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208,207 | 998c5b75cfc4bb7e02f53118cc4cdc9dca75a75c | By . Hayley O'keeffe . PUBLISHED: . 14:06 EST, 21 November 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:20 EST, 21 November 2013 . The Sussex mansion where Oscar-winning actor George Sanders is rumored to have spent the night with Marilyn Monroe could be yours for £1million. Rothbury House is the former home of notorious ladies' man Mr Sanders, the actor who voiced 'Shere Khan' in the Jungle Book. The Art Deco home in Storrington, West Sussex, was frequented by some of the English actor's Hollywood co-stars including Elizabeth Taylor. A mansion used a party venue by Hollywood stars including Marilyn Monroe and Sir Laurence Olivier has been put up for sale for £1million . Once a glamorous location for the actor's legendary parties the house played host to the likes of Bing Crosby, Sir Laurence Olivier and Kenyan President Jomo Kenyatta. Mr Sanders was a legendary playboy and was married four times. In 1949 he married his most famous wife Zsa Zsa Gabor, but the couple divorced in 1954. In 1967 he married her older sister Magda but that marriage only lasted six weeks. (Left) Oscar-winning actor George Sanders, who was known for his high-society parties and (right) Marilyn Monroe who stayed at Rothbury House after filming the Prince And The Showgirl in Britain . But possibly the most intriguing secret of Rothbury House, is the night that Marilyn Monroe came to stay. The actor won an Academy Award for his role in All About Eve which also starred Miss Monroe. And . when she was in Britain to film The Princess And The Showgirl, she . famously stayed the night at Rothbury House, prompting rumours of a . romance. This property where Oscar-winning actor George Sanders played host to Hollywood icons and is rumoured to have romanced Marilyn Monroe has gone on sale . During the stay the pair left other . diners aghast when they enjoyed a meal at nearby Manleys restaurant, . before returning to the star's house. Once called 'The man who sneered his way to stardom' Mr Sanders enjoyed a 40 year acting career before his suicide in 1972. The star, who was born in Russia to British parents, was said to enjoy playing the roles of kings and rulers. He appeared alongside the likes of Lucille Ball, Angela Lansbury, Yul Brynner and his former Brighton College alumni Sir Laurence Olivier. Marilyn Monroe (second from right) and George Sanders (far right) starred together in All About Eve . Rothbury House is the former home of the notorious ladies' man who voiced the tiger Shere Khan in the Jungle Book . The bathroom of the Art Deco home in Storrington, West Sussex, was frequented by some of the English actor's Hollywood co-stars including Liz Taylor . Marilyn Monroe, who starred with Mr Sanders in All About Eve, stayed at Rothbury House in 1959 amid rumours of a romance . He has two stars on the Hollywood walk of fame, one in recognition for his work in films, and the other to salute his television performances. His final film appearance was in the 1972 British horror Psychomania in the same year he died. One of the grand bedrooms at Rothbury House, which will set you back £1million . Sir Laurence Olivier (left) brought Marilyn Monroe (right) to Rothbury House and (right) Princess Lee Radziwill, sister of Jackie Jackie Onassis (right), with Arlene Francis and George Sanders in 1967 . Six floor Rothbury house boasts a master suite, four bedrooms, a sauna, gym and cinema and has been on the market for two months. After Mr Sanders' death the house has had several owners, and was in the spotlight again in 1976 when it was raided by police on suspicion of being used for blue movie shoots. Current owner Amanda Munday told the Brighton Argus: 'It's a real party place and we have had lots of parties and now I think it probably needs someone of a artistic mind to take it on.' A blue plaque on the side of Rothbury House, which has been on the market for two months . | Oscar-winner George Sanders lived at Rothbury House for 20 years .
Star entertained Marilyn Monroe taking her to eat at a local restaurant .
Home raided by police in 1976 over suspicious that it was a blue movie set . |
202,439 | 9212f2603258bddaefac699e3ac6fc1c9081e78f | Four hikers and a young, unconscious girl were saved from deadly rising tides after they formed a human chain and were airlifted to safety. The walkers were on the coast by Fogarty Creek state park, Oregon, on Saturday when the tide started drawing in, trapping them off-shore. There were initially eight people in the group - but three jumped into the freezing water and managed to swim to shore, while the others waited for rescue. Scroll down for videos . Rescue: The hikers gathered on a rock away from the waves after stumbling there in a human chain. One of the walkers (circled) waits for an airlift . Video shot from the shore shows the remaining walkers stumbling through the waves - clinging to one another for safety. They appear to be carrying one of their number, who is shorter than the other walkers. The bystander, who passed the footage to the KATU news channel, said she was a girl and had passed out. They fled away from the shore onto higher ground due to the oncoming waves. They eventually scrambled up onto a rocky outcrop, where they could wait for rescue. To safety: After linking arms to survive the high swell pulling at their bodies, the walkers were lifted away by the Coast Guard. One girl, who had passed out during the struggle with the sea, was taken to hospital . Rough weather: The helicopter rescue might not have been possible were the craft stationed further away, the local fire department chief warned . The group was saved when a Coast Guard helicopter swooped in. Each of them was pictured being airlifted away from the rocks. One of the rescued walkers was flown to hospital. The others seemed to be unharmed. The rescue was carried out by a Coast Guard helicopter from the nearby Newport station - which is controversially due to close at the end of November, moving the helicopter much further away. Depoe Bay Fire Chief Joshua L. Williams suggested the rescue could have gone very differently without the nearby chopper. He said: 'There were five frightened, cold, wet people stranded on those rocks, I needed a helo here in 10 minutes, not an hour. 'We depend on the USCG helo. The surf is too dangerous and too cold for firefighters to enter the water and time is not a luxury you have when performing rescues. Coast of danger: The five hikers were rescued at Fogarty Creek state park in Oregon . | Walkers were stranded by waters at Fogarty Creek state park, Oregon .
Found themselves cut off from shore on Saturday by encroaching waters .
Were filmed stumbled through the surf, clinging to one another .
Onlooker says one of them - a young girl - had passed out .
They made it to some rocks, where a Coast Guard helicopter saved them . |
203,158 | 9303d2cb625255af4bc007c2fd809357e2c3985e | By . Belinda Robinson . A revealing new book will lift the lid on the secrets behind America’s most beloved comedy show –SNL- and the battles that raged between politicians over its most famous political satire sketches. The book: 'Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live by James Andrew Miller and Tom Shales will include 200 extra pages of material which did not appear in the original 2002 book. According to excerpts from The Hollywood Reporter, Hillary Clinton's 'entitled attitude' could have indirectly helped then Senator Barack Obama to win the Democratic nomination to run in 2008. Appearance: In 2007, then senator Barack Obama, right, appeared on SNL with Darrell Hammond, left, as Bill Clinton, Amy Poehler as Hillary Clinton during the 'Clinton Halloween Party' skit . SNL: Barack Obama stands in front of Hillary Rodham Clinton who cancelled her appearance on SNL in 2007 which led to Obama appearing on it instead . According to the book, Clinton’s campaign lobbied for her to guest host SNL for the show’s season opener in 2007, when the former first lady was still favored to win the 2008 Democratic nomination. But on the week of production, her campaign cancelled, leaving a spot open. This, it’s . thought, led a little known Senator called Barack Obama to take her . place —possibly influencing the outcome of the 2008 presidential campaign. Executive Producer Lorne Michaels recalls: ‘We put Obama on the date when Hillary was supposed to be on.’ ‘The sense of entitlement which was following her everywhere at that point peaked for me at the bailing,’ he added. Entitled: SNL executive Producer Lorne Michaels recalls: 'We put Obama on the date when Hillary was supposed to be on.' Another excerpt reveals that Sarah Palin felt like she had been portrayed ‘as an idiot,’ by the gifted SNL comedian Tina Fey. This made her want to come on the show and change people's perception. Palin said: ‘I know that they portrayed me as an idiot and I hated that and I wanted to come on the show and counter some of that.’ This, it appears was the incentive behind her awkward 2008 appearance alongside cast member Tina Fey. Fey, captured national attention when she imitated Palin’s trademark beehive, red suit and distinctive accent and made the phrase: ‘I can see Russia from my house,’ world famous. Before her appearance, family members had told Fey that she was the spitting image of the Vice Presidential nominee. But she wasn’t convinced. Spot the difference: Saturday Night Live comedian Tina Fey impersonates Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, right, on SNL who appeared on the show because she felt she was portrayed as an idiot . Lookalike: Before Tina Fey took on the role as Sarah Palin, her family said she looked similar to the Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin but she ignored them . She told them: ‘I don't think so. It's just brown hair and glasses. But some cousins and old classmates were all saying, ‘That lady looks like you.’' ‘I was sort of — arrogantly, in my own mind — resisting it, like, ‘I don't want to play that, and I don't know who's gonna write it, and what if I don't like what they wrote, people are going to think that I wrote it.’ But after she executed the character perfectly and Palin agreed to appear, Michaels said Fey was 'terrified of anything where they would be together looking like an endorsement.' Michaels even called on celebrity friends to come and see the segment. He said:' I called Alec [Baldwin] to come in for [Palin's appearance on Oct. 18, 2008], to be standing with me, because he was the most emblematic liberal at that point. Dream team: Tina Fey, left and SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels recalls how he called Alec Baldwin to come in for Palin's appearance in 2008 . 'He said he had to introduce a documentary at the Hamptons Film Festival on that Saturday, so he wouldn't be able to do it. 'So I said, 'Alec, your instincts are always great, but are you telling me you're not going to be here for this thing that the whole world is waiting to see?' Yet, viewers tuned in in their droves to that particular segment which helped SNL draw its largest audience in 14 years with 14 million viewers. Palin added: 'If I ran into Tina Fey again today, I would say: 'You need to at least pay for my kids' braces or something from all the money that you made off of pretending that you're me! 'My goodness, you capitalized on that! Can't you contribute a little bit? Jeez!' In another . excerpt, writer Michaels appealed to Obama to talk with NBC network . chiefs who had expressed concern over a sketch which could be offensive to Arabs. This was when Obama was doing a cameo on the show. But he turned them down saying ‘It’s funny, but no, I don’t think so.' However, Obama’s influence on the show was widespread. James Downey, a writer-producer who retired in 2013 said: ‘The last couple seasons of the show were the only two in the show’s history where we were totally like every other comedy show: basically, an arm of the Hollywood Democratic establishment. ‘Jon Stewart was more nuanced. We just stopped doing anything which could even be misinterpreted as a criticism of Obama.’ Meanwhile, Jay Pharoah, castmember recalls how he did an event at Harvey Weinstein's house. He said: ‘I was trying to take my makeup off because I was Obama at this event, and [Obama] stood right there watching me do it. ‘He was laughing; it was so petrifying. As long as there's no beef between me and the president, that's good. When that happens, you're Kanye West.’ In more . sombre times, like right after 9/11, cast and crew recall how they were . forced to give politics a rest because of the sensitivity surrounding . events. However, important political figures, presidential hopefuls and others have made it an important stop ever since President Ford’s first appearance in 1976. | The book entitled: 'Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live' contains juicy behind-the-scenes details of politicians on SNL .
It details how Hillary Clinton cancelled her appearance in 2007 which led the way for a little known Senator Barack Obama to be on instead .
SNL executive producer Lorne Michaels described Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign as 'entitled'
Sarah Palin revealed that she thought Tina Fey's impersonation of her made her look like 'an idiot'
She decided to go on the show and appear alongside Fey to change people's perceptions of her . |
143,938 | 4624b9554f6a65d914bf9e85f46b31203de317e9 | By . Ted Thornhill . Around 50 Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) patrol cars have had their recording devices deliberately disabled, an investigation found. All LAPD police cars are fitted with equipment that automatically records what officers say while outside their vehicles, but antennas for the system in half of the estimated 80 cars in one south LA division were missing, with 10 having been removed in another division. Along with footage shot from an in-car camera - which activates automatically when the emergency lights and siren are switched on - the audio-recording equipment guards against members of the public making false accusations against officers and deters malpractice. Tampering: Small audio transmitters worn by police officers wear on their belts to allow them to be recorded in the field by their patrol car receiver. They are shown here with broken antennas during a demonstration for media in Los Angeles on Tuesday . An officer’s voice is beamed back to the in-car recording equipment from a transmitter in his or her belt. The removal of the antenna doesn’t necessarily mean the voice cannot be recorded – but it does cut down the range by up to a third, according to LAPD’s expert on the equipment, Sgt. Dan Gomez. What will have caused extra worry to police chiefs is that antennas had been removed from cars that patrol areas of Los Angeles – such as Watts, Jordan Downs and Nickerson Gardens – where community relations with the police are often seriously fractured. Monitoring: All LAPD patrol cars have in-car video equipment, which also records audio from officers when outside the vehicle. Pictured is Los Angeles Police Sgt. Dan Gomez, a department expert on recording devices . Safeguard: Sgt Gomez shows the protected location of an antenna for an audio receiver . Police Commission president Steve Soboroff told The LA Times: ‘This equipment is for the protection of the public and of the officers. To have people who don't like the rules to take it upon themselves to do something like this is very troubling.’ LAPD chiefs were informed that the antennas were being tampered with in the summer of 2013, but did not attempt to track down who was responsible. This was deemed as a futile endeavour as several teams of officers use the same car. Instead warnings were issued and a system put in place that logs the status of the antennas on cars from shift to shift. President Soboroff added: ‘On an issue like this, we need to be brought in right away.’ LAPD Chief Charlie Beck had informed the Police Commission in September that the issue was being dealt with. However, an investigation into a shooting incident in February in which audio recordings of officers at the scene varied hugely in quality indicated that efforts to deal with the problem hadn’t fully succeeded. Concern: Police chiefs noted that antennas had been removed from patrol cars that often visit some of Los Angeles's most deprived areas . | Around 50 LAPD patrol cars have had antennas for recording kit removed .
The equipment deters false accusations and misconduct .
Tampering took place on cars patrolling some of LA's most troubled areas . |
145,436 | 48117cc654091a714e8b9fe62cceb65276ed5537 | (CNN) -- In Focus -- Gulf football interests . News of an English football deal sent the British media into a frenzy this week, when a private Abu Dhabi group announced a planned takeover of Manchester City. Sheikha Hanadi al Thani talks about the real estate bubble in Qatar . With the likes of Emirates, Etihad and Saudi Telecom, the Gulf has long had an interest in English football. Are they sound investments or a matter of prestige? MME investigates. Facetime with Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani, CEO, Al Waab City Real Estate Development . Since 2005 when the World Economic Forum named her the "Young Global Leader of the Year," Sheikha Hanadi al Thani has become an inspiration to women across the Arab world. She founded the first firm in Qatar to conduct investment banking and is now the CEO of Al Wa'ab City, a property development that's set to open in 2010. She talks to MME about the real estate bubble in Qatar and being a businesswoman in the Gulf. Watch the show this week at the times (GMT) below: Friday: 0815, 1845 Saturday: 0545 Sunday 0715 . | On this week's MME we look at Gulf interests in English football .
We talk to Sheikha Hanadi Al Thani, CEO, Al Waab City Real Estate Development .
Al Thani, who started the first investment bank in Qatar, talks about property . |
234,354 | bb642c97bd2ef4a25a219faf5e2a652f3b7e833e | MI5's Andrew Parker briefed the PM about a reluctance among internet firms to cooperate with tracking terrorists . David Cameron has been warned by the country’s top spy chiefs that internet companies including Facebook and Google are undermining national security. The Prime Minister was told internet giants have ‘withdrawn’ their cooperation and are obstructing MI5 requests for help tracking terrorists and major criminals, including paedophiles. It follows fugitive Edward Snowden’s claims that the firms are used to snoop on British citizens, which is disputed by spy chiefs. Before the US whistleblower’s disclosures, they willingly responded to lawful requests for details of phone calls, emails, text messages and other private information. Now the companies are said to be concerned about being seen to acquiesce too easily. One of the fears is that intelligence officers will lose the ability to monitor the safety threat posed by British jihadists travelling to Syria, for example Londoner Mohammed El Araj, 23, who is said to have died while fighting for militants with links to Al Qaeda. A security source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘One of the impacts of the Snowden disclosures is that internet companies have withdrawn their willing co-operation and that has affected some operations.’ The source added that a key bone of contention was the internet service providers’ unwillingness to hand over encryption keys that unlock data being sought by law enforcement agencies. The source added: ‘It is not simply about terrorism; it’s about serious crime, including paedophiles and gangland crime bosses.’ Now Mr Cameron has been briefed by Sir Iain Lobban, head of the Government’s intelligence gathering operation GCHQ, and Andrew Parker, director general of MI5. According to a report, more than 500,000 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) requests for data were made to communication service companies last year. Facebook rejects a third of requests made by UK law enforcement authorities and other agencies, while Yahoo turns down a quarter. And despite pressure from Home Secretary Theresa May, Yahoo is moving its entire operation to Dublin, beyond the scrutiny of British surveillance laws. If others follow, it is feared the country will be left even more dangerously exposed. Jihadists in Syria including Mohammed El Araj from west London . Ministers have already been told that the thousands of top-secret files stolen by Snowden and published in the Guardian, have caused massive damage to Britain’s intelligence capability. The source said that it is vital that internet companies help police and security services to stay one step ahead of their targets in a rapidly changing digital world. Under existing arrangements, police and intelligence agencies use RIPA to request crucial data and wiretaps. But requests are being rejected or sent back for further consideration, even in the case of Home Secretary-approved warrants. Access to data has proved essential in thwarting terrorist atrocities and organised crime. In 2007 police and MI5 foiled an Al Qaeda plot to kidnap, torture and behead a British Muslim soldier. Telephone taps and internet surveillance played a crucial role in jailing five men. And in 2012 paedophile John Maber, 47, who shared online footage of his rape of a child, was jailed after police intercepted an internet offer he made to abuse a child over a webcam. MP Rob Wilson said: ‘It’s right that internet companies take great care in how they handle their users’ personal information and who has access to it . John Maber, 47, who shared online footage of his rape on a child, was jailed after police intercepted an internet offer he made over a webcam . ‘But people will clearly expect them to co-operate with the police and others when it comes to tackling matters like serious crime or the dreadful scourge of online paedophilia. ‘And they will be rightly concerned if the police and intelligence agencies are facing unnecessary difficulties and delays.’ In its most recent government requests report Facebook stated: ‘We respond to valid requests relating to criminal cases. Each and every request we receive is checked for legal sufficiency and we reject or require greater specificity on requests that are overly broad or vague.’ Yahoo said: ‘We carefully review Government Data Requests for legal sufficiency and interpret them narrowly in an effort to produce the least amount of data necessary to comply with the request.’ Google declined to comment directly on the claims but it is understood to follow a policy of fully scrutinising every incoming request. The Internet Service Providers Association said its members were ‘understandably cautious’ about handing over data but that none of the companies wanted to break the law. A Home Office spokesman said: ‘The Government is committed to ensuring that law enforcement and intelligence agencies have the powers they need to investigate crime, protect the public and safeguard national security.’ | Cameron told internet giants have withdrawn cooperation with MI5 .
Some are obstructing requests for help tracking terrorists and criminals .
Follows Edward Snowden's claims firms are used to snoop on Brits . |
30,180 | 55bf541b103ea956251a00f50f016b024f02c84d | Washington (CNN) -- The shocking murder last weekend of 16 Afghan civilians -- 9 of them children -- by a U.S. soldier is raising many questions about the war. Coming right after the accidental burning of several Qurans at a U.S. base last month, which sparked mass protests across the country, it seems reasonable to ask: what is coming next? The sad answer is that there probably won't be a huge public reaction to the killings. The burning of the Qurans -- which the U.S. claims was accidental -- was a fresh outrage to many Afghans. While the Taliban often claims the U.S. disrespects Islam and wants to destroy it, few Afghans had any real reason to believe that in their daily lives. The Quran burning shocked the Afghan public enough for some political opportunists to whip up protests in response. In contrast, Sunday's mass murder is not a new outrage for Afghanistan. While the deliberate killing of civilians is (thankfully) rare, many Afghans do not distinguish between accidental and deliberate civilian death. Last May, U.S. helicopters in Kunar province came under rocket fire from insurgents; in responding they accidentally fired back at what turned out to be children gathering firewood, killing 9. General Petraeus was quick to apologize for the incident, but nevertheless the reaction in Kabul was angry and resentful: many simply could not believe that children could be accidentally mistaken for insurgents. Sunday's mass killing is still shocking and upsetting -- but it is no longer surprising. Sunday's mass murder, in other words, is not a game-changing event. The game has already changed, and many Afghans are not surprised when the U.S. kills a bunch of civilians. Al-jazeera interviewed some of the survivors and uncovered a darker angle as well: one reason the victims did not resist is that they were used to the so-called "night raids" -- nighttime special operations raids on housing compounds. They were so used to Americans kicking in the doors to their homes and even shooting their guns that at first the rampage didn't seem strange. So where does the war go from here? A huge challenge facing President Obama is that the U.S. is fighting one war while the insurgency is fighting a very different one. The U.S. war is obsessed with the traditional metrics of warfare: holding territory, killing or capturing bad guys, exacting details of building roads, schools, and hospitals. The insurgency, on the other hand, is obsessed with influence, undermining confidence in the government, and creating the perception that the U.S. is at war with Islam. Put simply, the U.S. never put in place the strategic and political framework to make much headway in Afghanistan. Despite the renewed push for negotiations with the Taliban, there is no political strategy for the country. There is no end state for the war, either -- right now, the plan is to drawdown to about 20,000 troops or so -- similar to troop levels in 2008 -- and stay that way for the indefinite future. That's not a strategy, and it's not a plan. Because there is no political strategy for the war -- nothing that takes Afghan and Taliban politics into consideration -- the U.S. has no concept of how to manage or react to the political consequences of incidents like Sunday's rampage. That's why the military was clueless in responding to last month's Quran burnings, or to January's Marine urination scandal, or to the "kill team" in Kandahar last year. At this point, there is little the U.S. can do to salvage the situation in Afghanistan. Sunday's mass killing is tragic but it is not a game-changing event. Focusing on a long-term commitment to working through Afghanistan politics is a good start -- de-emphasizing the military's role in the conflict and shifting to a politically and socially engaged role would actually address some of these shortcomings. But shifting Afghanistan from a military engagement to a political one would, by design, extend U.S. operations there. An ABC News-Washington Post poll released Monday shows 60% of Americans no longer think the war is worth the costs. From the public's perspective, the house of cards is falling and the U.S. would do best to just pull out and cut their losses. Ultimately, Afghans will suffer the consequences -- of Sunday's raid, of the war, of America's withdrawal from the region. Abandoning Afghanistan will impose huge costs in Afghanistan but the last ten years of directionless fighting has left Americans tired and frustrated with a war that seems to go nowhere but down. There needs to be a long-term strategy for the country but, especially now, it probably won't happen. Join us on Facebook/CNNOpinion . The opinions in this commentary are solely those of Joshua Foust. | Foust: Sunday's mass murder is not a new outrage for Afghanistan .
U.S. soldier slaughtered 16 Afghans in their homes during early hours .
U.S. officials say it was the work of a lone gunman who is now in custody .
Foust: U.S. lacks political strategy for Afghanistan after pullout . |
189,891 | 81dfc17c948555b59af3eb884af2cdd027163192 | (CNN) -- So, you think you have it bad this tax season. Have you heard that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg will pay between $1 billion and $2 billion in taxes? That sounds like a tough pill for anyone to swallow. But it is premature to start a pity party for Zuckerberg. The twenty-something billionaire reaped large financial gains from exercising the stock options that triggered his tax bill, and he has benefited from favorable tax rules along the way. Even better, Zuckerberg will survive his encounter with the tax man in a position to never have to pay taxes again for the rest of his life. You heard that right. Let's start with the tax bill. According to media reports, Zuckerberg reported $2.3 billion income from Facebook's IPO in May 2012. How did that happen? By contract with his own highly controlled company, Zuckerberg has many stock options. The options give him the right to buy shares for a preset price: 6 cents, to be exact. So on the day of Facebook's IPO, with shares trading as high as $42, Zuckerberg bought 60 million shares for 6 cents each: a great way to net a cool $2.3 billion. The IRS views that money as compensation -- wages -- taxable at "ordinary" income tax rates, the same that most of us pay on our regular salaries. This means, for 2012, Zuckerberg will have to pay tax on the $2.3 billion at close to a 50% rate, federal and California taxes combined. The resulting whopping $1 billion to $2 billion tax bill continues a theme, evident in my CNN.com columns on Warren Buffett, Mitt Romney and Phil Mickelson, that wage-earners are highly taxed, but not the wealthy. So should we feel sorry for Zuckerberg? Before we start crying, let's step back a bit. As soon as Zuckerberg exercises any of his stock options he triggers a tax hit. He did just that when he bought the 60 million Facebook shares for 6 cents each. But from that moment forward, Zuckerberg is responsible only for any further rise in the value of the stock, and only when he sells it, and, even then, only at the far more favorable "capital gains" rates. Zuckerberg's $2.3 billion payday also came after years of building up value in Facebook, meaning that he was deferring paying taxes for years. This is considered a financial benefit: It is better to pay taxes later rather than sooner, all things being equal. It also bears mention that all things were not equal, because 2012 featured one of the lowest top ordinary tax rates in a century of income taxes, at 35%. Most observers were assuming that rates would increase in 2013, as they in fact did. Zuckerberg cashed out at both a high market price and a low tax rate. One puzzle to tax experts is why Zuckerberg waited so long to cash out, causing that large ordinary income tax hit. The answer likely has several parts. One, Zuckerberg's timing almost certainly played a role in boosting Facebook's stock price at the IPO stage, when it peaked. Two, it is obvious that Zuckerberg had indeed cashed out, in large part, before the IPO. How else did he get to a net worth of more than $11 billion, according to media reports, with a (mere) $2.3 billion payday, roughly cut in half by taxes, further reduced by a falling stock price? At a minimum, buying shares during the IPO allowed Zuckerberg to cash out at the market top, and then to sell off shares -- as he did "for tax purposes" -- without any additional tax hit. Indeed, Zuckerberg now holds shares with tax losses built into them, which he can sell to offset capital gains elsewhere in his portfolio. Zuckerberg also has plenty of other shares (and still more options), rising in value as we speak. He is playing what I call Tax Planning 101, simply holding onto assets as they appreciate without paying tax on them. Zuckerberg's tale is really just another story about stock options, the coin of the realm in Silicon Valley. They can be tricky and easy to manipulate. Remember the backdating scandals? Those were about the timing of the exercise of stock options by highly paid executives. After his big stock option exercise, Zuckerberg can walk in the footsteps of hi-tech icons such as Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. These entrepreneurs built up vast fortunes using stock options with great savvy and then, after they made it to the levels of the super-rich, simply got rid of their ordinary income salaries. Jobs, famously, got paid $1 a year to run Apple. Gates one-upped that by stepping down altogether from his day job as CEO of Microsoft. The really rich leave wages and the W-2s that go with them to the little people, like us. The truly rich do not have to pay any tax once they have their fortunes in hand. They can follow the simple tax planning advice to buy/borrow/die: Buy assets that appreciate in value without producing cash (like shares of Internet stocks), borrow to finance lifestyle, and die to pass on a "stepped up" basis to heirs wherein the tax gain miraculously disappears. Zuckerberg now has $11 billion or more with which to play this game. He can live off money borrowed against that huge sum (rest assured, he can get good interest rates), never having to sell any asset at a gain, and never having to get an "ordinary" salary again. As is so often the case, the real wizard here is Buffett, who got into the game in the early 1960s, buying up a company, Berkshire Hathaway, that pays no dividends. Buffett was able to amass his fortune, well north of $50 billion, without ever incurring a tax bill nearly as large as Zuckerberg's. We cannot all be Warren Buffetts, of course, but being Mark Zuckerberg isn't too shabby, even with that more than a billion dollar tax bill coming due. Zuckerberg can rest peacefully knowing he won't have to worry about paying taxes again. The rest of us aren't quite so blessed. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Edward J. McCaffery. | Mark Zuckerberg will pay between $1 billion and $2 billion in taxes for 2012 .
Edward McCaffery: But he never has to pay taxes again for the rest of his life .
He says Zuckerberg can hold on to assets as they appreciate without paying tax on them .
McCaffery: Like other tech titans, he can build wealth by using stock and stock options . |
205,780 | 966403ac27f91ac93affb5f9e4e0926ba2b499ca | (CNN) -- For a governor described as a "my way or the highway" kind of guy, Chris Christie sounded mighty conciliatory on Tuesday in trying to move his administration and his 2016 presidential ambitions past a swirling controversy over alleged political retribution. The New Jersey Republican repeatedly emphasized bipartisan efforts and working together in a State of the State address that took on special prominence because of investigations into whether his staff orchestrated traffic gridlock near the country's busiest bridge to punish a Democratic mayor for refusing to endorse his re-election last year. With the national spotlight on an annual speech normally given little attention outside the state, Christie sought to reframe the political focus away from the George Washington Bridge controversy by citing the successes of his first term and calling for cooperation from the Democratic-led state Assembly and Senate. First came the bad, with Christie addressing the scandal in his first sentences by accepting ultimate responsibility even though he said last week he knew nothing about it. "Mistakes were clearly made, and as a result, we let down the people we are entrusted to serve," Christie told state legislators gathered in Trenton for the speech intended to outline policy plans for the state. His administration will cooperate "with all appropriate inquiries" into the controversy to "ensure this breach of trust does not happen again," Christie said before shifting away from the issue by saying the scandal "does not define us or our state" and will not delay "the work that needs to be done to improve the people's lives in New Jersey." Instead, Christie emphasized economic successes of his first term and called for cooperation from the Democratic-led state Assembly and Senate. In a span of 10 paragraphs, he used the word "we" 17 times in describing specific achievements such as job creation and economic growth. Outlining a conservative agenda of no additional taxes and more law enforcement, the recently re-elected governor also proposed education reforms and programs to help drug offenders rejoin society. The most emotional moment came well into the nearly hour-long address when Christie told the story of Craig Hanlon, a former drug addict from his hometown now working as a practicing attorney. Hanlon, who was seated near the front, stood up and hugged the governor to a lengthy ovation. By tradition, legislators stood and applauded when Christie arrived, and he received repeated ovations when citing accomplishments of his first term and outlining new proposals. However, the bridge controversy remains prominent for the early frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016. Last week, the New Jersey State Assembly committee investigating the matter made public more than 2,000 pages of documents suggesting politics was behind the unannounced lane closures on the New Jersey side of the bridge last September that caused traffic gridlock in Fort Lee. The documents suggest that top Christie aides orchestrated the traffic mess to punish that town's mayor for not endorsing their boss, and that they allegedly tried to stonewall media inquiries into the matter. N.J. Dem on bridge scandal: I think laws were broken . Christie fired one top adviser for her apparent role in the scandal and other key advisers have left their jobs. He has repeatedly apologized for being "blindsided" by what his aides and appointees were doing. After Christie's reference to the controversy in Tuesday's speech, a top Democrat in the New Jersey legislature who heads an investigating panel rejected the governor's insistence he knew nothing about the lane closures. "I find that a little hard to believe," Assemblyman John Wisniewski told CNN. Wisniewski described relations between New Jersey Democrats and Christie as "very difficult," saying the governor "set lines in the sand" and "said it's my way or the highway." "Bipartisan means both sides give. That's not how this governor operates," Wisniewski said. Meanwhile, the assembly's GOP leader said he believed that Christie knew nothing about what happened. "If a governor lies about what he knows, that's troublesome. That didn't happen here," Jon Bramnick said. Federal officials also are looking at whether Christie improperly used Superstorm Sandy relief funds to produce tourism ads promoting the Jersey shore's recovery that starred him and his family. In the new inquiry, federal auditors will examine New Jersey's use of $25 million of the funds for the marketing campaign, New Jersey Democratic Rep. Frank Pallone told CNN. In a statement on Monday, Christie's office said the "Stronger than the Storm" campaign was part of an "action plan" approved by the Obama administration and developed with the goal of showing that the New Jersey shore was open for business just several months after the storm that devastated parts of the mid Atlantic in October 2012. A separate statement Tuesday by the federal Housing and Urban Development agency described the probe as a routine audit "and not an investigation of the procurement process." While political observers say the bridge scandal isn't good for Christie, the Sandy investigation has the potential to be much more damaging to his national image since it was his signature achievement following the storm. Feds investigate Christie's use of Sandy relief funds . On Tuesday, Christie did not specifically mention that audit by the HUD inspector general, a watchdog over federal spending. In what might have been an ironic reference to Sandy funding, Christie praised the cooperative spirit in the state that helped its recovery from the storm, seeming to describe his own challenges now. "Let that spirit of Sandy be a powerful lesson to all of us, that when times are most difficult, cooperation and progress are possible," Christie said. "Indeed, I tell you, they're necessary." CNN's Ed Payne, Jake Tapper, Chris Frates and Scott Bronstein contributed to this report . | NEW: Gov. Christie pledges cooperation with all inquiries into ongoing scandal .
New Jersey's State of the State address takes on national interest .
Christie briefly mentions controversy over alleged political retribution .
Federal auditors are investigating the use of Superstorm Sandy relief funds . |
174,815 | 6e431551ede384188620e5674182013042e9fa3c | Booking a holiday when you cannot afford it and driving with a near-empty tank of petrol are the two best ways to live life on the edge, research has shown. Driving through a red light, buying something frivalous which will take you into your overdraft and crossing the road when the red man is showing are also considered as some of the top 'edgy' things to do. The study, which surveyed 2,000 people, also found that having an alcoholic drink at lunchtime, getting changed without closing the curtains and driving against the arrows in a car park were seen as daring. Booking a holiday when you do not have the money to pay for it and driving a car on a near-empty tank of petrol are the top two examples of living 'life on the edge', according to a survey . The research, which was commissioned by Pizza Hut Restaurants, also found that 79 per cent of those who took part in the survey wished they had more excitement in their life. More than three-quarters said their life lacked excitement, while 46 per cent admitted they would like to be more 'edgy'. More than half of Britons also admitted they were not very daring, the research found. Other signs of living life on the edge . included driving through an amber light, sitting in a first class . carriage on the train when you have a standard ticket and going out . on a work night. Being the last person . to board a plan, eating cake for breakfast and consuming food past its . sell-by date were also seen as daring. Other top suggestions from those surveyed included ordering . something other than 'your usual' in a restaurant, leaving your car . unlocked or staying up past 11pm on a . work night. Jumping a red light is also seen as a way to be 'edgy', according to the survey of 2,000 Britons . Kathryn Austin, marketing director at Pizza Hut Restaurants, which commissioned the research to launch The Edge pizza, said: 'For some, living on the edge means being a daredevil or doing something risky like bungee jumping or sky-diving. 'But . for everyone else, something as minor as making a change to their usual . routine, or doing something they know they shouldn't be can be seen as . 'living on the edge.' 'Day-to-day, . most people will live their life the same as any other day and can . often feel like they are stuck in a rut, so even the smallest of risks . can make that day more exciting. 'So . while booking a holiday without actually having the means to pay for it . may seem quite tame, for many Brits, the idea of putting a luxury like . that on their credit card is as daring to them as a sky dive is to . others.' 1. Booking a holiday before you have the money to pay for it . 2. Driving with the petrol light on or with little petrol left . 3. Driving through a red light . 4. Buying something frivolous that would take you in to your overdraft . 5. Crossing the road when the red man is showing or the lights are changing . 6. Driving through a light while the amber light is showing . 7. Having an alcoholic drink at lunchtime . 8. Not closing the curtains or blinds when you quickly get changed . 9. Driving against the arrows around a car park . 10. Sitting in the first class section of the train when you only have a normal ticket . 11. Going on a big night out on work night . 12. Leaving windows open in your house when not there . 13. Not paying bills on time . 14. Being the last passenger to board a plane . 15. Eating cake for breakfast . 16. Eating something past its sell by date . 17. Ordering something other than 'your usual' when eating in a restaurant . 18. Not locking your car . 19. Getting an unplanned takeaway . 20. Going to bed past 11pm on a work night . 21. Internet shopping after drinking . 22. Not bothering to use suntan lotion . 23. Turning up at a gig, cinema or event without buying a ticket first . 24. Going outside barefoot . 25. Turning up at a restaurant without booking . 26. Leaving work half an hour early . 27. Sitting in a reserved seat on the train . 28. Undoing your seatbelt before a plane stops . 29. Putting something on a credit card . 30. Wearing high shoes you might fall over in . 31. Going out without an umbrella when it looks like it might rain . 32. Using the phone while driving . 33. Drinking coffee or tea before going to bed . 34. Getting the last tube or train home . 35. Jumping the last few steps on the stairs . 36. Overfilling your hand luggage or using a bag which is too big and hoping it won't get spotted . 37. Putting something in the 'normal' bin when you know it should be recycled . 38. Eating/drinking/smoking when driving . 39. Leaving the house without your phone . 40. Not running from a bee . 41. Standing over the yellow line on a tube station platform . 42. Checking your Facebook or email when abroad knowing it will cost a fortune . 43. Leaving washing up until the next morning . 44. Not killing or disposing of a spider you've just seen . 45. Getting something different for lunch . 46. Going out with wet hair . 47. Parking in the 'family' car parking space when you don't have children or have them with you . 48. Going on holiday where you know there will be no phone signal . 49. Using someone else's mug . 50. Sleeping with make-up on . | Booking a holiday on credit seen as best example of living life on the edge .
Driving on empty and jumping a red light also seen as 'daring', survey shows .
More than 75% of the 2,000 Britons surveyed said their life lacked excitement . |
156,442 | 563d62976c37fd63484c0935a36e775aaf492021 | By . Suzannah Hills . Negotiating the London Underground can be a trying ordeal at the best of times. But it all got a little bit too much for this 'drunk' businessman who was so determined to reach his platform he attempted to walk the wrong way down an escalator. A fellow commuter captured this footage of the businessman, wearing a suit and carrying a briefcase, trying to ride down to the tube on a escalator moving upwards at Tottenham Court Road. Scroll down to watch video . On the road to nowhere: A 'drunk' businessman attempts to walk the wrong way down an escalator . Helping hand: A fellow commuter attempts to tell the unnamed man he is going the wrong way at Tottenham Court Road tube station . Despite moving absolutely nowhere, the unnamed man continues to take on the escalator with dogged determination. And he keeps going even when several other passengers point out he is walking the wrong way. One good Samaritan makes several attempts to lead him off the escalator but the businessman takes no notice and continues on his fruitless journey. After struggling for more than two minutes as . people push past - he is guided off by a helpful commuter who pushes the . emergency stop button and points him in the right direction. The incident was caught on camera last Friday by Sam Napper, 27, who described the man as a 'drunk Japanese businessman'. These boots were made for walking: A good Samaritan does her best to lead the businessman off the escalator as fellow commuters walks past . The businessman keeps walking downwards despite several commuters pointing him in the right direction . Sam, from London, said: 'I was making my way home after dinner when we quite literally bumped into this chap on the escalators between the Northern and Central Lines at Tottenham Court Road station. 'At first I thought he was playing silly buggers with a few of his FX Trader mates but then we saw his dogged stagger and realised he was alone. 'One by one, concerned commuters tried to steer him in the right direction, to no avail. 'Eventually, someone pushed the emergency stop button. 'After pausing for a few seconds, he turned around and walked out, as if nothing ever happened, saying nothing, leaving us stunned.' Bemused: Several other passengers try to point out the man's error but he doesn't appear to listen . Stop! Commuters are eventually forced to press the emergency stop button to help the man off the escalator . | Businessman attempted to travel the wrong way down an escalator - for more than two minutes .
Other commuters tried to help him move in the right direction but eventually had to push the emergency stop button .
Footage captured at Tottenham Court Road on Friday night . |
80,055 | e2e72a889373cf52bbea6cecf4456d33e747aa73 | (CNN) -- Naming your baby is the first major decision you make for your babe, but how do you choose? Here, we share the baby names Parenting.com readers searched for most in 2012 and the baby name trends we'll be seeing in 2013. Top 10 Searched Baby Girl Names: . 1. Isabella . 2. Millie . 3. Sookie . 4. Ann . 5. Ella . 6. Betty . 7. Ellie . 8. Emma . 9. Eithne . 10. Charlotte . Top 10 Searched Baby Boy Names: . 1. Jacob . 2. Max . 3. Liam . 4. Ted . 5. Mo . 6. Aiden . 7. Andy . 8. Bertie . 9. Ned . 10. Gus . Top picks . Isabella (Italian, God's oath) and Jacob (Hebrew, supplanter, substitute) were the top baby names in 2011, and these classic names won't soon lose their appeal. But there's a new name in second place on the girls' list: Millie (English, short of Millicent, Amelia, Camilla, Mildred), which ranked eighth last year. Max (Latin, short for Maximillan, Maxwell), the rising star in boys' names, was in second place again this year and has become a celeb darling, chosen by Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Lopez. Parenting.com: The ultimate baby name guide . Golden oldies . Names that you'd likely find in a retirement home are coming back, proving our grandparents, or at least their names, are still pretty cool. With Millie in second place for girls, accompanied by Ann, Ellie (English, short for Eleanor, Ellen Elaine) and Betty (English, short for Elizabeth), spunky grandma names are making a stylish comeback. Grandpa names are back, too, with Max, Ted (Greek, short for Theodore, Edward), Mo (English, short for Moses), Bertie and Gus (Latin, short for Augustus, Gustave, Angus) all in the top ten names for boys. And one of the most popular baby name lists this year? Grandparents' Names that are Cool Again. Parenting.com: Unique baby names . Royal baby name fever . If the 2011 royal wedding had an effect on baby name trends, with both Kate (English, pure) and William (English, German, protector) skyrocketing in popularity last year, then the yet-to-be-named royal baby certainly will make its mark. For a girl, many speculate the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will go with Diana (Latin, divine); for a boy, they could potentially choose from one of William's names (his full name: William Arthur Philip Louis). Parenting.com: Most popular girl names . While the birth of a royal baby will power a surge in English name popularity, Irish names are also enjoying a comeback. Unique Eithne was a top ten girl name and Aiden (Irish, fiery) and Liam (Irish, short for William) were favorites for boys. The lyrical, storied qualities of these names make them soulful picks. Parenting.com: Top boy baby names . Celebrity baby names: Places and colors . Three celebs have chosen geographically inspired names for their kids. Reese Witherspoon named her third child, a boy, Tennessee (Cherokee, mighty warrior) in a nod to her home state. Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey each choose African country names for their sons: Egypt and Morocco, respectively. Kristin Cavallari and Vanessa Lachey may have crowned the new celeb boy "it" name with Camden (Scottish, winding valley); each new mom chose it for their son, and its evocation of the hipster London neighborhood makes it an edgy pick. Celebs also looked to colors for baby name inspiration. Two new celeb moms went serene with blue: Beyonce with Blue Ivy for her daughter, and Alicia Silverstone with Blu as a middle name for her son Bear. Drew Barrymore picked Olive (Latin, olive tree) for her daughter, a shorter, quirkier alternative to the popular Olivia. We tip our hat to Jennifer Garner for starting this trend when she named her firstborn sweet, sassy Violet (Latin, purple flower). Opinion: Where have you gone Nancy and Joe? Elegant girl names . Feminine names have risen in popularity since 2009, and their mass appeal will keep them in favor for a while. The top ten baby girl names list was peppered with beauties like Isabella, Ella (English, beautiful fairy), Emma (German, universal) and Charlotte (English, strong). In 2013, expect to see some pithy alternatives that take the ultra-girly edge off, like Ellie instead of Ella. Short and sweet . Many of the top baby names have one thing in common: they're three or four letters long. One of readers' top searches was for one-syllable baby names, meaning new parents may be giving formal names the boot; think Ted instead of Theodore (Greek, gift of God) and Andy in lieu of Andrew (Greek, strong and manly). Get 2 FREE YEARS of Parenting magazine - Subscribe Now!! Copyright 2011 The Parenting Group. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. | Top baby names searched on Parenting.com include Isabella and Jacob .
