liberty and I saw myself arriving on that ship (when I was 13) and I thought, '"That's what America is like, that what this site is about.' It's how to connect that memory, that tragedy with the incredible city of New York."
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Architect Daniel Libeskind's new building transforming Warsaw .
Residential high-rise is Polish-born American's first project in Poland .
Under construction opposite communist-era Palace of Culture .
Some hope that it will be symbolic of Poland's revival .
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By . Misty White Sidell . Vogue creative director Grace Coddington was temporarily banned from Instagram over the weekend for her first post on the platform - a self-portrait sketch of her bathing topless. Ms Coddington, 73, known by fashion fans for her starring role in the 2009 documentary The September Issue, joined Instagram on Friday and quickly accumulated a few thousand followers. But by the weekend, her account had gone dark – purportedly due to the sketch, which was created to promote online auctioneer Paddle 8’s ‘No Clothes’ charity auction. Locked down: Vogue magazine's creative director Grace Coddington (pictured) had her Instagram account briefly frozen after she posted a topless sketch of herself on Friday . Instagram, of course, has a strict no-nudity policy that has led to similar bans placed on accounts from Rihanna and model Anja Rubik. Today however, Ms Coddington’s account was restored. Instagram claims that its blocking of Ms Coddington’s account was an accident, and that the app’s personnel made a mistake while processing a complaint against the photo. A representative for Instagram told The Cut: ‘When our team processes reports from other members of the Instagram community, we occasionally make a mistake. ‘In this case, we wrongly removed content and worked to rectify the error as soon as we were notified. We apologize for any inconvenience.’ In the brief time that her Instagram was dark shut down, at least one member of fashion’s elite shared an Instagram post to show their support for her. Offending content: This sketch, drawn by Ms Coddington to promote a Paddle 8 charity auction, is what caused her account to be frozen . W magazine fashion director Edward Enninful posted a photo of the cover for Ms Coddington’s first book, Grace, writing: ‘Grace Coddington's Instagram is no longer active because of her 1st post, the nude self portrait!!!!!! Grace will be back soon with a new account xoxo Stay posted! #gracecoddington #legend’ Now with her account back in working order, Ms Coddington has posted a new sketch to address her profile’s shut down. Hitting back: After her account was restored, Ms Coddington uploaded this sketch in which her famous cats are facetiously blacked out . Earlier today she posted one of her famous cat sketches with a black bar facetiously drawn over one of the feline’s lower halves. Its cheeky caption read: ‘Good grief Pumpkin, Mother drew a nude selfie for her very first Instagram. No wonder they shut her down......she is much fatter than that.’
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Instagram has a strict no-nudity policy .
The social media platform has since apologized for the shut down and has restored Ms Coddington's account .
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Eight people have been arrested as part of an investigation into child sexual exploitation. Six men and a 16-year-old boy were arrested in raids in Rochdale and Oldham this morning and are now being questioned on suspicion of conspiracy to commit sexual acts with a child. A seventh man was arrested later and is also being questioned. The investigation was set up because police were trying to establish why teenagers aged between 13 and 15 in the area were going missing from home, when one suggested she was being groomed. Eight people have been arrested in early raids in Rochdale (pictured) and Oldham and are being questioned by police on suspicion of conspiracy to commit sexual acts with a child, one of the eight is a 16-year-old boy . The operation was launched in the wake of the Rochdale child sex grooming gang scandal, where vulnerable girls were exploited by a gang of nine men who plied them with drink before passing them around for sex. The case led to an increased awareness of sexual exploitation and the need to protect children from becoming victims in the area. Early morning raids today led to arrests of the seven, who are aged between 16 and 47. The raids were led by Sunrise, a dedicated sexual exploitation police team in Rochdale. Detective Chief Inspector Andy Aston said: 'The Sunrise team were initially looking at reasons why the children - two girls aged 15 and 13 and a 13-year-old boy - were going missing from home. Officers spoke to one of the girls who suggested they were being groomed between 16 September and 17 October 2014. 'A swift investigation was launched and agencies worked together which has resulted in these arrests across the Rochdale and Oldham areas plus the safeguarding of three vulnerable children.' Paul Marshall, assistant director for children's social care at Rochdale Council said the raids were part of work being done in the area to tackle child sexual exploitation. He said: 'The success of Operation Infrared means that three vulnerable children are now safe and seven people have been arrested as part of this investigation.' Last month police investigating sex grooming of children arrested 11 people suspected of abusing a group of seven school-aged girls.The suspects - nine men and two women aged 19 to 38 - were held on supsicion of offences including rape, and inciting a child into prostitution during raids on six properties. This was also part of the wider campaign to tackle child sexual exploitation. A report into the child sex ring in Rotherham and Oldham, run by the nine-strong gang and exposed last year, found the girls were let down by all 17 agencies that were meant to protect them. The report criticised social workers, police and the Crown Prosecution Service for failing to work together to tackle the grooming which led to dozens of vulnerable girls being abused by the gang. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.
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A 16-year-old boy and seven men arrested in Rochdale and Oldham raids .
A seventh man, aged 20, was later arrested in connection with investigation .
Eight held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit sexual acts with a child .
Operation launched after three teenagers were going missing from home .
A girl suggested she was being groomed and the eight were arrested .
Raid follows crackdown on sexual exploitation in Rochdale after nine men were convicted of running a child sex ring, targeting vulnerable girls .
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Willy Caballero has completed his £6million move to Manchester City from Malaga. The 32-year-old was spotted leaving The Bridgewater Hospital in Manchester's Moss Side on Tuesday after undergoing a medical. The Argentine has signed a three-year deal with the Premier League champions. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Interview with Manchester City's Willy Caballero while at Malaga . New home: Willy Caballero completed his £6m move from Malaga to Manchester City . Signing on: The deal for Caballero could rise from an initial £4.4m to £6m . Reunited: Caballero trains at Carrington after linking up with his former boss Manuel Pellegrini (left) Testing: Caballero undergoes an ECG test as part of his medical before joining City . Safe hands: Willy Caballero (left) will be expected to provide competition for first choice Joe Hart . Moving forward: Will Caballero (left) leaves the Bridgewater Hospital after his medical . Determined: Caballero wants to oust Joe Hart as Manchester City's No 1 goalkeeper . 'I am very happy, and really looking forward to the start of pre-season and performing well to help the team,' Caballero told City's club website. 'This is a new challenge and a new league for me. I have been doing well in the previous years and my goal is to go on and hopefully perform at the same level for City. 'I know I am coming to a big club with a very good goalkeeper. City already have a great goalkeeper in Joe Hart, but I will try and compete for the no.1 spot. I will do my best in the training sessions.' Caballero, who worked with City boss . Manuel Pellegrini at Malaga, will come in as No 2 to England goalkeeper . Joe Hart following Costel Pantilimon’s move to Sunderland on a free . transfer. He becomes City’s third signing of the . summer following the arrivals of midfielder Fernando from FC Porto and . Arsenal right-back Bacary Sagna. Safe hands: Caballero keeps out a shot from Barcelona's Alexis Sanchez (right) during a La Liga clash . Time to strengthen: City boss Manuel Pellegrini is busy adding to his squad ahead of the new season . Caballero added: 'The most beautiful moments of my career were under Manuel Pellegrini in Malaga, where we achieved big things and we made Malaga’s name known around Europe. 'As for my new team-mates, I have a very good relationship with Martin Demichelis, but I’ve never met Pablo Zabaleta and Sergio Aguero. It’s something I’m looking forward to. For me it is very good to have people from Argentina in the squad because I think it will be very helpful. 'I spoke to Roque Santa Cruz and Demichelis, and they told me that Manchester is a very beautiful city and very welcoming, so that will be great for my family and I can’t wait to enjoy it.' 'I’ve always loved the Premier League, I watched it as a child and I always liked the style of play here. When I was 19 I came to play a friendly against England and I really liked how they played and how passionate the fans are. It’s a big step in my career and a dream realised to play in the Premier League.' VIDEO Team Profile: Argentina highlights .
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Keeper spotted leaving hospital in Manchester after tests .
Caballero will provide competition for first-choice keeper Joe Hart .
Manuel Pellegrini worked with the Argentine during his time in La Liga .
No 2 keeper Costel Pantilimon left City for Sunderland this summer .
Bacary Sagna and Fernando have already moved to the Etihad .
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Mick Jagger was diagnosed with acute traumatic stress disorder in the wake of L’Wren Scott’s death, court papers reveal. The Rolling Stones frontman has been largely silent about his feelings since his girlfriend of 13 years hanged herself on March 17. But privately he was left so upset that he was told by a doctor not to perform for a month, according to papers filed in an £8million battle between the band and their insurers. The Stones were forced to postpone the Australia and New Zealand leg of their world tour when Miss Scott died – but their insurers refused to pay out, saying their policy did not cover suicide. Scroll down for video . L'Wren Scott's death prompted the Rolling Stones to postpone a concert tour of Australia and New Zealand, but their insurers are battling with the band to not pay out for losses . Acute traumatic stress disorder can cause flashbacks, nightmares, feelings of guilt and emotional numbness. If these symptoms continue for more than a month it becomes post-traumatic stress disorder, often associated with soldiers returning from war zones. In a High Court filing as part of the fight with their insurers, the band state: ‘Upon learning of Miss Scott’s death, Sir Mick Jagger became stricken with grief. ‘Following examination by his physicians, Sir Mick Jagger was diagnosed as suffering from acute traumatic stress disorder. His physicians advised [him] not to perform for at least 30 days.’ The Stones had taken out a £15million policy to cover the costs if they were forced to cancel their tour. But the underwriters claim that because Miss Scott committed suicide, they do not have to pay out the £8million the band are demanding. The disclosure is the most revealing insight yet into Jagger’s feelings. He has so far given only one brief interview about Miss Scott’s suicide. In a statement, he said he would ‘never forget her’, adding: ‘I am still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way.’ Her death has resulted in a bitter insurance battle on two continents, with lawsuits filed in the US and in London. Jagger was 'diagnosed as suffering from acute traumatic stress disorder' after Scott's death and was advised by doctors not to perform for at least 30 days . In July, the Stones sued their insurers in the High Court, alleging that they had ‘failed and refused’ to pay the £8million, and seeking interest and costs on top of that sum. The eight insurers are led by Cathedral Capital and Talbot 2002 Underwriting Capital Limited, both based in London. They responded by claiming that Miss Scott’s death was not ‘sudden and unforeseen’ or ‘beyond her control’ and so did not qualify for a payout. They also claimed it was ‘reasonable to infer Miss Scott had been suffering from a mental illness’ that was ‘traceable to, or accelerated by, a condition for which she had received or been recommended medical attention’. A pre-existing condition of this kind could affect any payout. The insurers appeared to dispute the idea that Jagger, 71, was so deeply upset, and claimed that the doctor who diagnosed him had not actually carried out an examination. They wrote: ‘It does not appear that Sir Mick Jagger was assessed at any time by a qualified psychiatrist or anyone else suitably qualified with sufficient expertise to make a diagnosis of acute stress disorder.’ Court documents revealed that Jagger has 18 people on his insurance policy, including Ms Scott, Jerry Hall, seven children and four grandchildren . The Rolling Stones frontman published a statement on his website soon after L'Wren Scott's death saying he was struggling to understand why she would end her life . The only proof they had seen was a letter from a doctor, who was not a psychiatrist and did not actually see the patient, the papers state. Last month, the insurers filed a lawsuit in New York’s Federal Court, and subpoenaed Adam Glassman, the executor of Scott’s will, the New York City medical examiner, and Brittany Penebre, her British assistant, in an attempt to gain access to any emails or messages about an ‘actual or alleged attempt at self harm by Miss Scott’ as well as her general mental health, or an ‘actual or alleged suicide attempt’. Meanwhile in Utah, where Miss Scott grew up, a judge has ruled that the insurers will be allowed to seek documents and testimony from Miss Scott’s brother, Randall Bambrough, to find out more about her mental state. However, Mr Bambrough told a local newspaper that he had yet to receive a summons. Miss Scott, a fashion designer and model, was 49 when her body was found in her Manhattan apartment by Miss Penebre. An autopsy confirmed her death was suicide. Her fashion business had been £4.6million in debt and she had abruptly cancelled her show at London Fashion Week, supposedly due to technical difficulties. There were also reports she and Jagger had split up, leaving her ‘devastated’, although Jagger’s spokesman denied this. Documents filed at the district court in Salt Lake City, Utah, reveal Miss Scott was on a long list of family on the Stones’ insurance policy. Also on Jagger’s list were his ex-wives Jerry Hall and Bianca Jagger, former girlfriends, seven children and four grandchildren. The documents give a fascinating insight into how the insurance policy worked. The revenue for the tour was expected to be £28million, and this could have gone up if 15 extra European dates were added. The insurers agreed to pay out up to 50 per cent in case of tragedy. A spokesman for the Rolling Stones declined to comment. Lawyers for the insurers did not return calls for comment. Hell-raisers: Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards . The Rolling Stones may still be going strong, but their court documents reveal that their disgruntled insurers are well aware of the toll taken by years of the rockstar lifestyle. Hidden among the fine print of their tour insurance policy is a long list of exceptions – health issues for which each member of the ageing band is not covered. For example, and perhaps not surprisingly, the insurers say they will not pay out if anything happens to guitarist Keith Richards related to ‘alcohol abuse, liver failure and/or disease and osteoarthritis’. More unusually, anything to do with the injury that he suffered in 2006, when he was hit on the head by a coconut, will not be covered either. For Ronnie Wood, anything to do with ‘alcohol abuse’ is also not covered. The exemptions for drummer Charlie Watts include any conditions related to the cancer he was diagnosed with in 2004 or his sciatica. The documents show the band expected to receive £28million for their tour. Just three shows in Japan were worth £9million.
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Jagger diagnosed with traumatic stress disorder after L'Wren Scott died .
Doctors warned him not to perform for a month, according to court papers .
The Stones were forced to postpone Australia and New Zealand leg of tour .
But their insurers refused to pay out £8million as policy did not cover suicide .
Up until now Jagger has been almost silent on L'Wren Scott's death .
He said he would ‘never forget her’ in a brief statement following the tragedy .
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cf0bbb8358f8ced27ae5183b67fc44d9fa003107
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Before the first glass of Champagne is poured and the first slice of foie gras is served, this is the painstaking effort that goes into creating an extravagant first-class aircraft cabin. Air France has released a three-minute video that shows all of the work that is done by hand in its luxurious new cabin that most travellers will never step foot in. La Premiere boasts four suites, each with a comfortable seat that folds into a bed at the press of a button, more than enough legroom, a flat-screen television and fine dining. A one-way ticket in La Premiere costs more than £4,000 for flights between Paris and Singapore and Jakarta . Each seat in La Premiere folds into a bed that boasts a futon mattress and hypoallergenic feather pillow . The Paris-based carrier’s most expensive seats are found on its Boeing 777 aircraft which fly between Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport and Singapore and Jakarta, Indonesia. A one-way flight in La Premiere from Paris to Singapore costs £4,000 to £6,300 per person, depending on the day of departure. It costs just under £7,000 for a one-way ticket in La Premiere from Paris to Jakarta. Titled ‘Behind the scenes in a palace’ the video shows materials and parts being delivered to a massive airport hangar in large wooden crates. Air France employees install a seat inside a first-class cabin on one of the airline's Boeing 777 aircraft . The three-minute video shows a team of workers installing windows and wall panels inside the aircraft . Those who can afford to fly in La Premiere have than enough legroom and a flat-screen television . Travellers in La Premiere are treated to a number of perks, including finer meals that include foie gras . Teams of workers carefully install windows and wall and ceiling panels before laying down carpet, installing the seats, and testing all of its bells and whistles. When it’s time to fly, travellers in La Premiere are treated to meals that are cooked on board, plenty of storage space for their belongings, and an opportunity to get a good night’s sleep. While passengers in economy struggle to get some shut-eye, travellers in La Premiere can sleep soundly on a bed that is 6.5ft in length and 30in wide with a futon mattress, hypoallergenic feather pillow and a fluffy duvet by Sofitel My Bed.
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La Premiere has four private suites, each with a seat that folds into a bed .
Exclusive cabins are offered on flights from Paris to Singapore and Jakarta .
One-way tickets cost between £4,000 and £7,000 per person .
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(CNN) -- A 6-year-old girl, detained in Arizona on suspicion of entering the United States illegally, is now at a shelter in El Paso, Texas, as authorities try to locate a relative. The girl, who told authorities she is from El Salvador, had to be moved to El Paso because there is no room in Arizona shelters for minors in her situation, said Jose Joaquin Chacon, the consul general for El Salvador in Arizona. The girl was traveling with her mother through Mexico, Chacon said, but for some unknown reason the mother apparently turned her daughter over to smugglers at the U.S. border and separated from her. Immigration shift sparks reaction from both sides . The unaccompanied child was detained along with 15 other people traveling in a van through Maricopa County late Friday, hours after President Barack Obama had announced a decision to stop deporting certain young illegal immigrants who have been in the United States for at least five years. The people in the van were planning to make their way to a variety of destinations around the country -- including New York, California and Texas -- according to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Joe Arpaio, known for his tough stance against illegal immigration, is a vocal opponent of President Obama's immigration policies. "There was no politics involved in this," he said. "And when you have a 6-year-old girl, I think that's newsworthy regardless of what the circumstances are -- whether you call it an arrest or a detention." For illegal immigrant graduates, a 'leap of faith as been answered' A spokesman for the sheriff's office explained that the girl "was not arrested in the sense of handcuffed and booked into jail. However, she was detained in our custody and turned over to ICE officials." After the sheriff's office handed the girl over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials, she was placed in "the care and custody" of the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Refugee Resettlement, said Amber Cargile, an ICE spokeswoman. The girl ended up in El Paso, Chacon said. Overheard on CNN.com: Decision to defer some deportations symbolic . Most of those detained were being held in jail, the sheriff's statement said. Last week, Arpaio said that the Obama administration's new directive not to deport some young migrants was motivated by politics. Arpaio said he would abide by the directive but continue to enforce state laws on illegal immigration as he sees fit. The rule change will allow people younger than 30 who had come to the United States before the age of 16, pose no criminal or security threat, and have been successful students or served in the military to apply for a two-year deferral from deportation. Individuals must be able to prove they have been living in the country continuously for at least five years. Photos: Lens on immigration -- adolescence deported . CNN's Mariano Castillo, Glenda Umana and Sonya Hamasaki contributed to this report.
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NEW: The girl is now in a shelter in El Paso .
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office arrests 16 people traveling in a van .
One of them is a 6-year-old girl, who says she is from El Salvador .
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403ed4bb97bcd833e28bf9fe4bfbfbbdd67b03da
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Steve Ockerby resigned as chair of governors after taking his children on a holiday during term-time . A chair of governors at a primary school has been forced to quit after taking his children out of lessons for a three-day trip to Lapland despite being refused permission. Steve Ockerby resigned from his role at Shibden Head Primary Academy in Bradford, West Yorkshire, after furious parents noticed photographs of the trip were posted on Facebook. The family, who have a daughter at the school and a son at nearby Queensbury School, made the decision to take their children on the trip, despite the threat of a £360 fine. Mr Ockerby, who is a firefighter with West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue service, was warned his daughter's absence would be treated as 'unauthorised'. His decision comes as Bradford Council continues its crackdown on school absence during term time. Councillor Ralph Berry, the executive member for children's services at the council, called Mr Ockerby's actions 'breathtaking' and pointed out that school attendance rules applied to all parents. The firefighter has now stepped down from his position as governor but said he remained 'totally committed' to the school. He said: 'My role in the Fire Service dictates I have to work shifts and have an allocated holiday pattern which leaves me with no choice over when I can take holiday. 'We followed the correct procedure, according to the school policy, to request leave of absence during school time, and we received notification back from the school that the trip would be unauthorised. 'This is the first time we've taken our child out of school. My daughter has a 100 per cent attendance record and is achieving well. 'However, this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the whole of my family. 'I understand that people will condemn me for my decision. They are, of course, entitled to their opinion. 'It is unfortunate that my family's enjoyment has caused some parents so much distress. 'I am fully aware that my actions may result in a fine. I will pay whatever sanction is imposed. Mr Ockerby said his job as a firefighter left him with no other choice and he has since stepped down from his position at Shibden Head Primary School (pictured) 'I remain totally committed to supporting the school. However, as people are very quick to condemn my actions and after nearly five years of dedication, commitment and time, I feel it is in my best interest to resign from the governing body as my family will always come first.' Earlier this year, Jenny Winder, 53, head of Elstow Primary School near Bedford, was branded a 'hypocrite' after she booked a holiday to the Caribbean for after the Christmas holidays. Mrs Winder had refused to give an explanation or apologise for trying to take the time off but caved under pressure and cancelled the trip. In June, a head teacher was allowed to take unpaid leave from Stafford Leys Primary School in Leicester due to 'personal reasons'. But his absence caused outrage after parents found out he had travelled to South America for the World Cup in Brazil. Mr McGovern's request for time off was originally rejected by governors following a row when the headteacher of another Leicester school was allowed to take a month off in term time to get married. The decision however was overturned after the head appealed with the help of his union. Vina Pankhania, 30, head teacher at Little Hill primary school, was allowed to take almost a month off work between the beginning of the Easter term and start of the summer holidays this year after governors said she had 'worked extremely hard'. Meanwhile an inquiry has been launched in Bilborough, Nottingham, after Carol Barker, of Woodlands Special School took holiday in term-time. Councillor Berry said: 'For a governor of a primary academy to take his children out of school during term time while we have a major drive on school attendance is somewhat breathtaking. 'He has done the right thing in resigning. School attendance is a major priority in this city. It is part of raising standards of achievement. Every day lost in education is learning lost. 'The rules apply to everybody.' Cllr Michael Walls, a former governor at the school, said: 'It was not a wise thing to do under the circumstances, in view of the problem with children being off and keeping kids off school outside school holiday time. 'Being chairman of governors, really he should be backing up the school and the school's policy.' The school's head teacher, Sarah Thornton, and Helen Rowland, of Focus-Trust, the charitable trust which helps run the school, released a joint statement describing his resignation as a 'huge loss'. It said: 'In this role, Mr Ockerby has given a significant amount of his own personal time and made a substantial contribution to the strong leadership of the academy. 'This will be a huge loss to the governing body and school. 'We are all saddened that this matter has overshadowed what has otherwise been a shining example of governance and role model to other parents.'
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Steve Ockerby resigned from role at Shibden Head Primary Academy .
It was after furious parents saw pictures of holiday posted on Facebook .
The family, who have daughter at school, ignored threat of £360 fine .
Mr Ockerby is a firefighter and said his shifts left him with no choice .
Resignation welcomed by councillor who said decision was 'breathtaking'
But school's head teacher said she was saddened and it was a 'huge loss'
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f64c01c2c0a80283f208da7e50cf5d76b2b68603
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By . Tamara Cohen, Political Correspondent . PUBLISHED: . 18:57 EST, 3 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 18:58 EST, 3 September 2013 . Charities and campaigning groups fear they could be hampered by new government plans designed to regulate lobbyists. Ministers have drawn up rules which they say will make the links between politicians and big businesses more transparent. But the legislation was fiercely attacked by dozens of charities and think-tanks who say it will prevent legitimate campaigning. Charities and campaigning groups say the new rules passed yesterday at the House of Commons will prevent legitimate campaigning . The law would introduce a compulsory register of lobbyists for people working as independent consultants following scandals about attempts to influence government decision-making. But it would also brings in caps on the spending of non-political organisations during the year before an election. The rule, which is intended to target the power and funding leveraged by trade unions, means organisations will be able to spend only £390,000 nationally – down from £989,000. In individual constituencies they will see their spending during election year capped at just £9,750. The law managed to pass the House of Commons yesterday by 300 votes to 249. It is expected to face more difficulties in the House of Lords. However former cabinet minister Cheryl Gillan told MPs that people who were fighting the HS2 rail project ‘firmly believe the Bill contains provisions that will inhibit their effectiveness in ensuring that their voice is heard by the Government’. Joe Rukin, campaign manager of Stop HS2 said: ‘It’s an absolute disaster. We feel we have been victims of our own success. Former cabinet minister Cheryl Gillan told MPs that people fighting HS2 believe the Bill will 'inhibit' their voices being heard but Andrew Lansley insisted charities could make their case 'as forcefully as they wish' 'The government don’t like what we have been saying so they want to make our activities illegal. Campaign groups exist to change politicians opinions, so this could not be more against the principle of free speech, it’s insane and rotten to the core. ‘This bill is in the name of clipping the wings of big money cloak and dagger lobbying and yet, because it only affects those whose major business is lobbying, lots of them will actually miss the bullet.’ Jeremy Lefroy, the Tory MP for Stafford, pointed out that important campaigns ‘may only arise during an election campaign’. And a group of major charities – including the Royal British Legion, Oxfam and the British Heart Association – have signed a letter to ministers explaining their opposition to the new rules. But Leader of the House Andrew Lansley insisted charities could make their case ‘as forcefully as they wish’ unless they were using money to try and ensure the election of particular candidates. And a Downing Street spokesman said: ‘This Bill will take the big money out of politics so you don’t have unaccountable funding pouring into constituencies. It will not substantially change the rules for charities.’
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Charities say new rules will prevent legitimate campaigning .
Bill passed the House of Commons yesterday by 300 votes to 249 .
Organisations only able spend £390,00 nationally in Bill - down from £989,000 .
Intended to target the power and funding leveraged by trade unions .
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8ce7a15bffffe007620d5b175700d5f8b05058ff
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(CNN) -- Former world No.2 Vera Zvonareva has withdrawn from next month's Australian Open because of a shoulder injury. The 28-year-old Russian, twice a semi-finalist in Melbourne and defending women's doubles champion (with compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova), announced on her Facebook page that she was pulling out of the event which starts on the January 14. "Hey everyone ... some bad news. I will not be able to go to Australia this year," Zvonareva said. "My body is not 100% recovered yet and I want to start when I know I can play the rest of the year. I keep working hard to get healthy. Thank you for all your support!" The Russian was troubled by a series of injuries (left hip and right shoulder) in 2012 which saw her compete at just 10 events. Her last appearance in a grand slam was at Wimbledon in June, where she reached the third round before retiring with an upper respiratory illness. Her absence from all tournaments since the London Olympics has seen her slip down the WTA rankings to No.96. Zvonareva is a two-time grand slam finalist reaching both the Wimbledon final and the U.S. Open final in 2010 losing to Serena Williams and Belgium's Kim Clijsters respectively.
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Former world No.2 announces withdrawal from opening grand slam of 2013 .
The 28-year-old Russian has a injury to right shoulder .
Follows a 2012 season marred by injury and illness where she played only 10 events .
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cbf3d9e660706d3a0bd5a1f6334feb259649e612
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A film that features a dance routine inspired by Karl Marx and examines African art has won Britain's most prestigious and controversial art prize. The Turner Prize, which is worth £25,000 ($40,000), was awarded to the Irish film artist Duncan Campbell in a glittering ceremony last night. His film, It For Others, which was described by the panel as "an ambitious and complex film which rewards repeated viewing", is a response to a "film essay" from 1953 about African art and colonialism. This archive footage is interspersed with new material, including a dance routine based on the equations in Karl Marx's seminal work, "Das Kapital," created by the choreographer Michael Clark. All of this is overlaid with a voiceover that imitates the style of a lecture. Inevitable controversy . The critical response has been largely hostile, with commentators describing Campbell's video as "overlong," "baffling," and "hectoring." The judging panel, however, admired the artist's "exceptional dedication to making a work which speaks about the construction of value and meaning in ways that are topical and compelling." Campbell was the bookmaker's favorite. He topped a four-person shortlist that included James Richards, Ciara Phillips and Tris Vonna-Michell to win the coveted prize. The artist described winning the award as "surreal," but acknowledged that "this money will make a huge difference." "Even being nominated for the prize has given me great heart," he said. Some critics have, however, been vocal in their condemnation of Campbell's winning video. Media debate . Digby Warde-Aldam, the art critic for the UK's Spectator magazine, said: "Surely no arbiter in their right mind could have let such hectoring, cultural studies-sanctioned guff slip through the net?" "If you're serious about the rubbish on show this year, you are insulting every artist working in Britain today," he said. The Guardian newspaper, based in London, acknowledged that Campbell has produced "the most consistently interesting body of work of all four shortlisted artists," but described his winning, 54-minute video as "overlong," "over-complicated," and "more like a lecture than an artwork." And the Telegraph newspaper quoted the director of the Tate Britain, Penelope Curtis, as saying that the video was "a bit baffling" and "quite odd." Campbell, who lives in Scotland, is a graduate of the Glasgow School of Art. He is the fourth alumni of the school to have won the prize in the last 10 years. The school's director, Professor Tom Inns, described Campbell's success as "a great accolade both for Duncan and for the Glasgow School of Art." The power of illustration: 11 drawings that altered history . How did this human face appear in a gemstone? Stunning geometric shapes appear in snow on frozen, isolated lakes .
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Irish artist Duncan Campbell takes home the 2014 Turner Prize, worth £25,000 .
Past recipients include Damien Hirst, Tracey Emin and Chris Ofili .
Mixed reviews circle the media as critics and audiences debate Campbell's work .
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181,284 |
76b18aa2866cd0cedb37804546e1ca8d2872f7ab
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It looked like a rare act of kindness in the midst of mindless violence. Dazed and bleeding, a young man sitting on the ground had been beaten senseless during a violent street attack in Hackney. Surrounded by a small crowd of curious onlookers, a ‘Good Samaritan’ gently helps the vulnerable and frightened young man to his feet. But within seconds looters decided this was a target too good to ignore. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE DISTURBING VIDEO . Dazed and confused, blood dripping from his mouth, a young man is encircled by thugs after being savagely beaten to the ground during the violence in London . From nowhere, an apparent Good Samaritan walks up and lends a hand to help heave the struggling and injured victim up from the pavement . A sickening YouTube video then captures one of the most callous moments in three days of violent disorder. A passer-by – spotting the opportunity – circles round behind the confused man and breaks into his rucksack. He unzips it, searching for something to steal, and within seconds the heartless thief is joined by a handful of other thugs swarming around the man’s rucksack. Even the apparently kind-hearted individual who initially helps the man unsteadily to his feet appears to burrow into the bag. Lowest of the low: The teenager continues to tend to the wounds on his face as thieves make off with the contents of his rucksack . Lawless: One of the yobs shamelessly rifles through the teenager's bag as he stands, dazed from his injury . Daylight robbery: The boy becomes aware of what is happening as the gang closes in around him . It is only then, too late, that the young man realises what is going on behind his back. Until then he had continued attending to the blood still dripping from his head and mouth. He weakly swats a hand at one of the robbers, but it has little effect. For the first thug, dressed in a baseball cap, windcheater and blue jeans, pulls something out of the rucksack, contemptuously discards the plastic wrapping and then struts off with his loot. Helping themselves: The thieves examine their loot as the teenager tries to get away . Discarded: The robber, having taken the items from the teenager's bag, then casually throws them to the floor before strolling away . Aftermath: The boy is caught on camera moments later, standing confused and alone at the side of the street . An appalled narrator to the film, which was posted on YouTube, says: ‘Are they actually helping him up? Oh my God. Are they going through his bag? ‘He just took something from his bag. ****head.’ The footage, called ‘London Riots – Scum steal from injured boy’, was posted by Abdul Hamid. His written comments to the film state: ‘This is evil. I hope these scumbags are caught.’ One YouTube user, Skiv2oo, commented on the footage: ‘I can’t stop watching this, it makes me so angry it’s unbelievable.’
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Footage shows injured student being robbed by looters .
Thugs swarm round vulnerable man as he wipes blood from his face .
Curious onlookers watch the robbery which is posted on YouTube .
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d3b2ba2480be8c5b4e3dee6fdfd77d6188e68f76
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You know you are in the most expensive city in the world when a Geneva hotel sandwich and beer costs you £33 but Kevin Cooper is not here for the experience of wealth, more the wealth of experience. As Roy Hodgson leads out England in Switzerland on Monday night, this 39-year-old from Derby will be contemplating a similar career path. Cooper does not have delusions of grandeur as the parallels with Hodgson are already emerging for the self-effacing manager of Servette in Switzerland's Challenge League. Cooper was a journeyman midfielder, eight clubs plus another five on loan, and found himself on a steep learning curve coaching Cardiff City's U21s when the club's former commercial director Julian Jenkins approached him about a new project he was working on with Servette in Geneva. Gaining experience: Former Wolves midfielder Kevin Cooper is now manager of Swiss side Servette . Talking tactics: Cooper, pictured on the Servette training field, moved to Switzerland to build his career . Hodgson sought to learn his trade as a coach abroad prior to returning to England and for Cooper the prospect was too good to turn down. 'At my age, there are not too many opportunities in England to manage a club of this stature and pedigree,' says Cooper. 'As soon as I met the owner Hugh Quennec and spoke to Julian it was clear we had the same philosophy. They accepted that I was young and would make mistakes but there was no extra pressure. It was better than anything I could have imagined back in the UK.' Like many clubs, Servette had lost the connection with their support. A club rich in heritage, formed in 1890 and pioneer of the first attempted Champions League in 1930, they had lost their way and poor financial decisions led to them being declared bankrupt. Quennec, a Canadian-born businessman, was already the owner of Geneva's ice hockey team Geneve-Servette and, sensing an opportunity, bought the football club for one Swiss franc. Cooper was appointed in June and the season began in July. He tried and failed to lure friend Craig Bellamy into following him. 'Craig certainly had something to offer still as a player in my mind but he thought about it and sadly decided it wasn't for him but I brought over Sean Connelly as head of performance and Adam Owen from the Wales set-up as head of sports science and we got to work. Despite where we are, there is no big budget. It's about being sensible and thinking of the long-term. The young players and staff we inherited have been terrific and everyone has been very responsive. 'We have breakfast and lunch together and must be one of the fittest teams in the league. We beat our rivals Lausanne 2-1 last month and we missed a penalty in the 91st minute but got the winner in the 93rd. We kept going.' That spirit is rubbing off on the supporters too. Jenkins has promoted a 'one community, one club' campaign borrowed from his experience with Cardiff and the attendance for the Lausanne game was double that of when the two sides last met. They plan to give away tickets for 10 Swiss francs to keep the fans coming. 'Even in Geneva, not everyone can afford to go to football,' says Jenkins. Keen to embrace the experience, manager Cooper is learning French, lives across the France border near Nyon and wakes up every morning to a view of the imperious Mont Blanc. 'It certainly makes you smile,' he says. 'It's a wonderful environment to play football but I can't lose sight of why I'm here. I'm ambitious and serious about building a career. I want to make this a success. We're spreading the word that the club is on its way back.' Journeyman: Cooper enjoyed spells with Cardiff and Wolves in the Football League among others . Cooper played for sharp-witted characters such as Jim Smith and Arthur Cox while he counts West Brom technical director Terry Burton, Malky Mackay, Dave Jones and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as people he can trust for advice. He has struck up a friendship with Switzerland assistant manager Michel Pont and, if all else fails, can turn to Geneve-Servette ice hockey coach Chris McSorley, a no-nonsense Canadian who was once accused of biting an opponent's nose. As for calling on Roy Hodgson, he's happy to admire from afar for now. 'He's still held in high regard in Switzerland,' says Cooper. 'There is a lot of respect for him. For me he has to be a barometer of where I could go. I'm not saying I'm of that quality yet but he wasn't afraid to go abroad first and I think you have to be brave to get where you want to go. Other English aspiring coaches should take that route.' So will he be cheering on England on Monday? 'I'm taking the opportunity to go back to Cardiff for a few days with the wife and kids. I'll probably watch it in the pub, besides it's a cheaper pint back home.'
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Former Wolves and Cardiff man Kevin Cooper managing in Switzerland as Roy Hodgson did .
Journeyman midfielder is now in charge of Swiss club Servette .
Managed Cardiff Under 21s for two years before moving abroad .
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84,476 |
efaa9e4b2f6603786565b5fc1de4a7f94f999eaf
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From creating smart devices that can be operated with a phone, to retro games consoles - programmers and gadget enthusiasts can now get an even smaller slice of the Raspberry Pi microcomputer. The British engineering foundation has unveiled its latest version, called the Raspberry Pi Model A+ - a super-slim, 2.5 inch-long (6.5cm) machine costing just £15.50 in the UK, and $20 in the US. It’s described as a ‘small, energy-efficient and crazy-affordable’ way to get into computing, or to hack products and create new engineering projects for coders with more experience. Scroll down for video . A British engineering foundation has unveiled its latest computer - the Raspberry Pi Model A+ (pictured) - a super-slim 2.5 inch (6.5cm) long machine costing just £15.50 in the UK and $20 in the US . Smaller than a credit card, the Model A+ has a 700Mhz processor and 256MB of RAM. It weighs 0.8 ounces (23g) and has been designed for watching hi-definition video, programming, playing games and web browsing. This is because the tiny Linux computer has a HDMI socket to connect to a monitor or TV. Dimensions: 2.1-inch x 2.2-inch x 0.4-inches (6.5cm x 5.6cm x 1.2cm) at its thickest point. Memory: 256MB RAM . Expansion: MicroSD slot, USB port, 40 pins . Weight: 8 ounces (23g) Price: £15.50 (UK) and $20 (US) Comparison with old Model A: Model A+ is 20 per cent cheaper, 24 per cent shorter and 42 per cent thinner . There is also an audio jack, room for a micro SD card and a USB socket to connect other devices. The Model A+ is made by Raspberry Pi, a Cambridge-based charity, which launched its original cheap microcomputer in 2012. The microcomputer became a surprise hit and is now used in many schools in the UK to teach coding. The Model A+ model is its cheapest and smallest yet. James Adams, director of hardware engineering, said: ‘We want to get them into the hands of children so they can learn about computers and programming. ‘Parents might not want to let children play about on computers, but this gives them access to technology at an affordable price. The Linux microcomputer (shown) is described as ‘small, energy-efficient and crazy-affordable’ way to get into computing or to hack products and create new engineering projects, for coders with more experience . ‘It is cheap and flexible. It can be used as a desktop PC or for a robot. It is a bit like digital Lego.’ Raspberry Pi recently revamped its more powerful Model B board to a B+ with extra features, for the same $35 (£24) price tag. The engineers said the new Model A+ ‘inherits many improvements that we made to the Model B+’. The small microcomputer is $5 (£3.15) cheaper than the Model A, which the foundation describes as ‘pretty mind-bending’. In an interview with Linux Voice, founder Eben Upton revealed that Google’s Eric Schmidt is responsible for the firm pushing for cheaper prices, because he said: ‘try and be as cheap as possible...try and get as close to free as you can.’ Google gave the Foundation $1 million (£630,000) last year to put 15,000 Raspberry Pis in UK schools in a bid to help children learn to code. The world's first 3D printed laptop, called Pi-Top (pictured) powered by a Raspberry Pi, has raised more than one-and-a-half times its funding target on Indiegogo . The world's first 3D printed laptop, powered by a Raspberry Pi, has raised more than one-and-a-half times its funding target on Indiegogo. The Pi-Top was designed to teach people how to build 3D printed circuits and hardware. Its case can be printed on a 3D printer, or the £180 kit includes a moulded case. It also features a Raspberry Pi board, and instructions on how to create the DIY laptop. The campaign page said the 'learning experience will take you to a stage where you are designing your own components and products.' It ends on 13 November and has raised more than $129,970 (£81,900) of its $80,000 (£50,400) target.
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The Raspberry Pi Model A+ is 2.5-inches (6.5cm) long - the smallest yet .
It features an audio jack, a microSD card slot and USB socket .
Extras should enable coders to use the small device in new ways .
It's designed for watching video, playing games and web browsing .
Google's Eric Schmidt inspired the Cambridge-based foundation to cut the price of the Model A+ by $5 (£3) compared to the previous model .
The next-generation model costs £15.50 in the UK and $20 in the US .
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0b99e12181e523d459e51251a8269992e5985257
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Since his chiseled, blue-eyed mugshot was posted online, he has become an object of lust for women across the world. Now, convicted felon Jeremy Meeks has reportedly signed a $30,000 modelling contract. The 30-year-old, who is facing 11 felon charges including illegal gun possession and gun crime, was offered the contract by Blaze Modelz in Los Angeles, according to TMZ. Scroll down for video . Internet sensation: Jeremy Meeks, pictured in his mugshot, has reportedly signed a $30,000 modelling contract . The agency, based in Santa Monica, claims it can book him for runway jobs with high-end fashion houses - such as Versace and Armani - which could see him earn thousands of dollars a month. It also believes Meeks's gangland tattoos could help his modelling aspirations, including his teardrop tattoo, which it considers 'edgy and sexy'. The criminal is reportedly represented by Hollywood talent agent, Gina Rodriguez, a former porn star who has represented the likes of 'Octomum' Nadya Suleman and 'Teen Mom' star Farrah Abraham. But despite signing the contract, it is unlikely that he will be to be taking to the catwalk anytime soon. New career? Meeks, pictured above, is facing 11 felon charges including illegal gun possession and gun crime . Agency: The 30-year-old was offered the contract by Blaze Modelz (pictured) in Santa Monica, Los Angeles . Meeks, from Stockton, California, is . currently being held on $900,000 bail with a potentially lengthy prison . sentence ahead of him if convicted. Speaking . to Fox News, Ms Rodriguez said she hoped to secure a number of . entertainment deals, such as a reality television show, for the alleged gangster in a . bid to 'help him turn his life around'. 'Everybody . has a story, and I, of all people, know that,' she said. 'If this was a . different situation, like if someone was actually hurt or there was . violence involved, I definitely would not be taking him on. Court: Despite signing the contract, it is unlikely that Meeks will be to be taking to the catwalk anytime soon . 'But we don’t know Jeremy’s full story yet, and I don’t feel like he got a fair break.' Meeks . became an internet sensation last month after his striking mugshot was . posted on the Stockton Police Department’s Facebook page. The . image, which features the felon gazing into the camera with steely-blue . eyes, full lips and stubble, has so far been 'liked' by more than . 100,000 people and shared over 12,000 times. Alleged gangster: Meeks, from Stockton, California, is currently being held on $900,000 bail with a potentially lengthy prison sentence ahead of him if convicted. Above, Meeks with his attorney during his arraignment . But . the married father himself, who was arrested last month when police allegedly found a pistol in his trunk, has . a much less desirable rap sheet. For . a decade, he has been in and out of courtrooms in California and . Washington for crimes including resisting arrest, faking his identity . and grand theft, for which he served two years. Meeks is due to appear before court again on July 8.
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Jeremy Meeks, 30, 'offered $30,000 modelling contract with Blaze Modelz'
LA agency claims it can book him for jobs with high-end fashion houses .
It also believes his 'sexy' gangland tattoos could help his modelling career .
Meeks reportedly represented by Hollywood talent agent, Gina Rodriguez .
But it is unlikely that criminal will be taking to the catwalk anytime soon .
He is currently being held on $900,000 bail accused of 11 felony crimes .
Meeks's mugshot went viral after being posted on Facebook last month .
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63,370 |
b3f95eec8bf6a9f693388cf6b8c31ebcbc3dd9f6
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By . Michael Zennie and Associated Press . PUBLISHED: . 22:23 EST, 30 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:42 EST, 31 October 2013 . The Red Sox have claimed a historic victory in Boston - winning the first World Series at Fenway Park in 95 years. Wednesday night's 6-1 win over the St. Louis Cardinals - clinching the national title in six games - is a soaring triumph for the city that was rocked six months ago by the Boston Marathon bombings. In the aftermath of the bombings, Boston - and the entire nation - adopted the slogan 'Boston Strong.' When the Red Sox returned to Fenway five . days after the attack for their first home game, many Bostonians saw . baseball as catharsis. After the win Wednesday, fans flooded Bolyston Street, the site of the bombings, and kissed the yellow marathon finish line. Some cried as they described how much the World Series win meant to them after witnessing the horror of two homemade pressure cooker bombs that killed three people and tore off the legs of many more. Veteran slugger David Ortiz - the Most Valuable Player and the . biggest hero of World Series win - noted the emotional significance of the victory for his city and declared, 'This is is for you, Boston. You deserve it.' Scroll down for video . Victory! Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Koji Uehara is hoisted off the ground by catcher David Ross after Uehara scored the final out to win the World Series Wednesday night . David Ortiz, center, the league MVP, hoists a giant bottle of champagne over his head during a locker room celebration after winning the World Series . Sparkling mood: Ellsbury feeds champagne to Ortiz . Corking sight: Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester (center) is doused during the locker room celebration . Solemn: On Boylston Street, fans gathered to kiss the yellow finish line - though the scene quickly devolved into a raucous party . The words 'Go Sox' are illuminated on a side of the Prudential Tower after the team won the World Series on Wednesday night . 'We struggled early this year with the situation that all of us went through but because of Him we keep ourselves together and here we are enjoying the time, he said. 'First of all I wanna say this is for you Boston. You guys deserve it we've been through a lot this year and with the bombing and the struggle - this is for all of you. 'I know that it was going to be a special year and when we start rolling nobody ever stop the train.' The win capped an emotional season for the Red Sox, one heavy with the reminder of the Boston Marathon bombings in April. Players wore 'Boston Strong' logos on their left sleeves and erected a large emblem on the outfield wall known as the Green Monster as a constant reminder. Fans said the victory felt important - bigger than the team's previous successes. 'We needed this,' after the bombings, said Mark Porcaro of Boston. 'They were an easy team to get behind because they stood up for us when we needed them most.' Bostonian Sam D'Arrigo said: 'Words cannot describe how I feel. This is what being a Boston fan is all about.' During the post-victory press conference, second baseman Dustin Pedroia said: 'The stuff that happened to this city - and we wanted to do something special and we wanted to make people happy and proud of this city.' Sealed with a kiss: Sox fans pay lip service to the victory . Revelers: Boston fans took to the streets to celebrate the victory. Mayor Thomas Menino urged revelers to be safe during their partying . Boston Strong: Bostonians rallied around the slogan 'Boston Strong' after the bombings April 15. Red Sox players said it helped carry them through the championship . Fans flooded the streets outside Fenway Park even before the Red Sox clinched the World Series title Wednesday night . MVP: David Ortiz, the team's veteran slugger who had incredible success at the plate, was voted Most Valuable Player of the World Series . Fear the beard: Several Red Sox players swore off shaving during the team's playoff run - resulting in long, scruffy facial hair . Bat's amazing: Jonny Gomes celebrates after scoring in the third inning on a hit by Shane Victorino . Tom Werner, the chairman of the Red Sox, . dedicated the victory as a 'tribute to all of the families who suffered . through the marathon bombing.' Tens . of thousands of jubilant fans flooded Boston's Inner Harbor around . Fenway - crowding bars and even the finish line of the marathon, the . site of April's bomb attacks. The Boston Globe . reports that on Bolyston Street - where three people lost their lives . and dozens of others were injured by pressure cookers bombs on April 15 - . revelers knelt down and kissed the yellow stripe in the middle of the . road. One man, tears in his eyes, smacked the finish line at the marathon and declared: 'I was here. I saw both bombs go off. I was here in '04. This is different. It's more,' according to Globe reporter Billy Baker. Within an hour, the Boston Police Department tweeted: '7 people arrested for unruly behavior - don't be number 8.' All Red Sox fans understood the significance of Wednesday night's win - and the 95-year curse that has been lifted on Fenway Park . Boston left fielder Jonny Gomes, center, waves a championship flag on the field as he is surrounded by journalists and fans after winning the World Series . Fenway groundskeepers mowed 'B Strong' into the outfield of of the stadium - a reference to the post-bombing 'Boston Strong' slogan . Fans exiting Fenway celebrated their team's victory. However, Boston police urged revelers to go home and return tomorrow for a celebratory parade . At the University of New Hampshire, 65 miles from Boston in Durham, police used pepper stray to disperse crowds of rowdy students. In the midst of the celebration, Boston's mayor and other officials - wary of some of the rowdiest fans in sports - urged revelers to be safe. Mayor Thomas Menino posted two tweets in 10 minutes urging fans to celebrate 'responsibly.' This is the third world series win for the Red Sox in 10 years. The team broke the 'curse of the Bambino' - a World Series drought since 1918 - in 2004. They won again in 2007. But, both of those titles were seized on the road at their opponents' stadiums. It was back in that cursed year 1918 - . that the Sox last won a World Series in Fenway Park. The historic . ballpark was just six years old then. Now it is the oldest stadium in . all of Major League Baseball. The Sox won the best-of-seven contest in six games - mounting a remarkable comeback since falling behind 2-1 in St. Louis. As . the Red Sox made their run for the World Series, several prominent . players swore off shaving until they won. The famously scruffy players . kicked off a social media sensation with the tagline 'Fear the Beard.' Boston's 2013 team wasn't always favored for such baseball glory. The 2012 Red Sox won fewer than half of their games and came in last place in their division. Tens of thousands of fans gathered outside Fenway after the World Series win. Boston police urged revelers to go home . Red Sox players sprinted for the pitchers' mound after closer Koji Uehara threw the final strike for the final out that clinched Wednesday's 6-1 win . Red Sox fans were urged to return home by police, who hoped to thwart previous years' violence . The team fired the manager and started 2013 with a new coach - John Farrell. Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy wrote: 'But here’s the reality, people: The 2013 Red Sox might be really bad.' None of the top baseball analysts picked the Red Sox to win the World Series. The team rallied, though. Ortiz improved his hitting to become more dominant than he has been in years. It also doesn't hurt that the Sox poured $150million into paying players - the third highest in the MLB. On Wednesday night, Shane Victorino, symbolic of these resilient Sox, returned from a stiff back and got Boston rolling with a three-run double off the Green Monster against rookie sensation pitcher Michael Wacha. John Lackey became the first pitcher to start and win a Series clincher for two different teams, allowing one run over 6 2-3 innings 11 years after his Game 7 victory as an Angels rookie in 2002. With fans roaring on every pitch and cameras flashing, Koji Uehara struck out Matt Carpenter for the final out. The Japanese pitcher jumped into the arms of catcher David Ross while Red Sox players rushed from the dugout and bullpen as the Boston theme "Dirty Water" played on the public-address system. 'We have a lot of players with heart. We probably don't have the talent that we had in '07 and '04, but we have guys that are capable (of staying) focused and do the little things,' Ortiz said. 'Our f***ing city!' Ortiz was defiant in his remarks after the game and thanks the city of Boston for sticking with the team after the bombings in April . History: It was 1918 the last time that the Red Sox won the World Series in Boston's Fenway Park. That victory resulted in an 86-year championship drought .
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Team dedicated World Series title to the city as it recovered from April 15 bombings that killed three .
Veteran slugger and World Series MVP David Ortiz declared 'This is for you Boston, you deserve it!' after the win .
Last World Series Boston won at Fenway Park was in 1918 - when the stadium was just six years old .
Fans flooded Boylston Street, the site of the bombings, and kissed the marathon yellow finish line .
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Energy and vitamin-enhanced drinks do not boost mental or physical health, a damning study has claimed. In fact, many of the benefits being claimed have no foundation in nutritional science either, said the report by university academics. The drinks boast of being packed with various nutrients and vitamins making claims to improve everything from concentration to improving mood. Many of the health claims associated with these drinks have no foundation in nutritional science either, said the damning report by Canadian academics . But many young people get their daily intake of many of these vitamins in other ways, researchers told the journal Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. Nutritional scientists from Canada's University of Toronto and Ryerson University, looked at the ingredients and claimed benefits of brands from local supermarkets. These included energy drinks, vitamin waters and juices with added nutrients, most commonly the vitamins B6, B12, C and niacin. But with the possible exception of vitamin C, most young adults are already getting their daily recommended levels of these nutrients anyway, said researcher Naomi Dachner. Energy and vitamin-enriched drinks boast of being packed with various nutrients that may improve everything from concentration to mood . She said: 'While our findings suggest that consumers stand to reap little or no benefit from the nutrient additions in novel beverages, most products were being marketed as if they provided a unique benefit to the consumer through the nutrient additions.' The brands are, typically, aimed at young adults claiming to give them renewed vigour and energy, help them to focus or revive them after a late night, for example. Ms Dachner said the ingredients of such drinks do not 'address existing nutrient inadequacies in the population'. The report said: 'Labels 'highlighted nutritional attributes such as immune support and antioxidant properties, and some made claims related to specific nutrients. It added: 'In addition, nutrients were often juxtaposed with messages related to performance and emotional well-being, benefits that go beyond conventional nutritional science.' And 'young adults - the likely target group for these products - are already consuming enough of these nutrients to meet their needs.' The researchers said measures were needed to 'ensure that consumers of [such] beverages are not misled or exposed to unnecessarily high nutrient loads with no potential benefit.'
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Many of the benefits being claimed have no science behind them either .
Damning report came from Canadian academics at two universities .
Drinks are most commonly fortified with vitamins B6, B12, C and niacin .
But many people already get daily intake of these vitamins in other ways .
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607badbf3da3f400a1348593fb5f908731284214
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Mario Gotze and Andre Schurrle are still reaping the rewards that come with winning the World Cup. The Germany internationals both played important roles for Joachim Low's side as they claimed glory in Brazil, Schurrle with goals in the second round and semi-final and Gotze with the winner in the final. Bayern Munich attacker Gotze's travels have taken him to Formentera in Spain where he enjoyed a mud bath with lingerie model girlfriend Ann-Kathrin Brommel. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Mario Gotze and Andre Schurrle enjoying their holidays . Dirty work: Mario Gotze and girlfriend Ann-Kathrin Brommel enjoy a mud bath . Unrecognisable: Gotze's latest look is a far cry from the Maracana where his goal won Germany the World Cup . Companion: Brommel also accompanied Gotze on holiday to Ibiza . Recognisable: Gotze is more familiar after washing himself down in Formentera, Spain . Double trouble: Gotze and Andre Schurrle lap up the acclaim in Berlin . VIDEO Berlin welcomes victorius Germany team home . Gotze is more renowned for his silky skills on the pitch but Pep Guardiola will be encouraged to see he is willing to get dirty too. The 22-year-old sported a black Nike cap while Brommel carried a football. He had previously been spotted celebrating in Ibiza after rounding off a memorable summer of international duty at Germany's homecoming in Berlin. Schurrle, meanwhile, aped his Germany colleague by holidaying on a private yacht in Ibiza. The Chelsea attacker has not returned to domestic duty with the Blues yet due to his involvement in Brazil but looks certain to play a big part as Jose Mourinho continues moulding a side he feels are capable of challenging for the Premier League. Winners: Gotze, Schurrle and Jerome Boateng celebrate after beating Argentina in the World Cup final . Laid back: Chelsea forward Schurrle relaxes after a long summer at the 2014 World Cup . Lap of luxury: Schurrle was spotted in Ibiza with girlfriend Montana Yorke .
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Germany and Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze enjoys mud bath in Spain .
Chelsea forward Andre Schurrle tastes the high life in yacht off Ibiza .
Both played key roles in Germany's 2014 World Cup win this summer .
Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to win the tournament for a fourth time .
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6a27501c357cd0caef33c74bd6432ede14260fea
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By . Louise Boyle . PUBLISHED: . 11:25 EST, 10 December 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:25 EST, 10 December 2012 . A teenage boy's trial begins today for the brutal rape and murder of his three-year-old half-sister. D’Marques Jones faces life in prison over the death of Makayla Jones in June last year. The toddler died from 'multisysterm organ failure' caused by an infection built up after she sustained traumatic injuries. Jones, from Barberton, is the first minor to be tried by a jury at the juvenile court in Summit County, Ohio. House of horror: Makayla Jones died last year from injuries she sustained from being raped at this Ohio home . Jury selection will begin at 9am on Monday morning under Judge Linda Tucci Teodosio. Jones turned 17 last month and has been classified as a 'serious youth offender', his lawyer Scott A. Rilley told Ohio.com. He allegedly committed the crimes when he was 15. It has not been revealed what Jones will plea over the rape and murder charges. If Jones is found guilty, he can only be held in juvenile detention until he is 21. However if the 17-year-old is convicted and then gets into trouble at the detention center, he could have adult prison time added to his sentence. Makayla was taken to hospital by her father Marques Jones after he noticed the little girl was vomiting food and drink. Her teenage half-brother turned himself into police four months later in November, 2011 following an investigation. Unprecedented: D'Marques Jones is the first minor to be tried by a jury at the juvenile court in Summit County . His father had originally been . considered a suspect after detectives found evidence that the child had . been raped with an object. He was described as 'distraught' that his son, a high school sophomore, was later charged over his daughter's death. A murder conviction carries a life sentence while being found guilty of rape holds up to 11 years in prison.
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D’Marques Jones, now 17, first ever minor to be tried by a jury at Ohio's juvenile court .
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6ad859927400667d1b757986cb7c6163e7533036
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(CNN) -- As Typhoon Haiyan's trail of destruction in the Philippines unfolds, CNN reporters have been on the ground from the beginning building up a picture of the devastation and heartache caused by the most powerful-ever storm to make landfall. Click on the videos below to follow their powerful stories. Andrew Stevens was in Tacloban when Haiyan hit. It was the first major population center in the region to feel the wrath of the super typhoon. Four days after this town of more than 220,000 people was reduced to rubble, he witnesses the devastation with Tacloban's horrified mayor. Nick Paton Walsh takes a drive through the storm-battered city at night. He says most people are seeking shelter in the wreckage of houses or in what remains of the Church's infrastructure -- with the occasional fire bringing light to this eerily dark town. While fears remain about looters and other security issues, he says the police and military appear in control, on the main roads at least. Paula Hancocks, who is also in Tacloban, has seen the suffering of the local population -- especially young children -- first hand. But from the ashes of disaster, she sees signs of hope, with babies born -- and surviving -- in the most atrocious conditions. Anna Coren, meanwhile, accompanies a Philippines military aid flight as authorities attempt to deliver supplies to those desperately in need. Situated where the Philippines meets the Pacific Ocean, the town of Guiuan had the look and feel of a tropical paradise. Unfortunately, its location on Samar Island's southeastern tip turned out to be a curse. It was cut off from outside communication and many basic necessities until recently, when a C-130 military cargo plane flew over the ravaged area and landed at its small airport. Ivan Watson reports from a military airbase in Cebu City, which has become a key hub in the relief effort. He speaks to a group of young Filipino men who showed up with food they collected to be sent out as aid. They say they were moved to help after seeing aerial pictures of how towns such as Guiuan had been completely cut off after the storm hit. Are you there? Send us your images and video but please stay safe.
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CNN's Andrew Stevens experienced the force of the typhoon in Tacloban .
Amid the chaos and destructio in the town, Paula Hancocks witnessed hope .
Anna Coren boarded a military cargo plane taking aid into the disaster zone .
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98a9861324c8083b04188b18118746507a4d555e
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By . Nadia Mendoza and Sarah Bull . PUBLISHED: . 19:55 EST, 24 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 15:53 EST, 25 July 2012 . Kristen Stewart has cheated on Robert Pattinson with a married filmmaker twice her age, it has been claimed. The Twilight actress, 22, is said to have enjoyed an affair with Snow White And The Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders, 41. As Kristen prepared to spread her wings from the vampire franchise, she joined forces with the father-of-two to work on his $170m feature debut - which was released just last month. Wife Liberty Ross, 33, played Queen Eleanor - Stewart's mother in the box office hit. Scroll down for video . Infidelity? Us Weekly have claimed to have photographic proof that Kristen Stewart cheated on boyfriend Robert Pattinson . It has been reported that last Tuesday, Kristen was . caught in the arms of Rupert - with celebrity magazine Us Weekly claiming to have . photographic evidence. Kristen can be seen wrapped in the arms of a man alleged to be Sanders on the cover of this week's issue of the American magazine. In another snap, Rupert appears to nestle into Kristen's shoulder, even nibbling or offering a kiss as they were captured at Pacific View Trail - a lookout point with a view of the Hollywood sign. A series of shots sees the pair caught in an embrace as the smiling actress leans against a ledge, while clutching her baseball cap, with Rupert gravitating towards her with open arms. But perhaps the most unsettling pictures are those taken from inside a parked car, where Stewart and Sanders seem to be kissing. While the brunette's face is turned from the camera, her hairstyle and profile resemble the real K-Stew, with her white tank top and neon yellow bra strap showing, as in the other pictures. The not-so-happy couple? Kristen Stewart, 22, is alleged to have cheated on Robert Pattinson with married director Rupert Sanders, 41 - despite posing together on Sunday at the Teen Choice Awards . Married man: Rupert can be seen with his wedding ring at a Snow White screening in Los Angeles in May . Kristen's head is tilted as Rupert's eyes are closed and their heads come together. As they drive away, Kristen puts her baseball cap back on and both cover their faces in shades. A photographer told Us Weekly: 'He was all over her. (They) would only take a break when they thought someone was walking by. It seemed like they couldn't get enough.' It is believed Kristen may have avoided being photographed if not for the timing of a phone call. While driving back to her $6m Los Feliz home, that she has shared with Pattinson since last September, she answered her mobile and headed off in the other direction. It was then that a photographer followed her black Mini Cooper to 'the back lot of a deserted building plastered with For Lease signs' that he captured the couple. And People.com also reported the story, saying: 'Kristen is absolutely devastated. It was a mistake and a . complete lapse in judgement. She wasn't having an affair with Rupert. 'It was just a fleeting moment that . shouldn't have happened. She never meant to hurt anyone. She's a good . person who just made a bad choice.' Insiders have made the allegations to both Us Weekly and celebrity website People.com. Kristen's alleged infidelity came just months after Robert gave an interview to Italian Vanity Fair magazine saying that he has 'never understood' people who cheat. Standing by her man? Liberty, pictured here at an LA Snow White screening in May, has been tweeting rather cryptic messages . Taking direction: Kristen and Rupert seen chatting in between takes on the set of Snow White And The Huntsman . Hidden messages? Liberty retweeted a Marilyn Monroe note from Women of History, who regularly quote motivational phrases . He said: 'There is one thing I've never understood: Why people cheat. My parents met when my mom was 17 and my father 25, they are still . together, and seem very happy. 'I grew up believing that you can be . together all of your life.' While it is unknown exactly how . long the Twilight pair have been dating, due to extreme privacy at . the start their romance, R-Patz finally came clean at the BAFTAs . ceremony in February 2010. At the time, the 26-year-old told The Sun: 'It is extremely difficult but we are together, yes. We can't arrive at the same time because of the fans. It goes crazy. 'This . was supposed to be a public appearance as a couple but it's impossible. We are here together and it's a public event but it's not easy. We have . to do all this stuff to avoid attention.' Life imitated art: The couple are in love onscreen too, as Edward and Bella . Happier times: The couple were photographed together during a night out in Hollywood on 19th July . Let the good times roll: The couple were seen giggling last week during a Comic-Con press conference . Just days ago, the duo looked happy at Comic-Con as they promoted the final film of their franchise, Breaking Dawn: Part 2, and also at the Teen Choice Awards on Sunday. The news will come as a shock after British actor Pattinson hinted he wanted to marry Kristen. Speaking to BlackBook, he explained: 'There was a magazine, with these pictures, saying I was getting married. No one ever knows what is true or what isn’t. 'Even my own mum called to ask me if it was true. It’s not. At least, not yet. But it is true that Kristen has always done something to me that others haven’t.' And in her most recent interview, with the June issue of Elle magazine, Kristen said she was getting tired of her 'boring' life, and wanted something 'bad' to happen to her. She said: 'You can learn so much from bad things. I feel boring. I feel like, "Why is everything so easy for me?" I can't wait for something crazy to f***ing happen to me. Just life. 'I want someone to f*** me over! Do you know what I mean?' What will become of them? Liberty Ross and Rupert Sanders on set of Snow White And The Huntsman . Before the drama: Liberty was seen posing up with Kristen, as well as Charlize Theron and Lily Cole, at the London premiere of the movie last month . Meanwhile, Rupert's wife Liberty . rather cryptically retweeted a quote from Marilyn Monroe, saying: . 'Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.' She later followed this with another retweet, this time quoting American author and poet Maya Angelou, saying: 'If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded.' Liberty then simply wrote: 'WOW'. Following her tweets, Liberty appeared to have deleted her Twitter account. When Kristen signed up to play Snow White in Huntsman, many thought that it would mark a new stage in her career following her role as Bella Swan in Twilight. And speaking about his lead actress in the role at one of the movie's premieres last month, Rupert said he was thrilled by her performance. Dangerous liaison: Kristen kisses Ryan Reynolds in 2009's Adventureland - in which he played a married man . In action: Kristen as Snow White alongside Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman in the movie, directed by Saunders . He told E! News: 'She's got a great spirit, she's really quite rebellious...and feisty and kind of wild. And that's really what I wanted the modern Snow White to have. 'I didn't want her to be timid and I . didn't want her to be frightened and relying on men, you know. 'She's . very strong and very driven, and I think that's true in her personal . life...She's got a big weight of the world on her shoulders and she . carries it incredibly well.' Snow . White And The Huntsman marks the first major motion picture that Rupert . directed - but he has already signed on to take the helm of the sequel. He has said: 'Our story is a 'once upon a time', but it's not a "happy ever after."' It is believed that Huntsman was the first in a planned trilogy of movies about the modern Snow White. Centre of attention: Kristen spoke at the Teen Choice Awards, flanked by co-stars R-Patz and Taylor Lautner . Fact or fiction? Rupert posed with Kristen and Chris Hemsworth at the Australian Snow White premiere . Prior to the film, Rupert had made a name for himself directing commercials. Following the infidelity claims breaking, Kristen is already facing backlash from fans of the tween favorite couple. One fan said: 'HOW COULD SHE? Rob loves her so much.' Another told HollywoodLife.com: 'Ever . since she did Snow White And The Huntsman she changed. She’s more . Hollywood now. More into her looks. I mean how many magazine covers she . done in the past few months? I lost count.' Distracted: Kristen looked deep in thought as she played golf in Pacific Palisades on July 20th . Others . took to Twitter to voice their disappointment in the actress, with one . tweeting: ' OH HELLLLL NO. KRISTEN STEWART CHEATED ON MAH BEW WITH SOME . DIRECTOR. SHE'S SUPPOSED TO BE GOOD TO ROBERT PATTINSON, his luscious . self.' And another added: 'Kristen Stewart, . how could you cheat on Robert Pattinson with a married man that has . children? So disappointed in you.' In a bid to lose her wholesome image, Kristen also played the role of Emily in Adventureland in 2009. The cheeky actress, who has disrobed . for her latest project On The Road, engaged in sexual scenes with Ryan . Reynolds, who played the married park maintenance man.
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British director has two young children with model Liberty Ross .
Ross played Stewart's mother in film directed by her husband .
R-Patz recently hinted he planned to marry Kristen... and has said he 'never understood' people who cheat .
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Sugar Puffs (pictured in their current form) will be being rebranded as 'Honey Monster Puffs' and will contain less sugar and 20 per cent more honey . Sugar Puffs are being given a makeover in an attempt to address parents' concerns about the amount of sugar in the cereal - and revive plunging sales. Rebranded as 'Honey Monster Puffs' after the yellow furry character featured in previous adverts, they will be made from a new recipe with less sugar and 20 per cent more honey. The cereal will also feature traffic light nutritional labelling on the front of the pack, in a move manufacturers Halo Foods said would allow customers to make 'informed decisions' about what they eat for breakfast. Overall, manufacturers say the sugar content has been reduced by a third in a decade. Honey Monster Puffs will contain 8.6g of sugar – a cube and a half – in a 30g portion, down from the previous recipe which contained almost two cubes per portion. However critics say the move is largely a marketing ploy - as once broken down, honey and added sugar become the same thing - glucose. Dietitian Helen Bond told MailOnline: 'Added sugar and honey are grouped in the same category by the UK Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. 'Although honey is seen as more "natural" than added sugar, it is still counted as a "free sugar" - i.e. one that has been added to a product rather than say lactose, a sugar found naturally in milk. 'Once broken down in the body, honey will do exactly the same thing as the added sugar would have.' In comparison to Sugar Puffs, Coco Pops and Frosties contain 11g of sugar per portion - more than two cubes. Tesco Chocco Snaps contain 9.8 g of sugar (almost two cubes), and Kellogs Krave contains 9g. Readybrek Chocolate has 6g of sugar in each portion - just over one cube - but Readybrek original contains no sugar at all. Cheerios similarly contain 6g of sugar for each 30g and Rice Krispies contain 3g of sugar per portion, just over half a cube. Breakfast cereals have faced a backlash in recent years, with critics claiming products with a high sugar content are being dressed up as a healthy option. In 2012 an investigation by Which? Found that Sugar Puffs were the third most sugary breakfast cereal marketed towards children. Scroll down for video . The Honey Monster is being revived as part of a £3 million marketing campaign in 2015 to advertise the products, after a backlash against breakfast cereals with a high sugar content . Such products are laden with so much sugar they ought to be sold alongside chocolate biscuits, not marketed as a recipe for a healthy life, investigators said. In June shadow health secretary Andy Burnham announced that a Labour government would cap the amount of sugar in breakfast cereals in a bid to tackle childhood obesity. Honey Monster Puffs will contain 8.6g of sugar – a cube and a half – in a 30g portion, down from the previous recipe which contained almost two cubes per portion. Comparably, Coco Pops and Frosties contains 11g of sugar per portion, more than two cubes. Tesco Chocco Snaps contains 9.8 g of sugar (almost two cubes), and Kellogs Krave contains 9g. Readybrek Chocolate has 6g of sugar in each portion - just over one cube - but Readybrek original contains no sugar at all. Cheerios similarly contained 6g of sugar for each 30g and Rice Krispies contained 3g of sugar per portion, just over half a cube. The move came after the World Health Organisation announced adults should halve their average intake to six teaspoons a day (almost five cubes) to avoid obesity, heart disease and other serious illnesses. Halo Foods is planning a £3 million marketing campaign in 2015 to further drive sales of the new product, centered around the return of the Honey Monster, The Grocer magazine reported. They are hoping to tap into nostalgia for the furry yellow character, who was first seen on screens in 1976. Andy Valentine, Marketing Director at Halo Foods, said: 'The Honey Monster was a staple of family breakfasts for decades. 'Our research has shown us that consumers still have a strong feeling of nostalgia, trust and loyalty towards him, so it's fantastic that we're able to bring him back.' He added: 'Despite a lack of investment for the last few years under previous owners, Honey Monster Puffs has maintained a position as the number 18 brand in the UK cereal category. 'We feel that the product re-launch, coupled with our move to bring the product name in line with the iconic Honey Monster character, can only amplify this position and help grow our share of the cereals category.'
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Sugar Puffs being rebranded as Honey Monster Puffs .
Made from new recipe with less sugar and 20 per cent more honey .
Manufacturers say sugar content has been reduced by a third in a decade .
Traffic light rating system also being added to front of packet .
Manufacturers will launch a £3 million marketing campaign in 2015 .
Will feature the return of the yellow and furry Honey Monster character .
Changes made in response to slump in sales and fears over sugar .
But critics told MailOnline the switch from honey to sugar is a gimmick .
Once in the body, honey and sugar are both broken down to glucose .
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efcad6e8faeeaec0af2946340a663d20e0f5a0a3
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A Mexican man once listed as the world's heaviest human being died Monday at the age of 48. Manuel . Uribe had slimmed down to about 867 pounds, well below . his then-record peak weight of 1,230 pounds, which was . certified in 2006 as a Guinness World Record. Uribe's death was confirmed by an official of the health department of Nuevo Leon state, where the city of Monterrey is located. Bedridden: The former world's heaviest man Manuel 'Meme' Uribe, 42, who had been confined to his bed in Monterrey, Mexico, for 10 years, died Monday at 867 pounds . Body: Members of the Civil Protection secure a king size bed, refitted with a metal frame and a plastic tarp, holding the body of the late Manuel Uribe on its way to the crematorium of a local funeral parlour in Monterrey Monday . Uribe had been confined to his bed in Monterrey for years, unable to walk on his own. The . official, who was not authorized to be quoted by name, said Uribe had . been taken to the hospital on May 2 because of an abnormal heartbeat. He had to be taken to the hospital with a crane by emergency and civil defense workers. Doctors . have not yet certified the cause of death. In addition to the cardiac . condition, Uribe was also believed to have suffered from liver problems. Uribe married Claudia Solis in 2008, and the wedding was one of the few times he left his home in recent years. Foodlover: Manuel Uribe is pictured eating in his bed at home in Monterrey in 2006 . Heavy: Uribe, pictured in 2006, had to be taken to the hospital with a crane by emergency and civil defense workers . Video Source TLC . After years of diet, exercise and medical care, Uribe, had lost more than 550 pounds by the ceremony. He . had hoped to walk down the aisle, but despite his dramatic weight loss, . he was transported to the ceremony on a flatbed truck and remained in . his custom-made bed, according to The Associated Press. Uribe shed tears during the ceremony and embraced his then-38-year-old bride for a 'first dance' but didn't indulge in wedding cake. 'He didn't break his diet,' Uribe's mother said. 'I have a wife and will form a new family and live a happy life,' Uribe told reporters before the ceremony for 400 guests. He had been married prior to Solis, when he weighed 280 pounds, Uribe was married. Bride: Claudia Solis arrives at the dance hall to marry Uribe in Monterrey, Mexico, Sunday, October 26, 2008 . Groom: Uribe, then-43, gives a thump up while being driven in a forklift to his wedding . But as he grew more obese, he said the relationship grew increasingly difficult. 'She asked me for a divorce,' he said. 'I was very depressed.' Uribe . was a chubby kid, weighing more than 250 pounds as an . adolescent. Starting in 1992, he said, his weight began ballooning . further. In 2007, Uribe told ABC News: 'I had an obesity problem for many years, a very significant one. I was gaining and gaining weight. I was on every diet you can imagine.' 'I used to eat normal, just like all Mexicans do... beans, rice, flour tortilla, corn tortilla, French fries, hamburgers, subs and pizzas, whatever regular people eat. I worked as a technician, repairing typewriters, electronic calculators and computers. So I worked on a chair. It was a sedentary life,' he said. But his weight got out of hand. Since the summer of 2002, Uribe had been bedridden, relying on his mother and friends to feed and clean him.
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Manuel Uribe had slimmed down from then record breaking weight of 1,230 pounds .
Had to be transported to the hospital by crane when experiencing an abnormal heartbeat .
Cause of death has yet to be certified .