Grandparentish names like Betty and Gus are still pretty cool .
English and Irish names are capitalizing on Royal baby name fever . |
37,336 | 69c78a461786e8fda4b7ac03d7856af54c64ad17 | Britain was dragged deeper into the Iraq crisis last night as it emerged another 150 special forces troops are being deployed. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the mission had escalated beyond a humanitarian one and could last for months. British forces are now helping Iraq to ‘combat’ the rise of Islamic State and its extreme form of terrorism, he said. And in his most uncompromising intervention to date, Prime Minister David Cameron warned that the situation may now require ‘military action to go after the terrorists’. Scroll down for videos . Change of tack: Michael Fallon, pictured meeting British forces at the RAF base in Akrotiri, Cyprus this weekend, said the mission had escalated beyond a humanitarian one and could last for months . He said the Islamist fanatics of IS had to be stopped before they became strong enough to launch attacks on British soil. Mr Cameron spoke amid a series of dramatic developments on the ground that will fuel concerns about mission creep and prompt fresh demands for the recall of Parliament: . Mission: A RAF Tornado lands at RAF Akrotiri. British military planes are flying deeper into Iraq to capture surveillance footage of jihadist fighters . Purpose: Britain has limited its role to aid drops, surveillance and transporting supplies to Kurdish forces . The new deployment of 150 special forces troops is likely to begin later this week. It will include signals specialists and electronics experts with equipment capable of intercepting voice transmissions at a distance of more than 150 miles. There will also be men from a new SBS unit which will be used to monitor sensitive areas of the Jordanian border. Earlier, Mr Cameron said Britain should use its military prowess to stop Islamists creating ‘a terrorist state on the shores of the Mediterranean’. He said the UK was ‘in the middle of a generational struggle against a poisonous and extremist ideology’. The Prime Minister added: ‘If we do not act to stem the onslaught of this exceptionally dangerous terrorist movement, it will only grow stronger until it can target us on the streets of Britain.’ Until now, Britain has limited its role to aid drops, surveillance and transporting supplies to Kurdish forces. But Mr Cameron, writing in a Sunday newspaper, said: ‘True security will only be achieved if we use all our resources – aid, diplomacy, our military prowess – to help bring about a more stable world.’ He added: ‘We need a firm security . response, whether that is military action to go after the terrorists, . international co-operation on intelligence and counter-terrorism or . uncompromising action against terrorists at home.’ While . saying he did not back full-scale military involvement and ‘sending . armies to fight or occupy’, Mr Cameron left open the possibility of . Britain taking on a more direct role in supporting Iraqi and Kurdish . troops on the ground. Speaking . on a visit to the RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus, Mr Fallon said: ‘This is . not simply a humanitarian mission. We and other countries in Europe are . determined to do what we can to help the government of Iraq combat this . new and very extreme form of terrorism.’ Mr . Fallon revealed that troops from 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment . flew in as part of preparations for a helicopter mission to save . stranded members of the Yazidi group on a mountainside. They were on the . ground for 24 hours before flying back to Cyprus after the operation . was called off. Addressing airmen and soldiers at the . base, Mr Fallon said: ‘This mission isn’t over. The humanitarian needs . are there…There may well now be in the next few weeks and months other . ways that we may need to help save life, protect people. We are going to . need all of you again and the surveillance you are able to give us.’ Advance: A Kurdish peshmerga fighter close to the strategically important Mosul Dam, which Kurdish and US forces are poised to take back . In recent weeks IS fighters have . seized vast swathes of land in Syria and Iraq, advancing towards Baghdad . and prompting US air strikes. Yesterday, . US warplanes helped by Kurdish forces were on the brink of recapturing . the Mosul Dam, which supplies water and electricity to northern Iraq, . amid ‘fierce resistance’ from Islamists. It was reported yesterday that . another 300 Yazidi men from the Sinjar mountain area are among their . victims, with some beheaded in front of their own families. British . military planes are filming surveillance footage on jihadist fighters . which is passed to the US and used to help Kurdish and Iraqi forces. The UK has more than 100 members of the SAS, SBS, Reconnaissance . Regiment and signals specialists in Baghdad and around Irbil. Plight: Displaced Iraqis from the Yazidi community settle at the Qandil mountains near the Turkish border outside Zakho, 300 miles northwest of Baghdad . Support: Displaced Yazidis find shelter under a bridge. David Cameron has left open the possibility of Britain taking on a more direct role in supporting Iraqi and Kurdish troops on the ground . | Defence Secretary says mission has escalated beyond a humanitarian one .
Prime Minister warns the situation may require military action .
British military planes flying deeper into Iraq to capture surveillance footage .
Footage of jihadists used to help Kurdish and Iraqi forces on the ground .
Soldiers from Yorkshire Regiment in the Kurdish region last week .
At least 1,000 Royal Marines to be deployed to Jordan in exercise with US .
Kurdish and US forces set to take back strategically important Mosul Dam .
New deployment of 150 special forces troops likely to begin later this week .
British military planes are flying deeper into Iraq to capture surveillance footage of jihadist fighters which is being used to help Kurdish and Iraqi forces on the ground.
Regular soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment were in the Kurdish region last week – despite Downing Street’s assurances there would be no ‘boots on the ground’.
At least 1,000 Royal Marines are being deployed to Jordan in a long-planned joint military exercise with the US.
Kurdish and US forces made a major advance against IS – and are poised to take back the strategically important Mosul Dam. |
237,705 | bfaa12d4b194c69c3484f66e01d4976ea595db31 | By . David Mccormack . A 24-year-old Reddit user got the shock of her life on Wednesday when she discovered that the Secret Santa gift she’d just received via the website’s annual exchange was from none other than Bill Gates. Rachel, the lucky recipient of the Not-So-Secret Santa present from the world’s richest person, received a $40 travel book, a $25 stuffed cow along with an undisclosed donation to the non-profit Heifer International. When Rachel first found a card along with her gifts explaining who it was from, she admits her initial reaction was that someone was playing an elaborate prank on her until she found an attached photo of the Microsoft founder holding her gifts. Not-So-Secret Santa: To prove it was really him, Gates included this photo with the presents he sent to Rachel . Reddit user Rachel poses with the coffee table book that was part of her Secret Santa present from Bill Gates . ‘My god. Never in my entire life did I imagine, ever, ever, ever that Bill would get me,’ wrote Rachel in a Reddit post revealing her highly usual Secret Santa experience. Rachel posts on the social media site under the username NY1227 and describes herself as someone who ‘love nails and makeup! I also love to travel, particularly to the Caribbean and Europe.’ On Monday she received an email informing her that her gift - which weighted a whooping seven pounds - was being shipped to her overnight. It wasn’t until Wednesday that Rachel had time to open her gift, but she was so excited to see what was in it that she decided to document the opening of the present by talking photographs of the contents. Rachel also received this note explaining the significance of her present - a stuffed cow . ‘The first thing I noticed was a stuffed animal. I didn't know I gave off the stuffed animal vibe, but I excitedly added him to my collection of teddy bears and other delightful friendly creatures,’ she wrote. Next she found an envelope which read ‘To me, from Bill’. ‘I thought Bill sounded like a friendly fellow. In fact, I had this whole image of this poor guy named Bill trying to navigate my wishlist full of makeup, nailpolish, glittery things to buy me,’ wrote Rachel. ‘Quite frankly I felt bad for this Bill since I'm a self-identified pain in the ass to shop for.’Inside envelop was a note informing Rachel that Bill had donated to Heifer International, a nonprofit seeking to end poverty and hunger, in her honor. ‘I took a break from my present to research the charity a bit, and now the stuffed animal cow made sense,’ wrote Rachel, ‘I was so excited, the cause seemed really worthy and amazing, and it is the season of giving.’ The stuffed cow which Rachel has added to her collection of teddy bears . The final part of her present, also the largest, was a large travel book called Journeys Of A Lifetime, no doubt inspired by her posts about liking travel. Inside the book was also a note explaining her presents and which was signed Bill Gates. As it dawned on Rachel who her Secret Santa was, she was also suspicious that it might be an elaborate hoax until she spotted a photograph of Gates holding her stuffed toy and the note that she had just read. ‘I feel SO shocked and excited that not only did I receive a gift from Bill, but it was perfectly and EXACTLY tuned into my interests. My gosh, what a rush!!’ she wrote. In her Reddit post explaining the whole incident, Rachel thanked Gates for ‘an amazing gift and Secret Santa experience.’ When Rachel first opened her present she noticed this envelope, but little did she realize that the Bill in question was actually Bill Gates . Travel fan Rachel was delighted to receive this coffee table book by National Geographic as part of her present . ‘Bill- you ROCK (can I call you Bill?! I feel like we're friends now!),' she write. 'I am so very, very grateful for the amazing and thoughtful gift you have picked for me!’ Rachel also ended her Reddit post with an apology to Gates: 'ps: Sorry for the apple ipad on my wishlist, that was really awkward.' It isn’t clear how much Gates, the world's richest person in 2013 according to Bloomberg Billionaires List, donated to Heifer International, but Rachel speculated, ‘I can only imagine it was QUITE a bit.’ The charity gives livestock, seeds and trees and extensive . training to those in need and has helped more than 79 million people in more . than 125 countries. Microsoft founder Gates is well-known for his philanthropy work and his charity the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is the largest private foundation in the world. Inside the envelope was a short note explaining that Bill had made a donation to the charity Heifer International on behalf of Rachel . Gates participation in the Secret Santa was an attempt to help bring attention to Heifer International, reports GeekWire. This isn't the first time that Gates has . participated in the Reddit community, he previously took part in an . Ask Me Anything in February. | Reddit user Rachel, 24, was the lucky recipient of a Not-So-Secret Santa present from Bill Gates via the website's annual exchange .
Bill's gift included a $40 coffee table book, a $25 stuffed cow and an undisclosed donation to the charity Heifer International .
Rachel didn't realize it was from Bill Gates until she opened a card signed by the Microsoft founder .
To prove it wasn't fake, Bill also included a photo of him holding her presents .
He hopes his gift will help raise awareness of the charity's work . |
237,197 | beff3b1e0b833b41e1f1ce85a240bca94aa70785 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 13:51 EST, 10 January 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 14:22 EST, 10 January 2013 . Inspiring: Peter Deal's victim came forward after hearing former England rugby star Brian Moore, pictured, talk about his own childhood abuse . A former boxing coach was jailed today for raping and abusing a schoolboy 40 years ago, after the victim was prompted to break decades of silence by former England rugby star Brian Moore’s disclosures that he was sexually abused as a child. Peter Deal, 74, was jailed for five years at Inner London Crown Court after previously pleading guilty to seven charges, ranging from buggery to indecent assault, between 1969 and 1973. The court heard his victim, now 54, had not told anyone about the abuse he endured from the age of 10 to 13 until he heard a radio interview with former Harlequins player Moore, nicknamed Pitbull, about the abuse he endured at the hands of one of his teachers. In his autobiography Beware of the . Dog, Moore, now 50, said the abuse began when he and three other boys, . aged nine and 10, were lured into a tent and sexually abused by a . teacher while on a field trip in Yorkshire. He . said the childhood traumas made him ferociously competitive on the . rugby field and contributed to the breakdown of two marriages. Today . Inner London Crown Court heard how a radio interview with Moore . prompted Deal’s victim to break 40 years of silence - telling his wife . and then the police that he had been abused as a boy by his then-boxing . coach. Sentencing Deal . to five years in prison, Judge Roger Chapple told him: 'The offences to . which you have pleaded guilty reflect a course of conduct, a course of . persistent sexual abuse of a child, conduct which fills any . right-thinking person with revulsion.' He said Deal’s victim had to live with his abuse 'for the best part of 40 years'. Judge Chapple continued: 'For my part, I find it not remotely difficult to understand that he did not feel able to report that systematic abuse that he suffered at your hands.' Brian Moore, pictured in the centre of the scrum playing for the British Lions in 1993, revealed in his autobiography Beware of the Dog that he was abused by a teacher . The court heard Deal was previously . jailed for eight years in 2006 for abusing two boys he met at the same . boxing club involved in today’s case. His sentence was reduced to seven . on appeal and he was released in 2011. Judge . Chapple added: 'In July 2006 you were convicted of five offences of . indecent assault upon two boys, aged 10 to 11 and 13 to 15. 'These offences took place in 2000 or thereabouts but there are many similarities, particularly your abuse of your position as a coach at a sports club to commit these offences.' He said if the judge in Deal’s last case had known about these offences, he would have been given a far longer prison term. He went on: 'You are 74 years of age, plainly in ill-health. Taking these matters into account, the right sentence in my judgment is an overall sentence today of five years in prison.” In court: Deal was today jailed for five years at Inner London Crown Court for indecent assault and buggery charges between 1969 and 1973 . He said Deal was already subject to a lifetime Sexual Offences Prevention Order. Prosecutor Chris Stimpson today told . the court that Deal was a coach at Rippleway Newham Football Club - the . youth team that produced England and Arsenal star Sol Campbell - when he . first met his victim. He . first indecently touched the boy when he gave him a lift home after . training, then went on to repeat the abuse on future occasions in his . car, Mr Stimpson said. Deal introduced the boy to East Ham . Boxing Club, where he also coached, taking him to training and . collecting him from his house, as well as taking the boy - then aged 12 - . to his own home. England rugby player Brian Moore, pictured in 1995, said the childhood trauma made him ferociously competitive on the rugby field . The court heard that during the . summer holidays he even persuaded the boy’s parents to allow him to stay . with him before a five-a-side tournament, when he raped him. Mr Stimpson said the victim estimated he was raped by deal about 50 times in total. 'The . allegations came to light in August 2011 when the victim was listening . to an interview with the former rugby international Brian Moore on 5 . Live radio, who was talking candidly about the sexual abuse he . experienced, the prosecutor told the court. 'He therefore told his wife on August 19, 2011. He had previously decided never to tell anyone about what happened as he was so ashamed and he refers in his statement to planning to kill himself on two occasions prior to coming forward to the police.' Mr Stimpson said the victim, now 54, had said: 'All my life I have felt dirty and not a real man. I now look back at things I have done and still do. 'I constantly shower, sometimes even twice a day,' he said, something the court heard his wife had also noticed. Deal originally denied the charges, but pleaded guilty to seven of an original 17 charges in October last year. In a statement issued through his lawyers, Deal’s victim said today: 'I am relieved that I have finally been able to face the events of the past and that my tormentor is to be punished by the court for his crimes. 'My fear, though, is that other boys were abused by this man and, if they were, I would urge them to do as I have done and to contact the police and seek legal advice.' Molly Whittall, abuse case specialist solicitor from law firm Pannone, confirmed they are advising him on a possible civil action against East Ham Boxing Club, which has since moved from the area. She said: 'It is by no means uncommon for the memories of abuse to be suppressed for many years until something acts as a trigger to reawaken them. 'In this case it was the brave admission of a former sportsman, Brian Moore, that brought back past events, possibly striking a chord with our client because he was himself a keen sportsman in his youth and was at one time on the books of a Premier League football club. 'We are currently attempting to trace where the club moved to, what its new name is or who the club merged with. 'I would be grateful if anyone with any information could contact me here at Pannone on 0161 909 4606.' | Peter Deal started abusing the boy, then aged 10, at East Ham Boxing Club .
His victim, now 54, kept the assaults secret for 'best part of 40 years'
But he broke his silence after hearing Moore's own account of child abuse .
Deal today jailed for five years at Inner London Crown Court for historic indecent assault charges between 1969 and 1973 .
Court heard he had already been jailed for abuse of two other young boys . |
236,325 | bde22502825e3d927597242d27c508d68ca747ff | BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Just days after the U.S. military formally handed authority of Baghdad's "Green Zone" over to the Iraqis, the new American Embassy opened in Baghdad. The American flag is raised at Monday's dedication ceremony for the new U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. Situated on the banks of the Tigris river, one mile south of Saddam Hussein's Republican Palace -- U.S. headquarters in Baghdad since 2003 -- the new embassy opened early Monday afternoon in a closely controlled ceremony that included Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, U.S. Ambassador Ryan Crocker, and Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte. "The return of the Republican Palace to the government of Iraq last Thursday and the raising of the flag over a new embassy four days later are potent symbols of this record of achievement," Negroponte said during his opening ceremony speech Monday. The new U.S. Embassy covers 104 acres and is the largest in the world, housing 1,200 U.S. diplomats, soldiers, and government staff from 14 federal agencies, according to a U.S. State Department news release. "As our military presence ramps down, many other aspects of our relationship are going to ramp up," Crocker told CNN on Monday. The original price tag on the 27-building complex was $592 million, but a congressional report from 2007 -- citing State Department documents -- indicated the cost could end up $144 million higher. Meanwhile, two Iraqis were killed and at least 31 injured in a series of bombings across Baghdad on Monday, an Interior Ministry official told CNN. There were at least five separate attacks in the Iraqi capital, with one, the roadside bombing of an Iraqi police patrol, resulting in the death of two people. Three police officers and three civilians were also wounded in the attack, which took place near Shaab stadium in eastern Baghdad at about 1:15 p.m. local time. In other incidents, 12 people were wounded in two improvised explosive device blasts in the Karrada district of central Baghdad; five people were injured when a bomb in a parked car exploded in the Abu Dcheer neighborhood of southern Baghdad; four people were injured when an IED exploded in Nidhal Street, central Baghdad; and four people were injured when an IED exploded on Palestine Street, eastern Baghdad. CNN's Jill Dougherty contributed to this report. | New U.S. Embassy in Baghdad opens days after "Green Zone" control given to Iraqis .
New embassy covers 104 acres and is the largest in the world .
As U.S. military presence ramps down, other aspects will ramp up, envoy says .
Price tag for 27-building complex is at least $592 million . |
124,886 | 2d6abd743e24d77554aacb814c69637ad3f48890 | A late penalty from Alvaro Negredo was enough to hand Valencia a third straight win as they secured a first-leg win over Espanyol in their last 16 Copa del Rey tie at the Mestalla Stadium. The Spaniard - on a season-long loan from Premier League champions Manchester City - sent Pau Lopez the wrong way from the spot to give the hosts a one-goal advantage going into the reverse fixture next week. Christian Stuani's fine effort had cancelled out Jose Gaya's first-half opener, before Negredo came up trumps for the hosts late on with just his second goal since joining the club to make it 2-1. Alvaro Negredo shows his delight at netting a last-gasp winner for the hosts against Espanyol . Valencia players celebrate Negredo's penalty which earned the hosts a win against Espanyol . Espanyol players celebrate Christian Stuani's levelling the scoreline with 30 minutes remaining . Jose Gaya celebrates his first-half goal which gave Valencia a 1-0 lead . Valencia took full advantage of being on home surroundings as they took the lead inside 11 minutes. Jose Gaya advanced forward from left back before finishing smartly from 15 yards out giving Lopez no chance in the Espanyol goal. After a slow start the visitors gradually got a foothold back into the game, and were unlucky not to level proceedings just after the half-hour mark, as Victor Alvarez was denied at point-blank range from Valencia stopper Yoel. Despite going into the half-time interval a goal down, Espanyol refused to lie down and deservedly got themselves back on level terms on the hour mark. Gaya duels for the ball with Espanyol's Abraham Gonzalez during the opening 45 minutes . Negredo looks to force a way through to goal during the second period at the Mestalla Stadium . Cancelo goes over from a strong challenge by Espanyol defender Ruben Duarte . Valencia boss Nuno Espirito Santo issues instructions to his team during the last 16 Copa del Rey tie . Uruguay forward Stuani made room for himself on the edge of the Valencia box before unleashing a precise right-footed drive, which in turn flew past Yoel and into the top corner. The Valencia No 1 was counting his blessings soon after though, when he nearly gifted Espanyol the lead after fumbling the ball inside the area. Lucas Vazquez was quickest to react but couldn't adjust his body in time to make full contact with the ball, as it hit the side-netting. The visitors were left to rue on that missed opportunity with Negredo making no mistake from the spot with four minutes remaining, as Valencia ensured they would go into next week's second leg with a crucial advantage, and at the same time preserve their six-game unbeaten run. Valencia: Yoel, Otamendi, Cancelo (Barragan 66), Orban, Vezo, Gaya, Parejo (Gomes 71), Fuego, De Paul, Gil (Alcacer 65), Negredo. Subs not used: Filipe Augusto, Jaume,Shkodran Mustafi, Roberto Ibáñez. Goals: Gaya 11, Negredo 86. Espanyol: Pau Lopez, Javi Lopez, Gonzalez, Vázquez, Moreno, Duarte, Canas, Abraham, Alvarez (Mattioni 74), Garcia, Stuani. Subs not used: Jordan, Casilla, Arbilla, Alex, Rivero, Luque. Goal: Stuani 60 . | Alvaro Negredo scored from the penalty spot to earn the La Liga side a third straight win in the Copa del Rey last 16 clash .
Christian Stuani's fine effort cancelled out Jose Gaya's first-half opener .
Valencia will take a one-goal advantage into the second leg in a week's time . |
42,785 | 78a669ab733b60d29ddaba3cd82e09e8b9e05b2c | By . Travelmail Reporter . Las Vegas has been voted the ‘overspend’ capital of the year and the destination most likely to encourage tourists to become too flash with their cash, according to a survey. Two thirds of Brits ranked the glitzy US city number one, followed by Paris, then New York. Venice and Ibiza make up the top five destinations where holidaymakers are most likely to part with too much cash. Scroll down for video . Overspend capital: Brits are more likely to blow their budget in Vegas than anywhere else in the world . 1. Las Vegas, US2. Paris, France3. New York, US4. Venice, Italy5. Ibiza, Spain . The new research discovered that 57 per cent of Britons have blown their holiday budget while abroad - with 6 per cent even having to return home early after running out of finances while away. Asked why they had spent too much while on a break, 55 per cent said they had been ‘caught up in the excitement of being on holiday’, while 33 per cent said that they ‘had not budgeted well’ for their trip. The research, conducted by www.vouchercloud.com, surveyed 1,973 UK over 18s who had been on holiday in the past five years. The survey also quizzed travellers on how they managed to get hold of extra cash while away. Some 45 per cent stated they had to draw more money out whilst abroad, incurring bank charges, followed by 32 per cent that said they had been forced to put items on their credit cards and 20 per cent who had called upon family members and friends at home. Paris was ranked in second place in a survey of where Brits would be most likely to blow their holiday budget . Brits ranked New York as the third destination in the world which they'd be most likely to blow their budget . A further 6 per cent had to call their holiday short in order to come home early after running out of money. Matthew Wood, a spokesman for vouchercloud.com, said: ‘It’s easy to see why people overspend on holiday. ‘You’re often caught in the moment and just want to enjoy yourself, leaving all the financial constraints and worries at home. ‘Plus, in the back of your mind, you know that you may only get one chance to see, do and buy these things; you might never go back to that destination again! ‘The best way to get round this, which is often overlooked during the planning process, is to do a bit more research into what the destination and local area has to offer before you step foot anywhere near a plane. ‘There is plenty of information on the net and in travel guides, which will mean you can budget effectively with a level head and avoid any unexpected expenditure whilst enjoying your holiday.’ | Paris and New York make up the three most expensive destinations .
Survey of nearly 2,000 Brits reveals 55% overspent due to 'excitement'
33% of holidaymakers admit they 'don't budget well' for breaks abroad . |
80,538 | e44f0c477cc580b89d2a58b17c8607adb9ecb838 | Dozens of civil servants have found themselves in deep trouble after surfing the internet for porn while they were meant to be working. A total of 55 workers at the Welsh Government's offices were looking at explicit photographs and videos at their desks. Disciplinary action was taken against the officials after the material was found on their computers. Caught: 55 Welsh government workers, some of whom may have been based at its HQ in Cardiff (pictured), have looked at porn at work . One senior manager was forced to resign after it was revealed in 2008 he had been looking at child pornography. Two years later police were also called in when another worker, who was sacked, looked at illegal extreme porn. Top employment lawyers are recommending offices ban porn because it's distracting the bureaucrats from their work. Employment solicitor Leanne Thomas said: 'More than one in four people have admitted to watching inappropriate content online in the workplace. 'When it comes to porn, organisations are sitting on a potential time bomb. 'While accessing porn is not illegal the risks associated with last brand damage and employee harassment litigation are significant. 'The best cure is prevention and many workplaces ban access to, and the passing around of, inappropriate material in the office.' Disciplined: One senior manager was forced to resign after he looked at child porn on his office computer (picture posed by model) Information released by the Welsh Government revealed 55 workers have been disciplined for downloading porn. Fifteen civil servants were disciplined for downloading images showing sexy or full nudity and another 31 staff were caught looking at topless pictures. The stats, released under the freedom of information act, cover porn use over the past five years. A Welsh Government spokesman said: 'We take the inappropriate use of our IT systems very seriously. 'And we have robust policies in place to deal with such cases.' | One senior Welsh Government worker was sacked after watching child porn .
The majority had looked at pictures and videos showing full or partial nudity . |
258,407 | da73b213e02c18c79ea440541cc64ea351166d2c | By . Kieran Corcoran . 'Peaceful death': Lord McAlpine's family announced that he had died at home . Lord McAlpine, the former Tory deputy chairman who won libel damages from Sally Bercow over false allegations of child sex abuse, died yesterday – three months after settling with the Speaker’s wife. The peer, who passed away aged 71 at his home in Italy, was instrumental in Baroness Thatcher’s Election successes, raising millions for the party as its treasurer. But his final years were overshadowed by a BBC Newsnight report in 2012 that wrongly implicated him in allegations of sex abuse at the Bryn Estyn children’s home in North Wales in the 1970s and 1980s. Although the programme did not name the politician, during widespread speculation about his identity Mrs Bercow wrote on Twitter: ‘Why is Lord McAlpine trending? *innocent face*.’ The peer accepted £185,000 from the BBC and a six-figure sum from ITV for following up the story. However, Mrs Bercow held out until last October, when she finally apologised for causing him ‘great distress and embarrassment’ and agreed to pay £15,000 damages. She also shut down her Twitter account, which had previously hosted dozens of messages a day – many of them politically partisan and embarrassing to her husband. After the case, Lord McAlpine’s lawyer said the peer had tried to settle the case earlier ‘to avoid the detrimental effect of litigation on his health’, but Mrs Bercow had refused. He complained that ‘political positioning’ had prevailed over ‘common sense’. The furore also forced the BBC’s . director general at the time, George Entwistle, to quit less than two . months after taking up the role, saying that as editor-in chief he had . to take ‘ultimate responsibility’ for the bungled investigation. Senior Conservative: Lord McAlpine, pictured left in 1998 and right in 1979, rose to the rank of deputy party chairman . Remembrance: David Cameron tweeted in response to the news . Lord . McAlpine struggled with dyslexia at Stowe public school, leaving at 16 . to join the building company founded by his great grandfather, Sir . Robert McAlpine. He showed such a flair for business that within five . years he was appointed a director of the firm. Mrs . Thatcher named him as joint treasurer of the Conservative Party in . 1975, adding the deputy chairmanship in the wake of her 1979 General . Election victory. He was . famed for throwing ‘champagne and lobster’ parties, hosted in his . trademark corduroy suits, and was credited with bringing in tens of . millions in donations by the time he became Lord McAlpine of West Green . in 1984. A staunch . Eurosceptic, he grew disenchanted with John Major – at one stage . accusing the former Prime Minister of ‘stuffing up a great party’ and . being ‘distasteful’. He . defected to James Goldsmith’s Referendum Party in 1996, becoming its . leader in 1997 before later rejoining the Conservatives. The . property developer, who was also an author, zookeeper and explorer, . stood down from the House of Lords in 2010 for tax reasons and retreated . to the converted convent he ran as a bed and breakfast with his third . wife, Athena, in Puglia. Court battle: Sally Bercow, pictured heading to the High Court, eventually withdrew her allegations and agreed to pay £15,000 in damages . Tweet: Sally Bercow was ordered to pay £15,000, which was donated to charity, after posted the above tweet . He . was previously married to Sarah Baron, with whom he had two daughters, . and Romilly Hobbs, his former secretary with whom he had another . daughter. At one stage he . said of his marriages: ‘I keep changing my life, houses and . relationships. I reinvent myself every few years. My first marriage . lasted 15 years and this one [to Ms Hobbs] 20. ‘It’s . hardly into bed and out the other side. There was a great deal of . love. But there comes a point when life is just a habit, and I’m rather . against habits.’ David . Cameron paid tribute to him on Twitter yesterday, saying: ‘My thoughts . are with Lord McAlpine’s family – he was a dedicated supporter of . Margaret Thatcher and the Conservative Party.’ Former . party chairman Lord Parkinson, who worked closely with Lord McAlpine, . described him as an ‘outstanding’ treasurer. ‘He was a most unusual, . intriguing, interesting character with a fantastic range of interests,’ he said. Another ex-chairman, Lord Tebbit, said: ‘He was a joy to be with because he always had something interesting to say.’ Yesterday, . one Twitter user posted on the social networking site: ‘Where’s . #SallyBercow? The dreadful woman is strangely silent. RIP, Lord . McAlpine.’ Colourful: Lord McAlpine pictured in 1994 . In his political days Lord McAlpine was famous for throwing lavish parties on behalf of the Conservative party, and bringing in as much as £100million in donations. Inner circle Tories would be presented with champagne and lobster at grand events during party conferences during Margaret Thatcher’s time as leader. He was remembered for appearing in shabby corduroy suits and a salmon-and-cucumber-coloured Garrick Club tie, welcoming his guests. But the loyal former Thatcher aide changed his tune after she was ousted by her party, to be replaced with John Major. He accused the new Prime Minister of ‘stuffing up a great party’, of running away from every issue and living in a fantasy world. He also called him ‘distasteful’. But Mr Major shrugged off the barbs, once pointedly telling the Commons: ‘I understand that Lord McAlpine is promoting a book which is a work of fiction.’ Lord McAlpine stunned Westminster in 1996 by defecting to the Referendum Party, although he later returned to the Tories. In 2010 he stood down from the House of Lords to preserve his non-dom tax status. Robert Alistair McAlpine, who had three daughters, spent his final years living in Italy with third wife Athena, whether they ran a bed and breakfast in a converted convent near Puglia. He was a member of the family controlling the giant McAlpine building company. He left Stowe public school at 16 with three O levels and worked for the family firm on building sites, spending his evenings drinking Guinness with Irish labourers. He joined the board of McAlpine before leaving to earn money for himself from property deals in Australia and selling antiques. He was also, in his time, a zoo-keeper, ornithologist, explorer and jewellery maker. | Lord McAlpine of West Green died peacefully last night, his family said .
He was Conservative deputy chairman and an aide to Margaret Thatcher .
The peer was the wrongful target of speculation connected to child abuse . |
170,657 | 68e591ec180fbeec7fe2abdf22eeec31d0eeef7c | 'You need a structure, and this is a structure,' the judge . told Lohan before the actress accepted the terms of her new probation . By . Daily Mail Reporter . Last updated at 11:38 AM on 3rd November 2011 . Lindsay Lohan has been sentenced to serve 30 days in jail after admitting she violated her probation. The troubled actress waived her rights at her probation violation hearing at the Los Angeles Superior Cour Airport Branch and admitted the violation. Judge Stephanie Sautner ordered the actress so surrender to the jail by November 9. She was not immediately put behind bars because the judge decided to allow her time to complete her nude photo shoot for Playboy, according to TMZ. Heading back to jail: Lindsay Lohan, pictured here arriving at an LA court today, has until November 9 to surrender for a 30-day term . Another day, another court hearing: The star admitted to violating her probation in theft and DUI cases . The star's lawyer, Shawn Holley, is . understood to have told the judge in chambers that her client had a $1 . million contract with Hugh Hefner's publication. Lindsay's jail sentence wasn't the only talking point today. The mark on the actress' left arm also caught the eye of some observers. While at first glance it appears to be a mere grimy smudge or bruise, it is in fact, an unfinished tattoo.She had outline of a young angelic girl (illustrated in full below) inked on last year. It was chosen because 'she liked the innocence of the girl', according to reports at the time, but it has never been completed. She must completed the shoot this . week or face being in breach of her contract and Sautner decided to . allow her one week to surrender, the website reports. In court, the judge imposed an otherwise strict probation regime, telling the actress: 'I'm giving you the keys to the jail.' Judge Sautner said: 'Miss . Lohan you are going to waive your right to the hearing and admit the . violation, do you understand?' Lohan replied: 'Yes, your honour' Sautner then sentenced the actress to . 30 days in jail with 270 days to be stayed as long as Lohan complies . with her probation conditions. The jail time can be reduced due to . overcrowding in Los Angeles jails - but Saunter was firm there was to be . no house arrest or electronic monitoring. TMZ reports that she may serve just minutes behind bars. A source within the Sheriff's Deptartment told the website that if someone receives a misdemeanor sentence of 90 days or less, they are routinely processed in and then released. 'She'll be out without even having to change her clothes,' the insider says. Judge Sautner told Lohan: 'You are to surrender by November 9 and begin serving 30 days. 'You will not be eligible for house arrest or electronic monitoring. 'When you get out you will report to the . probation department and Ms Mansfield. Good luck to you with Ms . Mansfield - she is no nonsense.' As well as serving the jail time the actress must continue her community service at the Los Angeles county morgue. In order to comply with the judge's strict order Lohan will spend virtually every day she is not in jail at the morgue. Judge Sautner said: 'The sentence I am going to impose is known as putting the keys to jail in the defendant's hands.' If she fails to abide by the schedule she could be sent locked up for another 270 days. Demure: The actress opted for a high-neck polka dot dress . Judge Stephanie Sautner may have sentenced Lindsay Lohan to 30 days in jail. But in all likeliness, the actress may not even spend a single night there - due to jail overcrowding. Lohan has to surrender to jail by November 9. Steve Whitmore, a spokesman for the LA County Sheriff's Department, told TMZ said how long she stays in jail depends on when she decides to check herself in. Officials told the website that misdemeanour inmates only tend to serve 20 per cent of their sentence - although inmates sentenced to 90 days or less are processed and released immediately. Home from home: Lynwood Regional Justice Center where Lindsay has served jail time in the past . Only a backlog of people to process or delays in paperwork might mean Lindsay would have to stay the night. Even though Judge Sautner was strict about the terms of Lohan's sentence, prison officials told TMZ that a federal court order on overcrowding 'trumps everything'. In another twist, Lindsay could be in jail on the same day as her father Michael, who is currently in solitary confinement in the infirmary of the Orient Road jail in Florida. While Lindsay has to surrender to jail on November 9, her father will appear in court on the same day to face a judge on charges stemming from the breach of a restraining order against his former fiance Kate Major. It follows allegations he assaulted her - and he could face jail time for allegedly breaching the restraining order and contacting her. At the beginning of the hearing the . Los Angeles prosecutor told Judge Sautner Lohan had failed to keep . appointments at court mandated psychologist therapy sessions and failed . to attend mandated service at a downtown women's shelter in Los Angeles' rough skid row area. Judge Sautner said she had . made enquiries for Lohan to work at the Good Shepherd shelter for abused . families in Los Angeles but they did not want her. She said: 'They were . unwilling to take you because they do not think you are a good example . for women trying to put their lives back together.' However, the Los Angeles morgue where . Lohan has already been serving community service was happy to keep the . actress on, Sautner said. Ready for her close up: The media gathered outside the courtroom to capture the star's arrival . 'I am converting all your community service to the morgue,' Sautner said. When Lohan is released from jail she . will have to report back to the court December 14th having already . completed 12 days at the morgue. She will then have to complete 12 . days community service before a hearing on January 17 to have the 270 . day jail sentence stayed. She will have to complete an additional 12 . days by February 17 to have the sentence stayed again. And finally she . must complete another 17 days by March 29, which if she completes . successfully will result in her sentences being commuted to summary . probation without her having to appear in court or see Judge Sautner . again. 'You need a structure, and this is a structure,' the judge told Lohan before the actress accepted the terms of her new probation. Judge Sautner also told Lohan she must attend every court ordered psychological therapy session without fail. Sautner said Lohan should be under no . illusion that if she fails to stick to the letter of her orders she . will serve the additional 270 days. 'If probation officer Ms Mansfield notifies me I will put a warrant out for your arrest,' she said. | Actress likely to serve 'just minutes' behind bars because of overcrowding .
Judge revealed a homeless shelter in L.A. blocked request to take Lindsay as a community service volunteer because she is a 'bad example'
'You need a structure, and this is a structure,' the judge .
told Lohan before the actress accepted the terms of her new probation . |
209,364 | 9b1d50e569338e335e0790cde918fea2f93f812b | Nairobi, Kenya (CNN) -- Getting heard and understood in Westlands, Nairobi, on a typical Saturday afternoon is a challenge. You would have to compete with noise from the constant traffic, the shouts of the road side vendors, music from matatus -- Kenya's colorful (and loud) public transport minibuses. On the afternoon of Saturday 21 September 2013 you would have had to compete with the additional noise of gunshots and grenades as a group of ruthless and well-drilled militants launched a brutal attack on the Westgate Shopping Center at the heart of Westlands. At least 61 civilians and six Kenyan security officers died in the attack and rescue efforts, President Uhuru Kenyatta said Tuesday. Information on the attack on Westgate was first broken on social media as those in the mall and its environs flooded their Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts with text and images. The amount of information being generated quickly turned into a flood as more and more people started posting or sharing information that was previously posted. Just like on the streets of Westlands on a busy Saturday afternoon, getting heard on the streets of Kenya's social media was a big challenge. What does attack mean for Kenyan security? This is not surprising. Kenyans increasingly go online to share and look for information. Information on the large fire at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on August 7 first broke on social media. Social media was one of the key sources of information for Uchaguzi, the citizen centered election monitoring website that was deployed for the Kenyan general election in March. Previously Kenyans have used Twitter to organize carpooling during a strike by public transport operators by sharing information using the hashtag #carpoolKE and even to find out which petrol stations had stocks of fuel during fuel shortages using the hashtag #findfuel. Ordinary Kenyan citizens have learned how to use social media and other digital tools to amplify their voices in order to have impact. Research by Portland and Tweetminster in 2011 found Kenya as Africa's second most active country on Twitter after South Africa. What is new is the increasing presence of official Kenyan government accounts on social media. President Kenyatta's election campaign invested heavily in its social media and digital communication, and this has continued in government. Kenya's top security decision making body, the National Security Council, includes the President, Deputy President, Attorney General, and the cabinet secretaries for Defense, Foreign Affairs, and Interior and Co-ordination of National Government, many of whom tweet regularly. At security agency level, the Ministry of the Interior and Coordination of National Government, the Kenya Defense Forces, the Kenya Police Service, Kenya's National Disaster Operations Center, Kenya's National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management all have active and regularly updated accounts on Twitter. During the Westgate crisis these accounts have been updated with official government information on operations and casualties. Questions linger after Nairobi mall attack . At Ushahidi we constantly remind people that technology is a tool not a solution. Just as a hammer can been used for positive or negative actions social media is also a tool that can be widely exploited across the board. Al-Shabaab is very effective in the use of social media and other digital tools in getting its messaging across. Since Saturday when the attacks began Twitter has already shut down at least one account connected to Al-Shabaab, which may have been in direct contact with the militants inside Westgate. Having a presence on social media itself presents challenges for officials especially when it comes to the authenticity of the social media accounts. The Kenya Police Service for example has a long-running parody unofficial Twitter account. During the Westgate crisis several of the official Kenyan government Twitter accounts were verified, a process which establishes their authenticity and allows them to display a badge which identifies them publicly as official channels of communication. Now that the government's Twitter accounts have been identified as authentic the next challenge is to keep them relevant with useful information. Tweets from government urging Kenyans to hug each other during the height of the crisis were ill timed as the country waited to hear the fate of the hostages still held inside the shopping mall. Building credibility online, just like building credibility offline, takes time. On this the Kenyan government should learn from the digital media team at Kenya Red Cross. The Kenya Red Cross ran the most credible, useful and respected Twitter account during the entire Westgate crisis. The Kenya Red Cross is a pioneer in how social media can be used to crowdsource information online that first responders can use. Through its #iVolunteer hashtag Kenya Red Cross encourages all Kenyans to report incidents in which first responders are required and the Kenya Red Cross follow up these reports dispatching ambulances as required. What threat do foreign jihadists pose? Through its social media accounts the Kenya Red Cross was able to keep large groups of people updated on the Westgate crisis as it unfolded, was able to source information on where help was required inside and outside Westgate. In addition the Kenya Red Cross digital media team helped coordinate and publicize what was described as the largest blood drive in Kenya's history. About 6,380 units of blood were donated across the country in around 48 hours following the attack. In another record-breaking social media led campaign the Kenya Red Cross partnered with Safaricom, Kenya's largest mobile phone network, to launch a fundraising drive using Safaricom's M-pesa mobile money platform. As of 2pm EAT on 25th September, 76 hours after its launch, Safaricom reported that the #WeAreOne campaign had raised $783,485 in donations made largely by individual Kenyans. This is the latest in a series of successful partnerships between Kenya Red Cross and Safaricom who also partnered in 2011 to lead the Kenyans For Kenya campaign which raised around $11.5 million in four weeks for Kenyans facing severe famine. All these initiatives contribute to the continuing adoption and growth in popularity of social media across the region. Being able to quickly and accurately filter large volumes of data to identify which pieces of information are useful in your particular incident is a global challenge that Ushahidi is working to address by building a coalition and tools for a clearinghouse for crisis data. This we believe will lead to more effective online information management such as using citizens to triangulate each other's information, which in turn gives first responders data on which they can act on immediately. Once we have this, ordinary citizens using social media would become a much more effective tool in time of crisis, altering today's communication flows. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Daudi Khamadi Were. | Information on Westgate attack was broken on social media, says Daudi Khamadi Were .
Increasing presence of official Kenyan government accounts on Twitter .
Kenya Red Cross organized blood donation drives using social media .
Fundraising was carried out using M-pesa mobile money platform . |
93,201 | 03e4d24c100f39c4124095ef1b65bc5cc2dc538d | By . Mike Dawes . Joel Campbell is on the brink of finally joining up with Arsenal for pre-season training after his post World Cup holiday. Campbell, who starred for Costa Rica in the World Cup, posted a picture on Twitter with his girlfriend in Paris as the 22-year-old striker, who signed for Arsenal in 2011, edges towards a return to London where he will finally get the chance to fight for a place at the Emirates after work permit issues forced him out on loan last season. Over the weekend Campbell tweeted that he was on his way to ‘fight for his dreams’, suggesting he was focused on the challenge of breaking into Arsene Wenger’s side. VIDEO Scroll down to watch Joel Campbell score a belter for Costa Rica . Campbell posted this picture of himself and his girlfriend as he enjoys some time off after the World Cup . Campbell . had a magnificent season in Greece last year with Olympiacos and, with . Wenger on record saying he won’t be bringing in a new striker this . summer, there might be an opportunity for Campbell to stake a claim for . first team football at the Emirates this term. Campbell . will be hoping to be part of the Arsenal squad that will head to New . York on Wednesday for a pre-season friendly against Thierry Henry’s New . York Red Bulls on Saturday. Alexis Sanchez, the club's £30million capture, will commence pre-season with his new team-mates next week. Joel Campbell proved a real goal threat in Brazil and could be an asset to Arsene Wenger's squad this season . Campbell celebrates after scoring against Man United in the Champions League in February . Campbell celebrates after scoring against Uruguay in the World Cup . VIDEO Wenger with unfinished transfer business . | Joel Campbell shone for Costa Rica in the World Cup as his nation reached the quarter-finals of the tournament .