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(CNN) -- Fresh reports of global espionage. Furious European officials. A plea from the vice president. The weekend was packed with twists and turns in the case of former National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden and the secret documents he's leaked. Snowden, who faces espionage charges in the United States, is still in Russia and seeking asylum from Ecuador. Here are some key recent developments that CNN is reporting: . New allegations about U.S. spying . Germany's Der Spiegel and Britain's The Guardian have published stories with new claims about U.S. surveillance, citing NSA documents leaked to them by Snowden. The reports, which CNN has not independently confirmed, include allegations that: . • In Brussels, Belgium, the agency targeted the Justus Lipsius Building, which houses the European Council and the EU Council of Ministers, the union's main decision-making and legislative body. • In Washington, Der Spiegel claims, the NSA installed bugs in the European Union's building and infiltrated its computer network. • One NSA document leaked by Snowden describes 38 embassies and missions as "targets," and it details surveillance methods that include planting bugs in communications equipment and collecting transmissions with specialized antennae. Targets included France, Italy, Greece, Japan, Mexico, South Korea, India and Turkey, according to The Guardian. Outraged European officials ask U.S. for answers . European officials reacted with fury to the reports that the NSA spied on EU offices. "I am deeply worried and shocked about the allegations," European Parliament President Martin Schulz said in a statement. "If the allegations prove to be true, it would be an extremely serious matter which will have a severe impact on EU-U.S. relations." German officials have said the claims, if true, are reminiscent of the Cold War. French President Francois Hollande said any U.S. surveillance targeting officials from his country must stop immediately. U.S. officials have said they'll address the concerns through diplomatic channels. They haven't spoken publicly about the specific allegations published by Der Spiegel and The Guardian. Schumer and McCain: Russia should pay a price for harboring Snowden . Two high-profile senators on Sunday admonished Russia for not handing over Snowden, who's hiding in Russia as he seeks asylum in Ecuador. Republican Sen. John McCain said Snowden's actions amounted to a "slap in the face to the United States" and called President Vladimir Putin "an old colonel KGB apparatchik" who "dreams of the restoration of the Russian Empire." Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer said Sunday he's not sure what should be done to get Snowden back, but Russia should "pay a price" for "doing what they did." "(Putin) ought to know he is going to pay a price here because he goes out of his way to stick his finger in the eye of America, whether it is Iran, Syria, and now this," he said on the same Fox program. "He has got lots of vulnerabilities." Biden to Ecuador: Don't give him asylum . Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa says he got a phone call from U.S. Vice President Joe Biden on Friday. Biden asked him "to please reject" Snowden's asylum bid, Correa said. The Ecuadorian leader said his country would be cautious about processing Snowden's asylum request. "We have to act very carefully but with courage," he said, "without contradicting our principles but with a lot of care, responsibility and respect, of course, towards the U.S. -- but also respect for the truth." On Saturday night, Correa said the ball was in Russia's court. "In order to process this request, he needs to be in Ecuadorian territory," Correa said in an interview with Ecuador's Oromar TV on Saturday night. "At this point, the solution for Snowden's final destination is in the hands of the Russian authorities." Bush slams Snowden, defends NSA surveillance . Former U.S. President George W. Bush sharply criticized Snowden. "I think he damaged the security of the country," he said in an exclusive interview with CNN over the weekend. Asked about an NSA program that tracks people's Internet activity, Bush said, "I put that program in place to protect the country. One of the certainties was that civil liberties were guaranteed." Filmmakers release the first Snowden movie . A group of amateur filmmakers in Hong Kong has already filmed a short thriller dramatizing the events that unfolded in the city last month. The five-minute film was shot over four days, said freelance videographer Edwin Lee, describing it as a "foot-on-the-gas" guerrilla operation. The script was mostly written the day before shooting, and actors had no rehearsal time, he added. In its first week, the film has garnered more than 60,000 views on YouTube. The movie ends with the former NSA contractor's June 23 flight to Moscow. But the world is still waiting for the next chapter in Snowden's story. CNN's Josh Levs, Claudia Rebaza, Michael Martinez, Jethro Mullen and Alexis Lai contributed to this report.
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Citing leaked NSA documents, European publications publish fresh allegations of U.S. spying .
Outraged European officials are demanding answers from the United States .
Ecuador's president says Vice President Joe Biden asked him not to give Snowden asylum .
Amateur filmmakers release the first movie about Snowden .
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By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . FCA chief executive Martin Wheatley said firms offering loans to people who can never afford to repay their debts must 'improve their standards or leave the industry' The financial industry ‘lost its moral compass’, the head of the new City watchdog said today as he warned payday lenders to clean up their act or face being shut down. The Financial Conduct Authority suggested a quarter of payday lenders could be put out of business as it took charge of the £200 billion consumer credit market. Chief executive Martin Wheatley said firms offering loans to people who can never afford to repay their debts must ‘improve their standards or leave the industry’. Citizens Advice today warned that a payday loan has become a ‘debt sentence’ for many trapped by irresponsible lenders. Under the new rules payday lenders will be banned from making repeated raids on customers’ bank accounts to fund their debts. Compulsory checks will also have to be carried out to make sure people can afford to repay loans before they are offered. Mr Wheatley told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘Our concern has been that parts of this industry, not all, loan without doing any affordability checks and then loading costs onto people who simply cannot pay, and that's the part of the industry that we really want to take out, we want them to improve their standards or leave the industry. ‘We've said that up to a quarter could leave, I think the industry itself has estimated figures much higher than that, we'll have to see. ‘We'd like firms to rise to our standards, but if they can't then we'd like them to leave the industry, it's very straightforward.’ Payday lenders will also have to provide financial health warnings online and link to free debt help from today. And the FCA is to consult on capping the total cost of a loan, to stop charges spiralling out of control. Under the plans, a payday loan firm will be able to attempt to try raid a borrower's account using a recurring payment known as a continuous payment authority (CPA) twice. In future payday lenders will have to provide financial health warnings online and link to free debt help . Mr Wheatley defended the decision not to scrap the powers altogether, insisting payday lenders offer a service used by hundreds of thousands of people. ‘The difficulty with this industry is that consumers in the UK use this product, it's not a question that it's a complete rip off, people use it and have valid reasons for wanting short-term access to money. Martin Wheatley, FCA . ‘Over Christmas, the Money Advice figures said a million people planned to access these sort of services, so one of the difficult questions for us is how we balance the fact that some people use and value this service against the fact that some people are abusing the delivery of it.’ He insisted that the FCA had a ‘proportionate and balanced response’. But Citizens Advice warned lenders have not kept promises to freeze interest rates, warn about the cost of extending loans and offer free debt advice to customers struggling to repay their debts. Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said: ‘A payday loan has become a debt sentence for many of our clients due to irresponsible practices by lenders. ‘Consumers who are looking for a bit of money to tide them over need a fair and competitive market to engage with not one that seeks to exploit them. ‘The stern warning and tough rules from the FCA need to be followed with strong enforcement action. Lenders found to breaking the rules and harming consumers should be immediately thrown out of the market.’
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Financial Conduct Authority oversees £200billion consumer credit market .
New powers to ban firms from repeated raids on customers' accounts .
Compulsory checks to make sure people can afford repayments .
Citizens Advice warns payday loans have become a 'death sentence'
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Remarkable: Captain Robert Campbell returned to a German PoW camp after being given permission to leave to visit his dying mother in Britain by the Kaiser . When British prisoner of war Robert Campbell asked the Kaiser if he could visit his dying mother, he was astonished to be given permission – on condition that he promised to return. The Army captain kept his word and returned to the German camp after the two-week trip in November 1916, remaining in captivity until the end of the First World War. Historian Richard van Emden, who discovered the incredible incident, said such an act of chivalry was rare even a century ago. ‘Capt Campbell was an officer and he made a promise on his honour to go back,’ he said. ‘Had he not turned up there would not have been any retribution on any other prisoners. ‘What I think is more amazing is that the British Army let him go back to Germany. The British could have said to him, “You’re not going back, you’re going to stay here”.’ Capt Campbell, who joined the Army in 1903, was leading the 1st Bn East Surrey Regiment when his battalion took up a position on the Mons-Condé canal in north-west France just weeks after war broke out in July 1914. A week later, his troops were attacked by the German forces and Capt Campbell was seriously injured and captured. The 29-year-old was treated in a military hospital in Cologne before being sent to the prisoner-of-war camp in Magdeburg. In 1916, he received word from home that his mother Louise was dying of cancer. He wrote to Kaiser Wilhelm II, begging to be allowed to see her one last time. The Kaiser gave him two weeks’ compassionate leave, including two days travelling in each direction by boat and train, on the proviso Capt Campbell gave his word as a British Army officer that he would return. Capt Campbell reached his mother’s bedside in Gravesend, Kent, on November 7 and spent a week with her before keeping his promise and returning to Germany. His mother died three months later in February 1917. Mr van Emden, 48, discovered the amazing story after reading correspondence between the Foreign Office and their German counterparts and it is told in his new book, Meeting the Enemy: The Human Face of the Great War. He said of Capt Campbell’s amazing story: ‘I think it is such a unique example that I don’t think you can draw any parallels. In my experience, this is a one-off and is one of those things that just tickles your fancy.’ SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . Evidence: A note found in the National Archives reveals when Capt Campbell was due to return home for a 'fortnight's leave of absence' Historic: This document shows how he was allowed to return to his family home in Gravesend Kent in November 1916 and spent a week with his cancer-stricken mother - then went back to prison for the final two years of war . Progress: This memo from 1916 shows how Captain Campbell came via Holland on his journey home to see his mum on 'parole' After the war, Capt Campbell was released and returned to Britain where he served in the military until retiring in 1925. However, . he rejoined his regiment in 1939 on the outbreak of the Second World . War, serving as the Chief Observer of the Royal Observer Corps on the . Isle of Wight. He survived that war unscathed and died in Britain in . July 1966 aged 81. Mr van . Emden’s book charts the personal contacts between Britons and Germans . and their feelings towards each other as the First World War progressed. Discovery: Historian Richard van Emden (pictured left) made . the discovery of the documents about Capt Campbell who lead the 1st Bn . East Surrey Regiment whose badge is pictured, right . More detail: This official memo from the U.S. Embassy in London showed that the agreement between Campbell and the Germans went via the Americans . Didn't work both ways: German Peter Gastreich asked to be allowed to leave the Isle of Wight to visit his dying father, but the British refused to accept Captain Campbell's case set a precedent . The highest display of . respect he discovered was between pilots fighting above the lines. The . pilots did not carry parachutes because they were too bulky for the . narrow cockpits of the day. If their aircraft caught fire, they faced the choice of burning alive or jumping out. German . pilots made it a habit to find their victims, dead or alive. If dead, . they sent details of their names and burial sites across British lines. If found alive, they would invite them to a slap-up meal in their mess. Both sides were ruthless when fighting each other in the air but observed the rules of chivalry on the ground. Troop: Capt Campbell was among troops like these ones when he was captured at the very start of the war . Recovery: Captain Campbell was was treated at this military hospital in Cologne before he was taken to the POW camp . Prisoner of war: Capt Campbell had been leading the 1st Bn East Surrey Regiment when his battalion fought at the Monds-Conde canal in north-western France (pictured), where he was injured and captured . Incredibly Kaiser Wilhelm II granted the request allowing the officer two weeks leave as long as he returned . Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last emperor of Germany, had a schizophrenic relationship with Britain until he was forced to abdicate in 1918. He was Queen Victoria’s grandson and his mother was Victoria, Princess Royal, who married Prince Frederick of Prussia in 1858. Wilhelm developed a passion for Britain, but was furious that he was never accepted by its high society. The expansion of the German navy before the war was inspired by his love, and his mother’s, for the Royal Navy. He once told his uncle Edward VII that his dream was to have a ‘fleet of my own some day’. Historian David Fromkin said: ‘The half-German side of him was at war with the half-English side. He was wildly jealous of the British, wanting to be British, wanting to be better at being British than the British were, while at the same time resenting them.’ As the First World War dragged on, Wilhelm’s influence with the military faded and he was reduced to handing out awards.
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Captain Robert Campbell was injured and captured in France in July, 1914 .
After two years in German camp his mother in Gravesend, Kent, fell ill .
Briton wrote to the Kaiser asking to return home and enemy leader agreed .
Story revealed in documents unearthed by historian Richard van Emden .
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By . Jack Doyle . Launch: Uganda is among the African nations with plans to develop its own rocket . Four other African countries in receipt of hundreds of millions of pounds in British aid have their own space programmes, the Mail can reveal. The row over aid spending intensified yesterday when it emerged Britain is pumping more than a billion pounds into oil-rich Nigeria which has plans to put a man in space. But taxpayers are also funding aid programmes in South Africa, Ghana, Uganda and Kenya – all of which have their own space agencies. Many are in their early stages, but include ambitious and expensive plans for satellites and even rockets. Over the five years of this Government, the four nations will receive more than £1.5billion from British taxpayers. Kenya will be handed the most, a total of £596million, followed by Uganda which is getting £480million. Ghana will receive £460million. South Africa will be given £112million – almost as much as it spends on its space programme. The long-standing project is estimated to cost some £110million a year. In May ministers announced direct aid to South Africa would end in 2015. International Development Secretary Justine Greening said it was now the region’s ‘economic powerhouse’ and was ‘in a position to fund its own development’. But until then it will still be handed some £19million a year. The South African National Space Agency was founded in 2009 – the same year that the first South African government-owned satellite was launched on a Russian rocket. It cost an estimated £1.7million and collects images for agriculture, water management and urban planning. Kenya’s space agency was set up last year and the country’s politicians have made clear their intentions to get a satellite into space. Uganda also has a space research programme, paid for in part by its government, and plans for a satellite and rocket. Ludicrous: Despite millions of Africans living in extreme poverty, governments are spending huge sums on space programmes . Ghana’s Space Science and Technology Centre is thought to be several years away from putting a satellite into space. The revelations will intensify pressure on ministers over Britain’s spiralling aid spending. The Department for International Development’s budget will rise by 35 per cent in real terms by 2015, at the same time as spending on areas of critical national importance such as the police, military and immigration is being slashed. Britain is also handing about £280million a year in aid to India, another country with its own space programme. Changes: International Development Secretary Justine Greening told South Africa it will no longer receive direct aid by 2015 . The row was sparked by comments from UKIP MEP Godfrey Bloom who said it was folly to give billions in aid to ‘Bongo Bongo land’. He was widely criticised for using the term ‘Bongo Bongo land’ but many commentators believe he was right about the building resentment over foreign aid. He said: ‘How we can possibly be giving a billion pounds a month, when we’re in this sort of debt, to Bongo Bongo land is completely beyond me.’ And he claimed foreign leaders frittered aid money away on ‘Ray-Ban sunglasses, apartments in Paris and Ferraris’. On Thursday David Cameron said the remarks were offensive and accused Mr Bloom of being guilty of a ‘stop the world I want to get off’ approach to foreign aid. But the revelations that oil-rich Nigeria, which is receiving £300million in British aid this year alone, had ambitious plans to launch its own rockets sparked fury. Critics asked why Britain was, in effect, subsidising a space programme for a nation where 70 per cent of people live below the poverty line. Backbench Tory MP Philip Davies said it was ‘totally unjustifiable and unaffordable’ for Britain to give this money to Nigeria, given the scale of its ‘grandiose’ space programme. But the Department for International Development has defended its aid spending, saying the money goes to poverty reduction, health and education programmes, and would benefit Britain by cutting immigration and crime.
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South Africa, Ghana, Uganda and Kenya all have space agencies .
Countries will receive £1.5billion in aid from Britain from current Government .
Revelations will intensify pressure over our foreign aid spending .
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(CNN Student News) -- November 12, 2010 . Download PDF maps related to today's show: . • South Korea • New York, New York . 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: Fridays are awesome! And we're not the only ones who think so. You're gonna meet some other people who totally agree in just a few minutes. I'm Carl Azuz. CNN Student News starts right now! First Up: G-20 Summit . AZUZ: And we begin today at the G-20 Summit, where there is talk of war! But not the type of war most of us think of. No guns, no missiles. This is a currency war, a war over money. It has to do with something that both China and the U.S. are accused of: currency manipulation. This is when a country changes the value of its currency on purpose. Usually, it means making your currency weaker. Why would someone want to do that? Well, if your currency's less valuable, then your exports, the products that you make and sell to other countries, are cheaper. Cheaper products usually means more sales, which means more money for the country. Thing is, if one country is selling more products, that means other countries are selling fewer products. Stan Grant looks at how a couple cases of currency manipulation are causing tension in the global economy right now. (BEGIN VIDEO) STAN GRANT, CNN CORRESPONDENT, BEIJING: Currencies, the new economic battleground. According to some analysts, it has now gone to a whole new level. DONG TAO, CREDIT SUISSE: This is not officially declared, but I do believe that the world is in a currency war. GRANT: On one side, the Chinese renminbi. On the other, the United States dollar. TAO: In the past, it's been one way, U.S. pushing China. And now, we're going to see two-way arguments. GRANT: And in any battle, words are weapons. The U.S. has accused China of manipulating its currency, keeping it low to boost exports and take American jobs. The U.S. has embarked on another round of so-called "quantitative easing," pumping an extra $600 billion into banks to stimulate lending. It lowers the value of the dollar. China looks at America's sluggish growth, financial woes and high unemployment and says, "Don't blame us." CUI TIANKAI, VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: If they get cold, they cannot ask China to take the medicine, because this will not cure their cold. GRANT: In the middle, countries like Australia: staunch U.S. ally, but building its economy on the back of China growth. Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd, recently in China, ever the diplomat. KEVIN RUDD, AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: Well, I think, as they say in the classics, it takes two to tango. So, these questions are not as simple as that. GRANT: At stake is the very future of the world economy. Western countries are no longer the engines of growth. That belongs to emerging economies. According to the International Monetary Fund, China grew 10 times faster than the global average last year and contributed almost 50 percent of world domestic demand. RUDD: Where would we be if China had not generated phenomenal economic growth in the last 18 months? I tell you where we'd be: in a lot of trouble. GRANT: With the world's number one and two economies facing off, there are fears of a rise of protectionism, putting national interests above the world's. The answer ultimately is cooperation, not conflict. (END VIDEO) Impact Your World - Honoring America's Veterans . AZUZ: CNN's Impact Your World page offers ways for you to make a difference. Today, it's focused on America's veterans. Writing a letter, volunteering your time, just saying thank you: There are many ways to pay tribute to these men and women. Learn more at CNNStudentNews.com. Veterans Day . AZUZ: All across the country and around the world, Americans took time to honor their nation's veterans on Thursday. Ceremonies, parades and concerts scheduled all over the U.S. People honored the more than 23 million veterans who are alive today, as well as those who have fallen. Vice President Joe Biden was part of a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns in Arlington National Cemetery. He called veterans the "heart and soul, the very spine of this nation." Ground Zero Waterfall . AZUZ: This waterfall is part of a different memorial, one that honors some of the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. You'll find it in New York, and it's part of the National September 11th Memorial and Museum. Engineers started testing it this week. They've been working on it for years, and the president of the memorial said "to see the water coming down... was inspiring. It was great." The memorial and museum are scheduled to open on September 11th, 2011. That is the 10th anniversary of the attacks. Disabled Cruise Ship . AZUZ: Ryan Harlan says his recent vacation was really fun. The worst part? "Being stranded in the middle of the ocean." Yeah, that would put a damper on things. Ryan was one of 3,300 passengers who got stuck onboard this cruise ship for three days. A fire in the engine room knocked out the power, so no lights, no air conditioning, no hot showers. Plus, the toilets overflowed and some of the food went bad. Thankfully, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier showed up to help out. It brought out some supplies, some extra food. The cruise ship was eventually towed back into port, and all the passengers are safely back on land. Shoutout . TOMEKA JONES, CNN STUDENT NEWS: Today's Shoutout goes out to Mr. Schneider's and Ms. Thompson's classes at Westwood Middle School in Blaine, Minnesota! In Roman mythology, who was the god of fire? Is it: A) Vulcan, B) Mars, C) Mercury or D) Cupid? You've got three seconds -- GO! The Roman god of fire was Vulcan; he was also the god of metalworking. That's your answer and that's your Shoutout! Erupting Volcanoes . AZUZ: Vulcan: That's where the word volcano comes from. These things form when molten rock and gases escape from under the Earth's surface. This year, we've talked about the effects of a volcano in Iceland, and more recently about Mount Merapi in Indonesia. Guillermo Arduino tells us about some volcanoes you might not have heard about and why some people actually choose to live near them. (BEGIN VIDEO) GUILLERMO ARDUINO, CNN INTERNATIONAL WEATHER ANCHOR, ATLANTA: Anywhere from 50 to 70 volcanoes erupt every year. Typically, we only hear about them when they impact human lives. In Iceland, a volcano erupted earlier this year with a large enough ash cloud to cause air travel delays throughout Europe. Some scientists say the eruption has ended, since ash was last seen rising from the caldera in June. In some areas of the world, locals are used to volcanic activity. Planchon-Peteroa in Chile has had a plume of gas that rises from a small, steaming crater lake since its eruption in September of this year. In October, a local mining company reported that the plume had changed from gray, which contains ash, to white, which is mostly steam. As of October 27th, the plume reduced in size and the local alert level was lowered. Many people around the world choose to live near these volcanoes because they simply cannot afford to move away, while many stay for the mineral-rich soil that yields better crops. Others profit from the tourism it provides. Tourism dominates the economy surrounding one of the world's most active volcanoes: Kilauea, one of the five volcanoes on the island of Hawaii. Earlier this year, lava flows threatened homes on the big island. There are currently 14 active volcanoes that outline the Pacific Ocean. Three are in Mexico, three in northeast Russia, and one in Japan. And throughout the west Pacific, many islands have formed over the years because of volcanic eruptions. Indonesia currently has three active volcanoes, with Mount Merapi located in one of the world's most densely populated areas. Not only is Merapi spewing gas and ash and halting air traffic, at times it is releasing pyroclastic flows, gases that are so hot they kill anything in their path. (END VIDEO) Blog Report . AZUZ: The question: Was this play we showed you earlier this week smart thinking or a cheap shot? The answers: 90 percent of you favor smart thinking; 10 percent say cheap shot. From Desmond: "I'm in football myself; this was just smart thinking. Ever heard the saying 'desperate times call for desperate measures?'" From Joel: "I've seen many plays like this where the QB gets lit up because the other team's linebacker saw the trick on Sportscenter the night before. It was luck." Camille said "most plays and fakes are just part of the game, but this had nothing to do with skills or how well you could throw a ball, but just how sneaky you could be." Before We Go . AZUZ: Always appreciate your blog comments at CNNStudentNews.com. We also appreciate the iReports that you send in. We've been showing those at the beginning of our program, but the one we have today had a little something extra. Take a look. CHRIS GOLEM, LOURDES HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER: Every semester, my students here at Lourdes High School in Oshkosh, Wisconsin dream of being on CNN Student News. And Carl, let me tell you why they should be. Option A: That's where we watch Student News every single day. Option B: The Shoutout Hall of Fame. You're looking at past champions. Each semester we compete for the Shoutout Belt. TWO UNIDENTIFIED MALE STUDENTS: We're not the only ones pumped for CNN Student News. CLASS: Carl Azuz is awesome! UNIDENTIFIED MALE STUDENT: Just like Fridays! Goodbye . AZUZ: ...Just like you guys. That was fantastic! Although I hope the pressure to win that Shoutout belt doesn't make anyone buckle. We've notched another full show at CNN Student News, but we will be back to belt out some more next week. Have a great weekend. For CNN Student News, I'm Carl Azuz.
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Learn about the tension caused by accusations of currency manipulation .
Discover how some Americans paid tribute to their country's veterans .
Find out why some people around the world choose to live near volcanoes .
Use the weekly Newsquiz to test your knowledge of stories you saw on CNN Student News .
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By . Bianca London . She's the heir to a multi-billion pound empire and living in the fast lane is something Tamara Ecclestone knows all about. So, when it came to celebrating her 30th birthday last night, the heiress didn't do things by half measures. The socialite, model and television personality threw a lavish party with her husband, Jay Rutland, mother Slavica, sister Petra, brother-in-law James Stunt, as well as the likes of rapper P Diddy and comedian Michael McIntyre. Scroll down for video . What a soiree! Formula 1 heiress Tamara Eccleston, pictured with her husband Jay Rutland, threw a lavish 30th birthday in London last night . P Diddy, who can cost around £700,000 for an hour's set, was flown in by Tamara to perform especially for her party at the trendy ME Hotel on London's Strand, while Michael McIntyre, who can command between £30,000 - £40,000 for trotting out an hour of material, provided the comedy. It would seem Tamara had her heart set on the roof terrace location at the trendy London hotel, which can accomodate 240 guests and has stunning views of the London skyline. A member of public had originally booked the rooftop location for a birthday party a few weeks in advance, but two days before the event was due to take place, the hotel called to cancel the booking, saying they had double booked. Golden girl: The British socialite, model and television personality positively dazzled in a gold mini dress as she arrived at the ME Hotel to celebrate her big birthday . Look who stopped by! P Diddy was flown in by Tamara to perform especially for her party . Providing the laughs: English comedian, Michael McIntyre, was also on hand to perform at the ME London hotel . The hotel clearly preferred the idea of the celebrity event to the original booking and the other party was moved to a downstairs location in the hotel. To make up for their disappointment, ME London reportedly gave the member of public £1,000 towards the cost of their party in compensation, according to a source. Speaking to MailOnline about having her party moved, Danni Woolner said: 'My husband had booked the bar for my birthday and we received an email from the bar manager telling us that they had to cancel it to make way for a bigger event. 'We weren’t told that it was Tamara Ecclestone’s birthday, but I was obviously quite disappointed. The bar then offered us the restaurant as an alternative venue and we were compensated.' Tamara's management, however, deny such a rumour. A spokesman for the heiress said: 'There was no double booking and no one was paid off. 'The venue was available when we looked into it as a possible location several months ago and it was still available when we went ahead and confirmed the booking, there was no other party interested in the same date.' To book the Radio Rooftop Bar on a . Sunday night requires a minimum spend of £65,000 and must be booked at . least a month in advance. ME by Meliá is the fashion-forward brand of the Spanish hotel group and has fast become the go-to hang-out for London's elite. Located on Strand, a stone's throw from Somerset House, it became the unofficial hotel of London Fashion Week last season with designers and A-listers alike enjoying post-show parties on the famous roof top bar. Party girl: The socialite looked in the mood to party as she arrived at the lavish bash with her mother Slavica . Sister act: Tamara's sister and best friend Petra and her husband James Stunt were on hand to help celebrate . Describing . itself on the website, it says: 'ME London has a splendid location on Strand on the southern tip of Covent Garden, just a short way from . the Thames and Trafalgar Square. The neighbourhood is the home of . some of the City's finest art galleries, museums, restaurants, bars, . shopping and nightlife. The hotel itself has a rich history as the . former site of Marconi House, Gaiety Theatre and Strand Music Hall. 'The hotel . has plenty to offer guests, with a state-of-the-art fitness facility . (open 24 hours a day), in-room spa treatments on request, underground . valet parking, concierge service, same-day laundry and dry cleaning, . twice-daily housekeeping, secretarial service and complimentary Wi-Fi . throughout the hotel.' The . cheapest room that the hotel offers will set you back £330 per night, . while an evening in the 'Passion Suite' costs £1,180 per night. If you really want to splash out, Suite Me, which is located on the ninth and tenth floors and offers a 99 square metre space with impressive views of London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Trafalgar Square and the Thames, costs £4,375 per night. Last night wasn't the only celebration. Tamara, Jay and her sister headed to Nobu on Saturday evening to celebrate Tamara’s 30th birthday. Girl of the night: Tamara, who turned 30 on Saturday, looked radiant in a golden dress, which she complemented with a glowing tan . Family first: Tamara made her way into the bash with husband Jay Rutland and mother Slavica by her side . Glowing: Tamara, who showcased a radiant glow and toned physique, may have given birth recently but you couldn't tell . Giving her sister a run for her money in the glamour stakes: Petra Ecclestone dazzled in a golden gown that was slashed in the middle to showcase her toned legs . His biggest fan: Tamara must be a fan of hip hop music after flying P Diddy in to perform at her soiree . Funny man: British comedian Michael McIntyre was seen arriving at the party in London last night . Lucky girl! She may be the heir to millions but Tamara was spoilt rotten on her birthday, if this boot full of gifts is anything to go by . Coming through! A guest makes his way into the party carrying a giant pink box, presumably a lavish gift for the birthday girl . The . mother-of-one, whose birthday was on that day, showed off her tiny frame . wearing a simple black dress, accentuated by her large Sixties-style . bouffant. On Saturday morning . husband Jay gave Tamara an incredibly large 30 sign made from stunning, . dark pink flowers to mark her milestone year, similar to the wall of . blooms Kanye West presented Kim Kardashian with for Mother's Day. Keen to . show her gift to her Twitter followers she posted a picture of herself and . her baby daughter Sophia, dwarfed by the pretty backdrop. The . heiress cradled her cute tot in her arms, who had been dressed in a . special outfit which read: 'Happy Birthday Mummy I Love You'. Tamara . shared the snaps on her Instagram page, including one of her . balloon-filled living room. She thanked her sister in the caption, . saying: '@pstunt love you so much thank you loved waking up to these . beautiful flowers'. Suave: Tamara's brother-in-law James Stunt looked dapper in a suit as he arrived at the bash in London . Look of love: Tamara and Jay, who had a baby together three months ago, only had eyes for each other last night . They could be sisters! Tamara and her 56-year-old mother showcased matching glossy locks as they headed to the party . Look at those views! ME by Meliá is the fashion-forward brand of the Spanish hotel group and has fast become the go-to hang-out for London's elite . What a night: P Diddy uploaded this snap of the London skyline to his Instagram page in the early hours of this morning . Swanky: ME London has a rich history as the former site of Marconi House, Gaiety Theatre and Strand Music Hall . Birthday girl: Tamara was greeted by a huge 30 made out of deep pink flowers on Saturday morning from husband Jay Rutland . Making it special: The Formula 1 heiress posed with baby daughter Sophia, who wore a special top to celebrate her 30th birthday . Adding: 'The most amazing morning thank you so much @jaybalboa for organising love you more than you know'. The gifts didn't stop there though, as the star also posted a snap of her pop art style portrait which was also a gift from Jay. 'Love this present from my husband @bambiartist it's amazing so special thank you', she told her 116,000 followers. MailOnline has contacted the ME Hotel and Tamara's management for comment. Lucky lady: The brunette beauty was greeted by a . room filled with flowers and balloons. She captioned the photo: . '@pstunt love you so much thank you loved waking up to these beautiful . flowers' Pouting away: The previous day, Tamara has shared this snap writing: 'Selfie with Sophia #girltime' Lavish gifts: The mother-of-one posted this, . telling fans: 'Love this present from my husband @bambiartist it's . amazing so special thank you'
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Tamara celebrated her 30th birthday at London's ME Hotel on The Strand .
Flew P Diddy in to perform; he reportedly costs around £700k an hour .
Michael McIntyre provided the comedy .
Wore a dazzling golden gown and wore her hair if perfectly coiffed style .
Was joined by sister Petra, husband Jay and mother Slavica .
Michael McIntyre can command up to £40,000 for an hour of material .
Radio Rooftop Bar requires £65k minimum spend for a Sunday night .
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By . Anthony Bond and Nick Enoch . PUBLISHED: . 14:52 EST, 9 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:22 EST, 10 October 2012 . A baby who died following an outbreak of a killer superbug at a . hospital neo-natal unit has been named as Oliver Hannon. Oliver, who was born prematurely, and 12 other newborns in the baby intensive care unit at . Southmead Hospital in Bristol, had been infected after an outbreak of . the water-borne bacteria pseudomonas, it was revealed last night. Traces of the superbug - linked to a series of baby deaths across the UK - were found in the water system. His devastated mother Jenna Hannon has now spoken of the heartbreaking moment her son passed away in her arms at the hospital in August. Jenna and Andrew Hannon, both 24, whose son Oliver died from the hospital superbug pseudomonas while in the neo-natal intensive care unit at Southmead Hospital in Bristol . Ms Hannon and her husband Andrew's tiny son was born at just 24 weeks but was making good progress at the neo-natal intensive care unit. He died just hours after doctors told his parents he was doing 'fantastically'. The mother-of-two told how she raced back to the unit and arrived just in time to cradle her week-old son as he died. She is now taking legal action against the hospital, which has admitted the bug contributed his death and put in new measures to prevent another outbreak. Eight of the other babies infected have since been discharged home; one has had treatment for a minor infection; and three with the bacteria on their skin remain in the unit in isolation. Hospital officials said Oliver died in August and 12 others tested positive for the bacteria . Ms Hannon said: 'We weren't expecting it when he died. We were told he was doing really well. 'Then all of a sudden he went downhill. The doctors told me there was nothing more they could do and I just held him until he died in my arms. 'A doctor rang us up after he died and told us that he would still be here if he had not got the infection, and they didn't expect it at all. 'It has been a major shock - I am heartbroken.' Ms Hannon was rushed to Southmead Hospital on August 17 after she experienced labour pains just 24 weeks into her pregnancy. Baby Oliver was safely delivered by caesarean section and immediately taken to the neo-natal intensive care unit. He responded well to treatment and plans were made to transfer him to the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton, close to the couple's home in Tidworth, Wiltshire. Jenna and Andrew Hannon also have a daughter Abigail, 11 months, and son Drew, three (pictured). Oliver died just hours after doctors told his parents he was doing 'fantastically' But Oliver's condition suddenly deteriorated shortly after Ms Hannon and her husband, a Lance Corporal in the King's Royal Hussars, were making their way home on August 24. They received a phone call from the hospital telling them to come back - but by the time they arrived there was nothing doctors could do to save him. Ms Hannon, who has son Drew, three, and daughter Abigail, 11 months, said: 'We got the phone call to say he was deteriorating rapidly and turned around immediately. 'When we were about five minutes away from the hospital, we got another phone call telling us they needed us back now. 'When we arrived, they were performing CPR on him and then they told me that there was nothing more they could do. 'They just handed him to me and I held him in my arms until he died.' A few days later they received a phone call from a doctor who told them that Oliver had died from a blood infection. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacteria which can cause disease in many animals, including humans. It . is most commonly found in soil and groundwater and is most dangerous to . people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients and . premature babies. It lives on the skin but can spread through medical equipment such as catheters and feeding tubes inserted into the body. The . main symptoms include inflammation and sepsis and if it infects the . body's main organs, such as the lungs and kidneys, it can lead to death. It does not usually cause illness in healthy people. He said the pseudomonas bacteria was the same as the bacteria which led to the deaths of four newborns at Belfast's Royal Hospital in January. Ms Hannon said: 'He said he was really sorry and it should never have happened. 'He told us that the only way Oliver could have caught the infection was through being in neonatal unit. 'We were told that Oliver would still be here if he had not got the infection and they didn't expect it at all. 'I've lost my little boy now. He was a right little pickle and a little rascal.' The couple were only officially informed that Oliver had died of the bacteria just minutes before the hospital released a statement yesterday. They have now instructed lawyers to begin legal proceedings for compensation and are due to meet hospital staff. Hospital officials said Oliver died in August and a dozen others tested positive for the bacteria. Due to his early arrival, he was vulnerable because of his weak immune system. Dr Chris Burton, medical director of the North Bristol NHS Trust, said: 'In August a premature baby sadly died in Southmead Hospital neonatal intensive care unit and pseudomonas infection contributed to the death. 'In light of experience in other neonatal ICUs where this has happened North Bristol NHS Trust immediately put in place measures to review infection control procedures in the unit and minimise the risk to other babies.' Dr Burton said other babies at the unit had been tested and 12 were found to have pseudomonas bacteria on the skin. 'On its own this does not cause illness or require treatment but presents a risk if bacteria gets into the blood stream,' he said. 'One baby has had treatment for a minor infection but the others remain well and eight have been discharged home. 'Three babies with the bacteria on their skin remain in the unit but are being treated in isolation.' The trust said pseudomonas bacteria has been found in the water supply in the neonatal intensive care unit. 'This is the most common source when similar events have happened in other units,' Dr Burton said. 'To minimise the risk to patients, strict infection control measures have been instituted for staff, parents and visitors. 'Babies are washed in sterile water and the tap water is being filtered to ensure that any pseudomonas bacteria is removed. 'Other measures that have been adopted include more regular testing and enhanced cleaning regimes. 'Whilst these measures have reduced the risk to babies, the hospital estates team are reviewing the water supply and considering other work that could be done to reduce the risk of pseudomonas.' Dr Burton said that parents of babies in the unit had been given information about the infection. He also said admissions to the unit had currently been reduced. The superbug is found widely in soil and stagnant water but does not usually cause illness in healthy people. Dr Mark Evans, from the Health Protection Agency, said: 'Following the discovery of the bacteria, the agency has provided advice and support to North Bristol NHS Trust to help protect the health of babies in the unit. Killer: Oliver Hannon died after an outbreak of the water-borne bacteria pseudomonas, pictured, in the baby intensive care unit . 'Pseudomonas aeruginosa is commonly . found in soil and groundwater and it is a recognised healthcare . associated infection that affects people with weakened immune systems. 'The . people most at risk are those with depleted immune systems such as . cancer patients, people with severe burns and premature babies in . neonatal units. 'The bacteria can be spread by contaminated water, inhalation of aerosols, touching contaminated surfaces or person-to-person through poor hand hygiene. 'The HPA has provided advice to the trust on measures to reduce the risk to other babies in the unit and we will continue to work with the trust to monitor the situation until confident that the risk has been minimised. 'The infection can be treated effectively with antibiotics, especially if treatment is started immediately after confirming the diagnosis.' Pseudomonas aeruginosa lives on the skin but can spread through medical equipment such as catheters and feeding tubes inserted into the body. Earlier this year four babies died after an outbreak of the superbug at two hospitals in Belfast and Londonderry. Three babies died from the bacterial infection at Belfast’s Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital in January. Another baby also died at Altnagelvin Hospital, Londonderry, from a different strain of the infection. The infection can be treated effectively with antibiotics, especially if treatment is started immediately after confirming the diagnosis.
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Oliver Hannon died in August after outbreak of .
the bacteria pseudomonas in the baby intensive care unit at .
Southmead Hospital in Bristol .
Mother Jenna: 'I held him in my arms until he died'
Traces of the superbug - linked to a series of baby deaths across the UK - were found in the water system .
Oliver was vulnerable because of his weak immune system .
Of the other 12 babies, one was treated for minor infection; three remain well in hospital isolation; and eight have been discharged .
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41d5bc12b6f14c7bd0bc6af322ae013d8bf6207e
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By . Chris Pleasance . A huge population of wild monkeys is sweeping across Florida after being introduced during the filming of TARZAN. There are now thought to be 1,000 Rhesus monkeys roaming the sunshine state - all descended from three males and females released together in the late 1930s. The 'couples' were brought to America and marooned on a small island near the Silver River by tour operator Colonel Tooey. The six original monkeys were marooned on an island near Silver River as a tourist attraction during the filming of Tarzan Finds a Son . The entrepreneur who owned the monkeys didn't realise they could swim and so they escaped . Some tour guides say he wanted to capitalise on the success of the 1939 hit Tarzan Finds A Son, which filmed nearby, to promote his jungle tours. However the bungling businessman didn't realise the species could swim and they quickly escaped from 'Monkey Island' and started breeding. Nearly 80 years later some have been seen as far away as Jacksonville and Sarasota - more than 100 miles from Silver River State Park, near Ocala. Eighty years after they were accidentally introduced the monkeys have been seen up to 100 miles away from Silver River . Despite their numbers the monkeys have had no obvious impact on the ecosystem . Florida State's policy is usually to eliminate any feral species - as seen with the well publicised hunt for Burmese pythons in the Everglades. But, in an ironic twist to Colonel Tooey's original plan, the monkeys are now attracting tourists across the state. Local tour operator Captain Tom O'Lenick, 65, said: 'Everybody who comes on the river for a tour wants to see the monkeys. The monkeys prey on insects and are particularly fond of long-jawed orb-weaver spiders . The macaques have also become prey for foxes, owls, bobcats and alligators which leap out of rivers to grab them . 'From my point of view, as a naturalist, I think the planet changes naturally and species do move around, whether that is by man or other means. 'Change is the way the planet works - so I would just keep them.' He said the monkeys do not seem to have an obvious impact on the ecosystem and have even become prey for foxes, owls, bobcats and alligators - which leap from the river to snatch them out of trees. Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan starred as Tarzan and Jane in the 1939 film Tarzan Finds a Son which was filmed in Florida . British wildlife photographer Graham McGeorge, 42, is among those who have travelled to Silver Springs to see the monkeys. He said: 'Some of the macaques are braver than others, usually the males. Nursing females and babies tend to keep further away. 'The balance of their diet is made up of dirt, insects, and they love spiders. Long-jawed orb-weaver spiders are common along the banks of the river, and the monkeys eat them like candy.' He added: 'They are not a pest to people - people are pest to the macaques. People feed them and this is not cool. You should never feed wildlife. 'Just like any other wild animal you need to give them space.' State officials have caught more than . 700 of the monkeys over the last 10 years and found that most tested . positive for the herpes-B virus. It . is because of this disease, which is often lethal to humans but rarely . contracted, that some consider the monkeys a public health hazard. However, . there was controversy in 2012 when the Tampa Bay Times reported . suspicions that the state catcher had sold captured monkeys on to . research laboratories.
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Three 'couples' brought to America and marooned on 'Monkey Island'
Island was an attempt to profit from the success of Tarzan Finds a Son .
However businessman owner didn't realise monkeys could swim .
They escaped and there are now 1,000 of them in Florida .
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79b051c337c939e13086e7a9211ba21920b9759c
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By . Pete Jenson . Follow @@petejenson . Luis Suarez has admitted he is just delighted to be back on the training ground after linking up with his Barcelona team-mates for the first time on Friday. The Uruguayan had to train alone while waiting for the verdict of his appeal over the ban handed to him for biting Giorgini Chiellini at the World Cup. While upholding the four-month domestic and nine-match international ban, the Court for Arbitration in Sport did however relax the punishment slightly, with the 27-year-old now free to train with the rest of the Barcelona squad and participate in friendlies before his ban ends in late October. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Luis Suarez in full Barcelona training for the first time! Delighted: Luis Suarez is over the moon to finally get on the training field with his new team-mates . Pleasing: Suarez will now be free to train with his team-mates and participate in friendlies before his ban ends . Class; Suarez will bring a different dimension to the Barcelona attack when his bans ends in late October . Content: Suarez was all smiles as he took part in his first Barcelona training session . A work out at last: Luis Suarez trains with his Barcelona team-mates on Friday, including club captain Xavi . All smiles: Barcelona are well under way with pre-season preparations, while Suarez has been training alone . Ready to go: Luis Suarez arrives for Barcelona training on Monday morning after a CAS ruling . Keeping an eye on him: Luis Enrique watches over Suarez in Barcelona, keen to find out just what he's going to get from the £75m man . Fitting in with the Barca style: The former Liverpool striker joins in with keepy-uppies at the training ground . He said: 'I am very happy to be able to feel like a footballer again and to be with my team-mates. I was so desperate to start training. 'I am very grateful to the club for everything they have done for me in these last few weeks. They have treated me so well and I’m grateful now to be able to start this great challenge to play for Barça. 'It was a very uncomfortable situation. I am paying for a mistake that I have made and apologised for but I have to put all that behind me now. Ruling: CAS ruled that Luis Suarez can take part in training and friendly matches but didn't reduce his ban . Training: The Uruguayan forward has been training on his own since signing for Barcelona . 'I have to think about the future and about playing for Barça which is something I had dreamed about. 'Now it’s all about waiting to get back to playing and having contact with the supporters and getting to feel what it’s like to play in the Camp Nou.' Suarez will no doubt be licking his lips at the prospect of his first competitive appearance for the Catalan giants being against arch-rivals Real Madrid in El Clasico on October 26. Incident: Luis Suarez was banned for four months by FIFA after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup . Punishment: Although Suarez didn't even receive a booking during the match, he was later banned by FIFA . VIDEO Upheld Suarez ban a necessary message - Carpenter .
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Luis Suarez finally links up with Barca team-mates at training on Friday after lengthy delay .
Suarez says he is grateful to the La Liga club for their support during case .
He also says he has paid for his mistake and wants to put it all behind him .
Court for Arbitration in Sport relaxes Luis Suarez punishment .
Length of ban upheld (four months) but Suarez can train with Barcelona .
Uruguayan striker can also play in friendly matches .
£75m signing will be presented at Camp Nou on Monday .
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7ad3170ed77b1edc62edec3bc17f95f2ca5c9412
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By . Abigail Frymann . PUBLISHED: . 09:50 EST, 11 January 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 10:56 EST, 11 January 2014 . A Tory councillor who won £100,000 on a lottery scratchcard has been jailed after then plundering a widow's life savings of more than £154,000 pounds which he gambled away on slot machines. Shamed John Morgan was starting a five-year sentence after a judge described him as 'arrogant, self-deluding and shambolic'. The 75-year-old Conservative had an addiction for slot machines and squandered away the savings of Beryl Gittens, who suffered from Alzheimer's, meaning that when she died aged 92, she had to be given a pauper's funeral. Jailed: John Morgan, who stole more than £154,000 from widow Beryl Gittens' bank account after she had given him power of attorney . Morgan ruthlessly raided the bank account of Mrs Gittens, a friend of 30 years, after he was given legal control over her affairs when her memory began to fail. He had won £100,000 pounds on a lottery scratchcard he bought at a newsagent's shop in Swindon in November 2009. He was convicted after a six-day trial of the theft of £154,000 pounds, which he made in thousands of bank transfers and cash withdrawals as Mrs Gittens sat in care homes. He even bought himself trips to Las Vegas casinos with her money. When Mrs Gittens died in 2012, she was given a pauper's funeral funded by the local council, because Morgan had even drained her accounts of any money to pay for her burial. Speaking at Oxford Crown Court, Judge Mary-Jane Mowat labelled Morgan's actions 'shambolic and devious'. Vulnerable: Mrs Gittens had been diagnosed with dementia and had to be given a pauper's funeral . 'In my opinion there is no degree of trust higher than conveyed by an enduring power of attorney for someone with lesser mental capacity,' she said. 'There is no greater breach of trust than the abuse of that power to the benefit of the holder.' The court heard how OAP Morgan had . begun siphoning off Mrs Gittens' money in 2005. He had been given power . of attorney the previous year and registered it after medical advice on . her condition in March 2005. Judge Mowat said figures showed that in 2007 alone he took £11,000 pounds in cash and £26,000 pounds in bank transfers. This . money was going, unbelievably unless you heard the evidence, into . gambling machines,' she said, adding that his job as a car parts . salesman meant he often stopped and used slot machines at motorway . service stations. 'You even went gaming in Las Vegas, on two occasions, using Beryl Gittens' money,' said the judge. She . slammed his excuses that he was draining her funds at her own expressed . wish to deprive her in-laws, the Pagett family, of money if her son and . primary heir Roger Gittens died, as 'frankly absurd'. Roger Gittens, . who lives in Australia and gave evidence at the trial via a videolink, . lost out on more than £70,000 in inheritance, with West Berkshire . District Council paying a similar sum in care costs after Beryl's assets . fell below the threshold for assistance. Mrs Gittens was visited regularly by Morgan in the two Newbury care homes she lived at in her latter years. Judge Mowat said she took into account Morgan's 26 years of public service on councils including the Vale of White Horse District Council and Wantage Town Council, as well as charity work for Mencap. 'All this is in strange and stark contrast to the devious and shambolic way you handled Beryl Gittens' affairs and the way you attempted to pull rank at West Berkshire District Council in interview when your actions were discovered,' she said, adding that his justifications were 'arrogant and self-deluding.' She praised the efforts of investigation officer Detective Sergeant Rachel Jackson in uncovering the theft. Trial: Judge Mowat said Morgan's 'arrogant and self-deluding' actions didn't match the charity work he had undertaken. He was jailed yesterday at Oxford Crown Court . Morgan, of Wantage, Oxfordshire, shook his head as he was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, half of which is to be served in custody. He waved to his daughter, who was in court as he was led away. Following . the sentence, Audrey Pagett, Mrs Gittens' sister-in-law, said: 'He got . what he deserved. This draws a line under it. I am pleased for my . husband and sister-in-law [Beryl Gittens]. Mrs . Pagett, from Marshfield, near Chippenham, Wiltshire, was praised during . the trial, in which she gave evidence, after she alerted authorities to . the theft after Mrs Gittens' funeral and thorough examination of her . bank records. 'I just never trusted him, right from the beginning. It was just a gut feeling,' she said. The . court had earlier heard from Michael Roques, prosecuting, who said: . 'This was a long course of offending that continued even after the major . capital assets had been depleted and continued taking her pension, . resulting in cheques to the local authority bouncing right up until . Beryl died in January 2012.' He said Morgan, who wore a green . fleece, red jumper and black trousers in court, had received £120,000 . pounds from the sale of his half of the house he shared with his wife, . from whom he is recently separated. A hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act will be held on 3 April to determine compensation and costs payments. Morgan . had maintained his denial of any wrongdoing throughout the trial and . even in interviews with probation officers prior to sentence. Lauren Soertsz, mitigating, said Morgan was 'a man of exemplary good character' prior to the theft. 'He secured for Mencap a building to use and has, in a real and proper sense, done good works for the community,' she said. 'He was a good friend to Beryl Gittens and I submit that his conduct does not detract from that.' She . claimed his actions were that of a gambling addict, which Judge Mowat . agreed with, and said: 'The whole episode is one that is causing . everyone in his family extreme stress.' Despite . this, Judge Mowat ordered Morgan, who resigned from the Conservative . party following his conviction in November, to just one year less than . the maximum sentence of six years.
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John Morgan blew more than £154,000 on slot machines and trips to Vegas .
The money belonged to Beryl Gittens, who had given him power of attorney .
Widowed Mrs Gittens suffered from dementia and died aged 92 .
Her family became suspicious when she received only a pauper's funeral .
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b3aeff10f6c65c546e633800278032ac3108d5fc
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Fleeing: Katia Wanzeler was arrested while trying to leave the country at JFK airport on Wednesday night. She is the wife of fugitive accused Ponzi schemer Carlos Wanzeler . The wife of an accused $1 billion Ponzi schemer was arrested at New York's JFK airport Wednesday as she boarded an international flight. Katia Wanzeler's husband Carlos Wanzeler, 45, co-owner of Boston-area telecommunications firm TelexFree, was accused by federal authorities in April of bilking investors and has since fled to his home country of Brazil. Katia Wanzeler, whose name appeared on some of the checks amounting to $38 million that were found when her husband's partner James Merrill was arrested was arrest last week, was brought in on a material witness warrant. The . Massachusetts State Department said that it had notified judges in . Nevada, where the company has filed for bankruptcy, of their civil suit . against Telexfree, which promoted itself as an internet phone company . with offices in Marlborough, Massachusetts, and Brazil. The . action seeks to get money back for Telexfree investors. Just in . Massachusetts, the company made $90 million, plus millions more . overseas, officials said. 'The . scope of this alleged fraud is breathtaking,' U.S. Attorney Carmen . Ortiz said. 'As alleged, these defendants devised a scheme which reaped . hundreds of millions of dollars from hard working people around the . globe.' Following her husband? Carlos Wanzeler fled to Brazil after federal authorities accused him of bilking up to $1 billion from investors in his Boston-area company TelexFree . Nabbed: The couple come from Brazil and Carlos Wanzeler is accused of stealing mostly from Brazilian investors. Katia was arrested on a material witness warrant . Ponzi scheme? TelexFree billed itself as a VoIP company, but authorities say new investments were only passed along to older investors . Brian . McNiff, spokesman of Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin, . said the courts in Nevada have been informed of the case that the judge . would take that into account when he decides on the issue. Galvin . has accused Telexfree of operating a pyramid scheme, as it did not sell . any actual product and promised exorbitant profits in exchange for . posting ads on the Internet. In order to gain from their investments, . clients were asked to pay between $289 and $1,375. Officials say the . company paid them with the money brought in by the new investors. The next court date between Telexfree and its creditors has been scheduled for May 22 in Nevada. When . it filed for bankruptcy, Telexfree said it had assets of between $50 . million and $100 million. The news of its bankruptcy spread fast and . provoked panic among investors. Many . of the investors were Brazilian immigrants in the Boston area, but the . company had offices or representatives in other Latin American countries . and even in Africa. Complaints about the company have surfaced on . social media sites from places including the Dominican Republic, Peru, . Ecuador and Uganda. While Carlos Wanzeler remained a fugitive in Brazil, his partner James Merrill (left) was arrested last week carrying over $30 million worth of checks, some of which were made out in Katia Wanzeler's name .
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Katia Wanzeler was arrested at New York's JFK airport on Wednesday night as she tried to board an international flight .
The U.S. Attorney's office arrested her on a material witness warrant .
Her husband Carlos Wanzeler co-owned TelexFree, an alleged $1 billion internet pyramid scheme .
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e3c31477c025a48846bd60a387cc0b8f79768874
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Washington (CNN) -- Who is John Boehner? Among friends, he's just one of the guys. When the Republicans gained majority power in the House of Representatives Tuesday, the man poised to lead them was brought to tears. That evening, Rep. John Boehner of Ohio, who will soon become the new speaker of the House, told supporters, "I spent my whole life chasing the American dream." With tears forming and his voice quavering, Boehner recounted details of his life growing up in southwestern Ohio: "I started out mopping floors, waiting tables and tending bar at my dad's tavern. I put myself through school, working every rotten job there was and every night shift I could find." While it's a story of humble beginnings -- Boehner worked as a janitor in college -- it's a long way from the image many have of him today, as a Washington insider known for a ubiquitous tan, an unstoppable smoking habit and fiery speeches on the House floor. One of Boehner's friends, Jerry Vanden Eynden, who has known the 60-year-old, 10-term congressman since seventh grade, told CNN Boehner's career continues to surprise childhood friends. "It was nothing that any of us would ever have expected," said Vanden Eynden, president of a Cincinnati, Ohio, candle company. "We would have expected him more to be successful in business, the way he was, more than get into the political field." "I can't say that there was anything that made him outstanding to me in grade school. He was just one of the guys," Vanden Eynden said. Boehner is the second of 12 children. "The thing I remember most about going to his house was there was always diapers on the line," recalled Vanden Eynden. "No matter what time of year it was, they were either outside or inside, but his mom always had cloth diapers. There were so many kids running around." Boehner is the first in his family to graduate from college. Earning a degree in business from Xavier University, Boehner eventually became president of Nucite Sales, a plastics and packaging company. Boehner began his political career in the 1980s, serving in the Ohio state legislature. He won his first congressional race in 1990. Twenty years later, longtime friends reject the idea that he has turned into a Washington elitist who's too chummy with lobbyists. Dan Danner, president and CEO of the National Federation of Independent Business and himself a registered lobbyist, has known Boehner since he first ran for Congress. He said the image of an insider as someone who is "co-opted by the system" and becomes "someone that you weren't when you came here" doesn't describe the congressman. "You know, I think he's still John Boehner," he said. "There's no substitute for having run a business," Danner said. "It's completely different if you've only signed the back of a paycheck and you've never signed the front." During Boehner's time in Congress, he's also earned a reputation among reporters and colleagues as having a laid-back demeanor and a penchant for wisecracks. On Thursday, when questioned by ABC's Diane Sawyer about the possibility of a "Slurpee summit" with President Obama, Boehner responded, "I don't know about a Slurpee. How about a glass of merlot?" "We were angels, and that's the way we'll keep it," said Vanden Eynden when asked if Boehner learned to joke around while attending an all-boys high school in Ohio. And while friends don't recall Boehner as someone who easily sheds tears, they say the recent public displays of emotion are genuine. "It's sincere," said Vanden Eynden. "I think he's seeing that he has a chance to realize that dream, that goal that he put out there."
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Rep. John Boehner, R-Ohio, soon will take over as speaker of the House .
Boehner was emotional the night the GOP swept to power in the U.S. House .
He recounted his humble beginnings and hard work "chasing the American dream"
He's still the same man he was when he came to Congress, a close friend says .
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By . Ruth Styles . It was back to school for Spain's Queen Letizia today as she welcomed students from Madrid's Francisco de Vitoria University to the Zarzuela Palace. The 41-year-old was glamorous in a neat pink cardigan, floral skirt and a pair of her trademark court shoes - a look that was a far cry from the scruffier get-ups that dominated her student days. Spain's new queen boasts not one but two degrees: the first in journalism from the Complutense University of Madrid and the second a master's course in the same subject from the University of Guadalajara in Mexico. Scroll down for video . Elegant: Queen Letizia was glamorous in pink as she welcomed students to the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid . During her time in Mexico, Letizia combined her studies with a job selling cigarettes - a fact recently revealed by a set of intriguing old photographs released to newspapers last week. Dressed in a pair of high-waisted denim jeans, an unflattering baggy shirt and carrying a large red bag, the ensemble was a far cry from the glamorous wardrobe she enjoys today. Letizia studied in Mexico after completing a course in journalism in the early 1990s at the University Complutense of Madrid. After spending time in Guadalajara in the mid-90s, she returned to Spain, where before meeting Prince Felipe, she worked as a newsreader for CNN. Changing times: Letizia's current glamorous look is a far cry from the jeans of her student years . Clever: The newly crowned Queen of Spain has two degrees, both of which are in journalism . Looking good: Before marrying King Felipe, Letizia worked as a newsreader on the TVE news programme . Memorable moment: Students from the Madrid university pose for photos with Queen Letizia and King Felipe . She later went on to become the main anchor on Spain's TVE news programme, which led her to meeting her future husband. That husband, the newly crowned King Felipe, looked relaxed and happy as he joined his wife in welcoming students from the European Scholarships programme to the Zarzuela Palace. The royal couple, who were crowned last month, have recently returned from the third state visit of their short reign, this time to Rabat in Morocco where they met King Mohammed VI and visited the tomb of his father, Mohammed V. Next on the agenda for the couple is a state visit to France along with a string of engagements in their native Spain. Busy: Since being crowned last month, Queen Letizia has made three foreign trips including to Morocco . Meeting of monarchs: During their trip to Rabat, the Spanish royal couple met King Mohammed VI .
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Queen Letizia welcomed students with King Felipe at the Zarzuela Palace .
The 41-year-old boasts two degrees herself - both in journalism .
During her studies in Mexico, she made ends meet by selling cigarettes .
Was crowned queen alongside King Felipe in Madrid last month .
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An artist created a series of sculptures that were so small they could be stood on the head of an ant, balanced on a human hair or placed in the eye of a needle. Jonty Hurwitz made the extraordinary figures, called nano sculptures, using groundbreaking 3D printing technology. The largest of his series of seven sculptures was about the width of a strand of human hair - the smallest is less than half that width. After 10 months of designing, sculpting and rendering, he was finally able to see his figures using an incredibly powerful microscope that is used to examine cancer cells. But after just a few fleeting moments, his creations were destroyed - smudged by a colleague's finger. Scroll down for video . Groundbreaking: The nano sculptures, created using 3D printing technology, were so small that they could be placed in the eye of a needle . Muse: The human figures were made using data taken from hundreds of photos taken of a woman who posed in a number of positions . Dwarfed: This digital image reveals the scale of one of the seven pieces, inspired by a neoclassical sculpture, compared to the head of an ant . Mr Hurwitz was inspired by 18th century sculpture 'Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss' by Antonia Canova, which shows the winged figure of the god Eros - Cupid in Latin - holding a girl, Psyche, in a tender embrace. The 10-month project started with taking scans of his muse as she stood naked in different poses that recalled Canova's neoclassical sculpture. He shares his journey to creating 'the smallest creation of the human form' on his website. She was positioned in the centre of roughly 250 cameras that had been assembled in a dome - ready to take simultaneous images of her body from every angle. A high-powered computer programme was used to take all of the data that was captured on camera and reassemble it into images - into something that Mr Hurwitz calls 'digital clay'. The sculptures were printed — with advice from the Weizmann Institute of technology, using a complex 3D printing technique, with another technique used to achieve the fine detail work. Tender: The figures were based on Psyche Revived by Cupid’s Kiss, an 18th century sculpture by Antonia Canova that features the god Eros . Minuscule: The entwined figures, seen on the head of an ant, could only be seen using a microscope that is used to study cancer cells . Intricate: Hurwitz could not see the sculptures when they arrived - placed on a mirror in a jewellery box packed in layers of bubble wrap . All seven of them were so small that when they arrived - on a tiny piece of mirror, in a jewellery box, wrapped in layers of boxes and bubble wrap - he couldn't see anything. Eventually saw what looked like seven minuscule dust particles that were caught in the light. After a hunt to find a microscope that was strong enough to pick up the detail of the figures - only one used to study cancer cells was strong enough - and 45 minutes searching the mirror, Mr Hurwitz was finally able to see his sculptures. He said: 'everything just stops and everyone goes silent, and we stare at this, this feat of humanity, for minutes.' But when his colleague tried to move the mirror to see his creations from a different angle, they were crushed - and the nano sculptures were lost forever. Elegant: This piece, called trust, was made using 'digital clay' that was assembled from information contained in hundreds of photographs . Mythical: From this angle of Cupid and Psyche The First Kiss the god's wings can be seen in white and the figures' legs are stretched out . Fleeting: The sculptures, which took 10 months to create, were destroyed when Hurwitz's colleague accidentally crushed them with his finger .
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Sculptures were so small they could be stood on the head of an ant or balanced on a strand of human hair .
Artist Jonty Hurwitz created the extraordinary figures using groundbreaking 3D printing technology .
He started by taking photos of his naked muse in a Sussex warehouse using more than 200 cameras .
Needed a microscope used to study cancer cells to see his creations - which were later crushed by his colleague .
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5432cd13be3116005d35f230bcabebbca614f959
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A furious Roy Keane tried to confront Tom Cleverley over claims that bust-ups with players had led to his departure from Aston Villa. Keane went round to Cleverley’s Cheshire house on Tuesday, pressed the doorbell and waited for 15 minutes. There was no answer from the house and eventually Keane — who lives nearby — stomped off. The incident was reported to have been captured on Cleverley’s CCTV. Roy Keane went round to Tom Cleverley's house to confront him about stories of bust-ups at Aston Villa . Keane left Aston Villa at the end of last month saying he could not combine his role with his Ireland job . Keane quit his role as manager Paul Lambert’s assistant last month saying he could not combine working for Villa and the Republic of Ireland, for whom he is No 2 to Martin O’Neill. Lambert revealed he spoke to Keane on Wednesday night. Asked whether Keane was unhappy about these stories, the manager said: ‘No. I spoke to Roy. We’re good pals and that will always be the same. I think if Roy took a strand from his beard it would be a story. There’s no issue.’ The Villa manager also had a brief conversation with Cleverley. ‘I spoke to Tom and he assured me that contrary to reports it never happened the way it was portrayed in the papers,’ said Lambert. ‘Tom was relaxed. He had a laugh. No problem.’ Keane was spotted back in the public eye at Goodison Park watching Everton against QPR . Keane left Aston Villa at the end of November to concentrate on his role as Ireland No 2 . Keane and Martin O'Neill are hoping to lead Ireland to Euro 2016 . There was no answer at Tom Cleverley's house when Keane went round to confront him about the stories . Keane accepts that Cleverley was not behind the stories of bust-ups at Aston Villa .
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Roy Keane went to Tom Cleverley's Cheshire home to confront him about stories of bust-ups .
Keane waited outside Cleverley's house before leaving .
The former Aston Villa No 2 accepts Cleverley was not behind the stories .
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The first winter storm of 2015 is striking flashbacks of last year's polar vortex, as it conjures gusting winds, blizzard-worthy snowfall and deathly-low temperatures across much of the country. Fifteen states from Washington to Ohio are on high alert, as winter storm Gorgon threatens to blanket 2,000 miles of the U.S. in snow before Tuesday morning. Forecasters say Gorgon will strike hardest late Monday night, as it speeds up crossing the Mississippi River to hit the Midwest and East Coast with winter weather chaos. Gorgon will cause the most trouble on Midwestern roads, since the combination of high winds and snow will hamper visibility and freezing temperatures will render road salts useless. Scroll down for video . Welcome to winter: The banks of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois were pictured frozen on Monday, just hours before Winter Storm Gorgon's arrival in the Midwest . At the start: Gorgon formed over the Northwestern U.S. on Sunday, and started moving east on Monday to dump several inches of snow in Montana and the Plains states. Above, Cody Charboneau shovels a walkway in front of the Blackstone building in downtown Great Falls, Montana on Monday . Across the country: Much of the northern U.S. will feel the impact of Gorgon on Tuesday. Above, a map that shows nationwide temperatures for Tuesday . Drivers in the region are also being warned to bundle up before they take to the road, in case their car becomes stuck in the road in the fatal below 10-degree temperatures. The banks of Lake Michigan in Chicago are already freezing over, and residents there could see as much as five inches of snow by early Tuesday. Meanwhile, in New York, rainy showers will give way to cold air and the Big Apple 'will be lucky if it hits 20' for a high and could see lows near 10 degrees, forecasters said. The first winter storm of 2015: Fifteen states from Washington to Ohio have issued winter storm alerts as the nation braces for Gorgon . Powdered: Snow started falling in Rocky Mountains and Plains on Monday, with the most accumulation in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho . Flurries: Gorgon will continue to drop snow as it makes its way to the East Coast, with the most snowfall in the Great Lakes region . Gorgon formed Sunday over the northwest, but didn't start moving until Monday, when caused landslides in the Pacific Northwest and car accidents in the Plains states. The several inches of snowfall and 70-mile-an-hour winds also led to school closures in Montana, Wyoming, The Dakotas and Iowa. Jackson Hole, Wyoming reported some of the heaviest snow fall with 17 inches Monday morning. Pine Creek Pass, Idaho saw 15.7 inches while most of the Plains received half a foot. Less snow is expected as the storm moves into the Great Lakes, Ohio River Valley and Appalachia, but the conditions will be worse for driving conditions in these more populated areas. Accumulation: On Monday, Gorgon moved out of Montana into the Plains states, where it continues to drop several inches of snow. Above, Bill Taylor crosses Main Avenue while walking from the Sioux Falls, South Dakota Family YMCA to his office downtown on Monday, January 5, 2015 . Icy: Jerry Palleschi, a downtown Sioux Falls building owner, clears snow from the sidewalk on the 200 block of South Phillips Avenue during a Winter storm on Monday January 5, 2015 . Breather: Craig Hueners takes a break while shoveling snow from the sidewalks along Phillips Avenue in front of the Huey Apartment building during on Monday . Winter is hard work: Hueners seen back at working clearing the sidewalk in front of his Sioux Falls property . Deteriorating: Gorgon is expected to get worse as it moves east towards the Midwest and East Coast. Above, Dave Dandar shovels the sidewalk outside a building he owns, during Winter Storm Gorgon on Monday in Sioux Falls, South Dakota . Exposure: Laurie Furey works on clearing snow at South High School to make way for students returning to school, on Monday, January 5, 2015 in Minneapolis, Minnesota . By Tuesday morning, the storm is expected to hit the East Coast cities of Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, DC and New York just in time for the commute to work. Only a light dusting of snow is expected in these cities, as the storm winds its way down. However, temperatures will drop and are expected to stay uncomfortably low through Thursday. For many parts of the country, temperatures will reach highs of just zero to the teens and twenties. The storm system will also bring a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain to parts of upstate New York. In the south, even Atlanta, Georgia, will see low temperatures of around 15 degrees on Monday and Tuesday - but there is not expected to be any ice to accompany the chilly weather. Frozen wonderland: A photographer braves the cold to shoot photos along Lake Michigan on Monday, January 5, 2015, in Chicago. The city could see as much as five inches of snow by Tuesday morning . Aftermath? Lake effect snow in the Great Lakes region could be triggered in Gorgon's wake. Above, a bike commuter walks on an ice-covered path near Lake Michigan on Monday in Chicago . Frigid: Waves splash as blocks of ice pile up along Lake Michigan near Oak Street Beach in Chicago on Monday . Brrrr: Blocks of ice pile up along Lake Michigan near Ohio Street Beach, Monday, January 5, 2015, in Chicago . Cold weather: Ice covers the shore of Lake Michigan on Monday in Chicago. Forecasters expect significant snowfall and continued freezing temperatures this week in northern Illinois . Ice water: People around the state woke up to below-normal temperatures Monday. The coldest temperatures were in northern Illinois, where the National Weather Service said it was 2 degrees below zero at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Above, ice forms on Lake Michigan near Oak Street beach on Monday in Chicago . And in the West, a stream of Pacific moisture will drop as much as six inches of rain in the Seattle area - and could mean substantial snowfall in the Cascades. In fact, California appears to be one of the only U.S. states unaffected by the weather. The drought-ridden state will be sunny this week. A dip in the jet stream means cold air from Canada and points north is plummeting into the eastern two-thirds of the United States. However, forecasters are shying away from calling it a 'polar vortex'. The forthcoming cold can be linked to the dip, according to Michael Musher, with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. This is because the air is coming from near the north pole, he said. But the low-pressure system itself isn't going to sink into the United States this year, just the temperatures that precede it. By the end of the week, temperatures are expected to lift slightly, forecasters said. Commuters cross the Chicago River on their way to work as temperatures hovered around zero degrees Fahrenheit during the morning rush on January 5, 2015 in Chicago, Illinois . No end: Temperatures are expected to remain in the single digits today and three to six inches of snow are expected to fall this evening . Shivering: Commuters cover their heads and wrap their necks with scarves as they walk to work in Chicago on Monday . Dreaming of summer vacation: The commuters looked none-to-happy to be out in the cold on their way to work in the frigid temperatures . Power on: A commuter in winter coat, gloves and a hat makes his way down a street in Chicago on Monday . Earlier this week, Weather Channel meteorologist Roy Lucksinger explained Gorgon as a series of 'dangerously cold 'arctic air masses thar are similar to - but not quite - last year's so-called 'polar vortex'. 'We're looking at 50million people in 24 states seeing some of the coldest weather over the next several days that we have seen in quite some time,' CNN meteorologist Karen Maginnis said. 'This arctic cold is potentially deadly and dangerous. Wind chills in Minnesota and the Dakotas are as low as minus 45 degrees. A second blast of cold air will reinforce the deep freeze on Tuesday.' Speaking to USA Today, National Weather Service meteorologist Paul Kocin added: 'This is going to be a big cold outbreak, pretty windy as well. It's going to drive all the way down south.' Worrying: A series of 'dangerously cold' arctic air masses will strike almost everywhere east of the Rockies on Monday (pictured), bringing freezing temperatures to more than 50million people, forecasters have said .
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Winter storm Gorgon will hit the Midwest and East Coast late Monday night and Tuesday morning .
Mix of fast-falling snow and strong winds will make road conditions dangerous in the Great Lakes region .
New York and the rest of the East Coast will receive only a light dusting of snow, but temperatures there are expected to plummet below 20 degrees .
Temperatures will remain mercilessly cold through Thursday .
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569f4cb09bb3ac144b6cfb6a757b3901f38718db
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Controversial: Disgraced cycling star Lance Armstrong today insisted that ¿it is impossible to win the Tour de France 'without doping' Disgraced cycling star Lance Armstrong today insisted that ‘it is impossible to win the Tour de France 'without doping.’ His words will infuriate British hero Sir Bradley Wiggins who last year became the first Englishman in history to win the epic race. Armstrong won it a record-breaking seven consecutive times between 1999 and 2005 before being disqualified for life for taking drugs. Today Armstrong, 41, tells Le Monde: ‘It is impossible to win the Tour de France without doping. Because the Tour is an endurance test, where oxygen is crucial. ‘Just to give you one example – EPO [the blood booster erythropoietin] won’t help a sprinter win the 100 metres, but it will make all the difference for a runner doing the 10,000 metres. It’s obvious.’ The American was responding to the revelations that the 1998 French winner, Laurent Jalabert, used EPO. Traces have since been found in DNA samples taken from urine provided by Jalabert during the race. Speaking on the eve of this year’s race, Armstrong said that he ‘hadn’t invented doping’, adding: ‘Doping has always existed and it always will. I just participated in a system. I’m a human being.’ Questioned further about Jalabert, . who has denied all the accusations against him, Armstrong said: ‘I’ve . got a lot of respect for Jaja, but he’s lying.’ Armstrong . was banned from professional cycling in October 2012 when the US . Anti-Doping Agency, USADA, accused him of leading ‘the most . sophisticated, professional and successful doping program that sport has . ever seen.’ After . consistently denying the drug accusations for years, Armstrong finally . admitted what he had done, telling the Oprah Winfrey talk show: ‘It is . my fault. I view this situation as one big lie.’ Tension: His words will infuriate British hero Sir Bradley Wiggins who last year became the first Englishman in history to win the epic race . The American, seen left during one of his many Tour de France victories, was responding to the revelations that the 1998 French winner, right, Laurent Jalabert, used EPO . Armstrong told Le Monde that he continues to train hard and will ‘try to watch some of the Tour de France on television’. Sir Bradley, who is out of this year's Tour because of an injury, has always insisted that he is completely clear of drugs. Armstrong was also forced to resign down from his Livestrong cancer foundation, which has raised millions for charity. Last month Nike cut ties with Livestrong after helping turn the foundation and its trademark yellow rubber wristbands into a global brand. The move by the sports shoe and clothing company ends a relationship that began in 2004 and helped the foundation raise more than $100million. Brood: Armstrong is pictured with his ex-wife Kristin and his other three children - son Luke and daughters Isabella Rose and Grace Elizabeth in 2003 after winning his fifth Tour de France . But the relationship soured with revelations that Armstrong and members of his legendary U.S. Postal Service team used performance-enhancing drugs. Nike said it will stop making its Livestrong line of apparel after the 2013 holiday season. Foundation and company officials said Nike will honor the financial terms of its contract until it expires in 2014. Nike dropped its personal sponsorship of Armstrong last October after U.S. Anti-Doping Agency exposed the team doping program and portrayed Armstrong as its ringleader. And after years of denials, Armstrong admitted earlier this year he used performance-enhancing drugs to win the Tour de France seven times. Officials at Livestrong, which announced the split on Tuesday, said the foundation remains strong and committed to helping cancer patients worldwide through its survivorship programs. Confession: Armstrong admitted to Oprah Winfrey that his seven Tour de France titles were won with the help of performance-enhancing drugs, but he denied that he used them for his 2009 comeback . Shamed: Armstrong told Oprah that he never tried to stop or change the culture of drug use in the sport . Armstrong, who started the charity in . 1997 as the Lance Armstrong Foundation, was pushed off the board of . directors in October and the organization later changed its formal name . to Livestrong. During a televised interview with Winfrey screened on January 17, he said 'I view this situation as one big lie that I repeated a lot of times.' He admitted that he doped in some . form for each of his seven Tour de France victories, though he . maintained that the last time that he 'crossed that line' was in 2005. The distinction of before and after . 2005 is important as that was the last year that capped off his . incredible seven-year winning streak at the Tour de France. Team Lance: Lance Armstrong said his former wife . Kristin, left in 2001, and his current girlfriend Anna Hansen, right in . 2011, were supportive of regarding his drugs admission in January . On top of the outright confession, he . said that part of the reason why it carried on for as long as it did . was because he 'didn't feel like' he was cheating. 'The definition of cheat is to gain . an advantage on a rival or foe that they didn't have. I didn't view it . that way. I viewed it as a level playing field,' he said. He described the elaborate doping . ring that he and his teammates developed was not quite as legendary as . the investigatory commissions described it. 'It was definitely professional and . it was definitely smart if you can call it that but it was very . conservative, very risk averse, and very aware of what mattered,' he . said. 'While I've lived through this process ... I know the truth the truth isn’t what is out there, the truth isn't what I said. 'I didn't invent the culture but I . didn't try to stop the culture and that's my mistake. The sport is now . paying the price for that, and I am sorry for that. 'This story was so perfect for so . long- and I mean that as I try to take myself out of this situation- . it’s this mythic, perfect story and that wasn't true, on a lot of . levels.'
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Armstrong, 41, won a record-breaking seven .
consecutive times .
He was later disqualified for .
life for taking drugs .
Words will infuriate Sir Bradley Wiggins who won the race last year .
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By . Simon Jones . Nottingham Forest have signed former Sunderland centre-back Louis Laing. The 21-year-old had been training with Blackburn and was offered a surprise deal at Manchester United but the proposal fell through. The new JT: Louis Laing (left) was once likened to former England captain John Terry . Trial: Laing trained with Manchester United after being released by Sunderland . Forest coach Brian Eastick was aware of Laing from his time in charge of England youth. Laing was signed by Sunderland from under the noses of his hometown club Newcastle in 2009. At the time, he was likened to then England captain John Terry and was rated as one of the best prospects in the country.
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Laing was likened to then John Terry when he signed for Sunderland .
The 21-year-old had also been training with Blackburn after being released .