The Arsenal youngster spent last season on loan at Olympiacos .
Campbell posted a picture on his Twitter with his girlfriend in Paris . |
270,305 | ea15079975a1b9dc530702a73bf8b330afdf9b66 | (CNN) -- Freedom. Equality. Both are cornerstones of our treasured American heritage as well as primary foundations of Sikhism. The South Asian faith preaches equality among races, genders, and classes and incorporates this teaching in all aspects of its practice. The Sikh temple, or gurdwara, which means "House of God," is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has four doors pointing toward the four cardinal directions to welcome people from all faiths, creeds and backgrounds, demonstrating Sikh ideals in its very architecture. You find this not only in India -- where the most notable of gurdwaras is the Golden Temple -- but also right here in the United States. In fact, you'll find it at the gurdwara in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, where one of those doors that welcomes all comers was used by someone who did not have equality in his heart. Those four doors were kept open in no small part because of the tireless dedication and efforts of the president of the temple, Satwant Singh Kaleka, a personal, family friend I had the pleasure of knowing since we first welcomed members of his family to southeastern Wisconsin over 30 years ago -- a place that I still proudly call home. Although we now know him as a victim of this horrendous act and as the hero who died trying to stop the gunman, I remember him as someone who never missed an opportunity to open his heart to you and greet you with a smile. And what a characteristic and beautiful smile it was. His whole family is a fixture in the Milwaukee area and members carry with them that same spirit of love and caring. Indeed, one of my fondest memories is of Mr. Kaleka's family joyfully leading a group of guests in song at our home in Wisconsin the day after our wedding. So full of life. Fate intervened and my family and I did not attend services that Sunday. The loss of our friends is deep and saddening and it hurts. But the effect it's had on not just the Sikh but the broader community has been nothing less than profound. And for that, in the midst of this grief, I am sincerely grateful. In Sikhism, all are welcome and are one, without condition or limitation. All Sikh houses of worship have a community kitchen, called a langar, so that anyone in need of food can come and eat free of charge at any time. Indeed, tradition dictates that everyone who participates in langar sit at an equal level with all other diners to remind congregants to practice what is preached -- that we are all one. Both at langar and elsewhere, congregants strive to serve others, especially those less fortunate. It's a practice known as seva, selfless service, and it represents the highest ideal and function of Sikhs. At their core, the teachings and traditions of Sikhism represent the very best of what our beloved country stands for: a place of equality and opportunity open to and in service of all. And, as they've done in both in their home country and here in the United States, Sikhs have sacrificed greatly to ensure that this freedom is guaranteed to all. But, unfortunately, we also have to recognize that respecting and protecting the liberty and equality of all sometimes means making an uncomfortable peace with those who seek to undermine those very same principles. It means making a place for those who might not reflect our lofty ideals and who express hate instead of inclusion. It means making a place for, and respecting the existence of, people like Wade Michael Page, who committed the massacre in Oak Creek on Sunday. A messy thing, freedom. That said, as Americans and as Sikhs, we are committed to respecting the essential rights of every human. We know the sacrifices of heroes like Lt. Brian Murphy -- in critical condition after he was shot nine times helping victims -- Satwant Singh Kaleka and myriad others, are worth it in the end. It's the price of the society envisioned by the Founding Fathers and those sages who founded Sikhism. Indeed, it's the price we pay for the very foundation of this country that we call home. After all, as it is written in the very first stanza of the Sikh holy book, we are all one under one guiding spirit. Not just those with whom we agree, but all of us. Now, if only we could all remember that. Chardi Kala. May your spirit rise. Join us on Facebook/CNNOpinion. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of Kanwar M. Singh. | Kanwar Singh: Freedom and equality are cornerstones of America and of Sikhism .
Kanwar was friends with temple head Satwant Singh Kaleka, who died trying to stop gunman .
Respecting all includes finding a place in the heart for people who express hate, he writes . |
81,909 | e8223656480f78d1eb079ba35df130ce3d8222ba | Barcelona have aimed a dig at Cesc Fabregas for not scoring enough goals during his three years with club. The midfielder, who signed for Chelsea for £30million on Thursday, scored 42 goals in 151 matches for the Spanish giants. But the club claim there was a 'downward trend in his stats every season' and that Fabregas 'was never as good in the second half of a season as in the first.' VIDEO Scroll down to watch Fabregas denied superb lob by former Spain team-mate Pique . Spot on: Cesc Fabregas scores against Granada in 2013, one of 42 goals for Barcelona . All smiles: Fabregas signed for Chelsea on Thursday in a £30million deal . Despite admitting Fabregas' goal return was an 'impressive tally for a midfielder', Barcelona suggest this was down to the fact that he mainly played 'in the "false centre forward" role.' A statement on the club's official website said: 'Despite glowing starts to each campaign, Cesc’s contributions to the cause gradually decreased as each season drew to a close. 'From being someone who joined in with the attack, supplying and scoring goals, the magic tended to fade later on in each season. He only scored one, six and one goals in the last 24 games of each season. Falling short? Barcelona claim Cesc Fabregas' influence faded in the later stages of a season . Finding his feet: Fabregas scores against Santos during a friendly game in 2013 . 'For some reason, he was never as good in the second half of a season as in the first.' Fabregas' Spanish team-mate Xavi, however, was more positive about the 27-year-old. He said: 'Its great news for him. I have seen him andhe is looking very happy. He will be an important loss for Barcelona but I know it is what he wanted. He is my friend and I wish him well.' Xavi also responded to suggestions that Spain need to change the way they play football if the want to triump at the World Cup. He added: 'We will play the same way. We are going to win or die with this style of football.' | Spanish star signed for Chelsea in a £30million deal on Thursday .
He scored 42 goals in 151 games for Barcelona but club say 'he was never as good in the second half of a season as the first'
Former team-mate Xavi says 'he will be an important loss for Barcelona' |
113,106 | 1dff85e8f8cf079d55e2324a009257d8b3a51db7 | Their adorable napping photos captured the hearts of people around the world last year. Now toddler Beau and puppy Theo have been joined by the Shyba family's newest arrival, baby Evangeline, and the images are still melting even the coldest of hearts. Mother Jessica Shyba has continued her ritual of taking photos of the trio as they sleep - whatever position they are lying in. Scroll down for video . Deep asleep: Beau and puppy Theo have been joined by the Shyba family's newest arrival, Evangeline . Relaxed: The trio lie in comfort together, whatever position they might be lying in . Theo first started taking naps with Beau soon after the Shyba family adopted him in November 2013. Initially Mrs Shyba intended to crate train the seven-week-old mix breed but after one night of whining, she couldn't bear to let him sleep alone again. Mrs Shyba says that the nap time routine started on the third day they had Theo. Theo was laying on Beau when the toddler was getting rocked for his afternoon nap and Theo passed out as well. Talk about killing two birds with one stone. 'I was practically howling at the cuteness and nearly woke them both up,' Mrs Shyba wrote on her blog. The next day, Theo waited outside the bedroom for nap time and so began what the mom calls 'the most organic and beautiful relationship I have ever witnessed.' 'Each day, Theo meets us at nap time and waits patiently for beau to fall asleep. By that time, he's also sleepy, so when I hoist him onto our bed, he stumbles over Beau and plops right down on top of him. Mrs Shyba's new photo book Naptime with Theo and Beau, will be available on Amazon and other online retailers in February. Fitting in: Theo first started taking naps with Beau soon after the Shyba family adopted him in November 2013 - and Evangeline has carried on the trend . Shyba's new photo book Naptime with Theo and Beau, will be available on Amazon and other online retailers in February . Cuddle: Beau seems to protect his younger sister as they lie on the blankets. Theo stretches out his leg . Wrapped up: Theo reaches one of his legs across the pair to cover them up . Dressed up: Beau seems to pass out in between Evangeline and Theo after a day of wearing a suit . Cradled: Theo seems to be missing out on the hugs and tries to lean in for more attention . Dreaming: In this photo the trio, going from smallest to biggest, are sleeping contently . | Beau and puppy Theo were first pictured sleeping together a year ago .
Shyba family's newest arrival Evangeline has also grown close to the pair .
Mother Jessica Shyba has continued her photo-taking ritual as they sleep .
The family are set to release a book of the cute images later this year . |
285,483 | fdec36fadc705c047bdf8d98d5bf24e5b6d51012 | By . Matt Chorley, Mailonline Political Editor . PUBLISHED: . 05:25 EST, 30 July 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 06:04 EST, 30 July 2013 . Former Labour minister Denis MacShane has had his court case for fiddling his expenses delayed until after his summer holiday, it emerged today. Magistrates said they were 'mystified' by the decision to put off the case until after he returns from his pre-booked break on September 4. The former Europe Minister has been charged with false accounting after prosecutors said there was enough evidence to bring a case over suspicious claims worth £12,900. Former Labour MP Denis MacShane has been charged with false accounting over parliamentary expenses claims . The 65-year-old was given permission not to appear in court today to face a charge of false accounting over his expenses claims. His lawyers told Westminster Magistrates' Court they needed more time to make progress with his case. But Chief Magistrate Howard Riddle said he was 'a little mystified' that yesterday another district judge had granted permission for the former Rotherham MP not to appear, but adjourned the case until September 10. He said: 'There must be a large amount of paperwork that the solicitors need to go through. I'm a little mystified that the decision has been made and I can't look behind that decision.' MacShane is accused of false accounting over alleged fraudulent claims of £12,900 for research and translation services. Prosecutors announced earlier this month that he would face one count of false accounting following claims that he had faked receipts. Today the court was told that he has a . pre-booked holiday from late-August until September 4, and that his . legal team had asked for the case to be adjourned until after that date. MacShane was Europe minister in Tony Blair's government, when Jack Straw (left) was Foreign Secretary . Prosecutor . William Hayes said that his solicitors had written to the court on July . 19, mentioning 'the gravity and complexity' of the matter, and . explaining the difficulty the team would have to 'make progress' by . today. MacShane quit the Commons last year, after 18 years as MP for Rotherham. Prosecutors accuse the former outspoken MP of fraudulently charging taxpayers for research and translation services. Announcing the decision to press charges earlier this month, Malcolm McHaffie, of . the Crown Prosecution Service, said: ‘This charge . relates to fraudulent claims with a total value of £12,900. The charge . is of false accounting, contrary to the Theft Act 1968. ‘It is alleged that Denis MacShane claimed expenses for research and . translation services carried out by a company that did not carry out . that work. Denis MacShane now stands charged with a criminal offence and . has the right to a fair trial.’ In a statement, MacShane said: ‘I am disappointed at the CPS decision . but as the matter is now in the hands of the court, I will be making no . further statement.’ Denis MacShane was born in Glasgow in 1948 and was educated at the independent St Benedict's School, in Ealing, before reading history at Merton College, Oxford. He worked for the BBC from 1969 to 1977. He was policy director of the International Metal Workers' Federation from 1980 to 1992. He served as an MP for Rotherham from 1994 until his resignation last year. During this time he served under the Labour Government, including a period as Minister for Europe from 2002 until 2005. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | Former Europe minister has been charged with false accounting .
CPS has decided there was 'sufficient evidence' to proceed against him .
Magistrates left 'mystified' by decision to delay case until September . |
90,268 | 00244f5a773fb257564b410bc8b72bdc94943de8 | A 14-year-old boy has died two weeks after a tornado killed both of his parents and seriously injured his sisters while camping in Virginia. Lheandrew Balatbat had been in a coma at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters since the tornado ripped through their campsite in Northampton in the early hours of July 24. His parents Lord Balatbat and Lolibeth Ortega, both 38, died on the scene while his younger sisters Lharieza Anne, 12, and Lheanna Lynn, 7, and 21-year-old cousin Jelyn Ortega-Fallarme were seriously injured. On Saturday, family and friends were informed that Lheandrew passed away. Scroll down for video . Too young: Lheandrew Balatbat, 14 (pictured), died on Saturday after spending two weeks in a coma for injuries he sustained when a tornado ripped through a Virginia campground . Family tragedy: Lheandrew's parents Lolibeth Oretega (left) and Lord Balatbat (right), both 38, also died in the tornado . Powerful: The Balatbat family were taking their annual camping trip to celebrate mother Lolibeth's birthday when the tornado appeared on July 24 . The Balatbat family was on their annual camping trip to celebrate mom Lolibeth's birthday when the tornado hit Cherrystone Family Camping & RV Resort. More than 30 people were injured in the EF1 tornado, with 175 left without shelter the next day. An Ef1 tornado reaches speeds of 86-110 mph. Survivors: Lheandrew's younger sisters Lharieza Anne, 12 (center), and Lheanna Lynn, 7 (right), were also injured but have since been released from the hospital . Fast: The tornado was categorized as an EF1, which reaches speeds between 86 and 110 mph . The tornado downed trees and power lines and even flipped over large camping trailers. Police say there were 1,328 campers and 40 staff members at the campground that night. Lord Balatbat worked as a manager of a Walgreens in Jersey City while Lolibeth worked as a lab technician for Quest Diagnostics. Their daughters were seriously injured but have since been released from the hospital . Two funds have been set up to benefit the Balatbat's children, including a GoFundMe page organized by one of Balatbat's former co-workers. A separate GoFundMe page has been set up for the Balatbat's niece Jelyn. The Balatbat's niece Jelyn Ortega-Fallarme, 21 (pictured), was injured and separate GoFundMe account has been set up to benefit her . | Teen Lheandrew Balatbat died Saturday after two weeks in a coma .
His parents Lord Balatbat and Lolibeth Ortega were killed in a July 24 tornado at their Virginia campsite .
Younger sisters Lharieza, 12, and Lheanna, 7, were also injured but have since been released from the hospital .
Lheandrew and his parents are the only fatalities of the EF1 tornado . |
239,025 | c17240ff774385e0665256948c6487d686df5f48 | A man has died and two others are in a critical condition after being stabbed in Sydney's southwest. Two men arrived at Liverpool Hospital with stab wounds at 9.30pm (AEST) on Monday. One man, aged 24, died shortly afterwards, while the other, 25, is in a critical but stable condition. Police have said the men are known to each other and have asked for witnesses to come forward. Scroll down for video . Two men arrived at Liverpool Hospital, in Sydney's southwest, with stab wounds at 9.30pm on Monday . One man, aged 24, died shortly afterwards, while the other, 25, is in a critical but stable condition. A third 30-year-old man arrived at the hospital soon afterwards with stab wounds . Witnesses say the men's late-night arrival at Liverpool Hospital was 'chaotic' and forced the emergency department 'into lockdown'. A 30-year-old arrived at the hospital soon afterwards with stab wounds, and also remains in a serious but stable condition. Due to the short timeframe between the men appearing at hospital, police are investigating a possible link between the incidents. Initial information led police to Bigge Park in Liverpool but after a search of the area no crime scene has been established. Police are investigating the likelihood all three stabbings are linked. Police searched the area around Bigge Park near the hospital . | Two men arrived at Liverpool Hospital with stab wounds on Monday night .
A 24-year-old died and a third man arrived with stab wounds moments later .
Due to the short timeframe between the men appearing at hospital, police are investigating a possible link between the incidents .
The men's late-night arrival at Liverpool Hospital forced the emergency department into lockdown .
The men's arrival prompted a lock down at the hospital . |
17,863 | 3298911e1bd22d95e3e29956d5ddd6c033920106 | By . Wills Robinson . PUBLISHED: . 11:48 EST, 3 March 2014 . | . UPDATED: . 14:23 EST, 3 March 2014 . A damning report has revealed how staff at a Scottish nursery left distraught children to cry uncontrollably because they thought the youngsters were 'too spoilt'. Inspectors from a care watchdog saw children at All Stars Nursery in Aberdeen sob without any intervention from staff. In one visit, officials from the Care Inspectorate even 'observed one child cry themself to sleep at lunch'. Damning report: Inspectors from a care watchdog saw children at All Stars Nursery in Aberdeen sob without any intervention from staff . When asked why the children were left alone, staff claimed that some were 'bosied' and 'spoilt' and would 'eventually stop crying'. The report was published after the latest inspection which followed five years of unsuccessful attempts to shut the pre-school amid fears children were at risk. It stated: 'We saw occasions where staff did not respond in a sensitive and caring way towards the children. 'We observed a number of children who appeared unsettled and who cried for lengthy periods of time on both days of the Inspection.' The publication also revealed that staff undermined the children's safety by leaving the nursery untidy. A Supreme Court ruling last year ordered the nursery could stay open despite the Care Inspectorate upholding complaints of youngsters being force-fed and being given out-of-date food. Criticism: When asked why the children were left alone, staff claimed that some were 'bosied' and 'spoilt' and would 'eventually stop crying' Owners Sheila Davis and Maureen Mowat mounted appeals at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, the Court of Session and the Supreme Court after the commission was replaced by a new body during proceedings. The pair argued that the body could not continue the case of its predecessor and the sitting judges agreed. But since then a surprise inspection revealed concerns including a baby sleeping next to a plastic bag and youngsters having easy access to packed nappy bins. Another unscheduled inspection noted few qualified staff on hand and raised concerns about attitudes towards the children. The care authority did acknowledge attempts to improve conditions since the last inspection but added: 'there remains significant areas of concern'. Following this latest visit, the inspectorate graded the nursery as 'weak' - the second worst standard - and said it must continue to improve 'in all areas' and children need to receive 'consistent' and 'sensitive' care. Owner Sheila Davis declined to comment. Concerns: A surprise inspection from the Scottish Care Inspectorate (Aberdeen headquarters pictured) revealed a baby was sleeping next to a plastic bag and some youngsters had access to packed nappy bins . | Damning report published after inspection of All Stars Nursery in Aberdeen .
Care Inspectorate saw one child 'cry themself to sleep' on a visit .
Also revealed children had easy access to full nappy bins .
Comes five years after an unsuccessful attempt to close the nursery . |
263,477 | e1439aa5be042566fc424e4d268b5ac936242716 | Madera (left) and owner Ed Davis in Ester, Alaska . Ed Davis never expected to see his dog alive again after she wandered off on February 6. When his pooch, a blind 11-year-old Labrador retriever named Madera, strayed from home in Ester, Alaska, a cold front had dropped the temperature to 40 degrees below zero. Madera, who is completely blind because of an autoimmune disease, usually would come right back inside when it was that cold. For some reason she stayed out and got lost, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported. Davis' wife was home at the time. When Davis returned from his job at the trans-Alaska oil pipeline on February 19, he was not hopeful about finding Madena. He said: 'My best hope was to walk those trails and look for a track that might be hers. 'My best hope was to find a frozen dog.' He never did find Madena, but another man did - and she was alive. Constantine Khrulev was on a trail about a half mile away from Davis' house with his own dog last week. Khrulev's dog was wearing a bell and when Madena heard it ring, she let out a loud whine. After venturing about 100 yards off the trail, Khrulev found Madera under a tree, a location where she 'was not going to be found accidentally', according to Davis. Madera was healthy but she did lose about 14 pounds. Davis was offering a $100 reward for Madena. Khrulev asked for the money to be given to the Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund and Davis ended up donating $250 because he was impressed by the request. | 11-year-old Labrador retriever Madera strayed from home in Ester, Alaska .
When she left home on February 6, temperature was 40 degrees below zero .
Madera had lost 14 pounds by the time she was found last week .
Fairbanks Animal Shelter Fund got $250 donation from owner Ed Davis . |
26,148 | 4a1b99063efb44ed3b9914c4d5bacc20aeda5e78 | Alex Rodriguez is returning to baseball later this month following a year-long suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs - but, first hes' got some apologizing to do. The tainted slugger privately met with Yankees team officials on Tuesday to ask for forgiveness for dragging the team through the mug - both with his use of banned substances and his scorched earth defense as he fought Major League Baseball's suspension. Next stop on his apology tour: a public mea culpa in front of the media, the New York Post reports. Scroll down for video . Coming back: Alex Rodriguez, seen here in his last game on September 25, 2013, is returning to the Yankees after a season-long ban for using performance-enhancing drugs . Rodriguez reportedly announced his intention to make a public apology in the news media before he starts to play again. Team officials reportedly asked Rodriguez to go in front of cameras before February 20 - the first day of spring training. 'Today we held a meeting at Yankee Stadium between (Yankees principal owner) Hal Steinbrenner, (president) Randy Levine, (general manager) Brian Cashman, (assistant general manager) Jean Afterman, Alex Rodriguez and (Rodriguez's attorney) Jim Sharp,' the team said in statement. 'Alex initiated the meeting and apologized to the organization for his actions over the past several years.' He previously met with new MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to offer an apology to officials there, as well. Rodriguez was suspended for 162 games - the entire 2014 season - after Major League Baseball found his name on the client list for Biogenesis - a South Florida anti-aging clinic that was peddling PEDs to professional athletes. A-Rod met with co-owner Hal Steinbrenner (left), team president Randy Levine (center) and general manager Brian Cashman (right) in the Bronx this week . He was initially given a 211-game suspension by MLB Commissioner Bud Selig, though an arbitrator reduced the sentence. Rodriguez's last game was September 25, 2013 at Yankee Stadium. However, as he appealed the suspension, he waged a brutal legal campaign against major league baseball, but also the Yankees - claiming the team had tried to sabotage his health to get out of paying his lucrative contract. He also emphatically denied that he ever used performance enhancing drugs. Now, though, 39-year-old Rodriguez is back. He still has three more seasons left on his contract and about $61million the Yankees owe him, so the team and the former All-Star need to make amends. Also at issue is the $6million bonus that Rodriguez is owed if he hit six more home runs to tie Willie Mays at No. 4 on the all-time home run list. The Post reports that the Yankees are fighting that clause of Rodriguez's contract on the grounds that his PED suspension means the team cannot market the milestone as had been agreed. | Alex Rodriguez returns to baseball this season after serving a 162-game suspension for using banned substances .
He waged a scorched earth defense as he fought the suspension - and claimed the Yankees sabotages his health .
Could apologize to public before February 20 .
The 39-year-old is still owed $61million over the next three seasons . |
221,006 | aa19fa2874e8e70894f72b274f6bb8ae82d4825c | The New York City clinic where Joan Rivers was having surgery when she went into cardiac arrest could lose its license in January. Yorkville Endoscopy, located in the city's Upper East Side neighborhood, was deemed deficient in four major categories required for accreditation following an investigation by the New York State Health Department. If it does not correct these problems, it will lose its license on January 7 of next year. Scroll down for video . Deficient: The clinic where Joan Rivers went into cardiac arrest while undergoing routine surgery has been deemed 'deficient' by the New York State Health Department . Shut down: Yorkville Endoscopy (above) has until January to fix their problems or they will lose their license. Dr. Lawrence Cohen, who was director of the clinic and Joan's gastroenterologist was forced to step down . In a October 9 letter to the clinic's director of operations, Tricia Dougherty, btained by MailOnline, the categories the clinic is 'noncompliant in the following four areas: 'governing body and management, surgical services, medical staff and patient rights.' 'This is a big, big deal,' Dr. Jerome Waye, a Manhattan gastroenterologist who has spoken with physicians on the Yorkville staff about the investigation, told MailOnline. 'They won't be able to take Medicare patients, and that's got to be at least half their clientele.' 'I don't know of any circumstance where the whole Medicare certification is pulled over one doctor doing one procedure,' said Waye. 'I'm quite surprised that Medicare has come down on Yorkville like this,' Waye said. Waye said it appeared as though the violations were directly related to the Rivers incident. Dr Wayne believes that the violation of patient's rights cited alludes toThe patient's letting someone not certified do the biopsy, violating [Rivers'] rights and and the 'governing body and management' I for them not following protocol in letting the doctor do the unauthorized procedure, . After reading the letter, Dr.Wayne believes that that 'they didn't do much of an investigation, if they didn't find any wrongdoing by the doctors. It looks like they just threw everything they could at [Yorkville], saying you had all these violations, now we're going to take away your certification.' Other specifics are not being disclosed at this time. Furthermore, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service notified the clinic that it 'no longer meets the requirements for participation as a supplier of services in the Medicare program.' A source close to the investigation confirmed to the MailOnline that Yorkville did, indeed, respond to the Oct. 9th letter with a Plan of Correction within the ten days required by Medicare. The source also confirmed that the investigation resulted from a complaint over the Rivers' incident. This news comes just one day after it was revealed that Rivers died due to a lack of oxygen in her blood. The popular comedian was having routine surgery at Yorkville Endoscopy on August 28. Her gastroenterologist, Dr. Lawrence Cohen, who was in charge of the procedure, has since left the practice. Joan's throat specialist, Dr. Gwen Korovin, was also in the room, when she went into cardiac arrest. On hand: Dr. Gwen Korovin (above), Rivers' throat specialist, was one of the people in the room when the comedian went into cardiac arrest . She was then rushed to Mount Sinai Hospital where she was put into a medically induced coma and then on life support before passing away at the age of 81 on September 4. Following yesterday's news Rivers' daughter Melissa released a statement saying, 'We continue to be saddened by our tragic loss and grateful for the enormous outpouring of love and support from around the world.' The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) spokeswoman Courtney Jenkins, who provided the letter in response to a request about the Rivers investigation, was not immediately available to comment on the letter. Maya Voynarovska, a spokeswoman for Yorkville Endoscopy, was also not immediately available to comment on the letter. | Yorkville Endoscopy, the New York City clinic where Joan Rivers went into cardiac arrest during routine surgery, has been deemed 'deficient'
An investigation by the New York State Health Department found the clinic lacking in four major categories for accreditation .
'This is a big, big deal,' says Dr. Jerome Wayne, a NYC gastroenterologist .
If they do not fix these problems, they will lose their license in January .
This news comes a day after it was revealed Rivers died because of a lack of oxygen in her blood . |
141,874 | 4377b2c4d7d8aa1d4f033045b4b5baf661d558f1 | (Mashable) -- You can now use Skype credit to pay for Wi-Fi access on your iPhone or iPad. The Internet phone giant launched "Skype WiFi" in the Apple store Wednesday, an app that allows you to connect to more than 1 million Wi-Fi hotspots around the world -- and only pay for the minutes you use. Unlike hotspot services such as Boingo (which powers Skype's mobile Wi-Fi service), which require a day pass or a monthly subscription, Skype Wifi charges Wi-Fi users by the minute. Access rates start at $0.06 per minute, but may be more depending on the provider. The service has previously been available for laptops under the label "Skype Access." Why would anyone want to pay for Internet if they have a mobile phone with a data plan? In a blog post about the new feature, Skype suggests it might be useful for avoiding data roaming charges abroad. We might add that it's extremely helpful when your iPhone's 3G signal is weak, and you just want to download that one vital email. If you find mobile access to pay-per-minute Wi-Fi tempting, you can try the app for free this weekend -- August 20 and 21 -- for 60 minutes. © 2013 MASHABLE.com. All rights reserved. | The Internet phone giant launched "Skype WiFi" in the Apple store Wednesday .
The app allows you to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots and only pay for the minutes you use .
Access rates start at $0.06 per minute, but may be more depending on the provider . |
4,518 | 0d00516f0c3eb1d43cfab31890c6fd75c7420187 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 00:51 EST, 4 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 12:52 EST, 5 October 2013 . President Barack Obama has canceled a long-planned trip to Asia next week because of the government shutdown. The President had already shortened the trip from four countries to two but then on Thursday the called the trip off all together. The White House announced earlier in the week that Obama would be unable to visit Malaysia and the Philippines because the partial shutdown of the federal government was impacting personnel needed to set up the stops. Calling it off: President Obama and his advisers decided that they had to cancel his planned trip to Asia due to the ongoing government shutdown . The White House had held out hope that the president could attend to economic summits in Indonesia and Brunei. But he decided to skip the entire trip to stay in Washington to continue pressing for a budget bill that would reopen the government. He reportedly told the leaders of Malaysia and the Philippines that he will be making visits to their countries later in his term but there has been no such public declaration for Indonesia- where he lived as a young boy- or Brunei. 'The cancellation of this trip is another consequence of the House Republicans forcing a shutdown of the government,' White House press secretary Jay Carney said in a statement. Disappointment: Dancers in Bali, Indonesia were performing at the welcome reception for the APEC conference on Friday when it became clear that President Obama would not be attending. He was due to arrive Sunday . Celebrating far away: Secretary of State John Kerry will visit the four countries in the place of the President. He was already in Asia, seen here on Thursday with Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel in Japan (it was Hagel's birthday) 'This completely avoidable shutdown is setting back our ability to create jobs through promotion of U.S. exports and advance U.S. leadership and interests in the largest emerging region in the world.' Obama had been due to depart Washington late Saturday night, and it is still unclear whether or not the shutdown will carry on until that point. Even if Congress and the Senate are able to agree on a budget by that point, the President's advance teams will not have enough time to prepare. A New York Times article about the effects of the shutdown on the White House revealed that all but one of the members of the President’s advance team have been furloughed. After the first stops on the trip were canceled, deputy press secretary Josh Earnest was tasked with cancelling the private planes that had been booked for the flight, and now he will surely be making some more calls. Continued confusion: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid defended the Democrats stance against Republican attempts to gut the Affordable Care Act as part of the budget approval process . Secretary of State John Kerry, already on a trip to Asia, is visiting all four countries in place of the president. The White House said Obama called the Sultan of Brunei and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Thursday night to express his regret. Prior to their announcement, some thought that there would be some benefits for the President to be seen as global leader. 'Timing is everything, and if the moment is right to contrast leading on the world scene to being stuck in Washington gridlock, going on the road makes some sense,' said Mike McCurry, who served as former President Clinton's press secretary during the last federal shutdown. | President was originally scheduled to visit Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia and Brunei .
Malaysia and the Philippines were canceled earlier this week but then on Thursday night the White House announced all four were off .
Furloughs from the government shutdown meant that the President's advance team was reduced to just one person . |
215,857 | a368f9cece7a10297d6cc2d134ed5abf2bdcf81c | Cambodia Prime Minister Hun Sen has called for an inquiry into a suspected mass HIV infection in a remote village in northwestern Battambang province. The infected cases have surpassed 100 and is believed to have been spread by contaminated needles used by an unlicensed doctor, reported local media. More than 800 panicked residents of Rokar village have sought testing after reports of infections emerged last week. Some 106 people have tested positive for HIV said the National AIDS authority. "I call for a thorough investigation into the issue," Hun Sen said in a televised speech on Thursday. The Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and UNAIDS have sent teams to the village to carry out more investigations and to provide free testing and treatment services. "I urge everyone to stay calm and avoid listening to or spreading rumors," said Dr. Mam Bunheng, minister of health in a press release. "We should also all fully respect the privacy of the affected families and ensure they do not face stigma and discrimination," he added. Villagers are accusing an allegedly unlicensed local doctor for using contaminated needles, reported Phnom Penh Post. He now remains in protective custody by the police. UNAIDS estimates there are 76,000 people living with HIV in Cambodia. The country has been widely praised for its progress in tackling AIDS. New HIV infections have dropped by 67% from 3500 in 2005 to 1300 in 2013, according to UNAIDS. Prime Minister Hun Sen announced last week that Cambodia is committed to stopping new HIV infections by 2020. The government will allocate US$ 3.7 million of national funding to HIV treatment from 2015 to 2017. | Cambodia Prime Minister orders probe into mass HIV infection in a remote village .
Health officials say 106 test HIV positive, with over 800 seeking to be tested .
Villagers accuse an unlicensed doctor of using contaminated needles .
Stay calm and don't spread rumors, says health minister . |
66,897 | bdc212d406e3f0b849f0dc0789a14636c574f6ab | He could almost pass for Santa if he had more real teeth than tattoos, didn't chain-smoke and rode with reindeer instead of on a motor tricycle. To thousands of admirers he was the Kings Cross Santa Claus. And just like Santa's fabled North Pole workshop, this old biker's tiny inner-city home was packed year-round with Christmas gifts. For two decades, Randall 'Animal' Nelson spent part of every day in his sixth-floor public housing unit at Waterloo, in inner-city Sydney sorting, wrapping and packing presents for Sydney's sick and underprivileged until his death last month. One bedroom still sits half filled with carefully labelled boxes the bearded biker will not be able to deliver in person for the first time in 25 years. In the lounge room is his 'office' where Animal sat for hours preparing Christmas packages for hospital patients, local children and anyone who might otherwise go without a gift. Scroll down for video . Randall 'Animal' Nelson, the 'Kings Cross Santa' has died, leaving behind a stockpile of Christmas gifts for the sick and underprivileged. Biker Santa 'Animal' worked year-round in his tiny public housing unit preparing Christmas presents to give to hospital patients and inner-city children. Animal was a common sight riding around Sydney's inner-city on his trademark purple trike. 'He had his own little Santa's workshop here,' said 'Chips', the president of the Kings Cross Bikers Social and Welfare Club, which Animal co-founded in 1989. And from here Animal coordinated the club's annual Christmas gift run for patients and staff at Darlinghurst's St Vincent's Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospice. His death last month means the Kings Cross Santa's beloved biker brothers will have to make their first Christmas run without him on December 21, two days after Animal would have turned 76. Chips, who showed Daily Mail Australia around Animal's unit, said his mentor's Christmas cavern might look a little shabby like its former inhabitant but it was more cluttered than chaotic. 'He was extraordinarily organised,' he said. A place for everything and everything in its place: Animal's own Santa's workshop was cluttered rather than chaotic. Delta Goodrem is one of many celebrities to appear in photographs with Animal on his lounge room wall. Randall 'Animal' Nelson's portrait reflected in the mirror of his bathroom mirror. Stacks of wrapping paper, bags of ribbons and carefully filed receipts surround Animal's desk. To the Kings Cross Bikers Social Club, with love. Pictures signed by Georgie Parker adorn Animal's lounge room walls. Presents sit waiting to be delivered in the first Kings Cross Bikers Christmas run that Animal will miss. Every gift box was carefully labelled by Animal in his own inner-city Santa's workshop. Donated gifts destined for hospital patients and local children half fill Animal's 'spare room'. On Animal's work bench are rolls of sticky tape, an ashtray and pink-handled scissors. Behind the desk is a printer and all around are neat stacks of wrapping paper, packets of ribbons and pinned-up detailed lists. Every note he intended sending is signed 'Animal OAM'. And just like that other Santa, Animal received stacks of correspondence, all of which he kept. On every wall are hung letters of thanks, commendations from charities and photographs of Animal with celebrities including singer Delta Goodrem, actor Georgie Parker and newsreader Jessica Rowe. Pictures show the biker with former governor-general Michael Jeffery, parliamentary speaker Bronwyn Bishop and retiring NSW governor Marie Bashir. Former model and actor Kate Fischer was one of many celebrities to pose on the back of Animal's bike. Actor and television presenter Tania Zaetta is pictured with Animal in framed photographs on his wall. Dame Marie presented the former soldier and prison inmate with the Medal of the Order Australia for his community work a decade ago and often visited him in hospital in the months before his death. A spokeswoman for Dame Marie told Daily Mail Australia before her retirement on Wednesday that 'the Governor will be attending Animal's funeral on Saturday'. She will be one of those to speak. At Animal's OAM presentation ceremony at Government House in 2004, he shocked dignitaries by putting his arm around the governor and pecking her on the cheek. 'It's all right, I know her,' he told the other guests. Chips said Dame Marie and Animal subsequently often met at community events. 'Two people from two completely different worlds and they just hit it off,' he said. 'You could see it was a genuine friendship.' Retired governor Dame Marie Bashir presented Animal with a Medal of the Order Australia and regularly visited him in St Vincent's Hospital. Animal had an affinity with everyone he enountered, young and old. Animal's Kings Cross Bikers took flowers to patients at St Vincent's Hospital and Sacred Heart Hospital every Valentine's Day . Actor and television presenter Toni Pearen (above) was grateful to Animal for his help raising funds for Sydney Children's Hospital . Singer Delta Goodrem appears in playful pictures on Animal's walls . Reverend Bill Crews, who first met Animal at least 30 years ago, had no idea how many mourners to expect at the Wayside Chapel in inner-city Kings Cross. 'Look, a lot of the people he touched, their lives are quite disparate and all over the place,' he said. 'If they can get their act together, they'll be there.' There will be drunks and junkies, prostitutes and politicians, and every other type of unorthodox misfit. 'It'll be an underclass version of a state funeral,' Rev Crews said. Animal's service at the Wayside Chapel on Saturday is set to be the Kings Cross version of a state funeral . Animal proudly wore his Order of Australia medal on his biker vest along with patches of the Salvation Army and Wayside Chapel . Actor David Wenham was one of countless celebrities to enjoy a ride on Animal's purple trike . Chips, who was with Animal when he died at the Sacred Heart Hospice on September 16, has followed Animal's instructions in organising the service. 'I haven't stopped in the last two weeks,' he said. A coffin painted with the Australian flag and draped with Animal's Kings Cross Bikers vest will arrive on a motorcycle side-car. Suzi Quatro's Devil Gate Drive will play during a slide show, followed by The Carnival Is Over by The Seekers. There will be a bagpiper at the Wayside Chapel and an army bugler at Eastern Suburbs Crematorium. The Kings Cross Bikers Social and Welfare Club was co-founded by Animal and fellow bikers Steptoe and Feral in 1989 . Animal was deeply proud of his National Service and held veterans close to his heart . Proud Australian: Animal requested he be cremated in a coffin painted with the national flag and Southern Cross . The Wayside's pastor Reverend Graham Long, who will conduct the service, said Animal had been as integral to Kings Cross as the suburb's famous El Alamein Fountain or the iconic neon Coca-Cola sign at the top of the red-light district's William Street. ‘Animal was one of the cornerstones of Kings Cross and was as much a part of the Cross as the Fountain,' Rev Long said. 'He could be seen - and heard - cruising around in his trike up and down the main strip. 'He had a knack of being there for people who were lost, elderly, homeless, addicted or down on their luck. ‘Animal could relate well to anyone and everyone. It's a bit like somebody took the Coke sign away. He will be sorely missed.' Randall Nelson, OAM, went nowhere without his Order of Australia Medal and would show it to anyone who asked . Christmas was always the most colourful time the year for Animal and his brothers in the Kings Cross Bikers club . Animal's biker vest will be draped over his coffin at his funeral in the Wayside Chapel on Saturday . The Motorcycle Council of NSW has donated $1000 towards the cost of the funeral. 'It's a tragic loss,' council spokesman Guy Stanford said. 'That guy did an enormous amount for some particularly unglamorous people.' Rev Crews said: 'I just want to go because I loved him'. 'Put it this way, people who have got nothing will give you everything. And he was one of those. He'd give you everything .The world is a poorer place because a bikie like Animal has died. If a wealthy banker died, so what?' The facts of Animal's early life are mysterious, even to his friends like Mr Stanford. 'He was a bit of an enigma in that sense,' he said. 'He gave nothing away. He let people reach their own assumptions by just judging him by what they saw. 'It's the old story that actions speak far louder than any words. And just by his actions alone you can judge him as a good man.' Rev Bill Crews said of Animal: 'You could see his childhood written in his face' Rev Crews believed Animal's early life 'wouldn't have been very good'. 'You could in a sense see his childhood written in his face,' he said. Animal described his childhood as 'shithouse'. It is generally agreed he spent years in state-run homes in Victoria and left school as young as 12 to work as a jackaroo. There might have been a serious horse-riding accident. He appears to ridden a motorcycle into Sydney in 1956. There was a stint in National Service and a couple of stints behind bars. Some media reports claim he has nine children. Close friends say they know of none. In 1989, along with fellow riders 'Steptoe' and 'Feral', he found the Kings Cross Bikers club. 'Our club charter is clear,' Animal once said. 'We look after the elderly, we visit the jails, we counsel the sick and addicted...and we make sure no one gives their family up.' Boxes of Christmas presents, already addressed to interstate recipients, await delivery in Animal's spare room . Artist Franco Totaro painted a portrait of Animal for the 2005 Archibald Prize . The front door of Animal's Waterloo unit shows exactly who is inside . Rev Long learnt not to ask Animal too much about himself. 'There are a lot of things about Animal you don't want to dig too deeply into,' he said. 'You don't know what you might find. 'Everything I've heard about his early life is disastrous. There is no redemption anywhere. There's a couple of things he's told me which I guess will go to my grave. 'You wouldn't expect something so beautiful and heroic to some from somewhere as ugly as that.' Animal's funeral will be held at the Wayside Chapel in Hughes Street, Kings Cross, at 11am on Saturday. | Biker 'Animal' delivered Christmas gifts to Sydney hospitals for 25 years .
Lived in his own Santa's workshop in inner-city public housing block .
Died with a room full of presents ready to be delivered this year .
Former governor Marie Bashir to speak at funeral on Saturday .
Coffin to arrive at Wayside Chapel on motorcycle side car and carry his biker vest . |
117,500 | 23bc04321d1a4b3c492a424bded79b24828dd1ad | The first time the South Korean factory owner watched his North Korean employees nibble on a Choco Pie, they appeared shocked -- even overwhelmed. He summed up their reaction to the South Korean snack in one word: "Ecstasy." Much like what Twinkies are to Americans, South Korea's Choco Pies -- two disc-shaped, chocolate-covered cakes, sandwiching a rubbery layer of marshmallow cream -- are ubiquitous, cost less than 50 cents and are full of empty calories. But on the other side of the Korean border, the snacks are viewed as exotic, highly prized treats, selling on North Korea's black markets for as much as $10, according to analysts. Their rising popularity in the north reveals an unexpected common ground between the two Koreas, despite their fractious relationship -- a shared sweet tooth. This month, an art exhibition called "The Choco Pie-ization of North Korea" opened in New York, exploring the symbolism of the treat. The high value in North Korea of the Choco Pie, something considered so widespread and mundane in South Korea, is "a sad tragic story," said the artist, Jin Jo Chae. Chae smeared melted chocolate across the North Korean newspaper Rodung Sinmun, staining the state-run propaganda with something sweet. She used the chocolate to make a symbol of Choco Pie, written in the lettering style of Coca Cola. Her exhibit, displayed at Julie Meneret Contemporary Art gallery, also contains piles of Choco Pies as well as a gold-plated one. "Through this Choco Pie, I found the potential from chocolate as an object that changes a society," Chae said. The Choco Pie represents something more than just a treat. Subversive Choco and Coke? Despite perceptions of North Koreans as brainwashed, insulated masses, the hunger and desire for Choco Pie shows that "complete quarantine is impossible," wrote Richard Lloyd Parry in London Review of Books. Lloyd wrote that it "reveals a susceptibility to outside influence in a society commonly regarded as impenetrable." The crumbly mass of chocolate and marshmallow had taken on a subversive aspect. Indeed, Chae, the artist behind the exhibit, says, the Choco Pie "has a power in how it works as a mind changing tool between South and North." The South Korean factory owner, who introduced his North Korean workers to Choco Pies, washed down with a Coca Cola, said the products seemed to leave an impression on his staff. "It was clear that the workers had gotten at least some idea of capitalism and that it wasn't all bad," he told CNN. "They had only associated the United States with evil, and the fact that they could love something that the U.S. had produced -- specifically Coca Cola -- was an eye-opener." Choco trade . The factory owner, who did not wish to be named, operated his business for seven years at the Kaesong Industrial Complex, one of the key symbols of cooperation between North and South Korea, and the site through which Choco Pies trickled into North Korea. At the complex, more than 100 South Korean factory owners employ about 50,000 North Korean laborers to manufacture products like clothing and shoes. Kaesong, considered to be an important source of hard currency for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's regime, sits just a few kilometers north of the Demilitarized Zone, which divides the two Koreas. It re-opened in September after a five-month hiatus. "It's really the only one place where North Koreans and South Koreans come in regular contact together," said Stephen Noerper, senior vice president of the Korea Society, in New York. While workers at Kaesong brought their own rice, the South Korean factory owners provided them with soup and snacks, said the factory owner who spoke to CNN. "The snacks were necessary because the workers were walking to work often for hours, because there were no buses and they became very hungry as they were working," he said. Choco Pie and Coca Cola were the standard snacks with other South Korean managers at Kaesong. They provided two Choco Pies a day, because "otherwise, (the workers) would not have energy to sustain themselves at work," he said. But he and fellow South Korean managers also noticed a conspicuous lack of Choco Pie wrappers at the factory. "It became clear that the workers were hiding them and taking them home to give them to their children," he said. Choco's value . The snacks spread to North Korea's informal markets, valued in the marketplace as about $10 in purchasing power, and holding something of a sweet spot for North Koreans, said Noerper. "It's sentimental role," Noerper said. "It's given by South Koreans. It's a South Korean product." The Choco Pies have even been sent in balloon launches to North Korea by some advocacy groups. But Park Sang Hak, a prominent North Korean defector who regularly sends leaflets and supplies from South Korea, said the Choco Pies are not ideal for the balloons, because they weigh too much and crumble. Park says he prefers to send U.S. $1 bills, vitamins and information through USB drives. Choco replaced . At Kaesong, the South Korean factory owners eventually switched from Choco Pies to cup noodles -- "in order to provide a more substantial snack," the former factory owner told CNN. The change, he said, was well-received. One of the most surprising things he remembered from his years at the factory was how North Korean workers were mystified by everyday items. The workers had no idea how to use a Western-style toilet, and had never seen toilet paper before, he said. He has since pulled out of Kaesong. Through all the stories about noise and misinformation about North Korea, perhaps the Choco Pie is a reminder of an aspect missing in the narratives about the country, said Noerper. "We lose sight of the fact there's a common human experience. We need to realize North Koreans are regular human beings -- that 99% of North Koreans just desire a better life." "They want a Choco Pie at the end of the day." | Businessman describes North Korean workers at Kaesong trying Choco Pie for first time .