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d0953a5e35781706615a3fd8a63d5caee28548cf
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Notorious New York Yankees third-baseman Alex Rodriguez allegedly paid his cousin a total of $900,000 to stop him from exposing his suspected use of performance enhancing drugs, it was revealed today. The allegations concerning Rodriguez’s financial dealings with his relative, Yuri Sucart, were outlined in documents filed last week in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The court filings, obtained by the New York Daily News, state that in June 2013, the Yankees slugger paid just short of a million dollars to Sucart in so-called hush money. Scroll down for video . 'Hush money': Court filings state Alex Rodriguez paid his cousin Yuri Sucart one payment of $700,000 and three more totaling $200,000 as part of settlement in 2013 . Sucart is facing federal charges in connection to a doping scandal revolving around the Florida rejuvenation clinic Biogenesis of America, which rocked Major League Baseball last year. More than a dozen prominent baseball players ended up suspended for their alleged ties to the notorious clinic that was peddling illegal human growth hormones. Rodriguez was hit with a 211-game suspension in August, but was allowed to play 49 games in the 2013 season pending his appeal. That same month, Biogenesis founder Anthony Bosch agreed to enter a guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to distribute testosterone, and he is currently awaiting sentencing. Infamous: The New York Yankees third-baseman was among more than a dozen players who were suspended last year over use of performance enhancing drugs . According to court filings, Alex Rodriguez signed off in June 2013 on a confidential settlement with his cousin, whom he had previously named as his supplier of PEDs, paying him $700,000 in one payment, followed by three more installments totaling $200,000. Six months earlier, Sucart's former attorney, Jeffrey Sonn, allegedly wrote a letter to Rodriguez demanding $5million and a 'life estate' for his client and his wife. Sports Illustrated magazine reported in 2009 that Rodriguez had tested positive for anabolic steroid use in the 2003 season. He later admitted using the drugs but dragged the name of his cousin Mr Sucart into the scandal claiming that he had encouraged him to take banned drugs and helped administer them. Ready for comeback: The 39-year-old slugger is said to be laying the groundwork for his comeback . Sucart was subsequently banned by the Yankees from team flights, facilities and trips. Rodriguez has not publicly commented on these latest revelations. The 39-year-old slugger, who has three more years left on his contract with the Yankees, is said to be laying the groundwork for his comeback. 'At some point in the future, Alex will have something to say,’ Ron Berkowitz, Rodriguez’s representative, told ESPN New York. ‘Today is not the time. When it is time, everyone will hear from Alex. Right now, he is working out and ready to return for 2015.’
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Court filings state Rodriguez paid Yuri Sucart one payment of $700,000 and three more totaling $200,000 as part of settlement in 2013 .
New York Yankees third-baseman was among more than a dozen players who were suspended last year over use of performance enhancing drugs .
Sucart is facing federal charges in connection to doping scandal revolving around rejuvenation clinic Biogenesis of America .
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The Voyager 1 spacecraft is still riding a massive 'tsunami wave' that first began in February, Nasa has revealed. It is the longest-lasting shock wave that researchers have seen in interstellar space. Experts say the find is making them rethink how the 'end of space' works. The Voyager 1 spacecraft has been riding the same 'tsunami wave' since February, baffling researchers . It is 37 years since the twin Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft were launched and the pair continue to explore where nothing from Earth has flown before. Their primary mission was the exploration of Jupiter and Saturn. After making a string of discoveries there -- such as active volcanoes on Jupiter's moon Io and intricacies of Saturn's rings -- the mission was extended. Voyager 2 went on to explore Uranus and Neptune, and is still the only spacecraft to have visited those outer planets. The current mission for both spacecraft, the Voyager Interstellar Mission, is to explore the outermost edge of the Sun's domain and beyond. The 'tsunami wave' is still propagating outward, according to the new results. It is the longest-lasting shock wave that researchers have seen in interstellar space. 'Most people would have thought the interstellar medium would have been smooth and quiet. But these shock waves seem to be more common than we thought,' said Don Gurnett, professor of physics at the University of Iowa. He presented the new data at the American Geophysical Union meeting in San Francisco. A 'tsunami wave' occurs when the sun emits a coronal mass ejection, throwing out a magnetic cloud of plasma from its surface. This generates a wave of pressure. When the wave runs into the interstellar plasma - the charged particles found in the space between the stars - a shock wave results that perturbs the plasma and causes in to 'sing'. 'The tsunami causes the ionized gas that is out there to resonate -- 'sing' or vibrate like a bell,' said Ed Stone, project scientist for the Voyager mission based at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena. This is the third shock wave that Voyager 1 has experienced. The first event was in October to November of 2012, and the second wave in April to May of 2013 revealed an even higher plasma density. Voyager 1 detected the most recent event in February, and it is still going on as of November data. The spacecraft has moved outward 250 million miles (400 million kilometers) during the third event. 'This remarkable event raises questions that will stimulate new studies of the nature of shocks in the interstellar medium,' said Leonard Burlaga, astrophysicist emeritus at NASA Goddard Spaceflight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, who analyzed the magnetic field data that were key to these results. A 'tsunami wave' occurs when the sun emits a coronal mass ejection, throwing out a magnetic cloud of plasma from its surface. This generates a wave of pressure. When the wave runs into the interstellar plasma - the charged particles found in the space between the stars - a shock wave results that perturbs the plasma. It is unclear to researchers what the unusual longevity of this particular wave may mean. They are also uncertain as to how fast the wave is moving or how broad a region it covers. The second tsunami wave helped researchers determine in 2013 that Voyager 1 had left the heliosphere, the bubble created by the solar wind encompassing the sun and the planets in our solar system. Denser plasma 'rings' at a higher frequency, and the medium that Voyager flew through, was 40 times denser than what had been previously measured. This was key to the conclusion that Voyager had entered a frontier where no spacecraft had gone before: interstellar space. 'The density of the plasma is higher the farther Voyager goes,' Stone said. 'Is that because the interstellar medium is denser as Voyager moves away from the heliosphere, or is it from the shock wave itself? We don't know yet.' The heliosphere, in which the Sun and planets reside, is a large bubble inflated from the inside by the high-speed solar wind blowing out from the Sun. Pressure from the solar wind, along with pressure from the surrounding interstellar medium, determines the size and shape of the heliosphere. The heliosphere, in which the Sun and planets reside, is a large bubble inflated from the inside by the high-speed solar wind blowing out from the Sun. Pressure from the solar wind, along with pressure from the surrounding interstellar medium, determines the size and shape of the heliosphere. The supersonic flow of solar wind abruptly slows at the termination shock, the innermost boundary of the solar system. The edge of the solar system is the heliopause. The bow shock pushes ahead through the interstellar medium as the heliosphere plows through the galaxy. The supersonic flow of solar wind abruptly slows at the termination shock, the innermost boundary of the solar system. The edge of the solar system is the heliopause. The bow shock pushes ahead through the interstellar medium as the heliosphere plows through the galaxy. Gurnett, principal investigator of the plasma wave instrument on Voyager, expects that such shock waves propagate far out into space, perhaps even to twice the distance between the sun and where the spacecraft is right now. Voyager 1 and its twin, Voyager 2, were launched 16 days apart in 1977. Both spacecraft flew by Jupiter and Saturn. Voyager 2 also flew by Uranus and Neptune. Voyager 2, launched before Voyager 1, is the longest continuously operated spacecraft and is expected to enter interstellar space in a few years. JPL, a division of Caltech, built the twin Voyager spacecraft and operates them for the Heliophysics Division within NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington.
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Spacecraft still riding massive 'tsunami wave' that first began in February .
Tsunami causes ionized gas to resonate or vibrate like a bell .
One wave, previously reported, helped researchers determine that Voyager 1 had entered interstellar space .
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By . Mia De Graaf for MailOnline . Thousands of music fans have started their pilgrimage to Reading and Leeds for two of the biggest highlights in the festival calendar. The overwhelming majority of each site's 100,000 revellers are in their late teens, with many celebrating GCSE results day today. And it seems their celebrations won't be dampened as both festivals look set to dodge the rain. Despite downpours this week, Leeds looks set to remain dry until next week, and Reading will also bask in the sunshine, forecasters say. Scroll down for video . Hunters at the ready: These girls dressed in classic Reading Festival uniform with shorts and Hunter wellies in case of rain - but it looks set to be dry and sunny . Pilgrimage: Reading's annual rock festival - the world's oldest - has become a ritual for teenagers in the wake of A Level and GCSE results, which came out this week . Kitted out: 200 miles north east of Reading's Richfield Avenue, these girls plodded to Bramham, near Wetherby, for the twin festival in Leeds . Reading's annual rock festival - the world's oldest - opened its gates at 8am today, with revellers pouring in on buses, coaches and trains lugging camping gear - and wheelbarrows of beer. It was an identical scene 200 miles north east, with festival-goers loading their bags into trolleys from supermarkets as they powered towards the country estate in Bramham, near Wetherby. The two festivals are twinned and share the same set. American pop punk stars Blink-182 will open for Leeds on Friday, before heading down to Reading's Richfield Avenue to bring the festival to a close on Sunday night. Other headliners include Paramore, Queens of the Stone Age, and Arctic Monkeys. Bryony Harrison, aged 17, from Hull, East Yorkshire, travelled down to Reading and soaked up the atmosphere with friends who all wore fluorescent face paint. Rammed: It doesn't start until tomorrow, but Richfield Avenue is already a sea of colourful tents filled with festival-goers to see Blink 182 and the Arctic Monkeys . Twin line-ups: Acts will start at either Reading or Leeds before driving to the other site to play to another 100,000 revellers in the annual festival calendar highlight . Popular: Reading festival started in 1961 and attracted a few hundred music fans with tickets priced at just £2 for the weekend. It now attracts more than 90,000 people . 'This is my first time here and it's great,' she said. 'I can't wait to see Arctic Monkeys and Disclosure.' School friends Chloe Morris, Hannah Bailey, Hannah Campbell, Talulah Farrier, and Rebecca Sneddon, all 16 years old, got straight on the train after picking up their GCSE results at school in Bromley, Kent, for three-day weekend in Reading. 'We are all celebrating,' said Chloe, adding: 'This is our first time here and we have absolutely no idea what to expect. I'm here for Arctic Monkeys and a few other bands.' The beer was flowing early. George Farrell and pals were struggling along carrying 186 cans of lager and cider. Stocked up: The leader of this group powers ahead determinedly through the gloomy rain in Leeds clutching three crates of Budweiser for the weekend . Dreary: These girls looked weary as they trekked through the drizzling rain, which will continue through this evening before subsiding in time for the main acts . Comfy stay: Many made sure they had ample bedding for the three nights between acts such as Rudimental, Paramore and Queens Of The Stone Age . 'This will probably do us for tonight,' joked the 17-year-old college student from near Brighton, East Sussex, who said he had bought the beer from a street seller nearby. There were spots of rain in the air as the crowds arrived but the forecast is for cool, cloudy conditions for most of the weekend. Rain is forecast for Monday when the site closes. Sisters Katrina and Gabriella Holmes from Littlehampton, West Sussex, struggled into the entrance with their heavy bags. 'It's my first time here and I'm really excited. I'm looking forward to seeing The 1975,' said Gabriella, aged 16. There were spots of rain in the air as the crowds arrived at Richfield Avenue but the forecast is for cool, cloudy conditions for most of the weekend . The day has arrived: Festival-goers look excited as they finally arrive at Reading, two months after tickets for both festivals sold out online . Reading Festival began life as The National Jazz Festival in Plumpton, East Sussex, in 1961, with weekend tickets costing just £2 pounds. It changed its name to The National Blues & Jazz Festival in 1962, moved to Reading in 1972 and is known today for showcasing a large variety of rock and alternative bands. In 1999, it had become so successful, owners Festival Republic decided to launch a second prong in Leeds. A weekend camping ticket now costs £205, and all had been snapped up two months ago. A few thousand festival goers had already arrived Wednesday evening after purchasing 'early bird' tickets to get the best camping spots. However, the majority arrived today ahead of acts taking to the stages from 11.30am Friday.
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Around 200,000 revellers, mostly teenagers, flocked to Reading and Leeds for this weekend's three-day festival .
Despite rain in Leeds today, the site looks set to be dry. Reading will also bask in sunshine, forecasters say .
Reading is world's oldest popular music festival, launched in 1961. Organisers created second prong in Leeds in 1999 .
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(CNN) -- A student found dead in her dormitory at a South Carolina college bled to death because of complications from childbirth, medical examiners reported Thursday. Officials at Benedict College, a private, historically black institution in Columbia, identified the student as 19-year-old Ayaanah Gibson. She was about 32 weeks pregnant when she delivered a stillborn fetus late Saturday or early Sunday, the Richland County Coroner's Office said. Gibson's body was found Tuesday. There was no indication of foul play in her death, the coroner's office said. "The Benedict College family is deeply saddened this evening about the unexpected loss of one of its students," the school said in a written statement. "Please join the Benedict College family in praying for our fallen Tiger and her family." Mom gives birth in bar bathroom .
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The student died of complications from childbirth, medical examiners say .
Ayaanah Gibson was 32 weeks pregnant; her fetus was stillborn .
She was a student at Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina .
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As speeding tickets go it was just one of thousands handed out in the 1930's as the car took over a once provincial Germany and the autobahns opened the country up to the common man. But the man who received it was no ordinary motorist. He was Adolf Hitler, in the driving seat of the Third Reich, and definitely not amused the day he was booked for going too fast in his supercharged Mercedes limousine. But was he driving? Documents revealed Adolf Hitler had asked chauffeur Julius Schreck (pictured behind the wheel) to drive fast after he was given a speeding ticket near Igolstadt in 1931 . Hitler's long lost speeding summons has been found in a Bavarian archive. He was handed the fine in the tiny hamlet of Baar-Ebenhausen, south of the city of Ingolstadt, on September 19, 1931 - a little over two and-a-half years before he became chancellor and Fuehrer. A senior police officer called Probst . from the Bavarian gendarme station Reichertshofen put in his notebook . how a car travelling at 1.37pm on the road towards Munich was travelling . at a 'high speed'. Taking the blame: Schreck, right, stood to be banned after he was clocked driving more than twice the speed limit in Hitler's personal Mercedes . He also put down the number plate - II A – 19357 - which happened to be Hitler's personal car and sent to details to superiors in Munich to learn who the car's owner was. The incident happened long before the days of speed cameras. In his report Probst wrote: 'The speed of the vehicle was determined by two officials with two stop watches. 'The car drove over a measured distance of 200m in 13 seconds, which results in the average speed of 55.3 km per hour (34.3mph).' In a hurry: Hitler, pictured in Nuremberg in 1934, may have been rushing back to Munich after his half-niece Geli Raubal shot herself in the flat they shared . This was double the permitted speed limit on the road at that time and should have resulted in an immediate ban. Three days later Probst received the information that the car belonged to one A. Hitler, who lived at Prinzeregentstrasse 16 and he issued the speeding ticket. Hitler's former flat still exists only now it is, ironically, a police station. But it is doubtful if Hitler or his party ever had to pay a fine. Certainly no document surfaced alongside the original report stating that he had to cough up. There was, however, another document found in the archive with the word 'settled' stamped on it relating to the incident. Staff: Hitler poses for a signed photograph with members of the National Socialist German Workers' Party in 1929. (From left) adjutant Julius Schaub, Schreck, Hitler, future SS colonel Gerhard Maurer and psychiatrist Carl Schneider . Hitler said he was not at the wheel at the time but that it was being driven by his chauffeur Julius Schreck and that he had instructed him 'to drive as fast as possible' without saying why. But history records the probable reason. The day before his 23-year-old half-niece Geli Raubal, with whom he lived and who he loved madly, shot herself with Hitler's pistol at the Munich flat. It sent Hitler into a profound depression and senior Nazis on trial at Nuremberg after the war said no other single incident during the whole of the Third Reich affected him more. Historians speculate he was in something approaching a blind panic to get to Munich to begin the damage limitation exercise that he knew he must put in place to protect his burgeoning image as the saviour of Germany. As to Officer Probst, there is no indication that he ever advanced further in the police force for daring to send a summons to the future Fuehrer of Germany.
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Documents reveal future Fuhrer claimed his lookalike chauffeur Julius Schreck was driving at the time .
Nazi leader was travelling in personal supercharged Mercedes near Ingolstadt in 1931 .
May have been speeding back to Munich after half-niece shot herself in flat they shared .
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da1005bbe4508b9e7f958bf6f49b2d108a56b1ff
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Chelsea have warned their own supporters ahead of the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham that they will ban anyone using anti-Semitic language and support criminal action against them. Investigations are ongoing into racist incidents involving some Chelsea fans who travelled to last week’s Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain. Supporters refused to allow a black man on to their Metro carriage and chanted: ‘We’re racist’, leading manager Jose Mourinho to say he was ‘ashamed’. Chelsea fans have been warned about their conduct ahead of the Capital One Cup final against Tottenham . Jose Mourinho admitted he felt 'ashamed' by the racially-motivated incident involving Chelsea fans last week . Seven men sought in connection with racist chanting in London last week have been identified . Commuter Souleymane S was refused entry on to the Paris Metro by Chelsea fans in a seperate incident . The man attempts to forcibly gain entry to the Paris Metro train but struggles with passengers on board . These flashpoints together with a fierce local rivalry with Spurs, a club with Jewish traditions, have prompted an appeal ahead of Sunday’s Wembley showpiece. A Chelsea statement said: ‘For a small minority, this game has historically brought a deeply unpleasant and unwanted level of anti-Semitic abuse. 'Opposition supporters using terms as a form of identity is no excuse for abusive chanting or behaviour. The club asks that all supporters realise such actions cause huge offence to those around them. 'If we receive evidence that supporters have engaged in anti-Semitic or any other form of discriminatory chanting or behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action, including supporting criminal prosecution. 'Recent events in Paris have seen Chelsea fans united in their contempt for a mindless few. 'Chelsea is proud of the diversity within our club and our vision embraces equality regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability or religion. We all share the common cause of supporting our team.' Sunday’s Capital One Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley promises to be a passionate and exciting match with both sets of supporters contributing to an excellent occasion. After consultation between the Metropolitan Police and both clubs, we would like to remind supporters of their responsibilities on the day. For a small minority, this game has historically brought a deeply unpleasant and unwanted level of anti-Semitic abuse, which has no place in football or anywhere in society. As such, we urge everyone to keep their support positive. Opposition supporters using terms as a form of identity is no excuse for abusive chanting or behaviour. The club asks that all supporters realise such actions cause huge offence to those around them. If we receive evidence that supporters have engaged in anti-Semitic or any other form of discriminatory chanting or behaviour, we will take the strongest possible action, including supporting criminal prosecution. Recent events in Paris have seen Chelsea fans united in their contempt for a mindless few. Chelsea is proud of the diversity within our club and our vision embraces equality regardless of race, gender, sexuality, disability or religion. We all share the common cause of supporting our team. We launched the Building Bridges campaign in 2010 to promote equality and have worked hard to combat all forms of discrimination both at Stamford Bridge and in our communities.
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Chelsea face Tottenham in the Capital One Cup final this Sunday .
Blues fans have been warned about their conduct ahead of the game .
The club have already come under criticism following racist incidents involving Chelsea fans who travelled to last week's game against PSG .
Supporters refused to allow a black man on to their Metro carriage, while chanting: 'We're racist'
Seven men were also sought in connection with racist chanting at St Pancras International station on February 18 .
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d98b4e1ed2406f17412f7d780e5cc52e30e57ec4
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By . William Cook . PUBLISHED: . 09:33 EST, 4 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 10:12 EST, 4 October 2012 . Bleddyn King, 18 (pictured) is alleged to have stabbed David Evans, 63, and then used his mobile phone to film his body . A teenage killer used his mobile phone to film the body of his victim after brutally stabbing him 72 times, a court has heard. Bleddyn King, 18, allegedly recorded a chilling soundtrack to the video after killing David Evans, 63, in his own home. Cardiff Crown Court heard King said: 'F*** around with me and this is what happens. You **** with me and you **** with the best.' King is alleged to have used an internet dating site for gay men to contact Evans with the intention of robbing him. A murder jury was told King went to Evans' country bungalow, where the widower lived alone, pulled a knife on him and stabbed him so forcefully the blade was left bent. Prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees QC said: 'It was brutality of the extreme kind. 'After he was dead King videoed his body while giving a dialogue (sic) of what he had done and why he was doing it. 'It was because he was short of money. 'He made a video of the death scene to scare people he may have owed money to. 'He is heard saying: '**** around with me and this is what happens. You **** with me and you **** with the best.' 'The film was made to instil fear of him in somebody else.' Death scene: Police forensics officers outside the house where the body of 63-year-old David Evans was found . Torched: King is alleged to have set fire to the bungalow before making his escape . The court heard King then stabbed Mr Evans’ cat Jess to death before setting the bungalow on fire and escaping. Father-of-two Evans, of Pentyrch, near Cardiff, was described as a ‘lost soul' following the death of his wife Christine, and was said to have turned to gay websites. He was only 5ft 6in tall and weighed eight-and-a-half stones compared to King who was described as having a 'muscular and powerful physique'. Mather-Lees said: 'Mr Evans was a quiet and gentle man who had married, had two boys and lived in France for a time. 'He and his wife moved back to Cardiff, where he nursed her when she became ill.' The court heard King used the name 'Big Wolf 1993' on the gay website where he contacted Evans and another man after hatching a plan to rob them. Mather-Lees said: 'He developed a plan - he deliberately, callously and brutally targeted a gay man for his own gain. 'He chose a gay man because he thought he would be somebody more vulnerable and that if he survived his attack would be less likely to complain. 'It was a plain and simple premeditated robbery with extreme violence contemplated. 'It was executed and then followed with cynical lies.' King, of Abercynon, near Pontypridd, denies murder but has admitted manslaughter. The trial continues. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons.
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Bleddyn King, 18, alleged to have contacted David Evans, 63, on dating website for gay men .
Cardiff Crown Court heard King went to Evans' home with the intention of robbing him .
King is alleged to have recorded chilling video to scare people to whom he owed money .
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93cb396434164e901fb6fbca2a69e2c5b78a6570
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By . Tara Brady . For the past two years pop star David Archuleta has been on a Mormon mission and away from the spotlight. But the American Idol runner-up has announced on YouTube that he has returned home following his two-year-service. The 23-year-old Miami native, who grew up in Murray, Utah, always said he was not quitting music but felt he had a strong call to serve the church. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . He's back: American Idol's David Archuleta returns home from Mormon mission after two years away . Throughout his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile he took the opportunity to share his vocal talents. While at the Missionary Training Centre he performed in a missionary choir and two Christmas productions which took place at the Santiago Chile Temple. Two years ago footage captured at a concert showed Archuleta overwhelmed with emotion and crying when he revealed his plans which led to a standing ovation from the crowd. 'It's not because someone told me that I'm supposed to do it, and not because I no longer want to do music, but because it's the feeling that I've felt I need to do this with my life,' Archuleta said at the time. Archuleta was 16 and one of the youngest contestants when he competed on the seventh season of American Idol. The runner-up has since released three albums, one of which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2010, he performed with the Grammy-winning Mormon Tabernacle choir at the group's annual Christmas concert. Single men typically serve for two years, and women and couples serve for 18 months.Missionaries volunteer for service, but must be selected by program officials in Salt Lake City. They are not paid and must cover their own expenses while in the field. The church has more than 350 missions worldwide.
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The 20-year-old Miami native grew up in Murray, Utah .
Always said he was not quitting music but felt a strong call to the church .
While at the Missionary Training Centre he performed in a missionary choir .
Two years ago Archuleta cried with emotion when he revealed his plans .
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84d5977bb434c34e6bd7cbb01b1d088de237047f
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A French hostage held in Mali has been executed by al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, Mauritania's ANI news agency reported late Tuesday. The agency attributed the information to an AQIM spokesman. Six other French hostages are still being held in Mali, ANI said. The spokesman reportedly told the agency that the March 10 execution was in response to France's military intervention in Mali, and that French President Francois Hollande "is responsible for the lives of the rest of the hostages." Before the ANI report on Tuesday, the French foreign ministry released a statement quoting Hollande as saying there are no "financial discussions" ongoing to gain the release of French hostages in various countries. The ministry said it is in constant contact with the families of those being held, and that everything is being done to gain the release of French hostages. French involvement in the Malian conflict began on January 11, the day after militants said they had seized the city of Konna, east of Diabaly in central Mali, and were poised to advance south toward Bamako, the capital. Islamist extremists carved out a large haven in northern Mali last year, taking advantage of a chaotic situation after a military coup by the separatist party MNLA. The militants banned music, smoking, drinking and watching sports on television. They also destroyed historic tombs and shrines.
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French foreign ministry says everything's being done to gain release of hostages .
Mauritania's ANI news agency attributes the information to an AQIM spokesman .
Hostage was killed in response to French intervention in Mali, he reportedly says .
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(CNN) -- The pilot at the helm of Asiana Airlines Flight 214 was training to fly a Boeing 777 and was sitting next to a man in his first trip as an instructor pilot when their plane's main landing gear hit a seawall around San Francisco's airport, a U.S. official said Tuesday. Deborah Hersman, the head of the National Transportation Safety Board, revealed these and other details during a news conference that included information about the pilots and their flying experience, based on the interviews they've conducted with investigators. Having finished classroom and simulator training, the "flying pilot" -- as Hersman referred to him -- was in the piloting portion of his training to fly a Boeing 777 at the time of Saturday's crash. He had flown 10 legs and had about 35 hours of flying time with the 777, which put him about halfway through the training required by Asiana of 20 legs and 60 flight hours, when the plane went down, Hersman said. Did pilot have enough 777 experience? Sitting beside him during Saturday's flight from Seoul to San Francisco was the instructor pilot. The trip across the Pacific was the first time he had been an instructor pilot and the first time he'd traveled with the flying pilot, according to Hersman. That seemingly uneventful, more than 10-hour flight ended in a few chaotic, panicked minutes of fury, after which two people were dead and 182 others were transported to local hospitals. "Sections of the cabin ... are found very early in the debris field," said Hersman, who had walked a few hundred feet from the seawall where the plane's landing gear and then tail first slammed into the seawall to where it mercifully came to a rest. "You can see aircraft parts, gallery materials, newspapers, magazines and flooring." According to the pilots' accounts, the tensions started before the plane touched ground. The three pilots in the cockpit -- another was in the cabin -- told investigators they set the "auto throttle" speed to 137 knots (157 mph), which is the speed it should have been going. Akin to cruise control, auto throttles are used to maintain a plane's speed. At 200 feet above ground, the instructor pilot said he noted precision approach path indicator lights indicated the giant jet was too low. It was then "he recognized that the auto throttles were not maintaining speed, and he established a go-around attitude," said the NTSB chief. "He went to push the throttles forward, but he stated that the other pilot had already (done so)." Hersman cautioned anyone from jumping to conclusions as to whether a mechanical or pilot error is to blame for the crash. She also spoke specifically about the auto throttles, saying investigators were delving into how they were working and how they were used. But Hersman also stated: "The crew is required to maintain a safe aircraft ... One of the very critical things that needs to be monitored on an approach to landing is speed. So we need to understand what was going on in the cockpit, and also what was going on in the aircraft." 2 dead, 182 injured -- including 2 ejected flight attendants . When it departed South Korea, Flight 214 had 307 passengers and crew aboard. Despite the scale of the wreckage -- a hole burned through much of the cabin's roof and the aircraft's back half lopped off -- 123 walked away. Others weren't so lucky, most of all the two Chinese teenagers who died in the crash. Girls killed in crash were headed for camp . Those working on the flight were among the injured. The third pilot in the cockpit cracked a rib. One flight attendant was temporarily trapped by an evacuation chute that opened inside the plane. Two other flight attendants were not in their seats at the rear of the aircraft when the plane finally ground to a halt, because they were ejected as the aircraft broke up. "They were found down the runway and off to the side of the runway," Hersman said. Flight attendants hailed as heroes . Many of those hospitalized have been released. At San Francisco General Hospital, for instance, 50 of the 62 patients are now free to go home. But others still require care. Four adults and one child in critical condition are still at San Francisco General suffering from internal bleeding, fractures and spinal cord, abdominal and traumatic brain injuries, according to the hospital. Crew recall plane being too high, then too low . The "flying pilot" and "instructor pilot" who were in the front seat of the cockpit were not among the injured, according to Hersman. Asiana hired the flying pilot in 1994, after which he reported amassing nearly 10,000 hours of total flight time. That experience included time piloting 737, 747 and A-320 aircraft, and he was a ground school and simulator instructor for the latter model. The instructor pilot, a South Korean air force veteran with about 13,000 hours of flight experience, recalled Flight 214 being "slightly high when they passed 4,000 feet (and) they set vertical speed mode at about 1,500 feet per minute," explained Hersman. But they ended up coming in low. The third pilot in the cockpit told investigators that, with "the nose ... pitched up, ... he could not see the runway," said the NTSB chief. In the last few hundred feet before touchdown, the crew was making both lateral and vertical adjustments -- meaning they were both trying to move sideways to get toward the runway and adjust their height. Shock and survival: Plane crash through the eyes of children . When the aircraft hit, it spun 360 degrees. An oil tank ruptured and leaked fuel onto the plane's right engine, starting a fire. Eventually, evacuation chutes deployed, and at least seven of the aircraft's eight doors were opened. (An eighth was found on the ground, Hersman explained.) Very soon after the plane stopped, tending to the wounded and the investigation began. That probe will continue for months, though authorities have released significant details so far. So much information, in fact, the Air Line Pilots Association, for a second straight day on Tuesday, criticized what it called the "NTSB's release of incomplete, out-of-context information" that "has fueled rampant speculation about the cause of the accident." First responders describe eerie, chaotic moments after crash . The union further questioned whether some tools were available to the crew, claiming, for instance, that the "Instrument Landing System, a critical aid to pilots, (was) out of service." "Without the full body of facts surrounding a catastrophic event, partial or incomplete information can lead to erroneous conclusions and, in turn, skew the perception of individuals' behavior," the pilots union said in its Tuesday statement. "This could then lead to misguided assessments of the crew's intentions and actions." Hersman disputed the union's claims earlier Tuesday on CNN, saying the agency believes that transparent release of information is crucial. "We believe that it is always better to put out the correct information and factual information so that bad information is not able to propagate," she said. Aviation experts say that air crashes often involve several factors, and the San Francisco tragedy appears to be following form. Experience, training, crew actions, airport navigation, and now the possible role of a mechanical system are all in the mix. The NTSB is not expected to render a decision on probable cause for months. During her news conference later Tuesday, Hersman stressed that "there's still a lot of work to be done." "We will not determine probable cause while we are here on scene," she said, adding there's a lot of information to collect and analyze. "...I would really encourage all of you to be very cautious about speculating on the cause of the crash." How does an air crash investigation work? CNN's Chelsea Carter, Mike Ahlers and Michael Pearson contributed to this report.
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NEW: 1 flight attendant was trapped by chute, 2 were ejected, NTSB chief says .
"Flying pilot" was training to fly a Boeing 777, adds Deborah Hersman .
Sitting next to him was a man who was an "instructor pilot" for first time, she adds .
The plane's main landing gear hit a seawall at the airport, followed by its tail .
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bb7a7197845ee02300e4f3332fa0a47916f75165
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By . Mark Nicol . PUBLISHED: . 18:29 EST, 15 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:26 EST, 16 September 2012 . Staying put: Prince Harry should carry on fighting in Afghanistan despite the attack on Camp Bastion, defence experts believe . Prince Harry should carry on fighting in Afghanistan, defence experts said today despite the royal being caught 'just 400 yards' from an fierce battle when Taliban fighters armed with rocket-propelled grenades burst into Camp Bastion. Former officers warned that withdrawing Harry from his military role would be 'playing into the hands of the Taliban', granting the opposition a morale-boosting propaganda victory. Concerns have heightened over the Prince's deployment since Friday night's attack, in which two US Marines were killed and four British airmen were seriously wounded. The intense three-hour fire-fight . was followed by the killing of two British soldiers by a man wearing . Afghan police uniform in a separate incident. The soldiers, from 3rd Battalion The . Yorkshire Regiment, were killed at a checkpoint in the south of Nahr-e . Saraj district in Helmand province. Harry, an Army captain, is based at Camp Bastion for his second tour of duty, due to last four months. US officials said the attack on Camp . Bastion was by heavily-armed insurgents and involved a range of . weaponry, including mortars, rockets or rocket-propelled grenades, as . well as small arms fire. The Taliban said it carried out the . attack because Harry was on the base, and also as revenge for an . internet video that mocks the Prophet Muhammad. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi . said: 'We attacked that base because Prince Harry was also on it and so . they can know our anger.' He added: 'Thousands more suicide attackers are ready to give up their lives for the sake of the Prophet.' Tory MP Colonel Bob Stewart, a former . commander of British troops in Bosnia, dismissed suggestions that Harry . should be withdrawn because of the attack. 'To hell with them,' he said. 'Harry wants to go there and our soldiers want him there. He should stay.' Scroll down for video . Under fire: Prince Harry was rushed to safety by a protection squad when Camp Bastion was attacked by the Taliban . The watchtower gives armed forces a panoramic view of the lands surrounding Camp Bastion . But Col Stewart stressed that the security considerations regarding the deployment of the Prince were flexible. 'These things aren't set in concrete,' he said. 'If circumstances really change then we'll make different judgments.' Col Steward added: 'Capturing, killing or hurting Prince Harry would be a huge propaganda coup for the Taliban.' Major Charles Heyman, a former . infantry officer and editor of The Armed Forces of the United Kingdom . publication, warned against the dangers of 'playing into the hands of . the Taliban'. He said: 'On balance it is a difficult equation but I think he should be kept there. 'If we take him away the Taliban will crow that they have just scored a major victory. Target: Harry is based at Camp Bastion for his second tour of duty, due to last four months . 'The second point is it would affect . the morale of the troops on the ground if Prince Harry was taken out . just because there was a threat.' Maj Heyman added that it was not the first time Camp Bastion had been targeted. 'The Taliban have been doing these . things for five years now,' he said. 'Bastion is a huge complex. It is . really a military city. 'This is one of those pinprick attacks that went right as they killed two US Marines. But in most of them no one gets hurt.' A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: . 'The threat to all our service personnel is continually assessed and . all measures taken to mitigate it. 'As we stated last week, the . deployment of Captain Wales has been long planned and the threat to him . and others around him thoroughly assessed. 'We stated that any risk posed by his . deployment, based on the capability, opportunity and intent of the . insurgency, is continually reviewed.' The Prince last night told his commanding officers he was 'staying put'. He insisted to superiors that he was ‘fine’ and was determined to carry out his duties as an Apache helicopter pilot. Military . sources told The Mail on Sunday the attack must have been planned days, . if not weeks in advance in order to gain access to the heavily fortifed . base and get to ‘within 400 yards’ of Harry. The . insurgents are believed to have studied Camp Bastion beforehand and . passed unnoticed through vehicle checkpoints before recovering a cache . of weapons hidden in the desert. At about 10pm local time on Friday, 16 . fighters dug beneath a perimeter fence on the camp’s eastern side and . ran towards the airfield, where they were challenged by US Marines. They . fired rocket-propelled grenades and rifles, killing the two Marines and . destroying aircraft including Harrier jets and Cobra helicopters. At . this stage 50 UK and US personnel, including airmen from the RAF . Regiment’s Force Protection Wing, were scrambled to the airfield. The . gun battle continued for three hours with the Taliban desperate to . reach Harry’s accommodation and a British airstrip where his Apache . helicopter was standing idle. The Prince was rushed to safety as the . Taliban closed in. The attacks on Camp Bastion reminded the world of the dangerous environment Prince Harry will be operating in . Prince Harry climbs up to examine the cockpit of an Apache helicopter with a member of his squadron at Camp Bastion near to where the attack happened . According . to Nato coalition chiefs, 15 Taliban were shot dead. The remaining . insurgent was wounded and taken to hospital at Camp Bastion where he . remains under armed guard. Last night he was at the centre of a . probe into how the enemy breached such tight security and came so close . to attacking Harry just a week into his deployment. The four British . casualties were also treated for gunshot wounds. A military source said: ‘This was a very well planned and executed attack. The logistics involved in order to get inside a base with heavy weapons takes a lot of working out. So this is not something they just dreamed up in the space of a few hours. ‘From our point of view we do not know . they are enemy until they take hostile action. They knew that and took . precautions, reaching the fence surrounding Camp Bastion with their . weapons concealed. ‘The . investigation into the attack will look at whether the insurgents . belonged to the Afghan National Army. But if they were ANA they would . probably have chosen a different method of entry to Camp Bastion. ‘When the attack began Harry was with the other Apache crew members. He was not training, this was during his down-time. ‘He . was accompanied by protection officers. Harry was carrying a loaded . weapon, so was every member of personnel at Camp Bastion. This is a new . security procedure adopted earlier this year. A number of incidents led . us to raise the security profile. Pilot: Harry is trained to fly Apache helicopters, some of the most deadly aircraft in Afghanistan . ‘He was not in danger and he resumed his training on Saturday as planned. He is fine and will not be going anywhere. ‘All the US aircraft were aligned along the eastern side of the runway, in the area where the Taliban force chose to enter the base. Many of these were destroyed in the attack, including transport and attack helicopters. The gunmen then moved towards the hangars and passenger handling areas on the western side of the runway. ‘The British aircraft and helicopters . are stored on a separate flight line with its own perimeter. Here the . enemy were intercepted by RAF Regiment personnel. They killed plenty of . the gunmen but casualties were sustained.’ Harry . met with colleagues from 662 Squadron, 3 Regiment Army Air Corps after . the engagement. He is expected to conduct his first operational . missions as an Apache pilot this week. The mood at Camp Bastion was said to . be ‘doubly sombre’ last night in the aftermath of the attack on the base . and the latest British fatality of the campaign. A soldier from 1st Battalion, the Grenadier Guards, was killed on Friday by a roadside bomb in Nahr-e Saraj in Helmand. Base: Camp Bastion is the British headquarters in Helmand province (file photo) Assault: The attack on the base, pictured, was described as 'sustained' and 'complex' by U.S. officials . Harry is due to remain at Camp Bastion until January. The base is located in a remote desert area north-west of Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand. It is the hub for all British operations in the province and, along with Camp Leatherneck, houses thousands of combat troops and Marines, including Danish and Estonian forces. Afghanistan’s southern region has been a hotbed of the insurgency and attacks against foreign forces happen daily. Helmand remains an active battlefield between insurgents and Nato forces and for years has been the site of some of the war’s bloodiest engagements. Tory MP Colonel Bob Stewart, a former commander of British troops in Bosnia, said he did not think the Prince should be pulled out of Afghanistan because of the attack. ‘To hell with them,’ he said. ‘Harry wants to go there and our soldiers want him there. He should stay.’ The Ministry of Defence insisted Harry was never in danger and claimed the attack was thwarted 1,000 yards from his accommodation. The MoD said: ‘The threat to all our service personnel is continually assessed and all measures taken to mitigate it. ‘As we stated last week, the deployment of Captain Wales has been long planned and the threat to him and others around him thoroughly assessed.’ Meanwhile, the Afghan government has indefinitely blocked YouTube to prevent its citizens seeing a clip of the controversial US-made film, Innocence Of Muslims. Protest: Demonstrators in Gaza express their fury over an anti-Muslim film released on YouTube . Siege: Sudanese demonstrators push a burning car into the wall of the U.S. embassy in Khartoum .