Popularity of snack in North Korea shows how it could penetrate that country's society .
South Korean workers give cup noodles instead of Choco Pie . |
72,385 | cd34ece89ee1969f4905892136244433da67e817 | By . Steve Hopkins . A mother arrested over the death of her daughter who was found collapsed in her cot with a head injury told police she didn’t touch her 'baby girl', an inquest heard today. Summer Rogers-Ratcliffe died on February 28, 2012, a day after she was rushed to hospital with a 'non-accidental' head injury. Police arrested Summer’s mother Victoria Rogers, 27, stepfather Craig Sharp, 34, and grandmother Susan Rogers, 58, on suspicion of murder later that year because all three had looked after the toddler during the time she was injured. Victoria Rogers, pictured here with her daughter Summer Rogers-Ratcliffe, was arrested on suspicion of murdering her but was never charged, and today told an inquest she didn't touch her 'baby girl' The trio couldn't offer an explanation for the injuries or recall an accident that could have led to them and police eventually decided not to proceed with charges. Bradford Coroners Court today heard that Miss Rogers told police during an interview after her arrest that she didn't touch her daughter, and had given her a bottle at 5.30am before leaving for work. Summer - who suffered a 'blunt force head injury' and 'bruising to the brain' that would have required a significant impact - was pronounced dead in the early hours of the following day. Medical experts concluded the toddler received the fatal injuries close to the time she was found dying. Summer's grandmother, Susan Rogers, left, who discovered the toddler was unwell and began CPR, and her daughter, Miss Rogers, at the inquest into Summer's death at the Bradford Coroners Court . Speaking to police in September 2012, Miss Rogers, an ancillary nurse, said that as far as she was concerned Summer was 'fit and well' when she left the house. 'There’s nothing I want to say apart from I didn’t touch my baby girl, I gave her her bottle at 5.30am and I went to work,' she said. Miss Rogers added: 'Somebody got Summer up after I gave her that bottle, and somebody hurt her.' When asked if she did something to cause Summer’s injury after giving her the bottle, she replied 'I didn’t'. Summer with Craig Sharp who looked after her for two hours on the morning she was discovered injured . The inquest heard that Summer had not been feeling well in the days leading up to her death and had vomited on several occasions while staying with her grandparents over the weekend. After leaving her Dewsbury home at 5.45am on the day Summer was discovered injured, Miss Rogers left tyre garage manager Mr Sharp in charge. He then left for work at about 7.45am. Miss Roger's mother, Susan Rogers, then turned up to look after Summer and yesterday the inquest was told she checked on the toddler every 10 minutes before realising something was wrong with her about 8.30am. Miss Rogers, seen here with Summer, told the hearing 'there's nothing I want to say apart from I didn't hurt my baby girl', and claimed someone else had got her daughter up and had hurt her . The retired nurse found Summer was ‘not breathing and her head was floppy’. She immediately started CPR and phoned relatives for help. When paramedics arrived at the house at 8.54am, Summer was not breathing but had a pulse. She was rushed to hospital but died early the next day. Forensic pathologist Dr Mathew Lyall, who carried out a post mortem, said Summer suffered bleeding and swelling on the brain, and had bruises on her scalp – the classic ‘triad’ of injuries ‘strongly associated with non-accidental infantile head injuries’. During her police interview Miss Rogers said she didn't have any concerns about Mr Sharp's ability to look after Summer. The inquest had previously heard that Summer was a healthy and happy girl from a ‘loving family’. A statement read out in court from James Ratcliffe, Summer’s grandfather, said: 'Summer was a lovely girl and she brought new meaning to our lives.' The self-employed plumber added: 'She was a wonderful little girl and I loved her dearly.' The inquest continues. | Victoria Rogers said someone else got her daughter up and 'hurt her'
Toddler had been unwell at her grandparents in days before her death .
Inquest heard that Summer Rogers-Ratcliffe was from a 'loving family' |
23,866 | 43b9918edeee7c630f2c6ce700d3334057f380fe | It was the ultimate show of respect for a disabled Vietnam war veteran on Memorial Day weekend. Going above the call of duty, two San Diego police officers pushed Gilbert Larocque nearly two miles home after his 300-pound motorized scooter broke down on a busy road. For the 67-year-old whose legs were injured when he worked as a door gunner in the Army, the officers' kindness is something he will never forget. 'You wouldn't expect them to do something like that … push you all the way home,' Larocque told ABC 10 News. 'I appreciate what they did. They went out of their way. How many people would stop?' Scroll down for video . Above the call of duty: San Diego police officers Eric Cooper and Milo Shields pushed 67-year-old Vietnam veteran Gilbert Larocque nearly two miles home on his broken power scooter on Sunday . Officers Eric Cooper and Milo Shields spotted Larocque trying to flag down cars as they directed traffic on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard about 1.50pm Sunday. When they couldn't get the scooter started, they offered to push Larocque home in the hot sun. Cooper, the son of a veteran, and Shields, a veteran, said they didn't think twice about helping out the stranded local. 'The least I could do was push him, you know. That's the least I could do. He's sacrificed and given so much to this country,' Officer Shields said. 'We think about veterans one day a year. We should think about them more. Memorial Day and we move on, but every . day to me is Memorial Day.' Stranded: Vietnam veteran Gilbert Larocque, 67, was running errands on Sunday when his 300 pound power scooter stopped working along busy Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego . Good Samaritans: San Diego police officers Milo Shields, a veteran (left) and Eric Cooper, the son of a veteran (right) pushed Gilbert Larocque home in his broken 300 pound scooter for nearly two miles . However the kindhearted cops didn't anticipate how difficult pushing the 300 pound scooter would be. 'We . thought it was going to be like pushing a shopping cart, but we were . fighting against the transmission the whole time,' Cooper told UT San Diego. Cooper told ABC 10 News: 'Whenever we got to an intersection, . we'd be in the middle of an intersection, pushing this guy and it would . just lock up, so we'd have to drag this thing through the intersection.' After they got Larocque home, the SDPD . sergeant who filmed the officers' kind gesture picked them up and returned them to their patrol car. (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_US/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); . Larocque told Fox 5 San Diego he had only traveled three miles when his scooter died. He was running errands for his 90-year-old father, a Pearl Harbor survivor, who he cares for. He said he's had trouble walking ever since he suffered burn injuries in Vietnam. 'I was surprised that [the officers would] push me that far,' Larocque told Fox 5 News. Veteran: Gilbert Larocque (pictured at home in San Diego) is forced to use a power scooter to get around due to injuries he sustained during the Vietnam war . | Gilbert Larocque, 67, was running errands in San Diego on Sunday when his power scooter stopped working .
He was trying to flag down traffic in the hot sun when two officers stopped .
Milo Shields and Eric Cooper pushed Larocque home on a busy highway .
They said it was the least they could do for a veteran who was injured in the line of duty .
Larocque cares for his 90-year-old father, a Pearl Harbor survivor . |
154,318 | 536ce0fd49c10cb8d91483444969d767a8a42010 | By . Oliver Todd . Follow @@oliver_todd . Leeds boss David Hockaday has jumped to the defence of club president Massimo Cellino - despite the Italian owner seeming to marginalise his manager in the lead up to their Championship opener away at Millwall. Cellino’s quirky leadership style has come under close scrutiny since he completed his takeover of the club in April - and this week has seen him quoted in the press with comments that haven't always painted his manager in the best light. The Leeds owner told Sportsmail about his frequent disagreements with coaches and even said on one occasion he had told Hockaday to 'shut the f*** up', before the season had even begun. Defending the owner: Leeds boss Dave Hockaday says Massimo Cellino is 'great to work with' Thanks for coming! Cellino sacked Brian McDermott shortly after taking over at Elland Road . Hockaday, however, believes Cellino will bring the good times back to the club and insists he has enjoyed a healthy relationship with the colourful Italian since being installed in the role in June. Cellino has made wholesale changes and has delivered financial stability, but his unconventional methods, including superstitions about the colour purple and number 17 - both banned from Elland Road - remain central to the debate over whether he will be successful. 'It’s been great,' Hockaday said. 'I know there will be a bit of conjecture, but we get on fine. Controversial: Cellino has told players to bring own sandwiches to training and demanded they live in Leeds . And he's gone! Leeds sold star striker Ross McCormack to Fulham at the beginning of the summer . 'The superstitions? I don’t wear number 17 on my back or purple! Again, there’s a lot of stuff going out there which I appreciate you media guys have got stories to write and papers to sell or whatever. 'But don’t read into to it too much. Don’t believe everything that you read and hear on the grapevine. 'He’s great to work with because he’s so passionate about the football club.' Cellino and director of football Nicola Salerno, not the head coach, identify all new signings, but Hockaday insists he has no problem with his limited role in player recruitment - despite having any player requests rejected by the owner because of his previous time at Conference level. Cantankerous: New owner Massimo Cellino is one to take swift decisions and doesn't suffer fools . New arrival: Leeds signed striker Nicky Ajose from Peterborough on a three-year deal ahead of the new season . In action: Scott Wooton of Leeds challenges Dundee United's Mario Bilate during a pre-season friendly . 'If there’s somebody I don’t particularly like then I’ll voice my concerns and they’ll go and get the best one they can for Leeds United,' Hockaday said. 'That makes sense to me. 'I think the media have had a bit of fun at Leeds’ expense over the last few weeks and now we’re at the business end, so let’s concentrate on Millwall on Saturday.' Leeds are fifth favourites to drop into League One under Cellino's unconventional leadership but fans will hope Hockaday can guide them to an opening day win at The Den to give them a good start in the Championship on Saturday. | Dave Hockaday defended Massimo Cellino ahead of Leeds' opening game of the Championship season at Millwall on Saturday .
Cellino has banned the colour purple and number 17 from Elland Road .
He has also told players to bring sandwiches to training and to live in Leeds .
Hockaday was appointed in June to take charge of the first team .
Cellino told Sportsmail about his frequent disagreements with coaches and said on one occasion he has told Hockaday to 'shut the f*** up'
Hockaday insists: 'If there is someone I don't like I will voice my concerns' |
233,351 | ba1bf5b2d5eed5a49e3c2f608823ce5fc2b13502 | The man with the dog tattoo tends to do things a little differently, which is probably why Bournemouth won’t roll over when Liverpool come to town this month. ‘It’s for Rodney,’ says Eddie Howe. One of the most upwardly mobile English managers is referring to the letter R inked on his right wrist. ‘It’s the only tattoo I have. He was the Labrador I had here when I moved away from home to be an apprentice. Some people don’t understand it.’ Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is enjoying a very successful second spell as Cherries boss . Howe congratulates the Bournemouth squad after knocking West Brom out of the Capital One Cup in October . He laughs, but there are many things about this 37-year-old, who has taken charge of more than 300 games, that are not entirely conventional. There are the text-message rituals he shares with the club’s Russian owner and the £3,000 he once took from his own pocket to get his players into shape. There’s also his answer to the question of whether he would leave if a Premier League club approached him before the end of the season. The 37-year-old, bellowing out instructions on the touchline, is passionate about the job at Bournemouth . ‘I genuinely wouldn’t,’ he says. ‘I’m in a good place, with freedom and control and support from the owner. I have learnt that when you are in management there should be no rush — it’s easy to go wrong. ‘So long as we are progressing and I can work in these conditions, I have no desire to go anywhere.’ The truth is that Bournemouth and Howe are a good mixture. Bournemouth's Eunan O'Kane celebrates scoring against West Brom in the Capital One Cup . It’s the club that nurtured him and whom he served for more than 300 games across two spells as a player, the second of which came after fans pledged £13,500 online to help buy him. As a manager, either side of a stint at Burnley, he took the financially-crippled club from the foot of League Two in 2008 to fourth in the Championship today. They have done it playing passing, attacking football. More still, they host Liverpool on December 17 in the quarter-final of the Capital One Cup, pitting Howe against Brendan Rodgers, the man he credits for so much of his education. Howe played for Bournemouth during two spells, appearing over 300 times for the south coast side . ‘If my memory is right, we first met when Swansea played Burnley way back in the Championship in 2011,’ Howe says. ‘We were fortunate because we beat Swansea but I was really impressed by him — not just his passion but the way his team played. ‘I rang him at some point after that and said, “Do you mind if I come in and watch you work?” ‘It might sound strange, coming from one Championship manager to another. I’ve only asked a few times about things like that and Brendan was the only one who opened the door. ‘They got promoted to the Premier League and that’s when I went in.’ He met Rodgers at the public health club where Swansea used to train. Howe adds: ‘He had this tiny office. I took a lot from that meeting — the facilities weren’t what I was expecting. It proved the quality of the coaching is the most important thing. Howe spent a day learning with Brendan Rodgers during the Liverpool manager's time as Swansea boss . ‘He spent the whole day with me, sharing his views on life and football. What he said really stuck with me. He couldn’t emphasise enough how important it is to educate yourself as much as you can and his sessions were brilliant. ‘I learnt as much from that one day as I did from a huge time in management. ‘I will always be grateful to him and respect him for that. And if he wants to loan me Raheem Sterling or Daniel Sturridge, that would be nice, too.’ These are good times for Howe, who admits: ‘The thought of a cup quarter-final and contending to get in the Premier League is strange — I’ve been here a very long time and I know where we came from.’ Howe was a fans’ favourite as a defender for the club, having joined at 10 and risen through the age groups. ‘I did pre-season under Tony Pulis and that was brutal,’ he says. Howe’s peak came when he won two England Under 21 caps at the Toulon Tournament in 1998. ‘I was the unknown guy from Bournemouth,’ he says. ‘There was Frank Lampard, Jamie Carragher, Emile Heskey — they were all Premier League. When I joined Portsmouth in 2002, I worked under Harry Redknapp. He really knows how to build a team.’ Howe was Redknapp’s first signing at Portsmouth, given his big chance in the Championship, but he badly injured his knee on his debut and from there it was tough. Bournemouth fans celebrate after securing their promotion to the Championship back in May 2013 . He returned to Bournemouth in 2004 but the knee ultimately meant his retirement in 2007, aged 29. After some time coaching at the club, his phone rang on New Year’s Eve, 2008. They had started the season with a 17-point deduction and Jimmy Quinn was sacked with the club deep in the relegation zone and broke. ‘I was at a party,’ Howe says. ‘I remember getting a phone call and going to the garden trying to get a signal. I was offered the job and the world sort of stopped spinning for me. I said yes instantly but I was asking myself, “What are you doing?” ‘I don’t think I would have ever had the opportunity elsewhere. My only chance was here, where I had this connection. But in your head you know if you are not successful in that first job you are on the scrapheap at 31. I was really worried about letting people down.’ The Football League’s youngest manager kept them in League Two, got promotion the next season and, after a 19-month stint at Championship club Burnley, returned following the unexpected death of his mother in October 2012. He landed his second promotion that season. ‘There was simply no money when I first joined in 2009,’ Howe says. ‘We were literally 15 minutes from going out of business. Bailiffs were turning up, players weren’t getting paid. The Cherries boss is a hero at Dean Court, with a Bournemouth fan using a Howe mask to celebrate . ‘I remember before we went up from League Two, I wanted a sport scientist for pre-season. ‘Jason (Tindall, his assistant) and I paid £3,000 for that from our own pockets. I didn’t tell my family.’ These days, under Russian millionaire Maxim Demin, motivational quotes from Abraham Lincoln to Michael Jordan line the stadium walls and finances are considerably healthier, even though Howe gets ‘quite annoyed’ when people say they have bought success in his second stint. He adds: ‘You need money to reach this level and the owner has been great. But our wage bill is probably mid-Championship and our back four is the same as when we were bottom three in League One.’ Howe, celebrating during his playing days for Bournemouth, is also enjoying success as their manager . Today, they are top four in the Championship with the superstitious leaders of the club growing more twitchy. Demin apparently opted against attending the win over West Brom in the Cup fourth round because he did not wish to ‘jinx’ the side, and Howe does not know if he will attend the game against Liverpool. ‘We have a few quite superstitious people here, myself included,’ Howe says. ‘I get to the ground at 10am before every home game and I have my way of setting certain things up. ‘Max and I also text each other about an hour and a half before a game. A few of the board have superstitions as well. It’s one of those things about professional sport — you learn to value luck.’ You would imagine Bournemouth have learned the value of a New Year’s Eve phone call, too. | 37-year-old has led a remarkable transformation of the south coast club .
Eddie Howe has managed Bournemouth up from League Two .
The Cherries are currently fourth in the Championship .
They host Liverpool in the quarter-final of the Capital One Cup . |
147,077 | 4a2d23021a5cfa17d7c5c8aa226d9d72a4e3e36c | By . Kieran Corcoran . and Wills Robinson . ISIS are making nearly $1million a day selling off crude oil from conquered refineries to Kurdish businessmen. The jihadists, who now call themselves the Islamic State's caliphate, are smuggling the resources from Iraqi oilfields into Turkey and Iran where they offer it up for $25 (£15) a barrel, making a huge profit. The lucrative trade was revealed as the Iraqi government were accused of killing 255 Sunni prisoners as revenge for the ISIS advance, which has seen them take large swathes of the country. Industry experts believe the fighters are taking the oil from plains south of Mosul and transporting it in tankers, owned by the extremists, so it can be turned into diesel and petrol. Smuggling: Oil tankers, owned by the Islamic State, transport petrol to to be sold to Kurdish businessmen . Lucrative: The jihadists are said to be . Accused: Human Rights Watch has said Iraqi security forces, such as those pictured, killed prisoners when they took back territory from ISIS militants . 'Outrageous violation': The rights watchdog accused the Iraqi forces of committing war crimes . According to The Daily Telegraph, the looting is based in the town of Tuz Khurmatu on the fringes of the Kurdish region. Iraqi oil industry analyst, Shwan zulal said the militants were using their control of a 150-mile swathe of territory to take crude oil from some of Iraq’s prime oil assets. He told the paper: 'In some ways it’s as easy for Isis as digging a hole and letting the oil run before siphoning it off into tankers for transportation and Baiji is a huge complex that it may not fully control but it can take supplies.' The prisoners who were killed came from a rival Muslim denomination to the Shi'ite Iraqi army, were fleeing the violence when they were recaptured and killed, according to human rights campaigners. Human Rights Watch (HRW) brought to light reports of Iraqi armed guards breaking prisoners' arms and legs and shooting them in the head, as well as tossing grenades into cells with inmates inside. It was claimed that eight of the victims were boys who were less than 18 years old. The attacks were thought to be revenge by the Iraqi forces after ISIS took huge swathes of the country in the face of startlingly little resistance. It was widely reported that ISIS added to the chaos around its lightning advance last month by letting inmates loose from Iraqi jails, in the hope they would join their insurgency. The watchdog listed five incidents where Iraqi are believed to have carried out the killings, drawing on testimonies from government workers, hospital staff and lawyers. The accounts include reports of handcuffed, blindfolded and burned bodies being dumped into a ravine near Mosul, Iraq's second city, which was overrun by ISIS on June 9. On the run: Most of the prisoners, who were not combatants, were fleeing from the violence caused by advancing ISIS forces (pictured), HRW claim . Revenge: HRW says the attacks were retribution for the huge gains made by ISIS when they rampaged across the north of Iraq in June. Pictured is a triumphant ISIS fighter holding their flag . Another account speaks of guards bursting into prison cells and opening fire with AK-47s, killing more than 50 people, including teenage boys. In a further incident, the watchdog cites testimonies that prisoners whom Iraqi officials said died in crossfire were in fact killed 'execution-style' by vengeful commanders after an assault. A spokesman for HRW said: 'Gunning down prisoners is an outrageous violation of international law.' 'While the world rightly denounces the atrocious acts of ISIS, it should not turn a blind eye to sectarian killing sprees by government and pro-government forces.' The organisation has demanded an international inquiry be held into the alleged killings. ISIS themselves, whose forces now call themselves The Islamic State, have been subject to a tide of condemnation after footage of their own mass executions emerged. Executions: ISIS themselves has also been attacked for carrying out even more brutal executions, such as the ones from mid-June pictured above where militants marched up and down rows of bodies shooting them . Firing squad: However, HRW said that the brutality of ISIS does not excuse Iraq forces of adopting similar tactics in their fight against them . One man was shown being forced to kneel by the roadside before he was shot in the back of the head, while other gruesome pictures emerged of militants marching up and down rows of prone bodies apparently firing machine guns into them. The claims against Iraqi forces came as their grip on the country slipped further with the advance of Kurdish security forces into disputed oil fields. The takeover of the Bai Hassan and Kirkuk oil fields were the latest land grabs by Kurds, who have responded to ISIS by seizing more territory of their own. Kurdish fighters known as peshmerga pushed into the city of Kirkuk, a major hub for the oil industry in the north, and the surrounding area weeks ago. Territory: Kurdish-controlled Kirkuk, pictured, was hit by car bombs yesterday, killing dozens of people . Aftermath: Security forces stand guard this morning after the attacks just outside of the disputed city . But until now they had not moved into the oil fields themselves. On Friday, however, the fighters took over the Bai Hassan and Kirkuk fields and expelled local workers, the Oil Ministry in Baghdad said. Oil Ministry spokesman Assem Jihad denounced the move as 'a violation to the constitution' and warned that it poses 'a threat to national unity.' The Kurdish Regional Government said its forces moved to secure the fields after learning of what it said were orders by officials in the Oil Ministry to sabotage a pipeline linking oil facilities in the area. It said production would continue, and that staff can return but will operate under Kurdish management. Ties between Kurds and the central Baghdad government are rapidly unravelling as the country fragments in the face of the Sunni militant blitz, led by Islamic State extremists. Expansion: The accusations came as peshmerga fighters from the autonomous Kurdish region of Iraq took control of lucrative oil fields just outside the city of Kirkuk . The country is effectively being cleaved along ethnic and sectarian lines - the swath of militant-held Sunni areas, the Shiite-majority south and center ruled by the Shiite-led government in Baghdad and the Kurdish north. The United States and other world powers, as well as Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric, have pressed for a more inclusive government that Iraqis of all stripes can rally around. On Friday, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani again urged lawmakers to move swiftly toward a compromise, calling on them to 'rise above selfish aims.' He said: 'The challenges ... threaten civil peace and the unity of the social fabric and forecast a divided and disputed future for Iraq.' | Jihadists are smuggling resources from conquered oilfields south of Mosul .
Offering it up for $25 (£15) a barrel to businessmen in Turkey and Iran .
Claims from Human Rights Watch (HRW) who say soldiers shot teenagers .
HRW compiled evidence from six alleged massacres and demanded inquiry .
Thought to be reprisals after ISIS's lightning advance through Iraq in June .
ISIS are well-documented for carrying out their own mass executions . |
11,214 | 1fe44c771065e7722d3932fd9d5d31c08a76ed83 | Eight primary school children were rushed to hospital and more than 20 were treated by paramedics after a lorry slammed into the side of their school bus as they travelled home from a carol concert. The 40-seater bus was pulling out of a side street across a busy road on Tuesday afternoon when it was hit by a HGV, leaving the side of the coach crumpled and windows smashed. The incident took place as the pupils from St Nicholas Church of England Middle School in Pinyin, Worcestershire, were travelling through Pershore after attending a carol concert at Pershore Abbey. Eight primary school children were rushed to hospital after a lorry slammed into the side of their school bus as they travelled home from a carol concert in Pershore, Worcestershire . The bus was pulling out of a side street across a busy road just after 3pm on Tuesday when it was hit by a HGV, leaving the side of the coach crumpled and windows smashed . Eight of the children and the driver were taken to hospital. One was taken on a spinal board after complaining of neck pain. The driver of the bus was also taken to Worcester Royal Hospital. The other 19 children were checked over by medics at a private house nearby and were reunited with their parents at the school. Three ambulances, as well as two rapid response paramedics, had been called to the scene. There was also a paramedic area support officer, a doctor and the Air Ambulance. The children, all between nine and 11 years-old, were travelling back to their school when the crash happened on the B4084. The road was closed for the rest of the day and police were asking motorists to avoid the area where possible. Parents were alerted to the incident by text messages sent from the school and the remaining uninjured students were taken back to St Nicholas on a mini bus where they were reunited with their parents. An ambulance team were at the school briefing parents on a one-to-one basis on the aftercare of their children. In a statement on its website, the school said that all the children from the school were 'doing well' and were back in school today. The executive headteacher Andrew Best said there had been a special school assembly held this morning and that it was a 'blessing' that no one was seriously injured. It said: 'The children, from our school, who were taken to hospital yesterday, with minor cuts and bruises after their bus was involved in a collision with a lorry in Pershore, are all doing well and have been back in school today. 'Nineteen other pupils were taken to a private house nearby, where they were assessed by local doctors before being transported back to school. An ambulance team were at the school briefing parents on a one-to-one basis on the aftercare of their children.' Mr Best added that he wanted to thank the emergency services for their 'swift and very professional work'. He said. 'Everyone's priority was to ensure that the children and staff involved received the best care possible. Nine people - eight children and the driver - were taken to hospital, one on a spinal board after complaining of neck pain . 'We contacted all parents of injured children by telephone and maintained contact with other parents about the incident by text. 'The remaining uninjured pupils were taken back to school in our mini bus where they were reunited with their parents. 'And this morning we have held a special assembly in school for all children and staff about the incident. 'It was a blessing that no one was seriously injured yesterday, but it has been a big shock to us all. 'Two counsellors are in school all day today, to talk to pupils affected and any parents are invited to come into school and discuss any issues as well.' A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: 'We were called to reports of a large number of patients following a collision between a coach and a lorry. 'Over 40 children and adults were on the coach at the time of the crash with the children believed to be between nine and 11 years old. 'A total of 27 school children were assessed away from the road side. 'One boy, complaining of neck pain, was treated at the scene and immobilised with a neck collar and spinal board. He was transferred to Worcester Royal Hospital. 'Three further children and the man who was driving the coach all received treatment at the scene for minor injuries and were conveyed to the same hospital. 'The remaining children were all checked over by the doctor and ambulance crews and were discharged on scene. 'The children were transported back to school on two separate minibuses, where a number of ambulance staff joined them to give advice to their parents who had come to collect them. 'The lorry driver was uninjured in the incident.' The crash follows another school bus which overturned in Hereford last month, while it was taking 53 pupils to school. The coach overturned and slid 10ft (3.1m) down an embankment on November 10 and students had to scramble out of windows to get free of the wreckage. West Mercia police said no arrests had been made. | Bus was pulling out of side street onto busy road when it was hit by a HGV .
Vehicle was travelling through Pershore, Worcestershire, at 3pm yesterday .
One child taken to hospital on spinal board after complaining of neck pain .
Children, aged between nine and 11, attend St Nicholas CofE Middle School in Pinyin, Worcestershire . |
29,626 | 544199e8bc0397794f1c0afbffa171bf78e7c02e | By . Jonathan O'Callaghan . From an early age children are taught not to talk to strangers, but as adults should people be more chatty with people they don’t know? That’s the case according to two researchers at the University of Chicago, who say conversing with strangers can actually make people happier. In a study they found that when people were encouraged to talk with others on their commute they enjoyed their journey more, and vice versa for when they kept to themselves. Is a stranger just a friend you haven't met? Researchers from the University of Chicago asked commuters to socialise with people they didn't know for a small reward. They found that people who talked said that they enjoyed their trip more. However, people asked to predict the results thought the outcome would be opposite . 'I think our results simply tell us that people are missing opportunities for social engagement that would be more rewarding than one might expect,' he tells MailOnline. 'Modern urban life creates many situations where strangers in close proximity to each other. 'Engaging one of those people in a quick conversation could make each of those situations surprisingly more pleasant. 'These data suggest that if your goal is to be a little happier that you might otherwise be, or to turn an unpleasant situation (like a commute on public transportation or a dull period in a waiting room) into something more pleasant, then trying to get to know a fellow human being could be a useful strategy.' He also adds that although the research was done in the U.S. he sees no reason why the same conclusions cannot be applied to countries like the UK. The study was carried out by Dr Nicholas Epley and Ms Juliana Schroeder from the University of Chicago. In Homewood, Illinois they gathered 100 commuters and split them into three groups, reports Discover. One group was asked to talk to strangers, the next to stay silent and the third to act as normal, all in exchange for a complimentary $5 (£3) Starbucks gift card. After the commute the volunteers were asked to assess how much they enjoyed their journey. Those who had struck up a conversation with someone they didn’t know reported a more enjoyable commute. Those who had sat in solitude, meanwhile, reported a less pleasurable journey and were even said to be feeling less productive. Interestingly, the researchers also gathered another group of volunteers, but there were just asked to predict what they thought the results of the experiment would be, and not to take part themselves. They thought that those commuters who sat in silence would have a more enjoyable time, rather than those who spoke to others. Are people missing chances to be happier by keeping to themselves on their commute? 'Human beings are social animals,' say the researchers. 'Those who misunderstand the consequences of social interactions may not, in at least some contexts, be social enough for their own well-being' The results of the study support other research into this area, namely that people can be stimulated by holding conversations with people they don’t know. And many also believe that attempts to start up a conversation will be met with ridicule, but that has been shown in this experiment not to be the case with the average conservation lasting 14 minutes. In their paper the researchers ask: ‘Connecting with others increases happiness, but strangers in close proximity routinely ignore each other. Why?’ They postulate that either ‘solitude is a more positive experience than interacting with strangers, or people misunderstand the consequences of distant social connections.’ But they conclude, according to their research, that it is the latter that is the case and not the former. ‘The pleasure of connection seems contagious,’ they continue. Indeed, in a separate experiment participants who were spoken to in a laboratory waiting room said they had a more positive experience than those who were sat alone. ‘Human beings are social animals,’ say the researchers. ‘Those who misunderstand the consequences of social interactions may not, in at least some contexts, be social enough for their own well-being.’ | Researchers from the University of Chicago asked commuters to socialise .
For a small reward they asked them to talk to strangers on their train .
They found that people who talked said that they enjoyed their trip more .
People asked to predict the results thought the outcome would be opposite .
The study concludes we would be happier if we socialised with others more . |
26,691 | 4bc61152d667181bb698da92b38fe6425b113d82 | (CNN) -- Conflicting reports hit the international media this week about whether Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi was negotiating a deal with the opposition for a guaranteed safe exit if he relinquished power. Speculation percolated again Wednesday after few details were available about a private Libyan aircraft that landed in Cairo, Egypt. But two questions remain: Will Gadhafi ever step down, and if he did, where would he go? Gadhafi is sure not to go down easily. He has defiantly vowed to die a martyr on Libyan soil and declared on state television, "I am Libya." At the moment, he has leverage, said David Pollock, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Those who have studied the strongman's megalomanic ways agree that he would probably not retreat from his revolution or his country without a fight to the end. Analysts have raised the grim prospect of a protracted, bloody war in the vein of Somalia. "The tipping point wasn't reached quickly enough," Pollock said. "Now, this has turned into something that got stuck. It's grim. Very grim." But if it came to a do-or-die scenario, Gadhafi, despite his bravado, would look for a way out, Pollock said. There is no possibility of power-sharing, so if the opposition were to oust him, Gadhafi would have to leave the country, as U.S. President Barack Obama and others have already urged him to do. But few would be willing to welcome a man with such a tarnished reputation, reinforced in recent weeks by the bloody crackdown on unarmed protesters, analysts said. Saudi Arabia's name pops up in discussions of this nature; after all, Tunisia's ousted President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali fled into exile in the Gulf kingdom. And there were rumors at one time that Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak would do the same. But Gadhafi is another matter. His relationship with Saudi King Abdullah is, to put it mildly, strained, especially after the Saudis accused Libyans of an assassination attempt on the king several years back. "I would be extremely surprised if he went to Saudi Arabia," said Christopher Boucek, a Saudi Arabia expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Boucek suggested that Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe might be more amenable to taking in Gadhafi. The Libyan leader's adoption of pan-African solidarity drew him closer to the Zimbabwean dictator. The relationship between the two nations blossomed also from the leaders' shared anti-colonial fervor and a realpolitik bond of being isolated nations, according to Boucek. Others have suggested that Gadhafi could find a home in Cuba or Venezuela. President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is considered Gadhafi's main ally in Latin America, a love born, again, from a mutual distaste for Western "imperialism." When the uprising began to escalate in Libya last month, rumors surfaced that Gadhafi had already fled to Caracas, the Venezuelan capital. Pollock listed one more possible future home for the Libyan strongman: Sudan. Reva Bhalla, an analyst with the global intelligence company Stratfor, said Gadhafi has reportedly sought friendship from Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and tried to shore up that alliance. But even the Syrians, said Bhalla, are less than enthused. European nations, Bhalla said, would suit Gadhafi's sons just fine but not the eccentric leader, who has been famously known to travel with female bodyguards and sleep under a tent, even when he came to New York to address the United Nations. After all, she said, Gadhafi remains a hardcore Bedouin. And for the moment, it seems, he will remain in his Bedouin homeland, unwilling to let go of 40 years of power. | There has been speculation about Gadhafi making an exit deal .
But the strongman appears as defiant as ever .
If he were to flee, he would have few options on where to go .
Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Sudan could take him in . |
51,796 | 92b018f992ee3b805bfc37dd63ada97ea07c2a59 | Ferguson, Missouri (CNN) -- National Guard members were on duty in Ferguson, Missouri, on Thanksgiving but the people who came up to them only wanted to spread goodwill, bringing turkey and other treats. CNN affiliate KSDK reported that dozens of citizens visited one post at a shopping center. "We just all have to make sure that we are taking care of one another," Terry Pimmel told the station. "That is our mission." Gov. Jay Nixon also stopped by to see the troops. Other volunteers bundled up and painted boards that cover the holes where windows used to be in buildings trashed during recent protests, according to CNN affiliate KMOV. "We came out here because we thought that anything would be better than just blank plywood," Avi Ryan, 13, told KMOV. Some members of the family of Michael Brown, who was fatally shot in August by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson, gathered at his father's place for their first holiday dinner since Brown's death. There was a chair left empty at the dining room table of Michael Brown Sr., a photo posted to Twitter by Ferguson Action showed. A shirt with the words "Gone (Too) Soon" was draped over the chair and Brown Sr. wore a shirt that said, "Justice. Small protests overnight . Perhaps it was the biting cold, or maybe it was because of Thanksgiving. But Ferguson was much calmer early Thursday than it had been the previous two days. A few dozen protesters showed up outside police headquarters in Ferguson late Wednesday night. And standing under a "Seasons Greetings" sign stretching over the road, they fired obscenities at National Guard members who stood on watch outside the police department's offices. But there were no incidents, no confrontations between the two sides. Police made two arrests, and no injuries or damages were reported. A protest organizer told CNN that even though the numbers were small early Thursday, demonstrators will return night after night as they have done since the summer when Michael Brown, a black teen, was shot dead by Darren Wilson, a white police officer. Nationwide, protests continued, but they too were peaceful for the most part. In Los Angeles, police arrested 130 protesters on misdemeanor charges of failure to disperse. In Oakland, California, police arrested 35 people for a variety of charges related to protests. At the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on Thursday morning, seven were arrested after several people broke through barriers near the parade route to protest Monday's grand jury decision not to indict Wilson, New York police said. Wilson's future . For his part, Wilson is in talks to leave the Ferguson Police Department and may give up being an officer altogether. "It's not a question of if, it's a question of when," Wilson's attorney, Neil Bruntrager, told CNN's Don Lemon late Wednesday. "Realistically, he can't go back to being a police officer. He knows that. There's no illusion about any of this." Wilson has said he killed the 18-year-old Brown out of fear for his life during their encounter on August 9. He maintains he hasn't done anything wrong. Though he hasn't said much, Wilson sympathizes with Brown's family, his attorney said. "His remorse and his sadness about what happened is there, and it's real," Bruntrager told CNN. "But in respect to the Browns, he's been very careful to sort of stand back. He knows that whatever he says, it's not going to be read as he means it." The Browns' dismay . Brown's parents don't believe Wilson's version of events, telling CNN's Sunny Hostin their son would never have taunted the officer nor reached for his weapon . "He's a murderer," Brown's father said, referring to Wilson. "He understood his actions. He understood exactly what he was doing. You know, he didn't have a second thought, a pushback thought, or nothing. He was intending to kill someone. That's how I look at it," Brown said. "He was going to kill someone at that point." Michael Brown's mother said hearing that a grand jury had decided not to indict the officer who killed her son felt like getting shot. "We heard this and it was just like, like I had been shot. Like you shoot me now -- just no respect, no sympathy, nothing," Lesley McSpadden told Hostin on Wednesday. "This could be your child. This could be anybody's child." Investigation continues . Back in Ferguson, a one-mile stretch of West Florissant Avenue, the site of previous protests, was closed to cars and pedestrians, with authorities saying the burned-out buildings on the route are crime scenes. One of those buildings is Flood Christian Church, where Michael Brown Sr. is a member. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is leading an investigation into the fire that destroyed the church, a spokesman said. Investigators have found that someone broke into the church, and the fire began in a foyer near the doors that were breached, the ATF spokesman said. The church is some distance away from the strip of stores that burned Monday. Other nearby structures were untouched, which is cause for suspicion, the spokesman said. Also Wednesday, Ferguson police were looking for clues as to who stole an AR-15 that was locked in a rack and plucked from a police car torched by rioters this week. "They took the entire rack from the car," St. Louis County police Sgt. Brian Schellman said. Complete coverage of what's happening in Ferguson . CNN's Moni Basu reported from Ferguson, and Steve Almasy and Saeed Ahmed wrote from Atlanta. CNN's Sara Sidner, Faith Karimi, Jason Hanna and Evan Perez contributed to this report. | NEW: Volunteers bring turkey and other Thanksgiving treats to National Guard soldiers .
NEW: Michael Brown's father leaves one chair empty at table .
ATF is investigating possible arson at Michael Brown Sr.'s church .
Officer Darren Wilson is in talks to leave the Ferguson Police Department, lawyer says . |
232,904 | b98a4fb0b8d0807dccae83fbebe4a97d4ee9d702 | By . Daniel Mills for Daily Mail Australia . A Sydney fisherman has filmed himself in a titanic battle with a human-sized yellowfin tuna he landed in stormy weather off the coast of Sydney. Battling torrential rain and two-metre swells, experienced angler Josh Stuckey caught the 76kg fish after it latched onto a rod specially rigged-up for the one-man fishing expedition 40km off Sydney's coastline. After initially planning to 'call it a day' after an uneventful Saturday morning on the water, Mr Stuckey headed for home before his prized-catch, a caught hold. Scroll down for video . Josh Stuckey was fishing 50km off the coast of Sydney when the Tuna took hold . The experienced angler battled the tuna for more than an hour in rough seas . Navigating through 'torrential rain' in his 4.5 metre runabout, Mr Stuckey filmed himself reeling the fish in with a GoPro camera mounted to the front of the boat at Browns Mountain - a section of sea popular with game fisherman. The daring angler wrote in a fishing blog he was 'about to call it a day' when a mate called him over to a spot where he was having more luck. En-route to the new location, Mr Stuckey suddenly leapt to his feet when he heard the line to one of his eight rods start spinning ferociously. He wrote how he had 'happily been chugging along, through a couple of torrential downpours' before his luck turned. Preparing for what would eventually be a one-hour wrestle, Mr Stuckey de-rigged the remaining tackle on board to give him more room to manoeuvre around the boat. He filmed the whole ordeal on camera which showed just how much of a fight the tuna gave him before he finally brought it to the side of the boat. After bringing it to the boat he battled to haul it aboard and used various solo fishing techniques . Mr Stuckey was holding on to a large hook attached to the tuna's mouth when he brought it in . 'Just as stuffed as the fish:' He used every once of strength to haul it on deck . It was at this point he declared in the Fishing World blog that he was 'just as stuffed as the fish' and admitted that he almost lost it when he took a rest. 'The fish was stuffed and didn't do a great deal and so I tried to skulldrag the fish up and over the gunwale,' he wrote. 'Just as stuffed as the fish' Mr Stuckey admitted he almost lost the prized-catch when he sat back down and dropped it overboard, because he didn't 'quite have the huff 'n' puff left in me to go the extra yards.' 'I got the head and shoulders up and over the height of the gunwale but I was just as stuffed as the fish and didn't quite have the huff 'n' puff left in me to go the extra yards.' 'Reluctantly I dropped the tuna back to the water back to the water and made a couple more attempts without success,' he wrote.' The whole episode was filmed with a GoPro mounted to the front of the boat . He said he waited for a decent swell to come up which helped him heave it on board . Mr Stuckey's boat was specially rigged for the game fishing expedition . When he finally secured it with some rope and a ski hook, his only move was to then reef it over the side without managing to hook himself in the had. 'I took a moment to catch my breath, dropped the tail rope off the ski hook and drew the fish's head up to the gunwale.' 'I just waited for a decent swell to come up and heaved on the fish, getting him half up and over the gunwale and reefed back and the fish came spearing into the boat.' 'He said I was pumped,' before sitting on the boat's floor to reflect on his monster catch. 'I sat there on the floor for a moment before moving the fish around and getting some GoPro footage holding the fish up. 'This is the downside of fishing solo, no one to get good quality pics while the fish is still lit up and looking its best,' he wrote. On his way home he took the fish to be weighed at a station near Watsons Bay, in Sydney's east, where it was gutted, and shared between two of his friends. | Josh Stuckey caught the fish unaided during a sea trip outside Sydney .
He was about to head for home when it latched on to one of his lines .
The boat was specially rigged for the one-man fishing expedition .
Yellowfin tuna retails for about $70-$90 per kilogram in Australia .