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Taliban claims it targeted Camp Bastion because Prince Harry is based there .
Four British airmen were injured and two US Marines killed defending the Prince's helicopter base during three-hour fire-fight .
Prince was rushed to safety by protection squad but insists he is fine to carry on with his duties as a helicopter pilot .
Withdrawing Prince from Afghanistan would hand Taliban a propaganda victory, former officers claim .
Military sources say the attack must have been planned for days .
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0318e237b6debb8e239f2fa9a93b6b4e0dcbc6d3
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A second female employee at the Washington County Jail in Hillsboro, Oregon, has been accused of having sex with the same inmate — a man held on charges that include failing to register as a sex offender. Brett Robinson, 32, was arrested Tuesday after a grand jury indicted her on charges of custodial sexual misconduct. She was later released after posting $120,000 bail. The revelation comes about a month after Washington County Jail employee Jill Curry, 38, was arrested on similar charges. 'Romantic rivals:' Brett Robinson (left), 32, a staffer at an Oregon jail, was arrested August 19 for allegedly having sex with the same inmate who allegedly had a trsyt with her colleague, Jill Curry, (right) 38, who was arrested last month . The Oregonian reported that both women worked as civilian jail service technicians whose duties included booking and control room operations. The Washington County sheriff's office said it is reviewing jail operations in light of the allegations against its staff. A spokesman, Sgt. Bob Ray, said Curry and Robinson did not know about one another's contact with the inmate. The jail holds 572 inmates and has a staff of 180 corrections deputies and civilian workers. Jill Curry, 38, was arrested July 16 on charges of first-degree custodial misconduct with an inmate. During her arraignment three weeks later, the long-time jail employee was charged with more than two dozen criminal counts, including identity theft. She pleaded not guilty and is due back in court next Monday, reported Hillsboro Tribune. The 38-year-old woman has been working within the sheriff's office since October 2004. Curry's indictment stated that the jail staffer had sex numerous time with the inmate in question between May 25 and July 3. Mrs Curry is married to a sheriff's deputy, who has since filed for divorce. According to officials, the allegations against Brett Robinson came to light as a result of the Curry investigation. ‘I consider allegations that involve a second Jail staff member in this case extraordinarily serious,’ said Sheriff Pat Garrett. ‘Addressing these issues demands immediate changes and a thorough, holistic review of protocols within the jail. Both efforts are under way. ‘ . Robinson, who has been working at the jail since January 2013, was placed on administrative leave July 30. The following day, she was placed on unpaid leave based on the facts of the case. The sheriff's office has been tight-lipped about the details of the investigations concerning Curry and Robinson, declining to specify where and under what circumstances the alleged sexual encounters took place. The name of the inmate at the center of the controversy has not been released, but sheriff's officials revealed that he is facing a slew of charges in connection to four separate cases. The unidentified suspect, who is listed as a victim in the probes of the two jail employees, is accused of failing to register as a sex offender; tempering with a witness; sexual harassment and second-degree assault.
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Brett Robinson, 32, a staffer at Washington County Jail in Oregon, is facing custodial sexual misconduct charges .
Jill Curry, 38, a married jail employee, was arrested on similar charges in July .
The unnamed inmate is being held on a slew of charges, including failing to register as a sex offender, sexual harassment and assault .
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f1e5b31e09b183cf288808d90964be6f4c1ac930
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BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- She's been called the "mother of the believers," a middle-aged woman possibly responsible for recruiting more than 80 female suicide bombers in Iraq and involvement in at least 28 terrorist operations. Television picture reportedly showing Samira Ahmed Jassim during her alleged confession. Now she's in jail, arrested on January 21 in what an Iraqi commander called "heroic" security force operations that unfolded without "any losses." Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta, spokesman for the Baghdad command, identified the suspect as Samira Ahmed Jassim, also known as Umm-al-Moumineen, or "the mother of the believers." The arrest is considered a major stride in confronting the challenge of female suicide bombers, more than 30 of whom detonated themselves last year. Atta couldn't say where she was detained for intelligence reasons. That's because the authorities are after more targets. The bombers were recruited in Baghdad and Diyala province for the Ansar al-Sunna militant group, said Atta, who added police were aware of the identities of the women, including their fake names on fake IDs, and were on the hunt for them. They said they were also trying to verify Jassim's confessions. Atta played a DVD for reporters with excerpts of the confessions of Jassim, who is in her 40s or 50s. Wearing a black robe and veil, she said she was asked by a man named "Shaker" to recruit women for an Ansar al-Sunna operative named Hareth, also known as Abu Rami. She spoke about a number of the women she recruited, spending days talking to prospective operatives and persuading them to carry out attacks. Jassim said she would deliver a recruit to Shaker. Later, she returned and picked up the recruit, dropping them at locations like the Muqdadiya police station, a Sons of Iraq office and a Baghdad car park. One woman she recruited didn't even look at Jassim when she was picked up for a job. She just whispered Quranic verses en route to a bombing. Another woman -- described as psychologically challenged -- came from a financially hard-up family. In November, 18 would-be female suicide bombers turned themselves in to coalition forces in northern Iraq. The women, whose ages and names were not released by the military, gave themselves up after being persuaded by religious leaders and family members to "cease their training in suicide operations and reconcile," the U.S. military said. The women were connected to al Qaeda in Iraq suicide bombing cells, but it was not clear where they had been training or operating. The statement also did not say where the women turned themselves in, though the northern city of Mosul and surrounding parts of northern Iraq are still a hotbed for insurgent activity and considered the last stronghold for al Qaeda in Iraq. Troops have launched operations targeting members of families of suspected female bombers trying to break up the rings that are recruiting the women and girls. Intelligence gathered from detainees indicates that al Qaeda in Iraq is looking for women with three main characteristics: those who are illiterate, are deeply religious or have financial struggles, most likely because they've lost the male head of the household. Females always have played a role in the insurgency in Iraq, helping feed militants, hiding them in their homes and helping to sneak weapons around the country. They have proven to be highly effective in their operations, because of the cultural convention that women are not to be searched by men for cultural and religious reasons. The U.S. military has created a program called the Daughters of Iraq, analogous to U.S. backed Sons of Iraq, to conduct searches of women.
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Jassim also known as Umm-al-Moumineen, or mother of the believers .
Arrested on Jan. 21 in what an Iraqi commander called "heroic" security operation .
Considered a major stride in confronting challenge of female suicide bombers .
Troops have launched operations targeting families of suspected bombers .
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d6f63b4977a94294a6713eeddfeffe79c2100a8c
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By . Sean Poulter . British tourists are turning their backs on Kenya because of the threat of terrorism. Militants linked to Al Qaeda carried out two massacres in villages close to a holiday island this week, claiming more than 60 lives. Terror group Al Shabab, which has carried out a series of recent bomb attacks, warned: ‘Kenya is now officially a war zone and any tourists visiting the country do so at their own peril.’ Scroll down for video . Residents barricade a road as they protest against the recent killings in the village of Kibaoni. Militants linked to Al Qaeda have carried out two massacres in the area - claiming 60 lives . A man observes the remains of destroyed vehicles and buildings in the town of Mpeketoni after the area was attacked by extremists this week. Terror group Al Shabaab have warned tourists they visit the country 'at their own peril' Some tour operators, including Thomson, stopped sending travellers to Kenya in May after the first of the bombings. In a normal year, more than 180,000 Britons would travel to the East African country for its beaches, safaris and wildlife. But visitor numbers have plummeted – with up to 80 per cent of hotel rooms reportedly empty in Mombasa, the country’s second-largest city after the capital, Nairobi. Kenya’s tourist board in London has tried to play down the threats. It confirmed that gunmen had raided Majembeni village, a rural farming community about ten miles from Kenya’s coast and 40 miles south of Mokowe, where many holidaymakers take a boat to Lamu, a popular tourist spot. But a spokesman said: ‘Majembeni village has no international tourist facilities and no tourists were involved in the incident. ‘Lamu Island, one of Kenya’s primary tourist resorts, is in no way affected by this attack and neither is any other part of the Kenya coast. The majority of visitors travelling to Lamu arrive by air into the local airport.’ Kenyan police officers patrol Mavuno villages near Mpeketoni after unidentified gunmen attacked the coastal Kenyan town. Hotels are believed to be 80 per cent empty in Mombasa, the country's second city . Somali group Al Shabab confirmed it had carried out the latest attack, telling Reuters that its ‘operations in Kenya will continue’ in response to the presence of Kenyan troops in Somalia and the killing of Muslims. Spokesman Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab said it had raided villages around Mpeketoni, and he claimed most of those who were killed while watching a World Cup match in a hotel were police officers and wildlife wardens. Thomson said all outbound flights up to October 31 have been cancelled and anyone with a booking should contact the company. Kenya police observe the remains of burnt-out cars at a police station in Mpeketoni. Kenya's tourist board in London has attempted to play down the threats in a bid to save the tourism industy . A spokesman added: ‘Customers will be able to amend their booking to an alternative holiday, any on sale season for either long haul or short haul destinations, as long as the holiday is booked by the end of June. ‘If the cost is less than their original holiday, they will be refunded the difference. ‘If it’s more expensive we will pay £50 per person towards the extra cost as a gesture of goodwill. ‘If we are unable to secure an alternative holiday, then a full refund will be offered.’ A spokesman for rival operator Thomas Cook said: ‘We monitor travel advice closely and are contacting the small number of customers with forward bookings to the affected areas that are travelling over the next few weeks to discuss their options. We will liaise with our experienced overseas team and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and update on changes in advice.’
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80 per cent of hotel rooms reportedly empty in Mombasa, Kenya .
Al Qaeda carried out two massacres in villages close to a holiday island .
Terror group Al Shabab carried out a series of bomb attacks .
Warned tourists they come to the country 'at their own peril'
Tour operators stopped sending travellers to the country last month .
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29,972 |
55307b2aac6b3262a16a692886016a5d23cdc55b
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(CNN) -- He was the so-called "Fastest Man on No Legs," and his inspiring story captured the imagination of the world at the London Olympics. Now, Pistorius is playing the lead role in a more tragic tale that began in the early hours of Valentine's Day 2013. The Olympic and Paralympic sprinter is facing a maximum five-year prison sentence after he was found guilty of the negligent killing of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp on February 14, 2013. He claimed he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder and was cleared of murder. Despite a seven-month trial, much remains in question about what happened at his upmarket home in Pretoria, South Africa around 4 a.m. that Thursday morning, leaving stunned fans at a loss to explain how their hero could have fallen so far and so fast. Speaking to CNN's Robyn Curnow in the last few weeks before his sentencing, Pistorius told her that he would respect and accept the decision of the court and that he was not afraid of imprisonment. He said he hoped to contribute while in prison by teaching people how to read or start a gym or running club. But it may prove to be the greatest challenge yet for a man who's already overcome many difficulties. Born with a congenital abnormality, Pistorius, 27, had both his legs amputated below the knee before his first birthday, but through sheer determination carved out a career in world-class athletics. In 2012, he became the first double amputee to compete against able-bodied runners at the London 2012 Olympics, adding to his fame as the "Blade Runner," a reference to his carbon fiber prosthetic legs. While he failed to win a medal, Pistorius' presence on the track was hailed as a triumph over adversity and a victory over critics who claimed his blades gave him an unfair advantage over the able-bodied. He did take home medals from the Paralympic Games. For many, he was an example of what could be achieved through a potent mix of determination, positivity and skill. Who is Oscar Pistorius, really? Soon after his arrest, the athlete's image was pulled from billboards across South Africa. Sponsors suspended their deals as admirers questioned whether Pistorius' sporting successes had perhaps obscured a more complex character off the track. Was Pistorius violent? On the edge? In a story titled "The Fast Life of Oscar Pistorius" published in the New York Times, writer Michael Sokolove wrote: "Pistorius is, as well, blessed with an uncommon temperament -- a fierce, even frenzied need to take on the world at maximum speed and with minimum caution." After the shooting, a police spokeswoman said there had been "previous incidents" at Pistorius' home, including "allegations of a domestic nature," but did not say what they had been. Besides the five-year prison term for culpable homicide, the athlete was also given a three-year sentence, suspended for five years, on a weapons charge stemming from an incident in which he discharged a loaded firearm in a restaurant. The sprinter moved into his uncle Arnold's house in Pretoria after the shooting. Video surfaced last June of Pistorius training, but he has not returned to the track in an official capacity. In an exclusive interview last summer, Arnold Pistorius said his nephew was heartbroken. "What can you say if the person you love the most dies, and you were the instrument?" he told CNN. "How would you feel? It's unthinkable." It was known that Pistorius owned guns. He was a keen shooter and despite his disability he was not afraid to take risks. During a visit to Pistorius' house a few years ago, he showed CNN images of himself water-skiing, scuba diving and quad bike riding. "I grew up in a family where disability was never an issue. We didn't really speak about my disability, not because it was a topic that was taboo... it was just never an issue. And that's the mentality that I've had," Pistorius told CNN in late 2012. From a young age, Pistorius dedicated himself to being the best he could be at sport. "I was never much of an academic at school so I had to find something which I enjoyed. I started sports and from a very young age, my mother said to us 'sports is not about being the best, but it's about giving your best.' Divided reaction . Support from Pistorius' family has been firm and unwavering since Steenkamp's death. "We have no doubt there is no substance to the allegation and that the State's own case, including its own forensic evidence, strongly refutes any possibility of a premeditated murder or indeed any murder at all," said Arnold Pistorius before the athlete's conviction. Addressing reporters after the sentencing, Arnold Pistorius again criticized the state prosecution for pursuing the murder charge, saying that as a result "the truth became totally irrelevant to the state's attempt to to make the premeditated murder stick." He said the 20 months since Steenkamp's death had been harrowing for both families and Pistorius -- and had left everyone emotionally drained and exhausted. "As an uncle," he said, "I hope Oscar will start his own healing process as he walks down the path of restoration. "As a family we are ready to support and guide Oscar as he serves his sentence." Pistorius' agent, Peet Van Zyl, referred to the sprinter as his "friend and a great professional athlete." He said thousands of people had sent messages of support from all over the world in the wake of the shooting. Steenkamp's family is skeptical about the man who killed their daughter. Her father Barry Steenkamp told the Afrikaans-language newspaper Beeld: "It doesn't matter how rich [Pistorius] is ... and how good his legal team is. He needs to live with himself if he lets his legal team lie for him." READ MORE: Oscar Pistorius' affidavit to court in full . "But if he's telling the truth, I may forgive him one day," he said. But ''if it didn't happen as he described it, he should suffer. And he will suffer ... only he knows." At the supermarket down the road from his house, parking attendant Andre Tsekedi told CNN last February that he saw Pistorius and Steenkamp a few days before the shooting: "They were holding hands and looked so happy." Another, Samuel Motau, described Pistorius as "a very generous man." "He tipped us $10 every time. The only reason I never went to bed hungry was because of Oscar Pistorius." Growing up . As a child, Pistorius competed in water polo, cricket, tennis, triathlons and Olympic wrestling and boxing, before he smashed his knee while playing rugby at the age of 16. He took up track running as part of his rehabilitation, and within one year he was covering 100 meters faster than the existing Paralympic world record. In 2004, Pistorius took his first gold at the Athens Paralympics and one year later competed against able-bodied Olympics for the first time, at the South African Championships. Pistorius' career on the track suffered a setback in 2009 when he suffered serious head injuries in a boating accident. It took him almost eight weeks to recover, a period of time the athlete has described as "fairly difficult" as it marked the first season in four or five years in which he didn't record a personal best. Soon after the London Olympics, Pistorius led his national team onto the track as South African flag-bearer in the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games. He went on to set a new world record in the 200-meter event but later suffered a shock defeat in the final, his first competitive loss over the distance in nine years. During the very last track event of the Paralympics, Pistorius again picked himself up and smashed the 400-meter T44 Paralympic record in a time of 46.68 to take gold. It ended a summer he later described as "a dream come true," according to his website. Beyond the track . Pistorius' determination to succeed made him one of the world's most recognizable athletes. He appeared on the cover of men's magazine, GQ Style, under the headline "Man of the Future," and was named on People magazine's 2012 list of "Sexiest Man Alive." According to his website, Pistorius is an ambassador for the Mineseeker Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to clear landmines worldwide. When asked about his thoughts on being a role model, Pistorius told CNN before the shooting: "I think it's a massive blessing. "Obviously, being an international sportsman, there's a lot of responsibility that comes with that. So having to remember that there are kids out there, especially, that look up to you is definitely something that you need to keep at the back of your mind." Pistorius has more than 300,000 followers on Twitter, tens of thousands of whom added in the days since his arrest last year. His account laid dormant for a year until the anniversary of Steenkamp's death in February, when he tweeted a link to "a few words from my heart" on his website. The message said: "No words can adequately capture my feelings about the devastating accident that has caused such heartache for everyone who truly loved -- and continues to love Reeva. The pain and sadness -- especially for Reeva's parents, family and friends consumes me with sorrow. The loss of Reeva and the complete trauma of that day, I will carry with me for the rest of my life." CNN's Nick Thompson contributed to this report.
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Oscar Pistorius was the first double amputee to compete at an able-bodied Olympics .
He described the summer of 2012 as a "dream come true" after Paralympic gold .
The South African had both legs amputated below the knee when he was 11 months old .
He started playing sport at an early age and became a role model for people worldwide .
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dc283549fd1eaa6836d7040b9402603afd40180d
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 10:04 EST, 20 September 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 14:24 EST, 20 September 2012 . A Syrian military helicopter clipped the tail of a Syrian passenger jet with 200 people aboard in mid-air Thursday, but the larger aircraft landed safely and no one aboard was hurt, Syria's state TV said. The helicopter crashed near the capital of Damascus, though it was not clear if there were any casualties in that crash or what had led the two aircraft to touch in mid-air. The close call came at a time when Syria is embroiled in a civil war between the supporters of President Bashar Assad and those trying to topple him. Heart of conflict: The mid-air collision took place on the outskirts of Damascus, Syria . The 18-month rebellion has claimed the lives of more than 23,000 people, according to activists, and Syria has descended into chaos. The Syrian government has increasingly been using helicopters and other aircraft in its fight against the rebels. Rebels have claimed to have shot down helicopters and warplanes in the past, although the regime has blamed most of the problems on mechanical difficulties. Today Syrian military aircraft struck in the rebellious city of Aleppo, near to the border with Turkey, where many rebel groups have their strongholds. A Syrian Army fighter was pictured dropping two bombs over the city's Bustan Al-Bashar district, followed by an explosion which sent plumes of smoke soaring into the sky. Death from above: A Syrian military jet drops bombs over the Bustan Al-Bashar neighborhood of Aleppo . Destruction: Smoke rises over the rebel-held district after the jet drops its payload . In Thursday's incident, the helicopters rotor clipped the tail of a Syrian Arab Airlines jet, the state TV said. The passenger plane 'landed safely at the airport and none of the 200 passengers were harmed,' the report said. The helicopter crashed southeast of Douma, a Damascus suburb that has witnessed repeated military crackdowns to purge fighters seeking to topple Assad. No further details were made available. 'We heard the sound of several . explosions and some gunfire, and a few minutes later, we were told that a . helicopter had crashed,' said Mohammad Saeed, an activist in Douma. This . comes on the same day as the United Nations learned that Iran has been . using civilian aircraft to fly military personnel and large quantities . of weapons across Iraqi airspace to Syria to aid President Bashar . al-Assad in his attempt to crush an 18-month uprising against his . government, according to a Western intelligence report seen by Reuters. Earlier . this month, U.S. officials said they were questioning Iraq about . Iranian flights in Iraqi airspace suspected of ferrying arms to Assad, a . staunch Iranian ally. On Wednesday, U.S. Senator John Kerry threatened to review U.S. aid to Baghdad if it does not halt such overflights. Arming: The accident took place on the same day that a report was released revealing Iran is sending arms and soldiers to Syria via commercial airplanes . Iraq says it does not allow the passage of any weapons through its airspace, but the intelligence report obtained by Reuters says Iranian weapons have been flowing into Syria via Iraq in large quantities. Such transfers, the report says, are organized by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. 'This is part of a revised Iranian modus operandi that U.S. officials have only recently addressed publicly, following previous statements to the contrary,' said the report, a copy of which was provided by a U.N. diplomatic source. 'It also flies in the face of declarations by Iraqi officials,' it said. 'Planes are flying from Iran to Syria via Iraq on an almost daily basis, carrying IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) personnel and tens of tons of weapons to arm the Syrian security forces and militias fighting against the rebels.' It added that Iran was also 'continuing to assist the regime in Damascus by sending trucks overland via Iraq' to Syria. Although the specific charges about Iraq allowing Iran to transfer arms to Damascus are not new, the intelligence report alleges that the extent of such shipments is far greater than has been publicly acknowledged, and much more systematic, thanks to an agreement between senior Iraqi and Iranian officials.
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Helicopter crashed outside of Damascus but plane was able to land safely .
Comes same day that report reveals Iran is transporting soldiers and weapons to Syria via commercial airplanes .
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6,893 |
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(CNN) -- President-elect Barack Obama's victory speech Tuesday night compares favorably with a number of historic orations, a linguist said Thursday. Barack Obama speaks at a rally in Chicago, Illinois, after winning the presidency Tuesday night. "His goal was to be understood by the widest possible audience during his victory speech, and he seems to have done a great job doing it," said Paul J.J. Payack, president of the Austin, Texas-based Global Language Monitor, which analyzed the speech for content, tone and length. "He's at his best communicating directly and forthrightly with this audience and using different types of rhetorical devices," Payack said, noting that the speech was written to a seventh- or eighth-grade level. That's lower than the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech (grade 8.8), President Reagan's 1987 "Tear Down This Wall" speech (grade 9.8) and even Obama's own 2004 Democratic Convention speech (grade 8.3), Payack said. In the four years since then, "he has learned to speak more directly and more succinctly when he's giving a major address," the word aficionado said. He spoke admiringly of Obama's repeated use of the phrase "Yes, we can," calling it "very effective." "That's a very short, direct sentence," Payack said. "Almost like a drumbeat hammering into people's minds and hearts." He added, "something like that comes across as a very effective rhetorical device." That phrase compares with Reagan's "Tear Down This Wall" and President Kennedy's "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country," delivered in his inaugural speech. At about 2,000 words, the speech was short enough not to lose the audience's attention but long enough to cite specifics and cover the subject matter, Payack said. Watch Obama's victory speech » . Twelve of those words were "hope" or variations of the word, which indicates optimism about the change (used nine times) he has promised to effect. Another 23 of the words were "will," another way of making the speech forward-looking. Though most of Obama's verbs were in the active voice, 11 percent of the sentences were in the passive voice, a dependable method of deflecting responsibility, Payack said. He cited Obama's "There will be setbacks and false starts" as an example. "He's spreading the responsibility around," Payack said. "He didn't say, 'I will have setbacks. I will be wrong. I will make mistakes.' He used the passive voice for those types of constructions." But the vast majority of the hopeful references were in the active voice, he said. "It's very personal and very active. 'I promise we, as a people, will get there.' " The speech was notable for what it omitted, too, Payack said. In this case, the absence of a reference to the September 11 terrorist attacks indicates a change in tone, he said. In his closing phrase, Obama repeats the mantra, "Yes, we can," which serves as a call to action, an acknowledgment that the country faces hard work, Payack said. Obama is saying, "I'm asking you to do something big, but we can do it together," Payack said. "We are the change; we are the hope."
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Linguist says Obama's speech was on seventh- or eighth-grade level .
That's lower than King, Reagan speeches .
Speech was optimistic and forward-looking, expert says .
Lack of 9/11 reference was significant change in tone, linguist says .
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Anderlecht manager Besnik Hasi believes Arsenal were worried about entertaining their fans rather than seeing the game out after throwing away a three-goal lead against the Belgian side. The Gunners left the Emirates with just a point when Anderlecht fought back from 3-0 down in the second-half to draw 3-3, a result which means Arsene Wenger's side are not yet guaranteed to reach the knockout stages of the Champions League. Hasi, who did not shake hands with Wenger at full-time, claims the Premier League side went in search of more goals in a bid to please supporters and paid for it, . Anderlecht striker Aleksadar Mitrovic (right) heads a dramatic late equaliser for his side against Arsenal . Anderlecht manager Besik Hasi shouts instructions to his players on the touchline at the Emirates . Mitrovic runs off to celebrate his goal in front of Anderlecht's travelling supporters at the Emirates . 'Arsenal tried to play the same way,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'They didn't just sit back. They tried to score a fourth and, at 3-2, they started to have doubts. We could see a difference from the mental perspective. I think we deserved the 3-3. 'Maybe Arsenal thought they were on top and they could get more goals and they could have fun in front of the public. At 3-0, you can say it's over and they wanted the fourth and the fifth goal but we made some changes.' With the north London side having failed to keep a clean sheet in the competition so far this season, Hasi insists that he always felt Arsenal's defence would be vulnerable. Alexis Sanchez had given Arsenal the lead but the Gunners failed to win despite being 3-0 up in the second half . Hasi waves to Anderlecht's travelling supporters at the Emirates after leading his side to a memorable draw . Goalscorer Sanchez looks stunned after Mitrovic's decisive late goal on Tuesday evening . He said: 'Yes but to expose them, you have to have confidence. At 3-1, yes, we used the spaces that they gave us. 'We have some young, fast players and if they have confidence, they can go. At 3-2, you saw Arsenal were doubting. We also changed our scheme with the second striker. Yes, Arsenal doubted and we were growing. 'The last 30 minutes were as intense as when we won the championship [last season]. I am a young coach but this will stay in my memory. We come from a small competition but we showed we can match these teams. Over the two games against Arsenal, we deserve more than one point.' VIDEO Wenger rues defensive lapse .
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Arsenal threw away a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 with Anderlecht on Tuesday .
The Gunners failed to seal a place in the last 16 of the Champions League .
Besnik Hasi believes Arsene Wenger's side went looking for a fourth goal .
He also claims they thought they 'could have fun in front of the public'
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93b1c3d5358b0e24d02cee8957a56cdc0ce83e13
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When she was invited to meet U.S President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle the naïve teenager had no understanding of the importance of such a meeting. But after getting a warm hug from the First Lady and making international headlines, Payal Jangid, 14, feels she is 'the luckiest girl in India'. Payal works tirelessly to support the right to education for young girls in India and dedicates her life to ending the practice of child marriage. Honored: Payal Jangid, 14, said she feels like she is 'the luckiest girl in India' after being hugged by MIchelle Obama during the First Lady's visit to India with her husband U.S President Barack Obama . Campaigner: Payal, along with 12 other activists aged between 10-14 years old, is very vocal about child rights and encourages parents in her village to send their children to school . Young peacemaker: Mrs Obama hugs the children's rights activist, right, while Mr Obama talks with Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi . She was chosen out of many young girls in India to meet the Obamas during their three-day visit to India this week. The First Lady hugged Payal while her husband met with Nobel Peace Prize winner and anti-child labor activist Kailash Satyarthi. Payal, from Virat Nagar, on the outskirts of Jaipur, in the western state of Rajasthan, is a leader of the child parliament in her village, and admits she did not know who Michelle Obama was until she met her. She said: 'She was lovely and after she hugged me people started asking me how I felt. I kept asking people why are people so interested and only then did I come to know how popular Michelle is.' She added: 'I was surprised when she hugged me as most famous personalities do not even talk to poor people like me. 'She even took out a ring and handed it to me but I politely refused to take it as my parents have taught me to not take gifts. I was already in awe of her and didn't know how to react in that moment. 'She praised me for my work and that was the biggest present. I had tears in my eyes. 'She told me her younger daughter is my age and that she would bring her to meet me when she visits India next.' Payal, along with 12 other activists aged between 10-14 years old, is very vocal about child rights and encourages parents in her village to send their children to school. Big meeting: The President and his wife met with Satyarthi, his wife Sumedha and a 12-year-old boy rescued from a button factory, left, an eight-year-old boy who lost a finger as a farm worker, centre, and Miss Jangid . Inspirational: Mrs Obama hugs Payal, a a World's Children's Prize jury member and leader of the child parliament in her village in rural Rajasthan, a part of India plagued by poverty and child marriages . Leaving on a jet plane: President Obama and the First Lady gesture as they board Air Force One prior to departing from New Delhi on Tuesday . She said: 'In our society education is not given much importance but it is my duty to explain to the older generation how schooling is very much needed. 'We formed this council comprising of children to speak about the problems faced by our peers and why we need school. I think that's why I was chosen to meet the Obamas because I'm trying to improve my community.' In 2013, Payal was chosen from a dozen candidates in her class to lead the children council. She said: 'We organize meetings and discuss various issues like lack of separate toilets for girls in schools and the need to stop child marriage and let children be children. 'We go from door to door and explain to parents the importance of education. We also tell them not to beat their children and respect their emotions. If parents are loving and caring, children will have a better environment to grow. We aim to make our village 'child friendly'.' Payal, whose father works as a carpenter, is in a government-run school and dreams of becoming a teacher so that she can 'give education to underprivileged children when I am older'. She said: 'I want to make most of this opportunity and aim to become a teacher so that I can give education to underprivileged children when I am older.' Payal who has two sisters and one brother, has been working with Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save the Childhood) since 2012. It's an India-based movement campaigning for the rights of children started in 1980 by Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi. Payal now spends most of her free time going round rural villages to stop child marriages. For her active participation in promoting children's rights, Payal was also chosen as the jury member of the World Children's Prize that awarded Malala Yousafzai, in October 2014.
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Payal Jangid is the leader of the child parliament in her Indian village .
But she had no idea how significant her meeting with Michelle Obama was .
The First Lady tried to gift her a ring, but Payal was taught to decline gifts .
And she promised the teenager she would introduce her to her daughter .
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7ba68514d10be0df409aae4e53f2218aaf9cb68d
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Sir Bradley Wiggins will race for gold on his track cycling return this evening, with England facing off against favourites Australia in the team pursuit final at the Commonwealth Games. Wiggins joined Ed Clancy, Andy Tennant and Steven Burke to qualify second fastest at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, turning in a comfortable time of three minutes 59.249 seconds. That was enough to send New Zealand and Canada into a battle for bronze, but Australian quartet Jack Bobridge, Luke Davison, Alex Edmondson and Glenn O'Shea flexed their muscles by bettering England's mark by almost two seconds as they clocked 3mins 57.939secs. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Wiggins back on track . Team game: Sir Bradley Wiggins helped England to qualify for the final of the team pursuit in Glasgow . Going for gold: But they will face Australia in the final who have looked dominant at the Commonwealth Games . VIDEO Wiggins is back on track . Australia went last, meaning they knew the mark they needed to beat, but whether or not Wiggins and his pursuit colleagues manage to overhaul their rivals in the head-to-head they have already secured a a guaranteed silver medal. The same cannot be said of the men's sprint, where a sensational qualifying effort from the Australasian contingent left the home nations playing catch-up. Australia's Matthew Glaetzer set a new Commonwealth Games men's sprint record as the mark was lowered five times in qualifying. Glaetzer, 21, topped the timesheets with 9.779secs, while compatriot Peter Lewis and New Zealand trio Ed Dawkins, Sam Webster and Matthew Archibald all bettered Shane Perkins' previous mark of 10.058secs, set in Delhi four years ago. The quintet made it a tough session for the rest of the field, who were led by England's Olympic team sprint champion Philip Hindes in sixth place.Triple Olympic champion Jason Kenny was pushed into 11th place in 10.206s. Unlucky: England's Kenny could not beat New Zealand's Webster but settled for Games silver . Nearly: Kenny got a 'funny feeling' and a 'bit of cramp' during the race at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome . Smashed: Matthew Glaetzer qualified quickest with a Games record, which was broken many times on the day . With only 12 of the 28 riders automatically qualfiying, it was a close-run thing for Kenny, who will be joined in the next stage by Wales' Lewis Oliva, Scotland's Callum Skinner (10th) and team-mate Matt Crampton, who edged the final qualifying spot by 0.044s. Scottish pair John Paul and Chris Pritchard ranked 14th and 18th respectively.
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England qualify second fastest in team pursuit in Glasgow .
Sir Bradley Wiggins makes comeback to track cycling at the Sir Chris Foy Velodrome .
They will face Australia in the final on Thursday night .
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099dd7237ce1e6261165755f32958c3d5a3627d1
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Understatement is not a concept that famed fashion designer Valentino Garavani is familiar with, which is what makes these newly released images inside the designer's private spaces such a fantastical feast for the eyes. Crystal chandeliers, lavish tableware, glitzy objets d'art and plenty of porcelain fuse together to create the most opulent of settings. The images form part of a new book, At the Emperor's Table, a stunning visual and written account of Valentino's world and entertaining style. The images give a glimpse inside the iconic designer's French chateau, Swiss ski chalet, luxury yacht as well as his London apartment. A table setting at the designer's Chateau de Wideville outside Paris: A painted tôle and porcelain eighteen-branch chandelier, by Meissen, hangs above the table. Each setting has its own silver-gilt salt throne . As fashion editor and former American Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley writes in the book's introduction, 'Valentino Garavani designs his luncheons and dinners, in all of his homes, the way he has created crescendos and allegros vivace throughout his forty-plus-year career as one of the greatest haute couture designers and high-fashion leaders in the world.' Beauty and entertaining have long been passions of Valentino. 'I am in love with beauty,' he admits in the book's opening. 'I have always loved beautiful objects.' Though Talley, previously fashion editor of US Vogue and now its editor-at-large, writes that despite the supremely sumptuous settings, Valentino's excellence as a host is defined by the warmth he creates for his guests. The crown jewel of Valentino's residential repertoire is the Chateau de Wideville, a historic chateau outside of Paris . Afternoon tea set in the garden in Chateau de Wideville, the designer's favourite residence . Porcelain dinner plates on a beautifully styled table (left) and up-close (right) 'When you enter his world, you enter the world of luxury; you enter a rare and opulent, yet warm space,' says Talley. Talking of his own experience as Valentino's guest he writes, that the atmosphere evokes 'the joy of sharing, and the joy of delivering a magnificent dining experience in a setting of wonder and originality; sharing with family, friends and guests; sharing good conversation that is quite often animated; and sharing beautiful flowers, especially from Valentino's own gardens.' Photographed by renowned Italian photographer Oberto Gili, the book, published by Assouline, is organized by residence, and invites the reader to enjoy various table settings and recipes specific to each home. The London look: A pair of figural silver saltcellar, indigo-dyed napkins, embroidered with VG monogram and Chinese plate from the Qianlong period adorn the table . Sea chic: Porcelain dinner service and Ralph Lauren crystal tumblers with vertical blue stripes on board the designer's yacht, T.M. Blue One . Valentino's yacht measures 152-foot and is named after his beloved parents, Teresa and Mauro . A flan au chevre may be served on Portuguese porcelain at his ski chalet in Gstaad, while a visit to his home in London reveals an orientalist dining room of blue and white china. The New York City pied-a-terre showcases Russian dinner-service sets and ruby red Irish glass plates. On the designers yacht, T.M. Blue One, guests are served Mediterranean-inspired cuisine atop custom, seafaring-themed dinner service sets. An alfresco lunch on the veranda in Gstaad . Valentino's Gstaad residence: A table set with a large tureen in the shape of lettuce, porcelain tureen in the shape of asparagus and fluted glass service with green rims. The painting of birds picking cherries from a Delft bowl is from 1800 . A 'casual' lunch set under the garden gazebo in Wideville. From left, brand ambassador Carlos Souza, socialite Charlene Shorto, Valentino himself and honorary president of the Valentino fashion house, Giancarlo Giammetti. 'I love sharing the things in my life with my friends,' Valentino says. Among all of these luxurious homes, the crown jewel of Valentino's residential repertoire is the Chateau de Wideville, a historic chateau outside of Paris that is admittedly Valentino's favorite. There, meals inspired by Italian home cooking, such as risotto Milanese, are presented amongst his collection of rare Meissen swans. The new book by that showcases Valentino's entertaining style . 'I love antique china sets, like Meissen, Russian, or from P.K. Selesia, a German company from the 1930s' he states. Though regardless of residence or number of guests, you won't catch Valentino using the cheap stuff. 'I am very often alone and enjoying my houses,' Valentino says. 'Entertaining thirty or one is the same; the food has to be on a beautiful plate.' Valentino founded his eponymous fashion house in Rome in the late 1950s and has since established an illustrious career designing for the world's most glamorous women, from royalty to Hollywood icons, including Jackie O, Elizabeth Taylor and modern-day muses like Gwyneth Paltrow and Anne Hathaway. From his start designing dresses, Valentino and long-time business partner Giancarlo Giammetti built the Valentino brand into an international empire, now one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world. Though Valentino retired from fashion in 2008, his influence on fashion is still very much present. Valentino: At the Emperor's Table (Assouline £95); assouline.com .
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New book, At the Emperor's Table, enters the world of famed fashion designer Valentino Garavani .
Opulent images showcase Valentino's entertaining style and his priceless collection of crockery and objets d'art .
'Entertaining thirty or one is the same; the food has to be on a beautiful plate,' Valentino says in the book .
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c44eebfb65fcec49e75f0a84d5c1b8943bc29d85
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By . Harriet Hernando . A council has been slammed after a single bus lane camera made more than £250,000 in just ten months. Between March and December last year, a staggering 6,259 tickets were handed to motorists who were filmed straying into the lane - an average of around 20 per day. The camera, on Kirkstall Road in Leeds, West Yorkshire, generated £250,850 in fines, dwarfing the average income of £38,000 from the city's other bus lane cameras. This bus lane camera (top left) in Leeds raked in more than £250,000 in ten months. Locals are accusing the council of running a 'money-making racket' This has attracted claims the camera is being used as a cash cow to boost council coffers. Earnest Carter, an attendant at a nearby petrol station, said: 'It's just a money-making racket. People know they should not go in the lane and they don't go in it unless they have to.' Motorists face a £30 fine for using the bus lane, rising to £60 if they fail to pay within 14 days. Figures show the camera generated £12,514 in its first month. Fines peaked at £52,060 in April before declining steadily to £6,270 in November. The figure rose again to £11,910 in December. The camera, positioned to the left of the bus lane, catches out motorists on Kirkstall Road in Leeds, West Yorkshire. Motorists say the camera is 'unfairly positioned' A spokesman for the Automobile Association said: 'It looks like the council gave lots of Christmas shoppers a nice little memento of their journey into Leeds.' He said fines were acceptable for inconsiderate drivers but there needed to be 'discretion' shown towards motorists who strayed into the lane, especially to allow emergency vehicles past. Local businessman Ian Kerry, who uncovered the figures following a Freedom of Information request, said the camera was unfairly positioned. 'It's situated too close to the end of the bus lane and films those who drift into the lane to make a permitted left turn,' he said. 'The focus is set directly in front of the camera itself so it captures people cutting the last few yards of the bus lane to make the turn.' The 41-year-old property consultant was given a penalty charge notice after straying into the lane on August 6 last year. Mr Kerry was set to argue he should not be forced to pay because he was in the lane for less than 20 metres - a distance he said was permissible under the rules set out by other councils. He wrote to the council asking for more information - but was told his appeal had been rejected before he had even made his case. However, after taking the matter to a traffic penalty tribunal, his ticket was overturned. The adjudicator in the case slammed the council for rejecting Mr Kerry's appeal. A written judgement said the council had 'paid no regard at all to the possibility that he might wish to raise mitigation' in his defence. It added: 'The council are obliged, of course, to consider not only if there was a contravention but, if and only if there was, what other information might mitigate it. 'Rejection only because there was a contravention is the wrong approach to their duty under the regulations.' Figures show 136 of the 6,259 tickets issued in relation to the same camera last year were cancelled as the result of appeals. Mr Kerry said: 'There's clearly a rush on the part of the council to get their hands on the money as soon as possible. I'm virtually certain that there are many other people who would have legitimate grounds to appeal.' A Leeds City Council spokesman said: 'The bus lanes throughout Leeds are part of the city's commitment to reduce congestion and improve public transport links. 'We closely monitor the impact of bus lane enforcement in different locations to make sure the measures we have taken are delivering the best possible outcomes for road users.' He added that the decline in fines being issued showed drivers were getting the message.
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Other bus lane cameras in the area make £38,000 on average .
Motorists face a £30 fine for using the bus lane, rising to £60 if they fail to pay within 14 days .
Local business Ian Kerry, 41, uncovered the figures following a Freedom of Information request .
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ebb96e07b2c71d87bb44eb8ad4722ba22a8635e9
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His character has a tendency to bite but it will be the fans who will be getting their teeth into this version of 50 Shades of Grey actor Jamie Dornan. The life-sized replica, which is entirely made from cake, takes centre stage in the 50 Shades of Cake display at Cake International's Sugarcraft Cake Decorating Show in Manchester. Created by baker Rosie Cake-Diva, the cake depicts a topless version, complete with a rippling six-pack, of the 50 Shades of Grey protagonist with his belt undone and jeans unzipped. Tasty: The life-size version of Christian Grey was created for the 50 Shades of Cake feature at a food show . Not so similar: Unfortunately, the cake bears little resemblance to the real Mr Grey, actor Jamie Dornan . The display also features peep holes into exotic edible designs, many of them X-rated, and whips made from liquorice. But it is Mr Grey who is the star of the show, with not one but two cake versions of the character taking pride of place. 'One is at the entrance and one is revealed inside partially dressed,' said Ms Cake-Diva, who also revealed that both are 6ft tall and made of Genoese sponge. 'They were constructed from 10 rectangles of 17' x 28' cakes, made using 25kg of flour and 340 eggs,' she continued. The baker and her team of six took two and the half months to construct the edible Mr Grey and used 200kg of sugar paste to craft his exterior. In his hands: A peephole focusing on Christian Grey's fingers on the body of a nearly-naked female . Risque: This could possibly the lacy bra of female character Anastasia Steele, played by Dakota Johnston . The Christian Grey cake is set in a 50 Shades inspired room decorated with scenes from the forthcoming film. Along with the cake centrepiece, the display features edible props such as lacy underwear made from liquorice, a cover of the 50 Shades book and exquisitely decorated masks. 'The accessories are made from sugar paste and liquorice,' Ms Cake-Diva continued. 'The bed [is] for posing for photos with Christian Grey. 'The top of the chest of drawers is made from cake, and the elements of the two scenes set beyond peep holes contain cheeky edible elements.' Visitors will get glimpses of the props through peepholes. One shows the top half of a woman's body covered with a lacy bra, while another offers an X-rated glimpse of another part of the anatomy. Less jaw-dropping is the peephole showing a beautiful black mask, complete with intricate white sugar work swirls. Baker: Rosie-Cake Diva, with her creation. She also designed the whips made from liquorice (pictured) Intricate work: The black mask is made from fondant and is iced with white icing . Tidying up: Ms Cake-Diva adds the final touches to the cake version of a topless Christian Grey . The exhibition also features a fully dressed Grey - also made of cake - clad in a grey business suit, his hands tightly gripping a tie. Hitting cinemas on February 13, the 50 Shades of Grey film, directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson, is based on the very popular erotic novel of the same name written by E.L James. Famous for explicit scenes involving bondage, dominance and BDSM, the book, which was released in 2011, was a hit and was followed by two more instalments - 50 Shades Darker and 50 Shades Freed. It was recently revealed that 50 Shades is set to be the raunchiest blockbuster film in over a decade, with 20 minutes of sex in its 100-minute running time. The motion picture adaptation also stars Rita Ora, Marcia Gay Harden, Jennifer Ehle, Max Martini, Luke Grimes and Sloise Mumford. In order to stay loyal to the story, director Sam Taylor-Johnson did extensive research into the world of BDSM before filming started. Fully dressed: The other version of Christian Grey is positioned by a member of the Cake International team . Detailed: The cake Dornan wears a patterned silk tie and a neat grey business suit . She recently revealed that she consulted a professional dominatrix for the film, which is more than two hours long, and said she 'learned a lot' from her. She told The Independent: 'The sex scenes are pretty intense, so I'm sure people are going to feel aroused - but I've seen them so many times that I tend to forget.' Jamie Dornan recently revealed to Glamour magazine that he had found some of the scenes difficult to shoot. He said: 'There were times when Dakota was not wearing much, and I had to do stuff to her that I'd never choose to do to a woman.' And Dakota admitted that Jamie would be the first person to cover her up, telling the magazine: 'It's stressful enough to be tied to a bed naked in a scene. The highly-anticipated film is out on February 13, just in time for Valentine's Day . 'But then they call cut, and you're still tied to the bed, naked. Jamie would be the first one to throw a blanket over me.' The movie is one of the most highly anticipated films of the year, with the trailer having already been watched a massive 45million times on Youtube. Cake International's Sugarcraft, Cake Decorating & Baking Show is the largest of its kind in the world, with 70,000 people expected to attend across three venues in Manchester, London and Birmingham .
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The life-size replica takes centre stage at the 50 Shades of Cake display .
Featured at Sugarcraft Cake Decorating Show, in Event City, Manchester .
Exhibition features edible whips and peepholes depicting movie scenes .
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e48571e90ce03cef891c09c5099a92e27cb1c204
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From fireball-toting Vikings parading through the streets of Edinburgh to the Romanian farmers who believe their animals temporarily gain the power of speech, New Year's Eve has just as many weird and wonderful traditions of Christmas. Now some of the most bizarre have been unveiled in a global poll by a social networking website, with Scottish Viking celebrations among those deemed most odd. Also included on the list was the old Irish custom of banging bread on the walls to scare away evil spirits and the South African tradition of throwing old furniture out of the window on the stroke of midnight. Don't rain on my parade! A Scottish Viking marches through the streets of Edinburgh with a fiery torch in hand . Ghoulish: Locals in Talca, Chile, like to welcome the new year in the graveyard with dead relations . Most bizarre of all, according to the users of social networking website Badoo, is one unique to a small town in central Chile which sees locals gather in the graveyard on New Year's Eve to welcome the new year in the company of departed relatives. Talca’s custom of gathering in the . municipal cemetery on New Year’s Eve is thought to have started when one . local family broke into the graveyard on the last night of the year to . be near their dead father. The . town’s mayor now opens the graveyard gates at 11pm on New Year’s . Eve and thousands of locals stream into the candle-lit necropolis to celebrate while classical music plays. The tradition also reflects a broader Latin American custom of . remembering the dead on the annual Day of the Dead, typically held in early . November. 'It’s . not a mournful time but a wonderful, happy way for families to get . together and preserve the memory of loved ones who have died,' explains Mary . Andrade, the author of Day . of the Dead: A Passion for Life. Chatty? According to Romanian tradition, if animals gain the power of speech, bad times are on the way . Freezing: A man emerges from Lake Baikal after diving in with a dead tree to celebrate New Year's Eve . Another one bites the dust: Locals in Johannesburg celebrate by flinging old furniture out of the window . 'The belief that the soul comes back . every year, to be honoured by relatives, is a legacy of pre-Hispanic . civilizations that believed in life after this life.' In second place is a Romanian ritual, which has proved . particularly popular with farmers, that involves trying to hear animals speaking. If they . succeed, it’s a bad omen; if they fail, it’s good luck. Considered almost as bizarre is the custom of throwing furniture from windows to welcome the new year, which is popular all over the world, although it’s practised with the most gusto in the Hillsboro district of Johannesburg. There, locals celebrate by flinging everything from old microwaves to entire beds through the window, often from tall buildings, causing a headache for local police in the process. Rounding off the top five was a chilly tradition from Siberia that involves cutting a hole in the ice covering . Lake Baikal and diving to the bottom while carrying a New Year’s . tree. Although Scotland's Viking tradition could only muster eighth place on the list, another Scottish tradition proved more popular. The Loony Dook, which involves stripping off and plunging into a freezing river, was deemed one of the most entertaining customs by Badoo users, along with Venice's mass-kissing tradition which takes place annually on the stroke of midnight in the historic San Marco square. Pucker up: Venice's mass-kissing tradition was considered the most entertaining New Year's Eve custom . 1. Welcoming the new year in the company of deceased friends and relations in a candle-lit graveyard - Talca, Chile . 2. Attempting to understand animal speech. If you can hear the animals talk, it's a bad omen. If you can't, the new year will be a good one - Romania . 3. Banging old bread on the walls to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck - Ireland . 4. Throwing old microwaves and other unwanted furniture from the window - Johannesburg, South Africa . 5. Cutting a hole in the surface of a frozen lake and diving to the bottom while carrying a dead tree - Siberia, Russia . Source: Badoo .
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Most bizarre was the Chilean habit of celebrating in candle-lit graveyard .
Scotland's Viking parades made ninth place on list of strangest customs .
Romania's talking animals and South Africa's furniture throwers included .
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By . Charlie Skillen . Follow @@charlieskillen . Liverpool finally have a fashion faux-pas to rival the infamous cream suits at the 1996 FA Cup final. Anfield left-back Jose Enrique posted a snap of a host of stars enjoying a night in New York on Brendan Rodgers' side's pre-season tour. Centre of attention, though, was an eye-catching T-Shirt worn by tricky Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho. VIDEO Scroll down for Liverpool v Manchester City highlights . Dress to impress? Philippe Coutinho (third right) wears a questionable top that reads 'Gangsta Frog' Say cheese: Coutinho was out having fun with his Liverpool team-mates in New York during their USA tour . Bad look: Liverpool players were dubbed as the 'Spice Boys' for their cream suits at the 1996 FA Cup Final . Philippe Coutinho's top he wore during Liverpool's night out in New York, cost a whopping £270. The 'Gangsta Frog' design is part of German fashion creator Philipp Plein's range. As well as the amphibian design, T-shirts can be bought sporting Guerrilla Gorilla and Rambo Snake. The Reds No 10 donned a sparkly shirt bearing the motif 'Gangsta Frog', complete with said rogue amphibian. But any fans aiming to dress like the Kop idol will have to dig deep. Despite being a somewhat acquired taste, the shirt, designed by Philipp Plein, will set you back an incredible £270.56. The delights continue on the back of the shirt, showing off Gangsta Frog's dubious pals Guerrilla Gorilla and Rambo Snake. Despite his questionable look off-the-field Coutinho has looked the part on it during Liverpool's pre-season to date. The 22-year-old earning the praise of Rodgers last month when he told the club's official website: 'Coutinho is the brain in our team, the continuity player. He might not score many goals, but he's a wonderful reference for the team. VIDEO Liverpool 2-2 Manchester City (Liverpool win 3-1 on penalties) Better look: Coutinho has impressed Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers during their pre-season fixtures so far . 'He is the one that gets the team . ticking, gets the movement in front of the ball. He goes and gets on the . ball. He's a fantastic talent for such a young player and he's still . gaining his fitness. 'He . makes the crowd get off their seat. For someone so small, he's very . tough and robust. He's a wonderful technician that has a great idea, . tactically, of the game.' Coutinho, . who has a further four years left on his present deal with Liverpool, . will be looking to further stake his claim in Rodgers' first-team plans . when the Reds face AC Milan in Charlotte on Saturday.
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Philippe Coutinho wears £270 'Gangsta Frog' top as Liverpool players enjoy a night out in New York during their USA pre-season tour .
Coutinho was out with Liverpool team-mates including Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Lucas Leiva, Jose Enrique and Kolo Toure .
Liverpool face Milan on Saturday against AC Milan in Charlotte .
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The wife of a convicted sex offender has pleaded guilty to running an unregistered daycare centre as the front for a child porn production operation at a North Carolina home. Elizabeth Holland Mills, 35, faces up to 30 years in jail after pleading guilty to one count of manufacturing child porn following her arrest alongside four others in January. In August, her husband Bailey Joe Mills, 34, pleaded guilty to the same charge after police discovered Facebook messages sent between him and a 12-year-old girl regarding payments for sex. Elizabeth Holland Mills, 35, and Bailey Joe Mills, 34, both pleaded guilty to running an unregistered daycare centre as the front for a child porn production operation at a North Carolina home . According to the New York Daily News, authorities said his arrest led to the recovery of videos and photos showing victims between the ages of one and 14 being sexually assaulted by adults at the property. They also revealed that Mr Mills had billed himself as a baby-sitter, tutor and mentor at the rented private residence in Harnett County. Speaking to the News Observer earlier this year, the couples' landlord Siegrun Collins said the Mills' had been renting the three-bedroom house for about 18 months at the time of their arrests. She described Bailey Joe Mills as 'down-to-earth and chatty', and said he was unemployed, while Elizabeth Holland Mills had called herself an exotic dancer and paid the $750 monthly rent herself. The three other arrests at the property included Rashawn Rodriguez Drake Jackson, 20, Jordan Everett Busse, 29, and Tommy Keith Wall, 50. Bailey Joe Mills will be sentenced in January 2015, and his wife in February. Tommy Keith Wall (left), 50, Jordan Everett Busse (centre), 29, and Rashawn Rodriguez Drake Jackson (right), 20, were also arrested at the North Carolina property that was being used as a front for a child porn ring .
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Elizabeth Holland Mills, 35, faces up to 30 years in jail following guilty plea .
In August, her husband Bailey Joe Mills, 34, pleaded guilty to same charge .
Police found Facebook messages from Bailey Joe Mills to a 12-year-old girl .
Police recovered material involving victims between the ages of one and 14 .
Three other men were arrested at the rented property in North Carolina .
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4fa0bcf5dda9ff107a3fd290b832eb1e501a8205
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Had circumstances been different, Ronny Deila would have spent this week crawling around the cutting room floor seeking to lay his hands on the out-takes from last season’s ignominious League Cup exit to Morton. When things are so fragile and uncertain in the here and now, however, there is no need to rake throw the annals for examples of how it can all go so horribly wrong. Celtic presently have sufficient examples on file. If Sunday’s uninspiring display against Motherwell was perhaps understandable given its close proximity to a fine 2-2 draw in Salzburg, then the sequence it continued – just won win in seven competitive games – is a long way from what’s regarded as acceptable even in a period of transition. Ronny Deila's will name a strong side for the visit of Hearts on Wednesday in the Scottish League Cup . Kris Commons scored a second-half penalty against Motherwell to salvage a point for Celtic at the weekend . It’s not hard to have a degree of sympathy with the Celtic manager’s current dilemma. Caught in the middle of a blizzard of games, the Norwegian’s instinct is to mix and match in the hope the burden can be shared with no adverse effect on results. The reality though – as the aforementioned results have underscored – is that even Deila’s first 11 barely stands up to scrutiny at this juncture. Far less when it relies heavily on the make-weights and the jersey-fillers. Hearts, like Morton a year ago, come to Glasgow’s East End tomorrow as a Championship club but that’s where the similarities end. The undefeated leaders and top scorers in the second tier, Robbie Nielson’s side would not cause the earth to stop spinning on its axis were they to win the tie. The Glasgow club suffered a humiliating 1-0 cup defeat to lower-league Morton exactly a year ago, and want to avoid a repeat against Scottish Championship side Hearts . For Deila, then, the only way to approach a potentially tricky chicane on what’s proving a difficult journey is to press the foot firmly to the floor. The experiments, such as initially omitting Scott Brown and Kris Commons as he did on Sunday, can wait for now. ‘We try to do that every time,’ Deila replied when asked if he’d field his strongest team. ‘This is an important game.’ Many of Deila’s predecessors uttered those same words ahead of games in this competition without truly believing them. Yet where the Norwegian differs from Martin O’Neill, Gordon Strachan and Neil Lennon is that those men had the safety net of domestic and European success to fall back on if their fourth priority of the season came unstuck. Deila can ill-afford to be so choosy. For all he is being granted a degree of understanding by Celtic fans – with his eventual record at Stromsgodset being the sole basis for that faith – he appreciates that the promise of ‘jam tomorrow’ has a hollow ring at the club who now employ him. Celtic's players look relaxed in training, but they have struggled to click as a team this season . ‘This is the first trophy we can win and, as I’ve said all the time, both (domestic) cups are important,’ he added. ‘I know the League Cup is sometimes used for playing younger teams but we have used a lot of our squad the whole time. ‘I said when I came here this (the Treble) was a big goal for me and it’s a huge goal for the players as well. I think it has only been done three times before in the history of Celtic. Martin O’Neill the last in 2001? It would be fantastic if we could achieve that.’ In a league without Rangers, it’s by no means inconceivable that even this inconsistent, unconvincing Celtic side could yet come good and sweep the boards. But for that to happen, a radical improvement from all concerned would not come a minute too soon. ‘Some have done well, some have had ups and downs,’ Deila said of his fringe players. ‘Consistency is important and when we’ve changed a lot we’ve had some bad performances. ‘It’s much easier when you have the central line together (the spine of the team) then put players on. Deila has rotated his squad constantly this season, and has not yet settled on a regular 11 . ‘But against Inverness and Motherwell there were maybe too many changes. You saw it – when they are staying far back it’s hard to open them up when you don’t have the leadership from the centre. So that’s important. But if we play with more consistency it’s easier for them to adapt and get a good performance. ‘We want to (change the approach) but there are a lot of reasons why we do it. We’ve a long hard match programme and you have to give some players the opportunity to get match fit. That’s something we’re thinking of all the time. But this game (against Motherwell) there were maybe too many changes, you could see that in the first-half.’ That it’s taking time for Deila’s methods to take root should come as no surprise to anyone who studied his fortunes at Stromgodset. Winning the title with the little known side from Drammen was miraculous but it did not happen overnight. For the first two of Deila’s six years there, avoiding relegation was the priority. It goes without saying that Glasgow isn’t quite so tolerant. Winger Wakaso scored for Celtic against Salzburg on Thursday in the 2-2 Europa League draw . ‘Every day we get to know one another better and every day we work on improving one another individually and collectively,’ Deila said. ‘It’s not starting now, it’s a process all the time. I think the second-half on Sunday was a good performance. The defence was very good and we opened them up as well. But we needed the second goal and we didn’t do that. We made it difficult for ourselves in the first-half. ‘I want us to play even more together and be even better physically. Some of those players are coming in and some have been injured for a while. So they need to adapt and get fit and that’s taking more time than I would’ve wanted.’ If his own side have only impressed in fits and starts thus far, Deila appreciates that Hearts already have the look of a well-oiled machine. Genuine title and cup contenders without question. ‘I saw the game against Hibs on television and they played well that day and we had people at their match on Saturday to watch them,’ he said. ‘We have a good knowledge over how they are playing and they are doing very well this season so far. ‘It’s going to be a tough game - the players and I know it - but I’m looking forward to playing another game so we can bounce back from the result on Sunday.’
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Ronny Deila will name a strong side for the match against Hearts .
Deila's side host the Edinburgh side in the Scottish League Cup third round on Wednesday .
Celtic have just one victory from their last seven matches .
They drew 1-1 with Motherwell on Sunday and are 4th in the Scottish Premiership .
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(CNN) -- Four years ago, Beth Cirami walked into Malissa Booth's tattoo shop, mournful and anxious. Her brother had just died of leukemia, and she wanted something to remember him by. She'd gone to other tattoo shops in the St. Louis area and when she tried to explain her story -- why she was getting her first tattoo at age 37, what it meant to her -- it felt like no one listened. They told her to flip through a book and pick a drawing she liked; it just didn't feel right. "This was a very personal piece for me. I needed that work of art," Cirami said. She had heard about Booth's shop, Madame Voodoo's House of Ink in Warrenton, Missouri, and decided to stop by. She told Booth that her brother died at age 45, and she wanted to honor him in some way. Cirami left Booth's shop with a pinstripe tattoo adorned with the initials of her children and a picture of a heart glass her brother gave her before he passed away. It was exactly what she wanted. "She had that sensitivity to that reason why most people get tattoos. It is a very secret and spiritual experience," Cirami said. It's the kind of experience on which Booth built her business -- a family-friendly tattoo shop she opened five years ago, hoping it would feel welcoming to everybody. "I wanted to take the smut and drama out of the image of a tattoo shop," said Booth, 42. "I have children, and I didn't want to be embarrassed to bring my kids into my shop." But Booth's entrance into the tattooing world didn't start off easy. Long before Booth started dabbling with needles and inks, she managed a call center with more than 180 employees. The single mother of three teens rose quickly at her company, but when the travel industry hit a slump, jobs were cut left and right. After sleepless nights and stressful days of hoping she would stay employed, she found herself being escorted out of her building with her belongings packed in a cardboard box, while her boss told her she'd be "fine." Suddenly, the years of stress, the long on-call hours felt like a waste. "I was angry, angrier than I had ever been," she recalls. "I put everything I had into that job." After sending out dozens of job applications and not hearing back, she decided to pay her ex-husband, a tattooist, a visit. She wanted to give tattooing a shot, maybe just as a part-time job until she found her next management gig. He was hesitant to help her. "The life of a tattoo artist is one of feast or famine," she said. "He knew I had three kids to raise and that it wouldn't be stable income, but I insisted. So, he spent months making me draw." At age 37, she quickly learned she was a rarity in the business; few middle-aged women were signing up to become tattoo artists. As an apprentice working among other artists -- all men -- she sometimes heard she was too "soft" to be in the industry, or too old to start learning. While apprenticing at a shop in Warrenton, she met Michael Pease, a 30-year veteran of tattooing. Pease taught Booth how to draw lines and quick sketches, techniques tattoo artists use to ink their customers quickly, "before they change their minds," he jokes. Pease was impressed by Booth's persistence, despite the negativity she heard from her male counterparts. "There are a lot of guys who don't like (female tattoo artists)," he said. "Art is a big egotistical thing, especially in the tattoo world." After Booth apprenticed with him for a year, Pease encouraged her to take another step by purchasing a tattoo shop that was going on sale in Warrenton. "If you meet her, you would understand why she would run a shop in this industry," Pease said. "With her background in management, she was perfect to run the books the legal way. A lot of shops half-ass the things they do." And she had her own ideas about how a shop should look and feel. Booth remembered apprenticing at a tattoo shop in 2008, looking up at pictures of half-naked women strung on the walls. It wasn't the kind of place anyone could just walk into, she thought. As wearing tattoos was becoming mainstream— more than 14% of people in the United States have tattoos -- Booth felt confident she could cater her business toward previously under-served clientele. "I felt a need to create something more accommodating for women and anyone else that didn't want to feel like they were entering a shady establishment," she said. In her shop, there are no photos of nude girls. Instead, there are colorful paintings of wildflowers, abstract shapes, and warped skulls, it's reminiscent of Creole artwork hanging in the French Quarter of New Orleans, a place where Booth says she draws artistic inspiration. Although experts usually advise against tapping into your 401(k), Booth cashed hers out, using $12,000 to buy the tattoo shop and new equipment. So far, she says, the bet has paid off. Booth says she has seen steady success since launching her shop in 2008. She hasn't replenished her 401(k), but it's among next year's goals. "My clientele ranges from 80-year-old women to leaders of churches and doctors and lawyers," she said. "I wanted to create a shop where anyone would feel safe and like family." It's that kind feel of that drew customers like Beth Cirami, who now refers others to the shop. "It's a very cherished thing," Cirami said. "Malissa really takes the time to produce something that is as special as the reason why you are getting it." Booth says she's on track to grow the business, and happier now than when she worked her corporate job. "It was very hard going from being in careers where you are at the top of your game, winning awards of excellence, being the expert at things, to being a nobody that knew nothing," she said. "(Tattooing) is not a job. It's an adventure. I have no idea what each day brings and I like helping people, giving them beautiful works of art that they can be proud of."
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Mother of three Malissa Booth saw a need to open a family-friendly tattoo shop in her area.
As tattoos become more mainstream, she wanted to create a welcoming space for people.
She shared her story of how she entered the tattooing industry with CNN iReport.
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842e8841af331853db00ed478c9764dbc16585a1
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By . Becky Evans . PUBLISHED: . 10:16 EST, 22 May 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 07:30 EST, 23 May 2013 . A stray donkey suffered third degree burns after being doused in petrol and set on fire. The animal had wandered into a field in the Palestinian village of Immaten when it was attacked by a local boy. Fur on its back and abdomen had been almost totally burned off and its skin was raw and blistered. The donkey was rescued days later after villagers called the charity Safe Haven For Donkeys In The Holy Land. Burnie the donkey suffered third-degree burns to its back and abdomen after being set on fire . And after months of treatment he is almost completely recovered and has made friends with a dog who lives at the donkey sanctuary. Safe Haven named him Burnie to remind staff and volunteers what he has been through. The charity's founder and field director Lucy Fensom said when she went to collect him she was 'horrified' at the scale of his injuries. She said Burnie was so traumatised by his ordeal that he was 'visibly shaking' and it took some time to coax him into a horse box. A charity spokeswoman said: 'When the poor little donkey arrived at the sanctuary, the extent of his injuries soon became clear, his whole back and abdomen had 3rd degree burns.' Burnie was put into a separate enclosure so the other donkeys did not accidentally knock his skin as it healed. Safe Haven For Donkeys In The Holy Land spent months nursing the animal with antibiotics and honey . The donkey is now recovering and has made friends with a dog that lives at the sanctuary . For several months, Burnie's bandages were removed and his wounds were treated with fluid antibiotic and 100 per cent pure honey. The charity said honey was used as it kills antibiotic-resistant organisms and helps skin heal. He was also fitted with a special head collar made from a bucket to stop him biting himself as his itchy skin healed. A charity spokeswoman said: 'These days Burnie is like a different donkey. 'Tufts of fur have grown back and although he still lives in an enclosure of his own to protect him from the boisterous members of the donkey herd, he enjoys being near the entrance to the sanctuary, greeting visitors with a bray and a nuzzle. 'He is also taken for a daily walk alongside Lucy’s dog Cadbury and seems to think he is a very large dog himself.' Ms Fensom founded the charity, which is supported by Animal Friends Insurance, in 2001 and since then it has treated more than 10,000 horses, mules and donkeys in Israel and the Palestinian territories. It also runs an education programme and free mobile vet clinics to teach people how to care for the working animals. Elaine Fairfax, managing director of Animal Friends Pet Insurance, said: 'It was heartbreaking to hear about Burnies’ horrific injuries, but seeing him on the road to recovery is simply wonderful and something we’re proud to have been able to support, as well as the other donkeys at Safe haven.'
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The animal was attacked when it walked through a field in Palestine .
The fur on its back and abdomen were burned off and left to suffer for days .
Burnie was rescued by charity Safe Haven For Donkeys In The Holy Land .
Charity nursed him back to health using antibiotics and honey .
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b9d9ada74ab01028e7cbe0986eb1c3cd7e8607b6
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(CNN) -- An A380 superjumbo bound for Sydney came loose from a tow truck and partially rolled onto grass at Singapore airport. Singapore Airlines was the first carrier in the world to operate the double-decker aircraft. No-one was injured in the incident involving the world's biggest airliner, a Singapore Airlines spokesman said, but passengers were taken off so the plane could be repositioned and inspected for any damage. A truck being used to push back the plane in preparation for the flight "experienced some form of failure" causing it disconnect from the aircraft, a Singapore Airlines spokesman said. "As a consequence of the failure on the truck, the aircraft ... came into contact with the grass verge off the airport tarmac. The aircraft was not under its own power at the time," he said. "It is too early at this time to know the cause of the incident but Singapore Airlines will investigate this quickly, and is filing reports with the appropriate Singapore authorities," the spokesman said. An airline spokesman told CNN's Richard Quest that four wheels had ended up on the grass. All four tires had now been replaced. "As far as Singapore Airlilnes is concerned, the plane is ready to fly again," Quest said. The airline made arrangements for as many customers as possible to continue on their journey from Changi Airport to Sydney aboard a Boeing 747-400. Most passengers departed for Sydney on a new flight early Friday morning, while some others flew to alternate destinations such as Melbourne and Brisbane on existing flights. "The remaining customers, about 10 of them, have left, or will be leaving, for Sydney today," the spokesman said. Singapore Airlines received its first A380 in October last year to become the first carrier in the world to operate the double-decker aircraft, which it is currently using for the Singapore-Sydney route. Changi Airport, which is home to the Singapore Airlines A380 fleet, has declared itself ready to handle the plane. It widened and lengthened existing runways and widened runway shoulders to allow the plane to maneuver. Airports around the world have had to make changes to accommodate the A380, such as enlarging runways and gates and bringing in vehicles which can tow the plane and lift high enough to reach its upper decks. E-mail to a friend .
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Four wheels of A380 superjumbo roll onto grass at Singapore airport .
Truck being used to push the plane experienced "some kind of failure"
No-one injured in the incident; passengers transferred to other flights .
Singapore Airlines was first carrier in the world to operate the A380 .
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ce527b25433f60c4379ec125a3c1c1ca8fd60a5e
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Washington (CNN) -- President Barack Obama called Monday for Congress to approve a $50 billion plan to begin upgrading the nation's crumbling infrastructure, saying such an investment is vital to creating much-needed construction jobs and keeping the nation competitive in the global economy. In a Rose Garden statement at the White House, Obama called for bipartisan support when Congress returns after the November 2 mid-term elections so that the first phase of a proposed six-year infrastructure development plan can begin. "We've always had the best infrastructure," Obama said, noting that one in five construction workers are unemployed right now. "This is work that needs to be done. There are workers ready to do it. All we need is political will." The president first announced the plan on Labor Day, and present and former Cabinet members as well as some governors and mayors around the nation joined him to support the initiative. Despite their call, it remains uncertain if the issue can overcome the deep partisan divide in Congress, especially after an election expected to erode Democratic majorities in both chambers or even return Republicans to control. The main Republican campaign theme for the upcoming election has been excessive government spending under Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress that has failed to lower the unemployment rate below 9 percent. In particular, Republicans say the $787 billion economic stimulus bill passed last year has failed to bring promised jobs and other economic benefits. Obama and Democrats say the stimulus bill prevented the recession that began in the previous administration from worsening into a full economic depression. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood responded sharply on that topic when questioned by reporters Monday about whether new infrastructure spending would provide better results than the stimulus bill. Noting that the $48 billion in stimulus money for the transportation sector funded 14,000 projects that employed thousands of people, LaHood said that Americans know the bill worked "because they see their friends and neighbors working on roads and bridges and transit systems." "The idea that our stimulus didn't work is nonsense," he said. Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell, a Democrat and strong Obama supporter, called stimulus spending on infrastructure "the single best job creator we can do in this country." "It created well-paying jobs that can't be outsourced," Rendell said. "It's just what the economy needs." A study by the Department of Treasury and the Council of Economic Advisers shows a majority of infrastructure-related jobs would come in the construction field, followed by manufacturing and retail. LaHood added that Congress has traditionally passed transportation bills containing infrastructure investment with strong bipartisan support. "There are no Democratic or Republicans bridges or roads," he said, adding that Democratic Rep. Jim Oberstar of Minnesota, the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, told him there is Republican support for new infrastructure investment. Obama and LaHood said the cost of new investment would be paid for, rather than adding to the debt. However, LaHood stopped short of offering specific ways to do so, saying only that a number of options were being considered. Senior administration officials say private funds also would be used for the infrastructure overhaul. They suggested the $50 billion from Congress could be paid for by closing loopholes in the tax code related to oil and gas production or through other cost-cutting measures. CNN's Rachel Streitfeld contributed to this story.
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NEW: Obama calls for a $50 billion plan to start upgrading infrastructure .
NEW: Transportation secretary calls claims that stimulus bill failed "nonsense"
Some Republicans attend a meeting with the president on the matter .
The $50 billion could be paid for by closing tax code loopholes, some officials say .
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By . Kieran Corcoran . A British TV producer was killed in Qatar when a speeding motorcyclist hit her while racing a friend at high speed. Kerry Rome, 33, moved to Qatar to work for TV news station Al-Jazeera, and had been out with colleagues before being knocked down as she crossed the road at 2am, an inquest heard. She was the TV station's first female technical director, and moved to the Middle East for work with her husband Mark Harris, 35. Killed: Kerry Rome, pictured, was knocked down and killed by a motorcyclist in Qatar in 2012 . Police initially believed Mrs Rome's death was accidental - but it later emerged that the motorbike rider had no driving licence, and was racing a friend when he hit Mrs Rome on April 20, 2012. A 21-year-old man was convicted of killing Kerry in a Qatari court in 2012 with a judge describing his speed as 'excessive'. An inquest in Stamford, Lincolnshire, heard that the biker hit Mrs Rome - who had just stepped out into the road - while trying to under-take his rival. Moments after stepping into the road she was struck by the motorcyclist as he attempted to under-take his friend. Giving evidence, Mrs Rome's mother Margaret, 62, described the moment she found out about her daughter’s death as 'the worst phone call of my life'. She added: 'My lovely daughter Kerry would be here today if that reckless, dangerous motorcyclist had not been racing with a friend at 2am'. Mr Harris also paid tribute to his late wife, whom he had married just months before her death in an Elvis-themed Las Vegas wedding. 'Excessive': The motorcyclist was undertaking his rival in a street race when he hit Mrs Rome. A Qatari court convicted him of the killing . Mark, originally from Market Deeping Lincolnshire, said: 'Kerry was an amazing person. She was kind, generous, there to help and never had a bad word to say about anyone. 'We were career-oriented adults who relocated abroad to make a good life and good careers for ourselves. 'This was all taken away by a man who was out racing a motorbike with his friends.' A toxicology report carried out in Qatar found 296mg of alcohol per 100ml in Kerry’s blood, around three-and-a-half times the British drink-drive limit. Three of Mrs Rome's colleagues told the hearing she did not appear drunk on the night she died. Oliver Walker said: 'We had a few drinks but nothing major as we were dancing close to the stage. It’s not like we were pounding shots at the bar'. South Lincolnshire coroner Professor Robert Forrest said: 'It had appeared that the motorcyclist was undertaking one of his companions when the collision took place.' Middle East: Mrs Rome moved to Qatar for work with her husband Mark Harris . He added that there was insufficient evidence to produce a verdict of unlawful killing, instead recording the incident as a death caused as a result of a road traffic collision. A friend of the family said today: 'The family are obviously disappointed that the coroner effectively delivered a verdict of accidental death. 'It is the family’s position that Kerry was not killed in an accident. The motorcyclist hit her during an illegal road race. 'If he had not been taking part in an illegal activity Kerry would still be here today.' Kerry and her husband Mark moved to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2008 when she became the first female technical director of live news at Al Jazeera English. They then transferred to Doha in October 2011 when Kerry was promoted to Al Jazeera English’s head office. Speaking after the inquest, her mother said: 'She was such a vivacious person and so full of life. Considering how young she was she has done so much in her life. 'When we went out there and saw what life was like we realised how strong a person she was. We are all so incredibly proud of her and what she did.' Kirsty Rome, her sister, added: 'We were all really close, she loved her family. She did more in her 33 years than most do in a lifetime.'