Instead of selling it Mr Stuckey decided to share the catch with two friends . |
142,170 | 43d7aad256ca60521b36e5d77370519ee6cb9006 | With Wayne Rooney being dragged back to Manchester United pre season training earlier than usual, he seems to be making the most of the summer break - and Turkey is his latest stop off. Rooney has already made trips to Las Vegas and Barbados to end a busy summer that also saw him spend an all too brief spell with England in Brazil. And with less than a week left until he starts what will likely be an intense pre season under new boss Louis van Gaal, Rooney is making the most of his final days away from the day job. VIDEO Scroll down for Rooney: Van Gaal is a great appointment and it's exciting times . Happy family: Rooney and Kai both smile for picture as they enjoy their time in Turkey . Summer tour: Wife Coleen also posted a photo with their son who has been jetsetting with his parents . Enjoy it while it lasts, Wayne! Rooney has been ordered to report back to duty for United's tour to the US . United’s . players have been used to a month’s rest after major tournaments in the . past, but the club are sticking to the three-week break stipulated in . their contracts to ensure the majority of their big names are on show in . the USA. Van Gaal is anxious to have all the players together as soon as possible so he can start working with his new squad, and United are also mindful of their commercial obligations as they begin a £326million seven-year shirt sponsorship with American car giant Chevrolet. Hurt pride: Rooney lines up alongside Steven Gerrard on England duty in Brazil . Strict: Louis van Gaal has cut short his players' summer holidays . United’s first game is the Chevrolet Cup against LA Galaxy at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday July, 23, followed by three games against Roma, Inter Milan and Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup. It means that Rooney and his England teammates Danny Welbeck, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw will board the transatlantic flight from Manchester just 23 days after touching down from Brazil. Soak up the sun: Chris Smalling poses with girlfriend Sam Cooke while on holiday after the World Cup . They will be joined by the likes of Juan Mata, David De Gea, Nani, Antonio Valencia and Shinji Kagawa, although players whose countries reached the knockout stages of the World Cup will be given extra time off. Holland coach Van Gaal has already told United that he is ready to go straight to work after the tournament. VIDEO Van Gaal will rebuild United - Yorke . | Rooney and his team mates are having their holidays cut short .
United are sending stars on US tour with sponsor obligations in mind .
Striker return to duty 23 days after coming home from Brazil .
But he poses for a photo with son Kai as he makes the most of break . |
230,376 | b6532b5589a045dfd11b0241286fcef5e290dcdf | By . Lucy Waterlow for MailOnline . Princess Beatrice met brave young cancer patients today as she opened a state-of-the-art body scanner that will improve their treatment. The princess was at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) in Edinburgh to see the gamma ray scanning system. The 26-year-old, who works for Sony, was named Royal Patron for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation last year and has previously visited the hospital in Scotland to see the work they do. Cutting the ribbon: A smart Princess Beatrice was asked to officially open the new scanner in Edinburgh . For today's visit, where she was given the task of cutting the ribbon to officially open the scanner, she wore a navy blue dress under a smart cream coat. The scanner is the product of a £500,000 donation from the Sick Kids Friends Foundation (SKKF). The old scanner treated 6,000 children in a 13 year period. Making hospitals less scary: The Princess is pictured with some of the children who will benefit from the machine. The room has been decorated by illustrator Cate James . The new machine will enable doctors to run more advanced diagnostic tests and locate cancers which have spread, enabling them to offer a more prompt and precise treatment. Dr Mark Brougham, an oncologist at RHSC, said: 'The new system helps us detect movement in cancers, something which is vital for working out the best treatment and response. 'It is more advanced than our previous equipment and enables us to see the cancer in more detail. The information the machine gives us benefits the hospital as a whole as better diagnosis can lead to more efficient treatment.' Tour: Consultant physicist Sandy Small talks Beatrice through how the scanner works . Also present at the opening of the scanner were two of the children who will be using it. Emily Irving, 11, has been receiving treatment for Neuroblastoma, a cancer which arises in childhood and spreads from the nervous system, for a number of years. Her carer, Elaine McGill, said: 'Emily has to have the treatment every year so it is really important the process isn't scary and it's a nice environment. Brave: Emily Irving, who suffers from neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that occurs in childhood and arises from the nervous system, looks through the new scanner . 'The new scanner and room is a massive improvement on what was here before, it makes you forget what the function of the room is.' The room and scanner have been designed to make treatment as comfortable possible for the RHSC patients, and was decorated by SKKF resident illustrator Cate James. She said: 'I was asked to come up with a theme for the room and opted to go for underwater. It was nice to see the princess today but it's great to see the kids and know they like the new room.' | Princess was at the Royal Hospital for Sick Children (RHSC) in Edinburgh .
She cut the ribbon on the gamma ray scanning system .
Machine will improve treatment of young cancer victims .
She met some of the sick children who will be using it . |
17,178 | 30af2ce1eb45a816cefb2433a7ff7d6520827d25 | A Canadian teenager, who was placed in handcuffs in a police car with a convicted sex offender, who then assaulted her, is suing the police force. File photo . A young Canadian woman is suing a force for $400,000 after an officer left her handcuffed in the back of a police car with a repeat sex offender - who then assaulted her. The woman, who was 17 at the time, says she has suffered from post-traumatic stress after the attack in northern Quebec in September 2011. The incident occurred in Tasiujaq, a tiny Inuit lakeside community that is only accessible by airplane, snowmobile or boat. The lawsuit alleges 'a serious lack of professionalism and gross negligence' by the Kativik regional police, Cbc reported. It also claims the officer's actions 'show an incredible lack of concern for the safety of the plaintiff'. The suit names the officer involved as well as the local police service and the regional government. Police had been called to remove the woman, who had been drinking, from a residence. She was put in the back of a police car in handcuffs with a man - Joe Kritik - who had been convicted of four sexual assaults at the time and was listed on the sexual offenders registry. He was not handcuffed. Kritik had been arrested earlier for causing a disturbance, according to civil lawsuit documents filed at Quebec Superior Court. The officer responsible had been on the job less than a month and was not authorized to carry a handgun. She left the two in the back of the vehicle while getting details about the young woman from the complainant. The incident occurred in Tasiujaq, pictured, a tiny lakeside community only accessible by airplane, snowmobile or boat . According to court documents, the officer returned to the car to find Kritik on top of the woman with his pants down. The officer then pulled Kritik off the woman. 'The plaintiff was unable to defend herself, being handcuffed in her back and unable to leave the vehicle, the doors being locked,' the lawsuit alleges. Both the young woman and Kritik were taken to the police station and put in different cells. The lawsuit also alleges the same officer, who was the only one on duty at the time, slammed the cell door in the woman’s face, breaking her tooth. No rape kit was performed and the woman’s parents were not contacted. The young woman testified in court that she was sexually assaulted. Kritik eventually pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault and was sentenced to 39 months in jail. The officer involved in the incident was suspended and later resigned. The lawsuit claims the officer's actions 'show an incredible lack of concern for the safety of the plaintiff'. She was suspended and later resigned . An internal investigation by the Kativik regional police force cleared her of any criminal wrongdoing. The Kativik regional government and the police force have not commented on the events, citing the ongoing court case. | Assault occurred in a tiny Inuit village, northern Quebec, in 2011 .
Woman was placed in handcuffs in a police car with convicted sex offender .
Joe Kritik had been arrested earlier, but was NOT in handcuffs .
Officer left the pair alone while she gathered details from the complainant .
On her return, she found Kritik with his pants down on top of the woman .
Lawsuit claims 'serious lack of professionalism' as no rape kit done .
Officer cleared of criminal wrongdoing but later resigned . |
190,654 | 82db644c58d7e5e0374a770fda34d589f343675f | Karim Benzema has laughed suggestions he's 'lazy' and believes that his goals for Real Madrid are the only thing that matter. The French international's scored 11 goals in 20 La Liga outings and has five in five during Real's Champions League campaign. His style of play and performances for the national side have come under scrutiny in the past but Benzema believes that his ability to score goals should do the talking. Karim Benzema (right) has laughed off suggestions he's 'lazy' and believes only his goals matter . Speaking to Surface Magazine he said: 'To me, to be lazy is not a defect, the only thing that matters are the goals. 'You could also reconsider the role of a striker, if you're lazy and don't run but make goals, there is nothing bad about that. 'I take criticism when it comes from someone who has played at a high level or who knows football. The Real Madrid forward has scored an impressive 11 goals in 20 appearances in La Liga this season . 'In these cases, I cannot say anything. But when they come from people who have never played level, I'm sorry but I don't listen to them.' Real Madrid will be looking to bounce back following their embarrassing 4-0 defeat to rivals Atletico Madrid, when they face Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti's side are still top of the La Liga table, a point ahead of Barcelona, and they know there's no more room for slip-ups. Carlo Ancelotti's side were thrashed by rivals Atletico Madrid 4-0 at the Vicente Calderón Stadium . Benzema was unable to find the net but will be hoping to continue his form against Deportivo La Coruna . Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) looks on after Madrid concede their fourth goal to rivals Atletico . | Karim Benzema denies he's 'lazy' and thinks only goals matter .
The Real Madrid striker has been in impressive form for his club .
However his performances for France have come under scrutiny .
Click here for all the latest Real Madrid news . |
219,062 | a789308735a793d7a78e4653d52ecb3d99ab8048 | By . Ashley Collman . PUBLISHED: . 14:29 EST, 19 October 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 17:30 EST, 19 October 2013 . The Red Lobster customer accused of writing 'none n*****' on the tip line of his check is so confident he didn't make the slur that he hired a forensics expert to evaluate his handwriting. The forensics expert evaluated both 20-year-old Devin Barnes' handwriting and that of his wife and concluded: 'There is evidence to indicate that Devin Barnes did not write the total entry. No significant handwriting characteristic similarities were noted.' Now Mr Barnes and his wife plan on taking legal action against the chain, after receiving numerous death threats when the photo went viral. Scroll down for Video . Not guilty: Devin Barnes, 20, says he didn't write the n-word on his Red Lobster check and he's got a forensic expert's opinion to back him up . Bad tipper: A forensics expert compared the writing on the total line with a sample of both Mr Barnes and his wife's handwriting and ruled that there were no similarities . 'A lot of people on the Internet who I don't know are calling me a racist and I'm thinking people have their own opinion but I know I am not a racist. I don't see color. I have many mixed color friends,' he told WATE. The photo was posted last month by 19-year-old Red Lobster waitress Christina Jenkins. 'This is what I got as a tip last night...so happy to live in the proud southern states...God Bless America, land of the free and home of the low class racists of Tennessee,' she wrote on her Facebook page. Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, Miss Jenkins described what happened the afternoon she served Mr Barnes and his wife. Miss Jenkins served Mr Barnes and his wife last month at the Red Lobster location in Cool Springs, Tennessee . Trouble customers: Speaking last month with MailOnline, Miss Jenkins described Mr and Mrs Barnes as being very rude when she served them . Apology: Mr Barnes wrote a note saying he was sorry for the incident, but admitted that it wasn't him that wrote 'n*****' on the check . 'They were extremely rude, but I introduced myself to them and they didn't respond. When I came to take their order they simply told me they wanted their food and to put everything in a to-go box. I offered them dessert but they told me abruptly that they just wanted the check. 'When I went back to the table they had gone and left the receipt and had written in the comments.' While Mr Barnes admits that he didn't tip Miss Jenkins, he says it wasn't him that wrote the slur. He explains that the couple asked for their meal to go after getting a call about a family emergency. Miss Jenkins said she believes him and posted the picture to make a comment about racism, not to draw attention to herself. 'I know I didn't write it. If he's claiming he didn't write it, I believe him wholeheartedly. I'm just that kind of person. I have nothing against him or his family,' Miss Jenkins said. After hearing that Mr Barnes denied writing the n-word on his check, Miss Jenkins said that she believes him wholeheartedly. She says she posted the check on her Facebook to make a statement about racism, not draw attention to herself . Mr Barnes holds no grudge against Miss Jenkins. 'I'm not mad. I just didn't like what happened. I just wish it didn't come out this way,' Mr Barnes told WSMV. He does question why the chain didn't investigate the incident more and says he and his wife are looking into legal action. Mike Bernstein, the spokesman for Red Lobster, said they haven't been contacted by Mr Barnes yet and wouldn't speculate on any possible lawsuit. 'Our employee experience something no one should have to experience and we remain convinced we took the appropriate actions, given the unique circumstances of the situation,' Mr Bernstein said. In wake of the picture going viral, more than 1,000 people contributed to a fund to raise 10,000 in 'tips' for Miss Jenkins which she says is going towards buying a car, paying for school and helping her church. Reward: In wake of the viral photo more than 1,000 people contributed to give Miss Jenkins 10,000 in 'tips' which she says she is using to buy a car, pay for school and help her church . | Red Lobster waitress Christina Jenkins posted a picture of a check she received last month with 'none n*****' written on the tip line .
Devin Barnes, the 20-year-old customer she was serving, says he didn't write the racial slur .
He even hired a forensics expert to evaluate his handwriting who found no connection to the handwriting on the check .
Mr Barnes is now exploring legal actions to take against the chain . |
276,666 | f26e13179924ac7423721939b440c745d14e48da | By . Lawrence Conway . PUBLISHED: . 13:49 EST, 30 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 06:52 EST, 1 May 2012 . A huge fire that engulfed a Falmouth hotel forcing Blur guitarist Graham Coxon to flee has left the building a smouldering shell. Around 30 guests, including Coxon, were evacuated from the Best Western Falmouth Beach Hotel in Falmouth, Cornwall yesterday after the blaze broke out. Twelve unaccounted for guests - thought to have gone on day trips - have all been found safe and well, Devon and Cornwall police said. A spokesman said they did not think there were any suspicious circumstances surrounding the blaze, although the investigation continues. Scroll down for video . Gone: The raging fire engulfed every room of the Best Western Falmouth Beach Hotel in Cornwall reducing it to a shell . Battle: More than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze that started just after noon yesterday . Long day: A police officer holds on to his hat while the the fire rages on behind him, left, and right, offers some information to panicking residents . Performer: Guitarist Graham Coxon was due to perform in Falmouth during a solo tour before being caught up in the fire drama . Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said the alarm was raised just after noon yesterday and more than 100 firefighters tackled the blaze. At its height, 10 appliances and two aerial platforms fought the fire at the 120-bedroom hotel - one of the biggest in Falmouth. Firefighters' efforts to control the fire were hampered by strong winds which fanned the flames, allowing the fire to spread throughout the building, causing the roof to collapse. Alternative accommodation had to be found for 30 people from the Falmouth Beach Hotel, plus 100 guests at the neighbouring St Michael's Hotel. It took firefighters more than seven hours to bring the fire under control, but crews remained at the hotel last night damping down hot spots. Guitarist Coxon was due to perform at the town's Princess Pavilion venue last night. On Twitter he said: 'We have rooms at the beach hotel and had to leave when the smell of smoke.' He later added: 'We watched it... We had to leave the foyer and then watch it get worse and worse..rather sad.' The family-run Falmouth Beach Hotel, which opened in 1984, became part of the Best Western group of hotels in 2000. A Best Western spokesman said hotel accommodation had been found within Falmouth for people who were due to stay at the Falmouth Beach this week. Onlookers: Crowds gathered at the Falmouth Beach Hotel in Cornwall as the flames ripped through the building . The hotel's event coordinator had also begun to contact couples who were due to celebrate their weddings, the spokesperson added. The mayor of Falmouth, Geoffrey Evans, said the fire was a disaster for the town and 'couldn't have happened at a worse time'. Next month Falmouth is due to host the Finn Cup sailing competition and is one of the towns to welcome the Olympic Torch on the first day of its relay throughout the UK. A Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: 'The scene is still being monitored, the crew are monitoring hot spots and damping down. 'A fire investigation will be taking place later this morning. Close proximity: Firefighters spray a water gun from a crane onto the burning building while a fierce wind whips up the waves just next to them . Gathering: The fluorescent helmets of a dozen or so firefighters stand out in the smoke-filled air, left, while right, two of their colleagues brave it on a crane that shoots water from a high pressure canon . | Strong winds fanned the flames and caused fire to spread .
Firefighters took seven hours to put blaze out .
Mayor says fire 'couldn't have happened at a worse time'
Falmouth one of first towns to welcome Olympic torch . |
79,161 | e062eedb57f721dc28392178816412e01f2c6d72 | If you want to know where American food traditions are headed, look back. Many of today's most healthful eating trends bear a strong resemblance to yesterday's: Nearby farms offering nutritious, peak-of-season produce; slow-cooked dinners that foster leisurely family meals; an emphasis on meatless dishes and minimally processed foods. Sales of organic food have risen more than 20 percent per year since the 1990s, the USDA says. "It used to be that packaging and convenience were all the rage. But today, food lovers also want to know where their food comes from and how to prepare it in the simplest, most natural way possible," says Fern Gale Estrow, M.S., R.D., a community nutritionist based in New York City. "People still want and need to save time in the kitchen, but they're not willing to sacrifice taste and nutrition to get it." Fortunately, these five food trends provide exactly that -- flavorful, nutrient-rich meals that are easy to prepare and can help you fulfill many of your dietary requirements. Flexitarianism . Like vegetarians, "flexitarians" eat a primarily plant-based diet composed of grains, vegetables, and fruits, but they occasionally obtain protein from lean meat, fish, poultry, or dairy. A quarter of Americans fit the description, consuming meatless meals at least four days a week, according to the American Dietetic Association. Why it's here to stay: Flexitarianism is exactly what dietitians, nutritional researchers, and public health advocates have been recommending for years. "It's about eating a varied diet that's low in saturated fat and high in fiber," says Milton Stokes, M.P.H., R.D., chief dietitian at St. Barnabas Hospital in New York City, and an ADA spokesperson. Because the emphasis is on produce rather than protein, flexitarians are more likely than most Americans to meet the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables and the vitamins and minerals they contain. CookingLight.com: Take our quiz on correct serving sizes . What it means for you: Studies show that people who follow this approach to eating generally weigh less and have lower rates of hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, and prostate and colon cancer. In one large study from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana, researchers tracked the eating habits of more than 9,600 people over a 19-year period and found those who consumed fruits and vegetables at least three times daily lowered their risk of stroke by 42 percent, and their risk of cardiovascular disease by 27 percent. Locally grown foods . As people seek fresher foods, they have begun to connect with local family farms. Community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs and farmers' markets give consumers direct access to produce, meats, cheeses, breads, honey, and other foods that are produced in nearby communities. In the past 10 years, the number of local farmers' markets has more than doubled -- it is up from 1,755 to 3,706, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service. Why it's here to stay: Because they are so fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables often have a nutritional edge over produce raised on "factory" farms. The latter, which constitutes most of the produce grown in the United States, is picked about four to seven days before it arrives on supermarket shelves, and shipped for an average of 1,500 miles before it's sold, according to Local Harvest, a nonprofit agricultural research group. All that downtime takes a toll. USDA researchers have found that if it's not handled properly, produce can lose up to half its nutrients in transit. Water-soluble nutrients such as vitamin C are particularly vulnerable. What it means for you: "Buying food from local vendors gives you input," says Gail Feenstra, R.D., food systems analyst at the University of California at Davis' Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program. "You can find out how things were grown. You can also request varieties of fruits and vegetables that wouldn't be available elsewhere." And then there's the most important reason of all: Because of its freshness, locally grown food tastes better than produce designed to be shipped. "Growers' priority is on taste and texture versus transportation," Feenstra says. Functional foods . Functional foods are enriched with nutrients that may not be inherent to a given food. Familiar examples include orange juice fortified with calcium or milk fortified with vitamins A and D. As sales of these foods have soared in recent years, more functional foods have reached the market, such as eggs and pastas with omega-3 fatty acids, sterol-fortified chocolates and high-fiber, high-protein flours. Why it's here to stay: These foods help many people fill nutritional gaps. "For example, if you're lactose intolerant, you might find it difficult to meet your calcium quota," Stokes says. "Calcium-fortified juice eliminates that problem, especially if a glass is already part of your daily diet." Likewise, if you dislike seafood, you can obtain extra omega-3s from eggs or pasta. CookingLight.com: Remembering real portion sizes . What it means for you: Functional foods are one helpful element in maintaining a balanced diet, not a substitute for it. "Calcium-fortified orange juice won't supply other nutrients that a dairy source would provide, like protein," Estrow says. "That's why it's best to rely on whole foods, which provide multiple nutrients that act synergistically." In the end, it's fine to reap added nutrients from a functional food, but remember to fulfill the majority of your needs with naturally rich sources. Organic food . These are foods produced following a government-regulated practice of growing and processing that minimizes exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals used in traditional farming. Organic food is one of the country's fastest-growing market segments; sales have risen more than 20 percent per year since the 1990s, according to the USDA's Economic Research Service. Why it's here to stay: Some organic foods may provide a nutrition boost. A research review of 41 studies conducted by the University of California at Davis found that, on average, organic produce contains as much as 27 percent more vitamin C, 21 percent more iron, and 29 percent more magnesium compared with traditionally grown foods. The kinds of packaged organic foods that now fuel the category's growth, such as cookies, baked goods, and boxed meals, also benefit from a similar perception of healthfulness. What it means for you: "An organic stamp isn't necessarily a guarantee of nutritional quality, but it is a sure sign that the food is less adulterated," Stokes says. An organic cookie, for example, may have just as many calories and grams of saturated fat as a nonorganic cookie. But in the case of produce crops that are commonly treated with high concentrations of pesticides, such as peaches, apples, and strawberries, choosing organic can minimize your exposure to these chemicals, according to tests conducted by researchers from the Environmental Working Group in Washington, D.C. CookingLight.com: All-star foods that fight for health . Slow food . Launched in Italy 20 years ago by restaurateur Carlo Petrini, "slow food" was originally designed to protest the encroachment of fast food on the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle. The trend's principles -- choosing locally grown and produced items, preparing them in traditional ways, and eating with friends and family -- celebrate a relaxed approach to living that provides a welcome contrast to the fast-paced, eat-on-the-run lives many people lead. Why it's here to stay: As with locally grown food, freshness is a key component of the slow food trend. "Investing the time to choose what's fresh that day will ensure that night's meal will be at its peak nutritionally," Stokes says. This principle applies whether you're making a family recipe or dining in a restaurant where the chef selects ingredients based on their seasonal availability. Family togetherness is also an important aspect of the trend. "Slow food is all about cherishing the eating experience and getting back to what food used to be: a vehicle for drawing people together," explains Sara Firebaugh, assistant director of Slow Food USA. What it means for you: Healthful whole foods are a great start, but slow food goes a step beyond good nutrition -- and it's a difficult one to quantify. No scientific studies have conclusively proven that friends and family make better dinner companions than televisions, but the benefits are clear. "Slow food embraces the psychological component in food choices, meal preparation, and the act of eating," Estrow says. "A healthful diet isn't just about what you eat but how you eat it." E-mail to a friend . For more tips on making healthy taste great, try Cooking Light - CLICK HERE . Copyright 2009 Cooking Light magazine. All rights reserved. Health and nutrition writer Maria Condo is a frequent contributor to Cooking Light. She lives in New York City. | "Flexitarians" eat a mostly plant-based diet but sometimes add animal protein .
The number of local farmers' markets has more than doubled in the last decade .
"Functional foods," those enriched with extra nutrients, can fill dietary gaps .
Studies: Organic produce contains more nutrients than traditionally grown foods . |
87,815 | f929ffcb3a8c684c62a8aa9f568989bd882bae30 | By . Mia De Graaf . PUBLISHED: . 13:43 EST, 30 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 13:53 EST, 30 September 2013 . Convicted: Sylvia Mitchell once feigned cancer to trick a friend into giving her thousands of pounds . A clairvoyant who has helped celebrities map their futures failed to foresee a web of disaster that would leave her with thousands of pounds in debt and a three-month suspended prison sentence. Sylvia Mitchell - who has a strictly confidential black book of famous clients, including high profile Met Police officers - eventually had to flee her home in County Durham, leaving her newly-recruited personal assistant to cat sit unaware. It is the latest in a series of tricks Mitchell, 56, has concocted to escape her trail of debts, Teesside Crown Court heard today. She has convictions for dishonesty . going back to the 1980s for handling and using stolen cheques and . stealing from an employer. In 2008, Mitchell - also known as Jools Marquiss, Izzy, and Fran Willow - was convicted of fleecing a friend out thousands by pretending she had cancer. A judge berated the scam, which went on for years, as 'despicable'. He said: 'It beggars the belief of right-thinking people that such . meanness could be operated in such a manipulative fashion.' Today, she was found guilty of three . fraud charges, and given a three-month prison sentence, suspended for . two years. A high profile name in the world of clairvoyance, Mitchell has made regular appearances on satellite TV show Psychic First. She had regular orders for celebrity . magazines such as OK! and Hello and the Daily . Mail, and did pay some bills, the court heard. The debts she left behind in Shildon . included £254 owed to a newsagents for magazines and newspapers and . £1,000 to a builder for gardening work. Mitchell made a number of excuses for . not paying the builder for his two days work before leaving the . North-East and him 'out-of-pocket and aggrieved'. Her latest escape got her as far as Hertfordshire before she was arrested. In the meantime, her newly-appointed assistant was £455 out-of-pocket in unpaid wages and the money he had to fork out for cat food, a court was told. She scarpered from County Durham to Hertfordshire, leaving her assistant, unaware, at home with the cat . Guilty: Judge George Moorhouse handed the TV psychic a suspended three-month prison sentence today . The victim had applied for a vacancy in the JobCentre and when he was interviewed by Mitchell, she told of a glamorous life as a psychic to the stars. Similar to her previous court appearance, Mitchell arrived in severely poor health. In 2008, she was brought into court on a stretcher, and her barrister Ian Bradshaw, mitigating, said she was getting 12-hour daily care for a back condition. On Friday and throughout her trial in June, Mitchell was in a wheelchair, and her new lawyer, Christopher Baker, said she was in 'very poor health'. He said: 'She is not in any real fit state. 'Because of her health problems and because she does not accept she is guilty of these offences, there are not really any conditions that are sensible that can be imposed.' | Sylvia Mitchell, 56, has a confidential black book of famous clients including high profile Met Police officers, Teesside Crown Court heard .
Today she was convicted of three counts of fraud and given a three-month suspended sentence by Judge George Moorhouse .
In 2008 she was convicted of fleecing a friend out of money by pretending she had cancer for years .
Other convictions for handling and using stolen cheques and stealing from an employer date back to the 1980s . |
33,004 | 5dc1a62c0643b1478f948eab42610c4a554af4f3 | (CNN) -- Sid Meier is the director of creative development at Firaxis Games. But to millions, he's better known as the "Father of Computer Gaming." Now, the designer of "Civilization" is ready to take over a completely new world -- social gaming on the pages of Facebook. "Civilization" is one of the most popular computer strategy games of all time, and has spawned several versions and updates over the past 20 years. The game allows players to build and develop their own cities, countries and civilizations across the expanse of time. It has sold millions of copies and drawn in fans from around the world who are involved, vocal and loyal. From its beginning in 1991 to its most recent edition, last year's "Civilization V," Meier said it has been a strong, connected community that has kept the game strong. "Players have continued to respond to the game in spite of how far technology has come, in spite of how the world has changed, in spite of how the demographics of game players have changed," Meier said. "Each game starts out in a brand new world (and is) probably going to go off in a different direction than your last game. You've never really exhausted the possibilities of the game." While the game primarily has remained a PC game over the years, Meier took his creation to consoles in 2008 with "Civilization Revolution." The game retained many of the PC version's features, but made them available to a new set of fans -- those who enjoy console and mobile gaming. "We've seen console games getting more strategic, having more depth. It felt like, both in terms of the technology and also where players were, that they would respond to having a strategy type game on their console." Fans and critics who enjoyed the fast playability and ease of control warmly received the game. Long-time fans bemoaned the simplicity of the console version, but it won 2008's Best Strategy Game award from the British Academy Video Games Awards. Now, Meier is ready to take to the pages of Facebook with an incarnation of the franchise called "Civilization World." Developers hope to have the game up and running this summer. "It's been the most dramatic stretch for the game, I'd have to say, so far," he said. "We really weren't looking to make a quote-unquote 'Facebook game'," he said. "We were looking at what does Facebook bring us that is unique, that we can leverage and take advantage of with 'Civilization'-style game play." Meier said there were things that a Facebook game can offer Civ players over a traditional PC game. Connections with friends and a world with potentially hundreds of millions of players provided fuel for the development team to re-imagine the classic strategy game. "What was really intriguing to us was being able to emphasize cooperative game play, which was something that really hadn't been a major part of 'Civilization' up to now," he said. "A lot of our design in 'Civ World' was taking advantage and using these opportunities for players to work together -- teamwork, communication, planning. Those are all the things that become really important to 'Civ World.'" Meier points out that a typical "Civilization" multiplayer game can easily span 12 or more continuous hours, whereas a Facebook game will take place in stops and starts over days and week. He said pacing and having to work with other people would be the biggest adjustments for PC "Civilization" players. Playing at different times in the day, Meier said, "fundamentally changes the mechanics of the game because if you are not there at the same time as other players, there needs to be ways of leaving messages, ways of communicating Things have to happen at a pace where everybody can be included. So that fundamentally changes the pacing and the mechanisms of the game." Meier said all the game's traditional pieces -- science, economy, military, culture -- will be in "Civilization World." "You can do those things yourself but you'll be most effective -- science, for example -- if a couple of people are researching the same technology then that technology will be discovered more quickly and you can all use it." In the Facebook game, a world will consist of 200 people, all vying for supremacy. The goal remains the same as previous "Civilization" games -- to build an empire that will stand the test of time. "You have your own city to manage and you can do all kinds of stuff (on your own)," Meier said. "However, the most successful players will be those that can also work together with other players." Unlike other Facebook games (oh, let's say "Farmville"), "Civilization World" will have a beginning and an end. Players who succeed will be rewarded, and then another game can start. The game will also look different from its PC counterparts. "We're dealing with Flash. We're dealing with browsers, dealing with kind of a whole different technology than we are with PCs. It is not your standard PC 'Civ' look by any means." He said designing a Facebook game does give them the ability to update things really quickly because players are essentially downloading the whole game every time they play. He said they will be taking a look at feedback and making adjustments and providing new stuff frequently. Meier says he's excited about the prospects of social gaming, but thinks its full potential hasn't yet been reached. "The future is really out there, but I think we are at the very beginning of exploring the possibilities of social gaming," he said. "It is not like I can see the end and know where this is going." He said that, ultimately, gamers will decide whether social gaming will stand the test of time alongside consoles and PCs. "It's just one more place to experience games," he said. "Games are really taking over the world." | Sid Meier designed "Civilization," one of the most popular computer strategy games ever .
The game allows players to build and develop their own cities, countries and civilizations .
Meier is ready to take on the social gaming network . |
177,893 | 724a1a67a5e7a9d7d263fd4a364f505ce6c1e926 | A New York man who pleaded guilty in January to charges of aiding al Qaeda was ready to be a suicide bomber for the organization, but was told he needed more religious instruction, according to a document obtained by CNN on Thursday. Bryant Neal Vinas says he spent time in the mountains of Waziristan with al Qaeda members. Bryant Neal Vinas gave an interview in March to Belgian prosecutors as part of a terrorism case there involving a cell he was associated with. CNN obtained the prosecution-prepared interview summary document from a Belgian defense attorney, and it was authenticated by both a federal prosecutor in New York and Vinas' defense attorney. The French-language document gives a detailed picture of how Vinas traveled from New York to Pakistan and what he did while he was there. Vinas pleaded guilty in January to charges of conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals, providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization, the FBI said Wednesday. He admitted involvement in an attack on a U.S. military base in Afghanistan in September 2008, according to an indictment filed under seal and made public Wednesday. In addition, authorities said he provided al Qaeda with information about the New York transit system and the Long Island Railroad. Vinas, 26, is an American citizen, said a source close to the investigation. He was arrested in Pakistan, the source said. According to the document obtained Thursday, the Queens, New York-born Vinas converted from Catholicism to Islam in 2004. He hooked up with al Qaeda in Pakistan three years later, and by September 2007 was determined to wage jihad in Afghanistan, the document says. He left New York exactly six years after al Qaeda struck the city and arrived in Lahore, a major city in eastern Pakistan, on September 12, 2007. With the help of a friend he had known in New York, who was connected in militant circles, Vinas sought out individuals in Lahore who could help connect him to jihadists fighting in Afghanistan, according to the document. Weeks later, the document says, Vinas was in Afghanistan's Kunar province, a hotbed of the insurgency, with a group of 20 insurgents who crept up near an American combat outpost. At the last minute, they decided not to fire mortars on the base because American war planes were circling overhead, the document says. Before launching the raid, Vinas said, recruits were required to sign a number of forms. From the document, it is not clear whether those forms constituted formal membership in al Qaeda, but Vinas stated that "it was not necessary to sign documents or take part in a ceremony to become a member of al Qaeda." Later in the document, he was quoted as saying he succeeded in becoming a full member of al Qaeda. Vinas then returned to Mohmand, an agency in Pakistan's tribal areas, the document says. His handlers then asked him to become a suicide bomber. He agreed, and was sent to Peshawar, Pakistan, to receive more instructions. But Vinas told investigators that his handlers decided he needed more religious instruction before he would be ready to become a suicide bomber, the document said. After his instruction in Peshawar, Vinas said, he traveled into the mountains of Waziristan in Pakistan's tribal areas. Vinas said that during his time there he spent a lot of time with members of al Qaeda, including operatives from Saudi Arabia and Yemen, according to the document. Between March and July 2008, Vinas said he attended three al Qaeda training courses, learning how to fire an AK-47, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and handguns. He also familiarized himself with explosives and was taught to make suicide bombing vests. At the end of his training, Vinas said, his handlers judged that he was qualified to participate in missile attacks against American, NATO and Afghan bases in Afghanistan, the document said. In September 2008, Vinas said, he traveled to a town near the Afghan frontier where he joined a group of jihadists including al Qaeda fighters. Creeping toward the Afghan border, he said, the group fired rockets toward an American combat outpost in Afghanistan. This is the attack Vinas pleaded guilty to in January, authorities said Wednesday. After launching the attack, Vinas spent several weeks in the mountains of Waziristan near the Afghan border. It was there, Vinas said, that he had detailed conversations with "al Qaeda chiefs," according to the document. Vinas is quoted as saying the subject of those discussions included attacks in the West, including in the United States. Vinas is not quoted in the document elaborating further. Vinas stated that he left Pakistan's tribal areas in October 2008 and returned to Peshawar in search of a wife. That's where he was arrested a few weeks later. Vinas is quoted in the document saying that during his stay in Pakistan he spent time with a number of Belgian and French citizens who had traveled to Pakistan's tribal areas in early 2008, and who, like Vinas, received military training there. In December 2008, several members of this group and some of their Brussels associates were arrested on their return to Europe after security services received indications they might be plotting a terrorist attack in Belgium. Belgian magistrates wanted to question Vinas in March for this reason. Vinas pleaded guilty on January 28 in a closed hearing, according to court documents. At the time, the case was filed naming "John Doe" as a defendant and was sealed. The FBI's New York office would not say whether Vinas has been sentenced or comment on why the case was sealed. It said Vinas is in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. Vinas is also known as "Ibrahim," "Bashir al-Ameriki" and "Ben Yameen al-Kandee," according to the indictment unsealed Wednesday. In Pakistan, according to the document, Vinas said he met with the alleged leader of the Franco-Belgian cell, a Tunisian, who Belgian intelligence sources have told CNN was Moez Garsallaoui. Garsallaoui is the husband of Malika el Aroud, a Belgian woman who has been described as an "icon" of the jihadist movement because her former husband assassinated Ahmed Shah Massoud, the head of Afghanistan's anti-Taliban Northern Alliance, two days before 9/11. El Aroud was one of those arrested in Brussels and is awaiting trial, accused of having teamed up with her new husband to recruit Europeans to fight Jihad. In 2006, CNN interviewed Garsallaoui and El Aroud in Switzerland. Garsallaoui, who Belgian counterterrorism sources believe is still at large in the tribal areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan, boasted to other group members that he had carried out an attack on an American base in Afghanistan, firing rockets from Pakistan, according to legal documents obtained by CNN. It is not clear whether Vinas also joined Garsallaoui on these raids. | Man has pleaded guilty to charges of aiding al Qaeda .
Bryant Neal Vinas' interview with Belgian prosecutors is released .
Vinas says he received extra religious instruction to be OK'd as bomber .
He says he discussed attacks in the West with al Qaeda, including in the U.S. |
72,931 | cec8deea4ab4f7c347e513ba45a19f4d5ead5169 | By . Lizzie Edmonds . A father-of-two was brutally attacked when he stepped in to stop his niece and nephew from being bullied by two teenage girls, his family said today. Josh Price, 21, and his young relations were visiting Trinity Park in Ossett, West Yorkshire when two girls approached the children. When the teens began bullying his family members, Mr Price asked them to stop. Minutes later, he approached by two men. They violently attacked the young father before knocking him to the ground - kicking and punching him. Josh Price, pictured with daughter Lacey and partner Kirsty, was approached by two men in a park in Ossett, West Yorkshire, after he asked two teenage girls to 'play nice' with his young niece and nephew . Mr Price suffered a blood clot on his brain and was put in to a medically induced coma at Leeds General Infirmary. He also had a stroke and is currently paralysed down his right side. The father has been moved from intensive care . into a high dependency unit - but doctors have warned that there is . scarring on his brain and another blood clot could form at any time. Medics have told his partner Kirsty Berry, 22, and the rest of his family they do not know how severe Mr Price's long-term injuries will be. His devastated family have said he is suffering from memory loss - and is struggling to remember the names of his two children - two-year-old Lacey and one-year-old Dylan. One man has been arrested and bailed following the attack - which took place last Saturday. Police are appealing for witnesses. Mr Price's father Stuart, 43, said the attack took place after his son asked two girls to 'play nice' with his young family members. The lorry driver said: 'As a parent you never want to see your child like that. We are all numb and in total shock. We’re barely functioning as a family. The father of two, pictured with his daughter and partner, tried to run away from the men - who punched and kicked him. His attackers even assaulted two bystanders who attempted to defend the man . 'It was the worst phone call I could have imagined to receive. I got the first flight back from Spain and when I got to Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) on Sunday, Josh had been put into a coma. 'I was told that he had been at the park and two older girls were bullying his niece, so Josh went over and said "play nice". 'About ten or 15 minutes later this van pulls up and two guys get out and come towards Josh. 'They gave him a vicious beating, but at some point he managed to get up and ran towards the nearby rugby clubhouse, where they followed him. 'They even assaulted some of the other people there who tried to stop them getting at Josh. 'People at the clubhouse were saying that Josh looked dazed, so we think he might have been concussed at that point. 'But when Josh left the rugby club, they went for him again, blindsided him, punched him to the ground and kicked his head while he was on the ground. Then they ran off.' Mr Price's father said an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital where he underwent three-hour surgery to remove a blood clot on his brain. Trinity park in Ossett where the violent attack took place. The father, a builder and rugby player, is now recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke and a blood clot to the brain . When he came out, he was in a medically-induced coma which he was gradually brought out of on Monday, and he was moved from intensive care to a high-dependency unit. He added: 'He’s in and out of consciousness at the moment. His eyes are open sometimes but he can’t speak properly, he’s mumbling. 'He’s suffered a stroke at some point, which has caused him to be paralysed down his right-hand side and doctors said they can’t tell us if this will be permanent, because it all depends on how Josh’s recovery goes. 'He’s got severe memory loss, when we mention his daughter Lacey, he doesn’t know who we’re talking about, but when you show him a picture, he remembers her. 'His girlfriend Kirsty, me and my partner Stef, his mum, his sisters Stephanie and Danielle and other family have been taking it in turns to visit him. It’s been very hard for the whole family, it’s completely taken us by surprise. The playground where Mr Price took his young niece and nephew, pictured. Medics have told Mr Price's family they cannot be sure what long-term injuries the man will suffer . 'Josh’s children need their dad, they’re asking where their daddy is and we can’t answer them, it’s devastating. We need the people who did this to Josh catching.' Detectives were called to the scene at about 9.40pm on Saturday. Det lnsp Paul Harrison, of Wakefield CID, said: 'A 23-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident but has been released on police bail. 'Our enquiries are ongoing and we would like to hear from anyone who witnessed this vicious assault.' Anyone with information should contact Wakefield CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Josh Price and family were visiting Trinity Park in Ossett, West Yorkshire .
Told two teenage girls to 'play nice' when they bullied his niece and nephew .
Two men then approached the father-of-two, before violently attacking him .
Mr Price, 21, suffered a stroke and a blood clot to the brain .
Is currently paralysed down his right side and is suffering memory loss .
'Josh’s children need their dad. It’s devastating,' Mr Price's father said .
Police have arrested one man who has since been bailed . |
278,064 | f43d4601024c8e27dc7d74e9daa82c7f56fec21b | By . Simon Walters and Glen Owen . PUBLISHED: . 16:05 EST, 28 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:05 EST, 28 September 2013 . Michael Gove has spent a week at an Austrian ‘fat farm’ to help him show off his Tory leadership credentials at this week’s party conference in Manchester. The Education Secretary, tipped as an heir to David Cameron, padded around the £2,500-a-week spa in his bathrobe and fluffy slippers – and was the only man there. Mr Gove, who ballooned to 15st after the Tories won power with the Lib Dems, has lost 2st since visiting the Mayr health resort, which is popular with celebrities including Liz Hurley and the Duchess of York. Fit for power: A trimmer Mr Gove, right, after his spa visit, and how he looked in May 2012, left . The centre on the shores of Lake Worthersee is not for the fainthearted. Mr Gove was stripped of his two mobile phones and laptop, banned from drinking caffeine or alcohol, and restricted to consuming just 600 calories a day. Treatments at the Mayr clinic include colonic irrigation and blood-letting. One female guest, who visited the spa at the same time as Mr Gove this summer, told The Mail on Sunday the Cabinet Minister was ‘pink-faced, chilled and smiley’. ‘He took advantage of many health and beauty treatments, and chatted to the women over fruit teas,’ she said. ‘Supper was soup and stale bread – stale because it makes you chew it a lot – while the first thing we had to do every morning was drink Epsom salts and magnesium citrate to clear out the system. Strict: Viva Mayr Spa, Austria, where guests eat soup and stale bread in their quest to fight the flab . ‘Breakfast was sheep’s yogurt and a piece of avocado. The hunger gave us terrible headaches. One woman said to Mr Gove, “It’s grim, isn’t it?” and he replied, “It’s worth it. Politics takes it out of you, and conference season’s coming up – this is a good way to recharge the batteries.” ’ The fellow guest admitted that she felt ‘utterly dreadful’ for a couple of days, but then ‘woke up and felt wonderful’. Friends noted how much trimmer Mr Gove looked on BBC 1’s Question Time on Thursday. Tuck in! Mr Gove was restricted to consuming just 600 calories a day at the clinic . However, sticking to his diet will be tricky at conference as he attends a gut-busting number of dinners and drinks receptions. The disclosure that he has been to a fat farm will fuel rumours that he is shaping up to make a leadership challenge when Mr Cameron eventually steps down as Prime Minister. Mr Gove has dismissed the speculation, saying he is ‘too ugly’. He claimed ugly people have to spend more on their appearance than beautiful people to avoid descending ‘into the realms of the godawful’. Mr Gove’s wife, the writer Sarah Vine, dropped a hint about the trip last week. In her Daily Mail column she said that he had just returned from Austria ‘with a pair of swimming trunks in the style of lederhosen’. The detox regime should ensure he now slips into them with more ease. | Mr Gove ballooned to 15st after the Tories won power with the Lib Dems .
Education secretary has lost 2st since visiting the Mayr health resort .