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Kerry Rome, 33, was killed around 2am on April 20, 2012 .
She was hit by biker who was undertaking his rival, inquest heard .
Mrs Rome moved to Qatar for work, and had married just months before .
She was the first ever female technical director at Al-Jazeera TV station .
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c4b5ea5e70f01908735e673a7a39c832aaf10cd3
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To celebrate our 20th year of publication, Cooking Light wanted to know what places best fit our philosophy to eat smart, be fit, and live well. Using statistics from such organizations as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Zagat Survey, we ranked major metropolitan areas on 15 criteria. The result, we think, is a ranking of U.S. cities that best provide the resources people need to live healthful lives. Seattle appears to be a place where healthful living comes easily and naturally, Cooking Light says. "Each city reflects the full spectrum of living well in its own unique way -- innovative restaurants and markets with nutritious local foods, abundant spaces for walking and other exercise, and a population that takes advantage of both," says senior editor Phillip Rhodes, who headed up the project. "It's great to know that so many people all over the country have the tools they need to eat smart, be fit, and live well," Rhodes says. Click on each city link below to learn why the city made our list and find details about the healthiest restaurants, freshest markets, and liveliest activities in the area. 1. Seattle, Washington . An abundance of fresh local foods, walker-friendly streets, and inclusive attitudes helps make Seattle America's best city for healthy living. 2. Portland, Oregon . Life is good in our second-ranked city, thanks to its seemingly endless supply of outdoor activities, cutting-edge restaurants, and vibrant environmental consciousness. Watch more on Cooking Light's Top 20 » . 3. Washington, D.C. Our capital city sets an accommodating agenda with farm-fresh dining, diverse cultures, and ample opportunity for exploration on foot. 4. Minneapolis, Minnesota . In our fourth-ranked best city, lush parks and shimmering lakes provide a natural backdrop to a rich cultural landscape. 5. San Francisco, California . Our fifth-ranked city steps up with one of the world's most unforgettable settings--along with great cuisine and an energetic spirit. 6. Boston, Massachusetts . Strolling historic parks and swanning around the water are but two of the pastimes that make summer prime time to enjoy our sixth-ranked city. 7. Denver, Colorado . The Mile-High City ranked seventh on our list for an outdoorsy Western lifestyle that makes living well accessible and irresistible. 8. Milwaukee, Wisconsin . Our eighth-ranked city proves a worthy destination for food lovers, adventure seekers, and culture aficionados alike. 9. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania . In America's fifth-largest city, the historic past provides a backdrop for a present that's healthful and happening. 10. Tucson, Arizona . Tucson offers a taste of the authentic Southwest in a desert setting that's ideal for a warm winter getaway. 11. Baltimore, Maryland . Baltimore, it turns out, has lots of people who eat five or more servings of fruits and veggies a day--27 percent. 12. Colorado Springs, Colorado . Graced with bountiful trail systems, no wonder 91 percent of the city's population claims to be in good health. 13. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania . Skies, once dark with factory smoke, open above crystal-towered downtown Pittsburgh, bound on three sides by the rivers Monongahela, Allegheny, and Ohio. 14. St. Louis, Missouri . A love for local produce and healthful activities keeps this urban center well fed and on the move. 15. New York, New York . New Yorkers walk far more than most Americans, and they do it quickly. But they slow down for green markets--25 in Manhattan alone. 16. Atlanta, Georgia . Approximately 55,000 people gather on the Fourth of July at the Peachtree Road Race, the largest 10k in the world. 17. Austin, Texas . You can't swing a yoga mat in Austin without hitting a cool place to exercise--whether it's inside a gym or outdoors in a natural, spring-fed pool. 18. Chicago, Illinois . The city's environmentally friendly mentality is one of the reasons why it is home to the 2007 Cooking Light FitHouse. 19. Las Vegas, Nevada . In our list, the city ranks third in restaurants rated "extraordinary to perfection" and third in nominations for James Beard awards. 20. Kansas City, Missouri . A recent study revealed Kansas City has the purest water of any major city in the country. E-mail to a friend . Enter to win a monthly Room Makeover Giveaway from MyHomeIdeas.com . Copyright 2008 Cooking Light magazine. All rights reserved.
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Cooking Light magazine marks 20th anniversary by naming top 20 U.S. cities .
15 criteria were grouped into categories--eat smart, be fit, live well .
Seattle tops list with lots of fresh local foods, pedestrian-friendly streets .
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An aggressive new strain of HIV has been identified, scientists have warned. A new study found the strain, called CRF19, is capable of transforming from an infection to full-blown aids within just three years. That is considerably faster than the average conversion time of around 10 years - and can be so quick that a person may not even realise they are infected. Scientists were prompted to investigate after noting a growing number of reports of people in Cuba suffering a rapid progression to AIDS, within three years of infection. Experts say the new strain, identified in Cuba, causes patients to progress to AIDS within three years - so rapidly they may not even realise they have been infected. (Image shows a mature HIV virus infection spreading inside the body) HIV tests often do not detect the virus within the first few weeks of infection, sometimes months. Once a person develops the flu-like symptoms that characterise acute infection - usually coming two to four weeks after infection - the virus undergoes a latency period. During that time the virus replicates and lives inside the body, but does not cause any symptoms. That period can last between five and 10 years before AIDS develops, in most cases. But researchers at the University of Leuven in Belgium noted the CRF19 strain causes patients to make the transition to AIDS much faster. It can be so quick that a person may not even realise they are infected. Researcher Professor Anne-Mieke Vandamme told MailOnline: 'Cuban clinicians were asking us to collaborate with them to investigate why they were noticing an increase in patients progressing to AIDS much faster than before. 'We set up this project and found that a particular recombinant strain, called CRF19, was strongly associated with fast progression. 'All patients infected with CRF19 were progressing to AIDS within three years after being infected - often as soon as they were diagnosed with HIV infection. 'We know that they were infected just one or two years earlier, since we have an HIV negative test from the patients in the study one or two years earlier. 'All these patients are offered treatment immediately, but some patients are at diagnosis so ill that they die before they can recover with treatment.' Before the HIV virus can enter human cells, it has to attach itself to them. It does so via anchor points, which are proteins on the cell membrane - the coating of every cell that separates it from the outside environment. In a normal infection, the virus first attaches itself to the anchor point known as CCR5. A new study found the strain, called CRF19, is capable of transforming from an infection to full-blown aids within just three years. That is considerably faster than the average conversion time of around 10 years . But in many patients, after experiencing many healthy years during their latent period, the virus then switches to another anchor point, known as CXCR4. It is that switch which tends to trigger a faster progression to AIDS. Researchers at the University of Leuven noted this new strain of the virus targets the second anchor point, CXCR4, early after infection. As a result the number of healthy years a patient experiences is drastically shortened, and a person will start to suffer the effects of AIDS much faster. Professor Vandamme, and an international team of scientists, studied the blood samples of 73 recently-infected patients. Fifty-two already had AIDS at diagnosis, while 21 had yet to see their infection move into the later, more serious stage. They compared these results with blood from 22 patients, who had progressed to AIDS after a normal healthy period living with HIV, of around a decade. Worldwide, more than 33 million people have HIV. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes AIDS is spread via blood, semen and breast milk. There is no cure for the infection, but AIDS can be kept at bay for many years with cocktails of antiretroviral drugs. The pandemic began more than 30 years ago and has killed up to 40 million people worldwide. But research published in July by the United Nations showed AIDS-related deaths worldwide dropped to 1.5 million last year, from 1.7 million the year before. That was the sharpest annual decline since the epidemic's peak in 2004 . and 2005 - and marked a 35 per cent drop from the 2.4 million deaths in both those years. New infections also fell to 2.1 million last year, down 38 per cent compared to the 3.4 million in 2001. But with more than half of the 35 million people with HIV unaware they are infected, the battle is far from over however, warned Michel Sidibe, head of UNAIDS - the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. In those patients infected with the new strain of HIV, researchers found abnormally high doses of the virus, and of a defensive molecule known as RANTES. The molecule is part of a person's natural immune system response, and acts to join itself to CCR5, to which most forms of HIV have to attach in order to enter the body's cells. The high concentration of RANTES suggests that most of the CCR5 were not available as anchor points for HIV. This, the scientists believe, may have caused the virus to bypass that first anchor point, instead going straight to the second, CXCR4. Their finding that all study patients who were infected with the new HIV variant, went on to develop AIDS within three years of infection supports the theory. Professor Vandamme said while the strain was first noticed in Africa, it only appears to be spreading in Cuba, where records so far show 144 infected. 'Since the study, we are aware of in total 144 patients being infected with this recombinant virus, probably much more,' she said. 'This recombinant virus originated in Africa but we are not aware that it is spreading there, we do see that it is spreading slowly in Cuba. 'So far it has not been noticed elsewhere.' Professor Vandamme, added: 'The worrying thing about this strain is that patients often get diagnosed with HIV infection and already have AIDS.' She said the majority of current treatments are equally effective against this new strain. One drug, though, which works by blocking the CCR5 anchor point, is not effective because the strain bypasses the anchor point. 'There are however sufficient other options for those patients, as long as they start treatment early enough,' she told MailOnline. 'So for patients infected with this aggressive CRF19, it is key to get tested early in order to start treatment early. 'That is in fact true for all HIV infections, but it is more crucial for this CRF19. 'In general, it is essential for individuals engaging in risky behaviour to get tested often, so that they can start treatment as early as possible.'
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New strain of HIV found spreading in Cuba is known as CRF19 .
Causes patients to progress to full-blown AIDS within three years .
The average HIV patient progresses to AIDS in around 10 years .
Many patients with new strain found to have AIDS at point of diagnosis .
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222,577 |
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Chris Froome was such a disappointment to Team Sky less than three years ago that manager Dave Brailsford was ready to dump him — and told a rival team he was going to be available. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that on the eve of the Vuelta a España in August 2011, Brailsford told a senior official from RadioShack that Froome was among riders whose contracts were expiring and who were not in Sky’s plans for 2012. Turnaround: In 2013 Froome won the Tour de France for Team Sky but two years earlier they didn't want him . In the shadow: Before 2012 Froome (left) was firmly in the shadow of Bradley Wiggins (centre) Sources say both teams were staying at the same hotel in Benidorm, and the pair were discussing their rider requirements. RadioShack were interested in Sky’s Steve Cummings but Brailsford said he was already planning to go elsewhere. ‘Dave then suggested that RadioShack might be interested in Froome,’ said a source with knowledge of the meeting. ‘He made it clear things weren’t working out as envisaged and that Froome might be able to do a job elsewhere.’ RadioShack did not see Froome as the kind of rider they needed. Touted: Froome was offered to RadioShack but they too were not keen on the British rider . Abandoned: Froome was almost dropped by Sky until a strong perfomance in 2010 changed their minds . As it transpired, Froome rode the race of his life over the next few weeks, finishing second in a breakthrough event that changed the course of his entire career. Sky retained him and bumped up his £80,000-a-year wages. He went on to became an integral part of Bradley Wiggins’s Tour win in 2012 before winning it himself in 2013. Froome has credited his rise in part to diagnosis and treatment of bilharzia, a tropical disease he had been unwittingly carrying until late 2010, when he embarked on a three-year battle to get rid of it.
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In 2010 Sky offered British rider to RadioShack .
RadioShack were not interested so Froome remained .
Rider earned a new contract supporting Bradley Wiggins .
Froome went on to win 2013 Tour de France .
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Furious activists fighting against anti-Semitism have demanded that a French hamlet changes its name from 'Death to Jews'. Anger against the small settlement of La-Mort-aux-Juifs - which has a population of less than 20 and is around 60 miles south of Paris - comes amid increasing claims of anti-Jewish prejudice in France. The Simon Wiesenthal Centre, an . internationally renowned Jewish pressure group, has now sent a letter to . France's Interior Minister to complain about the hamlet's name, and . express shock that nothing has previously been done to address its . controversial moniker. Controversial: Anger against the small settlement of La-Mort-aux-Juifs (pictured) - which has a population of less than 20 and is 60 miles south of Paris - comes amid increasing claims of anti-Jewish prejudice in France . Shimon . Samuels, director of the SWC, said he was 'shocked to discover the . existence of a village in France officially called 'Death to Jews'. Referring . to the Second World War Nazi Occupation and the French collaborator . government, Mr Samuels added: 'It is extremely shocking that this name . has slipped under the radar in the 70 years that have passed since . France was liberated from Nazism and the Vichy regime.' Local police and the national railway, the SNCF, assisted the Nazis during the Holocaust, which saw about 76,000 French Jews murdered. Many more were persecuted in major cities, including Paris, where 'round-ups' were regularly carried out by the Nazis. But the deputy mayor of the village of Courtemaux - population 289 - which has jurisdiction over 'La-Mort-aux-Juifs', said nobody had anything to be ashamed of. 'It's ridiculous. This name has always existed,' said Marie-Elizabeth Secretand, in an interview with France's national news agency, AFP. 'No one has anything against the Jews, of course. It doesn't surprise me that this is coming up again.' History: Local police and the national railway, the SNCF, assisted the Nazis during the Holocaust, which saw about 76,000 French Jews (pictured) murdered . Changing the name would require a decision by the municipal council, and Ms Secretand said this was unlikely to be successful. 'Why change a name that goes back to the Middle Ages or even further?,' she said. 'We should respect these old names. 'A previous municipal council, at least 20 years ago, already refused to change the name of this hamlet, which consists of a farm and two houses.' The Israeli offensive against Gaza, in which hundreds of civilians including young children have died, has led to claims of increased anti-Semitism in France. Others say that the increasing electoral success of the far-right National Front, whose founder Jean Marie Le Pen is a convicted anti-Semite, is another reason why Jews are feeling unsafe. There are currently around 500,000 Jews in France, but many are expressing a desire to emigrate to places where they will feel more secure. Castrillo Matajudios - which means 'Castrillo Kill Jews' - is a Spanish village which voted to change its name in May.
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Small settlement has been named La-Mort-aux-Juifs since the Middle Ages .
Has population of less than 20 and consists of just a farm and two houses .
Name is causing anger amid increasing claims of anti-Semitism in France .
Activists demand village's name is changed, but local deputy mayor refused .
Marie-Elizabeth Secretand described the anger as 'ridiculous', adding: 'No one has anything against the Jews, of course'
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0e49e7c456f2e1895c34d0bbfe3402349dcb1b1e
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By . John Hall . People from the north of England consider London to be chaotic, crowded and bad for Britain, according to a study released today. Only 24 per cent of those living outside the capital think London has a positive impact on their local economy, with that figure even lower in northern cities such as Liverpool and Sheffield, where the number drops to just nine per cent and eight per cent respectively. While two thirds of the population agree London has a positive impact on the national economy, the same number argue that the capital unfairly benefits from central government being based there. Divide: While two thirds of the population agree London benefits the national economy (green figures), only 24 per cent of those living outside the capital think it has a positive impact at a local level (red figures) The figures come from a report for Centre for Cities and the Centre for London, with YouGov questioning residents in 16 towns and cities across the UK. The study confirms the suspicion of a growing divide between London and the rest of the country - something that has long been suggested by the capital's property bubble. The results point to something a ripple effect in opinion, with the towns and cities closest to London feeling most positive about the capital's impact, and those further away feeling the least positive. This is magnified in parts of Yorkshire, with just eight per cent of those living in Hull and Sheffield thinking London has a positive impact on their city. The results are not must better in Leeds where the number is 13 per cent. Unfair: Only 24 per cent of non-Londoners think the capital (pictured) has a positive impact on their local economy. Meanwhile two thirds argue London unfairly benefits from central government being based there . Ignored: Only 17 per cent of non-Londoners think Westminster politicians such as Chancellor George Osborne (left) and Prime Minister David Cameron (right) are responsive to local issues . It's not just the capital's economic impact that has been called into question. Three quarters of those asked also felt the media focuses too much on London at the expense of other British cities. Meanwhile 64 per cent of non-Londoners claimed the government paid too much attention to issues in the capital, with only 17 per cent thinking Westminster politicians were responsive to local issues. The only city to buck this trend was Manchester, where a slightly more positive 21 per cent either strongly agreed to tended to agree with the claim that Whitehall was in touch with local issues. But despite feeling unhappy Londoners get a much better deal than those living in other parts of the country, only one in five said they would consider moving to the capital to improve their opportunities. This, it was suggested, is down to a widespread belief that London is not a happy or comfortable place to live. Responding to questions on their opinions of quality of life in the capital, 62 per cent on non-Londoners described it as 'expensive', 59 per cent as 'crowded' and 30 per cent as 'chaotic'. Only 32 per cent thought London was a good place to raise a family.
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Only a quarter outside London agree capital is good for their local economy .
Trend magnified in cities such as Liverpool, where only nine per cent agree .
Majority of non-Londoners think those living in the capital get a better deal .
They argue the government and media pay too much attention to London .
But despite the benefits, only one in five would consider moving to capital .
Most think the quality of life is poor and it is an expensive place for families .
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A homeless man who received a surprise meal and hotel stay after spending a $100 donation on food for his friends has insisted that no part of the experience was a hoax - despite the fact one witness is claiming the whole thing was a set-up. The man - named only as Thomas - had been filmed living on the streets of California, before being taken to a sushi restaurant, given a hotel room with hot tub and treated to a new suit and haircut . But the resulting video posted online by 'serial prankster' Josh Paler Lin was met with varying degrees of skepticism, with a number of viewers dismissing it as a hoax. One witness, in particular, has insisted that there was no way that Thomas did not know he was being filmed as in the original video he arrived at the liquor store in the same car as Paler Lin. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEOS . Smartened up: In Josh Paler Lin's newsest video, homeless Thomas, who became an internet hit after spending a $100 donation on food for his friends, is given a new suit and a makeover . Nursing student Taugan Tan Kadalim, 26, told Vocativ that he was outside the liquor store on the day in question and he saw Paler Lin - who is recognized from his previous videos - in the driver's seat. In the passenger seat, he claims, was Thomas. Kadalim told the site: 'While I think the guy is homeless, it is clear that from what I saw every part of that scene was staged.' However, Thomas has now spoken to Fox LA, insisting that to him it was 'all a surprise' and he had never met Josh before he was handed the $100. He told the news channel: 'I appreciate it, most definitely. It's all a surprise to me. I thought this was just a project video, I had no idea this was going where it went. Thomas added: 'Normally people give you a dollar, maybe five as a big tip, but a hundred, wow that's a week's worth. Crazy.' Paler Lin had initially set out to 'expose homeless people' in Los Angeles by giving them cash in the expectation that they will spend it on alcohol. However, Thomas proved to be an exception. Instead, he spent the money on food to share with his friends, prompting Paler Lin to return and surprise Thomas with a Christmas meal, makeover and a night in a hotel. Gesture... with an agenda? Skeptics have picked holes in a viral video showing a homeless man spending a $100 donation on food for his beggar friends, deeming it a 'fake' creation that was focused on making money . The feel-good videos, that have gained more than 26million views, are part of a campaign to raise more than $120,000, via an Indiegogo page for Thomas to get his life back on track. But critics pointed to a number of apparent flaws in the footage, as well as the hefty profit Paler Lin has reportedly made from its success - up to a huge $52,000 . YouTube users have been skeptical about Paler Lin's motivation, suggesting it is a 'set-up' so he can gain traffic and profit. One YouTube user, with the handle ClemtheRanter, said: 'A large number of YouTube prank videos are staged,' he said. 'I was involved in a bloody eyeball scare prank by Josh Paler Lin. My part of the video was staged... me getting scared by Josh. Using chopsticks: Lin captioned this photo of Thomas: 'Taking Thomas to eat Shabu Shabu in this Xmas eve' Twist: The short film sees 'serial prankster' Josh Paler Lin give $100 to a beggar named Thomas in Los Angeles, California - only for him to walk into a Liquor Mart (left) and buy food for his struggling friends (right) 'I asked him if he could give me a shout-out and put my name in the description below so I can get some traffic to my YouTube channel, but it never happened. 'So now i'm addressing this issue due to a number of YouTube pranksters getting exposed for making stage pranks.' Other users have claimed that homeless feel-good films are a sure-fire way of boosting traffic - and consequently, money, via advertisements - on the social networking site. 'They go to a homeless person and make a feel-good video because they know that's going to get views,' said one YouTube user, referring to the site's personalities, such as Paler Lin. Skepticism: Now, viewers have questioned the video's authenticity, citing a number of 'flaws' in the footage. Above, Lin is pictured in a Facebook photo. He is well-known for producing 'prank' videos for YouTube . Indeed, in November 2013, Paler Lin gave another homeless man $100 and told an actor playing a beggar to approach him to ask for money for food. Again, the real beggar handed over some cash. The user, with the handle '24/7 rants', claimed the start of Paler Lin's recent homeless video - which sees the director hand Thomas $100, before secretly following him with a camera - immediately suggests it may be a hoax. Speaking in his own video, he said Paler Lin could not possibly have guaranteed the man was going to pick up his things and spend the money immediately, instead of remaining by the roadside. 'How did he know he was going to spend the money immediately? He had no idea,' he said. He also picked holes in the claim that Thomas did not notice the camera - nor Paler Lin (who has a distinctive haircut) - following him throughout the duration of his trip to a nearby Liquor Mart. After shopping at the Mart, Thomas was filmed emerging with bags filled with food, before going straight to a park, where he handed out the goods to a number of homeless people. Wit his new look and wardrobe, Thomas was treated to a buffet meal at the end of the day by Paler Lin . However, the user questioned the beggar's choice of a Liquor Mart a 34-minute walk away for his food shop - instead of a nearer, cheaper supermarket - saying: 'It seems like an odd coincidence'. 'Why would this guy, of all places, go to a liquor store to buy chips and pie or whatever when you think that there are tons of other places to go to... that are convenient, probably cheaper. However, Paler Lin argued that Thomas chose the liqour store because it was closest to his begging spot, saying: 'When people see you getting all this traffic they want to bring you down.' When questioned by DailyMail.com, he did not explain why Thomas chose to drag several bags of food 34 minutes to the park, instead of shopping at least two stores that were closer to the park. But he strongly denied staging any of his films or having met Thomas before the $100 exchange. 'I had little expectation, maybe he would buy alcohol maybe he wouldn't,' he said of the video. 'I wanted to see what a homeless person would spend it on. No one has ever done that before.' Giving: The camera following Thomas as he hands food to a family in the park he was initially filmed in . However, the YouTube user claimed the number of hits received by Paler Lin's previous YouTube videos - between 600,000 to 800,000, according to socialblade.com, a site that tracks YouTube channel statistics - could have prompted him to construct what he knew would be a viral hit. Indeed, Paler Lin - who earns money based on how many users view his videos, most of which are 'pranks' - not only scooped $52,000 from the film, but also gained 13,000 new subscribers. After the video went viral, Paler Lin said on YouTube: 'I wasn't expecting to get this kind of footage. To be honest, I thought this video would be more an exposing homeless people video at first.' He added: 'I'm so glad that I could witness and capture such a beautiful moment. This has to be one of the most amazing experience so far on this channel. In the footage, Thomas told Paler Lin he had quit his job to look after his parents, but after both of them died, he couldn't afford to pay for their condo and found himself on the street. 'The more I talk to him, the more I sense how genuine he is…. I gave him my number and told him to call me when he needs help. Never judge a book by its cover. One love!' Paler Lin said. Another video: In November 2013, Lin (pictured, left) gave another homeless man (right) $100 and told an actor playing a beggar to approach him to ask for money for food. The video gained far fewer views than Thomas's .
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YouTube star Josh Paler Lin filmed himself giving beggar Thomas, $100 .
Video showed Thomas spending cash on food for his homeless friends .
In second clip, Palen Lin treats the homeless man to a number of luxuries .
Skeptics have picked holes in the footage, deeming it a 'fake' creation .
Thomas insists he had never met Paler Lin before, events were not set up .
Paler Lin told DailyMail.com the events were natural and not pre-planned .
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180,473 |
75a202d7eddd5a7d6cee06995a1bf1be97f93dbe
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By . Daily Mail Reporter . A teenage girl from Houston, who told her parents she was spending the night with a friend, was found with a 31-year-old man she had met online. The girl, who has not been named, was spotted with Robert Tyler Patrick, when police pulled their car over in the early hours of Saturday. Patrick claimed to be taking the girl to stay with family in San Antonio, but . the teenager told police she was going to Patrick's apartment, after meeting him on social network, Whisper. Stopped: Robert Tyler Patrick has been charged with soliciting a minor after traffic police found him with a 16-year-old girl . Several bags and a suitcase belonging to the girl were found in the car, and Patrick claimed he was helping the teenager because she had been thrown out of home. But, when police called the girl's parents, they told officers their daughter hadn't been thrown out and that they believed she was staying with a friend. They also said they were unaware their daughter had been seeing Patrick, who is nearly twice her age. Patrick had been pulled over by police in Tomball because he had an expired registration sticker. He later admitted he had been having an 'inappropriate relationship' with the teenager, the Houston Chronicle reported. The teenager claimed they had met through the social networking app Whisper, which allows users to anonymously post messages and pictures, and also send private messages. A police statement sent to Mail Online states that the teenager told police the pair had communicated online, sharing messages and pictures, for a few days before agreeing to meet in person. On the day police stopped them, the girl said she had arranged to go to Patrick's apartment. Claims: Patrick is accused of pretending to be a 17-year-old boy when the pair chatted on the Whisper App . Patrick allegedly later told police he and the teenager had sent explicit pictures to each other. Court documents allege that he had pretended to be 17 during online conversations with the teenager. Patrick was charged with solicitation of a minor and was released on $10,000 bond. He is next due in court on April 24. The 31-year-old could face further . charges after detectives finish their investigation of cell phones and . computers that were taken from the pair.
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Robert Tyler Patrick has been charged with soliciting a minor .
Tomball man 'pretended to be 17' when he met teenager on social networking app Whisper .
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226,912 |
b1d2702ecee6d95e5d0db1e4e24d068492b69ce2
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A mother-of-two has been charged with domestic violence after starving her newborn baby to the brink of death and neglecting her two-year-old daughter, police said. Katherine Amanda Mattern, 23, is accused of 'withholding the basic necessities of life' from her seven-week-old son Liam Alexander Lee, according to court documents. The woman, from Burien, Washington mistreated her son for such a long time that without medical treatment he would have died, doctors said, adding that any illness could have proved fatal. Scroll down for video . Domestic violence charge: Katherine Mattern has been accused of starving her seven-week-old baby boy to the brink of death in Burien, Washington . Innocence: Two-month-old Liam Alexander Lee was seriously underfed and had scabies when doctors examined him on May 15 . Doctors at Children’s Hospital in Seattle were alarmed to find that the boy was suffering from severe malnutrition when they examined him on May 15 and called child protective services. Mattern told doctors she thought that her son 'looked a little skinny'. The baby was now being cared for in hospital and his condition had improved. The mother had previously been investigated by child protective services in Oregon over the care of her now two-year-old daughter Abigail Lilly. She left the state in August to move back to Washington to live with relatives. Child protective services in the Seattle area contacted Mattern in February after it was reported that her daughter had scratches on her face, according to q13fox.com. Murky past: Mattern had already been investigated by child protection services in Oregon over the alleged mistreatment of her daughter Abigail, now two years old . The little girl had survived at the filthy home in Washington state, where they lived with Mattern's mother, by foraging for food, it was reported. She was believed to have had better nutrition than her baby brother because she had spent some time in the care of other family members. The home was described by authorities . as 'cluttered and unsanitary'. Both children were treated for scabies . while the two-year-old also had an MRSA infection. Abigail and Liam were now being looked after by the state. Reckless: Mattern allegedly starved the baby boy so severely that doctors believed he would not have survived much longer without medical treatment . Mother: Katherine Mattern's two children had both developed scabies from living at an unclean home . Mattern is reportedly married to a registered sex offender who was banned from having contact with children. Mattern was arrested yesterday and charged with criminal mistreatment in the second degree – domestic violence of her son. She has not been charged in relation to any abuse of her daughter but authorities said that the case is under review. She faces up to five years in prison if found guilty. Bail has been set at $200,000 and Mattern is due to be arraigned on June 14. Filth: The home where Mattern lived with her toddler and baby in Burien, Washington after she left Oregon, having been investigated by child protective services there .
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Doctors believed baby was close to death when he was taken to hospital in Washington .
Katherine Amanda Mattern, 23, investigated in Oregon by child protective services before leaving the state last August .
Mattern is 'married to child sex offender'
Both children now in care of child protective services .
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37,053 |
6909a44354dd3b15488aa6d8f43c119d459d8b38
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New Orleans (CNN) -- Nearly 30 years ago, Lisa Fitzpatrick was the target of a gang initiation. She had pulled off the highway in Oklahoma City, to buy something at a convenience store, when a car pulled up alongside hers. She noticed two 12-year-olds struggling with something in the back seat. Suddenly, they were pointing a gun at her. "I saw their faces, and they were terrified," she said. Then the shot rang out. The bullet only grazed Fitzpatrick, leaving a scar near her nose, but the incident changed the way she thought about gang violence. She said she later learned from police that the children were told they had to kill someone that night or someone in their family would suffer violent consequences. "I wasn't the victim that night, I was the collateral damage," said Fitzpatrick, now 50. "The victims were the two babies in the back seat holding the gun. It turned my view upside down about who the victims are. Sometimes, it's the person pulling the trigger." More than two decades later, Fitzpatrick was living in New Orleans when she once again had a brush with street violence. Driving home from her job as an executive at a health-care company, she found her street blocked by police tape. Someone her daughter knew had been killed -- the unintended victim of a drive-by shooting. For Fitzpatrick, that was the turning point. "It was just too much," she said. "Too many young men were lying face down in their own blood. I didn't want it to be normal anymore. I didn't want the children to think that this was normal. I had to do something." Fitzpatrick quit her job, downsized her life and created the APEX Youth Center. Since 2010, more than 460 children and young adults have come to the center to spend their free time and escape the violence on the streets. "We offer a space out of the path of the bullet, where a young man can put 6 inches of cinder block between him and violence outside," Fitzpatrick said. More on CNN: New Orleans looks to shake Murder City title . APEX, which stands for Always Pursuing Excellence, includes fun activities such as basketball, video games and pool. But it also provides mentoring, tutoring and job training so that young people can set themselves on a path to a brighter future. "We're empowering our young men and women to ... find out what they might want to do," Fitzpatrick said. "We work on finding our passion." APEX draws young people from across the city, and the tensions that exist between different neighborhood factions can occasionally flare up. Fitzpatrick's ultimate goal is to teach them to work through those moments without resorting to violence. "Statistics say that overwhelmingly, the young men being murdered on the street, they know their murderer," she said. "If you go get your people, and I go get my people, all we're doing is perpetuating the cycle. ... So our point here is to stop." "Our motto is 'Reconciliation, never retaliation,' and that's a hard lesson in an eye-for-an-eye world," she said. "What we do is (ask) ... 'How can we address this differently? What could we do to de-escalate this situation instead of escalate the situation?' I constantly ask questions. ... The young men come up with the answers." Sometimes, they'll use words to calm a given situation. Other times, they'll have "dance-offs" or use other artistic endeavors. Whatever the method, Fitzpatrick knows that every situation that's negotiated peacefully gives young people tools they can use in the future. "I wish I could tell you that I could get them to change their ways, (but) it doesn't work that way," she said. "We give them the space and the opportunity to make that decision. What I have found is that no one has ever really given them the opportunity to make the choice. "When I ask them why they hang out with (me) every Friday night, they say, 'Because you're the first person who ever let us in the door.' That is an indictment on our society." Fitzpatrick is motivated, in part, by her religious beliefs. She serves as an associate pastor at a local Methodist church. But she said she doesn't force her religion on the children, and evangelizing is not allowed at APEX. "Many of the kids ask me, 'Why are you here?' and I'm honest with them," she said. "I'm here because it's the right thing to do, and I feel like it's what I'm meant to do, and that has a lot to do with my faith. "This is a nondenominational center, but what I bring in is universal. It's about leading a nonviolent life." When you look at Fitzpatrick -- a 50-year-old white woman -- you might not think she'd have much in common with the mostly African-American males that come to her center. But the reality is quite different. Michael Lewis, a 20-something young man at APEX, said he felt an "instant connection" with Fitzpatrick after hearing her past. Soon after, he was showing her his own bullet wounds and telling his story. "I've kind of gone through a similar situation," he said. "I've hung with the wrong crowd and did wrong things, and we all know when it's enough, right?" Kendall Santacruze, 20, says the direction of his life was changed by Fitzpatrick's message. "I'm not even going to lie to you: I was on the verge of getting ready to seriously hurt somebody," he said. "Me and my friends actually had weapons. But Miss Lisa, she stopped us. "Miss Lisa taught me how to deal with my anger; she taught me how to be in control of myself, (not) let others influence you." Today, Santacruze helps others at APEX, where he sees young people facing the same struggles that he once did. "I think to myself, 'That's exactly where I used to be,' " he said. "So I mentor them, I act as a role model to them. The little kids who come up to me, they hug me and they say they love me. It brings tears to my eyes at the end of the day, and it makes me happy to know that I'm actually influencing their lives. "The way Miss Lisa influenced me is the same way I feel like I'm influencing them." This peer-to-peer mentoring, and the fact that the majority of the young people that come to APEX are referred by their friends, confirms to Fitzpatrick that she's on the right track. While she's still in the process of assembling measurable data, she said she sees evidence of her impact every day. "I've seen increases in GPAs, kids are getting jobs, recidivism has gone down," she said, noting that the one statistic she is most proud of is that almost all of the young people she's helped are still alive four years later. "The successes of APEX are not necessarily going to Harvard or getting out of the neighborhood. (It's) when a kid like Kendall can live (here) and make a conscious choice every day to not be involved in the violence, spread the message of nonviolence, and work hard to get other kids to put down the gun. That's the success." Fitzpatrick and her family have had to make sacrifices to keep APEX open, trading a five-bedroom house for a two-bedroom apartment. At one point, things got so tough that a woman bought Fitzpatrick groceries with her own food stamps. But Fitzpatrick said she wouldn't have it any other way. "At the end of the day, my house and my cars, that was sticks and bricks, steels and wheels," she said. "The kids, they give up everything to be here. That's my inspiration. I can't do anything else but be here." Want to get involved? Check out the APEX Youth Center website at www.apexyouthcenter.org and see how to help.
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Lisa Fitzpatrick is giving youth in New Orleans a safe place to hang out, have fun .
Her community center also provides mentoring, tutoring and job training .
Fitzpatrick's ultimate goal: Teaching kids how to resolve their conflicts peacefully .
Do you know a hero? Nominations are open for 2013 CNN Heroes .
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By . Lucy Laing . They may not look it, but these twins are a real pair of fighters - having survived months of chemotherapy while in the womb. Their mother Sarah Pierce was 16 weeks pregnant when doctors broke the terrible news that she had breast cancer. The only chance of saving her life was aggressive chemotherapy, but she was terrified that the unborn twins would not survive. Against the odds, however, they did - and were born healthy. Experts say they have never known of a mother having chemotherapy while pregnant with twins before. So lucky: Cancer survivor Sarah Pierce says Jack and Lily, now 18 months old, are full of life . Not only that, but she also had radiotherapy and a mastectomy. Miss Pierce, 40, a cashier, had been desperate for a family with her partner Adam Sparkey, 27, an assistant retail manager, and the couple had saved up £4,200 for IVF treatment. She said: 'I'd had an ectopic pregnancy ten years previously and doctors had to remove my fallopian tubes, so IVF was my only chance of becoming pregnant.' Two weeks after the treatment, she discovered she was pregnant and a fortnight later a scan showed there were two heartbeats. She said: 'We were absolutely thrilled.' But at 16 weeks pregnant she discovered a lump in her breast while in the shower, and a week later doctors delivered the devastating news that it was breast cancer. Pregnant: Sarah Pierce underwent chemo, radiotherapy and a mastectomy before the birth . Miss Pierce said: 'It was devastating. I couldn't stop crying. 'I was so worried about the babies. The doctors told me I had to have a mastectomy followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy – all while I was still pregnant. 'All I could think of was how could they possibly survive through all that.' Miss Pierce had a mastectomy the following week, when she was 18 weeks pregnant. Two weeks later she started chemotherapy, losing all her hair - causing her to wear a wig - and suffering from exhaustion. 'Luckily tests on my lymph nodes showed the cancer hadn't spread, which was such a relief,' she said. 'I was so worried about the chemotherapy damaging the babies, but scans every week showed they had kept on growing. Each week it was such a relief to still see them there.' Miss Pierce then had a month's course of radiotherapy, which finished when she was 30 weeks pregnant. Five weeks later, in November 2012, the babies were born by emergency caesarean at Newcross Hospital in Wolverhampton, Lily weighing 5lb 1oz and her twin Jack weighing 4lb 13oz. Miss Pierce said: 'It was the most amazing moment when I finally held them in my arms after everything that had happened. 'They were two little fighters - to have gone through all that in the womb.' Straight after the twins' birth their mother had to have another course of chemotherapy, which finished three months later. 'It was a much stronger treatment and I felt so exhausted, but every time I held Lily and Jack in my arms, I knew that I was doing it for them,' she said. 'I was determined to see my babies grow up and if it meant going through this, then I would do it.' She has just finished a 12-month course of the breast cancer drug Herceptin and doctors have told her the cancer is in remission. She will have to take another drug, Tamoxifen, for the next five years to stop it returning. She said: 'I feel so lucky that I'm still here and my babies are both here safe and sound. 'They are 18 months old now and are full of life. I feel like the luckiest mum in the world.' A spokesman for leading breast cancer charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: 'We are not aware of such a case before, where a woman has been pregnant with twins while having treatment.'
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Sarah Pierce was 16 weeks pregnant when told she had breast cancer .
She underwent chemo, radiotherapy and a mastectomy before the birth .
But the two 'little fighters' were born healthy and her cancer is in remission .
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