Treatments at the Mayr clinic include colonic irrigation and blood-letting . |
173,294 | 6c4972642b53476485050069466696c9527fa1b9 | By . Sara Malm . PUBLISHED: . 15:43 EST, 17 September 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 10:14 EST, 18 September 2013 . Murdered: Teacher Sun Wukang was killed by one of his students after taking the youngster's phone . A Chinese student slit his teacher’s throat in an act of revenge after his mobile phone was confiscated. The student, named only as Lei in local news reports, had been discovered playing with his phone by his teacher Sun Wakang during a chemistry lesson at a school in in Fuzhou, eastern China's Jiangxi province. The following day Lei went to Mr Sun’s classroom where the teacher was sat marking papers, and slit his throat from behind. The 32-year-old father-of-one died at the scene as the student fled. Today young Lei called the local emergency number and confessed to the crime before turning himself in to police in Shanghai. Mr Sun had worked as a chemistry teacher at Linchuan No. 2 Middle School for five years before his brutal murder, school official Xiong Haishui told China.org.cn. He had taken the student’s mobile phone after the young boy had used it during a lesson, but it had been returned at the end of the day. Despite this, Lei attacked Mr Sun as he was preparing lessons in his classroom, just four days after China’s Teacher’s Day – a national day where students honour their teachers. Officials say a fellow teacher heard Mr Sun’s scream and called emergency serviced, but the 32-year-old was dead before an ambulance arrived. In China, 'middle school' comprise years 7-9 and 10-12 and is the final stage before higher education. Linchuan No. 2 Middle School is one of the best schools in Jiangxi Province and has one of the highest University acceptance ratios in the region. Scroll down for video . Terror: Mr Sun was attacked from behind in his classroom as he prepared for lessons and died at the scene . | Sun Wakang discovered one of his students playing on his phone in class .
The student revenged the confiscation by slitting the teacher's throat .
Chemistry teacher Mr Sun died by his desk before ambulance arrived . |
226,567 | b15dc8f5309eb080ce451cd5501e1911498a0829 | Militants shot down a Ukrainian military helicopter late Tuesday afternoon in eastern Ukraine, less than a week after Ukraine's President declared a cease-fire in Kiev's fight against pro-Russian separatists, a Ukrainian anti-terror spokesman said. All nine people who were aboard the Mi-8 helicopter near Slovyansk are believed to have died, said Vladislav Seleznev, spokesman for Ukraine's anti-terror operation. A missile fired from a man-portable air-defense system hit the helicopter, Seleznev said. Afterward, the militants who brought down the aircraft hid in a nearby village, Bylbasovka, according to Seleznev. Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in a tense standoff since March when Russia annexed the previously Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and massed troops along other parts of its border with Ukraine. Ukraine's government in Kiev has accused Russia of allowing weapons and military equipment to cross the border illegally into the hands of pro-Russia separatists, who have led uprisings in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Friday declared a cease-fire with pro-Russia separatists, saying military units would respond only if they're attacked. He warned militants to abandon their weapons before the cease-fire expires on June 27. The cease-fire includes the closure of the Ukraine-Russia border, and Poroshenko called for changes to Ukraine's Constitution to decentralize power. Russian President Vladimir Putin last week welcomed the cease-fire and said it "should be used to begin constructive negotiations and political compromises between the opponent parties in eastern Ukraine," according to the Kremlin. On Tuesday, Putin asked Russia's upper house of Parliament to cancel a March 1 resolution that authorizes Russia to use force in Ukraine, state-run news agency ITAR-Tass reported. Lawmakers had passed that resolution weeks before Russia annexed Crimea. Russia's annexation of Crimea and the pro-Russian uprising in eastern Ukraine came after Ukraine's Parliament ousted Viktor Yanukovych from the presidency on February 22. Yanukovych's departure came after months of protests in Kiev -- demonstrations motivated in part by his decision to back out of a trade deal with the European Union in favor of closer ties with Russia. | Militants hit helicopter with missile, Ukrainian spokesman says .
All nine aboard are believed to have been killed, spokesman says .
Attack comes less than week after Ukraine's President declared cease-fire with separatists . |
87,784 | f9152595f6fb489b29679a93f1749eb9b6bfa246 | Sebastian Vettel thought about quitting Formula One last year, according to his then Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. The 2014 season was Vettel’s annus horribilis – he failed to win a race and was outscored and outshone by his new team-mate Daniel Ricciardo, who won three races. And on Tuesday Horner spelt out the extent of Vettel’s dejection, saying: ‘Sebastian didn’t like the regulation change. He didn’t enjoy the new engine, the feel from the power unit or the lack of downforce. Sebastian Vettel finished last season's Formula One season empty-handed after four years as champion . Team-mate Daniel Ricciardo won three races, while Vettel did not pick up a victory for the whole campaign . ‘It was like someone had taken his toy away and it took him a while to get to grips with that. Then his team-mate delivered, and that wasn’t something he was used to. ‘He went through a period of disillusion about the direction Formula One was going and he was outspoken about that. 'There was probably a stage last year when he thought about whether he wanted to stop or not, whether he was getting the same level of enjoyment and whether he wanted to continue.’ Vettel, 27, decided to join Ferrari, leaving Red Bull to pair Ricciardo with Toro Rosso’s 20-year-old Russian Daniil Kvyat. They will both take to the track next week in Jerez for the first pre-season test. ‘Sebastian’s boyhood hero was Michael (Schumacher) and the lure of Ferrari for any driver – the brand and the mystique – is immensely powerful,’ added Horner, whose once rock-solid relationship with Vettel weakened last season. ‘He is still a young guy and a tremendous amount has gone on his life in a short period of time. It was question of giving him the space to come to his own conclusions.' Vettel was used to winning (pictured in October 2013) and it was as if he 'lost his toy' last season, said Horner . Christian Horner revealed that Vettel had considered quitting F1 after not enjoying his last season at Red Bull . | Sebastian Vettel ended last season empty-handed, after being champion for four years in a row and winning 13 Grand Prix in 2013 .
Vettel has now left Red Bull to join Ferrari for next season .
Former Red Bull boss Christian Horner says Vettel was close to quitting .
He says he fell out of love with F1, and it was like 'he had lost his toy'
Click here for more F1 news . |
150,822 | 4efe6d5c5e3be610dab215c80c0f98547b11bd4a | Over 4,400 solar panels compose the roof of Blackfriars bridge in the City of London, making it the largest solar-powered bridge in the world. The old Victorian bridge was built across the river Thames in 1886, but unlike other bridges throughout the city, it also operates as a railway station to serve commuters from all the surrounding areas, while offering a stunning view. Being the first station to span the river Thames, the bridge has always had high demands on power. In 2009 it received a makeover: the wrought-iron bridge was dismantled and rebuilt to generate its own power using the sun. A new roof was installed, housing solar panels over 6000 square meters, which is enough to cover 23 tennis courts. On a sunny day, the canopy can produce up to a megawatt of electricity. The bridge reopened in 2012 and the installation of the array was part of a larger upgrading project involving the station as a whole to cater for more passengers and improve services. "It generates enough electricity to make about 80,000 cups of tea a day," explains Chris Binns, head of engineering at Network Rail who led the upgrade. The use of solar power now provides up to 50 percent of the energy needed at the station and is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 511 tonnes per year. The increased production of solar panels worldwide, particularly in China, has brought the previously high expense of solar cells plummeting down to make designs like this more affordable. "It's a wonderful showcase of how Britain can actually build something that's significant," says Professor Ned Ekins-Daukes, an expert on solar energy at Imperial College London. "This is the most powerful bridge in the world and it's using solar power in Britain, not a country well known for its sunshine." Cities across the world are increasingly harnessing the sun's energy, with landmarks as iconic as the Eiffel tower and Taj Mahal planning to incorporate solar panels into their architecture. If the gray skies of London can accomplish such results across the Thames, imagine the potential elsewhere. Read more from Future Cities: . Shared space, where the streets have no rules . Invisible solar panels hidden in your windows? They're coming . Brazil's idea for future mobility? The good old bus . | Blackfriars bridge in the City of London is the world's largest solar-powered bridge.
Over 4,400 photovoltaic cells occupy a roof area of 6000 square meters.
Clean energy provides 50 percent of the requirements of Blackfriars railway station, located on the bridge.
The array is estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 511 tonnes per year. |
55,446 | 9d296aa5d925c27ffd02b184621846983297f9c6 | (CNN) -- Chilean officials are asking fishermen to help save birds caught in nets after thousands of dead fowl appeared along coastal Chile this week. At least 2,300 dead birds were found along beaches between Cartagena and Playa de Santo Domingo, Chile, said Jose Luis Britos, and environment professor and director of the Museum of Natural History of San Antonio, Chile. Many of the birds, which come from several species, had broken wings and bruising on the outside of their bodies -- injuries consistent with getting trapped in fishing nets, Britos said. He said bird deaths from fishing nets occur every year, but never at this level. In a typical year, about 15 to 20 dead birds are found, Britos said. One hypothesis for the increase this year involves climate. As Chilean weather gets colder this time of year, migrating birds that would normally travel north for warmth are instead lingering to feast on an influx of anchovies and sardines that had fled the coast of Peru in search of cooler waters. Earlier this week, Peruvian authorities say warm waters off that country's coast are to blame for the deaths of more than 5,000 marine birds. The Peruvian National Center for the Study of El Nino said that since February, the Peruvian coast has had an abundance of warm water as a result of marine currents throughout the world's oceans. The warm water has altered the marine ecosystem, it said. The warm water has led fish such as anchovies and other species that live in surface waters to migrate to deeper water toward the south. As a result, pelicans and other birds that feed from the surface of the water died of starvation. "If these oceanographic conditions persist, it is likely that its impact will spread to other areas of the (Peruvian) coast even during the fall, which could make the numbers increase and affect other marine species," the report stated. The Peruvian ministry of environment said seafood is still safe to eat, and encouraged everyone to continue to support local fishermen, according to state-run Andina news agency. Officials in Peru continue to search for the cause of death of almost 900 dolphins since the beginning of the year. The health ministry is awaiting final results from molecular analysis looking for the morbillivirus, which previously has been linked to dolphin deaths. The Chilean agriculture and livestock ministry and staff from Britos' center have called for a meeting with fishermen for Monday. They are asking fishermen to try to save trapped birds before closing their nets. Britos said he worries that until Monday, the number of dead birds could rise significantly. | Warm waters off Peru have chased away fish, a national center studying El Nino says .
Fish flee south to deeper, cooler waters, leaving 5,000 Peruvian surface-feeding birds dead .
Chilean birds have apparently feasted on such fleeing fish, an environment professor says .
Many of the dead Chilean birds have injuries consistent with getting trapped in fishing nets . |
22,381 | 3f8d97cfa064f99e7e66cb03eef88070f1ff8299 | (Rolling Stone) -- For me Ronnie's passing is the end of an era. Ronnie Montrose gave me my first break as a songwriter, as a front man, as a recording artist and as a touring artist, and for that I will always be grateful. The first Montrose album was the first album I ever recorded and it still stands as one of the best recordings I have ever been a part of. I wrote songs with him, but it was his trip. He's the guy that got me to sing with him. I had no experience whatsoever; I just wrote the first four songs in my life, which were "Bad Motor Scooter," "Make It Last," "One Thing on My Mind," and "I Don't Want It," played them for Ronnie upon first meeting, shook my hand, and said, "Let's start a band." I went from zero to a hundred. I saw him at Winterland with the Edgar Winter Group, [touring in support of] They Only Come Out at Night, with "Free Ride" and "Frankenstein." I didn't know who he was; I didn't know anything about him. I had a soul band -- we were playing Tower of Power and James Brown -- and we sat there and watched Edgar Winter. I told my guitar player, "I want you to be like that" -- like Ronnie Montrose. And he's going, "I don't want to play that kind of music," and I'm going, "Well, I do." We got into it. It broke my band up, seeing Ronnie for the first time. I said, "I'm going to be like that guy. I'm going to play guitar like that and I'm going to sing like...the way I sing." I was talking to a guy a couple of days after the show, and he said, "That's Ronnie Montrose, and that was his last show. He lives in Sausalito." I lived in San Francisco, and I said, "Do you have his address?" because I didn't even have a phone. He gave it to me, and I went and knocked on his door, dressed like David Bowie -- big old high heel platform shoes, satin pants, probably had make-up on, with a Les Paul and a notebook pad with all kinds of lyrics in it. I said, "I'm Sammy Hagar. I heard you're looking for a singer." He said, "Come on in. You got any songs?" I played him my four songs, we shook hands, and he said, "Let's start a band. Do you know any drummers? I've got a bass player, Bill Church." I had a drummer, Denny Carmassi -- wasn't in my band, but he was my favorite drummer around town. Within a month we were signed to Warner Bros. Records, Ted Templeman producing, and the first Montrose album was born a month after that. It was the fastest thing I've ever done in my life. Like I said, I went from zero to a hundred in the blink of an eye -- all because of Ronnie. He was a changeling. Ronnie never liked to stick with anything. We made one of the greatest hard rock/heavy metal albums of all time with that first Montrose album, and then he didn't want to do that anymore. "Nah, nah, we've got to have better songs, we've got to change our image, that kind of music is out." Boy, he was just laying it on us. Ronnie really liked to change -- immediately. We butted heads and I got thrown out of the band [after one more album, 1974's Paper Money], but I carried on with that "first Ronnie Montrose" I saw. What I learned from Ronnie Montrose, I still utilize today when I step on a stage. I try to keep the energy up and the entertainment high. The first time Eddie Van Halen and I met, it was around 1977. We were on a stadium show with Boston, Black Sabbath, myself, Van Halen. He came to my dressing room, and said, "I'm a Montrose freak, I love the band!" And Ted Templeman told me, when he signed Van Halen, they were called something else, and he wanted to name them after the guitar player. He said on the first Van Halen record, he took the first Montrose record in there and said, "Boom. We're going to have eight great songs, they're going to be this long, they're going to be this tempo." And pretty much patterned the whole thing after it -- right down to saying, "Why don't you guys get Sammy Hagar to sing in this band? He's been thrown out of Montrose." That's a true story! Eddie had a totally new twist on the whole guitar style thing, but as far as the chording goes -- not his soloing as much as the chording -- yeah, he took some of that big open chord thing [from Montrose]. The big open A, the big open D, the big open E. Everything as open as you could make it, to make it as heavy as possible with one guitar. And that was pretty much Ronnie's style, too. And of course the fire, too -- Van Halen came out with all that fire, which is Ronnie. Ronnie was full of fire, man. [I last spoke to Montrose] a couple of weeks ago, and about a week before that, and then four or five days before that. We were talking a lot, because we were planning a Montrose reunion for my birthday in Cabo this year. Montrose, the whole band, has not been there. Denny's been there, Bill's been there, Ronnie's been there -- but [the whole band together] has never been there. I said to Ronnie, "Come on, man. We're all getting old. Let's do this again while we can." And he was in, we were all in. On my 65th, on October 13th, I was planning on coming out with Montrose, doing the whole first album, then going in with my other band, and then bringing Chickenfoot out. I was going to try to [cover] my whole four decades for the fans that night, without nobody knowing. And Ronnie was in. It's crazy. I even played back on my message box, February 10th -- "Hagar, Ronzo...call me back!" It was all good. It's f***ed up that those songs will never be played by those four members again. Songs can go forever, but we can't. [I would like Montrose to be remembered] as one of the pioneers of American heavy/hard rock. And certainly, one of the great hard rock guitar players. But he was more than that -- he was really versatile. But if you're going to remember him for anything, put on that first Montrose record. The only positive I can grab onto is the fact that the music will live on. It's a shame to lose Ronnie and I'm so sorry for his loved ones. Rest in peace. As told to Greg Prato . See the full article at RollingStone.com . Copyright © 2011 Rolling Stone. | Sammy Hagar: Ronnie Montrose gave me my first break as a songwriter, as a front man .
Hagar: [I would like Montrose to be remembered] as one of the pioneers of American heavy/hard rock .
Haragr: But he was more than that -- he was really versatile . |
241,649 | c4c28782436b427ebd83474c42c900547d5f6e2e | A hat-trick of tries from winger Joel Monaghan helped Warrington complete a stunning comeback against local rivals Widnes in a thrilling Super League play-off clash at the Halliwell Jones stadium. The Wolves, aiming for a third successive Grand Final appearance at Old Trafford, looked to be in danger of falling at the first hurdle as they trailed the Kevin Brown inspired Vikings 18-0 after half an hour. But Monaghan, Super League’s top try-scorer, was on hand to rescue his side with his three-try haul and Rhys Evans also touched down with Stefan Ratchford landing three excellent touchline conversions to settle an epic contest 22-19. Joel Monaghan scored hat-trick to complete Warrington Wolves comeback against Widnes Vikings . The one downside for Tony Smith’s team was what looked a serious injury to full back Matty Russell who was stretchered from the field following a second-half collision with Macgraff Leuluai. Brown, who earned selection in the Super League Dream Team for the first time this week, created all three Widnes tries in a dominant first half first for the Vikings but they just ran out of steam in the second half. Paddy Flynn claimed two tries for the visitors and Rhys Hanbury also touched down with Danny Tickle landing three goals and Brown a drop-goal as they led 19-6 at half time but failed to add to their score in the second period. The Wolves now face the rest of the play-off games on the road and will travel to Challenge Cup finalists Castleford in the next round. Warrington were without injured skipper Ben Westwood and Simon Grix as well as the suspended Paul Wood but welcomed back centre Ryan Atkins after missing the previous week’s defeat at Wigan. The Vikings were still without centre Stefan Marsh but captain Jon Clarke, Brown, Hanbury, Eamon O’Carroll and Tickle all returned after being rested for the final regular-season game at Salford. Widnes, making their first appearance in the play-offs after finishing eighth in the Super League table, made the perfect start as they stunned the Wolves with two almost identical tries in the opening nine minutes. The Vikings took full advantage when Warrington were penalised for obstruction in the opening stages and that allowed the visitors to set up the position from which Brown put in an inch perfect kick and Flynn just managed to touch down. And Widnes repeated the dose four minutes later when it was Brown again whose perfectly placed kick over the Wolves line allowed Flynn to just beat Evans to the touch. Tickle kicked two excellent touchline conversions to give Widnes a 12-0 lead. It got even better for the Vikings after half an hour when the impressive Brown sent Hanbury racing clear and he evaded the attemped tackle of Russell to score. Tickle again converted to make it 18-0. On one of their rare forays into Widnes territory the Wolves posted their first points four minutes before half time when some crisp passing from Richie Myler and Chris Bridge allowed Monaghan to touch down in the corner. Ratchford landed his conversion attempt from the touchline to cut the Widnes lead to 18-6. But two minutes before half time the influential Brown cooly added a drop goal to give his side a 19-6 lead at half time. Warrington claimed their second try of the game three minutes after the restart when a superb pass out of the tackle by Bridge allowed Monaghan to claim his second try of the game and Ratchford again landed an excellent touchline conversion to make it 19-12. And five minutes later Warrington scored again when Evans crossed in the corner and cut the deficit to three points at 19-16. The Wolves hit the front on 56 minutes when a break down the right by Bridge released Monaghan to claim his hat-trick and Ratchford was once again on target with the conversion to make it 22-19. | Warrington Wolves beat Widnes Vikings 22-19 .
Two sides clashed in their Super League play-off .
Visitors were 18-0 up after half an hour .
Joel Monaghan scored hat-trick to complete comeback . |
189,253 | 8112e15ecb3b3b378f517c0f374c0473d3a67b31 | By . Madlen Davies for MailOnline . A young girl suffering a rare condition, which causes her to vomit up to 30 times a day, has beaten the illness by taking up karate. Megan Stone, six, was diagnosed with cyclical vomiting syndrome which can cause her to throw up uncontrollably for up to 14 hours a day when an attack hits. At her lowest ebb, she couldn't take part in any activities without being constantly sick. She took days to recover after attacks and was so weak from vomiting she could barely stand and struggled to walk back from school. For years Megan Stone, 6, would have attacks causing her vomit for up to 14 hours due to rare condition Cyclical Vomitting Syndrome, until she found karate lessons helped ease the illness . After taking up martial arts Megan's attacks halved in frequency and severity. Her mother said this is due to Megan's body building up stamina . But after Megan, from Swansea in south Wales started taking karate lessons the number of attacks she suffers has almost halved. Her mother Rachel Stone, 35 said she believes this is down to Megan's body building up stamina. Megan's condition is so rare that three different doctors were unable to diagnose her illness, but offered theories ranging from viral infections, allergies and bulimia. But after almost two years of being almost constantly sick, Megan was referred to a specialist who diagnosed her with cyclical vomiting syndrome (CVS) - a rare condition which causes suffers to vomit for long periods without interval. She was suffering an attack every couple of weeks - but after starting martial arts classes, the frequency and length of the attacks has been dramatically cut. Mrs Stone, a support worker for adults with learning disabilities said seeing her daughter so ill made her feel helpless as a mother. She said: 'It's horrendous seeing her when she's really ill, I feel useless as a mum you just want to take the pain away and make her feel better. 'She's so exhausted during and after the episodes that she can barely stand. 'We just carry her if she needs the toilet or to get to the doctors because her legs are like jelly and she's so dizzy. 'I started taking my son Jack to karate in 2012 to try and build up his confidence, but Megan was too young then and too ill. Rachel Stone, 35, with husband Robert, 36, son Jack, 8 said that karate has not only helped daughter Megan's condition, but is an integral part of her family's life . 'But she could see how much Jack was enjoying it and she was desperate to go, so at the end of last year, she started going and hasn't looked back.' Learning that Megan could take karate lessons- and that they helped with her condition- was a massive help, Mrs Stone added. She said: 'Meg had struggled to find any other activity she could keep up with, she even struggled to walk home from school without getting sick. CVS symptoms are shared by many other conditions, and diagnosis is by ruling out every other cause. Because of this it can be years before reaching a diagnosis, and any effective treatment. Many CVS sufferers with short and relatively infrequent attacks are often told it’s “a stomach bug” and receive little or no help for many years. In other sufferers psychological causes are often considered, when the cause is actually CVS this often delays treatment and adds stress to an already difficult situation. Awareness of CVS in the medical profession has increased but CVS is still, all too often, overlooked as a potential diagnosis. There have been no large, well-controlled studies, to show which drugs work best but a number of treatments are available to both stop, or reduce the severity of an attack, or to prevent the attack from starting. Recent research suggests that mitochondrial DNA mutations may play a role in CVS and that it may be an inherited condition passed down the maternal line. 'But it turned out karate was the perfect outlet, it was a massive turning point. Now her body is strong she can recover quickly, which is amazing. 'Before karate it used to take her days to get better, but it's really chopped the recovery period in half. 'Karate has not just helped my daughter, it's become an integral part of our family life.' Megan first started showing symptoms of the rare condition - which typically develops during childhood - at the age of three when she would experience dizziness, stomach cramps, and excessive perspiration. From that point, she would have attacks of severe vomiting every few weeks, causing her family to become increasingly concerned for her health. At a loss as to how to treat her condition, baffled doctors put her on anti-sickness medicine to prevent the nausea. Her body instantly rejected the tablets, regurgitating anything she attempted to swallow. It wasn't until she was referred to a specialist at age four that Megan was diagnosed with the vomiting disorder. The diagnosis had come after years of confusion and difficulty managing Megan's condition, said Mrs Stone. She said: 'The doctors seemed clueless and so were we. 'The episodes were put down to viral infections, bugs, something she ate, but we knew deep down that it was something worse. 'No one else in the family was ill and after nearly a year she was finally sent to a specialist and was diagnosed with CVS, something I had never heard of before. 'We manage her episodes with paracetamol for the pain and try to keep her hydrated with ice lollies.' Megan wanted to try karate because her brother Jack, 8, enjoyed it so much . But the diagnosis brought no relief. Although doctors knew what was wrong with Megan they were unable to help her - and it was only when she joined her local karate club that her family noticed a difference in her symptoms. Megan has now passed three belts with distinctions and will be grading for her next belt in the Lil Dragons programme in September. Dr Robin Dover, Chair of the Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome Association UK, said: 'CVS affects approximately 2 per cent of the school age population but is probably as frequent in adults too - onset can be at any age. 'It is a poorly understood condition in which the sufferers are usually healthy and normal between episodes but have debilitating attacks of relentless nausea and vomiting. 'Attacks last between 1-4 days for most people but can last as long as two weeks in extreme cases, with vomiting up to six times an hour. 'Attacks in some sufferers happen in a regular pattern, i.e. every couple of weeks or months. In others there is no clear pattern.' | Megan Stone, 6, was diagnosed with rare Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome .
Condition causes her to throw up for 14 hours a day when suffering attack .
Illness left her unable to swallow medication and too weak to stand or walk .
After wanting to try karate like her brother Jack, 8, it was foundto help .
Since taking up karate her attacks have halved in frequency and severity .
Mother Rachel Stone, 35, believes Megan's body is building up stamina . |
215,108 | a2799907e08e6fd43668f8f9af20e29cb62ebeec | Hidden beneath layers of whitewash, it is hardly a fitting way to treat a mural by one of the world's greatest artists. But now a lost Leonardo da Vinci artwork may finally see the light of day after restorers have discovered traces that have lain buried beneath paint in an Italian castle. Hidden beneath seven layers of paint, trees sketched by the master painter have been uncovered in a room of the Sforzesco Castle. Restoration work on Leonardo da Vinci's work in the Sala delle Asse shows the mural beneath layers of paint . The Italian is thought to have begun his work when he was the court artist for the duke of Milan, Ludovico il Moro, in the late 1400s. Now restoration work on the Sala delle Asse, which da Vinci decorated during 1498 with a mural of trees, has unveiled extra sections of the original work, the La Gazetta del Mezzogiorno revealed. Some of the scenes have been uncovered underneath 17 layers of whitewash and are focusing on uncovering a huge tree root. It is not known whether the Renaissance painter completed the mural, because Milan was conquered by the French who stormed the castle and used it for their barracks, the Times reported. A red ring highlights where the tree root can be seen stuck in a rock in the uncovered mural section . The mural is kept in the 'Room of . Planks'; so called because it was a wood-pannelled lined room used as a . reception room for ambassadors. Leonardo da Vinci's mural that was hidden beneath layers of paint is being restored . The Duke was responsible for commissioning the young da Vinci to paint The Last Supper for his family's mausoleum. The castle was bombed during World War II, but the famous religious painting survived because it had been protected with sandbags. the restoration comes after a priceless Leonardo da Vinci masterpiece has been unearthed . in a Swiss bank vault - almost 500 years after he . painted it. The portrait of Italian noblewoman, Isabella d’Este, was . discovered as part of a private collection in a Swiss bank. The Italian owners have decided to keep their identity a secret. The . painting is a canvas and oil, finished rendering of a well-known pencil . sketch of the same woman, the wife of the Marquess of Mantua and one of Renaissance Italy’s most influential women . The . sketch, which was drawn in 1499, hangs in the Louvre, and is considered . a forerunner to his most famous painting, the Mona Lisa. Isabella, . who appears to share the world-famous subject's mysterious smile and . rounded chin, wanted to be painted by the all the greatest artists of . the day, which naturally included da Vinci. The preliminary sketch was greatly admired by the aristocratic lady’s friends so she asked him to finish the commission. | Trees sketched by painter have been uncovered in the Sforzesco Castle .
Restoration work on the Sala delle Asse, which da Vinci decorated during 1498 with a mural of trees, has unveiled extra sections of the original work . |
229,086 | b4a21e0471856ac976a8ae22255ec21fb193b900 | (CNN) -- Americans should avoid buying treatments for the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, online, the Food and Drug Administration warned. FDA has warned Americans away from online H1N1 medication and toward regulated distribution points. "Products that are offered for sale online with claims to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus must be carefully evaluated," FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg said. The FDA issued the warning Thursday after it had purchased products over the Internet that were supposed to be Tamiflu and analyzed them. Tamiflu is one of two approved anti-viral treatments for H1N1. The other is Relenza. None of the products received by the FDA were approved for sale in the United States, and they contained various levels of oseltamivir phosphate, the drug in Tamiflu. "Medicines purchased from Web sites operating outside the law put consumers at increased risk due to a higher potential that the products will be counterfeit, impure, contaminated or have too little or too much of the active ingredient," Hamburg said. In addition, the products did not arrive soon enough to treat someone infected with H1N1, or who had been exposed to the virus. | FDA issued the warning after it had purchased products over the Internet .
The products received by FDA were not approved for U.S. sale .
Agency: Meds purchased from unreliable sources put consumers at risk . |
229,801 | b59758e4a8851fd514468ad6bcd81c44caf292cb | By . Nick Enoch . PUBLISHED: . 19:00 EST, 11 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 19:01 EST, 11 April 2013 . Chasing suspected thieves through suburban back gardens, the police dog was merciless when its prey came into sight. Unfortunately, instead of catching a criminal, the highly-trained canine sunk its powerful teeth into George the rabbit. The much-loved pet had no chance when the dog ‘simply acted on its natural instincts’. The 13-year-old rabbit was mauled and died moments later in the arms of his heartbroken owner Melissa Richardson, 20. Melissa Richardson is seen kissing her pet rabbit George just hours before the pet was killed by a bloodthirsty police dog that was chasing suspected thieves in the vicinity of the family home in York . After letting him out of his hutch to enjoy the fresh air, she had looked through the window to see the dog jump over the fence. ‘George was pottering around but the dog ran up to the hutch, where my three other rabbits were,’ she said. ‘It was barking like mad and scratching at the hutch trying to get at them. That was when it turned and saw George. ‘It ran up and started shaking him. I ran out shouting and that was when the handler jumped over the fence. He shouted at the dog to drop George but it wouldn’t. ‘It went on for about a minute but, at the time, it seemed like forever. I was screaming and sobbing but there was nothing I could do.’ Miss Richardson, a support worker from York, said George was ‘covered in blood’ when the dog eventually dropped him. ‘I picked him up and carried him inside and he died in my arms about a minute later,’ she added. ‘I was inconsolable. I’ve had George since I was seven and can’t put into words how I felt being unable to protect him. The dog was clearly out of control and had run away from its handler. Miss Richardson hugs another of her pets after the incident. She said she turned down a police offer to buy her a replacement pet . ‘The men they were chasing hadn’t even been in our garden. ‘I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if there had been kids in the garden. ‘I’ve . been devastated. I haven’t been eating properly and had to leave work . early because I couldn’t stop crying. Not being able to give George a . cuddle has left me heartbroken.’ Officers from North Yorkshire Police consoled Miss Richardson and she also received a personal apology from Sergeant Simon Whitby, head of the dog section. He said: ‘We all feel terrible and have apologised profusely for the distress this has caused. ‘The police dog simply acted on its natural instincts and grabbed hold of the rabbit.’ Miss Richardson, who buried George in the garden that evening, said she turned down a police offer to buy her a replacement pet. ‘Some people might think that it’s only a rabbit, but I’d had him for so long, he was like family,’ she said. ‘I’d give him cuddles and let him out so he could roam the garden. I really miss him.’ Police said youths were seen running into gardens on Tuesday around 6pm after power tools were stolen from a car. Two 18-year-olds were arrested that evening and released on bail pending further inquiries. A 19-year-old arrested the next day remains in police custody. Sorry we are unable to accept comments for legal reasons. | 13-year-old rabbit died in arms of owner, Melissa Richardson, 20 .
North Yorkshire Police said dog had 'acted on its natural instincts' |
128,922 | 329624ca514c65b3849ece6e1ec11be72aeb98f8 | It's the controversial diet that encourages higher fat consumption and has scientists claiming it can reverse the obesity and diabetes epidemics. South African sports scientist, Professor Tim Noakes, says there's absolutely zero nutritional value in eating carbohydrates and people should stick to a diet full of fatty goodness. His claims form part of a Catalyst investigation to air on the ABC on Thursday and he is backed by several high-profile Australians including celebrity chef Pete Evans and cricketer star Shane Watson. Scroll down for video . Catalyst reporter Dr Maryanne Demasi investigates the controversial diet that encourages higher fat consumption and limits the carbohydrates . 'What this diet does is it's high in fat and protein… that reduces your hunger and that is the key to this whole process because if you can reduce your hunger, your calorie consumption goes down,' Professor Noakes told Catalyst. 'If you follow this diet we can reverse obesity and type two diabetes.' Professor Noakes' low-fat advice is a far cry from the food group pyramid many have followed for decades, which encourages a high proportion of carbohydrates. He believes the surge in carb consumption has contributed to obesity because they stimulate insulin hormones, which increases the body's fat stores. Celebrity chef Pete Evans has thrown his support behind the low-carb diet and says people should consume more unfamiliar animal meats including liver, marrow, hearts and brains . Australian cricketer Shane Watson details taking up the low-carb diet after initially having a 'fat phobia' because people had told him to consume a low-fat diet as an athlete . Australian cricketer Shane Watson said he used to have a 'fat phobia' because people had told him to consume a low-fat diet as an athlete. 'I stayed away from butter, cheese, nuts, avocado - all the foods that are high in fat and high in energy. But in the end I was always hungry because I was cutting all the fat out of my diet and was just loading up on carbs,' he told Catalyst. He took up the low-carb diet when sports scientist Dr Peter Brukner started working with Cricket Australia and instantly dropped the weight. Catalyst host Dr Maryanne Demasi says in the program that there's scientific evidence that people with obesity and diabetes would benefit from a low-carb diet - something Dr Brukner agreed with. 'These people don't metabolise carbohydrates well, that's what diabetes it – a failure to metabolise carbohydrates. Yet we've traditionally give these people high carbohydrate diets and it just doesn't make sense,' he said. Watson (middle) took up the low-carb diet when sports scientist Dr Peter Brukner (left) started working with Cricket Australia. They both feature on Catalyst on Thursday with reporter Dr Maryanne Demasi (right) The low carbohydrate diet encourages higher fat consumption and limits the intake of carbohydrates. The diet includes the consumption of foods full of fatty goodness including meats, fish, butter, cheese, nuts and avocado. But according to the Dietitians Association of Australia, reviews of the diet show that they are successful in cutting down body weight for up to six months. This suggests that for some people, the low-carb diet may be more effective in the short term. But the association says there are some concerns with the diet as it encourages a high intake of saturated fat. This may boost health risks such as heart disease and damage to blood vessels. The association says regular physical activity and a healthy diet is the most effective in the long term. The Catalyst episode is packed full of experts weighing in on the low-carb diet, but Melanie McGrice of the Dietitian's Association of Australia warns not everyone should follow it. 'I don’t believe that everyone with diabetes should be going on a low carbohydrate diet,' she tells the program. 'People don’t just come with diabetes, they come with a whole range of medical conditions, they come from different back grounds, they have different lifestyles. 'People who have medical condition such as diabetes really should be going and seeing their accredited practising dietician for that personally tailored advice.' Celebrity chef Pete Evans, who is renowned for his support of the Paleo diet, chimes in with a low-carb spaghetti recipes including animal liver, marrow, hearts and brains. 'The best thing about this diet is you don’t have to calorie count. Fat equals flavour,' he said. Catalyst's Low Carb Diet: Fat or Fiction? will air on the ABC on Thursday at 8pm. | South African sports scientist Tim Noakes says there's no nutritional value in carbohydrates and encourages higher fat consumption .
His claims are part of an ABC Catalyst investigation to air on Thursday .
Prof Noakes has been backed by high-profile Australians like celebrity chef Pete Evans and cricketer Shane Watson .
Watson said he adopted the low-carb diet and dropped the weight after initially having a 'fat phobia' |
125,035 | 2d9f9fa42aa65c70e3d1f83ea09588310c3b3978 | Five-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams swapped the tennis court for the photographer's studio as she stripped down for an Australian lingerie company. The 33-year-old, who has won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, posed for Berlei as part of a new TV advertising campaign. The current world No 1 was in a confident mood after last month's WTA Finals success in Singapore as she stepped in front of the cameras in an unfamiliar capacity. The Current world No 1 posed in a variety of outfits during the photo shoot for Australian company Berlei . Despite the somewhat intimidating prospect of stripping down, Serena told the Daily Telegraph that she felt comfortable in her own skin. 'I'm a normal woman - I can get self-conscious. But I think that is just natural for women to feel that way,' she said. 'I have learned to be proud of my curves and to embrace them. It's important to love who you are and realise that you're beautiful, no matter what society says.' The brand's senior marketing manager Kellie Warwick told Daily Mail Australia that Serena was a natural on set in Miami. 'She was without a doubt a natural behind the camera and was an absolute delight to work with,' she said, 'She is such a professional!' The 33-year-old American star recently won the WTA Finals in Singapore after beating Simona Halep . 'The entire Berlei team loved working with Serena on our latest sports bra campaign, The Bounce Masters. We are delighted to have one of the world's best female athletes representing Berlei Australia.' The ad, which is due to be released in time for Serena's appearance at the Australian Open in January, is the first the 18-time grand slam champion has done for the label after first signing on as a sports bra ambassador in 2013. The reigning Olympic, US Open and WTA Tour champion, it seems, is proving that she can be just as successful off the court as she has been on it. | Serena Williams has had a photo shoot for an Australian lingerie company .
The five-time Wimbledon winner revealed she was comfortable doing it .
Williams recently won the WTA Finals title in Singapore . |
191,220 | 839b77f619ea5a7b7a5b7c6346dbaaa8bd13d5cf | By . Daily Mail Reporter . UPDATED: . 07:59 EST, 2 August 2011 . Apple has angered iPad and iPhone users after its new rules for app publishers forced Amazon to make buying books via its Kindle app more complicated. Since the end of June, all publishers of apps purchased through Apple's App Store must hand over 30 per cent of any profits from content they sell via those applications. For Amazon, this meant a huge loss in revenue made by selling electronic books through its hugely popular Kindle app. As a result, the company last week removed the 'Kindle Store' link button from its app. Amazon boss Jeff Bezos launches the Kindle in 2007. His firm last week removed the 'Kindle Store' link button from its app after new rules meant Amazon must hand over 30 per cent of any profits made through it to Apple . Kindle: But users now have to navigate directly to Amazon's website to buy books for the app . Instead, users now have to navigate directly to Amazon's website to buy books for the app. The move has left users angry with Apple over what they see as 'shameful behaviour' and recent feedback on the Kindle's App Store page has highly critical. One user, MMTTCC, wrote: 'If you can't download books from the app, what's the point in having it? Nice going Apple!' Others are more critical of Apple business practices, and see the move as a ploy to make users buy books from its own iBooks app. Odylih wrote: 'Apple are trying to monopolise the book buying market by not allowing any competition at all.' Salwinder said: 'All Apple has done is convince me never to buy any more of their overpriced books through iBooks ever again. I'm sticking with Kindle.' Last month, Google stepped into the breach with the launch of its own e-book reader that will target the same market as the Kindle and iBook. It is the first e-reader to be fully integrated with Google's eBooks platform. The product, which was launched in the U.S. two weeks ago, will be called the Story HD and will have a built-in QWERTY keyboard. Some iPad and iPhone users see the move as a ploy to make users buy books from its own iBooks app (pictured) Amazon's Kindle has proved popular, but some analysts believe the e-reader's days might already be numbered due to tablet computers. Apple is currently working on enhanced eBook features for its iBooks platform according to Patently Apple, a blog that tracks the patent applications made by the firm. It found one such submission that 'describes systems, methods, and techniques for interacting with text displayed on a touch screen, such as text in an electronic book ('eBook' or in Apple's case, 'iBook')'. This opens the door, the blogger states, for images, animations, video and interactive content. | New rules for Apple's App store mean Amazon must hand over 30% of profits made through its Kindle app .
As a result, Amazon last week removed 'Kindle Store' button from its app . |
268,470 | e7bba101ed7f842bfb7b413829b331f895649a77 | By . Steve Robson . PUBLISHED: . 03:30 EST, 21 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 15:09 EST, 21 March 2013 . A driver has been killed after a high-speed commuter train hit a car on a level crossing in Somerset. Police, fire crews and ambulance services were called to the crash involving the First Great Western Exeter to London Paddington service at around 6.30am this morning. The red car, believed to be a Peugeot 306, was shunted more than a mile down the tracks as a result of the collision. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO . The First Great Western train was bound for Paddington this morning when it hit the red car in Somerset . A recovery vehicle removes the wreckage of the car from the tracks following the fatal collision . British Transport Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene. It is understood the half-road barriers were down at the time of the incident at the crossing near Athelney on the line between Taunton and Castle Cary which has been categorised as 'non suspicious'. The car was trapped under the front of the Paddington-bound train and firefighters worked all morning to cut it free. Aaron Mead, who lives 100 yards from the scene, told the BBC he heard an 'almighty bang'. 'A couple of pictures on the bedside table fell over,' he said. 'Before we knew it we had endless amounts of sirens - police cars, fire engines and ambulances bombing up and down the road.' Fatal: Emergency services at the scene near Athelney, Somerset, where a man has died after his car was hit by a train . The senior fire commander at the scene Paul Cregan said: 'The train struck the vehicle and then carried it along the tracks, eventually stopping over a mile from the crossing. 'Firefighters had to run to the scene carrying firefighting and rescue equipment to deal with the person trapped in the car, deal with the very real risk of a fire occurring as well as dealing with nearly 40 people on the train in terrible weather conditions. 'This incident was a significant challenge causing a number of dangerous and difficult circumstances for our Fire and Rescue crews.' Network Rail said an investigation has . been launched but the focus will be on actions of the driver rather than . the working of the crossing. Witnesses said the barriers at the level crossing were lowered when the car drove on to the track. A spokesman for Network Rail added: 'There were 45 people on board, comprising 37 passengers and eight train crew. 'The train did not derail and no passengers or crew were injured. 'The train driver and First Great . Western staff gave a statement to British Transport Police that . the barriers were lowered and the car was seen to drive on to the . crossing.' James Hector, owner of Willowbank Services less than a mile from the scene, said the barriers close very quickly. 'It's a very fast crossing,' he said. 'Once the barriers go down the train is there within 30 seconds. 'They are half-road barriers so it would be possible to drive around them, but you would have no chance if you did.' First Great Western said none of the 37 passengers or eight crew were injured in the crash. After almost six hours waiting on the train, they were taken back to Taunton train station. Scene: A street view of the Athelney level crossing in Somerset where the fatal accident happened . Stuart Lambert, a passenger on the train, was on his way to London for a training course when the tragedy happened. The teacher, 37, from Taunton, said: . 'I was sitting at the back of the train, just dozing, when I felt a . shudder and the brakes slam on. 'The train came to a controlled stop . some distance later, where the announcer told us that someone had jumped . the level crossing. 'We were told to move to the front of the train, where they kept us calm and refreshed, and kept everyone well informed.'. Stuart added: 'A lot of people were . shaken up, understandably, but the staff were absolutely brilliant and . kept everyone calm and comfortable.' A group of schoolchildren from Isca . College of Media Arts in Exeter were on the train travelling to Radio 1 . for BBC School Report. One of them, a 15 year old called . Denis, said: 'We heard a loud bang. We were all told to go into first . class carriages where we were informed that a train had struck a car.' A . spokesman for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said: 'The . train has not been derailed and there are no reports of any injuries to . anyone on board. 'The car is trapped under the front of the train and services are currently stopped in the area.' 'There was one male person in the car who has been pronounced dead at the scene. 'An investigation is underway to establish the full circumstances leading up to the incident.' A spokesman for British Transport Police said: 'Shortly before 6.30am this morning BTP was called to reports of a car having been struck by a train at Athelney automatic half barrier level crossing. 'The train involved is the 5.46am Exeter to London Paddington service. The train has not been derailed and there are no reports of any injuries to anyone on board. 'The car is trapped under the front of the train and services are currently stopped in the area.' 'There was one person in the car who has been pronounced dead at the scene. 'An investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances leading up to the incident.' | Crash at crossing near Athelney, Somerset, at 6.30am this morning .
It has been reported that the incident occurred while barriers were down .
First Great Western Exeter to Paddington service hit red Peugeot on tracks .
Firefighters had to run more than a mile from crossing to the wreckage .
None of the 37 passengers or eight crew injured but stuck for six hours . |
193,254 | 8634247551a388ab8fb75fd33394a236597bf556 | By . Martha De Lacey . PUBLISHED: . 06:41 EST, 4 October 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:33 EST, 4 October 2012 . The Swedish royal family added a touch of glamour to an eco-conscious party in New York City. Queen Silvia, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Princess Madeleine of Sweden attended the 5th Annual Green Summit and Gala Dinner - which took place in Goldman Sachs and the Mandarin Oriental, respectively - held to discuss sustainability within the food chain. And following a number of speakers, the evening ended with a performance from the cast of Wicked the musical. From left to right, Princess Madeleine of Sweden, Queen Silvia of Sweden and King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden attend the 5th Annual Green Summit and Gala Dinner in New York. The King - who wore a black tuxedo - and Queen - dressed in a lilac floor-length evening dress and short cream fur coat - attended the event with their youngest child, 30-year-old Princess Madeleine. Princess Madeleine opted for a black, floor-length, off-the-shoulder gown featuring balloon-sleeves and jewel detailing. The princess is third in line to the Swedish throne after her sister Crown Princess Victoria, 35, who married Daniel Westling, a personal trainer and gym owner, in the summer of 2010. The Crown Princess and Prince Daniel have a seven-month-old daughter, Princess Estelle, who is second-in-line to the throne before Victoria and Madeleine's brother, Prince Carl-Philip, 33. Neither of Princess Madeleine's elder siblings were present at the New York event last night. Princess Madeleine, 30, and her mother Queen Silvia at the 5th Annual Green Summit in New York. Accompanied by her dapper, tuxedo-wearing husband King Carl XVI Gustaf, Queen Silvia wore a floor-length lilac evening gown with a two-strand pearl necklace and a short cream fur coat. The Swedish-American Chamber of . Commerce in New York (SACC) held the event - which was sponsored by . brands including Swedish furniture company IKEA, Purity Vodka, Elsa . & Me, Deloitte, Unilever, Accenture and Aquavit - to 'create an . electric dialogue on sustainability'. Following . on last year's success, the focus of the yesterday's summit - entitled . 'From Farm To Fork' - was on sustainability in the food chain, and . explored how to feed a city and fuel the food chain. The aim of the day-long summit - to which tickets cost $295 (£183) - was 'to learn how the brightest minds in business, . academics and culture are realising the opportunities present in . today's food chain while keeping sustainability at the top of the . agenda'. Princess Madeleine wore a black, floor-length, off-the-shoulder evening gown with jewel embellishment and balloon sleeves. Speakers included H.E. Mr Jan Eliasson, . Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Mr Michael Treschow, . Chairman of Unilever; Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs, Director of the Earth . Institute at Columbia University; and Mr. Marcus Samuelsson, food . activist and chef. Tickets . to the gala dinner at the Mandarin Oriental cost $495 (£307), or $695 . (£431) when purchased in combination with a ticket to the summit. The dinner . featured a presentation of the SACC New York-Deloitte Green Award and . musical entertainment by the cast of Wicked, in collaboration with the Broadway Green Alliance. King Carl Gustaf, Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, husband Prince Daniel, Prince Carl-Philip, and Princess Madeleine in Oerebro, Sweden, in 2010. The Swedish royal family - from left, Prince Carl-Philip, Princess Madeleine, Queen Silvia, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Crown Princess Victoria - pose on the 60th birthday of the queen at the Royal Palace in Stockholm in 2003. Crown Princess Victoria with her baby, Princess Estelle, who, born on February 23, is second-in-line to the Swedish throne. Crown Princess Victoria with her husband, 36-year-old gym owner Daniel Westling, after their wedding ceremony on 19 June, 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. Queen Silvia and Princess Victoria visiting a Scandinavian school in Waterloo in 2001. The Swedish royal family poses for a group picture at the Swedish National Museum in Stockholm in 1998 - sitting from left are Crown Princess Victoria, King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia; standing are Princess Madeleine and Prince Carl-Philip. | Queen Silvia, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Princess Madeleine of Sweden visited Manhattan .
5th Annual Green Summit and Gala Dinner was held at Mandarin Oriental .
Cast of Wicked the musical performed at reception .
Sponsors included IKEA . |
250,999 | d0d59018cdf48aaeb6e1838c0323f8555e800765 | By . Daily Mail Reporter . A World War Two veteran who faced celebrating his 88th birthday alone was overwhelmed when he received dozens of cards from strangers all over the world. Gene Moore, 88, had recently moved to a retirement home and was facing the prospect of a sad birthday with very few friends to celebrate with. His grandson, Jon Moore, 24, appealed to Reddit users to help him make his grandfather's birthday special after his grandmother Nola Moore, 85, said she was concerned that her husband would have a lonely day. Proud grandsons: Jon and Alex Moore put out an appeal after it appeared their WW2 veteran grandfather Gene would have a very lonely 88th birthday . The family were overwhelmed when nearly 40 cards and more than 300 emails from all over the world turned up in time for the octogenarian's birthday last week. Mr Moore, of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, said: 'Last Christmas we had to move my grandfather into a nursing home because he needs daily medical attention. 'Even though he was just down the street it was hard for us to see him go, but even harder for my grandmother because he was all she had. 'They have been married for 66 years, so you can imagine how close they are. It's been hard for her.' Service: Gene Moore, right, pictured with a Navy friend while serving in WW2. He was a Navy Postman on the USS John A. Bole . A couple of weeks before his grandfather's birthday Mr Moore, a software designer, saw a post on his Facebook page from his grandmother. He said: 'She asked if I would spread the word to see if we could get more friends and family to send him cards to make his birthday extra special.' Mr Moore posted on the popular link aggregation site Reddit urging people to send birthday cards to his grandfather for his birthday. Mr Moore said: 'No one in my family knew I was going to post it to Reddit, and no one anticipated the amazing response we got. Overwhelming response: Jon Moore reads some of the dozens of cards sent by well-wishers to his grandfather Gene as the family, including grandmother Nola, centre, celebrates with a birthday meal . Goodwill: Some of the many letters sent to the 88-year-old vet after his grandson launched an online appeal . 'I figured that if even two people sent cards, then my grandparents would be overjoyed. 'I compiled together some photos of my grandparents for the Reddit post, including one from his days in the Navy during World War Two. 'He was a Navy Postman on the USS John A. Bole, so it was almost ironic that the man who carried letters of love for so many people during the war was finally getting letters himself.' On July 22nd the family were overwhelmed when they found their letterbox stuffed with cards from Canada, Australia, Holland, China, California, Texas, and the UK wishing Gene Moore a happy 88th birthday. Mr Moore said: 'The cards all contained birthday wishes, local greetings from whatever exotic location they came from and photos and messages from people saying that my grandfather was lucky to have a loving family who cares about him. Many happy returns! Gene Moore blows out the candle on his birthday cake . Gathering: Gene Moore, centre, with family (L-R) wife Nola, grandson Jon, Gene, son, grandson Alex, granddaughter Alison and Jon's brother-in-law Alan.The family were overwhelmed when nearly 40 cards and more than 300 emails from all over the world turned up . Gene and Nola Moore have been married for 66 years. Last Christmas he had to move into a nursing home because he needs daily medical attention . 'I was shocked - I have seen what strangers on the Internet can do when they rally behind something, but I never expected it to affect me directly. 'It has been so amazing to see such genuine kindness from everyone - we were all surprised and absolutely thrilled.' Mr Moore said the unexpected well-wishing from around the world meant his grandfather had a very special birthday. Mr Moore said: 'My grampy was so happy. He is generally not the most emotive person in the world, but he loved seeing the letters. 'His strongest memories to date are those from when he travelled and served with the Navy, and being stationed in Shanghai. 'One of the letters we received was from someone in Shanghai who went to the old postal station building where he was stationed on land, took photos, had them printed, and sent them over with a very sweet letter.' Mr Moore barely had enough space in his nursing home room to display his impressive hoard of cards . Touching: The family were overwhelmed when they found their letterbox stuffed with cards from Canada, Australia, Holland, China, California, Texas, and the UK wishing Gene Moore a happy 88th birthday . Mr Moore added that his grandmother was thrilled to give her husband a memorable surprise. He said: 'She loves him dearly and it pains her to see him so lonely. She wants to give the world to him - I was trying to help her do just that. 'I told them the story of how I went about posting the photos online, showed them the comments, and read them the messages. 'She was teary-eyed and speechless that complete strangers would send cards for no reason other than to make an old man's birthday a little more special.' | Gene Moore, 88, had recently moved to a .
retirement home .
His wife was concerned it would mean him having a miserable birthday .
So grandson Jon, 24, launched an appeal on the Reddit website .
Around 40 .
cards and over 300 emails from all over the world turned up .
Ironically Gene served as a Navy postman on the USS John A.
Bole . |
63,145 | b362d37eb840f7f91b9cb3089bc514cf0e61722b | Woodland, Washington (CNN) -- Alan Northrop was playing pool in 1993 when his life changed forever. He was lining up a bank shot when he felt something on his wrist: a handcuff. Northrop was arrested for the rape and kidnapping of a housekeeper. "I instantly said, 'No, you've got the wrong guy,'" Northrop recalls telling detectives. But detectives believed the victim's testimony, although she was blindfolded for most of the attack. A jury agreed, sentencing Northrop, a father of three children under age 6, to 23 years in prison. From behind bars, Northrop tried to prove police had the wrong guy. In 2000, he contacted the Innocence Project Northwest at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle. For years, prosecutors denied the project's requests to use more advanced DNA testing on the evidence in Northrop's case. In 2005, a new state law gave judges the power to order additional testing. But it took five more years for Northrop's testing to be completed and for a court to consider the results that conclusively showed another man's DNA was on the victim. In 2010, Northrop, still sitting in prison, got a letter with news he thought he might never get. "I was jumping around the day room saying, 'I'm out of here! I'm out of here!'" Northrop said. He walked out of prison a few months later, an experience he could barely describe. It was like every emotion you've ever had, it was so overwhelming, he said. But because he was convicted in Washington, Northrop got little more than that feeling when he was released. Like 23 other states across the country, Washington provides no compensation for those who have been wrongfully convicted. Northrop left prison with less than $2,500, money he had been sent while in prison and wages from his 42-cent-an-hour prison job. Had he been wrongfully convicted in one of the 27 states that do provide compensation, Northrop could have received hundreds of thousands of dollars for his 17 years behind bars. State standards vary . According to an Innocence Project study, Northrop is among the 40% of exonerated prisoners nationwide who received nothing from authorities for their time behind bars. The report calls for all states to pass laws providing the same compensation that the federal government offers for federal crimes: $50,000 per year of wrongful incarceration with an additional $50,000 for each year spent on death row. Today, five states have the same standard. Money would give Northrop a chance to "just get started over again and have a normal life again," he said. He works full-time but lives in a small room in a friend's house because he can't afford his own apartment. Even in the states that do offer compensation to the innocent, standards vary wildly. Some pay $50,000 per year. Two pay more (Texas and Vermont), but others less. Wisconsin pays $5,000 per year while Missouri pays $50 per day. New Hampshire sets an award cap of $20,000 while other states set a maximum of $500,000, $1 million or no limit. Does your state compensate the wrongly convicted? According to the Innocence Project, exonerated prisoners who are eligible for compensation wait an average three years to receive their money. Most states tax the money, according to the Innocence Project Report. Exonerees denied right to benefits . "There's sort of a gut reaction that this is a horrible injustice," said Innocence Project Northwest attorney Lara Zarowsky, who helped free Northrop. She is lobbying for a law in Washington state that would provide not only compensation for exonerated prisoners but also counseling, job training and other benefits that are currently available only to guilty former prisoners, not exonerees like Northrop. Some tasks, like learning new technology or finding transportation, can be difficult for someone who has been out of society for a decade or more. Zarowsky is also pushing for mental and physical health care benefits for exonerees. Washington state agencies "just say flat out they're not eligible because they weren't actually guilty so they don't qualify, they don't fit our criteria," Zarowsky said. Nationwide, 10 states provide social services to help the innocent recover from their time in prison. "It's not all about the money," Northrop said. "It's about possible counseling for certain individuals. ... People have no idea what effect stress has on a person in there. ... What that does to a mindset is just devastating. Terrible." | After 17 years behind bars, Alan Northrop released with funds from prison job, gifts .
Almost half of all states fail to compensate people wrongly imprisoned .
Other states pay ranges from $5,000 a year to nearly $100,000 a year .
Innocence Project is lobbying for increased compensation, job training, counseling . |
270,692 | ea9623843002ca25af268586e3d62123ef0f1528 | (CNN) -- Mannequins hanging from nooses on two Las Vegas billboards Wednesday were part of an apparent publicity stunt that led to dozens of calls from drivers on their morning commute, the Nevada Highway Patrol said. The dummies were dressed in business suits and hung from signs reading "Dying for work" and "Hope you're happy Wall St." It wasn't immediately clear who was behind the stunt. See more photos of the dummies . One mannequin dangled above Interstate 15 near the intersection with U.S. 95 downtown, Trooper Jeremie Elliott of the Nevada Highway Patrol told CNN. The other hung from a billboard about a mile from the famed Las Vegas Strip, he said. July jobs report: Hiring picks up, unemployment rises . Both highways are some of the most highly traveled roadways during commuter hours, he said. Elliott called it a "clear case of vandalism" and said the owners of the billboards had not sold the ad space to anyone. "Somebody vandalized the sign to do that," Elliott said. Despite the flurry of calls from commuters, Elliott said the signs led to no accidents on the freeways. "If there would have been, our involvement would be much deeper," he said. The first calls came in at 6:30 a.m. (9:30 a.m. ET), Elliott said. Lamar Advertising, which owns one of the billboards, removed one of the mannequins a couple of hours later; code enforcement officials from Clark County removed the second one, Elliott said. What would be your reaction if you saw this during your morning commute? Let us know in the comments below. | Mannequins dangled from two billboards during the morning commute .
It's not clear who was behind the stunt .
The dummies were removed a couple of hours later .
The Nevada Highway Patrol calls it vandalism . |
262,461 | dffc28e04c74b63a5437266b99391171afc7d658 | Washington (CNN) -- Only a third of U.S. voters think that most members of Congress deserve to be re-elected this year, according to a new national poll. That's the lowest number ever recorded for that question in a CNN survey. The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll, released Tuesday, indicates that only 34 percent feel that current federal lawmakers deserve re-election, with 63 percent saying no. According to the survey, 51 percent feel their own member of Congress should be re-elected -- also an all-time low in CNN polling -- while 44 percent say their representative doesn't deserve to be returned to office in November. Full poll results (PDF) The numbers on both questions are even lower than in 1994, when an anti-incumbent fever helped Republicans win back control of both the House and the Senate from Democrats. The trend line on those questions goes back to 1991, when they were first asked. "This is not a good year to be an incumbent, regardless of which party you belong to," said CNN polling director Keating Holland. "Voters seem equally angry at both Republicans and Democrats this year." Fifty-six percent of people questioned in the survey say that most Democrats in Congress do not deserve to be re-elected. An equal percentage say that most congressional Republicans don't deserve re-election. The poll suggests Americans are split when it comes to their vote this November, with 47 percent of registered voters saying they will support the Republican candidate in their district for the House of Representatives and 45 percent saying they will back the Democrat. Republicans trailed the Democrats by 6 points in November. The voters' cool view of incumbents of both parties "may hurt the Democrats more because there are more Democratic incumbents," Holland said. "It's a change from 2006, when voters concentrated their anger at GOP members of Congress." The generic ballot question asked respondents if they would vote for a Democrat or Republican in their congressional district, without naming any specific candidates. The Democrats currently hold a 255-178 advantage in the House, with two vacant seats that the Democrats once held. Republicans need to win 40 seats to take back control of the chamber. While President Obama is not up for re-election this November, he will be in 2012, if he decides to run for a second term. According to the poll, 44 percent of registered voters say Obama deserves re-election, with 52 percent saying the president does not deserve a second term in office. The survey also indicates that 49 percent of Americans approve of the job Obama's doing as president, with half of the public disapproving of his job in the White House. "One problem Obama faces may be the perception that Obama is not a middle-class kind of guy," Holland said. "Only 4 percent of Americans describe themselves as upper class. But a 45 percent plurality say that Obama belongs to the upper class, with 42 percent saying he is from the middle class and 12 percent describing him as working class." The CNN/Opinion Research Corp. poll was conducted Friday through Monday, with 1,023 adult Americans, including 954 registered voters, questioned by telephone. The survey's sampling error is plus or minus 3 percentage points both for all Americans and for registered voters. CNN deputy political director Paul Steinhauser contributed to this story . | Just 34 percent of U.S. voters think most members of Congress should be re-elected, poll shows .
That's the lowest number for that question ever in a CNN poll .
51 percent say their own member of Congress deserves re-election .
44 percent of those polled say President Obama should be re-elected if he runs in 2012 . |
128,662 | 32402a0be85b2503a9ce256155e1a5b7faf41dce | (CNN) -- Disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong tweeted Thursday that he's handed over the bronze medal he won at the 2000 Summer Games, adding that it should be at International Olympic Committee headquarters in Switzerland "asap." Earlier this year, the committee stripped Armstrong of the medal he won in Sydney and asked him to return it. Armstrong -- after years of heated denials -- in January admitted to doping throughout his storied career, which included seven Tour de France wins. Armstrong's tweet Thursday included a photo of the medal and said "the 2000 bronze is back in possession" of U.S. Olympic officials. Mark Higgins, a key member of Armstrong's camp, did not elaborate on how or why the medal was turned over, beyond saying it was given to the U.S. Olympic Committee. A spokesman for that committee, Patrick Sandusky, confirmed that it has the bronze medal it asked for and added, "The USOC has made arrangements to return the medal to the IOC." The Texas-born Armstrong was a rising star when he was diagnosed in 1996 with testicular cancer at the age of 25. After getting treatment, he returned better than ever -- reeling off his consecutive string of Tour de France victories between 1999 and 2005. Armstrong left the sport after his last win, only to come back four years later and place third in cycling's most prestigious race. His historic rise came at a time when cycling, generally, was mired in repeated doping scandals. Armstrong himself was not immune to such accusations, but each time he fired back at his critics and vehemently insisted he'd been clean. Yet the tide began to turn against Armstrong in June 2012, when the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency said it had opened proceedings against him and five of his former teammates. The agency, which is designated by Congress as the country's official anti-doping organization for Olympic sports, announced two months later that it was stripping Armstrong of his Tour de France titles and barring him from future competitions for life. Armstrong remained defiant until sitting down with Oprah Winfrey last January. Calling himself "deeply flawed," Armstrong admitted that he'd used an array of performance enhancing drugs and took blood transfusions to excel in the highly competitive, scandal-ridden world of professional cycling. Armstrong admits using performance enhancing drugs . "This is too late, it's too late for probably most people. And that's my fault," he said. "(This was) one big lie, that I repeated a lot of times." The IOC asked for Armstrong's Olympic medal back the same day the first part of the Winfrey interview aired. Fast facts: Performance Enhancing Drugs in sports . CNN's Joe Sutton contributed to this report. | NEW: U.S. Olympic Committee has Armstrong's medal, its spokesman confirms .
Lance Armstrong won 7 Tour de France titles, 1 Olympic medal in his career .
He strongly denied using performance enhancing drugs until this year .
The IOC asked for his bronze medal back the same day his Oprah interview aired . |
26,149 | 4a1bc39e75f45d941b2343d1b49359ebc012373a | Athens, Greece (CNN) -- Three of the top four vote-getters in Sunday's parliamentary elections in Greece will meet Tuesday at the presidential palace to form a coalition government, an official with the socialist party Pasok told CNN. The official spoke not for attribution because the talks were at a critical juncture. "As wide as possible cooperation ... should happen at the latest tomorrow evening," said Evangelos Venizelos, head of the Pasok Party, which placed third. The center-right New Democracy Party took first place in the vote. Its candidate, Antonis Samaras, has three days to cobble together a government. "There should be government of national salvation with as many parties as possible," Samaras told reporters. Democratic Party of the Left's leader, Fotis Kouvelis, held talks Monday that the New Democracy leader described as "constructive." The party's platform has supported the bailouts while seeking to renegotiate the terms. With almost all ballots counted, New Democracy had won nearly 30% of the vote, the Interior Ministry said. That gives the party 129 seats in the country's 300-seat parliament, forcing it to seek other coalition members from the fragmented field to form a majority. Alexis Tsipras, the leader of the leftist Syriza party, which came in second, met with Samaras but said Monday he would not back a coalition. "History and the people will judge them by their results," Tsipras said of the parties backing the existing bailout deal with the creditors who are keeping Greece afloat. "Shortly we will be vindicated." What will Greek elections mean for the country's future? He said his party's nearly 27% showing had forced Greek leaders to realize the bailout is "nonviable," and said Syriza would press as a member of the opposition for the bailouts to be scrapped. An official with Syriza told CNN that no one from the party was planning to attend the meeting. Syriza, which campaigned against the terms of the bailout, got 71 seats. Pasok, which long dominated Greek politics, won 33. Four smaller parties took fewer than two dozen seats each. The vote was widely seen as a referendum on whether Greece should remain in the euro, the currency used by 325 million people across 17 countries in Europe. The possibility of a "no" vote roiled world markets, with some analysts warning that the collapse of the euro would cost $1 trillion. Asian markets reacted positively to the election results, while European and U.S. markets were mixed. Samaras said he would build a government of "parties that believe in the nation's European orientation, that believe in the euro." But he acknowledged that government budget cuts forced on the country by international lenders have caused suffering among Greeks. A wild election weekend for Greece, France and Egypt . The new government will have to make changes "in order for the Greek people to escape the torturous reality of unemployment and unbelievable difficulties that every Greek family faces today," Samaras said after meeting with the president. He faces a new round of coalition talks, six weeks after a previous election that failed to produce a government. International bailouts have kept Greece from defaulting in the face of an ongoing recession and low tax revenue, but lenders have demanded hugely unpopular government budget cuts in exchange. Eurozone finance ministers praised the election results, "which should allow for the formation of a government that will carry the support of the electorate to bring Greece back on a path of sustainable growth." Some observers had predicted that efforts to renegotiate the bailout could lead to a run on Greek banks and deeper misery. The future of Europe: 3 scenarios . "Don't underestimate the capacity of the Greek people to rise to the occasion," Petros Doukas, a former New Democracy lawmaker and deputy finance minister, told CNN. "What's very clear is the Greeks today voted, including those that voted for Syriza, in favor of the euro and the European Union," Doukas said. He predicted that Greece could negotiate better terms with its creditors, who understand "that you can only squeeze so much so fast out of a country and out of its people." Greeks have been suffering under painful austerity measures, high unemployment and a long-running recession. The country must identify additional budget cuts by the end of June to be considered compliant with the terms of its bailout. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Europe's powerful advocate for balancing budgets to build a strong basis for economic growth, had urged Greeks not to walk away from the international loan deals. "We will stick to the agreements. That is the basis on which Europe will prosper," she said Saturday. As economic crisis bites, Greece's children pay the price . CNN's Penny Manis, Christine Theodorou, Lonzo Cook, Richard Quest, Matthew Chance, Irene Chapple, John Defterios and Diana Magnay contributed to this report. | Three of the top four vote-getters are to meet in the presidential palace .
Syriza party leader Alexis Tsipras says he will not attend .
Samaras, leader of center-right New Democracy, vows to put together a pro-euro coalition . |
285,337 | fdbbc7324537c6389cf1a219f05248efe3efe0f0 | By . Beth Stebner . PUBLISHED: . 11:16 EST, 12 July 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 11:18 EST, 12 July 2012 . Arrested: Beverly Greenagel, 64, was watching six more children than allowed the day that three-month-old Dane Ableidinger died in her care . A 64-year-old day-care provider was charged this week in the death of an infant boy who suffocated in his sleep last August. Police arrested Beverly Ann Greenagel yesterday, charging her with two counts of second-degree manslaughter, child neglect and endangerment, and interfering with a body after three-month-old Dane Abledinger was found lifeless after being put down for a nap. Greenagel, who at the time was watching six more children than legally allowed, allegedly did not check on the boy for an hour after putting him face-down for a nap. She was holding an annual water balloon fight with her older children and later told police she moved him downstairs so he wouldn't get trampled. Dane had apparently suffocated and was found where she left him on the flannel blanket. Each of the two counts of second-degree manslaughter come with a maximum sentence of 10 years each, as well as a $20,000 fine. According to the Minnesota Star-Tribune, Greenagel worked out of her home and ran Bev’s Day Care. She was licenced to look after a total of 12 children without a second caregiver. At the time of Dale’s death on August 18, 2011, police in Egan, Minnesota said there were 20 children at her facility, including two toddlers, three infants, and eight preschoolers. They further alleged that Greenagel violated several safe-sleep standards required by the state. The paper reported that Greenagel laid Dane down to sleep on his stomach in one of the bedrooms in her house, perhaps because a child who had just awoken from a nap had soiled its crib. Short life: Dane Ableidinge was only three-and-a-half months old when he died; his autopsy revealed that he suffocated to death . Work from home: Greenagel ran her service, Bev's Day Care, from her home in Eagan, Minnesota . Minnesota law states that a single caregiver can only have a maximum of three infants and toddlers, with a total of 12 children. A frantic 12-year-old girl who called 911 after Dane was discovered was recorded as saying: ‘Oh, um. There’s a baby dead.’ Records from the state show that Greenagel allegedly tried to cover her tracks by taking the blanket Dane had slept on and stacking it with other blankets. Dane had left blood spots on it. When police searched the house after obtaining a warrant, they found the blood stains and confirmed that they belonged to the infant. Dane’s cause of death was probable positional asphyxia, meaning that he most likely suffocated from the position in which he was placed. According to the Inver Grove Heights Patch, Greenagel gave several varying accounts of the story to authorities. Greenagel had cared for the girl and was enlisting her help to care for the child. The Star-Tribune notes that caretakers must be at least 13. Dakota County Attorney told the Star-Tribune: ‘It’s always disturbing to see children die under any circumstance, and it appears that proper monitoring and care could have avoided this tragedy.’ In Minnesota, 82 children have died in licenced day-care facilities in the past ten years. Loving parents: Mac and Stephanie Ableidinger asked for donations in lieu of flowers in memory of their young son . Court documents show the caretaker was cited once in 1984 and again in 1994 for violating the terms of her licence. On April 6, 1984, Greenagel was found to have too many infants and toddlers in her care. Three months later, a parent complained that the caregiver was often absent, and instead hired a 16-year-old girl to look after the children. The parent alleged that Greenagel would often leave to go shopping, play racquetball, and go shopping while the girl was left to care for the infants and toddlers. The parent added that ‘Bev’s’ home was a good place for their children, but they were upset she was not around. A decade later, an unannounced licensor visit proved that she still had more children in her care than her license allowed. Dane’s parents, Stephanie and Mac Abledinger, did not immediately respond to MailOnline’s request for comment on Greenagel’s charges. Mrs Abledinger works as a hairstylist, and her husband is a postal worker. Greenagel, meanwhile, remains in jail on a $75,000 bond and will have a hearing later this month. | Beverly Ann Greenagel arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter for August 2011 death of infant Dane Abledinger .
Dane, who was three-and-a-half months, was allegedly put down for nap on blanket face-down .
Greenagel, meanwhile, had 20 children - six more than licensed allowed - at home when Dane died . |
260,093 | dcc7a675034685a34e6d71e7ed7fd68618c8ac96 | Athens, Greece (CNN) -- Greece will hold new elections in response to a political stalemate that left the debt-racked country unable to form a government, the office of President Karolos Papoulias said Tuesday. The announcement comes as the Greek debt crisis threatens the stability of the European Union's single currency. Papoulias has called for all parties to meet with him Wednesday to set up a caretaker government that will conduct the new vote, his office said. Greece has been in a political deadlock since elections nine days ago left no party with a majority. The leaders of three different parties have tried to cobble together a workable coalition, but all have failed. That leaves Greece facing another vote, probably in mid-June. Meanwhile, the rest of Europe has watched with a nervous eye, fearing Greece could fail to make debt payments as early as next month. And that could force the country out of the euro, the currency used by 17 European Union countries. Markets across Europe fell slightly on the news of political talks breaking up Tuesday. The Dow was flat in New York in morning trading. The collapse of Greek talks came as France's new president, Francois Hollande, met with German Chancellor Angela Merkel hours after his inauguration, and as European finance ministers met in Brussels, Belgium. What if Greece exits the eurozone? The European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund have been pumping money into Greece to keep the country in the euro, but they have demanded that the Greek government slash spending to get the funds. When angry voters went to the polls on May 6, they punished politicians who imposed the austerity measures, greatly reducing the number of seats held by the center-right New Democracy party and the Socialist PASOK party. Radical leftist leader Alexis Tsipras, whose Syriza party reaped the benefits of voter frustration with austerity, urged Greeks on Tuesday to continue resisting "the parties of the bailout." "They asked us to leave the country without any hope," he said, arguing that the May 6 election had left the terms of the bailout "null and void." New Democracy leader Antonis Samaras, meanwhile, said his party would "keep fighting for a developing Greece within Europe" and "against those who say they want to get Greece out of Europe." His party narrowly came in first in the May 6 elections, but opinion polls since then have suggested that Syriza would finish in first place in a new election. Analysts have warned that Greece must not remain without a government for long. "If no government is in place before June when the next installment (of loan money) from the European Union and International Monetary Fund is due, we estimate that Greece will run out of money sometime between the end of June and beginning of July, at which point a return to the drachma would seem inevitable," Bank of America/Merrill Lynch wrote in a report released Friday. CNN's Antonia Mortensen and journalist Elinda Labropoulou contributed to this report. | Radical left leader Alexis Tsipras says bailout terms are "null and void"
Politicians fail to make a deal after nine days of talks .
Greek debt threatens the stability of Europe's single currency .
Markets in Europe fall on the news that no deal has been reached . |
68,074 | c1274eb7bc540bad3334e08ce41cafd8ce47041a | By . Sarah Fitzmaurice and Alanah Eriksen . Last updated at 9:21 AM on 12th January 2012 . SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO... Vile: Khloe Kardashian took to Twitter to deny the shocking allegations made by Robert Kardashian's ex-wives, who claim he told them that Khlow was not his daughter . Khloe Kardashian isn't one to keep quiet and today she branded her father's ex-wives 'disgusting'. She took to Twitter to deny the shocking allegations made by Robert Kardashian's ex-wives, who claim he told them that Khloe was not his daughter. The 27-year-old reality TV star posted: 'The audacity you have to . mention my father’s name like this! Should be ashamed of urself! I let a . lot of things slide but this one is really low… YOU ARE DISGUSTING! (yes you know who YOU are).' The posts were clearly directed at Jan Ashley and Ellen Pierson who have both spoken out to say that Robert told them Khloe was not his. Ms Ashley, who married the businessman . after Khloe's mother Kris Jenner, said: 'Khloe is not his kid -- he told . me that after we got married.' And . Ellen Pierson, 63, who married Robert in 2003 just two months before . his death, has also come forward after eight years of silence to 'tell . the truth' about the Kardashian family. Fighting back: Khloe has responded to the claims today on Twitter . The reality star has hit back at the claims, calling them 'really low'. A spokesperson for Khloe told MailOnline today: 'The story is NOT true. It’s ridiculous.' But while Khloe has slammed the allegation she has herself questioned if she was adopted on the family's reality TV show. Viewers of Keeping Up With The Kardashians did see her question who her parents were in an episode in 2009. The reality star wanted to prove she was not adopted and tested the maternity of her mother Kris Jenner. Claims: Two of Robert Kardashian's ex-wives have come forward claiming the lawyer told them Khloe Kardashian, left, was not his real daughter, like older sisters Kim and Kourtney . While she proved she was Kris's daughter she did not compare her DNA with her siblings to prove conclusively that Robert is her biological father. In an explosive interview with Star . magazine, Ashley said: 'He just kind of looked at me and said [it] like it . was a matter of fact. He said "Well, you know that Khloe's not really a . Kardashian, don't you?" 'And I said… "OK" and that was it.' Voicing concerns: In a 2009 episode of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Khloe questions if she is adopted . Proof: Khloe made Kris take a DNA test to prove she was her child but she did not confirm paternity . She claims Khloe, who is married to . Dallas Mavericks basketballer Lamar Odom, knew she had a different . father to her sisters and younger brother Rob. 'Khloe brought it up all the time. She looked nothing like the rest. She was tall, had a different shape, . light hair, curly hair. Didn't look anything like the other three . children.' She said Robert, . who is of Armenian descent, had told her that he and Kris were not . sleeping together at the time Khloe was conceived. '[But] he never would have considered . a DNA test. He loved her very much. Robert did question the fact that . Khloe was his,' Ellen said. 'Any normal man would if they knew their wife had cheated on him.' Khloe has responded to the claims today on Twitter. Different: Khloe has often pointed out that she looks nothing like her older sisters and their mother Kris, far right, said once people asked whether she was 'the milkman's child' Daddy's little girl: Khloe shared this adorable picture of her with her father, who died in 2003, on her blog in 2010 . High-profile: Robert represented O.J. Simpson in his murder trial in 1994 . Kris, . 56, recently admitted in her new book that she cheated on Robert during . their marriage. Since Robert's death, Ellen had experienced financial difficulties, filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in 2010. The home she and Robert shared in Indian Wells, California, was sold after going into foreclosure in October. Kris remarried Olympian Bruce Jenner in 1991 and the couple had two daughters, Kendall and Kylie. Bruce already had four children from two previous marriages: Burt, Casey, Brody, and Brandon. Khloe is often talking about how she looks nothing like her sisters, and Kris has been quoted as saying people asked her whether she was 'the milkman's daughter' when she was born. On Khloe's blog in June 2010, she shared a number of pictures of her and the attorney. She . wrote: 'Father’s Day is two days away, so in preparation I wanted to . post this photo album (mostly old school pics) dedicated to my dad and . to Bruce. 'I was seriously the luckiest girl in the world growing up . because I had two amazing dads who not only loved us kids more than . anything, but adored each other as well. 'My dad and Bruce were always really close — Kendall and Kylie even called my dad Uncle Robert which I loved.' She . continued: 'Father’s Day is always a bittersweet holiday for me because . I of course miss my dad, but it also reminds me of how truly blessed I . am to have had two incredible fathers.' | Father Robert's ex-wives allege he said she wasn't his child .
Mum Kris has admitted to affairs during marriage to late lawyer .
A spokesperson for the reality star brands the claims 'ridiculous' |
88,550 | fb5221409eca74356a753b6b5365fded1e2673c1 | Fort Hood, Texas (CNN) -- Fort Hood shooting suspect Maj. Nidal Hasan has replaced his lead defense attorney, John Galligan, it was revealed Wednesday. Galligan, the former Army lawyer who has been the lead attorney for Hasan since nearly the beginning of the case, was not present at Hasan's arraignment Wednesday at Fort Hood. It is unclear why Galligan was ousted. The judge in the case asked Hasan if he had removed Galligan voluntarily and without outside pressure, and Hasan said, "Yes." The only other thing Hasan said in court was the names of his current lawyers: Col. Chris Poppe, Maj. Christopher Martin and Capt. Justin Oshana. Hasan, an Army psychiatrist of Muslim background, is accused of killing 13 people and wounding 32 others in November 2009. Galligan had fought the Department of Defense for months to make sure his client gets a fair trial. He tried to get the Army to take the possibility of a death sentence off the table. But when Fort Hood Cmdr. Gen. Donald Campbell ordered that Hasan face general court-martial, he also ruled that Hasan would face possible execution if found guilty. Galligan issued a statement referring to his departure as a "leave of absence," but giving no details of why he is leaving the defense team. "I have consistently argued that Major Hasan has not been treated fairly. I maintain that belief. As such, I deeply regret that my presence on the Defense Team has been interrupted. However, Major Hasan fully understands that I stand ready and anxious to resume an active role." Galligan also said he and his family have been vilified for defending Hasan. In a telephone interview with CNN, Galligan maintained that he was not fired from the defense team. He was only released and he may be back, he said. However, Galligan would provide no reason for his removal other than to say it had nothing to do with his health or the fact that his family has been attacked. Galligan went on to say there are a lot of issues: "Stay tuned." Other than the change of attorneys, the arraignment was formal and quick. Hasan's new lead attorney Poppe said they wished to defer entering a plea or any new motions in the case. Hasan did not have the option of pleading guilty. When a person faces a possible death penalty under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the law prohibits a guilty plea. The judge set a trial date of March 5, 2012. Hasan appeared in court in standard-issue Army camouflage fatigues. The rest of the officers involved in the case have been ordered to wear more formal Army dress uniforms during hearings and the trial. He appeared alert during the proceeding, speaking frequently to Poppe. Witnesses at a preliminary hearing have identified Hasan as the man who walked calmly through a medical building on the country's largest military base, shooting and frequently reloading his handgun as he shouted "Allah Akbar," which means "God is great" in Arabic. Hasan was shot by Fort Hood police officers and has been paralyzed from the center of his chest down since the attack. He now uses a wheelchair. Aside from protecting Hasan's rights, Galligan has fought to get him proper medical treatment while he awaits trial. For example, it took a lot of time just to get a blanket to keep Hasan warm during hearings in the well-air-conditioned courtroom. When Hasan was brought into court on Wednesday, he had no blanket but was wearing an olive green stocking cap on his bald head. He took it off during the hearing and put it back on just before wheeling himself out of the courtroom. | Suspect arraigned with new head lawyer .
No reason given for switch .
Army psychiatrist accused of killing 13 people in 2009 .
He faces a possible death penalty . |
273,278 | ee0216b9628f0343b101d0d1a245885e78109414 | (CNN) -- Russian premier Vladimir Putin has criticized plans by European leaders to boycott next month's Euro 2012 football finals due to the treatment by Ukrainian authorities of former prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko. German chancellor Angela Merkel has raised her concerns at Tymoshenko's treatment, while European Union president Herman Van Rompuy, European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso and the governments of Austria and Belgium have all said they will not be attending any matches in Ukraine in protest. But Putin has waded into the row, telling journalists in Russia that sport and politics should be kept separate. "In absolutely every case, you can't mix politics, business and other issues with sport," Putin told Russian news agency Novosti. "I stick to the principle professed and supported by the International Olympic Committee -- sport is outside politics." Putin's statement echoes the sentiments of Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone, who defended the elite motorsport's decision to race in Bahrain last month despite widespread concerns over human rights issues. Tymoshenko, the heroine of the Orange Revolution that swept the country in 2004 and 2005, has been in prison since last October for alleged abuse of office. Her supporters claim that the charges were politically motivated -- drummed up by current president Viktor Yanukovych, who beat Tymoshenko in Ukraine's 2010 presidential election. It was alleged voter fraud by supporters of Yanukovych during the 2004 presidential elections that originally sparked the revolution. Her party was expected to be a formidable foe in next October's parliamentary elections. Last week pictures of Tymoshenko released by her family appeared to show bruises she claims came from a beating by a prison guard. She has since gone on hunger strike in a bid to secure medical treatment she says she is being denied. Taking place a little over a month before the Euro 2012 opening ceremony in Poland, which is co-hosting the tournament, the row is just one of several controversies that have threatened to overshadow what the Ukrainian government had hoped would be a showcase event for the country. Despite huge investment in Ukraine's aging transport infrastructure, the country has struggled in its preparations. Stadium delays had initially put Ukraine's hosting of the tournament in jeopardy, but now new problems have emerged. Hotel prices during the tournament have risen so sharply due to profiteering that Michel Platini, head of European football's governing body UEFA, was unusually critical when visiting Ukraine last month for the opening of a new airport terminal. "It's annoying to have made a lot of investment and then say to people that they can't come because there are bandits and crooks who want to make a lot of money during this Euro," he told the assembled press in Lviv. Security concerns were raised when multiple bombs exploded in the city of Dnipropetrovsk, close to Donetsk where the England team will be playing some of its matches. More than 20 people were injured in the blasts. The authorities have so far blamed criminal gangs rather than terrorists for the attack. And earlier this week Amnesty international warned football fans traveling to Ukraine that they will face a "criminal" police force mired in so many abuse scandals that its behavior threatens to ruin the showpiece tournament. The Amnesty International report "Ukraine: Euro 2012 jeopardized by criminal police force" details how security forces have been implicated in numerous cases of torture and extortion in cities due to host matches. According to the report, one recent case in the eastern city of Lviv -- where Germany, Portugal and Denmark will play -- details how two men were beaten, robbed and then imprisoned by six police officers after a disagreement in a bar. Prosecutors originally refused to open a criminal case until CCTV footage emerged of the incident after one of the men's lawyers gave an interview to a local TV station. "The Ukrainian government must take action now to stop widespread police criminality," said John Dalhuisen, Amnesty International's director for Europe and Central Asia. "Failure to do so will encourage them to continue acting as a law unto themselves and put Euro 2012 fans in danger from a force that is out of control." The Ukrainian foreign ministry responded to the avalanche of negative press stories this week in bellicose terms. "The Foreign Affairs Ministry considers destructive the attempts to politicize sporting events, which have played an important role in the process of establishment of intergovernmental mutual understanding and unity since the earliest times," it said in a statement posted on the website of the Ukrainian News Agency. "The calls to boycott the championship would in practice amount to undermining the image of a grand sports event and damage to the interests of millions of ordinary Ukrainians that vote for various political parties or are not interested in politics at all." Poland is split on the controversy, with opposition leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski calling for a boycott of the event and suggesting that matches be moved to Warsaw. But president Bronislaw Komorowski dismissed those calls as "inappropriate." Meanwhile Merkel, a keen football fan whose comments earlier this week on the fate of Yulia Tymoshenko sparked the media furor, says that she will wait until the very last minute to decide whether to attend the tournament. "I always decide on such things at short notice," she told Koelner Stadt Anzeiger, a regional newspaper in Germany.. | Russian prime minister Vladimir Putin criticizes political boycott of Euros .
Says sport and politics shouldn't be mixed .
EU leaders boycotting event over jailing of former Ukrainian PM .
Supporters say charges politically motivated by current president . |
133,381 | 3876c42a6c4783358fa4dccca12d511b19bdaca8 | Bank of England bosses thought twice about putting Sir Winston Churchill on the new £5 note – because they didn’t want to upset the Germans. Officials warned Sir Mervyn King, then Governor of the Bank of England, that Churchill’s wartime record might make him highly controversial, documents obtained by The Mail on Sunday show. The same officials also insisted on carrying out a background check on Jane Austen, the prim spinster author of Pride And Prejudice who will appear on the £10 note from 2017, to reassure themselves there were ‘no issues in her private life’. Defiant: A Bank of England illustration of how the Churchill £5 note will look in 2016 . Previously classified documents, obtained under freedom of information laws, shed light on the hitherto secret process of how the Bank of England decides which historic figures are honoured. In a memo dated April 11, 2012, Sir Mervyn was advised Churchill will be a popular choice because of his ‘broad name recognition’ and the public’s ‘very affectionate view’ of him as a wartime leader. But officials also warned him that ‘the recentness of World War II is a living memory for many here and on the Continent’. The rest of the comments, which relate to Britain’s relationship with its former wartime enemies, have been redacted from the files. A source at the Bank last night said: ‘Public bodies are obliged to redact any material which might impact on Britain’s international relations with another country, and this is what has happened here.’ Andrew Roberts, Churchill’s biographer, said: ‘The comments redacted would have been about irritating the Germans. I don’t think a German or Japanese tourist would be in the slightest bit put off by the fact there is Churchill on a £5 note and he is the man who flattened Dresden and Hiroshima. ‘They appreciate he’s the greatest Englishman who ever lived so you put him on the currency. It’s surprising this hasn’t happened earlier.’ No issues: Fortunately Austen's prim and proper lifestyle did not stand in the way of her portrait being approved for the £10 bank note . Officials also warned Sir Mervyn of Churchill’s ‘disastrous’ decision to return Britain to the gold standard in the 1920s. Churchill’s critics at the time claimed the move, with the backing of the Bank of England, produced the mass unemployment, deflation and industrial strife of the late 1920s and early 1930s. Bank staff who conducted ‘considerable research’ into Churchill’s role in the debacle noted: ‘If academics do pick up on the move to the gold standard it is likely they will refer to the role of the Bank and Churchill’s own criticism of the Bank.’ Austen was considered in 1984 but ruled out because there was ‘a lack of suitable art work’. The fact no new art work has come to light since will lead to concerns she was ruled out because she was a woman. Officials also said ‘name recognition’ for the novelist – whose works are often GCSE set texts – had increased significantly thanks to film and television adaptations. The papers note the writer’s ‘high-brow, middle-brow and mass appeal’; and confirm ‘they have found no issues in her private life’. The interest in Austen’s private life may strike some as odd given fellow writer Charles Dickens, who appeared on the £10 note from 1992 to 2003, had at least one mistress. Maureen Stiller, of the Jane Austen Society, said: ‘I love the fact they went to the trouble of checking her private life. But there is absolutely no controversy there.’ Churchill will appear on the £5 note from 2016. A Bank spokesman said: ‘We have taken great care to ensure men and women chosen are admired by the British public.’ | Officials worried that Churchill's wartime record might make him controversial for visitors from Germany and Japan .
They also investigated Jane Austen's private life checking for 'issues' |
195,228 | 88b95ac17d3dfd6fbac814a492f81beb7c020a19 | By . Phil Vinter . PUBLISHED: . 06:13 EST, 25 April 2012 . | . UPDATED: . 08:48 EST, 25 April 2012 . Parents living near a new Midlands prison say they are ‘disgusted’ by the news that sex offenders will be released into the community on day visits. It has emerged that prisoners at HMP Oakwood, near Wolverhampton are to be permitted to leave the £200million jail to spend time with their families. The ‘town visits’ will form part of a rehabilitation programme and be run by private security firm G4S. Costly: New HMP Oakwood prison near Wolverhampton where sex offenders could be released on day visits to mix with the local community . Rules state that each prisoner will undergo a strict risk assessment before being allowed out of the jail on day trips. But families living close to the jail said they knew nothing of the plan. A parent of a pupil at a nearby school, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘I am disgusted with this. No one has informed us that these fiends will be free to walk around the area close to schools and other public places.’ HMP Oakwood director Steve Holland confirmed sex offenders would be housed at the jail and said G4S was negotiating to implement treatment programmes for the prisoners concerned. He insisted the prisoners would be vetted before they were included on the town visits programme. Mark Leech, editor of the Prisoners’ Handbook, said residents living near the jail had clearly been unaware that sex offenders would be walking the streets as part of their rehabilitation. He said: ‘Neighbouring residents have been complaining about extra traffic and a lack of public transport for staff and visitors, but it seems they have missed the point with their fears about the prison,’ he said. ‘They have obviously not realised that these inmates will be roaming the area with their families to prepare them for release.’ Confident: Prison director Steve Holland says every prisoner will undergo an assessment before they are permitted to leave the prison grounds for day trips with their family . The first prisoners arrived at Oakwood yesterday. The prison houses category C inmates, defined as those who cannot be trusted in open conditions but are considered unlikely to make a determined escape attempt. Mr Leech, who served time for robbery and is now a successful businessman, added: ‘I welcome the opening of HMP Oakwood, because it will help to ease overcrowding in the West Midlands and enable more prisoners from the region to be closer to their families. ‘However as a Category C Prison taking convicted sex offenders, residents need to know that these inmates can be allowed out on visits with their families once a risk assessment has been conducted.’ Mr Holland said sex offenders will initially be segregated from the general population in the jail but that eventually the goal is to integrate them into the main part of the prison. He added: ‘The community needs to be reassured that they are not put at any risk. 'Prisoners will be individually assessed before being given access to town visits.’ A spokesman for GS4 security said: 'As with any Category C prison of this size, Oakwood’s population comprises prisoners who have committed a number of offences including sexual offences. 'Prisoners may be released on temporary licence - but only providing they meet strict criteria and pass a rigorous risk assessment. 'Only those assessed as representing minimal risk of escape or risk of harm to the public are eligible. 'Release on temporary licence is used to prepare prisoners for their eventual release from custody. 'It helps to reduce the chance of re-offending by setting up appropriate employment and rehabilitation work in the community, and maintaining family contact. 'This is essential for successful resettlement and an important factor in protecting the public. 'If prisoners breach their licence in any way, they will be subject to disciplinary proceedings.' | Town visits to be run by security firm GS4 .
Families living close to the jail say they knew nothing of the plan .
Goal to integrate sex offenders with prison population at new multimillion pound jail .
Rules state each prisoner will be vetoed . |
189,572 | 817a0a61495172faec875e25f4c43cedbda27bf6 | By . Eleanor Harding . PUBLISHED: . 18:33 EST, 13 August 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 01:42 EST, 14 August 2013 . As a fledgling actress in the 1960s, she had no shortage of attention from casting directors. But despite going on to become one of the most respected stage actresses of her time, Dame Janet Suzman says it is now harder to find work – because people ‘lose interest’ in older women. The 74-year-old accused the theatre world of ‘ignoring half the world’s population’ by not creating enough parts for experienced actresses. Heyday: Dame Janet Suzman appeared in 1986 BBC drama The Singing Detective alongside Patrick Malahide . She also said that feminism has ‘stalled’ and lamented that women are still judged on how they look. Dame Janet made the comments yesterday during a break in her production of Solomon and Marion at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. The renowned Shakespearean actress, who was appointed DBE in 2011 for services to drama, plays Marion, a mother struggling to come to terms with the murder of her son in South Africa. Thoughts: Dame Janet is pictured discussing The Singing Detective in Central London last November . She said: ‘There are not eternally interesting parts for women with an interesting mind and view on life, gravitas. People aren’t interested in what women think. ‘If you’re peachy and young, the world’s your oyster. But as you get more interesting, they lose interest. ‘I started writing and directing as well as acting because there just wasn’t enough to keep me interested. It is ignoring half of the world’s population.’ Dame Janet also said she felt that feminism had not made the progress people thought it would in the 1970s. She said it was ‘disappointingly not easier’ for women these days, because the ‘shift in attitudes has not happened’, adding: ‘It seems that women are not liked very much which I find very weird. ‘There’s been no movement at all in terms of judging women by their looks. Feminism has stalled.’ Born in South Africa, Dame Janet made her name at the Royal Shakespeare company in the 1960s. She went on to have a distinguished career on stage and screen, including an Oscar-nominated performance in the 1971 film Nicholas and Alexandra, and appeared in many British television productions, including 1986 BBC drama The Singing Detective alongside Patrick Malahide. She married director Trevor Nunn in 1969. The couple had one son, Joshua, now 32, but divorced in 1986. | Dame Janet claims the industry is 'ignoring half the world's population'
Says feminism has 'stalled' and women are still judged on how they look .
Renowned actress born in South Africa and was appointed DBE in 2011 . |
54,062 | 993b27fb5ea0debf471701791854cee5a97768d8 | Motorists who need disabled parking spaces are finding it increasingly difficult to find themselves a car park as able-bodied people continue to illegally misuse the spots. But some relief may be around the corner with one of Australia's state transport ministers announcing he's considered deducting points from the driver's licences of those who park in disabled spots without a valid permit. Community and disability groups have welcomed the proposed changes with members taking to social media to show their support. Scroll down for video . Badly behaved drivers who park illegally in disabled spots could soon lose demerit points off their licence . The Australian Disability Parking Wall of Shame, which regularly 'shames' drivers parking in disabled spots, is one of the groups which had been pushing for a crackdown. Pictures that regularly pop up on the page include cars without a permit in them or people parked across a number of disabled spaces. Often members take to the social media group to voice concerns about confrontations they had with other motorists when they approached them about parking illegally. The Australian Disability Parking Wall of Shame, who regularly out able-bodied drivers illegally using disabled spots, have supported the move . Vehicles taking up more than one space such as this shocking park make regular appearances on the page . Recent features on the page include a crane, skip rubbish bin and a car with a huge trailer and an array of other vehicles parked in disabled spaces, without having a permit. Other badly behaved drivers include a red vehicle parked across one and a half disabled parking spaces outside of a bottle shop, and the driver of a blue four-wheel drive who left their car diagonally across two spaces. On Monday NSW Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay told Daily Mail Australia he is looking at deducting demerit points from drivers if they park in disabled parking spots without a permit. The page also shames drivers who are unashamedly doing the wrong thing . Members are encouraged to take and post photographs of drivers in the wrong . NSW Minister for Roads and Freight Duncan Gay is set to introduce deductions of demerit points for drivers who illegally use disabled parking spots . Minister Gay described able-bodied drivers who abuse disabled carparks as 'low-lifes' and the misuse of the spots as 'sick behaviour'. 'Able bodied people who steal disabled car parks from people who genuinely need them are lowlifes, plain and simple,' he told Daily Mail Australia. 'I have utmost sympathy for the people who are disadvantaged by this sick behaviour.' This move has been welcomed by the Australian Disability Parking Wall of Shame group . People are now calling for the same action to be brought in across Australia, and not just NSW . Mr Gay described those who misuse these parking spots as 'love-lifes' 'I’ve asked Roads and Maritime Services to look at introducing demerit point penalties for people caught parking illegally in disabled car parks. 'Just because you can afford to pay a fine doesn't give you the right to disadvantage the needs of disabled people in our community,' Minister Gay added. The Daily Telegraph reported that able-bodied motorists could face fines of up to $623 for the misuse of a permit. Other drivers could be forking out $519 if they're caught out parking in a disabled spot without an official mobility parking scheme permit. | Some Australians who misuse disabled parking spots could soon lose points off their licence .
Community groups such as the Australian Disability Parking Wall of Shame have supported the move .
The Facebook page aims to out drivers who park in disabled spots without a permit .
Duncan Gay NSW Minister for Roads and Freight described those who misuse disabled carparks as 'low-lifes'
He revealed he is looking into deducting demerit points from able-bodied drivers who illegally use the spots and fines of up to $623 . |
221,098 | aa36fb652c6a04e04d7a1f392b3145452d4fe72e | The poster that has appeared around Cambridge offers students 'easy cash' for information . Animal rights extremists are offering undergraduates at Cambridge University money in exchange for personal details of students involved with experiments on animals. A newly founded network known as the National Operation Anti-Vivisection (NOAV) has covered parts of Cambridge in posters encouraging students to ‘shop’ their peers for cash. It asks for personal details of scientists at the university, including names, pictures, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, with the tag line: ‘Do the right thing and earn some money, what could be better?’ The anti-animal testing organisation, which claims to be a grass-roots network of animal rights activists, says animal experimentation is ‘cruel, outdated and unscientific’. NOAV says it wants people to ‘name and shame’ students that experiment on animals for science because ‘they should not be given the cover of anonymity’ and that ‘social pressure is the best way to get them to reconsider that career choice.’ Spokesman William Evans told student newspaper Varsity: ‘It is high time that universities move into the 21st century and start promoting human relevant research, such as computer modelling and micro-dosing.’ He added that the campaign is intended to be ‘non-threatening, peaceful and legal’, saying: ‘We will not be disclosing and personal addresses or phone numbers that we receive, as our approach is based on social as opposed to physical pressure.’ But concerns have been raised after the dozens of posters appeared to entice students by advertising it as a chance to ‘earn some beer money’ in return for information. Tom Holder, who founded advocacy group Speaking of Research - which supports the use of animal experiments in scientific tests where merited - condemned the incentive scheme as ‘targeting students’. The posters ask students to 'shop' on their peers and provide contact details such as name and phone number . National Operation Anti-Vivisection says animal experimentation is ‘cruel, outdated and unscientific’ The Oxford graduate, who calls NOAV animal rights 'extremists', has warned that the hostile environment may force young science students out of a career in the sciences. He posted on his blog: ‘Stalking and harassing students is not a legitimate way of running a campaign. ‘It is these sorts of actions which can force brilliant minds out of the life sciences out of fear.’ In a letter addressed to budding scientists and posted on its website, NOAV states: ‘You can choose to perpetuate the outdated, cruel and scientifically flawed notion that data from non-human animals can be accurately extrapolated to human beings. ‘The public are against animal experiments and you will become a social pariah, not wanting to reveal the disgusting/socially unacceptable job that you do to anyone but the closest of friends. ‘You will be subject to continual protest from animal rights activists throughout your life, and will not get a moment’s peace from the ongoing aggressive but lawful pressure exerted by the animal rights movement.’ Cambridge University has been targeted by the group, but other university towns are also set to be hit . Other university towns across the country have also reportedly been targeted in the campaign, but Cambridge has so far been the city receiving the most attention. It is thought that a plan by British multinational pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to build a headquarters in Cambridge is one reason for the focus. A campaign against Huntingdon Life Sciences, in Cambridgeshire, by Stop Huntingdon Animal Cruelty came to an end in August this year after 15 years of protesting. The organisation, which has been subject of a long campaign, has seen several of its activists given prison sentences and announced it would disband after tougher laws were introduced. | National Operation Anti-Vivisection (NOAV) posters appeared around city .
They ask students to 'shop' on peers who experiment on animals for cash .
Activists are asking for personal details like names and phone numbers .
It says animal experimentation is 'cruel, outdated and unscientific'
But advocacy group condemns incentive scheme for 'targeting students' |
75,643 | d6888084d71e1aa72b49b515bf14d651764d0084 | Liverpool's Under 18 side safely booked their place in their fourth round of the FA Youth Cup after two early goals were enough to hand them victory against Bradford City on Monday night. While the senior side wasted a host of opportunities to score against Manchester United on Sunday, the youngsters showed a far more clinical side to their game at Langtree Park - taking the lead inside just two minutes. Reds forward Jerome Sinclair forced visiting keeper Elliot Barker into making an error, allowing Sheyi Ojo to pick up the loose ball before unselfishly cutting it back to Sergi Canos inside the area, who slid the ball home into an empty net. Sergi Canos celebrating gives Liverpool the lead after just two minutes against Bradford . Jerome Sinclair uses his pace to get past Sam Wright during the first half of Liverpool's game with Bradford . Adam Phillips fires in an effort on goal for the hosts during a comfortable win on Monday night . Canos and Sinclair give the thumbs up to the cameras after their goals earned a crucial win for Liverpool . Things got even better for the hosts just two minutes later as Ojo was again the provider, sending Sinclair clear with a superb through ball, with the pacy forward finishing with aplomb as he arrowed the ball into the near corner. The hosts continued to dominant and in truth the margin could have been far greater come the full-time whistle. Next up for the Reds is a home tie with Derby County as they look to banish the memories of their penalty shoot-out defeat to Reading in the quarter-finals of the competition in March, as they look to go all the way this time around. | Liverpool beat Bradford in the third round of the FA Youth Cup on Monday .
Goals from Sergi Canos and Jerome Sinclair were enough for the hosts .
Next up for the Reds Under 18's is a home tie against Derby County . |
113,355 | 1e4ecdb4d0e02c8f47ab0c71acac28871e893dcb | By . Daily Mail Reporter . PUBLISHED: . 03:35 EST, 8 April 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 04:09 EST, 8 April 2013 . Bookmakers across the country have been celebrating after pocketing around £50m in bets after this weekend's Grand National race. But the unlikely victory for 66/1 winner Auroras Encore has reportedly cost one £50,000. Spread betting firm Sporting Index had initially predicted the race winner’s starting price would be between 18/1 and 20/1. But when the horse - a 'skinner' at 66/1 - came in first, punters who bought that spread made 46 times their money. When the horse - a 'skinner' at 66/1 - came in first, punters who bought that spread made 46 times their money . Auroras Encore and Ryan Mania after winning The John Smith's Grand National. The unlikely victory reportedly cost spread betting firm Sporting Index £50,000 . Spread betting sees punters bet 'high or low' on a range of outcomes of an event. The pay-off is based on the accuracy of the wager, rather than a simple 'win or lose' outcome. A spread is a range of outcomes and the bet is whether the outcome will be above or below the spread. The real loss for the bookmakers came because it also offered a bet multiplying the starting price by the margin of victory, offering a spread of 135-145. As the horse was a 66/1 long shot and won by a comfortable nine lengths, some . punters made 449 times their stake, with one landing £22,450 after . buying the spread at £50 per point. Wayne Lincoln, Sporting Index's trading spokesman, said it was 'highly unusual for a bookies to lose on the Grand National'. The real loss for the bookmakers came because it also offered a bet multiplying the starting price by the margin of victory, offering a spread of 135-145 . He added: 'Sporting Index are a spread betting firm that offer weird and wonderful markets on events like the Grand National. 'They're based a host of predictions and they challenge their clients to bet higher or lower on them . 'We were predicting that the Grand National woulld be won by 20/1 shot. 'What has cost us a lot of money is that it was won by a 60/1 shot. He said: 'The fixed-odds bookies couldn’t have wished for a better result, but Auroras Encore was an absolute nightmare for us. He added: 'We were taken to the cleaners when Mon Mome won this race at 100/1 in 2009 and it’s a similar story this year.' | Spread betting firm Sporting Index had race winner’s starting price as 20/1 .
But when the 66/1 horse came in first, punters made 46 times their money . |
94,022 | 04df3c9bc27d83588eb02fee3c7fd93b4411eda4 | Shane Coffey, 20, was jailed for life after launching a knife attack on a Surrey woman after she ended their online relationship . A baby-faced American gamer who flew to the UK and launched a frenzied knife attack on a woman after she ended their online relationship has been jailed for life. Shane Coffey, 20, was sentenced to serve a minimum of eight-and-a-half years in prison after he pleaded guilty to attempted murder and grievous bodily harm at Guildford Crown Court today. U.S. citizen Coffey, from Boston in Massachusetts, smashed through a window to break into the home of the 19-year-old woman in Epsom, Surrey, in the early hours of April 18. He then attacked her with a hunting knife, which he had concealed in his luggage, in her bed before her brother came to her aid. Both siblings suffered serious stab wounds. The court heard Coffey and Farha Dowlut had first started chatting when she was aged 14, after meeting through online gaming. Gino Connor, prosecuting, said the pair had regularly spoken online but had stopped chatting after Coffey had remotely hacked into Miss Dowlut's computer and read her chat logs with other people. They discussed Coffey visiting her at her home and exchanged Christmas gifts, which gave Coffey her address. They started talking again in November 2013 and their exchanges over message services, games and Skype were described as 'a bit flirty' at times by Miss Dowlut. 'There came a time when she realised there were family expectations and she was expected to marry a Muslim,' said Mr Connor. 'She informed the defendant they should not see each other any more but could still be friends.' He had previously sent her an Xbox console and games and, when he wanted the gifts back, she tried to sell the console online but was unable to transfer the funds to him as he did not give her the right bank information. Coffey scoped out his victim's house before breaking in and launching a frenzied attacked with a hunting knife like the one pictured. File photo . Contact between them became more sporadic and in March, after a big argument, she told Coffey to 'get out of her life.' The court heard that Coffey had booked a flight to the UK in February, as well as a stay at the Premier Inn in Epsom. He arrived at Heathrow Airport on April 17, having smuggled a Schrade combat and hunting knife in through customs in his luggage, along with cable ties and tape, and got a taxi to his hotel, close to Miss Dowlut's home. Mr Connor told the court Coffey went for a walk, as 'reconnaissance' to scope out the area around Miss Dowlut's home. At 3.07am the following morning, Coffey walked to her home and sat at the bottom of the garden for around an hour, watching Miss Dowlut's first-floor bedroom window who had fallen asleep. 'Suddenly she was awoken by a shattering and it was the noise of her bedroom window being smashed with a brick,' said Mr Connor. 'When she heard the smash she started to scream as she became aware of a dark figure on top of her.' 'He [her brother] grabbed the defendant around the neck from behind, putting him in a headlock as he attempted to pull him off his sister.' Judge Christopher Critchlow said Coffey had 'a rich and developed fantasy life with a high degree of narcissism.' 'It is difficult to imagine a more nightmarish situation for a young female asleep in her own bedroom, being awoken and attacked by a man intent on killing her,' he said. Police officers arrested Coffey at 4.48am and he was taken to King's College Hospital in London for treatment. He told a doctor there he had come to England to see his ex-girlfriend. 'He said he stabbed her because she wouldn't give the stuff back, she was there, he jumped her and attacked her,' said Mr Connor. Coffey was sectioned under the Mental Health Attack before he was charged. U.S. citizen Coffey pleaded guilty to attempted murder and greivous bodily harm at Guildford Crown Court in Surrey . In an interview with police, Coffey said voices were telling him to get his stuff back and had told him to hack in to her computer. He said he had heard voices since the age of 14 and had taken drugs including LSD, ecstasy and cannabis since he was 16. The court also heard that Miss Dowlut spent three days in hospital as she received treatment for multiple cuts to her chest, legs and arms. She suffered from shock and depression and said her A-level grades suffered as a result of the attack. Coffey admitted attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm at a plea and case management hearing on October 22. Richard McConaghy, mitigating, told the court Coffey had in fact intended to kill himself after the attack, rather than wipe Miss Dowlut's computer and hide his tracks. He said Coffey had a troubled childhood with a drug-addicted mother and alcoholic father, and was moved around between homes and care for many years. 'He found himself delving into a world where he lived his life online rather than forming particular personal, meaningful relationships,' he said. He later admitted that he had been motivated by a jealous rage at seeing chat logs between Miss Dowlut and other men when he hacked her computer, rather than voices. Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Antony Archibald, of Surrey Police, said: 'This case was extremely complex and involved a set of unusual circumstances which could never have been foreseen by the victims. 'This was an extremely frightening incident for the family, carried out by a troubled man who carefully planned the attack with disturbing precision. 'We have no doubt that Coffey intended to kill that night and he may have done had it not been for the brave and courageous actions of the family members who stopped him and quickly contacted police.' He added the case illustrated the dangers of the internet and warned users not to give out personal details. | Shane Coffey, 20, from Boston, Massachusetts, flew to the UK after his online girlfriend ended their relationship .
He smuggled a hunting knife through customs and scoped out her home .
In the early hours, he smashed a window and attacked her while she slept .
He pleaded guilty to attempted murder and GBH at a hearing in October . |
258,276 | da44f531e51a02bd416beb239370748c1d83c253 | By . Hayley Peterson . PUBLISHED: . 23:00 EST, 12 March 2013 . | . UPDATED: . 16:28 EST, 13 March 2013 . Suspect: Police say Kurt Meyers, 64, fatally shot four people on Wednesday . A gunman is on the run in upstate New York after shooting at least six people and killing four in a violent spree Wednesday morning across two towns in Herkimer County. Police are still searching for the suspect, 64-year-old Kurt R. Meyers, whom they believe is hiding out in the tiny village of Herkimer. As the manhunt continued into the afternoon, a half dozen gunshots rang out around 1:30 p.m. near a shuttered storefront downtown, while nearby, law . enforcement officials and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo were planning to hold a news . conference. It was not immediately clear who . had fired the shots, whether it was police or possibly Meyers. Meyers is suspected of shooting four people and killing two at John's Barber Shop in Mohawk Wednesday morning and then fatally shooting two others about a mile away at Gaffey's Fast Lube and Car Wash in the village of Herkimer. Officials suspect Meyers also ignited a fire that broke out at his apartment building at 32 South Washington St. in Mohawk shortly before the shootings. Manhunt: Law enforcement officers take cover along Main Street in Herkimer, N.Y., when shots were fired while they were searching for the suspect . New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, right, walks to a vehicle as law enforcement officers take cover along Main Street . Police say Kurt Meyers fatally shot two people at John's Barber Shop in Mohawk and then shot and killed two more people less than two miles away at Gaffey's Fast Lube in the village of Herkimer . A law enforcement officer runs for cover as shots are fired . Officers raided his apartment around 11 a.m. and found half a dozen guns and ammunition, according to the Utica Observer-Dispatch. The newspaper also reported that the gunman may have worked at the car wash where two people were killed. 'We saw a . gunman walking around the shop,' one woman who was at the car wash told . WKTV. She said she saw two people who were shot on the . ground. 'Then he took off in a Jeep Wrangler,' she said of the shooter, adding, 'There were empty rifle shells on the ground.' The shootings prompted officials to put . schools on lockdown in Herkimer and Mohawk, as well in as the nearby . municipalities of Ilion, Frankfort, Little Falls, Richfield Springs, . Dolgeville, West Winfield, Bridgewater and Newport, said Mark Vivacqua, . the Herkimer school superintendent. Harry Montgomery Sr. of Mohawk was among the victims who were shot and killed at John’s Barber Shop. Montgomery, who is in his late 60s, was visiting the shop for a haircut, according to his son. The other victims haven't yet been identified. 'My sister was . at the bank, cashing a check when she heard all the commotion,' Montgomery told the Observer-Dispatch. 'She came out to see what was . going on and found out it was Dad who got shot.' Meyers is described as about 5-foot-11 with white hair and a white beard. He was last seen wearing a flannel shirt. Precautions: The shootings prompted officials to put schools on lockdown in Herkimer and Mohawk . Crime scene: Emergency crews work at the scene of a shooting at Gaffey's car wash in the village of Herkimer . Fire: Officials believe the gunman, who is on the run, set fire at his apartment (pictured) before going on the shooting spree . Meyers is described as about 5-foot-11 with white hair and a white beard. He was last seen wearing a flannel shirt . 'We saw a . gunman walking around the shop,' one woman who was at the car wash told . WKTV. She said she saw two people who were shot on the . ground. 'Then he took off in a Jeep Wrangler,' she said of the shooter, adding, 'There were empty rifle shells on the ground.' Michele Mlinar, who works as a bartender at Cangees Bar and Grill in Herkimer, said Meyers had been a regular customer of hers for about 10 years. 'When I saw his picture, I just got sick to my stomach,' she told the Observer-Dispatch. 'It could have been here. It could have been us.' She said he wasn't a 'people person' and 'he would never talk to anyone else' when he visited the bar. He would usually visit the bar on Fridays and Saturdays and drink two Coors and listen to live music, she added. She also noted that he was kind to the staff, but seemed 'very jittery and nervous.' | Suspect Kurt R. Meyers, 64, is on the run after police say he killed four people and wounded two others in separate shootings at a barber shop and a car wash .
Police believe Meyers, who is described by those who knew him as a 'loner,' is hiding out in the tiny town of Herkimer .
Harry Montgomery Sr. of Mohawk is one of two victims killed in the barber shop. Other victims have not been identified . |
135,588 | 3b6bfeaf2c933f3870b3d4ce38e1ff09ab83cc41 | (CNN) -- When I was launching Vogue China nine years ago, one of the key elements I was determined to introduce was a regular column dedicated to promoting and supporting Chinese design talents. We were the first fashion magazine to do this on a regular basis, but it was not easy. There really weren't many people whose designs could hold up alongside all the international brands we featured. Nowadays, we are overwhelmed with design talent, both from emerging independent designers and from domestic Chinese fashion brands, and very often, we wish we had more space to feature more of them. We started off lending a platform in the magazine for young local designers. But gradually, we started developing various initiatives beyond the magazine in order to promote their designs and widen their scope of influence. For example, the Vogue Talents Corner in collaboration with thecorner.com.cn in December 2011 and the CFDA x Vogue Fashion Fund, launched in 2012, which allows Chinese designers to gain first-hand insight into the business and retail side of fashion in the New York offices of leading companies like Theory and Michael Kors. Whilst we were mostly focusing on independent designers, gradually, I began noticing that many Chinese fashion brands were taking an increasingly international approach to the way they run their business. They had long been power players in the retail market here, but perhaps lacked the industry know-how of how to operate like an international fashion house, without samples, appropriate PR and a streamlined brand image. We started off by doing a feature on four major brands in our September 2011 issue and I was intrigued by the fascinating stories of their owners, who had all grown up in a society without fashion, but who were now relaying it to the masses with great commercial success. From then on, we have witnessed a growing maturity amongst these brands and their new season designs are often featured within the magazine. See who else has been on Talk Asia . More recently, we are so proud to see those such as Uma Wang, Masha Ma and Huishan Zhang thriving on the international stage, as they show on schedule at Milan, Paris and London fashion week. In terms of design style and business acumen, this new generation is possessed of incredible confidence and industry awareness, and are a lot less naïve than the earlier designers. Many of them were educated at design schools abroad, where they learnt to operate within the industry, both abroad and in China. Their success is also an example of the seismic shift which is happening in the Chinese consumer market as people are moving beyond the logo-ed products, with a preference for more rarefied but discreet things. In this process, they are turning more and more towards Chinese designers, who they feel offer products more tailored to Chinese tastes and aesthetics than some of the international brands. Compare the fashion choices of the first ladies of America and China . The growth of this market is witnessed by the rising number of buyer's boutiques who specialize in Chinese designers in Shanghai and Beijing, and increasingly spreading to other cities like Guangzhou, Chengdu and Changsha. I don't think the 'made in China' label defines Chinese designers today. Many designers split their design and production between overseas and China. This is a natural process borne out of financial, quality and logistical considerations. Maybe a certain Italian fabric suits their design better, or maybe in some cases Chinese craftsmanship is better. We live in a world which is getting smaller and smaller, and if for example, a German brand can produce in Italy without losing their identity, then I don't see how it is any different for Chinese designers. It is up to each designer to determine which production methods are best suited for them. Sexy, skintight, sophisticated: How the cheongsma has survived a century . Of course, these young designers, like young talents everywhere else in the world, are also facing many challenges. A major one is how to create a brand that is really unique and stands out among the countless other designers and brands that are crowding the markets around the world already. They have to answer the question of "why does the world need another designer?" not just for one season but consistently throughout years. The internet, whilst making some things easier, is also posing other challenges. A new idea does not remain new for long in this digital age. Execution, delivery and efficiency are just as important as novel ideas. Chinese designers need, like young designers all over the world, to learn to move beyond the derivative influence of previous designers and stand up for themselves. Despite these challenges, I have confidence that in this, as in everything else in China, change will come much faster than most people expect. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Angelica Cheung. | Angelica Cheung is editor-in-chief for Vogue China .
Journalist has seen rise of China's homegrown fashion designers since magazine's launch nine years ago .
Designers and consumers are maturing and going beyond the allure of well-known logos, she says .
Challenge is for young Chinese designers to move beyond influence of others . |
145,523 | 482fffb005f4b11cd68c00eb3444522b14a9ca99 | (CNN) -- Cher has announced on Twitter that she is working on writing and starring in an autobiographical Broadway show. "Prods. R writing mucial [sic] now about my life with my music," reads the initial post, revealing that the musical will track three different versions of Cher throughout the singer's life. "I'm help.2 write cause i was there & know stories that no1 knows but me," she follows. Cher's character will appear as a young singer through the Sonny and Cher era, then as a solo artist from the late Seventies through her Believe tour in 1999, and finally as a present-day incarnation looking back on her life, career and earlier versions of herself. No further casting or creative team members have been revealed, and no timeline has been given. Although Cher has won at least one Oscar, Emmy and Grammy, she has yet to win a Tony Award. See the full story at Rolling Stone.com. | Cher tweeted that she is planning a Broadway show .
The singer/actress said she would write and star in it .
Cher has won several awards, but never a Tony . |
79,713 | e20a54a76d59af733b950c6b0b252868fbf5f992 | Failed to assist: Dr Christopher Uwagboe on Thursday . A GP refused to help an 88-year-old woman who fell and knocked herself unconscious in front of his surgery because he was ‘not first-aid trained’. Iris Henderson had just got off a bus when she collapsed, cutting her head and injuring her arm. Passer-by Jane Batchelor found her knocked out and dashed into the practice to ask for help, but said staff were ‘completely uninterested’. When she persisted, locum Christopher Uwagboe was approached, but he refused to leave his office. Staff even declined to supply a blanket to make Mrs Henderson comfortable until an ambulance came. The widow was eventually taken to hospital where she remains more than a week later. Yesterday, Mrs Batchelor said she was ‘completely disgusted’ with the surgery. The mother-of-two was visiting Knebworth and Marymead Medical Practice in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, with her daughter when she heard a ‘big bang’. Referring to Mrs Henderson, she added: ‘She had got off at the wrong bus stop and was really confused. ‘I think she tried to cross the road but then fell over and banged her head. Her arm was trapped underneath her and her hearing aid had fallen out. She was unconscious for about five or ten minutes. ‘I ran straight into the doctor’s and thought they would have come straight out, but the receptionist was really rude. There was no urgency and she seemed completely uninterested. She eventually went to get the doctor but she came out of his office and just said there was nothing he could do.’ Mrs Batchelor, who runs a cake business, was forced to call 999 herself and was advised to get a defibrillator because Mrs Henderson had a pacemaker. But the surgery refused to hand one over. The following day, she complained to practice manager Kenneth Spooner who told her Dr Uwagboe was not first-aid trained and the surgery had been sued several times for treating people in similar circumstances. After Mrs Henderson injured herself on September 18, a paramedic in a rapid-response car arrived within five minutes, but it took another 30 minutes for an ambulance to turn up and take her to Lister Hospital in Stevenage. Mrs Batchelor has visited her there and says she has a bandaged head and a cast on her right arm. Neither the pensioner, who lives alone in sheltered accommodation in Stevenage, nor her family wanted to discuss her ordeal yesterday. Scroll down for video . Samaritan: Jane Batchelor ran into the surgery for help after finding the 88-year-old injured on the pavement . Fall: Iris Henderson, who fell over and cut her head outside the Knebworth and Marymead Medical Practice in Stevenage, Hertfordshire was allegedly refused help by a GP because he was not trained in first aid . But a neighbour said: ‘She’s a very frail lady. It’s very sad and shocking that no one from the surgery would help her.’ Dr Uwagboe, 62, declined to comment when approached at the surgery yesterday, and left in a Mercedes with a personalised number plate. He said: ‘I have been told not to speak to the Press.’ Dr Uwagboe and Mr Spooner also refused to confirm whether he had received first-aid training. The Nigerian-born GP, of Loughton, Essex, graduated in the West African state at the University of Benin in 1977 and trained at the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh. He qualified in 1989 and moved on to the GP register in 2006. The Royal College of GPs last night said members were not automatically trained in first aid but there is a ‘Good Samaritan principle’ under which all British doctors have medical indemnity whoever they treat, even if it is not one of their patients. It also pointed to a General Medical Council document, Duties of a Doctor, that states medical professionals must ‘show respect for human life’ at all times. Spokesman Dr Helen Stokes-Lampard added: ‘There is no legal reason for not helping.’ The surgery has written to Mrs Batchelor to explain it had held a ‘robust’ conversation with the two receptionists on duty when she came in. They have been told their ‘response to the situation was inadequate and not acceptable’. The letter said: ‘The policy now makes it clear to all staff (clinicians and receptionists) how they are to respond to any such event. ‘This includes making it mandatory for a doctor to respond and that reception staff take responsibility for contacting ambulance services.’ In a statement, the practice said it was ‘reviewing procedures to ensure this does not happen again’. The case is the latest in which public servants refused to act because of health and safety concerns or red tape. Simon Burgess, 41, drowned in 3ft of water when a paramedic and a police officer were ordered not to wade in to help. A coroner said in 2012 that the charity worker might have been saved if emergency services had intervened sooner. Treatment: An ambulance eventually arrived and took the pensioner to the Lister Hospital (pictured) where she is still being treated, a week after the fall at around 4.30pm last Thursday . Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article. | Woman, 88, cut her head falling over on pavement close to doctors' surgery .
Good Samaritan Jane Batchelor went to get help inside the practice .
Doctor Christopher Uwagboe refused to leave office to help Iris Henderson .
The surgery also 'refused to give her a blanket to keep warm'
Mrs Henderson was eventually taken to hospital by an ambulance .
She is still being treated in hospital a week after her fall last Thursday .
Surgery says changes brought in to 'ensure this does not happen again'
Spokesman refuses to comment on whether GP was first-aid trained . |
178,914 | 73a685434e3538298ec95fc964d8a7a512269bba | It was the legendary Tudor manor that came to epitomise the ruthless world of Henry VIII's adviser Thomas Cromwell and inspired Hilary Mantel's novel Wolf Hall. But while the timber-framed medieval house Henry's third wife Jane Seymour once called home has been lost to history, a family home still exists on the estate depicted in the BBC's historical drama - complete with underground passages, creaking floorboards and even a ghost. Wolf Hall Manor, in Burbage, Wiltshire, stands close to the site of the Seymour family seat and is named after the original house. But the royal knights and regal splendour have gone - replaced by trampolines and wonky basketball hoops in the manor's overgrown garden. This is Wolf Hall Manor, which stands close to the site of the Tudor mansion which Henry VIII's third wife Jane Seymour called home . The timber-framed medieval house that was home to the Seymours has been lost to history, but a family house still exists on the estate depicted in the BBC's historical drama - complete with underground passages, creaking floorboards and even a ghost . The property is now home to the Binney family, three brothers and a sister, who have not seen any of the series staring Damian Lewis as Henry VIII and Mark Rylance as Cromwell, and admit the house is now a 'bit of a mess'. The 12-bedroom manor passed to Dominic Binney, 30, and his siblings Theo, 25, Orlando, 23, and Genevieve, 20, when their mother passed away in 2013. Dominic, who grew up in Wolf Hall Manor, is now working to clear and clean the estate. 'The house has been neglected a bit over the last 10 years,' he said. 'We've got lots of bills to pay and lots of work to do to the house. The property is now home to the Binney family, three brothers and a sister, who have not seen any of the series staring Damian Lewis (left) as Henry VIII and Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell (right) Wolf Hall Manor, in Burbage, Wiltshire, stands close to the site of the Seymour family seat and is named after the original house . The original Wolf Hall was inhabited by servants after the Seymours left and became increasingly dilapidated until it was largely demolished in 1665 to build nearby Tottenham House for the Seymours before the turn of the century . The manor, which features this atmospheric staircase, passed to Dominic Binney, 30, and his siblings Theo, 25, Orlando, 23, and Genevieve, 20, when their mother passed away in 2013 . 'To be honest, I feel too young to be running this place. We are just trying to clean up the house and not because of the attention. 'It's not collapsing but the whole place is going to be shaped up. The garden needs a lot of seeing to. 'Tenants did what they wanted and we need to change it all. It's a bit of a mess to be honest and it's now time to clean up.' Like Wolf Hall Manor, Dame Hilary's novel is named after the Seymour's original home, also called Wulfhall. Henry VIII stayed there in the summer of 1535 - when Jane caught his eye, prompting the king to begin wooing her and plotting the demise of second wife Anne Boleyn after this visit, according to historians. According to historians, Henry VIII stayed at Wolf Hall in the summer of 1535 - when Jane, played in the BBC drama by Kate Philips, caught his eye . The meeting was shown on last week's Wolf Hall episode, but sparked comments from some fans who complained over the language used - notably the use of the C-word during a discussion between courtiers about Jane. As the king looked out of the window at his future bride, he mused: 'Does not Mistress Seymour have the tiniest hands?' While he walked away, courtiers mocked him behind his back, with one saying: 'Does she not have the whitest throat?' At that point, one nobleman joked: ‘Has she not got the wettest c*** you ever groped?’ A spokesman for the BBC said: 'Wolf Hall is broadcast after the watershed and the language in this powerful scene was taken from Hilary Mantel’s original text.' Local folklore says the royal couple held a celebratory wedding feast in Wolf Hall's gigantic barn, before the Seymours abandoned their home in the late 16 century for nearby Tottenham House. 'We don't know what happened here - good things, bad things,' said Dominic. 'What secrets buried in the dirt, you just don't know. A lot of the men who lived here were apparently beheaded. 'Over the years we have had many people feeling a presence here that makes their hair stand on end - something that is definitely not explained by an old house's sounds and creaky floorboards. 'I've absolutely felt and heard unexplained things. We had mediums and psychics come here to chase the ghosts away.' There is no surviving picture of Wolf Hall as King Henry saw it, but historians believe it was a timber-framed house with a long gallery, chapel, kennel and a tower. The accompanying ancient barn, which was said to have the original hooks that decorations and tapestries had hung from, lasted longer than the house, but burnt down in the 1920s. The red brick Wolfhall Farmhouse, 200 metres away from the current Wolf Hall Manor, is a listed building for its 16th century origins - notably tall, Tudor chimneys. The original Wolf Hall was inhabited by servants after the Seymours left and became increasingly dilapidated until it was largely demolished in 1665 to build nearby Tottenham House for the Seymours before the turn of the century. 'We are not quite sure where the original house was,' Dominic's grandmother Anne Elizabeth Binney, 88, said. 'We are all a bit confused.' Dominic's grandparents first acquired the house in 1940s, and the family believe the 4ft high underground passages leading from the house might connect to Tottenham House. 'People say the passageways are Tudor. They're older than the foundations of this building,' Dominic said. Over the last ten years, the house fell into disrepair as his mother struggled to maintain it. Seven people live in the main house, which has been partitioned for tenants and several families live in other estate buildings. The family believe underground passages leading from the house might connect to the Seymours' later home, Tottenham House . The four foot high passageways are believed to be Tudor, and pre-date the rest of the house, including its foundations . Washing lines with colourful pegs traverse the front lawn, in which one tenant has planted gnomes. A dragon and a witches broom also greet visitors at Wolf Hall's official front door - also courtesy of a resident - while a few trampolines and a wonky basketball hoop lie in the garden along with an old stove and a stack of chairs. There is also an overgrown tennis court and a secret garden, encircled by ivy-covered walls - outside of which sit tenants' cars and a broken swing set. Dominic has neither read Wolf Hall, nor watched the adaptation, which is set to reach a bloody conclusion tomorrow night. Family grandmother Anne Binney, 88, said she 'very much' liked Dame Hilary's first book Wolf Hall and has been watching the BBC2 drama, which is also based on the novel's sequel Bring Up The Bodies . There is no surviving picture of Wolf Hall as King Henry saw it, but historians believe it was a timber-framed house with a long gallery, chapel, kennel and a tower . 'I think it's nice it people are enjoying it. But it's fiction, it isn't genuine. I don't watch TV,' he said. His grandmother, however, 'very much' liked Dame Hilary's first book Wolf Hall and has been watching the BBC2 drama, which is based on the novel's sequel Bring Up The Bodies. She said: 'I don't like the television programme; I just think they get things wrong. I shall watch the rest though. Mrs Binney bought a collection of wooden portraits of Henry VIII and his six wives - copies of Holbein pictures - when she lived in the house, which now sit above the kitchen door. Old industrial equipment (left) stands in the overgrown garden of the house, which is home to seven tenants . The only other remnant of Wolf Hall's Tudor past is the eerie feeling people have had in the house, although would-be treasure hunters have scoured the estate with metal detectors in the hope of finding Tudor gold . The only other remnant of Wolf Hall's Tudor past is the eerie feeling people have had in the house, although would-be treasure hunters have scoured the estate with metal detectors in the hope of finding Tudor gold. 'They haven't found anything so far but I think there is bound to be a big pot of gold hidden here somewhere,' Dominic added. Dominic hopes that one the estate is cleaned up that they might open the gardens to the public or use the buildings to set up a petting zoo. 'Locally, we [the estate] haven't got an amazing reputation but we would like to change that,' he said. | Wolf Hall Manor in Burbage, Wiltshire, stands close to the site of Jane Seymour's medieval family seat .
Property is named after the original house where Henry VIII once stayed, and was introduced to third wife Jane .
The house gave its named to Hilary Mantel's novel - now a BBC2 drama series starring Mark Rylance .
But the current owners, who were left the property by their mother, have not seen the series or read the book .
They plan to renovate the 12-bedroom house, which has been split up into separate homes for tenants . |
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